The situations of health expenditures in Korea and their causes need to be understood and it needs to be reviewed whether DRG is suitable as an alternative for the payment system. Also, we want to present the problems and alternatives for the additional fee for medical institutions and the 'doctor-selecting' system. The current health expenditures in Korea is relatively low compared to the ones in other OECD countries, but they are rapidly increasing from the main causes of the expansion of long-term care and the increase of expenditures for medicines. When considering the particular situation of Korea, there is a concern that DRG can rapidly increase the health expenditures in a short time. The additional fee for medical institutions has irony in that the national health insurance corporation provides more benefits to the patients using bigger hospitals, and the 'doctor-selecting' system has a problem in that patients cannot actually choose doctors. Korean-specific DRG needs to be developed, the national health insurance corporation should give equal payments, and the 'doctor-selecting' system should be changed into another system. Studies on the empirical analysis on the situations of healthcare insurance and collection of diverse opinions of experts are required. Present promotion project on the healthcare insurance system cannot achieve the objective so the fundamental situations about this needs to be perceived and the alternatives need to be prepared.
Delivery of Health Care ; Diagnosis-Related Groups ; Fees and Charges ; Health Expenditures ; Humans ; Insurance ; Insurance, Health ; Korea ; Long-Term Care ; National Health Programs

Since the implementation of the national medical insurance service in 1979, it has become necessary to reconsider medical services from the geographical point of view. As more medical professionals have been concentrated in the metropolitan and urban areas, publicly hired medical practitioners have been appointed to less populated regions (e.g., farms and fisheries) and public medical service has been reinforced. During the past 10 years, the government and the ruling parties have been dragged around by strikes and collective actions of medical organizations, who have been rather dissatisfied with the new policy, namely, the separation of dispensary from medical practice. In an attempt to hold such efforts into check, the government, who has lost its "pride as a leftist," saw the needs to implement the public medical service. Consequently, new regulations were focused on the expansion of both the quantity and shares in the medical service market of the public medical service, which can be directly controlled. The government has either misunderstood the needs for urban public medical service or diverted its underlying principles. Despite some studies that reported the financial loss of urban public medical service as unavoidable, the government established seven exemplary public medical services in November 2005. The inefficiencies of such medical service were first brought to the public attention by the municipal congress of Cheonan City. Moreover, there have been some cases of distorted medical practices in the Seoul area, caused by efforts to record amplified hours of services. Owing to the financial loss and lack of effectiveness of the public medical service, such wrongful actions have been well expected. The government should first institute the underlying concepts of public medical service. The current inefficient public medical service should be scrapped, if the purpose of such service is a "public service," per se. If the public medical service only fills blanks left out by private medical service, the current public institutions have to carry out their responsibilities. The needs for current public medical service should be addressed if the quality and details of such service is to remain inferior to private medical service and keeps wasting tax.
Insurance ; Social Control, Formal ; Strikes, Employee ; Taxes

OBJECTIVES: To compare eating behavior according to the shift work and to find the factors associated with the abnormal eating behavior in university hospital's nurses. METHODS: For this assessment, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 university hospital's nurses. Nurses were questioned with self-reported questionnaire forms. After excluding cases with incomplete data, 276 cases are enrolled in the study. To find the factors associated with the abnormal eating behavior, we conducted multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The proportions of shift work nurses were 63.77%(176 cases). The proportions of abnormal eating behavior among shift work nurses were 22.73%(40 cases), but only 6.00%(6 cases) among non-shift work nurses had the abnormal eating behavior. Considering the shift work period, the proportions of abnormal eating behavior were 31.25%, 22.92% and 17.50% in case of shift work period were less than 1 year, 1~3 years and more than 3 years, respectively. The abnormal eating behavior was associated with having shift work, doing exercise, more weekly working hours, being on a diet and having perception of overweight. But age and body mass index were not influenced the abnormal eating behavior. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that the factors associated with the abnormal eating behavior are the shift work, exercise, weekly working hours, perception of overweight and diet.
Body Mass Index ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet ; Eating* ; Feeding Behavior* ; Logistic Models ; Overweight ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Purpose: This study aims to design that using formative assessment as an instructional strategy in real-time online classes, and to explore the application of Bloom’s taxonomy in the development of formative assessment items. Methods: We designed the instruction using formative assessment in real-time online classes, developed the items of formative assessment, analyzed the items statistically, and investigated students' perceptions of formative assessment through a survey. Results: It is designed to consist of 2–3 learning outcomes per hour of class and to conduct the formative assessment with 1–2 items after the lecture for each learning outcome. Formative assessment was 31 times in the physiology classes (total 48 hours) of three basic medicine integrated. There were nine “knowledge” items, 40 “comprehension” items, and 55 “application” items. There were 33 items (31.7%) with a correct rate of 80% or higher, which the instructor thought was appropriate. As a result of the survey on students’ perceptions of formative assessment, they answered that it was able to concentrate on the class and that it was helpful in achieving learning outcomes. Conclusion The students focused during class because they had to take formative assessment immediately after the learning outcome lecture. “Integration of lesson and assessments” was maximized by solving the assessment items as well as through the instructor’s immediate explanation of answers. Through formative assessment, the students were able to utilize metacognition by learning what content they understood or did not understand. Items that consider Bloom’s taxonomy allow students to remember, understand, and apply to clinical contexts.

Purpose: This study aims to design that using formative assessment as an instructional strategy in real-time online classes, and to explore the application of Bloom’s taxonomy in the development of formative assessment items. Methods: We designed the instruction using formative assessment in real-time online classes, developed the items of formative assessment, analyzed the items statistically, and investigated students' perceptions of formative assessment through a survey. Results: It is designed to consist of 2–3 learning outcomes per hour of class and to conduct the formative assessment with 1–2 items after the lecture for each learning outcome. Formative assessment was 31 times in the physiology classes (total 48 hours) of three basic medicine integrated. There were nine “knowledge” items, 40 “comprehension” items, and 55 “application” items. There were 33 items (31.7%) with a correct rate of 80% or higher, which the instructor thought was appropriate. As a result of the survey on students’ perceptions of formative assessment, they answered that it was able to concentrate on the class and that it was helpful in achieving learning outcomes. Conclusion The students focused during class because they had to take formative assessment immediately after the learning outcome lecture. “Integration of lesson and assessments” was maximized by solving the assessment items as well as through the instructor’s immediate explanation of answers. Through formative assessment, the students were able to utilize metacognition by learning what content they understood or did not understand. Items that consider Bloom’s taxonomy allow students to remember, understand, and apply to clinical contexts.

Spontaneous hepatic rupture, which is a complication of hypertension in pregnancy, is extremely rare. However, high maternal and perinatal mortality rates are observed. Several factors, namely, age over 30 years, multiparity, severe preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome (a group of symptoms which include hemolytic anemia, hepatic enzyme increase, and thrombocytopenia), are associated with this condition. An autopsy case of a woman with twin pregnancy was studied. She was at 36 weeks of gestational age and suffered from the sudden development and rapid progression of hypertension. Moreover, she died because of spontaneous hepatic rupture despite an emergency operation. Autopsy revealed a capsular rupture of the right lobe of the liver with numerous blood clots and hypovolemic signs, such as weak postmortem lividity and palor of the skin and conjunctiva. A close examination of the trunk and liver for the classification of the cause of rupture and an assessment of medical history, such as preeclampsia, are needed during postmortem examination of pregnant women with hepatic rupture or her fetus. To the best of our knowledge, this fatal complication in pregnant women is not yet presented in postmortem examinations in Korea. Thus, we report the findings of this case to share the knowledge.
Anemia, Hemolytic ; Autopsy* ; Classification ; Conjunctiva ; Emergencies ; Female ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; HELLP Syndrome ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Hypovolemia ; Korea ; Liver ; Parity ; Perinatal Mortality ; Pre-Eclampsia* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Pregnant Women* ; Rupture* ; Rupture, Spontaneous ; Skin

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare, and massive hemoptysis can lead to death if appropriate diagnosis and treatment is not provided. PAAs can be of congenital, acquired, or idiopathic origin, and the clinical symptoms are various. Among all reported cases, one-third of the patients died due to rupture. Optimal treatment or guidelines for PAAs remain uncertain. Herein, we report autopsy findings from a woman with PAA. The patient was taking medication for tuberculosis. On bronchoscopy, a polypoid lesion was found, suspected to be an inflammatory polyp. Biopsy was performed and massive bleeding into the airway occurred. The bleeding could not be controlled by bronchoscopic suction, and cardiac arrest occurred 30 minutes after biopsy; the patient subsequently died. Autopsy revealed a round, calcified PAA in the bronchus of the right middle lobe; the end of the PAA was torn. Hypovolemic signs, including weak postmortem lividity and pallor of the skin and conjunctivae, were observed. Visual inspection and histopathological examination of the right lung revealed tuberculosis and congestion. Cases related PAA are not uncommon, but autopsy cases of death occurring after biopsy of PAA mimicking bronchial polyps are rarely reported.
Aneurysm* ; Autopsy ; Biopsy* ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopy ; Conjunctiva ; Diagnosis ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Female ; Heart Arrest ; Hemoptysis ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypovolemia ; Lung ; Pallor ; Polyps* ; Pulmonary Artery* ; Rupture ; Skin ; Suction ; Tuberculosis

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlations between Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB) scores and the gray matter volumes (GMV) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively normal (CN) elderly subjects with correcting the genotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 75 subjects were enrolled with 25 subjects for each group. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon genotypes, SNSB scores, and the 3D T1-weighted images were obtained from all subjects. Correlations between SNSB scores and GMV were investigated with the multiple regression method for each subject group using both voxel-based and region-of-interest-based analyses with covariates of age, gender, and the genotype. RESULTS: In the AD group, Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) delayed recall scores were positively correlated with GMV. In the MCI group, Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) scores were positively correlated with GMV. In the CN group, GMV negatively correlated with Boston Naming Test (K-BNT) scores and Mini-Mental State Examimation (K-MMSE) scores, but positively correlated with RCFT scores. CONCLUSION: When we used covariates of age, gender, and the genotype, we found statistically significant correlations between some SNSB scores and GMV at some brain regions. It may be necessary to further investigate a longitudinal study to understand the correlation.
Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; Apolipoproteins ; Brain ; Genotype* ; Humans ; Mass Screening* ; Methods ; Mild Cognitive Impairment ; Seoul* ; Verbal Learning

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of combined inhibition of protein kinase B (AKT) and SRC on the growth and metastatic potential of human pancreatic cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AKT and SRC were inhibited using 10-DEBC and PP2, respectively. The expression of their messenger RNAs were down-regulated by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Changes in pancreatic cancer cell growth and metastatic potential were determined using a cell viability assay and a xenotransplant model of pancreatic cancer, as well as cell migration and invasion assays. Signal proteins were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: The inhibitors 10-DEBC and PP2 suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion in pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1. The simultaneous inhibition of AKT and SRC at low concentrations resulted in a significant suppression of cell proliferation. Knockdown of AKT2 and SRC using siRNAs also significantly decreased cell proliferation. In a pancreatic cancer model, combined treatment with 10-DEBC and PP2 also significantly suppressed the growth of pancreatic cancer. Application of 10-DEBC with PP2 significantly reduced the metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting migration and invasion. The combined inhibition suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR and ERK in pancreatic cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Combined targeting of AKT and SRC resulted in a synergistic efficacy against human pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Humans* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pancreatic Neoplasms* ; Phosphorylation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Small Interfering

In addition to identifying genetic differences between target populations, it is also important to determine the impact of genetic differences with regard to the respective target populations. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases where this approach is needed, and thus various statistical methods must be considered. In this study, genetic data from populations of Southeast and Southwest Asia were collected, and several statistical approaches were evaluated on the Y-chromosome short tandem repeat data. In order to develop a more accurate and practical classification model, we applied gradient boosting and ensemble techniques. To infer between the Southeast and Southwest Asian populations, the overall performance of the classification models was better than that of the decision trees and regression models used in the past. In conclusion, this study suggests that additional statistical approaches, such as data mining techniques, could provide more useful interpretations for forensic analyses. These trials are expected to be the basis for further studies extending from target regions to the entire continent of Asia as well as the use of additional genes such as mitochondrial genes.
Asia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Classification* ; Data Mining* ; Decision Trees ; Ethnic Groups* ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Models, Statistical