• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 2008

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a serious disease originating in odontogenic or oropharyngeal infection with high mortality despite adequate antibiotics and aggressive surgery. We analyzed results of treatment for DNM. Material and Method: We studied 8 cases diagnosed as DNM from 1998 to 2007. All patients received emergent surgical drainage and debridement with broad spectrum antibiotics just after diagnosis. Antibiotics were changed after bacterial susceptibility testing. The surgical approach included 2 cases of cervicotomy, 6 cases of cervicotomy, and a thoracotomy. Result: The interval between symptom onset and hospitalization was $4.6{\pm}1.8$ days ($1{\sim}9$ day). DNM originated in 4 cases of odontogenic infection (50%), 2 cases of oropharyngeal infection (25%), and 2 cases of unknown origin (25%). Causative organisms were found in 6 cases; Streptococcus in 4 cases, Staphylococcus in 1 case, and Klebsiella in 1 case. The Endo DNM classification was type I (2 cases), IIA (3 cases), and IIB (3 cases). The incidence of thoracotomy was 75%. The surgical mortality rate was 25% (2/8). The cause of death was multiple organ failure caused by septic shock. All mortality cases received only cervicotomy and aggravated infections after initial drainage. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, immediate surgical drainage, and adequate antibiotics, including covered anaerobes, are required. Thoracotomy should be performed with cervicotomy even for localized DNM.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.395-406
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• 2002

The sixty natural springs and community wells used as a drinking water in the Daejeon area are mainly located at the parks and the natural green districts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of water quality and the contamination of the springs and the wells, and to suggest the management strategy for the springs and wells. For this study, we undertook water quality data from Daejeon City. According to the statistic analysis of water quality data, unacceptable rate as a drinking water was about 28 percent in 1999 and 24.5 percent in 2000, respectively. Major unacceptable factor is coliform, and others are bacteria, yersinia, color, turbidity, Fe and F. The unacceptable rate shows a roughly positive relationship with precipitation, that is, it shows highest rate during a rainy season between June and September. The major contamination source is likely to be the excrement of wild animals around natural springs and wells. Most of springs are vulnerable to the contamination of coliform and bacteria because of short residence time and shallow circulation in subsurface environment. The water samples collected from 31 springs or wells show weak acidic pHs, the electrical conductivity ranging from 63 to 357 $\mu\textrm{S}$/cm, and the hydrochemical types of Na(Ca)-HC0$_3$ and Ca-HC0$_3$. The groundwater samples of low total dissolved solid(TDS) belong to Na(Ca)-HC0$_3$. type, and the groundwater of high total dissolved solid is shifted towards Ca-HC0$_3$ type in the chemical composition. These hydrochemical characteristics indicate that most natural springs is in the early stage of geochemical evolution. The natural springs should be closed during a rainy season, which shows a high contamination rate. We suggest that a protection barrier around the springs should be built to keep wild animals away from the springs.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the disaster perception and satisfaction level of volunteer fire-fighters on the continuity of their volunteering. The 163 subjects in this study were selected from male and female volunteer fire-fighters who resided in urban and rural regions in Gangwon Province. After a this survey was conducted, the collected data were analyzed by a statistical package SPSS WIN 20.0, and frequency analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were made. The level of statistical significance was all set at p<.05. The findings of the study were as follows: First, as for the correlation of disaster perception, satisfaction and volunteering continuity, perception of disaster countermeasures, satisfaction and the level of participation were negatively correlated with one another, and there was a positive correlation among disaster training, disaster preparation, regional disaster, the period of volunteering, and will of persistent volunteering. Second, as for perception of disaster, the volunteer fire-fighters were asked a question about disaster countermeasures, and the largest group replied they were partially aware of the countermeasures. Concerning questions about disaster training/education experience and triage, the biggest group replied they underwent the training and knew about triage on the whole. Regarding questions on the emergency contact system and emergency work schedule, they knew about the two in general. As to a question on the occurrence of human disaster, the greatest group answered that they knew about it yet not well. Third, in regard to the impact of satisfaction level on volunteering continuity, the period of volunteering was affected by needs for experience, social contact and social recognition among the subfactors of satisfaction level, and will of persistent volunteering was under the influence of social contact and achievement needs. The level of persistent volunteering was affected only by needs for experience and achievement needs.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.248-257
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• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of dolasetron mesylate in controlling nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours and to extend these comparisons over the next 4 days in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Methods: This was a single center, open-labeled study with single arm. Dolasetron (1.8 mg/kg) was given intravenously (I.V.) prechemotherapy with 10 mg of dexamethasone IV, followed 24 hours later by oral dolasetron (200 mg once daily) for the subsequent 4 days. The frequency of vomiting, severity of nausea and the presence of rescue antiemetics were assessed daily. Results: Of 30 patients enrolled, 28 were eligible and evaluable for the efficacy. Four out of 28 patients had complete control of nausea and vomiting without any rescue antiemetics through 5 days. The complete control got better as time went by with the rates of 17.9/46.4/42.9/53.6/60.7% on days 1 to 5. Vomiting was better controlled than nausea in both cisplatin-containing and non-containing chemotherapy. The adverse events were mild to moderate degrees of headache, diarrhea and fever, but were recovered spontaneously. Conclusion: Dolasetron was effective and safe for the control of nausea and vomiting in the patients with moderately emetogenic chemotherapeutic agents.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.309-318
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• 2002

Background : Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a fatal progressive fibrotic disorder of the lung with unknown etiology and characterized by a poor response to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. The histologic hallmark of UIP is parchy distribution of subpleural fibrosis and fibroblastic foci(FBF) with interposed normal appearing lung. Because FBF is a collection of actively proliferating myofibroblasts, it can be a marker of activity and prognosis of UIP. However, there were contradictory reports about the correlation between the degree of FBF and survival. Therefore we performed this study to investigate the value of FBF as prognostic marker of UIP. Methods : This was a retrospective study on the 46 patients(M:F=33:13, mean age:$59{\pm}12$ years) with UIP diagnosed by the surgical lung biopsy at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea between 1990 and 2000 and had follow-up of more than a year. All the biopsy specimens were reevaluated and diagnosed as UIP according to the ATS/ERS classification. Semiquantitative grading of FBF(absent, 0; mild 1; moderate 2; marked 3) by the experienced pathologists who did not know the clinical findings were compared to the clinical data and the follow up course. Results : Thirteen patients(28.2%) died of UIP progression during the study period. The median survival time of all the subjects was 26 months after the biopsy. At the univariate analysis, FVC, $D_Lco$, smoking history and the grade of FBF were significantly related to the survial. The survival was longer in subjects with lesser degrees of FBF, higher DLco, higher FVC and history of smoking. However the multivariate analysis with Cox regression test showed the extent of FBF was the only independent prognostic marker of UIP. Conclusion : These data suggested that the extent of FBF on the surgical lung biopsy can be used as a prognostic marker of UIP.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.693-700
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• 1996

Background : Antituberculous therapy is set a short-term therpy used isoniazid(INH), rifampin(RFP), ethambutol(EMB), pyrazinamide(PZA) from 1970s' and treatment rate has been very improved. But drug interruption or irregular medication due to side effects and resistance of drug are serious problem to retreatment cases, specially. Ofloxasine(OFX), developed from Quinolone at 1980's is effective not only other respiratory infectious disease but also pulmonary tube rculosis. And this is useful drug instead of injection agents for retreatment patients who have side effects to other drugs, lived far distance from medical clinics. So, we will evaluate theffectiveness as four oral drugs involving OFX. Method : A retrospective study was made through the regular follow up of smear positive cases,who treated by four drug, namely, prothionamide (PTA) cycloserine(CS), OFX, paraminosalicylic acid(pAS). Results: 1) Out of 66case with positive sputum AFB smear, 42(64%)cases achieved the negative conversion. 2) Considering the negative conversion in all group, 34 case (52%) of sputum conversion occured within first 6 months, on the extent of diease was minimal, moderate, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, sputum AFB smear negative response to treatment was 100%, 78%, 46% respectively. 3) The roentgenological improvement occured in 38(58%), extent of diease was minimal, moderately, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, Roentgenological improvement to retreatment was 75%, 64%, 46%. 4) When the drnation of patients illness was less than 1 year, 1 to 3 years, 3 10 5 years and more than 5 years, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 100%, 88%, 80%, 52 %. 5) On side effects, major problems are gastrointestinal troubles, mild liver function abnormality, psychotic problemes, and skin problem(urticaria, itching sensation). Conclusion : The duration & extents of patients illness was shorter & minimal, sputum AFB smear negative response rate was better. Radiologic response is better as shorter duration and minimal extent of diease. But, as diease is longer duration & far advanced, sputum negative conversion & Roentgenological improvement is poor and limited. The adverse reaction was mainly observed gastrointestinal troubles(indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and are well controled by symptomatic management in most patients, as regard to tolerance to the secondary drugs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.301-307
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• 2008

Background: The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an activating receptor that is expressed on the surface of neutrophils and mature monocytes when stimulated with several microbial components, which can amplify the inflammatory response. This study analyzed the prognostic value of the sTREM-1 levels in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood was collected prospectively from 32 patients with ARDS, 15 survivors and 17 nonsurvivors. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the sTREM-1. The following data was obtained: APACHE II score, Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), BAL fluid analysis, C-reative protein. Mortality in the ICU was defined as the end point. Results: The serum sTREM-1 level was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors than survivors ($54.3{\pm}10.3pg/ml$ vs. $22.7{\pm}2.3pg/ml$, p<0.05). The sTREM-1 level in the serum, but not in the BAL fluid, was an independent predictor of the ICU mortality (OR: 22.051, 95% CI: 1.780~273.148, p<0.016), and a cut-off value of ${\geq}33pg/ml$ yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 93%. Conclusion: The serum sTREM-1 level may be a useful predictor of the outcome of ARDS patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.292-300
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• 2008

Background: Respiratory failure is a common condition that requires intensive care, and has a high mortality rate despite the recent improvements in respiratory care. Previous reports of patients with respiratory failure focused on the specific disease or included a large proportion of surgical patients. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors of adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation in a medical intensive care unit. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed on 479 adult patients, who received mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours in the medical ICU of one tertiary referral hospital. Results: The mean age of the patients was $60.3{\pm}15.6$ years and 34.0% were female. The initial mean APACHE III score was $72.3{\pm}25$. The cause of MV included acute respiratory failure (71.8%), acute exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disease (20.9%), coma (5.6%), and neuromuscular disorders (1.7%). Pressure controlled ventilation was used as the initial ventilator mode in 67.8% of patients, and pressure support ventilation was used as the initial weaning mode in 83.6% of the patients. The overall mortality rate in the ICU and hospital was 49.3% and 55.4%, respectively. The main cause of death in hospital was septic shock (32.5%), respiratory failure (11.7%), and multiorgan failure (10.2%). Males, an APACHE III score >70, the cause of respiratory failure (interstitial lung disease, coma, aspiration, pneumonia, sepsis and hemoptysis), the total ventilation time, and length of stay in hospital were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion: The cause of respiratory failure, severity of the patients, and gender appears to be significantly associated with the outcome of mechanical ventilatory support in patients with respiratory failure.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.90-98
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• 2003

Purpose : A new virtual simulation technique for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) that uses a CT-simulator was developed to improve the accuracy of field and shielding placement as well as patient positioning. Materials and Methods : A CT simulator (CT-SIM) and a 3-D conformal radiation treatment planning system (3D-CRT) were used to develop CSI. The head and neck were immobilized with a thermoplastic mask while the rest of the body was immobilized with a Vac-Loc. A volumetric image was then obtained with the CT simulator. In order to improve the reproducibility of the setup, datum lines and points were marked on the head and body. Virtual fluoroscopy was performed with the removal of visual obstacles, such as the treatment table or immobilization devices. After virtual simulation, the treatment isocenters of each field were marked on the body and on the immobilization devices at the conventional simulation room. Each treatment fields was confirmed by comparing the fluoroscopy images with the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) and digitally composited radiography (DCR) images from virtual simulation. Port verification films from the first treatment were also compared with the DRR/DCR images for geometric verification. Results : We successfully performed virtual simulations on 11 CSI patients by CT-SIM. It took less than 20 minutes to affix the immobilization devices and to obtain the volumetric images of the entire body. In the absence of the patient, virtual simulation of all fields took 20 min. The DRRs were in agreement with simulation films to within 5 mm. This not only reducee inconveniences to the patients, but also eliminated position-shift variables attendant during the long conventional simulation process. In addition, by obtaining CT volumetric image, critical organs, such as the eyes and the spinal cord, were better defined, and the accuracy of the port designs and shielding was improved. Differences between the DRRs and the portal films were less than 3 m in the vertebral contour. Conclusion : Our analysis showed that CT simulation of craniospinal fields was accurate. In addition, CT simulation reduced the duration of the patient's immobility. During the planning process. This technique can improve accuracy in field placement and shielding by using three-dimensional CT-aided localization of critical and target structures. Overall, it has improved staff efficiency and resource utilization by standard protocol for craniospinal irradiation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.190-211
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• 1996

Generally the Myasthenia Gravis is classified into two of hereditary factor and acquement. Aquired Myasthenia Gravis was Quite well known to be caused by the autoimmune mechanism. Not in accurateness, on the hereditary, acetylcholine receptor antibody was to be analyzed very high in their parents and brothers. Also Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disease characterized by voluntary muscle weakness and fatigue. above all, ocular Myasthenia Gravis is characterized clinically by blepharoptosis and external ophthalmoplegia and to be showed abut 90% cases and so oriental medicine can not but deal with myasthenia gravis at blepharoptosis. Accordinglv 20 out patients with Myasthenia Gravis were clinical study and observation as to the sex, age, progress state of MG, blood type, history, main symptom, liking for warm and cool food and tepidity, state of pulse, treatment of acupuncture and administration of oriental medicine etc. The results were as follows. 1. There was investigaed on the frequency of attack for sex, age, oculus dexter, oculus sinister, oculus uterque. Among the 20 patients, the number of female were 60% with 12 cases and male were 40% with 8 cases, therefore it was the rate of 6 : 4. the patients under 10 ages and 40 ages were 20% with 4 cases, 10 ages and 50 ages were 15% with 3 cases, 20, 30, 60 ages were 10% with 2 cases. And then oculus uterque was 90% with 18 cases, oculus sinister was 10% with 2 cases and oculus dexter were none of them. 2. Stage I were 50% with 10 patients, stage $II_A$ were 30% with 6 patients and stage $II_B$ were 20% with 4 patients, on the clinical stage and too class I were 20% with 4, class II were 45% with 9, class III were 35% with 7, in the functional activity the patients with chest heavy were 15% with 3 and hyperthyroidism were 10% with 2. 3. Hospital which patients had used to before came to this hospital were 10 university hospital and 6 local clinic. 4. The duration of disease was from 3 months to 30 years, the patients suffering between 3 months and within 1 year were 25% with 5 cases, 1-2 years were 30% with 6 cases, therefore within 2 years were 55%. 4-5 years were 15%, over 7 years were appeared less than 10%. 5. In the main symptom, all of patients were appeared to be heavy in opening their eyes the patients with blephroptosis were 70% with 14 cases on the oculus uterque, oculus sinisterf and oculus dexter, there were 20% with 4 eases each other in the oculogyation incomplete. visual failing, ophthalmoxerosis, strabismus etc and indigetion, frequency of urine(feel hurt), mild stools(or diarrea), oversensitiveness etc. but in addition, all of the other were 10%. 6. In the distribution of blood type, 0 types were 45% with 9 cases, A types were 25% with 5 cases, B and AB types were 15% each other. 7. For the rates of patients of liking for warm and cool food or tepidity, patients of liking for warm food possess 45% with 9 cases, and cool food possess 35% with 7 and tepidity possess 20% with 4, and then most of patients liking for warm food were females and cool food were much more males than females. 8. Hyunsae(弦細) were 40% with 8 cases, Buhurl(浮滑) were 20% with 4 cases, Hyunsak(弦數) were 15% with 3 cases, and in addition, the others were 10%, among 7 types of pulses. 9. The patients with less than 1 week were 40% with 8 cases, and there were female most of them and over 4 weeks were 20% and 1-2weeks were 15%, in the duration acupuncture treatment. 10. 15 kinds of prescriptions were administrated with oriental medicine from 1 week to 20weeks 1_2 weeks were 25.71% with 9 cases, 3 weeks were 17.14% with 6 cases and 6 weeks were 11.42% with 4 cases and also Gamibaetaugunbitang(加味培土健脾湯) were 28.57% with 10 cases, Gamijeounyongtang(加味正容湯) were 14.28% with 5 cases, Gamibojoongyigitung (加味補中益氣湯), Gamiyinsamyangyoungtung (加味人蔘養榮湯) were 8.57% with 3 cases each other and also Gamisamgitung (加味蔘?湯), Gamisamuloajatung(加味四物五子湯) Gamigoudungum (加味鉤藤飮), etc were applied.