• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.20-28
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• 2016

Internet addiction (IA) has become a widespread and problematic phenomenon as smart devices pervade society. Moreover, internet gaming disorder leads to increases in social expenditures for both individuals and nations alike. Although the prevention and treatment of IA are getting more important, the diagnosis of IA remains problematic. Understanding the neurobiological mechanism of behavioral addictions is essential for the development of specific and effective treatments. Although there are many databases related to other addictions, a database for IA has not been developed yet. In addition, bioinformatics databases, especially genetic databases, require a high level of security and should be designed based on medical information standards. In this respect, our study proposes the OAuth standard protocol for database access authorization. The proposed IA Bioinformatics (IABio) database system is based on internet user authentication, which is a guideline for medical information standards, and uses OAuth 2.0 for access control technology. This study designed and developed the system requirements and configuration. The OAuth 2.0 protocol is expected to establish the security of personal medical information and be applied to genomic research on IA.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.307-310
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• 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has placed unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems, even in advanced economies. While the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa compared to other continents has so far been low, there are concerns about under-reporting, inadequate diagnostic tools, and insufficient treatment facilities. Moreover, proactiveness on the part of African governments has been under scrutiny. For instance, issues have emerged regarding the responsiveness of African countries in closing international borders to limit trans-continental transmission of the virus. Overdependence on imported products and outsourced services could have contributed to African governments' hesitation to shut down international air and seaports. In this era of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, we recommend that African nations should consider self-sufficiency in the health sector as an urgent priority, as this will not be the last outbreak to occur. In addition to the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement fund (US$600 million) provided by the World Bank for strengthening health systems and disease surveillance, each country should further establish an epidemic emergency fund for epidemic preparedness and response. We also recommend that epidemic surveillance units should create a secure database of previous and ongoing pandemics in terms of aetiology, spread, and treatment, as well as financial management records. Strategic collection and analysis of data should also be a central focus of these units to facilitate studies of disease trends and to estimate the scale of requirements in preparation and response to any future pandemic or epidemic.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.140-155
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of korean medical treatments on recurrent aphthous stomatitis(RAS) diagnosed as excess pattern(實證) based on symptoms of damum(痰飮), blood stasis(瘀血) and fire-heat(火熱). Methods : We treated a 61-year-old male patient who has RAS by korean medicine, pharmacopuncture and acupuncture treatment. These treatments were performed from 2020.01.22. to 2020.02.29. We have confirmed the improvement of ulcer lesions and pain. We recorded images that include change of symptoms. Results : After the treatments were done, the scores of numeric rating scale(NRS), oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14), oral assessment guide (OAG) and world health organization oral toxicity scale (WHO OTS) were decreased. The NRS score was decreased from 7 to 1. The OHIP-14 score was decreased from 30 to 14. The OAG score was decreased from 17 to 9. The WHO OTS score was decreased from 2 to 1. And ulcer lesions were clearly decreased. Conclusions : According to the result, korean medical treatments such as korean medicine, pharmacopuncture and acupuncture treatment, that are targeted at excess pattern(實證) caused by damum(痰飮), blood stasis(瘀血) and fire-heat(火熱) can be effective for the treatment of RAS.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.235-270
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• 2010

This paper studies the main treatment methods, Ikgi(益氣) and Seung-yang(升陽) applied frequently by Lee Jema(李濟馬) on the exterior disease of So-eumin(少陰人), one of the four constitutions. The methodology of this paper is to understand the pharmacology of "Dong-uisusebowon(東醫壽世保元)" by examining the formulas applied by Lee Jema. I have examined the organization of formulas in "Dong-uisusebowon(東醫壽世保元)" beforehand to categorize the formulas applicable in this study according to an objective standard. I have analyzed the prescriptions applied to So-eumin exterior disease. As a result, I could see that in the case of Ulgwang(鬱狂) syndrome, Ikgi(益氣) and Seung-yang(升陽) methods were mainly applied, but as the disease progressed, Seung-yang(升陽) was withdrawn while Ikgi(益氣) was stressed. Likewise, in the case of Mang-yang(亡陽), both methods were mainly adopted, but as the patients got worse, the level of Seung-yang(升陽) was maintained and that of Ikgi(益氣) was elevated with the addition of Buja(附子). Through this process, we could verify the overall action of Ikgi(益氣), Seung-yang(升陽) and Buja(附子). Originally, the two methods of Ikgi(益氣) and Seung-yang(升陽) are intimately related, but by analyzing the overall functions of the two methods, we could see that Seung-yang(升陽) and Buja(附子) support the Yang gi of the interior of So-eumin, while Ikgi(益氣) resolves inner stagnation of Yang gi and emits the cold pathogen of the exterior. Also, in the course of treatment, Ikgi(益氣) could only be realized after securing Seung-yang(升陽).

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2014

Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a disorder of energy utilization and storage and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To identify the genetic risk factors of METS, we carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 2,657 cases and 5,917 controls in Korean populations. As a result, we could identify 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with genome-wide significance level p-values (< $5{\times}10^{-8}$), 8 SNPs with genome-wide suggestive p-values ($5{\times}10^{-8}{\leq}$ p < $1{\times}10^{-5}$), and 2 SNPs of more functional variants with borderline p-values ($5{\times}10^{-5}{\leq}$ p < $1{\times}10^{-4}$). On the other hand, the multiple correction criteria of conventional GWASs exclude false-positive loci, but simultaneously, they discard many true-positive loci. To reconsider the discarded true-positive loci, we attempted to include the functional variants (nonsynonymous SNPs [nsSNPs] and expression quantitative trait loci [eQTL]) among the top 5,000 SNPs based on the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by genotypic variance. In total, 159 eQTLs and 18 nsSNPs were presented in the top 5,000 SNPs. Although they should be replicated in other independent populations, 6 eQTLs and 2 nsSNP loci were located in the molecular pathways of LPL, APOA5, and CHRM2, which were the significant or suggestive loci in the METS GWAS. Conclusively, our approach using the conventional GWAS, reconsidering functional variants and pathway-based interpretation, suggests a useful method to understand the GWAS results of complex traits and can be expanded in other genomewide association studies.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.153-156
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• 2008

Complex diseases such as stroke and cancer have two or more genetic loci and are affected by environmental factors that contribute to the diseases. Due to the complex characteristics of these diseases, identifying candidate genes requires a system-level analysis of the following: gene ontology, pathway, and interactions. A database and user interface, termed StrokeBase, was developed; StrokeBase provides queries that search for pathways, candidate genes, candidate SNPs, and gene networks. The database was developed by using in silico data mining of HGNC, ENSEMBL, STRING, RefSeq, UCSC, GO, HPRD, KEGG, GAD, and OMIM. Forty candidate genes that are associated with cerebrovascular disease were selected by human experts and public databases. The networked cerebrovascular disease gene maps also were developed; these maps describe genegene interactions and biological pathways. We identified 1127 genes, related indirectly to cerebrovascular disease but directly to the etiology of cerebrovascular disease. We found that a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network that was associated with cerebrovascular disease follows the power-law degree distribution that is evident in other biological networks. Not only was in silico data mining utilized, but also 250K Affymetrix SNP chips were utilized in the 320 control/disease association study to generate associated markers that were pertinent to the cerebrovascular disease as a genome-wide search. The associated genes and the genes that were retrieved from the in silico data mining system were compared and analyzed. We developed a well-curated cerebrovascular disease-associated gene network and provided bioinformatic resources to cerebrovascular disease researchers. This cerebrovascular disease network can be used as a frame of systematic genomic research, applicable to other complex diseases. Therefore, the ongoing database efficiently supports medical and genetic research in order to overcome cerebrovascular disease.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2013

Genetic studies on facial morphology targeting healthy populations are fundamental in understanding the specific genetic influences involved; yet, most studies to date, if not all, have been focused on congenital diseases accompanied by facial anomalies. To study the specific genetic cues determining facial morphology, we estimated familial correlations and heritabilities of 14 facial measurements and 3 latent factors inferred from a factor analysis in a subset of the Korean population. The study included a total of 229 individuals from 38 families. We evaluated a total of 14 facial measurements using 2D digital photographs. We performed factor analysis to infer common latent variables. The heritabilities of 13 facial measurements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0.25 to 0.61. Of these, the heritability of intercanthal width in the orbital region was found to be the highest ($h^2$ = 0.61, SE = 0.14). Three factors (lower face portion, orbital region, and vertical length) were obtained through factor analysis, where the heritability values ranged from 0.45 to 0.55. The heritability values for each factor were higher than the mean heritability value of individual original measurements. We have confirmed the genetic influence on facial anthropometric traits and suggest a potential way to categorize and analyze the facial portions into different groups.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.245-253
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• 2013

A radioresistant cell line was established by fractionated ionizing radiation (IR) and assessed by a clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, as well as zymography and a wound healing assay. Microarray was performed to profile global expression and to search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to IR. H460R cells demonstrated increased cell scattering and acidic vesicular organelles compared with parental cells. Concomitantly, H460R cells showed characteristics of increased migration and matrix metalloproteinase activity. In addition, H460R cells were resistant to IR, exhibiting reduced expression levels of ionizing responsive proteins (p-p53 and ${\gamma}$-H2AX); apoptosis-related molecules, such as cleaved poly(ADP ribose) polymerase; and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules, such as glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP-homologous protein compared with parental cells, whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein was increased. Among DEGs, syntrophin beta 2 (SNTB2) significantly increased in H460R cells in response to IR. Knockdown of SNTB2 by siRNA was more sensitive than the control after IR exposure in H460, H460R, and H1299 cells. Our study suggests that H460R cells have differential properties, including cell morphology, potential for metastasis, and resistance to IR, compared with parental cells. In addition, SNTB2 may play an important role in radioresistance. H460R cells could be helpful in in vitro systems for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of and discovering drugs to overcome radioresistance in lung cancer therapy.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2007

"The Golden Mirror of Medicine(醫宗金鑑)" was compiled by the medical officers of the Qing government, headed by Wu-Qian(吳謙)."The Elimination &Supplement about the Famous Prescription Comments(刪補名醫方論)", a collection of notes written by famous scholars, is one part of "The Golden Mirror of Medicine(醫宗金鑑)" . Through the translation and comparative study of invigorative prescription(補氣方劑) in "The Elimination & Supplement about the Famous Prescription Comments(刪補名醫方論)" of "The Golden Mirror of Medicine(醫宗金鑑)" with "The Famous Prescription Comments on Ancient and Modem Times(古今名醫方論)" , we confirmed that many sentences of "The Famous Prescription Comments on Ancient and Modern Times(古今名醫方論)" were quoted, but that most of the text was not quoted as the same: it was revised and supplemented. In organization, invigoration prescriptions are placed at the head of the chapter, indicating their importance. In classification, prescriptions for reinforcing middle-jiao(中焦) and replenishing qi(補中益氣湯類 方劑) were usually included in the invigoration prescriptions(補氣方劑), which is explained in chapter II, thereby clearly distinguishing between treatments of deficiency of qi(氣虛) and combining it with the sinking of qi of middle-jiao(中氣下陷).

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.124-132
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• 2021

Purpose: Neonatal near miss (NNM) allows for the detection of risk factors associated with serious newborn complications and death, the prevention of which could reduce neonatal mortality. This study was conducted with the objective of identifying predictors for NNM in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore city. Methods: This was an unmatched case-control study involving 120 NNM cases and 120 controls. NNM was determined using Pileggi-Castro's pragmatic and management criteria. Data was collected from in-patient hospital records and interviews of postpartum mothers. Multiple logistic regression of exposure variables was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Significant predictors were maternal age ≥30 years (AOR, 5.32; 95% CI, 1.12 to 9.29; P=0.041), inadequate antenatal care (ANC) (AOR, 8.35; 95% CI, 1.98 to 51.12; P=0.032), <3 ultrasound scans during pregnancy (AOR, 12.5; 95% CI, 1.60 to 97.27; P=0.016), maternal anaemia (AOR, 18.96; 95% CI, 3.10 to 116.02; P=0.001), and any one obstetric complication (hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, preterm premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labour, obstructed labour, malpresentation) (AOR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.26 to 14.95; P=0.02). Conclusion: The predictors of NNM identified has important implications for public health policy and practice whose modifications can improve NNM. These include expanding essential ANC package to include ultrasound scans, ensuring World Health Organization recommendations of eight ANC visits, capacity building at all levels of health care to strengthen routine ANC and obstetric care for effective screening, referral and management of obstetric complications.