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

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) twins with those of spontaneous twins based on their chorionicities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 598 twin pregnancies beyond 24 weeks of gestation delivered from October 1994 to December 2003. Subjects were grouped into the spontaneous group (n=392) and the IVF group (n=206) and then subgrouped into dichorionic (n=193, spontaneous vs. n=156, IVF) and monochorionic (n=154, spontaneous vs. n=34, IVF) subgroups. First, the obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared between the spontaneous group and the IVF group regardless of their chorionicity. Second, the same outcome variables were compared between the spontaneous and the IVF group with same chorionicity. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the incidence of preterm deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation in IVF twins (74.5% spontaneous vs. 82.5% IVF, p=0.031). However, the gestational age at delivery was not significantly different (34.5+/-2.86 weeks vs. 34.2+/-0.28 weeks). Antepartum admission was also significantly increased in IVF group (4.6% vs. 9.2%, p<0.001). We were unable to observe any significant difference in perinatal outcomes between the two groups other than increased in utero fetal demise in utero in the IVF group (0.3% vs. 1.5%, p<0.05). When we reanalyzed pregnancy outcomes based on chorionicity, there were more frequent admission to neonatal intensive care unit (42.7% vs. 52.6%, p<0.05) and necrotizing enterocolitis (0.5% vs. 3.5%, p<0.05) in dichorionic twins of the IVF group. In monochorionic twins, the incidence of placenta previa was increased in the IVF twin group (0% vs. 11.8%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the IVF twins, the incidence of placenta previa was increased in monochrionic twins and the incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission and necrotizing enterocolitis were also increased in dichorionic twins.
Chorion* ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Placenta Previa ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Retrospective Studies

Gemifloxacin is an enhanced-affinity fluoroquinolone with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In Korea, resistant bacteria are relatively more prevalent than in other industrialized countries. In this study, we studied the in vitro activities of gemifloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and other commonly used antimicrobial agents against 1,689 bacterial strains isolated at four Korean university hospitals during 1999-2000. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the agar dilution method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Gemifloxacin had the lowest MICs for the respiratory pathogens: 90% of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae were inhibited by 0.06, 0.03, and 0.03 mg/L, respectively. Gemifloxacin was more active than the other fluoroquinolones against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis. The MIC90s of gemifloxacin for Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus vulgaris, and nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. were 0.25, 1.0, and 0.12 mg/L, respectively, while those for other Gram-negative bacilli were 4-64 mg/L. In conclusion, gemifloxacin was the most active among the comparative agents against Gram-positive species, including respiratory pathogens isolated in Korea.
Anti-Infective Agents/*therapeutic use ; *Aza Compounds ; Bacteria/*drug effects ; Ciprofloxacin/therapeutic use ; *Fluoroquinolones ; Haemophilus influenzae/drug effects ; Korea ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Moraxella/drug effects ; Naphthyridines/*therapeutic use ; Ofloxacin/therapeutic use ; *Quinolines ; Streptococcus pneumoniae/drug effects