• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Purpose : Recently, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have become one of the major nosocomial pathogens in Korea. However, there have been few studies on the epidemiology of VRE colonization among neonates. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of VRE colonization, risk factors for VRE, and how to control the spread of VRE infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Pusan National University Hospital (PNUH). Methods : We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 192 neonates who were admitted to the NICU of PNUH from March 2006 to March 2007. Surveillance cultures from rectal swabs for detecting VRE were obtained weekly during the study period. We analyzed the prevalence of VRE and various risk factors. Results : The rate of VRE colonization among NICU patients was 25% (48/192). Thirty five of these VRE colonized patients were transferred to the NICU from other local hospitals. Compared with the non-VRE group, the risk factors associated with VRE colonization were lower birth weight, congenital heart disease, applied mechanical ventilation, use of a central venous catheter, chest tubing, a history of surgery, and use of antibiotics. Conclusion : VRE colonization among patients admitted to the NICU is rapidly increasing. Monitoring and managing premature neonates from the beginning of the birth process, avoiding many invasive procedures, avoiding antibiotics such as vancomycin and third generation cephalosporin are important for preventing the emergence and spread of VRE colonization in the NICU.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.58-72
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived burden of the terminally III patients's caregiver and to analyze relationship between the perceived burden and the various demographics, illness characteristics, family relationships, and economic factor of the family & patients. The sample of 132 caregivers who care for the terminally III patients Kyung-Gi province, Seoul, Korea. The period of this study was from August to September, 2002. The perceived burden of the family caregiver was measured by the burden scale(20 items, 4 point scale) developed by Montgomery et al. (1985). The Data was analyzed using SAS-program by t-test and ANOVA. The results were as follows; 1. The mean of the family caregiver's burden score was 3.02. The score showed that caregivers perceive severe the level of burden. The hight items of the family caregiver's burden were' I feel it is painful to watch patient's diseases'(3.77). 'I feel afraid for what the future holds for my patients'(3.66), 'I feel it reduced to amount of privacy time'(3.64). 2. The caregiver's burden was significantly related to patient's gender(F=3.17, p= 0.0020), patient's job(F=2.49, p=0.0476), caregiver's age(F=4.29, p=0.0030), and caregiver's job(F=2.49, p=0.0476). 3. The caregiver's burden according to illness characteristics showed no significant difference. 4. The caregiver's burden was significantly associated with patient's family relationship (F=4.05, p=0.0041), patient's care mean period in a day(F=47.18,

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2008

Background: This research aims to provide basic data for dental hygienists to implement the infection control after understanding the level of their implementation of infection control in case they have been trained of infection control or not. Method: The respondents in this research are the dental hygienists who worked in the Incheon or Gyeonggi areas between June 16 and July 5, 2008 and who attended complementary training conducted by the Seoul Branch of Korean Dental Hygienists Association in April 2008. A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed to them, and the frequency of the collected data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0. Moreover, cross-tabulation analysis (${\chi}^2$) whose significance level was 0.05, was applied to the data in order to verify the statistical significance of the survey method. Result: There was significant difference in their practice to wear gloves and/or a mask, use a disposable apron and the time to change the apron depending upon the respondents' workplace. There was significant difference in the time to change their apron depending upon the respondents' time of service. 91.6% had been trained in the infection control: of them, 70.7% trained at their school. It was found that 68.6% of the respondents who had been trained in the infection control would wash their hands before treating a patient. 50.3% of the respondents who had been trained in the prevention of contamination would wear their gloves as needed for a basic treatment. Conclusion: Considering the above results of this research, it is concluded that it is necessary to provide practicing dental hygienists with many opportunities for systematic and practical training so that they may faithfully follow the guidelines for the prevention of contamination and to encourage hospitals to have a greater store of relevant facilities, equipment and supplies.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.158-175
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• 2005

Statement of problem. Every effort has been continually made to obtain objectivity in measuring the longevity of fixed restorations, such as by establishing unified judgement standard for deciding success and adopting statistical method that analyzes the data of successful and failed cases at the same time. In Korea, however desired level of development has not to be made in this field yet. Purpose. This study, adopting California Dental Association (CDA) quality evaluation system, established objective standard for deciding success, and inferred the longevity of fixed restorations and their failure analysis through adopting Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Material and method. In order to assess the longevity of flxed restorations serviced in Korea and causes of failure, a total of 1109 individuals (aged 15-74, 716 women and 393 men loaded with 2551 unit fixed restorations, and 1934 abutments) who lived in Kyung-In Province were examined and the findings were as follows : Results. 1. Length of service of fixed restorations serviced in Korea was 6.86$\pm$0.15 yr (mean), 5.5 yr (median), and the rate of success was 65.82% in 5 year survival, and 21.15% in 10 year survival. 2. When there was patient's need for replacing old prosthetics, longevity of fixed restorations was 7.51$\pm$0.27 yr (mean), 7 yr (median), and the rate of success was 61.08% in 5 year survival, and 17.57% in 10 year survival. 3. Longevity of fixed restorations was longest in the over-sixty age group(9.21$\pm$0.66) and that of the teen age group(3.39$\pm$0.28) was shortest (p<0.05). 4. Longevity of fixed restorations of women (7.38$\pm$0.18 years) was longer than that of men (6.00$\pm$0.26) (p<0.05). 5. As for the provider factor (such as unlicensed performers, university hospitals, and private clinic), there was no statistically significant difference in longevity of fixed restorations. 6. Defective margin (34.78%). periodontal disease (12.15%), periapical involvement (11.73%), was the most frequent causes of failure and poor esthetics group showed the longest life above all (p<0.05). Actual frequent causes of failure after removing old prosthetics were defective margin, periapical involvement, periodontal disease and uncemented restoration. In 75.67% of the cases, abutment state after removing old prosthetics was good enough for loading another prosthetics. 7. There was found to have statistically significant influence between longevity of single crown (6.35$\pm$0.20 yr) and that of 3 unit fixed restorations (7.60$\pm$0.30 y) (p<0.05). In each case the most frequent cause of failure was defective margin. 8. The number of cantilever pontic, pontic/abutment ratio, oral hygiene status were found to have no statistically significant influence on longevity of fixed restorations in all groups (p>0.05). 9. Longevity of fixed restorations made of non precious metal was longest (9.60$\pm$0.40 yr) semi precious and precious trailing behind(p<0.05). 10. Group function group (37.04%) and partial group function group (44.62%) were predominant in frequency but showed no correlation between them and among different types of occlusal plane and different types of occlusal surface (p>0.05). 11. Longevity of fixed restorations was longest in the centric interference group(9.35$\pm$0.62) (p<0.05) among different types of occlusal interference. Conclusion. We found that longevity of fixed restorations serviced in Korea is affected by age, gender and type of material, and that most frequent cause of failure is defective margin. In order to assess the accurate longevity of axed restorations, unified research design. overcoming inter-observer difference and establishing the objective research items are needed. Furthermore, it is thought that prospective approach through thorough study and regular follow-ups is needed just from the start of research. Nationwide detailed studies on length of service of fixed restorations manufactured in Korea are hoped to be conducted hereafter.

• Annals of Clinical Microbiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.80-85
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the bactericidal effects of copper, brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), and stainless steel against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREFM), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA). Methods: The isolates (MRSA, VREFM, MRPA) used in this study were mixed wild type 3 strains isolated from patients treated at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital in 2017. These strains showed patterns of multidrug resistance. The lyophilized strains were inoculated into and incubated for 24 hr in tryptic soy broth at $35^{\circ}C$. The initial bacterial inoculum concentration was adjusted to $10^5CFU/mL$. A 100-mL bacterial suspension was incubated in containers made of brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), copper (above 99% purity), and stainless steel at $35^{\circ}C$. Viable counts of bacteria strains were measured for 9 days. Results: In this study, the bactericidal effects of copper and brass on MRSA, VREFM, and MRPA were verified. The bactericidal effect of stainless steel was much weaker than those of copper and brass. The bactericidal effect was stronger on MRPA than on MRSA or VREFM. Conclusion: To prevent cross infection of multidrug resistant bacteria in hospitals, further studies of longer duration are needed for testing of copper materials on objects such as door knobs, faucets, and bed rails.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.29-34
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• 2021

Purpose Sample reception environment system in nuclear medicine has not changed much compared to 20 years ago. When preparing sample for in vitro test, there was no significant change because the test was carried out by generating an own specimen from the parent specimen. In this study, We would like to introduce a method that automatically removes the sample cap using the automated decapper equipment and enables automatic reception at the same time. In addition, including a provisional reception system. Materials and Methods In 2019, it was intended to get a device that automatically removes the cap of a patient's blood sample. This equipment is the same as the equipment used in the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Vacuette Ⓡ Unicap Belt Decapper, Greiner bio-one, Austria). However, the purchase was delayed due to differences in tube size, budget, and space. In January 2020, we borrowed domestic automatic decapper equipment and modified it to suit our laboratory environment. After 9 months, we were able to introduce a system that automatically removes the lid of a patient's blood sample and at the same time automatically accepts the test. And, through the provisional reception system, it was possible to know the arrival of the specimen in a short time. Results With the use of an automatic decapper device, the sample cap was automatically removed, and the reception proceeded at the same time. So, it was very efficient at work because it shortened the sample preparation time by about 20 minutes. In addition, it was possible to prevent the examiner's musculoskeletal disorders caused by repeated wrist use. After using the provisional reception system, patients were able to be discharged quickly, and the number of phone calls to confirm the arrival of samples was reduced. Conclusion Most hospitals have about four employees in the nuclear medicine in vitro laboratory. It is effective to use automatic decapper equipment and a provisional reception system for organizations that perform work with the minimum number of personnel.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.9-33
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• 2007

In the field of dentistry, there existed relatively few emergency patients or patients who need intensive care and thus had low medical dispute rates. However, these days, there is a general tendency of increased medical disputes. Although many medical disputes are caused by medical accidents of the dentists, because dental assistants are also lawfully involved in practicing dentistry, there is a possibility of medical disputes or medical accidents caused by dental assistants. Therefore, the role of the dental assistants cannot be ignored. This study consists of a survey given to dental hygienists currently working in general hospitals, dental hospitals and private dental clinics. Following is the results of the analysis of 275 respondents' backgrounds, medical disputes rates including patients' complaints, their understanding of medical regulations and their general understanding of overall dental practice and medical disputes. 1. 251 of 274(91.6%) respondents doubted the risk of medical accident and dispute. 2. 81(29.5%) dental hygienist experienced complaint from patients. They have been working in the private dental clinic, the rate of this experience was high. 3. 349 case of 1805(19.3%) the complaints by patients, highest percentage among its category, were those regarding dental fees and poor service. 4. 129 case of 1805(7.1%) patients' complaints, highest percentage among it's subcategory, were those regarding the absence of explanations of precautions or request of agreements before dental treatment. 5. 252 of 267 (94.4%) dental hygienists chart after a scaling treatment. However, only 55(20.7%) dental hygienists chart the fact of explaining the precautions. 6. 6(2.2%) dental hygienists do not inspect patients' medical history, if patients don't mention it. 7. 104 of 274(38.0%) dental hygienists responded to be capable of administering first aid treatment. 8. 115(41.8%) dental hygienists have a first aid kit and equipment. 9. In case of medical dispute, 268(97.8%) dental hygienists respond that, charting plays a big role in resolving the dispute. 10. In case of medical dispute, 272(93.3%) dental hygienists respond that, explanation and agreement before treatment have an important role in settlement of dispute 11. Only 160(58.4%) dental hygienists responded correct answer that the duration of keeping medical records is 10 years. 12. 124(45.3%) respondents thought that it is legal for a dental hygienist to take a panoramic dental X-ray, 71(25.9%) respondents thought that it is legal practice cervical resin treatment by dental hygienist, and 37(13.5%) respondents thought that it is legal extract primary teeth by dental hygienist. 13. 24(18.76%) respondents thought that it doesn't matter to tell patient's state to others 14. 272(99.27%) responded that receiving education for the prevention of medical disputes was needed and of them, 61.0% thought it was urgent. 15. 186(64.2%) has never had classes regarding the prevention of medical disputes while in school and 212(77.4%) has not had the same type of classes after graduating from school. 16. 256(93.4%) responded that there will be even more of an increased number of medical disputes. Among them, 83.3% of respondents though that due to the increased opportunity of acquiring information through the internet and mass media. The study shows that 29.5 percentage of dental hygienists have experienced the medical disputes and complaints and they are lack of recognition of medical regulations and dental hygienist's official duty. So, there is a big potential of the percentage to increase. Therefore, the correct understanding of explaining precautions and requesting agreement before dental treatments and performing them are mandatory. Moreover, classes regarding the prevention and counterplans of medical disputes need to be widely offered.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 2011

Purpose: In vitro uses dose response curve with 6 to 7 standard concentrations in every examination to analyze examination results and this use of dose response curve comprises a large portion of the consumption of medicine material. At this present, some ones of in-hospital examination items have shown mostly low result of distribution in the analyzed features and these examinations have been judged that it would be unnecessary to use the last standard concentration. Hence, this study selects those examination items showing low result of distribution and reviews the cases contributed to less consumption of medicine material and revenue growth of hospital by reduction of medicine material used in the place of the last standard concentration. Materials and Methods: The study was made targeting 11 examination items out of total 43 items of the in-hospital examination and since these examination items were mostly low in the features as the examination results of patients or the examination results were distributed to show lower concentration than the previous last standard concentration, it carried out the examination without using the last standard concentration, which could generate the effect to reduce medicine material (examination tube) used in the last standard concentration as many as the number of examination carried out. For this, it examined the number of medicine material reduction by month during the period from July, 2009 to February, 2011 and estimated the reduction amount of medicine material calculated the number of reduction by the unit cost of medicine material as well as the profit generated by the reduced medicine material to use for the medicine material of patient examination. Results: The total number of medicine material reduced during the period from July, 2009 to February, 2011 was 3,131 pieces, which had the effect to reduce the medicine material equivalent to about 31 kits of reagent. To calculate this by the unit cost of the medicine material, it analyzed to reduce about 6.4 million won of medicine material cost. Also the reduced medicine materials were used for medicine materials of patient examination and this was analyzed to generate about 13.75 million won of profit based on the ABC cost accounting. Conclusion: It showed no problem in the analysis of examination result even without using the last standard concentration regarding those examination items with low distribution of the patient examination result. For these examination items, it was able to reduce medicine material used for the last standard as many as the number of examination carried out. Also, the adjustment of concentration range was found to have no problem in the reliability of examination result. Therefore, this case will be applicable in those occasions of when the analysis of patient examination result is mostly distributed at the lower level or when an examination with the distribution of patient results in the range of lower concentration than the previous last standard concentration is carried out and this is considered to increase the efficiency in the use of medicine material in vitro as well as contribute to the profit of hospitals.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.114-124
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• 1999

Purpose : To clarify the relation between psychosocial variables and cancer in Korea. Methods : Case-control study. Participants: 239 subjects in 2 university hospitals in Seoul completed a series of psychometric instruments(the Olson's FACES III and the Lee's 98-items life event scale). Results : In bivariable analysis, there were statistically significant difference in age and economic status(income): marginal significance in education status and marital status between the cases and controls. The family function type and stress score were not significantly different. The result of multivariable logistic regression, analysis showed that the risk of cancer was associated with economic status and marital status, but neither the family function nor the life event stress. Conclusion : In this study, we cannot prove the statistical association between the family function, life event stress and cancer. It is necessary to persevere in our efforts to clarify the relation between stress and disease and to develop the useful tools to measure the Korean family function and life event stress.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.65-76
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• 2010

Purpose: he use of PET scanners and the number of patient in Korea have been increased for recent several years dramatically. For this reason, technologists have more possibilities to be exposed to the radiation. The hospitals using PET scanners should make an effort to reduce the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiation exposure does when using radiation shielding devices. The evaluation was performed through questionnaire survey and experiment. Materials and Methods: First, the technologists who had experience working in PET center in 2008-2009 were surveyed with questionnaire and TLD Figures, personal opinion of utilization of radiation shielding devices are analyzed. Second, we measured the shielding rate of shielding devices which have been using in PET study procedures. We divided the procedures into four steps; distribution, moving, injection of $^{18}F$-FDG and patient setup. Results: First, the results of this survey, using of L-block+Syringe shield, L-block, Syringe shield, No shield during the injection, were each 58.5%, 20%, 9%, 12.3%. The TLD values according to utilization of radiation shield, using both L-block+Syringe Shield and L-block showed the lower TLD values, and Syringe shield only or No shield showed the higher TLD values. Second, the results of experiments according to PET study procedures measured the shielding rates as follows. The shielding rates during the distribution using L-block, L-block+Apron shield were measured 97.4%, 97.7%. The shielding rates during the $^{18}F$-FDG delivery to the injection room using mobile Syringe shield, Syringe holder, Syringe shield carrier were each 81.7%, 98.9%, 99.7%. The shielding rates during the injection using Syringe shield, L-block, L-block+Syringe shield were measured each 51.9%, 98.3%, 98.7%. The shielding rates of Apron were measured in each 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm distance. The measurement were each 16.9%, 14.2%, 16.6%, 17.1%, 18.1%, 18.6%. Conclusion: The most effective method for radiation shielding is to using L-block during the $^{18}F$-FDG distribution and Syringe shield carrier during in moving $^{18}F$-FDG. For the $^{18}F$-FDG injection, L-block+Syringe shield have to be used. The shielding effect of Apron has shown average 16.4%. According to the survey of questionnaire, the operators recognized well risk of the radiation exposure but, tended ignore in working. The radiation dose according to recognition of radiation exposure risk was not relevant. but radiation dose according to utilization of radiation shield lower the more use it. The main reason of no use of shielding devices is cumbersome, 55% of the respondents answered. I'm sure, by use of radiation shield in all PET procedure, radiation exposure will be reduced considerably.