PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tailored case management using a gatekeeper on depression and life satisfaction in the single-household elderly population. METHODS: The design of Quasi experiment was applied to compare the variables before and after the management. Ninety-seven people who had depression categorized by the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: Depression (t=11.22, p<.001) and life satisfaction (t=-5.36, p<.001) were improved after management in comparison to the results of pre-tests, and the differences were statistically significant. The difference in the pre-test and post-test scores of the support system (chi2=13.89, p<.001) were significant, while the differences in the perception of depression (chi2=.02, p=.891) and coping methods (chi2=.34, p=.558) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Tailored case management using a gatekeeper is effective to reduce the degree of depression and improve life satisfaction in the single-household elderly population having depression. This study offers a model of individualized as well as systemic mental health care for the community of single-house hold elderly people as an effective means for prevention of and early intervention in depression.
Aged ; Case Management ; Depression ; Early Intervention (Education) ; Gatekeeping ; Humans ; Mental Health

Objectives: Dental caries and periodontal disease are infectious and chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of mentha extracts against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans ) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis ). Methods: This activity of mentha extracts were confirmed by the disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and colony forming unit (CFU) assays. Results: S. mutans and P. gingivalis showed the highest antimicrobial activity within the inhibition zones. The antimicrobial activity was interrupted as the MIC and MBC of the herbal extracts against the two bacteria were 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml, respectively. The antimicrobial effect was determined by the CFU assay. Conclusions Mentha herb extract demonstrated potential antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and P. gingivalis that cause dental caries and periodontal disease.

Purpose: To assess the reliability and accuracy of an automated Cobb angle measurement (ACAM) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for scoliosis evaluation and to compare measurement times. Materials and Methods: ACAM was applied to spine radiographs in 411 patients suspected of scoliosis. Observer 1 (consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists) and observer 2 (a radiology resident) measured Cobb angle (CA). CA measurements were categorized using observer 1’s measurements as the reference standard. Inter-observer reliability and correlation were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, respectively. Accuracy and measurement time of ACAM and observers were evaluated. Results: ACAM demonstrated excellent reliability and very high correlation with observer 1 (ICC = 0.976, Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.948), with a mean CA difference of 1.1. Overall accuracy was high (88.2%), particularly in mild (92.2%) and moderate (96%) scoliosis. Accuracy was lower in spinal asymmetry (77.1%) and higher in severe scoliosis (95%), although the CA was lower compared to the observers. ACAM significantly reduced measurement time by nearly half compared to the observers (p < 0.001). Conclusion ACAM using CNN enhances CA measurement for assessing mild or moderate scoliosis, despite limitations in spinal asymmetry or severe scoliosis. Nonetheless, it substantially decreases measurement time.

Purpose: To assess the reliability and accuracy of an automated Cobb angle measurement (ACAM) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for scoliosis evaluation and to compare measurement times. Materials and Methods: ACAM was applied to spine radiographs in 411 patients suspected of scoliosis. Observer 1 (consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists) and observer 2 (a radiology resident) measured Cobb angle (CA). CA measurements were categorized using observer 1’s measurements as the reference standard. Inter-observer reliability and correlation were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, respectively. Accuracy and measurement time of ACAM and observers were evaluated. Results: ACAM demonstrated excellent reliability and very high correlation with observer 1 (ICC = 0.976, Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.948), with a mean CA difference of 1.1. Overall accuracy was high (88.2%), particularly in mild (92.2%) and moderate (96%) scoliosis. Accuracy was lower in spinal asymmetry (77.1%) and higher in severe scoliosis (95%), although the CA was lower compared to the observers. ACAM significantly reduced measurement time by nearly half compared to the observers (p < 0.001). Conclusion ACAM using CNN enhances CA measurement for assessing mild or moderate scoliosis, despite limitations in spinal asymmetry or severe scoliosis. Nonetheless, it substantially decreases measurement time.

Purpose: To assess the reliability and accuracy of an automated Cobb angle measurement (ACAM) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for scoliosis evaluation and to compare measurement times. Materials and Methods: ACAM was applied to spine radiographs in 411 patients suspected of scoliosis. Observer 1 (consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists) and observer 2 (a radiology resident) measured Cobb angle (CA). CA measurements were categorized using observer 1’s measurements as the reference standard. Inter-observer reliability and correlation were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, respectively. Accuracy and measurement time of ACAM and observers were evaluated. Results: ACAM demonstrated excellent reliability and very high correlation with observer 1 (ICC = 0.976, Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.948), with a mean CA difference of 1.1. Overall accuracy was high (88.2%), particularly in mild (92.2%) and moderate (96%) scoliosis. Accuracy was lower in spinal asymmetry (77.1%) and higher in severe scoliosis (95%), although the CA was lower compared to the observers. ACAM significantly reduced measurement time by nearly half compared to the observers (p < 0.001). Conclusion ACAM using CNN enhances CA measurement for assessing mild or moderate scoliosis, despite limitations in spinal asymmetry or severe scoliosis. Nonetheless, it substantially decreases measurement time.

PURPOSE: To evaluate microvascular change (microaneurysm) in diabetic retinopathy patients who undergo intravitreal bevacizumab injection using fluorescein angiography (FAG). METHODS: Thirty one eyes of 31 diabetic retinopathy patients undergoing intravitreal bevacizumab injection (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) in only 1 eye were included in this study. The control group (31 eyes) consisted of the fellow eyes. We excluded cased with intravitreal bevacizumab injection in both eyes and medial opacity obscuring three fundus image due to vitreous hemorrhage. The microaneurysmal change was analyzed at the same site the circle with optic disc radius and macula using FAG 2 to 4 months after injection. RESULTS: The average number of microaneurysms was 42.58 +/- 33.93 and significantly decreased to 28.74 +/- 28.06 after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (p < 0.05). The decrease of 35.70 +/- 24.79% in the treatment group was statistically higher than 13.95 +/- 38.21% in the control group with the fellow eyes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, intravitreal bevacizumab injection reduced neovascularization, cystoid macular edema. Therefore this data can be used for future research on microvascular changes in the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy* ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Humans ; Macular Edema ; Radius ; Retina ; Vitreous Hemorrhage ; Bevacizumab

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species on cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS: VSMC were isolated from rat aorta. Cell proliferation was assessed by measure of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into the cells. Differences in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined after exposure to the extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species using the detection reagents dichlorofluorecin diacetate. The rhizomes/roots were air-dried and milled with a commercial food mixer. Milled rhizomes/roots of each Cimicifuga species were separately extracted by 80% ethanol, absolute methanol, and 40% 2-propanol using homogenizer and evaporated under reduced pressure at low temperatures. Effects of extracts dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (0.3 mg/mL) were examined. RESULTS: Ethanolic, methanolic or propanolic extracts of 4 Korean native Cimicifuge species (Cimicifuga [C] davurica, C. japonica, C. heracleifolia var. bifida Nakai, C. simplex) were screened. The addition of extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species to cells in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) potently inhibited cell proliferation. Significant decrease of 23%-30% was observed. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, inhibited 10% FBS-stimulated cell proliferation of VSMC. We also demonstrated that extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species decreased intracellular ROS generation induced with 10% FBS. The effect of Korean native Cimicifuge species was not species-specific and solvent-specific. CONCLUSION: TExtracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species inhibit VSMC proliferation via inhibition of intracellular ROS. These findings suggest that Cimicifuge species used for reducing menopause symptoms might be cardioprotective in women.
1-Propanol ; 2-Propanol ; Animals ; Aorta ; Bromodeoxyuridine ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cell Proliferation ; Cimicifuga ; Estrogens ; Ethanol ; Female ; Humans ; Indicators and Reagents ; Menopause ; Methanol ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins

We report a case of catheter-related bacteremia due to Tsukamurella pulmonis. T. pulmonis is a rare cause of opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients and in cases of indwelling foreign materials. This infection was nearly impossible to identify using conventional phenotyping methods because of its similarities to the related genera Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Streptomyces, Corynebacterium, and Mycobacterium. This organism was initially misidentified as Mycobacterium aubagnense through PCR-RFLP analysis. We correctly identified this organism using 16S rRNA sequencing combined with phenotyping tests.
Bacteremia ; Catheters ; Corynebacterium ; Humans ; Korea ; Mycobacterium ; Nocardia ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ; Opportunistic Infections ; Rhodococcus ; Streptomyces

A 55-year-old female presented to Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital with left neck and shoulder pain. An anterior mediastinal mass was detected on chest CT and there were no other specific lesions in the lung or pleural cavity. An infected pericardial cysts was suspected and excision was performed through a left-sided VATS approach. The patient was discharged on the second post-operative day with left diaphragm palsy and praziquantel was prescribed after paragonimaisis was confirmed on pathology. The patient has not shown any particular problems at my outpatient clinic.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Diaphragm ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; Mediastinal Cyst ; Mediastinum ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Paragonimiasis ; Paralysis ; Pleural Cavity ; Praziquantel ; Shoulder Pain ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thorax

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and behaviors of Korean women of reproductive age in regards to contraception counseling. Materials and Methods: The study sample was collected in Korea and comprised 1011 women aged 20–44 years and 150 obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) doctors. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their current methods of contraception, knowledge of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods, and willingness to learn about and use other contraceptive methods. Results: Women used condoms (74.2%), natural methods (cycle control or withdrawal, 52.4%), and combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (36.9%) more frequently than long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as hormone-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) (4.5%), copper-intrauterine devices (3.3%), and subdermal implants (1.4%). Although the proportion of women who used LARC was low, those who used hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants reported high levels of satisfaction. The findings revealed discordant results between women and OB/GYN doctors regarding the initiation and quality of information provided by doctors about contraception and overall satisfaction with counseling. Most women (83.1%) expressed a desire to have more information about various contraceptive methods. More than 60% of women reported a willingness to use LARC, such as hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants, when provided with detailed information in counseling. Conclusion The majority of Korean women are familiar with condoms and natural methods, but lack knowledge about alternative contraceptive methods, including LARC. Women who used LARC reported higher levels of satisfaction than those who used other methods.