• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.820-832
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• 1996

The average smoking rate for Adults' in our country is 40.6% : It is 74.2% for men and 5.0% for women. Particularly, the smoking rate for men is reported higher than that of men in U.S.A. or Japan. Since the first report on the association between smoking and cancer appeared, 370 thousand smokers have succeeded in smoking cessation and over 90% of them have responded that they depended on a self-help smoking cessation approach. Despite this positive evidence about self- help approaches for smoking cessation, most studies on smoking cessation have focused on evaluation of formal treatment programs that are provided by clinics. Reports on the smoking cessation process used by smokers in our country could not be found. However, it is believed that the situation in our country would be quite similar to that in U.S.A. as far as approaches to successful smoking cessation are concerned. This study was conducted to classify the smoking stage to which they smoker belong and which changing mechanisms could be included at each changing stage (precontemplation stage, comtemplation stage, action stage) with a sample of 155 college students between 20 and 29 years old. And it also identified which variables related both to smoking pattern and to health, which ones were significantly discriminating in the changing stages. From the results of the data analysis it was found that Self-Determination is the most influential variable as one of the changning mechanisms which can discriminate three changing stages. And as the next significant mechanisms were Reinforcement, Dramatic Relief, Cognitive Restructuring, Helping Relationship, and Information Management in that order. Among variables related to the smoking pattern, years of regular smoking, whether smoking is continued or not even when they are sick, the number of attempts to stop smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and whether they have smoked over 100 cigarettes up to now, but not the time of the first cigarette after waking-up, were the significant factors to descriminate changing stages. It was confirmed that among variables related to health that, perceived control for health, confidence of health maintence ability, and self confidence in smoking cessation, were significant variables in determinating changing stages. The most influential variables among them was self-confidence in smoking cessation. Conclusively, it was shown that smoking cessation is the process of attempting to change smoking habits through the various changing processes. Also it can be shown that a few factors smoking habit, self-confidence of smoking cessation, and belief in self control of his /her health, were influential in discriminating the changing stages of the smoking habit.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 1999

This study was aimed to establish biotop unit of the mixed rural city for the method and process of the biotop mapping system. Survey site was Maejuri of Seunghwan(158ha), Gisanri of Mokchon(132ha) and Namkwanri, Pungsemeon(214ha). So the main process was divided by 4 schemes such as Biosphere, Geosphere, Antrosphere and Evaluation. Also the GIS(geographic information system) was used to make the database of the biotop and biotop complex, analyze the cross-combinations and analyze the characters of the biotop. Biotop mapping system had 5 steps which were proceeded with research goals, constructing the spatial database and attribute database, classifying the 3 types of biotop such as tree/shrub biotop, grass biotop and wetland biotop, cross-analyzing 3 biotop types with land use, habitat characters, relief characters and danger/disturbance elements and evaluating the 3 types of biotop. The results of applicating the biotop mapping system on the research site as followings : The distributions of the land uses in Maejuri, Seunghwan eup in Chonan city were recorded by forest(29.8%), orchard(14.1%) and landscaping around building site(9.0%). Gisanri, Mokchonmeon were composed of forest(64.5%), farm(12.8%) and Namkwanri, Pungsemeon were concentrated rice field(39.6%), dwell district(22.4%). The Tree/Shrub biotop type was reclassed by the forest type, natural and artificial decidous type with natural coniferous. The Grass biotop type was reclassed by the wild grassland type, garden type and peddy field with wild grassland. The distributions of the wet land were pointed high at the wet land type with reed marsh and edge vegetation around wet land in reservoir and river. The evaluation of the mapped bitopes was completed to the following aspect, "amenity" and "environmental education". A high value of 7.13%(1 class) was shown Maejuri, Seunghwan eup. The regions which were studied synthetically are divided to three parts ; the area where have nature and art mixed(Seunghwan), the area which is more artificial because people inhabit there for a long time(Pungsemeon) and the area that ecological environment is threatened by development pressure(Mokchonmeon). Therefore, ecological restoration plan which depends on specific property of the regions should be established. Also the interdisplinary researches were needed to develop the BMS(Biotop Mapping System) in Korea because of the differences with Germany, England's ecological habitat conditions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.598-603
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• 1998

Excessive sweating of the palms, axillae, and face has a strong negative impact on the quality of life for many people. The existing non-operative therapeutic options seldom give sufficient relief and have a transient effect. But a definitive cure can be obtained by upper thoracic sympathectomy. From June 1997 to October 1997, 117 cases of the needle (2 mm) thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomies were performed in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in the Respiratory Center Yong-dong Severance Hospital in Seoul, Korea. We have followed up on 94 cases which include palmar hyperhidrosis (n=85), facial hyperhidrosis(n=5) and axillary hyperhidrosis(n=4). There were 42 males and 52 females whose ages ranged from 14 to 63 years(median:23 years). The T2 ganglia and T3-4 ganglia were excised by electrocuting with a hook and endoscissors and were removed for histologic examination. There have been no mortalities or life-threatening complications. The surgical results were classified as excellent(much improvement,very dry) in 93.6%, good(some improvement, minimally wet) in 2.1%, and fair(slight improvement, still wet) in 4.2%. Five patients(5.3%) required closed thoracostomy drainage because of pneumothorax in the immediate postoperative day. Horner's syndrome occurred in one case. The compensatory sweating occurred in 67 cases(71.2%) and was embarrassing in 21 cases(22.3%) and disabling in 9 cases(9.6%) of these cases. Primary failure occurred in one case. The patient with primary failure underwent successful operation. Fifty-one patients had concomitant hyperhidrosis. Our experiences indicate needle thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a very effective, safe, and time- saving procedure for essential hyperhidrosis.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2001

Tofisopam is a new type of tranquilizer valuable for the relief of anxiety and tension in a wide range of emotional disorders. Tofisopam has the therapeutic characteristics of a minor tranquilzer and a mild stimulatory effect. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two tofisopam tablets, $Grandaxin^{TM}$ (Hwan In Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and $Tofim^{TM}$ (Kyung Dong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Eighteen normal male volunteers, $23.11\;{\pm}\;2.83$ years in age and $65.43\;{\pm}\;7.64\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After one tablet containing 50 mg of tofisopam was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of tofisopam in serum were determined using HPLC method with UV detector. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t$, C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ between two tablets based on the $Grandaxin^{TM}$ were -5.59%, 2.22% and -13.18%, respectively. Minimum detectable differences $({\Delta})$ at ${\alpha}=0.10$ and $1-{\beta}=0.8$ were less than 20% (e.g., 14.95% and 19.34% for $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). The powers $(1-{\beta})$ at ${\alpha}=0.10$, ${\Delta}=0.2$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$ were 95.21% and 81.93%, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals were within {\pm}20%$ (e.g., $-15.64{\sim}4.45$ and $-10.77{\sim}15.21$ for $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). Two parameters met the criteria of KFDA for bioequivalence, indicating that $Tofim^{TM}$ tablet is bioequivalent to $Grandaxin^{TM}$ tablet.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.258-262
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• 1992

Herpes zoster is an acute infectious viral disease which affects the posterior spinal root ganglion of the spinal nerve. A single posterior spinal root ganglion or a small number of adjacent ones may be affected, usually on the same side. The corresponding ganglia of the cranial nerve may also be similarly affected. The causative virus, varicella zoster, belongs to the group of host-specific DNA viruses. Postherpetic neuralgia is a continuation of herpes zoster in older patients. Although spontaneous resolution of herpes zoster may be expected in most patients, a significant number experience intractable pain. Postherpetic neuralgia is one of the most difficult problems encountered by physicians. There are many methods for management of postherpetic neuralgia, but there is no method that results in complete remission. Laser has lately come into use to reduce several acute or chronic pains. In order to determine the degree of pain relief by laser, 27 patients of postherpetic neuralgia were irradiated with He Ne, Infrared, and $CO_2$ combine scan moded lasers two to three times per week. The results were as follows: 1) The most frequent site was thoracic vertebral nerve area. 2) Patients younger than 70 years of age showed an improvement rate of 57% vs 27% for those patients older than 70 years of age. 3) Laser therapy proved effective of those patients who received the laser treatment within one month of the onset of the disease. 4) For those patients who received treatment within one month of the disease and reflecting a 50% improvement rate, the average irradiation time was 5.7.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.992-997
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• 2001

Objectives : Essential hyperhidrosis is a common condition characterized by excessive body sweating. Excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to maintain normal body temperature need not be considered pathological unless it interferes with one's occupation and/or life-style. The existing non-operative therapeutic options seldom give sufficient relief or show a transient effect. In this regard, the thoracic sympathectomy may provide a definitive cure. In the past, surgical procedures were highly invasive and caused significant morbidity, but the minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedure provided detailed visualization of sympathetic ganglia and is associated with minimally postoperative morbidity. Nowadays, thoracoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy is accepted as the treatment of choice for essential hyperhidrosis. In palmar hyperhidrosis, however, the level of sympathetic chain to be blocked has been somewhat obscure. It is assumed that the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis may closely related to the extent of thoracic sympathectomy. Material & Methods : To compare the results of posterior midline approach with endoscopic sympathectomy, and the results of T2 with T2, 3 sympathectomy or sympathicotomy, we retrospectively studied 62 patients treated for palmar hyperhidrosis between September 1993 and May 2000. We reviewed medical records and recently interviewed the patients by telephone calls. Results : The treatment effect of T2 sympathectomy is no different from T2, 3 sympathectomy. But, the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis is less in the T2 sympathectomy group than the T2, 3 sympathectomy group. Conclusion : Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is considered a simple, safe, and effective method for treating palmar hyperhidrosis, with a shorter operation time, fewer hospital days, and a better cosmetic result, as compared with the open approaches. However, sympathicotomy seems to provide the advantages of a limited extent of denervation and the resultant decrease of compensatory hyperhidrosis compared to sympathectomy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.199-204
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to compare the efficacy of micro-vascular decompression (MVD) and Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for elderly idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia patients by analyzing the clinical outcome. Methods : In the past 10 years, 27 elderly patients were treated with MVD while 18 patients were treated with GKRS (>65-years-old). We reviewed their clinical characteristics and clinical courses after treatment as well as the treatment outcomes. For patients who were treated with MVD, additional treatment methods such as rhizotomy were combined in some areas. In GKRS, we radiated the root entry zone (REZ) with the mean maximum dose of 77.8 (70-84.3) Gy and one 4 mm collimator. Results : The mean age was 68.1 years for MVD, and 71.1 years for GKS group. The average time interval between first presenting symptom and surgery was 84.1 (1-361) months, and 51.4 (1-120) months, respectively. The mean follow-up period after the surgery was 35.9 months for MVD, and 33.1 months for GKRS. According to Pain Intensity Scale, MVD group showed better prognosis with 17 (63%) cases in grade I-II versus 10 (55.6%) cases in GKRS group after the treatment. The pain recurrence rate during follow up did not show much difference with 3 (11.1%) in MVD, and 2 (11.1%) in GKRS. After the treatment, 2 cases of facial numbness, and 1 case each of herpes zoster, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, hearing disturbance, and subdural hematoma occurred in MVD Group. In GKRS, there was 1 (5.6%) case of dysesthesia but was not permanent. Three cases were retreated by GKRS but the prognosis was not as good as when the surgery was used as primary treatment, with 1 case of grade I-II, and 1 case of recurrence. The maximal relieve of pain was seen just after surgery in MVD group, and 1 year after treatment in GKRS group. Conclusion : For trigeminal neuralgia patients with advanced age, MVD showed advantages in immediately relieving the pain. However, in overall, GKRS was preferable, despite the delayed pain relief, due to the lower rate of surgical complications that arise owing to the old age.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.12-29
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• 2006

Background and Aims : Even though various strategies for cancer treatment have advanced with the remarkable development of genomic information and technology, it is far from giving relief to cancer patients. Recently there is accumulating evidence that the immune system is closely connected to anti-tumor defense mechanisms in a multistage process. This includes tumorigenesis, invasion, growth and metastasis. Cordyceps Militaris, a well-known oriental herbal medicine, is a parasitic fungus that has been used as an immune enhancing agent for a long period of time. However, little is known about the cancer-related immunomodulatory effects and anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cordyceps Militaris extract (CME) on immune modulating and anti-tumor activity. Materials and Methods : To elucidate the effects of CME on macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activity, we analyzed nitric oxide (NO) production, NK cytotoxicity and gene expression of cytokines related with macrophages and NK cell activity. Results and Conclusions : CME activated and promoted macrophage production of NO. It also enhanced gene expression of IL-1 and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells. CME promoted cytotoxicity of NK cells against YAC-1 cells and enhanced NK cell related gene expression such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, iNOS, IFN-${\gamma}$ and　TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes. It also Promoted protein expression of IL-10, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ in mice splenocytes and inhibited lung tumor metastasis induced by CT-26 cell line compared with the control group. From these results, it could be concluded that CME is an effective herbal drug for modulating the immune system and anti-cancer treatment by promoting macrophage and NK cell activity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.38-48
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• 2010

Objectives: Moxa treatment has outstanding effects that are frequently facilitated in a clinical setting, and it is also known to have positive effects for immunity and relief of pain through various studies. Currently, moxa treatment has become diversified in many ways. One of the moxa treatment techniques that was frequently used during the Joseon Dynasty was Woogakgubeop (牛角灸法, horn-shaped moxa treatment). This articles aims to disclose the fact that the Woogakgubeop is the technique applicable to the origin of the Large moxa treatments of today. Also, the writings of Woogakgubeop recorded in the royal medical documentations, such as the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty, the Seungjeonwonilgi (The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat) and others, are analyzed and the characteristics of the Woogakgubeop are cleared through it. Methods: From the royal medical documents, the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty and the Seungjeonwonilgi, articles related Woogakgubeop were extracted and analyzed. Records of each document were facilitated for the DB search. In addition to these two documents, the records of written literature were surveyed as well. The written literature are appropriate to express the experiences of intellectuals at the time. Results and Conclusions: 1. Considering that Woogakgubeop is a single therapy, there exists relatively many records in addition to the specialized medical documents, and through them, it is known that Woogakgubeop was a widely known therapy in the middle to later parts of Joseon in general. 2. Woogakgubeop is a method that addresses problems contained within the existing moxa treatment techniques. By enlarging the size of the mugwort wick, it strengthens the heat energy of the moxa treatment to reduce the frequency of applying moxa treatment. When undertaking the method to empty the wick inside the mugwort, the pain of a fever patient will be reduced and burn damage to the skin is minimized. 3. Wind-cold type weakness and other general moxa treatment techniques have been used for various symptoms detailed, including chest pain, tinnitus, carbuncle, cellulites, cold sense of leg, colic, diarrhea and other illnesses. In addition, it may generate strong fever, and was used to implement the Yeonjebeop (煉臍法). 4. Woogakgubeop is applicable to the origin of Large moxa treatment of today and it provides important bibliographic base thereof.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2010

Purpose: Our purpose was to retrospectively analyze clinical results of subpectoral tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon using an interference screw. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 23 cases of patients receiving tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon between January 2008 and January 2009 for whom we had follow-up data for at least 1 year. Twenty-three cases were operated on using subpectoral tenodesis; 16 of these cases had a rotator cuff tear. The results were judged using a visual analog scale (VAS), ASES, tenderness on the biceps groove, fixation failure and the degree of deformity (BAD). Results: VAS and ASES scores were significantly improved in all patients by the time of the final observation. There were no significant complications or fixation failures. The patients without a tear of the rotator cuff had a better result than patients with a tear of the rotator cuff, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: In patients with pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii, benefits of subpectoral interference screw tenodesis include pain relief, maintenance of functional biceps, muscle strength, and cosmesis. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis using interference screw fixation appears to be a promising, reproducible, reliable technique for addressing anterior shoulder pain related to pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii.