• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2007

Background: Many diagnostic approaches for defining the definitive cause of pleurisy should be included due to the large variety of diseases resulting in pleural effusion. Although ADA is a useful diagnostic tool for making a differential diagnosis of pleural effusion, particularly for tuberculous pleural effusion, a definitive diagnostic cut-off value remains problematic in Korea. It was hypothesized that ADA multiplied by the Lymphocyte/Neutrophil ratio(L/N ratio) might be more powerful for making a differential diagnosis of pleural effusion. Methods: One hundred and ninety patients, who underwent thoracentesis and treatment in Chung-Ang University Hospital from January, 2005 through to February 2006, were evaluated. The clinical characteristics, radiologic data and the examination of the pleural effusion were analyzed retrospectively. Results: 1. Among the 190 patients, 59 patients (31.1%) were diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy, 45 patients(23.7%) with parapneumonic effusion, 42 patients(22.1%) with malignant effusions, 36 patients(18.9%) with transudate, and 8 patients(4.2%) with empyema. One hundred and twenty one patients were found to have an ADA activity of 1 to 39 IU/L(63.7%). Twenty-nine were found to have an ADA activity of 40 to 75 IU/L(15.3%) and 40 were found to have an ADA activity of 75 IU/L or greater(21.0%). 2. Among the patients with tuberculous pleurisy, 5(8%), 18(30%) and 36 patients(60%) had an ADA activity ranging from 1 to 39 IU/L, 40 to 75 IU/L, and 75 IU/L or greater, respectively. In those with an ADA activitiy 40 to 75 IU/L, 18 patients(62%) had tuberculous pleurisy, 9(31%) had parapneumonic effusion and empyema, and 1(3.4%) had a malignant effusion. 3. In those with an ADA activity of 40 to 75 IU/L, there was no significant difference between tuberculous pleurisy and non-tuberculous pleural effusion(tuberculous pleurisy : 61.3 ${\pm}$ 9.2 IU/L, non-tuberculous pleural effusion : 53.3${\pm}$10.5 IU/L). 4. The mean L/N ratio of those with tuberculous pleurisy was 39.1 ${\pm}$ 44.6, which was significantly higher than nontuberculous pleural effusion patients (p<0.05). The mean ADA x L/N ratio of the tuberculous pleurisy patients was 2,445.7 ${\pm}$ 2,818.5, which was significantly higher than the non-tuberculous pleural effusion patients (level p<0.05). 5. ROC analysis showed that the ADA x L/N ratio had a higher diagnostic value than the ADA alone in the group with an ADA between 40-75 IU/L. Conclusion: The ADA multiplied by the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio might provide a more definitive diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.103-115
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• 2000

The formation of brown-colored precipitates is one of the serious problems frequently encountered in the development and supply of groundwater in Korea, because by it the water exceeds the drinking water standard in terms of color. taste. turbidity and dissolved iron concentration and of often results in scaling problem within the water supplying system. In groundwaters from the Pajoo area, brown precipitates are typically formed in a few hours after pumping-out. In this paper we examine the process of the brown precipitates' formation using the equilibrium thermodynamic and kinetic approaches, in order to understand the origin and geochemical pathway of the generation of turbidity in groundwater. The results of this study are used to suggest not only the proper pumping technique to minimize the formation of precipitates but also the optimal design of water treatment methods to improve the water quality. The bed-rock groundwater in the Pajoo area belongs to the Ca-$HCO_3$type that was evolved through water/rock (gneiss) interaction. Based on SEM-EDS and XRD analyses, the precipitates are identified as an amorphous, Fe-bearing oxides or hydroxides. By the use of multi-step filtration with pore sizes of 6, 4, 1, 0.45 and 0.2 $\mu\textrm{m}$, the precipitates mostly fall in the colloidal size (1 to 0.45 $\mu\textrm{m}$) but are concentrated (about 81%) in the range of 1 to 6 $\mu\textrm{m}$in teams of mass (weight) distribution. Large amounts of dissolved iron were possibly originated from dissolution of clinochlore in cataclasite which contains high amounts of Fe (up to 3 wt.%). The calculation of saturation index (using a computer code PHREEQC), as well as the examination of pH-Eh stability relations, also indicate that the final precipitates are Fe-oxy-hydroxide that is formed by the change of water chemistry (mainly, oxidation) due to the exposure to oxygen during the pumping-out of Fe(II)-bearing, reduced groundwater. After pumping-out, the groundwater shows the progressive decreases of pH, DO and alkalinity with elapsed time. However, turbidity increases and then decreases with time. The decrease of dissolved Fe concentration as a function of elapsed time after pumping-out is expressed as a regression equation Fe(II)=10.l exp(-0.0009t). The oxidation reaction due to the influx of free oxygen during the pumping and storage of groundwater results in the formation of brown precipitates, which is dependent on time, $Po_2$and pH. In order to obtain drinkable water quality, therefore, the precipitates should be removed by filtering after the stepwise storage and aeration in tanks with sufficient volume for sufficient time. Particle size distribution data also suggest that step-wise filtration would be cost-effective. To minimize the scaling within wells, the continued (if possible) pumping within the optimum pumping rate is recommended because this technique will be most effective for minimizing the mixing between deep Fe(II)-rich water and shallow $O_2$-rich water. The simultaneous pumping of shallow $O_2$-rich water in different wells is also recommended.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.85-123
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• 2004

Back ground : Subcutaneous fat area is the main factor involved in replacement disease and arteriosclerosis. Simple weight control is the appropriate medical treatment. It's understood that weight reduction does not only reduce the fat concentrations in blood but also reduces blood pressure, improves glucose levels in diabetes patients and reduces incidents of heart disease. there are several methods for reducing fat in the abdominal region but their effectiveness is not folly understood. one method is electrical stimulation of the problem areas. Method : From May 1st 2002 to October 31st. The 15 subjects who received medical examination were aged between 25 and 53 and were of mixed gender. The subjects were divided into two groups one to received functional electrical stimulation and the other a control group. Using Broca's criterion for judging fat grades. I analysed the differences between the two groups before and after the treatment. Subjects received functional electrical stimulation on the abdominal muscle intensity 50Hz. They received this treatment 4 days a week for 40 minutes a day. In the case of aerobic exercise, at the Treadmill, we used it with the intensity of $75\%$ maximum heart rate (220-age). Result 1)After functional electrical stimulation in the case of male subjects, the weight was reduced 1.93kg, obesity $2.60\%$, fat mass 2.73kg, Percent body fat $4.40\%$, waist circumference 6.53cm, circumference of hips 5.53cm. On the other side, the quality of muscle was increased at the rate of 1.03kg, but it's not attentional level. The subcutaneous fat area was reduced by $26.63cm^2$, the visceral fat area was reduced by $43.00cm^2$, In the female subjects, we can see the reduction of fat grade by $26.63cm^2$, the quantity of body fat by 1.5kg, percent body fat by $1.77\%$, circumference of waist by 4.02cm, circumference of hips by 3.67cm, weight by 1.40kg but was increased 0.72kg at the quantity of muscles. We can see the reduction also in the subcutaneous fat area $24.03cm^2$, the visceral fat area by $25.36cm^2$. 2)After aerobic exercise, on the male subjects, we can see reduction of weight by 3.36kg, obesity by $4.00\%$, fat mass by 2.83kg and we can see increase at the soft lean mass by 2.96kg, but we can see reduction, the percent body fat by $3.03\%$, fat distribution by $0.023\%$, circumference of waist by 3.10cm, circumference of hips by 2.23cm. The female subjects show a reduction in the weight by 2.48kg, percent body fat by $2.20\%$, show an increase in the soft lean mass by 1.54kg. We can see a reduction in the quantity of fat mass by 2.32kg, the percent body fat by $2.80\%$, the circumference of waist by 2.16cm, the circumference of hips by 2.68cm, the fat distribution by $0.016\%$, the subcutaneous fat area by $15.25cm^2$ the visceral fat area by $11.52cm^2$. After aerobic exercise, we can't see the attentional change at the total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol. 3)After the application of functional electrical stimulation and aerobic exercise, in result of measurement on the body ingredient, we could see the weight reduction and increase the quantity of muscle with the male group who exercised aerobic. We can see the attentional rate on the electrical stimulation about abdominal fat rate, circumference of waist, circumference of hips. The other hand, I couldn't see the attentional differences between the two groups in the rate of fatness and quantity of body fat and the rate of body fat. There isn't any attentional difference in the area of fat under skin, on the contrary, There is attentional difference in the fat in the internal organs area at the electrical stimulation site. We can't see the attentional change of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol between electrical stimulation and aerobic exercise. 4)After execution of functional electrical stimulation and aerobic exercise, in result of measurement on change of body ingredient among female objects, We could see weight reduction, increase at muscle quantity in the aerobic exercise group. We could see the attentional differences in the rate of fatness, the rate of abdominal region, the circumference which received electrical stimulation. But, we couldn't see the attentional differences between two groups in the quantity of body fatness, the circumference of hips. The subcutaneous fat area doesn't show the attentional differences. On the Contrary, we could see lots of differences in the visceral fat area of the electrical stimulation group. Conclusion The results show that functional electrical stimulation and aerobic exercise have insignificant differences when if comes to total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Though there is affirmative change in body ingredient after both electrical stimulation and aerobic exercise. Functional electrical stimulation is more effective on the subcutaneous fat area and in changing visceral fat area. There fore. It is concluded that the physical therapy is more effective in the treatment of abdominal fatness.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.367-375
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• 1998

Purpose : Xerostomia is a complication met by almost all patients who have radiotherapy for cancers of head and neck. Many studies for prevention of xerostomia will be necessary. Radiation-induced acute response of salivary glands has been defined as interphase death or apoptosis. Increased intracellular calcium level have an important role in radiation-induced apoptosis. Calcium channel blocker may prevent radiation-induced apoptosis of salivary glands. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of diltiazem known as calcium channel blocker and pentoxifylline with inhibition of inflammatory response on the apoptosis as an acute response of radiation in rat salivary glands. Materials and Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats with about body weight 200-250 g were divided into 5 study groups : control, radiation alone, diltiazem with radiation, pentoxifylline with radiation, and diltiazem and pentoxifylline with radiation. The diltiazen and pentoxifylline were injected intraperitoneally 20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, 30 and 20 mimute before irradiation. respectively. Irradiation was given with a 4 MV linear accelerator. The 1600 cGy of radiation was delivered in a single fraction through a single anterior portal encompassing the entire neck. After 24 h of irradiation, rats were sacrificed and parotid and submandibular glands were removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The quantification of apoptosis was performed by microscopic examination of stained tissue sections at a magnification of 200X and the percentage of apoptotic cell was calculated. Results : On parotid glands, the percentage of apoptosis by radiation alone, diltiazem with radiation, pentoxifylline with radiation, and diltiazem and pentoxifylline with radiation were 1.72$\%$ (8.35/486), 0.64$\%$ (2.9/453), 0.23$\%$ (1.2/516), and 0.28$\%$ (1.1/399), respectively. The apoptosis was markedly reduced in the groups receiving drugs compared with groups receivinge, radiation alone (p<0.05). In serous cell of submandibular glands, the percentages of apoptosis of radiation alone, diltiazem with radiation, pentoxifylline with radiation, and diltiazem and pentoxifylline with radiation were 1.94$\%$ (l1/567), 0.34$\%$ (1.9/554), 0.28$\%$ (1.8/637), and 0.22$\%$ (1.3/601), respectively. In the mucus cell of submandibular glands, the percentages of apoptosis were 0.92$\%$ (5.1/552), 0.41$\%$ (2.5/612), 0.29$\%$ (1.3/455), and 0.18$\%$ (1.0/562), respectively. The apoptosis was markedly reduced in the serous glands (p<0.05), but there was no difference in development of apoptosis in each group of mucus gland. Conclusion : These results suggest that radiation-induced apoptosis of serous cells of salivary glands may be decreased by diltiazem and pentoxifylline administration.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.861-876
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• 1995

This study was carried out to get fundamental information about the normal ultrasonogram of the liver and heart in Korean native cattle and calves. The interventricular septum, left ventricular internal diameter, left ventricular free wall thickness, aortic diameter, left atrial diameter, and right ventricular internal diameter of hear in 10 Korean native calves were determined at 4-5 right intercostal spare by use of ultrasonography. The caudal vena cava, portal vein, gallbladder, liver of 9 Korean native cattle and 10 calves were determined at 12, 11 and 10th intercostal spares by use of ultrasonography. Cursor-directed M-mode and gray-scale, B-mode ultrasonograms were obtained with electronic scanning ultrasound equipment with a 3.5 or 5.0-MHz convex transducer. The results obtained through the experiments were summarized as follows: 1. The result of ultrasonographic examination of the korean native calves' heart 1) Interventricular septum in systole and diastole was 1.23 and 0.81 cm, respectively(vc=28.84, 17.4). 2) Ventricular internal diameter in systole and diastole was 2.50 and 4.91 cm, respectively(vc=17.44, 12.73). 3) Left ventricular free was thickness in systole and diastole was 1.44 and 0.92 cm, respectively(vc=26.85, 23.54). 4) Aortic diameter was 2.69.m, .rspectevely(vc=11.29). 5) Left atrial diameter was 1.82 cm(vc=15.31). 6) Right ventricular internal diameter in systole and diastole was 1.12 and 1.9 cm, respectively(vc=33.71, 24.43). 3. Ultrasonographic measurments of caudal vena cava, portal vein, gallbladder of Korean native calves 1) Dorsal margin of caudal vena cava at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 13.5, 15.3 and 18.1 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 3) Depth of caudal vena cava at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 cm, respectively. 3) Diameter of caudal vena cava at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 11.6, 1.7 and 1.6 cm, respectively. 4) Dorsal margin of portal vein at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 16.2, 18.6 and 21.4 cm, respectively(p<0.01) 5) Depth of portal vein at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal spare was 4.5, 4.4 and 3.9 cm respectively. 6) Diameter of portal vein at the 13, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 2.1, 2.2 and 1.9 cm respectively. 7) Dorsal margin of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 23.6 and 23.9 cm, respectively(p<0.01), 8) Longitudinal diameter of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 7.1 and 5.9 cm, respectively(p<0.05). 9) Transverse diameter of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 2.4 and 2.1 cm respectively(p<0.01). 3. Ultrasonographic measurments of caudal vena cava, portal vein, gallbladder of Korean native cattle 1) Dorsal margin of caudal vena cava at the 12 and 11th intercostal space was 22.2, and 25.4 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 2) Depth of caudal vena cava at the 12 and 11th intercostal space was 103 and 11.1 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 3) Diameter of caudal vena cava at the 12 and 11th intercostal space was 3.1 and 3.0 cm, respectively. 4) Dorsal margin of portal vein at the 12 and 11th intercostal space was 29.3 and 32.9 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 5) Depth of portal vein at the 12 and 11th intercostal space was 9.6, and 9.2 cm, respectively. 6) Diameter of portal vein at the 12 and lith intercostal space was 3.4 and 3.3 cm, respectively. 7) Dorsal margin of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 43.1 and 45.5 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 8) Longitudinal diameter of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 10.1 and 9.4 cm, respectively. 9) Transverse diameter of gallbladder at the 11 and 10th intercostal space was 4.0 and 3.7 cm, respectively. 4, Ultrasonogaphic measurments of dorsal margin, ventral margin, size and angles of the Korean native calves' liver. 1) Dorsal margin of liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 11.0, 9.6, and 12.4 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 2) Ventral margin of liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal spate was 20, 24 and 26.1 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 3) Size of the liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 9.0, 14.6 and 13.8 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 4) Angle of liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 40, 46 and 37, respectively(p<0.01). 5. Ultrasonographic measurmants of dorsal margin, ventral margin, size and anglses of the korean native cattle's liver 1) Dorsal margin of the liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 14.4, 18.2 and 26, 3 cm, respectively. 2) Ventral margin of liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 41.1, 46.4 and 49.3 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 3) Size of the liver at the 12, 11 and 10th intercostal space was 26.8, 28.2 and 23.2 cm, respectively(p<0.01). 4) Angel of liverat the 15, 11 and 10 intercostal space was 41, 40.6 and 35.7, respectively(p<0.05). It was concluded that the ultrasonographic values oletermined in this study can be used as references for the diagnosis of morphologic changes in the hear and liver in korean native calves, and in the liver in korean native rattle.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.237-245
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment results, prognostic factors, and complication rates after high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in patients with uterine cervix cancer who were treated with curative aim. Materials and Methods : Of 269 cervix cancer patients treated at the department of radiation oncology, Samsung Medical Center from September 1994 to July 1998, the 106 who were treated with radical radio-therapy were analyzed. The median age was 61 years (range 22 to 89). All patients except 4 with carcinoma in situ (CIS) were given external beam radiotherapy (range $30.6\~50.4\;Gy$ to whole pelvis) and HDR brachytherapy. The common regimens of HDR brachytherapy were a total dose of $24\~28\;Gy$ with $6\~7$ fractions to point A at two fractions per week. The median overall treatment time was 55 days (range 44 to 104) in patients given both external beam radiotherapy and HDR brachytherapy. Results : Early responses of radiotherapy were evaluated by gynecologic examination and follow-up MRI 1 month after radiotherapy. Treatment responses were complete remission in 72 patients, partial response in 33 and no response in 1. The overall survival (OS) rate of all patients was $82\%,\;and\;73\%$, and the disease free survival (DFS) rate was $72\%,\;and\;69\%$, at 3, and 5 years, respectively. The pelvic control rate (PCR) was $79\%$ at both 3 and 5 years. According to the FIGO stage,3 and 5 year OS were $100\%\;and\;50\%$ in CIS/IA, $100\%\;and\;100%$ in IB, $83\%\;and\;69\%$ in IIA, $87\%\;and\;80\%$ in IIB, and $62\%\;and\;62\%$ in III, respectively. The 3 year OS in 4 patients with stage IVA was $100\%$. Three-year DFS were $80\%$ in CIS/IA, $88\%$ in IB, $100\%$ in IIA, $64\%$ in IIB, $58\%$ in III, and $75\%$ in IVA. Three-year PCR were $100\%$ in CIS/IA, $94\%$ in IB, $100\%$ in IIA, $84\%$ in IIB, $69\%$ in III, and $50\%$ in IVA. By univariate analysis, FIGO stage and treatment response were significant factors for OS. The significant factors for DFS were age, FIGO stage, treatment response and overall treatment time (OTT). For pelvic control rate, treatment response and OTT were significant factors. By multivariate analysis, FIGO stage had a borderline significance for OS (p=0.0825) and treatment response had a borderline significance for DFS (0=0.0872). A total of 14 patients $(13\%)$ experienced rectal bleeding, which occurred from 3 to 44 months (median, 13 months) after the completion of radiotherapy. Conclusion : HDR brachytherapy protocol of Samsung Medical Center combined with properly optimal external beam pelvic irradiation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with uterine cervix cancer. The authors found that OTT of less than 55 days had a positive impact on pelvic control and survival rate.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.29 no.4 s.55
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• pp.785-799
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• 1996

We investigated the 1,004 workers who worked in a automobile factory to study the epidemiologic characterists of dermatoses due to cutting oils. Among the workers, 667(66.4%) answered the questionaire. They are belong to 5 departments of the factory-the Engine-Work(258 workers), Gasoline engine Assembly(210), Diesel engine Assembly(96), Power train Work(86), Power train Assembly(17). We measured the oil mist concentration in air of the departments and examined the workers who had dermatologic symptoms. The results were follows; 1) Oil mist concentration ; Of all measured points(52),9 points(17.2%) exeeded $5mg/m^3$- the time-weighed PEL-and one department had a upper confidence limit(95%) higher than $5mg/m^3$. 2) Dermatologists examined 213 workers. 172 of them complained any skin symptoms at that time - itching(32.5%), papule(21.6%), scale(15.7%), vesicle(12.5%) in order. The abnormal skin site found by dermatologist were palm(29.3%), finger & nail(24.6%), forearm(16.2%), back of hand(8.4%) in order. 3) As the result of physical examination, we found that 160 workers had skin diseases. Contact dermatitis was the most common; 69 workers had contact dermatitis alone(43.1%), 11 had contact dermatitis with acne(6.9%), 10 had contact dermatitis with folliculitis(6.3%), 1 had contact dermatitis with acne & folliculitis, and 1 had contact dermatitis with abnormal pigmentation. Others were folliculitis(9 workers, 5.6%), acne(8, 5.0%), folliculitis & acne (2, 1.2%), keratosis(1, 0.6%), abnormal pigmentation (1, 0.6%), and non-specific hand eczema (47, 29.3%). 4) The prevalence of any skin diseases was 34.0 pet 100 in cutting oil users, and 13.3 per 100 in non- users. Especially, the prevalence of contact dermatitis was 23.0 per 100 in cutting oil users and 23.0 per 100 in non-users. 5) We tried patch test(standard serise, oil serise, organic solvents) on 49 patients to differentiate allergic contact dermatitis from irritant contact dermatitis and found 20 were positive. 6) In a multivariate analysis(independant=age, tenure, kinds of cutting oil), the risk of skin diseases was higher in the water-based cutting oil user and both oil user than non-user or neat oil user(odds ratio were 2.16 and 2.78, respectively). And the risk of contact dermatitis was much higher at the same groups(odds ratio were 5.16 and 6.82, respectively).

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.630-642
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to examine the mortality risk associated with cognitive impairment among the rural elderly. The subjective of study was 558 of 'A Study on the Depression and Cognitive Impairment in the Rural Elderly' of Jung Ae Rhee and Hyang Gyun Jung's study(1993). Cognitive impairment and other social and health factors were assessed in 558 elderly rural community residents. For this study, a Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSEK) was used as a global indicator of cognitive functioning. And mortality risk factors for each cognitive impairment subgroup were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. At baseline 22.6% of the sample were mildly impaired and 14.2% were severely impaired. As the age increased, the cognitive function was more impaired. Sexual difference was existed in the cognitive function level. Also the variables such as smoking habits, physical disorders had the significant relationship with cognitive function impairment. Across a 3-year observation period the mortality rate was 8.5% for the cognitively unimpaired, 11.1% for the mildly impaired, and 16.5% for the severly impaired respendents. And the survival probability was .92 for the cognitively unimpaired, .90 for the mildly impaired, and .86 for the severly impaired respondents. Compared to survival curve for the cognitively unimpaired group, each survival curve for the mildly and the severely impaired group was not significantly different. When adjustments models were not made for the effects of other health and social covariates, each hazard ratio of death of mildly and severely impaired persons was not significantly different as compared with the cognitively unimpaired. But, as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death decreased. Employing Cox univariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, smoking habits, physical disorders. Also when adjustments were made for the effects of other health and social covariates, there was no difference in hazard ratio of death between those with severe or mild impairment and unimpaired persons. And as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death did not decrease. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, physical disorders. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model by sex, at men and women statistically significant variable was only age. For both men and women, also cognitive impairment was not a significant risk factor. Other investigators have found that cognitive impairment is a significant predictor of mortality. But we didn't find that it is a significant predictor of mortality. Even though the conclusions of our study were not related to cognitive impairment and mortality, early detection of impaired cognition and attention to associated health problems could improve the quality of life of these older adults and perhaps extend their survival.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.39-43
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• 2017

Purpose Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a biologic marker of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), produced by normal thyroid tissue or thyroid cancer tissue. Therefore, the Tg values of DTC patients is the most specific indicator for judging whether recurrence occur or whether the remaining thyroid cancer is present. Thyroid cancer is currently the most common cancer in Korea, of which 90% is differentiated thyroid cancer. The number of patients with thyroid disease of this application also increased, and an accurate and prompt results are required. However, the incubation time of the Tg commonly takes about 24 hours in our hospital, and the result reporting time is delayed, and We could not satisfied with the requirements of clinical departments and patients. In order to fulfill these requirements, experiments were conducted by shortening the incubation time between company B's Kit currently in use and company C's Kit used in other hospitals. Through these experiments, we could perform the correlation with the original method and shortening method, and could find the optimum reaction time to satisfy the needs of the departments and the patients, and we will improve the competitiveness with the EIA examination. Materials and Methods In September 2016, we tested 65 patients company B's kit and company C's kit by three incubation ways. First method $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 2hr/2hr, Second method RT shaking 3hr/2hr, Third method 1hr/1hr shaking at $37^{\circ}C$. Fourth method RT shaking 3hr method which is the original method of Company C's Kit. Fifth method, the incubation time was shortened under room temperature shaking 2hr, Sixth method $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 2hr. And we performed and compared the correlation and coefficient of each methods. Results As a result of performing shortening method on company B currently in use, when comparing the Original method of company B kit, First method $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 2hr/2hr was less than Tg 1.0 ng/mL and the ratio of $R^2=0.5906$, above 1.0 ng/mL In the value, $R^2=0.9597$. Second method RT shaking 3hr/2hr was $R^2=0.7262$ less than value of 1.0 ng/mL, $R^2=0.9566$ above than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Third method $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 1hr/1hr was $R^2=0.7728$ less than value of 1.0 ng/mL, $R^2=0.8904$ above than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Forth, Company C's The original method, RT shaking 3hr was $R^2=0.7542$ less than value of 1.0 ng/mL, and $R^2=0.9711$ above than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Fifth method RT shaking 2hr was $R^2=0.5477$ less than value of 1.0 ng/mL, $R^2=0.9231$ above than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Sixth method $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 2hr showed $R^2=0.2848$ less than value of 1.0 ng/mL, $R^2=0.9028$ above than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Conclusion Samples with both values of 1.0 ng/mL or higher in both of the six methods showed relatively high correlation, but the correlation was relatively low less than value of 1.0 ng/mL. Especially, the $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 2hr method of company C showed a sharp fluctuation from the low concentration value of 1.0 ng/mL or less. Therefore, we are planning to continuously test the time, equipment, incubation temperature and so on for the room temperature shaking 2hr method and $37^{\circ}C$ shaking 1hr/1hr of company C which showed a relatively high correlation. After that, we can search for an appropriate shortening method through additional experiments such as recovery test, dilution test, sensitivity test, and provide more accurate and prompt results to the department of medical treatment, It is competitive with EIA test.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 1995

Purpose: Acute febrile illness in children frequently accompanies with abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, even if its etiology is not occured from the gastrointestinal tract. If the etiology of fever was unknown and the fever was accompanied with abdominal symptoms, we should be concerned about whether the etiology of fever was originated from the gastrointestinal tract or interpretated from the abnormality in the gastrointestinal tract. This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasonography in patients with fever and abdominal symptoms. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of abdominal ultrasonographic (US) findings of 60 cases of acute febrile illness with abdominal symptoms at department of Pediatrics, Ulsan Dongang General Hospital during the period from January 1994 to June 1995. Results: The abnormal abdominal US findings obtained were as follows. 1) The abnormal US findings were seen in 56 cases (93.3%). 2) The most common abnormal US finding was the enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in 52 cases (86.7%) 3) The enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes with or without intra-abdominal fluid were seen in 30 cases (50.0%) of a wide variety of illnesses, so their diagnostic values were absent. 4) The enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and splenomegaly with or without ileocecitis were seen in 7 cases. Among them, 4 cases (6.7%) were confirmed as typhoid fever. 5) The US findings in 6 cases of typhoid fever were the enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in all cases (100%), splenomegaly in 4 cases (66.7%), ileocecitis in 1 case (16.7%), enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and splenomegaly in 4 cases (66.7%), enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, splenomegaly and ileocecitis in 1 cases (16.7%). 6) The enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and the abnormalities around the appendix were seen in 7 cases (11.7%), which were confirmed as appendicitis all. 7) The thickening of wall in urinary bladder was seen in 2 cases (3.3%) of acute cystitis and acute hemorrhagic cystitis. 8) The subtle thickening of wall in colon was seen in 1 cases (1.7%) of shigellosis. Conclusions: The enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, splenomegaly and ileocolitis on the abdominal ultrasonography in patients with fever and abdominal symptoms aree suggestive findings of typhoid fever. The enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and the abnormalities around the appendix on abdominal ultrasonography make the rapid diagnosis of acute appendicitis and its complications, when physical examination is difficult in small children and diagnosis of their illnesses is obscure in patients with fever and abdominal pain.