Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2023
Diagnostic Performance of a Tablet Computer-Based Cognitive Screening Test for Identification of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Early and appropriate diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is clinically important because aMCI is considered the prodromal stage of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD). aMCI is assessed using the comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) battery, but it is rater-dependent and does not provide quick results. Thus, we investigated the performance of the computerized cognitive screening test (Inbrain Cognitive Screening Test; Inbrain CST) in the diagnosis of aMCI and compared its performance to that of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test (CERAD-K), a comprehensive and pencil-and-paper NP test. ⋯ The Inbrain CST showed sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for diagnosing objective memory impairment in aMCI. In addition, aMCI patients identified by CERAD-K and the Inbrain CST showed comparable clinical and neuroimaging characteristics. Therefore, the Inbrain CST can be considered an alternative test to supplement the limitations of existing pencil-and-paper NP tests.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2023
Impact of Criterion Versus Norm-Referenced Assessment on the Quality of Life in Korean Medical Students.
Medical students are known to be subjected to immense stress under competitive curricula and have a high risk of depression, burnout, anxiety and sleep disorders. There is a global trend of switching from norm-referenced assessment (NRA) to criterion-referenced assessment (CRA), and these changes may have influenced the quality of life (QOL), sleep phase, sleep quality, stress, burnout, and depression of the medical students. We hypothesized that there is a significant difference of QOL between CRA and NRA and that sleep, stress, burnout, and depression are the main contributors. ⋯ Medical students from schools that use CRA showed higher QOL scores, as well as lower burnout, stress and depression when compared with students from schools that use NRA. These results may be used as a basis for granting justification for the transition to CRA.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2023
A Maternity Waiting Home Is an Alternative Approach for the Accessibility of Pregnant Women in an Obstetrically Underserved Area of Korea.
We analyzed whether a maternity waiting home (MWH) for pregnant women in an obstetrically underserved area of Gangwon-do in Korea, which has been in operation since August 2018, has improved the accessibility of a maternity hospital and pregnancy outcomes. ⋯ The MWH helped pregnant women in obstetrically underserved areas by improving accessibility to a maternity hospital and lengthening gestation. As a result, neonatal birth weight was heavier for MWH users than non-users. MWHs in Korea can provide an alternative way to improve accessibility to maternity healthcare for pregnant women in obstetrically underserved areas, where it is difficult to establish maternity hospitals, and thereby will improve their pregnancy outcomes.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2023
Injectable Poloxamer Hydrogel Formulations for Intratympanic Delivery of Dexamethasone.
In this study, we prepared and evaluated an injectable poloxamer (P407) hydrogel formulation for intratympanic (IT) delivery of dexamethasone (DEX). ⋯ P407 hydrogel can be useful as an injectable inner ear delivery formulation for hydrophobic drugs due to their biocompatibility, drug-solubilizing capacity, thermogelation, and controlled release.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2023
Investigation of the Subtypes of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Based on the Forms of Self-Harm Behavior: Examining Validity and Utility via Latent Class Analysis and Ecological Momentary Assessment.
This study aimed to empirically derive and validate subtypes of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) based on the forms of self-harm behavior. ⋯ Findings support the validity of the subtypes based on the forms of self-harm behavior, suggesting the clinical utility of addressing heterogeneity within individuals exhibiting self-harm for assessment and treatment.