• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1812-1819
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• 2010

Skipping breakfast is a risk factor closely related to metabolic syndrome and obesity. We analyzed the relationship between breakfast size, metabolic syndrome and obesity. The study included 5,548 adults who visited a health promotion center at Pusan National University from January to November of 2006. Subjects were divided into four groups according to breakfast size - skipper group (no breakfast), small intake group, medium intake group and large intake group. 959 (17.3%) of the 5548 subjects were included in the Skipper group. Intake of daily calories, proteins, carbohydrates and fats was the lowest in the Skipper group. Breakfast size increased linearly with an increased intake of daily calories, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Body mass index ($23.4\;kg/m^2$) and waist circumference (79.6 cm) were the lowest in the Small intake group. In the Small intake group, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were the lowest, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were the highest. The number of metabolic risk factors was the lowest in Small intake group. Odds ratio of metabolic syndrome (Odds ratio=0.612) was the lowest in Small intake group. Along with increasing breakfast size, the odds ratio also increased. In this study, breakfast size was found to influence metabolic risk factors. Skipping breakfast worsened metabolic risk factors, while a small breakfast size had a favorable effect on metabolic risk factors.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.186-194
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• 2005

Purpose : Hepatitis A viral infections have been continued after re-emerging since mid 1990s in Korea. The incidence of this disease has been increased in young adults younger than 30 years of age since 2000. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis A in Korea(two regions; Incheon and Changwon) in 2005, and was compared with the results of similar studies in mid 1990s. Methods : The study was conducted from January 2005 to June 2005, and consisted of 1,301 enrolled subjects, neonates to 50 years old, living in Incheon and Changwon in Korea. All sera were frozen and stored at $-70^{\circ}C$ until assayed. Anti-HAV IgG antibodies were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay(HAVAB, Abbott Lab., IL, USA). Results : The prevalence of anti-HAV IgG was 61.1% in infants younger than 1 year old, 30.5% in 1~5 years, 14.6% in 6~10 years, 1.7% in 11~15 years, 6.5% in 16~20 years, 36.6%in 21~30 years, 77.5% in 31~40 years, and 99.8% in 41~50 years. Statistical differences were not found between male and female, but there was statistical difference in 6~10 years old age group between the two areas. Conclusion : Our study indicate that the prevalence of antihepatitis A virus antibody has shifted from children to old adolescents and young adults. This result suggests that the risk of sudden outbreaks or increasing incidence of hepatitis A viral infections in young adults may be expected in our society. The preventive strategies of hepatitis A including vaccination should be prepared.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.314-325
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pet dog-assisted activities on self-esteem, depression and cognitive function of elderly people Method: The experimental group(pet dog-assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with a home for the aged and the control group(non-pet dog assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with another home for the aged in Daegu. Both groups had similar general characteristics, state of health, conduct on health and self-esteem, depression and cognitive abilities. Nineteen people who participated in the program at least 10 times out of 12, were chosen for the final analysis from the experimental group. For the control group, 20 people who responded to all three tests, which had been conducted before, 1 week after, and four week after the experiment, were analyzed. Result: Mean(${\pm}SD$) differences between before and 1 week after the experiment for self-esteem, depression, and cognitive function were 5.84(${\pm}3.06$), -3.26(${\pm}1.76$), 1.47(${\pm}1.26$), respectively. Those between before the experiment and 4 weeks after the experiment was 5.68(${\pm}3.64$), -3.94(${\pm}2.32$), 1.63(${\pm}0.96$), respectively. Those for control group between before and after the experiment were -0.40(${\pm}1.27$), 0.00(${\pm}0.92$), 0.15(${\pm}0.93$), respectively. Those for control group between before and 4 weeks after the experiment were -0.45(${\pm}2.24$), 0.25(${\pm}1.68$), 0.15(${\pm}0.93$), respectively. All the differences between experiment and control group in mean differences between before and 1 week after experiment, between before and 4 weeks after experiment were statistically significant(p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the pet-assisted activities can be useful solution for elderly people who have psychological and emotional problems caused by retrogression of physical, mental and social ability.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.91-100
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• 2004

Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the present community health practitioners(CHPs)'s operating activities with their activity in 1989. Methods: Data were obtained two hundred seventy eight CHPs by self-administered questionnaire regarding duty traits, job satisfaction, and others. Results: The number of CHPs was 255 in 1989 and 224 in 2000. Age of CHPs in 2000 was much higher than that in 1989, and married women was 64.9% in 1989 and 95.9% in 2000. Both the primary duty of CHPs in 1989 and that in 2000 was medical service, and others(maternal health, infant health, family planning, and tuberculosis management, etc) are decreased in 2000, and community health service was added to duty of CHPs in 2000. 55% of CHPs in 1989 satisfied with their job, whereas about 80% of CHPs in 2000 satisfied with their job. The CHPs perceived that their primary necessary duty among requisite duty are medical practice(57.7%), health education(31.4%), and community health service(10.9%), in contrast, unnecessary duty are family planning(68.8%), tuberculosis management(11.1%), infant health(6.3%) maternal health(5.6%). Conclusions: These results suggest that there are such alteration of job satisfaction, needs and obstacles in duty traits of CHFs. These trend of duty traits are major issues to be caught for the health service in primary health post.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.12
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• pp.1188-1193
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• 2007

Purpose : The prevalence of rickets in the world is on the rise not only in developing but also in developed countries. In Korea, breastfeeding has increased. There have been few studies on the possible association of rickets with breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to identify the development and the clinical presentation of subclinical rickets in breastfed infants. Methods : We investigated patients who were breastfed and had hypovitaminosis D in the blood from May 2006 to April 2007, and who were diagnosed with vitamin D deficient rickets from May 2003 to April 2006. We evaluated the results of blood tests, x-rays and other relevant information in the medical record. A questionnaire that included questions on the diet of patients, the mothers activity during pregnancy and place of residence was administered. Results : Twelve patients (66%: male, 34%: female) were enrolled in this study. There were eight in the asymptomatic and four in the symptomatic group. The median age for each group was 8 months (range 4-11 month) and 5.5 months (5-8 month). All patients in the symptomatic group were breastfed until diagnosed. In the asymptomatic group, they were breastfed for four to six months, and then weaned with only thin rice soup and vegetables. Nine patients had a vitamin D concentration below 20 ng/mL and three patients had levels between 20 and 29 ng/mL. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were elevated in both groups. There were statistically significant $25-OHD_3$ levels in the blood in both groups (P=0.008). Ten of the patients (83%) also had iron deficient anemia. Conclusion : Vitamin D deficiency and subclinical rickets has been identified in Korea. However, the prevalence of this disease has not been determined. The main limitation of this study was the small number of patients and the absence of a control group.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial characteristics of functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) in patients with psychiatric disorders. Methods : This study was conducted with 144 outpatients visiting the psychiatric clinic at a university hospital. FGIDs were screened according to the Rome III questionnaire-Korean version. Demographic factors were investigated, and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Korean, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Chisquared test and student's t-test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results : There were differences in education level between two groups divided according to FGID status (${\chi}^2=10.139$, p=0.017). Comparing the psychiatric disorder by FGID group, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) group showed significant differences (${\chi}^2=11.408$, p=0.022). According to FGID status, IBS group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=-3.106, p=0.002), depressive symptom (t=-2.105, p=0.037), somatic symptom (t=-3.565, p<0.001), trait anger (t=-3.683, p<0.001), anger-in (t=-2.463, p=0.015), and anger-out (t=-2.355, p=0.020). Functional dyspepsia group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=-4.893, p<0.001), depressive symptom (t=-3.459, p<0.001), somatic symptom (t=-7.906, p<0.001), trait-anger (t=-4.148, p<0.001), state-anger (t=-2.181, p=0.031), anger-in (t=-2.684, p=0.008), and anger-out (t=-3.005, p=0.003). Nonerosive reflux disease group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=-4.286, p<0.001), depressive symptom (t=-3.402, p<0.001), somatic symptom (t=-7.162, p<0.001), trait anger (t=-2.994, p=0.003), state anger (t=-2.259, p=0.025), anger-in (t=-2.772, p=0.006), and anger-out (t=-2.958, p=0.004). Conclusions : Patients with psychiatric disorders had a high prevalence of FGID, and various psychosocial factors contributed to such differences. Therefore, the psychiatric approach can offer better understandings and treatments to patients with FGID.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.712-718
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• 2002

Purpose : Infantile colic is one of the most commonly encountered problems, characterized by excessive crying in apparently healthy young infants within the first 3 months of life. It is commonly assumed that the infant with colic has distress and possible pain. In recent investigations, it has been found that sucrose has an analgesic effect in newborn infants. The purpose of this study is to examine if sugar solution as sucrose also has an analgesic effect on infant colic. Methods : This prospective randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study examined healthy term infants aged 4 to 12 weeks with colic. A total of 40 infants were randomly assigned into two groups who visited Daedong Hospital from June 1999 to June 2001. Each group received sugar solution or sterile water. All data from parental diaries and interviews were recorded and analysed blindly. Results : The daily crying time and the colic improvement score were significantly better in sugar solution group as compared with the control(P=0.019, 0.045). No significant differences were noted between groups regarding the number of night wakenings(P=0.173). Conclusion : We conclude that sugar solution has an analgesic effect on infantile colic.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.176-184
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• 1997

Abnormal illness behavior in patients with somatoform disorders were known formed by their traditional disease concepts and somatization-prone socio-cultural factors. The authors evaluated the characteristics of abnormal illness behavior in patients with somatoform disorders(who had somatization) by using abnormal illness behavior questionnaire. Methods : 29 somatoform disorders(SD) and 57 disease controls were compared by clinical characteristics, severity of pain, state anxiety(by Spielberger's State & Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression(by Beck's Depression Inventory) and level of psychosocial stess(by DSM-III-R). The illness behavior was measured by illness Behavior Questionnaire(IBQ). Results SD group had longer period of somatic symptoms with less severity in pain. The degree of anxiety and depression were higher in SB compared with controls. However, the degree of psychosocial stress was almost same between both groups. In IBQ, SD showed higher scores in general hypochondriasis, disease conviction, and affective disturbance subscales compared to control group. Conclusion: High disease conviction and hypochondriacal nature revealed by IBQ seemed to be a role in making somatization by way of somatic focusing and hypervigilance. And those tended to lead patients visit hospital frequently and report various somatic complaints. Evaluating abnormal illness behavior in somatoform disorders would be not only helpful in understanding the natures of somatoform disorders but also useful differentiating SD with other psychiatric conditions.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.415-419
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• 2008

Purpose : Herbal medicine is thought to be widely used by children with epilepsy, but there have been few studies. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and the actual conditions of usage of herbal medicine by children with epilepsy. Methods : From July to August 2007, three hundred seventy eight questionnaires were completed by parents of epileptic children who visited pediatric neurology clinic of Korea University hospital and Kwangmyung-Sungae hospital. Demographic data and patterns of usage of herbal medicine were investigated. Results : Among 378 patients, sixty five (17.2%) reported using herbal medicine. Major reasons for using herbal medicine were 'to enhance general health' and 'belief that it has fewer side effects'. Majority of respondents did not notify their physician about using herbal medicine because 'they did not need to share this with doctor' and 'they thought their doctor would disapprove'. After taking herbal medicine, 33.3% of patients reported that it did not benefit their seizure but they felt healthier. Usage of herbal medicine was significantly related to number of AEDs (antiepileptic drugs), duration of AED treatment, association with psychosomatic disorders and motivation by other people or by mass media. Conclusion : Considerable numbers of epileptic children were using herbal medicine during treatment with AED and did not inform their physician about usage of it. Physicians should be aware of benefits and harms of herbal medicine and actively intervene in the usage of herbal medicine by epileptic patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.250-260
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• 2013

The purposes of this study were 1) to investigate eating behaviors and patterns in breast cancer patients using a newly developed food frequency questionnaire and 2) to examine perception and use of nutritional information about breast cancer treatment among cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. Sixty breast cancer patients (case group) undergoing radiation therapy in Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, South Korea and 79 healthy women (control group) participated in this study. Mean age of subjects in the control group was $46.00{\pm}7.88$ years and BMI was $23.12{\pm}2.85kg/m^2$, and that of the case group was $50.06{\pm}11.64$ years and $22.32{\pm}3.24kg/m^2$. The results of eating behaviors showed several significant differences between control and case groups. Breast cancer patients ate meals on a more regular basis, on time, and more frequently compared to control subjects. In addition, they preferred more salty or spicy and bland food compared to healthy women. According to answers from the food frequency questionnaire, breast cancer patients consumed significantly lower amounts of boiled white rice, meats and processed food, fish and shellfish, coffee, milk, and cheese, whereas they consumed a significantly large amount of boiled multigrain rice, vegetable, seaweeds, soybean and processed food, and yoghurt compared to healthy women. This study also observed the way in which cancer patients and healthy control subjects obtain information about breast cancer treatment and its reliabilities. Results showed that healthy women did not hesitate to obtain information from mass media, while breast cancer patients would obtain nutritional information from specialists rather than mass media. Results of this survey confirmed that breast cancer patients avoided intake of red meat protein, even though they already recognized the importance of dietary protein intake for recuperation and treatment of the disease. These results could be used for future diet and nutrition guidelines for breast cancer patients.