• Title/Summary/Keyword: Epidemiological Study

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Epidemiological Study on Acute Diarrheal Disease of Children and Adolescents in the Jeju Region Using a Multiplex-PCR (Multiplex-PCR을 이용한 제주지역 소아청소년의 급성설사질환 역학조사)

  • Lee, Kyu-taeg;Kim, Sunmi;Chong, Moo Sang
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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    • v.49 no.2
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    • pp.141-149
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    • 2017
  • To examine the cause of acute diarrheal disease in children and adolescents, 521 fecal samples underwent multiple-PCR for a period of two years, between March 2015 and February 20178, in the Jeju region of Korea. Based on the analysis of 179 positive samples, 102 samples were male (56.98%) and 77 were female (43.02%), and highest positive rates were shown in the age group of 3~4 years (51.96%) and 5~6 years (12.29%). When 209 cases (40.12%), including double infection were analyzed, there were 88 cases (16.89%) of norovirus-GII infection, 26 cases (4.99%) of Campylobacter spp. infection, 18 cases (3.45%) of rotavirus infection, 18 cases (3.45%) of Clostridium difficile Toxin B infection, 17 cases (3.26%) of adenovirus infection, 16 cases (3.07%) of Clostridium perfringens infection, 11 cases (2.11%) of astrovirus infection, 5 cases (0.96%) of Salmonella spp. infection, 3 cases (0.58%) of norovirus-GI, Yersinia spp. and Aeromonas spp. infections, and 1 case (0.19%) of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli infection. Based on a seasonal separation of early childhood, norovirus-GI and norovirus-GII mainly prevailed during the winter, when the temperature is low. Typical enteritis with an increased prevalence of rotavirus during the spring. Astrovirus prevailed between the months of April and October, when norovirus-GI, norovirus-GII, and rotavirus did not prevail. With increasing age, acute diarrheal disease was not only induced by a virus, but also by bacteria. Although a test for virus is an effective method when trying to identify the cause during early childhood by multiplex-PCR, it would be desirable to undergo tests for both virus and bacteria concurrently as age increases.

The Effects of Air-borne Particulate Matters on the Alveolar Macrophages for the TNF-α and IL-1β Secretion (미세분진이 흰쥐의 폐포대식세포에서 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 형성에 미치는 효과)

  • Li, Tian Zhu;Lee, Soo-Jin;Park, Se-Jong;Chang, Byung-Joon;Lee, Jong-Hwan;Kim, Kil-Soo;Lee, Myoung-Heon;Choe, Nong-Hoon
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.60 no.5
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    • pp.554-563
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    • 2006
  • Background: PM is known to induce various pulmonary diseases, including asthma, cancer, fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. Despite the epidemiological evidence the pathogenesis of PM-related pulmonary diseases is unclear. Methods: This study examined the effects of PM exposure on the secretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ in the cultured alveolar macrophages. The cultured primary alveolar macrophages were treated with the medium, PM ($5{\sim}20{\mu}g/cm^2$), LPS (5ng/ml), and PM with LPS for 24h and 48h respectively. ELISA was used to assay the secreted $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-{\beta}$ in the culture medium. Western blotting was used to identify and determine the level of proteins isolated from the culture cells. The cells cultured in the $Lab-Tek^{(R)}$ chamber slides were stained with immunocytochemical stains. Results: PM induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ secretion in the culturing alveolar macrophages, collected from the SPF and inflammatory rats. However, the effects were only dose-dependent in the inflammatory macrophages. When the cells were co-treated with PM and LPS, there was a significant synergistic effect compared with the LPS in the both cell types. Conclusion: PM might be play an important role in the induction and/or potentiation of various lung diseases by oversecretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$.

Epidemiological Study of Air Pollution and Its Effects on Health of Urban Population (서울시(市) 대기오염(大氣汚染)이 시민보건(市民保健)에 미치는 영향(影響)에 관(關)한 조사연구(調査硏究))

  • Chung, Kyou-Chull
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.5-22
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    • 1969
  • The urban population of our country is rapidly increasing due to many factors of social structure, and sociologists are predicting that the increase rate of the urban population will be over 50% in 1980's. Above all, the population of the capital city of Seoul, is at present more than four millions. Such centring of people in cities, together with the improvement of the standards of living, caused rapid increase in the amount of fuel consumption, and this consumption of fuels became one of the primary sources of the air pollution in cities. Moreover, the heavy traffic, construction of many tall buildings, and the increasing number of new factories due to the industrial development-all these are contributing to make the matter of air pollution worse and worse in the Metropolitan, whose geographical location is quite unfavorable considered from the view point of air pollution. Most homes in Seoul use briquet as fuel, while oils are used in tall buildings. The CO, $SO_2$, and smoke that come from burning of these fuels are a great threat to the health of the urban population. With the purpose of examining the influence of air pollution upon the public health, written inquiries were made upon respiratory diseases, and the carboxyhemoglobin saturation in the blood was measured to determine whether the air pollution may affect the health of the urban population. Method of Health Examination (1) Investigation of Respiratory Diseases Patients' records were examined to figure out the monthly ambulance rate of respiratory patients to the total number of patients treated. On the other hand, by using the questionnaire form approved by the Medical Research Council's Committee on Research into Chronic Bronchitis, investigators interviewed the examinees and inquired into the respiratory symptoms. (2) Measuring of Carboxyhemoglobin Saturation From the ear lobe of the examinees, with the use of the melangeur for the white blood cell counting, blood was taken, and after diluting it ten times with 0.1% $Na{2}CO_{3}$, again diulting it 20 times with 0.5% $Na_{2}\;CO_{3}$, its absorbancy was measured. The following results are obtained from the investigation. (1) It was found out that 7.7% of the total patients under treatment were suffering from upper respiratory infection, acute or chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema and bronchiectasis. Of them all, patients with upper respiratory infection numbered the greatest with 4.8% and patients with acute or chronic bronchitis the next with 2.1%, and their monthly ambulance rate was high from December to February during the winter, and from April to May and from September to October during the changeable seasons. (2) The daily ambulance rate of respiratory patients, it was revealed, had a close connection with the concentration of $SO_2$ and CO in the air. (3) It was found out that men were more subject to respiratory disease than women, and both men and women were more liable to the diseases with the advancing of age. (4) People living at Choong-ku with the heavy traffic and in the industrial zones of Yeungdungpo had high frequency of respiratory symptoms. (5) Considered from the view point of occupations, high frequency was found among those without job, with jobs unknown, merchants and intdustrial workers, whose social status was rather low and traffic policemen who were always exposed to the exhaust gas of cars. As for women, the frequency was detected in the order of those from high to low, housewives who were exposed to briquet gas, women with jobs unknown, women without jobs, whose social status was low. (6) Ex-smokers rather than smokers, of both sexes, had higher frequency. As for men, heavy smokers had high frequency, while in women light smokers had rather high frequency which was presumed to be due to their average old age. (7) Men's average of carboxyhemoglobin saturation was 9.48%, while women's was 11.3%, higher than men's. (p<0.05). Age meant no difference in the case of men, but as for women, the saturation was remarkably high between the ages from 20 to 60. (8) No regional difference was detected in the carboxyhemoglobin saturation. (9) The carboxyhemoglobin saturation was found, in the case of men, in the order of office workers, traffic policemen, students, the unemployed, merchants and industrial workers, drivers; and as for women, the order was housewives, office workers, merchants and industrial workers. (10) No significant correlation was found between the carboxyhemoglobin saturation and the concentration of CO detected in kitchens, or between the carhoxyhemoglobin saturation and the passing of time after exposure to briquet gas. No difference of carboxyhemoglobin saturation was detected between smokers and non-smokers, and the degrees of smoking; only, significant negative correlation was found between the passing of time after smoking and the carboxyhemoglobin saturation. It is ture that air pollution causes or aggravates the respiratory diseases, increases the carboxyhemoglobin saturation in the blood, but what seems to be more hazardous to the health is the air polluted by the briquet gas in the kitchens and on-dol rooms rather than the atmospheric air pollution.

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A Study on the Establishment of Management Methods about Occupational Dermatoses (직업성 피부질환에 대한 현황 파악 및 관리 대책 수립을 위한 연구)

  • Lim, Hyun-Sul;Cheong, Hae-Kwan;Choi, Byung-Soon;Kim, Ji-Yong;Sung, Yeol-Oh;Kim, Yang-Ho
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.29 no.3 s.54
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    • pp.617-637
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    • 1996
  • Occupational dermatosis is one of the most prevalent occupational disorders. However, the extent of the occupational dermatoses including incidences and prevalencies of each disease entity, and etiologic materials are not yet welt stated in Korea. Authors reviewed the literatures on the statistic data and reports on the occupational dermatoses, and surveyed on the occupational dermatoses in two factories, and surveyed the physicians responsible to the occupational dermatoses with formed questionnaire. The results are as follows; 1. Among medical journals published since 1964, there were 31 articles on the occupational dermatoses. Of 31 articles, 18 were case reports and all others were review articles. Of 18 case reports, 9 were epidemiologic survey. The Workers' Periodic Health Examinations revealed that prevalence of the occupational dermatoses was highest(4.36 per 10,000 workers) in 1974, but number of the cases reported were decreased sharply since 1978 with some tendency to increase since 1981. There were 2,240 reported cases of occupational dermatoses between 1966 and 1992, which is 1.90% of all the reported occupational diseases. Skin infection and injuries due to chemicals were most frequent and there were 6 cases of skin cancer. 2. In an epidemiological survey on the dermatoses among 995 workers in a metal product manufacturing factory and 225 workers in a coal chemical factory, there were 794 with dermatomycosis, 296 workers with acne, 130 workers with scar, 123 workers with deformity of toe nails. Scars, photosensitivity dermatitis, deformity of finger and toe nails, and acne were more prevalent in the metal product manufacturing factory(p<0.05). In the metal prouct manufacturing factory, workers treating organic solvents and oils had more dermatoses than those without treating the materials(p<0.05). On the skin patch performed on 16 workers in the metal product manufacturing factory, there were 8 cases of irritation dermatitis and 5 cases of contact dermatitis. Prevalence of contact dermatitis in the metal product manufacturing factory was 1.3%. 3. On the questionnaire survey, 34 dermatologists, 29 doctors of preventive medicine, and 22 family physician replied. The proportion of occupational etiology among all dermatoses assumed by the physicians were below 9%, and the most important occupational dermatosis in Korea was contact dermatitis. Main etiologic materials related to the occupational dermatosis were organic solvent, acid and alkali, and metals. The reason for the scarcity of report of occupational dermatoses were difficulty in diagnosis and physician's ignorance of the occupational etiology. They replied that to prevent the occupational dermatoses in the workplace, the use of protective devices was most important, and development of diagnostic criteria on the occupational dermatoses is urgent. Above results shows us that there is many workers with occupational dermatoses, but they are mostly unreported. Measures to prevent and manage the occupational dermatoses are not satisfactory at present. Hence, authors suggest measures for the precise diagnosis, report and prevention of the occupational dermatoses. a. Dermatologist, preventive physician, and industrial hygienist should work as a team to examine the high risk group and establish the preventive measures. b. Disease entities, diagnostic criteria of occupational dermatoses should be listed, criteria for the compensation and job fitting at recruitment should be established, and manual for the proper treatment and effective prevention of each occupational dermatosis should be developed. c. Patch test antigens against each occupational category should be developed and it should be available to any physicians responsible. d. To facilitate the diagnosis of occupational dermatoses by the doctors responsible for the Workersr Periodic Health Examination, development of standardized questionnaire, education on the techniques of the patch test, and cooperation with the dermatologist in diagnosis of occupational dermatoses is essential.

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Prediction of the risk of skin cancer caused by UVB radiation exposure using a method of meta-analysis (Meta-analysis를 이용한 UVB 조사량에 따른 피부암 발생 위해도의 예측 연구)

  • Shin, D.C.;Lee, J.T.;Yang, J.Y.
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.31 no.1 s.60
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    • pp.91-103
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    • 1998
  • Under experimental conditions, UVB radiation, a type of ultra violet radiation, has shown to .elate with the occurrence of skin erythema (sun-burn) in human and skin cancer in experimental animal. Cumulative exposure to UVB is also believed to be at least partly responsible for the 'aging' process of the skin in human. It has also been observed to have an effect of altering DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). UVB radiation is both an initiator and a promoter of non-melanoma skin cancer. Meta-analysis is a new discipline that critically reviews and statistically combines the results of previous researches. A recent review of meta-analysis in the field of public health emphasized its growing importance. Using a meta-analysis in this study, we explored more reliable dose-response relationships between UVB radiation and skin cancer incidence. We estimated skin cancer incidence using measured UVB radiation dose at a local area of Seoul (Shin chou-dong). The studies showing the dose-response relationships between UVB radiation and non-melanoma skin cancer incidence were searched and selected for a meta-analysis. The data for 7 reported epidemiological studies of three counties (USA, England, Australia) were pooled to estimated the risk. We estimated rate of incidence change of skin cancer using pooled data by meta-analysis method, and exponential and power models. Using either model, the regression coefficients for UVB did not differ significantly by gender and age. In each analysis of variance, non-melanoma skin cancer incidence after removing the gender and age and UVB effects was significant (p>0.01). The coefficients for UVB dose were estimated $2.07\times10^{-6}$ by the exponential model and 2.49 by the power model. At a local area of Seoul (Shinchon-Dong), BAF value were estimated 1.90 and 2.51 by the exponential and power model, respectively. The estimated BAP value were increased statistical power than that of primary studies that using a meta-analysis method.

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Exploration of Virulence Markers and Genes of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Animal Products (축산물유래 Listeria monocytogenes의 virulence marker 및 gene 조사)

  • Yi, Chul-Hyeon;Song, Hyeon-Ho;Kim, Mi-Ryung;Kang, Ho-Jo;Son, Won-Geun
    • Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.248-256
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    • 2008
  • To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of 68 Listeria monocytogenes isolates, including 11 reference strains and 57 isolates from imported US beef, domestic meats(beef, pork, chicken meat), raw milk, and milk plants. L. monocytogenes was to evaluate the production of virulence proteins, such as hemolysin(LLO) and lecithinase(LCP), the adsorption of Congo red(CRA), and to detect virulence genes using the polymerase chain reaction(PCR). In the study of virulence protein production, 68(100%), 62(91.2%), and 54(79.4%) of the 68 L. monocytogenes strains were positive for LLO production, the LCP test, and the CRA test, respectively, while strains of other species, such as L. innocua, L. gray, L. murrayi, and L. welshimeri, were not. There were no significant differences between L. monocytogenes serotypes and the ability to produce LLO or LCP. L. monocytogenesstrains had very high hemolytic titers(2 to 16 fold), while the other Listeria species, other than L. ivanovii and L. seeligeri, did not. The hemolysin activities of L. monocytogenes, L. ivanovii, and L. seeligeri usually exceeded 1.0 HU/mg, while those of other Listeria spp. were less than 0.04 HU/mg. In the PCR assay, all of the L. monocytogenes strains contained the hlyA, plcA, plcB, inlA, and inlB virulence genes and produced a product of the expected size. In the PCR of the actA gene, the expected 385-bp product was seen in 39(57.4%) L. monocytogenesstrains, while an unexpected 268-bp product was seen in 29(42.6%) strains. Most L. monocytogenes strains isolated from Hanwoo beef produced the 385-bp actA gene product, while strains of imported US beef usually produced the 268-bp actA gene product. By contrast, no virulence gene products were amplified in the other Listeria spp.

A Validation of The Korean Version of Eating Attitude Test-26 (한국판 식사태도검사-26(The Eating Attitude Test-26 : KEAT-26) 의 타당화)

  • Rhee, Min-Kyu;Go, Young-Taek;Lee, Hye-Kyung;Whang, Eul-Ji;Lee, Young-Ho
    • Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.153-163
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    • 2001
  • This study was attempted to investigate the discriminant validity of Korean version of Eating Attitude Test-26(KEAT-26) and to provide the sensitivity, specificity and efficiency according to cutting score, which may be useful to determine the optimal cutoff point on various purposes. The KEAT-26 was administered to 108 female patients with eating disorders, 179 female participants in body slimming center, 120 female athletic college students, 227 female college students, and 183 healthy normal women. Validity was tested by ANOVA and ROC curve analysis. The results revealed that the total score of the KEAT-26 showed a statistically significance between groups and that the score of the KEAT-26 of eating disorders group was significantly higher than that of the other groups in post hoc test. In comparison of the 4 subfactor score of the KEAT-26 between groups, significant differences in main effect within groups were found in all subfactors except factor IV. ROC curve analysis showed 80% of efficiency to discriminate eating disorders group from normal control group using cutoff score on maximum discriminant efficiency and 69% of efficiency to discriminate eating disorders group from high risk groups for eating disorders. Each cutoff score on maximum in efficiency was as follows ; 25 between eating disorders group and participants in body slimming center, 19 between eating disorders group and healthy normal woman, 23 between eating disorders group and athletic college students, 21 between eating disorders group and college students. Using 22(T score 65) of the KEAT-26 as the cutoff score, sensitivity was 54%, specificity was 84%, and overall efficiency was 80%. These results indicate that the KEAT-26 has a good discriminant validity in Korean population and also suggest that the KEAT-26 may be useful assessment tool to screen the disordered eating problems on clinical and epidemiological purposes.

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Clinical and Laboratory Features of Korean Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) (한국 뮤코 다당체 침착증 환자에 대한 임상적 고찰)

  • Sohn, Woo Yun;Lee, Jee Hyun;Paik, Kyung Hoon;Kwon, Eun Kyoung;Kim, Ahn Hee;Jin, Dong Kyu
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.48 no.10
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    • pp.1132-1138
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    • 2005
  • Purpose : The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders. They are caused by a deficiency of the enzymes involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Early recognition is important because recombinant enzyme replacement therapy is now available for MPS. We studied the clinical characteristics of 80 MPS children with the object of determining the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features in Korean MPS children. Methods : Diagnosis of MPS was confirmed by skin fibroblast enzyme analysis in 80 patients between February 1995 and December 2004. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and radiological findings, as well as for intelligence and speech evaluations. Results : Hunter syndrome (MPS type II) was the most prevalent type, appearing in 51/80 cases (64 %), followed by Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III-18%), Hurler syndrome (MPS I-15%), and Morquio syndrome (MPS IV-4%). The average age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (range 1 to 20), and the male-to-female ratio was 4.7 : 1. Typical radiographic changes were observed in 45/54 cases (83%). Mitral regurgitation was the most common cardiac defect. Moderate to profound mental retardation and hearing loss were present in 14/35 cases (56%) and 33/38 cases (82%), respectively. Four MPS II patients had bone marrow transplantation, with mixed outcomes. Five MPS I patients are currently on enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion : Our study showed a high proportion of MPS II cases (64%), which may represent population variability. By studying the clinical features of these patients, we hope to alert pediatricians of the warning signs of MPS.

Pediatrician Perspectives on the Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Gastrointestinal Infections, Jeonbuk, South Korea, 2002 (전라북도 소아과 개원의의 급성 위장염 환자에 대한 인식 조사)

  • Lim, So Hee;Koe, Yang Sim;Jo, Dae Sun;Lee, Sin Jae;Hwang, Pyoung Han;Kilgore, P.;Nyhambat, B.;Kim, Jung Soo
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.46 no.12
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    • pp.1217-1223
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    • 2003
  • Purpose : This study was conducted to assess clinical practices related to the evaluation and treatment of patients with acute gastrointestinal infection(AGI) in infants and children. This survey also evaluated the current opinion regarding the use of rotavirus vaccine. Methods : This survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire provided to 82 pediatricians in private clinics of Jeonbuk province. From April to June, 2002, 63 of 82 pediatricians(76.8 %) responded to the survey. Results : The annual proportion of patients with AGI was 13%. The highest proportion of patients with diarrhea were reported for the months of October through December. For the treatment of diarrhea, pediatricians preferred to prescribe lactobacillus products, oral rehydration solution, enzyme products, anti-emetics, anti-diarrheal formula, nothing by mouth(NPO) and bowel movement inhibitors in descending order of frequency. Most pediatricians(79.4%) prescribed antibiotics in less than 20% of patients with AGI. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotics followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(TMP/SMX) and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Clinical manifestations that pediatricians considered as important factors in prescribing antibiotics were bloody diarrhea, mucoid diarrhea, high fever, persisting disease and abdominal pain. Diagnostic procedures that pediatricians preferred for AGI patients were stool examination(rotavirus antigen, RBC, WBC), abdominal X-ray, and serum electrolytes. Pediatricians had a strong interest in rotavirus vaccine(71.4%). Conclusion : Acute gastrointestinal illness remains a common problem, especially during the winter months in Korea. AGI manifesting as watery diarrhea is appropriately treated with commonly available agents but pediatricians appear ready to consider additional approaches to decrease the sizable disease burden of AGI among children in Korea.

The Relationship between Conical Pap. Smear Findings and Related Factors for Uterine Cervical Cancer in Ullungdo Females (울릉도 여성들의 자궁경부 세포학적 검사소견과 관련요인과의 관계)

  • 윤인숙;이혜자
    • Biomedical Science Letters
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    • v.4 no.2
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    • pp.143-151
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    • 1998
  • To study the incidence and epidemiological factors of uterine cervical cancer in medical underserved area females, the questionnaire survey and Pap. smear for uterine cervical cancer was done on total 330 women who lived in Ullungdo from 5th to 12th August, 1998. The results were summarized as follows: The age distribution of subjects was 50s (24.5%), 60s (24.5%) and their educational level was “no schooling” (14.2%) and “elementary school” (42.7%). The first coital age of subjects was 19∼21yrs (30.0%), 16∼18yrs (13.9%) and the first pregnancy age was 22∼24yrs (36.7%) and 19∼21yrs (30.0%). The frequency of total pregnancy of subjects was over 5 times (52.1%). The frequency of total delivery was “3∼4 times” (35.5%) and “5∼6 times” (15.2%). 68.8% of subjects had experience of abortion and 80.0% of their husband were on the phimosis. 172 (52.1%) subjects had gynecological symptoms, their symptoms were leukorrhea (48.3%), pruritus (21.5%) and leukorrhea with pruritus (20.3%). 63.9% of total subjects have been received Pap. smear and the frequency of their Pap. smear was “only 1 time” (44.1 %), “irregularly” (30.3%) and the reason of respondents who have not been received Pap. smea. was “no specific symptom” (51.3%). Among the 330 women screened there were negative (45.8%), inflammation (47.3%), trichomoniasis and candidiasis (1.8%), atypical cells (4.5%) and dysplasia (0.6%).

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