Purpose: To investigate the differences in the frequency of post-fitting denture check-ups based on gender, age, insurance status, denture arch, and type among patients aged 65 and above. Methods: This research analyzed 988 patients from National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital’s Department of Prosthodontics, who had denture fittings over the last 10 years. Variables including gender, age, insurance status and type, denture arch, and denture type were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed at a 5% significance level. Results: The study incorporated 988 dentures, revealing a median of 3 check-ups post-fitting. Male patients significantly had more visits than females (P = .017), and those with full metal dentures visited significantly more than those with partial dentures (P = .005). Other variables were not significantly influential on the post-fitting check-up frequency. Conclusion Within this study’s confines, an increase in denture adjustment sessions was observed for male patients and those with full metal dentures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine and share experiences of male nurses who have been rejected during their nursing practice by their patients. METHODS: The participants were 12 male nurses who have worked in several hospitals. Data were collected through personalized in-depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed with the content analysis method. RESULTS: The results can be categorized into three main themes. 1. Rejection based on gender stereotypes of nurses' roles. 2. Nurses' reactions when nursing was rejected 3. Reestablishing the role as a nurse. The results of this study showed that male nurses were struggling to maintain their own positions as professional nurses. They were refused by their patients and they experienced a lack of skill and knowledge in nursing practice. They were harmed physically and psychologically from being turned down, and sometimes they had serious conflicts with female nurses. Meanwhile, the male nurses tried to be faithful to their role as professional nurses. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the following findings. 1. The male nurses' experiences where mostly ones of understanding and cooperation with patients' caregivers. 2. The need for public relations advertising and systematic support from the media. 3. The need for improving gender equality for nurses. 4. Strengthening male nursing students' endeavors for sound nursing professionalism.
Caregivers ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Nurses, Male ; Nursing ; Professionalism ; Public Relations ; Qualitative Research

PURPOSE: Poloxamer 407 (P407) thermo-sensitive hydrogel formulations were developed to enhance the retention time in the urinary bladder after intravesical instillation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: P407 hydrogels (P407Gels) containing 0.2 w/w% fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD, MW 4 kDa) as a fluorescent probe were prepared by the cold method with different concentrations of the polymer (20, 25, and 30 w/w%). The gel-forming capacities were characterized in terms of gelation temperature (G-Temp), gelation time (G-Time), and gel duration (G-Dur). Homogenous dispersion of the probe throughout the hydrogel was observed by using fluorescence microscopy. The in vitro bladder simulation model was established to evaluate the retention and drug release properties. P407Gels in the solution state were administered to nude mice via urinary instillation, and the in vivo retention behavior of P407Gels was visualized by using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). RESULTS: P407Gels showed a thermo-reversible phase transition at 4℃ (refrigerated; sol) and 37℃ (body temperature; gel). The G-Temp, G-Time, and G-Dur of FD-free P407Gels were approximately 10℃–20℃, 12–30 seconds, and 12–35 hours, respectively, and were not altered by the addition of FD. Fluorescence imaging showed that FD was spread homogenously in the gelled P407 solution. In a bladder simulation model, even after repeated periodic filling-emptying cycles, the hydrogel formulation displayed excellent retention with continuous release of the probe over 8 hours. The FD release from P407Gels and the erosion of the gel, both of which followed zero-order kinetics, had a linear relationship (r²=0.988). IVIS demonstrated that the intravesical retention time of P407Gels was over 4 hours, which was longer than that of the FD solution ( < 1 hour), even though periodic urination occurred in the mice. CONCLUSIONS: FD release from P407Gels was erosion-controlled. P407Gels represent a promising system to enhance intravesical retention with extended drug delivery.
Administration, Intravesical* ; Animals ; Dextrans ; Drug Liberation ; Fluorescein ; Hydrogel* ; Hydrogels* ; In Vitro Techniques ; Kinetics ; Methods ; Mice* ; Mice, Nude ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Optical Imaging ; Phase Transition ; Poloxamer* ; Polymers ; Urinary Bladder* ; Urination

It has been shown that QGC isolated and purified from Rumecis folium found protective effects of gastritis and esophagitis which EXT is an ethanol extract of it. We examined acute toxicity and the general pharmacological action of QGC EXT to search for any side effects of it in rats, mice, guinea pigs, and cats. In a single dose toxicity study, QGC EXT didn't show toxicological effects in rats and mice, and the LD50 was over 5 g/kg in both animals, and there were also no changes in weight, feed and water intake during these toxicological experimental periods. We examined the general pharmacological action on central controlled behavior responses, and peripheral organs including blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and gastrointestinal system, We found that there were no significant changes in body temperature, locomotors activity, stereotyped behaviors, sleeping time, and convulsion. In other studies, writhing reaction, normal body temperature, there did not appear to be any changes. The large intestine movement and electrical field stimulation-induced contraction was not changes by its EXT. In addition, the influences on blood pressure, heart rates, and respiration by QGC EXT were not found. These results indicate that QGC EXT may be very safe as a new drug, since its LD50 was very high over 5 g/kg and any side effects were not found.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Cats ; Contracts ; Drinking ; Esophagitis ; Ethanol ; Gastritis ; Guinea Pigs ; Heart Rate ; Intestine, Large ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Mice ; Rats ; Respiration ; Seizures ; Stereotyped Behavior

PURPOSE: Many burn patients have been suffered from sequelae of burn injury (itching, pain, heating sense, etc.). The treatment of those symptoms was not successful even though they are approached multiply. Some patients depend on folk remedies. We try to find the effectiveness of microneedling procedure (dermastamp(R)) which is used for esthetic purpose. METHODS: 25 patients were included who had been treated with the skin massage therapy from September 2008 to March 2009. They received the dermastamp(R) procedure once a week and surveyed from 2 months after procedure. The survey items were itching, pain, tightness, firmness, shape of scar, joint deformities. We divided the severity of symptoms into digit scale form 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (too severe to sleep) and the severity was estimated by patients. Statistical method was Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 8 males and 17 females. The mean age was 22.2+/-13.8 years old. The average time that felt the effectiveness was 4.4+/-2.3 times. Statistically significant responses showed in itching, firmness (P<0.05), pain and tightness (P<0.01). Improvement of the shape of scar and joint deformities were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Even now, no definite treatment against the sequelae of burn injury. Multimodalities of treatment in sequelae of burn injury are using and dermastamp(R) can be an additional method for sequelae of burn injury.
Burns ; Cicatrix ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Joints ; Male ; Massage ; Medicine, Traditional ; Pruritus ; Skin

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical site infection may have serious sequelae, especially that occurring after craniotomy. A nationwide prospective multicenter study was performed in Korea to determine the incidence and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) after craniotomy. Methods: We collected demographic data, clinical and operative risk factors for SSI, and information regarding the antibiotics administered for the patients who underwent craniotomy in 17 hospitals between July and December of 2008. All the data were collected using a real-time web-based reporting system. RESULTS: Of the 1,020 patients who underwent craniotomy, 31 (3%) developed SSI, including 4 with superficial incisional SSI, 2 with deep incisional SSI, and 25 with organ/space SSI. The SSI rate was predicted on the basis of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) risk index. The SSI rate of 3.1%, 3.3%, and 1.8% were ascribed NNIS scores of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The independent risk factors for SSI identified were postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (odds ratio, 12.13; 95% confidence interval, 4.54-32.42) and preoperative Glasgow coma scales score < or =8 (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-5.18). Third generation cephalosporins were the most frequently (in 65.6% of the cases) used for prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: A multicenter SSI surveillance system for craniotomy was first established in Korea. The NNIS risk index was not effective in identifying the patients at risk. We required to further analyze a large number of SSI cases to correctly identify the risk factors for SSI after craniotomy.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Cephalosporins ; Coma ; Craniotomy ; Cross Infection ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVE: Thoracoscopic spinal surgery provides minimally invasive approaches for effective vertebral decompression and reconstruction of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine, while surgery related morbidity can be significantly lowered. This study analyzes clinical results of thoracoscopic spinal surgery performed at our institute. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent video-assisted thoracosopic surgery (VATS) to treat various thoracic and thoracolumbar pathologies from April 2000 to July 2006. The lesions consisted of spinal trauma (13 cases), thoracic disc herniation (4 cases), tuberculous spondylitis (1 case), post-operative thoracolumbar kyphosis (1 case) and thoracic tumor (1 case). The level of operation included upper thoracic lesions (3 cases), midthoracic lesions (6 cases) and thoracolumbar lesions (11 cases). We classified the procedure into three groups: stand-alone thoracoscopic discectomy (3 cases), thoracoscopic fusion (11 cases) and video assisted mini-thoracotomy (6 cases). RESULTS: Analysis on the Frankel performance scale in spinal trauma patients (13 cases), showed a total of 7 patients who had neurological impairment preoperatively : Grade D (2 cases), Grade C (2 cases), Grade B (1 case), and Grade A (2 cases). Four patients were neurologically improved postoperatively, two patients were improved from C to E, one improved from grade D to E and one improved from grade B to grade D. The preoperative Cobb's and kyphotic angle were measured in spinal trauma patients and were 18.9+/-4.4 degrees and 18.8+/-4.6 degrees, respectively. Postoperatively, the angles showed statistically significant improvement, 15.1+/-3.7 degrees and 11.3+/-2.4 degrees, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although VATS requires a steep learning curve, it is an effective and minimally invasive procedure which provides biomechanical stability in terms of anterior column decompression and reconstruction for anterior load bearing, and preservation of intercostal muscles and diaphragm.
Decompression ; Diaphragm ; Diskectomy ; Humans ; Intercostal Muscles ; Kyphosis ; Learning Curve ; Pathology* ; Spinal Fractures ; Spinal Fusion ; Spine ; Spondylitis ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Weight-Bearing

BACKGROUND: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most frequent primary glomerulonephritis in the world. Despite 20 years of research into this condition, much remains unknown about its pathogenesis and therapy. One major problem is that the prognostic evaluation and renal survival of IgAN is unreliable. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to clarify the prognostic factors and the long-term renal survival rates of this disease. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients with IgAN who followed-up at least 3 years after renal biopsy were included in this study. During a mean followed-up of 9.3 years after their renal biopsy (range:36-215 months), 33 of them (21.7%) had progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The actuarial renal survival rate was 97% at 5 years, and 85% at 10 years. Using univariate analysis, 5 risk factors for developing ESRD were identified:male sex, hypertension, heavy proteinuria, renal insufficiency at the time of biopsy, severe histopathologic findings such as subclass IV/V lesions by Haas' subclassification were associated with significant risk factors for developing ESRD. In multivariate regression analysis, only Haas' subclass IV/V lesions and renal insufficiency at the time of biopsy were the independent prognostic factors of IgAN. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, further long-term prospective study with larger number of patients would be necessary to assess the prognostic factors in IgAN.
Biopsy ; Glomerulonephritis ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Immunoglobulin A* ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Prognosis* ; Proteinuria ; Renal Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Microvascular integrity has been associated with the clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The present study was conducted to determine the value of many microvascular indexes assessed by an intracoronary (IC) pressure/Doppler wire in AMI following primary PCI for detecting viable myocardium by comparing with the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake rate (%FDG uptake) on positron-emission tomography (PET). SUBJECTS AND METHODS : We studied 35 patients who had their first AMI (age: 56+/-12, male: 30). After primary PCI, the TMPG (TIMI myocardial perfusion grade) was assessed. We measured the coronary flow reserve (CFR), the diastolic deceleration time (DDT), the coronary wedge pressure (Pcw), the Pcw/ Pa (mean aortic pressure) and the hyperemic microvascular resistance index (hMVRI) by an IC Doppler/ pressure wire. 18FDG PET scan was obtained at 7 days after the primary PCI; viable myocardium was defined that the %FDG uptake was more than 50% in infarct-related myocardium. RESULTS : There were significant correlations between TMPG, CFR, Pcw, Pcw/Pa, DDT, hMVRI and %FDG uptake (r=0.651, p<0.001; r=0.386, p=0.020; r=-0.388, p=0.021; r=-0.473, p=0.004; r=0.589, p<0.001; r=-0.442, p=0.008, respectively). The best cutoff values and area under curves (AUC) of the CFR, Pcw, Pcw/Pa, DDT and hMVRI for 50% FDG uptake were 1.8 (0.737), 27 mmHg (0.600), 0.33 (0.660), 600 msec (0.802) and 2.55 mmHg.cm-1.sec (0.768), respectively. The DDT had a significantly higher AUC than that of Pcw (p=0.029) and it was an independent index to predict the myocardial viability (p=0.011). CONCLUSION : DDT was the most reliable hemodynamic microvascular index that was assessed within 24 hours following primary PCI for predicting the viable myocardium in AMI patients.
Area Under Curve ; DDT ; Deceleration ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardium ; Perfusion ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure

OBJECTIVE: We treated 10 pediatric diffuse intrinsic brain stem glioma(BSG) patients with Novalis system (linac based radiotherapy unit, Germany) and examined the efficacy of the Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy(FSRT). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 10 pediatric diffuse intrinsic BSG patients who were treated with FSRT between May, 2001 and August, 2004. The mean age of the patient group was 7.7 years old. Male to female ratio was 4 to 1. The mean dose of FSRT was 38.7Gy, mean fractionated dose was 2.6Gy, mean fractionation size was 16.6, and target volume was 42.78cm3. The mean follow up period was 14 months. RESULTS: Four weeks after completion of FSRT, improvements on neurological status and Karnofsky performance scale(KPS) score were recorded in 9/10 (90%) patients and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed decrease in target tumor volume in 8 pediatric patients. The median survival period was 13.5 months after FSRT and treatment toxicity was mild. CONCLUSION: It is difficult for surgeons to choose surgical treatment for diffuse intrinsic BSG due to its dangerous anatomical structures. FSRT made it possible to control the tumor volume to improve neurological symptoms with minimal complications. We expect that FSRT is a feasible treatment modality for pediatric diffuse intrinsic BSG with tolerable toxicities.
Brain Stem* ; Brain* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glioma* ; Humans ; Male ; Radiotherapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tumor Burden