• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.193-202
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• 2003

Objective: To evaluate the difference of implantation rate (IR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) between two protocols of endometrial preperation in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Methods: This study was performed during the different time periods: A retrospective study from January 2000 to June 2001 (phase I) and a prospective study from July 2001 to March 2002 (phase II). All the patients received estradiol valerate (6 mg p.o. daily) starting from day 1 or 2 of the menstrual cycle without pituitary down regulation. Progesterone was administered around day 14 after sonographic confirmation of endometrial thickness $\geq$7 mm and no growing follicle. In Group A (n=88, 99 cycles) of phase I, progesterone was administered i.m. at a dose of 50 mg daily from one day prior to thawing of pronuclear (PN) stage frozen embryo or three days prior to thawing of 6-8 cell stage frozen embryo and then each stage embryos were trasnsferred 2 days or 1 day later after thawing. In Group B (n=246, 299 cycles) of phase I, patients recieved progesterone 100 mg i.m. from one day earlier than group A; two days prior to PN embryo thawing, four days prior to of 6-8 cell embryo thawing. During the phase II, to exclude any differences in embryo transfer procedures, in Group 1 (n=23, 28 cycles) of phase II embryo was transfered by one who have used the progesterone protocol since the phase I. In Group 2 (n=122, 139 cycles) of phase II embryo was transfered by one who use the progesterone protocol from the phase II. Results: When compared across the phase and group, there were no significant differences in the characteristics. During the phase I, there were significant increase in IR (14.4% vs 5.9%, p=0.001) and CPR (28.3% vs 14.5%, p=0.000) in group A. During the phases II, IR (11.8% vs 10.6%) and CPR (27.6% vs 27.3%) show no differences between two groups. Conclusions: In FET cycles, IR and CPR are increased significantly by the change of dosage and timing of progesterone administraton. And the timing is considered to be more important factor because the dosage of progesterone did not affect implantation window in previous studies. Therefore, we suggest that progesterone administration in FET cycle should begin from one day prior to PN stage embryo thawing and three days prior to 6-8 cell stage embryo thawing.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2010

Sex and its tropic hormones influence the lacrimal system, corneal anatomy and disease, aqueous humor dynamics and glaucoma, crystalline lens and cataract, and retinal disease. Dry eye occurs especially frequently during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and after menopause, during which androgen levels decrease. Androgen control development, differentiation, and lipid production of sebaceous glands throughout the body, and androgen deficiency also leads to meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. On the other hand, estrogen causes a reduction in size, activity, and lipid production of sebaceous glands. Sex and its tropic hormones also influence the corneal anatomy and disease, and corneal thickening occurred on the second day of the menstrual cycle and around the time of ovulation and appeared to be related to estrogen levels. Fuchs' dystrophy is more commonly seen in postmenopausal women than men and may be linked to hormonal changes that occur with aging. In addition, overexpression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the conjunctiva of vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients. Serum progesterone levels also may be associated with intraocular pressure especially in pregnant women, and for the women. For women with cataracts, hormone levels were typical of menopause, and there was a significant negative correlation between estradiol and follicular stimulating hormone levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. Although the role of sex hormones on the eye is largely unknown, and the results should be interpreted with caution until replicated, the functions of sex hormones in ocular disease remains to be investigated, because they may be involved in structure and function of the ocular components, which are important in the pathogenesis of ocular disease.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.249-260
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• 1986

Recent reports have noted the increase of and questioned the justification for cesarean section rate in the past decade. This study was carried out retrospectively based on the clinical charts of 510 patients who had been performed cesarean section among 3,357 deliveries at Yeungnam University Hospital from May, 9, 1983 through Nov., 30, 1986. The results were as follows : 1. Overall incidence of cesarean section was 15.7% of total deliveries. Of these, 10.9% were by primary cesarean section and 4.7% by repeat operation. There has been a gradual increase in the cesarean section rate. 2. In the distribution of age, the 26-30 aged group was the most prevalent(60.2%). 3. The most common indications for cesarean section were previous cesarean section(30.2%), CPD (26.9%), Malpresentation(22.7%), and fetal distress(3.5%). In primipara, CPD was the most frequent and in multipara malpresentation. 4. A great proportion(31.6%) was done at 40th gestational week. 5. In the weight distribution of infants, the group of 3,000-3,499gm was the most prevalent(39.8%), premature baby was 9.1%, and giant baby was 5.6%. 6. In the type of operation, lower segment transverse cesarean section was the most(97.5%). 7. In the combined surgery, sterilization was the most prevalent and the next was ovarian cystectomy, hysterectomy, and myomectomy in order. 8. In the type of the anesthesia, general anesthesia was 83.5%. 9. Maternal morbidity was 14.7%. Among the causes of this morbidity, wound infection was the most and the next was urinary tract infection, fever of unknown origin, and atonic bleeding in order. 10. It was found that 18.4% was maternal morbidity in the patients below 10gm Hb. In this group, maternal morbidity was markedly increased as the level of Hb was decreased. 11. Maternal morbidity was increased as the duration of ruptured membrane was prolonged. In the group of over 24 hours after rupture of membrane, it was markedly increased(44.4%). 12. Maternal morbidity was increased as the duration of labor was prolonged. In the group of over 12 hours after the onset of labor, it was 24.6%. 13. Maternal morbity of lower segment transverse cesarean section was the least(14.1%). 14. Maternal morbidity of emergency cesarean section was about two times as much as elective cesarean section.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.247-255
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was undertaken to obtain basic data about the megakaryocyte colony formation of fetal liver cells by using immunocytochemical staining and ex vivo culture with growth factors. Methods : The mononuclear cells were isolated from fetal liver and bone marrow with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP) and pancytopenia. These mononuclear cells were cultured in $MegaCult^{TM}-C$(Stem Cell Tech, Canada) media in the presence of growth factors and CFU-Megakaryocyte( CFU-Mk) colonies were counted on day 12. The expansion of CD34+ and CD41+ cell was analyzed by flow cytometry after 5 days incubation using flask culture. Results : The numbers of CFU-Mk colonies of mononuclear cells obtained from fetal liver in the 11th week gestational age were more than those in the 19th week specimens; growth factors could not enhance the colony expansion in all cases. Total numbers of CFU-Mk colony of fetal liver cells were higher than bone marrow from ITP or pancytopenia groups. The numbers of pure or large CFU-Mk colonies of fetal liver cells were also higher than bone marrow specimens. The rate of CD34+ cell expression of fetal liver was increased after flask culture and the enhancement effect of epression was seen only in cases which added thrombopoietin. The rate of CD41+ cell expression of fetal liver was increased after incubation, but the enhancement effect of growth factors was unclear. Conclusion : This study revealed good results about the megakaryocyte colony assay of fetal liver mononuclear cells using $MegaCult^{TM}-C$ media. This study suggests that the fetal liver could be a good source of megakaryocytic progenitor cells for clinical application in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.865-870
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• 2003

Purpose : We measured the umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane($8-iso-PGF_{2{\alpha}}$) and intended to decide whether the umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane could be used as a useful parameter for lipid peroxidation in newborn infants. Methods : The isoprostane and malondialdehyde(MDA) concentrations of the umbilical cord were measured by enzyme immunoassay and TBARS(thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) assay in 33 preterm and 28 term infants, respectively. The concentrations of isoprostane and MDA were compared between preterm infants and term infants, and were analysed for association with perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications. Results : Umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane were $704.7{\pm}635.6pg/mL$ and $421.9{\pm}306.5pg/mL$ in preterm and term infants, respectively. Umbilical cord arterial concentrations of MDA were $44.0{\pm}22.9{\mu}M/L$ and $26.2{\pm}10.7{\mu}M/L$ in preterm and term infants, respectively. Umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane and MDA in preterm infants were significantly higher than those in term infants(P<0.05). The umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane were significantly associated with perinatal risk factors such as fetal distress, oligohydramnios, and breech delivery in preterm infants and pregnancy-induced hypertension in term infants(P<0.05). Conclusion : Umbilical cord arterial concentrations of isoprostane in preterm infants were higher than those in term infants, and those are significantly associated with some perinatal risk factors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.1140-1146
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• 2009

Purpose:The pathophysiology of magnesium, the second highest common compound in humans, is still unclear, especially in preterm babies. We accessed the association between total magnesium (tMg), ionized Mg (iMg), and gestational age (GA) and that between serum magnesium (sMg) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm babies. Methods:In all, 119 inborn preterm infants admitted between July 2006 and February 2008 were divided into the IVH group (19) and the control group (100) and were prospectively analyzed. TMg, iMg, pH, total calcium (tCa), and ionized Ca (iCa) levels were determined immediately after delivery or within 3 hours after birth, and their correlation with GA were investigated. Results:TMg was not correlated with GA, tCa, iCa, and pH. IMg was correlated with tMg (r=0.288, P=0.002) and iCa (r=0.212, P=0.021); however, it was not correlated with GA and pH. Mean GA and birth weight were significantly lower (P=0.002) and smaller (P=0.030) in the IVH group. Mean sMg was higher in the IVH group ($2.5{\pm}0.9mg/dL$) than in the control group ($2.1{\pm}0.6mg/dL$) (P=0.021). SMg was a risk factor even after logistic regression analysis (OR, 2.798; 95% C.I., 1.265-6.192; P=0.011). Conclusion:In less than 37-week-old preterm babies, tMg and iMg were similar, regardless of GA. High sMg may be a risk factor for IVH in premature babies, regardless of their exposure to antenatal magnesium.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a simple and practical shielding device to reduce the fetal dose for a pregnant patient undergoing radiation therapy of brain metastasis. Materials and Methods: The dose to the fetus was evaluated by simulating the treatments using the anthropomorphic phantom. The prescription dose at mid-brain is $300cGy{\times}10$ fractions with 6 MV photon with $18{\times}22cm^2$ field size. The additional shielding devices to reduce the fetal dose are a shielding wall, cerrobend plates and lead (Pb) sheets over acrylic bridge. Various points of measurement with off-field distance were detected by using ion-chamber (30, 40, 50, and 60 cm) with and without the shielding devices and TLD (30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 cm) only with the shielding devices. Results: The doses to the fetus without shielding were 3.20, 3.21, 1.44, 0.90 cGy at the distances of 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm from the treatment field edge. With shielding, the doses were reduced to 0.88, 0.60, 0.35, 0.25 cGy, and the ratio of the shielding effect varied from 70% to 80%. TLD results were 1.8, 1.2, 0.8, 1.2, and 0.8 cGy (70 cm). The total dose to the fetus was expected to be under 1 cGy during the entire treatment. Conclusion: The essential point during radiation therapy of pregnant patient would be minimizing the fetal dose. 10 cGy to 20 cGy is the threshold dose for fetal radiation effects. Our newly developed device reduced the fetal dose far below the safe level. Therefore, our additional shielding devices are useful and effective to reduce the fetal dose.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.135-140
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• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mixing with unfamiliar piglets on changes in the body surface temperature of sows and piglets during the suckling period. A total of 123 pigs (12 sows and 111 piglets) were used for this study. A control group of piglets of the same litter was maintained in the farrowing pen and compared to a treatment group of piglets of three different litters mixed by removing the partition in the farrowing pen. In the treatment group, mixing of piglets was performed at 10:00 a.m. on day 11 after parturition, and the body surface temperature of sows and piglets was taken using a thermo-graphic camera at 30 minutes after mixing. In the case of sows, the average surface temperature of the treatment group ($37.1^{\circ}C$) was significantly higher than that of the control ($36.3^{\circ}C$; p<0.05); however, the hot spot temperatures did not differ significantly between groups. In contrast, the average surface temperature of piglets was significantly decreased by mixing (37.5 and $36.0^{\circ}C$ in the control and treatment, respectively; p<0.01). Moreover, the hot spot temperature tended to be lower in the treatment ($39.1^{\circ}C$) than the control ($39.4^{\circ}C$), although there was no significant difference (p=0.079). These results suggest that mixing of unfamiliar piglets during the suckling period leads to changes in the body surface temperature of sows and piglets. In the future, the correlation between body surface temperature and body core temperature should be analyzed, and additional studies investigating the effects of mixing on the physiological changes in sows and piglets are required.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.8
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• pp.702-713
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• 2009

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of constipation, bowel habits and nutrient intakes of college students. The subjects were 353 college students (166 males and 187 females) aged 19 to 29 years in Incheon area. The subjects were asked about bowel habits and dietary intake using questionnaires during march, 2008 and the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) was based on the Rome II criteria. The prevalence of FC in male and female students was 12.7% and 28.9%, respectively. The prevalence of self-reported constipation in male and female students was 12.0% and 36.9%, respectively. Both were higher in female students compared to male students. Among the subjects that have self-reported constipation, proportions of FC were 35.0% in male students and 55.1% in female students. Of subjects that did not self-reported constipation, the proportions of FC were 9.6% in male students and 13.6% in female students. Over 90% of respondents that self-reported constipation in male students, had neither visited a hospital and nor used laxatives or functional foods for constipation relief. Seventy five point three percent of male students, and 40.1% of female students, had a defecation frequency of over 5 times per week (p < 0.001). Ratios intaken under the estimated average requirement (EAR) of Vit A, Vit C, folic acid and Ca were over the 50% regardless of functional constipation. Mean daily consumption of total dietary fiber was 15.0 g/day in male students and 13.5 g/day in female students. According to these results, both functional constipation and self-reported constipation are more frequent in female college students and further studies are required in case-control study and related to psychological factors as well as nutrients to relieve of constipation.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.272-277
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• 2014

This retrospective study evaluated the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) in milk during early lactation on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Data were collected on 774 cows from six dairy farms, including cow parity, dates of previous calving, artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, incidence of postpartum endometritis, reproductive performance (the intervals from calving to first insemination and conception), milk production and SCC. Data on 774 lactations were grouped based on the average first 3 months postpartum linear somatic cell score (SCS) as T1 (< 3.0, n = 521), T2 (3.0 ${\leq}$ and < 4.0, n = 113), and T3 (${\geq}$ 4.0, n = 140) groups. The odds ratio (OR) for the probability of endometritis increased 1.6 (p < 0.05) and 3.2 times (p < 0.0001) in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively, compared with that in the T1 group. The hazard of first insemination by 150 days in milk (DIM) was lower in the T3 group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, p < 0.01) than in the T1 group. First insemination conception rate did not differ among the 3 groups (28.7-34.2%, p > 0.05). The hazard of pregnancy by 365 DIM in the T3 group was lower (HR: 0.75, p < 0.05 respectively) than in the T1 and T2 groups. The SCS during 4 to 7 months postpartum differed (p < 0.0001) among the 3 groups. Farm and cow parity were important risk factors for higher SCS (${\geq}$ 4.0). Multiparous cows were more likely to have a higher SCS (OR: 2.26, p = 0.0005) compared with primiparous cows. In conclusion, higher SCS (${\geq}$ 4.0) during early lactation was associated with decreased reproductive performance of dairy cows.