• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.198-207
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• 2017

Purpose: Whether preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is better than postoperative CRT in oncologic outcome and toxicity is contentious in prospective randomized clinical trials. We systematically analyze and compare the treatment result, toxicity, and sphincter preservation rate between preoperative CRT and postoperative CRT in stage II-III rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1990 to 2014 for relevant trials. Only phase III randomized studies performing CRT and curative surgery were selected and the data were extracted. Meta-analysis was used to pool oncologic outcome and toxicity data across studies. Results: Three randomized phase III trials were finally identified. The meta-analysis results showed significantly lower 5-year locoregional recurrence rate in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.84; p = 0.004). The 5-year distant recurrence rate (p = 0.55), relapse-free survival (p = 0.14), and overall survival (p = 0.22) showed no significant difference between two groups. Acute toxicity was significantly lower in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in perioperative and chronic complications (p = 0.53). The sphincter-saving rate was not significantly different between two groups (p = 0.24). The conversion rate from abdominoperineal resection to low anterior resection in low rectal cancer was significantly higher in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As compared to postoperative CRT, preoperative CRT improves only locoregional control, not distant control and survival, with similar chronic toxicity and sphincter preservation rate in rectal cancer patients.

• 성인간호학회지
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.570-579
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine knowledge and management of tracheal tube cuffs among nurses of ICU. Methods: This descriptive survey recruited 150 nurses working at 8 different adult ICUs within 2 tertiary hospitals in Seoul. A survey questionnaire was developed to measure cuff management. The internal reliability of the tool was examined by Cronbach's ${\alpha}$. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used to analyze data. Results: Among the 150 nurses, 94.0% replied that they would measure the pressure themselves. With regard to nurses' knowledge about tracheal tube cuffs, only 6% answered that they knew 'the appropriate cuff pressure'. The existence of a measuring device (p < .001), a guideline (p < .001), the level of knowledge on its related complications(p = .003), and clinical experience (p < .001) together accounted for 35.0% of the total variation in cuff management. They pointed out that the lack of time and the lack of education were major barriers to appropriate management; whereas education update was the most imperative factor for good management. Conclusion: ICU nurses have inappropriate knowledge and practice in cuff management. Therefore continuing education is necessary for better practice of tracheal tube cuff management.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.62-71
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was aimed to share the development process of the critical pathway (CP) for the treatment and management of stroke patients admitted to a Korean medicine hospital. Methods: A draft CP was prepared based on a review of relevant literature and medical records in the hospital, and its validity was reviewed by the in-hospital CP review committee. Each member evaluated all items in the CP on a 5-point Likert scale. Items with an average score of 3.5 or higher or an agreement rate of more than 80% were considered valid. In addition, free described opinions to improve the CP were also received from the review committee. Results: The horizontal axis of the CP was composed of a time domain, including 7 time points from hospitalization to discharge. The vertical axis was composed of 9 domains of medical practice. All items in the CP satisfied the validity criteria. The CP was revised, supplemented, and completed by reflecting the opinions of the committee. Conclusions: This CP will be taught to in-hospital users and will continue to be used with regular monitoring and a feedback plan. This study is expected to serve as a useful reference for standardizing the treatment process and delivering measures to improve the adequacy of Korean medicine treatment for stroke patients.

• 근관절건강학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.81-90
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying a defecation encouragement program for patients undergoing total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA). Methods: This program was based on the nursing best practice guideline: prevention of constipation in the older adult population by the National Guideline Clearing House (NGC) in 2011, which included fluid intake, bowel training, and abdominal and pelvic floor exercises. A team of one orthopaedic clinical nurse specialist and six orthopaedic nurses with a 10 years of clinical experience applied and assisted patients with the program. Formal counsel was provided by one orthopaedic doctor, one gastroenterologist, and one exercise therapist. Patients who defecated one day prior to or on the day of TKRA surgery were included. Data collected from 72 subjects were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: Time until first defecation after surgery was 2.4±1.1 days in experimental group, which was significantly shorter than the 3.5±0.9 days in control group (t=4.28, p<.001). Constipation assessment scale showed significantly lower points (t=2.55, p=.013) in experimental group (1.3±1.2) compared to control group (2.6±2.6). The experimental group and control group were 17.3±7.67 and 23.7±14.43, respectively, and the experimental group used less laxatives (t=2.83, p=.021). Conclusion: A defecation encouragement program was proved to be an appropriate nursing intervention for patients undergoing TKRA. This study confirmed that constipation is a nursing problem that can be sufficiently prevented if nurses are interested and encourage defecation.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.153-167
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• 2023

Objective: Bipolar disorder displays a spectrum of manifestations, including manic, hypomanic, depressive, mixed, psychotic, and atypical episodes, contributing to its chronic nature and association with heightened suicide risk. Creating effective pharmacotherapy guidelines is crucial for managing bipolar disorder and reducing its prevalence. Treatment algorithms grounded in science have improved symptom management, but variations in recommended medications arise from research differences, healthcare policies, and cultural nuances globally. Methods: This study compares Korea's bipolar disorder treatment algorithm with guidelines from the UK, Australia, and an international association. The aim is to uncover disparities in key recommended medications and their underlying factors. Differences in CYP450 genotypes affecting drug metabolism contribute to distinct recommended medications. Variances also stem from diverse guideline development approaches-expert consensus versus metaanalysis results-forming the primary differences between Korea and other countries. Results: Discrepancies remain in international guidelines relying on meta-analyses due to timing and utilized studies. Drug approval speeds further impact medication selection. However, limited high-quality research results are the main cause of guideline variations, hampering consistent treatment conclusions. Conclusion: Korea's unique Delphi-based treatment algorithm stands out. To improve evidence-based recommendations, large-scale studies assessing bipolar disorder treatments for the Korean population are necessary. This foundation will ensure future recommendations are rooted in scientific evidence.

• 한국치위생학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.73-88
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• 2009

The purpose of the study was to provide the basic for the prevention of infection control by analyzing the level of recognition and practice of dental hygiene students. It is important for dental clinic staffs to know and practice infection control measures in favor of effective infection control. Thus, this study conducted an one-month questionnaire survey (during October 2008) for dental hygiene students who ever experienced in 16-week clinical practice, and analyzed total 206 questionnaire forms as collected from them, so that it could determine potential associations between their recognition and practice of infection control and thereby suggest an efficient solution for infection control in dental hygiene. 1. It was found that our students' recognition about infection control averaged $4.49{\pm}.58$ points on the whole, and they were best aware of instrumental disinfection and sterilization among other measures, which was followed by hand washing, extirpation control, post-sterilization management, personal protective outfit and instrumental surface maintenance respectively. 2. It was found that our students' practice of infection control averaged $3.85{\pm}.57$ points on the whole, and they practiced hand washing most actively among other measures, which was followed by extirpation control, post-sterilization management, instrumental disinfection and sterilization, personal protective outfit and instrumental surface maintenance respectively. 3. It was found that our students scored higher mean points in recognition about every measure of infection control than those in practice (t=15.676, p=0.000). Particularly, it was notable that there were significant differences between their mean points in recognition and practice of some infection control measures, such as instrumental surface maintenance (t=15.361, p=0.000), personal protective outfit (t=15.245, p=0.000) and instrumental disinfection and sterilization (t=11.169, p=0.000). But there was least significant difference between mean points in recognition and practice of hand washing (t=5.460, p=0.000). 4. For potential associations between recognition and practice of infection control, it was found that higher recognition was in significantly positive associations with higher practice in every measure of infection control (r=.478, p=.000), such as extirpation control (r=.630, p=.000), instrumental disinfection and sterilization (r=.477, p=.000) and post-sterilization management (r=.433, p=.000). 5. It was found that there were differences in our students' recognition depending upon availability of infection control guideline (t=4.587, p=.011), and there were significant differences in practice depending on necessity of infection control education on a statistical basis (t=2.229, p=.027). Overall, it is found that our dental hygiene students are very likely to practice hand washing and extirpation control, because both of these measures are relatively easy to practice or are considered legally binding.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.77-82
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• 2017

Background: Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a leading cause of hospital-associated gastrointestinal illness. Risk factors for CDAD include advanced age, long-term admission, antibiotics, proton-pump inhibitor or $H_2$ blocker use and immunosuppression. The practice guideline of American Journal of Gastroenterology (2013) suggests metronidazole for the first-line therapy of mild-moderate CDAD as well as vancomycin for severe CDAD. MICU inpatients receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis and antibiotics are susceptible to nosocomial CDAD. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate occurrence and treatment of CDAD in MICU. Methods: Patients who were admitted to the MICU and had CDAD from August 2012 to August 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of the 90 patients with CDAD, 20 patients (2.22%) had mild-moderate CDAD (16 received metronidazole and 4 received vancomycin therapy) and 70 patients (77.8%) had severe CDAD(54 received metronidazole and 16 received vancomycin therapy). Among the patients with mild- moderate CDAD, treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin resulted in same clinical cure in 50% of the patients (p=1.00). Among the patients with severe CDAD, treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin resulted in clinical cure in 40.7% and 50.0% of the patients, respectively (p=0.511). Clinical symptoms recurred in 7.4% of the severe CDAD patients treated with metronidazole and 6.3% of those treated with vancomycin(p=0.875). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that metronidazole and vancomycin are equally effective for the treatment of mild-moderate CDAD; however, vancomycin demonstrated higher clinical cure rate and lower recurrence rate for severe CDAD, although the difference was not statistically significant. For better clinical outcomes, appropriate medication use by disease severity is needed.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.102-115
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), thus providing a clinical basis for acupuncture treatment and helping to develop clinical practice guideline through consideration of used meridians and acupoints. Methods: Clinical studies applying acupuncture on breast cancer-related lymphedema were searched through 7 databases such as The Cochrane Library Central, Embase, Pubmed and CAJ. Interventions and results of the selected clinical studies were analyzed. Results: 8 Clinical studies were finally included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 6 randomized controlled studies and 2 single-arm pilot studies. All of those studies were searched in The Cochrane Library Central, Embase, Pubmed and CAJ and written in English and Chinese. Treatment group applied acupuncture as a Korean medicine intervention. Interventions of control group were made with non-treatment, upper limb exercise, and oral administration of capillary stabilizer or diuretics. Outcome measurements varied from paper to paper but every study measured reduction in arm circumference. Among 8 studies, 6 studies reported statistically significant reduction in arm circumference in treatment group and there were no serious adverse effects. Conclusions: This study suggested that acupuncture has few side effects as well as statistically significant effects on many aspects in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. However the results should be taken cautiously as more clinical studies are needed.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.1-27
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• 2019

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: 1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; 2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; 3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; 4) pharmacotherapy; and 5) bariatric surgery.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.65-72
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• 2016

Objectives : While neck pain is highly prevalent in Korea, studies examining its Korean medical treatment are currently lacking. The aim of this study was to assess current Korean medical treatment practice patterns for neck pain. Methods : A preliminary questionnaire was developed to investigate current practice patterns of neck pain and cervical intervertebral disc displacement (IDD) treatment, and underwent further revision through external review. The final questionnaire was distributed as a web-based survey to 18,289 potential respondents by email. Results : The response rate was 3.34 %. Most participants replied that they received multiple Korean medicine interventions for neck pain treatment consisting of such methods as acupuncture, wet cupping, interferential current therapy and electroacupuncture. A total of 378 respondents acknowledged that diagnostic testing was needed for neck pain treatment. The most commonly used Korean Standard Classification of Diseases (KCD) principal diagnosis code for neck pain was M542, and for cervical IDD was M501. Conclusion : This survey study helps determine current practice patterns of neck pain, and recognizes the need for use of diagnostic devices in neck pain treatment. These results are further anticipated to provide basic data for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and future studies using Korean National Health Insurance and Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service data.