• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.107-113
• /
• 2014

Objectives Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs and an urge to move the legs, usually at night. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of RLS in patients with late life depression and its influence on various clinical outcomes such as severity of depression, sleep quality, cognitive function, and quality of life and accordingly, to elucidate the clinical significance of RLS in patients with late life depression (LLD). Methods This study enlisted 170 depressive patients aged 65 years or older from an outpatient clinic. Structured diagnostic interviews were performed using the Korean version of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. All patients completed the questionnaires, including the International RLS Severity Scale, the Korean version of Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The severity of depression was evaluated by the Korean form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) and the level of global cognition was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (MMSE-KC). Results The incidence of RLS was 17.6% in LLD patients. RLS was more prevalent among the subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) than those with minor depressive disorder or subsyndromal depressive disorder. The RLS group showed higher score in the KGDS than the Non-RLS group but the difference did not reach the statistical significance (p = 0.095, Student t-test). The mean PSQI score was significantly higher in the RLS group than in the Non-RLS group (p = 0.001, Student t-test). The MMSE-KC score was also lower in the RLS group than in Non-RLS group (p = 0.009, analysis of covariance). But, there was no difference in the score of SF-36 between the RLS group and the Non-RLS group. Conclusions RLS is common in LLD patients, especially in the patients with MDD and is associated with poor sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction, indicating that RLS is clinically significant in patients with LLD. Therefore, RLS should be considered as an important clinical issue in the management of LLD.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.151-158
• /
• 1976

The tuberculin test have been widely utilized to diagnose tuberculosis of the dairy cattle. It was reported that approximately 70% of the dairy cattle with positive tuberculin reaction in Korea had been non-pathogenic lesion. So the studies on the specific method to diagnose tuberculosis of them is really need in Korea. Therefore this study investigated upon the diagnostic method for cattle tuberculosis in the aspect of cellular-immunology. The results obtained in this investigation are summarized as follows: 1. All the tuberculin tests to the swine inoculated with BCG.(B group), Mycobacterium avium (A group) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (S group), respectively, were represented high positive reaction and were no differences in the species of inoculated bacteria. 2. In the migration inhibition test using Iymphocyte in circulating blood of the swine inoculated with three species of acid-fast bacteria respectively, the test to A group was represented slight positive for migration in the presence of $15{\mu}g/ml$-PPD and the other reaction were clear and total positive for migration inhibition in the presence of $25{\mu}g/ml$-PPD or more, and the test to B group was the same results as to A group approximately. The test to S group was represented slight positive for migration inhibition in the presence of $15{\mu}g/ml$-PPD, but the results were the same in the presence of $25{\mu}g/ml$-PPD and $35{\mu}g/ml$-PPD. These results showed that there were remarkable differences between group A, B and group S in the presence of $25{\mu}g/ml$-PPD and $35{\mu}g/ml$-PPD. 3. The transformation rates of lymphocyte in PPD treated tissue culture had no significance without any relation between PPD treatment and non-treatment but A group and B group showed significance. And A group and B group showed high significance in comparison with N group and S group in the LSD examination. 4. The infection rated in lymphocyte of BCG inoculated after 3 days tissue culturing were represented those of high infection but its cellular degeneration rates almost did not change. The infection rates in bacilli in N group and S group were low but after 3 days inoculation it shewed higher cellular degeneration.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.178-184
• /
• 2004

This research focuses on the overall evaluation of tumor protein (p53) and cell growth marker (Ki-67) in their functions as carcinogenic factors in both a HPV-infected group and in a HPV-noninfected group with the precancerous dysplasia of uterine cervix. Histological grades were determined by the H&E staining and the expression level of p53 and Ki-67 were tested by the immunohistochemistry method. The results were as follows. Among the total of 66 cases, p53 (+) was observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values correlate with the increase of dysplasia intensity in HPV-noninfected group and showed significant correlation (p<0.05), but there were no significant difference from the HPV-infected group. Among a total of 66 cases, the mitotic index of Ki-67 (+) were observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values were significantly different against dysplasia intensity (p<0.05), but showed no significant difference from HPV infection. After cross comparing the statistical parameters of p53 and ki-67 in their significance, p53 was shown to be statistically significant with Ki-67 while there was no statistically significant difference with Ki-67 (p<0.05). Taken together, tumor protein (p53) and an index of Ki-67 observed in cervical dysplasia and in HPV related dysplasia of cervix uterine did not have any notable significance with HPV infection. The incidence rate of p53, however, had some significant correlation with dysplasia while Ki-67 had no particular statistical significance. As a result, p53 and Ki-67 can be considered as effective diagnostic markers in predicting the disease progression of dysplasia to cervical cancer.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity impulsivity that interferes with function or development in children. In traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ADHD is classified by several patterns based on symptoms and signs. However, currently, there is no objective diagnostic tool for ADHD in traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to develop the Pattern Identification Questionnaire for ADHD (parents-survey style) to be used in Korean medicine, through a literature review and consultation with groups of experts. Methods: The types of pattern identifications of ADHD mentioned in 13 pieces of Korean and Chinese literatures and their symptoms and signs were analyzed. The advisory committee (15 Neuropsychiatrist and 11 Pediatrist in Korean Medicine) assessed the appropriateness of the literature selection and the types of pattern identification selection and their symptoms and signs, and weighed the significance of the symptoms and signs. The Pattern Identification Questionnaire for ADHD was developed using the calculated weights by evaluated significance. The translation of symptoms and signs to the Korean language was achieved through consultation with expert translators. Results: 1. Four pattern identification types and their symptoms and signs were selected according to frequency of appearance in the Korean and Chinese literatures, and were reviewed by the advisory committee: Kidney yin deficiency and liver yang ascendant hyperactivity (腎虛肝亢), Dual deficiencies in the heart and spleen (心脾兩虛), Phlegm-fire harassing the heart (痰火擾心), and Spleen weakness and liver energy preponderance (脾虛肝旺). 2. The weights of all the symptoms and signs in the four patterns were calculated using the means and standard deviations of the symptoms and signs' importance that were obtained from specialists' significance weighting. 3. The Pattern Identification Questionnaire for ADHD (parents-survey style) in Korean medicine composed of 38 questions was suggested. Conclusions: Using a review of the literature and expert advice, Pattern Identification Questionnaire for ADHD (parents-survey style) in Korean medicine was developed. Further clinical study is required to develop a final version of the questionnaire through the evaluation of reliability and validity.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.209-229
• /
• 2008

When we are totalizing the lawsrelated to the medical, as the Laboratory medical testing is a kind of the medical act, it is the regulation that the medical technologist can analyze the specimen using in vitro diagnostic devices and diagnosticdrugs under the guidance of doctor or dentist from a corresponding medical institution and can report through verification and interpretation. However, in real medical fields, 'the guidance of doctor' is seriously in-sufficient or even the person who is not the medical technologist is executing. Furthermore the cases that produce inspection results with devices or reagents which are not validated nor approved have been frequently occurred. The result of Laboratory medical testing derived from this procedure can become the important information for the disease control of a country, and also can be decisive to the definite diagnosis and the prognostic monitoring about the patient disease. In spite of its significant medical act to be applicable to an unique proof with the related expert appraisal result in the medical mal-practice lawsuit, our reality in which the quality control is not properly working due by the costs and the labor shortage related to the Laboratory medical testing is quietly in bad condition. Even from now, the government should recognize the significance of the Laboratory medical testing and must achieve more strict administrative management as well as the law maintenance.

• International Journal of Contents
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.52-59
• /
• 2012

This study uses digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) files acquired after CT scan to obtain the absorbed dose distribution inside the body by using the patient's actual anatomical data; uses geometry and tracking (Geant)4 as a way to obtain the accurate absorbed dose distribution inside the body. This method is easier to establish the radioprotection plan through estimating the absorbed dose distribution inside the body compared to the evaluation of absorbed dose using thermo-luminescence dosimeter (TLD) with inferior reliability and accuracy because many variables act on result values with respect to the evaluation of the patient's absorbed dose distribution in diagnostic imaging and the evaluation of absorbed dose using phantom; can contribute to improving reliability accuracy and reproducibility; it makes significance in that it can implement the actual patient's absorbed dose distribution, not just mere estimation using mathematical phantom or humanoid phantom. When comparing the absorbed dose in polymethly methacrylate (PMMA) phantom measured in metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeter for verification of Geant4 and the result of Geant4 simulation, there was $0.46{\pm}4.69%$ ($15{\times}15cm^2$), and $-0.75{\pm}5.19%$ ($20{\times}20cm^2$) difference according to the depth. This study, through the simulation by means of Geant4, suggests a new way to calculate the actual dose of radiation exposure of patients through DICOM interface.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.11
• /
• pp.5353-5361
• /
• 2012

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an immune-stimulatory cytokine with antitumor activity in preclinical models. It plays pivotal roles in linking inflammatory immune responses and tumor progression and is a useful candidate in gene therapy of lymphoma or lymphoid leukemia. A phase I study of recombinant human IL-18 (rhIL-18) in patients with advanced cancer concluded that rhIL-18 can be safely given in biologically active doses to patients with advanced cancer. Some viruses can induce the secretion of IL-18 for immune evasion. The individual cytokine activity might be potentiated or inhibited by combinations of cytokines. Here we focus on combinational effects of cytokines with IL-18 in cancer progression. IL-18 is an important non-invasive marker suspected of contributing to metastasis. Serum IL-18 may a useful biological marker as independent prognostic factor of survival. In this review we cover roles of IL-18 in immune evasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, applications for chemotherapy and prognostic or diagnostic significance.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.2389-2394
• /
• 2016

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is influenced by genetic and micro-environmental changes. Malignant plasma cells produce an abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-6 which stimulate cells of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) and cause dysfunction and failure of many organs. B cell activating factor (BAFF), IL6, IL10 are known to influence the growth & survival of the malignant clone. Aim: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the circulating levels of BAFF, IL-10 and IL-6, correlate them with well-known parameters of disease activity in patients with MM, and to detect their impact on the patients' survival. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 89 newly diagnosed MM patients and seventy apparently healthy volunteers as a normal control group. BAFF, IL6, IL10 were measured by ELISA for both groups. Survival analysis was performed for all patients. Results: Studied markers were higher in the MM patients compared to the normal control subjects. Patients' survival was improved by high serum BAFF levels. Conclusions: High levels of BAFF were found to improve patients' survival. BAFF and IL-6 can be considered probable diagnostic markers for MM.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.110-117
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine factors influencing the duration of occlusal appliance (OA) treatment for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. Methods: Ninety patients were included for this study, who satisfied the following including criteria: (i) those who were diagnosed as disc displacement of TMJ by taking magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and (ii) those who were finished OA treatment. The subjects were classified into three groups according to the period of OA treatment: (i) early response group (<6 months), (ii) moderate response group (6 months-1 year), and (iii) delayed response group (>1 year). Demographic data, data from chief complaints and past history of temporomandibular disorder, data from clinical examination and diagnostic imaging including panoramic view and TMJ MRI were compared among groups. One-way ANOVA and chi-square analysis were used to test statistical significance. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic data, data from chief complaints and TMJ imaging. However, only the prevalence of oral parafunctional habits including bruxism, clenching, and unilateral chewing showed significant differences among groups. Conclusions: Oral parafunctional habits could be factors to influence the duration of OA treatment in the patients with TMJ internal derangement.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.11-17
• /
• 2009

Objectives : The objectives of this study were to examine the specificity and the sensitivity of tenderness testing on the ear about the postpartum breast pain, and to improve the efficacy of the tenderness test. Methods : Thirty women who visited in the hospital for recuperating 2-14 days after childbirth participated in this study. They answered the questionnaire of the severity of breast pain and their auricular acupuncture points were tested by a long metal probe with round tip 1.1mm in diameter. We analyzed the relationship between auricular tenderness testing on mammary gland zone[CW6] and postpartum breast pain with validity and significance as grouping 8 diagnosis methods. Results : When we consider above 'moderate pain' or 'severe pain' in the auricular tenderness testing as a positive sign, and above 'evere pain' or 'very severe pain' in the self-reported breast pain score as a positive symptom, the diagnostic efficacy was highest. The sensitivity for tenderness testing was 0.62-0.75, and the specificity was 0.64-0.72, and the sensitivity and the specificity in the contralateral ear were a little higher than in the ipsilateral ear. Conclusions : These results suggest that auricular tenderness testing can be objectified clinically and be used in diagnosis.