• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3373-3378
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• 2012

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 8th most common cancer worldwide. Although older age, male gender, smoking and alcohol consumption are known risk factors, an increasing number of HNSCC patients are without typical risk factors. Our aim was to define demographics of HNSCC in Iran and the potential risk factors related to Iranian ethnicity and lifestyle. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study on 262 patients with primary SCC of the larynx, hypopharynx or tongue referred to our pathology department during 1995-2010. Patients' demographics, tumor characteristics and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and anemia were analyzed and compared in two groups of patients: over 40 years (older group) and 40 years or less (young group); Chi-square and Mann-Whitney analytical tests were employed. Results: 5.7% of patients were young adults. The male to female ratio was 1.5 in the younger group and 5.6 in the older group. In young adults, 40% of tumors were located in larynx and 40% in the tongue. Age >40 was significantly associated with laryngeal location (P<0.001). History of smoking and drinking was significantly associated with age >40 and SCC of larynx in both age groups. Cervical lymph node involvement was significantly correlated with SCC of tongue (P<0.001), however, considering young adults only, SCC of hypopharynx was most frequently accompanied by lymph node involvement (60%). The most prevalent tumor among men was SCC of larynx whereas SCC of hypopharynx was the most prevalent tumor among women (61%), of whom 18.2% were ${\leq}40$. Conclusions: The incidence of HNSCC among young adults seems to be higher in Iran compared to other countries. Reduction in exposure to known risk factors, especially tobacco smoking in forms of cigarettes and bubble pipes, and search for other causative agents of HNSCC in young population is recommended.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.359-369
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• 2013

In this study, the relationship between social support and adolescent mental health was examined. A primary aim was to investigate how family, school, and friends affect adolescent mental health including depression, stress, and anger issues. This study also intended to investigate the indirect effect of these factors through the mediator, problem drinking. The study used survey data collected from the "2010 The Study on Mental Health of Korean Adolescents" conducted by National Youth Policy Institute, and 942 subjects were selected for this study. The study hypotheses were tested using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis. Analyses revealed that the appropriate functions and roles of the family members had the effect of promoting mental health of adolescents. Inappropriate functions and roles of the family members induced problem drinking, and this eventually had a negative impact on mental health causing depression, stress, and angel problems. Results also showed that having more friends who drink alcohol or smoke cigarette had no direct effect on the mental health of adolescents; however, there was an indirect effect through the mediator variable, problem drinking. The finding of this study revealed the need and importance of appropriate social support system and environment in order to promote mental health of adolescents.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.93-119
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• 2004

This article investigates 230 public assistance recipient elderlies and 354 community elderlies in order to find out the current status and influencing factors on elder abuse. It surveyed at Gwangju metropolitan city. The result from the research were 1) the degree of elder abuse is generally low, and the primary type of abuse is psychological abuse and neglect. The victims of abuse experienced psychological pain rather than physical pain. 2) the abuser are mainly in early forties, and very unstable economically. 3) based on personal characteristics of the recipient and non-recipient elderlies, there are significant differences between respondents' sex, age, education level, income, ADL, IADL, chronic disease, depression, social support, and number of friends. 4) the factors affecting elder abuse of public assistance recipient elderlies are depression, alcohol, social support(elderly-related factors), alcohol, childhood abuse(abuser- related factors), and emotional relationship, number of family members(family- related factors). And, the factors affecting elder abuse of community elderlies are childhood abuse, social support(elderly-related), relationship with victims(abuser -related), and emotional relationship(family-related). Finally, the research recommends that differential intervention strategies are needed in order to prevent elder abuse of the public assistance recipient elderlies and the community elderlies.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.59-85
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to examine the health promoting behavior of university students and its related factors. A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out for 1,031(male, 477, female, 554) students from 7 universities in Taegu from March 10 to April 15 2000. Collected data were analyzed by the $X^2$-test, t-test, ANOV A and structural equation modeling analysis. The results of this study were as follows; Mean score of health promoting behavior of women was higher than mean score of men(p〈0.01). According to the subordinate fields, female students showed significantly higher scores in the fields of stress management, nutrition, personal relations and alcohol-cigarette(p〈0.05). And in male students, the only fields of exercise had meaningfully higher score(p〈0.01). The highest degree of performance was marked in alcohol-cigarette field in female, and interpersonal field in male. In Both male and female students, the lowest field was health responsibility. The mean score of health promoting behavior showed significant differences in intermediating factors such as age, health education and grade in male, and such as grade, pocket money for a month, taking health education, perceived body shape and gastrointestinal symptoms in female(p〈0.05). The mean score of health promoting behavior showed significant differences in cognitive-perceptual factors and cues to action such as perceived health status, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and health concern of parents in both male and female(p〈0.05). By the results of structural equation modeling analysis in male students, the economic status, gastrointestinal symptoms and perceived body shape as lean had significant direct effects on cognitive-perceptual factors($\mid$T$\mid$〉2.0). Grade and health concern of parents had significant direct effects on health promotion behaviors($\mid$T$\mid$〉2.0). In female students, perceived body shape as lean and perceived body shape as fat had significant direct effects on cognitive-perceptual factors($\mid$T$\mid$〉2.0). Grade, pocket money and health concern of parents had significant direct effects on health promotion behaviors($\mid$T$\mid$〉2.0). On the consideration of above findings, it is recommended that perceived health status and perceived benefits should be raised and perceived barriers should be lowered to increase health promoting behaviors, by means such as institutional approach which can enhance the primary prevention for a disease. In addition, the health policy for improving parents' concern about health as well as university students, through various ways such as health education, consulting, and health program, should be employed.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.486-493
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• 2013

The structure, morphology, and physical properties of syndiotatic poly(vinyl alcohol) (s-PVA) gel spun fibers were investigated to prepare polymeric embolization coils. S-PVA was prepared by saponification of the poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl pivalate)(PVAc/PVPi) copolymer. The viscosity of s-PVA solutions showed shear thinning behavior and the solution formed a homogeneous phase. Based on shear viscosity change with concentration, the optimum dope concentration was selected as 13 wt%, after which s-PVA fibers were spun and the solvent was removed. The fibers were then drawn with a maximum draw ratio of 15. A polymeric embolization coil was made of the s-PVA gel-spun fibers. The fibers were wound densely onto rigid rod and then annealed at different annealing temperatures. The polymeric embolization coil annealed at $200^{\circ}C$ was similar to metallic coils and its shape was maintained well after extension. Overall, gel-spun PVA fibers performed well for the preparation of primary and secondary coils to replace metallic coils.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.616-620
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• 2011

Purpose: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome (MRK) is second common cause of primary amenorrhea. It is a syndrome of vaginal aplasia and Mullerian duct anomaly. Vaginal aplasia varies from agenesis of whole vagina to aplasia of upper 2/3. For reconstructing vagina, various methods are introduced. Gracilis myocutaneous flap was the first attempt in that the flap is used in vaginal reconstruction. Various flap-based vaginal reconstruction methods have been introduced. Modified Singapore flap (pedicled neurovascular pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap) is one of those methods that used posterior labial artery as pedicle, and pudendal nerve branch as sensory root. As its donor lies on inguinal crease that is easily hidden and there are benefits on sexual intercourse by early sensory recovery, authors think that modified Singapore flap is effective for young MRK syndrome patients. Methods: Eight patients underwent surgery between 2008 and 2010. The flap was designed on both groin area with external pudendal artery branch as a pedicle. All flaps were fixated in pelvic cavity with absorbable suture, and additional compression on neovaginal wall was supplied by polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$). Results: All patients were successfully reconstructed without flap related complications such as congestion or partial flap loss. The average size of the flap (each side) was 69.34 $cm^2$. Polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$) was inserted into neovagina for 5 days on every patient. One case of rectal laceration was occurred while making pelvic pocket by OBGY team. Other complications such as lumen narrowing, wound contracture or vaginal prolapsed were not reported during 8 months of follow up. Conclusion: Modified Singapore flap is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap that is thinner than other myocutaneous flap such as VRAM, and more durable over skin graft. Therefore this is a good choice for vaginal reconstruction in MRK syndrome. And known complications of Modified Singapore flap could be reduced with careful procedure and mild compression techniques.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.155-163
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between blood lipids, fibrinogen, fasting blood sugar, lifestyle-related factors and lipoprotein(a). This study was performed with 140 healthy adults (male:80, female:60) among the teachers in primary, middle, and high school in Seoul in November 1996. Lipoprotein(a) concentration was measured with an enzyme-linked-immunosorbents assay(ELISA), and the results showed that the distribution was highly skewed and the average concentrations of male and female were $16.94{\pm}12.70\;mg/dL\;and\;17.92{\pm}7.58\;mg/dL$, respectively. The percentage of subject with lipoprotein(a) concentrations higher than 30 mg/dL was 26.4%. Univariate analysis showed significant association between lipoprotein(a) and age, alcohol, meat, and NaCl consumption (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, lipoprotein(a) correlated positively with age (p<0.05) and meat consumption (p<0.01). These data suggest that lifestyle-related factors may affect the lipoprotein(a) concentration regarded as a risk factor of atherosclerosis disease.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the magnitude of and the factors associated with the downward mobility of first-episode psychiatric patients. Methods: This study used the claims data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The study population included 19 293 first-episode psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision [ICD-10] code F10), schizophrenia and related disorders (ICD-10 codes F20-F29), and mood disorders (ICD-10 codes F30-F33) in the first half of 2005. This study included only National Health Insurance beneficiaries in 2005. The dependent variable was the occurrence of downward mobility, which was defined as a health insurance status change from National Health Insurance to Medical Aid. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with downward drift of first-episode psychiatric patients. Results: About 10% of the study population who were National Health Insurance beneficiaries in 2005 became Medical Aid recipients in 2007. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, primary diagnosis, type of hospital at first admission, regular use of outpatient clinic, and long-term hospitalization are significant predictors in determining downward drift in newly diagnosed psychiatric patients. Conclusions: This research showed that the downward mobility of psychiatric patients is affected by long-term hospitalization and medical care utilization. The findings suggest that early intensive intervention might reduce long-term hospitalization and the downward mobility of psychiatric patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.368-379
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• 2002

This study investigated the correlations among the health consciousness, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits and nutrition attitudes of school teachers. The subjects of this study were 75 male and 152 female leachers in elementary and middle schools in Masan city. The survey was conducted by using a questionnaire. Even though the average body mass index (BMI) and the obesity index were normal in both male and female subjects, 33.3% of the male subjects were overweight/obese, while 18.5% of the female subjects were underweight, according to the obesity index. The food components of most concern during mealtime were (in order of importance) salt, MSG and cholesterol by male subjects, and salt, fat and MSG by female subjects. The subjects considered self-relaxation as the most important factor in maintaining optimal health status, followed by resting, bathing or use ova sauna, moderation in diet, exercise, decreasing alcohol intake, and no smoking. Newspapers/magazines and TV/radio were the primary sources of nutrition and health information of the subjects. As the degree of health consciousness increased, scores of the dietary habits and nutrition attitudes increased. Nutrition knowledge scores and nutrition altitudes scores increased with subjects'increased level of perception of the importance of acquiring nutrition knowledge and nutrition information. There was a highly significant correlation between the degree of health consciousness and dietary habit score (${\gamma}$ : 0.3, p<0.001). The degree of health consciousness was also significantly correlated (${\gamma}$=0.6, p<0.001) with nutrition attitudes scores. But the correlation between the degree of health consciousness and nutrition knowledge was not statistically significant. The degree of the perception of the importance of nutrition knowledge showed a positive correlation with nutrition attitude (${\gamma}$:0.4, p<0.001) and dietary habit (${\gamma}$:0.3, p<0.001). The degree of perception about the importance of nutrition knowledge and nutrition information was positively correlated with nutrition knowledge (${\gamma}$:0.2, p<0.001) and nutrition attitudes (${\gamma}$:0.3, p<0.001).

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.363-373
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary habits of physical education (PE) major and non-majors of male college students. The subjects were 253 students residing in Gyeonggi area. Nutrition knowledge scores of PE major students were lower than that of non-major students. Both PE major and non-major students reported TV, radio, and internet as their primary sources of nutrition information. Overall dietary attitude scores of two groups did not differ significantly, but PE major students showed more positive attitudes than non-major students for 'Enjoy eating foods that are good for health'. PE major students took more number of meals a day and took more irregularly than non-major students. Also they used more nutrient supplements than non-major students. PE major students drank more amounts of alcohol and drank more frequently than non-major students. But the smoking status of the two groups was not significantly different. PE major students scored higher than non-major students in dietary habits on balance of meals in spite of their low nutrition knowledge scores. Therefore, it is suggested that nutritional programs for PE major and non-major college students should be developed. (Korean J Community Nutrition 14(4) : $363{\sim}373$, 2009)