• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.89-98
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• 2001

This study was conducted to detect the toxoplasma specific-DNA in circulating blood and organs collected from slaughtered pigs at slaughtering house and experimentally infected pigs with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), and also PCR was applied to diagnose for acute phase of swine toxoplasmosis as a newly developed diagnostic test. The sensitivity of oligonucleotide primer, T-1 & T-2, designed from toxoplasma B1 gene amplification method was compared with Tp parasite detection by mouse inoculation(MI). On the other hand, latex agglutination test(LAT) was conducted to detect the serum antibodies comparing with the detection of toxoplasma by PCR and MI. The results obtained were summarized as follows. PCR was able to determine at the lowest level of $10^0/ml$ T. gondii in blood samples which were blended with a serial diluted T gondii in vitro. On the other hand, $10^2/5g$ of T gondii could detect from a variety of tissues including lung, diaphragm, liver, heart, spleen and brain in vitro. The primer was proved to specifically determine T gondii in blood and tissues in vitro but it did not detect Neospora caninum used as a negative control. DNA of T. gondii was effectively extracted by freezing, thawing and grinding twice both tissues mixed with T gondii in vitro and in experimentally infected pig's tissues. PCR detected specific DNA in the blood of experimentally infected pigs at 108 hrs and 120 hrs post-infection, it was the same time that the pigs showed fever and parasitaemia. In case of tissue, specific DNA was, however, detected only lung from experimentally infected pigs. Even though the duration of acute phase was from 3 to 7 days post-infection, but the latex agglutination test (LAT) results appeared from 8 days post-infection. A comparison of sensitivity in determining T gondii in blood samples between PCR and MI, PCR positive rate ranged from 25 to 33.3%, but that of MI covered from 75 to 100%.

• Journal of Information Technology Services
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.113-125
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• 2008

To test if the developed ubiquitous health care devices working well and vital information could be collected and monitored systematically through internet and to test if the devices and services could be used further. Kyungwon University, KT Co., Gil Medical Center, LIG Nex1 Co., and Sujeong Health Center conducted an ubiquitous health care demonstration project in Sujeong-Gu, Sungnam, Korea from Mar. 5 to May 16. We developed and applied several medical devices to monitor health of the elderly in their houses through internet. The devices were sphygmomanometer, glucometer, body fat scale, Health Pad, and activity sensor. We distributed the devices to 20 recipients of home care and 7 diabetes patients. After received the devices and were explained how to use them, they used the devices in their houses. The vital signs of the residents were monitored through internet. A nurse monitored and consulted their vital signs in the monitoring center in Kyungwon University during the demonstration period. The consultant called them and consulted on their blood pressure, blood sugar level, and body fat after a few seconds they used the devices as well as provision of recommended contents such as diets and activities through Health Pad. To investigate cognition and satisfaction of the participants for the devices, we surveyed the participants at the end of the demonstration period. For the change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities, we conducted statistical test. After the demonstration period. cognition and satisfaction for the devices and change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities were evaluated. Most of the participants were acknowledged how to use the device and satisfied with the use of the devices. The internet monitoring and services are considered to be promising because most of the participants were satisfied especially because somebody was monitoring their health status. However some weaknesses such as short battery life of the activity sensor, lack of connection of consultations with hospitals, and low understanding on usage of some of the devices need to be complemented.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of a video low intensity exercise program provided during hemodialysis on fatigue, activity of daily living, positive psychological capital and blood pressure of patients being treated. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pre-post test design was used. Participants were 85 hemodialysis patients assigned to either the experimental group (n=41) or the control group (n=44). The experimental group exercised for about 25 minutes 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Data analyses involved descriptive statistics, $x^2$ test, t-test, multiple regression and repeated measure ANOVA using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Results: The exercise intervention significantly reduced post hemodialysis fatigue and significantly increased positive psychological capital. There was a significant interaction effect on time by group in blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure changes in the experimental group were stable but, changes in the control group tended to increase gradually. Conclusion: To reduce fatigue and increase positive psychological capital for hemodialysis patients, providing exercise during hemodialysis is recommended. Furthermore individualized exercise in terms of intensity, time, duration, etc should be developed and tested. Also, to reduce drastic blood pressure changes during hemodialysis, exercise should be provided.

• Kosin Medical Journal
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.337-346
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• 2018

Objectives: Serum procalcitonin (PCT) is a specific biomarker that rises after bacterial infection, and levels of PCT are known to correlate with the severity and mortality of patients with pneumonia and sepsis. However, the usefulness of PCT levels in acute pyelonephritis is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the PCT level as a predictive test for bacteremia in acute pyelonephritis. Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2013, 140 patients diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis were admitted to Haeundae Paik Hospital. Serum PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) levels at pre- and post- treatment were measured. Blood and urine cultures were obtained from all patients. The levels of PCT, CRP, and WBCs were each compared between the blood culture-positive and blood culture-negative groups to assess their effectiveness in predicting bacteremia. Results: Pre-treatment PCT level was 0.77 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.42-1.60 ng/mL) in the blood culture-negative group and 4.89 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.88-9.04 ng/mL) in the blood culture-positive group, and the increase between the two groups was statistically significant. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of PCT level for prediction of bacteremia was 0.728. A cut-off value of 1.23 ng/mL indicated a sensitivity of 79.0 % and specificity of 60.0 % for PCT level. Conclusions: Serum PCT level is a useful predictive test for bacteremia in acute pyelonephritis. Through the early detection of bacteremia, serum PCT level can help estimate the prognosis and predict complications such as sepsis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.943-952
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• 2022

As a test for diagnosing fatty liver, recently, ultrasound and blood exam are being performed simultaneously. In particular, in the case of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in blood exam, it is used as an index indicating the level of inflammation in various parts of the body as well as cardiovascular diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to analyze the association between metabolic syndrome components, liver function, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels according to the degree of nonalcoholic fatty liver, and use it as a clinical indicator for fatty liver diagnosis. Metabolic syndrome components, liver function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood test values analyzed from 1,139 men and women over 20 years of age with nonalcoholic fatty liver in abdominal ultrasonography from March 2021 to August 2021 at the Korea Association of Health Promotion, Gwangju-Jeonnam Branch. Analyzed for all men and women, the blood test values for subjects with mild fatty liver were AST 30 U/L, ALT 32.1 U/L, γ-GTP 41.2 IU/L, and hs-CRP 0.14 mg/dL. These values were lower than the blood test values of subjects with moderate fatty liver (AST 38 U/L, ALT 47.6 U/L, γ-GTP 54.9 IU/L, hs-CRP 0.22 mg/dL) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). In this case of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test, it is statistically significant, showing higher values in Subjects with moderate fatty liver than Subjects with mild fatty liver. thus, it is considered that hs-CRP can be used as clinical data for the prevention and management of fatty liver.

• The Journal of Economics, Marketing and Management
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.9-20
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• 2015

Could blood type provide a key to wellness and even affect our personality? The theory that blood type is linked to personality (and other mental and physical qualities) is popular mainly in Japan, though it has carried over to Taiwan and South Korea. The present study is the result of a scientific research in which the relationship between two important variables, namely blood group a nd group participation, are determined in the research framework. Based on some collected data from manufacturing firms which are accepted firms in Tehran Stock Exchange, and through cluster sampling a sample was selected. 380 questionnaires were distributed to the personnel of production line, of the firms then the reliability and validity of the questionnaires through independence test and average ratio comparison of the two population were examined, and through Pearson's chi-square formula, the relationship between blood group (independent variable) and group participation (dependent variable) were tested, then through Schuprow coefficient, the prioritization of blood groups over group participation was identified and the following results were obtained: people group participation is affected by their personality features which is derived from their temperament, mood, and characteristics. The study also showed that people blood groups has an effect on their group cooperation, and among blood groups, blood group A has the greatest tendency to group participation and then blood group O, AB, B are prioritized respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.83-98
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• 2016

Objectives: This Study was designed to investigate the effect of Oxygen chamber to recover muscle fatigue. Methods: Twenty Subjects were divided into Oxygen Chamber Group (n=10) and Rest group (n=10). Subjects visited hospital two times, blood tests were performed 3 times for each visit. 1st blood test was performed in 4 hours hunger state. 2nd blood test was performed within 5 minutes after the 6 minutes bike exercise. 3rd blood test was performed after the 40 minutes Oxygen treatment or 40 minutes rest in bed. Blood test items were Lactate, Glucose, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Creatine Kinase, Free Fatty Acid. 2nd visit was applied 1st visit process, But Oxygen Chamber group was crossed over to Rest Group, Rest Group was crossed over to Oxygen Chamber group. The Blood test result was analyzed with paired T-test using SPSS for Windows version 21. Results: The reduction of Lactate in Oxygen Chamber Group (6.86±2.07 mmol/ℓ) was higher than Rest group (6.57±2.33 mmol/ℓ), but it was not statically significant (p=0.68). The reduction of Glucose in Oxygen Chamber Group (6.85±12.14 mg/dl) was lower than Rest group (7.60±9.83 mg/dl), but it was not statically significant (p=0.83). The reduction of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Oxygen Chamber Group (16.10±14.91 mmol/ℓ) was lower than Rest group (19.75±12.46 mg/dl), but it was not statically significant (p=0.41). The reduction of Creatine Kinase in Oxygen Chamber Group (13.40±5.69 U/ℓ) was lower than Rest group (15.25±8.01 U/ℓ), but it was not statically significant (p=0.41). The reduction of Free Fatty Acid in Oxygen Chamber Group (285.50±174.13 uEq/ℓ) was higher than Rest group (196.15±131.58 uEq/ℓ), but it was not statically significant (p=0.07). Conclusions: This study showed Oxygen chamber therapy could be effective to recover muscle fatigue.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.268-276
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• 2015

Objectives: According to the 2007 Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS), some areas in the Gyeongsang Provinces showed very high blood mercury levels in adults. We conducted this project to investigate any related health effects in children due to mercury levels in these areas. Methods: In total, 1,097 students between grades 3 and 6 at 19 elementary schools were recruited from four areas with high mercury exposure as identified by the KNEHS. Total mercury levels in biological samples were compared with health check-ups performed on the schoolchildren. Biological monitoring, supported by questionnaires, a computerized neurobehavioral test, a posturography test and a personality test, were applied. Results: Triglycerides showed a significant relation with mercury in blood, urine and hair. Total mercury concentrations were divided into two groups: upper and lower concentration groups based on the median value. In the computerized neurobehavioral test, the upper blood mercury group showed a greater reaction time for color-word vigilance (p<0.05). In the posturography test, the intensity value of the tremor test showd high significant relations with mercury levels (p<0.01). In the personality test, self-consciousness, misdeeds and family relationships showed significant differences between the upper and lower urine mercury groups (p<0.01), and specific reactions, ego resilience and hyperactivity also showed some differences (p<0.1). Conclusion: Some items in the neurobehavioral test, posturography test and personality test showed significant relations with biological mercury levels. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate management of students showing high mercury levels are recommended in order to reduce their mercury exposure.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.349-357
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• 2008

Purpose: The Purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of walking on physical health such as body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids for residents in rural areas. Method: Data were collected from 109 residents at 4 community health centers and during the 12 weeks' period between May and July, 2007 with quasi-experimental pre/post-test design. The data were processed with SPSS Win 12.0. Result: 69.5% of the subjects had chronic degenerative diseases such as hypertension, arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Also, 52.9% had overweight and 14.7% had excessive obesity. There were significant positive changes in BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose and LDL among obese residents. However, there was no significant difference in total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL among blood lipids. Conclusion: This study showed that a 3 months' walking program had positive effects on physical health and it should be continued.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.82-92
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• 2003

Objective: To appreciate the effect of San-Yin-Jiao(SP-6) pressure on duratof delivery time and quantity of blood loss in order to verify the possibility of application to clinic of San-Yin-Jiao pressure. Methods: The design of this study is nonequivalent control group non- synchronized design. The subjects are 39 persons who are made up of SP-6 pressure applied(experimental) group 20 persons and to control group 19 persons. Collected data were analyzed as frequency, percentage, t-test, $x^2-test$ using SPSS 10.0 WIN Program. Conclusions: San-Yin-Jiao(SP-6) pressure not only make short duration of delivery time, but also decline quantity of blood loss in effect. 1. It could be necessary that the study of the effects of San-Yin-Jio(SP-6) pressure on duration of delivery time and quantity of blood loss for primipara be done repeatedly. 2. It could be necessary to increase this sort of study through free random experimental design in order to generalize this experimental result.