Healthcare Considerations for Special Populations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a threat to human health and public safety. People of all ages are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. However, the clinical manifestations of this infection differ by age. This study purposes to describe healthcare considerations for special populations, such as children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults, who may have unique healthcare needs, in the pandemic situation. To realize the research purpose, we conducted a review of the practice guidelines of public documents and qualified studies that were published online/offline during a specific period. The review identified current knowledge on care for newborns, children in schools, pregnant women (from antenatal to postpartum care), and older adults suffering from high-risk conditions. Subsequently, we summarize vaccination guidance for special populations and, finally, discuss the issues currently affecting special populations. Therefore, this current knowledge on care for special populations helps nurses to provide accurate information on vaccinations aimed at preventing COVID-19 and protecting the masses from infection. Currently, the scarcity of information on COVID-19 variants necessitates further research on measures to reduce pandemic spread.

Analysis of Research Topics and Trends in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing to Improve Its International Influence

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to analyze articles published in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Nursing (JKAN) between 2010 and 2019, along with those published in three international nursing journals, to improve JKAN’s international reputation. @*Methods@#The overall characteristics of JKAN’s published papers and keywords, study participants, types of nursing interventions and dependent variables, citations, and cited journals were analyzed. Additionally, the keywords and study designs, publication-related characteristics, journal impact factors (JIF), and Eigenfactor scores of International Journal of Nursing Studies (IJNS), International Nursing Review (INR), Nursing & Health Sciences (NHS), and JKAN were analyzed and compared. @*Results@#Among the four journals, JKAN’s score was the lowest in both the journal impact factor and Eigenfactor score. In particular, while the JIF of INR and NHS has been continuously increasing; JKAN’s JIF has remained static for almost 10 years. The journals which had cited JKAN and those which JKAN had cited were mainly published in Korean. @*Conclusion@#JKAN still has a low IF and a low ranking among Social Citation Index (E) journals during the past 10 years, as compared to that of four international journals. To enhance JKAN’s status as an international journal, it is necessary to consider publishing it in English and to continuously improve the conditions of other publications.

Development of Caring as a Human Science: 50 Years of History of the Korean Society of Nursing Science

Purpose@#This year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Society of Nursing Science (KSNS). This study wasaimed to explore development of caring and describe the 50 years of history of KSNS within the sociocultural context of Korea regardingacademic footsteps, meanings, and implications for the future. @*Methods@#This study used a historical research methodology using a literaturereview and bibliometric analysis. Relevant literature was reviewed and the published abstracts in the Journal of Korean Academy ofNursing (JKAN) were analyzed using VOSviewer. @*Results@#Birth control and family planning in the 1970s was the main research topic. In the1980s, the development of nursing concepts, theories, and philosophies was the mission of KSNS to extend the disciplinary boundary. In the1990s, the progress of KSNS to become one of the woman-dominant healthcare professionals was the mission in the given period. Expandingthe frontiers of KSNS to the extent of global standards was the undertaking of the nursing scholars in the 2000s. Lastly, in the 2010s,the quality and quantity improvement of KSNS and JKAN is expected to make our future even prosperous. The map visualization of the 50years of research accumulation showed the comparable opposition of quantitative vs. qualitative research methodologies, equation modeling,and instrument development. @*Conclusion@#These clusters of research demonstrates the efforts to make nursing evidence by Koreannursing scholars for the last five decades. The growth in the slope of KSNS and outcomes of JKAN are to carry on to an unimaginable extentin the future.

Effects of the Flipped Classroom Approach on the Psychiatric Nursing Practicum Course / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: In this study effects of a flipped learning-based psychiatric nursing practicum were evaluated for appropriateness with undergraduate nursing students who are digital natives and tech-savvy millennial students. METHODS: For this retrospective comparative study data from 146 undergraduate students (flipped learning group n=70, traditional learning group n=76) were evaluated for academic performance and life core competencies. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the flipped and traditional learning groups in prior homogeneity tests. The academic performance of the flipped learning group was higher than the control group in all aspects, except for practical quiz scores. The flipped leaning group had significantly higher self-assessment scores for academic performance (t=2.77, p=.006) and therapeutic communication simulation scores (t=3.18, p=.002). In addition, they showed a significant increase in core life competencies after participating in the flipped-learning practicum (t=-8.56, p<.001). They showed significant increases in all subdomains except Identity-value [Socialization (t=-5.13, p<.001), Responsibility-practice (t=-3.52, p=.001), Problem-solving (t=-2.67, p=.010), Knowledge-construction (t=-2.48, p=.016), and Information-management (t=-5.54, p<.001)]. Nursing students in the flipped learning-based clinical practicum showed significant improvement in performance and life core competencies. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that as a student-centered pedagogy, flipped learning is an effective strategy for improving academic performance and core competencies.

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program for Psychiatric Inpatients / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on stress response and power in psychiatric inpatients in a closed ward. METHODS: For this study a quasi-experiment design was used to examine the effects of the intervention. The MBSR program conducted in this study was a six-session program, in which participants were asked to meditate for 45 minutes twice a week for 3 weeks. Homogeneity between the experimental and control group was assessed using χ² test, t-test, and Fisher's exact test. The results of the assessment showed that the variances of the two groups were equal. Demographic variables of the study participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study hypotheses were verified using t-test. Cronbach's α was measured to assess the reliability of each test. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed significant improvement in scores for stress response (t=3.62, p=.001) and power (t=-3.42, p=.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the mindfulness meditation program can be used as a psychosocial rehabilitation intervention for psychiatric inpatients by capitalizing on its positive effects on emotional reactivity and behavioral regulation.

Factors Influencing Physical Activity among Community-dwelling Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Path Analysis

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing physical activity among community-dwelling older adults with type 2 diabetes. The study design was based on the Theory of Triadic Influence. METHODS: A total of 242 older adults with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. Six variables related to physical activity in older adults, including self-efficacy, social normative belief, attitudes, intention, experience, and level of physical activity, were measured using reliable instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analyses, and a path analysis. RESULTS: The mean physical activity score was 104.2, range from zero to 381.21. The path analysis showed that self-efficacy had the greatest total effect on physical activity. Also, experience had direct and total effects on physical activity as well as mediated the paths of social normative beliefs to attitudes and intention to physical activity. These factors accounted for 10% of the total variance, and the fit indices of the model satisfied the criteria of fitness. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study reveal the important role of self-efficacy and past experience in physical activity in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

The Role Transition and Development Direction of the Psychiatric Day Hospital in General Hospital : Introduction of Day Intensive Care Center / 신경정신의학

The role of the day hospital as a mediator between psychiatric ward admission and return to the community has been weakening in general hospitals. The purpose of this paper is to suggest new developmental directions for the day hospital in general hospitals. The history and the operation model of day hospitals were investigated through a bibliographic search. The national mental health care system and the operational realities of the day hospital were also reviewed. The Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) Day intensive care center (DICC) was introduced ; we then observed several indexes of the SNUH day hospital before and after the institution of DICC. The number of national community mental health care centers is increasing, and the role of this center is similar to the role of the day hospital. The SNUH day hospital invented a short-term intensive care program named DICC for patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, panic and mood disorders and showed marked increment of the number of patients and income after introduction of the DICC. There might be some benefits in introduction of the DICC to psychiatric day hospitals. The role of the DICC will be highlighted in general hospitals, not only for improvement of day hospital management, but also to help patients through early intervention.

Microvascular Pulmonary Tumor Embolism Detected by Perfusion Images of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography / 결핵및호흡기질환

Although advances in multi-detector computed tomography (CT) technique make it possible to evaluate peripheral subsegmental pulmonary arteries, several studies have reported that small peripheral embolisms may still be missed. Recently, some reports demonstrated that dual-energy CT improved the capability to detect peripheral pulmonary embolism. We report a case of lymphoma presenting as disseminated microvascular pulmonary tumor embolism, detected by perfusion images using dual energy CT.

A Case of Acute Pancreatitis Accompanied by Multi-Organ Dysfunction after Colchicine Intoxication / 대한내과학회지

Although intentional colchicine overdose is uncommon, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. Acute pancreatitis due to colchicine overdose has been reported only rarely. A 24-year-old woman ingested 30 tablets of colchicine (a total of 18 mg) with intent to commit suicide. She presented with various clinical features, including gastrointestinal toxicities, acute pancreatitis, electrolyte imbalance, myopathy, bone marrow suppression, and subsequently, hair loss. We report a case of acute pancreatitis due to colchicine intoxication, which was accompanied by various complications; the patient recovered after supportive treatment. In addition to myelosuppression and multiple-organ failure, acute pancreatitis may occur with colchicine intoxication and even worsen after recovery of other manifestations; this has not been reported previously.

A Case of Acute Pancreatitis Accompanied by Multi-Organ Dysfunction after Colchicine Intoxication / 대한내과학회지

Although intentional colchicine overdose is uncommon, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. Acute pancreatitis due to colchicine overdose has been reported only rarely. A 24-year-old woman ingested 30 tablets of colchicine (a total of 18 mg) with intent to commit suicide. She presented with various clinical features, including gastrointestinal toxicities, acute pancreatitis, electrolyte imbalance, myopathy, bone marrow suppression, and subsequently, hair loss. We report a case of acute pancreatitis due to colchicine intoxication, which was accompanied by various complications; the patient recovered after supportive treatment. In addition to myelosuppression and multiple-organ failure, acute pancreatitis may occur with colchicine intoxication and even worsen after recovery of other manifestations; this has not been reported previously.

Disseminated Mycobacterium intracellulare Infection in an Immunocompetent Host / 결핵및호흡기질환

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection can occur in immunocompromised patients, and rarely in immunocompetent subjects. Due to the extensive distribution of the disease, clinical presentation of disseminated MAC may mimic malignancies, and thorough examinations are required in order to make accurate diagnosis. We report a case of disseminated Mycobacterium intracellulare disease in an immunocompetent patient, which involved the lung, lymph nodes, spleen, and multiple bones. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography imaging showed multiple hypermetabolic lesions, which are suggestive of typical hematogenous metastasis. However, there was no evidence of malignancy in serial biopsies, and M. intracellulare was repeatedly cultured from respiratory specimens and bones. Herein, we should know that disseminated infection can occur in the immunocompetent subjects, and it can mimic malignancies.

Fatal Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis after Switching from Simvastatin to Fluvastatin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Among the adverse effects associated with these drugs are statin-associated myopathies, ranging from asymptomatic elevation of serum creatine kinase to fatal rhabdomyolysis. Fluvastatin-induced fatal rhabdomyolysis has not been previously reported. We describe here a patient with liver cirrhosis who experienced fluvastatin-induced fatal rhabdomyolysis. This patient had been treated with simvastatin (20 mg/day) for coronary artery disease and was switched to fluvastatin (20 mg/day) 10 days before admission. He was also taking aspirin, betaxolol, candesartan, lactulose, and entecavir. Rhabdomyolysis was complicated and continued to progress. He was treated with massive hydration, urine alkalization, intravenous furosemide, and continuous renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure, but eventually died due to rhabdomyolysis complicated by hepatic failure. In conclusion, fluvastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially with other medications metabolized with CYP2C9.

A Case of Cytomegalovirus Colitis in Chronic Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma / 영남의대학술지

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a malignancy of mature T-cells caused by the human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-I). HTLV-I is endemic in some areas in Japan, the Caribbean basin, and Africa but has low prevalence in South Korea. Patients with ATLL are susceptible to opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, but CMV infection in chronic ATLL is uncommon. Reported herein is a case involving a 44-year-old woman with chronic ATLL who presented the symptoms of fever and diarrhea. She was suspected to have acute-type ATLL but was later diagnosed with CMV colitis.

Phase II Study of S-1 Plus Either Irinotecan or Docetaxel for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with More Than Three Lines of Treatment / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination treatment of S-1 plus either irinotecan or docetaxel for advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have already failed 3 or more lines of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective single center phase II study. The eligible patients received S-1 40 mg/m2 twice a day orally on days 1 though 14 combined with irinotecan 150 mg/m2on D1 only or docetaxel 35 mg/m2 on D1 and D8. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient refusal. The choice between the two regimens was made at the discretion of the treating physician. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients participated in the study. There were 3 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 9 with adenocarcinoma, and 2 with NSCLC, NOS. Eight of the patients were male. There were 8 patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) of 1, and 6 patients with an ECOG of 2. All the patients had already been treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Out of the 14 patients, 10 received irinotecan and S-1 and the other 4 received docetaxel and S-1. Twelve patients had also received pemetrexed. Disappointingly, there were no response from 2 patients with a stable disease, and therefore, as per the protocol, we stopped the study early. With a median follow-up time of 49 months, the median survival time was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval, 4.3 to 6.9 months). CONCLUSION: S-1 containing doublets did not show activity in this population as a salvage treatment and further investigation cannot be recommended.

Propylthiouracil-associated p-ANCA Positive Vasculitis with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis / 대한신장학회잡지

Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis has been reported in Graves' disease patients treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). In most cases, it's renal involvements has been known as crescentic glomerulonephritis. A 41-year-old female patient with hyperthyroidism has been treated with PTU for 3 years. The patient had developed isolated hematuria and polyarthralgia with p-ANCA positivity, 6 months and 10 months after PTU treatment, respectively. She had been continuously treated with PTU until she was admitted at our hospital. Three months before admission, polyarthralgia was aggravated and purpura in both lower legs and hands was developed. Urinalysis revealed hematuria, proteinuria. Serologic evaluation showed p-ANCA positive. Skin biopy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis and renal biopsy showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). She was diagnosed as PTU-associated vasculitis with FSGS. Polyarthralgia and purpura were improved after discontinuing the PTU with prednisolone treatment but hematuria, proteinuria were not changed. We suggest that progression of PTU-associated focal segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis to FSGS over two years might be due to continued PTU medication.