• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.536-542
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• 1999

Background: The purpose of this study is to improve the quality of the diagnostic procedures in the preoperative evaluation so as to reduce the unnecessary thoracotomy and to ensure resectability in non-small cell lung cancer. Material and Method: Of 616 patients who underwent thoracotomy for primary lung cancer from January 1990 to December 1996, 59 patients(9.6%) turned out to have inoperable lesions after the thoracotomy. We reprospectively reviewed the bronchoscopic findings, methods of tissue diagnosis, CT scans, pulmonary function test and lung perfusion scan, reasons for nonresectability, and adjuvant therapy, and then followed up on the survival rate after exploratory thoracotomy. Result: The cell types were squamous cell carcinoma in 38, adenocarcinoma in 15, large cell carcinoma in 3 and others in 3. Primary loci were RUL in 20, RML in 6, RLL in 8, LUL in 13, LLL in 4 and others in 8. The reasons for non-resectability were various; direct tumor invaison to mediastinal structures(n=41), seeding on pleural cavity(n=8), poor pulmonary function(n=2), invasions to extranodal mediastinal lymph node(n=2), technical non- resectability due to extensive chest wall invasion (n=3), small cell carcinoma (n=1), malignant lymphoma(n=1), and multiple rib metastases(n=1). In the follow-up of 58 patients, 1-year survival rate was 55.2% and 2-year survival rate was 17.2% and the mean survival time was 14 months. When compared according to cell types or postoperative adjuvant therapeutic modalities, no significant difference in the survival rates were found. The squamous cell carcinoma was frequently accompanied by local extension to contiguous structures and was the main cause of non-resectability. In adenocarcinoma, pleural seeding with malignant effusion was frequently encountered, and was the major reason for non-resectability. Conclusion: These data revealed that if appropriate preoperative diagnostic tools had been available, many unnecessary thoracotomies could have been avoided. Both the use of thoracoscopy in selected cases of adenocarcinoma and the more aggressive surgical approach to the locally advanced tumor could reduce the incidence of unnecessary thoracotomies for non-small cell lung cancers.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2008

Purpose: The early detection of gastric cancer and accuracy of preoperative staging has currently been on the increase due to the development of endoscopy and imaging techniques, but there are still many cases of advanced gastric cancer detected at the first diagnosis and there are also many cases of stage IV gastric cancer diagnosed after a postoperative pathological examination. Although the prognosis of stage IV gastric cancer is very poor, this study was performed to determine the value of the use of aggressive treatment determined after a clinical analysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients that were diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer among 1376 patients who underwent a laparotomy for gastric cancer from January 1994 to December 2006. Results: Of the 150 patients with stage IV gastric cancer who underwent a laparotomy, there were 104 men and 46 women. The mean patient age was 57.8 years (age range, 28~93 years). A subtotal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy was performed in 119 patients and 31 patients underwent an explorative laparotomy. The mean survival time of patients that underwent a gastrectomy and patients that did not undergo a gastrectomy was 722 days (range, 14~4,559 days) and 173 days (range, 16~374 days), respectively this result was statistically significant. When patients that underwent a gastrectomy were classified according to the TNM stage, the mean survival time of 33 patients with stage T4 disease was 534 days (range, 17~3,378 days) and the mean survival time of 63 patients with stage N3 disease was 521 days (range, 14~4,190 days), but there was no statistical significance. Chemotherapy was administered to 98 patients and 52 patients did not receive chemotherapy. The mean survival time of patients that received chemotherapy was 792 days (range, 36~4,559 days) and the mean survival time of patients that did not receive chemotherapy was 243 days (range, 14~2,413 days), with statistical significance. Conclusion: If there is no evidence of distant metastasis in stage IV gastric cancer, one can expect improvement of the survival rate by the use of aggressive treatment, including curative gastric resection with radical lymph node dissection and chemotherapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.495-500
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• 1993

Background: For the relief of the occlusion of major bronchi, laser therapy, radiation therapy or combined therapy is generally used. But the effect of radiation therapy is very slow and not consistent and laser therapy requires expensive equipments and technical expertise with occasional serious side effects. Direct ethanol injection has been widely used for the control of bleeding in gastrointestinal lesion, esophageal varices or renal cell carcinoma with good results. So we tried direct injection of ethanol into the tumor to relieve the obstruction of major bronchus in 11 patients. Method: All procedures were done under the fiberoptic bronchoscopy with continuous oxygen supplement and aliquoted 0.5-1.0 ml of absolute ethanol directly into the tumor through the endobronchial aspiration needle. The tumor was endoscopically removed with a biopsy forceps immediately after ethanol injection. The whole procedure was repeated 3-4 days interval until the lumen opens. Usually after 2-3 trials of ethanol injection, the lumen opened up. Results: The immediate effect of ethanol injection was whitening of the mucosa and prompt cessation of bleeding. The late effect was necrosis of the tumor. The final results of this procedure were improvement of symptoms and reexpnasion of the lung in all patients. $FEV_{1.0}$ and FVC were improved and $PaO_2$ was increased from $68.1{\pm}9.2$ mmHg to $83.9{\pm}8.1$ mmHg, $SaO_2$: from $94{\pm}8.5%$ to $96.6{\pm}1.1%$, and $AaDO_2$ was reduced from $26.5{\pm}8.5$ mmHg to $10.9{\pm}9.1$ mmHg. Conclusion: Direct ethanol injection into the tumor tissue is a rapid, cheap and relatively safe method of relieving the complete occlusion of major bronchus.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.542-547
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• 1996

All patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for diagnostic purposes from Jan. 1992 to Aug. 1995 were reviewed. The total number of patients were 111 with 57 male and 54 female, and the mean age was 49 years (range 1 to 74). Multiple biopsies from more than one location were performed in 17 patients , pleural biopsies were performed In 49 patients, lung biopsies in 43 patients, mediastinal mass or Iymph node biopsies in 33 patients, and two pericardium biopsies and one dia- phragm biopsy, for a total of 128 biopsies. Seventeen pleural biopsy cases and one lung biopsy case underwent operation under local anesthesia , the rest were performed under general anesthesia. In patients who underwent lung biopsy, the mean age was 49.1 ye rs (range 22~ 73). The operating time was 40 to 170 minutes (mean 97), intravenous or intramuscular injection for pain control was required 0 to 22 times(mean 4.7), and chest tube was inserted from 1 to 26 days(mean 7). In all patients except two, a diagnosis was obtained from the biopsy and complication was encountered in one patient in whom intraoperative paroxysmal atrial tachycardia was detected. In 7 patients, a thorn- cotomy had to be done due to pleural adhesion or intraoperative bleeding, and 7 patients had postoperative complications associated with the chest tube. In the pleural biopsy group, the mean age was 49 years (range 17~ 74). The operating time was 25 to 80 minutes (mean 49), intravenous or intramuscular injection for pain control was needed 0 to 20 times (mean 3.6), and the chest tube was i.nserted for 0 to 67 days(mean 9.8). In all the patients, a diagnosis was possible. The chest tube was inserted for longer than 7 days in 11 patients. In the Iymph node biopsy roup, the mean age was 44.2 years (range 1 ~ 68). The operating time was )0 to 3)5 minutes(mean 105), pain control was required 0 to 15 times(mean 3.2), and a chest tube was kept in place for 1 to 36 days(mean 6.1). In one patient, a diagnosis was not possible and a chest tube was kept in place for longer than 7 days in 7 patients. In the multiple biopsy group, the mean age was 53.1 years(range 20~ 71). The operating time was 15 to 165 minutes(mean 85), and pain control was done from 0 to 17 times(mean 3.1). The chest tube was kept in place for 1 to 16 days (mean 7.9).

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2007

Purpose: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic factor in tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that polymorphism of the promoter of the DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) genes, which are responsible for regulating the methylation status of tumor suppressor genes, are associated with increased risk of gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, to determine the role of this polymorphism of the promoter of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) genes in gastric cancer, we genotyped 176 cases and 70 control subjects. To determine the genotype, we used a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We compared alleles and genotypes between the two groups and revealed an association of DNMT3b promoter polymorphism with increased risk of gastric cancer in the Korean population. Results: Genotype frequencies were 14.8% (Cytosine-Cytosine), 71.6% (Cytosine-Thymine), and 13.6% (Thymine- Thymine) in the case patients and 40.0% (Cytosine-Cytosine), 42.9% (Cytosine-Thymine), and 17.1% (Thymine-Thymine) in the control subjects, respectively. Compared with CC homozygotes, CT heterozygotes had a 4.523-fold increased risk (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 2.324~8.803), and the TT homozygotes had a 2.154-fold elevated risk (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.899~85.165). For the T variant genotype (CT+TT), there was a 3.846-fold increased risk (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 2.040~7.251). However, no significance was observed in the genotype distributions of both polymorphisms according to histopathology, stage of stomach cancer. The Ssame results were observed with Helicobacter infection. Conclusion: DNMT3b promoter polymorphism, especially the T variant genotype, is associated significantly with thean increased risk of gastric cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.697-704
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• 1998

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by a marked infiltration of eosinophils in the bronchial mucosa. Asthmatic bronchial mucosa produces many factors described as being chemotactic for inflammatory cells. IL-5, RANTES, and MCP-1 alpha are the chemotactic factors for eosinophils, but their roles are controversial. Recently eotaxin that is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant cytokine was detected in a guinea-pig model of allergic airway inflammation, and human eotaxin was cloned. Eotaxin is a specific chemoattractant for eosinophils, but its role in asthma is not confirmed. We examined the in vivo expression of eotaxin in bronchi of asthmatic patients. Methods : 11 asthmatics and 2 normal controls were enrolled. All subjects were underwent bronchoscopy with bronchial biopsies in 2nd or 3rd carina. RNA extraction from biopsy samples was done by acid-guanidium method. Semi-quantitaive RT-PCR was done for evaluation of eotaxin mRNA expression The extent of eosinophil infiltration was evaluated by counting the eosinophils in submucosa in HPF of microscope. Results : Eotaxin mRNA expressed in symptomatic, uncontrolled asthma. Steroid inhibited expression of eotaxin mRNA in asthma. Expression of eotaxin mRNA correlated with eosinophil infiltration in bronchial tissues. Conclusion: Expression of eotaxin mRNA increases in uncontrolled asthma and eotaxin is involved in the recruitment of eosinophils.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.262-269
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• 1994

Background : A clinical study was carried out on 153 new cases with small cell lung cancer registered at Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju during the 7 years from 1986 to 1992. They were analyzed by sex and age distribution, symptoms and signs, classification of stage and site and its treatments. Especially, an effort was made to compare the overall survival time between limited stage and extensive stage. Methods : Among 806 lung cancer patients diagnosed by biopsy or cytologic evaluation for the 7 years, 153 patients was shown small cell lung cancer. These 153 cases was analyzed retrospectivery through patient's records, letters or telephones. Results : The results of evaluation of small cell lung cancer are as follows. Over 85 percent of the small cell lung cancer patients were over 50 years of age and prominent clinical features were cough(86.3%), sputum(75.8%) and dyspnea(54.9%). One hundred and five patients(68.7%) was staged to have limited stage. Mean survival time of the chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in limited stage has significant difference and its survivals are 5.3 months and 15.0 months. Patients whose disease was staged as limited, regardless of whether or not chemotherapy was administered, had a median survival time of 10.9 months, compared with 4.8 months for those with extensive stage. Conclusion : Lung cancer is one of the malignant diseases tend to increase gradually in Korea and proven to be the most common cancer next to the gastric cancer among various cancers in males found at the Presbyterian Medical Center in the past seven years. This report is a retrospective view of the clinical therapeutic results of the small cell lung cancer patients. Especially at the limited stage, the combined therapy revealed higher survival rate than the chemotherapy alone. For a more accurate evaluation. a prospective view, without any bias, of patients selected at random is needed.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2002

Purpose; Dysregulation of gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis are important in development of ulcer, atrophy and neoplasia in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of infection of H. pylori on gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis in children. Methods: Histological grading by updated Sydney system, PCNA immunostaining and TUNEL method were performed in H. pylori positive (N=58) and negative (N=40) gastric biopsy specimens. Results: In H. pylori positive children, there were significantly higher grade of polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity (P=0.000), chronic inflammation (P=0.000), epithelial damage (P=0.000) and lymphoid follicles (P=0.000) than in H. pylori negative children. Intestinal metaplasia was not seen in H. pylori positive children. PCNA index was significantly different between H. pylori positive children ($67.8{\pm}18.13$) and H. pylori negative children ($54.8{\pm}14.46$, P=0.000). There was positive correlation between PCNA index and H. pylori density (r=0.277, P=0.007), polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity (r=0.280, P=0.007) and chronic inflammation (r=0.284, P=0.006). Apoptosis index of H. pylori positive children ($0.44{\pm}0.447$) was significantly higher than of H. pylori negative children ($0.14{\pm}0.196$, P=0.000). There was positive correlation between apoptosis index and H. pylori density (r=0.472, P=0.000), polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity (r=0.370, P=0.001) and chronic inflammation (r=0.483, P=0.000). There was positive correlation between PCNA index and apoptosis index (r=0.353, P=0.003). Conclusion: The PCNA and apoptosis index in H. pylori positive children were significantly higher than in H. pylori negative children. This study suggested that gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis are important to pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.10-15
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• 2009

Purpose: The manner of rectal bleeding of auto-amputated polyps (AP) is similar to juvenile polyps (JP) or Meckel's diverticula (MD). We conducted this study to characterize the clinical spectrum of AP. Methods: Fourteen patients were enrolled this study who were diagnosed AP due to painless rectal bleeding. The clinical data of AP was assessed and then compared with the clinical data of JP and MD retrospectively. Results: The prevalence of AP was 10.4% (14/135) and high in younger patients compared with that of JP (p=0.042 below 2 years). Whereas JP was more common in patients aged 2 to 5 years (p=0.005). Male was predominant in AP (p=0.008 AP vs JP). The manner of rectal bleeding in AP group was sudden and transient. There was no significant difference in time interval between onset of rectal bleeding and diagnosis between the 3 groups. However AP was diagnosed in 9 patients (64.3%) within 7 days after onset of rectal bleeding, but JP was diagnosed in 5 patients (4.1%) in the same period (p<0.001). All of AP were located in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. The mean hemoglobin was 11.3${\pm}$1.5 g/dL in AP, 11.8${\pm}$1.3 g/dL in JP, and 8.4${\pm}$1.2 g/dL in MD (p<0.001, only significant in MD). Conclusion: AP may be considered in male older than 1 year with transient and sudden onset or increase of painless rectal bleeding without drop of hemoglobin level.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.21 no.1 s.23
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• pp.172-182
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• 1988

To reveal the association between blood selenium level and the gastric diseases, 180 persons received the gastrofiberscopic examination at the outpatients department of the two university hospitals from July to September 1987, after the exclusion of the persons having the esophageal varix, were randomly selected. Their general characteristics such as age, sex and educational level and so on, were inverstigated. Five mi venous blood was collected from each subjects and stored at $0^{\circ}C$ in heparinized vaccum tube. The blood selenium level was measured by the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the procedure of data analysis, five subjects having benign tumor and anomaly of the stomach, were also excluded. The mean blood selenium levels of the $155.5{\mu}g/{\ell}$ among gastritis cases, the $154.8{\mu}g/{\ell}$ gastric ulcer and the $133.0{\mu}g/{\ell}$ gastric malignancy were significantly lower(p<0.05) than that of the $173.3{\mu}g/{\ell}$ among normal controls. In men the mean blood selenium levels .among gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric malignancy cases were significantly lower(p<0.05) than that among normal controls. In females, the mean blood selenium levels among gastritis and gastric maligancy cases were significantly lower(p<0.05) than that among normal controls($169.7{\mu}g/{\ell}$), but that among gastric ulcer cases($177.7{\mu}g/{\ell}$) was not significantly higher. In the logistic analysis, coefficient of the blood selenium level was -0.0436(p<0.05 : odds ratio 0.957) for gastritis, -0.0197(p=0.17 : 0.981) for gastric ulcer, -0.4876(p<0.05 : 0.614) for gastric malignancy and -0.0411(p<0.05 ; 0.960) for gastric diseases including the gastritis, the gastric ulcer and the gastric malignancy. These data support the hypothesis that the gastric diseases are to be associated with the low selenium level but, for the gastric ulcer, the further research is recommended.