Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication of lung transplantation with poorly understood risk factors and clinical characteristics. This study aimed to examine the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical data of patients who developed PRES following lung transplantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 patients who underwent lung transplantation between February 2013 and December 2023. The patients were diagnosed with PRES based on the clinical symptoms and radiological findings. We compared the baseline characteristics and clinical information, including primary lung diseases and immunosuppressive therapy related to lung transplantation operations, between the PRES and non-PRES groups. Results: PRES manifested in 7.5% (n=11) of the patients who underwent lung transplantation, with a median onset of 15 days after operation. Seizures were identified as the predominant clinical manifestation (81.8%, n=9) in the group diagnosed with PRES. All patients diagnosed with PRES recovered fully. Patients with PRES were significantly associated with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (45.5% vs. 18.4%, P=0.019, odds ratio=9.808; 95% CI, 1.064–90.386; P=0.044). Nonetheless, no significant variance was observed in the type of immunotherapy, such as the use of calcineurin inhibitors, blood pressure, or acute renal failure subsequent to lung transplantation. Conclusions PRES typically manifests shortly after lung transplantation, with seizures being the predominant initial symptom. The presence of preexisting connective tissue disease as the primary lung disease represents a significant risk factor for PRES following lung transplantation.

Purpose: K-MASTER project is a Korean national precision medicine platform that screened actionable mutations by analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) of solid tumor patients. We compared gene analyses between NGS panel from the K-MASTER project and orthogonal methods. Materials and Methods: Colorectal, breast, non–small cell lung, and gastric cancer patients were included. We compared NGS results from K-MASTER projects with those of non-NGS orthogonal methods (KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer [CRC]; epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK] fusion, and reactive oxygen species 1 [ROS1] fusion in non–small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) positivity in breast and gastric cancers). Results: In the CRC cohort (n=225), the sensitivity and specificity of NGS were 87.4% and 79.3% (KRAS); 88.9% and 98.9% (NRAS); and 77.8% and 100.0% (BRAF), respectively. In the NSCLC cohort (n=109), the sensitivity and specificity of NGS for EGFR were 86.2% and 97.5%, respectively. The concordance rate for ALK fusion was 100%, but ROS1 fusion was positive in only one of three cases that were positive in orthogonal tests. In the breast cancer cohort (n=260), ERBB2 amplification was detected in 45 by NGS. Compared with orthogonal methods that integrated immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, sensitivity and specificity were 53.7% and 99.4%, respectively. In the gastric cancer cohort (n=64), ERBB2 amplification was detected in six by NGS. Compared with orthogonal methods, sensitivity and specificity were 62.5% and 98.2%, respectively. Conclusion The results of the K-MASTER NGS panel and orthogonal methods showed a different degree of agreement for each genetic alteration, but generally showed a high agreement rate.

Purpose: This study explored nursing students’ experiences of attending clinical practicum courses in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic era, focusing on their confidence in clinical competency and job readiness. Methods: The data for this study were collected using online questionnaires that were uploaded to a free online survey website and distributed via a link to the survey to 334 nursing students attending four-year nursing colleges at four national universities. Data analysis was done with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and ANOVA. Results: The participants were mostly female (83.2%) college seniors (78.1%). About 60% of the participants practiced between 40% to 100% of their clinical practicum hours in alternative ways. Almost a third of the participants reported that they were not ready for a job (30.2%). However, participants’ confidence in clinical competency and job readiness was not related to the rate of alternative practice, but rather to both achievement of educational outcomes and satisfaction in the nursing practicum. Conclusion Due to COVID-19, it is evident that effective and efficient materials and ways of delivering clinical courses are constantly to be sought and developed. In particular, recently graduated nurses who experienced abrupt and considerable alterations in their clinical practicum courses due to COVID-19 are in need of attention while they strive to make clinical adaptations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and postpartum depression among parturient women between 2 weeks to 12 months, using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS). METHODS: Participants were 150 women who had their infants examined for health in two public health centers in a city. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included the FMPS, Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised and the Korean version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (K-EPDS). The data were analyzed using independent t-tests and a multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 43.3% (K-EPDS≥9.5). Multiple regression analysis showed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with parental criticism (β=.21), concern over mistakes (β=.19), postnatal maternal blues (β=.22), history of depression (β=.20), social support (β=.13), marital relationship/satisfaction (β=.14), prenatal anxiety (β=.17), and self-esteem (β=.15, all p values < .05). These variables explained 57.2% of the variance in postpartum depression. CONCLUSION: Parental criticism and concern over mistakes are personality dimensions that can be exhibited by participants and are therefore associated with the development of postpartum depression in parents of infants. The perfectionism assessment is needed to detect postpartum depression and develop strategies to provide effective and preventive interventions.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Depression, Postpartum ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Linear Models ; Parents ; Postpartum Period ; Prevalence ; Public Health

PURPOSE: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the current awareness and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as well as attitudes toward CAM, in patients with cancer and their family members in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 21 and October 31, 2017, a 25-item questionnaire regarding CAM experiences among cancer patients and their family members was conducted in 10 oncology clinics in South Korea after institutional review board approval at each institution. RESULTS: In total, 283/310 patients were analyzed. The median age was 60 years, and 60% were male. Most of the patients were actively receiving anticancer treatment at the time of the survey. A total of 106 patients (37%) had experienced a median of two types (interquartile range, 1 to 3) of CAM. Belief in CAM (odds ratio [OR], 3.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.611 to 5.640) and duration of disease (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.020) were independent factors for using CAM in multivariable analysis. Belief in CAM was significantly associated with current use of CAM (OR, 3.633; 95% CI, 1.567 to 8.424). Lay referral was the most common reason for deciding to use CAM, and only 25% of patients (72/283) discussed CAM with their physicians. CONCLUSION: Patient attitudes toward and confidence in CAM modalities were strongly associated with their CAM experiences, and only a small number of patients had an open discussion about CAM with their physicians. A patient education program for CAM is needed.
Complementary Therapies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Patient Education as Topic ; Referral and Consultation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy improving social cognition on the self efficacy, relationship function and social skills for chronic schizophrenia. METHODS: This study employed a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Fifty-two participants were selected from patients with chronic schizophrenia, and they divided into an experimental group(26) and control group(26). Cognitive behavioral group therapy was used as the experimental treatment from March to May. Therapy was administered once a week over 10-weeks. RESULTS: The results showed that compared to the control group, experimental group improved on relationship function and social skills and showed better self-reported self efficacy. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the cognitive behavioral group therapy improving social cognition is an effective nursing intervention to increase the levels of self efficacy, relationship function and social skills.
Cognition* ; Humans ; Nursing ; Psychotherapy, Group* ; Schizophrenia* ; Self Efficacy* ; Social Skills*

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the relation of self-esteem, stress, social support, and quality of life on fishermen's and to identify factor influencing quality of life. METHODS: Data were collected from 120 the fishermen's who trained at the sailors educational institution located in Busan, Korea. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The quality of life shows a positive correlation with self-esteem and social support, and a negative correlation with stress. The results of multiple regression analysis show that significant variables influencing the quality of life are stress, self-esteem, social support, and job satisfaction. And these variables explained 62.7% of the varience in quality of life. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that stress is the main factor influencing fishermen's quality of life and therefore a variety of interventions designed to lower stress levels are needed. In addition, comprehensive programs that can increase the levels of fishermen's self-esteem, social support, and job satisfaction need to be implemented.
Busan ; Humans ; Job Satisfaction ; Korea ; Military Personnel ; Quality of Life*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the interpersonal problems andmental health of college students according to their experience of bullies and of being victims of bullying in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: The questionnaire was completed by 221 college students in J city. Data were collected during November and December, 2015. The data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics and ANOVA with the PASW Statistics 18.0 program. RESULTS: Nearly 65% of participants reported having experienced bullying victimization, bullying perpetration when they were in elementary, middle or high school. Interpersonal problems were significantly different between victims or victim-perpetrator and a control group (F=13.12, p<.001). Mental health was significantly different between victims, perpetrator or victim-perpetrator and a control group, (F=13.15, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Participants commonly reported experiencing bullying while at school and these reports were associated with higher interpersonal problems and lower levels ofmental health. Bullying experience needs further investigation as a preventable cause of interpersonal problems and mental health problems across the lifespan.
Adolescent ; Bullying* ; Crime Victims ; Humans ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. Immigrant women face cultural and social impediments, discrimination, and emotional and mental stressors; and they participate less in breast cancer prevention services. Breast self examination (BSE) may be effective in early detection. The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to identify the practice of BSE and to examine predictors related to the practice of BSE among North Korean female immigrants residing in South Korea. METHODS: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 131 North Korean female immigrants aged 20 years through 65 years who had attended community centers, local churches, and women's gatherings located in Incheon, Kyeongkido, Seoul, and Jeju. RESULTS: This study found that 17.6% of the women performed BSE and 8.4% were taught the methods of detecting breast cancer including BSE. Two significant predictors to performing BSE were found-good perceived health status (P=.003)and education about breast cancer screening and the breast self examination (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that North Korean female immigrants who were taught the detecting methods of breast cancer including BSE were more likely to practice BSE.
Breast Neoplasms ; Breast Self-Examination* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Education ; Emigrants and Immigrants* ; Female ; Humans ; Incheon ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Seoul

PURPOSE: This study was done to verify effects of a positive psychotherapy program on depression, self-esteem, and hope in patients with major depressive disorders. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pre-post design was used. Participants were 53 people (control group=27 and experimental group=26) who were diagnosed with a major depressive disorder and received psychiatric outpatient treatment. The data were collected from July 1 to December 30, 2013. The experimental group received the positive psychotherapy program 8 times over 8 weeks. Data analysis was conducted using chi2-test, Fisher's exact test and t-test. RESULTS: As the result of the intervention, depression (p<.001), self-esteem (p<.001) and hope (p<.001) improved significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the positive psychotherapy program can be widely utilized as one of the nursing intervention programs for depressive patients.
Depression* ; Depressive Disorder, Major* ; Hope* ; Humans ; Nursing ; Outpatients ; Psychotherapy* ; Statistics as Topic