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Performance-Based Pay System and Job Stress Related to Depression/Anxiety in Korea: Analysis of Korea Working Condition Survey
Full text linkThe adoption rate of performance-based pay systems has increased in recent years, and the adverse effects of systems have been emphasized. However, no study has analyzed the increase in the risk of depression/anxiety symptoms caused by the pay system in Korea. This study aimed to reveal the association between performance-based pay systems and symptoms of depression/anxiety, using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. Depressive/anxiety symptoms were assessed using "yes" or "no" questions regarding medical problems related to depression/anxiety. The performance-based pay system and job stress were estimated using self-response answers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between performance-based pay systems, job stress, and symptoms of depression/anxiety using data from 27,793 participants. The performance-based pay system significantly increased the risk of the symptoms. Additionally, risk increments were calculated after grouping by pay system and job stress. Workers with two risk factors had the highest risk of symptoms of depression/anxiety for both sexes (male: OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.70-5.45; female: OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.32-3.50), implying synergistic effect of performance-based pay system and job stress on depression/anxiety symptoms. Based on these findings, policies should be established for early detection and protection against the risk of depression/anxiety.ope
Comparison of radiofrequency ablation and ablative external radiotherapy for the treatment of intrahepatic malignancies: A hybrid meta-analysis
Full text linkBackground & aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ablative external beam radiotherapy (ablative RT) are commonly used to treat small intrahepatic malignancies. We meta-analysed oncologic outcomes and systematically reviewed the clinical consideration of tumour location and size.
Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on February 24, 2022. Studies comparing RFA and ablative RT, providing one of the endpoints (local control or survival), and encompassing ≥5 patients in each arm were included.
Results: Twenty-one studies involving 4,638 patients were included. Regarding survival, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.204 (p = 0.194, favouring RFA, not statistically significant) among all studies, 1.253 (p = 0.153) among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) studies, and 1.002 (p = 0.996) among colorectal cancer metastasis studies. Regarding local control, the OR was 0.458 (p <0.001, favouring ablative RT) among all studies, 0.452 (p <0.001) among HCC studies, favouring the ablative RT arm, and 0.649 (p = 0.484) among colorectal cancer metastasis studies. Pooled 1- and 2-year survival rates for HCC studies were 91.8% and 77.7% after RFA, and 89.0% and 76.0% after ablative RT, respectively; and for metastasis studies were 88.2% and 66.4% after RFA and 82.7% and 60.6% after RT, respectively. Literature analysis suggests that ablative RT can be more effective than RFA for tumours larger than 2-3 cm or for specific sublocations in the liver (e.g. subphrenic or perivascular sites), with moderate quality of evidence (reference to the grading system of the American Society for Radiation Oncology Primary Liver Cancer Clinical Guidelines). The pooled grade ≥3 complication rates were 2.9% and 2.8% in the RFA and ablative RT arms, respectively (p = 0.952).
Conclusions: Our study shows that ablative RT can yield oncologic outcomes similar to RFA, and suggests that it can be more effective for the treatment of tumours in locations where RFA is difficult to perform or for large-sized tumours.
Systematic review registration: This study was registered with PROSPERO (Protocol No: CRD42022332997).
Impact and implications: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ablative radiotherapy (RT) are non-surgical modalities for the treatment of small intrahepatic malignancies. Ablative RT showed oncologic outcomes at least similar to those of RFA, and was more effective at specific locations (e.g. perivascular or subphrenic locations).ope
Protective Effect of Locally Injected Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Ischemic Murine Random Skin Flaps
Full text linkBackground and Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) against skin flap necrosis in a murine skin flap model.Materials and Method Twenty mice with rectangular skin flaps on the dorsum were randomly divided into the PDRN (n=10) and pentobarbital sodium (PBS) (n=10) injection groups. PDRN (8 mg/kg) was subdermally injected at 12 different points immediately after the operation. After 7 days, the flap perfusions were evaluated using a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system, and specimens were collected for immunohistochemistry analysis.
Results
The percentage of survival area relative to the total flap area was significantly higher in the PDRN group (60.87%±7.63%) than in the PBS group (45.23%±10.72%) (p<0.05). The mean LSCI perfusion signal of the distal part of the skin flap in the PBS group was 0.57±0.12, and that in the PDRN group was 0.74±0.13 (p<0.05). The PDRN group had a significantly lower interleukin 1 beta expression than the PBS group and higher vascular endothelial growth factor α expression than the PBS group (p<0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that subdermally injected PDRN is more effective in enhancing flap survival during necrosis.ope
Preventive effect of empagliflozin and ezetimibe on hepatic steatosis in adults and murine models
Full text linkBackground: Even though many oral glucose-lowering or lipid-lowering agents have already been reported to improve hepatic steatosis to some degree, which drug had a more beneficial effect on hepatic steatosis among those drugs has not been precisely explored. We analysed the effect of empagliflozi, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, and ezetimibe on developing hepatic steatosis.
Methods and results: Using 4005,779 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or dyslipidemia provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) between January 2015 and December 2015, we analyzed the odds ratio (OR) of fatty liver development (fatty liver index [FLI] >60). Additionally, we examined the metabolic effects of ezetimibe and empagliflozin in mice fed with a choline-deficient high-fat diet, mimicking the features of human NAFLD. The experiment for agents was performed for the non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse models independently. In the NHIS data, ORs for the development of fatty liver were significantly lower in all treatment groups than in the reference group, which did not receive ezetimibe or empagliflozin. (Ezetimibe therapy; OR=0.962, empagliflozin therapy; OR=0.527, ezetimibe plus empagliflozin; OR=0.509 compared to reference therapy). Unlike non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model, ezetimibe, empagliflozin, and combination therapy also reduced liver steatosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver mouse model.
Conclusions: Compared with other agents, empagliflozin and/or ezetimibe treatment reduced the risk of developing hepatic steatosis. Our data suggest that empagliflozin or ezetimibe can be primarily considered in type 2 DM or dyslipidemia patients to prevent hepatic steatosis.ope
Assertiveness educational interventions for nursing students and nurses: A systematic review
No full textObjectives: The purpose of this study was three-fold: to (1) synthesize evidence from experimental studies regarding educational interventions for developing nursing students' and nurses' assertiveness, (2) examine such interventions and identify their effective components, and (3) recommend future research considerations in this area.
Design: A systematic review of the literature.
Data sources: Literature searches were conducted using three electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) in addition to hand searches to identify original research articles published between 2012 and 2022.
Review methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed for the systematic review and reporting process. Included studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists.
Results: Fourteen articles were included in this review, with most of the studies conducted in Asian countries. Four intervention methods were used for assertiveness education across the studies: (1) simulation-based learning, (2) classroom-based learning, (3) classroom-based learning with peer support, and (4) hybrid learning. Classroom-based learning interventions were the most common. Among all types of interventions, key concepts included assertiveness, differentiating between assertive and non-assertive behaviors, and assertive communication skills. Most studies measured participants' speaking-up behaviors by self-report. Mixed results were observed in terms of intervention effectiveness, but providing participants with opportunities to practice assertive communication skills benefited their speaking-up.
Conclusions: Educational interventions can strengthen the skills, confidence, and capacity of current and future nurses to employ assertive communication. Intervention developers should create programs that involve classroom teaching and provide participants with opportunities for practice, either through simulation or role-play. Also, researchers should observe participants' post-intervention use of assertive communication in simulations or clinical practice as opposed to surveying participants' intention to speak up.restrictio
Outcomes of an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Korea
Full text linkBackground: The acute palliative care unit (APCU) bridges between active cancer treatment and hospice care. However, no study has proven the efficacy of APCU in Korea.
Objective: To evaluate the first-year outcomes of the patients admitted to an APCU at a tertiary hospital in Korea.
Design: The APCU admitted 205 patients between April 14, 2014, and April 30, 2015. Of these patients, 57 were evaluable for baseline and one-week follow-up Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).
Results: Of the 57 participants, 56.1% were male, with a median age of 60 years (range, 52.8-69.5 years). All patients had advanced cancer, and 42 out of 57 had terminal illnesses. The median APCU stay was 14 days (range, 10-17 days). The 42 (73.7%) patients were referred to the APCU after anticancer treatment was completed. Ten (17.5%) patients died during their stay, and 20 (35.1%) were discharged home. Among those who completed the ESAS, there were significant improvements in scores in the following symptoms: fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, appetite, and shortness of breath) and the total ESAS scores were significantly improved (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). Each non-medical palliative care program, such as art and music therapy, yoga, foot massage, haircut, and body care, showed no significant differences between the group who received them and those who did not.
Conclusion: During the APCU stay, the overall symptoms of inpatients were reduced. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients who need palliative care.ope
Long-term clinical outcomes of intestinal Behçet's disease: A 30-year cohort study at a tertiary hospital in South Korea
No full textBackground and aim: We aimed to identify the long-term clinical outcomes of and prognostic factors for intestinal Behçet's disease (BD).
Methods: A cohort of 780 patients with intestinal BD between 1997 and 2021 was investigated to determine long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors at an inflammatory bowel disease clinic at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Results: During the median follow-up period of 12.7 ± 7.2 years, 5-aminosalicylic acids, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents were required in 94.9%, 67.2%, 43.8%, and 14.6% of the patients, respectively. The cumulative rates of anti-TNF-α use were 3.7%, 7.5%, 8.5%, 12.1%, 17.6%, and 24.0%, and those for abdominal surgery were 5.7%, 10.9%, 12.6%, 16.5%, 21.6%, and 28.3%, at 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively, after initial diagnosis of intestinal BD. The cumulative rates of hospitalization were 11.8%, 21.9%, 27.9%, 38.8%, 54.4%, and 74.8%, and those of emergency room visits were 10.0%, 19.8%, 22.7%, 31.6%, 50.0%, and 65.0% at 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 years. Older age at primary diagnosis, previous appendectomy history, higher disease activity index for intestinal Behçet's disease score, systemic BD, multiple intestinal ulcers, deep intestinal ulcers, higher C-reactive protein, lower hemoglobin, and lower albumin levels were associated with poor prognosis. Married status, higher body mass index, oral ulceration, and arthritis were negatively associated with poor prognosis.
Conclusions: Data on the long-term clinical outcomes of intestinal BD and their prognostic factors could guide physicians in patient monitoring and in optimizing individualized treatment.restrictio
Risk factors and outcomes with surgical bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction
No full textBackground: There are insufficient data regarding the risk factors associated with valve dysfunction of bioprosthetic valves in the mitral position This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with bioprosthetic mitral valve (MV) dysfunction (MVD).
Methods: A total of 245 patients (age 67.2±11.2 years, 74.9% women) who were followed up for more than 5 years after surgical bioprosthetic MV replacement were analysed in the setting of retrospective study design. MVD was defined as an increased mean gradient of >5 mm Hg with limited leaflet motion and/or newly developed MV regurgitation of at least moderate severity on follow-up echocardiography. The clinical outcome was defined as a composite of cardiovascular mortality, redo MV surgery or intervention and heart failure-related hospitalisations.
Results: During a median of 96.0 months (IQR 67.0-125.0 months), bioprosthetic MVD occurred in 66 (27.6%) patients. Factors associated with bioprosthetic MVD detected by multivariate regression analysis were age at surgery (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99, p5.5 mm Hg across the bioprosthetic MV early after operation (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.78, p=0.028) and average haemoglobin level after surgery (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.96, p=0.015). Patients with bioprosthetic MVD showed significantly poorer clinical outcomes than those without bioprosthetic MVD (log-rank p<0.001).
Conclusions: Young age at operation, chronic kidney disease, elevated pressure gradient across the bioprosthetic MV early after surgery and postsurgical anaemia are associated with bioprosthetic MVD. Bioprosthetic MVD is associated with poor clinical outcomes.restrictio
Factors Associated With Airline Cabin Crews' Influenza Vaccination Intention in the Workplace-based Setting
No full textBackground: Yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. Workplace vaccination program for airline cabin crews is an important countermeasure in the management of infectious diseases. Understanding the influenza vaccination behavior of cabin crews is essential to establishing strategies to promote vaccine uptake. This study aimed to examine factors associated with airline cabin crews' influenza vaccination intention in a workplace-based setting. We applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain the vaccination behavior of employees.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in April 2021. Participants self-reported the structured questionnaires that consisted of TPB variables, and reasons for influenza vaccination/nonvaccination in 2020. A total of 253 crew members participated, and 242 were included in the analysis.
Findings: The influenza vaccination rate was 70.7% in 2020, and vaccination intention was 5.92 of 7 points in 2021. Multiple linear regression showed that influenza vaccination intention was associated with subjective norms (β = .394, p < .001), positive attitude (β = .145, p = .007), perceived behavioral control (β = .170, p = .004), actual behavioral control (β = .145, p = .010), and the previous year's vaccination (β = .163, p < .001). The model accounted for 57% of the variance in influenza vaccination intention (F = 40.959, p < .001).
Conclusions/application to practice: Our findings indicate that TPB is useful in explaining employees' influenza vaccination intention and influencing factors. Focusing on positive messages that emphasize the social effects of vaccination and providing free vaccination on specific dates are potential strategies to increase intention. It can be applied to help design on-site workplace vaccination programs for essential frontline workers.restrictio
The Role and Future of Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review
Full text linkMany types of surgeries are changing from conventional to minimally invasive techniques. Techniques in spine surgery have also changed, with endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) becoming a major surgical technique. Although ESS has advantages such as less soft tissue dissection and normal structure damage, reduced blood loss, less epidural scarring, reduced hospital stay, and earlier functional recovery, it is not possible to replace all spine surgery techniques with ESS. ESS was first used for discectomy in the lumbar spine, but the range of ESS has expanded to cover the entire spine, including the cervical and thoracic spine. With improvements in ESS instruments (optics, endoscope, endoscopic drill and shaver, irrigation pump, and multiportal endoscopic), limitations of ESS have gradually decreased, and it is possible to apply ESS to more spine pathologies. ESS currently incorporates new technologies, such as navigation, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, and 3-dimentional and ultraresolution visualization, to innovate and improve outcomes. In this article, we review the history and current status of ESS, and discuss future goals and possibilities for ESS through comparisons with conventional surgical techniques.ope