From December 2006 to December 2016, 1,429 patients enrolled in the Korea human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Cohort Study were investigated. Based on the year of diagnosis, the time interval between HIV diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was analyzed by dividing it into 2 years. The more recent the diagnosis, the more likely rapid treatment was initiated (P < 0.001) and the proportion of patients starting ART on the same day of HIV diagnosis was increased in 2016 (6.5%) compared to that in 2006 (1.7%). No significant difference in the median values of CD4+ cell counts according to the diagnosis year was observed. In the past 20 years, the time from the HIV diagnosis to the initiation of ART was significantly reduced. Rapid treatment was being implemented at the HIV diagnosis, regardless of CD4+ cell count. Considering the perspective “treatment is prevention,” access to more rapid treatment is necessary at the time of HIV diagnosis.
CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Cohort Studies ; Diagnosis ; HIV Infections ; HIV ; Humans ; Korea

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb varicose veins (VVs) are common and known to have a higher prevalence among people who work in occupations requiring prolonged standing. In the Republic of Korea, however, VV-related occupational factors have seldom been examined. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VVs among nurses, an occupational group considered to be at high risk of VVs, and determine the occupational risk factors of prolonged standing. METHODS: Between March and August 2014, a questionnaire survey coupled with Doppler ultrasonography was conducted on the nurses working at a university hospital. RESULTS: A total of 414 nurses participated in the survey and diagnostic testing. From the survey analysis and test results, the prevalence of VVs in nurses was estimated to be 16.18%. Significant factors for venous reflux were age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.10], pregnancy (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.17–3.94), and delivery (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08–3.78). The statistical significance of these factors was verified after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.27–9.09). CONCLUSION: Factors significantly associated with venous reflux were increasing age and prolonged working hours (≥ 4 hours) in a standing position (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.08–7.25), even after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors. This study is significant in that an objective diagnosis of VVs preceded the analysis of the risk factors for VV incidence, thus verifying objectively that VVs are associated with occupations requiring prolonged hours of working in a standing position.
Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Humans ; Incidence ; Occupational Groups ; Occupations ; Posture ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence* ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Adjustment ; Risk Factors* ; Ultrasonography, Doppler ; Varicose Veins*

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression and its related factors including quality of life, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vitamin D in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Depression was assessed using the center for epidemiologic studies depression (CES-D) scale. Disease activity, disease-related organ damage, the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), sociodemographic features, and laboratory tests including serum vitamin D level were surveyed. Serum BDNF was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Depression was observed in 22.8% of 180 SLE patients (n=41). Patients with marital status of single/divorced/separated/widowed, a higher patient global assessment (PGA) score, and extreme pain/discomfort showed significant association with depression. The EQ-5D index showed negative correlation with CES-D score (r=-0.56, p<0.05). In each EQ-5D dimension, depression showed significant association with moderate to severe problems in self-care and usual activities, and extreme pain/discomfort. Serum BDNF levels were not associated with depression (p=0.75) but associated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI; r=-0.21, p<0.05). Serum vitamin D levels were not associated with depression (p=0.60) but showed negative correlation with SLEDAI (r=-0.23, p<0.05) and mean glucocorticoid dose over the previous 3 months (r=-0.21, p<0.05) after adjustment for use of vitamin D supplement. CONCLUSION: Depression was prevalent in patients with SLE and was associated with low quality of life, and a higher PGA but not with SLEDAI. Serum BDNF and vitamin D levels were not associated with depression but showed snegative correlation with SLEDAI.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Depression* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Marital Status ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life* ; Self Care ; Vitamin D

OBJECTIVES: Korea is well known for its long work hours amongst employees. Because workers of the manufacturing industry are constantly exposed to extended work hours, this study was based on how long work hours affect their emotional well-being. METHODS: The analysis was done using the secondary Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). Long work hours were defined to be more than 48 hours, and they were subcategorized into units of 52 hours and 60 hours. Based on the WHO (five) well-being index, emotional state was subdivided into three groups - reference group, low-mood group, and possible depression group- where 28 points and 50 points were division points, and two groups were compared at a time. Association between long work hours and emotional state was analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Working for extended working hours in the manufacturing industry showed a statistically significant increase (t test p < 0.001) in trend among the possible depression group when compared to the reference group and the low-mood group. When demographical characteristics, health behaviors, socioeconomic state, and work-related characteristics were fixed as controlled variables, as work hours increased the odds ratio of the possible depression group increased compared to the reference group, and especially the odds ratio was 2.73 times increased for work hours between 48-52 and 4.09 times increased for 60 hours or more and both were statistically significant. In comparing the low-mood group and possible depression group, as work hours increased the odds ratio increased to 1.73, 2.39, and 4.16 times, and all work hours from working 48-52 hours, 53-60 hours, and 60 hours or more were statistically significant. Multinomial logistic regression analysis also showed that among the reference group and possible group, the possible depression group was statistically significant as odds ratio increased to 2.94 times in working 53-60 hours, and 4.35 times in 60 hours or more. CONCLUSIONS: Long work hours have an adverse effect on emotional well-being. A more diversified research towards variables that affect long work hours and emotional well-being and how they interact with each other and their relationship to overall health is imperative.
Depression ; Health Behavior ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Odds Ratio

BACKGROUND: Although multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a well-known disorder caused by environmental exposures, MCS caused by occupational exposure has been reported in Korea. Therefore, we report a MCS case caused by environmental exposure to ignition coal after a differential diagnosis to exclude other diseases. CASE REPORT: Since 2011, a 55-year-old woman had experienced edema, myalgia, and other symptoms when she smelled ignition coal near her workplace. She had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome(FMS) and was treated, with no improvement of symptoms. Since then, she showed the same symptoms after exposure to city gas, the smell of burning, and exhaust gas. To avoid triggering substances, she moved to a new house and used an air purifier. She quit her job in November 2012. After visiting our hospital, she underwent a differential diagnosis for FMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. She was diagnosed with MCS by the Korean version of the Quick Environment Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). She was educated about the disease and to avoid triggering substances. She received ongoing treatment for her symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case showed that symptoms began after smelling ignition coal. After that, her triggers was increased such as the smell of city gas, burning, and exhaust gas. This case is the first reported in Korea of MCS due to environmental exposure after ruling out other diseases.
Air Filters ; Burns ; Coal* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Edema ; Environmental Exposure ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic ; Female ; Fibromyalgia ; Humans ; Korea ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Chemical Sensitivity* ; Myalgia ; Occupational Exposure ; Smell ; Somatoform Disorders

During the search for neuraminidase inhibitors from medicinal fungi, we found that the culture broth of Phellinus linteus exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Solvent partition, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed for purification of two active substances from the culture broth. According to 1H NMR measurements and comparison of HPLC retention times with those of authentic compounds, their chemical structures were identified as hispidin and hypholomine B. Compounds (hispidin) 1 and 2 (hypholomine B) inhibited neuraminidase, with IC50 values of 13.1 and 0.03 microM, respectively.
Chromatography ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Dextrans ; Fungi ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Neuraminidase ; Pyrones ; Retention (Psychology)

Mushrooms collected from Deogyu mountain, Korea, in 2011, were identified as four classes, four orders, 13 families, 22 genera, and 33 species. In particular, agaricales was most abundant and comprised more than 70%. Their antioxidant activities were estimated using three different bioassay methods, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and reducing power assay. As a result, the methanol extracts of Stereum ostrea, Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus, and Tyromyces sambuceus exhibited potent antioxidant activity in all bioassays tested.
Agaricales ; Biological Assay ; Biphenyl Compounds ; Humans ; Korea ; Methanol ; Ostrea ; Picrates

PURPOSE: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation has been suggested as a potential risk factor for renal progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study was performed to evaluate urinary angiotensinogen as a biomarker of renal progression in ADPKD. METHODS: Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > or =30 mL/min/1.73m2 were enrolled in the study. Specimens (blood and urine) and computed tomography (CT) were taken from each subject. The eGFR was calculated by 4-variable MDRD equation and total kidney volume (TKV) was measured from CT images by modified ellipsoid method. Urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) and neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured by ELISA. The concentration of AGT was adjusted with random urine creatinine (Cr). The association between urinary biomarkers, TKV and eGFR were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 59 (M:F=31:28) subjects were enrolled in the study and their mean age was 46 years. The eGFR and TKV at the enrollment were 77.3+/-15.6 mL/min/1.73m2 and 1389.8+/-925.1 mL, respectively. Log AGT/Cr was associated with TKV (r2=0.117, p=0.01) in the earlier stage of disease (TKV<3,000 mL). However, it did not show significant correlation with eGFR. Log NGAL was not associated with either TKV or eGFR. Urinary AGT/Cr was closely related to the number of anti-hypertensive medication, TKV, and the presence of albuminuria, although there was no correlation with plasma renin activity or aldosterone level. CONCLUSION: Urinary angiotensinogen may be a useful biomarker of disease progression in ADPKD patients.
Albuminuria ; Aldosterone ; Angiotensinogen ; Biomarkers ; Creatinine ; Disease Progression ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Kidney ; Lipocalins ; Neutrophils ; Organ Size ; Plasma ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant ; Renin ; Renin-Angiotensin System

Schwannoma (neurilemoma) is a benign nerve tumor derived from the nerve sheath. The most common locations are the flexor surfaces of the extremities, and the head and the neck. Schwannoma of the breast is unusual. To our knowledge, few studies have reported the radiologic appearance of schwannoma in the breast and there has been only one report from Korea (1-3). This tumor can be clinically and radiologically considered to be fibroadenoma, which is a common benign tumor of the breast. We describe the mammographic and sonographic findings of a case of schwannoma in the breast.
Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Extremities ; Fibroadenoma ; Head ; Korea ; Neck ; Neurilemmoma* ; Ultrasonography

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of the Patient Severity Classification Tool by examining the correlations between the APACHE III and the Patient Severity Classification Tool and to propose admission criteria to the ICU. The instruments used for this study were the APACHE III developed by Knaus and thePatient Severity Classification Tool developed by Korean Clinical Nurses Association. Data was collected from the 156 Medical ICU patients during their first 24 hours of admission at the Seoul National University Hospital by three trained Medical ICU nurses from April 20 to August 31 1999. Data were analyzed using the frequency, X2, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Spearman rho. There was statistically significant correlations between the scores of the APACHE III and the Patient Severity Classification Tool. Mortality rate was increased as patients classification of severity in both the APACHE III and the Patient Severity Classification Tool scored higher. The Patient Severity Classification Tool was proved to be a valid and reliable tool, and a useful tool as one of the severity predicting factors, ICU admission criteria, information sharing between ICUs, quality evaluations of ICUs, and ICU nurse staffing. 1) This paper was awarded the first prize at the Seoul National Hospital Nursing Department Research Contest.
APACHE* ; Awards and Prizes ; Classification* ; Humans ; Information Dissemination ; Mortality ; Nursing ; Seoul