• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.324-329
• /
• 2015

The primary aim of this study was to investigate biosecurity practices in pig farms and to determine the major risk factors associated with PCV2 infection for a sampled swine population in Korea. To this end, we analyzed data from a cross-sectional study of 296 farrow-to-finish farms, which was conducted between March and September 2014 to explore the prevalence of swine disease at farm level. Face-to-face interviews by on-site visit of trained veterinarians were conducted with the farm owners or managers using a standardized questionnaires with information about basic demographical data and management practices. Farms were classified as negative or positive through the use of infection profiles that combined data on serological testing including PCR antigen test result, antibody titer and sero-conversion pattern at each age category taking into account vaccination status. Data were analyzed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Results from this study indicated that biosecurity level of the farms was considered not good given low compliance of the biosecurity programs and facilities in the farm: off-site removal of dead stocks (7%), off-site location of storage facility for incoming feeds (12.6%), off-site pick-up location for finishers (19.3%), restrictions on feed supplier vehicles for farm entrance (19.6%), restriction of finisher trucks entering the farm (22.4%), and restriction on manure disposal trucks entering the farm (26.4%). In the final model (n = 255), allowance of finisher truck driver to the pig unit had increased risk of infection (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.22-4.67) whereas farms with a sign forbidding the entrance had decreased risk of infection (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.10-0.58). Further comprehensive research with larger sample size is required to better understand the multifactorial characteristic that some predisposing risk factors that were not available in this study. To the best knowledge of the authors, this was the first study to use empirical data to report risk factors associated with PCV2 infection in the Korean pig farms. Results from the current study could be used to decide optimal biosecurity measures to reduce the impact of PCV2 infection to farmers and policy makers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.35 no.7
• /
• pp.828-834
• /
• 2006

We investigated whether two-kinds of mixture (NHDT-1 and NHDT-2) mainly composed of Hovenia dulcis Thunb had beneficial actions for alcohol and acetaldehyde degradation in acute alcohol treatment and liver protection from fatty liver induced by chronic alcohol administration. In acute alcohol degradation experiment, serum alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations exhibited lower 1, 3 and 5 hours after taking 3 g ethanol per kg body weight in NHDT-1 treated rats, but not NHDT-2 including ginseng. On the contrast to the acute effect on alcohol degradation, the long-term alcohol administration revealed that NHDT-2, not NHDT-1, protected the increase in serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotrasferase and ${\gamma}-triglyceride$ metabolism similar to the rats not consuming alcohol, leading to decreased triglyceride accumulation in blood and liver. In liver morphological study, NHDT-1 preserved the regular hepatocyte morphology, decreased fat accumulation and reduced sinusoidal leukocyte infiltration in hepatocytes. In conclusion, NHDT-1 plays an important role in alcohol and acetaldehyde degradation without protecting liver damage while NHDT-2 works as hepatocyte protector from alcohol mediated damage.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2019

Smoking has become one of the public health harzard affecting the world. In the UK, smoking is responsible for around one in five deaths. The illnesses caused by smoking extend beyond the well-reported links with cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Hence the research to determine the awareness of the predisposing factor to smoking among adults in sokoto metropolis. A cross-sectional form of descriptive survey research design was used for this study. This is because descriptive studies are used when the characteristics of a population are either unknown or partially known (Hennekens & Buring, 2007), and it was used by Ganley and Rosario (2013) in a related research this justified the use of similar design in a study of similar nature.Two hundred and seventy returned questionnaire was collected, analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency count, normative percentage and grand mean; as well as inferential statistics of chi-square (${\chi}^2$). The level of significant was fixed at 0.05. Appropriate degrees of freedom were worked out. There was statistical significant influence or relationship with marital status on the predisposing factors of smoking chi-square of 19716.516 greater than the critical value 43.77297at df 30 p<0.05. There were statistical significance chi-square =27468.348 which is greater than the critical value 43.77297 at df= 30. These show that there is a relationship on gender awareness of predisposing factors to smoking rejecting the null hypotheses. The respondents across different lever/year higher institution shows that the awareness of predisposing factors of smoking there were a statistical significance difference chi-square =7168.429 (df=88) greater than critical value 102.342 rejecting the null hypotheses. There is consistent evidence that links exposure to depictions of smoking in movies and initiation of smoking in young people. Over the years television shows and films have effectively built up associations between smoking and glamour, sex and risk-taking. Social learning theory describes how we learn by example from others. We are strongly influenced by our parents, and other people we look up to, such as peers, actors and pop stars. This can lead us to emulate their behaviour and try smoking.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.387-393
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the differences in temporary threshold shift (TTS) and recovery patterns according to different types of sound and volume. Methods: TTS and recovery patterns were assessed for eight students after 30-minute exposure to both 70.0 dB and 90.0 dB of factory noise (noise) as well as music. TTS was measured before exposure and two minutes post exposure, and recovery patterns were evaluated every 10 minutes for one hour. The subjects performed activities of daily life and sleeping times as usual but taking drugs or drinking alcohol were prohibited. The experiment was repeated three times with an interval of at least 16 hours. ANOVA and T-test were carried out using SPSS 19.0 for Windows. Results: The hearing threshold of all subjects before exposure was less than 30 dB at all frequencies. Mean TTSs of 70 dB noise and 90 dB noise exposure were 0.14 and 4.48 dB (p<0.001). Meanwhile, the difference in music was insignificant (-0.63 dB and 0.55 dB, p=0.063). A significance in the difference was also found between the mean TTS of music and noise exposure, more obviously at 90.0 dB (p<0.001) than at 70 dB (p=0.232). The TTS differences were found frequency-wise in terms of sound type. Mean TTS by frequency was higher at 4,000 and 6,000 Hz than at other frequencies, and higher in noise than music at the same sound pressure. The TTS difference in each frequency between both sound types was significant at 90 dB (p<0.001). Subjects mostly recovered from TTS in one hour after exposure, but not with 90 dB-noise exposure. Conclusion: TTS and recovery patterns were different depending on the sound type. When exposed to factory noise, TTS was greater and recovery time was longer compared to music at the same sound pressure. These results suggested that the difference in cognitive processes and psychological factors according to the type of sound causes a change in TTS and recovery.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.37-45
• /
• 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to present normative data and cut-off points for older Korean adults completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - Korean (MoCA-K), which is used as a screening test for mild cognitive impairment in Korea. Methods : A total of 195 healthy adults ≥60 years were recruited. All participants completed the MoCA-K and the Korean - Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) to assess their cognitive function. Participants were divided into six groups based on their age: 60-64 years, 65~69 years, 70~74 years, 75~79 years, 80~84 years, and 85~89 years. Results : The results revealed that MoCA-K score decreased significantly with age (mean score ± standard deviation [SD]; 27.63±2.80 in subjects aged 60~64 years; 27.00±2.39 in subjects aged 65~69 years; 24.94±2.96 in subjects aged 70~74 years; 24.74±3.37 in subjects aged 75~79 years; 22.59±4.72 in subjects aged 80~84 years; and 18.83±5.38 in subjects aged 85~89 years; p<.001). Additionally, MoCA-K score also increased significantly with educational level (mean score±standard deviation [SD]; 19.95±4.78 in no formal education group; 24.95±2.22 in elementary school graduated group; 26.35±2.72 in middle school graduated group; 28.32±1.36 in high school graduated group; and 28.50±1.51 in more than college graduated group; p<.001). The optimal cut-off points were 24/25 for 60~69 years old group, 21/22 for 70~79 years old group, 17/18 for 80~84 years old group, and 13/14 for 85~89 years old group. The optimal cut-off points were 15/16 for individuals who were illiterate, 22/23 for individuals with 6 years of education, 22/24 for individuals with 9 years of education, and 26/27 for individuals with 12 or more years of education. Conclusions : This study presents normative data and cut-off points for the MoCA-K in older Korean adults. This data will facilitate more accurate detection and follow-up of the risk of mild cognitive impairment in this population, taking into consideration age and education. Future studies are required that should focus on the cut-off score on the level of education according to age.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.163-179
• /
• 2022

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation. The pediatric consultants agreed that pediatricians should pay attention to any alarming signs (red flags) found during history taking or physical examinations. They also agreed that the Rome IV criteria are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric FC. Different therapeutic options are available for pediatric patients with FC. Dietary treatment is recommended for infants with constipation for up to six months of age. When non-pharmacological interventions fail to improve FC symptoms, pharmacological treatment with laxatives is indicated. First, the treatment is aimed at disimpaction to remove fecal masses. This is achieved by administering a high dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for a few days. Subsequently, maintenance therapy with PEG should be initiated to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. In addition to PEG, several other options may be used, such as Mg-rich formulas or stimulant laxatives. However, rectal enemas and suppositories are usually reserved for cases that require acute pain relief. In contrast, infant formulas that contain prebiotics or probiotics have not been shown to be effective in infant constipation, while the use of partially hydrolyzed formula is inconclusive. These clinical practice recommendations are intended to be adopted by pediatricians and primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.293-301
• /
• 2019

Soft tissue masses of the extremities and torso are a common problem encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. Although these soft tissue masses are often benign, orthopaedic surgeons need to recognize the key features differentiating benign and malignant masses. An understanding of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of soft tissue masses is needed to develop a practical approach for evaluation and surgical management. Size and depth are the two most important factors on which triage decisions should be based. In a differential diagnosis of a tumor, it is important to know the characteristics of the soft tissue mass through detailed history taking and physical examinations before the diagnostic procedures. A variety of imaging studies, such as simple radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, bone scan, and angiography can be used to diagnose tumors. Know the ledge of advantages and disadvantages of each imaging study is essential for confirming the characteristics of the tumor that can be observed in the image. In particular, ultrasonography is convenient because it can be performed easily in an outpatient clinic and its cost is lower than other image studies. On the other hand, the accuracy of the test is affected by the skill of the examiner. A biopsy should be performed to confirm the tumor and be performed after all imaging studies have been done but before the final treatment of soft tissue tumors. When a biopsy is to be performed, careful attention to detail with respect to multidisciplinary coordination beforehand, cautious execution of the procedure to minimize complications, and expedient follow-up and referral to a musculoskeletal oncologist when appropriate, are essential.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.1-19
• /
• 2008

This research investigated the influences of excessively careful driving as well as chronic disease and medications on dangerousness of traffic accident in elderly drivers. Ninety-one drivers aged 65 years and older participated in the research. To evaluate the driving behavior, we used the self-rating on driving ability questionnaire asking driving speed, the amount of driving and driving situation adaptability' and surveyed the drive career, the number of violations and accidents experience(crash, crashed) for last three years. A review of the driving patterns of elderly drivers showed that the speed and amount of driving were decreased by increasing age. 'Driving- Situational Adaptability (DSA)' consisted of 2 factors such as 'Social Environment(SE)' and 'Physical Environment(PE)'. Elderly drivers reported that their confidence level was lower in PE than in SE. Moreover they had higher difficulty and stress in PE than in SE. DSA of elderly drivers had significant correlations with 'crash' and 'crashed'. This implies that excessively careful driving of elderly drivers directly associated with accidents. Elderly drivers who have nervous system disease or gastritis had more crash accidents. The majority of elderly drivers which take medicine by chronic disease don't think that medications give don't difficulty or inconvenience in driving and constantly drives during a term of taking medicine.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.193-222
• /
• 2024

From a global trend, discussions on the patient's death with dignity are gradually progressing from the issue of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to the issue of whether to allow assisted death and its requirements. Several states in the United States and Western European countries such as Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands have institutionalized treatment to accelerate the time of death through the assistance of doctors. In France, after a long period of raising and reviewing issues, discussions on related legislation are taking place at a slower pace than in other European countries. In France, social discussions and legislative attempts on death with dignity have been actively conducted since the late 20th century. The Leonetti Act of 2005 prohibited the continuation of meaningless treatment against the will of patients, and after the Clay-Leonetti Act of 2016, it was legalized to administer intensive and continuous sedatives to patients until death. However, unlike many neighboring European countries, treatment that speeds up the time of death itself is still prohibited in France, even if the patient wants. As the existential and universal question of whether to allow dying patients to die painlessly with the help of a doctor has recently emerged as an important issue, a number of lawmakers have submitted legislation to legalize assisted death. This paper examines the legislative process developed in relation to patients' rights to dignified death in France, and compares and reviews French legislation that attempts to legalize assisted death with the amendment to the Korean Life-Sustaining Treatment Act.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.37-63
• /
• 2023

In medical litigation, there are various cases where a doctor's 'explanation' of a patient becomes problematic. Medical explanations and guidance are required from the doctor, starting from the beginning of diagnosis, through treatment processes such as surgery, when hospitalization is necessary for treatment, during hospitalization, upon discharge, and after discharge. Furthermore, notification from the doctor or medical institution may be requested regarding the economic costs that will be incurred due to medical treatment. South Korea's judiciary has been developing legal principles regarding such doctor's explanations by distinguishing between explanations for obtaining consent for medical treatment and medical explanations related to guidance on patient treatment methods, taking into account related laws such as the stage of treatment and the Medical Service Act. Additionally, the Constitutional Court recently ruled on the non-benefit cost notification system linked to the explanation of economic costs. However, holding a doctor accountable solely because the doctor's explanation was insufficient has aspects that do not correspond to the actual situation in clinical reality, and may have a reflexive disadvantage that results in a decline in legal rights. Therefore, the doctor's explanation needs to be examined from both perspectives: guaranteeing the patient's right to self-determination and protecting his or her right to decision.