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This study aimed to determine the effects of indoor environment (IE) and outdoor air pollutants (OAPs) in residential areas on acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with severe asthma. A total of 115 participants were recruited. To characterize IE, we used structured questionnaires and estimated OAP concentrations using a land-use regression model. Participants who were exposed to passive smoking and lived in houses where the kitchen and living room were not separated showed a significantly higher rate of AE (p = 0.014 and 0.0016, respectively). The mean concentration of PM2.5 in residential areas during the last 3 years was significantly higher in participants with AE than that in those without AE (19.8 ± 3.1 vs. 21.0 ± 2.5 µg/m3, p = 0.033). Moreover, the serum level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine significantly increased in participants with AE compared to those without AE (56.9 ± 30.0 vs. 94.7 ± 44.5 ng/mL, p = 0.0047) suggesting enhanced oxidative stress in those with AE.
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BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association of prenatal and early childhood exposure to air pollution with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) at six years of age using the Environment and Development of Children Cohort (EDC Cohort) MATERIALS & METHODS: Air pollution, including particulate matter [< 2.5⯵m (PM2.5) and < 10⯵m (PM10) in an aerodynamic diameter], nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were estimated based on the residential address for two periods: 1) during the whole pregnancy, and 2) for one year before the follow-up in children at six years of age. The methylation levels in whole blood at six years of age were measured, and the methylation clocks, including Horvath's clock, Horvath's skin and blood clock, PedBE, and Wu's clock, were estimated. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to analyze the association between EAA and air pollutants. RESULTS: A total of 76 children in EDC cohort were enrolled in this study. During the whole pregnancy, interquartile range (IQR) increases in exposure to PM2.5 (4.56⯵g/m3) and CO (0.156â¯ppm) were associated with 0.406 years and 0.799 years of EAA (Horvath's clock), respectively. An IQR increase in PM2.5 (4.76⯵g/m3) for one year before the child was six years of age was associated with 0.509 years of EAA (Horvath's clock) and 0.289 years of EAA (Wu's clock). PM10 (4.30⯵g/m3) and O3 (0.003â¯ppm) exposure in the period were also associated with EAA in Horvath's clock (0.280 years) and EAA in Horvath's skin and blood clock (0.163 years), respectively. CONCLUSION: We found that prenatal and childhood exposure to ambient air pollutants is associated with EAA among children. The results suggest that air pollution could induce excess biological aging even in prenatal and early life.
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Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions have evolved rapidly in recent years, with dedicated metal stents playing a crucial role in this process. Specifically, the invention of biflanged short metal-covered stents, including lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), and modifications in a variety of tubular self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), have led to innovations in EUS-guided interventions. LAMS or non-LAMS stents are commonly used in the EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, especially in cases of walled-off necrosis. Additionally, LAMS is commonly considered for drainage of the EUS-guided gallbladder or dilated common bile duct and EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Fully or partially covered tubular SEMS with several new designs are being considered for EUS-guided biliary drainage. This review focuses on advances in SEMS for EUS-guided interventions and discusses related research results.
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Background: After the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the widespread adoption of working from home, or teleworking, has prompted extensive research regarding its effects on work productivity and the physical and mental health of employees. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the association between working from home and health-related productivity loss (HRPL). Methods: An online survey was conducted with a sample of 1,078 workers. HRPL was estimated by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version. Workers that have been working from home in the last 6 months were categorized into the "work from home" group. Generalized linear models were used to compare the mean difference of HRPL between "work from home" and "commuters" group. Stratified analyses were conducted based on various factors including gender, age, income level, occupation, education level, previous diagnosis of chronic disease, presence of preschool children, living in studio apartment, living alone, commuting time, working hours and regular exercise. Results: The overall HRPL was higher in the "work from home" group than in the "commuters" group with a mean difference of 4.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-8.01). In the stratified analyses, significant differences were observed in workers with chronic diseases (mean difference: 8.23, 95% CI: 0.38-16.09), who do not live alone (mean difference: 4.84, 95% CI: 0.35-9.33), and workers that do not exercise regularly (mean difference: 4.96, 95% CI: 0.12-9.80). Conclusions: Working from home is associated with an increased HRPL in the Korean working population, especially among those with chronic diseases, those who do not live alone, and those who do not exercise regularly.
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BACKGROUND: Although lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have been increasingly used for walled-off necrosis (WON), their advantages over plastic stents in infected WON are unclear. We investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS for managing infected WON. METHODS: Patients who required endoscopic ultrasound-guided WON drainage were randomly assigned to LAMS or plastic stent groups. The primary outcome was total number of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) procedures required to achieve clinical success. Secondary outcomes included rates of technical success, clinical success, and adverse events. RESULTS: 46 patients were included in the LAMS (n = 23) and plastic stent (n = 23) groups. The median total number of DEN procedures did not differ significantly between the plastic stent group (4 procedures, interquartile range [IQR] 2.5-5.0) and LAMS group (9 procedures, IQR 8.0-9.0) (P = 0.07). The LAMS group demonstrated a significantly higher clinical success rate than the plastic stent group based on intention-to-treat analysis (100% vs. 73.9%, P =0.03) at 8 weeks but not at 4 weeks. Significant bleeding occurred in one patient in the plastic stent group and no patients in the LAMS group. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference in the total number of DEN procedures between LAMSs and plastic stents for managing infected WON. The only statistically significant finding was a higher clinical success rate at 8 weeks for patients treated with LAMS. The use of LAMS did not result in any adverse events, such as bleeding or buried LAMS syndrome, within the study duration.
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Advancements in the treatment and management of patients with cancer have extended their survival period. To honor such patients' desire to live in their own homes, home-based supportive care programs have become an important medical practice. This study aims to investigate the effects of a multidimensional and integrated home-based supportive care program on patients with advanced cancer. SupporTive Care At Home Research is a cluster non-randomized controlled trial for patients with advanced cancer. This study tests the effects of the home-based supportive care program we developed versus standard oncology care. The home-based supportive care program is based on a specialized home-based medical team approach that includes (1) initial assessment and education for patients and their family caregivers, (2) home visits by nurses, (3) biweekly regular check-ups/evaluation and management, (4) telephone communication via a daytime access line, and (5) monthly multidisciplinary team meetings. The primary outcome measure is unplanned hospitalization within 6 months following enrollment. Healthcare service use; quality of life; pain and symptom control; emotional status; satisfaction with services; end-of-life care; advance planning; family caregivers' quality of life, care burden, and preparedness for caregiving; and medical expenses will be surveyed. We plan to recruit a total of 396 patients with advanced cancer from six institutions. Patients recruited from three institutions will constitute the intervention group, whereas those recruited from the other three institutions will comprise the control group.
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Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio , Neoplasias , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Neoplasias/psicología , Cuidadores/psicología , Masculino , Femenino , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados no Aleatorios como Asunto , Cuidado Terminal/métodos , Cuidados Paliativos/métodos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Excess mortality associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been documented. However, research on the disease burden following short-term exposure is scarce. We investigated the cause-specific mortality burden of short-term exposure to PM2.5 by considering the potential non-linear concentration-response relationship in Korea. METHODS: Daily cause-specific mortality rates and PM2.5 exposure levels from 2010 to 2019 were collected for 8 Korean cities and 9 provinces. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cause-specific mortality levels. We assumed no detrimental health effects of PM2.5 concentrations below 15 µg/m3. Overall deaths attributable to short-term PM2.5 exposure were estimated by summing the daily numbers of excess deaths associated with ambient PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS: Of the 2 749 704 recorded deaths, 2 453 686 (89.2%) were non-accidental, 591 267 (21.5%) were cardiovascular, and 141 066 (5.1%) were respiratory in nature. A non-linear relationship was observed between all-cause mortality and exposure to PM2.5 at lag0, whereas linear associations were evident for cause-specific mortalities. Overall, 10 814 all-cause, 7855 non-accidental, 1642 cardiovascular, and 708 respiratory deaths were attributed to short-term exposure to PM2.5. The estimated number of all-cause excess deaths due to short-term PM2.5 exposure in 2019 was 1039 (95% confidence interval, 604 to 1472). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate an association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and various mortality rates (all-cause, non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Korea over the period from 2010 to 2019. Consequently, action plans should be developed to reduce deaths attributable to short-term exposure to PM2.5.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Humanos , Material Particulado/efectos adversos , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , República de Corea/epidemiología , MortalidadRESUMEN
Recent evidence has revealed associations between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental insufficiency due to altered placental growth, syncytialization, and trophoblast invasion. However, no epidemiologic study has reported associations between exposure to EDCs and asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by placenta insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EDC exposure and asymmetric FGR. This was a prospective cohort study including women admitted for delivery to the Maternal Fetal Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022. Maternal urine and cord blood samples were collected, and the levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalates, and perfluorooctanoic acid in each specimen were analyzed. We investigated linear and non-linear associations between the levels of EDCs and fetal growth parameters, including the head circumference (HC)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio as an asymmetric parameter. The levels of EDCs were compared between fetuses with and without asymmetric FGR. Of the EDCs, only the fetal levels of BPA showed a linear association with the HC/AC ratio after adjusting for confounding variables (ß = 0.003, p < 0.05). When comparing the normal growth and asymmetric FGR groups, the asymmetric FGR group showed significantly higher maternal and fetal BPA levels compared to the normal growth group (maternal urine BPA, 3.99 µg/g creatinine vs. 1.71 µg/g creatinine [p < 0.05]; cord blood BPA, 1.96 µg/L vs. -0.86 µg/L [p < 0.05]). In conclusion, fetal exposure levels of BPA show linear associations with asymmetric fetal growth patterns. High maternal and fetal exposure to BPA might be associated with asymmetric FGR.
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Compuestos de Bencidrilo , Disruptores Endocrinos , Sangre Fetal , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal , Exposición Materna , Fenoles , Humanos , Femenino , Disruptores Endocrinos/efectos adversos , Disruptores Endocrinos/sangre , Disruptores Endocrinos/orina , Estudios Prospectivos , Embarazo , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/inducido químicamente , Adulto , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/efectos adversos , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/orina , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/sangre , Fenoles/orina , Fenoles/efectos adversos , Fenoles/sangre , Exposición Materna/efectos adversos , Sangre Fetal/química , Fluorocarburos/sangre , Fluorocarburos/efectos adversos , Ácidos Ftálicos/orina , Ácidos Ftálicos/efectos adversos , Caprilatos/sangre , Caprilatos/efectos adversos , Insuficiencia Placentaria , República de Corea/epidemiología , Seúl/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Background: Particulate air pollution and residential greenness are associated with sleep quality in the general population; however, their influence on maternal sleep quality during pregnancy has not been assessed. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the individual and interactive effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and residential greenness on sleep quality in pregnant women. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 4933) enrolled in the Korean Children's Environmental Health Study with sleep quality information and residential address were included. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The average concentrations of PM (PM2.5 and PM10) during pregnancy were estimated through land use regression, and residential greenness in a 1000 m buffer area around participants' residences was estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI1000-m). Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the associations between PM and NDVI and poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) after controlling for a range of covariates. A four-way mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effects of PM. Results: After adjusting for confounders, each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 exposure was associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality (relative risk [RR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.11; and RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.13, respectively), and each 0.1-unit increase in NDVI1000-m was associated with a lower risk of poor sleep quality (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99). Mediation analysis showed that PM mediated approximately 37%-56% of the association between residential greenness and poor sleep quality. Conclusions: This study identified a positive association between residential greenness and sleep quality. Furthermore, these associations are mediated by a reduction in exposure to particulate air pollution and highlight the link between green areas, air pollution control, and human health.
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Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses have been detected in wild birds worldwide, causing recurrent outbreaks since 2016. During the winter of 2021-2022, we detected one H5N8 and forty-three H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses from wild birds in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HA gene of H5N1 viruses was divided into two genetically distinct groups (N1.G1 and N1.G2). Bayesian phylodynamic analysis demonstrated that wild birds play a vital role in viral transmission and long-term maintenance. We identified five genotypes (N1.G1.1, N1.G2, N1.G2.1, N1.G2.2, and N1.G2.2.1) having distinct gene segment constellations most probably produced by reassortments with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Our results suggest that clade 2.3.4.4b persists in wild birds for a long time, causing continuous outbreaks, compared with previous clades of H5 HPAI viruses. Our study emphasizes the need for enhancing control measures in response to the changing viral epidemiology.
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BACKGROUND: Perforation is one of the most serious complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Conventional nonsurgical endoscopic treatments including intravenous antibiotic administration and plastic endoscopic biliary drainage are generally approved for the treatment of ERCP-related Stapfer type II perforation (perivaterian type). Biliary covered metal stent placement has recently been reported to have favorable outcomes in ERCP-related Stapfer type II perforations. We aimed to compare the outcomes of conventional endoscopic bile drainage and biliary covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion in patients with Stapfer type II perforation. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent ERCP at Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu from 2011 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 8,402 ERCP procedures were performed in our hospital. Sixty-six ERCP-related perforations (0.78%) were identified. Among them, 37 patients (56.1%) who had Stapfer type II perforations were enrolled. Thirteen and twenty-four patients received biliary covered SEMS insertion and conventional endoscopic bile drainage treatments, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the clinical success rate (92.3% vs. 91.7%, p = 1.000), hospital stay (9.46 ± 5.97 vs. 13.9 ± 13.2 days, p = 0.258), and post-ERCP-related fasting time (5.4 ± 3.4 vs 4.3 ± 3.0 days, p = 0.305). Complications including bleeding, post-ERCP pancreatitis, fever, and death were not significantly different between the two groups. The conventional endoscopic bile drainage group took less time for ERCP than the SEMS group (11.5 ± 5.2 vs. 18.5 ± 11.2 min, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the conventional endoscopic bile drainage treatment method, biliary covered SEMS did not improve patient outcomes in ERCP-related Stapfer type II perforations.
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Bilis , Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Stents , Drenaje/métodos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that requires significant experiences and skills and has various procedure-related complications, some of which can be severe and even result in the death of patients. Expanding ERCP availability has the advantage of increasing accessibility for patients. However, ERCP poses a substantial risk if performed without proper quality management. ERCP quality management is essential for both ensuring safe and successful procedures and meeting the social demands for enhanced healthcare competitiveness and quality assurance. To address these concerns, the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association established a task force to develop ERCP quality indicators (QIs) tailored to the Korean medical environment. Key questions for five pre-procedure, three intra-procedure, and four post-procedure measures were formulated based on a literature search related to ERCP QIs and a comprehensive clinical review conducted by experts. The statements and recommendations regarding each QI item were selected through peer review. The developed ERCP QIs were reviewed by external experts based on the latest available evidence at the time of development. These domestically tailored ERCP QIs are expected to contribute considerably to improving ERCP quality in Korea.
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Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica , Indicadores de Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica/normas , Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica/métodos , Humanos , República de CoreaRESUMEN
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, has caused considerable damage to the poultry industry. In Korea, indigenous KM91-like and newly introduced QX-like lineages belonging to the GI-19 lineage have been prevalent despite constant vaccination. In this study, complete genome sequences of 23 IBV isolates in Korea from 2010 to 2020 were obtained using next-generation sequencing, and their phylogenetic relationship and recombination events were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis based on the S1 gene showed that all isolates belonged to the GI-19 lineage and were divided into five subgroups (KM91-like, K40/09-like, and QX-like II to IV). Among the 23 isolates, 14 recombinants were found, including frequent recombination between KM91-like and QX-like strains. In addition, it was observed that other lineages, such as GI-1, GI-13, and GI-16, were involved in recombination. Most recombination breakpoints were detected in the ORF1ab gene, particularly nsp3. However, when considering the size of each genome, recombination occurred more frequently in the 3a, E and 5a genes. Taken together, genetic recombination frequently occurred throughout the entire genome between various IBV strains in Korea, including live attenuated vaccine strain. Our study suggests the necessity of further research on the contribution of recombination of genomes outside the spike region to the biological characteristics of IBV.
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Gammacoronavirus , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa , Filogenia , República de Corea/epidemiología , Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa/genética , Vacunas Atenuadas , Recombinación GenéticaRESUMEN
In this study, a hybrid thin film was fabricated by doping graphene oxide in a bismuth tantalum oxide solution in the sol-gel state. The thin film was produced by a brush-coating process. The graphene oxide doping ratios used were 0, 5, and 15 wt %. In the process of producing the thin film, the prepared sol-gel solution generates contraction forces, owing to the shear stress from the bristles of the brush, forming a microgroove structure. This structure was confirmed through atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses. As a result of line profile analysis in atomic force microscopy, the groove heights of the thin film surface at 0, 5, and 15 wt % doping were 110, 130, and 160 nm, respectively, and the width of all grooves was 1 µm. The width of all thin films was approximately 1 µm, and microgrooves were confirmed. Moreover, the hybrid thin-film formation was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. By comparing the electrical properties of the bismuth tantalum oxide thin film without graphene oxide doping and the thin film doped with 15 wt % graphene oxide, it was demonstrated that the electro-optical properties increased excellently with graphene oxide doping. Typically, the threshold voltage was reduced by approximately 0.26 V. Based on these observations, graphene oxide doped bismuth tantalum oxide hybrid thin films can be considered as promising candidates for thin-film applications in next-generation displays.
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The interface between the catalyst and the ionomer in the catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been a subject of keen interest, but its effect on durability has not been fully understood due to the complexity of the catalyst layer structure. Herein, we utilize a Pt nanoparticle (NP) array electrode fabricated using a block copolymer template as the platform for a focused investigation of the interfacial change between the Nafion thin film and the Pt NP under a constant potential. A set of analyses for the electrodes treated with various potentials reveals that the Nafion thin film becomes densely packed at the intermediate potentials (0.4 and 0.7 V), indicating an increased ionomer-catalyst interaction due to the positive charges formed at the Pt surface at these potentials. Even for a practical PEMFC single cell, we demonstrate that the potential holding at the intermediate potentials increases ionomer adsorption to the Pt surface and the oxygen transport resistance, negatively impacting its power performance. This work provides fresh insight into the mechanism behind the performance fade in PEMFCs caused by potential-dependent ionomer rearrangement.
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the emergency of various lineages through mutations and recombination. In the Delta lineage, we identified recombination events in the ORF1a gene, which divided the Delta sublineages into three different genotypes (Delta R1-R3). The regional distributions of Delta R1 and Delta R2 were not correlated, indicating that recombination occurred early in the Delta outbreak. The impact of the ORF1a gene on SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains unclear; however, our findings suggest that recombination may have contributed to the evolution and global spread of the Delta lineage.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , COVID-19/epidemiología , Pandemias , Brotes de EnfermedadesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviewed the literature on the effect of home-based supportive care (HbSC) programmes on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The research question 'Do home-based supportive care programmes for patients with advanced cancer improve their QoL?' was addressed. After registering the plan with PROSPERO (CRD42022341237), literature published from 1 January 1990 to 30 May 2023 was searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, CINAHL and Web of Science, and reviewed for inclusion based on predefined criteria. This review only included trial studies published in English. RESULTS: Of 5,276 articles identified, 17 studies were judged suitable for inclusion in this review. The components of HbSC programmes included home visits, patient and caregiver education, home nursing, psychotherapy, exercise, telephone consultation, and multidisciplinary team meetings. Nine studies reported improvements in QoL, including social functioning, emotional functioning, and subjective QoL. CONCLUSION: HbSC programmes appear to enable the improvement of the QoL of patients with advanced cancer. The area of QoL that shows improvement could vary depending on the HbSC components. More studies that address HbSC programmes are needed to select patients at the proper time and provide suitable programmes for patients to benefit most.
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Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio , Neoplasias , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Cuidados Paliativos/métodosRESUMEN
This study investigated the improvement of the electro-optical properties of a liquid crystal (LC) cell fabricated through brush coating using graphene oxide (GO) doping. The physical deformation of the surface was analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The size of the groove increased as the GO dopant concentration increased, but the direction of the groove along the brush direction was maintained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the number of C-C and O-Sn bonds increased as the GO concentration increased. Since the van der Waals force on the surface increases as the number of O-metal bonds increases, we were able to determine why the anchoring energy of the LC alignment layer increased. This was confirmed by residual DC voltage and anchoring energy measurements that were later performed. As the GO concentration increased, the width of the hysteresis curve decreased, indicating that the residual DC voltage decreased. Additionally, the 15% GO-doped sample exhibited a significant increase in its anchoring energy up to 1.34 × 10-3 J/m2, which is similar to that of rubbed polyimide. It also secured a high level of electro-optical properties and demonstrated potential as a next-generation thin-film display despite being produced via a simple brush-coating process.
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We propose a sol-gel thin film formation process involving nanoimprint lithography. First, indium tin oxide was dissolved in 2-methoxyethanol at a ratio of 5:5 and the mixture were mixed with 10 wt% of a UV-curable. Subsequently, a polydimethylsiloxane sheet prepared by covering a silicon wafer with a polydimethylsiloxane mold was attached to a InSnO thin film to duplicate the nanostructure through UV irradiation exposure. The replicated nanostructured thin films formed about morphological and chemical composition changes on the surface, we progressed to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy image analysis showed superior patterned grooves for a UV exposure time of 3 min. A suitability test involving the measurement of the transmittance was performed for examining the suitability of the thin film for use in display devices.
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Background: A series of breast cancer cases were recently reported in a tertiary university hospital in South Korea. Nurses are generally exposed to risk factors for breast cancer such as night shift work, antineoplastic agents, and job strain. However, the epidemiological evidence of excess incidence among nurses remains lacking. This study aims to investigate the excess incidence of breast cancer among nurses in a tertiary university hospital and provide epidemiological evidence of occupational risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort was developed using personnel records of female workers in the nursing department who worked from January 2011 to June 2021 in a tertiary university hospital in South Korea. Sick leave records were used to identify cases of breast cancer. The standardized incidence ratio of breast cancer among nurses was compared to the general population. Results: A total of 5,509 nurses were followed up for 30,404 person-years, and 26 breast cancer cases were identified. This study revealed a significantly increased breast cancer incidence among all included nurses, with a standardized incidence ratio of 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.41), compared to the general population. Workers, who handle antineoplastic agents in their representative department and current and/or former department, had significantly elevated breast cancer standardized incidence ratios of 2.73 (95% CI: 1.008-5.94) and 3.39 (95% CI: 1.46-6.68), respectively. Conclusions: This study provides significant evidence of increased breast cancer risk among nursing staff in a hospital setting, particularly those who handle antineoplastic drugs. Measures that reduce exposure to risk factors should be implemented, especially anticancer drugs, to protect healthcare professionals. Further research at a national level that focuses on healthcare workers is necessary to validate breast cancer incidence and its contributing factors.