Factors Related to Smoking Recurrence within Six-months Smoking Cessation among Employees in Enterprises with Smaller than 300 Workers

Purpose@#The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with smoking relapse within six months after quit attempts among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea. @*Methods@#The analysis was conducted for a total of 194 people who attempted to quit smoking by applying for a smoking cessation support service at the Regional Tobacco Control Center. The data used in the study were extracted from the Smoking Cessation Service Integrated Information System. Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to identify variables associated with smoking relapse within six months’ time period. @*Results@#Smoking relapse rate within six months was 66.0%, and variables associated with relapse included the cases such as carbon monoxide (CO) at the time of registration (HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.10~4.22 for CO ≥20 ppm or more vs.CO ＜10 ppm), the average number of cigarettes smoked per day (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00~1.07), and the number of counseling(HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.54~0.67). @*Conclusion@#Smoking characteristics and counseling showed one of the strongest correlations with relapse within six months. This implies that it is necessary to understand the smoking characteristics and patterns of workers and to provide continuous smoking cessation counseling tailored to individual characteristics for effective smoking relapse prevention.

Fabrication and Characterization of Graphene Oxide-Coated Plate for Efficient Culture of Stem Cells

BACKGROUND@#For stem cell applications in regenerative medicine, it is very important to produce high-quality stem cells in large quantities in a short time period. Recently, many studies have shown big potential of graphene oxide as a biocompatible substance to enhance cell growth. We investigated if graphene oxide-coated culture plate can promote production efficiency of stem cells. @*METHODS@#Three types of graphene oxide were used for this study. They are highly concentrated graphene oxide solution, single-layer graphene oxide solution, and ultra-highly concentrated single-layer graphene oxide solution with different single-layer ratios, and coated on cell culture plates using a spray coating method. Physiochemical and biological properties of graphene oxide-coated surface were analyzed by atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell counting kit, a live/dead assay kit, and confocal imaging. @*RESULTS@#Graphene oxide was evenly coated on cell culture plates with a roughness of 6.4 * 38.2 nm, as measured by SEM and AFM. Young’s Modulus value was up to 115.1 GPa, confirming that graphene oxide was strongly glued to the surface. The ex vivo stem cell expansion efficiency was enhanced as bone marrow-derived stem cell doubling time on the graphene oxide decreased compared to the control (no graphene oxide coating), from 64 to 58 h, and the growth rate increased up to 145%. We also observed faster attachment and higher affinity of stem cells to the graphene oxide compared to control by confocal microscope. @*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrated that graphene oxide dramatically enhanced the ex vivo expansion efficiency of stem cells. Spray coating enabled an ultra-thin coating of graphene oxide on cell culture plates. The results supported that utilization of graphene oxide on culture plates can be a promising mean for mass production of stem cells for commercial applications.

Fabrication and Characterization of Graphene Oxide-Coated Plate for Efficient Culture of Stem Cells

BACKGROUND@#For stem cell applications in regenerative medicine, it is very important to produce high-quality stem cells in large quantities in a short time period. Recently, many studies have shown big potential of graphene oxide as a biocompatible substance to enhance cell growth. We investigated if graphene oxide-coated culture plate can promote production efficiency of stem cells. @*METHODS@#Three types of graphene oxide were used for this study. They are highly concentrated graphene oxide solution, single-layer graphene oxide solution, and ultra-highly concentrated single-layer graphene oxide solution with different single-layer ratios, and coated on cell culture plates using a spray coating method. Physiochemical and biological properties of graphene oxide-coated surface were analyzed by atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell counting kit, a live/dead assay kit, and confocal imaging. @*RESULTS@#Graphene oxide was evenly coated on cell culture plates with a roughness of 6.4 * 38.2 nm, as measured by SEM and AFM. Young’s Modulus value was up to 115.1 GPa, confirming that graphene oxide was strongly glued to the surface. The ex vivo stem cell expansion efficiency was enhanced as bone marrow-derived stem cell doubling time on the graphene oxide decreased compared to the control (no graphene oxide coating), from 64 to 58 h, and the growth rate increased up to 145%. We also observed faster attachment and higher affinity of stem cells to the graphene oxide compared to control by confocal microscope. @*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrated that graphene oxide dramatically enhanced the ex vivo expansion efficiency of stem cells. Spray coating enabled an ultra-thin coating of graphene oxide on cell culture plates. The results supported that utilization of graphene oxide on culture plates can be a promising mean for mass production of stem cells for commercial applications.

Evaluation of root and root canal morphology of elderly Korean patients maxillary molarsusing cone-beam computed tomography / 대한치과보철학회지

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configuration in the Koreanmaxillary first (MM1) and second (MM2) molars by analyzing cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. Materials and methods: Patients undergoing presurgicalCBCT examination were included in the current study. The CBCT images of 1498 MM1 and 1742 MM2 from 1658 Korean patients were assessed to determine the incidenceof a MB2 canal, the types of canal configurations, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configurations. Further, the correlations between the incidence of MB2 canaland age, gender, and tooth position were analyzed. Results: The study population was relatively old (mean age: 66.1 years). The percentage of MB2 canals in MB roots was60.1% and 28.0% in MM1 and MM2, respectively, with the most common configurations being Weine type III in MM1 and Weine type II in MM2. Additionally, the frequencyof a MB2 canal decreased with age in both molars and was higher in men than in women in the MM1 only. Furthermore, root fusion was present in 2.3% and 26.2% of theMM1 and MM2, respectively, whereas C-shaped root canals were observed in 0.4% and 2.7% of the MM1 and MM2, respectively. Conclusion: The MB2 canal was foundmore frequently in the MM1, whereas root fusion and C-shaped root canals were both seen more frequently in the MM2. (J Korean Acad Prosthodont 2020;58:95-102)

Health Indicators Related to Disease, Death, and Reproduction / 예방의학회지

One of the primary goals of epidemiology is to quantify various aspects of a population’s health, illness, and death status and the determinants (or risk factors) thereof by calculating health indicators that measure the magnitudes of various conditions. There has been some confusion regarding health indicators, with discrepancies in usage among organizations such as the World Health Organization the, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CDC of other countries, and the usage of the relevant terminology may vary across papers. Therefore, in this review, we would like to propose appropriate terminological definitions for health indicators based on the most commonly used meanings and/or the terms used by official agencies, in order to bring clarity to this area of confusion. We have used appropriate examples to make each health indicator easy for the reader to understand. We have included practical exercises for some health indicators to help readers understand the underlying concepts.

Health Indicators Related to Disease, Death, and Reproduction / 예방의학회지

One of the primary goals of epidemiology is to quantify various aspects of a population’s health, illness, and death status and the determinants (or risk factors) thereof by calculating health indicators that measure the magnitudes of various conditions. There has been some confusion regarding health indicators, with discrepancies in usage among organizations such as the World Health Organization the, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CDC of other countries, and the usage of the relevant terminology may vary across papers. Therefore, in this review, we would like to propose appropriate terminological definitions for health indicators based on the most commonly used meanings and/or the terms used by official agencies, in order to bring clarity to this area of confusion. We have used appropriate examples to make each health indicator easy for the reader to understand. We have included practical exercises for some health indicators to help readers understand the underlying concepts.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Renal Inflammation in Adriamycin-induced Nephropathy

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ameliorate the renal injury in Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, but the mechanisms underlying their efficacy remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that MSCs increased the survival, recovered body weight loss, and decreased proteinuria and serum creatinine levels in ADR-treated mice. MSCs also prevented podocyte damage and renal fibrosis by decreasing the expression of fibronectin, collagen 1α1, and α-smooth muscle actin. From a mechanistic perspective, MSCs inhibited renal inflammation by lowering the expression of CCL4, CCL7, CCL19, IFN-α/β, TGF-β, TNF-α, and chitinase 3-like 1. In summary, our data demonstrate that MSCs improve renal functions by inhibiting renal inflammation in ADR-induced nephropathy.

C-reactive Protein Concentration Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Mortality in a Rural Korean Population / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, has been widely used as a preclinical marker predictive of morbidity and mortality. Although many studies have reported a positive association between CRP and mortality, uncertainty still remains about this association in various populations, especially in rural Korea. METHODS: A total of 23 233 middle-aged participants (8862 men and 14 371 women) who were free from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and acute inflammation (defined by a CRP level ≥10 mg/L) were drawn from 11 rural communities in Korea between 2005 and 2011. Blood CRP concentration was analyzed as a categorical variable (low: 0.0-0.9 mg/L; intermediate: 1.0-3.0 mg/L; high: 3.1-9.9 mg/L) as well as a continuous variable. Each participant’s vital status through December 2013 was confirmed by death statistics from the National Statistical Office. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent association between CRP and mortality after adjusting for other risk factors. RESULTS: The total quantity of observed person-years was 57 975 for men and 95 146 for women, and the number of deaths was 649 among men and 367 among women. Compared to the low-CRP group, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality of the intermediate group was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.40) for men and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.61) for women, and the corresponding values for the high-CRP group were 1.98 (95% CI, 1.61 to 2.42) for men and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95) for women. Similar trends were found for CRP evaluated as a continuous variable and for cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Higher CRP concentrations were associated with higher mortality in a rural Korean population, and this association was more prominent in men than in women.

Trends in Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea (2000-2012) / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer is one of the major cancers in South Korea. We described the time trends in colorectal cancer incidence in Daejeon, a metropolitan city, and Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam), a rural province, South Korea. METHODS: Using the databases from the Daejeon Cancer Registry (DCR) and the Chungnam Cancer Registry (CCR), age-standardized (to world standard population) rates for incidence (ASRW) were calculated. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was assessed as a trend indicator. The completeness (such as the mortality/incidence ratio) and validity (such as the death certificate only %, microscopic verification %, primary site uncertain %, and age unknown %) were analyzed to examine the data quality of DCR and CCR. RESULTS: Incidence of colorectal cancer showed increasing trend in both sexes. Over the years 2000-2012 in Daejeon, ASRW was increased significantly from 37.2 to 51.7 per 100,000 person-years (AAPC, 3.9%) among men and from 17.1 to 28.4 (AAPC, 3.9%) among women, respectively. In Chungnam, ASRW was also increased from 29.8 to 50.1 per 100,000 person-years (AAPC, 5.1%) among men and from 15.9 to 26.6 (AAPC, 3.2%) among women, respectively. The AAPC for colon cancer was greater than rectal cancer in both Daejeon and Chungnam. The trend of rectal cancer incidence was differ by sex (AAPC in men vs women, 2.7% vs 1.7% in Daejeon; 3.5% vs 0.8% in Chungnam). Indices of completeness and validity showed that the quality control of DCR and CCR was adequate to describe the trends of ASRW. CONCLUSIONS: Both Daejeon and Chungnam have had a rapid increase in colorectal cancer incidence. Monitoring and intervention are required on the risk factors which may contribute to this trend.

The Korean guideline for gastric cancer screening

Despite improvements in treatment modalities, gastric cancer is the second cause of mortality among Korean men and third among females in Korea. Korea implemented a gastric cancer screening program for the general population in 1999. However, the effectiveness and harms of gastric cancer screening using gastric endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series have not been fully evaluated. In an effort to evaluate the screening program, the Korean multidisciplinary expert committee for developing a gastric cancer screening guideline systematically reviewed the evidence regarding the benefits and harms of gastric cancer screening, and developed an evidence-based clinical guideline. There is 'low' level evidence that gastric cancer screening using gastric endoscopy or UGI series can reduce gastric cancer mortality for asymptomatic adults aged between 40 to 74 years. The benefits of gastric cancer screening using gastric endoscopy are substantially higher than its harms, while the benefits of screening with UGI series are moderately higher. We recommend that asymptomatic adults from 40 to 75 years of age undergo biannual gastric cancer screening using gastric endoscopy (recommendation B). Gastric cancer screening using UGI series in asymptomatic adults aged between 40 to 74 years may be recommended based on clinicians' judgment regarding the patient's risk and the patient's preference (recommendation C). There is insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of gastric cancer screening for adults aged between 75 to 84 years (recommendation I). We recommend against gastric cancer screening for adults older than 85 years (recommendation D).

Influencing Factors on Suicide Ideation among High School Students / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to find out the suicide ideation of high school students in urban and rural areas, and especially to research the relationship between suicide ideation, and general characteristics, characteristics of school life, and empirical characteristics of suicide. METHODS: This research targeted four urban and four rural high schools in two cities. The study subjects were 1,114 students in urban area and 968 students in rural area, total 2,082 students. The survey was conducted from July 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009. For statistical analysis, chi-square test, t-test and ANOVA were used for investigating related factors with suicide ideation in urban and rural areas, respectively, with multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that 38.8% of respondents had suicide ideation within 1 year. The percentage of female students (44.8%) was significantly higher than that of male students (33.4%). However, there was no significant difference between urban (38.0%) and rural area (39.9%). The significant influencing factors on suicide ideation in multiple logistic regression were gender [female student OR(odds ratio)=1.80 (95% CI 1.31-2.47) compared with male student] and grade [second year OR=1.40 (95% CI 0.98-2.00), third year OR=2.15 (95% CI 1.49-3.12) compared with first year] in urban area. Those in rural area were gender [female student OR(odds ratio)=2.71 (95% CI 1.23-2.38) compared with male student], economic deterioration [yes OR=1.81 (95% CI 1.24-2.64) compared with no], and grade [second year OR=2.80 (95% CI 1.82-4.32), third year OR=3.84 (95% CI 2.52-5.87) compared with first year]. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed about 40% of high school students had suicide ideation within 1 year. A suicide prevention program may be implemented considering factors related with suicide ideation identified in this study.

A Study on Blood Glucose Level and Self Management among Community Dwelling Type II Diabetes Patients / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among blood glucose, HbA1c, and self management comparing these with general and illness characteristics of subjects with Type II Diabetes living in the community. METHODS: Using a comprehensive survey developed for the study, data were collected from 82 type II diabetes patients who were registered at five community health departments. The variables of self management, blood glucose and HbA1c were assessed by nurses. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics including t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient to compare self management and level of HbA1c by subject's general and illness characteristics and to examine the relationships among variables. RESULTS: About 73.2% of the subjects' HbA1c were 7.0% or higher and 54.9% of subjects' blood glucose were 200 mg/dL or higher. The level of self management was moderate. Most frequently perceived reasons for failure of blood glucose control were dietary failure (32.9%). There was significant relationship between self management and HbA1c(r=-.223, p=.040). The mean score of self management were higher among female (t=-2.37, p=.021), who are not on diabetes medication (t=6.70, p=.011). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive intervention is needed to improve dietary self management, especially for male and those who is on diabetes medication.

Relationship among Life Style, Body Composition, and Bone Mineral Density in Community Dwelling Korean Adults / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship among life style, body composition and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in community dwelling Korean adults. METHODS: Data were collected from 140 adults who participated in a health check-up program at community health departments in D city, Choong-chung providence. Subjects' life style was assessed with a structured interview survey. Body composition analyses were performed by the bioimpedence method and BMD was measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptionmetry. RESULTS: Among the subjects, 39.3% showed normal BMD values, 50.7% were osteopenic and 10% were assessed as osteoporotic. BMD was significantly different by gender, age, education, economic status and BMI. Subjects who had three or more meals/day had higher BMD then who had less than three meals (t=-2.273, p=.026). BMD was not influenced by regular exercise, alcohol consumption, or smoking. In terms of body composition, there was a significant relationship between fat free mass and BMD (r=.172, p=.043). CONCLUSION: Implementing an osteoporosis prevention program would be warrented considering the significant proportion of osteopenic or osteoporotic subjects. Regular eating habit with three meals for adequate nutrition need to be emphasized to prevent further bone loss in this population. Among the body composition, fat free mass seem to be the mostly predicting factor for BMD.

Optimal Waist Circumference Cutoff Values for Metabolic Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria in a Korean Rural Population

The Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO) has defined the waist circumference cutoff value of central obesity as 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the corresponding waist circumference values. A total of 3,508 persons in the Korean Rural Genomic Cohort Study were enrolled in this survey. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to find appropriate waist circumference cutoff values in relation to insulin resistance determined by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), and components of metabolic syndrome. The optimal waist circumference cutoff values were 87 cm for men and 83 cm for women by ROC analysis to HOMA-IR and 86 cm for men and 83 cm for women by ROC analysis to value with more than two components of metaobolic syndrome. By using a BMI > or =25 kg/m2, 86 cm for men and 82 cm for women were optimal waist circumference cutoff values. In this study, we suggest that the most reasonable waist circumference cutoff values are 86-87 cm for men and 82-83 cm for women.

Bone Mineral Density in Prediabetic Men / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: There are many studies regarding the effects of insulin on bone metabolism and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in the setting of diabetes. The effect of prediabetes on BMD is not known. METHODS: A total of 802 men participated in the Korea Rural Genomic Cohort Study (in Geumsan County). According to the results of an oral glucose tolerance test, subjects were classified into normal, prediabetic, and diabetic categories. One hundred twenty-four subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were excluded, leaving 678 subjects for the study inclusion. BMD was estimated with a quantitative ultrasonometer. RESULTS: The average BMD T scores of normal and prediabetic subjects were -1.34 +/- 1.42 and -1.33 +/- 1.30, respectively; there was no significant difference in the BMD T scores between these groups. The BMD T score was inversely associated with age and positively correlated with body weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and HbA1c. On multiple linear regression analysis, low density lipoprotein cholesterol was the only statistically significant variable for prediabetes (beta = 0.007, P = 0.005). On the stepwise regression analysis, age (beta = -0.026, P < 0.001), the body mass index (beta = 0.079, P < 0.001), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (beta = 0.004, P = 0.016) were significant variables for prediabetes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the BMD T score between the normal and prediabetic subjects. Further studies are needed regarding the association of fracture risk and changes in BMD with the development of overt diabetes.

The effects of dental prostheses to the quality of life among the elderly / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: This study has been conducted in order to examine the oral health status and dental prostheses status, and the effects of dental prostheses to the oral health related quality of life among the elderly using social welfare centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, the researcher conducted a questionnaire survey and oral examination of 275 samples of old persons using 7 social welfare centers located in Daejeon metropolitan city. The oral health related quality of life was measured by GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index). RESULTS: 1. The less age and the more education and the more subjective economic status and living with spouse of family status, the higher GOHAI showed. 2. Mean age of first using of removable denture is 62.11 years old and average life cycle of removable denture is 10.76years. 57.5% of study subjects use removable denture and complete denture user of study subjects are 13.8%. 3. In the case that they use fixed prostheses rather than removable ones and in the complete denture they use both sides (upper and lower) rather than single side, showed higher GOHAI. 4. In the case that they showed higher degrees of satisfaction with dental prostheses and can use them always and showed no necessity for new dental prostheses and denture adaptation is good, GOHAI showed higher. CONCLUSION: In order to improve oral health related quality of life among the elderly who have many missing teeth, it is required to restore their masticatory ability to the normal level by restoring the missing teeth which has lost its function through providing proper dental prostheses.

Nationwide Cancer Incidence in Korea, 2003-2005 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To estimate the current cancer burden in Korea, newly diagnosed cancer cases and cancer incidence rates were calculated for the years 2003~2005. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cancer incidence cases and rates were calculated from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated by gender for specified cancer sites in 5-year age groups. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2005, 398,824 cases of cancer were newly diagnosed in Korea (218,856 in men and 179,968 in women). For all sites combined, the crude incidence rate (CR) was 300.0 and 248.2 for men and women and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 297.0 and 191.2 per 100,000, respectively. Among men, five leading cancers were stomach (CR 66.0, ASR 64.2), lung (CR 48.5, ASR 50.3), liver (CR 44.9, ASR 42.1), colon and rectum (CR 37.9, ASR 37.2), and prostate cancer (CR 12.7, ASR 13.8). Among women, five leading cancers were breast (CR 37.3, ASR 29.0), thyroid (CR 36.2, ASR 28.8), stomach (CR 34.1, ASR 25.4), colon and rectum (CR 28.0, ASR 21.1), and lung cancer (CR 17.9, ASR 12.8). In the 0~14-year-old group, leukemia was the most common in both sexes; in the 15~34 group, the most common cancer was stomach cancer for men and thyroid cancer for women; in the 35~64 group, stomach cancer for men and breast cancer for women; among those 65 and over, lung cancer for men and stomach cancer, for women, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cancer incidence rates have increased in recent years, and more cancers are expected to develop as Korea is quickly becoming an aged society. The cancer incidence statistics in this report can be used as an important source to effectively plan and evaluate the cancer control program in Korea.

The Effect of Pulse Rate on the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in the Adults

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases related to the heart rate and the effect of the heart rate on cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 1,603 subjects were selected among males and females from 2,542 adults ages 40-69 years who visited a health promotion center from April, 2004 to April, 2005, excluding 939 adults who were taking medications or had diseases which affected the heart rate and those elderly above the age of 70 years. Past history, present illness, medication history and health status were evaluated using a questionnaire and history taking. Basic physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed the next morning after at least 12 hours fasting. RESULTS: The mean heart rate of male and female adults were 62.5+/-9.03 beats per minute and 64.2+/-8.36 beats per minute, respectively. The mean heart rate was significantly higher in the obesity group assessed by percentage body fat and in the central obesity group assessed by abdominal circumference among males. The mean heart rate was lower in subjects who were regular alcohol drinkers and who exercised regularly among females. In subjects with increasing stage of blood pressure and blood glucose level, the mean heart rate was increased significantly in both males and females. After adjusting for factors affecting hypertension or diabetes, there were increased risks of hypertension with an odds ratio of 1.03 and of diabetes with 1.06, by an increase of 1 beat per minute of heart rate. CONCLUSION: This study showed that indices related to cardiovascular risk factors were increased significantly with increasing heart rate and that the risk of hypertension and diabetes representing cardiovascular diseases was increased even after adjusting for variable index affecting cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is needed that clinicians evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors and underlying diseases, considering high heart rate as an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

National Cancer Incidence for the Year 2002 in Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Since the revised Cancer Act of October 2006, cancer registration was reactivated, based on the Statistics Law. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The incidence of cancer during 2002 was calculated on the basis of the information available from the National Cancer Incidence Database. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated by gender for 18 age groups (0~4, 5~9, 10~14, every five years, 85 years and over). RESULTS: The overall crude incidence rates (CRs) were 269.2 and 212.8 per 100,000 for males and females, and the overall age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were 287.8 and 172.9 per 100,000, respectively. Among males, the five leading primary cancer sites were stomach (CR 62.4, ASR 65.7), lung (CR 45.4, ASR 51.0), liver (CR 43.2, ASR 43.7), colon and rectum (CR 30.7, ASR 32.7), and prostate (CR 8.0, ASR 9.6). Among females, the most common cancer sites were breast (CR 33.1, ASR 26.9), followed by stomach (CR 32.8, ASR 26.0), colon and rectum (CR 23.1, ASR 18.5), thyroid (CR 19.1, ASR 15.7), and uterine cervix (CR 18.2, ASR 14.7). In the 0~14 age group, leukemia was the most common cancer for both genders. For males, stomach cancer was the most common cancer in the 15~64 age-group, but lung cancer was more frequent in men 65 or older. For females, thyroid cancer among the 15~34 age-group, breast cancer among 35~64 age-group and stomach cancer in women 65 years or older were the most common forms of cancer for each age group. The quality indices for the percentage of deaths, by death certificate only, were 4.7% for males and 4.5% for females. CONCLUSIONS: Since the National Cancer Incidence Database was started, the annual percent change of cancer cases increased by 4.8% (4.1% for males, 5.7% for females) during 1999~2002. This value reflects the increase in prostate cancer for males and breast and thyroid cancer in females during 2002. The timely reporting of improved quality of cancer registration is needed for evidence-based decisions regarding cancer control in Korea.

An Epidemiological Survey on the Outbreak of Cholera of Overseas Travelers in Daejeon / 한국역학회지

PURPOSE: This study was coducted to describe the epidemiological, characteristics of the outbreak of cholera of overseas travelers on Aug. 2005 in Daejeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interview using a standard questionnaire and rectal swab were conducted to 15 overseas travelers ,27 persons who contacted with travelers RESULTS: Epidemiological characteristics of the 2005 cholera epidemic of Daejeon are as follows: 1. Isolated species were Vibrio cholerae, O1 El Tor Ogawa. There were 6 culture-proven patients, 4 culture-not proven patients and 2 asymptomatic carriers. There was no case of person to person infection and no fatal cases 2. The sex distribution of cholera patients was equal. The most of cholera patients were at the age of fifties. 3. The duration of diarrhea was 4.4 days. The number of diarrhea per 1day was 5.5. 4. Source of Vibrio cholerae in this outbreak was suggested to be the contaminated food from the overseas traveling to epidemic area, Mandalay, Myanmar on Aug. 8, 2005 CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that the government should be prepared to prevent cholera of overseas travelers effectively. To prevent the outbreak of cholera by chronic carriers, we need to strengthen the monitoring sytem of diarrhoeal diseases.