• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.757-764
• /
• 2023

Background: Vestibular neuritis is a common cause of acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy. Vestibular neuritis is the second most common disease among patients with dizziness. Clinical symptoms of vestibular neuritis include the sudden onset of vertigo with spontaneous nystagmus, unsteady gait, nausea, and vomiting that last from days to weeks. However, even after the vertigo disappears, difficulty maintaining balance while walking may persist for weeks to months. Antihistamines, serotonin receptor blockers, and benzodiazepine vestibular suppressants are widely used as symptomatic treatments to reduce the severity of symptoms that occur in the acute phase. Case Summary: A patient diagnosed with acute vestibular neuritis was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. We used the visual analog scale (VAS) to assess each symptom and the vertigo score to observe the effect of treatment. After treatment, the VAS scores for each symptom and the vertigo score decreased, and the severity of nystagmus was reduced. Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine treatments, including Samchulgunbi-tang-gagam, could be effective in improving the clinical symptoms of vestibular neuritis.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.277-280
• /
• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: Biliary colic is a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits; however, the natural history of the disease and thus the indications for urgent or scheduled surgery remain unclear. Limitations of previous attempts to elucidate this natural history at a population level are based on the reliance on the identification of biliary colic via administrative codes in isolation. The purpose of our study was to validate the use of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes, 10th Revision, Canadian modification (ICD-10-CA) from ED visits in adequately differentiating patients with biliary colic from those with other biliary diagnoses such as cholecystitis or common bile duct stones. Methods: We performed a retrospective validation study using administrative data from two large academic hospitals in Toronto. We assessed all the patients presenting to the ED between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018, assigned ICD-10-CA codes in keeping with uncomplicated biliary colic. The codes were compared to the individually abstracted charts to assess diagnostic agreement. Results: Among the 991 patient charts abstracted, 26.5% were misclassified, corresponding to a positive predictive value of 73% (95% confidence interval 73%-74%). The most frequent reasons for inaccurate diagnoses were a lack of gallstones (49.8%) and acute cholecystitis (27.8%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the use of ICD-10 codes as the sole means of identifying biliary colic to the exclusion of other biliary pathologies is prone to moderate inaccuracy. Previous investigations of biliary colic utilizing administrative codes for diagnosis may therefore be prone to unforeseen bias.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.12
• /
• pp.5133-5138
• /
• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and a major public health problem in developing countries. However, early detection and treatment may be achieved by breast self-examination (BSE). Despite the importance of BSE in reducing the incidence of breast cancer and esultant deaths, the disease continues to be the most common cause of cancer death among women in Iran.This study aimed to determine the effects of self-care education on performance of BSE among women referring to health centers in our country. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental interventional study with pretest/posttest control group design was conducted on 168 women referred to health centers. The data were collected using a validated researcher-made questionnaire including demographic variables and trans-theoretical model constructs as well as a checklist assessing BSE behavior. The instruments were administered to groups with and without self-care education before, a week after, and 10 weeks after the intervention. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (version 19) and analyzed using independent sample t-tests, paired sample t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square, and Friedman tests (p<0.05). Results: The results showed an increase in the intervention group's mean scores of trans-theoretical model constructs (stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and processes of change) and BSE behavior compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study confirmed the effectiveness of aneducational intervention based ona trans-theoretical model in performing BSE. Therefore, designing educational interventions based on this model is recommended to improve women's health and reduce deaths due to breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.8
• /
• pp.3855-3859
• /
• 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is reproted to be the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths. CRC is considered to be a multifactorial disease whose risk varies due to the complex interaction between individual genetic basis and disposure to multiple endogenous factors. Glutathione S-transferases are pro-carcinogenic in CRC and are required for the conjugation between chemotherapeutics and broad spectrum xenobiotics. One hundred and eleven patients with CRC and 128 control subjects without any cancer history were enrolled in this study. Multiplex PCR was applied to determine polymorphisms for the GSTT1 and M1 genes, and PCR-RFLP was applied for the GSTP1 (Ile105Val) gene polymorphism. Values p<0.05 were defined as statistically significant. We detected a significant high correlation between predisposition for CRC and presence of the Ile/Ile genotype of the GSTP1 (IIe105Val) gene polymorphism, but we did not find a significant relationship between predisposition for CRC and GSTT1 and M1 deletion polymorphisms. In addition, we did not determine a relationship between GSTT1, M1 and P1 gene polymorphisms and any clinicopathological features of CRC. GSTT1 null/GSTM1 positive and GSTT1 null/GSTM1 positive/GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotypes were significantly higher in the patient group. Our results revealed that there is no relationship among CRC, its clinicopathologic features, and GSTT1 M1 gene polymorphisms. However, there was a significant correlation between CRC and the GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotype. Further studies with larger patient groups are required to delineate the relationships between GST gene polymorphisms and the clinicopathologic features of CRC in Turkey.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in adults. Microtubule associated protein tau is abnormally phosphorylated in AD and aggregates as paired helical filaments (PHFs) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). NFTs are the most common intraneuronal inclusion in the brains of patients with AD and have been implicated in mediating neuronal cell death and cognitive deficit. Aberrant phosphorylation of tau is an early pathological event in AD, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. MAP kinases are a family of Serine/Threonine (Ser/Thr) kinases that involved hyper - phosphorylation of tau in AD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of treadmill exercise on phosphorylation of tau level and activation of MAPKs including JNK, ERK, p38-MAPK. To address this, Tg mouse model of AD, Tg-NSE/hTau 23, which expresses human tau 23 in the brain, was chosen. Animals were subjected to treadmill exercise for 12 weeks from 24 months of age. Treadmill exercise in Tg group improved cognitive function compared with Tg-SED group in watermaze test. In addition, treadmill exercised Tg mice significantly reduced the activation of JNK54/46, p38-MAPK and tau (Ser404, Ser202, Thr231), and increased activation of ERK44/42 in cerebral cortex. These results suggest that treadmill exercise may provide a therapeutic potential to alleviate the tau pathology like AD.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.367-375
• /
• 2014

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to produce background data which can be compared with several large-scale industrial complex regions. Methods: The framework of this study was designed to evaluate and monitor health effects associated with low-level and long-term exposure to environmental pollutants. In this study, 1,009 local residents were recruited in the city of Chungju using personal questionnaires, medical check-ups, and allergen skin-prick tests for 12 common allergens. The prevalence rate of skin allergens was reviewed together with that from large-scale industrial areas. Results: The diagnosis prevalence and medical treatment prevalence of asthma was 5.6% and 1.7%, respectively. Allergic rhinitis was 25.4% and 16.7%, allergic dermatitis was 16.6% and 9.9% and allergic conjunctivitis was 18.7% and 7.9%, respectively. These results were similar with those of industrial complexes. The prevalence of allergen skin-prick test was 16.4% and the most common allergen was dust mites (27.9-31.6%). This result was lower than those of the industrial complexes (22.5-39.9%) and Gangneung (18.2-24.7%). Conclusion: Further study is required to find the cause of the regional differences in skin prick prevalence.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.110-119
• /
• 2023

Background: Osteoarthritis is a common condition with an increasing prevalence and is a common cause of disability. Osteoarthritic pain decreases the quality of life, and simple gait training is used to alleviate it. Knee osteoarthritis limits joint motion in the sagittal and lateral directions. Although many recent studies have activated orthotic research to increase knee joint stabilization, no study has used patellar tendon straps to treat knee osteoarthritis. Objects: This study aimed to determine the effects of patellar tendon straps on kinematic, mechanical, and electromyographic activation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected. After creating the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), leg length difference, Q-angle, and thumb side flexion angle of the foot were measured. Kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation data during walking before and after wearing the orthosis were viewed. Results: After wearing the patellar tendon straps, hip adduction from the terminal stance phase, knee flexion from the terminal swing phase, and ankle plantar flexion angle increased during the pre-swing and initial swing phases. The cadence of spatiotemporal parameters and velocity increased, and step time, stride time, and foot force duration decreased. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the increase in plantar flexion after strap wearing is inferred by an increase due to neurological mechanisms, and adduction at the hip joint is inferred by an increase in adduction due to increased velocity. The increase in cadence and velocity and the decrease in gait speed and foot pressure duration may be due to joint stabilization. It can be inferred that joint stabilization is increased by wearing knee straps. Thus, wearing a patellar tendon strap during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis influences kinematic changes in the sagittal plane of the joint.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.113-128
• /
• 2000

The purpose of this study was to serve as a basis for the development of dental technology and for creating a condition that dental technicians could work with pride and right values, by examining what problems there were in their health care, what they thought about them, and how the problems could be solved, The findings of this study were as below: 1. The most serious and harmful element in dental technology workshop was a dust(57.5%) and a noise(33.3%). 2. Approximately 99.0% of the dental technicians investigated made a complain of air pollution caused by noise. Their opinion on a possible measure to remove noise air pollution was that the noise-generating machine should be replaced(64.1%) or that it should be isolated(28.8%). 3. 76.0% complained air pollution cause by dust deteriorates their working efficiency. As a way to eliminate it, they suggested a dust chamber(35.3%) or an air cleaner(27.5%) should be installde. 4. About 80% made a complain of gas air pollution. The most common related symptom was a headache(56.9%). They thought that gas-generating machine should be isolated(39.9%) or that an air purifier should be prepared(33.3%). 5. The largest impact of heat and light on their body was weakening their eyesight(56.9%). 47.1% got burn once though four times, and 34.3% did five times or more. The way to prevent them was to install an automatic casting machine(66.0%) or use protective glasses(28.1%). 6. Approximately 47.7% were considering a change of occupation, and the most common reason was heavy work(23.5%), followed by poor prospect(21.6%) and working environment(19.0%) in the order named. 7. 88.9% responded they were likely to have an occupational disease. Their idea about the proper frequency of regular health examination was once a year(53.6%), or once per every six months(41.8%). 8. The field they were most interested in was health care(39.2%), followed by academic research activities(31.4%). This fact indicated it's most urgently required to improve their working environment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.13-26
• /
• 2021

Objectives : This study was planned to help clinical treatment by examining the efficacy and frequency of use of medicines with removing nebula and improving vision action, centering on historical literature. Methods : Chinese literature centered on CNKI published after 2000 and ophthalmic books of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Library, regardless of the publication period. Domestic literature was searched using NDSL and OASIS, and literature published after 2000 was referenced. Results : According to traditional medical classics, as medicine with removing nebula and improving vision action, medicine with dispelling wind and clearing heat action accounted for the majority. However, it is desirable to use these medicine in the early stages of the disease. Conclusions : 1. Among the external contacts that induce corneal opacity, the wind-heat pattern was the most common. Among the visceral manifestation patterns that induce corneal opacity, liver or spleen was the most common. Cold-tempered medicine which is dispelling wind, clearing heat and bottling up the liver were most commonly used as therapeutic medicine. 2. As removing nebula and improving vision medicine, Cassiae Semen, Chrysanthmi Flos, Eriocauli Flos, and Buddlejae Flos have been widely used. 3. It has been investigated that removing nebula and improving vision medicine can be effectively used in the early stages of various diseases that cause corneal opacity.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.3-8
• /
• 1995

Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis is one of common cause of neck mass in young adult in Korea. Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis known as scrofula was being treated by the 'Royal Touch' in the 5th century and by surgery in the 17th century, yet the principle of the treatment is still controversal. We report the clinical evaluation and therapeutic result about 121 tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis. The result were as follows: 1) The annual incidence(1985-1994) was 30.5 % (37 cases: 1985-1986), 17.7 % (21 cases: 1990-1992). 19.8%(24 cases: 1994). 2) The age of highest incidence was 20-29 year old age group in 41.3% (50 cases) and female predominated over male by 1.8 : 1. 3) The duration of disease was less than 6 months, in 85.9% (104 cases). 4) The most commonly involved LN group was superficial cervical group in 69.4% (84 cases), and difference between Rt & Lt, was not significant. 5) The most common symptom and local finding(P/E) were, painless swelling of LN in 74.3 % (90 cases) and single mass in 59.5 % (72 cases). 6) In seasonal variation, 85.9% (104 cases) was spring and summer. 7) Procedures except biopsy for evaluation were chest PA, AFB smear & culture(sputum), Mantoux test, USG, CT and, Associated extracervical tuberculous lesions were lung, axilla, breast. 8) In operation method (involving biopsy), Excision was 68.5 % (83 cases), neck dissection was 6.6% (8 cases). 9) The Modality, Duration and side effect of antituberculous medication: INH-Rifampin­Ethambutol was 66.1 % (88 cases), duration was 1 year in 84.3% (102 cases), side effects were severe GI trouble (24.8%), liver function damage (3.3%). 10) 3 cases recurred on the same site after 2 yrs(2 cases) and 4 months(1 case) and its treatment was curretage or I & D, with antituberculous medication.