• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 1984

Two cases of natural human infection by Heterophyopsis continua (Heterophyidae) were identified by collection of adult worms in 1983 in Korea. And in order to know the source of infection a study on fish intermediate hosts was performed along the southwestern coastal areas. The cases were 21 and 50 year old males residing in southern coastal areas. They had the clinical complaints of non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms such as epigastric pain and one of them also complained the discharge of tapeworm segments. Praziquantel in single dose of 10~15mg/kg was given followed by purgation with magnesium salt and 2 and 46 specimens of H. continua were collected from the diarrheal stools. They said to have eaten raw ilesh of several kinds of brackish water fishes. The results of fish examination for metacercarial infection were as follows: I. Seventeen (663.0%) out of 27 perches (Lateolabrax japonicus) and 10 (29.4%) out of 34 gobies (Acantkogobius flavimanus) harboured the metacercariae but none of 42 mullets (Mugil cepkalus) were found to harbour them. 2. The average metacercarial density in perches was 55.1 and 18.7 per fish respectively. And the majority of the metacercariae were collected from the muscle of body portions in these fishes. 3. After the metaeercariae were experimentally fed to two rats and one young dog. two adult worms were recovered from the dog while none from the rats. These worms were also identified as H. continua. From the results it was concluded that the brackish water flshes which the human cases said to have eaten were the source of infection.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5199-5203
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• 2015

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric adenocarcinomas and mucosa associated tissue lymphomas. Cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) is one of the virulence factors of H.pylori. It is hypothesized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play roles in H.pylori associated disease especially in development of gastric adenocarcinoma. Individuals infected with H.pylori bearing CagA produce more ROS than others. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) is an in vitro marker of DNA damage and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 8OHdG level, H.pylori infection and CagA and alterations of serum 8OHdG level after H.pylori eradication. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted with dyspeptic complaints and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were assessed. H.pylori was determined from histopathology of specimens. Serum 8OHdG levels of three groups (H.pylori negative, H. pylori positive CagA negative and H.pylori positive CagA positive) were compared. Patients with H.pylori infection received eradication therapy. Serum 8OHdG levels pretreatment and posttreatment were also compared. Results: In total, 129 patients (M/F, 57/72) were enrolled in the study. Serum 8OHdG level of H.pylori negative, H. pylori positive CagA negative and H.pylori positive CagA positive groups were significantly different ($5.77{\pm}1.35ng/ml$, $5.43{\pm}1.14ng/ml$ and $7.57{\pm}1.25ng/ml$ respectively, p=0.05). Furthermore, eradication therapy reduced serum 8OHdG level ($6.10{\pm}1.54ng/ml$ vs $5.55{\pm}1.23ng/ml$, p=0.05). Conclusions: Individuals infected with H.pylori bearing CagA strains have the highest serum 8OHdG level and eradication therapy decreases the serum 8OHdG level. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that evaluated the effect of CagA virulence factor on serum 8OHdG level and the effect of eradication therapy on serum 8OHdG levels together. Eradication of CagA bearing H.pylori may prevent gastric adenocarcinoma by decreasing ROS. 8OHdG level may thus be a good marker for prevention from gastric adenocarcinoma.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.123-139
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to search how to promote health and improve nutrition and health care of the elderly people in rural area. Behaviors for health promotion and habits against health risk were surveyed. Dietary management was analyzed for surveyed nutrient intake by 24 hr -recall method. 242 subjects were collected in 12 cities or counties in Gyeonggi Province and 20 elderly people (10 male and 10 female) were selected out of 1 village in each district. Questionnaire for health behavior and dietary management was carried out by trained interviewers. Statistical analyses were made by SAS (version 8.1) and Chi-square tests and General Linear Models were used. Characteristics of the elderly people were 61-74 year-olds (68.2%), elementary school educated (78.4%), with spouse (51.7%), monthly living cost of 500-1,000 thousand won(43.4%), and monthly pocket money of 50-100 or 100-200 thousand won(33.5%, 26.5%). 41.4% of the subjects checked up medical examination regularly. The alcohol drinking status was significantly different according to gender: high no-drink rate of female (52.5%) and low no-drink rate of male (25.6%). Kinds of disease were different according to gender: higher proportion of cardiovascular disease(46.3%) and diabetes mellitus(8.1 %) in male and joint lumbago neuralgia(44.4%) and osteoporosis(8.6%) in female. Gastrointestinal complaints were nausea (69.0%) and chronic indigestion (17.8%). Constipation (12.0%) and vomiting (4.3%) were more frequent in female. Dietary management was good (3 meals per day: 93.4%., dining with family: 72.4%, regular mealtime: 72.4%, and 3-4 times of snacks per week: 44.9%) except side dish taking of 3-4 kinds only. However, almost one-third of the female elderly ate alone (30.6%) which was well compared with one-fifth of the male (19.7%). And food and nutrients intake were not significantly different according to gender except that male elderly's intake of energy and protein was lower than that of female's. The surveyed subjects had no difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), but some female elderly had some difficulties with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) like working at home, using transport, and going shopping. These results suggest that low quality of life linked with low economic status of the rural elderly and that congregate meal at village hall would be required for the female elderly eating alone. For the undernourished male elderly, it would be needed to provide snacks and to establish nutrition and health surveillance system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.306-317
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• 2004

Background & Object : Dyspepsia for which no organic causes are disclosed is referred to as functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia is here studied in connection with a biopsychosocial model. From the aspect of individual response to external environment, in connection with stress response, functional dyspepsia is studied by both the psychology department and the internal medicine departments. The disease is taken as approachable from the aspect of internal injury due to seven emotions and stress as differentiated by Oriental medicine. Materials and Methods : Targeted at 223 patients underwent medical checks and endoscopy at Kangnam Korean Hospital, Kyunghee University. They agreed to join this clinical experiment. Stress response inventory, GARS (global assessment of recent stress scale), GSRS (gastrointestinal symptom rating scale), diagnostic scores for Ki-depression, and Spleen Disease Differentiation of Syndromes were all measured and evaluated. The test group was comprised of functional dyspepsia patients. The control group was comprised of nonsymptomatic chronic gastritis patients who were found to suffer from chronical gastritis in endoscopy and thus could be diagnosed with functional dyspepsia if symptoms would arise, but did not complain of subjective symptoms. Results showed these corelations: Functional dyspepsia patients were found to have more serious Ki-depression compared to nonsymptomatic chronic gastritis patients. The more serious Ki-depression the more serious the dyspepsia symptoms. The higher the stress response inventory the more serious the dyspepsia. Deficiency of spleen Eum, and Deficiency and Sinking of spleen Gi were found to coincide with serious Ki-depression.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.295-301
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• 1995

Background: The serious problems in retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis are a significant proportion of drug resistance. Preferably retreatment should contain the drugs which has never used before, so drug retreatment is limited in selection. A new antibacterial substance, ofloxacin(OFX) is the activity against mycobacterium tuberculosis and it has been used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. The present report concerns the result of retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients containing OFX treated at National Kongju Tuberculosis Hospital. Method: A retrospective study was made through the regular follow up of 92 smear positive cases, who were treated by four drugs regimen between Mar 1991 and June 1994 at National Kongju Tuberculosis Hospital. Four drugs were, namely prothionamide, cycloserine, ofloxacin and streptomycin(kanamycin or tuberactinomycin). The duration of follow up was over one year. Results: 1) Out of 92 cases with positive sputum AFB smear, 67(73%) achieved the negative conversion. 2) Considering the negative sputum conversion in all the groups, the vast majority(85%) of sputum conversion occurred within the first 4 months. 3) The roentgenological improvement occurred in 49 percent on the whole and when the extent of disease was minimal, moderately, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 100%, 93%, 68%, respectively. 4) When the duration of patient's illness was less than 1 year, 1 to 3 years, 3 to 5 years and more than 5 years, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 87%, 76%, 65% and 55%, respectively. 5) Adverse reaction to prothionamide, with complaints of gastrointestinal troubles was common and hepatic dysfunction without jaundice was observed in 7 percent, convulsion in 1 percent, that to cycloserine occurred renal dysfunction & psycosis & convulsion, 2%, 1%, 1%, respectively. Tinnitus with KM occurred in 1% and dirrhea with OFX in 4%. Conclusion: The duration of patient's illness was shorter, sputum AFB smear negative response rate was better. Radiologic responses were not remarkable, but extent of disease by national tuberculosis association was smaller, the result of retreatment was better. Adverse reaction of the secondary antituberculosis agent was mainly observed gastrointestinal troubles, as regard to tolerance to the secondary drugs the role of the physician is of very important value and toxic effects can be overcome by the strong confidence.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 1998

Purpose : Cancer is a common cause for admission to emergency room(ER). Cancer patient present to ER with undiagnosed cancer, acute vague problem of cancer, or treatment related complication. But there is little information on the magnitute of the problems in the Korea. The purposes of our study were to evaluate the appropriateness of care for oncologic emergencies in Korea. Materials and Methods : This study was undertaken of all cancer patients above 15 years old presenting to the Seoul National University Hospital ER, who visited during the period from Oct. 16 to Nov. 15, 1997. ER record was reviewed and ER doctors evaluated patients' reason for visiting ER, appropriateness in patients' utilization of ER, oncology emergency Results : 266 cancer patients(17.4% of total patients) visited ER during this period and 166 cancer patients(62.4%) utilized inappropriately ER. Their average stay is 32.0 hours and 65.8% of them stayed for 6 hours. There were complaints of patients such as pain(44.8%), abdomen distension(9.4%), and dyspnea(7.5%). The most common oncologic emergency in ER during this study were gastrointestinal(34.0%), neurologic(21%), hematologic(8.0%), infectious(7.0%), respiratory(6.0%), and genitourinary(5.0%). Conclusion : For the care of symptoms like pain, most of cancer patients utilize ER inappropriately due to lack of attention from primary health delivery system. For the better care, the palliative medicine should be established in Korea.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.228-233
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the factors and characteristics of cancer patients who visited the emergency room, as well as to offer some educational materials for to manage acute symptoms. Methods: Data for this study were selected from the period of January to December, 2006. A total of 564 patients were examined using the tool which we developed by ourselves for the study. The collected data were analyzed using the SAS program for frequencies and percentage. Results: As for disease-related characteristics of the subjects, 28.9% of them had gastric and colorectal cancer; 66.9% were in stage 4; 51.6% had been in chemotherapy prior to visiting the emergency room; and 82.5% had their anticancer drug administrated average 1~5 times. As for the characteristics in regard to visit the emergency room, 62.9% were admitted to hospital within 2 weeks of being treated. As for chief complaints for visiting the emergency room, the worst symptom was pain, followed by symptoms such as gastro-intestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, high fever, and weakness. As for the disease-related symptoms, the worst symptom that gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and gallbladder cancer patients complained of was pain, high fever for lymphoma patients was respiratory symptoms for lung cancer patients, and gastrointestinal symptoms for head and neck cancer and other patients. Conclusion: Therefore, according to their need and background, an individualized consultation and teaching program should be provided to cancer patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 1999

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of external radiation therapy and the prognostic factors, we retrospectively analyzed therapeutic results of malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO). Methods and Materials : We analyzed the results of the external radiation therapy in 59 patients of inoperable malignant EHBO who had been treated with more than 10 Gy of external radiation therapy from April 1984 to December 1990. There were 21 stomach cancer ($35.6\%$), 12 pancreas cancer ($20.3\%$), 15 extrahepatic biliary cancer ($18.0\%$) and 11 another cancer ($18.0\%$). Their pathologies were confirmed in 31 patients ($52.5\%$). They divided into 27 adenocarcinoma and 4 nonadenocarcinoma. Their chief complaints were jaundice in 47 patients ($79.7\%$) and abdominal pain in 15 patients ($49.2\%$). Twelve patients had slightly increased bilirubin level in liver function test without jaundice. We treated twenty four patients ($40.6\%$) with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and 32 patients ($54\%$) with systemic chemotherapy (CT). We performed external radiation therapy (ERT) upto $10.8\~55.8$ Gy (median 37.8 Gy) with palliative aim. Results : Overall median survival duration was $7.80\pm1.15$ months. The response rates of jaundice were $81.8\%$ in PTBO group and $66.7\%$ in non-PTBD group without statistical significance. The improving rate of jaundice was not significantly different in decreased ratio of total bilirubin level. But abdominal pain was more decreased in CT group than non-CT group (p<0.05). The significant prognostic factors were high performance status (Karnofski Performance Status >70), total radiation dose more than 35 Gy and good response of pain after therapy. There were increased in bacterial cholagitis in PTBD group and gastrointestinal complications in CT group. Conclusion : External radiotheapy could improve jaundice and abdominal pain in malignant EHBO patients, Overall survival duration was prolonged in patients with higher performance status and patients who had been treated with more than 35 Gy of total radiation dose. In the future, we expect not only better palliative role but also the prolongation of survival of using the ERT combined with other treatment method. But to achieve certain conclusion, we need luther study consisted with many kinds of treatment methods including new technologies in RT.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.241-250
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• 1997

Objective : Although the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis has decreased progressively after the national control program for tuberculosis began, nowadays the number of MDRTB is increasing seriously. MDRTB tends to be poor responsive to current antituberculosis regimens. It is mainly due to poor compliance, high rate of side reaction of secondary drugs, and limitation in number of available drugs. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the clinical features of pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted in one national tuberculosis hospital and to expose the problems pertaining to current remedies, to increase the treatment efficacy for pulmonary tuberculosis including MDRTB in the end. Method : Retrospective analysis of 336 pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted in National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital was done. Contents of analysis were patients profile, the first diagnosed time and medical institutes, family history, residence, previous treatment history, chief complaints at the time of admission, lesion site on chest X -ray film, combined deseases, side reaction to antibuberculosis drugs, used drugs before admission and the results of drug sensitivity test. Results : The ratio between male and female was 4 : 1. Age showed relatively even distribution from 3rd to 6 th decades. 64.6% of the patients was diagnosed at public health center. Weight loss was the most common complaint at admission. Bilateral lesions on chest X-ray films were 59.8%. 130patients had combined desease, of which DM was the most common(37.7%). 95patients had family history, of which parents were the most common(41.7%). According to the time of first diagnosis, 31 patients were diagnosed before 1980, and after then the number of patients was increased by degrees. Residence overwhelmed in pusan and gyung-nam province. 258 patients got previous treatment history, of which 112 patients(43.4%) had more than 3 times and only 133 patients(51.6%)got regular medication. 97 patients used more than other 3 drugs in addition to INH, EMB, RFP and PZA before admission. 154 patients were informed with the results of drug sensitivity test. of which 77 patients had resistance to more than 5 drugs. Gastrointestinal problem was the most common in side reaction to drugs. Conclusion : In the case of weight loss of unknown cause, tuberculosis should be suspected. In first treatment, sufficient and satisfactory explanation for tuberculosis is necessary and treatment period should not be stict to 6 month-short term therapy. In retreatment, new drugs should not be added to used drugs even though drug sensitivity results show sensitivity to some of them. Proper time for surgical intervention should not be delayed.