Sensitization rates to inhalant allergens in children and adolescents of Incheon and Asan area and the relationship between polysensitization and prevalence of allergic diseases

PURPOSE: Sensitization to allergens is considered as major mechanism of allergy and related to the development of allergic diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate overall sensitization rates of inhalant allergens and the relationship between polysensitization and prevalence of allergic diseases in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study of 122 elementary school students, 114 middle school students, and 115 high school students from Incheon and Asan was conducted by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISSAC) questionnaire. The skin prick tests were performed with 14 common inhalant allergens on 339 students. RESULTS: The inhalant allergen that has a significantly different sensitization rate according to age was Dermatophagoides farinae. And the inhalant allergen that has significantly different sensitization rate according to region was Japanese hop. In addition, girls have higher sensitization rate to any mold allergens than boys. In case of having sensitization more than two allergens, the risks of diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis on questionnaire were increased. Asthma is related to sensitization of dog or cat and allergic rhinitis is related to sensitization of house dust mites. However, atopic dermatitis is not related to sensitization of any inhalant allergens. CONCLUSION: The sensitization rates of inhalant allergens may differ among age, gender, and region in children and adolescents of Incheon and Asan area. The polysensitized children and adolescents with inhalant allergens showed higher prevalences of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis on questionnaire than monosensitized group.

Closed Traction Reduction as an Initial Management for Subaxial Unilateral Facet Dislocation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Subaxial unilateral facet dislocation requires immediate reduction; however, cases of failure with reduction have also been reported. We analyzed the factors preventing closed traction reduction and attempted to determine the efficacy and indications of closed traction reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 26 patients, 17 men and nine women. The average age of the patients in selected group was 49 years (20-69 years). Each patient was first treated with Gardner head traction and closed traction reduction. Each patient was checked for the degree of locking of the dislocated segment, intervertebral disc herniation, the degree of contralateral facet joint subluxation, and accompanied fracture. The effect of the location of the injured segment, age, and sex on closed reduction traction was analyzed. RESULTS: A high rate of unsuccessful closed traction reduction was observed for patients with more than 50% locking of the dislocated facet joint (p=0.039). Intervertebral disc herniation, the degree of contralateral facet joint subluxation, facet joint fracture, and pedicle and lamina fracture were unrelated to the success of closed traction reduction. The location of dislocation and sex showed no statistically significant relevance to failure of closed traction reduction. A high rate of failure was observed for patients younger than 40 years. Of the 26 patients, closed traction reduction was successful for 12 and unsuccessful for 14. CONCLUSION: For patients whose degree of locking of the dislocated facet joint is less than 50%, closed traction reduction using skull traction is considered effective, however, for patients younger than 40 years or with more than 50% locking of the dislocated facet, prompt reduction under general anesthesia and subsequent appropriate surgery is considered beneficial.

Comparative Study of Personality Traits in Patients with Bipolar I and II Disorder from the Five-Factor Model Perspective

OBJECTIVE: The distinguishing features of Bipolar I Disorder (BD I) from Bipolar II Disorder (BD II) may reflect a separation in enduring trait dimension between the two subtypes. We therefore assessed the similarities and differences in personality traits in patients with BD I and BD II from the perspective of the Five-Factor Model (FFM). METHODS: The revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) was administered to 85 BD I (47 females, 38 males) and 43 BD II (23 females, 20 males) patients. All included patients were in remission from their most recent episode and in a euthymic state for at least 8 weeks prior to study entry. RESULTS: BDII patients scored higher than BD I patients on the Neuroticism dimension and its four corresponding facets (Anxiety, Depression, Self-consciousness, and Vulnerability). In contrast, BD II patients scored lower than BD I patients on the Extraversion dimension and its facet, Positive emotion. Competence and Achievement-striving facets within the Conscientiousness dimension were significantly lower for BD II than for BD I patients. There were no significant between-group differences in the Openness and Agreeableness dimensions. CONCLUSION: Disparities in personality traits were observed between BD I and BD II patients from the FFM perspective. BD II patients had higher Neuroticism and lower Extraversion than BD I patients, which are differentiating natures between the two subtypes based on the FFM.

Association between Long Working Hours and Suicidal Ideation / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between long working hours and suicidal ideation. METHODS: Data based on the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Health and Nutrition Examination Survey_(2007~2009) pertaining to a total of 4,539 full-time workers were analyzed. Working hours were divided into four groups (60 hours/week). The relationship between working hours and suicidal ideation was then analyzed after adjusting for general and occupational characteristics using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Working 40-51 hours/week showed the lowest suicidal ideation(9.5%), whereas working 52~59 hours/week, over 60 hours/week and less than 40 hours/week showed suicidal ideations of 14.8%, 15.7% and 17.2% respectively. Even after adjusting for general and occupational characteristics, employees working 40~51 hours/week had the lowest suicidal ideation. Working 52~59 hour/week, over 60 hours/week and less than 40 hours/week showed an odds ratios of 1.413(p-value: 0.058), 1.380(p-value: 0.020) and 1.164(p-value: 0.358) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that working long hours, especially over 60 hours per week, is related to suicidal ideation.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Infected Nonunion of the Tibia by Ilizarov Fixator according to Location of Nonunion and Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect

PURPOSE: To study clinical results and complications in the treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia according to location of nonunion and reconstruction for soft tissue defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 cases of tibia infected nonunion which were treated with the llizarov included in this study. There were proximal 1/3 in 14, middle 1/3 in 10, and distal 1/3 in 11 cases. Coverage of the soft tissue were treated with the free flap in 8 cases as classified group A and non-free flap in 17 cases classified group B. We evaluated the healing index, complications and comparing the results of each treatment by the Paley method. RESULTS: Bone union was achieved in all cases. The proximal nonunion showed better results than those in the middle and distal area; average healing index: 35.6 days/cm (p=0.038), bone results: 92.9% (p=0.025), functional result: 90.5% (p=0.03). Group B showed significantly better results as it showed average healing index: 30.3 days/cm (p=0.015), bone results: 85.7% (p=0.025), functional results: 90.5% (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: The nonunion of proximal 1/3 showed better results than other sites. Soft tissue reconstruction with free flap that control infection more effectively, could be improved the treatment outcomes.

Elevation of Serum Creatine Kinase Level in a Patient Treated with Atypical Antipsychotics: A Case Report / 대한정신약물학회지

We report a case of serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation in a 42-year-old man with schizoaffective disorder treated with olanzapine, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). To elucidate the clinical meaning of serum CK elevation, we repeatedly measured psychotic severity and chemical data, including serum CK, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between each measurement. The peak CK level during hospitalization was correlated with Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity. Dissociation of CK level and myoglobinuria was observed, and elevated did not result in renal failure or any renal decompensation. Medication change among atypical antipsychotics could not terminate CK level, which did not seem to be associated with dosage or duration of use. The patient's mother showed similar CK level, which suggests genetic control of serum CK. Repeated measurement of serum CK is recommended for determining the clinical significance of CK level, which is not yet clear.

A comparative study on family function between the psychiatric families and the normal families

No abstract available.

Epidemiologic study of mumps in a part of large city

No abstract available.