• Title/Summary/Keyword: Nature of Medicine

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Influence of Ischemic Lesions on $^{99m}Tc$-HMPAO SPECT Findings in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease ($^{99m}Tc$-HMPAO SPECT를 이용한 알쯔하이머병의 진단에서 허혈성 뇌병변이 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Kyung-Han;Lee, Myung-Chul;Lee, Dong-Soo;Kwon, June-Soo;Kim, Jong-Ho;Chung, June-Key;Woo, Jong-In;Koh, Chang-Soon
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.282-292
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    • 1994
  • Brain perfusion SPECT shows typical regional perfusion abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease(AD) and is useful for its diagnosis. However, there is also arguement that these patterns show significant overlap with other causes, and the accuracy for SPECT in differentiating AD has shown conflicting results. We postulate that the variation in re-ported results are partly due to a difference in patient or control selection with special reference to the mixture of ischemic cerebral disease in the studied population. To deter-mine the effect of ischemic lesions and the nature of control subjects on SPECT studies for AD, we performed $^{99m}Tc$-HMPAO single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 11 probable AD patients with a low (<4) Hachinski ischemic score and 12 non-demented age matched controls. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) disclosed ischemic cerebral lesions in 27% (3/11) of the PAD group and 25% (3/12) of the control group. Regional perfusion indices were quantitated from the SPECT images as follows and the distribution of perfusion indices from both groups were compared. This was repeated with controls after excluding those with significant ischemic lesions by MRI : regional perfusion index = average regional count/average cerebellar count All PAD patients showed perfusion abnormality in SPECT. However, 53% (10/12) of controls also showed perfusion at-normalities, and no pattern could reliably differentiate the two groups. After excluding controls with significant cerebral ischemia, the difference in temporal and parietal perfusion index was increased. A decreased tempore-parietal and any parietal or temporal per-fusion index had a sensitivity of 18% and 36% in detecting AD, respectively. When using a separate group of normal age mathced controls, the indices showed an even more difference in the temporal and parietal lobes and the sensitivity of a decreased tempore-parietal and any parietal or temporal perfusion index had a sensitivity of 36% and 55% in detecting AD, respectively. Thus, the type of control with special reference to the pres-once of ischemic cerebral lesions contribute significantly to the accuracy of perfusion SPECT in diagnosing AD. This nay have particular importance in the diagnosis of AD in populations where the prevalance of cerebrovascular disease is high.

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An Exploratory Study of Japanese Fathers' Knowledge of and Attitudes towards HPV and HPV Vaccination: Does Marital Status Matter?

  • Hanley, Sharon Janet Bruce;Yoshioka, Eiji;Ito, Yoshiya;Konno, Ryo;Sasaki, Yuri;Kishi, Reiko;Sakuragi, Noriaki
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.4
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    • pp.1837-1843
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    • 2014
  • Background: No studies on male attitudes towards HPV and HPV vaccination have been conducted in Japan, and little is known globally whether attitudes of single fathers differ to those living with a female partner. This exploratory study assessed whether Japanese fathers were likely to have their daughter vaccinated against HPV in a publically funded program and whether any differences existed regarding attitudes and knowledge about HPV according to marital status. Materials and Methods: Subjects were 27 fathers (16 single; 11 married) who took part in a study on HPV vaccine acceptability aimed at primary caregivers of girls aged 11-14 yrs in three Japanese cities between July and December 2010. Results: Knowledge about HPV was extremely poor (mean score out of 13 being $2.74{\pm}3.22$) with only one (3.7%) participant believing he had been infected with HPV and most (81.4%) believing they had no or low future risk. No difference existed regarding knowledge or awareness of HPV according to marital status. Concerning perceived risk for daughters, single fathers were significantly more likely to believe their daughter was at risk for both HPV (87.5% versus 36.4%; p=0.01) and cervical cancer (75.0% versus 27.3%; p=0.02). Acceptability of free HPV vaccination was high at 92% with no difference according to marital status, however single fathers were significantly more likely (p=0.01) to pay when vaccination came at a cost. Concerns specific to single fathers included explaining the sexual nature of HPV and taking a daughter to a gynecologist to be vaccinated. Conclusions: Knowledge about HPV among Japanese fathers is poor, but HPV vaccine acceptability is high and does not differ by marital status. Providing sexual health education in schools that addresses lack of knowledge about HPV as well as information preferences expressed by single fathers, may not only increase HPV vaccine acceptance, but also actively involve men in cervical cancer prevention strategies. However, further large-scale quantitative studies are needed.

A Survey of the Students' Attitude towards The Education of Oriental Medical Classics and History in The College of Oriental Medicine (원전의사학 교육에 대한 한의과대학 학부생의 의식조사 연구)

  • Baik, You-Sang;Kim, Nam-Il
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.111-125
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    • 2010
  • Objective: For the purpose to establish direction, goal and methods, basic attitude survey of students in The College of Oriental Medicine is necessary. Methods: For 356 students in three years of College of Oriental Medicine, survey about difficulty, preference between two methods of memorization and comprehension, direction and effectiveness of education, connectivity and overlap between related subjects, and teaching methods, is carried out and data is analyzed by subjects. Results: 1. In Chinese Literature, the survey shows that difficulty is $6.25{\pm}1.415$, contribution to read and understand is $7.23{\pm}1.801$, contribution to understand Human Nature and Gi Idea in Oriental Philosophy is $5.42{\pm}2.071$, and preference for comprehension is $6.25{\pm}2.387$. 2. In Medical Chinese Literature, the survey shows that difficulty is $5.98{\pm}1.655$, awareness about direction of education is $6.14{\pm}1.917$, overlap with subject of Oriental Medical Classics is $5.98{\pm}1.712$. 3. In Oriental Medical Classics, the survey shows that difficulty is $6.85{\pm}1.598$, preference for comprehension is $6.88{\pm}2.554$, connectivity with historical background is $5.07{\pm}1.989$, contribution of Chinese Literature is $7.27{\pm}1.882$, contribution of Medical Chinese Literature is $7.23{\pm}1.802$, connectivity with clinical area is $3.59{\pm}1.973$, preference for article-based teaching method is $6.35{\pm}2.693$, necessity to modern analysis of Oriental Medical Classics is $7.77{\pm}1.907$. 4. In Oriental Medical History, the survey shows that difficulty is $5.39{\pm}1,615$, feeling quantity of subject is $5.87{\pm}1.521$, connectivity with Oriental Medical Classics is $4.94{\pm}2.027$. Conclusion: The more comprehensive methods must be used than memorization, and modern analysis of Oriental Medical Classics have to be connected with clinical area. In addition, more close connection between Oriental Medical Classics and History is necessary, and new diverse method of education must be developed.

The Effects of Forest Healing Anti-aging Program on Physical Health of the Elderly: A Pilot Study (산림치유 항노화 프로그램이 노인의 신체적 건강에 미치는 효과: 예비연구)

  • Baek, Ji-Eun;Shin, Ho-jin;Kim, Sung-Hyeon;Kim, Jae Yeon;Park, Sujin;Sung, Si-Yoon;Cho, Hwi-young;Hahm, Suk-Chan;Lee, Min-Goo
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.81-90
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    • 2021
  • PURPOSE: Aging causes a decrease in muscle mass and a change in posture, which reduces motor function and makes it difficult to perform daily activities independently. As these factors are closely related to the deterioration of the quality of life, it is very important to prevent and manage negative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Forest healing is a nature therapy course that maintains and promotes health using various environmental factors in a forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the forest healing anti-aging programs on the physical health of the elderly. METHODS: Ten elderly people participated in this study, as part of a forest healing anti-aging program for two days. Functional fitness, muscle strength, gait function, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The number of arm curls, chair stands, and steps in a 2-min walk significantly increased (p < .05). 8-feet up & go time was significantly decreased (p < .05). Biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and calf muscle strength were significantly increased (p < .05). Gait velocity and cadence were significantly increased (p < .05). Step length, stride length, step time, swing time, stance time, and cycle time were significantly decreased (p < .05). Reaching distance in the lateral directions was significantly increased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The forest healing anti-aging program improves the physical health of the elderly.

Ascending Aortic Rupture in a Young Woman with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: The First Case Report in Korea (Loeys-Dietz 증후군으로 진단된 젊은 여자 환자의 상행 대동맥 파열: 국내 첫 번째 증례 보고)

  • Kim, Hwan-Wook;Lee, Taek-Yeon;Moon, Duk-Hwan;Choo, Suk-Jung;Chung, Cheal-Hyun;Lee, Jae-Won
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.42 no.5
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    • pp.639-644
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    • 2009
  • Characterized by unique phenotypic features such as aortic aneurysm/dissection, hypertelorism, bifid uvula/cleft palate and generalized tortuosity in the arterial system, Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a newly described aggressive connective tissue disorder associated with mutation in the gene encoding transforming growth factor-$\beta$ receptor type I or type II. Some phenotypic manifestations of Loeys-Dietz syndrome overlap with those of Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. However, due to its more malignant pathophysiologic nature, physicians should be alert to Loeys-Dietz syndrome. High suspicion, early diagnosis, preventive surgery and serial imaging assessments are warranted for optimal management of Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We present here a case of a young patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who had aortic rupture, bifid uvula and hypertelorism. We also present a review of the medical literature.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (폐쇄성폐질환에서 우울증상의 빈도 및 위험 인자)

  • Chin, Hyun Jung;Lee, Kwan Ho;Park, Chan Soh;Son, Chang Woo;Lee, Hi-young;Yu, Sung Ken;Shin, Kyeong Cheol;Chung, Jin Hong;Kim, Jung Youp
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.65 no.3
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    • pp.191-197
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    • 2008
  • Background: Due to the irreversible nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the treatment aim in patients with COPD is not to cure but to reduce the symptoms, increase lung function, and improve the quality of life. It has been suggested that depression is a common emotional disturbance in patients with COPD who are faced with a major physical impairment and embarrassing symptoms. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A total of 59 patients with a registered diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were selected. Depression was assessed using the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The quality of life was assessed using the Korean version of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of depression was 17.0%. In the correlation model, the interaction of the $FEV_1%$ over predicted value and SGRQ score(symptom, activity, impact, overall score) was statistically significant. The interaction of the $FEV_1%$ over predicted value and depression scale(CES-D) was also statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between the SGRQ scores(symptom, activity, impact, overall score) and the depression scale. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is relatively high. The pulmonary function and the living standards were found to be significant risk factors for depression.

Detection of HHV6 and EBV in histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis에서 HHV6과 EBV의 검출)

  • Park, Kyung Hee;Park, Sung Shik;Kim, Ji Yeon;Park, Su Eun
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.51 no.9
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    • pp.987-991
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    • 2008
  • Purpose : Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), is a self-limited disease characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. The etiology of KFD remains unknown; however, the self-limiting nature of HNL suggests the cause of this disease could be viral infection. For this reason, several viruses have been evaluated as possible etiologies of HNL, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of EBV and HHV6 to HNL. Methods : Data pertaining to 51 cases with biopsy-confirmed HNL were collected between January 1999 and December 2005, from the Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea. The clinical records-including data regarding age, gender, duration of fever, and lymph node involvementwere reviewed retrospectively. The in situ hybridization (ISH) assay was performed by EBER PNA probe (Dako, Capinteria, CA, USA), and immunohistochemistry testing was performed with anti-HHV type 6 monoclonal antibodies (Chemicon, Temecula, CA, USA). Results : The HNL patients in this study were 24 males and 27 females, ranging in age from seven to 61 years (median: 25.9). ISH for EBV was positive in 8/51 (15.7%) biopsies, and immunohistochemistry for HHV6 was positive in 15/51 (29.4%) biopsies. Serologic analysis of EBV IgM was performed in 23 cases; only one patient was positive for EBV IgM and EBV ISH. Conclusion : Our study could not provide supportive evidence of a viral pathogenesis for HNL; therefore, cases of HNL may not have a dominant viral cause. However, some rare exceptional cases may have been caused by viral infection.

Radiation Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Cancers (비인강암의 방사선치료성적)

  • Shin, Sei-One;Kim, Sung-Kyu;Kim, Myung-Se
    • Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.312-320
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    • 1992
  • Radiotherapeutically, nasopharyngeal cancer is an important disease in korea. Because of its blind anatomic location, early detection is relatively uncommon. Clinically, most of cases are locally advanced and nodal involvement are common. Recently better understanding of nature of the disease and improvement of radio-therapy technique permit better treatment results, including locoregional control and survival rate, and minimal normal tissue damages comparing with previously published data. We analyzed 31 patients of pathologically proven and previously untreated naso-pharyngeal carcinoma with different treatment techniques, retrospectively. Minimal and maximal follow up period of the survuor is 6 months and 68 months, respectively. Thirteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma are included in this analysis. The median age is 49 years(range from 20 to 64 years). Twenty two patients are stage III. Eleven patients are treated with radiotherapy alone and 20 are treated with comblined modalities treatment. The degree of responses after radiotherapy are categorized by 3-classes, i.e. complete response, partial response. In spite of simioarities of complete response rate and 1-year survival rate between two different treatment techniques, those patients with undifferentiated carcinoma appear to benefit from the adjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, systemic failure is more prominant in radiotherapy alone group than in combined modalities treatment group. These results suggest that adjuvant therapy in the radiotherapeutic management of nasopharyngeal cancers needs additional research according to histologic types and future extensive clinical trials.

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Effect of Chitosan on the Elimination of Intraperitoneally Administered Radiostrontium (Sr-85) (마우스복강내 투여한 방사성스토론튬의 체외배설 촉진제로서 카이토산의 효과에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Ji-Yeul;Kim, Kwang-Yoon;Bom, Hee-Seung;Kim, Hee-Kyung
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.293-297
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    • 1993
  • Chitosan is a natural chelating agent. It is derived from chitin which is a cellulose-like biopolymer distributed widely in nature, expecially in shellfish, insects, fungi, and yeast. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether orally given water soluble chitosan can eliminate intraperitoneally injected radiostrontium (Sr-85) in mice. Water soluble chitosan and usual food was mixed as 10:90 by weight. The mixed food were fed for 60 (group 1) or 90 days (group 2). No chitosan was given to the control group. Each group consists of 5 mice. Sr-85 ($0.2{\mu}Ci$) was intraperitoneally injected after completion of prefeeding of usual or mixed food. The same food was given for more 5 days. The animals were sacrificed at the 6th day. Isolated spines, skulls, femurs, tibias, teeth, and tails were counted by a gamma counter. The retention of Sr-85 in bones was significantly lowere in the prefeeding groups (p<0.01). It was lowest in the 90 day prefeeding group. Therefore, prefeeding of water-soluble chitosan was effective on the removal of intraperitoneally injected radiostrontium.

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Outcome of Gonadotropin Therapy for Infertile Men with Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (저성선자극호르몬 성선저하증 (Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism)으로 진단된 남성불임 환자에서 성선자극호르몬 (Gonadotropin) 치료가 정자형성 및 임신에 미치는 영향)

  • Joo, Young-Min;Kim, Tae-Hong;Seo, Ju-Tae
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.36 no.3
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    • pp.219-224
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    • 2009
  • Objective: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon cause of male infertility. We investigated the outcome of gonadotropin therapy for restoring fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with HH. Methods: Medical charts of 10 infertile male patients with HH treated with gonadotropin were reviewed. Initial testicular volume were estimated. Semen analysis parameters (semen volume, sperm counts, motility), serum leutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone were determined before and after human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin (hCG/hMG) treatment. Differences were analyzed statistically. Results: Of 10 patients, 7 (70%) succeed at pregnancy (nature pregnancy in 4). Semen analysis parameters, serum FSH, and testosterone were increased significantly after treatment. The population was stratified according to initial testicular volume into a small testis subset (testicular volume less than 10 cc in 4) and a large testis subset (testicular volume 10 cc or greater in 6). Semen analysis parameters and serum testosterone were increased significantly after treatment in large testis subset. Conclusion: Infertile men with HH initiate and maintain spermatogenesis with gonadotropin (hCG/hMG alone or combined) therapy, thus gonadotropin therapy is good choice in infertile men with HH.