No abstract available.
Mass Screening* ; Prospective Studies*

A Clinical observation was made on five patients with ruptured right aortic sinus of valsalva who admitted Soonchunhyang College Hospital during the period of may, 1983-Jan., 1985. 1) Age distribution was from 18 to 46 years and four patients were male and the rest one was female. 2) Chief complaints were dyspnea, chest pain and palpitation. Continuous murmur was heard at third and fourth intercostal space along left sternal border with palpable thrill in all cases. 3) The ECG showed left ventricular hypertrophy in 4 cases and the M mode echocardiogram revealed the increased internal dimesion and the augmented motion of the left ventricle in all cases. The 2 dimensional echocardiogram revealed the aneurysmal sac in the right ventricle in 4 cases. 4) The aortogram by DSA method showed regurgitant flow from aorta to right ventricle in 4 cases. The cardiac catheterization showed a significant oxygen step up in the right ventricle in all cases. 5) Operation was done successfully in all cases, of which ventricular septal defect were in 3 cases and aortic regurgitation was in one case.
Age Distribution ; Aneurysm ; Aorta ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Chest Pain ; Dyspnea ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Male ; Oxygen ; Sinus of Valsalva*

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

PURPOSE: The Mesima-Ex is a kind of biologic response modifier, which is extracted from a mushroom called Phellinus linteus. Mesima-Ex consists of various chemical compounds which include protein bound polysaccharide, mucoprotein, triterpenoid, and quinones. Mesima-Ex exerts its antitumor effects by augmenting host immune response without any toxic side effects. In vitro study, Mesima-Ex seems to potentiates antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cell mediated cytotoxicity (CMI) against tumor cells. We initiated this study to verify antitumor effects of Mesima-Ex as an antineoplastic agent. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection with normal hepatic and renal function were eligible. They were divided into two groups by random number table. One group (N=30: Mesima-Ex group) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-FU (500 mg/m2 weekly), adriamycin (40 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) and Mesima-Ex (6 cap daily per Os). Another group (N=37: control group) received 5-FU and adriamycin only without Mesima-Ex. NK (natural killer cell) activity, ADCC (antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity), CD4 , and CD8 cells were measured and an analysis of disease free survival rate of the two study groups was performed. RESULTS: Sixty seven patients were enrolled in this study. Their median age was 55 years old. NK activity (basal activity: 25%) was enhanced significantly at the 2nd, and 4th months in the Mesima-Ex group (28.9%, 43.4%, p<0.05). ADCC was also enhanced from 37% to 42.1% at the 2nd month in the Mesima-Ex group (p<0.05). The control group did not show any significant change in NK activity or ADCC. The CD4 cell ratio was increased from 37% to 42.1% at the 2nd months in the Mesima-Ex group but not in the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant change in CD8 subsets (p>0.05). There were no toxic side effects more than grade III from Mesima-Ex administration. The two year disease free survival rate was higher in the Mesima-Ex group than that of the control group (77% vs 58%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mesima-Ex can be used safely as an immunomodulator with standard chemotherapeutic agents for purpose of adjuvant chemotherapy. Mesima-Ex was effective in augmenting host immune response in vitro. The Mesima-Ex group showed a higher two year disease free survival rate than that of the control group.
Agaricales ; Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease-Free Survival ; Doxorubicin ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Quinones ; Stomach Neoplasms*

Actinomycosis still poses a problem for correct clinical and radiologic diagnosis. We retrospectively analyzed CT findings in 7 patients with pathologically proven abdominal actinomycosis. Involved areas were the pelvis (n=3), greater omentum (n=2), liver (n=1), and kidney (n=1). CT confirmed the infiltrative nature of the disease with a tendency to invade across tissue plane and boundary. Five of seven cases were predominantly solid mass (pseudotumor) with focal low-attenuation areas while two were predominantly cystic mass with thickened wall. Contrast-enhanced CT showed dense, inhomogeneous contrast enhancement in the wall and/ or solid components of the masses in five. Minimal lymphadenopathy was noted in one case. CT is useful in demonstrating the extent and characteristics of this disease. Despite nonspecific findings, actinomycosis should be included in the differential consideration when CT shows an infiltrative mass with unusual aggressiveness and dense inhomogeneous contrast enhancement in patients with fever, leukocytosis, or long-term use of intrauterine contraceptive devices.
Actinomycosis* ; Diagnosis ; Fever ; Humans ; Intrauterine Devices ; Kidney ; Leukocytosis ; Liver ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Omentum ; Pelvis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

To investigate the developmental changes of human erythrocytes, adult and fetal erythrocyte membranes prepared from adult and cord blood were analyzed in regard to their proteins, glycoproteins, enzyme activities and glucose transport systems. 1. Adult and fetal erythrocyte membranes appeared to have the same major proteins and gl-ycoproteins in the electrophoretic pattern. 2. ATPase activity in adult erythrocyte membranes was lower than that of fetal erythrocyte membranes, whereas adult cholinesterase was higher. No significant change was observed in the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases during development. 3. Glucose uptake was higher in fetal erythrocytes than in adult erythrocytes, suggesting some loss of glucose carrier system during devlopment. The results suggest that the major structural proteins in human erythrocyte membrane relatively unchanged while some functional proteins such as membrane enzymes and carrier proteins in transport systems are markedly changed during development.
Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Adult ; Carrier Proteins ; Cholinesterases ; Erythrocyte Membrane ; Erythrocytes* ; Fetal Blood ; Glucose ; Glycoproteins ; Humans* ; Membrane Proteins* ; Membranes* ; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases