• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.185-194
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• 1999

Background: NF-$\kappa$B is a characteristic transcriptional factor whose functional activity is determined by post-translational modification of protein and subsequent change of subcellular localization. The involvement of the NF-$\kappa$B family of the transcription factors in the control of such vital cellular functions as immune response, acute phase reaction, replication of certain viruses and development and differentiation of cells has been clearly documented in many previous studies. Several recent observations have suggested that the NF-$\kappa$B might also be involved in the carcinogenesis of some hematological and solid tumors. Investigating the possibility that members of the NF-$\kappa$B family participate in the molecular control of malignant cell transformation could provide invaluable information on both molecular pathogenesis and cancer-related gene therapy. Method: To determine the expression patterns and functional roles of NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors in human lung cancer cell lines NCI-H792, NCI-H709, NCI-H226 and NCI-H157 were analysed by western blot, using their respective antibodies. The nuclear and the cytoplasmic fraction of protein extract of these cell lines were subsequently obtained and NF-$\kappa$B expression in each fraction was again determined by western blot analysis. The type of NF-$\kappa$B complex present in the cells was determined by immunoprecipitation. To detect the binding ability of cell-line nuclear extracts to the KB consensus oligonucleotide, electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA) was performed. Results: In the cultured human lung cancer cell lines tested, transcription factors of the NF-$\kappa$B family, namely the p50 and p65 subunit were expressed and localized in the nuclear fraction of the cellular extract by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that in the cell, the p50 and p65 subunits made NF-$\kappa$B complex. Finally it was shown by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay(EMSA) that nuclear extracts of lung cancer cell lines are able to bind to NF-$\kappa$B consensus DNA sequences. Conclusion: These data suggest that in human lung cancer cell lines the NF-$\kappa$B p50/p65 complex might be activated. and strengthen the hypothesis that NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors might be involved in the carcinogenesis of human lung cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.437-443
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• 2009

Background: The aim of this study was to consider the significance of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity combined with lymphocyte/neutrophil (L/N) ratio in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy (TBpl) in a region of intermediate prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). Methods: We collected data from 388 patients with exudative pleural effusions. The final diagnoses were compared to the results from our diagnostic method using pleural fluid ADA and L/N ratio. Results: 108 patients had a final diagnosis of TBpl; 102 cases had high levels of ADA ($\geq$40 IU/L). When we considered ADA $\geq$40 IU/L as a diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity was 94.4%, specificity 87.5%, and posttest posttest probability 74.5%. However, when we considered ADA $\geq$40 IU/L combined with the L/N ratio $\geq$0.75 as a diagnostic criterion, the specificity and post-test probability were rose to 97.5% and 93%, respectively. The other causes of high ADA and L/N ratios were lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma, but mass-like lesions were found on the chest radiographs or CT scans. Conclusion: To evaluate the causes of exudative pleural effusions in a region of intermediate prevalence of tuberculosis, we recommend measuring the pleural fluid ADA and L/N ratio first. If the result is high and malignancies are not suspected, it may be diagnostic of TBpl.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.8
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• pp.967-972
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• 2002

Purpose : A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of low risk criteria for identifying febrile infants younger than three months unlikely to have serious bacterial infection. Methods : We conducted a retrospective study of 527 infants younger than three month with a axillary temperature ${\geq}37.4^{\circ}C$. If they met the following all four criteria, appear well, WBC $5,000-20,000/mm^3$, urine stick WBC(-) and nitrite(-), CSF WBC < $10/mm^3$, they were considered at low risk for serious bacterial infection(SBI). SBI was defined as a positive culture of urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of the low risk criteria were calculated. Results : Of 527 febrile infants, 110(21.0%) had serious bacterial infections. The 2.7% who met the low risk criteria had SBI and negative predictive value was 97.3%. SBI was diagnosed in 103 infants(38.6%) who didn't meet the low risk criteria including urinary tract infection(78.6%), most commonly, bacteremia(16.5%), bacterial meningitis(8.7%), Salmonella gastroenteritis(1%), osteomyelitis( 1%), septic arthritis of hip joint(1%). There were no differences in the sensitivity and negative predictive value according to the monthly-age-group. Conclusion : This low risk criteria to identify infants unlikely to have SBI early is available, however low risk infants must be carefully observed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.327-335
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• 2016

The study is enforce to study image quality evaluation of condition provide the IEC and combination of clinical conditions each quality of radiation that image quality to assess the conditions provided to IEC in the clinical environment to conduct image quality assessment of the digital radiography system in the detector have environmental limits. First, image quality evaluation was evaluated by measuring the MTF, NPS using four quality of radiation and Using MCNPX simulation lastly DQE make a image quality evaluation after calculating the particle fluence to analyze spectrum quality of radiation. Second, Using MCNPX simulation of four quality of radiation was evaluated absorbed dose rate about electronic 1 per unit air, water, muscle, bone by using Radiation flux density and energy, mass-energy absorption coefficient of matter. Results of evaluation of image quality, MTF of four quality of radiation was satisfied diagnosis frequency domain 1.0 ~ 3.0 lp/mm of general X-ray that indicated 1.13 ~ 2.91 lp/mm spatial frequency. The NPS has added filter, spatial frequency 0.5 lp/mm at standard NPS showed a tendency to decrease after increase. Unused added filter, spatial frequency 0.5 lp/mm at standard NPS showed a certain NPS result value after decrease. DQE in 70 kVp / unuesd added filter(21 mm Al) / SID 150 cm that patial frequency 1.5 lp/mm at standard showed a tendency to decrease after certain value showed. Patial frequency in the rest quality of radiation was showed a tendency to decrease after increase. Results of evaluation of absorbed dose, air < water < muscle < bone in the order showed a tendency to increase. Based on the results of this study provide to basic data that present for the image quality evaluation method of a digital radiation imaging system in various the clinical condition.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2004

Purpose: Alvarado scoring system was evaluated regarding its usefulness for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adult and in reduction of the incidence of negative appendicectomies. To evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing appendicitis using the Alvarado score in children. Methods: Prospectively, we surveyed 122 patients (male 67, female 55) suffering from abdominal pain, who had visited to the emergency department of Chosun University Hospital from June 2002 to May 2003. The Alvarado score has been computed from the white blood cell count, neutrophil count, body temperature, resistance in the right lower quadrant, length of symptoms, nausea and vomiting. Each patient was evaluated by a pediatric resident and then by a general surgeon independently. Results: Out of 170 total children who visited to the emergency department due to abdominal pain, 122 patients were associated with appendicitis. A total of 122 patients (67 male and 55 female) were visited to the emergency room with suspected appendicitis. From 105 operated patients, 92 (87.6%) were diagnosed acute appendicitis and erronous diagnostic rate was 12.4%, pathologically. Mean alvarado score of appendicitis group was $5.40{\pm}1.24$ whereas those of non-appendicitis group was $3.73{\pm}1.82$ (p<0.05). From 6 Alvarado score high sensitivity (86.4%) and high specificity (80.0%) were observed. Sensitivity of ultrasonography or computed tomography was 92.5%. Conclusion: We found that Alvarado score system is a noninvasive, safe diagnostic method, which is simple, reliable and repeatable. Alvarado score is useful system for a first, rapid and economic evaluation for the appendicitis in children.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.217-223
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of the Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaire (K-ASQ) in premature infants. Methods: Infants with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks were assessed with K-ASQ and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III) at the outpatient clinic of Seoul National University Children's Hospital between October 30, 2006 and August 1, 2010. Less than 1 standard deviation of the ASQ was defined as positive, and the results were compared with those of BSID-III. Results: The mean gestational age of subjects in the study group was 28$\pm$2.87 weeks (median, 28.43 weeks; range, 23.57-35.86weeks), and the mean birth weight was 1,027$\pm$363 g (median, 950 g; range, 480-2,870 g). The sensitivity of K-ASQ at 8 month was 0.2, and the specificity was 0.93. The sensitivity of K-ASQ at 18 months was 0.72, and the specificity was 0.94. The validity of each of the 4 matched subunits was separately compared, and it also had a high specificity and a low sensitivity. In addition, KASQ showed a higher sensitivity at 18 months than at 8 months. Conclusion: ASQ was developed to screen the general population, and its specificity has been powered. The specificity was also proven in our study. The results of this study suggest that although screening use of K-ASQ in preterm infants may have some limitations, the specificities at 8 and 18 months can be clinically implicated. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.228-236
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• 1999

Background: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an uncommon illness characterized by intermittent flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscle, usually accompanied by hypokalemia, in patient with hyperthyroidism. However, the pathophysiology of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis remains largely unexplained and controversial. This report describes the clinical and biochemical findings in 19 patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis who were examined at the Yeungnam University Medical Center(YUMC) during the past decade. Methods: The medical records of 997 YUMC patients, seen between 1986 and 1996, with diagnosis of hyperthyroidism were reviewed. Nineteen patients out of 997 hyperthyroidism patients were diagnosed, and examined by history, physical examination, serum electrolyte value, and thyroid function test during paralysis. On the basis of these results, comparisons were made on age, sex, precipitating factors, timing, affected limbs, prognosis, serum potassium and serum phosphate and thyroid hormone levels. Results: The prevalence of periodic paralysis in hyperthyroidism was 1.9 percent and the male to female prevalence ratio was 30:1 and in all patients, the development of perodic paralysis was correlated with hyperfunctional state of the thyroid gland. Eleven cases of periodic paralysis were associated with hypokalemia and their thyroid hormone levels were significantly more increased than those of the patients without hypokalemia. Interestingly, our study shows the recurrence of paralysis after treatment. Conclusion: Although the precise pathophysiology of the disease is as yet undefined and controversial, it occurs primarily in Asians with an overwhelming male preponderance and prevalence of 2 percent in hyperthyroidism. The interactive roles of thyroid hormone, Na-K pump, and genetically inherited defect in the cellular membrane potential of the skeletal muscle can be speculated. Further investigation will be needed to firmly establish the mechanism of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2002

This study was conducted to compare the health behaviors of patient s before and after a stroke and propose health education program to reduce risk factors related to stroke recurrence. Data were collected from eighty- eight stroke patients registered at the Gyeongju-si Health Center between July 1, to August 30, 1999, by interviewing patients from a prepared structured questionnaire, which included questions on that patients ' general characteristics, health- related behaviors, family-related characteristics, and pre- and post - stroke health status. Smoking rate of 51.1% before stroke reduced to 25.0% after stroke; drinking rate of 52.3% before stroke reduced to 17.0% after stroke; daily smoking amount of 20.1 packs per day before stroke significantly reduced to 14.9 packs per day after stroke; and daily drinking amount of 92.4ml before stroke significantly reduced to 23.7ml after stroke. Smoking rate according to sex showed a marked decrease in the male subjects, but 31.6% still smoked even after their stroke. Among the female subjects, smoking rate of 16.1% before stroke reduced to 12.9% after stroke. Observation of the change in health- related behaviors of stroke patient s showed significant change in smoking rate, drinking rate and intake of regular meals etc. of patient s with a spouse and patients who received preventive health education. Health education on quitting smoking, temperance, low fat diet, exercise and regular meals for stroke patient s are needed, and public and private organizations can do their part in development and providing continuing health education programs and health education.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.232-242
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was done to investigate effects of foot massage and supportive communication provided by hospice volunteers on depression, anxiety, and mood of cancer patients who are going under intravenous chemotherapy at out patient department (OPD). Methods: A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Sixty-four participants were recruited from out-patients setting in a university hospital by a convenient sampling. Two trained- hospice volunteers first provided regular hospice volunteer service to 34 patients in the control group. Subsequently, foot massage and supportive communication were provided to 30 participants in the experimental group. After the intervention, all participants answered the structured questionnaire with visual analog scales on depression, anxiety, and mood including general characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two sample t-test, and paired t-test by PASW 17. Results: After the intervention, changes in negative moods, i.e. strain and powerlessness in the experimental group were significantly different from those in control group; strain and powerlessness in the experimental group were significantly decreased by foot massage and supportive communication provided by hospice volunteers. Conclusion: The current findings provide an empirical evidence of a brief and efficacious intervention for cancer patients. Further studies are warranted with larger sample size to validate the effectiveness of foot massage and supportive communication as a solid intervention for cancer patients who are undergoing intravenous chemotherapy at OPD.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2009

Ultrasonography has been used as a basic examination of a medical check up for prevention and diagnostics of diseases. Even the person who has no particular subjective symptoms can have a variety of diseases. Especially fatty liver is found in many cases. In this study, we tested 3582 persons who are in between the ages of 15 to 81 and observed that 1390 persons had fatty liver while 2192 persons are normal. We classified the grade of fatty liver and compared their life styles with the results of liver function test and BMI. The results are as follows. Ratio of the subjects who had a fatty liver is 38.8%. Male and female ratio was 46.2% and 24.2%. On the correlation among the fatty liver, the body mass index and the body fat%, the average value of body mass index and body fat% were significantly higher in the group of the fatty liver than in those of the normal liver. The influence of the related factor and the correlation on the fatty liver was shown that it was more related with the order of age, body mass index, triglyceride, ALT, body fat%, sex, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, and GGT. The result of the ultrasonography carried out for the purpose of regular health check up indicates that even the 38.8% of those who was diagnosed as normal condition could have the fatty liver and have possibility of other diseases. Therefore, if there are any troubles related to liver function and lipid through hematologic examination or when practicing follow-up study with ultrasonography concerning the correlation relation between the body fat% and dietary preference, alcohol consumption and exercise, the ultrasonography is definitely useful for prevention and treatment of diseases.