• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4769-4774
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• 2013

This paper is the first to present the incidence and overall survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) from the extreme northern part of the Philippines. We retrospectively retrieved the records of patients with histologically-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, from 2003 to 2012 and analysed prognostic factors associated with survival. Of the 150 cases, only 80 (53.3%) were still living when the study was terminated. Median age at initial diagnosis was 61.5 years and the male to female ratio was 7:3. The majority of the cases had tumours in the oral cavity (50.7%), followed by the larynx (36.7%). Sex (log rank=1.94, p value/${\alpha}$=0.16), tumor site (log rank=0.02, p value/${\alpha}$=0.90), tumor grade (log rank=1.74, p value/${\alpha}$=0.42), and node stage (log rank=0.07, p value/${\alpha}$=0.80) were not shown to be associated with the survival of our cases. Only 45 (30.0%) had no regional lymph node involvement (N0) at presentation and 12 (8.0%) had already developed distant metastases. Among the 150 patients, 71 (47.3%) were not able to receive treatment of any kind. Oddly, treatment (log rank=1.65, p value/${\alpha}$=0.20) was also shown to be not associated with survival. The survival rate of those who underwent surgery, radiotherapy, or both was not statistically different from those who did not receive any treatment. Only the tumor stage (log rank=4.51, p value/${\alpha}$=0.03) was associated with patient survival. The overall mean survival was 49.3 months, with survival rate diminishing from 88.3% during the 1st year to 1.80% by end of the study. This relatively low survival rate of our cases only reflects their poor access to quality diagnostic and treatment facilities.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 1984

This study was conducted to identify the problems in the medical aid program by reviewing the medical care utilization pattern of the beneficiaries. The data were abstracted from the monthly bills and vouchers for medical care of the whole benefi챠aries(17,527) in Gyeongsan Gun submitted by the physicians to county government for the period of 1 calendar year from October 1981 to September 1982. The number of medical aid beneficiary accounted for 12.7% of the total county population, a higher proportion than the national average-9.5%. Monthly primary care utilization rate per 100 beneficiaries was 9.3 persons with 14.0 visits and 42.9 medication days. for the 2nd and 3rd care, there were 1.7 admissions and 9.3 OPD visits per 100 beneficiaries per year. The beneficiaries of the first class medical aid program had a higher utilization rate of both the primary and secondary/tertiary care facilities. Females utilized more the primary care facilities than males while males utilized more the secondary/tertiary care facilities than females. A significantly lower utilization rate was observed in January than in the other months and this was seemed due to the renewal process of the medical aid certificate. Among 1,931 patients utilized the 2nd/3rd care facilities 84.4% was out-patients and the lowest ratios were in the minor specialties including ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology and urology. The average hospital days per in-patient were 21.2 days and OPD days per out patient were 4.7 days. The average hospital days for a psychiatry in-patient was 74.4 days which was the longest average hospital days among all the specialties. Average medical care cost per beneficiary in a year was W9,821:W24,240 for the 1st class and W7,464 for the 2nd class. The medical care cost for the primary care per patient was W3.901 and W840 per day compared with W49,875 per patient and W5,822 per day for the secondary/tertiary care. From the findings of this study following recommendations were made to improve the medical care program: 1) The renewal process of the medical care certificate should be expedited. 2) Minor specialty clinics should be designated as the primary medical care facility for the medical aid program to reduce the expenses by absorbing more patients referred to the secondary/tertiary care facilities directly. 3) The medical care cost for the primary care facility should be escalated to reduce the differential between the primary and secondary/tertiary care facilities.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1981.05a
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• pp.41.2-41
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• 1981

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are the most common operations in the ENT field. Recent emphasis on careful selection of patients for these procedures derives from concern for complications of surgery, as well as the immunologic and anatomic functions of tonsils and adenoids. Adenoidectomy can relieve nasopharyngeal airway obstruction caused by enlarge adenoids, and can prevent complications such as heart failure and recurrent or chronic otitis media. We researched 117 cases of tonsilloadenoidectomy patients and 266 patients having routine examination from March, 1979 to February, 1981, and described the A/N ratio derived from linear measurements of lateral radiographs of the nasopharynx. The results of Impedance Audiometry and X-ray films from 117 cases of T&A patients were compared: 1) The average A/N ratio by age groups for 266 cases of normal children showed: 0.508 for age group, 0 to 3 years old, 0.533 for age group, 4 to 6 years old, 0.524 for age group, 7 to 9 years old, 0.519 for age group, 10 to 12 years old, 0.507 for age group, 13 to 15 years old, 0.481 for age group over 15 years old. The peak value lies in the age group of 4 to 6 years old. The sex difference of A/N ratio was not significant. 2) The average A/N ratio by age groups from 117 cases of T&A patients showed: 0.709 for age group, 0 to 3 years old, 0.733 for age group, 4 to 6 years old, 0.693 for age group, 7 to 9 years old, 0.707 for age group, 10 to 12 years old, 0.620 for age group, 13 to 15 years old, 0.756 for age group over 15 years old. 3) Among the 117 cases of T&A patients, the average A/N ratio for 57 cases in normal tympanogram was 0.688 and the average A/N ratio for 60 cases in abnormal tympanogram was 0.705. 4) Among 57 cases in abnormal tympanogram: 6 cases (10.5%) showed 0.40-0.59 of A/N ratio, 44 cases (77.2%) showed 0.60-0.79 of A/N ratio, and 7 cases (12.3%) showed 0.80-0.99 of A/N ratio. 5) Among 117 cases of T&A patients, 3 of 15 cases showing A/N ratio under 0.6, and 67 of 102 cases showing A/N ratio over 0.6, had paranasal sinusitis.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1982.05a
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• pp.14.2-15
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• 1982

Serous otitis media (SOM) is one of the most common otologic diseases which was first discribed by Politzer in 1869. Currentely, among many methods introduced to treat SOM, ventilation tube insertion is considered to be the most popular and standard method being used. However due to complication of it, there remains many disputable various problems. In order to review the clinical aspect of SOM and search for the effects and safety of ventilation tube, we studied 97 SOM patients, who had performed V-tube from Jan. 1981 to Feb. 1982 at ENT dept. of Severance Hospital. Analizing the clinical symptoms, age distribution, associated disease, otoscopic findings of ear drum, degree of hearing loss, hearing gain after insertion of V-tube and complications, following results were obtained. 1) As a subjective symptom, among 29 cases all patients had hearing loss, 19 cases (65.6%) had tinnitus, 12 cases (44.4%) had autophony and 10 cases (34.5%) of the patients had sensation of ear fullness. 2) In age distribution, 6 to 10 year old group was most numerous up to 42 cases (43.3%) and 20 years and over was 23 cases (23.5%) 3) In adult group SOM tend to be involved unilaterally whereas young child group had tendency involving bilaterally. 4) 49 cases (50.05%) were associated with tonsillitis and adenoid vegetation, 15 cases (15.5%) were associated with sinusitis, 4 cases (4.1%) had nasal allergy. 5) In preoperative otoscopic findings, 62 ears (47.7%) had retraction, 37 ears (23.6%) had bulging, 34 ears (21.7%) had color change, and 29 ears (19.7%) had no significant findings. 6) In characteristics of middle ear fluid, child group was tend to have mucinous content (84.2%) while adult group had serous content (62.5%). 7) Average preoperative air-bone gap of pure tone was 25.3 dB. 8) 24 ears (72.7%) had over 10 dB of postoperative hearing gain and average hearing gain was 17.2 dB. 9) There were 44 ears (28.1%) of complications. Among them 37 ears (23.6%) had infection, 3 ears had atelectasis, 2 ears had granulation tissue, 2 ears had permanent perforations. 10) Among 37 ears suffered from post-op. infection, 19 ears (51.4%) had initial infection just after insertion of ventilation tube, 18 ears (48.6%) were infected during the course of post-ventilation tube. Of 37 infected ears, 26 ears (70.3%) responded to conservative care, while 11 ears (29.7%) was cured after removal of ventilation tube.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.163-193
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• 1997

Medical services are a fundamental and essential service in all urban areas. The location and accessibility of medical service facilities and institutions are critical to the diagnosis, control and prevention of illness and disease. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study on the location of medical facilities in Kwangju and the utilization of these facilities by the inhabitants. The following information is a summary of the findings: (1) Korea, like many countries, is now witnessing an increase in the age of its population as a result of higher living standards and better medical services. Korea is also experiencing a rapid increase in health care costs. To ensure easy access to medical consultation, diagnosis and treatment by individuals, the hierarchical efficient location of medical facilities, low medical costs, equalized medical services, preventive medical care is important. (2) In Korea, the quality of medical services has improved significantly as evident by the increased number of medical facilities and medical personnel. However, there is still a need for not only quantitative improvements but also for a more equitable distribution of and location of medical services. (3) There are 503 medical facilities in Kwangju each with a need to service 2,556 people. This is below the national average of 1,498 inhabitants per facility. The higher locational quotient and satisfactory population per medical facility showed at the civic center. On the other hand, problem regions such as the traditional residential area in Buk-Gu, Moo-deung mountain area and the outer areas of west Kwangju still maintain rural characteristics. (4) In the study area there are 86 general medicine clinics which provide basic medical services. i. e. one clinic per every 14,949 residents. As a basic service, its higher locational quotient showed in the residential area. The lower population concentration per clinic was found in the civic center and in the former town center, Songjeong-dong. In recently build residential areas and in the civic center, the lack of general medicine clinics is not a serious medical services issue because of the surplus of medical specialists in Korea. People are inclined to seek a consultation with a specialist in specific fields rather than consult a general practitioner. As a result of this phenomenon, there are 81 internal medicine facilities. Of these, 32.1% provide services to people who are not referred by a primary care physician but who self-diagnose then choose a medical facility specializing in what they believe to be their health problem. Areas in the city, called dongs, without any internal facilities make up 50% of the total 101 dongs. (5) There are 78 surgical facilities within the area, and there is little difference at the locational appearance from internal medicine facilities. There are also 71 pediatric health clinics for people under 15 years of age in this area, represents one clinic per 5,063 people. On the quantitative aspect, this is a positive situation. Accessibility is the most important facility choice factor, so it should be evenly located in proportion to demander distribution. However, 61% of 102 dongs have no pediatric clinics because of the uneven location. (6) There are 43 obstetrical and gynecological clinics in Kwangju, and the number of residents being served per clinic is 15,063. These services need to be given regularly so it should increase the numbers. There are 37 ENT clinics in the study area with the lower concentration in Dong-gu (32.4%) making no locational differences by dong. There are 23 dermatology clinics with the largest concentration in Dong-Gu. There are 17 ophthalmic clinics concentrated in the residential area because of the primary function of this type of specialization. (7) The use of general medicine clinics, internal medicine clinics, pediatric clinics, ENT clinics by the inhabitants indicate a trend toward primary or routine medical services. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics are used on a regular basis. In choosing a general medicine clinic, internal medicine clinic, pediatric clinic, and a ENT clinic, accessibility is the key factor while choice of a general hospital, surgery clinic, or an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, thes faith and trust in the medical practitioner is the priority consideration. (8) I considered the efficient use of medical facilities in the aspect of locational and management and suggest the following: First, primary care facilities should be evenly distributed in every area. In Kwangju, the number of medical facilities is the lowest among the six largest cities in Korea. Moreover, they are concentrated in Dong-gu and in newly developed areas. The desired number of medical facilities should be within 30 minutes of each person's home. For regional development there is a need to develop a plan to balance, for example, taxes and funds supporting personnel, equipment and facilities. Secondly, medical services should be co-ordinated to ensure consistent, appropriate, quality services. Primary medical facilities should take charge of out-patient activities, and every effort should be made to standardize and equalize equipment and facility resources and to ensure ongoing development and training in the primary services field. A few specialty medical facilities and general hospitals should establish a priority service for incurable and terminally ill patients. (9) The management scheme for the inhabitants' efficient use of medical service is as follows: The first task is to efficiently manage medical facilities and related services. Higher quality of medical services can be accomplished within the rapidly changing medical environment. A network of social, administrative and medical organizations within an area should be established to promote information gathering and sharing strategies to better assist the community. Statistics and trends on the rate or occurrence of diseases, births, deaths, medical and environment conditions of the poor or estranged people should be maintained and monitored. The second task is to increase resources in the area of disease prevention and health promotion. Currently the focus is on the treatment and care of individuals with illness or disease. A strong emphasis should also be placed on promoting prevention of illness and injury within the community through not only public health offices but also via medical service facilities. Home medical care should be established and medical testing centers should be located as an ordinary service level. Also, reduced medical costs for the physically handicapped, cardiac patients, and mentally ill or handicapped patients should be considered.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.163-177
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate clinical prognosis factors of Bell's palsy patients. Methods : The 100 subjects were chosen from 262 patients over 20years old who was diagnosised Bell's palsy through Acupuncture & Moxibustion and ENT medical specialist after visiting the hospital within 8days of onset of peripheral facial palsy and after Oriental-Western Medicine Treatment, recovered completely or had over three months cares because of incomplete recovery Oriental-Western Medicine Treatment included Acupuncture Treatment, Herb med treatment, medicines treatment, Physical therapy and Electrodiagnostic Test was operated after 7 to 10days after outbreaks of the disease. Clinical prognosis factors were analyzed using House-Brackmann grading system(HBGS) as a measurement of the degree of Facial Palsy. Collected data were analyzed as Chi-Square test, ANOVA test, Independent-Samples t-test regression analysis using SPSS 12.0 WIN Program. Results : 1. There was a significant difference in the results of treatment according to site of palsy, degree of initial palsy, time of initial recovery and existence of recovery after 3weeks from onset as clinical prognosis factors of Bell's Palsy, However, a statistically significant difference was not shown in the results of treatment according to gender, age, existence of Post Auricular Pain, Hypertension, Diabetes and existence of relapse. 2. As a result of overall treatment, 85% of patients were recovered almost entirely and 15% were not recovered completely. 3. There was a significant difference in the onset of Post Auricular Pain and duration of Post Auricular Pain according to the degree of Post Auricular Pain. 4. There was a significant difference in the degree of initial palsy and degree of palsy after 3weeks from onset according to the existence of Post Auricular Pain. However, a statistically significant difference was not shown in the period of time until initial treatment, The time of initial recovery, (H-B), The period from onset to recovey, ENoG value. Conclusions : Based on the above results, prognosis of Bell's palsy was affected by degree of initial palsy, time of initial recovery and existence of recovery after 3weeks from onset.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1981.05a
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• pp.6-7
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• 1981

With the improvement of living standard and educational level of the people, there is an increasing awareness about the dangers of toxic substances and lethal drugs. In addition to the above, the governmental control of these substances has led to a progressive decrease in the accidents with corrosive substances. However there are still sporadic incidences of suicidal attempts with the substances due to the unbalance between the cultural development in society and individual emotion. The problem is explained by the fact that there is a variety of corrosive agents easily available to the people due to the considerable industrial development and industrialization. Salzen(1920), Bokey(1924) were pioneers on the subject of the corrosive esophagitis and esophageal stenosis by dilatation method. Since then there had been a continuing improvement on the subject with researches on various acid(Pitkin, 1935, Carmody, 1936) and alkali (Tree, 1942, Tucker, 1951) corrosive agents, and the use of steroid (Spain, 1950) and antibiotics. Recently, early esophagoscopic examination is emphasized on the purpose of determining the way of the treatment in corrosive esophagitis patients. In order to find the effective treatment of such patients in future, the authors selected 96 corrosive esophagitis patients who were admitted and treated at the ENT department of Severance hospital from 1971 to March, 1981 to attempt a clinical study. 1. Sex incidence……male: female=1 : 1.7, Age incidence……21-30 years age group; 38 cases (39.6%). 2. Suicidal attempt……80 cases(83.3%), Accidental ingestion……16 cases (16.7%). Among those who ingested the substance accidentally, children below ten years were most numerous with nine patients. 3. Incidence acetic acid……41 cases(41.8%), lye…20 cases (20.4%), HCI……17 cases (17.3%). There was a trend of rapid rise in the incidence of acidic corrosive agents especially acetic acid. 4. Lavage……57 cases (81.1%). 5. Nasogastric tube insertion……80 cases (83.3%), No insertion……16 cases(16.7%), late admittance……10 cases, failure…4 cases, other……2 cases. 6. Tracheostomy……17 cases(17.7%), respiratory problems(75.0%), mental problems (25.0%). 7. Early endoscopy……11 cases(11.5%), within 48 hours……6 cases (54.4%). Endoscopic results; moderate mucosal ulceration…8 cases (72.7%), mild mucosal erythema……2 cases (18.2%), severe mucosal ulceration……1 cases (9.1%) and among those who took early endoscopic examination; 6 patients were confirmed mild lesion and so they were discharged after endoscopy. Average period of admittance in the cases of nasogastric tube insertion was 4 weeks. 8. Nasogastric tube indwelling period……average 11.6 days, recently our treatment trend in the corrosive esophagitis patients with nasogastric tube indwelling is determined according to the finding of early endoscopy. 9. The No. of patients who didn't given and delayed administration of steroid……7 cases(48.9%): causes; kind of drug(acid, unknown)……12 cases, late admittance……11 cases, mild case…9 cases, contraindication……7 cases, other …8 cases. 10. Management of stricture; bougienage……7 cases, feeding gastrostomy……6 cases, other surgical management……4 cases. 11. Complication……27 cases(28.1%); cardio-pulmonary……10 cases, visceral rupture……8 cases, massive bleeding……6 cases, renal failure……4 cases, other…2 cases, expire and moribund discharge…8 cases. 12. No. of follow-up case……23 cases; esophageal stricture……13 cases and site of stricture; hypopharynx……1 case, mid third of esophagus…5 cases, upper third of esophagus…3 cases, lower third of esophagus……3 cases pylorus……1 case, diffuse esophageal stenosis……1 case.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.29-39
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• 2001

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate and compare the growth, blood pressure, and s-cholesterol of urban and rural students in Korea. Methods: April 1999, We examined the students' health of a boys high school and a girls high school in a urban area - Jeonju, Korea.(boys were 317, girls were 343). And we also examined the students' health of a high school in a rural area - Gimje, Korea.(boys were 33, girls wee 36). Height, body-weight, Body Mass Index(BMI)I, blood pressure, and s-cholesterole were checked and compared between two groups. Results and Conclusion: The mean of height in urban students was $165.25{\pm}7.79cm$, and that in rural students was $163.77{\pm}8.72cm$. There was no significant difference stastically between two groups. The mean of body-weight in urban students $(57.78{\pm}10.51kg)$ was significantly higher than that in rural students $(54.71{\pm}10.11kg)$)(p<0.05). The mean of body mass index(BMI) in urban students $(21.12{\pm}3.27kg/m2)$ was significantly higher than that in rural students $(20.30{\pm}2.69kg/m2)$(p<0.05). Obese students $(BMI{\geq}27)$ were 31(4.70%) in urban students, 3(4.35%) in rural students. The mean of systolic blood pressure in rural students $(114.99{\pm}9.50mmHg)$ was significantly higher than that in urban students $(111.89{\pm}12.42mmHg)$(p<0.05) The mean of diastolic blood pressure in rural students$(75.72{\pm}9.90mmHg)$ was very significantly higher than that of urban students $(68.45{\pm}9.40mmHg)$(p<0.001). Hypertensives (${\geq}138/86mmHg\;in\;boys,\;{\geq}130/83mmHg$ in girls) were 28(4.24%) in urban students, 13(18.84%) in rural students. The mean of s-cholesterol in urban students was $174.95{\pm}32.28mg/dL$, and that in rural students was $176.81{\pm}33.18mg/dL$. There was no significant difference stastically between two groups. Hypercholesterolemias (${\geq}198mg/dL$ in boys, ${\geq}212mg/dL$ in girls) were 130(19.70%) in urban students, 14(20.89%) in rural students. These results suggest that there are differences in body weight, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure between urban and rural students and that it is necessary to consider these differences in health examination.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.648-661
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• 2018

Purpose: Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in pollinosis patients caused by raw fruits and vegetables and is the most common food allergy in adults. However, there has been no nationwide study on PFAS in Korea. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PFAS in Korea. Methods: Twenty-two investigators participated in this study, in which patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma with pollen allergy were enrolled. The questionnaires included demographic characteristics, a list of fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. Pollen allergy was diagnosed by skin prick test and/or measurement of the serum level of specific IgE. Results: A total of 648 pollinosis patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7% (n = 270). PFAS patients exhibited cutaneous (43.0%), respiratory (20.0%), cardiovascular (3.7%) or neurologic symptoms (4.8%) in addition to oropharyngeal symptoms. Anaphylaxis was noted in 8.9% of the PFAS patients. Seventy types of foods were linked to PFAS; e.g., peach (48.5%), apple (46.7%), kiwi (30.4%), peanut (17.4%), plum (16.3%), chestnut (14.8%), pineapple (13.7%), walnut (14.1%), Korean melon (12.6%), tomato (11.9%), melon (11.5%) and apricot (10.7%). Korean foods such as taro/taro stem (8.9%), ginseong (8.2%), perilla leaf (4.4%), bellflower root (4.4%), crown daisy (3.0%), deodeok (3.3%), kudzu root (3.0%) and lotus root (2.6%) were also linked to PFAS. Conclusions: This was the first nationwide study of PFAS in Korea. The prevalence of PFAS was 41.7%, and 8.9% of the PFAS patients had anaphylaxis. These results will provide clinically useful information to physicians.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.240-247
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• 2001

The effect of microsparged aeration in mammalian cell bioreactor on the oxygen transfer rate and cell viability was studied. The microspargers with differ- ent micron-sized pores were used to supply oxygen to the medium. The oxygen transfer coefficients (k$_{L}$a) measured in the bioreactor were markedly increased, which is due to the increase of the contacting area between air bubbles and liquid medium when the pore size of microsparger decreases. When the impellers of two different types (square-pitch marine impeller and $45^{\circ}$ pitched flat blade impeller) were used for agitation, the k$_{L}$a values were slightly higher with the marine impeller than with the blade impeller. The detrimental effect of direct gas sparging with microsparger on mammalian cells was investigated in bubble columns with various air flow rates and different pore sized microspargers. The first-order cell death rate constant ($k_{d}$ /7) was shown to be directly proportional to the air flow rate and inversely proportional to the pore size. During the cultivation of hybridoma cells using microsparger with the pore size of $0.57\mu$m in the mammalian cell culture bioreactor, the continuous sparging caused the cell death and suppressed the cell growth. However, cells grew normally and cell viability was maintained above 90% in the logarithmic phase when the air was intermittently sparked in order to maintain the dissolved oxygen level above 20%.