1.Psychological Autopsy: Review and Considerations for Future Directions in Korea.
Kyoung Sae NA ; Jong Woo PAIK ; Mi Kyung YUN ; Hyun Soo KIM
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2015;54(1):40-48
Psychological autopsy is a systematic methodology for comprehensive investigation of psychiatric and behavioral factors assumed to be causative or related to death of the deceased. In many countries, psychological autopsy is considered the most direct and valuable tool for determining the relationship between risk factors and suicide. The case of Finland revealed that successful psychological autopsy studies could greatly contribute to the national suicide prevention strategy, which consequently reduced the national suicide rate. Despite the strengths of psychological autopsy for identifying risk factors of suicide and consequently preventing suicide, it has not been successful in Korea. Implementation of psychological autopsy has been inconsistent and sporadic across the provinces. In addition, standardization of psychological autopsy protocol and qualification of interviewers are needed. With all of these methodological issues in mind, conduct of as many psychological autopsies as possible is important in order to build an evidence-based suicide prevention strategy. For successful implementation of psychological autopsy in Korea, it is necessary to improve attitudes toward suicide and psychiatric conditions. Legal, administrative, and institutional support are also important. Finally, multidisciplinary approach based on the financial and legal support should be employed.
Autopsy*
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Finland
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Korea
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Mental Health
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Risk Factors
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Suicide
2.Depression, suicide, and Korean society.
Mihee NAM ; Dae Seog HEO ; Tae Yeon JUN ; Min Soo LEE ; Maeng Je CHO ; Changsu HAN ; Min Kyung KIM
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2011;54(4):358-361
The number of Korean people who are currently suffering from depressive disorders that require medical treatment is assumed to be more than 2 million. However, only around 15% of those with depressive disorder are actively receiving medical treatment, and this leads to an increasing suicide rate. Hence, the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency held a round-table conference to provide information on depression and suicide and suggested a reasonable policy through comprehensive discussion with experts. The prevalence of depression, which is closely related to suicide rates, is lower in Korea than in the U.S., but the rate of suicide is the highest among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. It is thought that the underestimated prevalence of depression is owing to the inconsistency between the diagnostic criteria of depression and characteristics of depression in Korea. Therefore, it is necessary to develop Korean diagnostic criteria for depression reflecting cultural characteristics and conduct a regular and organized nationwide survey. Moreover, a term related to suicide officially used by Statistics Korea is 'intentional self-injury'. However, in a Korea-based community study, it was found that 60% to 72% of those attempting suicide had mental disorders; thus suicide is not merely an intentional self-injury but a medical condition that should be treated. To reduce suicide, both medical and social approaches are necessary. Furthermore, a strengthening of the public perception that a medical approach is important for suicide prevention is greatly needed. Moreover, it is necessary to prepare an effective national suicide prevention strategy through studies evaluating the suicide prevention policies currently implemented and psychological autopsy of suicide deaths similar to those practiced in Finland.
Autopsy
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Cultural Characteristics
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Delivery of Health Care
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Depression
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Depressive Disorder
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Finland
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Korea
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Prevalence
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Stress, Psychological
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Suicide
3.Reliability Comparison of Rebound Tonometer at the Upright and Supine Position.
Kyoung Lae KIM ; Ka Young LEE ; Young Cheol YOO
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2015;56(1):93-98
PURPOSE: Rebound tonometer has been used to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the supine as well as normal upright positions. We investigated the reliability of IOP measurements using the rebound tonometer in the upright and supine positions. METHODS: IOP was measured in 30 patients (60 eyes) with open-angle glaucoma who had no history of ocular surgery and no anterior segment pathology, in both the upright and supine positions using rebound tonometer (IcarePRO; Icare Finland Oy, Finland). The average IOP value after 6 measurements was recorded. We measured IOP repeatedly until 3 reliable values within normal limits of the measurement's variation were obtained. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and number of repeated measurements necessary to obtain 3 reliable IOP values in each position as measured by one examiner. RESULTS: ICC values for IOP measurements were 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.784-0.903; p < 0.001) in the upright position and 0.684 (95% CI, 0.563-0.784; p < 0.027) in the supine position. Coefficient of variation was 8.7 +/- 0.1% in the upright position and 24.0 +/- 0.1% in the supine position. An average of 3.3 times of repeated measurements in the upright position and 6.2 times in the supine position were necessary to obtain 3 reliable IOP values within the normal range of standard deviation. CONCLUSIONS: When measuring IOP using the IcarePRO rebound tonometer, the measurement reliability was different between the upright and supine positions. Reproducibility of IOP measurements was lower in the upright than the supine position.
Finland
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Glaucoma, Open-Angle
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Humans
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Intraocular Pressure
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Iron-Dextran Complex
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Pathology
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Reference Values
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Supine Position*
5.Prenatal diagnosis of a fetus affected with Finnish type congenital nephrotic syndrome.
Yan CHU ; Qiaofang HOU ; Dong WU ; Guiyu LOU ; Ke YANG ; Liangjie GUO ; Na QI ; Xiaoxiao DUAN ; Wei WANG ; Litao QIN ; Shixiu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2019;36(10):1022-1024
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic basis for a fetus suspected for congenital nephrotic syndrome of Finland (CNF).
METHODS:
Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral and umbilical cord blood samples derived from both parents and the fetus. Potential variants were detected by using next-generation sequencing. Suspected variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS:
The fetus was found to carry compound heterozygous variants c.1440+1G>A and c.925G>T of the NPHS1 gene, which were respectively inherited from its mother and father.
CONCLUSION
Identification of the compound heterozygous NPHS1 variants has enabled diagnosis of CNF in the fetus and genetic counseling for the affected family.
Female
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Fetus
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Finland
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Heterozygote
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Humans
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Membrane Proteins
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genetics
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Nephrotic Syndrome
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congenital
;
diagnosis
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Pregnancy
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Prenatal Diagnosis
6.The Relationship between Worker's Health Status and Work Ability Index in Small Scale Factories.
Young Ha LEE ; Sung Chul HONG ; Jong Young LEE
Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):149-160
This research was carried out to determine the relationship between worker's health status and work ability index in small scale factories. The data were gathered from 330 workers of Gumi industrial complex, from February to March, 1996. In this study, as questionnaire for the assessment of work ability, We used the work ability index which was developed by Institute of Occupational Health in Finland. The results of the study were summarized as follows; 1) Work ability index was poor in shift work group, more than 9 hours work group, irregular diet group, and stress sensitive group (p<0.01). There were no evident trends of work ability index in sex, marital status, educational level, obesity index, exercise, alcohol drinking and smoking. 2) As comparing work ability index with worker's health status, work ability index was poor in visual correction needed group, urine sugar positive group, and abnormal ALT & AST group (p<0.01) There were no evident trends of work ability index in hearing capacity, blood pressure, hematocrit and urine protein. 3) In the ANOVA was performed to examine the relationship between work ability index and significant factors above 1) and 2). shift work, work hours, diet, stress sensitive and health status were still statistically significant (p<0.05) on work ability index.
Alcohol Drinking
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Blood Pressure
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Diet
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Finland
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Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Hearing
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Hematocrit
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Marital Status
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Obesity
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Occupational Health
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Questionnaires
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Smoke
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Smoking
7.The validity and Reliability on Korean Version of Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory: Cross-Cultural Comparisons.
Hun Jeong EUN ; Hyun Gi KIM ; Sun Mi LEE ; Mal Rye CHOI
Journal of Korean Epilepsy Society 2003;7(1):3-15
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was 1) to confirm the reliability and validity of a Korean version of Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory (K-WPSI), 2) to investigate the psychosocial functioning of epilepsy patients from Korea, and 3) to compare with other countries. METHODS: The subjects were 302 patients with epilepsy (above 18years). They completed K-WPSI of 132 items including 11 subscales:family background, emotional adjustment, interpersonal adjustment, adjustment to seizures, medical management, overall psychological functioning, Blank, Lie and Rare. We assessed internal consistency, item-subscale correlations, and split-half reliability. Construct validity was assessed by correlating scales of Psychosocial Rating Sheet and K-WPSI. K-WPSI profiles were compared with those from the West Germany, Finland, Canada, the United States, Chile, Dutch, and Japan. RESULTS: The internal consistency estimated by cronbach's alpha coefficient was .934 and split-half reliability coefficient was .876 for adequate reliability (p<.01). Each of subscales in the K-WPSI were high correlated with theoretically similar scales but correlation between theoretically dissimilar subscales was not high. And K-WPSI subscales were significantly related to the PRS subscales. It showed that the Korea epilepsy patients had serious problems in emotional, interpersonal, vocational adjustment, financial status, adjustment to seizure, and overall psycho-social functioning. Comparing the outcomes of various countries, epilepsy patients from Korea and chile had the most serious problem in most areas of psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSIONS: K-WPSI could be a useful test in Korea for reliable determination of the various psychosocial problems of epilepsy patients but modifications of the limitation of the Lie scale may be needed. Comparing the results of other countries, Korea epilepsy patients have been experienced serious psychosocial problem. To solve this problem, social policy and medical and emotional supportive system for persons with epilepsy should need to be established.
Canada
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Chile
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Cross-Cultural Comparison*
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Epilepsy
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Finland
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Germany
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Humans
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Japan
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Korea
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Reproducibility of Results*
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Seizures*
;
Social Problems
;
United States
;
Washington*
;
Weights and Measures
8.Risk Assessment in Finland: Theory and Practice.
Hannu ANTTONEN ; Rauno PAAKKONEN
Safety and Health at Work 2010;1(1):1-10
The Finnish risk assessment practice is based on the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act aiming to improve working conditions in order maintain the employees' work ability, and to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. In practice there are hundreds of risk assessment methods in use. A simple method is used in small and medium sized enterprises and more complex risk evaluation methods in larger work places. Does the risk management function in the work places in Finland? According to our experience something more is needed. That is, understanding of common and company related benefits of risk management. The wider conclusion is that commitment for risk assessment in Finland is high enough. However, in those enterprises where OSH management was at an acceptable level or above it, there were also more varied and more successfully accomplished actions to remove or reduce the risks than in enterprises, where OSH management was in lower level. In risk assessment it is important to process active technical prevention and exact communication, increase work place attraction and increase job satisfaction and motivation. Investments in OSH are also good business. Low absenteeism due to illness or accidents increases directly the production results by improved quality and quantity of the product. In general Finnish studies have consistently shown that the return of an invested euro is three to seven-old. In national level, according to our calculations the savings could be even 20% of our gross national product.
Absenteeism
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Accidents, Occupational
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Commerce
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Finland
;
Gross Domestic Product
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Hypogonadism
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Income
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Investments
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Job Satisfaction
;
Mitochondrial Diseases
;
Motivation
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Occupational Health
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Occupational Health Services
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Ophthalmoplegia
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Risk Assessment
;
Risk Management
;
Workplace
9.Risk Assessment in Finland: Theory and Practice.
Hannu ANTTONEN ; Rauno PAAKKONEN
Safety and Health at Work 2010;1(1):1-10
The Finnish risk assessment practice is based on the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act aiming to improve working conditions in order maintain the employees' work ability, and to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. In practice there are hundreds of risk assessment methods in use. A simple method is used in small and medium sized enterprises and more complex risk evaluation methods in larger work places. Does the risk management function in the work places in Finland? According to our experience something more is needed. That is, understanding of common and company related benefits of risk management. The wider conclusion is that commitment for risk assessment in Finland is high enough. However, in those enterprises where OSH management was at an acceptable level or above it, there were also more varied and more successfully accomplished actions to remove or reduce the risks than in enterprises, where OSH management was in lower level. In risk assessment it is important to process active technical prevention and exact communication, increase work place attraction and increase job satisfaction and motivation. Investments in OSH are also good business. Low absenteeism due to illness or accidents increases directly the production results by improved quality and quantity of the product. In general Finnish studies have consistently shown that the return of an invested euro is three to seven-old. In national level, according to our calculations the savings could be even 20% of our gross national product.
Absenteeism
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Accidents, Occupational
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Commerce
;
Finland
;
Gross Domestic Product
;
Hypogonadism
;
Income
;
Investments
;
Job Satisfaction
;
Mitochondrial Diseases
;
Motivation
;
Occupational Health
;
Occupational Health Services
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Ophthalmoplegia
;
Risk Assessment
;
Risk Management
;
Workplace
10.Association of Chlamydia Pneumoniae Strain TWAR Antibody and Angiographically Demonstrated Coronary Artery Disease.
Je LEE ; Jeong Hyun KIM ; Tae Young KIM ; Jung Hye CHOI ; Jin Ho SHIN ; Jae Ung LEE ; Kyung Soo KIM ; Soon Kil KIM ; Heon Kil LIM ; Bang Hun LEE ; Chung Kyun LEE ; Tae Yeal CHOI
Korean Circulation Journal 1999;29(10):1076-1081
BACKGROUND: A recent case-control study from Finland reported a strong relationship between high antibody titers to Chlamydia pneumoniae , strain TWAR, and both chronic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. Other studies also suggested an association between C. pneumoniae infection and coronary atherosclerosis, based on the demonstration of increased serologic titers and the detection of bacteria within atherosclerotic tissue, but this association has not been yet regarded as an established theory. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between C. pneumoniae immnoglobulin G antibody titers and angiographically diagnosed coronary artery disease. METHOD: Coronary angiography was performed. Controls (n=89) were coronary angiographically normal cases and coronary artery disease (n=115) was diagnosed if coronary artery luminal diameter is obstructed more than 50% in more than one coronary artery. Micro-IF assay was used to measure C. pneumoniae TWAR antibodies. The sera were titrated in two-fold dilutions starting from 1 in 8, and a titre of 1 in 8 or more was judjed positive. RESULTS: The estimated risk of coronary artery disease, adjusted for age and gender, was greater among subjects with high (> or =1:128) antibody titers than with low (< or =1:8) antibody titers (relative risk, 7.9:95% confidence interval, 1.3-47.9). CONCLUSION: These results support an association between infection with >ENGLISH=Ptimes-i< C. pneumoniae and coronary artery disease only in high (> or =1:128) antibody titers.
Antibodies
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Bacteria
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Case-Control Studies
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Chlamydia*
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Chlamydophila pneumoniae*
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Coronary Angiography
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Coronary Artery Disease*
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Coronary Vessels*
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Finland
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Heart Diseases
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Myocardial Infarction
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Phenobarbital
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Pneumonia