• Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.160-167
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of our study was to present an abdominal wall closure technique using barbed suture $V-Loc^{TM}$ 90 after single incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) and to compare perioperative outcomes with conventional layer by layer abdominal wall closure after SILA. Methods: From March 2014 to July 2016, a retrospective case-control study was conducted for a total of 269 consecutive patients who underwent SILA. According to abdominal wall closure methods, 129 patients were classified into the V-Loc closure group and 140 patients were assigned into the conventional layer by layer closure group. In the V-Loc group, abdominal wall closure was performed from the fascia to the skin with a single thread of unidirectional absorbable barbed suture $V-Loc^{TM}$ 90 2-0 using continuous running suture and reverse overlapping reinforced running technique. Subcutaneous closure and subcuticular suture were performed with the remaining portion of V-Loc. Results: The V-Loc closure group showed shorter total operation time ($40.0{\pm}15.4min$ vs. $44.9{\pm}16.3min$, p=0.013) and abdominal wall cusing continuous running suture and reverse overlapping reinforced running technique. Subcutaneous closure and subcuticular suture were performed with the remaining portion of V-Loc. Results: The V-Loc closure group showed shorter total operation time losure time ($5.5{\pm}0.9min$ vs. $6.5{\pm}0.8min$, p<0.001). Postoperative incision length was significantly shorter in the V-Loc closure group ($1.1{\pm}0.3cm$ vs. $1.8{\pm}0.4cm$, p<0.001). Postoperative wound pain, time to resume diet, postoperative hospital stay, complications including surgical site infection, or mean patient satisfaction score at one month after hospital discharge was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, unidirectional knotless barbed suture is a safe alternative method for abdominal wall closure after SILA. It can save time while providing comparable cosmesis.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.1659-1668
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the application of hand washing education program for the children with intellectual disability on hand washing frequency and methods during COVID-19 Pandemic. Subjects were 14 children with intellectual disability and they participated in the program using visual video materials. Hand washing education program was consisted of introduction, theory education, and practice and it performed 2 times a week, total 16 sessions during 8 weeks. Hand washing theory education was consisted about the importance and application of hand washing, proper hand washing steps and methods, use of hand washing tools, use of hand sanitizers including characteristics, and prevention of skin damage from hand washing. Hand washing assessment was used by hand washing frequence and methods observation report. Hand washing frequency was measured by the hand washing frequency during the daily routine and it was analyzed by the items divided into day and month units. Hand washing methods was measured by the items divided into use of hand washing tools, time, areas, drying methods after hand washing. As the results, after hand washing education program, the hand washing frequence was increased and hand washing methods were improved. Hand washing is much important as a active method to prevent the infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thus, based on this findings, the application of hand washing education program should be considered to increase the hand washing frequency and improve the hand washing methods of the children with intellectual disability.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.149-176
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• 2022

South Korean law strictly prohibits engagement in medical activities by non-medical practitioners. In the country, tattooing is classified as a medical practice, and non-medical practitioners who engage in it are penalized because they are unauthorized to carry out this procedure. In reality, however, people rarely seek tattooing services from medical personnel. Arguing that their freedom of job selection is violated, non-medical personnel who make a living as tattoo artists reject the characterization of the procedure as a form of medical treatment and demand the decriminalization of tattooing by non-medical practitioners. Nevertheless, tattooing can cause health- and hygiene-related dangers when it is not performed by medical professionals because it involves penetration into the skin using needles. Hence, stringent management is necessary for infection prevention. The gap between reality and the law gives rise to the need for proactive thinking about the institutionalization of tattoo practice by non-medical personnel. Policymakers should reflect on the fact that only minimal tattooing services are currently performed by medical staff while also accounting for health and safety. On this basis, this study examined tattoo-related legislation in South Korea to determine whether the procedure corresponds to medical practice and identify ways to solve problems that occur from the perspective of health care. As a response that promotes safety and reflects reality, this research proposed a three-phase approach.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.96-109
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• 2023

Objectives : The objective of this study is to predict how future infectious diseases will affect healthcare utilization patterns within korean medicine hospitals and, specifically, departments of ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology of Korean medicine. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who visited Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital during Pre COVID-19(from March 1st, 2018 to Feb 29th, 2019) and Post COVID-19(from March 1st, 2019 to Feb 28th, 2022). The data was analyzed by visit type and diagnosed disease code. Results : 1. After the COVID-19 break-out, the number of first visit patients increased but those of revisit patients, total patients, and revisit/first visit ratio decreased in all departments. 2. In Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, the decrease rate of the number of total patients diagnosed with diseases of respiratory system(J00-J99) was the highest, while that for diseases of circulatory system(I00-I99) was the lowest. 3. In the department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology of Korean Medicine, the decrease rate of the number of total patients with nose disease was the highest, followed by eye disease and ear disease. 4. In the department of Dermatology of Korean Medicine, the number of total patients with dermatitis remained consistent, while the number of total patients with skin appendage disease showed relatively high decrease rate. Conclusions : Severe or chronic diseases showed relatively low decrease rate of the number of total patients. While mild diseases or diseases with high probability of exposure to COVID-19 infection during treatment showed high decrease rate of the number of total patients.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.54-59
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• 2020

Purpose: A fourth degree burn is a full-thickness burn of the skin usually accompanied by damage to deep structures and commonly results in extensive damage to surrounding tissues which makes the treatment of the wound difficult. Coverage of these wound using free flap is known to effective but not commonly used. The purpose of our study is to review our experience and suggest early application of free flap surgery. Methods: A retrospective review was performed from 2010 to 2019, on a total of 34 fourth degree burn patients undergone free flap surgery as primary treatment in our hospital. We reviewed the location of the injury, etiology, TBSA (%), Presence of osteomyelitis, flap choice, complications, period of injury to surgery and healing. Results: Using free flap as a primary reconstrcuction, the outcome is satisfactory. The treatment period was shortened, and there was less loss of function due to complications. Also the incidence of osteomyelitis and amputation was significantly low. Conclusion: Applying free flap surgery as soon as possible in fourth degree burns is effective, such as reducing complications such as infection, reducing amputation, shortening treatment period, and preventing severe sequelae.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.141-146
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• 2022

Purpose: Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is difficult to diagnose owing to its non-specific symptoms. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of nosocomial infections. We examined the TB status of infants and healthcare workers who were in proximity to preterm twins diagnosed with congenital TB 63 days after birth and 48 days after admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: Contact investigations were conducted on 24 staff members and 35 infants who had contact with the twins with congenital TB. Results: Two of the exposed infants, both of whom had received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine, had positive tuberculin skin test results. Four of the 24 exposed staff members had positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test results before exposure and were not re-tested after exposure; the remaining 20 had negative IGRA test results. All exposed staff members and infants had normal chest radiographic findings. Conclusions: Although transmission of TB in the NICU is unusual, it can occur. These results support the need for a systematic investigation of the TB status of exposed infants, their family members, and healthcare workers.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.167-177
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• 2023

Background: Pressure injuries are localized areas of damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence due to pressure. Cerebrovascular disease increases the risk of pressure injuries due to the immobility caused by physical paralysis. The general approach to managing a patient with pressure injuries should include pain relief, the treatment of the infection, optimizing nutritional intake, proper positioning, and contamination prevention. Nonetheless, the duration of treatment for pressure injuries varies from person to person. Case report: An 80-year-old female intracerebral hemorrhage patient developed a pressure injury. To improve the injury faster, a Radix Astragali pharmacoacupuncture solution was applied to the pressure sore. The pressure injury's width, length, and depth was assessed using a ruler, and the exudate amount and tissue types were assessed. The treatment was performed for 35 days. The rate at which the size of the pressure sore lessened increased since the Radix Astragali pharmacoacupuncture solution was applied to the pressure sore. In addition, the tissue type of the pressure injury improved, and the exudates decreased. There was no significant difference in the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing Tool 3.0, since the Radix Astragali pharmacoacupuncture solution was applied to the pressure injury. Conclusion: This clinical case study suggests that the Radix Astragali pharmacoacupuncture solution might be effective in speeding up the healing of pressure injuries.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.211-218
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• 2019

Herniation of the intervertebral disc is a medical disease manifesting as a bulging out of the nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosis beyond the normal position. Most lumbar disc herniation cases have a favorable natural course. On the other hand, surgical intervention is reserved for patients with severe neurological symptoms or signs, progressive neurological symptoms, cauda equina syndrome, and those who are non-responsive to conservative treatment. Numerous surgical methods have been introduced, ranging from conventional open, microscope assisted, tubular retractor assisted, and endoscopic surgery. Among them, microscopic discectomy is currently the standard method. Biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS) has several merits over other surgical techniques, including separate and free handling of endoscopy and surgical instruments, wide view of the surgical field with small skin incisions, absence of the procedure of removing fog from the endoscope, and lower infection rate by continuous saline irrigation. In addition, existing arthroscopic instruments for the extremities and conventional spinal instruments can be used for this technique and surgery for recurred disc herniation is applicable because delicate surgical procedures are performed under a brightness of 2,700 to 6,700 lux and a magnification of 28 to 35 times. Therefore, due to such advantages, BESS is a novel technique for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.759-764
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• 2011

This study was conducted to provide the basic data for the health management of the primary school, by finding and analyzing the factors affecting the degrees of atopic dermatitis symptom's severeness. The subjects of our study were collected 273 pupils mothers, whose children are undergoing through the atopic symptoms. The investigation process took the entire month of the November in 2006. The result of the older the pupils, the severer their symptoms(p<0.05). The longer the period(p<0.01), the more widely spread over the body, and the severer the symptoms(p<0.01). In the dietary habit, the more meat they eat, the severer the symptom(p<0.05). and in relation to the eating the food outside home, the more frequently they eat the fast-food, the severer the symptom. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, using the degrees of atopic dermatitis symptom's severeness as the dependent variables. it is discovered that the longer infection period they have and the more frequently they have the fast-food, the severer the symptom of the atopic dermatitis. The parent's love for the child, the monthly cost for the management of the infection, and the parent's feeling toward the child, can have a greate influence on the physical health, the feelings and the relation with the friends of the infected child, when the child shows the symptoms of scratching his skin. The conclusions of When all the results above are put together, the dietary habit of eating the meals mostly prepared with the meat should be corrected, and the education to form the pupil's right dietary habit, such as, putting the limit on the fast-food, must be made, in order to prevent the symptom of the atopic dermatitis from getting worse. And by the recognizing the atopic dermatitis as the family health problem, the comprehensive family health management, including the mother should be made.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.133-144
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• 1986

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of ginseng administration on T lymphocyte induced local xenogenic graft-versus-host(GVM) reactions which were induced with thymocyte, spleen cell and lymph node cell of ICR mice. Mice received daily 10mg of 70% alcohol ginseng extract oral1y for 100days and control mice remained untreated for the same period of time. The cells from donor mice were injected intradermally into the closely shaven abdominal skin of Sprague-Dawley rats for GVH tests. The thymocyte from control(ginseng-untreated) mice showed a negative local GVH reaction, whereas thymocyte from experimental(ginseng-treated) mice showed a positive reaction with the rate of 17.4%. When spleen cells were injected, the incidence of positive local GVH reaction was 66.7% among ginseng-treated mice, as opposed to incidence of 45.5% of positive local GVH reaction among control mice. The incidence of positive local GVH reaction of the lymph node cells when injected into a recipient was 71.4% among ginseng-treated mice as compared with that of 18.9% among control mice. The relationship between spleen cell inoculum and intensity of the local GVH reaction was assessed in ginseng-untreated mice. The intensity of GVH reaction clearly appears to be dose related. In ginseng-treated mice, a minimum of $1{\times}10^7$ spleen cell was required for production of positive local GVH reaction with almost linear relationship up to an inoculum of $5{\times}10^8$ cells. In control mice, however, a minimum of $1{\times}10^8$ spleen cells was required for positive GVH reaction. These results strongly suggest that the ginseng administration augments significantly the local xenogenic GVH reaction which was used to assess T lymphocyte function and immunocompetence of mice and in addition to this, these results appear to support previous suggestions that the local GVH reaction consitutes a qualitative test of the functional activity of T lymphocytes. These results may be the first to induce local GVH reaction, employing rats as recipient and mice as donor. This study was also desingned to investigate some of the effects of ginseng extract on lymphocyte-macrophage interactions. This was accomplished by in vitro quantification of 1) migratory inhibitory factor(MIF) synthetic capacity of splenic lymphocytes in mice previously primed with ginseng 2) MIF responsiveness of mouse peritoneal macrophages or chicken peripheral leucocytes under the presence of ginseng extract 3) migration ability of chicken peripheral leucocytes by direct stimulation of ginseng extract or ginseng saponin and 4) immunosuppressive effects of immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin A or dexamethasone. Mice divided equally into the ginseng and the saline groups, which received intraperitoneally daily 0.2ml of ginseng absolute alcohol-extract(5mg/ml) and same amount of saline for 15 days, respectively. The cellular immune responsiveness of these mice was assayed 15 days after ginseng pretreatment. Splenic lymphocytes of mice treated with ginseng, when stimulated with sensitized specific-antigen such as sheep red blood cells or toxoplasmin, or with polyclonal activator concanavalin A, produced significantly more MIF than those of control saline group. MIF responsiveness of normal mouse macrophages was significantly augmented when assayed under the presence of ginseng extract (1mg/ml). The migratory ability of normal chicken leucocytes in the absence of MIF was significantly decreased by the stimulation of ginseng extract alone. MIF response was significantly decreased by immunosuppressants and this impaired response was not restored by ginseng pretreatment. This study was additionally performed to evaluate the effect of ginseng on the expulsion of adult Trichinella spiralis in mice. ICR mice were infected experimentally by esophageal incubation of 300 T. spiralis infective muscle larvae prepared by acid-pepsin digestion of infected mice. and received oral administration of 70% alcohol ginseng extract(10mg/mouse/day) for the indicated days plus 4 days before infection. At various times after infection, the number of adult T. spiralis worms in small intestines was determined. Interestingly, ginseng-treatment was accompanied by accelerated expulson of T. spiralis. These results led to the conclusion that Panax ginseng caused some enhancing effect on GVH reaction, macrophage migration inhibition reaction and expulsion of T. spiralis. In addition these results suggested that the mechanisms responsible for this enhancement of ginseng may be chiefly or partially due to nonspecific stimulation of cell-mediated immune response.