Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening among Women in Korea, 2005–2015

PURPOSE: Consistent evidence indicates that cervical and breast cancer screening rates are low among socioeconomically deprived women. This study aimed to assess trends in cervical and breast cancer screening rates and to analyze socioeconomic inequalities among Korean women from 2005 to 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 19910 women were finally included for analysis. Inequalities in education and household income status were estimated by slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII), along with calculation of annual percent changes (APCs), to show trends in cancer screening rates. RESULTS: Cervical and breast cancer screening rates increased from 54.8% in 2005 to 65.6% in 2015 and from 37.6% in 2005 to 61.2% in 2015, respectively. APCs in breast cancer screening rates were significant among women with higher levels of household income and education status. Inequalities by household income in cervical cancer screening uptake were observed with a pooled SII estimate of 10.6% (95% CI: 8.1 to 13.2) and RII of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3 to 1.6). Income inequalities in breast cancer screening were shown to gradually increase over time with a pooled SII of 5.9% (95% CI: 2.9 to 9.0) and RII of 1.2 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.3). Educational inequalities appeared to diminish over the study period for both cervical and breast cancer screening. CONCLUSION: Our study identified significant inequalities among socioeconomically deprived women in cervical and breast cancer screening in Korea. Especially, income-related inequalities were greater than education-related inequalities, and these were constant from 2005 to 2015 for both cervical and breast cancer screening.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Korea, 2005–2015: After the Introduction of the National Cancer Screening Program

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate inequalities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in Korea and trends therein using the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) across income and education groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annually conducted, nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 17174 men and women aged 50 to 74 years were included for analysis. Prior experience with CRC screening was defined as having either a fecal occult blood test within the past year or a lifetime colonoscopy. CRC screening rates and annual percentage changes (APCs) were evaluated. Then, SII and RII were calculated to assess inequality in CRC screening for each survey year. RESULTS: CRC screening rates increased from 23.4% in 2005 to 50.9% in 2015 (APC, 7.8%; 95% CI, 6.0 to 9.6). Upward trends in CRC screening rates were observed for all age, education, and household income groups. Education inequalities were noted in 2009, 2014, and overall pooled estimates in both indices. Income inequalities were inconsistent among survey years, and overall estimates did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Education inequalities in CRC screening among men and women aged 50 to 74 years were observed in Korea. No apparent pattern, however, was found for income inequalities. Further studies are needed to thoroughly outline socio-economic inequalities in CRC screening.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Stomach Cancer Screening in Korea, 2005–2015: After the Introduction of the National Cancer Screening Program

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in stomach cancer screening in Korea and trends therein across income and education groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, a nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 28913 men and women aged 40 to 74 years were included for analysis. Prior experience with stomach cancer screening was defined as having undergone either an endoscopy or gastrointestinal series within the past two years. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were evaluated to check inequalities. RESULTS: Stomach cancer screening rates increased from 40.0% in 2005 to 74.8% in 2015, with an annual percent change of 5.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2 to 7.5]. Increases in stomach cancer screening rates were observed for all age, education, and household income groups. Inequalities in stomach cancer screening were noted among individuals of differing levels of education, with a pooled SII estimate of 6.14% (95% CI, 3.94 to 8.34) and RII of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.40). Also, income-related inequalities were observed with an SII of 6.93% (95% CI, 4.89 to 8.97) and RII of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.43). The magnitude of inequality was larger for income than for education. CONCLUSION: Both education and income-related inequalities were found in stomach cancer screening, despite a continuous increase in screening rate over the study period. Income-related inequality was greater than education-related inequality, and this was more apparent in women than in men.

Beliefs and Intentions to Undergo Lung Cancer Screening among Korean Males / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been reported as an effective screening method for lung cancer in high-risk populations. We aimed to examine willingness to be screened among Korean males using LDCT and to determine factors associated with lung cancer screening intentions (LCS) based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2015 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, a cross-sectional survey that utilized nationally representative random sampling. The survey included 1,730 male participants 40-74-year-old. Respondents were questioned regarding their willingness to undergo LCS and components of HBM. Factors associated with intentions to undergo screening were explored using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among participants, 65.2% were current smokers. Among high-risk subjects, 60.6% of men reported intentions to undergo LCS, compared to 49.9% of average-risk males. Men with higher perceived susceptibility in the average- and high-risk groups were, respectively, 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 1.91) and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.14 to 4.63) times more likely to intend to undergo LCS compared to those with lower perceived barriers. Also, men in the average- and high-risk groups with higher perceived barriers to screening were, respectively, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.91) and 0.52 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.92) times less likely to intend to undergo LCS compared to those with lower perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: Tailored interventions designed to promote accurate perceptions of susceptibility and risk, as well as to reduce perceived barriers to screening, may effectively increase adherence to recommendations for LCS among high-risk Korean men.

Stages of Adoption for Fecal Occult Blood Test and Colonoscopy Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: While colorectal cancer (CRC) is common in Asian countries, screening for CRC is not. Moreover, CRC screening behaviors in Asian populations remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the stages of adopting CRC screening in Korea according to screening modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2014 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, a cross-sectional survey that utilized nationally representative random sampling to investigate cancer screening rates. A total of 2,066 participants aged 50-74 years were included in this study. Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were applied to determine stages of adoption for fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy and factors associated with each stage. RESULTS: Of 1,593 participants included in an analysis of stage of adoption for FOBT, 36% were in action/maintenance stages, while 18%, 40%, and 6% were in precontemplation, contemplation, and relapse/relapse risk stages, respectively. Of 1,371 subjects included in an analysis of stage of adoption for colonoscopy, 48% were in action/maintenance stages, with 21% in precontemplation, 21% in contemplation, and 11% in relapse/relapse risk stages. Multinomial logistic regression highlighted sex, household income, place of residency, family history of cancer, having private cancer insurance, smoking status, alcohol use, and regular exercise as being associated with stages of adoption for FOBT and colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: This study outlines the distributions of stages of adoption for CRC screening by screening modality. Interventions to improve screening rates should be tailored to individuals in particular stages of adoption for CRC screening by modality.

Development of a Performance Appraisal Tool for Postoperative Anesthesia Care Unit Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a performance appraisal tool (PAT) for postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses. METHODS: This study was a descriptive, non-experimental methodological study. The PAT was developed through a literature review and tests for validity and reliability. RESULTS: Subsequent to a review of the literature on nursing performance of PACU nurse, a 63 item questionnaire was developed. Through factor analysis, 61 items in 3 domains with 8 factors were derived. Cronbach's α coefficient of the final instrument was .99. CONCLUSION: This tool is an efficient PAT for PACU providing meaningful feedback for professional growth in PACU nurses.

Trends in Cancer Screening Rates among Korean Men and Women: Results of the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2013 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide cross-sectional survey, has been conducted annually since 2004. The current study was conducted to report on the trends in screening rates among Korean men and women, and to evaluate policies regarding cancer screening programs implemented to reduce the burden of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study used KNCSS data. The eligible study population included men aged 40-74 years and women aged 30-74 years with no cancer history. The lifetime screening rate, screening rate with recommendation, and changes in annual rates were calculated for five major cancers (i.e., stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervix uteri). RESULTS: The screening rates with recommendation increased by 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7% to 4.8%) annually for stomach cancer, 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1% to 2.4%) for liver cancer, 3.0% (95% CI, 1.8% to 4.1%) for colorectal cancer, 3.7% (95% CI, 2.7% to 4.8%) for breast cancer, and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.8% to 1.8%) for cervical cancer. In 2013, the screening rates with recommendation for stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers were 73.6%, 33.6%, 55.6%, 59.7%, and 67.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both the lifetime screening rates and screening rates with recommendation for the five above-mentioned cancers increased annually from 2004 to 2013.

Responses to Overdiagnosis in Thyroid Cancer Screening among Korean Women / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Communicating the harms and benefits of thyroid screening is necessary to help individuals decide on whether or not to undergo thyroid cancer screening. This study was conducted to assess changes in thyroid cancer screening intention in response to receiving information about overdiagnosis and to determine factors with the greatest influence thereon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were acquired from subjects included in the 2013 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey. Of the 4,100 respondents in the 2013 KNCSS, women were randomly subsampled and an additional face-to-face interview was conducted. Finally, a total of 586 female subjects were included in this study. Intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening was assessed before and after receiving information on overdiagnosis. RESULTS: Prior awareness of overdiagnosis in thyroid cancer screening was 27.8%. The majority of subjects intended to undergo thyroid cancer screening before and after receiving information on overdiagnosis (87% and 74%, respectively). Only a small number of subjects changed their intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening from positive to negative after receiving information on overdiagnosis. Women of higher education level and Medical Aid Program recipients reported being significantly more likely to change their intention to undergo thyroid cancer screening afterreceiving information on overdiagnosis,whilewomen with stronger beliefs on the efficacy of cancer screening were less likely to change their intention. CONCLUSION: Women in Korea appeared to be less concerned about overdiagnosis when deciding whether or not to undergo thyroid cancer screening.

Trends in Cancer Screening Rates among Korean Men and Women: Results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, 2004-2012 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, annual cross-sectional survey, has been conducted since 2004. The current study was conducted in order to report on trends in cancer screening rates for five types of cancer (stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervix uteri). MATERIALS AND METHODS: KNCSS data were collected between 2004 and 2012. The eligible study population included cancer-free men who were 40 years of age and older and women who were 30 years of age and older. The lifetime screening rate, screening rate with recommendation, and changes in annual rates were calculated. RESULTS: Lifetime screening rates and screening rates with recommendation for the five types of cancer rose steadily until 2010, showed a slight drop or were stable in 2011, and increased again in 2012. On average, screening rates with recommendation have shown annual increases of 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6 to 5.0%) for stomach cancer, 0.8% (95% CI, -0.5 to 2.1%) for liver cancer, 2.4% (95% CI, 1.3 to 3.5%) for colorectal cancer, 4.5% (95% CI, 3.9 to 5.1%) for breast cancer, and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0%) for cervical cancer. Disparities in age groups and household incomes have been decreasing since 2004. CONCLUSION: Cancer screening rates in Korea showed a significant increase from 2004 to 2012, and screening rates for gastric and breast cancer are now approaching 70%. The 10-Year Plan for Cancer Control target for screening rates was met or nearly met for all cancer types examined, with the exception of liver and colorectal cancer.

Orthostatic Intolerance Ambulation in Patients Using Patient Controlled Analgesia

BACKGROUND: Opioid analgesics are widely used to reduce postoperative pain and to enhance post-operative recovery. However, orthostatic intolerance (OI) induced by opioid containing intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IPCA) may hinder postoperative recovery. This study investigated factors that affect OI in patients receiving IPCA for postoperative pain control. METHODS: OI was instantly evaluated at the time of first ambulation in 175 patients taking opioid containing IPCA after open and laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomies. Patients were classified as having OI if they experienced dizziness, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, headache, somnolence and syncope. Factors contributing to OI were assessed with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 175 patients, 61 (52.6%) male and 44 (74.6%) female patients experienced OI at the time of first ambulation. The frequency of OI related symptoms were dizziness (97, 55.4%), nausea (46, 26.3%), headache (9, 5.1%), blurred vision (3, 1.7%) and vomiting (2, 1.1%). Significant risk factors for OI were gender (P=0.002) and total amount of opioids administered (P=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of OI is significantly higher in male than in female patients and is influenced by the opioid dose.

Trends in Cancer Screening Rates among Korean Men and Women: Results from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), 2004-2011 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS) is a nationwide survey conducted annually, since 2004. This study was conducted in order to report on trends in rates of cancer screening for five major cancers-stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, and cervix uteri in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data collected by the KNCSS between 2004 and 2011 were used in this study. The eligible study population included cancer-free men who were 40 years old and over, and women who were 30 years old and over. Lifetime screening rate, screening rate with recommendation, and changes in annual rates were calculated. RESULTS: Both lifetime screening rates and screening rates with recommendation have increased since 2004. On average, screening rates with recommendation have shown an annual increase of 4.2% (95% CI, 3.3 to 5.2%) for stomach cancer, 1.1% (95% CI, -0.5 to 2.7%) for liver cancer, 2.2% (95% CI, 0.8 to 3.6%) for colorectal cancer, 4.0% (95% CI, 3.0 to 4.9%) for breast cancer, and 0.2% (95% CI, -0.9 to 1.3%) for cervical cancer. Increases in rates of cancer screening, with the exception of liver and cervical cancers, were significant, and screening rates for stomach and breast cancer in particular showed a marked increase. CONCLUSION: Cancer screening rates among Koreans showed a consistent increase from 2004 to 2011 and rates of screening for gastric, breast, and cervical cancer are approaching 70%.

Career Ladder System Perceived by Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate how nurses perceive the Career Ladder System(CLS). METHODS: This study was a descriptive survey using questionnaires. Questionnaires were developed by an expert group. Participants included 161 nurses working in the Children's Hospital. The data were analyzed using factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, chi-square-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: This study revealed that nurses who advanced in their career ladders have a significantly higher perception of participation in their professional activities and a general comprehension of the CLS more than the nurses who did not advance in their career ladders. However, nurses who advanced in their career ladders have a significantly lower perception of the expected outcome of the CLS more than nurses who did not. CONCLUSIONS: This result showed that nurses who had experienced in clinical advancement and recognition were highly motivated with their professional activities via the CLS as well as they considered it to allow professional growth.

The Determinants of Job Satisfaction of Nurses: Focused on Work Rewards

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of job satisfaction of hospital nurses. The focus was on work rewards. A causal model of job satisfaction of hospital nurses was constructed based on situational perspectives. METHODS: The sample for this study consisted of 505 nurses from 2 general hospitals located in Seoul and Kyeonggi Province, Korea. Data were collected with self-administrated questionnaires and analyzed by hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: All variables except workload were positively correlated with job satisfaction. It was found that three task reward variables (workload, meaning, and participation), two organizational reward variables (security and promotional chances) and one social reward variable (family support) had significant influence on nurses' job satisfaction. The explained variance for job satisfaction was 41.4%. The data further indicate that task rewards were the most significant determinants of nurse job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Theses findings provide strong empirical evidence for importance of task, organizational and social reward variables in explaining job satisfaction of nurses. The model used for this study will be useful for predicting nurse job satisfaction.

Intermittent Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block vs. Continuous Intraarticular Infusion for the Management of Postoperative Pain after Shoulder Surgery

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is a well-known problem following shoulder surgery. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of intermittent interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) compared with that of continuous intraarticular infusion (IAPCA) for the management of postoperative pain after shoulder surgery. METHODS: Fifty seven patients, scheduled for shoulder surgery during general anesthesia, were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group ISBPB (n = 19) received a preoperative interscalene brachial plexus block using 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine followed by insertion of a 20-gauge polyamide catheter. This catheter was connected to a patient-controlled analgesia pump set immediately after surgery to administer a bolus of 0.75% ropivacaine 15 ml at lockout time intervals 8 hours. Group IAPCA (n = 38) received patient- controlled analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine 100 ml (basal rate 2 ml/hr, bolus 0.5 ml, lockout time 15 min). Both groups received intravascular patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl 10? 15 microg/ml (basal rate 1 ml/hr, bolus 2 ml, lockout time 15 min). All patients were given pethidine 25 or 50 mg when visual analogue score (VAS) >40 mm. VAS, circulatory and respiratory stress parameter (heart rate, noninvasive blood pressure and respiratory rate) and consumption of pethidine were measured during 72 hours following surgery at intervals of 8 hours. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores in the ISBPB group were significantly lower than in the IAPCA group for 72 hr after surgery (P < 0.01). Pethidine consumption in the ISBPB group was significantly lower than in the IAPCA group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that intermittent interscalene brachial plexus block is an effective method of postoperative analgesia after major shoulder surgery.

Beta-glucan for Glycemic Control Effects in Adults: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increase of emerging concerns between dietary fiber and diabetics. Increasing intake of dietary fiber leads to delaying absorption of glucose, and lowering of serum insulin levels. In the past studies, there were inconsistent glycemic control effect of beta-glucan. Our purpose was to assess the glycemic control effect of beta-glucan in adults. METHODS: Electronic searches (Cochrane, PubMed, EMBase), hand-searching and review of reference were done. The search term for beta-glucans [mh], "Avena sativa" [mh], "Hordeum" [mh], beta glucan* [tw], oat [tw], barley [tw], with no language restriction were used. All RCT that included available data of beta-glucan or that could impute dose of beta-glucan, at least one relevant outcome of glycemic control, run-in period more than 2 weeks, and intervention period of more than 2 weeks or greater were selected. A fixed-effect model was used to assess the summary effect of studies. RESULTS: A total of 43 articles were identified, 4 studies met our inclusion criteria and then analyzed. In pooled analysis, the effect size of fasting glucose level was 0.13 (95%CI: -1.25 to 1.51), and serum insulin level was -0.95 (95%CI, -2.37 to 0.47). It was impossible to adjust for sex and age owing to the lack of raw data. CONCLUSION: In this review, the results suggested that there were negative impacts of beta-glucan on fasting glucose and serum insulin level in adults, but we concluded that there was insufficient evidence to confirm about glycemic control effect. More powerful and well-designed RCT were required to confirm about glycemic control effect of beta-glucan.

Primary Pulmonary Ewing's Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor in a 67-year-old Man

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) is a branch of neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which is very rare soft tissue sarcoma. We report a case of EES/PNET arising is the lung of a 67-yr-old man. Computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography confirmed the mass to have a primary pulmonary origin. The mass showed positive reactivity in the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain and MIC-2 immunoreactivity in immunohistochemical stain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed, which revealed an EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1) 22q12 rearrangement. The diagnosis was confirmed both pathologically and genetically. The mass lesion was resected, and the patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) for Post-operative Patients: A Study on Differences according to Who Controls the Analgesic / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three kinds of modes using bolus button of PCA on level of pain and side effects of analgesic and amount of drug consumption in post-operative patients according to whether the medication is controlled by the patient, the caregiver or the nurse. METHOD: The participants were 684 patients using PCA after an operation. The data collection period was from March 19 to April 6, 2007. RESULTS: It was found that there were statistical differences in gender, age, type of surgery, pain on first post-operative day, amount of drug consumption, nausea, and vomiting. The ratio for patient controlled medication was 55.7% for women, and 70.5% for men, and for care-giver controlled medication, 35.1% for women, and 20.0% for men. Average pain scores for the first post-operative day were 3.9+/-2.2 for patient controlled medication and 4.5+/-2.3 for care-giver controlled medication. There were statistical differences according to mode used for PCA for amount of drug consumptions, nausea and vomiting but not for pain, operation day or pruritus. CONCLUSION: This study was carried out to examine risks according to who controls the PCA for post-operative patients. The results can help to develop education program for everyone who is involved in PCA, patients, caregivers, nurses and doctors.

Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculosis in Combat and Auxiliary Police in Korea

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to document the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in combat and auxiliary police, living in a group, in Korea where the incidence rate of active TB in a general population is higher than in Western countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all tuberculosis patients diagnosed at National Police Hospital from January 2002 through December 2004. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, a total of 156 cases of tuberculosis were identified with the mean (Standard deviation) age of 20.6 (+/-1.0) years. Of these, 134 (85.9%) patients were registered as new cases, 11 (7.1%) as relapse, 2 (1.3%) as failure, 5 (3.1%) as treatment-after-default cases whereas 4 (2.6 %) patients were not included in any categories. Average annual new TB rate and smear-positive TB rate were 86.5/105 and 17.4/105 person-years, respectively. In 12 of 31 smear-positive cases, time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was more than 30 days. Two multidrug-resistance TB cases were identified and two suspected outbreak episodes of TB had occurred during 3 years. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of new cases of TB between the general population aged 20 to 29 years and combat and auxiliary police in Korea.

Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculosis in Combat and Auxiliary Police in Korea

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to document the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in combat and auxiliary police, living in a group, in Korea where the incidence rate of active TB in a general population is higher than in Western countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all tuberculosis patients diagnosed at National Police Hospital from January 2002 through December 2004. RESULTS: In 2002-2004, a total of 156 cases of tuberculosis were identified with the mean (Standard deviation) age of 20.6 (+/-1.0) years. Of these, 134 (85.9%) patients were registered as new cases, 11 (7.1%) as relapse, 2 (1.3%) as failure, 5 (3.1%) as treatment-after-default cases whereas 4 (2.6 %) patients were not included in any categories. Average annual new TB rate and smear-positive TB rate were 86.5/105 and 17.4/105 person-years, respectively. In 12 of 31 smear-positive cases, time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was more than 30 days. Two multidrug-resistance TB cases were identified and two suspected outbreak episodes of TB had occurred during 3 years. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of new cases of TB between the general population aged 20 to 29 years and combat and auxiliary police in Korea.

Biomedical Issues of Dietary fiber beta-Glucan

beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide in the form of fiber and the main element of fiber in grains such as barley, oats, yeast and mushrooms. Many studies have examined the efficacy of beta-Glucan in terms of the lipid lowering effects, blood sugar reduction, weight reduction, immune modulator, and anticarcinogenic effect. However, there is no comprehensive review article on the biomedical issues regarding beta-Glucan. The authors searched for systematic reviews and clinical experiments for each relevant topic and reviewed the biomedical effects of beta-Glucan, for the purpose of developing research strategies for the future.