Study of filariasis to determine important factors involved in its ecology was carried out on Che Ju Island for three consecutive years from 1968 to 1970 in seven villages, three coastal villages and four islets remote from the main island. One village which was located in mountainous area far from the coast was surveyed to serve as control area. About 90% of population inhabiting the study area had at least one blood smear during the three-year period; about one third had three blood smears, and a little over one third had two, and the rest only one examination. Animal and mosquito surveys were carried out at the same period. Followings are the results obtained: All human cases but several had microfilariae identical to the description of B. malayi. The several cases who had morphologically different microfilariae from that of B. malayi need further study for definite conclusion. Five persons randomly sampled from Mf positives and bled every two hours demonstrated nocturnal periodicity between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Human is considered to be only reservoir host for human filariasis in the area since animal survey and experimental exposure to the infective larvae of human filaria species showed failure to infect animals. Microfilaria rate, microfilaria density, prevalence of elephantiasis varied by area and age with correlation, which indicated cumulative process of the parasite by repeated exposure and development of host immunity to certain extent. Clinical manifestation of filariasis (symptom complex and elephantiasis ) taken from history and inspection was low in its prevalence with range of 0.9% 11.8% of total population. Only 5.2% of 517 Mf positives had the clinical manifestation. 24.8% of 109 persons with clinical manifestation had microfilaria; 42.9% with symptom complex only, 23.1% with both symptoms and elephantiasis, and none with elephantiasis only were microfilaria positive. Ae. togoi was the only species infected with the filaria. Mosquito infection rate by area showed positive correlation to the Mf rate and density of human population; where the Mf rate and density were high, the mosquito infection rate also high.
parasitology-helminth-nematoda ; ecology ; epidemiology ; Brugia malayi ; filariasis

A case of the traumatic avulsion of the penis in a 18 year-old male, which was resulted by accident while working in a flour mill, is presented.
Adolescent ; Flour ; Humans ; Male ; Penis*

Venous thromboembolic disease is a frequent complication after total hip arthroplasty. However, in Korea, the low incidence of deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty was reported. In this study, we present the results of 82 consecutive patients(90 hips) who had a cementless total hip replacement with a Anatomic Medullary Locking Component(AML: Depuy, Warsaw, Indiana, USA) between August 1995 and September 1996 at Inha University Hospital, Korea. Postoperatively, none of the patients were treated with any known prophylatic method for deep vein thrombosis except elastic stockings. Both preoperatively and six weeks after surgery, all patients were studied by an radiologist using a portable Doppler ultrasonic velocity detector with a transmission frequency of 5 megahertz. Contrast phlebography was also done in all patients at the same time as the Doppler ultrasound. In addition, coagulation assays, a complete blood count, blood typing, and serum chemical-profile tests were done for all patients. In comparing the results of these laboratory tests from the DVT group and from the non-DVT group, we found that only eight patients(9.8%) out of eighty-two patients had DVT after total hip arthroplasty. Thrombi were found in the superficial femoral vein in five cases and in the common femoral vein in three cases. Though two(2.4%) patients showed suspicious symptoms of pulmonary embolim, their perfusion lung scans were negative. The DVT group show a significantly shorter activated partial thromboplastin time than did the non-DVT group(P<0.05). In addition, the DVT group showed significantly higher serum total protein than the total protein level of the non-DVT group(P<0.01). In this two groups, there was no difference between the results of Doppler ultrasound and the results of contrast phlebography. Consequently, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement arthroplasty in Korean patients is significantly lower than incidence in patients from countries other than Korea. Doppler ultrasound was a non-invasive and the most reliable diagnostic technique for deep vein thrombosis.
Arthroplasty* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* ; Blood Cell Count ; Blood Grouping and Crossmatching ; Femoral Vein ; Humans ; Incidence ; Indiana ; Korea ; Lung ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Perfusion ; Phlebography ; Stockings, Compression ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography* ; Venous Thromboembolism ; Venous Thrombosis*

We examined 984 objects for exercise stress test, using CASE I(computer assisted system for exercise). They exercised according to Bruce's protocol, Among them, the mal were 613 and the female were 371. (Male:Female;17:1) The 5th and 6th decades occupied 61% of total objects. The purpose of test was evaluation of chest pain in 84% of total cases. The most frequent end point of test was dyspnea(42%) and chest pain was observed in 13% of total cases. Most of all objects above 8-9 METS. Positive results of exercise stress tert were obtained in 23%. As complications, ventricular tachycardia occurred in 7 cases, supraventricular tachycardia; 8, high degree VPB's; 6, sudden cardiovascular collapse;15, The complication rate was 0.36% but morbidity and mortality were 0. All complicated cases recoved spontaneously only by rest.
Chest Pain ; Electrocardiography* ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Humans ; Mortality ; Tachycardia, Supraventricular ; Tachycardia, Ventricular

PURPOSE: Perinatal asphyxia occurring in newborn is one of the major causes of acute mortality and chronic neurological disability in survivors. We have studied the relationship between early electroencephalography(EEG) findings and clinical course and neurologic outcome in severe asphyxiated neonates. METHODS: Between the period of July 1999 and June 2002, 25 neonates who were diagnosed with severe perinatal asphyxia(1-minute Apgar score of < or =3 and initial pH is less than 7.2) at NICU in Dongsan Medical Center were enrolled. An EEG was recorded and analyzed within three days of life and divided into two groups - group 1(normal or focal change on EEG) and group 2(generalized abnormal EEG). Between the two groups, clinical courses and neurologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen infants(60%) were group 1 and ten infants(40%) were group 2(polyspikes, burst- suppression, generalized low voltage). Associated maternal disease, days of hospitalization, need for ventilator support, delay of oral feeding and convulsion duration are significantly higher and longer in group 2. Also, poor neurologic outcome(expire, developmental delay) was significantly higher in group 2(60%) than group 1(13.3%). CONCLUSION: Thus, the early neonatal EEG in asphyxiated newborn can be a predictable diagnostic tool in assessment of neurologic outcome.
Apgar Score ; Asphyxia ; Electroencephalography ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infant, Newborn* ; Mortality ; Seizures ; Survivors ; Ventilators, Mechanical

In spite of the many improvements in arthroscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of mild to moderate degree degenerative joint diseases which were resistant to conservative treatment, the results are variable, showing a tendency to decline in therapeutically following the passage of time. Using a 2.1 un holmium: YAG laser we operated on patients with mild to moderate degenerative joint diseases which had not improved through conservative treatment. We evaluated the results of arthroscopic laser surgery for degenerative joint disease and investigated the proper indication and complications of laser surgery. We operated on 28 knees of 28 patients between July 1995 and June 1996. There were 16 females and 12 males. The average follow-up period was 16.3 months and the average age was 54.5 years. Under epidural or general anesthesia, we used arthroscopic tools, including laser, and the laser power was modified according to the type of operation (chondroplasty: 1.0Jx20pulse/sec, meniscectomy: 2.0Jx15pulse/sec, bone drilling: 2.5Jx10 pulse/sec). We used Bauer & Jackson's classification of articular cartilage change, and performed 12 laser chondroplasties in grade II, III, V lesions, 16 chondroplasties and laser bone drilling in grade IV, VI lesions, 16 laser meniscectomies, 6 laser synovectomies and 2 lateral retinacular releases. Medial femorotibial arthritis was the most common site. Postoperative results by Orgilvis-Harris & Fitsialos's methods indicated that 82% of treated patients were satisfied and only two patients (7%) did not improve. As a postoperative complication, eight patients complained of postoperative effusion which was subsided by medication and physical therapy. We performed second-look arthroscopic examinations in four knees that had been treated with laser chondroplasy and drilling. Regenerated tissues at the operated site were observed in three cases, but denuded articular cartilage and naked subchondral bone at the operated site were found in one case as a sign of osteonecrosis. Concluding this short-term study, 2.1 holmium: YAG laser in arthroscopic surgery seems to be effective in mild to moderate degenerative joint disease but care should be taken to avoid thermal injuries to the adjacent normal cartilages.
Anesthesia, General ; Arthritis ; Arthroscopy ; Cartilage ; Cartilage, Articular ; Classification ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Holmium* ; Humans ; Joint Diseases ; Knee Joint* ; Knee* ; Laser Therapy ; Lasers, Solid-State* ; Male ; Osteoarthritis* ; Osteonecrosis ; Postoperative Complications ; United Nations

The health-related habits dietary behaviors and nutrient intakes of the elderly living in Cheongju were investigated by interviews with a questionnaire from August to September in 1996. The responses of 169 free-living elderly aged over 65(male 91, female 78) were analyzed. Thirty-six percent of the subjects smoked currently, 33%, drank alcoholic beverages, and 52% exercise regularly. Exercise was mostly in the from of walking for 1/2-1 hour. Significantly higher proportions of males smoked, drank, and exercised as compared to females. Food groups eaten at every meal were examined on a 5-point scale, and the consumption scores were compared with groups according to sex, age, smoking, drinking, and exercise habits. The elderly who exercised regularly got significantly higher scores in their calcium intakes and the variety of the 6 food groups than the elderly who did not exercise. The dietary assessment data showed that the energy intakes of males and females were 81.9% and 72.8% of the RDAs, respectively. The proportions of the elderly consuming less than 75% of RDAs of vitamin A and calcium were 96.5% and 91.1% of the total subjects, respectively. Higher educational status, more pocket money and regular exercise had positive effects on nutrient intakes, while smoking and drinking among females, but not males, had negative effects. Therefore, to improve nutritional status of the elderly, intake of vitamin A-and calcium-rich food such as milk with regular exercise should be emphasized on the education program.
Aged* ; Alcohol Drinking ; Alcoholic Beverages ; Calcium ; Chungcheongbuk-do* ; Drinking ; Education ; Educational Status ; Female ; Food Habits* ; Humans ; Male ; Meals ; Milk ; Nutritional Status* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Vitamin A ; Vitamins ; Walking ; Surveys and Questionnaires

No abstract available.
Child* ; Humans ; Tuberculosis, Renal*

This study was performed to estimate the quantity of the effects of tobacco price raise on the smoking rate, and the smoking attributable deaths in Korea. The data were collected by questionnaire survey from 538 male office workers. The questionnaire contained items on age, sex, living place, status of education, smoking history, the intention to quit smoking when the tobacco price be raised. The questionnaire were distributed to the offices of enterprises, hospitals, research centers, and public agencies and then collected. Data were analyzed by using the age specific smoking rate, relative risks of eight major smoking related diseases, vital statistics, and the population attributable risk of deaths of smoking males. On the other hand, the impact of the tobacco price raise on the population attributable risk of death due to smoking in Korea was estimated by applying the presumed smoking rate after the price raise. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The smoking rate of male white color workers in large cities was 59.5%. 2. The proportion of male smokers who has the intention to quit smoking when the tobacco price be raised was 61.5%. 3. The proportion of male smokers who has the intention to quit smoking if the price of tobacco be raised was proportional to the degree of increasing tobacco price. It is estimated that if the tobacco price were raised more than four times as now, the presumed smoking rate goes down as low as 26.7%. If the tobacco price be raised 20% each year, presumed smoking rate is 46.2%. 4. The number of attributable male death of smoking estimated by using 8 major smoking related diseases(lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) was 25,863 death each year. That is 20.1% of total age over 20 male deaths. 5. If the tobacco price were raised more than four times as now and all smokers who has intention to quit smoking quits smoking, 12,336 lives, or 47.7% of smoking related deaths could be saved. 6. If the actual practice rate of quitting smoking among male smokers with intention to stop smoking when the price of tobacco be raised is 10%, 25%, or 50%, then the expected decrease of death numbers when the tobacco price were raised more than four times as now can be 1,112, 3,483, 5,796 respectively.
Chronic Disease ; Education ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; Hand ; Humans ; Intention ; Korea ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Smoke* ; Smoking* ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Tobacco* ; Vital Statistics

In order to investigate the recognition of processed foods, use of food labeling, and their influencing factors in adolescents, 277(male 125, female 152) middle school students were conveniently selected from Cheonan city, and were surveyed by self-recording questionnaire on June, 2000. Subjects' parents were also surveyed using the similar questionnaire. Food labels of all 222 processed foods collected from stores around schools, were well labeled in most items, but food additives(35.6%) and the origin of major ingredient(27.0) were not well indicated. The recognition score of processed foods was 55.0 out of a full score 100 in students and 68.5 in parents. The scores of students were positively correlated with those of their parents and with father's education years, while negatively correlated with snacking expenses. The rate of reading food labels was significantly different between students(51.3%) and their parents(89.9%). The main purposes of reading food labels, in case of students, were to check expiry date(93.7%), price(70.4%), and how to eat(46.5%) in order. While in parents, those were to check expiry date(95.6%), additives(59.0%), and manufacturer(45.8%). Similarly, the most three important items in food labels were expiry date, price, and quantity to the students, but to the parents they were expiry date, manufacturer, and ingredient. The most significant reason not to confirm food labels was because of small size and complication of labels. The students who did not read food labels had more snacking money and more frequent snacking, and showed lower recognition score of processed food, compared with the students who read food labels. In conclusion, the students did not well recognise processed foods and only a half of them read food labels at purchasing. The recognition score of processed foods, snacking moneys, and snacking frequency may be influencing factors on the reading of food labels in students. The high recognition of processed food of parents may positively affect the students' recognition, but did not affect directly the reading food labels.
Adolescent ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Education ; Female ; Food Labeling ; Humans ; Parents* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Snacks