• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.106-114
• /
• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, Ephedra sinica $S_{TAPE}$) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in Asian over the past thousand years. The main ingredient of Mahuang is ephedrine, whose affects on the autonomic nervous system induce some adverse effects like vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, miosis, insomnia, dizziness, headache, etc. Although there were lots of reports about adverse effects of Mahuang, there were no clinical studies which evaluated the adverse effects of Mahuang on the autonomic nervous system by objective numerical value in the past decade. Objectives : The purpose of this report was to provide an objective assessment of state-trait anxiety that is caused by Mahuang, and to identify anxiety of Mahuang according to different Sasang constitution classifications. Methods : The study design was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 79 adults aged between 20 to 40 who agreed to participate. Because 8 adults dropped out, a total of 71 subjects entered the study. They were allocated through randomization to a Mahuang group (N=50) and placebo group (N=21). Each group took three opaque capsules (every opaque capsule containing 2g of Mahuang or none) twice a day. To compare the state and trait anxiety before and after taking Mahuang, we checked the anxiety by using STAI-KYZ. Results : The following results were obtained. Short-term administration of Mahuang significantly increased state-anxiety, but in the placebo group, there were no significant changes in state-anxiety. In the Mahuang group except females, there was more significant increase in state-anxiety of Soeumin than Soyangin and Taeumin in the 2nd measurement. Conclusion : It is suggested that the ingestion of Mahuang can increase sympathetic activity and induce anxiety. There was a significant difference among Sasang constitution classification. Especially, the response is stronger in Soeumin than other constitutions. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic, we could not only minimize the anxiety but maximize the potential curative value.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.334-338
• /
• 2012

A 3-year-old, intact male Pungsan dog was presented for a 2-week history of a non-weight-bearing lameness of left hindlimb with anorexia. The dog had no history of trauma, and never been routinely vaccinated or treated with heartworm preventatives. The complete blood count showed severe leukocytosis and neutrophilia with left shift. Serum biochemistry showed hypoalbuminemia, azotemia, and increased hepatobilliary enzyme activity. A canine heartworm antigen test was positive. Thoracic radiographs were consistent with heartworm disease as evidences by main pulmonary artery enlargement, right-sided cardiomegaly, and interstitial lung pattern. Echocardiography revealed pulmonary valvular regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. Selective femoral arterial angiogram was performed, and bilateral femoral arterial occlusion was identified. The dog died after angiogram, and necropsy was performed. At necropsy, adult heartworm and a large blood clot were found within the lumen of left and right femoral artery. This case report describes an unusual migration of heartworm to femoral artery that caused hindlimb lameness.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.56 no.2
• /
• pp.169-177
• /
• 2004

Background : Cyclooxygenase is the main target enzyme for the nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that have been shown to suppress carcinogenesis in both experimental models and epidemiological studies. COX-2 plays an important role in solid tumor growth, invasiveness and angiogenesis, through, in part, the synthesis of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study, the prognostic significance of an increase in COX-2 expression in lung cancer samples was evaluated. Material and Methods : The expression of COX-2, by immunohistochemistry, was studied in paraffin-embedded tumor blocks obtained from 84 patients(male 67, female 17, with a mean age of 63, ranging from 34 to 84 years) who had undergone surgery at Wonkwang University Hospital, between 1997 and 2002. For the evaluation of the relationships between COX-2 expression, and the clinical stage, metastasis to lymph nodes and survival, those cases showing the respective antigen expression in >10% of the tumor cells were considered positive. Result : Of the 84 patients, 61 (73%) exhibited more than 10% COX-2 immunoreactivities in the tumor and normal cells, whereas the remaining 23 showed no increase in the expression of COX-2. There was no significant relationship between the increased expression of COX-2 and the disease stage(p=0.1002) or cell type(p=0.152). The median survival was longer for the patients with a negative, compared to positive, COX-2 expression(36 compared to 24 months, p<0.05). The two year-survival rate was also higher in the patients with a negative COX-2 expression (78%) than those with a positive expression (47%, Kaplan-Meier, Log Rank, p < 0.05). Conclusion : The median survival was longer in the patients with a negative, compared to positive, COX-2 expression was longer than those with positive COX-2, having undergone complete resection due to primary non-small cell lung cancer.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.539-549
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal status, and self-perceived oral health status of students in juvenile protection education institutions. The subjects of this study were 342 adolescents aged 13-20 years detained in two juvenile protection education institutions located in Gyeonggi Province. The study involved an oral examination to record decayed, missing, filled teeth and index teeth with bleeding, calculus, or periodontal pocket, combined with a questionnaire to investigate self-perceived oral health status. The main findings are as follows. 1. When compared with the result of National oral health survey, the students detained had more decayed teeth, DMFT, and teeth with bleeding, calculus, and shallow pocket than general population of the same age. 2. Female students showed more DMFT, more teeth with healthy periodontium, and fewer teeth with shallow pocket than male students (p<0.05). 3. Female students perceived their health to be poorer than male students (p<0.05). A majority(79.2%) of detainee valued their oral health in their life. 4. A majority(71.5%) of detainee reported their dental anxiety, and more female adolescents showed dental anxiety than male adolescents(p<0.05).

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.607-612
• /
• 2009

The malignant tumor in childhood is one of the main causes of children s death due to disease. The traditional treatment for the malignancy is known for the radiation therapy and the chemical therapy or both. However, the treatments tend to induce intraoral complications. Different from adults, almost all children on cancer therapy are expected to have dental complications, because their permanent teeth are on the developmental stage. The degree of dental complication depends on the patient's age, type of chemical and other factors-radiation dose and frequency. In this report, 3 children who had experienced the anti-cancer therapy on their age between 1 and 4 years were selected and dental complications were examined. The children have chance for the various oral complications including the developmental problems such as agenesis, microdontia and hypoplasia of the teeth. Therefore, it's important to understand the side-effects of anticancer therapy during the permanent teeth had been developmental stage in young patients. Also, oral health care specialists, including pediatric and hospital dentist can support the oncology team by providing basic oral care, implementing oral care protocols, delivering emergency dental treatment undergoing anticancer treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.85-88
• /
• 2016

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women worldwide, and women of reproductive age in Thailand. However, information on the behavior regarding cervical cancer in rural community Thailand is sparse. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cervical cancer (CC) among rural community women in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, using predesigned structured questionnaires. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8 villages of Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, during January to April 2015. Bloom's taxonomy was used as a framework for the study. 265 women aged between 30-60 years old were selected by simple random sampling. All participants completed predesigned questionnaires with 4 parts: demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cervical cancer. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis in this study. Results: The majority of participants were in the age group of 41-50 years old (42.6%) with senior secondary school level of education (32.1%), marriage status (85.0%), agricultural employment (59.6%), and family income between 6,000-10,000 baht per month (54.3%). Some 63.4% and 68.7% participants had high knowledge and moderate level of attitudes regarding CC, while 41.1%, 48.7%, and 10.2% had neem regularly, irregularly or never screened for CC, respectively. The main reasons for not screening were were shyness (44.4%) and no time (55.6%). Vaginal discharge and itching were the common signs and symptoms of participants who were screened at a health promotion hospital of sub-district. Conclusions: CC is still a health problem in the rural community. Therefore, health education is required, particularly for those who have never undergone screening.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.12
• /
• pp.5063-5069
• /
• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in most countries of the world. It is ranked first in females in Morocco (accounting for 33.4% of the total cancer burden) and more than 60% of cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV. During the last decade, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important aspect of breast cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to describe self-reported HRQOL in patients with breast cancer and to investigate its associations with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the main oncology centers in Morocco. Quality of life was measured using the Moroccan Arabic versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C 30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 1463 subjects were included in the study, with a mean age of 55.6 (SD. 11.2) years, 70% being married. The majority had stage II (45.9%) and a few cases stage IV (12.9%) lesions. The participants' global health mean score was 68.5 and in "functional scales", social functioning scored the highest (Mean 86.2 (SD=22.7)). The most distressing symptom on the symptom scale was financial difficulties (Mean 63.2 (SD=38.2)). Using the disease specific tool, it was found that future perspective scored the lowest (Mean 40.5 (SD=37.3)). On the symptom scale, arm symptoms scored the highest (Mean 23.6 (SD=21.6)). Significant mean differences were noted for many functional and symptom scales. Conclusion: Our results emphasized that the general HRQOL for our study population is lower than for corresponding populations in other countries. This study provided baseline information on the quality of life for a large sample of Moroccan women diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.12.1-12.7
• /
• 2010

The National Bio Resource Project-Rat (NBRP-Rat) comprises the largest bank of laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) strains in the world. Its main focus is to develop infrastructure that will facilitate the systematic collection, preservation, and provision of rat strains. To breed effectively more than 180 rat strains in living stock, we establish the genetic control system in which a systematic set of genetic diagnoses and genetic monitoring are included. Genetic monitoring is performed by using 20 polymorphic markers. Monitoring is carried out when a living animal stock is re-established by using cryopreserved embryos or sperm or when a rat strain is first introduced to the NBRP-Rat by a depositor. Additional monitoring is then carried out on each strain every two years. Genetic diagnosis is performed largely by employing the Amp-FTA method. Protocols which detail how to perform a genetic diagnosis of 11 transgenes and 24 mutations have been made. Among the mutations, nine can be detected by simple gel electrophoresis of the PCR products, 11 by restriction enzyme treatment of the PCR products, and four by direct PCR product sequencing. Using this genetic control system, the NBRP-Rat can guarantee the genetic quality of its rat strains.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.123-142
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The knee pain is the main reason of getting acupuncture treatment. In order to have confidence in the results of a study, it is necessary to establish that questionnaire is both valid and reliable in questionnaire related study. The aim of this study was to review the instruments that are currently in sue for assessing the knee joint. Methods : A literature study was performed to choose appropriate scales for assessment for pain and the function of the knee. Theoretically based scales were selected for review. Therefore, 18 scales for knee and 9 scale for pain were reviewed. the status of scales involved in knee treatment of acupuncture throughout several countries was evaluated. Results & Conclusion : Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Cincinnati knee rating system(CKRS) are adequate for ligament injury in knee. International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system(IKDC) may become a publication requirement for journals in view of the international standing of the committee. The available outcome measure for use in osteoarthritis are Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Lequesne Functional Severity Index(LFI) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(KOOS), and in rheumatoid arthritis are McMaster-Toronto Arthritis patient function preference questionnaire(MACTAR), Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale(QoL-RA Scale). Visual analog scale(VAS), verbal rating scale(VRS) are commonly used for the standard pain scale. For long term follow-up study The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36(SF-36), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales(AIMS), Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ) should be included. Each measurement has its own composition and characteristics. Their validity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics were already evaluated. We found 20 domestic and 28 overseas papers about knee treatment using acupuncture assessed with knee scales.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.308-313
• /
• 1999

Direct seeding is a cultivation method of Korean ginseng which can cut down production cost and increase productivity. This study was conducted to obtain detailed information about this method and to aid the development of it in Korea. Major pre-crops before ginseng cultivation were rice, corn and rye, and organic matters, such as rice straw, rye straw and poultry feces were used for basal fertilization. In direct seeding of the ginseng field, seeding density was 196 to 210 seeds per $3.3m^2$ and germination ratio was 67%. Survival ratio of 4-year-old ginsengs which were products of direct seeding was 51%, and more than 100 plants per $3.3m^2$ survived. The most critical diseases in the directly seeded ginseng field were grey mold, damping off, and stem diseases including stem spot disease. Plant growth of the ginseng cultivated by the direct seeding method was not different from the ginseng cultivated by transplanting method. But the root of the ginseng cultivated by the direct seeding method took the shape of a shorter main root compared to the ginseng cultivated by the transplanting method. Root yield per $3.3m^2$ of the direct seeding ginseng field was larger compared to the field of the transplanting cultivation.