PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, contact history, and status of tuberculosis contact investigations in school-age children and adolescents with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at two centers. METHODS: This study was conducted with 54 patients in the age ranging from 10 to 18 years, who were diagnosed with pulmonary TB at the Pusan National University Hospital and Pusan National University Children's Hospital, January 2008 to December 2012. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 16 years old; 11 patients were aged 10 to 14 and 43 patients were aged 15 to 18. Among 54 patients, 19 had history of contact with pulmonary TB, 10 had contact with house members (household), and remaining 9 had contact with classmates (non-household). One out of 10 patients who had household contacts and 6 out of 9 patients who had non-household contacts were evaluated with contact investigation after the exposure to pulmonary TB. Among 7 patients who were evaluated with contact investigation, 3 were diagnosed with active pulmonary TB, 1 had latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and 3 had no evidence of TB or LTBI. The median period of diagnosis after the exposure to active pulmonary TB was 2 years in patients with household contacts and 0.23 years in patients with non-household contacts. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that if the contact investigation conducted properly, it would be helpful for early diagnosis and prevention of pulmonary TB.
Adolescent* ; Busan ; Child* ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Latent Tuberculosis ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of uncertainty, hope and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. METHOD: The subjects of the study were 113 breast cancer patients treated at 3 university hospitals in Daegu and Busan from June 1 to September 30, 2003. Uncertainty was measured by the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS), Hope was measured by Nowotny's Hope Scale, and quality of life by Ro's Korean Quality of Life(QOL). Data was analyzed with the SPSS program by t-test, ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis. RESULT: The scores of uncertainty were negatively correlated with hope and QOL(all p's<0.05). Uncertainty revealed that there was a negative correlation among subitems of hope such as confidence, relationship with others, possibility of future, and inner motivation(r=-.333, p=.000; r=-.230, p=.015; r=-.260, p=.006; r=-.291, p=.003). Uncertainty also showed a negative correlation among subitems of QOL such as emotional status, self esteem, and relationship with family(r=-.29, p=.004; r=-.326, p=.000; r=-.197, p=.044), whereas hope revealed a positive correlation among subitems of QOL such as emotional status, self esteem, relationship with neighbor, and relationship with family(r=.243, p=.011; r=.487, p=.000; r=.29, p=.001; r=.29, p=.001). The score of uncertainty was low in graduate school students and subjects using problem solving as a coping method. However, the score of hope was high in college students and subjects using a problem solving method, and the score of QOL was high in professionals. CONCLUSION: Based on the study results, breast cancer patients experienced living with uncertainty and maintaining hope. Thus the study's findings can be useful in directing a comprehensive nursing care plan to improve QOL of breast cancer patients.
Adult ; Aged ; *Attitude to Health ; Breast Neoplasms/nursing/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Middle Aged ; *Quality of Life ; *Uncertainty

No abstract available.
Anemia, Megaloblastic* ; Megaloblasts* ; Primary Myelofibrosis*

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of conventional corneal cross-linking in patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods: A total of 18 eyes of 9 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were analyzed retrospectively. One eye was diagnosed with progressive keratoconus and conventional corneal crosslinking was performed. The other eye was classified as non-progressive and remained untreated. All patients were assessed with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum keratometry (Kmax), mean keratometry (Kmean), corneal astigmatism, and corneal thickness. Clinical data were collected before the procedure and at 1, 3, 6 months and 1 to 10 years after the procedure. Results: The BCVA significantly improved from 0.63 ± 0.18 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.46 ± 0.25 logMAR at 10 years after conventional corneal crosslinking (p = 0.027). The Kmax and Kmean decreased from 65.90 ± 9.43 D and 52.82 ± 5.16 D to 62.83 ± 8.16 D and 51.52 ± 5.18 D, respectively (p = 0.021, p = 0.028, respectively). Corneal astigmatism decreased from 6.97 ± 2.21 D to 5.53 ± 1.64 D (p = 0.008). The thinnest corneal thickness decreased from 435.11 ± 53.37 μm to 369.22 ± 64.00 μm 1 month after the procedure (p = 0.008), and gradually improved over time. At 10 years, the thinnest corneal thickness increased to 410.11 ± 61.32 μm (p = 0.097). In the untreated eyes, the mean keratometry significantly increased after 4 years of follow-up, but other factors did not change significantly. Although corneal opacity persisted for up to 10 years in 3 eyes of the treatment group, there was no significant difference of BCVA compared to the treated eyes without corneal opacity (p = 0.714). Conclusions In patients with progressive keratoconus, conventional corneal crosslinking is a safe and effective procedure that suppresses long-term progression.

Purpose: To report a case of combination therapy with interferon β1b (IFN-β1b) and mitomycin-C (MMC) for recurrent ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).Case summary: A 72-year-old female presented with a white mass at the medial conjunctiva of the right eye. A gelatinous, nodular white lesion was observed near the medial limbus of the right eye. On histological examination, it was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. A white nodule was found at the resection site 1 year after the resection. IFN-β1b (1 mIU/mL) and 0.02% MMC were administered daily with a diagnosis of recurrent OSSN. IFN-β1b was instilled four times a day for 1 month, while MMC was instilled four times a day for 4 weeks. After 1 month of the combination treatment, the lesion disappeared. MMC was stopped, while IFN-β1b was reduced to twice daily instillation, maintained for 1 month, and then stopped. On examination 12 months after discontinuation of the combination treatment, there were no recurrences or drug-related complications. Conclusions Combination therapy with IFN-β1b and MMC for recurrent OSSN after surgical resection was relatively safe with no major complications.

In the present study, we examined whether four grains including adlay (AD), buckwheat (BW), glutinous barley (GB), and white rice (WR) affect the duration of food residence in the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic enzyme activities in rats fed different combinations of the grains. The rats were raised for 4 weeks on a high fat diet based on the American Institute of Nutrition-93 (AIN-93G) diets containing 1% cholesterol and 20% dietary lipids. Forty male rats were divided into four groups and raised for 4 weeks with a diet containing one of the grains. Corresponding to the dietary fiber contents of the experimental grains, gut transit time was shortest in the rats fed GB and increased in the order of BW, AD, and WR. In addition, the accumulated shortest transit time occurred in the GB group. Gut transit time affected weight gain and major organ weight, as it was closely related to the absorption of nutrients. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in liver was higher in rats fed WR, AD, BW, and GB, indicating that the other grains decreased oxidative stress in vivo more than WR. Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase levels in the AD, BW, and GB groups were significantly higher than those in the WR group. In conclusion, reduced colonic transit time has been implicated in reducing the incidence of colon cancer, as evidenced by populations consuming diets rich in fiber. Whole grains such as AD, BW, and GB may contribute to a significant supply of antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress if they are consumed in large amounts.
Absorption ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; Edible Grain ; Cholesterol ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat ; Dietary Fiber ; Fagopyrum ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Glutathione ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Glutathione Transferase ; Hordeum ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Male ; Obesity ; Organ Size ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Thiobarbiturates ; Weight Gain

BACKGROUND: In order to treat obese individuals, control of caloric intake after determination of patient's energy expenditure and recommendation of exercise program with possible use of specific medication is advised. There are many limitations in measuring all individuals energy expenditure by calorimetry, thus estimation is made using many variables such as weight, height, age, and gender. But, commonly used equations to predict resting energy expenditure(REE) are thought to result in overestimation of energy expenditure for use with obese individuals. This study investigated difference between measured and predicted resting energy expenditure in obese individuals. METHODS: Subjects were 133 adults who were admitted either to Internal Medicine Department and ENT Department of Yeung Nam University Hospital and their resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry. According to age, sex, smoking habits and body mass index, Measured REE by indirect calorimetry between groups was compared. Predicted REE estimated by 6 equations to measured REE was compared in the two groups by body mass index 27kg/m2 under 65 years old individuals. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of measured REE between groups according to smoking habits(p>0.05). In the older group(> or =65 years old), REE was lower compared to the younger groups(<65 years old)(p<0.05). In the obese group(body mass index>27kg/m2) measured REE was higher than the normal weight group(BMI<27kg/m2)(p<0.05). Among 108 individuals under 65 years old, other equation except for Fleish equation and Robertson and Reid equation were inaccurate when applied to the obese group. CONCLUSIONS: These commonly used prediction equations tend to overestimate the REE in obese individuals, and the best estimates for the obese seem to be derived from the Fleish and Robertson and Reid equations.
Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Calorimetry ; Calorimetry, Indirect* ; Energy Intake ; Energy Metabolism* ; Humans ; Internal Medicine ; Obesity ; Smoke ; Smoking

PURPOSE: To compare MRI appearance between plicae syndrome and normal plicae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 60 cases of arthroscopically-confirmed plicae syndrome and 18 of arthroscopically-proven normal plicae were retrospectively analyzed. Sagittal T2-weighted MR images in all cases and MPGR(200) in 37 cases of plicae syndrome were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: On the basis of operatingresults, we observed 55 medial plicae, eight combined medial and suprapatellar plicae, four suprapatellar plicae,and one lateral plica. T2-weighted sagittal MR scans of the 60 cases demonstrated 37 medial plicae, 8 suprapatellar and one lateral plica. Joint effusion was found in 26 cases of 55 medial plicae. In T2-weighted sagittal MR scans, the identification of medial plicae was superior in the presence of joint effusion than its absence(plicae syndrome, p < 0.001 ; normal plicae group, p < 0.05). Medial plicae were well demonstrated onMPGR(200) axial images; on T2-weighted sagittal MR scans, they could be more frequently identified in the plicae syndrome group than in the normal control group(p < 0.001). Plicae syndrome-associated pathology included degenerative change of the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle in eight cases(14.5%), discoidmeniscus in nine(16.4%), lateral meniscus tear in 12(21.8%), medial meniscus tear in 21(38.1%), anterior cruciate ligament tear in three(5.5%), medial collateral ligament tear and osteochondritis dissecans in one case. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that synovial plicae were well demonstrated in T2-weighted sagittal images, particularly on the presence of joint effusion. Medial plicae could be more frequently identified in the plicae syndrome group than in the normal control group, especially on T2-weighted sagittal MR scans.
Cartilage, Articular ; Collateral Ligaments ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Menisci, Tibial ; Osteochondritis Dissecans ; Pathology

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 80 eyes with macular edema associated with BRVO. Patients received either 0.5 mg of ranibizumab (n = 24) or 1.25 mg of bevacizumab (n = 56) intravitreally. Both groups received three initial monthly injections followed by as-needed injections. The best-corrected visual acuity, central subfield thickness, mean number of injections, and retreatment rate were evaluated monthly for 6 months after the initial injection. RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.55 ± 0.26 at baseline to 0.24 ± 0.26 at 6 months in the ranibizumab group (p < 0.001) and from logMAR 0.58 ± 0.21 at baseline to 0.29 ± 0.25 at 6 months in the bevacizumab group (p < 0.001), which is not a statistically significant difference (p = 0.770). The mean reduction in central subfield thickness at 6 months was 236 ± 164 µm in the ranibizumab group (p < 0.001) and 219 ± 161 µm in the bevacizumab group (p < 0.001), which is not also a statistically significant difference (p = 0.698). The mean numbers of ranibizumab and bevacizumab injections were 3.25 ± 0.53 and 3.30 ± 0.53, respectively (p = 0.602). In addition, after the three initial monthly injections, the retreatment rates for ranibizumab and bevacizumab injections were 20.8% and 26.7%, respectively (p = 0.573). CONCLUSIONS: Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab were effective for the treatment of BRVO and produced similar visual and anatomic outcomes. In addition, the mean number of injections and the retreatment rates were not significantly different between the groups.
Bevacizumab* ; Humans ; Macular Edema* ; Ranibizumab* ; Retinal Vein Occlusion* ; Retinal Vein* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Retreatment ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity

The aim of this study was to evaluate surface characteristics and biological properties of the dentin-derived hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium substrate. Dentin-derived HA was obtained from extracted human teeth using a calcination method at 850degrees C. The commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti, ASTM Grade II) was used as a metallic substrate and a radio frequency magnetron sputtering method was employed as a coating method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were utilized to investigate the coating aspects and composition. Atomic forced microscopy (AFM) and a surface profiler were used to assess the surface morphology and roughness. Corrosion tests were performed in phosphate-buffered saline at a 36.5 +/- 1degrees C in order to determine the corrosion behavior of the uncoated and coated specimens. The biocompatibility of dentin-derived HA coated specimens with fetal rat calvarial cells and human gingival fibroblasts was assessed by SEM and cell proliferation analysis. The results showed that the dentin-derived HA coatings appeared to cover thinly and homogeneously the surfaces without changing of the titanium substrate. The EDX analysis of this the coating surface indicated the presence of Ca and P elements. The mean surface roughness of cp-Ti and dentin-derived coating specimens was 0.27 microm and, 1.7 microm, respectively. Corrosion tests indicated a stable passive film of the dentin-derived HA coating specimens. SEM observations of fetal rat calvarial cells and human fibroblast cells on coated surfaces showed that the cells proliferated and developed a network of dense interconnections. The cells on all specimens proliferated actively within the culture period, showing good cell viability. At day 1 and 3, dentin-derived coating specimens showed 89% and 93% cell viability, respectively, when normalized to cp-Ti specimens. These results suggest that dentin-derived HA coating using the RF magnetron sputtering method has good surface characteristics and biocompatibility.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Corrosion ; Durapatite ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Microscopy ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Rats ; Titanium ; Tooth