BACKGROUND: Aging can serve as an underlying mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, smoking, which is the most common cause of COPD, is responsible for the systemic manifestations of the disease, independently from the lung function alterations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of aging on the occurrence of cigarette smoking induced COPD. METHODS: For this analysis, we evaluated smoking status by a lifestyle intervention program and measured the occurrence of COPD by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: Aging and smoking were significantly effected on the lung function of COPD patients. Especially, the smoking duration is exaggerated in the presence of old age for older COPD patients. CONCLUSION The result showed that COPD patients exhibit aging and smoking duration related severity. The prevalence of COPD kept increasing internationally. Knowing the risk factor of COPD quantitatively and finding out the interaction among risk factors could be valuable predictors for preventing COPD.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study are to review the literature on quality of life intervention programs and to recommend further research and clinical considerations to improve the quality of life among patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Three electronic databases - PubMed, CHINAHL and RISS - were searched using the search terms of “schizophrenia” AND “quality of life” AND “intervention*” OR “program*.” The search was limited to studies published in English and Korean. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected for the final analysis and evaluated in terms of contextual and methodological quality. The 10 studies consisted of 5 randomized controlled trials, 4 quasi-experimental studies, and 1 case report. The selected studies utilized an educational program, art and music therapy, physical activity therapy, and community-based integrated programs to alleviate psychological symptoms and showed effectiveness in improving quality of life. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary interventions and programs using multiple components reduced psychological symptoms and improved the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
Humans ; Motor Activity ; Music Therapy ; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Quality of Life ; Schizophrenia

We report a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection of the face and abdomen in a 25 years old man following cosmetic autologous fat injection. The goal of this manuscript is to increase awareness and suspicion of such as atypical mycobacterial infections complicating liposuction and fat injection. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies utilizing acid-fast stains and cultures, prevention and treatment including surgical debridement, and pharmacologic regimens in the ultimate diagnosis for Mycobacterium fortuitum infections are discussed.
Abdomen ; Coloring Agents ; Cosmetics ; Debridement ; Lipectomy ; Mycobacterium ; Mycobacterium fortuitum

Purpose: This study aimed to examine changes in nurse staffing grades and nursing fee revenues in intensive care units (ICUs) following the third amendment of the resource-based relative value scale, which was implemented in January 2024. Methods: Changes in staffing grades from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 were analyzed among 588 general ICUs, 94 neonatal ICUs, and 13 pediatric ICUs. Annual nursing fee revenues per nurse were estimated based on the new nursing fee structure for each grade. Results: In general ICUs, the highest grade (grade S) and the second-highest grade (grade A) accounted for 7.3% and 41.5%, respectively, in tertiary hospitals, whereas 3.8% were grade S and 11.5% were grade A in general hospitals. In neonatal ICUs, the proportion of higher grades (S, A, and 1) was greater in general hospitals (54.3%) than in tertiary hospitals (38.6%). In pediatric ICUs, 30.8% were grade S and 61.5% were grade A. When applying the same grading criteria (i.e., beds per nurse) across both quarters, staffing levels remained unchanged in most ICUs. Nursing fees and their revenues did not increase proportionally to staffing requirements (i.e., the number of nurses required per patient). Conclusion Revisions to staffing grade and nursing fee systems are necessary to induce medical institutions to improve their ICU staffing levels.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine changes in nurse staffing grades and nursing fee revenues in intensive care units (ICUs) following the third amendment of the resource-based relative value scale, which was implemented in January 2024. Methods: Changes in staffing grades from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 were analyzed among 588 general ICUs, 94 neonatal ICUs, and 13 pediatric ICUs. Annual nursing fee revenues per nurse were estimated based on the new nursing fee structure for each grade. Results: In general ICUs, the highest grade (grade S) and the second-highest grade (grade A) accounted for 7.3% and 41.5%, respectively, in tertiary hospitals, whereas 3.8% were grade S and 11.5% were grade A in general hospitals. In neonatal ICUs, the proportion of higher grades (S, A, and 1) was greater in general hospitals (54.3%) than in tertiary hospitals (38.6%). In pediatric ICUs, 30.8% were grade S and 61.5% were grade A. When applying the same grading criteria (i.e., beds per nurse) across both quarters, staffing levels remained unchanged in most ICUs. Nursing fees and their revenues did not increase proportionally to staffing requirements (i.e., the number of nurses required per patient). Conclusion Revisions to staffing grade and nursing fee systems are necessary to induce medical institutions to improve their ICU staffing levels.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine changes in nurse staffing grades and nursing fee revenues in intensive care units (ICUs) following the third amendment of the resource-based relative value scale, which was implemented in January 2024. Methods: Changes in staffing grades from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 were analyzed among 588 general ICUs, 94 neonatal ICUs, and 13 pediatric ICUs. Annual nursing fee revenues per nurse were estimated based on the new nursing fee structure for each grade. Results: In general ICUs, the highest grade (grade S) and the second-highest grade (grade A) accounted for 7.3% and 41.5%, respectively, in tertiary hospitals, whereas 3.8% were grade S and 11.5% were grade A in general hospitals. In neonatal ICUs, the proportion of higher grades (S, A, and 1) was greater in general hospitals (54.3%) than in tertiary hospitals (38.6%). In pediatric ICUs, 30.8% were grade S and 61.5% were grade A. When applying the same grading criteria (i.e., beds per nurse) across both quarters, staffing levels remained unchanged in most ICUs. Nursing fees and their revenues did not increase proportionally to staffing requirements (i.e., the number of nurses required per patient). Conclusion Revisions to staffing grade and nursing fee systems are necessary to induce medical institutions to improve their ICU staffing levels.