• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.353-361
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• 2015

Objective : The aim of this study was to develop the non-powered horse riding device and was to evaluate the elaborate its applicability throughout static structural and transient structural analysis of the outdoor core strength exercise equipment. Method : Fifteen college students (mass: $69.55{\pm}13.38kg$, height: $1.69{\pm}5.61m$, age: $21.42{\pm}1.83yrs$) rode the powered horse riding device and 14 college students (mass: $71.12{\pm}9.74kg$, height: $1.73{\pm}3.31m$, age: $22.50{\pm}1.47yrs$) rode the non-powered horse riding device for the comparison. All motion capture data was collected at 100 Hz using six infrared cameras and the muscular activities were collected using a Delsys Trigno wireless system. The peak forward/backward lean angle, range of motion anter/posterior and vertical COM(Center of mass) movement of trunk and pelvis segment, and muscle activities of six muscles were compared between the two devices by using independent t-test (p<.05). Results : Several kinematic variables (peak forward-backward lean angle and vertical COM movement of trunk and pelvis segment, range of motion of trunk) significantly different between non-powered and powered horse riding device. The muscle activities of Rectus abdominis and External oblique of abdomen on the non-powered horse riding device were significantly greater than those of the powered device. Conclusion : It was concluded that non-power horse riding device could give the effect of core strength exercise as well as the body motion which can simulate the powered horse riding device.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.6
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• pp.269-275
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• 2014

Background: The six-minute walk test has been widely used in people with chronic cardiopulmonary disorders as an outcome assessment with regards to therapeutic or prognostic determinants. This study was undertaken to determine the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in a sample of healthy Koreans and to create a reference equation. We also compared the 6MWD of our cohort with previously published equations. Methods: Two hundred fifty-nine healthy subjects (95 males) aged 22-59 years performed two walking tests using a standardized protocol. 6MWD was defined as the greatest distance achieved from the two tests. The effect of anthropometrics on the 6MWD was also investigated. Results: The average 6MWD was $598.5{\pm}57.92m$, with significantly longer distances by males ($628.9{\pm}59.51m$) than females ($580.9{\pm}47.80m$) (p<0.001). Age, height, weight, and body mass index were significantly correlated with 6MWD in univariate analysis. Stepwise multiple regression showed height to be single independent predictor of 6MWD ($r^2$=0.205, p<0.001). The reference equations derived in Caucasian and North African populations tend to overestimate the distance walked by Korean subjects, while Asian equations underestimate it. Conclusion: The average 6MWD in these Korean populations was 600 m. The regression equation revealed that individual's height was the most significant predictor of distance, explaining 20.5% of the distance variance.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2018

Background: Non-conversion of sputum smear and culture prolongs the infectivity of the patient and has been associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with persistent sputum positivity at the end of two months of treatment of new case pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods: Data of 87 human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients with culture-positive drug-susceptible pulmonary TB admitted to local university hospital between September 2015 and September 2016 were reviewed. Factors associated with sputum smear and/or culture positivity at the end of the second month of treatment were analyzed. Results: Twenty-two patients (25.3%) remained smear and/or culture-positive. Male sex, lower body mass index (BMI), unemployment, alcohol abuse, higher number of lobes involved and cavities on chest X-rays, shorter time to detection (TTD) on liquid cultures, higher respiratory sample smear grading and colony count in solid cultures, higher C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and anemia were all significantly associated with persistent sputum positivity. However, in the logistic regression analysis only male sex, lower BMI, alcohol abuse, higher radiological involvement, cavitation, higher smear grading, higher colony count in solid cultures and shorter TTD were determined as independent factors associated with persistent sputum positivity at the end of 2 months of treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, higher sputum smear and culture grading at diagnosis, shorter TTD, higher number of lobes involved, cavitation, male sex, alcohol abuse, and lower BMI were independently associated with persistent sputum positivity. These factors should be sought when distinguishing which patients will remain infectious longer and possibly have worse outcomes.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.81-94
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• 2020

Purpose: Duodenal stump leakage (DSL) is a potentially fatal complication that can occur after gastrectomy, but its underlying risk factors are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and management of DSL after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods: Relevant data were collected from several prospective databases to retrospectively analyze the data of GC patients who underwent Billroth II (B-II) or Rouxen-Y (R-Y) reconstruction after laparoscopic gastrectomy from 2 institutions (Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences). The DSL risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis regression. Results: A total of 810 patients were eligible for our analysis (426 with R-Y, 384 with B-II with Braun). Eleven patients had DSL (1.36%). Body mass index (BMI), elevated preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and unreinforced duodenal stump were the independent risk factors for DSL. DSL was diagnosed in 2-12 days, with a median of 8 days. Seven patients received conservative treatment, 3 patients received puncture treatment, and only 1 patient required reoperation. All patients recovered successfully after treatment. Conclusions: The risk factors of DSL were BMI ≥24 kg/㎡, elevated preoperative CRP level, and unreinforced duodenal stump. Nonsurgical treatments for DSL are preferred.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.119-123
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• 2016

Thyroid cancer, the most common endocrine neoplasia, consists of four main types of carcinomas: papillary, follicular, and anaplastic, all with thyroid follicular origin, and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) related to para-follicular cells. Cronic diseases such as diverse cancers may be associated with cachexia, especially at advanced stage. Cancer-induced cachexia is associated with diminished quality of life, functional performance, reduced response to antitumor therapy, and increased morbidity and mortality. Myostatin (Mst) is one of the outstanding molecules in the skeletal muscle loss process in cancer and it may be released by both skeletal muscle and cachexia-inducing tumors. Recently changes in serum levels of Mst have been identified as an important factor of cancer-induced cachexia. The goal of this study was to assessserum Mst levels in MTC patients. In this descriptive and case-control study, 90 participants were selected, comprising 45 MTC patients (20 males, $29{\pm}13.9years$, 25 females, $29{\pm}14.5years$) and 45 control individuals (25 males, $23.1{\pm}11.6years$, 20 females, $31.5{\pm}14.4years$). Serum Mst was determined using an ELISA kit and body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weight and height measurements. The Kolmogorov Simonov test showed a normal distribution for log transformed Mst serum levels in both case and control groups. Geometric means were 5.9 and 8.2 ng/ml respectively, and a significant difference was found according to the independent t-test results (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference mean of Mst between females in control and MTC groups, but not for the males. Pearson correlation test showed no correlation between age and BMI with Mst serum levels. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that Mst serum levels may have a potential ability for early diagnosis of cachexia in MTC patients, especially in females.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.247-255
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• 2014

Purpose. This study is based on physical and mental health and physical activity differences in Practice rate each physical activity according to the body to target the 319 people who live in rural areas of 65 and older who have chronic diseases Practice rate activities, general characteristics of chronic diseases, elderly differences in physical activity and investigate the factors that influence. Methods. Physical activity Practice rate was used for descriptive statistics. Each physical activity Practice rate in accordance with the general characteristics of the rural elderly chronic disease were independent T test and One-way ANOVA test. To evaluate the factors influencing the physical activity was the multiple logistic regression analysis. Results. Results of physical activity practice was the most flexibility exercise was walking then, Practice rate each physical activity in accordance with the general characteristics of the elderly are tangible and physical activity radish age, housing type, education level, health insurance part statistically significant were different. Physical health status according to the presence or absence of physical activity showed a significant difference in daily life activities and limited mental health differences were not significant. Factors affecting the physical activity of the elderly with chronic diseases appeared to limit the presence and activities of daily living. Conclusions. As well there is no activity restrictions can be more physically active everyday life well. It is suggested that it is important to approach everyday life, I can help eliminate the factors that independently giving limits on the activities of the elderly with chronic diseases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3241-3245
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• 2015

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of mitomycin-C and chemo-hyperthermia in combination for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: Between November 2011-September 2013, 43 patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing adjuvant chemo-hyperthermia in two centers were evaluated retrospectively. Treatment consisted of 6 weekly sessions, followed by 6 sessions. Recurrence and progression rate, recurrence-free interval and side effects were examined. Analyzed factors included age, gender, smoking status, AB0 blood group, body mass index, T stage and grade, concominant CIS assets. The associations between predictors and recurrence were assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. Results: A total of 40 patients completed induction therapy. Thirteen (32.5%) were diagnosed with tumor recurrence. Median follow-up was 30 months (range 9-39). Median recurrence-free survival was 23 months (range 6-36). The Kaplan-Meier-estimated recurrence-free rates for the entire group at 12 and 24 months were 82% and 61%. There was no statistically significant difference between patient subgroups. Cox hazard analyses showed that an A blood type (OR=6.23, p=0.031) was an independent predictor of recurrence-free. Adverse effects were seen in 53% of patients and these were frequently grades 1 and 2. Conclusions: Intravesical therapy with combination of mitomycin-C and chemohyperthermia seems to be appropriate in high-risk patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who cannot tolerate or have contraindications for standard BCG therapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2689-2698
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• 2013

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a collection of events that allows the conversion of adherent epithelial cells, tightly bound to each other within an organized tissue, into independent fibroblastic cells possessing migratory properties and the ability to invade the extracellular matrix. EMT contributes to the complex architecture of the embryo by permitting the progression of embryogenesis from a simple single-cell layer epithelium to a complex three-dimensional organism composed of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. However, in most tissues EMT is a developmentally restricted process and fully differentiated epithelia typically maintain their epithelial phenotype. Recently, elements of EMT, specially the loss of epithelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal markers, have been observed in pathological states, including epithelial cancers. Increasing evidence has confirmed its presence in human colon during colorectal carcinogenesis. In general, chronic inflammation is considered to be one of the causes of many human cancers including colorectal cancer(CRC). Accordingly, epidemiologic and clinical studies indicate that patients affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease, have an increased risk of developing CRC. A large body of evidence supports roles for the SMAD/STAT3 signaling pathway, the NF-kB pathway, the Ras-mitogenactivated protein kinase/Snail/Slug and microRNAs in the development of colorectal cancers via epithelial-tomesenchymal transition. Thus, EMT appears to be closely involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and analysis refered to it can yield novel targets for therapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.205-210
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to recognize the state of vitamin D among healthy infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and also to identify the risk factors affecting the level of vitamin D. Methods: A total of 117 infants were enrolled in this study for 12 months, from March 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were measured and data including birth weight, body weight, sex, feeding pattern, delivery mode, siblings and maternal age and occupation were collected. Data was mainly analyzed with independent t-test model. Results: We determined that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25[OH]D<20 ng/mL [50 mmol/L]) was 48.7% in the population investigated. Particularly in breastfed infants, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was strikingly high (90.4%). The mean serum level of 25(OH)D in breastfed infants was lower than that of formula fed infants (9.35 ng/mL vs. 28.79 ng/mL). Also female infants showed lower mean serum level of 25(OH)D than male. Mean serum values of calcium and phosphorus had positive correlation with vitamin D state (P<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was found to be very common in infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and breast feeding was the most critical risk factor of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore we suggest to start vitamin D supplementation in South Korea, as soon as possible, to all infants, including breastfed and female infants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1205-1217
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• 2013

Pigs require energy for maintenance and productive purposes, and an accurate amount of available energy in feeds should be provided according to their energy requirement. Available energy in feeds for pigs has been characterized as DE, ME, or NE by considering sequential energy losses during digestion and metabolism from GE in feeds. Among these energy values, the NE system has been recognized as providing energy values of ingredients and diets that most closely describes the available energy to animals because it takes the heat increment from digestive utilization and metabolism of feeds into account. However, NE values for diets and individual ingredients are moving targets, and therefore, none of the NE systems are able to accurately predict truly available energy in feeds. The DE or ME values for feeds are important for predicting NE values, but depend on the growth stage of pigs (i.e., BW) due to the different abilities of nutrient digestion, especially for dietary fiber. The NE values are also influenced by both environment that affects NE requirement for maintenance ($NE_m$) and the growth stage of pigs that differs in nutrient utilization (i.e., protein vs. lipid synthesis) in the body. Therefore, the interaction among animals, environment, and feed characteristics should be taken into consideration for advancing feed energy evaluation. A more mechanistic approach has been adopted in Denmark as potential physiological energy (PPE) for feeds, which is based on the theoretical biochemical utilization of energy in feeds for pigs. The PPE values are, therefore, believed to be independent of animals and environment. This review provides an overview over current knowledge on energy utilization and energy evaluation systems in feeds for growing pigs.