PURPOSE: Korean women are likely to experience symptoms of depression, possibly due to socially fixed limitations on the roles that Korean women are expected to perform. Also if a Korean woman experinces negative relationship problem or stress in her family, she would feel responsible, which will worsen her depression. Nonetheless, much of the research on depression among Korean women has focused on menopausal women. This study aims to understand the depression of Korean women to provide fundamental data to develop nursing intervention method for promoting women's health. METHODS: The present investigation assessed the prevalence and correlates of depression in a large sample of Korean women, aged 18 or older, from the general population. With a probability sample of 3312 women drawn from two areas in Korea, a survey, which contains the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and background, was completed. RESULTS: According to CES-D classification criteria, 36.5% of the women in the sample displayed either no depression or mild depression, 55.6% exhibited moderate depression, and 7.8% manifested severe depression. Significant bivariate relationships were observed between depression and each measured background variable except alcohol use. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the strongest combination of predictors of depression included income, menopausal, and marital status. CONCLUSION: The data support the premise that Korean women disproportionately experience elevated levels of depression. Consistent with the theory, depression may be related to social pressures to conform to the traditional roles. The study suggests the need for further research, primary prevention activities, and increased access to treatment.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Depressive Disorder/diagnosis/*ethnology/etiology/nursing ; Female ; Gender Identity ; Guilt ; Health Promotion ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Marital Status ; Models, Psychological ; Multivariate Analysis ; Nurse's Role ; Prevalence ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sex Distribution ; Social Support ; Social Values ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Women/education/psychology

Background: Human breast milk (HBM) contains optimal nutrients for infant growth.Probiotics are used to prevent disease and, when taken by the mother, they may affect infant microbiome as well as HBM. However, few studies have specifically investigated the effect of probiotic intake by the mother on HBM and infant microbiota at genus/species level. Therefore, we present a comprehensive analysis of paired HBM and infant feces (IF) microbiome samples before and after probiotic intake by HBM-producing mothers. Methods: Lactating mothers were administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (n = 9) or Saccharomyces boulardii capsules (n = 9), for 2 months; or no probiotic (n = 7). Paired HBM and IF samples were collected before and after treatment and analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Results: Forty-three HBM and 49 IF samples were collected and sequenced. Overall, in 43 HBM samples, 1,190 microbial species belonging to 684 genera, 245 families, 117 orders, and 56 classes were detected. In 49 IF samples, 372 microbial species belonging to 195 genera, 79 families, 42 orders, and 18 classes were identified. Eight of 20 most abundant genera in both HBM and IF samples overlapped: Streptococcus (14.42%), Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Veillonella, which were highly abundant in the HBM samples; and Bifidobacterium (27.397%), Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium, which were highly abundant in the IF samples. Several major bacterial genera and species were detected in the HBM and IF samples after probiotic treatment, illustrating complex changes in the microbiomes upon treatment. Conclusion This is the first Korean microbiome study in which the effect of different probiotic intake by the mother on the microbiota in HBM and IF samples was investigated.This study provides a cornerstone to further the understanding of the effect of probiotics on the mother and infant microbiomes.

Background: Human breast milk (HBM) contains optimal nutrients for infant growth.Probiotics are used to prevent disease and, when taken by the mother, they may affect infant microbiome as well as HBM. However, few studies have specifically investigated the effect of probiotic intake by the mother on HBM and infant microbiota at genus/species level. Therefore, we present a comprehensive analysis of paired HBM and infant feces (IF) microbiome samples before and after probiotic intake by HBM-producing mothers. Methods: Lactating mothers were administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (n = 9) or Saccharomyces boulardii capsules (n = 9), for 2 months; or no probiotic (n = 7). Paired HBM and IF samples were collected before and after treatment and analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Results: Forty-three HBM and 49 IF samples were collected and sequenced. Overall, in 43 HBM samples, 1,190 microbial species belonging to 684 genera, 245 families, 117 orders, and 56 classes were detected. In 49 IF samples, 372 microbial species belonging to 195 genera, 79 families, 42 orders, and 18 classes were identified. Eight of 20 most abundant genera in both HBM and IF samples overlapped: Streptococcus (14.42%), Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Veillonella, which were highly abundant in the HBM samples; and Bifidobacterium (27.397%), Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium, which were highly abundant in the IF samples. Several major bacterial genera and species were detected in the HBM and IF samples after probiotic treatment, illustrating complex changes in the microbiomes upon treatment. Conclusion This is the first Korean microbiome study in which the effect of different probiotic intake by the mother on the microbiota in HBM and IF samples was investigated.This study provides a cornerstone to further the understanding of the effect of probiotics on the mother and infant microbiomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to estimate the antihypertensive medication adherence in people with a disability and a history of taking antihypertensive medication, and to identify the factors affecting medication adherence. METHODS: The National Health Insurance claims data were linked with the National Disability Registry. People with a disability, who received a prescription of antihypertensives, were identified from a total of 85,098 cases. Cumulative medication adherence (CMA) was used as an indicator of medication adherence. A CMA > 80% was defined as appropriate medication adherence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting medication adherence. RESULTS: The average CMA in a total of 85,098 patients was 79.5%. The appropriate adherence (CMA > or =80%) rate was 54.5% and 20.5% of patients had a CMA < 50%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the probability of appropriate adherence decreased with decreasing number of prescription days per visit, increasing number of providers, the patients' residential area moving from urban to rural areas, and when patients have an internal organ disability, auditory impairment, mobility impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to antihypertensive medication in people with a disability is influenced by various socio-economic, clinical and regional factors. In particular, the disabled who have locomotive and communication disabilities and internal organ impairments have a higher probability of under-adherence to antihypertensive medication adherence in Korea.
Adult ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/*administration & dosage ; Comorbidity ; Disabled Persons/*statistics & numerical data ; Drug Utilization ; Female ; Health Services Accessibility ; Humans ; Insurance Claim Review ; Korea/epidemiology ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; National Health Programs ; Patient Compliance/*statistics & numerical data ; Residence Characteristics ; Socioeconomic Factors

The endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology may add to the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic biopsy and brush cytology. It is also of particular value in submucosal, infiltrative and ulceronecrotic tumors. Endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology was done with sclerotherapy needle(23 gauge) in. the 17 patients with submucosal tumor(18 cases), extrinsic compression(2 cases), infiltrative gastric cancer(one case) and cancer of the ampulla of Vater(one case) on the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology established the diagnosis in 6 cases(submucosal tumor of the stomach; 2 cases, submucosal tumor of the duodenum; one case, extrinsic mass of the duodenum; one case, infiltrative cancer of the stomach; one case, and the cancer of ampulla of Vater; one case) of 17 cases. There were negative results for malignancy in 7 cases and material insufficiency in 4 cases. Five cases of the positive results with endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology were not diagnosed with endoscopic forceps biopsies. There was no complication. We conclude that endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple and safe technique and is of particular value in submucosal tumor, extrinsic compression of the upper gastrointestinal tract by tumor, and infiltrative gastric cancer.
Ampulla of Vater ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle* ; Diagnosis* ; Duodenum ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Humans ; Sclerotherapy ; Stomach ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Surgical Instruments ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

PURPOSE: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of strabismus operations performed on patients aged 60 years and over. This study aims to establish the characteristics and outcomes of old age strabismus. METHODS: Patients aged 60 years and over who underwent strabismus surgery between January 2011 and December 2015 were included in this study. The purpose of surgery, type of strabismus, etiology, postoperative recurrence, prevalence of general and ocular complications, and postoperative diplopia rate were reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients aged 60 years or older were identified, and 58.2% of patients had strabismus surgery to improve diplopia, while 41.8% chose surgery for cosmetic purposes. Esotropia was the most common type of strabismus found in 40.8% of the patients, and horizontal-vertical combined type was the second highest at 29.6%. The etiology of strabismus was similarly high in both the restrictive pattern (31.6%) and neuro-paralytic pattern (30.6%). The recurrence rate after strabismus surgery was 4.1%, and the reoperation rate was 3.1%. The remnant diplopia rate after surgery in patients with diplopia was 15.8%, and the diplopia occurring rate in patients who underwent surgery for cosmetic purposes was 4.9%. No severe ocular complications such as anterior segment syndrome or eyeball rupture occurred. Anesthesia related problems did not occur in any of the patients who underwent general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus in patients aged 60 years and over is an effective and safe way to improve diplopia and cosmetic status by restoring ocular alignment.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Diplopia ; Esotropia ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Recurrence ; Reoperation ; Rupture ; Strabismus*

PURPOSE: Obesity has been associated with higher total blood mercury levels, based on animal studies; however, studies that focus on children and adolescents are lacking. We aimed to assess the association between total blood mercury levels and the incidence of overweight and abdominal obesity in Korean adolescents. METHODS: The study population comprised 1,567 adolescents (793 boys and 774 girls; aged 10–19 years), who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2013. We analyzed total blood mercury levels according to obesity status in all participants. RESULTS: The geometric mean of total blood mercury levels was 1.93 µg/L. Participants with overweight (2.20 µg/L) and obesity (2.17 µg/L) had higher levels than those with normal weight (1.86 µg/L, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of overweight significantly increased with elevation of the total blood mercury quartile in both sexes. Increased incidence of abdominal obesity corresponding to increased total blood mercury level was observed in boys. After adjusting for covariates, those in the highest total blood mercury quartile were found to be at higher risk of overweight/obesity than those in the lowest quartile in both sexes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: boys, 3.27 [1.66–6.41]; girls, 1.90 [1.03–3.49]). The association between total blood mercury quartile and abdominal obesity was significant after controlling for covariates in boys (2.35 [1.05–5.24]). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an association between total blood mercury levels and overweight in Korean adolescents.
Adolescent* ; Animals ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Obesity ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Overweight* ; Prevalence

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells that originate in the cervix uteri. It is the second most prevalent cancer among women. It can have several causes; an infection with some type of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer. Over 100 types of HPVs have been identified, and more than 40 types of HPVs are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital region. Among these, a number of HPVs types, containing types 16 and 18, are classified as "high-risk" HPVs that can cause cervical cancer. The HPVs vaccine prevents infection with certain species of HPVs associated with the development of cervical cancer, genital warts, and some less common cancers. Two HPVs vaccines are currently on the global market: quadrivalent HPVs vaccine and bivalent HPV vaccine that use virus-like particles as a vaccine antigen. This review discusses the current status of HPVs vaccines on the global market, clinical trials, and the future of HPVs vaccine development.
Cervix Uteri ; Condylomata Acuminata ; Female ; Humans ; Papillomavirus Vaccines* ; Risk Factors ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Vaccines ; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine prevalence of potential heterogeneous vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (h-VRSA) among methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolated in Korea by using Mu-3 agar and to determine the effect of in vitro vancomycin exposure on the resistance. METHODS: MRSAs isolated in 1980-1999 were screened for the presence of VISA or h-VRSA using Mu-3 agar. MIC of vancomycin was tested by NCCLS agar dilution and broth microdilution tests. Suspected h-VRSA were selected by vancomycin-containing media and change of resistance was determined by population analysis. A strain with Mu50 type growth was serially exposed to 8 pg/ml of vancomycin containing media and change of the vancomycin resistance was determined. RESULTS: Among the 455 MRSA isolates, 18 (3.9 %) grew on selective brain heart infusion agar (BHIA), and 354 (77,8%) on Mu-3 agar, 66 (14.5%) with Mu3 type growth and 78 (17.1%) with Mu50 type growth. MIC of vancomycin was 11 pg/ml for some of the isolates when inocula were approximately 10' CFU, but VISA was not present when tested by NCCLS broth microdilution test. Exposure of the isolates to van-cornycin raised the MIC. Serial exposure once to 8 pg/ml of vancomycin resulted in significant decrease of cells susceptible to 8-12 pg/ml of vancomycin. CONCLUSION: VISA was not present among the test isolates, but 34.2% were suspected to be potential h-VRSAs, suggesting possible emergence of VISA if vancomycin was administered prolonged period. It is considered that suitable screening media are vancomycin containing BHIA for VISA and Mu-3 agar for h-VRSA. The isolates showing Mu50 type growth on Mu-3 agar are not always VISA, but rather h-VRSA.
Agar* ; Brain ; Heart ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Prevalence ; Staphylococcus aureus* ; Staphylococcus* ; Vancomycin Resistance ; Vancomycin*

We reported a case of nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid fistula who had concomittantly CSF rhinorrhea, pneumocephalus and bacterial meningitis. By metrizamide CT cisternography, we found her CSF fistula was likely to be on the right lateral wall of sphenoidal sinus. She was recovered from her symptoms by medical treatment and has been free of CSF rhinorrhea or meningitis without surgical repair of CSF fistula during recent 1 year follow up.
Cerebrospinal Fluid* ; Fistula* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Meningitis ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; Metrizamide ; Pneumocephalus