• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.234-242
• /
• 2022

Objectives: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) in patients with diabetes. HINT-8 is a newly-developed, generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument. Methods: Three HRQoL instruments-HINT-8, EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and Short Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2)-were provided to 300 patients with diabetes visiting a tertiary hospital for follow-up visits in Korea. The HRQoL scores obtained using the HINT-8 were evaluated for subgroups with known differences based on demographics and diabetes-related characteristics (known-group validity). The mean scores of the instruments were compared between groups segmented by their responses to the HINT-8 (discriminatory ability). Correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with other instruments were calculated (convergent and divergent validity). The Cohen kappa and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were also evaluated (test-retest reliability). Results: The average HINT-8 indexes were lower among women, older, and less-educated subjects. Subjects who did not list any problems on the HINT-8 had significantly higher HRQoL scores than those who did. The correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with the EQ-5D-5L index and EuroQoL visual analogue scale were 0.715 (p<0.001) and 0.517 (p<0.001), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the HINT-8 index and the scores of 8 domains of the SF-36v2 ranged from 0.478 (p<0.001) to 0.669 (p<0.001). The Cohen kappa values for the HINT-8 ranged from 0.268 to 0.601, and the ICC of the HINT-8 index was 0.800 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720 to 0.860). Conclusions: This study showed that the HINT-8 is a valid and reliable HRQoL instrument for patients with diabetes.

• Wind and Structures
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.201-213
• /
• 2023

In this study, the effect of sea surface temperature (SST) on the distribution of vertical wind speed in the atmospheric boundary layer of coastal areas was analyzed. In general, coastal areas are known to be more susceptible to various meteorological factors than inland areas due to interannual changes in sea surface temperature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between sea surface temperature (ERA5) and wind resource data based on the meteorological mast of Høvsøre, the test bed area of the onshore wind farm in the coastal area of Denmark. In addition, the possibility of coastal disasters caused by abnormal vertical wind shear due to changes in sea surface temperature was also analyzed. According to the analysis of the correlation between the wind resource data at met mast and the sea surface temperature by ERA5, the wind speed from the sea and the vertical wind shear are stronger than from the inland, and are vulnerable to seasonal sea surface temperature fluctuations. In particular, the abnormal vertical wind shear, in which only the lower wind speed was strengthened and appeared in the form of a nose, mainly appeared in winter when the atmosphere was near-neutral or stable, and all occurred when the wind blows from the sea. This phenomenon usually occurred when there was a sudden change in sea surface temperature within a short period of time.

• Hip & pelvis
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.135-143
• /
• 2024

Purpose: Hip fractures are associated with increased mortality. The identification of risk factors of mortality could improve patient care. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of mortality after surgery for a hip fracture and construct a mortality model. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted on patients with hip fractures at two institutions. Five hundred and ninety-seven patients with hip fractures that were treated in the tertiary hospital, and another 147 patients that were treated in a secondary hospital. The perioperative data were collected from medical charts and interviews. Functional Assessment Measure score, Short Form-12 and mortality were recorded at 12 months. Patients and surgery variables that were associated with increased mortality were used to develop a mortality model. Results: Mortality for the whole cohort was 19.4% at one year. From the variables tested only age >80 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists category, time to surgery (>48 hours), Charlson comorbidity index, sex, use of anti-coagulants, and body mass index <25 kg/m² were associated with increased mortality and used to construct the mortality model. The area under the curve for the prediction model was 0.814. Functional outcome at one year was similar to preoperative status, even though their level of physical function dropped after the hip surgery and slowly recovered. Conclusion: The mortality prediction model that was developed in this study calculates the risk of death at one year for patients with hip fractures, is simple, and could detect high risk patients that need special management.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
• /
• s.36
• /
• pp.375-391
• /
• 2014

Animation movie is a non-photorealistic animated art that consists of formative language forming a frame based on a story and cuts describing frames that form the cuts. Therefore, in expressing an image, artistic expression methods and devices for a formative space are should be provided in a frame while cuts have the images between frames faithfully. Short animation movie is produced by various image experiments with unique image expressions rather than narration for expressing subjective discourse of a writer. Therefore, image style that forms unique images and various image directions are important factors. This study compared the experimental image directions of and , both of which showed a production method of film manipulation. First, while uses pixilation that produces images obtained from live images through painting and many optical disclosure process on a cell mat, was made with diverse collage techniques such as tearing, cutting, pasting, and folding hundreds of scenes from action movies. Second, expresses non-causal relationship of characters by their repetitive behaviors and circulatory image structure through a fixed camera angle, resisting typical scene transition. On the other hand, has an advancing structure that progresses antagonistic relationship of characters through diverse camera angles and scene transition of unique images. Third, in terms of editing, uses a long-take short cut technique in which the whole image consists of one short cut, though it seems to be many scenes with the appearance of various characters. On the other hand, maximizes visual fun and commitment by image reconstruction with hundreds of various short cuts. That is, both works have common features of an experimental work that shows expansion of animated image expressions through film manipulation that is different form general animation productions. On top of that, delivers routine life of diverse human beings without clear narration through image of conceptualized spaces. expresses it in a new image space through image reconstruction with collage technique and speedy progress, setting a binary opposition structure.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.175-185
• /
• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of Moxa-Pellet treatment for nasal symptoms and quality of life(QOL) in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: Subjects were voluntarily recruited through newspaper and internet advertisement. In this randomized, single blind and controlled study, experimental group (n=19) received real Moxa-Pellet treatment and control group(n=20) received sham Moxa-Pellet treatment for 3 weeks. Acupuncture points used were $LI_4$, $ST_{36}$, $LU_7$, $GV_{14}$ and $GB_{20}$. Patient's nasal symptoms and QOL were assessed before and after 3 weeks treatment by the Nasal Symptom Scores(NSS) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36). Results : The results were as follows; 1. Among items of NSS, Sneezing' Rhinorrhea' Itching scores and Total Nasal Symptom Scores(TNSS) were significantly improved in experimental group after 3 weeks Moxa- Pellet treatment(p<0.05). In control group, there was no significant difference in all items except Headache item of NSS. 2. Among 8 domains of SF- 36, experimental group showed significant difference in Role-Emotional(RE), Mental Health(MH) and Bodily Pain(Bp) after 3 weeks Moxa- Pellet treatment(p<0.05). Control group showed no significant difference in all domains except one domain(Role limitation-physical). Conclusions: These results suggest that Moxa-Pellet treatment can be applicable to improve nasal symptoms and QOL in the patients with allergic rhinitis. Further long tenn studies on the Moxa-Pellets treatment's sustaining power and safety is needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.30-36
• /
• 2018

Background and Objectives : The effect of palliative injection laryngoplasty in cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis patients on voice and swallowing function is uncertain and there are few previous studies of its suitability, benefits as a palliative treatment option. The purpose of this study is to confirm the objective results of voice and swallowing function after palliative office-based hyaluronic acid injection laryngoplasty in cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis patients. Materials and Method : 36 patients who had unilateral vocal cord paralysis from non-thyroidal, extralaryngeal neoplasms were included in this study. To evaluate the clinical outcome, we analyzed perceptual GRBAS grading, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic study, Electroglottography (EGG), Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) about voice function and disability rating scale (DRS), gastric tube dependency, aspiration pneumonia about swallowing function and 36-Item Short Form Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) about quality of life. Results : In GRBAS scale, G (p<0.001), R (p=0.004), B (p=0.001), A (p=0.011), and S (p=0.007) showed significant improvement. Jitter, shimmer, speaking fundamental frequency, maximal phonation time, VHI-30, DRS score, gastric tube dependency, aspiration pneumonia, and SF-36v2 were significantly improved after injection (p=0.016, p=0.011, p=0.045, p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001 p=0.003, p<0.001, and p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion : From this study we concluded office-based hyaluronic acid injection can be used as a useful palliative treatment option in cancer-related ill patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Palliative hyaluronic acid injection laryngoplasty avoids the need for tube feeding, thus reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. These outcomes are accompanied by significant improvement in voice quality.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.61 no.6
• /
• pp.716-722
• /
• 2018

Objective : Lateral interbody fusion (LIF) is attractive as a less invasive technique to address anterior spinal pathology in the treatment of adult spinal deformity. Its own uses and benefits in treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis are undefined. To investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of LIF, and staged LIF and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis patients, we analyzed radiographic and clinical outcomes of adult degenerative scoliosis patients who underwent LIF and posterior spinal fusion. Methods : Forty consecutive adult degenerative scoliosis patients who underwent LIF followed by staged PSF at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Long-standing 36" anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs were taken preoperatively, at inter-stage, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed through the visual analogue scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results : Forty patients with a mean age of 66.3 (range, 49-79) met inclusion criteria. A mean of 3.8 levels (range, 2-5) were fused using LIF, while a mean of 9.0 levels (range, 3-16) were fused during the posterior approach. The mean time between stages was 1.4 days (range, 1-6). The mean follow-up was 19.6 months. Lumbar lordosis was significantly restored from $36.4^{\circ}$ preoperatively up to $48.9^{\circ}$ (71.4% of total correction) after LIF and $53.9^{\circ}$ after PSF. Lumbar coronal Cobb was prominently improved from $38.6^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $24.1^{\circ}$ (55.8% of total correction) after LIF, $12.6^{\circ}$ after PSF respectively. The mean pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch was markedly improved from $22.2^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $8.1^{\circ}$ (86.5% of total correction) after LIF, $5.9^{\circ}$ after PSF. Correction of coronal imbalance and sagittal vertebral axis did not reach significance. The rate of perioperative complication was 37.5%. Five patients underwent revision surgery due to wound infection. No major perioperative medical complications occurred. At last follow-up, there were significant improvements in VAS, SF-36 Physical Component Summary and ODI scores. Conclusion : LIF provides significant corrections in the coronal and sagittal plane in the patients with adult degenerative scoliosis. However, LIF combined with staged PSF provides more excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes, with reduced perioperative risk in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.403-410
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine whether olfactory stimulation would improve spasticity, balance ability and quality of life in stroke patients. Twenty-one stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: olfactory stimulation group (n=10) and sham stimulation group (n=11). Participants in both groups received conventional physical therapy for 30 minutes before the intervention. Additionally, subject in the olfactory stimulation group performed olfactory stimulation using lavender oil for 6 minutes (2 minx3 set), five times a week for two weeks, while the sham stimulation group conducted olfactory stimulation using water for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Dynamic balance was measured using a TUG. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform. Quality of life were measured by SF-36. There was no significant difference within group and between the groups in the spasticity. Significant improvement in postural-sway and TUG were observed in the olfactory stimulation group compared to the sham stimulation group (p<0.05). The Mental Componnt Summary of the SF 36 in the olfactory stimulation group improved significantly greater than the sham stimulation group (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that olfactory stimulation is beneficial and effective to improve balance ability and quality of life in stroke patients.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.121-129
• /
• 2014

Objectives : This study was to assess the prevalence and its correlates of restless legs syndrome(RLS) in outpatients with bipolar disorder. Methods : A total of 100 clinical stabilized bipolar outpatients were examined. The presence of RLS and its severity were assessed using the International Restless Legs Sydrome Study Group(IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria. Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI), Spielberg's State Anxiety Inventory(STAI-X-1), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Korean version Drug Attitude Inventory(KDAI-10), Subjective Well-Beings under Neuroleptic Treatment Scale-Short Form(SWN-K) and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale(BARS) were used to evaluate the depressive symptomatology, level of anxiety, subjective quality of sleep, subjective feeling of well-being, drug attitude, presence of akathisia, respectively. Results : Of the 100 bipolar outpatients, 7(7%) were met to full criteria of IRLSSG and 36(36%) have at least one of the 4 IRLSSG criterion. Because of relatively small sample size, non-parametric analysis were done to compare the characteristics among 3 groups(full-RLS, 1 ${\geq}$positive RLS-symptom and Non-RLS). There were no significant differences in sex, age, and other sociodemographic and clinical data among 3 groups. BDI, STAI-X-1 and PSQI are tended to be impaired in RLS and 1 ${\geq}$positive RLS-symptom groups. Conclusions : This is the first preliminary study for studying the prevalence and its correlates of RLS in bipolar disorder. The results shows that relatively small proportion of RLS was present in bipolar disorder patients when compared to patients with schizophrenia. Same tendencies shown in schizophrenic patients were found that bipolar patients with RLS had more depressive symptoms, state anxiety and poor subjective sleep quality. Further systematic studies may be needed to find the characteristics of RLS in bipolar patients.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.45-53
• /
• 2013

Objectives Non-major depression with fewer symptoms than required for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has consistently been found to be associated with functional impairment. In this study, we aim to estimate the cognitive impairment and the quality of life in elderly patients with subsyndromal depression (SSD) compared with non-depressive elderly (NDE). Methods The Korean version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was administered to 194 outpatients with depression and 108 normal controls. SSD is defined as having five or more current depressive symptoms with core depressive symptoms (depressive mood or loss of interest or pleasure) during more than half a day and more than seven days over two weeks. Depression was evaluated by the Korean form of Geriatric Depression Scale of a 15-item short version. Global cognition was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of CERAD assessment packet (MMSE-KC). Subjective cognitive impairment was assessed by the Subjective Memory Complaint Questionnaire. Quality of life was evaluated by the Korean Version of Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey. Results The mean score of the MMSE-KC in the SSD group was lower than that in the NDE group with adjustment for age, gender, and education [F = 4.270, p = 0.04, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)]. If we defined those having Z-score of MMSE-KC < -1.5 as a high risk group of cognitive impairment, the odds ratio for the high risk group of cognitive impairment was 1.86 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.04-3.34] in SSD and 7.57 (95% CI 3.50-16.40) in MDD compared to NDE. The scores of physical component summary (F = 9.274, p = 0.003, ANCOVA) and mental component summary (F = 53.166, p < 0.001, ANCOVA) in the SSD group were lower than those in the NDE group with adjustment for age, gender, and education. Conclusions The subjects with SSD, as well as those with MDD, showed impairment of global cognition and also experienced low quality of life in both physical and mental aspects, compared to the NDE group.