OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of low dose gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a) therapy combined with high dose human menopausal gonadotrpin(hMG) following estrogen & progesteron therapy for poor responders. METHODS: From May 1997 to Feb 1999, 36 patients who were defined as poor responders on previous consecutive two and more superovulation cycles were randomly allocated to lowdose GnRH-a short protocol with high dose hMG protocol pretreated with estrogen & progesterone(E/P therapy)(n=16)(study group) and the clomiphene citrate with hMG(n=20)(control group). All patients were planned to undergone in-vitro- fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer(ET) after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH). RESULTS: Two groups were similar with respect to clinical features and basal FSH and E2 levels. The mean level of E2 on day 5, 304.3+/-148.ng/ml in study group was significantly higher than that in control group, 182+/-34.9ng/ml. The mean levels of E2 on hCG day was also significantly higher in study group than control group(1324+/-320ng/ml, vs 414+/-168ng/ml). The mean day of hCG day in study group, 12.3+/-0.3 was shorter than that in control group, 13.8+/-0.4. The concellation rates of cycles were significantly lower in study group than control group(13.2% vs 84.2%). But clinical pregnancy rates did not showed the significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that a lowdose GnRH-a short protocol with high dose hMG pretreated with estrogen & progesterone can improve the ovarian response in poor responder group.
Clomiphene ; Embryonic Structures ; Estrogens ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Humans ; Pregnancy Rate ; Progesterone ; Superovulation

PURPOSE: Congenital Iobar agenesis of the liver is a rare anomaly. We report five cases (three cases of right Iobar agenesis and two cases of left Iobar agenesis) and discuss the radiologic findings of this congenital anomaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July, 1992 and February, 1993, three cases of right Iobar agenesis and two cases of left Iobar agenesis of the liver were diagnosed by means of computed tomography(CT) and/or sonography. MR imging was performed in two patients, cholangiography in two, and digital subtraction angiography in one. RESULTS: The main findings of right Iobar agenesis of the liver were nonvisualization of the right portal vein and absence of liver tissue to the right of gallbladder. The findings of left Iobar agenesis were nonvisualization of left portal vein, absence of liver tissue to the left of the gallbladder, and absence of ligamentum teres. The ancillary finding of the Iobar agenesis was visualization of less than three hepatic veins. CONCLUSION: It is important to consider Iobar agenesis of the liver in differential diagnosis when imaging studies reveal abnormal portal vein branches, unusual position of gallblader, absence of ligamentum teres, and visualization of less than three hepatic veins.
Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Cholangiography ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Gallbladder ; Hepatic Veins ; Humans ; Liver ; Portal Vein

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of dietary factors on the risk of breast cancer in Korean women. METHODS: New histologically proven breast cancer cases (n=108) were selected at Hanyang and Soonchunhyang University Hospitals in Seoul. Controls (n=121) were selected from patients in the Departments of Plastic Surgery, General Surgery and Opthalmology at the same hospitals by frequency matching of age and menopausal status. Informations on demographic, reproductive, and dietary factors were collected by an interviewer. Food intake was assessed by using food frequency questionnaires. The association of dietary factors with breast cancer risk was analyzed using total nutrient intake and food intake based on menopausal status. The statistical analysis was done by using unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for age and other confounding factors. RESULTS: The results were as follows: Breast cancer risk significantly decreased with consumption of the following nutrients: fiber in postmenopausal women, vit C in postmenopausal and total women, and vit E in premenopausal women. However, neither total energy nor fat intake was associated with development of breast cancer. Grape and pepper intake in premenopausal women and kimchi intake in total women were significantly associated with decreasing risk of breast cancer. Overall consumption of vegetables and fruits was associated with decreased breast cancer risk. CONCLUSION: Consumption of vegetables and fruits showed a protective effect in breast cancer risk, but neither the intake of fat nor the intake of protein was associated with breast cancer risk in this study. These findings suggest that the consumption of vegetables, and fruits is a protective factor. Further studies with larger numbers of subjects should be conducted to evaluate the association between breast cancer risk and dietary factors.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Case-Control Studies* ; Eating ; Female ; Fruit ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seoul ; Surgery, Plastic ; Vegetables ; Vitis

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the electromyographic activities of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh, and to measure the angles of the spinal and knee flexions in order to determine the effect of wearing a back belt. METHODS: Fifteen healthy males participated in the study. Surface electromyography was used to measure the level of muscle activities at the two muscle groups. The Simi system, utilizing two-dimensional analysis of movement, was used to examine the range of motion of the back and low extremity. RESULTS: Firstly, the angle of the spinal flexion was significantly less in the back-belt-wearing group than in the control, and that of the knee flexion was significantly increased in the back-belt-wearing group. Secondly, there was no significant change in the electromyographic signals of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh. CONCLUSIONS: The use of back belts helps workers to correct their posture when lifting boxes. It can therefore protect workers from acute back injuries.
Back Injuries ; Electromyography ; Extremities* ; Humans ; Knee ; Lifting* ; Male ; Posture ; Quadriceps Muscle ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Thigh

This study was conducted to assess the effect of nutrition counseling for postoperative female breast cancer patients (N = 38). In baseline survey, we investigated the nutrition parameters by measuring anthropometric and biochemical blood index and assessing nutrient intake using recall method. Individual nutrition counseling was performed 3 times with 2 - 3 weeks intervals. Patients were offered nutrition information related to breast cancer and desirable life style after cancer operation. The effects of counseling program were assessed 2 month later. Of biochemical parameters, serum total cholesterol level was significantly reduced after nutrition counseling program. Nutrient intakes of postoperative breast cancer patients were generally below the RDA level at the baseline survey. After nutrition counseling, mean daily intake of total energy, protein, calcium were significantly elevated. Of dietary habit, meal regularity and control of portion size were improved and fruits and vegetables intake were significantly increased after nutrition counseling. Control of fatty food intake and alcohol drinking were significantly improved after nutrition counseling program. Score of general nutrition knowledge and knowledge about breast cancer, were significantly increased after nutrition counseling from 2.1 to 3.2 and from 2.3 to 3.8, respectively. It can be postulated that the dietary habit and nutrients intake of postoperative breast cancer patients can be improved by individual nutrition counseling program. In further study, the systematic group nutrition counseling program is needed.
Alcohol Drinking ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Calcium ; Cholesterol ; Counseling* ; Diet* ; Eating ; Female ; Food Habits ; Fruit ; Humans ; Life Style ; Meals ; Nutritional Status* ; Portion Size ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vegetables

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption, physical activity and breast cancer risk in Korean women. Newly histologically identified cases (N = 108) were selected at Hanyang and Soonchunhyang University Hospitals in Seoul, from January 1998 to August 1999. Hospital-based controls (n = 121) were the patients who visited at the same hospital in the department of plastic surgery, general surgery and opthalmology. Subjects were asked informations on demographic, reproductive, and history of breast feeding as well as physical activity, exercise habit, alcohol consumption by individual interview. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated by using unconditional logistic regression after adjusted for confounding factors. Among postmenopausal women, the risk of breast cancer increased with increasing alcohol drinking: relative risk for the highest group (> or = 150 g per week) compared with the lowest group (never drinking) was 2.05 (CI=1.74-3.79). Association of exercise and high physical activity for breast cancer appeared to be limited to women with high physical index among postmenopausal women. We observed decreasing risk of breast cancer with increasing physical activity index among postmenopausal women (OR=0.49,95% CI=0.56-0.92). Results of this study support a protective effects of physical activity during adulthood for breast cancer.
Alcohol Drinking* ; Breast Feeding ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Case-Control Studies* ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Motor Activity* ; Odds Ratio ; Seoul ; Surgery, Plastic

During recent years, many robots have been used for rehabilitation therapy and the rehabilitation robots have also advanced considerably. These robots can eliminate the repetitive tasks of the occupational or physical therapist and provide high-intensity and high-dosage training for the patients. In general, the robots used for rehabilitation therapy are classified into therapeutic and assistive robots, and therapeutic robots can be further divided into end-effector and exoskeleton types. In the study, we reviewed the clinical use of robot-assisted therapy as a part of rehabilitation medicine, especially in patients with stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Humans ; Parkinson Disease ; Physical Therapists ; Rehabilitation* ; Robotics ; Stroke

Inadequate dietary intakes and poor health behaviors are of concern among rural residents in Korea. This study is conducted to compare dietary intakes, dietary diversity score (DDS), mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) and health related behaviors by rural, factory and urban areas in Asan. A total of 930 adults (351 men and 579 women) were interviewed to assess social economic status (SES), health related behaviors and food intakes by a 24-hour recall method. Mean age was 61.5 years with men being older (64.8 years) than women (59.3 years, p<0.001). Men in the factory area were older than rural or urban men while urban women were the youngest. Education and income of urban residents were higher than other area residents. There were more current drinkers in urban area while smoking status was not different by regions. Physical activity was significantly higher in rural or factory areas, whilst urban residents exercised more often (p<0.05). Rural or factory area residents considered themselves less healthy than others while perceived stress was lower than urban residents. Energy intakes were higher in urban residents or in men, however, after SES was controlled, energy intake did not show any differences. Energy-adjusted nutrient intakes were significantly higher in the urban area (p<0.05) for most nutrients except for carbohydrate, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, iron and fiber. Sodium intake was higher in factory area than in other areas after SES was controlled. DDS of rural men and MAR of both men and women in the rural area were significantly lower when SES was controlled. In conclusion, dietary intakes, diversity, adequacy and perceived health were poor in the rural area, although other health behaviors such as drinking and perceived stress were better than in the urban area. In order to improve perceived health of rural residents, good nutrition and exercise education programs are recommended.
Adult ; Chungcheongnam-do* ; Drinking ; Education ; Energy Intake ; Female ; Folic Acid ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Iron ; Korea ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Niacin ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Sodium ; Vitamin B 6

Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Food Habits* ; Humans

PURPOSE: The quality of life of patients who have undergone surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus, breast, or lung has been discussed, however, little is known of the results following radical surgery for gastric cancer. We evaluated the quality of life of patients who had undergone radical surgery for gastric cancer and clarified the factors that influenced the quality of life for patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: We surveyed one hundred and thirty seven patients without recurrence of disease or chronic diseases following gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A questionnaire based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 was used to analyse the correlations between six functional scales and nine symptom scales and stage, surgical methods, chemotherapy, and performance status by scoring system. RESULTS: The quality of life following gastrectomy was determined by the stage of the disease at surgery, the surgical method, the application of anticancer chemotherapy, and the patient's own performance status. Patients with more advanced stages had a lower quality of life, and those who underwent total gastrectomy were expected to have a lower quality of life than patients who received subtotal gastrectomy. However there were no differences in the quality of life between patients with gastrojejunostomy and gastroduodenostomy following subtotal gastrectomy. The severity of postoperative weight loss had no influence on the quality of life. Patients undergoing chemotherapy showed higher points in the symptom scale rather than the functional scale. The functional scale and the symptom scale both showed asignificant difference according to the patient's performance status as assessed by the surgeon after a survey of the patient. CONCLUSION: We consider the periodic evaluation of the quality of life following gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer to be useful in obtaining information concerning the patient's postoperative course and in assessing the therapeutic efficiency of the patient.
Breast ; Chronic Disease ; Drug Therapy ; Esophagus ; Gastrectomy ; Gastric Bypass ; Humans ; Lung ; Quality of Life* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Weight Loss ; Weights and Measures