• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.179-184
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• 2013

Purpose: X-ray exposure should be clinically justified and each exposure should be expected to give patients benefits. Since dental radiographic examination is one of the most frequent radiological procedures, radiation hazard becomes an important public health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of Korean dentists about radiation safety and use of criteria for selecting the frequency and type of radiographic examinations. Materials and Methods: The study included 267 Korean dentists. Five questions related to radiation safety were asked of each of them. These questions were about factors associated with radiation protection of patients and operators including the use of radiographic selection criteria for intraoral radiographic procedures. Results: The frequency of prescription of routine radiographic examination (an example is a panoramic radiograph for screening process for occult disease) was 34.1%, while that of selective radiography was 64.0%. Dentists' discussion of radiation risk and benefit with patients was infrequent. More than half of the operators held the image receptor by themselves during intraoral radiographic examinations. Lead apron/thyroid collars for patient protection were used by fewer than 22% of dental offices. Rectangular collimation was utilized by fewer than 15% of dental offices. Conclusion: The majority of Korean dentists in the study did not practice radiation protection procedures which would be required to minimize exposure to unnecessary radiation for patients and dental professionals. Mandatory continuing professional education in radiation safety and development of Korean radiographic selection criteria is recommended.

• 지역사회간호학회지
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.795-807
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• 2002

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a community-based nursing center model that can provide health promotion for infants and toddlers as well as a research and practice site for nursing faculty and students. Methods: Review of current health care system and health promotion programs, and workshops with brain-storming were carried out to identify needy areas of services to be provided by the nursing center. Finally, the community nursing center model was developed through expert consultation and filed visits. Results: The services and programs were developed for infants and toddlers residing in Seoul area. These services and programs include growth and developmental screening, environment and health problem assessment, infant stimulation and parent education, and self-help group. Full-time and part-time staff nurses and nurse practitioners will provide those services and offer home visiting if needed. Database system, health information system, and trainers' training programs were developed as well. Conclusion: The nursing center model developed in this study will ensure clients direct access to nursing care and increase of autonomy and accountability of nursing practices. The nursing center model focused on disease prevention and health promotion will enhance the quality of life of the infants, toddlers and their families as well as to decrease national health care expenditure.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.359-365
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• 2011

Cyanobacterial strains of the genus Spirulina have recently been identified as an excellent source of sulfolipids, some of which possess anti-HIV properties. Thus, to investigate the distribution of sufolipid biosynthesis pathways in Spirulina, a genetic screening/phylogentic study was performed. Five different strains of Spirulina [Spirulina (Jiangmen), Spirulina sp., S. platensis, S. maxima, and Spirulina seawater] sourced from different locations were initially classified via 16S rDNA sequencing, and then screened for the presence of the sulfolipid biosynthesis genes sqdB and sqdX via a PCR. To assess the suitability of these strains for human consumption and safe therapeutic use, the strains were also screened for the presence of genes encoding nonribosomal peptide synthases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs), which are often associated with toxin pathways in cyanobacteria. The results of the 16S rDNA analysis and phylogenetic study indicated that Spirulina sp. is closely related to Halospirulina, whereas the other four Spirulina strains are closely related to Arthrospira. Homologs of sqdB and sqdX were identified in Spirulina (Jiangmen), Spirulina sp., S. platensis, and the Spirulina seawater. None of the Spirulina strains screened in this study tested positive for NRPS or PKS genes, suggesting that these strains do not produce NRP or PK toxins.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.35-44
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• 2012

This study was conducted to assess improvements in nutritional status following the application of nutrition education to elderly patients in a long-term care hospital. The study was carried out from January to May 2009, during which a preliminary survey, a pretest, the application of nutrition education, and a post-test were applied in stages. The number of subjects at pretest was 81, and the number of participants included in the final analysis was 61 (18 men, 43 women), all of whom participated in both the nutrition education program and the post-test. The survey consisted of general demographic items, health behaviors, dietary behaviors, the Nutrition Screening Initiative checklist, and nutrient intake assessment (24 hour recall method). The nutrition education program lasted for four weeks. It included a basic education program, provided once a week, and mini-education program, which was offered daily during lunch times. The survey was conducted before and after the education program using the same assessment method, although some items were included only at pretest. When analyzing the changes in elderly patients after the nutritional education program, we found that, among subjective dietary behaviors, self-rated perceptions of health (P<0.001) and of depression (P<0.001) improved significantly and that dietary behavior scores also improved significantly (P<0.001), while nutritional risk levels decreased. In terms of nutrient intake, subjects' intake of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C all increased significantly (P<0.001). These results indicated that nutritional education is effective in improving the nutritional status of elderly patients. We hope that the results of this study can be used as preliminary data for establishing guidelines for nutrition management tailored to elderly patients in long-term care hospitals.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제7권5호
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• pp.347-351
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• 2013

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIAn) is induced by different types and various intensities of physical activity, and is distinct from food allergies. It has been shown that consumption of allergenic food followed by exercise causes FDEIAn symptoms. Intake of allergenic food or medication before exercise is a major predisposing factor for FDEIAn. Urticaria and severe allergic reactions are general symptoms of FDEIAn. Dermatological tests and serum IgE assays are the typical prescreening methods, and have been used for several decades. However, these screening tests are not sufficient for detecting or preventing FDEIAn. It has been found that exercise may stimulate the release of mediators from IgE-dependent mast cells that can result in FDEIAn when a certain threshold level has been exceeded. Mast cell degradation might be a major factor to induce FDEIAn but this has not been determined. A number of foods have been reported to be involved in the onset of FDEIAn including wheat, eggs, chicken, shrimp, shellfish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. It is also known that aspirin increases the occurrence of type I allergy symptoms when combined with specific foods. Moreover, high intensity and frequent exercise are more likely to provoke an attack than low intensity and less frequent exercise. In this paper, we present the current views of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying FDEIAn within the context of exercise immunology. We also present a detailed FDEIAn definition along with etiologic factors and medical treatment for cholinergic urticaria (UC) and exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA).

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.335-351
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• 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a usability test for CPAD (Cognitive Perceptual Assessment for Driving) and improve it based on the test results. Background: The cognitive perceptual assessment for driving is a computer-based assessment tool to assess the driving capacity of people with brain-damages. It may be a good tool for evaluating the brain-damaged drivers' safe driving capabilities and screening cognitive and perceptual deficits related to driving. We performed a usability test to improve the CPAD based on the result. Method: Both the software consisting of 8 sub-tests (depth perception, sustained attention, divided attention, stroop test, field dependency, digit span, trail making A, trail making B) and the hardware including the input and output devices ( joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch screen) were evaluated through user interviews. Also we identified the problems and issues in using them by observing the participants performing the CPAD tasks. Results: Based on the results, the task instructions were visually and auditorily improved and more practice examples were added to help the users understand the instructions better and increase the input accuracy, a response time window was added and the joystick and touch screen were simplified, which made it easier for the user to perform the CAPD tasks. Conclusion: User discomforts were minimized by improving the task environment, unless it had affected the evaluation criteria. Application: We plan to distribute the improved version of the CPAD to the regional rehabilitation hospitals, and the driving support centers for people with disabilities throughout the country, so it could be used as an evaluation tool for disabled drivers' cognitive and perceptual functions.

• 한국사회복지학
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• 제59권2호
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• pp.277-302
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• 2007

본 연구의 목적은 사회복지조직의 직원 채용과정을 심층적으로 이해하고자 하는 것이다. 이러한 목적을 달성하기 위해 공개모집과 다차원적인 선발방법을 통해 직원을 채용하기로 한 사회복지관과 접촉하여 심층면접과 관찰, 기록물 등을 통해 다양한 자료를 수집하고 사례연구 접근으로 분석하였다. 채용과정 분석결과는 결원에서 채용 공고까지, 서류심사, 면접심사, 최종 선발과 발표, 임명의 5단계로 구분하여 각 단계에서 나타난 특성들을 제시하고 기관과 면접관, 지원자들의 관점을 반영하여 해석하였다. 또한 주제 분석을 통해 '역지사지', '경험을 통해 성장하기', '동상이몽', '사회복지에 특화된 채용방법의 부재'라는 주제들이 도출되었고, 이에 대해 논의하였다. 결론에서는 직원 채용과정에서 사회복지조직들이 고려해야 할 실천적 지침들을 제시하였으며, 이 연구의 결과를 더욱 발전시킬 수 있는 후속연구에 대해서도 제안하였다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권12호
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• pp.4977-4980
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• 2015

Background: ASC-US cases are managed according to the current American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guideline in which a human papillomavirus (HPV) test and repeat Pap smear are performed in the next 1 year. Colposcopy in cases of positive high risk HPV and persistent ASC-US or more in subsequent Pap smear is recommended. The HPV test is more expensive and still not currently a routine practice in Thailand. Objective: To identify the risk factors of persisted abnormal Pap smear and the colposcopic requirement rate in women with ASC-US. Materials and Methods: During 2008-2013, this study was conducted in Prapokklao Hospital, Chanthaburi, Thailand. Participants were women who attended gynaecology clinic for cervical cancer screening. Women who had cytological reports with ASC-US were recruited. During the study period, 503 cases were enrolled. Colposcopic requirement was defined as those who were detected with an ASC-US or more in subsequent Pap smears up to 1 year follow-up. Results: The colposcopic referral rate was 23.2 (85/365) percent at 12 months. Prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 was 3.3 (12/365) percent. Loss follow-up rate of subsequent Pap smear and colposcopic appointment were 27.4 (138/503) and 48.2 (41/85) percent, respectively. There was no invasive cancer. High risk factors for persisted abnormal Pap smears in subsequent test were premenopausal status, HIV infected patients and non-oral contraceptive pills (COC) users. Conclusions: Referral rate for colposcopy in women with ASC-US reports was rather high. Loss to follow-up rate was the major limitation. Immediate colposcopy should be offered for women who had high risk for silent CIN.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권12호
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• pp.4833-4837
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• 2015

Biomarkers for preclinical diagnosis of cancer are valuable tools for detection of malignant tumors at early stages in groups at risk and screening healthy people, as well as monitoring disease recurrence after treatment of cancer. However the complexity of the body's response to the pathological processes makes it virtually impossible to evaluate this response to the development of the disease using a single biomarker that is present in the serum at low concentrations. An alternative approach to standard biomarker analysis is called immunosignature. Instead of going after biomarkers themselves this approach rely on the analysis of the humoral immune response to molecular changes associated with the development of pathological processes. It is known that antibodies are produced in response to proteins expressed during cancer development. Accordingly, the changes in antibody repertoire associated with tumor growth can serve as biomarkers of cancer. Immunosignature is a highly sensitive method for antibody repertoire analysis utilizing high density peptide microarrays. In the present review we discuss modern methods for antibody detection, as well as describe the principles and applications of immunosignature in research and clinical practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.2383-2391
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• 2014

Tobacco use is described as the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with the World Bank predicting over 450 million tobacco-related deaths in the next fifty years. In India, the proportion of all deaths that can be attributed to tobacco use is expected to rise from 1.4% in 1990 to 13.3% in 2020 of which smoking alone will cause about 930,000 adult deaths by 2010. Many studies have shown that counseling from a health professional is an effective method of helping patients quit the tobacco habit. Tobacco cessation needs to be urgently expanded by training health professionals in providing routine clinical interventions, increasing availability and subsidies of pharmacotherapy, developing wide-reaching strategies such as quitlines, and costeffective strategies, including group interventions. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes the vital contribution of participation of health professional bodies, as well as training and healthcare institutions in tobacco control efforts. Dentists can play an important role in helping patients quit using tobacco. One of the key strategies to reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality is to encourage the involvement of health professionals in tobacco-use prevention and cessation counselling. The dental office is an ideal setting for tobacco cessation services since preventive treatment services, oral screening, and patient education have always been a large part of the dental practice.