• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.63-79
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• 2009

While previous epidemiological studies on temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been based on a given health center or population sample, no study has been performed on general population of Korea, especially concerning about treatment pattern such as clinician’s specialty involved in TMD treatment, types and amount of prescription medication and cost. This study aimed to investigate magnitude of health visits and treatment patterns for Korean patients with TMD through the computerized database of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS). Inclusion criteria were all patients registered on the HIRAS database over 3 years' period from 2003 to 2005 and the medical records of patients with TMD as a main diagnosis were extracted. Information collected was as follows; distribution related to gender, age and region and type of hospital the patients visited, treatment duration, clinicians' specialty involved in treatment, cost, types of prescription medication and surgical treatment. The results of this study indicated that 0.15% of the population yearly sought TMD treatment, presenting with increase of incidence over the three years. Most of TMD patients were women (99.8%) and the biggest age group was second and third decades and decreased with age. Seoul and Kyeonggi province presented with higher incidence of TMD compared to the other regions of Korea, which seems to be related with magnitude of population. 56% of TMD patients visited primary care sector and the numbers of treatment visits was the highest in dental clinic (38.4%), followed by orthopedics (28%) and ENT (13.6%) clinics in order. Duration of prescription medication was the longest for anti-inflammatory analgesics, followed by antipsychotic drugs and muscle relaxants. Inpatient care related to TMD was primarily performed in dental hospital compared to medical hospital. Medical database of HIRAS provided comprehensive and vast information on epidemiologic characteristics and treatment patterns for patients seeking TMD treatment, which can be more reliable data to expect medical demand for TMD in condition that accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment is delivered in clinical settings.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.357-364
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• 2000

Background : Complicated exudative pleural fluid collections have traditionally been treated by either closed tube thoracostomy drainage or by open surgical drainage. Complete drainage is important in order to control pleural sepsis, restore pulmonary function, and entrapment. Recently intracavitary fibrinolytic therapy has been advocated as a method to facillitate drainage of complicated exudative pleural effusion and to allow enzymatic debridemant of the restrictive fibrinous sheets covering the pleural surface. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the effects of image-guided catheter drainage with high dose urokinase(UK) instillation in the treatment of complicated pleural effusions. Patients : Twenty complicated pleural effusion patients that poorly respond to image-guided drainage were allocated to receive UK. There were 8 pneumonia and 12 tuberculosis. Methods : Drugs were diluted in 250 mL normal saline and were infused intrapleurally through the chest tube or pig-tail catheter in a daily dose of 250,000 IU of UK. Response was assessed by clinical outcome, fluid drainage, chest radiography, pleural ultrasound and/or computed tomography. Results : The mean UK instillation time was $1.63{\pm}0.10$. The mean volume drained UK instillation was $381.3{\pm}314.4\;mL$, and post-UK was $321.6{\pm}489.5\;mL$. The follow up duration after UK therapy was mean $212.9{\pm}194.5$ days. We had successful results in 19 cases (95.0%). There were 12 pleural thickenings (60.0%), 2 markedly decreased effusions (10.0%) and 5 cases of no thickening or effusion. There was recurrence after treatment in only one patient(5%) with complicated pleural effusiondue to tuberculosis. Conclusions : Image-guided drainage with high dose UK instillation (250,000 U/day) in complicated pleural effusion is a safe and more effective method than closed thoracostomy drainage. And this management, in turn, can obviate surgery in most cases.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.420-427
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• 2000

Background : Isolated leukopenia is rare, but it has important clinical implications during antituberculosis treatment. Inadvertent discontinuation of short-course regimen drugs for fear of leukopenia inevitably will extend the duration of treatment, and the completion of treatment will be delayed. However no guidelines concerning proper management for leukopenia during antituberculosis treatment have been presented. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the possibility of continuing the same short-course regimen if a mild-to-moderate degree of isolated leukopenia was to develop during antituberculosis treatment. Method : Thirty-six patients who had been prescribed a short-course antituberculosis regimen between January 1997 and August 1999, had newly developed, mild-to-moderate degree, isolated leukopenia during medication, and had continued the same drug regimen despite leukopenia were enrolled. One patient was not available for the follow-up, so the remaining thirty-five (twenty-five prospectively and ten retrospectively) patients were analyzed. Patients who had other known causes of leukopenia were excluded. A mild-to-moderate degree of isolated leukopenia was arbitrarily defined as having a peripheral blood leukocyte count between 2,000 and $3,499/mm^3$ and no evidence of coexisting hematologic abnormalities. Results : 1) All thirty-five patients were able to complete short-course anti-tuberculosis treatment without complication or further decrease of leukocytes count to less than $2,000/mm^3$ despite continuous treatment with the same regimen. 2) The mean duration from start of antitituberculosis medication to detection of leukopenia was $64{\pm}65$ days. 3) The mean leukocyte count was $5,035{\pm}1,583/mm^3$ before treatment, and the its lowest count was $2,908{\pm}390/mm^3$ during treatment. Leukopenia recovered after completion of treatment ($4,283{\pm}1,269/mm^3$). 4) The main component of leukopenia was the decrease in neutrophil count ($3,361{\pm}1,732$ vs. $1,512{\pm}423/mm^3$, p<0.05). Conclusion : For mild-to-moderate degree of isolated leukopenia ($2,000/mm^3{\leq}$ WBC < $3,500/mm^3$), developing during short-course antituberculosis treatment, the short-course antituberculosis regimen may be continued without complications.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.471-477
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• 2000

Background : Coughing is the most common complaint for which patients seek medical service. When caughing continues over 3 weeks in non-smokers who do not take cough-provoking drugs, they are classified as patients with chronic cough. Three well known main causes of chronic caugh are postnasal drip syndrome, bronchial asthma and gastroesophaseal reflux disease. Among them, postnasal drip syndrome is reported to be the most common cause of all in chronic cough diseases, and allergic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of postnasal drip syndrome. CD23 and CD25 which are low affinity receptor for IgE and IL-2 receptor alpha, respectively, are closely related to allergic inflammation and their roles were evaluated in chronic cough patients. Methods : We evaluated 105 patients with chronic cough and selected 56 patients for measurement of serum CD23 & CD25 levels. We selected 10 normal, medical students for comparison of serum CD23 & CD25 levels. Result : The postnasal drip syndrome was found to be the most common cause of chronic cough. Serum CD23 and CD25 did not increase in chronic cough patient compared to normal controls. However in bronchial asthma patient, serum CD23 level was increased relative to normal control (p<0.05). Conclusion : In bronchial asthma presented as chronic cough, lymphocyte mediated allergic inflammation may related with the pathogenesis of the disease.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2002

Background : Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have usually been considered to be contaminants of colonizers when isolated from respiratory specimens in Korea, where there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis and a low rate of HIV infections. Therefore, there has been few studies on the clinical significance of NTM species in immunocompetent patients were investigated. Methods : Thirty-five NTM isolates, for which species identification was requested by the treating physicians during 1999 at the Asan Medical Center, were retrospectively analyzed. They were identified to the species level by mycolic acid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography. The medical records of the patients with the NTM isolates were reviewed to identify those patients who met the American Thoracic Society (ATS)'s criteria for mycobacterial pulmonary infection. Their antimicrobial susceptibility data were compared with the clinical outcomes. Results : The NTM were identified as M. intracellulare (6 isolates), M. avium (5), M. abscessus (5), M. gordonae (5), M. terrae complex (4), M. szulgai (2), M. kansasii (2), M. fortuitum (2), M. peregrinum (1), M. mucogenicum (1), M. celatum (1), and M. chelonae (1). All 35 patients showed clinical symptoms and signs of chronic lung disease, but none had a HIV infections; 16 (45.7%) patients were found to be compatible with a NTM pulmonary infection according to the ATS criteria, 5 and 4 cases were affected with M. intracellulare and M. abscessus, respectively; 8 patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. 13 patients received antimycobacterial therapy for an average of 21 months and 9 patients were treated with second-line drugs. Only 4 patients had improved radiologically. Conclusion : A NTM should be considered a potential pathogen of pulmonary infections in immunocompetent patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Most NTM infections were left untreated for a prolonged period and showed a poor outcome as a result, M. intracellulare and M. abscessus were the two most frequent causes of NTM pulmonary infections in this study. Species identification and antimycobacterial susceptibility tests based on the species are needed for the optimum management of a NTM pulmonary infection in patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.491-496
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• 2007

Background: The best way of delivering drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is via the inhaled route of administration. However, many patients use inhaler devices incorrectly. To augment the proper use of inhalation medicine and to improve knowledge of the disease and compliance, we have developed a "Computerized Respiratory Service Program" and applied the use of this program to educate patients. Methods: Prospectively, this study was performed in 164 patients with asthma or COPD prescribed with inhaled medication. When inhalation medication was first prescribed, education using a drug model was conducted two times and thereafter every month. In addition, education using a drug model was conducted and the ability of the patient to use inhalation medicine properly was evaluated. Results: A total of 164 patients participated in the sessions more than two times and received education. Fifty-seven patients participated in three sesions. After the patients received education one time, the ability of these patients to use an inhaler had an average score of 20.6. After the patients received education two times, the average score was 21.9. After the patients received education three times, the average score was 22.3, a further increase. The compliance of using the inhaler was 70.1% at the second session and increased to 81.8% at the third session. Conclusion: Feedback education using the "Computerized Respiratory Service Program" will increase the ability of the patient to use an inhaler and consistent education can maintain patient compliance with inhaler use.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2005

Purpose : Selective inhibition of multiple molecular targets may improve the antitumor activity of radiation. Two specific inhibitors of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were combined with radiation on the HeLa cell line. To investigate cooperative mechanism with selective COX-2 inhibitor and EGFR blocker, in vitro experiments were done. Materials and Methods : Antitumor effect was obtained by growth inhibition and apoptosis analysis by annexin V-Flous method. Radiation modulation effects were determined by the clonogenic cell survival assay. Surviving fractions at 2 Gy ($SF_2$) and dose enhancement ratio at a surviving fraction of 0.25 were evaluated. To investigate the mechanism of the modulation of radiosensitivity, the cell cycle analyses were done by flow cytometry. The bcl-2 and bax expressions were analyzed by western blot. Results : A cooperative effect were observed on the apoptosis of the HeLa ceil line when combination of the two drugs, AG 1478 and NS 398 with radiation at the lowest doses, apoptosis of $22.70\%$ compare with combination of the one drug with radiation, apoptosis of $8.49\%$. In cell cycle analysis, accumulation of cell on $G_0/G_l$ phase and decrement of S phase fraction was observed from 24 hours to 72 hours after treatment with radiation, AG 1478 and NS 398. The combination of NS 398 and AG 1478 enhanced radiosensitivity on a concentration-dependent manner in HeLa cells with dose enhancement ratios of 3.00 and $SF_2$ of 0.12 but the combination of one drug with radiation was not enhanced radlosensitivity with dose enhancement ratios of 1.12 and SF2 of 0.68 (p=0.005). The expression levels of bcl-2 and bax were reduced when combined with AG 1478 and NS 398. Conclusion : Our results indicate that the selective COX-2 inhibitor and EGFR blocker combined with radiation have potential additive or cooperative effects on radiation treatment and may act through various mechanisms including direct inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, suppression of tumor cell cycle progression and inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.249-268
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• 2005

Drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in the metabolism, elimination and detoxification of xenobiotics and drugs introduced into the human body. Most of the tissues and organs in our body are well equipped with diverse and various DMEs including phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes and phase III transporters, which are present in abundance either at the basal unstimulated level, and/or are inducible at elevated level after exposure to xenobiotics. Recently, many important advances have been made in the mechanisms that regulate the expression of these drug metabolism genes. Various nuclear receptors including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), orphan nuclear receptors, and nuclear factor-erythoroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) have been shown to be the key mediators of drug-induced changes in phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes as well as phase III transporters involved in efflux mechanisms. For instance, the expression of CYP1 genes can be induced by AhR, which dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) , in response to many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). Similarly, the steroid family of orphan nuclear receptors, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), both heterodimerize with the ret-inoid X receptor (RXR), are shown to transcriptionally activate the promoters of CYP2B and CYP3A gene expression by xenobiotics such as phenobarbital-like compounds (CAR) and dexamethasone and rifampin-type of agents (PXR). The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), which is one of the first characterized members of the nuclear hormone receptor, also dimerizes with RXR and has been shown to be activated by lipid lowering agent fib rate-type of compounds leading to transcriptional activation of the promoters on CYP4A gene. CYP7A was recognized as the first target gene of the liver X receptor (LXR), in which the elimination of cholesterol depends on CYP7A. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as a bile acid receptor, and its activation results in the inhibition of hepatic acid biosynthesis and increased transport of bile acids from intestinal lumen to the liver, and CYP7A is one of its target genes. The transcriptional activation by these receptors upon binding to the promoters located at the 5-flanking region of these GYP genes generally leads to the induction of their mRNA gene expression. The physiological and the pharmacological implications of common partner of RXR for CAR, PXR, PPAR, LXR and FXR receptors largely remain unknown and are under intense investigations. For the phase II DMEs, phase II gene inducers such as the phenolic compounds butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), green tea polyphenol (GTP), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and the isothiocyanates (PEITC, sul­foraphane) generally appear to be electrophiles. They generally possess electrophilic-medi­ated stress response, resulting in the activation of bZIP transcription factors Nrf2 which dimerizes with Mafs and binds to the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE) promoter, which is located in many phase II DMEs as well as many cellular defensive enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with the subsequent induction of the expression of these genes. Phase III transporters, for example, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2) are expressed in many tissues such as the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain, and play crucial roles in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. The orphan nuclear receptors PXR and GAR have been shown to be involved in the regulation of these transporters. Along with phase I and phase II enzyme induction, pretreatment with several kinds of inducers has been shown to alter the expression of phase III transporters, and alter the excretion of xenobiotics, which implies that phase III transporters may also be similarly regulated in a coordinated fashion, and provides an important mean to protect the body from xenobiotics insults. It appears that in general, exposure to phase I, phase II and phase III gene inducers may trigger cellular 'stress' response leading to the increase in their gene expression, which ultimately enhance the elimination and clearance of these xenobiotics and/or other 'cellular stresses' including harmful reactive intermediates such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), so that the body will remove the 'stress' expeditiously. Consequently, this homeostatic response of the body plays a central role in the protection of the body against 'environmental' insults such as those elicited by exposure to xenobiotics.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.330-335
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• 2010

This study was performed to compare the anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of the tiletamine/zolazepam/xylazine (TZX) combination and tiletamine/zolazepam/midazolam (TZM) combination. Eight healthy Landrace $\times$ Yorkshire pigs were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group was composed of four pigs. The pigs in group 1 (TZX) received tiletamine/zolazepam (2 mg/kg, IM) and xylazine (2 mg/kg, IM). The pigs in group 2 (TZM) received tiletamine/zolazepam (2 mg/kg, IM) and midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, IV). Induction time, anesthesia time and standing time were recorded for each pig. The scores of anesthetic effects were subjectively evaluated every 15 minutes during anesthesia. Cardiopulmonary parameters (heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate and rectal temperature) were monitored and recorded 0, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after administration of drugs. Arterial blood gases ($pH_a$, $P_aCO_2$ and $P_aO_2$) and oxygen saturation ($SO_2$) were analyzed at same times. The scores of anesthetic effects decreased in the TZX group compare with the TZM group. From 5 to 85 minutes the mean heart rate in the TZX group was significantly lower than those in the TZM group. Mean arterial blood pressure in the TZX group was significantly higher than those in the TZM group at 5, 15 and 30 minutes. Both drug combinations provided a smooth induction and good immobilization. Scores of anesthetic effects in the TZM group were better than those in the TZX group. The effects to the cardiorespiratory function and temperature were lesser in the TZM group than those in the TZX group. In conclusion, when the two drug combinations were compared, the TZM group showed better anesthetic effects and less cardiorespiratory effects.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.5-13
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• 2014

Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and explore the appropriate number of treatment for postmenopausal women diagnosed with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension. Methods : A 4-arm randomized open label pilot trial will be performed at 2 centers. Sixty participants will be divided into 2 treatment groups and 2 control groups. Treatment groups will receive acupuncture at 8 points(bilateral GB20, LI11, ST36, SP6) for 4 weeks(treatment group A, 10 total sessions) or 8 weeks(treatment group B, 20 total sessions), while maintaining usual care. Control groups will not receive acupuncture but will be under usual care for 16 weeks(control group C) or 20 weeks(control group D). Each patient's living habits will be corrected and drugs that may affect blood pressure(BP) will be prohibited. Treatment group A and control group C will be evaluated at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after randomization, while treatment group B and control group D will be evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks after randomization. The major outcome variable is the magnitude of change in diastolic BP levels at 4 weeks after randomization; auxiliary outcome variables are (1) diastolic BP change at 8, 16, and 20 weeks, (2) systolic BP change, (3) BP control rate, (4) lipid profiles, and (5) high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Patient safety will be assessed at every visit. Results and Conclusions : The study findings may help develop evidence for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for BP control.