• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.259-266
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the metabolic syndrome. Method : We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1204 adults(males: 364 females: 840) in a general hospital health promotion center. They were grouped into the normal and lower BMD group according to bone loss(osteopenia, osteoporosis), as determined by duel energy X-ray absorptiometery(DEXA). We analyzed the association between BMD and metabolic syndrome by multiple logistic regression analysis. After adjustment for age, weight, alcohol intake, smoking, regular exercise, regular intake of meals, and menopausal status, odds ratios for the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome by gender were calculated for lower BMD. Results : After adjustment for the effect of potential covariates, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with bone loss in men(p<0.001). If the odds ratio of normal group is 1.00, then that of the lower BMD group is 3.07(95% CI=1.83-5.16). The prevalence of metabolic alterations fitting the criteria of metabolic syndrome was significantly decreased in High BMI, Low HDL in men and in High BMI in women(p<0.05). Conclusions : This study shows that BMD was associated with metabolic syndrome. Further studies needed to obtain evidence concerning the association between BMD and metabolic syndrome.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2011

Purpose: Recently, the incidence of acute hepatitis A has increased nationwide and is related to a low rate of IgG anti-HAV production. To establish effective measures for preventing hepatitis A virus infection, an epidemiologic study on the seroprevalence of anti-HAV is needed. Thus, we investigated the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV in children living in Gwangju and Jeonnam. Methods: IgG anti-HAV levels were measured in a total of 1,435 patients who visited Chosun University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2009. Results: The overall seropositve rate was 40.8% (586/1,435). The seropositive rates were 41% among children under the age of 1 year, 49.9% for children 1~5 years old, 51.1% among individuals 5~10 years old, 12.9% for individuals 10~15 years old, and 8.2% for subjects over 15 years old. There was no significant difference between genders in any group. The seropositive rates in Gwangju and Jeonnam were 57.3% and 32.9% for children under the age of 1 year, 52.5% and 44.3% for children 1~5 years old, 60.2% and 33.9% among children 5~10 years old, 14.1% and 9.7% for children 10~15 years old, and 10.8% and 4.2% for individuals over 15 years old. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the low rates of IgG anti-HAV, particularly among subjects over 10 years old, which suggests the possibility of increasing clinical HAV infection rates among adults in the near future. We should actively prevent the spread of hepatitis A virus. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis A virus transmission among persons at risk for infection. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for children who have low IgG anti-HAV seropositive rates.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.239-244
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• 1998

Purpose : The incidence of hepatitis A virus infection in Korea has decreased recently. However, the prevalence in children and young adults is on an increasing trend in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Economic development that leads to better living conditions and improves hygiene facilities has reduced the rate of HAV infection. This study was designed to evaluate the recent seroprevalence rate of hepatitis A in children and adolescents. Methods : Study population consisted of 612 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Serum samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 and tested for anti HAV by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay(MEIA). Results : According to age, the seropositive rates were 10.5%(male 13%, female 6.7%) in 1 year-old group, 0% in 3, 5, 11 and 13 year-old group, 6%(male 8%, female 4%) in 15 year-old group, and 11%(male 14%, female 8%) in 17 year-old group. Conclusion : This study showed that seropositive rate of HAV infection increased with age. While it revealed extremely low incidence of HAV infection in children less than 13 years old, they are also likely 10 be exposed 10 the infection. Our findings suggest that the effective administration of vaccination is needed in selected and high risk groups.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.221-229
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• 1998

Purpose : The symptom of urinary tract infection in children is non-specific and systemic compared to that of adults. So the diagnosis of UTI in children can be delayed. If UTI in children is not appropriately managed, it may he resulted in renal failure, hypertension, growth failure in adolescence because there are already documented renal scar or urinary tract abnormality in infection period. Especially upper UTI that involve renal parenchyme may be result in fatal complication. The purpose of this study is analyzing the relationship between acute reactive marker and $^{99m}TC$-DMSA renal scan in upper urinary tract infection. Methods : This study included 56 children admitted at Dankook University Hospital Pediatric Department in Jan. 1995~May. 1998. We analyzed quantatively the results of acute reactive marker(CRP, ESR, WBC), pyuria, fever and compared to those of sonographically find ing and $^{99m}TC$-DMSA renal scan. Comparison between groups were performed by the chi-square (x2) test and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : 1) The number of boys less than 1 year of age was larger than that of girls. But the number of boys more than 1 year of age was reversed. 2) The higher me level of reactive marker (CRP, WBC), the more the probability of upper UTI. 3) The higher fever, the more the probability of upper UTI. 4) The more pyuria, the more probability of upper UTI. 5) The more higher the grade of vesicoureteral reflux, the more probability of upper UTI. 6) $^{99m}TC$-DMSA renal scan is more sensitive and more specific diagnostic tool than renal sonogram. Conclusion : The appearance of an abnormal $^{99m}TC$-DMSA renal scan is correlated with acute reactive marker (CRP, ESR, WBC), fever, pyuria. $^{99m}TC$-DMSA renal scan can be a good valuable predictor tool in upper UTI. So we can start early treatment and decrease the incidence of complication of upper urinary tract by above indicators before knowing the result of urine culture. And we can follow up the patients in more good relationships with their parents by telling them the duration of treatment and follow-up plan.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 1999

Purpose : Enterobiasis is probably one of the most common parasitic infection world-wide. Human is the only known host of Enterobius vermicularis. Children are more commonly infected with Enterobius vermicularis than adults and infections are commonly recurred. In Korea, there is a high prevalence. So, we performed this study to evaluate the present status of Enterobius vermicularis infection among children in the Masan, Changwon areas and to determine the efficacy of flubendazole against this parasitic nematode. Methods : From November to December, 1997, urban and rural elementary school children and urban preschool children were examined for the presence of Enterobius vermicularis egg. All the children were examined once by an adhesive cellotape anal swab technique in the early morning at home by their parents guided by specific instructions for the technique. Results : 1) A total of 644 adhesive cellotape anal swab specimens was collected from 205 urban elementary school children, 290 rural elementary school children and 145 urban preschool children. Among them, 114(17.7%) were positive for Enterobius vermicularis eggs. There was no significant differences in the rate with regard to sex. 2) In the preschool children, the egg detection rate was 42(29.0%) out of 145 children. This rate was significantly higher compared with 72(14.4%) of 499 school children. 3) The egg detection rates in the rural and urban school children were 15.2, 13.7% respectively. There was no significant difference in both groups. In the 3rd grade and below in elementary school children, there was a higher rate compared with above 4th grade group. 4) In day care center where egg detection rate was high as 41%, the children were given two doses of 100mg flubendazole every 3 weeks, including staffs and family members. After treatment, egg detection rate fatted as 6%. Conclusion : Our data demonstrated that there was high prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection. In the light of these results, it is necessary to examine and treat children as soon as possible.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 1998

The influence of temperature on the rate of egg production and embryonic development of Microcotyle sebastis was investigated to determine the precise time of a second treatment. The survival time of the adults of M. sebastis was inversely proportional to temperature. The number of laid eggs per each replicate during the first 24 h was $39.3{\pm}4.0$ at $10^{\circ}C$, $62.7{\pm}14.2$ at $15^{\circ}C$, $101.0{\pm}5.6$ at $20^{\circ}C$ and $89.0{\pm}11.0$ at $25^{\circ}C$. The time required for egg hatching of M. sebastis was $31.30{\pm}4.88$, $17.52{\pm}3.24$, $11.59{\pm}3.02$ and $10.76{\pm}3.10$ days at 10, 15, 20 and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. The regression models of the time required for the beginning and 50% point of hatching according to the different temperatures were as follows; Beginning of hatch: D=58.2000-$4.2067{\times}Temp+0.0867{\times}(Temp)^2$ ($P\leq0.01$), 50% of hatch: D=91.3833-$7.5767{\times}Temp+0.1767{\times}(Temp)^2$ ($P\leq0.01$).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.529-538
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• 2002

Background : Many clinicians are reluctant to prescribe systemic corticosteroids to manage an asthmatic attack because of many complications such as osteoporosis, cushing's syndrome, diabetes, hypertension and bleeding tendency. The use of nebulized budesonide may be of value in some infants, old men, and in particular adult asthmatic patients who complain of severe dyspnea. A clinical validation and steroid-sparing effect of nebulized budesonide in asthmatic adults and COPD were evaluated, and the short-term effects of budesonide use on the HPA axis were assessed. Materials and Methods : Study A was prospectively done with 41 patients diagnosed with pure asthma and 30 patients diagnosed with COPD (including asthmatic component) in Soonchunhyang Hospital, Chunan from June. 2000 to Sep. 2001. They were treated with nebulized budesonide including systemic steroids (Group 1), a budesonide tubuhaler including a systemic steroid (Group 2), or only the systemic steroid(Group 3). The peak flow rate, arterial blood gas in room air, pulmonary function test, symptom scoring, steroid amount and hospital stay were analyzed. Study B was conducted with 19 patients to evaluate the short-term effects on the HPA axis of treatment with nebulized budesonide 1mg twice daily and a budesonide turbuhaler 5 puffs twice daily. The adrenal function was assessed prior to budesonide inhalation and after 7 days of budesonide inhalation. Results : In the pure asthmatic patients, the mean value of the symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, cough, night asthma) or the arterial BGAs, total amounts of steroid or hospital stay and the difference in the results of the pulmonary function tests or peak expiratory flow rate were similar in the three groups. In COPD with an asthmatic component, there were no significant differences among the three groups. Although nebulized budesonide suppressed HPA function,(p=0.006) the HPA responses from the nebulized budesonide and turbuhaler budesonide were similar (p=0.288) Conclusion : This result suggests that systemic steroid should only be made available for acute asthmatic patients irrespective of the inhaled budesonides. Nebulized budesonide at the therapeutic dose has similar effects on the HPA axis compared to that of turbuhaler budesonide.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.390-395
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• 2008

Background: Since the early 1980s, interferon-alpha ($IFN-{\alpha}$) has been used as adjuvant therapy in pediatric patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). However, its efficacy in adults needs to be validated. Since 2002, Samsung Medical Center's guidelines have mandated regular injection of $IFN-{\alpha}$ in patients with RRP to prevent recurrence. To evaluate these guidelines, patient data were investigated. Methods: Five patients diagnosed as having RRP by bronchoscopy and histopathology were included. After initial bronchoscopic intervention, including laser cauterization, all patients received subcutaneous injection of 6 million units of $IFN-{\alpha}$ every 2 months. Further bronchoscopic intervention was carried out as needed. Patients were regularly evaluated using bronchoscopy or computed tomography. Results: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range 13~68), and the median duration of papillomatosis was 31 years (range 1~45). Three and two patients had juvenile-onset and adult-onset disease, respectively. Two patients had a history of tracheostomy at the time of diagnosis. The median duration of $IFN-{\alpha}$ therapy was 56 months (range 12~66). Two patients showed complete remission at 12 and 36 months after $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection, respectively. The other three patients showed partial remission, and the number of laser therapy sessions was significantly reduced.Conclusion: Intermittent $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection is effective in patients with long-standing RRP and can reduce the number of laser therapy sessions required in their treatment.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.37 no.sup2
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• pp.325-338
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• 2007

The purposes of this study were to compare and quantify the expression of IL-6, e1stase and ${\alpha}_1-PI$ in the gingival tissues of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy adults with chronic periodontitis. Gingival tissue samples were obtained during periodontal surgery or tooth extraction. According to the patient's systemic condition & clinical criteria of gingiva, each gingival sample was devided into three groups. Group 1 (n=8) is clinically healthy gingiva without bleeding and no evidence of bone resorption or periodontal pockets, obtained from systemically healthy 8 patients. Group 2 (n=8) is inflammed gingiva from patients with chronic periodontitis. Group 3 (n=8) is inflammed gingiva from patients with chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes. Tissue samples were prepared and analyzed by Western blotting. The quantification of IL-6, elastase and ${\alpha}_1-PI$ were performed using a densitometer and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. 1. The expression levels of IL-6 showed increasing tendency in group 2 and 3, and It was highest in group 3. 2. The expression of elastase showed increasing tendency in group 2 and 3, and It was highest in group 3. 3. The expression of ${\alpha}_1-PI$ showed increasing tendency in group 3 compared to group 1. 4. The ${\alpha}_1-PI$/elastase ratio was decreased in group 2 and 3 compared to group 1, especially most decreased in group 3. 5. As IL-6 levels were increasing, elastase showed increasing tendency in group 3, and although IL-6 and elastase levels were increasing, ${\alpha}_1-PI$ level in group 3 showed slightly increasing pattern comparing to group 1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the expression levels of IL-6 and elastase will be inflammatory markers of periodontal inflammed tissue and DM. The ${\alpha}_1-PI$/elastase ratio also may be important measuring inflmmatory factors in the progression of periodontal inflammation associated to type 2DM.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2011

The aims of this study were to establish the effect of gender and age on number of fungiform papillae and electrogustometric thresholds of the tongue, and to determine the relation between number of fungiform papillae and electrogustometric threshold. Sixty-two healthy subjects of 20 to 39 years old were enrolled in this study. Examination areas were defined as center, anterior, left lateral, right lateral, and posterior on the dorsal surface of the tongue, which was stained with methylene blue dye and photographed with a scale bar on it. The number of fungiform papillae within $1\; cm^2$ square area of each examination site was counted twice. The counted values were averaged to produce means. Taste thresholds were measured three times on each examination area using an electrogustometer. Means of the threshold values were calculated. 1. The number of fungiform papillae was the largest at the anterior examination area, followed by right lateral, left lateral, posterior and central. Women had more fungiform papillae than men at anterior, right lateral, and center areas. Subjects in twenties showed more fungiform papillae than those in thirties at anterior, right lateral, and left lateral areas. 2. Anterior area of the tongue measured the lowest electrogustometric threshold, followed by left lateral, right lateral, posterior and center. The threshold was higher in men at anterior and right lateral areas. The subjects in thirties had higher threshold only at right lateral area than those in twenties. 3. Electrogustometric threshold was inversely correlated with the number of fungiform papillae at anterior and posterior areas. The results showed that the number of fungiform papillae and taste threshold varied according to tongue locus, and they were influenced by age and gender. The results also suggested that the number of fungiform papillae was related to electrogustometric threshold inversely.