• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.495-503
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to compare the characteristics of humidifier disinfectant-like products (HD-like products) and humidifier disinfectant products (HD products) and introduce actual cases of the usage of HD-like products in hospitals based on an on-site investigation. Methods: The characteristics, chemical components, and usage of HD-like products (Hichlor or Biospot) and HD products (N-with) containing NaDCC (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) were compared. In the process of conducting the on-site investigation, four hospitals were identified as previously using HD-like products. Each on-site investigation to identify the use of HD-like products was composed of four parts: 1) hospital infection control guidelines, 2) manual for humidifiers in patient's rooms, 3) interviews with nursing staff, infection managers, and purchase managers, 4) searching on the product purchase system. Results: Although HD-like products (Hichlor and Biospot) and HD products (N-with) were sold for different usage purposes, they were all white-colored and coin-shaped foaming tablets with the same chemical component, NaDCC. The manual for using HD-like products and HD products was similar (inserting the tablet in a humidifier container with water). Among the four hospitals, one had used Hichlor in the same manner as HD (N-with) by inserting a tablet in 1L of water in a filled humidifier container and Biospot as a kind of detergent for humidifier container cleaning. Another two hospitals had used Biospot and/or Aniosyme as a kind of detergent for humidifier container cleaning. The other hospital had used unknown product in the same manner as N-with, so we thus assumed it was either an HD products (N-with) or HD-like products (Hichlor, Biospot). Conclusion: This study raises the possibility of the development of adverse health effects similar to exposure to an HD-products when exposed to an HD-like products and the possibility of further use in other medical institutions or multi-use facilities. Therefore, an expansion of the investigation is needed in order to confirm whether there have been similar cases in the past.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.260-264
• /
• 2010

Treatment of the mandibular fracture consists of reduction and fixation. The apparatus that is used to keep the jaws together during healing will often reduce the fracture as well. When the jaws are brought together and intermaxillary elastic rubber traction is placed, the occlusion of the teeth will help to orient the fractured parts into good position. Intermaxillary fixation, that is, fixation obtained by elastic bands between the upper & lower jaws to which suitable anchoring devices have been attached, will successfully treat most fractures of the mandible. Arch bars are perhaps the ideal method for intermaxillary fixation. Several types of ready-made arch bars are used. But, daily occupational life and oral hygiene is difficult to maintain during the period of longterm immobilized intermaxillary fixation (commonly 6-8 weeks), owing to malnutrition and emotional disorders in a position of the patient with mandibular fractures. Most mandibular fractures heal well enough to allow removal of fixation in about 6 weeks. Though there are many complications of mandibular fracture, such as infection, hemorrhage, trismus, paresthesia and nonunion, it is favorable to attain the short-term removable intermaxillary fixation care by use of an additive incision & drainage establishment on the oral lacerated wounds of adjacent mandibular compound fractures. The purpose of an additive incision & drainge establishment is the prevention of wound infection & nonunion by removing the hematoma & seroma in the fracture sites.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.446-455
• /
• 2022

This study investigated work experience of firefighters and risk factors for their depression during COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data of 53,557 firefighters who participated in the online mental health status survey. Data included experiences of COVID-19 infection, experience of COVID-19 response work, fear of social stigma, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Results showed that 45.76% of participants had experience of COVID-19 response work. Emergency job group had the highest percentage of COVID-19 related work and the greater intensity of the work and fear of social stigma than those of other job groups. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that co-workers' infection, COVID-19 related work intensity and fear of social stigma were significantly associated to the severity of depression. The findings in this study demonstrated COVID-19 related work experience can link to the development of depression in firefighters. Effort to reduce COVID-19 related work intensity and fear of social stigma could help prevent depression among firefighters.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.110-122
• /
• 1978

A study on the morbidity of syphilis among 729 workers in Po Hang and Ul San Industiral Complexes at the routine periodical examination was performed. In addition to the morbidity, factors related to the disease infection such as educational level, religion, preventive measures taken by the workers, history of urethritis, and so on were studied and analysed to check significant relation. The results were as follows: 1. VDRL and RPR tests were undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RPR test which was utilized for all the workers studied. It revealed 86.4% of sensitivity and 87.7% of specificity from RPR test, and 81.8% of sensitivity and 90.1% of specificity from the VDRL test compared with RPCF test. There were 87.4% of agreement rate between RPR and VDRL. Actually, RPR was more sensitive but less specific than VDRL, and found to be a satisfactory screening test for syphilis especially in the fields. 2. Among the workers in Po Hang Area 24.0% of them revealed reactive result, and in Ul San Area 5.2% revealed reactive result showing 4.6 times of risk among workers in Po Hang Area. 3. There were no statistically significant differences between RPR reactive rates and personal characteristics such as educational level, religion, history of urethritis experience, history of coitus with prostitute, and preventive measures of V.D. taken by workers if evaluated by area of Po Hang and Ul Srn separately. 4. V.D. could be encountered as an occupational disease in certain conditions of working places and the psychosocial problems of workers. And so, it is necessary that all the workers working in special estates such as in Po Hang Industrial Complex should be checked to be screened out by RPR test at periodical examinations and part of pre-employment examination also should include RPR test to be compared with. Regardless of the workmen's compensation, establishment of V.D. treatment clinic or system for such industrial workers is urgently needed. Health education regarding V.D. is another subject to be performed.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.17-26
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This paper presents research evidence that the environmental design of the doffing area in a biocontainment unit (BCU) can have a measurable impact on increasing the safety of frontline healthcare workers (HCW) during doffing of high-level personal protective equipment (PPE), and proposes optimized biocontainment unit design. Methods: From 2016 to 2019, The SimTigrate Design Lab conducted 3 consecutive studies, focusing on ways in which the built environment may support or hinder safe doffing. In the first study, to identify the risky behaviors, we observed 56 simulation exercises with HCWs in 4 BCUs and 1 high-fidelity BCU mockup. In the second study, we tested the effectiveness of a redesigned doffing area on improving the HCWs performance and used simulation, observation, and rapid prototyping in 1 high-fidelity mockup of a doffing area. In a follow-up study, we used simulation and co-design with HCWs to optimize the design of a safer doffing area in a full-size pediatric BCU mock-up. Results: We identified 11 specific risky behaviors potentially leading to occupational injury, or contamination of the PPE, or of the environment. We developed design strategies to create a space for safer doffing. In the second study, in a redesigned doffing area, the overall performance of HCW improved, and we observed a significant decrease in the number of risky behaviors; some risky behaviors were eliminated. There was a significant decrease in physical and cognitive load for the HCWs. Finally, we propose an optimized layout of a BCU for a safer process of PPE doffing. Implications: The proposed BCU design supports better staff communication, efficiency, and automates safer behaviors. Our findings can be used to develop design guidelines for spaces where patients with other highly infectious diseases are treated when the safety of the patient-facing HCWs is of critical importance.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.40-47
• /
• 2001

To investigate epidermiologic trend in maxillofacial fractures. We retrospectively studied 934 patients with maxillofacial fractures between $1981{\sim}1987$ and $1995{\sim}1999$. The results were compared in the previous group (Group A, patients treated between $1981{\sim}1987$) with those in the recent group (Group B, $1995{\sim}1999$). Also, we studied 516 patient between $1995{\sim}1999$ for occupation, associated injuries, treatment and complications. The sex ratio of men to women decreased (5.6 : 1 in Group A vs. 3.5 : 1 in Group B), and the largest age group was 20 to 29 years. There was the highest incidence in September and Fall. The most frequent cause of maxillofacial fracture in both Group A and B was traffic accidents. The distribution of fracture site did not change appreciably, but the frequency of midfacial fracture increased. In the recent group, the largest occupational group was salaried men, and the largest associated injuries of maxillofacial fracture was head and neck injury. Open reduction was used in 91% of the cases, and post-operation complications were infection, neurologic problem, malocclusion, and mouth opening limitation etc. Our results suggest that the clinical features of patients with maxillofacial fractures have changed during the past decade.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.292-301
• /
• 2021

Objectives: Wearing medical masks has been recommended since the declaration of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic disease. Certified medical masks are evaluated according to filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance. However, some people use non-certified common masks. This study aimed to evaluate various non-certified commercial masks based on the certification criteria for medical masks. Methods: Twenty mask products (three anti-droplet, three disposable dental, eight fashion, three cotton, and three children's masks) were selected. For performance evaluation, filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance tests were conducted. The evaluation method followed the certification method for KF-certified masks of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the N95 respirator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Results: None of the 20 masks met the KF94 certification standard set by the MFDS. Four and three masks respectively met the KF80 certification standard and the N95 standard of NIOSH. Filtration efficiency was significantly higher in three-layer masks than in single layer masks. Pleated-type masks had higher filtration efficiency than cone-type masks. There was no correlation between the structure of masks and facial inhalation resistance. Conclusion: While no masks complied with the KF94 certification standard, a few masks met the KF80 and the N95 certification standards of NIOSH. Although some people wear non-certified commercial masks, protection from aerosols is not guaranteed by such masks. Evaluation of the protection efficiency of non-certified mask against microbiological infection is needed for the prevention of infectious disease.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.12-22
• /
• 1996

Currently. exchanges of industrial workers between countries are more active than ever. and the problem of AIDS in connection with the operation of preventive educational programs has reached a point where the issue cannot be limited to native people alone any more. Based on such judgement. this research has been carried out to provide basic study materials by grasping the latent factors representing the difference between countries in the levels of right knowledge. attitude and behavior with respect to AIDS maintained by workers who have grown in different social and cultural living background. During the period from Apr. 1. 1995 to Jun. 30. questionnaires. written both in Korean and English, were distributed to Korean and Malaysian employees working at certain Korean video manufacturers. and the results of replies. given by 80 workers who were analyzed through matched sampling· method where ages and sex matched by country. were used as the research materials. The gathered materials were analyzed through the SPSS package t-test. ANOVA. factor analysis and multiple stepwise regression methods. and the following results were obtained. 1. The 2 extracted latent factors could be named 'common. social' knowledge factor and 'in-depth. psychological' knowledge factor respectively. 2. The percentile points of 'external. social' knowledge factor. in the case of Korean workers. howed 90.0 at average. a figure 13.75 points higher than those of Malaysian workers. 76.25. On the other hand. the percentile points of the 'in-depth. psychological'knowledge factor showed 70.80 at average in the case of Korean workers. a figure 7.47 points lower than those of Malaysian workers. 78.33. Meanwhile. the difference in percentile points between the 2 latent factors was 8.54 at average. indicating that the points of 'in-depth. psychological' knowledge factor was lower than those of the 'external. social' knowledge factor. 3. As for Korean workers. the percentile points of the 'in-depth. psychological' knowledge factor showed higher points in office workers than in non-office workers. and such variables exhibited in the position of workers can explain the $7\%$ of the latent factor. The percentile points of the 'in-depth. psychological' knowledge factors. in the case of Malaysian workers. showed higher points in groups who had religion than in groups who did not. and higher points in groups who obtained information from newspapers than in groups who obtained from televisions or other sources; and with these 2 variables. $26\%$ of this latent factor can be explained. The results. of analysis described so far suggest that while Korean workers possessed general level of knowledge on AIDS. they had low level of practical knowledge as far as its depth is concerned. and that they had social prejudice on patients as well as on the AIDS infection route. In addition. because the overall knowledge level of Malaysian workers. is lower than that of Korean workers. it suggests that separate programs intended for Malaysian workers are required prior to executing integrated programs.

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

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.1265-1276
• /
• 1998

Background : Nitric oxide(NO) is an endogenously produced free radical that plays an important role in regulating vascular tone, inhibition of platelet aggregation and white blood cell adhesion to endothelial cells, and host defense against infection. The highly reactive nature of NO with oxygen radicals suggests that it may either promote or reduce oxidant-induced cell injury in several biological pathways. Oxidant injury and interactions between pulmonary vascular endothelium and leukocytes are important in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). In ARDS, therapeutic administration of NO is a clinical condition providing exogenous NO in oxidant-induced endothelial injury. The role of exogenous NO from NO donor or the suppression of endogenous NO production was evaluated in oxidant-induced endothelial injury. Method : The oxidant injury in cultured rat lung microvascular endothelial cells(RLMVC) was induced by hydrogen peroxide generated from glucose oxidase(GO). Cell injury was evaluated by $^{51}$chromium($^{51}Cr$) release technique. NO donor, such as S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine(SNAP) or sodium nitroprusside(SNP), was added to the endothelial cells as a source of exogenous NO. Endogenous production of NO was suppressed with N-monomethyl-L-arginine(L-NMMA) which is an NO synthase inhibitor. L-NMMA was also used in increased endogenous NO production induced by combined stimulation with interferon-$\gamma$(INF-$\gamma$), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$(TNF-$\alpha$), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS). NO generation from NO donor or from the endothelial cells was evaluated by measuring nitrite concentration. Result : $^{51}Cr$ release was $8.7{\pm}0.5%$ in GO 5 mU/ml, $14.4{\pm}2.9%$ in GO 10 mU/ml, $32.3{\pm}2.9%$ in GO 15 mU/ml, $55.5{\pm}0.3%$ in GO 20 mU/ml and $67.8{\pm}0.9%$ in GO 30 mU/ml ; it was significantly increased in GO 15 mU/ml or higher concentrations when compared with $9.6{\pm}0.7%$ in control(p < 0.05; n=6). L-NMMA(0.5 mM) did not affect the $^{51}Cr$ release by GO. Nitrite concentration was increased to $3.9{\pm}0.3\;{\mu}M$ in culture media of RLMVC treated with INF-$\gamma$ (500 U/ml), TNF-$\alpha$(150 U/ml) and LPS($1\;{\mu}g/ml$) for 24 hours ; it was significantly suppressed by the addition of L-NMMA. The presence of L-NMMA did not affect $^{51}Cr$ release induced by GO in RLMVC pretreated with INF-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$ and LPS. The increase of $^{51}Cr$ release with GO(20 mU/ml) was prevented completely by adding 100 ${\mu}M$ SNAP. But the add of SNP, potassium ferrocyanate or potassium ferricyanate did not protect the oxidant injury. Nitrite accumulation was $23{\pm}1.0\;{\mu}M$ from 100 ${\mu}M$ SNAP at 4 hours in phenol red free Hanks' balanced salt solution. But nitrite was not detectable from SNP upto 1 mM The presence of SNAP did not affect the time dependent generation of hydrogen peroxide by GO in phenol red free Hanks' balanced salt solution. Conclusion : Hydrogen peroxide generated by GO causes oxidant injury in RLMVC. Exogenous NO from NO donor prevents oxidant injury, and the protective effect may be related to the ability to release NO. These results suggest that the exogenous NO may be protective on oxidant injury to the endothelium.