Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2022
Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Transmission Among Healthcare Workers Dining in Hospital Staff Cafeterias.
Preventive measures are needed to reduce the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). Notably, hospital staff are usually exposed when they are unmasked. There are limited data on the risk of transmission during mealtimes at hospital staff cafeterias. We aimed to evaluate the risk of transmission in cafeterias. ⋯ The risk of transmission in a hospital's employee cafeterias is not high with side-by-side seating, especially in the absence of conversation.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2022
Case ReportsForeign Body Complications in Ears due to Mishandled Hearing Aid Fitting and Proposed Clinical Guidelines to Address the Complications.
South Korea has one of the world's fastest aging populations and is witnessing increased age-related hearing impairment cases as well as an increase in the number of hearing aid users. The aim of this study was to analyze complications caused by hearing aid mold materials. In addition, we hope to raise awareness of the harm and danger that inexperienced hearing aid providers can cause to patients. ⋯ Thorough patient history-taking and otologic examination must be performed to identify patients at higher risk of complications. Such patients should be referred to an otolaryngologist. If a patient exhibits alarming symptoms, early referral is critical since prompt surgery can minimize complications. A CT scan is highly recommended to determine an optimal approach for foreign body removal. Systematic and regulatory changes in hearing aid dispensers, such as requiring apprenticeship, raising the required level of education, and legally mandating referrals, can help reduce these complications.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2022
Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Adoption in Patients With Hearing Loss in Korea.
The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to identify differences in the characteristics of adopters and non-adopters of hearing aids (HAs); and 2) to investigate factors influencing the purchase of HA. ⋯ Various factors are involved in the purchase of HA, but disabled registration status and third party reimbursement were identified as the most critical factors. In the future, the government should take a more active role in increasing the distribution of HA to patients with hearing loss.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2022
Risk of Pregnancy Complications and Low Birth Weight Offsprings in Korean Women With Rheumatic Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.
To determine the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes in Korean women with rheumatic diseases (RDs). ⋯ Women with RDs are at a risk of developing pregnancy complications, and the risk of LBW offsprings and offspring death within 1 year of birth is increased in these women. Therefore, this population requires special attention during their childbearing years.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2022
Association of Early Pubertal Onset in Female Rats With Inhalation of Lavender Oil.
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but its major cause remains unclear. Studies have indicated an association between chronic environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal onset. Essential oil is widely used in homes worldwide for relief of respiratory symptoms, stress, and/or sleep disturbance. ⋯ Inhalation exposure to an exogenic simulant during the prepubertal period might trigger early pubertal onset in female rats. Further evaluation of exposure to other endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of inducing CPP through the skin, orally, and/or nasally is warranted.