BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate whether the preoperative nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was a risk factor for surgical site infections and nosocomial infections in open heart surgery patients. METHODS: From June 10, 2002 to October 30, 2002, data were collected by prospective surveillance carried out by infection control nurses. Nasal swabs were taken from patients (N= 106) on the day before surgery. The swabs were incubated in staphylococcal broth for 24 hours, and then it was incubated on mannitol salt agar for 24 hours. Muller-Hinton agar supplemented with oxacillin (6 microgram/mL) was used to identify MRSA. RESULTS: Among the study patients (N=106), four(4/106, 3.8%) were identified as MRSA carriers and nine (9/103 , 8.7%) developed nosocomial infections, including three patients (3/103 , 2.9%) who had postoperative mediastinitis Preoperative nasal carriage of MRSA was not associated with nosocomial infections nor surgical site infections (P>0.05). However, the length of hospital stay prior to nasal swab or surgery was found to be associated with MRSA carriage (OR=1.108, 95%CI: 1.026-1.197) or nosocomial infections (OR=1.087, 95%CI: 1.017-1.161). Additionally, the patients with nosocomial infections were more likely than those without to stay in the hospital for a longer period after surgery (P<0.00l). CONCLUSION: Preoperative nasal carriage of MRSA by the patient was not identified as a risk factor for surgical site infection and nosocomial infections in open heart surgery.
Agar ; Cross Infection* ; Humans ; Infection Control ; Length of Stay ; Mannitol ; Mediastinitis ; Methicillin Resistance* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* ; Oxacillin ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thoracic Surgery*

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Monacolin-inoculated rice embryo on the body fat and serum lipid profiles in 61 obese elementary school students. The subjects divided into two groups 31 obese children had the experimental diet (rice embryo inoculated Monacolin) and 30 obese children had the control diet three times a day after meals. The mean age, height, weight, and BMI of 61 subjects were 10.5 +/- 0.5 years, 143.6 +/- 6.8 cm, 55.0 +/- 8.9 kg, and 26.1 +/- 3.9, respectively. The changes of body fat mass (kg) in experimental group and control group after 6 weeks were -0.60 kg and -0.03 kg, respectively. The changes of body fat (%) in experimental group and control group after 6 weeks were -1.44% and -0.25%, respectively. These changes of body fat in experimental group were significantly higher than in control group (p < 0.05). The change of total-cholesterol in experimental group and control group during 6 weeks were -17.52 mg/dL and -1.70 mg/dL, respectively. The change of LDL-cholesterol in experimental group and control group during 6 weeks were -17.06 mg/dL and -2.80 mg/dL, respectively. The change of triglyceride in experimental group and control group after 6 weeks were -9.58 mg/dL and 11.67 mg/dL. Total-cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol and triglyceride of experimental group after 6 weeks significantly decreased compared to control group (p < 0.05). After experimental diet (6 weeks), total-cholesterol was negatively correlated with body water contents, soft lean mass and fat free mass (p < 0.05). Triglyceride showed a significantly positive correlation with body weight and body fat mass, however, it was negatively correlated with fat free mass (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol showed a significantly positive correlation with fat free mass (p < 0.05). These results show that Monacolin-inoculated rice embryo is effective in decreasing body fat and blood lipid in obese children.
Adipose Tissue* ; Body Water ; Body Weight ; Child ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Embryonic Structures* ; Humans ; Meals ; Triglycerides

PURPOSE: This study was done to develop a scenario and evaluate student performance in simulation learning of care for children with respiratory distress syndrome in neonatal intensive care units. METHODS: To test the application effect, a one group pre-test design was applied. The scenario based on actual patients and textbook material was developed through several meetings of experts. The scenario was used with 17 groups of 55 senior nursing students who participated voluntarily. RESULTS: Contents were organized focusing on the nursing process for simulation learning. In the application of knowledge and skills, nursing students had high scores in the contents of observation of oxygen saturation, and care to relieve dyspnea. Participants' ability, especially in suction and oxygen supply in the evaluation of objective structured clinical examination was not adequate. There was a significant positive correlation between problem-solving ability and satisfaction in learning. CONCLUSION: The respiratory distress syndrome simulation scenario developed in this study was an effective tool to give students experience in problem solving and critical thinking ability under conditions similar to reality. The development of various scenarios for child nursing care is needed.
Child ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Learning ; Nursing Care ; Nursing Process ; Oxygen ; Patient Simulation ; Problem Solving ; Students, Nursing ; Suction ; Thinking

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the associations between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and inflammatory markers. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from 1578 Koreans aged 40-69 years residing in a rural area. We investigated associations between MetS and circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cells (WBC) and adiponectin. MetS was defined using the criteria proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III). RESULTS: Increased WBC counts and hs-CRP levels and decreased adiponectin levels were observed in subjects with MetS. WBC, hs-CRP and adiponectin levels linearly deteriorated with an increase in the number of MetS components (all ptrend <0.005). Finally, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of MetS by increase/decrease in 3 inflammatory markers were calculated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. In terms of changes in inflammation markers, in men, the adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval) were 1.15 (1.01-1.31) for WBC, 1.64 (1.02-2.64) for hs-CRP, and 0.19 (0.08-0.45) for adiponectin, whereas corresponding adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in women were 1.27 (1.15-1.40), 0.98 (0.67-1.42), 0.09 (0.04-0.18), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin levels and WBC counts were found to be strongly associated with MetS in both sexes. However, hs-CRP lost its significance after adjusting for BMI and other inflammatory markers in women. This study shows that inflammatory response is associated with MetS in the Korean population. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm the contribution made by inflammatory markers to the development of MetS.
Adiponectin/blood ; Adult ; Aged ; Biological Markers/blood ; Body Mass Index ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation/*blood/complications ; Korea ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*immunology ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Rural Population

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and its related characteristics among healthy adults in some Korean rural areas. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the data from 1352 adults who were over the age 40 and under the age 70 and who were free of diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular diseases and other diseases and who participated in a survey conducted as part of the Korean Rural Genomic Cohort Study. IFG was defined as a serum fasting glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL. RESULTS: The prevalence of IFG was 20.4% in men, 15.5% in women and 12.7% overall. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the independent risk factors for IFG were male gender, having a family history of DM, the quartiles of gamma glutamyltransferase and high sensitive C-reactive protein and the waist circumference. The homeostatis model assessment for insulin resistance was very strongly associated with IFG. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and MS components was higher in the subjects with IFG then in those with normal fasting glucose (NFG). CONCLUSIONS: The result of study could supply evidence to find the high risk population and to determine a strategy for treating IFG. Further research is needed to explain the causal relationship and mechanisms of IFG.
Adult ; Aged ; Body Weights and Measures ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Fasting ; Female ; Glucose Intolerance/*epidemiology ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Korea/epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Sex Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the ritodrine hydrochloride alone with combined treatment with magnesium sulfate in the management of preterm labor. METHODS: One hundred thirty three singleton pregnancies with preterm labor were treated with either ritodrine hydrochloride (n=97) or ritodrine hydrochloride and magnesium sulfate (n=36). The principal outcomes assessed were delay of duration, maternal-fetal side effects, and fetal outcome. RESULTS: The treatment to delivery time was not statistically different between the ritodrine group and the combined magnesium sulfate group (mean+/-SD 10.7+/-13.0 days, 8.6+/-9.1 days, respectively). The proportion delivered after 48 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days was also not statistically different between two groups (29% vs. 22%, 40% vs. 39%, 60% vs. 64%, respectively). No statistical difference was found in the side effects of treatment or fetal outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in efficacy and safety between ritodrine hydrochloride and combined treatment with magnesium sulfate in the management of preterm labor.
Female ; Magnesium Sulfate* ; Magnesium* ; Obstetric Labor, Premature* ; Pregnancy ; Ritodrine*

This study was performed to investigate the effects of a levan diet on the body fat accumulation and serum lipid composition of 29 Korean women over a period of up to 12 weeks (n = 13 for the control group, n = 16 for the levan group). The subjects ate an uncooked diet (6 g) with 400 ml of tap water twice a day. The mean body weight and height measurements of the subjects (levan group) at the outset were 66.0 +/- 8.8 kg and 156.7 +/- 5.3 cm, respectively. The subjects showed a significant reduction in weight, body fat mass, anthropometric measurements and skinfold thickness during the experimental period. The waist hip ratio (WHR) was 0.88 +/- 0.03 at the outset, and fell to 0.82 +/- 0.05 after 4 weeks. The intake of levan was also influenced on the levels of serum Fe, leptin, lipoprotein lipase, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride. The serum glucose levels were within the normal range during the experimental period. The initial serum triglyceride level was 121 mg/dl, but fell to 103 mg/dl after 4 weeks of levan supplementation. The current study demonstrates that a levan diet is effective in controlling weight, body fat, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Adipose Tissue* ; Blood Glucose ; Body Weight ; Diet ; Female ; Fructose* ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Leptin ; Lipoprotein Lipase ; Obesity ; Polymers* ; Reference Values ; Skinfold Thickness ; Triglycerides ; Waist-Hip Ratio ; Water

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a child health care protocol for teachers in child day care centers. METHODS: The ADDIE model with 10 Kid Keys was applied to develop this child health care protocol. All contents were developed through content validity test by 7 professionals and need assessment and evaluation by child day care center teachers. RESULTS: This protocol consisted of 10 keys, as follows: Health Examination/Growth & Development, Practice of Health Life, Management of Communicable Disease, Negligent Accident, Coping with Emergency and Transference, Child Abuse, Nutrition/Obesity, Quality Assurance of Staff, Parent Education, Guidance & Supervision of Child Day Care Centers. The contents contained goals, objectives, teaching content, suggested activities for children, writing forms related to each subject, and self-evaluation sheet. CONCLUSION: This protocol can be practical and effective for child health care in child day care centers and it is hoped that it will be utilized in more child day care centers.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Child ; Child Abuse ; Child Day Care Centers ; Communicable Diseases ; Cytarabine ; Day Care, Medical ; Diagnostic Self Evaluation ; Emergencies ; Etoposide ; Humans ; Methotrexate ; Organization and Administration ; Parents ; Writing ; Child Health

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome is an uncommon cause of gluteal and hip pain. We report on a case of a 20-year-old man who presented with chronic gluteal and hip pain with low back pain without a history of trauma or surgery. He was misdiagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at another clinic. The patient was finally diagnosed with IFI syndrome according to pelvic magnetic resonance imaging findings at our hospital. After two weeks of medical and physical treatment, his pain showed gradual improvement. Because IFI syndrome is rarely reported in male patients, it might be misdiagnosed as AS. Therefore, IFI syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis of AS, particularly in young male patients with atypical pain characteristics.
Diagnosis, Differential* ; Hip ; Humans ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing* ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This study is to understand how community members perceive past life recollection and preparation for death. METHODS: Using a questionnaire, we surveyed 160 adult residents of one of the districts (gu) in Seoul, Korea. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Participants chose their 30s and 40s as the most difficult time in their lives. The most painful experience was "an illness of a family member", followed by "trouble with a spouse", and "trouble with children". As for the most difficult social experience, "sense of loss in life" was ranked the highest. Personally, the happiest time was "accomplishment of a goal", while it was "happiness through children" in family relationship and "contribution to society through my career" in social life. As for the most regrettable experience, personally "having lived without purpose" was the highest, "not meeting my parents' expectation more" in family relationship; "not providing sufficient education" in relationship with children; "not having an occupation that I wanted" in work life, and "lack of social skills" in social life. More than 87% of the surveyed showed a positive attitude about the system of the do not resuscitate (DNS) order. For a situation where participants were supposed to have an incurable disease, "I want to be notified of the true condition" and "I want to write a will and advanced directives" ranked high, receiving more than 3.1 points out of 4. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the need for death education to provide people with an opportunity to accept their regrettable experiences in the past as part of their life. Also, this study suggests the importance of writing advanced directives for people to prepare for"death with dignity" how it can help their decision to be better respected.
Adult ; Family Relations ; Humans ; Korea ; Occupations ; Writing ; Surveys and Questionnaires