PURPOSE: Early diagnosis of congenital hearing loss through the neonatal hearing screening test minimizes language defect. This research intends to identify frequency of congenital hearing loss in infants through neonatal hearing screening test with the aim of communicating the importance of hearing test for infants. METHODS: From May 20, 2003 to May 19, 2004, infants were subjected to Automated Auditory Brainstem Response test during one month of birth to conduct the test with 35 dB sound. Infants who passed the 1st round of hearing test, were classified into 'pass' group whereas those who did not were classified into 'refer' group. Infants who did not 'pass' in the hearing test conducted within one month of birth were subjected to re-test one month later, and if classified as 'refer' during the re-test, they were subjected to the diagnosis for validation of hearing loss by requesting test to the hearing loss clinic. RESULTS: There was no difference among the 'pass' and 'refer' group in terms of form of childbirth, weight at birth and gestational age. In the 1st test, total of 45 infants were classified into 'refer' group. Six among 35 who were subjected to re-test (17%) did not pass the re-test, and all were diagnosed with congenital hearing loss. This corresponds to 0.35% (3.5 per 1, 000) among total number of 1, 718 subjects. CONCLUSION: In our study the congenital hearing loss tends to be considerably more frequently than congenital metabolic disorder. Accordingly, newly born infants are strongly recommended to undergo neonatal hearing screening test.
Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Gestational Age ; Hearing Loss* ; Hearing Tests ; Hearing* ; Humans ; Infant ; Mass Screening* ; Parturition

We report our recent experience of successful ultrasonography-guided catheter drainage of a huge retro-mammaryabscess in a 27-year-old female patient with pulmonary tuberculosis. For breast abscesses, the pro-cedure can beused instead of surgery. Its merits are that it is easy and cost-effective, there is less scar forma-tion,outpatient management may be possible, and in reported cases there has been no recurrence.
Abscess* ; Adult ; Breast ; Catheters ; Cicatrix ; Drainage* ; Female ; Humans ; Recurrence ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Background: The Korean Society for Cytopathology introduced a digital proficiency test (PT) in 2021. However, many doubtful opinions remain on whether digitally scanned images can satisfactorily present subtle differences in the nuclear features and chromatin patterns of cytological samples. Methods: We prepared 30 whole-slide images (WSIs) from the conventional PT archive by a selection process for digital PT. Digital and conventional PT were performed in parallel for volunteer institutes, and the results were compared using feedback. To assess the quality of cytological assessment WSIs, 12 slides were collected and scanned using five different scanners, with four cytopathologists evaluating image quality through a questionnaire. Results: Among the 215 institutes, 108 and 107 participated in glass and digital PT, respectively. No significant difference was noted in category C (major discordance), although the number of discordant cases was slightly higher in the digital PT group. Leica, 3DHistech Pannoramic 250 Flash, and Hamamatsu NanoZoomer 360 systems showed comparable results in terms of image quality, feature presentation, and error rates for most cytological samples. Overall satisfaction was observed with the general convenience and image quality of digital PT. Conclusions As three-dimensional clusters are common and nuclear/chromatin features are critical for cytological interpretation, careful selection of scanners and optimal conditions are mandatory for the successful establishment of digital quality assurance programs in cytology.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether a mobile health (mhealth) intervention is effective in reducing weight and changing dietary behavior among employees with overweight and obesity. The study also investigated whether engagement with the intervention affected its effectiveness. Methods: The intervention involved the use of a dietary coaching app, a wearable device for monitoring physical activity and body composition, and a messenger app for communicating with participants and an intervention manager. A total of 235 employees were recruited for a 12-week intervention from eight workplaces in Korea. Questionnaire surveys, anthropometric measurements, and 24-h dietary recalls were conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, significant decreases in the mean body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were observed. Furthermore, the consumption frequencies of multigrain rice and legumes significantly increased, whereas those of pork belly, instant noodles, processed meat, carbonated beverages, and fast food significantly decreased compared with those at baseline. The mean dietary intake of energy and most nutrients also decreased after the intervention. When the participants were categorized into three groups according to their engagement level, significant differences in anthropometric data, dietary behaviors, and energy intake were observed following the intervention, although there were no differences at baseline, indicating that higher engagement level led to greater improvements in weight loss and dietary behavior. Conclusions The intervention had positive effects on weight loss and dietary behavior changes, particularly among employees with higher engagement levels. These results indicate the importance of increasing the level of engagement in the intervention to enhance its effectiveness. The mhealth intervention is a promising model for health promotion for busy workers with limited time.

Objectives: A mobile health intervention program was provided for employees with overweight and obesity for 12 weeks, and a process evaluation was completed at the end of the program. We investigated participant engagement based on app usage data, and whether engagement was associated with the degree of satisfaction with the program. Methods: The program involved the use of a dietary coaching app and a wearable device for monitoring physical activity and body composition. A total of 235 employees participated in the program. App usage data were collected from a mobile platform, and a questionnaire survey on process evaluation and needs assessment was conducted during the post-test. Results: The engagement level of the participants decreased over time. Participants in their 40s, high school graduates or lower education, and manufacturing workers showed higher engagement than other age groups, college graduates, and office workers, respectively. The overall satisfaction score was 3.6 out of 5. When participants were categorized into three groups according to their engagement level, the upper group was more satisfied than the lower group. A total of 71.5% of participants answered that they wanted to rejoin or recommend the program, and 71.9% answered that the program was helpful in improving their dietary habits. The most helpful components in the program were diet records and a 1:1 chat with the dietary coach from the dietary coaching app. The barriers to improving dietary habits included company dinners, special occasions, lack of time, and eating out. The workplace dietary management programs were recognized as necessary with a need score of 3.9 out of 5. Conclusions Participants were generally satisfied with the mobile health intervention program, particularly highly engaged participants. Feedback from a dietary coach was an important factor in increasing satisfaction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma regardless of the H. pylori infection status or disease stage. METHODS: From November 1995 to September 2014, 345 subjects who were diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma and had received eradication therapy as their first-line treatment were eligible for inclusion in this study. A retrospective review was performed using the medical records. RESULTS: Of the 345 patients, H. pylori infection was detected in 317 patients (91.9%). The complete remission (CR) rate after eradication therapy was 82.3%, which was higher in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients (84.5% vs 57.1%, p=0.001). CR rates after eradication did not present significant differences between stages, and the CR rate was 83.3% for stage IE1 and 74.4% for stage IE2 or above (p=0.167). The overall CR rate was 87.2% after additional treatment, and neither H. pylori infection status nor stage showed differences according to the treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Eradication therapy led to CR in 57.1% of H. pylori-negative patients and in 74.4% of patients with stage IE2 or above. Eradication therapy is worthwhile as an initial treatment for gastric MALT lymphoma regardless of the H. pylori infection status and stage.
Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Lymphoid Tissue ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone* ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies

Noroviruses (NoVs) cause major epidemic gastroenteritis in humans. To obtain the molecular epidemiological information on gastroenteritis sporadic cases in Incheon city, Korea, we analyzed the nucleotide sequences of NoV strains detected during 2005~2007. We performed one step RT-PCR amplifying the open reading frame (ORF) 2 (capsid region) followed by semi-nested PCR from the stool samples from acute gastroenteritis patients from 2005 to 2007. Amplicons of the capsid region of norovirus strains were sequenced and analyzed using MegAlign in DNAstar software. Faecal samples were collected from 6,618 acute gastroenteritis patients during the study period. The incidence of NoV infection was about 10.7% (n=708) among patients with acute gastroenteritis and genotypes of the 320 positive samples were determined by sequence analysis. Sequence comparison of NoV strains revealed that 16 genotypes of GII NoV strains were circulated in Incheon city, from 2005 to 2007. Among norovirus strains, the most prevalent genotype GII/4 was most common 69.7% (223 strains), followed by GII/3 17.2% (55 strains), GII/12 4.4% (14 strains), GII/1 2.2% (7 strains), GII/5 1.6% (5 strains), GII/15 1.3% (4 strains) and 0.6% (2 strains) each of GII/9 and GII/16. The GII-3 strains were most frequently detected in Incheon, 2005. From the phylogenetic analysis of NoV strains, we detected 16 genotypes of GII NoV strains during 2005~2007 in Incheon. Our results suggest that various genotypes of human NoV strains in sporadic case of AGE were circulated in Incheon, Korea.
Base Sequence ; Capsid ; Gastroenteritis ; Genotype ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Norovirus ; Open Reading Frames ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder during acute treatment phase. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, single group, and 8-week study was conducted in patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the present study. The primary efficacy measure was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, and secondary efficacy measures were the PANSS positive and negative subscales scores, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score. Treatment-emergent adverse events, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), weight, vital signs, and laboratory tests were assessed as measures of tolerability and safety. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all efficacy measures were achieved by aripiprazole as early as 1-week and sustained through 8-week period. First-episode patients showed greater improvements in PANSS total, positive subscale score, and CGI-S score, compared with recurrent patients. Slightly increased akathisia (+0.32 from baseline score of Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, p=0.033) and weight gain (1.15+/-3.44 kg, p<0.001) were observed by aripiprazole during 8-week acute treatment phase. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that aripiprazole was effective in acute treatment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. In general, aripiprazole showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles, although clinicians needed to pay attention to the possibility of akathisia and weight gain by aripiprazole in first-episode patients during acute treatment phase.
Humans ; Piperazines ; Prospective Studies ; Psychomotor Agitation ; Psychotic Disorders ; Quinolones ; Schizophrenia ; Vital Signs ; Weight Gain ; Aripiprazole

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder during acute treatment phase. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, single group, and 8-week study was conducted in patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the present study. The primary efficacy measure was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, and secondary efficacy measures were the PANSS positive and negative subscales scores, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score. Treatment-emergent adverse events, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), weight, vital signs, and laboratory tests were assessed as measures of tolerability and safety. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all efficacy measures were achieved by aripiprazole as early as 1-week and sustained through 8-week period. First-episode patients showed greater improvements in PANSS total, positive subscale score, and CGI-S score, compared with recurrent patients. Slightly increased akathisia (+0.32 from baseline score of Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, p=0.033) and weight gain (1.15+/-3.44 kg, p<0.001) were observed by aripiprazole during 8-week acute treatment phase. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that aripiprazole was effective in acute treatment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. In general, aripiprazole showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles, although clinicians needed to pay attention to the possibility of akathisia and weight gain by aripiprazole in first-episode patients during acute treatment phase.
Humans ; Piperazines ; Prospective Studies ; Psychomotor Agitation ; Psychotic Disorders ; Quinolones ; Schizophrenia ; Vital Signs ; Weight Gain ; Aripiprazole