Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution characteristics of radiological damage to the hand of rheumatoid arthritis patients and evaluate its effectiveness using a new damage assessment method. Methods: Hand radiographs of a total of 127 rheumatoid arthritis patients were evaluated. We simplified the pre-existing van der Heijde modified total sharp score to assess the extent of bone damage. We selected 36 joints in both hands as regions of interest in our own way, and the erosion and joint space narrowing were scored. Results: When the erosion and joint space narrowing score values of each joint of the hand were added together, the joint space narrowing score was higher than the overall erosion score. We can see that the scaphoid,lunate,radius and ulnar joints have higher erosion scores, and the 4th proximal interphalangeal (PIP), Scaphoid, Lunate, and Radius joints have higher joint space narrowing scores than other joints. These damage assessment results were similar to the results from the previous damage assessment model. Conclusions The joint space narrowing score is higher than the erosion score, suggesting that joint space narrowing precedes erosion. When checking the hand X-ray of rheumatoid arthritis patients, it is necessary to carefully check the scaphoid,lunate,radius and ulnar and 4th PIP joints, which relatively high radiographic damage scores. Also, the damage assessment model used in this study is relatively simple and does not show difference in analysis results from existing assessment models, so it can be considered for application in follow-up research.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal value of the anal canal structures by transvaginal sonography in normal woman and compare this technique with the more commonly used transanal technique. METHODS: Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed in 25 parous patients between 4th and 8th decade of age, using a Bruel and Kajer type-1890. This procedure was followed by transanal sonography using the same system. The thickness of mucosa and submucosa, internal and external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle were measured by both methods. RESULTS: The thickness of mucosa- submucosa, internal anal sphincter, external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle by transvaginal sonography were 2.84 0.2 (2.6~3.0) mm, 2.98 0.4 (2.6~3.3) mm, 7.4 0.3 (7.1~7.7) mm, 7.5 0.5 (7.4~7.6) mm respectively(mean value standard deviation and range). The detection rate of external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle by transvaginal sonography were between 55.5% (5/9) and 71.4% (5/7). CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of internal anal sphincter was increased with age(p<0.05). The thickness of mucosa-submucosa, internal anal sphincter measured.
Anal Canal* ; Female ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; Reference Values ; Ultrasonography*

Background: The Field Epidemiology Training Program Frontline, initiated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2019, aims to enhance the competencies of infectious disease practitioners across 17 regions in South Korea. With the September 2024 amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act mandating infectious disease prevention and crisis response training for government employees who are associated with infectious diseases responses, there is an urgent need to assess and optimize the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such competency-based education programs amidst constraints of budget and manpower. Methods: This study examined the educational needs and priorities of public health competencies among infectious disease practitioners. The competency framework for Infectious Disease Response Practitioners (IDRP) in South Korea was used to evaluate the validity, importance, and performance level of competencies for infectious disease response personnel. For the training needs analysis, differences in performance by group were analyzed, and an importance performance analysis (IPA) was conducted using the Borich Needs Assessment based on the IPA matrix to derive training priorities. Results: The analysis revealed a significant gap between perceived importance and selfreported performance levels in most competencies, especially epidemiologic methods.Competencies related to safety and ethics, fieldwork, and crisis management have high importance and performance ratings, indicating a need for ongoing training. Of the 27 competencies, the IPA identified specific training needs and priorities, suggesting eight competencies for focused intervention to strengthen the capacity of IDRPs. Conclusion The IDRP competency framework in South Korea plays a pivotal role in establishing a standardized, competency-based approach to training IDRP. The identified gaps and training priorities highlight the need for continued curriculum development and the integration of real-world, field-based scenarios into training programs.

Background: The Field Epidemiology Training Program Frontline, initiated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2019, aims to enhance the competencies of infectious disease practitioners across 17 regions in South Korea. With the September 2024 amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act mandating infectious disease prevention and crisis response training for government employees who are associated with infectious diseases responses, there is an urgent need to assess and optimize the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such competency-based education programs amidst constraints of budget and manpower. Methods: This study examined the educational needs and priorities of public health competencies among infectious disease practitioners. The competency framework for Infectious Disease Response Practitioners (IDRP) in South Korea was used to evaluate the validity, importance, and performance level of competencies for infectious disease response personnel. For the training needs analysis, differences in performance by group were analyzed, and an importance performance analysis (IPA) was conducted using the Borich Needs Assessment based on the IPA matrix to derive training priorities. Results: The analysis revealed a significant gap between perceived importance and selfreported performance levels in most competencies, especially epidemiologic methods.Competencies related to safety and ethics, fieldwork, and crisis management have high importance and performance ratings, indicating a need for ongoing training. Of the 27 competencies, the IPA identified specific training needs and priorities, suggesting eight competencies for focused intervention to strengthen the capacity of IDRPs. Conclusion The IDRP competency framework in South Korea plays a pivotal role in establishing a standardized, competency-based approach to training IDRP. The identified gaps and training priorities highlight the need for continued curriculum development and the integration of real-world, field-based scenarios into training programs.

Background: The Field Epidemiology Training Program Frontline, initiated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2019, aims to enhance the competencies of infectious disease practitioners across 17 regions in South Korea. With the September 2024 amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act mandating infectious disease prevention and crisis response training for government employees who are associated with infectious diseases responses, there is an urgent need to assess and optimize the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such competency-based education programs amidst constraints of budget and manpower. Methods: This study examined the educational needs and priorities of public health competencies among infectious disease practitioners. The competency framework for Infectious Disease Response Practitioners (IDRP) in South Korea was used to evaluate the validity, importance, and performance level of competencies for infectious disease response personnel. For the training needs analysis, differences in performance by group were analyzed, and an importance performance analysis (IPA) was conducted using the Borich Needs Assessment based on the IPA matrix to derive training priorities. Results: The analysis revealed a significant gap between perceived importance and selfreported performance levels in most competencies, especially epidemiologic methods.Competencies related to safety and ethics, fieldwork, and crisis management have high importance and performance ratings, indicating a need for ongoing training. Of the 27 competencies, the IPA identified specific training needs and priorities, suggesting eight competencies for focused intervention to strengthen the capacity of IDRPs. Conclusion The IDRP competency framework in South Korea plays a pivotal role in establishing a standardized, competency-based approach to training IDRP. The identified gaps and training priorities highlight the need for continued curriculum development and the integration of real-world, field-based scenarios into training programs.

Background: The Field Epidemiology Training Program Frontline, initiated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2019, aims to enhance the competencies of infectious disease practitioners across 17 regions in South Korea. With the September 2024 amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act mandating infectious disease prevention and crisis response training for government employees who are associated with infectious diseases responses, there is an urgent need to assess and optimize the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such competency-based education programs amidst constraints of budget and manpower. Methods: This study examined the educational needs and priorities of public health competencies among infectious disease practitioners. The competency framework for Infectious Disease Response Practitioners (IDRP) in South Korea was used to evaluate the validity, importance, and performance level of competencies for infectious disease response personnel. For the training needs analysis, differences in performance by group were analyzed, and an importance performance analysis (IPA) was conducted using the Borich Needs Assessment based on the IPA matrix to derive training priorities. Results: The analysis revealed a significant gap between perceived importance and selfreported performance levels in most competencies, especially epidemiologic methods.Competencies related to safety and ethics, fieldwork, and crisis management have high importance and performance ratings, indicating a need for ongoing training. Of the 27 competencies, the IPA identified specific training needs and priorities, suggesting eight competencies for focused intervention to strengthen the capacity of IDRPs. Conclusion The IDRP competency framework in South Korea plays a pivotal role in establishing a standardized, competency-based approach to training IDRP. The identified gaps and training priorities highlight the need for continued curriculum development and the integration of real-world, field-based scenarios into training programs.

HHV-8 virus is known to be associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in HIV seropositive patients and its seroprevalence has geographic difference. In South Korea, incidence of KS is low not only in general population but also in HIV patients compared to other countries. It is speculated that low seroprevalence of HHV-8 has contributed to the low incidence of KS in South Korea. We examined the seroprevalence of anti HHV-8 IgG of HIV seronegative health care workers in one University hospital. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used for diagnosis. One person (0.6%, 1/164) was seropositive, six were equivocal (3.7%, 6/164) and 157 people were seronegative (95.73%, 157/164). This study revealed that seroprevalence of HHV-8 in general population was low in South Korea. Further studies are needed to be carried out to evaluate the low HHV-8 seroprevalence in Korea.
Delivery of Health Care ; Herpesvirus 8, Human ; HIV ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Incidence ; Korea ; Republic of Korea ; Sarcoma, Kaposi ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Viruses

HHV-8 virus is known to be associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in HIV seropositive patients and its seroprevalence has geographic difference. In South Korea, incidence of KS is low not only in general population but also in HIV patients compared to other countries. It is speculated that low seroprevalence of HHV-8 has contributed to the low incidence of KS in South Korea. We examined the seroprevalence of anti HHV-8 IgG of HIV seronegative health care workers in one University hospital. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used for diagnosis. One person (0.6%, 1/164) was seropositive, six were equivocal (3.7%, 6/164) and 157 people were seronegative (95.73%, 157/164). This study revealed that seroprevalence of HHV-8 in general population was low in South Korea. Further studies are needed to be carried out to evaluate the low HHV-8 seroprevalence in Korea.
Delivery of Health Care ; Herpesvirus 8, Human ; HIV ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Incidence ; Korea ; Republic of Korea ; Sarcoma, Kaposi ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Viruses

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established curative therapeutic modality for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used as a palliative treatment for inoperable HCC. It is still unknown whether RFA and TACE are equally effective for improving the survival of patients with unresectable HCC that is amenable to either treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical impacts of two treatments, and analyze the prognostic factors for recurrence and survival. METHODS: Ninety-three patients with a single HCC smaller than 4 cm who showed complete responses (complete ablation or complete lipiodol tagging) after treatment with RFA (n=43) or TACE (n=50) between January 2002 and February 2009 were investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 13 potential prognostic factors using the Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: The time-to-recurrence rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after treatment were 32.9%, 44.3%, and 55.4%, respectively, for the RFA group, and 42%, 68.3%, 71.7% for the TACE group. The probability of survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 97.7%, 77.4%, and 63.1%, respectively, for the RFA group, and 95.9%, 76.1%, and 60.2% for the TACE group. The time-to-recurrence and overall survival rates did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that a tumor size larger than 3 cm and lower serum albumin levels were independent risk factors for recurrence, and that being male, being seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen, and having a higher serum albumin level were independent favorable prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: TACE and RFA exhibited similar therapeutic effects in terms of recurrence and survival for patients with a single HCC smaller than 4 cm, if they could exhibited complete responses.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/surgery/*therapy ; *Catheter Ablation ; *Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Hepatitis B/complications ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/surgery/*therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transient elastography is a new noninvasive tool for measuring liver stiffness that accurately predicts significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, several studies have indicated that liver stiffness can be significantly influenced by major changes in aminotransferase in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing liver stiffness in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: We studied 158 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent transient elastography and liver biopsy sampling. Histologic findings on fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in the biopsy specimens were evaluated according to the Korean Society of Pathologists Scoring System. Routine biochemical tests were performed according to standard methods. RESULTS: Liver stiffness was strongly correlated with liver fibrosis stage (Spearman coefficient=0.636, P<0.001), lobular activity (Spearman coefficient=0.359, P<0.001), and portoperiportal activity grade (Spearman coefficient=0.448, P<0.001). Liver stiffness was significantly associated with serum levels of total bilirubin (P=0.025), direct bilirubin (P=0.049), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P=0.014), platelet count (P=0.004), albumin (P<0.001), and international normalized ratio (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that fibrosis stage (B 3.50, P=0.009) and lobular activity grade (B 3.25, P=0.047) were independently associated with liver stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography is associated with the grade of necroinflammatory activity and the stage of fibrosis, irrespective of serum ALT levels.
Adult ; Aged ; Bilirubin/blood ; Biopsy ; Chronic Disease ; Elasticity ; *Elasticity Imaging Techniques ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/*complications ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/*complications ; Humans ; International Normalized Ratio ; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology/pathology/*ultrasonography ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Count ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase/blood