PURPOSE: This study investigated trends in family nursing intervention studies and evaluated the quality of studies using the RCT design. METHODS: This study included a total of 898 abstracts published from 1977 to 2007 in order to describe trends in family nursing intervention studies. Out of 898 studies, 153 RCT studies were selected for quality evaluation. The criteria of Jadad et al. (1996) were employed for the quality evaluation. RESULTS: The number of RCT studies on family nursing interventions increased since 2001. Only 6.8% of the studies were published in the area of nursing. Most of the family interventions (27.1%) focused on individual family members and only 8.2% of the studies provided interventions to family as a whole unit. Nine different modes of family nursing intervention could be categorized, but none of the studies used the double blind design. Few studies utilized protocols for interventions. Only 17.5% of the studies reported the rationale for sample size. The mean score was 1.6 out of 5 according to the criteria of Jadad et al. (1996). CONCLUSION: Refined definitions and attributes of family nursing intervention modes are needed. Most of the studies did not meet the expectations of RCT. Thus, it is needed to improve the quality of design. More RCT studies should be conducted to provide evidence-based practice of family nursing interventions.
Evidence-Based Practice ; Family Nursing* ; Humans ; Clinical Trial ; Korea ; Nursing ; Sample Size

PURPOSE: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, and epilepsy wth generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS) on awakening are the three syndromes of idiopathic generalized epilepsy of adolescent onset currently included in the classification of epilepsy syndromes of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Although they differ in their predominant seizure types, the syndromes share several seizure types. Also, there are no unique electrophysiologic or genetic markers. The question of phenotypic overlap and purity have arison. METHODS: We diagnosed 60 patients as idiopathic generalized epilepsy in Seoul National University Children's Hospital from August 1987 to June 1993 were analyzed in aspects of seizure types, electroencephalographic findings and follow up results. Their onset age of seizure was over 8 year old and the follow-up period was minimum 3 year. RESULTS: 1) seizure types : Four groups were defined by seizure type. The group with absence but not myoclonic (group A) were 19 cases (31.7%) and the group with myoclonic but not absence (group B), 12 cases (20.0%), the group with absence and myoclnic (Group C), 4cases (6.7%), and the group with GTCS only (Group D), 25 cases (41.6%). There was a tendency in that absence begins earlier and myoclonic seizure later in each group. 2) epilepsy syndromes : We could classify as 20 cases (33.3%) of jevenile absence epilepsy, 15 cases (15%) of jevenile myoclonic epilepsy, 5 cases (8.4%) of epilepsy with generalized tonic clonic on awakening, and 20 cases (33.3%) of isolated generalized tonic clonic seizure. 3) EEG characteristics by seizure type : 3-4Hz generalized bursts were most frequent in group A (p<0.05) and polyspike discharges were more frequent in group B than group A (p<0.05). The response to photic stimulation were more frequently observed in group B than group A. There was no significant differences in response to hyperventilation between group A and B. CONCLUSION: To define the combination of seizure types occurred in intervals make easy to approach the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes. We found that the current classification does not include all patients such as isolated generalized tonic clonic seizure in this study. We can expect information from the fields of molecular genetics and neuroimaging to help to define the etiologic basis of many epilepsies and perhaps to refine the present system of classification, more etiologically oriented and disease-specifically.
Adolescent ; Age of Onset ; Child ; Classification ; Diagnosis ; Electroencephalography* ; Epilepsies, Myoclonic ; Epilepsy ; Epilepsy, Absence ; Epilepsy, Generalized* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; Hyperventilation ; Molecular Biology ; Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile ; Neuroimaging ; Photic Stimulation ; Seizures* ; Seoul

BACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is of primary importance for infection control and selection of anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, most clinical laboratories report MTB complex (MTC) without reporting MTB because MTC comprising MTB, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium microti, Mycobacterium caprae and Mycobacterium pinnipedii have 99.9% similarity at the nucleotide level and identical 16S rRNA sequences. This study was conducted to analyze the species frequency of MTC isolates obtained from clinical specimen. METHODS: Of 310 MTC isolates obtained from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital from February 2017 to August 2018, MolecuTech Real TB-Taq (YD Diagnostics, Korea) real-time PCR was performed, specifically to detect MTB. For DNA showing MTB negative results by MTB-specific real-time PCR or pyrazinamide-resistant strains, PCR-based MTC typing, spoligotyping, and exact tandem repeat D gene sequencing were performed. RESULTS: All the 310 MTC isolates were identified to be MTB. Two MTB strains of East-African-Indian 4-Vietnam genotype, which have not been reported in Korea, were also found. CONCLUSION There was no zoonotic tuberculosis in this study. Since we investigated only 310 MTC isolates detected in only one medical institution, multi-center study is needed to accurately know the prevalence of zoonotic tuberculosis in Korea.

Purpose: Despite decreased prevalence of tuberculosis, the incidence of the diseases associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing in South Korea and around the world. The present retrospective study was conducted to determine longitudinal changes in the epidemiology and distribution of NTM over 13 years at a tertiary care hospital in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on Mycobacterium species over 13 years (January 2007 to December 2019) by utilizing the laboratory information system. Mycobacterium species were identified using biochemical tests and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and Mycobacteria GenoBlot assays. Results: After excluding duplicates from the initial pool of 17996 mycobacterial isolates, 7674 strains were analyzed and 2984 (38.9%) NTM were isolated. The proportion of NTM continuously increased over the 13-year period, from 17.0% in 2007 to 57.5% in 2019. Among the NTM isolates, the most common species were Mycobacterium intracellulare (50.6%), M. avium (18.3%), M. fortuitum complex (4.9%), M. abscessus (4.5%), M. gordonae (3.3%), M. kansasii (1.1%), M. chelonae (1.0%), and M. massiliense (0.9%).In patients over the age of 70 years, the proportion of NTM among the isolates increased from 26.6% in 2007 to 62.0% in 2019, and that of M. intracellulare isolates among the NTM increased from 13.9% (11/79) in 2007 to 37.4% (175/468) in 2019. Conclusion The number of NTM isolates continuously increased over the study period, and the increase in the proportion of M. intracellulare in patients aged over 70 years was notable.

Purpose: Despite decreased prevalence of tuberculosis, the incidence of the diseases associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing in South Korea and around the world. The present retrospective study was conducted to determine longitudinal changes in the epidemiology and distribution of NTM over 13 years at a tertiary care hospital in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on Mycobacterium species over 13 years (January 2007 to December 2019) by utilizing the laboratory information system. Mycobacterium species were identified using biochemical tests and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and Mycobacteria GenoBlot assays. Results: After excluding duplicates from the initial pool of 17996 mycobacterial isolates, 7674 strains were analyzed and 2984 (38.9%) NTM were isolated. The proportion of NTM continuously increased over the 13-year period, from 17.0% in 2007 to 57.5% in 2019. Among the NTM isolates, the most common species were Mycobacterium intracellulare (50.6%), M. avium (18.3%), M. fortuitum complex (4.9%), M. abscessus (4.5%), M. gordonae (3.3%), M. kansasii (1.1%), M. chelonae (1.0%), and M. massiliense (0.9%).In patients over the age of 70 years, the proportion of NTM among the isolates increased from 26.6% in 2007 to 62.0% in 2019, and that of M. intracellulare isolates among the NTM increased from 13.9% (11/79) in 2007 to 37.4% (175/468) in 2019. Conclusion The number of NTM isolates continuously increased over the study period, and the increase in the proportion of M. intracellulare in patients aged over 70 years was notable.

PURPOSE: The relationship between head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and subtypes of tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) has not been studied in-depth. In this study, we evaluated the expression patterns of TrkA, TrkB, and panTrk and their clinicopathological significance as well as association with p16 expression and human papilloma virus (HPV) status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 396 radically resected oropharyngeal (n=121) and non-oropharyngeal (n=275) HNSCCs were included. Immunohistochemistry for TrkA, TrkB, and panTrk was performed. In addition, p16 immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the HPV status. Using HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines, FaDu and CAL27, HPV type 16 E6/E7 gene was transfected, and then changes of TrkA and TrkB expression were analyzed. RESULTS: In the clinical samples of HNSCC, high expression of TrkA and panTrk were more associated with oropharyngeal and p16 positive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In patients with completely resected (R0-resected) oropharyngeal SCC, high TrkA expression was related to superior overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS). In patients with R0-resected oral cavity SCC, high panTrk was related to poor RFS. In HPV type E6/E7 gene-transfected FaDu and CAL27 cell lines, increase of TrkA expression was observed. CONCLUSION: It seems that expression pattern of panTrk and TrkA differed according to anatomical sites of HNSCC and was closely related to p16 expression and patient prognosis. Trk expression should be considered in the context of anatomical site, p16 expression or HPV status and Trk subtypes.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; Head ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mouth ; Neck ; Papillomaviridae ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Phosphotransferases ; Prognosis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to longitudinally examine the correlation between the change of atopic dermatitis (AD) severity and the change of quality of life (QOL). METHODS: We assessed AD severity and QOL of patients and their families, by a prospective followed up for at least 12 months. AD severity was assessed, using the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. A questionnaire based on dermatitis family impact (DFI), infants' dermatologic quality of life (IDQoL) and children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) were used to determine QOL. RESULTS: Seventy-nine AD patients were assessed for total and objective SCORAD and DFI. Among them, 45 patients that were less than 36 months old completed IDQoL and 13 patients that were equal to or more than 36 months old completed CDLQI. Objective SCORAD (oSCORAD) were correlated with DFI (r=0.235), IDQoL (r=0.602) and CDLQI (r=0.589) (P<0.05). At the 2nd interview, median oSCORAD (from 17.4 to 7.8), DFI (from 23.0 to 18.0) and IDQoL (from 9.0 to 6.0) were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The changes of oSCORAD were linearly related with the change of IDQoL (P<0.01), but neither with DFI (P=0.356) nor with CDLQI (P=0.267). Of the 64 patients with decreased oSCORAD, food allergy was accompanied more frequently in those with an increased DFI than those with a decreased DFI (60.7% vs. 27.8%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: In this longitudinal study, the improvement of AD severity is correlated with the improvement of the patient's QOL, under the age of 3. To improve the family's QOL, we need to find out accompanying factors, such as food allergy, and to support the family accordingly.
Asthma ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatology ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Longitudinal Studies ; Prospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial

BACKGROUND: The rapid and accurate detection of diarrheal pathogens is essential to prevent the spread of diarrheal diseases. Recently, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect various bacterial and viral diarrheal pathogens. In this study, we investigated the frequency of detection of various potential pathogens causing diarrhea by using multiplex PCR and compared the results to the results of stool culture tests for bacteria and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for rotaviruses and Clostridium difficile toxin B (CDTB). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results for multiplex PCR, culture tests, and EIA obtained from stool specimens submitted to the laboratory from May 2013 to September 2014. Multiplex PCR was performed using the Seeplex diarrhea ACE detection kit (Seegene, Korea), which detects five viruses and eight bacteria. RESULTS: Among 890 stool specimens, 408 (45.8%) were found to be positive by PCR. The PCR positivity rate for bacteria and viruses was 31.1% (277/890) and 18.9% (161/890), respectively. The relative frequencies of microorganisms or toxins detected by PCR were, in decreasing order, CDTB 24.0%, Clostridium perfringens 20.6%, norovirus-GII 15.8%, rotavirus 11.3%, Campylobacter spp. 7.5%, enteric adenovirus 5.7%, and Salmonella spp. 5.1%. The concordance rate of the results obtained using the PCR and culture tests was 99.2% for Salmonella spp., 95.7% for Campylobacter spp., and. 79.8% for C. difficile . The concordance rates for rotaviruses and CDTB were 99.7% and 83.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplex PCR method showed a high detection rate and is useful for the simultaneous detection of various diarrheal pathogens.
Adenoviridae ; Bacteria ; Campylobacter ; Clostridium difficile ; Clostridium perfringens ; Diarrhea ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Retrospective Studies ; Rotavirus ; Salmonella

Purpose: : This study aimed to present the incidence of pressure ulcers and identify different associated factors according to the time of occurrence of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: : The participants were 313 patients who reported pressure ulcers among 2,908 patients in ICUs at a large tertiary hospital in Gyeonggi-do. Among them, 220 patients (70.3%) had a pressure ulcer before admission, and 93 patients (29.7%) reported newly developed pressure ulcers after admission to the ICU. Data were collected between August 2018 and April 2019. Along with the time of occurrence and characteristics of pressure ulcers, diverse associated factors were gathered through electronic medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and χ2-tests. Results: : Different risk factors associated with pressure ulcers in ICU patients according to the time of occurrence were main diagnosis, score of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation, score of Richmond agitation sedation scale, level of consciousness, administered sedatives, use of a ventilator, insertion of a feeding tube, and the duration of fasting period. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, healthcare providers, especially ICU nurses, should try to detect early signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers, taking into account the derived factors associated with pressure ulcers in ICU patients. Practical intervention programs and strategies considering the factors associated with pressure ulcers must be developed to prevent and alleviate such ulcers in ICU patients in the future.

Purpose: The number of international visiting scholars has been on the increase in Korea and we aim to investigate the program’s current situation. Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on an online survey questionnaire responded by international visiting scholars in surgical departments of 8 Korean hospitals between 2014 and 2018 about their experiences and satisfaction with the visiting scholar program. Results: A total of 1,496 international scholars from 80 countries visited various surgical departments in 8 Korean hospitals between 2014 and 2018. The numbers have been on the increase over the years. Out of 355 visiting scholars in 2018, 71 replied to the online survey, of whom 52 were male and 19 female, and mostly in their 30s and 40s. Information about the program was accessed mostly through friends or colleagues (42.3%) and international conferences (36.6%). The commonest funding source was private (35.2%) and more than half stayed for less than 3 months. The visiting scholar’s main roles were mostly observation or participation in surgery and clinical research. All but 1 were satisfied with the program (98.6%) and would recommend it to friends and colleagues, although the language barrier was identified as an inconvenience. Those aged 20–39 years with governmental or institutional funding were associated with stays of more than 1 year. Conclusion The number of international visiting scholars at surgical departments in Korean hospitals has been on the increase with high satisfaction levels. Improvements need to be made on funding sources and lengthening visiting period to maximize the benefits of the program.