PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the effects of oral care with essential oil in improving the oral health status of hospice patients with terminal cancer. METHODS: The participants were 43 patients with terminal cancer admitted to K hospital in G city, Korea. Twenty-two patients were assigned to the experimental group and 21 to the control group. Participants in the experimental group received special mouth care with essential oil (application of essential oil mixture consisting of geranium, lavender, tea tree, and peppermint). The control group received special mouth care with 0.9% saline. The special mouth care was performed twice daily for one week in both groups. The scores for subjective oral comfortness, objective oral state, and numbers of colonizing Candida albicans were measured before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The score for subjective oral comfortness and objective oral state were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. The numbers of colonizing Candida albicans significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Oral care with essential oil could be an effective oral health nursing intervention for hospice patients with terminal cancer.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Candida albicans/drug effects ; *Hospice Care ; Hospices ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/therapy ; Oils, Volatile/*administration & dosage ; *Oral Health ; Questionnaires

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the perception of nursing students' on-site clinical experience at intensive care unit(ICU), which will help on developing fundamental tool to enhance the effect of their clinical practice. METHOD: Van Manens hermeneutic-phenomenological method has been used to analyze the data. Participants consisted of 74 third-year nursing students who performed the clinical practice at an ICU in C university hospital. The students got the group interviews and kept the clinical diaries. Data was collected from series of group interviews and contents of the students clinical diaries. RESULT: Major concerns related to students clinical practice were found as follows: [being nervous about unfamiliar machines and situations], [being frustrated about the patients], [feeling of helplessness], [being stupefied from witnessing a death], [realizing the importance of health], [realizing individual patient's precious value through family's love], [realizing the importance of treating a patient as human being], [realizing the differences between theory and practice], [modelizing two aspects of nursing: professional and personal], [readiness to become a capable nurse]. CONCLUSION: We are able to obtain in-depth understandings about the nursing students lived experience of clinical practice at the ICU. Based upon this, there is a need to develop a better nursing intervention enhance the effectiveness of the nursing students clinical practice.
Humans ; Intensive Care Units* ; Critical Care* ; Interviews as Topic ; Nursing* ; Students, Nursing

BACKGROUND: The risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is significantly increased in chronic cutaneous ulcers. Moreover, if the proliferating epithelium of the ulcer margin shows pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, it can be very difficult to discriminate between the two diseases. Enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to be implicated at all stages of tumorigenesis. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the expression patterns of epithelial MMP-7 and MMP-13 in chronic ulcers and SCCs by an immunohistochemical technique and the usefulness in differentiating these two entities. METHODS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from 16 chronic ulcers and 12 SCC patients were studied using an immunohistochemical staining method for MMP-7 and MMP-13. RESULTS: MMP-7 and MMP-13 were expressed by the malignant tumor cells of 4 (33.3%) and 9 SCC samples (75%), respectively, while they were absent from the proliferating epithelium of chronic ulcers. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that epithelial expression of both MMP-7 and MMP-13 have a specificity in differentiating the benign epithelial proliferation of chronic ulcer from malignant tumor cells, but MMP-13 seems to be a more sensitive and useful marker due to the lower sensitivity of MMP-7 in SCCs.
Carcinogenesis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ulcer*

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the meaning of stigma in parents of a child with mental illness. METHODS: The participants were 6 mothers who had children with mental illness. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. RESULTS: The significant results from analysis of the interviews can be grouped into 10 concept descriptions, 5 theme clusters. The essential theme clusters for the experiences of parents were 'Guilt as a parent towards an disabled child', 'Humiliation from loss of self-esteem', 'Loneliness from prejudice and discrimination', 'Frustration due to endless treatment', and 'Desire of normal happiness'. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study offer profound information on stigma experience of parents of children with mental illness and provide basic raw material for developing nursing intervention strategies for these parents.
Child ; Humans ; Mental Disorders ; Mothers ; Parents ; Prejudice

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional(3D) magnetic resonance(MR) projection imaging was evaluated as a noninvasive alternative to direct cholangiography for the assessment of its reliability in patients with obsructive jaundice. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A heavily T2-weighted gradient-echo sequence(PSIF) was used for 3D MR projecion imaging of the biliary system in five healthy volunteers and 25 patients with obstructive jaundice. The 3D images of the bile ducts were formed by stacking consecutive coronal MR images obtained with a fast imaging method to a maximum-intensity projection algorithm. RESULTS: In the volunteers, MR cholangiography could demonstrate the anatomy of the biliary tract in only two subjects. The extrahepatic and intraheparic bile ducts were well visualized in 23 patients with obstructive jaundice. The leve of obstruction and the grade of dilatation were dipicted with MR cholangiography in all cases. And the cause of obstruction could be determined with MR cholangiography in 18 cases, MR cholangiography was successful in two patients in whom ERCP failed. The gallbladder or dilated pancreatic duct not demonstrated by means of direct cholangiography was demonstrated with MR cholangiography in six cases.
Bile Ducts ; Biliary Tract ; Cholangiography* ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Dilatation ; Gallbladder ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Jaundice, Obstructive* ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Volunteers

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the present situation of hospital infection and route of infection by clarifying the transmission aspect of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit by analysing genotype. METHODS: MRSA was cultured from twenty five patients with a tracheostomy, twenty five health care workers, and environments in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit of one hospital in D city. Data was collected from December 21, 2004 to November 5, 2005. MRSA isolates representing each genotype were analyzed by spaA typing and a multiplex PCR method capable of identifying the structural type of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec(SCCmec) carried by the bacteria. RESULTS: As the same genotype and gene sequence were found among health care workers, patients, and environments, it was assumed that there was cross transmission among them. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that first, as the hospital infection by MRSA between health care workers and patients in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit was due to result of cross transmission and the relevance of transmission between them was verified, it is necessary to take preventive measures and conduct education. Secondly, development of nursing interventions and study of infection are needed. Thirdly, consistent investment in prevention against hospital infections and environmental renovation is needed.
Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Genotype ; Humans ; *Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional ; *Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient ; Intensive Care Units ; *Methicillin Resistance ; Neurosurgery ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/*transmission ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Tracheostomy

No abstract available.
Cactaceae* ; Dermatitis* ; Humans ; Leprosy*

Author reviewed the patients with temperature over 38.5 degress C for longer than two weeks and of undetermined etiology who were admitted and treated in Yonsei Medical Center during the period from Jan. 1974 to Aug. 1978. There have been 120 cases of prolonged fever in that period. The following results were obtained; 1. The children who were admitted with prolonged fever occupied 1.3% of total in-patients at the same period. 2. 16 cases were less than 1 year of age at admission and 64 were 1 to 6 years. So 2/3 of total cases were less than 6 years of age. The ratio of Male to Female was 1.6:1. 3. There Was no apparent difference in seasonal incidence. But from May to September slightly increased number was noted. 4. In 58 cases(48.3%), the fever persisted 2 to 3 weeks before admission and 27 cases lasted longer than a month. . Three patterns of fever were observed; intermittent type 75 cases(62.5%), daily spiking 32(26.7%) and constant 13(10.8%) 5. The final diagnoses as a cause of fever were as follows. Infections accounted for 81 cases(67.5%), malignancy 17(14.2%), collagen diseases 7(5.8%) and miscellaneous cause 1(0.8%). 14 cases(11.7%) remained undiagnosed at the cenclusion of their hospitalization. . Certain relationships between diagnosis and age were noted. Infection was the most common etiology in all age groups but 72.5% of these children were less than 6 years old. 71.4% of collagen diseases were older than 6 years. Malignancy had no age predilection. 6. Over 80% of all cases the diagnosis were made within a week and the fever disappeared in a week in 70% So most of them(75%) discharged within 2 weeks after admission. 7. Careful history suggested the final diagnosis in 84 cases(70%) and repeated physical examinations were helpful in 70 cases(58.3%) Abnormal findings in routine chest P-A were present in 47.5% Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly increased in 26/34 cases(76.5%). 47 cases(39.2%) were anemic for age and all children with malignancy were anemic. Lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspiration, tissue biopsy and explo. Laparotomy were performed only in suspected cases. 8. Outcome on discharge were as follows; 90 cases(75.0%) were much improved, 21(17.5%) discharged without improvement and 9 cases(7.5%) expired.
Biopsy ; Blood Sedimentation ; Bone Marrow ; Child* ; Collagen Diseases ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Fever* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparotomy ; Male ; Physical Examination ; Seasons ; Spinal Puncture ; Thorax

BACKGROUND: Nipple and areola diseases of the breast cause cosmetic, sexual and functional problems, and these problems are important to most patients, so awareness of these disease entities is invaluable. Still, there has been insufficient clinical investigation of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the epidemiological aspects of nipple and areola diseases that were confirmed by biopsies, and we wanted to highlight the clinical features of dermatoses of the nipple and areola. These disease features were then compared between the patients who visited the Departments of Dermatology and General Surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 80 patients with nipple and areola lesions and these lesions were confirmed by biopsy at Maryknoll Hospital between March 1989 and August 2007. 37 patients visited the Department of Dermatology and 43 patients visited the Department of General Surgery. RESULTS: The ratio of males to females was 6:74. The ratio of the males to females seen at the Department of Dermatology was 6:31. In contrast, that of the patients seen at the Department of General Surgery was 0:43. The most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases were fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, accessory breast and nipple eczema in the decreasing order of frequency. The most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases seen at the Department of Dermatology were nipple eczema, soft fibroma, hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola, Paget's disease and invasive ductal carcinoma in the decreasing order of frequency. In contrast, the most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases seen at the Department of General Surgery were fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, accessory breast, phyllodes tumor and subareolar abscess. Of the 80 cases, 49 had papules or nodules, 15 had patches or plaques, 10 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers and 6 had nipple discharge. Of the 37 cases seen at the Department of Dermatology, 15 had patches or plaques, 14 had papules or nodules and 8 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers. In contrast, of the 43 cases seen at the Department of General Surgery, 35 had papules or nodules, 6 had bloody or serous nipple discharge, and 2 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers. CONCLUSION: We retrospectively studied 80 cases of nipple and areola skin diseases. This study suggests that various conditions, including dysembryoplasia, inflammatory dermatoses, hyperkeratoses and neoplasm, can affect the nipple and areola and show different characteristics according to the Hospital Department they are seen at. The patients with symptoms of patches or plaques tend to visit the Department of Dermatology. In contrast, patients with symptoms of papules or nodules tend to visit the Department of General Surgery. Further investigation with a large group of patients is necessary to better understand the epidemiology of nipple and areola skin diseases.
Abscess ; Biopsy ; Breast ; Breast Diseases ; Carcinoma, Ductal ; Cosmetics ; Dermatology ; Eczema ; Female ; Fibroadenoma ; Fibroma ; Hospital Departments ; Humans ; Male ; Nipples ; Papilloma, Intraductal ; Phyllodes Tumor ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Nipple and areola diseases of the breast cause cosmetic, sexual and functional problems, and these problems are important to most patients, so awareness of these disease entities is invaluable. Still, there has been insufficient clinical investigation of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the epidemiological aspects of nipple and areola diseases that were confirmed by biopsies, and we wanted to highlight the clinical features of dermatoses of the nipple and areola. These disease features were then compared between the patients who visited the Departments of Dermatology and General Surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 80 patients with nipple and areola lesions and these lesions were confirmed by biopsy at Maryknoll Hospital between March 1989 and August 2007. 37 patients visited the Department of Dermatology and 43 patients visited the Department of General Surgery. RESULTS: The ratio of males to females was 6:74. The ratio of the males to females seen at the Department of Dermatology was 6:31. In contrast, that of the patients seen at the Department of General Surgery was 0:43. The most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases were fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, accessory breast and nipple eczema in the decreasing order of frequency. The most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases seen at the Department of Dermatology were nipple eczema, soft fibroma, hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola, Paget's disease and invasive ductal carcinoma in the decreasing order of frequency. In contrast, the most frequent nipple and areola skin diseases seen at the Department of General Surgery were fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, accessory breast, phyllodes tumor and subareolar abscess. Of the 80 cases, 49 had papules or nodules, 15 had patches or plaques, 10 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers and 6 had nipple discharge. Of the 37 cases seen at the Department of Dermatology, 15 had patches or plaques, 14 had papules or nodules and 8 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers. In contrast, of the 43 cases seen at the Department of General Surgery, 35 had papules or nodules, 6 had bloody or serous nipple discharge, and 2 had vesicles, erosions or ulcers. CONCLUSION: We retrospectively studied 80 cases of nipple and areola skin diseases. This study suggests that various conditions, including dysembryoplasia, inflammatory dermatoses, hyperkeratoses and neoplasm, can affect the nipple and areola and show different characteristics according to the Hospital Department they are seen at. The patients with symptoms of patches or plaques tend to visit the Department of Dermatology. In contrast, patients with symptoms of papules or nodules tend to visit the Department of General Surgery. Further investigation with a large group of patients is necessary to better understand the epidemiology of nipple and areola skin diseases.
Abscess ; Biopsy ; Breast ; Breast Diseases ; Carcinoma, Ductal ; Cosmetics ; Dermatology ; Eczema ; Female ; Fibroadenoma ; Fibroma ; Hospital Departments ; Humans ; Male ; Nipples ; Papilloma, Intraductal ; Phyllodes Tumor ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Ulcer