OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer has been the most prevalent female cancer in South Korea since 2001. Early detection of this disease is the most effective strategy for reducing mortality. The objective of this study was to identify factors which could predict advanced stage at diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS: Participants who were initially diagnosed with breast cancer and referred to the Stress Clinic of the Breast Cancer Center at Kyungpook National University Hospital were included. Through a semi-structured interview, the authors investigated psychosocial variables such as the extent of marital and family functioning and emotional-economic family burden as well as sociodemographic and health behavior-, health characteristic- and cancer-related variables. RESULTS: Data were collected from 219 participants. One hundred and twenty(54.8%) subjects were diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer. Variables that were significantly different between the advanced-stage and early-stage groups included : monthly breast self examination(p<0.000), annual mammographic screening(p< 0.000), mode of tumor detection(p<0.000), nature of the first symptoms(p<0.000), time to treatment after di-agnosis(p<0.000), overloaded economic and family burden(p=0.018), marital functioning(p<0.000) and family functioning(p<0.00). Logistic regression analysis indicated that irregular annual mammography screening(OR=7.431 ; 95% CI 2.407-22.944) or a lack of screening(OR=25.299 ; 95% CI 7.855-81.482) and a dysfunctional marital relationship(OR=4.772 ; 95% CI 2.244-10.145) were significantly associated with advanced stage at diagnosis of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We reconfirmed screening behavior to be a risk factor for delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. Our findings also emphasized the importance of psychosocial factors such as marital functioning in early detection of breast cancer. Psychiatric consultation in the area of martial functioning could be beneficial for increasing early detection in breast cancer.
Breast ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Delayed Diagnosis* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Mammography ; Marriage* ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Psychology* ; Risk Factors ; Time-to-Treatment

Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. There have been numerous theories to explain the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy in fallopian tubes. The most commonly held view is that the passage of the fertilized ovum through the fallopian tube is delayed or hindered by chronic inflammation and its sequelae. We designed a study to evaluate the details of histopathologic changes and the location of implantation and how they relate to the clinical history. 182 fallopian tube specimens from patients who had undergone total or partial salpingectomy were examined. A high incidence of non-specific inflammation of plicae and wall of tube (31.9%) and salpingitis isthmica nodosa (12.6%) were observed. Other associated findings included acute salpingitis, complex plicae or complex hyperplasia of tubal epithelium, fibrous adhesion with ovary, endometriosis, and calcification. History of previous ectopic tubal pregnancy was found in 8 cases. The cases with serum beta-HCG value above 2,500 I.U./L (group I, n=97) were more frequently noted in those exhibiting myosalpingeal invasion of trophoblast (67 cases) than in those without invasion (30 cases). Of the 182 tubal pregnancies, 117 (64.3%) cases were found in the ampulla and 47 (25.8%) cases in isthmic location. In 117 ampullary pregnancies, the products of conception were found intraluminally in 71 cases (60.7%), and extraluminally in 34 (29.1%) cases, of which the products of conception were found entirely extraluminal. The products of conception, found both within and outside the tubal lumen, were found in 12 cases (10.2%). Of 47 tubes with isthmic pregnancies, 33 cases were intraluminal (70.2%), 12 cases were extraluminal (25.5%), and two cases were mixed (4.3%). In conclusion, significant histopathologic abnormalities accompany a majority of ectopic tubal pregnancy, and myosalpingeal invasion of trophoblast is correlated with high serum beta-HCG. Thus, it is necessary to confirm not only the ectopic placental tissue but also the accompanying details of the other histopathologic findings or the pathologic evaluation of ectopic tubal pregnancy.
Endometriosis ; Epithelium ; Fallopian Tubes ; Female ; Fertilization ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Incidence ; Inflammation ; Ovary ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Ectopic ; Pregnancy, Tubal* ; Salpingectomy ; Salpingitis ; Trophoblasts ; Zygote

No abstract available.
Adolescent* ; Humans ; Male* ; Psoriasis*

The dose-response of intravenous thiopental (2.5%) for induction of general anesthesia in cesarean section (C/S) patients and in patients with end stage renal disease(ESRD) was studied at seven doses of 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0 mg/kg body weight. Thiopental was injected as an IV bolus into a preexisting IV catheter. Patients were divided into four groups(ESRD-CONTROL, C/S-CONTROL, C/S, and ESRD). Each patient was examined at 60 seconds after injection of thiopental. Presence or absence of verbal command response, lid reflex and trapexius reflex were observed. For each reflex, dose-response curves were analysed using the log probit model to determine ED 50, Ed95 and parallelism. The value of ED50 for verbal command response was lowest in the ESRD patient group (2.2mg/kg) and was similar in the remaining groups(2.5, 2.6mg/kg). The ED50 values for lid and trapezius reflex were lowest in the C/S group(2.9and 4.0mg/kg respectively) and the others had similar values (3.5~3.7mg/kg and 4.7~5.3mg/kg respectively). The ED95 values for trapezius reflex in all patients were distributed between a range of 6.5~9.1mg/kg and this suggests that the usual dose (3~6 mg/kg) is not sufficient to prevent the stress response of tracheal intubation. Also, the results indicate that the dose of thiopental for induction should be reduced because of the increasing sensitivity of the central nervous system with the cesarean section group and the free drug fraction of thiopental in patients with end stage renal disease. Therefore, if a patient with full term pregnancy or renal failure is to be induced with a single injection of thiopental, it is recommended to reduce the rate of injection.
Anesthesia, General* ; Body Weight ; Catheters ; Central Nervous System ; Cesarean Section* ; Female ; Humans ; Intubation ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Pregnancy ; Reflex ; Renal Insufficiency ; Superficial Back Muscles ; Thiopental*

From May lst to November 30th, 1971, a study was conducted by authors on the health status of industrial workers through applying the modified Cornell Medical Index forwards a total of 4,565 labourers working in Busan City. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The largest number of industries and labourers was in Busanjin Gu, 9 and 2,386 (52.2%), respectively. 2. Total numbers of labourers subjected to the survey were 2,355 (51.6% in male, 2,210(48.4%) in female. 3. By age and sex distribution, the largest was seen with the age group of 25-34, 1,260 in male, otherwise with under the age group of 24, 1,994 in female labourers. 4. The highest average number of complaints by section among all age groups and industries was as follows ; In case of male labourers, textile was the highest with numbering 8.7 (35-39 age group) in the section of physical complaints, in the section of mental and total complaints, food industry was the highest with numbering 8.2 and 16.4, respectively, both under 19 age group, otherwise in case of female labourers, food industry was the highest with numbering 12.3 (physical), 10.3(mental) and 22.7 (total complaints) with all in 20-24 age group. 5. The lowest average number of complaints by section among all age groups and industries was as follows; In case of male labourers, other industry was the lowest with numbering 0.4 (55and over) in the physical, 0.3 (19and under) in the mental and 0.7 (55and over) in the section of total complaints, otherwise incase of female labourers, basic metal was the lowest in the all sections with all in 50-54 age groups.
Busan ; Cornell Medical Index ; Female ; Food Industry ; Humans ; Male ; Sex Distribution ; Textiles

From May lst to November 30th, 1971, a study was conducted by authors on the health status of industrial workers through applying the modified Cornell Medical Index forwards a total of 4,565 labourers working in Busan City. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The largest number of industries and labourers was in Busanjin Gu, 9 and 2,386 (52.2%), respectively. 2. Total numbers of labourers subjected to the survey were 2,355 (51.6% in male, 2,210(48.4%) in female. 3. By age and sex distribution, the largest was seen with the age group of 25-34, 1,260 in male, otherwise with under the age group of 24, 1,994 in female labourers. 4. The highest average number of complaints by section among all age groups and industries was as follows ; In case of male labourers, textile was the highest with numbering 8.7 (35-39 age group) in the section of physical complaints, in the section of mental and total complaints, food industry was the highest with numbering 8.2 and 16.4, respectively, both under 19 age group, otherwise in case of female labourers, food industry was the highest with numbering 12.3 (physical), 10.3(mental) and 22.7 (total complaints) with all in 20-24 age group. 5. The lowest average number of complaints by section among all age groups and industries was as follows; In case of male labourers, other industry was the lowest with numbering 0.4 (55and over) in the physical, 0.3 (19and under) in the mental and 0.7 (55and over) in the section of total complaints, otherwise incase of female labourers, basic metal was the lowest in the all sections with all in 50-54 age groups.
Busan ; Cornell Medical Index ; Female ; Food Industry ; Humans ; Male ; Sex Distribution ; Textiles

PURPOSE: To investigate the immunologic effect of the gasless laparoscopic procedure, we compared it with an immunologically effective, gas insuffulated (pneumoperitoneal) laparoscopic procedure. METHODS: The temporal immune responses in two similar groups of patients randomized to gas vs gasless laparo scopic cholecystectomy were analyzed. The patients were matched by age, weight, and operation time. Immune parameters, including serum white blood cell count and TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-6, IL-8, cortisol and ESR levels, were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 3 between the two groups. Also during the operations, cytokines were checked in cultured peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) Serum cortisol and ESR levels were not statistically different between the two groups. White blood cell counts were also not statistically different. 2) The preoperative and postoperative day 1 and days 3 serum TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in the two group were not statistically different. However, an immediate decrease cytokine levels was significant in both groups after postoperative day 1. 3) Especially cytokine levels were more increased in cultured peritoneal macro phages than in serum, but difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: From our results the beneficial effects of immunology in a gasless laparoscopic procedure were not different from those in a gas laparoscopic procedure. Rather, immediate preservation of the immune function during the postoperative period was detected in both groups.
Allergy and Immunology ; Bacteriophages ; Cholecystectomy ; Cytokines ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Laparoscopy* ; Leukocyte Count ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; Postoperative Period ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Total or mostly total intestinal aganglionosis is rare and invariably fatal. All patients with aganglionosis involving more than half of the small bowel have died with persistent intestinal obstruction and secondary malnutrition and infection. Recently, we experienced two cases of total colon aganglionosis extending to the middle of the jejunum in triplet. We report the cases with brief review of literatures.
Colon* ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Jejunum ; Malnutrition ; Triplets*

The objectives of this study were to conduct preliminary research to investigate full course meals in Korean style restaurants in order: i) to analyze the nutrient contents of full course meals per servings, and ii) by analyzing the above, to examine the amount and the quality of the foods served in the full course meals by two different types of Korean style restaurants. A total of 27 restaurants participated in this study, 7 restaurants from the luxurious hotels in Seoul and 20 restaurants from the City of Changwon. A key finding was that restaurant patrons tended to overconsume nutrients as compared to the Korean Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), and restaurants generated large amounts of food wastes due to the excess food served. Other findings were as follows: 1) Compared with 1/3 or the Korean RDA, all the nutrients were oversupplied. The average nutrient ratios were about 3.7 times higher than 113 of the Korean RDA in calories, about 9 times higher in proteins, 10 times higher in phosphorus, 7 times higher in Vitamin Bl, and 12 times higher in Vitamin E. 2) Seventy-five percent (n = 20) of the restaurants served within the range of thirty to forty dishes, whereas most of the hotel restaurants (70%) served twenty dishes or fewer. 3) The average carbohydrate: protein: fat (CPF) ratio of caloric nutrients was 40:26:34. This study concluded that: i) Korean style full course meals provide too much food, nutrients, and calories, resulting in an over- or unbalanced nutrient intake, and ii) the Korean style full course meals consisted of a high-protein, high-fat and high-caloric intake, which is similar to a westernized caloric nutrient pattern. Such over -or unbalanced nutrient intake could cause chronic degenerative problems such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate that restaurants serving Korean style full course meals should carefully plan their menus in order to provide their customers with balanced meals. They should also be strongly encouraged to play an active role in improving their customers' nutritional status, as well as reducing the restaurants wastage of food. Lastly, further research should be conducted to improve the quality of the menus in Korean restaurants.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Gyeongsangnam-do* ; Meals* ; Nutritional Status ; Phosphorus ; Recommended Dietary Allowances ; Restaurants* ; Seoul* ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins

No abstract available.
Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* ; Heart Ventricles* ; Pulmonary Atresia*