• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.15-19
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• 2015

Purpose: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a truncated extracellular form of the membrane transferrin receptor produced by proteolysis. Concentrations of serum sTfR are related to iron status and erythropoiesis in the body. We investigated whether serum sTfR levels can aid in diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. Methods: Ninety-eight patients with IDA were enrolled and were classified according to age at diagnosis. Group 1 comprised 78 children, aged 6-59 months, and group 2 comprised 20 adolescents, aged 12-16 years. Results: In group 1, patients' serum sTfR levels correlated negatively with mean corpuscular volume; hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and serum iron levels; and transferrin saturation and positively with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and red cell distribution width. In group 2, patients' serum sTfR levels did not correlate with ferritin levels and TIBC, but had a significant relationship with other iron indices. Hb and serum sTfR levels had a significant inverse relationship in both groups; however, in group 1, there was no correlation between Hb and serum ferritin levels. In 30 patients of group 1, serum sTfR levels were significantly decreased with an increase in Hb levels after iron supplementation for 1 month. Conclusion: Serum sTfR levels significantly correlated with other diagnostic iron parameters of IDA and inversely correlated with an increase in Hb levels following iron supplementation. Therefore, serum sTfR levels can be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of IDA in children.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.377-382
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• 2006

Oxidative stress occurs in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass operation. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in oxidative stress in off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. In the present study, in serial blood samples, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as index of lipid peroxidation, red blood cells glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to compare the extent of oxidative stress in 30 patients undergoing OPCAB (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting), 12 patients undergoing CABG (on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting) and 18 healthy controls. In CABG group, MDA levels increased significantly from $2.87{\pm}0.62\;nmol/mL$ before anesthesia and $2.87{\pm}0.65\;nmol/mL$ after anesthesia to $3.05{\pm}0.66\;nmol/mL$ after ischemia (p < 0.05). Similarly, SOD levels also elevated significantly from $661.58{\pm}78.70\;U/g$ Hb before anesthesia and $659.42{\pm}81.21\;U/g$ Hb anesthesia induction to $678.08{\pm}75.80\;U/g$ Hb after ischemia (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). In OPCAB group, only SOD levels increased from $581.73{\pm}86.24\;U/g$ Hb anesthesia induction to $590.90{\pm}88.90\;U/g$ Hb after reperfusion (p < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase levels were not changed according to blood collection times in both of CABG group or OPCAB group (p > 0.05). Our results show that only mild signs of oxidative stress is found after reperfusion in OPCAB operation compared with CABG operation. Further studies are needed in order to confirm this hypothesis.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.88-92
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to study the intake of heavy metals such af arsenic, lead and cobalt and the relationship of dietary heavy metals with serum iron, topper, and zinc, which play important roles in hematopoiesis, in healthy college women living in Choongnam Korea, where we have detected heavy metals (As, Pb, Co) in some marine products in previous studies. The nutritional status of the subjects (35 women) was evaluated by anthropometric measurements, 24-hr dietary recall for 3 days. And 3-day diets (by weighing method) and blood were collected to analyze As, Pb, Co, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hb, Hct, and MCHC. The mean age, height, weight, and BMI were 20 years, 158 cm, 55 kg and 22.42 kg/$m^2$, respectively. The mean daily energy intake was 85.85% of RDA for Koreans. The ratio of energy from carbohydrate, protein, and fat was 60 : 24 : 16. The mean daily intake of heavy metals (As, Pb, Co) was 1.77 mg/day, 75.21 $\mu$g/day and 21.12 $\mu$g/day. And the mean daily intake of iron, copper, and Zinc concentrations were 97, 68, and 92% of normal values. The mean serum heavy metals (As, Pb, Co) were 16.14 $\mu$g/dl, 4.32 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and 0.02 $\mu$g/dr, respectively Mean blood levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Hb, Hct, and MCHC were at normal levels. Dietary heavy metals except Co were not significantly different from serum Fe, Cu, Zn and Hb, Hct, and MCHC. However, there was a tendency toward lower serum concentration of Fe, Hb, Hct, and MCHC in the subjects with higher heavy metals (As) intake. Among heavy metals, only dietary Co showed a significant negative correlation with Hb (p< 0.001) and Hct (p < 0.001).

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2013

In this work, we present the catalytic dehydrogenation of hydrazine borane $N_2H_4BH_3$ (HB) using supported nickel catalysts at $50^{\circ}C$. In the presence of monometallic nickel catalysts, the dehydrogenation of HB is a one-step reaction consisting of the hydrolysis of the $BH_3$ group only. The challenge is to activate nickel to make it reactive towards the $N_2H_4$ moiety of HB. A set of 52 catalysts were prepared by using 2 supports ($Al_2O_3$ and $TiO_2$), 5 nickel precursors and 3 preparation methods. For the first time, we show that the supported nickel catalysts are able to dehydrogenate the $NH_3$ moiety of HB. In our experimental conditions, the best results were obtained with 20 wt% Ni-$Al_2O_3$ and 20 wt% Ni-$TiO_2$, with ca. 190 mL $H_2+N_2$ generated over a total theoretical volume of 283 mL, suggesting $H_2$ selectivity of 37 and 32%, respectively. Both catalysts were then characterized by EDX, XPS, and XRD. Our achievement is the first step forward and opens new perspectives for developing catalysts for the total dehydrogenation of HB.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.406-416
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• 2012

Purpose: The purposes of this secondary data analysis study were first to identify the number of Korean adults achieving goals set by the American Diabetes Association for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and secondly to identify the characteristics associated with lack of goals attainment. Methods: The sample was 413 Koreans with diagnosed diabetes aged thirty years or older who participated in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Goals attainment for HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C were presented in percentages. Logistic regressions were used to examine associations between participants' characteristics and lack of goals attainment. Results: About 48% had HbA1c<7%, 48.2% had BP<130/80mmHg, and 34.1% had LDL-C<100mg/dL. Only 8.7% of the sample achieved all three parameters. In multivariate analysis, younger age, longer diabetes duration, insulin use, and abdominal obesity were associated with not meeting HbAlC goal. Smoking and use of antihypertensive medication were associated with BP${\geq}$130/80 mmHg. No use of lipid lowering agents was associated with LDL-C${\geq}$100 mg/dL. Conclusion: Many Koreans with diabetes were not at goals for HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C. For optimal control, appropriateness of therapy and poor lifestyle habits should be assessed periodically and managed accordingly.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.271-280
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among blood glucose, HbA1c, and self management comparing these with general and illness characteristics of subjects with Type II Diabetes living in the community. Methods: Using a comprehensive survey developed for the study, data were collected from 82 type II diabetes patients who were registered at five community health departments. The variables of self management, blood glucose and HbA1c were assessed by nurses. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics including t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient to compare self management and level of HbA1c by subject's general and illness characteristics and to examine the relationships among variables. Results: About 73.2% of the subjects' HbA1c were 7.0% or higher and 54.9% of subjects' blood glucose were 200 mg/dL or higher. The level of self management was moderate. Most frequently perceived reasons for failure of blood glucose control were dietary failure (32.9%). There was significant relationship between self management and HbA1c(r=-.223, p=.040). The mean score of self management were higher among female (t=-2.37, p=.021), who are not on diabetes medication (t=6.70, p=.011). Conclusion: Comprehensive intervention is needed to improve dietary self management, especially for male and those who is on diabetes medication.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.146-152
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• 2009

Purpose : 본 연구의 목적은 항암치료로 인한 빈혈환자의 치료에서 epoetin alpha (rHuEPO) 피하주사 시, 주일회 요법과 주삼회요법의 헤모글로빈(hemoglobin, Hb) 상승 효과를 비교하는 것이다. Methods : 본 연구는 1999년 3월부터 2005년 3월까지 국립암센터에서 항암치료로 인한 빈혈로 epoetin alpha를 투여 받은 환자를 대상으로 의무기록의 자료를 후향적으로 수집하여 분석하였다. 연구에 포함된 환자는 rHuEPO 10,000 IU 주삼회투여군(n = 127)과 20,000 IU 주일회투여군(n = 81)으로 구분되었으며, 이들은 필요에 따라 경구용 철분보조제를 섭취하였다. Epoetin alpha 치료 시작 후 최대 8주까지 2주 간격으로 Hb 수치변화를 분석하였다. Results : 치료 시작 시점의 rHuEPO 10,000 IU 주삼회투여군과 20,000 IU 주일회투여군의 평균 Hb수치는 유사하였 다 (9.4 g/dL vs. 9.7 g/dL). Epoetin alpha 치료 후 8주까지 두 그룹간의 헤모글로빈 수치의 상승 정도에는 유의한 차이가 없었다 ($1.57{\pm}1.39$ g/dL vs. $1.68{\pm}1.35$ g/dL, p=0.59). 또한 경구용 철분보조제 투여여부, cisplatin 포함 항암제 투여여부 및 성별에 따른 군의 분류에 있어서도 rHuEPO 10,000 IU 주삼회투여군과 20,000 IU 주일회투여군의 평균 Hb 상승수치는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. Conclusion : 한국인에서 항암치료로 인한 빈혈의 치료 시에 rHuEPO 20,000 IU 주일회투여 용법은 10,000 IU 주 삼회투여 용법과 유사한 Hb 상승효과를 가진다.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.183-192
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• 2010

While Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has been recommended in some diabetes mellitus (DM) patients population according to the 2010 American Diabetes Association (ADA), 2007 Korean Diabetes Association (KDA), 2005 International Diabetes Federation guideline, it is excluded from a routine insurance coverage for outpatients in Korea. The objective of this study is to meta-analyze the impact of SMBG on HbA1c in non insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (NIT) DM patients. Published clinical literatures were identified through electronic database searches from inception and until May 2010. Studies were selected if they met the following inclusion criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2) comparing SMBG with non-SMBG in NIT type 2 diabetes, 3) measuring HbA1c as an outcome. Literature qualities were assessed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Checklist. The mean difference of HbA1c between the 2 groups was pooled from non-heterogeneous 6 RCTs by meta-analysis using Review Manger (RevMan) Version 5.0 program. Pooled results demonstrated that SMBG is associated with a statistically significant improvement in glycemic control (mean HbA1c difference -0.23, 95%CI -0.32, -0.13). Sensitivity analysis showed that glycemic controls were significantly improved in patients with shorter study duration, more frequent self-monitoring, higher baseline HbA1c value, and without prior SMBG experiences. Conclusively SMBG is effective in improving glycemic control in NIT DM patients, but additional evidences from further researches in Korean patients and cost-effectiveness analysis would be necessary to make a suggestion for coverage expansion.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.202-210
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• 2012

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MPG-EPO), a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating agent with a long half-life. The purpose of this prospective study is to assess the effects of once-monthly subcutaneous MPG-EPO on hematological responses and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Forty four patients undergoing stable peritoneal dialysis were enrolled into the study. Darbepoetin alfa therapy, in peritoneal dialysis patients, was converted to the monthly administration of subcutaneous MPG-EPO for 6 months. The starting dose of MPG-EPO was based on the previous weekly dose of darbepoetin alfa. The dose adjustments were performed to maintain the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in a target range of 10.5-11.0 g/dL. If the Hb levels exceeded 11.0 g/dL, MPG-EPO was temporarily interrupted for 1 month. The mean Hb levels were stable with the values of $9.5{\pm}1.1$ g/dL at baseline, and $10.4{\pm}0.9$ g/dL at the 6th month after conversion. The mean differences in the changes of Hb levels between the baseline and the 6th month were $0.9{\pm}1.4$ g/dL, which was statistically significant. However, the mean differences of iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin concentrations were not significant. It did not show significant differences in the changes of the nutritional parameters. These results suggest that the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO for 6 months effectively maintains the Hb levels and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Taken together, the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO was practical and might improve the clinical compliance for the management of renal anemia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.31.2-31.2
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• 2012

We present the Yonsei Evolutionary Population Synthesis (YEPS) models for spectroscopic and photometric evolutions of simple and composite stellar populations. The models are based on the most up-to-date Yonsei-Yale stellar evolutionary tracks and BaSel 3.1 flux libraries, and provide integrated spectroscopic quantities of Lick/IDS system including high-order Balmer absorption-lines. Special care has been taken to incorporate the systematic variation of horizontal branch (HB) morphology as functions of metallicity, age, alpha-element mixture, and helium abundance of simple stellar populations. Our models for normal-helium stellar populations indicate that the realistic modeling of HB and alpha-element brings about 5 Gyr and 0.1 dex differences in age and metallicity estimations, respectively, compared to those without these effects. The HB effect does not depend on the specific choice of stellar libraries and alpha-element enhancements, and this effect is non-negligible even in the metal sensitive absorption indices, such as Mg2 and Mg b. Comparison of the models to observations reveals that the HB and alpha-element effects are critical in understanding otherwise inexplicable phenomena found in globular cluster systems in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, including the observed bimodality of the line strengths of globular clusters in massive galaxies. In addition, we found that helium-enhanced stellar populations, which are the major sources of extreme HB stars, bring about increased FUV, NUV fluxes, and thus the model colors of those filters become extremely blue. Age dating based on the YEPS model with normal-helium stellar populations reveals that the evidence for 'downsizing' of elliptical galaxies is found not only in the local field but also in Coma cluster, and that the mean age of elliptical galaxies in Coma cluster is about 1.4 Gyr younger than the mean age of those in the local field. We also find that our models with helium-enhanced subpopulations can naturally reproduce the strong UV-upturns observed in giant elliptical galaxies assuming an age similar to that of old GCs in the Milky Way.