• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.148-156
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• 2016

Objectives According to previous studies, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene could be an important candidate gene for schizophrenia. Some studies have linked the (AAT)n trinucleotide repeat polymorphism in CNR1 gene with the risk of schizophrenia. Meanwhile, smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) has been regarded as one of the most consistent endophenotypes of schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the association between the (AAT)n trinucleotide repeats in CNR1 gene and SPEM abnormality in Korean patients with schizophrenia. Methods We measured SPEM function in 167 Korean patients with schizophrenia (84 male, 83 female) and they were divided according to SPEM function into two groups, good and poor SPEM function groups. We also investigated allele frequencies of (AAT)n repeat polymorphisms on CNR1 gene in each group. A logistic regression analysis was performed to find the association between SPEM abnormality and the number of (AAT)n trinucleotide repeats. Results The natural logarithm value of signal/noise ratio (Ln S/N ratio) of the good SPEM function group was $4.34{\pm}0.29$ and that of the poor SPEM function group was $3.21{\pm}0.70$. In total, 7 types of trinucleotide repeats were identified, each containing 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 repeats, respectively. In the patients with $(AAT)7$ allele, the distributions of the good and poor SPEM function groups were 18 (11.1%) and 19 (11.0%) respectively. In the patients with $(AAT)_{10}$ allele, $(AAT)_{11}$ allele, $(AAT)_{12}$ allele, $(AAT)_{13}$ allele, $(AAT)_{14}$ allele and $(AAT)_{15}$ allele, the distributions of good and poor SPEM function groups were 13 (8.0%) and 12 (7.0%), 4 (2.5%) and 6 (3.5%), 31 (19.8%) and 35 (20.3%), 51 (31.5%) and 51 (29.7%), 36 (22.2%) and 45 (26.2%), 9 (5.6%) and 4 (2.3%) respectively. As the number of (AAT) n repeat increased, there was no aggravation of abnormality of SPEM function. Conclusions There was no significant aggravation of SPEM abnormality along with the increase of number of (AAT)n trinucleotide repeats in the CNR1 gene in Korean patients with schizophrenia.

• Korean Parent-Child Health Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.68-81
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• 2001

This research is to study about the weight-change of a pregnant woman, conditions of the woman and an infant. The weight-change of a mother during pregnancy was observed and that was expressed as the basis on the body mass index of a mother before pregnancy. The effects of weight-changes on both the discomfort, complications of pregnant mother and the condition of an infant were also investigated. Thus we set a purpose that this study would help pregnant woman and an infant to maintain and enhance their health conditions by proper weight control through nursing mediation. This study was performed in a certain hospital of university in seoul from Feb. 1. 2000 to Mar. 31. 2000. We explained the purpose of this study to the hospital institution and obtained consent of investigation. 152 inpatients who were in condition from PA 37 weeks to PA 42 weeks were the subject of this study. The research materials were made through of question paper that inpatients make answer by themselves and investigation paper. The question paper was about general background, weight and height before pregnancy and discomfort of the physical degree. And the investigation paper was about parity, maternal weight(late pregnancy), high pregnancy, delivery method, hemoglobin level, Apgar score, fetal weight. Physical discomfort was measured using the implement made by Kim hae won(1996) (chronbach's ${\alpha}=0.85$). SPSS was used to do statistics for managing and analyzing data. The results of this study were like followings. 1. The mean value of gained weight during pregnancy was about 13.8kg within from 3 kg to 26 kg. Among 152 research candidates, the gained weight of 80(52.6%) candidates remained within an ideal range. But that of 37 candidates(24.3%) became less than the ideal range. Also that of 35 candidates(23.0%) became over than the ideal range. 2. In the investigation of the relation between the weight change of a pregnant woman and her condition, the scores to represent physical discomfort were middle in all candidates. And the physical discomfort of over weight-gained group was more than that of low weight-gained group, but there was no difference in statistics(F=0.234, p=0.791). The weight-changes of pregnant woman didn't have an influence with the high risk of pregnancy(F=0.509, p=0.477). Also, the weight-changes didn't have an influence on delivery method($x^2=3.825$, p=0.148). However, in the investigation of the relation between weight-change and hemoglobin level, the change of hemoglobin level was highest in over weight gained group(F=3.062, p=0.05). 3. In the investigation of the weight-change of pregnant woman and the condition of infant. the weight changes didn't have an influence on both 1 min Apgar score(F=0.157, p=0.855) and 5 min Apgar score(F=0.030, p=0.970) of infant. Also, in the investigation of weight-change of a pregnant woman and weight difference of a infant with Pearson Correlation Coefficient, the weight-change of a pregnant woman affected vastly the weight of a infant. It was also found that the more pregnant woman gained in weight, the more did gain weighty infants. This relation was in net proportion(r=0.256, p=0.001). In conclusion, these results suggest that the weight-changes during pregnancy in Korea women of these days are more increased than that of the past days and individual variation in weight-changes is very high. Also, these results suggest that the changed hemoglobin level of a mother and weight of an infant were meaningfully affected by the weight-changes of a pregnant woman during pregnancy. However, the physical discomfort of a pregnant woman, the high risks of pregnancy, the delivery method and Apgar score of an infant were not affected by the weight-changes during pregnancy. Because the recommendation suggesting the ideal weight-change, used this study, is basis on the subject of American women, therefore, these results also suggest the necessity of such recommendation which is subject to Korean women.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the geometry of carotid artery by assessing the images of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and interrelationships between the geometry of carotid artery and clinical factors. Materials and Methods : 216 consecutive patients who performed supraaortic CE-MRA with fast spoiled gradient-echo imaging were included. Their medical records were reviewed for variable information including risk factors predictive of generalized atherosclerotic disease (age, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidema, and smoking), sex, body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). We reviewed the CE-MRA with carotid origin (3 types), carotid artery tortuosity, angle of internal carotid artery bifurcation, the type of aortic arch branching, and the presence of the coiling of carotid artery. Results : Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that significantly contributed clinical backgrounds for carotid origin were the age and the BMI. With an increase of age at 1, the probability that the type of carotid origin become from type 1 to type 2 was 0.9 times (p=0.004) in right carotid artery (RCA), 0.9 times (p = 0.031) in left carotid artery (LCA), 0.9 times that are likely to be type3 from type 2 (p<0.001) in RCA and 0.9 times in LCA (p=0.009). Increase in BMI at 1 increased odds of becoming type 2 as 1.1 times (p = 0.067) in RCA, 1.1 times (p=0.009) in LCA and increased chance of becoming type 3 as 1.2 times (p = 0.001) in RCA, 1.2 times (p=0.003) in LCA. Mean value of right and left carotid tortuosity were $240.9{\pm}69.0^{\circ}$and $154.4{\pm}55.0^{\circ}$, respectively. Conclusion : The BMI, age, sex and presence of HTN affects the geometry of carotid arteries, the site of origin and tortuosity of carotid artery specifically.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1205-1210
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• 2008

Purpose : The development of the corpus callosum occupies the entire period of cerebral formation. The myelination pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful to evaluate neurologic development and to predict neurologic outcome in high risk infants. The thickness of the corpus callosum is believed to depend on the myelination process. It is possible to calculate the length and thickness of the corpus callosum on MRI. Thus, we can quantitatively evaluate the development of the corpus callosum. We investigated the clinical significance of measuring various portions of the corpus callosum in neonate with neurologic disorders such as hypoxic brain damage and seizure disorder. Methods : Forty-two neonates were evaluated by brain MRI. We measured the size of the genu, body, transitional zone, splenium, and length of the corpus callosum. Each measurement was divided by the total length of the corpus callosum to obtain its corrected size. The ratio of corpus callosal length and the anteroposterior diameter of the brain was also measured. Results : There was no statistical significance in the sample size of each part of the corpus callosum. However, the corrected size or the ratio of body of the corpus callosum correlated with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion : The abnormal size of the corpus callosum showed a good correlation with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. We can predict clinical neurological problems by estimation of the corpus callosum in the neonatal period.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.559-565
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• 2003

By improving the flow pattern in Fontan circuit, total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) could result in a better outcome than atriopulmonary connection Fontan operation. For the patients with impaired hemodynamics after atriopulmonary Fontan connection, conversion to TCPC can be expected to bring hemodynamic and functional improvement. We studied the results of the revision of the previous Fontan connection to TCPC in patients with failed Fontan circulation. Material and method: From October1979 to June 2002, eight patients who had failed Fontan circulation, underwent revision of previous Fontan operation to TCPC at Yonsei University Hospital. Intracardiac anomalies of the patients were tricuspid atresia (n=4) and other functional single ventricles (n=4). Mean age at TCPC conversion was 14.0$\pm$7.0 years (range, 4.6~26.2 years) and median interval between initial Fontan operation and TCPC was 7.5 years (range, 2.4~14.3 years). All patients had various degree of symptoms and signs of right heart failure. NYHA functional class was 111 or IV in six patients. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n:f), cyanosis (n=2), intraatrial thrombi (n=2), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (n=3) were also combined. The previous Fontan operation was revised to extracardiac conduit placement (n=7) and intraatrial lateral tunnel (n=1). Result: There was no operative death. Major morbidities included deep sternal infection (n=1), prolonged pleural effusion over two weeks (n=1), and temporary junctional lachyarrhythrnia (n=1). Postoperative central venous Pressure was lower than the preoperative value (17.9$\pm$3.5 vs. 14.9$\pm$1.0, p=0.049). Follow-up was complete in all patients and extended to 50,1 months (mean, 30.3$\pm$ 12.8 months). There was no late death. All patients were in NYHA class 1 or 11. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia developed in a patient who underwent conversion to intraatrial lateral tunnel procedure, PLE was recurred in two patients among three patients who had had PLE before the convertsion. There was no newly developed PLE. Conclusion: Hemodynamic and functional improvement could be expected for the patients with Fontan circulatory failure after atriopulmonary connection by revision of their previous circulation to TCPC. The conversion could be performed with low risk of morbidity and mortality.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.60-66
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• 2003

Purpose : Neonatal hydronephrosis has been detected with increasing frequency with the widespread use of prenatal ultrasonography, but the consensus about its postnatal management has not yet been reached, especially about surgical intervention. We attempted to determine the guideline of follow-up study and surgical intervention of hydronephrosis by analyzing clinical outcomes of neonates with hydronephrosis. Materials and Methods : Between 1994 and 2000, 128 hydronephrotic kidneys were postnatally confirmed. Cases associated with other urologic anomalies were excluded and 90 unilateral hydronephrotic kidneys with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were enrolled in this study. We classified the patients into 6 groups according to the anterior posterior pelvic diameter(APPD) at initial ultrasonography(USG) within 1 month after birth. Renal USG and $Tc^{99m}-mercaptoacetyl$ triglycerine(MAG3) scan were done according to a set protocol, and pyeloplasty was performed when indicated according to our protocol. Results : Most cases whose APPD were below 10 mm improved or resolved. Only few cases with APPD above 20 mm showed spontaneous improvement and most(88%) had undergone operation. Those with initial APPD within 10-19 mm showed variable outcomes. When the risk factors for irreversible renal functional deterioration were analyzed, the age at pyeloplasty and pre-operative functional deficit were significant. Conclusion : We concluded that in infants with initial APPD below 10 mm, consideration of surgery is not needed, and in those with initial APPD above 20 mm, early operation is recommended. Our set protocol based on initial USG is useful, but the cut-off value of relative renal function(RRF) for operation might be increased to 40% to improve post operative RRF.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the forage growth, production and quality of native reed (Phragmites communis) grasses. Field experiments were conducted in Cheonan and in Ansan, 2012. Treatments were control (no N fertilization), 50 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha in Cheonan plots (fertilization on April $30^{th}$, and harvest on June $21^{st}$). Treatments in Ansan plots were control (no N fertilization) and 60 kg/ha (fertilization on May first, and harvest on August first). Forage growth and leaf colors were improved in N fertilized plots. However, the drymatter (DM) percentage was slightly decreased with N fertilization. Forage yields, in terms of DM, crude protein (CP) and digestible DM (DDM), were significantly increased with N fertilization in both sites. In Cheonan, DM, CP and DDM yields per ha were 4,026 kg, 235 kg and 1,850 kg, respectively, in the control plot, and were 4,658 kg, 306 kg and 2,388 kg, respectively, in the N 50 kg plot, and 5,622 kg, 446 kg and 3,143 kg, respectively, in the N 100 kg plot. In Ansan, DM, CP and DDM yields per ha were 2,802 kg, 177 kg and 1,288 kg, respectively, in the control plot, and were 3,876 kg, 294 kg and 1,853 kg, respectively, in the N 60 kg plot. Forage quality in terms of CP content, in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and relative feed value (RFV) were also increased with N fertilization in both sites. In Cheonan, the CP content, IVDMD and RFV were 5.85%, 45.96% and 64.5 (grade 5), respectively, in the control plot, 6.58%, 51.27% and 72.3 (grade 5), respectively, in the N 50 kg plot, and 7.94%, 55.91% and 72.7 (grade 5), respectively, in the N 100 kg plot. In Ansan, the CP content, IVDMD and RFV were 6.30%, 45.98% and 70.2 (grade 5), respectively, in the control plot, and 7.59%, 47.80% and 78.3 (grade 4), respectively, in the N 60 kg plot. In conclusion, N fertilization of 60~100 kg/ha was desirable for greater forage production, with a higher quality of native Phragmites communis achievable. This should only be applied if the fertilization area is not located at a riverside/streamside or in riparian land where there is a high risk of water pollution by fertilization.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.300-307
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• 2012

BACKGROUND: The Transfer Factor (TF) of heavy metals from soil to plant is important, because TF is an indicator of heavy metal in soils and a factor that quantifies bioavailability of heavy metals to agricultural products. This study was conducted to investigate the transfer ability of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) from soil to agricultural products. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated heavy metals (As, Cd and Pb) concentrations in 9 agricultural products (rice, barely, corn, pulse, lettuce, pumpkin, apple, pear, tangerin) and soil. TF of agricultural products was evaluated based on total and HCl-extractable soil concentration of As, Cd, and Pb. Regression analysis was used to predict the relationship of total and HCl-extractable concentration with agricultural product contents of As, Cd, and Pb. The result showed that TF was investigated average 0.006~0.309 (As), 0.002~6.185 (Cd), 0.003~0.602 (Pb). The mean TF value was the highest as rice 0.309 in As, lettuce 6.185, pear 0.717, rice 0.308 in Cd, lettuce 0.602, pumpkin 0.536 in Pb which were dependent on the vegetable species and cereal is showed higher than fruit-vegetables in As. CONCLUSION(S): Soil HCl-extractable concentration of As, Cd, and Pb had the larger effects on thier contents in agricultural products than total soil concentrations. We suggests that TF are served as influential factor on the prediction of uptake. Further study for uptake and accumulation mechanism of toxic metals by agricultural products will be required to assess the human health risk and need TF of more agricultural products.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.364-372
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• 2010

Purpose : Good adherence of caregivers is essential for successful health outcomes in the treatment of childhood asthma. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to good adherence of maintenance treatment in children with well-controlled asthma. Methods : Children with well-controlled asthma being treated with a daily controller for at least 3 months in Korea University Anam Hospital were selected. Their caregivers who had good adherence to maintenance treatment were recruited. Qualitative study through in-depth interviews was conducted with 18 caregivers who agreed to the study. Results : The 18 caregivers (mean age, 40.0 years) consisted of 15 mothers, 2 grandmothers, and 1 father. The resulting consensus were identified and grouped into 2 domains: the caregiver/patient aspect with 8 theme factors and the treatment aspect with 4 theme factors. The main theme factors in the caregiver/patient aspect were enabling participation in physical activities and exercise (77.8%), perceptions regarding asthma and the need for long-term treatment (50.0%), and perceived value of the medications outweighing the risk of side effects (38.9%). The main theme factors in the treatment aspect were trust in the physician (77.8%), general satisfaction with the manner and attitude of the physician (77.8%) and verification of the necessity of further treatment by performing tests (38.9%). Conclusion : Efforts to improve caregivers' adherence to the treatment of childhood asthma must include a range of factors related to both caregiver/patient aspects and treatment aspects. Among all of these factors, it may be most important to establish a physician-caregiver partnership.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.350-356
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• 2011

Environment-friendly agro-materials tend to be preferred to chemical insecticides recently. For this reason, many studies were conducted to develop environment-friendly insecticides containing natural materials. The purpose of this study was to assess ecotoxicity for 5 plant essential oils (Thyme white, Clove bud, Cassia, Lavender, Lemon eucalyptus) expected to prevent from pests and be used for agro-materials. Target species used to assess acute toxicity were aquatic invertebrate (Daphina magna), fish (Oryzias latipes), honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) and earthworm (Eisenia fetida). The EC50 value, toxicological responses of thyme white, clove bud, and cassia to Daphina magna were 2.5, 2.8, and $6.9mg\;L^{-1}$ respectively and these values were moderately toxic according to standard of USEPA. $EC_{50}$ of Lavender and lemon eucalyptus were >$10mg\;L^{-1}$ then they were considered as slightly toxicity. In case of acute toxicity test to fish, $LC_{50}$ of thyme white and cassia were 6.7 and $7.5mg\;L^{-1}$ each other. The other plant essential oils indicated $LC_{50}$ >$10mg\;L^{-1}$. Acute contact and oral toxicity test to Honeybee were conducted. As a result, $LD_{50}$ of all essential oils were >$100{\mu}g$ a.i. $bee^{-1}$ in both of tests. In case of acute toxicity test to earthworm, $LC_{50}$ of thyme white, clove bud, cassia, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus were 149, 230, 743, 234, and $635mg\;kg^{-1}$, respectively. In conclusion, if the safety for earthworm is confirmed, 5 plant essential oils are expected to be use for environment-friendly insecticide materials with low risk against ecosystem and contribute to developing environment-friendly agro-materials.