The Health Status and Management of Migrant Workers in Cheonan:A Comparison Study With Korean Citizens

Migrant workers face challenging working conditions, resulting in physical and mental vulnerability. The objective is to identify their health vulnerabilities and ensure their right to health. Health records of 163 migrant workers (113 males and 50 females) (Group A) and 163 Korean citizens (Group B) visiting our institution were analyzed from August 2021 to July 2022. Both groups underwent urine analysis, chest radiography, and various blood tests. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests and χ2 tests was performed. Group A had a significantly higher rate of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients, lower vaccination rates for hepatitis B, and poorer nutritional status compared to Group B. Group B generally exhibited higher levels of albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, and thyroidstimulating hormone. There were significant quantitative differences in multiple blood cell and hemoglobin measurements between the two groups. These findings emphasize the need for policy support and public awareness to protect the health rights of migrant workers.

First Report of Salmonella Serotype Tilene Infection in Korea / 대한임상미생물학회지

Salmonellosis is a common food- and water-borne disease and is also a major zoonosis. Currently, the isolation of rare Salmonella serotypes is increasing every year in Korea. Among them, the Salmonella serotype Tilene was first isolated from two people who visited a hospital located in Andong-si in 2013. Clinical symptoms were weak or non-existent. There was no clear epidemiological connection between the two cases. However, it was assumed that both were independently exposed to a single infectious agent. Perhaps due to their geographical proximity, molecular epidemiological analysis showed the same result between the isolated strains. This serotype has increasingly reported an association with hedgehogs. Recently, the importation of exotic animals, including hedgehogs, as pets has been gradually increasing. Thus, it is recommended that high-risk groups avoid contact with exotic pets.

Modified Method of Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) for Serotyping in Salmonella Species

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Salmonella is useful method for replacing serotyping using antisera but is limited by difficulties associated with in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We optimized the PCR reaction, especially annealing temperature and extension time (94degrees C for 2 min; 40 cycles at 94degrees C for 30 sec, 56.8degrees C for 1 min, 72degrees C for 2 min; and 72degrees C for 10 min). The degradation of PCR product by thermostable nucleases was inhibited by using template DNAs treated proteinase K or purified by a commercialized preparation kit. The resulting modified MLST was used as accurate and fast typing method.

Construction of EST Database for Comparative Gene Studies of Acanthamoeba

The genus Acanthamoeba can cause severe infections such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis in humans. However, little genomic information of Acanthamoeba has been reported. Here, we constructed Acanthamoeba expressed sequence tags (EST) database (Acanthamoeba EST DB) derived from our 4 kinds of Acanthamoeba cDNA library. The Acanthamoeba EST DB contains 3,897 EST generated from amebae under various conditions of long term in vitro culture, mouse brain passage, or encystation, and downloaded data of Acanthamoeba from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Taxonomically Broad EST Database (TBestDB). The almost reported cDNA/genomic sequences of Acanthamoeba provide stand alone BLAST system with nucleotide (BLAST NT) and amino acid (BLAST AA) sequence database. In BLAST results, each gene links for the significant information including sequence data, gene orthology annotations, relevant references, and a BlastX result. This is the first attempt for construction of Acanthamoeba database with genes expressed in diverse conditions. These data were integrated into a database (http://www.amoeba.or.kr).

Effect of Vocal Hygiene Education in the Patients with Vocal Polyp / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical removal is generally known as the gold standard treatment of vocal polyp. However, the authors have not infrequently observed marked reduction or complete disappearance of the vocal polyps when vocal hygiene education was provided as a part of preoperative routine preparation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vocal hygiene education and to define the factors that can predict which patients with vocal polyp will get benefits from it. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 190 patients with vocal polyp, and selected 88 patients who had received vocal hygiene education and completed a series of follow-up evaluation at 3 months later. According to the change of polyp size, patients were grouped into two: improvement and no improvement group. Eight factors (age, gender, duration of hoarseness, initial polyp size, hemorrhagic change of vocal polyp, degree of occupational voice abuse, smoking, and presence of reflux symptoms )were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: When given the vocal hygiene education, 19% of overall 190 patients and 41% of 88 patients who were followed up belonged to the improvement group. Univariate analyses showed that female patients, shorter duration of hoarseness, smaller polyp size, less occupational voice abuse, and no smoking are the meaningful favorable predictive factors. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that female patients with a small polyp and no symptoms of reflux have the largest possibility of getting improved. CONCLUSION: Vocal hygiene education should be provided as a first line of treatment for patients with vocal polyp, especially when a female patient without reflux symptom has a small polyp.

The Correlation of GRBAS Scales and Laryngeal Stroboscopic Findings for the Assessment of Voice Therapy Outcome in the Patients with Vocal Nodules / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The size of nodule is generally known as a main criterion for the evaluation of voice improvement in the patients with vocal nodules. However, the patients who are receiving voice therapy for their vocal nodules frequently report variable degree of improvement in their voice quality even though the size of nodules remain unchanged during the stroboscopic evaluation. We aimed to define valuable parameters of laryngeal stroboscopy in evaluating the efficacy of voice therapy for vocal nodules. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of twenty adult women with bilateral vocal nodules. They received 4 to 8 sessions of voice therapy and reported variable degree of their voice improvement. Laryngeal stroboscopy (nodule size, glottal closure, vocal fold vibration, laryngeal tension), acoustic analysis (jitter, shimmer), perceptual parameters (GRBAS) were evaluated before and after voice therapy. Laryngeal stroboscopic gradings and GRBAS gradings were matched and analyzed for their correlation. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between R and vocal fold vibration; between B and nodule size and glottal closure; between S and laryngeal tension; between G and glottal closure, vocal fold vibration and laryngeal tension. CONCLUSION: Among laryngeal stroboscopic findings, improved glottal closure, vocal fold vibration and decreased laryngeal tension as well as decreased nodule size are proved to be useful parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of voice therapy in the patients with vocal nodules.

Outcomes of Repeat Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C for Previous Failed Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in the management of previous failed trabeculectomy patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 44 eyes of 41 glaucoma patients who had been followed up for at least 6 months after repeat trabeculectomy with MMC and analyzed the success rates according to clinical factors, cumulative success rates, risk factors for surgical failure and complications. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mmHg or less regardless of glaucoma medications and loss of vision. RESULTS: Postoperative success was obtained in 34 (77.3%) out of 44 eyes after a mean follow-up period of 38.7 months. From Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, cumulative success rates after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 97.7%, 89.6%, 83.5%, and 80.1%, respectively. Success rates were significantly lower in eyes with preoperative IOP of 30 mmHg or more. Postoperative complications included transient hypotony in 7 eyes, choroidal detachment in 4, hyphema in 4, and cataract progression in 4. CONCLUSIONS: The success rates of repeat trabeculectomy may be lower than of primary trabeculectomy. However, considering the relatively high success rates and low complications of repeat trabeculectomy with MMC compared to the reported results of glaucoma drainage device implantation, repeat trabeculectomy with MMC is an effective and relatively safe surgical option as the secondary surgical procedure for previously failed trabeculectomy patients.

Hypereosinophilia Presenting as Eosinophilic Vasculitis and Multiple Peripheral Artery Occlusions without Organ Involvement

We report here a case with hypereosinophilia and peripheral artery occlusion. A 32-yr-old Korean woman presented to us with lower extremity swelling and pain. Angiography revealed that multiple lower extremity arteries were occlusive. The biopsy specimen showed perivascular and periadnexal dense eosinophilic infiltration in dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Laboratory investigations revealed a persistent hypereosinophilia. She was prescribed prednisolone 60 mg daily. Her skin lesion and pain were improved and the eosinophil count was dramatically decreased. After discharge, eosinophil count gradually increased again. Cyanosis and pain of her fingers recurred. She had been treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Her eosinophilia was decreased, but the cyanosis and tingling sense were progressive. The extremity arterial stenoses were slightly progressed. Skin biopsy showed perivascular eosinophilic infiltration in the dermis and CD40 ligand (CD40L) positive eosinophilic infiltration. The serum TNF-alpha was markedly increased. These results suggest that CD40L (a member of TNF-alpha superfamily) could play a role in the inflammatory processes when eosinophil infiltration and activation are observed. We prescribed prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, clopidogrel, cilostazol, beraprost and nifedipine, and she was discharged.

Clinical Course and Outcome of Infantile Exotropia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical course and surgical outcome of infantile exotropia with large and constant angle, as defined by the onset of exotropia before 6 months. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 11 patients who were diagnosed with infantile exotropia and received surgery between July 1987 and December 2003. Age at onset and surgery, visual acuity, refractive error, pre- and post-operative angle of strabismus, and binocular sensory status after surgery were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: The mean age at onset, diagnosis, and first surgery was 2.3 months (range, birth to 5 months), 14.9 months (range, 4 to 33 months), and 36.3 months (range, 11 to 45 months), respectively. The mean size of preoperative exodeviation was 57.3 prism diopters (PD) (range, 40 to 100 PD). Six patients (54.5%) required reoperation to correct residual or recurred exotropia, oblique dysfunction, and/or DVD. Two (18.2%) of the six required a third operation. Sensory tests including Lang test were performed in seven patients but all failed in Lang test and showed no fusion even with successful surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Infantile exotropia should be observed for a long period and needs proper reoperation because it may be frequently associated with residual or recurred exotropia, oblique dysfunction, and/or DVD after initial operation. However, improvement of binocular function can rarely be expected even with successful surgical alignment.

Surgical Effect of Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Failed Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To analyze outcomes of the canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and the combined procedure of canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and Jones tube reinsertion, in patients who had complications of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy, which required other surgical procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 18 eyes (16 patients) who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Yeungnam University Hospital for functional failures and complications of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy, and who underwent either the canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy or the combined procedure between February 1994 and October 2003. These patients had submerged, prolapsed, lost, or obstructed Jones tubes, with a length of patent canaliculi from the puncta of more than 7mm, identified with probing, irrigation and dacryocystography. RESULTS: Complete or significant improvement of epiphora was achieved in 83.3% (15 of 18 eyes) after a follow-up period ranging 6 to 70 months (average 28.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and the combined procedure can be expected to achieve functional success in patients who suffer from complications of the Jones tube. We recommend these procedures in cases of common canalicular obstruction and upper and lower canalicular obstruction with a length of patency greater than 7mm.

Laryngeal Stroboscopy and Acoustic Analyses for the Diagnosis of Intracordal Retention Cyst / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decrease in mucosal waves and diplophonia are known as main diagnostic criteria of vocal cysts. However, preoperative differential diagnosis of intracordal retention cyst (IRC) over vocal polyp and/or edema is not infrequently challenging even with those criteria. Authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laryngeal stroboscopy and acoustic analyses for the proper diagnosis of IRC. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed medical records of 30 patients who were initially diagnosed as having IRC either through laryngeal endoscopy or stroboscopy. Endoscopic and/or stroboscopic findings, acoustic and perceptual parameters were analyzed in comparison to the final pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Only 70% of the subjects were correctly diagnosed with laryngeal stroboscopy, which suggested the need of reconsideration of current diagnostic criteria. Decrease in mucosal waves was a frequently observable but not a specific finding confined to IRC. Diplophonia was neither a common nor a specific finding of IRC. Acoustic evaluation was not helpful for the differential diagnosis of IRC over vocal polyp. Hemorrhagic changes around the lesion were observed in some of vocal polyps but not in any of IRC. CONCLUSION: Decreased or absent mucosal wave is one of the characteristics of IRC, but is a not absolute criterion for the differential diagnosis between IRC and vocal polyp. Diplophonia and other acoustic parameters are not helpful for the differential diagnosis of those lesions. A careful endoscopic or stroboscopic evaluation of general contour, mucosal change and any surrounding hemorrhage will help in the proper differential diagnosis of IRC over vocal polyp. Decrease in mucosal waves will also help the diagnosis of IRC but not when it is overemphasized as an absolute criterion.

Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Nasality / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: When the impairment of nasal airway patency in patients with chronic sinusitis such as mucosal edema or nasal polyps is resolved after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), it is expected that patients no longer complain of hyponasal voice. However, patients who have undergone FESS sometimes complain of more hyponasal voice, or thick voice. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of FESS on voice in terms of nasality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent FESS and thirty normal adults who had no sinus or nasal pathology were selected for this study. We performed nasalance test for patients group before and 3 months after the operation and for the control group without any medication. RESULTS: Patients' preoperative mean nasalance were not low compared with that of control group in all sentences. It was different from perceptual hyponasality they had complained. Postoperative mean nasalance in patients showed statistically significant increase. Higher change ratio of nasalance was noted in Mamma passage than the other passages. CONCLUSION: There was significant increase in nasalance scores after FESS. Thus, we must consider the possibility of voice changes postoperatively in professional voice users.

Voice Changes after Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The subject of voice change after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been a challenging issue, because even minor changes in voice quality or articulation may be critical to a professional voice user. A number of studies reported on acoustic changes after UPPP; however, there has not been any reports concerning voice changes after laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), which is a less extensive surgery compared to UPPP. This study was performed in order to analyze changes in the voice quality and nasalance after LAUP, and to provide guidance to professonal voice users who want to have snoring surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 20 patients (11 male, 9 female) who were to undergo the LAUP surgery, we measured the first and second formants of /a/, /i/, /u/ phonations, and the nasalance in rabbit, baby and mama passage. These parameters were measured preoperatively and also one month after the operation. Postoperative changes were statistically analyzed. Any subjective voice changes were asked to be reported at the visit one month after the operation. RESULTS: The second formant of /u/ phonation was significantly reduced in females. The changes in nasalance, and formants of /a/ and /i/ phonations were insignificant. No one complained of the changes in voice quality, timbre, articulation or speech. CONCLUSION: In general, there were no postoperative changes in nasalance nor any subjective feeling about voice quality after LAUP. However, changes in formant characteristics of certain vowels warrant clinicians to be more cautious in recommending LAUP for professional voice users.

A study on the second molar which was malpositioned after orthodontic treatment / 대한치과교정학회지

The purpose of this study is to know about the positional change of second molar when orthodontic treatment is performed. To know about it, we andlysed cephalogram pre. and post treatment for 54 adult patients who were finished orthodontic treatment by banding to the first molar and classify them into 4 groups : Class I extraction group 15, Class I nonextraction group 12, Class II group 13, class Class III group 14. The following conclusions were obtained: 1. In the extraction group of Class I, mandibular second molar showed less extrusion and more distal inclination than first moral. But maxillary second molar showed more or less extrusive and mesial inclination to much the same degree of first molar. 2. In the non-extractio group of Class I, mandibular second molar in intrusive to first molar, it showed similar distal inclination to first molar. But maxillary second molar is extrusive similarly to first molar. 3. In the group of Class II, mandibular second molar is less extrusive than first molar and maxillary second molar is more extrusive than first molar. 4. In the group of Class III, mandibular second molar showed similar extrusion to first molar and more distal inclination than first molar. But maxillary second molar showed less extrusion than first molar. 5. A comparision of the positional change of second molar among groups : The change of distance from FH plane to funcation point of maxillary second molar is the difference between Class I extraction group and Class II group, Class I extraction group and Class III group. The change of maxillary second molar to palatal plane and occlusal plane is the difference between Class I extraction group and Class III group. And the change of distance from mandibular plane to furcation point of mandibular second molar is difference between Class I extraction group and non-extraction group, Class I non-extraction group and Class II group, Class I non-extraction group and Class III group. But the change of angle of mandibular second molar to mandibular plane and occlusal plane is make no difference in among groups.