• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.22-37
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• 2007

The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, clinically and genetically heterogeneous, characterized by degeneration of spinocerebellar pathways with variable involvement of other neural systems. At present, 27 distinct genetic forms of SCAs are known: SCA1-8, SCA10-21, SCA23, SCA25-28, DRPLA (dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy), and 16q-liked ADCA (autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia). Epidemiological data about the prevalence of SCAs are restricted to a few studies of isolated geographical regions, and most do not reflect the real occurrence of the disease. In general a prevalence of about 0.3-2 cases per 100,000 people is assumed. As SCA are highly heterogeneous, the prevalence of specific subtypes varies between different ethnic and continental populations. Most recent data suggest that SCA3 is the commonest subtype worldwide; SCA1, SCA2, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA8 have a prevalence of over 2%, and the remaining SCAs are thought to be rare (prevalence <1%). In this review, we highlight and discuss the SCA7. The hallmark of SCA7 is the association of hereditary ataxia and visual loss caused by pigmentary macular degeneration. Visual failure is progressive, bilateral and symmetrical, and leads irreversibly to blindness. This association represents a distinct disease entity classified as autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) type II by Harding. The disease affectsprimarily the cerebellum and the retina by the moderate to severe neuronal loss and gliosis, but also many other central nervous system structures as the disease progresses. SCA7 is caused by expansion of an unstable trinucleotide CAG repeat in the ATXN7 gene encoding a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the corresponding protein, ataxin-7. Normal ATXN7 alleles contain 4-35 CAG repeats, whereas pathological alleles contain from 36->450 CAG repeats. Immunoblott analysis demonstrated that ataxin-7 is widely expressed but that expression levels vary among tissues. Instability of expanded repeats is more pronounced in SCA7 than in other SCA subtypes and can cause substantial lowering of age at onset in successive generations termed ‘anticipation’ so that children may become diseased even before their parents develop symptoms. The strong anticipation in SCA7 and the rarity of contractions should have led to its extinction within a few generations. There is no specific drug therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Currently, therapy remains purely symptomatic. Cellular models and SCA7 transgenic mice have been generated which constitute valuable resources for studying the disease mechanism. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in SCAs should lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets and ultimately facilitate drug discovery. Here we summarize the clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of SCA7, and review the current understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder. Further, we also review the potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being explored in polyglutamine diseases.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.56-66
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes.

• 한국음향학회지
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.201-212
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• 2021

본 연구는 만 9세 이하 아동과 같은 청력 비완전자에게 적합한 교실의 음향성능 기준을 제시하기 위한 사전연구로써 수행되었다. 이를 위해 초등학교 저학년 교실의 청취환경 특성을 분석하기 위하여 청주시 소재 초등학교 2곳에서 총 264명의 학생을 대상으로 설문조사 및 음성명료도 평가와 같은 주관적 평가를 진행했다. 설문조사 결과 학생들이 수업 내용 이해에 가장 도움이 되는 정보형식은 교사의 음성이라고 응답했다. 또한 현재 교사의 음성에 대해 음량은 '보통' 수준이며 명료도에는 높은 만족도를 보이고 있었다. 교실의 음향성능에 대해서도 소음의 경우 '보통'이며 잔향감은 '매우 짧다'는 의견이 가장 많아서 청취환경에 대한 전반적인 만족도가 높은 편인 것으로 파악되었다. 또한 초등학교 저학년 학생들을 위해 선별된 시험용 단어목록을 이용해 음성명료도 평가를 수행한 결과 만 8세 아동의 경우 음원으로부터의 종축거리가 음성인지에 영향을 미치는 요인임을 유추해볼 수 있었다.

• 예술인문사회 융합 멀티미디어 논문지
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• 제7권7호
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• pp.69-78
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• 2017

본 연구는 개개인의 배움과 성장을 지향하는 개별화교육의 관점에서 특수교육 기본교육과정의 학업성취도 평가의 실태를 조사, 분석하고 그 결과에 근거하여 정책 지원 방안을 논의한 것이다. 연구대상은 기본교육과정을 적용하는 B광역시 특수학교 교사 129명이었으며, 측정은 특수교육 학업성취도 평가 도구와 관련된 문헌연구를 바탕으로 FGI 및 전문가 검토를 통해 개발한 도구를 사용하였다. 실태분석 결과, 평가의 계획, 준거, 방법, 시기에 있어서 개개인의 배움과 성장을 평가하기 위해 특수교사들은 상세하고 면밀한 질적 접근을 하고 있었고, 교육과정의 연장선상에서 다양한 방식으로 평가결과를 안내하고 활용하고 있었다. 또한 측정도구 각 영역의 하위요소에 대한 인식은 교사의 성별, 연령별, 경력별, 학력별, 학교급별, 설립유형별로 차이를 보였다. 실태분석 결과 도출된 문제점을 바탕으로 교육과정 성취기준 작성 및 평가 체제의 자율성 확대, 학업성취도 평가 영역 및 체제의 개선, 교사의 배경변인별 특성에 부합하는 평가역량강화 지원체제 수립 등을 정책적 지원 방안으로 제언하였다.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.51-72
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• 1999

교정치료의 대부분은 성장기 아동들이며 성장양태가 진단 및 치료목표와 계획, 교정치료후 나타나는 효과 등에 상당한 영향을 준다. 교정학 분야에서는 성장기 아동에서부터 성인에 이르기까지 폭넓은 연령층을 대상으로 정상적인 성장과 발육상태 여부를 판별하고 이를 근거로 비정상적인 성장변이를 치료하기 위해서 정상적인 아동들의 폭넓은 자료수집이 요구되며 그에 따른 기초연구가 필요하다. 본 연구는 $6\~16$세아동의 악안면성장에 관한 자료를 수집하고 평가하기 위한 기초연구로 연령에 따른 한국인의 성장변화의 추이를 연구하였다. 성장자료의 수집방법중 각기 다른 연령층의 소표본에서 계측되고 동일기간 동안 관찰되는 많은 소표본으로 구성되는 준종단적인 방법을 택하였다. 본 연구는 전신적으로 특기할 만한 질환이 없고 성장발육상의 장애가 없으며 교정치료를 받은 경험이 없는 총393명 (남자 223명, 여자 170명)을 준종단적인 방법으로 만 3년간 두부방사선 사진을 채득하였고, McNamara분석 및 Ricketts분석법을 이용하여 두 개저, 두개저와 상$\cdot$하악, 상$\cdot$하악골 관계, 하악골, 상$\cdot$하악 치열관계의 5부분에 대하여 각 연령의 성장량, 각 연령군 간의 성장증감관계, 남녀비교 유의성검정을 연구한 바 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 두개저에서는 Anterior Cranial Base항목에서 14, 15세군에서 남녀별 유의차를 보여 주었다. 2. 성장변화량 비교에서 Posterior Facial Height 는 $10\~11$세, $12\~13$세, $14\~15$세사이군에서 연령군간 유의차(P<0.01)를 보였고 연령증가에 따라 증가하였다. 3. Na. perpendicular to A 항목에서 여자는 $11\~12$세, 남자는 $12\~13$세로 여자에서 남자보다 급성장시기가 더 빨리 나타났으며, 상악'A'점과 하악'Pg'점의 수평계측 비교시 상악보다 하악성장이 더 크게 나타났다. 4. 두개저및 하악골에서 최대 급성장시기는 여자 $11\~12$세, 남자 $13\~14$세로 여자가 더 일찍 일어났다. 5. 상악 중절치는 연령이 증가함에 따라 더욱 순측경사되었고 하악 중절치 와 A-Pg line거리, 하악중절치 경사도가 증가되었고 10세군에서 남녀 유의한 차를 보였다.(P<0.05).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.269-276
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• 2008

연구배경: 결핵 감염률은 결핵 실태를 파악하기 위한 기본 지표임에도 불구하고 1995년 전국실태조사를 마지막으로 실시되지 못하고 2000년 결핵정보감시체계로 대체되었다. 비시지 접종률이 높은 현 상황에서 무반흔자를 대상으로 한 감염률 조사는 실행이 어려우며 비시지 접종자를 대상으로 투베르쿨린 조사에 대한 비시지 영향 분석과 비시지 반흔과 상관없는 결핵 감염률 조사가 필요하다. 방 법: 2006년에 전국 초등학교 1학년생들을 대상으로 각 시도별 아동 수를 추계한 후 학교를 대상으로 단면조사 연구를 하였다. 총 대상자 수는 40개 학교의 5,148명이 비례할당법으로 선정, 조사되었다. 투베르쿨린 검사는 2단위의 PPD RT 23 0.1 ml를 좌측 전박에 피내 주사한 후 48~72시간 후에 가장 긴 횡직경을 측정하였다. 비시지 반흔에 대해서도 각각 조사하였다. 결 과: 비시지 무반흔자는 6.3%였다. 평균 경결 크기는 0 mm 반응자 1,882명(46.8%)를 포함하여 $3.7{\pm}4.4mm$ 였다. 결핵 감염률은 10 mm 이상을 양성 반응으로 했을때 10.9% (439명)였다. 연간결핵감염위험률은 평균 연령을 6세로 하여 1.91%였다. 결핵 감염률은 비시지 반흔유무에 따른 유의한 차이는 없었다[11.2% vs. 7.6% (OR:1.54, 95% CI: 0.98~2.43)]. 16 mm를 정점으로 한 거울영상법으로는 감염률과 연간결핵감염위험률이 각각 2.4%와 0.4%였다. 결 론: 결핵 감염률과 연간결핵감염위험률은 기존 방법으로 할 경우 높은 비시지 접종률로 인해 높게 나타났다. 결핵 감염률이 높지 않은 국가에서는 거울영상법이 두 지표를 추정하는데 보다 더 적합한 것으로 보인다.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.54-66
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• 1998

본 연구의 목적은 정신과 환자의 자녀가 정상인의 자녀와 비교하여 불안, 우울 등의 정신병리와 자기 개념, 가정환경에 대한 인식에 있어서 차이가 있는지를 알아봄으로써 부모의 정신병리가 자녀에게 어떤 영향을 주는가를 밝히기 위함이다. 아울러 환자집단 내에서 환자의 성별에 따라, 환자의 발병 당시의 자녀의 나이에 따라, 환자 진단에 따라 자녀의 불안, 우울 등의 정신병리와 자기 개념, 가정환경에 대한 인식에서 차이가 있는가를 알아보고자 하였다. 1997년 6월부터 1998년 4월까지 서울, 경기지역의 신경정신과 성인 외래 환자 39명을 대상으로 하여 이들의 자녀 중 초등학교 4학년부터 고등학교 3학년까지의 남녀 학생 52명에게 한국형 소아 상태-특성불안척도, 한국형 소아 우울 척도, 한국형 소아자기개념척도, 한국형 가정환경척도를 작성하도록 하고 이를 동 수의 정상인 자녀와 비교하였다. 그리고 환자의 자녀 내에서는 환자가 남자인지 혹은 여자인지, 환자의 발병 연령이 자녀가 3세 이전이었는지 이후였는지, 환자의 진단이 어떤 것인지에 따라 척도들을 비교하였다. 결과는 다음과 같다. 1) 정신과 환자의 자녀들이 정상인의 자녀들과 비교하여 가정환경척도 중 표현력 척도에서 유의하게 낮은점수를 보였고 상태 불안 척도에서는 유의하게 높은 점수를 보였다(p<0.05). 그러나 소아 자기개념척도의 지적 및 학업 상태 소척도와 인기도 소척도에서는 오히려 환자의 자녀가 정상인의 자녀보다 유의미하게 높은 점수를 보였다(p<0.05). 2) 환자군 내에서 환자의 남녀 성별에 따른 자녀의 척도들의 차이는 없었다. 3) 환자군 내에서 환자가 자녀 나이 3세 이전에 발병한 경우가 3세 이후에 발병한 경우보다 가정환경척도 중 조절성 소척도 점수는 유의하게 낮고 특성불안척도는 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 4) 환자군 내에서 환자의 진단(정신분열병 범주 장애-정동장애-신경증)에 따른 자녀의 척도들의 차이는 없었다. 자기 보고식 설문으로 측정한 우울, 불안 등의 정신병리는 환자의 자녀와 정상인의 자녀간 유의미한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 환자의 진단이나 남녀 성별의 차이 역시 자녀에게 영향을 주지 않는 것으로 밝혀졌으나 자녀가 3세 이전에 부모가 정신질환에 이환 될 경우에는 자녀의 특성불안이 높은 경향을 보였다. 향후 고위험군 자녀의 발달학적 측면에서 영향을 주는 요인을 밝히는 연구를 위해서는 자녀의 자기보고 이외에도 부모, 선생님 등의 관찰과의 일치도에 대한 조사, 직접적인 면담 등이 필요할 것으로 보이며 통제된 환경에서의 전향적 연구가 필요할 것이다.

• 대한소아치과학회지
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.412-420
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• 2001

정상교합아동과 비교적 조기치료가 요구되는 III급 부정교합을 갖는 성장기 아동에서 측모 두부 방사선 계측치의 평균치를 산출하여 진단 및 치료계획 수립에 도움이 되고자 전남대학교병원 소아치과에 내원한 7세에서 9세사이의 III급 부정교합 아동 83명과 안모가 단정하고 정상교합을 갖는 광주지역 초등학생 84명을 대상으로 측모 두부 방사선촬영을 하여 McNamara 분석법을 이용한 계측치를 비교 분석하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 남아에서 정상교합자와 III급 부정교합자간의 계측치에서 Effective maxillary length, Maxillomandibular differential, Facial axis, Nasion perp to pogonion, Point A perp to Mx 1, A-Pog line to Mn 1의 항목이 유의성 있는 차이를 나타내었다(p<0.01). 2. 여아에서 정상교합자와 III급 부정교합자간의 계측치에서 Nasion Perp. to Point A(p<0.05), Effective Mandibular length, Effective Maxillary length, Maxillomandibular differential, Mandibular plane angle, Point A perp to Mx 1, A-Pog line to Mn 1의 항목이 유의성 있는 차이를 나타내었다(p<0.01). 3. Effective Mandibular length는 남아에서 정상교합자와 III급 부정교합자간에 차이가 없었으나, 여아에서는 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.01). 그러나 Effective Maxillary length는 III급 부정교합자가 남녀 모두에서 정상교합자보다 유의성있게 짧았다(p<0.01). 4. Anterior lower facial height는 남녀 모두 정상교합자와 III급 부정교합자의 비교에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 5. 남아와 여아의 계측치 비교에서 Anterior lower facial height와 Mandibular plane angle은 정상교합자와 III급 부정 교합자 모두에서 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.01).

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.44-65
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• 1983

As a part of the epidemiological studies of clonorchiasis, this study was conducted to evaluate the current endemicity and the natural transition of the Clonorchis infection in Gimhae Gun and delta area a high endemic area in Korea in recent years, prior to the introduction of praziquantel which will eventually influence the status of the prevalence. The data obtained in this study in 1983 were evaluated for natural transition of the infection in comparison with those obtained 16 years ago in 1967 by the author(Kim, 1974). The areas of investigation, villages and schools surveyed, methods and techniques used in this study were the same as in 1967, except for the contents of the questionnaire for raw freshwater fish consumption by the local inhabitants. 1) The prevalence rate of clonorchiasis in the general population of the villages was 48.1% on the average out of a total of 484 persons examined. The average of those of the riverside-delta area was 65.2% and 43.0% in the inland area. Among the schoolchildren, the prevalence rate was 8.2% on the average out of a total of 1,423 examined. By area, the prevalence rate was 10.8% in the riverside delta area and 2.8% in the inland area. By sex, difference in the prevalence was seen only in the inhabitants of the inland area showing 52.4% in the male and 33.5% in the female. 2) In the natural transition of the infection, the prevalence rate among the inhabitants has decreased from 68.8% in 1967 to 48.1% in 1983, and in the schoolchildren from 56.4% in 1967 to 8.2% in 1983. The reduction rate was higher in the riverside-delta area than in the inland area. 3) In the prevalence rate by age, 11.9% was first seen in the 5-9 age group and the rate gradually increased up to 75.0% in the 50-59 age group. By sex, the rate was higher in the male than in the female in the 20-29 age group and over. 4) In the natural transition of the prevalence rate by age, the reduction rate of the infection during the past 16 years was greater in the younger age groups up to the 40-49 age group and reached the same level in the age group 50-59. Reduction was seen again in the age group over 60s. By sex, the reduction rate was greater in the female than in the male in the 20-29 age group and over. By area, the reduction rate was greater in the riverside delta area than in the inland area, particularly in the young age groups. 5) In the intensity of the infection among the cases, the mean egg out-put per mg feces per infected cases(EPmg) in the inhabitants was 6.3. EPmg of those of the river-side-delta area was 15.4 and that of the in-land was 2.8. On the other hand, in the schoolchildren, EPmg was 3.2, and no difference was seen between the two areas, the river-side-delta area and the inland area. 6) In the transition of the intensity of the infection by area, EPmg among the inhabitants inexplically increased from 7.8 in 1967 to 15.4 in 1983. This was probably caused by uneven specimen collection in the process of sampling the population. EPmg of the inhabitants in the inland area and those of the schoolchildren of both riverside delta and inland areas showed a similar decrease in the past 16 years. 7) The intensity of the infection by age showed a relatively low level in the 20-29 age group and below, and EPmg 5.1-9.5 was seen in the 30-39 age group and over. Sex, Epmg was 5.8 in the male and 4.7 the female. By in 8) In the transition of the intensity of the infection, EPmg decreased from 6.2 in 1967 to 5.4 in 1983. By age, in contrast to the figures of 1967 in which EPmg gradually increased with some fluctuation from 1.1 in the 0-4 age group to peak 10.5 in the 50-59 age group, in 1983 lower intensity of the infection was seen in the age group from 10-14 to 20-29 with the EPmg range of 0.6-2.7. 9) In the distribution of the clonorchiasis cases by the range of EPmg value, 43.2% of the cases were in 0.1 0.9 and 34.6% in 1.0-4.9. As a whole by cumulative percent, 44.6% of them were under 0.9 as light infection and 86.1% of them under 9.9 up to moderate infection. By sex, no difference was seen in Epmg. 10) In the transition of the distribution by the range of Epmg, the cases were distributed up to the range 80.0-99.9 in 1967 and to 60.0-79.9 in 1983. By cumulative percent, in the range of 0.1-0.9 and less, light infection, 34.3% of them were distributed in 1967 and 44.6% in 1983 with about 10% increase. In the range of 5.0-9.9 and less, up to moderate infection, 83.2% in 1967 and 86.1% in 1983 of the cases were seen, respectively. 11) The practice of raw freshwater fish consumption among the inhabitants seems to have decreased in recent years. Those who admitted to raw freshwater fish consumption in the last two years among the infected inhabitants were 59.3%, although 86.8% of them professed to have experience with raw freshwater fish consumption. 31.7% of those who have had experience of the raw freshwater fish consumption denied any further consumption in recent years. From an interview of 543 school-children, 24.1% of them admitted to an experience of raw freshwater fish consumption. However, those who have practised in the past two years comprized 17.9%. Those who denied raw freshwater fish consumption in recent years among those who had such experience were 26.0% out of 131 interviewed. The rate of raw freshwater fish consumption in both inhabitants and schoolchildren were higher in the male than in the female. On the contrary, the rate of those who did not practise in recent years among those who had experience of raw freshwater fish consumption was higher in the female than in the male. 12) The major reason for the reduction of raw freshwater fish consumption among the local inhabitants was the risk of the fluke infection. However, it has become apparent that such change of taste has resulted from water pollution impact which has affected throughout the areas of the freshwater systems in this locality since last several years. 13) In animal survey, Clonorchis infection was seen in 14.8% of 88 dogs examined and 3.7% of 27 house rats examined. It was noted that populations of dogs and cats have increased in the villages surveyed. Although the prevalence rate was lower in the present survey than those of 1967, the significance of the animals as the reservoir host has not changed. 14) Prevalence rate of Clonorchis infection by cercariae in the first intermediate host, Parafossarulus manchouricus, was 0.6% out of 517 snails examined. The infection rate was lower in comparison with 2.3% out of 2,124 examined in 1967. Moreover, sharp decreases in number and distribution of the intermediate host snails in many watershed areas of the huge freshwater systems in this locality seemed to reduce transmission of Clonorchis in connection with the intermediate host stage of its life cycle. 15) Clonorchis infection in the second intermediate fish hosts was relatively low. The mean number of Clonorchis metacercaria per fish in Pseudorasbora parva was 517 in 1983, whereas it was 1943 in 1968 through 1969. Environmental water pollution has also caused the decreased fish population density in these areas, and this has also apparently affected to the practice of raw freshwater fish consumption among the local inhabitants. 16) In conclusion, endemicity of Clonorchis infection in Gimhae Gum and delta area of the Nagdong River has sharply decreased during the past 16 years. The major cause of the regressive transition of the infection was the water pollution of the land water systems of this locality. The pollution has upset the ecosystems comprizing of the intermediate hosts of Clonorchis in many areas, and also affected to a significant extent to the discontinuance of the local inhabitants for raw freshwater fish consumption.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.9-20
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• 2005

Cholestatic liver disease is a frequent complication of prolonged parenteral nutrition, especially in premature infants. Numerous factors have been cited as contributing to TPN associated cholestasis. However the exact etiology remains obscure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been reported to be beneficial far children and adults with various chronic cholestatic liver disease. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to determine the preventive effects of UDCA administration during TPN. Seventeen pediatric patients (8 boys and 9 girls) undergoing TPN were assigned randomly to two groups, UDCA and placebo group. UDCA group (n=9) received 15 mg/kg/day UDCA and placebo group (n=8) received 15 mg/kg/day placebo enterally during the TPN period. Liver function tests (total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) were per-formed before TPN and weekly or three times a week. The patients' weights, complete blood count, composition of TPN, and the infusion rate of TPN and lipid were monitored everyday. Calcium and phosphate were monitored twice a week. Between the UDCA and placebo groups, there were no differences in weight at the onset of TPN, birth weight, duration of TPN, respiratory distress syndrome associated with prematurity, age at the onset of TPN, gestational age, the number of days the patients received antibiotics, the number of patients received enteral nutritions and the composition of TPN. In contrast, there was a significant difference between the UDCA and placebo groups in alanine aminotransferase levels during TPN. It doesn't seem that UDCA administration during TPN correlates directly with improvement of liver function. But the preventive administration of UDCA may be effective in reducing liver enzyme, alanine aminotransferase and has no adverse effects.