BACKGROUND: The infection rate of syphilis in married couples has been reported by a few investigators during the 1940s. However, studies on recent trends of that particular aspect of syphilis in married couples have not yet been done. OBJECTIVE: We therefore studied the infectivity of T. pallidum and recent trends of conjugal syphilis by observing the spouses of patients with untreated syphilis. METHODS: Couples married for more than 1 year who visited Yonsei Medical Center from 1983 to 1990 for syphilis were entered into this study. We observed the infection rate among spouses of 224 index patients (defined as, between husband and wife, the one who was the first to be diagnosed to have syphilis) who were not treated for syphilis. Syphilis was diagnosed on the basis of physical examination, history of extramarital sexual contacts, and the results of VDRL, TPHA, FTA-ABS, and 19S(IgM)-FTA tests. RESULTS: Fifty-six wives(48%) of 117 male index patients and 50 husbands (47%) of 107 female index patients had been infected at the time of examination. Among the 224 couples, 106(47%) were both infected and in 118(53%), only either husbands(27%) or wives(26%) were infected. Two spouses(50%) of the 4 first incident patients with primary syphilis, 9(53%) of 17 with secondary syphilis and 23(72%) of 32 with early latent syphilis were infected at the time of examination. CONCLUSION: From our results showing the low infection rates among married couples, even in early syphilis when the infectivity is high, it can be deduced that T. pallidum has only a low infectivity.
Family Characteristics ; Female ; Globus Pallidus ; Humans ; Male ; Physical Examination ; Research Personnel ; Spouses ; Syphilis* ; Syphilis, Latent

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lamivudine, an oral nucleoside analogue, effectively inhibits hepatitis B virus replication and reduces hepatic necroinflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This study investigated the effect and safety of 12 week lamivudine therapy in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: In an open clinical trial, 113 patients with CHB were enrolled. They received 100 mg of lamivudine orally once daily for 12 weeks, and they were followed until 2 weeks after cessation of lamivudine. HBV DNA (by bDNA assay), liver enzymes, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine and CBC were checked at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 14 weeks. Compliance and side effects were evaluated at the same time. RESULTS: After receiving lamivudine 100 mg, serum HBV DNA levels fell rapidly, remaining in 94.3% below baseline values at 2 weeks and 99.8% below baseline values at 12 weeks. Serum HBV DNA was cleared in 75.2% and alanine aminotransferase level (ALT) was normalized in 64.8% at 12 weeks. Cumulative percentage of HBeAg clearance (defined by clearance of serum HBV DNA and HBeAg) was 14.4%. Clearance of HBV DNA was more frequent in patients with lower pretreatment serum HBV DNA and higher ALT. During the treatment periods, adverse effects were negligible and transient. Two weeks after cessation of lamivudine, serum HBV DNA reappeared in 70.6% of responders. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that lamivudine is effective and safe in the treatment of CHB in Korean patients, but further study for adequate duration of treatment is needed because of high recurrence after 12 weeks therapy.
Alanine Transaminase ; Compliance ; Creatine Kinase ; Creatinine ; DNA ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis B, Chronic* ; Hepatitis, Chronic* ; Humans ; Lamivudine* ; Liver ; Recurrence

Forty three cases of the Tetralogy of Fallot for whom palliative surgical treatment was performed at the Department of Thoracic Surgery from January 1962 to October 1971 were reviewed in this study. 1. Sex ratio of the observed patients was 1.9:1, showing relating relatively high incidence on the male patients. 2. The age distribution in the series ranged from 2 to 24 years of age. and 31 patients were under 10 years of age. 3. On the electrocardiogram right ventricular hypertrophy pattern was observed in all of the patients and right axis deviation patern was observed in all except two cases which had dextrocardia and situs inversus visceralis. 4. The so-called "Pentalogy of Fallot" associated with atrial septal defect was observable in 7 cases and one of the pentalogy case had persistent left superior vena cava. Dextrocardia with situs inversus visceralis was observed in two cases. 5. Procedures employed in this series were as follows; Glenn operation in 13 cases, Bakulev operation in 1 cases, Blalock operation in 16 cases, Brock operation in 3 cases, Waterston's operation in 10 cases. 6. The operative mortality was 18.6% (8 cases).;i.e., 2 cases after Glenn operation, 2 cases after Brock operation, 1 case after Blalock operation, and 3 cases during or following Waterston's operation.
Age Distribution ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Dextrocardia ; Electrocardiography ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular ; Incidence ; Male ; Mortality ; Palliative Care* ; Sex Ratio ; Situs Inversus ; Tetralogy of Fallot* ; Thoracic Surgery ; Vena Cava, Superior

PURPOSE: To evaluate the findings and the role of CT in plexiform neuro-fibromatosis of the mediastinum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retropectively reviewed the CT scans of five patients with plexiform neurofibromatosis of the mediastinum. The CT scans were reviewed with attention to the distribution of the lesions, appearance and attenuation of mediastinal lesions, enhancement pattern after intravenous contrast infusion and associated findingssuch as intercostal neurofibroma. RESULTS: In all five patients CT scans demonstrated fusiform low attenuated masses which were oriented longitudinally and extended over multiple contiguous scans along the distribution of major mediastinal nerves. In four patients, mediastinal lesions appeared infiltrative, obliterating adjacent mediastinal fat plane. One patient had well defined fusiform masses along the major mediastinal nerves. Postcontrast enhanced CT scans revealed slight central enhancement in two patient and no contrast enhancement in three patients. Associated findings such as neurofibromas of intercostal nerves and sympathetic trunk, or subcutaneous neurofibromas were detected on CTscans in all five patients. CONCLUSION: Characteristic CT findings of low attenuation masses along the major mediastinal nerves are helpful to differentiate plexiform neurofibromatosis from mediastinal lymphadenopathy and to prevent from misreading as a malignant disease.
Humans ; Intercostal Nerves ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Mediastinum* ; Neurofibroma ; Neurofibromatoses* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

An open trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of isosorbide 5-mononitrate(Elantan(R)) in 30 patients diagnosed as angina pectoris at Pusan national university hospital. Drugs were given 20mg two times daily for 2 to 3 weeks and the results were assessed in terms of effects on anginal pain and untoward side effects experienced during administration of medication. Treament resulted in an overall improvement in 25 patients(83.4%), complete abolition of anginal attacks in 17 patients(56.7%) and reduction in frequency of attacks in 8 patients(26.7%). So called "Nitrated headache" was observed in 5 patients(16.6%) but improved with proceeding of administration in 3 patients. This trial indicates that isosorbide 5-mononitrate should be efficacious as well as tolerated in patients with coronary heart disease.
Angina Pectoris* ; Busan ; Coronary Disease ; Humans ; Isosorbide*

No abstract available.
Anus, Imperforate*

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In cases where bony defects were present, guided bone regenerations have been performed to aid the placement of implants. Nowadays, the accepted concept is to isolate bone from soft tissue by using barrier membranes to allow room for generation of new bone. Nonresorbable membranes have been used extensively since the 1980's. However, this material has exhibited major shortcomings. To overcome these faults, efforts were made to develop resorbable membranes. Guided bone regenerations utilizing resorbable membranes were tried by a number of clinicians. Bio-Gide. is such a bioresorbable collagen that is easy to use and has shown fine clinical results. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological results of guided bone regenerations performed using resorbable collagen membrane(Bio-Gide.) with autogenous bone, bovine drived xenograft and combination of the two. Surface morphology and chemical composition was analyzed to understand the physical and chemical characteristics of bioresorbable collagen membrane and their effects on guided bone regeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bioresorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gide.), Xenograft Bone(Bio-Oss), Two healthy, adult mongrel dogs were used. RESULTS: 1. Bioresorbable collagen membrane is pure collagen containing large amounts of Glysine, Alanine, Proline and Hydroxyproline. 2. Bioresorbable collagen membrane is a membrane with collagen fibers arranged more loosely and porously compared to the inner surface of canine mucosa : This allows for easier attachment by bone-forming cells. Blood can seep into these spaces between fibers and form clots that help stabilize the membrane. The result is improved healing. 3. Bioresorbable collagen membrane has a bilayered structure : The side to come in contact with soft tissue is smooth and compact. This prevents soft tissue penetration into bony defects. As the side in contact with bone is rough and porous, it serves as a stabilizing structure for bone regeneration by allowing attachment of bone-forming cells. 4. Regardless of whether a membrane had been used or not, the group with autogenous bone and Bio-Oss. filling showed the greatest amount of bone fill inside a hole, followed by the group with autogenous bone filling, the group with blood and the group with Bio-Oss. Filling in order. 5. When a membrane was inserted, regardless of the type of bone substitute used, a lesser amount of resorption occurred compared to when a membrane was not inserted. 6. The border between bone substitute and surrounding bone was the most indistinct with the group with autogenous bone filling, followed by the group with autogenous bone and Bio-Oss. filling, the group with blood, and the group with Bio-Oss. filling. 7. Three months after surgery, Bio-Gide. and Bio-Oss. were distinguishable. CONCLUSION: The best results were obtained with the group with autogenous bone and Bio-Oss. filling used in conjunction with a membrane.
Adult ; Alanine ; Animals ; Autografts* ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Substitutes ; Collagen* ; Dogs ; Guided Tissue Regeneration ; Heterografts* ; Humans ; Hydroxyproline ; Membranes* ; Mucous Membrane ; Proline ; Regeneration*

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The success of implants depends on intimate and direct contact of implant material on bone tissue and on functional relationship with soft tissue contact. Creation and maintenance of osseointegration depend on the understanding of the tissue's healing, repairing, and remodeling capacity and these capacities rely on cellular behavior. Altering the surface properties can modify cellular responses such as cell adhesion, cell motility, bone deposition. Therefore, various implant surface treatment methods are being developed for the improved bone cell responses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of osteoblast-like cells to surface- modified titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was composed of four groups. Group 1 represented the electropolished surface. Group 2 surfaces were machined surface. Group 3 and Group 4 were anodized surfaces. Group 3 had low roughness and Group 4 had high roughness. Physicochemical properties and microstructures of the d iscs were examined and the responses of osteoblast-like cells to the discs were investigated. The microtopography was observed by SEM. The roughness was measured by three-dimension roughness measuring system. The microstructure was analyzed by XRD, AES. To evaluate cell responses to modified titanium surfaces, osteoblasts isolated from calvaria of neonatal rat were cultured. Cell count, morphology, total protein measurement and alkaline phosphatase activities of the cultures were examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results were as follows 1. The four groups showed specific microtopography respectively. Anodized group showed grain structure with micropores. 2. Surface roughness values were, from the lowest to the highest, electropolished group, machined group, low roughness anodized group, and high roughness anodized group. 3. Highly roughened anodized group was found to have increased surface oxide thickness and surface crystallinity. 4. The morphology of cells, flattened or spherical, were different from ach other. In the electropolished group and machined group, the cells were almost flattened. In two anodized groups, some cells were spherical and other cells were flattened. And the 14 day culture cells of all of the groups were nearly flattened due to confluency. 5. The number of attached cells was highest in low roughness anodized group. And the machined group had significantly lower cell count than any other groups(P<.05). 6. Total protein contents showed no difference among groups. 7. The level of alkaline phosphatase activities was higher in the anodized groups than electropolished and machined groups(P<.05).
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Count ; Cell Movement ; Edible Grain ; Crystallins ; Osseointegration ; Osteoblasts ; Rats ; Skull ; Surface Properties ; Titanium*

PURPOSE: Recently, allergic disorders in children have increased. The cause of allergic disorders made not clear. Therefore study in aspect of food and nutrition was required to prevent allergic disorders in children, show guide of dietary management. METHODS: This study was done in 78 children with allergy from July, 1997 to September, 1997, investigated family history of allergy and general environment with questionnaire, besides growth levels of children with allergic symptoms, nutrient intakes, eating behavior, and allergy-inducing foods. RESULTS: The results of this study are summarized as follows. 1) Allergic symptoms with a age 2-3 years old were asthma (46%), dermatitis (39%), hypersensitivity skin (7%), urticaria (5%) and rhinitis (5%). At age 4-6 years, asthma was 54%, dermatitis 44%, rhinitis 28%, hypersensitivity skin 10%, and urticaria 3%. Most of the dermatits was caused by unknown etiology, temperature change and house dust mite. Asthma was caused by house dust mite and temperature change. Urticaria was caused by foods and rhinitis was caused by house dust mite. 2) Tomato was the most common food as a cause of allergic disease and peach, mackerel, yoghurt, cheese, and egg were included. Urticaria was provoked mainly by tomato and peach, diarrhea was induced by milk, yoghurt and cheese, vomiting by quail eggs, and swelling lip was induced by tomato. 3) The average daily calory intake was 80% of the RDA at the age of 2-3 years old, 66% at the age of 4-6 year old. Protein and fat intake were similar as RDA. The other nutrients intake at the age of 2-3 and 4-6 years old were 106% and 71% for calcuim, 49% and 52% for iron, 30% and 31% for zinc, respectively. The amount of vitamin intake also lower than RDA for both age groups. CONCLUSION: The average calory intake and other nutrients intake for the children with allergic symptoms were lower than RDA. But they showed relatively normal growth pattern compared with the Korean growth standard. It is necessary to findout the food that provoke the allergic symptoms and make guideline for diet therapy for the children with a various allergic symptoms.
Asthma ; Cheese ; Child* ; Dermatitis ; Diarrhea ; Diet Therapy ; Eggs ; Feeding Behavior ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Iron ; Lip ; Lycopersicon esculentum ; Milk ; Ovum ; Perciformes ; Prunus persica ; Pyroglyphidae ; Quail ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Rhinitis ; Skin ; Urticaria ; Vitamins ; Vomiting ; Yogurt ; Zinc

The principal objective of this study was to evaluate elementary students' awareness of the importance of hand washing, as well as their hand-washing behavior. The data was collected by self-reported questionnaire from 697 students in elementary schools with serving food in a classroom in Busan. Their hand-washing frequency was high, at '3~4 times per day (37.0%)'. 51.0% of the respondents did not wash their hands that often because they were 'not accustomed' to washing their hands, and 35.9% of respondents regarded washing their hands as 'annoying'. The most frequently reported hand washing agent was 'soap and water (71.4%)'. Approximately 95~98% of the respondents always washed their hands after using the bathroom, 87.9% of them washed their hands before eating food, and 86.7% of them washed their hands upon returning home. However, 27.3%, 34.1% and 65.9% of the respondents did not wash their hands after handling money, after eating, and after coughing or sneezing, respectively. Significant factors related to increased hand-washing frequency were gender (p<0.001) and the period of attendance at kindergarten (p<0.05). The mean scores of importance and performance of hand washing were significantly higher for girls than for boys. The group with higher rate (over 4.5/5.0) for the importance of sanitary hand-washing behavior showed significantly higher scores in hand-washing behavior before serving food and before eating than those of the lower rated group (below 4.0/5.0). This study shows that sanitation education is required not only for food handlers but also for students in school foodservices.
Cough ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Eating ; Hand ; Hand Disinfection ; Handling (Psychology) ; Humans ; Sanitation ; Sneezing