Daegu (the city in South Korea) who visited a medical institution for medical checkup in 2016. The urine cotinine test strip (DCT-102; CLIAwaived Inc., cut-off value = 200 ng/mL) was used to classify the actual smoking status and to assess the validity of self-reported smoking status on questionnaires. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the smoking questionnaires were analyzed. Subjects testing positive in the urine cotinine test (assumed the actual current smokers) were selected. The frequency at which actual current smokers were misclassified as current non-smokers by the questionnaire was calculated. Subjects' characteristics were analyzed for possible association with any discrepancy between self-reported smoking status and urine cotinine test results.RESULTS: The smoking rates among firefighters surveyed using the smoking questionnaire and the urine cotinine test were 22.47% and 51.24%, respectively. Of the all subjects, 29.66% (n = 132) were misclassified. The sensitivity of the smoking questionnaire was 42.98%, the specificity was 99.08%, the PPV was 98.00%, and the NPV was 62.32%. In the 228 subjects classified as current actual smokers by the urine cotinine test, 57.02% (n = 130) were misclassified on the questionnaire. The misclassification rate increased with age. The degree of misclassification also increased when subjects had a history of disease.CONCLUSIONS: In present study, the validity of the smoking questionnaire for firefighters was not suitable for investigating smoking status due to low sensitivity. To increase the validity of smoking status monitoring in firefighters, consideration of the various factors like survey environment, subjects' characteristics, and occupational factors is needed.]]>
Cotinine ; Daegu ; Firefighters ; Fires ; Humans ; Male ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Tobacco Use

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the salinity of soups provided at childcare centers by measuring the salinity for three years and providing basic data for sodium reduction.METHODS: The soup salinity was measured using a Bluetooth salinity meter from January 2015 to December 2017 at 80 childcare foodservice establishments enrolled in the Suseong Center for Children's Foodservice Management in Daegu.RESULTS: An analysis of the soup salinity each year showed that the salinity decreased significantly from 0.48% in 2015 to 0.41% in 2017, particularly in clear soups and soybean soups compared to other soups (P < 0.05). The salinity and sodium content in seafood soups (0.45% and 179.1 mg/100 g, respectively) were highest, followed by soybean soups (0.44%, 175.2 mg/100 g), with perilla seed soups containing the lowest (0.42%, 167.2 mg/100 g) (P < 0.05). The salinity was significantly higher in institutional foodservice establishments than small foodservice establishments (P < 0.001). The salinity and sodium content were the highest in foodservice establishments with a small number of measurements, and the salinity was the lowest in foodservice establishments with salinity measurements performed an average of 151 times each year (three times a week) or more (P < 0.05). The soup salinity was low in the order of winter, spring, summer, and autumn, and the salinity decreased significantly year by year in all seasons. (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The soup salinity was significantly lower in foodservice establishments where the salinity was measured more than three times a week, indicating that continuous salinity management is effective.
Daegu ; Food Services ; Perilla ; Salinity ; Seafood ; Seasons ; Sodium ; Soybeans

This study examined the microbiological quality of daycare center meals. Six menu items from five daycare centers in Daegu included uncooked processed foods (seasoned cucumber and lettuce salad), post-preparation after cooking processed foods (rolled omelet and seasoned soybean sprout), and cooking processed foods (panbroiled beef with oyster sauce and seasoned pork roast). Microbiological analyses were performed for the aerobic plate counts (APC), coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The analyses were conducted in July and November 2017. The mean APC and coliform count of seasoned cucumber decreased significantly from 4.71 log colony forming units (CFU)/g and 2.50 log CFU/g in July to 4.07 log CFU/g and 1.78 log CFU/g in November, respectively (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). The APC of panbroiled beef with oyster sauce and seasoned pork roast were significantly lower in July (1.84 and 1.79 log CFU/g) than in November (2.41 and 2.28 log CFU/g) (P < 0.001). The coliform counts of panbroiled beef with oyster sauce and seasoned pork roast were significantly greater in November (2.11 and 1.62 log CFU/g) (P < 0.001). E. coli was not detected. Among the foods prepared using the three preparation processes, the post-preparation after cooking processed foods had the lowest microbial quality. The APC and coliform counts of cooking processed foods were satisfactory in July, with an acceptable rating for pan-broiled beef with oyster sauce in November. Time-temperature control and the prevention of cross-contamination are essential during meal production for food safety, regardless of the season.
Cooking ; Daegu ; Escherichia coli ; Food Safety ; Lettuce ; Meals ; Ostreidae ; Red Meat ; Seasons ; Soybeans ; Stem Cells

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to quantify the sleep behavior of Korean high-school students and its relationship with academic performance. METHODS: Sleep surveys were completed by high-school students in Daegu, South Korea during September 2017. The questionnaires investigated factors such as sleep quality, sleep and wake schedules, nighttime smartphone use, and scores on a five-level grading scale pertaining to academic performance (A, 1–20%; B, 21–40%; C, 41–60%; D, 61–80%; E, 81–100%). The chi-squared test, independent t-test, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completed by 691 high-school students consisting of 279 (40.4%) boys and 412 (59.6%) girls. Poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] ≥8.5) was identified in 111 (16.1%) students, and depressed mood (Hospital Depression Scale score ≥8) was identified in 254 (36.8%). Students with better academic performance tended to have lower PSQIs (A, 5.29±2.58; B, 5.41±2.98; C, 6.00±2.65; and D/E, 6.15±2.97), and the morningness-eveningness questionnaire scores were significantly higher in A-level students than in D- and E-level students. Regression analysis showed that leaving school early each day and greater nighttime smartphone use were significantly associated with worse academic performance in high-school students. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a close relationship between the sleep behavior of students and their academic performance. Students with better sleep quality, morningness, and less nighttime smartphone use tended to perform better academically. Lifestyle modification should be considered as an important factor for improving academic performance.
Appointments and Schedules ; Daegu ; Depression ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Smartphone

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: 1) to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in cats reared in Daegu, Republic of Korea and 2) to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical emodepside/praziquantel formulation for cats with parasitic infections. The gastrointestinal parasite infections were examined microscopically using the flotation method. Of 407 cats, 162 (39.8%) were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite, including Toxocara cati (63.0%), Toxascaris leonina (31.5%), Taenia taeniaeformis (3.7%), and Cystoisospora felis (1.9%). None of the infected animals had multiple infections. When the data were analyzed according to sex, age, and type of cat, stray cats showed statistically higher prevalence than companion cats (P<0.05). On the 5th day after treatment, no parasitic eggs were detected using microscopic examination. In addition, no adverse effects, such as abnormal behaviors and clinical symptoms, were observed in the cats treated with the drug. These results quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and show that topical emodepside/praziquantel is a safe and effective choice for treating the parasitic infections in cats.
Animals ; Cats ; Daegu ; Eggs ; Felis ; Friends ; Humans ; Methods ; Ovum ; Parasites ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea ; Taenia ; Toxascaris ; Toxocara

From October 2015 to August 2018, tapeworm proglottids were obtained from 10 patients who were residents of Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces and had a history of raw beef consumption. Most of them had no overseas travel experience. The gravid proglottids obtained from the 10 cases had 15–20 lateral uterine branches. A part of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) DNA of the 10 cases, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digested with AleI restriction enzyme, produced the same band pattern of Taenia saginata, which differentiated from T. asiatica and T. solium. Sequences of ITS1 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) showed higher homology to T. saginata than to T. asiatica and T. solium. Collectively, these 10 cases were identified as T. saginata human infections. As taeniasis is one of the important parasitic diseases in humans, it is necessary to maintain hygienic conditions during livestock farming to avoid public health concerns.
Agriculture ; Cestoda ; Daegu ; DNA ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Electron Transport Complex IV ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Livestock ; Parasitic Diseases ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Public Health ; Red Meat ; Republic of Korea ; Taenia saginata ; Taenia ; Taeniasis

PURPOSE: There are several commercially approved stent grafts in Korea for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Each device has its advantages and disadvantages based on the patient’s anatomy and the clinical situation. The Zenith device allows accurate and precise endograft placement, whereas the Endurant device has improved flexibility and trackability. We reviewed 5 cases in which a combination of the Zenith main body and the Endurant iliac limb was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to February 2015, 90 patients with AAA underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Zenith body at Daegu Catholic University Hospital. Among them, 5 patients who underwent EVAR with the Zenith body and Endurant iliac limb were included in this study. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 74.20±3.35 years. All patients were men. The main reason for use of the Endurant iliac limb was aortoiliac angulation. Type III endoleak, stent migration, and stent kinking were not noted. Comparing 85 patients who received a Zenith endograft with 5 patients who received the hybrid endograft, there were no statistical differences in clinical characteristics, intraoperative details and post procedural complications. The mean admission duration was 19.00±13.60 days, and the mean follow-up duration was 1,018.11±925.34 days. In the hybrid endograft group, there was no mortality during the follow-up duration. CONCLUSION: Although the material, radial force, diameter, and length of the overlap zone differ between the two devices, EVAR with the hybrid endograft is safe and effective.
Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Daegu ; Endoleak ; Endovascular Procedures ; Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mortality ; Pliability ; Postoperative Complications ; Stents

PURPOSE: To investigate the overall cancer risk and risk for specific cancers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Korea by comparing cancer incidence between RA patients and the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with RA between 1996 and 2009 who underwent treatment at the Daegu Catholic University Medical Center were retrospectively examined. 1885 patients with RA were included in the analyses. Occurrence of cancer and death during follow up was ascertained by linking medical records to the Korean Central Cancer Registry and national death certificates. For comparing cancer incidence between RA patients and general population, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SIRs were calculated using the shortcut method introduced by Vandenbroucke. RESULTS: The total follow-up time was 10218.9 person-years. During follow up, 100 patients (31 men and 69 women) were diagnosed with cancer. Both men and women had greater risks of having malignancy, although cancer risk was greater in men. Men showed increased risks of lung cancer (SIR=5.46, 95% CI: 2.60–9.36) and leukemia (SIR=16.7, 95% CI: 1.58–47.9). Women showed increased risks of thyroid cancer (SIR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.02–2.68), cervical cancer (SIR=3.65, 95% CI: 1.65–6.42), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR=6.47, 95% CI: 2.04–13.4), and gallbladder cancer (SIR=3.87, 95% CI: 1.01–8.60). Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs usage and cancer were not related: the relative risks of developing malignancy were not elevated for each medicine. CONCLUSION: The overall cancer incidence was increased in Korean men and women with RA. Increased risk of specific malignancy differed according to sex.
Academic Medical Centers ; Antirheumatic Agents ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Daegu ; Death Certificates ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gallbladder Neoplasms ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Leukemia ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Male ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: The mismatch in the demand and supply of emergency medical resources has been a constant issue in Korean emergency departments (EDs). This study analyzed the characteristics and actual utilization of medical bed resources in these EDs. METHODS: The emergency department utilization (EDU) rate was calculated using the Emergency Medical Resource Information System (EMRIS) on the available beds in EDs from April 2014 to January 2015. The EDU rate was analyzed according to the season, day of the week, time of day, and ED type. Furthermore, the ratio between the maximum and minimum EDU rates was also compared between the regions. RESULTS: A total of 14,889,750 data points were included. The EDU rate was relatively high during winter and on Sundays, and was highest between 20:00 and 22:00. The ratio between the maximum and minimum EDU rates according to the time of day was highest in Gyeongbuk (5.4) and lowest in Daegu (1.4). Moreover, the EDU rate according to the ED type was highest in the regional emergency medical center (66.7%). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were observed in the EDU rates according to the season, day of the week, time of the day, region, and ED type. Therefore, EMRIS should allocate resources based on the data on both the hospital and regional characteristics.
Daegu ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Information Systems ; Seasons

OBJECTIVE: Suicide has recently become an important social problem. Thus, we analyzed prescription drugs that cause suicidal ideation. METHODS: Of 156 drugs on the the Minister of Food and Drug Safty (MFDS) EZ-Drug site that had “suicide” listed as a side effect, 78 had “suicide” listed as a warning or contraindication; those 78 drugs were analyzed using data from the 2016 Health Insurance and Review and Assessment Services National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS). RESULTS: 51 “suicide risk” drugs was identified. Of all patients, 5.2% had received such drugs. The prescription rate was 0.8% of all prescriptions, accounting for 1.6% of all prescription days. From logistic regression analysis, the prescription rate for the drugs was approximately 1.1 times higher for women than for men. With regard to age, the prescription rate for patients 66 years and older was 15.5 times higher than those for patients 25-years and lower. With regard to medical departments, the prescription rates in psychiatry and dermatology departments were 8.1 times higher and 0.6 times lower than those in internal medicine departments, respectively. With regard to region, the prescription rates in Daegu and Jeju were 1.3 times higher and 0.79 times lower than those in Seoul, respectively. CONCLUSION: Drug-induced suicidal behavior is possible, and therefore efforts are needed to prevent it.
Clergy ; Daegu ; Dermatology ; Female ; Humans ; Insurance, Health ; Internal Medicine ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prescription Drugs ; Prescriptions ; Seoul ; Social Problems ; Suicidal Ideation ; Suicide