OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients can be affected by sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, which are common in RLS. The objective of this study is to investigate relationship between cognitive impairment and RLS in the non-medicated Korean elderly with controlling for psychiatric conditions. METHOD: The study sample for this study comprised 25 non-medicated Korean elderly RLS patients and 50 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls. All subjects were evaluated with comprehensive cognitive function assessment tools-including the Korean version of Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K), severe cognitive impairment rating scale (SCIRS), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and clock drawing test (CLOX). Sleep quality and depression were also assessed with Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and geriatric depression scale (GDS). RESULTS: PSQI and GDS score showed no difference between RLS and control group. There was no significant difference between two groups in nearly all the cognitive function except in constructional recognition test, in which subjects with RLS showed lower performance than control group (t=-2.384, p=0.02). Subjects with depression (GDS> or =10) showed significant cognitive impairment compared to control in verbal fluency, Korean version of Mini Mental Status Examination in the CERAD-K (MMSE-KC), word list memory, trail making test, and frontal assessment battery (FAB). In contrast, no difference was observed between subjects who have low sleep quality (PSQI>5) and control group. CONCLUSIONS: At the exclusion of the impact of insomnia and depression, cognitive function was found to be relatively preserved in RLS patients compared to control. Impairment of visual recognition in RLS patients can be explained in terms of dopaminergic dysfunction in RLS.
Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Humans ; Memory ; Restless Legs Syndrome ; Sleep Deprivation ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Trail Making Test

OBJECTIVE: To test if the intake of H2 receptor antagonists (H2-RAs) increases the risk of gastric cancer in the elderly. METHODS: The source population for this study was drawn from the responders to a questionnaire survey administered to the Korea Elderly Pharmacoepidemiological Cohort (KEPEC), who were beneficiaries of the Korean Medical Insurance Corporation, were at least 65 years old, and residing in Busan in 1993. The information on H2-RAs exposure was obtained from a drug prescription database compiled between Jan. 1993 and Dec. 1994. The cases consisted of 76 gastric cancer patients, as confirmed from the KMIC claims data, the National Cancer Registry and the Busan Cancer Registry. The follow-up period was from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 1998. Cancer free controls were randomly selected by 1:4 individual matching, which took in to consideration the year of birth and gender. Information on confounders was collected by a mail questionnaire survey. The odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals, were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: After adjusting for a history of gastric ulcer symptoms, medication history, and body mass index, the adjusted OR (aOR) was 4.6 (95% CI=1.72-12.49). The odds ratio of long term use (more than 7 days) was 2.3 (95% CI=1.07-4.82). The odds ratio of short term use was 4.6 (95% CI=1.26-16.50). The odds ratio of parenteral use was 4.4 (95% CI=1.16-17.05) and combination use between the oral and parenteral routes (aOR, 16.8; 95% CI=1.21-233.24) had the high risk of gastric cancer. The aOR of cimetidine was 1.7 (95% CI=1.04-2.95). The aOR of ranitidine was 2.0 (95% CI=1.21-3.40). The aOR of famotidine was 1.7 (95% CI=0.98-2.80). CONCLUSION: The intake of H2-RAs might increase the risk of gastric cancer through achlorhydria in the elderly.
Achlorhydria ; Aged* ; Body Mass Index ; Busan ; Case-Control Studies* ; Cimetidine ; Cohort Studies ; Drug Prescriptions ; Famotidine ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Insurance ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Odds Ratio ; Parturition ; Pharmacoepidemiology ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Ranitidine ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Stomach Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Intravenous lidocaine has been reported previously to inhibit neuropathic pain. But it`s analgesic effect in postoperative pain has provided controversial results. The object of this study was to define the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in addition to morphine on postoperative pain control. METHOD: Female patients scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups to be studied in a double-blind manner. Group M (n=20) and Group M+L (n=18) received intravenous morphine (0.1 mg/kg) or intravenous morphine (0.1 mg/kg) + lidocaine (30 mg), respectively, after closure of the peritoneum. Continuous infusion of morphine (1.5 mg/hr) or morphine (1.5 mg/hr) + lidocaine (60 mg/hr) was started immediately after i.v. bolus injection, respectively, until the end of the operation. Postoperative pain was managed with a PCA pump (Walkmed, Medex, USA), setting the basal rate of morphine (0.5 mg/hr) + bolus dose (1.5 mg) and lock out time of 10 min in group M, adding the lidocaine (basal rate: 20 mg/hr and bolus dose: 60 mg) to the same dose of morphine as group M in group M+L. Postoperative visual analogue pain scores (VAS), analgesic requirements and side effects were examined for 2 days postoperatively and compared between groups. RESULTS: VAS at movement were significantly less (p< 0.05) in group M+L than in group M of 2, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hrs after surgery. Patient-controlled morphine cumulative consumption in group M+L was significantly less (p< 0.05) than in group M for 24 hours (26.3 mg vs 35.3 mg) after the operation (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous lidocaine reduces postoperative pain at movement and analgesic requirements. These results suggest that low-dose adminstration of i.v. lidocaine attenuates the postoperative hyperalgesic state.
Analgesia ; Analgesics ; Anesthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Lidocaine* ; Morphine* ; Neuralgia ; Pain, Postoperative ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis* ; Peritoneum

Purpose: This study aims to find ways to reduce the reality shock of newly graduated nurses by exploring the relationship between nursing practice readiness, social support from clinical nurse educators, and reality shock. Methods: From August 24 to September 13, 2023, data were collected from 134 newly graduated nurses with less than 12 months of clinical experience, who were trained by clinical nurse educators at one general hospital and two tertiary hospitals in I City and G Province. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 28.0 program. Results: Reality shock was negatively correlated with nursing practice readiness (r=-.50, p<.001) and social support (r=-.19, p=.03), while nursing practice readiness was positively correlated with social support (r=.37, p<.001). Nursing practice readiness was identified as a significant predictor of reality shock in newly graduated nurses (β=-.46, p<.001), accounting for 31% of the variance in reality shock (F=18.82, p<.001). Conclusion To alleviate the reality shock of newly graduated nurses, it is important to improve their practice readiness and ensure systematic, continuous education for clinical nurse educators.

Purpose: This study aims to find ways to reduce the reality shock of newly graduated nurses by exploring the relationship between nursing practice readiness, social support from clinical nurse educators, and reality shock. Methods: From August 24 to September 13, 2023, data were collected from 134 newly graduated nurses with less than 12 months of clinical experience, who were trained by clinical nurse educators at one general hospital and two tertiary hospitals in I City and G Province. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 28.0 program. Results: Reality shock was negatively correlated with nursing practice readiness (r=-.50, p<.001) and social support (r=-.19, p=.03), while nursing practice readiness was positively correlated with social support (r=.37, p<.001). Nursing practice readiness was identified as a significant predictor of reality shock in newly graduated nurses (β=-.46, p<.001), accounting for 31% of the variance in reality shock (F=18.82, p<.001). Conclusion To alleviate the reality shock of newly graduated nurses, it is important to improve their practice readiness and ensure systematic, continuous education for clinical nurse educators.

Purpose: This study aims to find ways to reduce the reality shock of newly graduated nurses by exploring the relationship between nursing practice readiness, social support from clinical nurse educators, and reality shock. Methods: From August 24 to September 13, 2023, data were collected from 134 newly graduated nurses with less than 12 months of clinical experience, who were trained by clinical nurse educators at one general hospital and two tertiary hospitals in I City and G Province. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 28.0 program. Results: Reality shock was negatively correlated with nursing practice readiness (r=-.50, p<.001) and social support (r=-.19, p=.03), while nursing practice readiness was positively correlated with social support (r=.37, p<.001). Nursing practice readiness was identified as a significant predictor of reality shock in newly graduated nurses (β=-.46, p<.001), accounting for 31% of the variance in reality shock (F=18.82, p<.001). Conclusion To alleviate the reality shock of newly graduated nurses, it is important to improve their practice readiness and ensure systematic, continuous education for clinical nurse educators.

Purpose: This study aims to find ways to reduce the reality shock of newly graduated nurses by exploring the relationship between nursing practice readiness, social support from clinical nurse educators, and reality shock. Methods: From August 24 to September 13, 2023, data were collected from 134 newly graduated nurses with less than 12 months of clinical experience, who were trained by clinical nurse educators at one general hospital and two tertiary hospitals in I City and G Province. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 28.0 program. Results: Reality shock was negatively correlated with nursing practice readiness (r=-.50, p<.001) and social support (r=-.19, p=.03), while nursing practice readiness was positively correlated with social support (r=.37, p<.001). Nursing practice readiness was identified as a significant predictor of reality shock in newly graduated nurses (β=-.46, p<.001), accounting for 31% of the variance in reality shock (F=18.82, p<.001). Conclusion To alleviate the reality shock of newly graduated nurses, it is important to improve their practice readiness and ensure systematic, continuous education for clinical nurse educators.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibiomat,osis type 1(NF-1) is a multisystemic disorder of genetic ori gin, affecting one in every 3000 to 4000 people. It is clinically important in the aspect of dermatology, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, neurology, neurosurgery and ophthalmology. OBJECTIVE: The purpore of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of NF-1 in Korean people. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on 112 patients which were compatible to the diagnostic criteria of Riccardi and Neurofibromatosis Conference Statement. The results were compared with other western studies. RESULTS: The age of onset, sex ratio, family history of neurofibromatosis, and clinica features of cafe-au-lait spot, neurofibroma, and axillary freckinings did not differed from western countries. However, some characterist,ics of NF 1(e.g. Lisch nodule) were not as sessed in the most of the cases and incomplete evaluations of the systemic diseases wen found. CONCLUSION: In this study t.he clinial features of NF-1 did not differ from western coun tries in many aspects. A more intensive evaluation of patient,s status is needed to manag; NF-1 patients appropritely.
Age of Onset ; Cafe-au-Lait Spots ; Dermatology ; Humans ; Neurofibroma ; Neurofibromatoses* ; Neurofibromatosis 1* ; Neurology ; Neurosurgery ; Ophthalmology ; Orthopedics ; Pediatrics ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Ratio

BACKGROUND: A number of in vitro skin models have been developed for the purpose of the screening of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental chemicals. To mimic the skin in vivo, a model should resemble morphologically and biochemically the parent, tissue. OBJECTIVE: The purpos of this study is to study the differentiation and organization of the artificial epidermis in comparsion with epidermis in vivo based on the expression of epidermal protein antigens and basement membrane components. METHODS: Human keratinocytes were cultured on deepidermidized dermis (RE-DED) or on fibroblast-populated collag-,n matrix (LSE). After 10 days culture, the sections of RE-DED and LSE were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An immunohistochemical study was also performed with the sections of RE-DED and LSE using antibodies recognizing proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), keratin 1, involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin, keratin 13, type IV collagen, and laminin. RESULTS: In both culture systems(RE-DED and LSE) a multilayered epidermis with a horny layer was observed. In the human epidermis reconstructed by both culture systems, differentiation markers appeared but with a topography slightly different from that of epidermis in vivo, and components of the basement membrane was also expressed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the epidermis obtained in both culture systems(RE-DED and LSE) resembled in vivo epidermis morphologically and biochemically, although it was not the same.
Antibodies ; Antigens, Differentiation ; Basement Membrane* ; Collagen Type IV ; Dermis ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Epidermis* ; Hematoxylin ; Humans* ; Keratin-1 ; Keratin-13 ; Keratinocytes ; Laminin ; Mass Screening ; Parents ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Skin

BACKGROUND: A number of in vitro skin models have been developed for the purpose of the screening of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental chemicals. To mimic the skin in vivo, a model should resemble morphologically and biochemically the parent, tissue. OBJECTIVE: The purpos of this study is to study the differentiation and organization of the artificial epidermis in comparsion with epidermis in vivo based on the expression of epidermal protein antigens and basement membrane components. METHODS: Human keratinocytes were cultured on deepidermidized dermis (RE-DED) or on fibroblast-populated collag-,n matrix (LSE). After 10 days culture, the sections of RE-DED and LSE were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An immunohistochemical study was also performed with the sections of RE-DED and LSE using antibodies recognizing proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), keratin 1, involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin, keratin 13, type IV collagen, and laminin. RESULTS: In both culture systems(RE-DED and LSE) a multilayered epidermis with a horny layer was observed. In the human epidermis reconstructed by both culture systems, differentiation markers appeared but with a topography slightly different from that of epidermis in vivo, and components of the basement membrane was also expressed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the epidermis obtained in both culture systems(RE-DED and LSE) resembled in vivo epidermis morphologically and biochemically, although it was not the same.
Antibodies ; Antigens, Differentiation ; Basement Membrane* ; Collagen Type IV ; Dermis ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Epidermis* ; Hematoxylin ; Humans* ; Keratin-1 ; Keratin-13 ; Keratinocytes ; Laminin ; Mass Screening ; Parents ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Skin