• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.467-474
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Gastric cancer is the most common incident cancer in Korea. Although Helicobacter pylori infection is the most important risk factor for the development of gastric cancer, cigarette smoking has also been suggested to play an important role in the development of gastric cancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and gastric cancer risk in a Korean population. Methods : The study population consisted of 13,785 subjects who had been enrolled in the Korean Multi-Center Career Cohort between 1993 and 2002. As of December 2002, 139 incident gastric cancer cases were ascertained through the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the National Death Certificate Database. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for gastric cancer were estimated using Cox#s proportional hazard model adjusted for age, education, alcohol drinking status and history of gastritis or ulcer. Results : Significant dose-response relationships were observed between the duration of smoking and the risk of gastric cancer among the male subjects in comparison to non-smokers: men who smoked for 20-39 years had a 2.09-fold (95% CI 1.00-4.38) increase, and those who smoked for more than 40 years had a 3.13-fold (95% CI 1.59-6.17) increase in the risk of gastric cancer ($P_{trend}<0.01$). Conclusions : This study suggests that a longer duration of cigarette smoking may increase the risk of gastric cancer development in a dose-response manner in Korean men. The association between smoking and gastric cancer risk in women should be verified in future studies with a larger number of cases.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.359-365
• /
• 2020

This study aimed to investigate the causes of bacterial growth to prevent infection caused by ultrasound gel and gel containers in contact with patients during ultrasonography. To investigate bacterial contamination during manufacturing or storage, we cultured ultrasound gels originally supplied from three manufacturers. To analyze bacterial growth according to the lapse of time and frequency of use of the ultrasound gel container, the gel and container were cultured at regular intervals every week for 4 weeks. In addition, to determine the source of infection, the examiner's hand was inspected with hand plate and the degree of bacterial contamination was measured before the test. As a result of the study, bacteria were not detected in the gel provided at the initial supply, and in the gel and gel container used repeatedly for 4 weeks, the same bacteria residing on the skin were identified in the examiner's hand, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Leuconostoc mesenteroid spp cremoris, Kocuria rhizophila, and etc. Separated strains were classified as those of the low- or non-pathogenicity; however, most of these strains may render fatal consequences to patients of lower level of immunity due to acquired tolerance to antibiotics. At week 1, when the number of tests was the highest, 44 colonies were identified, and at week 4, when the number of tests was the lowest, 4 colonies were identified. As r=0.994, it was found that the number of colonies increased as the number of tests increased. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the cause of the infection was not the ultrasound gel, but the examiner's hand. The ultrasound gel or gel container may be contaminated by skin flora of examiner's hands, which can cause opportunistic infection in patients with low immunity. The ultrasound gel or gel container may be contaminated by skin flora of examiner's hands, which can cause opportunistic infection in patients with low immunity. Therefore, it was confirmed that thorough hand disinfection was necessary to block healthcare-associated infections.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.119-131
• /
• 2011

The asbestos contents in some representative building materials were analyzed using JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The changes in mineral composition during analysis process and problems in JIS method were also examined. XRD analysis of some representative domestic building materials used for roof, wall, ceiling, and floor indicates that slate have the highest asbestos content having 6.87~6.93% of chrysotile. Other building materials analyzed in this study also have 1.35~3.98% of chrysotile contents. The XRD analysis results of asbestos contents in some domestic building materials are presented in this study. This method is very effective for the asbestos content evaluation of building materials according to newly modified asbestos content regulation (Law of Industrial Safety and Health, 2007-26) that limits asbestos content less than 0.1% by Ministry of Employment and Labor. Small amount of tremolite as well as chrysotile were also observed in some samples. With consideration of crystal shape, contents and geological occurrence, it is considered that tremolite is an associated mineral of chrysotile and is not intentionally added. Complemental analyses with optical microscope and SEM/EDS are also necessary because XRD method cannot distinguish asbestiform from non-asbestiform. The XRD method applied in this study is very effective in the asbestos content analysis of building materials, specially building materials showing high asbestos concentration in residues due to the high loss rate with ashing and acid dissolution procedure.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.178-184
• /
• 2004

This research focuses on the overall evaluation of tumor protein (p53) and cell growth marker (Ki-67) in their functions as carcinogenic factors in both a HPV-infected group and in a HPV-noninfected group with the precancerous dysplasia of uterine cervix. Histological grades were determined by the H&E staining and the expression level of p53 and Ki-67 were tested by the immunohistochemistry method. The results were as follows. Among the total of 66 cases, p53 (+) was observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values correlate with the increase of dysplasia intensity in HPV-noninfected group and showed significant correlation (p<0.05), but there were no significant difference from the HPV-infected group. Among a total of 66 cases, the mitotic index of Ki-67 (+) were observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values were significantly different against dysplasia intensity (p<0.05), but showed no significant difference from HPV infection. After cross comparing the statistical parameters of p53 and ki-67 in their significance, p53 was shown to be statistically significant with Ki-67 while there was no statistically significant difference with Ki-67 (p<0.05). Taken together, tumor protein (p53) and an index of Ki-67 observed in cervical dysplasia and in HPV related dysplasia of cervix uterine did not have any notable significance with HPV infection. The incidence rate of p53, however, had some significant correlation with dysplasia while Ki-67 had no particular statistical significance. As a result, p53 and Ki-67 can be considered as effective diagnostic markers in predicting the disease progression of dysplasia to cervical cancer.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.59-64
• /
• 2010

The effects of vinegar, alcohol and ascorbic acid on the color, microorganism, sensory properties and flavor pattern of minced ginger (MG) were investigated during storage for 28 days at $30^{\circ}C$. The values of L (lightness), a (redness) and b (yellowness) of the control (T-0) and all the treatments changed slightly at the initial stage of storage, however the elapse of time accelerated the changes. The total bacterial counts of T-0 showed $5.37{\times}10^7\;CFU/g$ at the initial stage, but the MG-treatments decreased the bacteria above 4 log compared to T-0. It was showed that the additives were effective for inhibition of the growth of microorganism. Sensory properties of flavor intensity test showed no significant difference between T-0 and MG-treatments (p < 0.05). The result of volatile flavor contents of electronic nose analyzer (ENZ) showed that MG-treatments (T-I, T-II, T-III) was recognized stronger than non-treatment at the initial stage, but the change of flavor compound were stabilized soon regardless of type or quantity of additives during total storage period at $30^{\circ}C$.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.409-416
• /
• 2012

The amount of cellular components including soluble sugars, amino acids, organic acids and glucosinolates (GLS) was investigated during radish root processing to develop a radish beverage. The radish root was divided into two parts, white and green tissue, and processed separately by extracting the juice from the fresh tissue and from the boiled tissue to compare differences in the components content among the preparations. The overall palatability of both the fresh and boiled extracts from the green part of the radish was higher than that of the same extracts from the white part. The sweetness of extract by boiling increased and its pungency decreased, thereby the palatability increased by being compared to the fresh radish extract. The sweetness was affected by sucrose not by glucose or fructose of monosaccharides by showing different sucrose contents according to treatment comparing palatability. Malic acid was identified as primary organic acid, and the content was higher in both the fresh and boiled extracts from the white part than in the extracts from the green part of the radish. The fresh extract from the green part of the radish contained more essential amino acids, such as threonine and valine, and more hydrophilic amino acids including glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine than those of the fresh extract from the white part, suggesting the green fresh part is more palatable than the white fresh part. The main sulfur compound was ethylthiocyanate in radish, and others were butyl isothiocyanate, dimethyl-disulfide, and 4-methylthio-3-butylisothiocyanate. The four GLS were detected much more in the fresh green and fresh white parts of the radish because they evaporated during boiling. The contents of the four sulfur compounds were higher in the white fresh part than in the green fresh part, which is likely the reason the pungency was higher and the palatability was lower in the white fresh part than in the green fresh part of the radish. The ascorbic acid content was higher in the fresh extract compared to the boiled extracts from both the green and white parts. Taken together, these findings indicate that fresh radish extract is superior to obtain in terms of retaining desirable nutritional and functional components for health.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.207-212
• /
• 2002

This study was to examine the characteristics in the texture of acorn Mooks (acorn starch jelly) with different conditions to prepare acorn starch. By texture profile analysis, hardness and chewiness with 50% deformation were increased with increasing soaking days. Hardness of acorn Mook, measured by texture analyzer, showed significantly difference between the samples, and was closely related to the content of non-starchy substances and their intrinsic viscosity. The observation of microstructure through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that acorn Mook showed finer and more fibrous structure than control(0-0), sample without soaking of acorn and sediments. Sensory characteristics of acorn Mook were affected by soaking treatment. The result of acceptance test on acorn Mooks indicated that the color and hardness increased with the increase of soaking days of acorn nuts and soaking times of sediments. There was a little difference between the samples in astringency taste. Their overall acceptability also increased except for 4-2 sample (i.e., soaking of acorn, 4 days; soaking of sediments, 2 times) and 4-3 sample (i.e., soaking of acorn nuts, 4 days; soaking of sediments, 3 times). As the results, the color, light brown, and the taste, a little astringency with consistency, were important factors of acorn Mook.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.349-357
• /
• 2012

Although u-healthcare service is emerged as an alternative method for effective chronic disease management services, the service has not yet been applied for real healthcare setting. The objective of this study is to explore the doctors' perception and influential factors on intention to use u-healthcare service. We conducted survey for physicians about u-healthcare service provision to compare characteristics by different groups. In addition, logistic regression analysis is conducted to find out factors affecting the usage intention. As a result, doctors responded only 16.0% of total respondents had experience of u-healthcare services, but also showed that as high as 70.1% had intention to use service. Also, respondents answered that u-healthcare services is appropriate to apply for chronic disease prevention and diabetes and hypertension are suggested as the most appropriate diseases in order. The intention to use the u-healthcare service by non-university hospital doctors was 3.7 times higher than university hospital doctor. This study shows that identifying the differences of doctors' awareness and also the intention to use about the u-healthcare services will contribute to develop more effective business model.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.135-158
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this survey was to find out the actual condition and the problems of combined medications of patients who have general diseases, respiratory diseases. The objects of this survey were 1,769 outpatients who visited 8 Oriental hospitals and Seoul national university hospital respiratory clinics. SPSS program was used to analyze the survey data. The mean age of patients was lower in oriental hospital than in western hospital. The monthly family incomes were higher in oriental hospital patients than in western hospital patients. The condition of patients was better in oriental hospital than western hospital and self-assessed health status was more positive in oriental hospital patients than in western hospital patients. The percentage of having experienced of treated in oriental and western hospital at the same time was 21% in western hospital patients and 45% in oriental hospital patients. In patients with respiratory diseases, the percentage of having taken combined medications was 40.2% in oriental hospital and 13.7% in western hospital. In patients with non-respiratory diseases, the percentage of having taken combined medications was 27.4% in oriental hospital and 8.3% in western hospital. And in the patients with two different diseases, the percentage of having taken combined medications was 27.9% in oriental hospital and 6.3% in western hospital. The percentage of having experienced synergistic effects was 33.0% in western hospital and 56.3% in oriental hospital. The percentage of side effects was 12.6% in western hospital and 12.2% in oriental hospital. This survey was meaningful in that it reported the actual condition of combined medications of patients who have general diseases, respiratory diseases. For the deep study on synergistic and side effects of combined medications, it is necessary to collect many cases of synergistic and side effects by doctors in western and oriental hospitals.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.61-67
• /
• 1997

To understand the current status of pediatric surgical practice of the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons, a survey of the practice of the 31 members in both 1994 and 1995. Twenty five members(80%) representing 20 hospitals responded. An average of four hundred and seventy four cases pediatric surgical operations were performed at individual institution in 1995 with 40 newborn cases. Eighteen members(72%) are currently working at university hospital. Fourteen institutions(70%) are currently classified as tertiary by the health insurance agency. The majority(15 to 60%) of members are working in the metropolitan Seoul area, while five in Taegu area. Sixteen members reported having the title of department head/director. Four members reported occasional non-pediatric surgical practice. Nine members out of 20 reported having independent pediatric surgical out-patient clinic before the establishment of the association(1985). Eight out of 15 members reported being appointed chief of pediatric surgery before 1985. In 20 institutions, 34 full time physicians(27 members, reportedly) are working in pediatric surgery. In regarding to pediatric surgical training, 16 members(64%) received an average of 16 months of training abroad, 5 members trained at home and abroad, and 4 from only at home. There are no differences in length of training periods in these groups. Twenty one members received their basic pediatric surgical training before 1985, the year of inauguration of the association. Twelve members received post-pediatric surgery refresher courses averaging 11 months' duration, after 2-11 years. Thirteen participants of this study belongs to the founding members of the association.