• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.353-358
• /
• 2006

Objectives: An increase in the serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) concentration has been regarded as a marker of alcohol drinking or liver disease. Some reports, however, have suggested that the serum GGT may be a sensitive and early biomarker for the development of prediabetes and diabetes. In this study we investigated whether serum GGT is a reliable predictor of the incident impaired fasting glucose (IFG), including diabetes. Methods: We performed a prospective study for two years (2002-2004). We analyzed the periodic health examination data from a total of 4,711 men. The examinations were done in the years 2002 and 2004. The analyzed data included a self-questionnaire, a physical examination and the laboratory results. Both IFG and diabetes were defined as a serum fasting glucose concentration of more than 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, respectively. Results: A total of 738 cases (15.7%) of incident IFG and 13 cases (0.3%) of diabetes occurred. The mean serum GGT concentrations were quite different between the normal (38.0 IU) and incident IFG groups (50.3 IU), and the incident diabetes group (66.0 IU) (p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the relative risks for incident IFG or diabetes across the baseline GGT categories (<10th, 10th-20th, 30th-40th, 50th-60th, 70th-80th and >90th percentile) were 1.0, 1.172 (0.769-1.785), 1.107 (0.725-1.689), 1.444 (0.934-2.232), 2.061 (1.401-3.031) and 2.545 (1.784-3.631) (p-value for trend: <0.001). The risks significantly increased with increasing levels of GGT for 2 years; when comparing the increased groups (<10%, 10-20%, >20%) versus the decreased over 20% group of GGT, the risks for IFG or diabetes were 1.334 (1.002-1.776), 1.613 (1.183-2.199) and 1.399 (1.092-1.794). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that serum GGT concentrations within its normal range may be an early predictor of the development of IFG and diabetes. As serum GGT is a relatively inexpensive test and a reliable marker, it might have important implications in public health promotion.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.23-33
• /
• 2010

An understanding of the nature of the immune response to asexual erythrocytic stages of malaria parasites will facilitate vaccine development by identifying which responses the vaccine should preferentially induce. The present study examined and compared the immune responses of NIH mice in either single or mixed infections with avirulent (DK) or virulent (DS) strains of Plasmodium chabaudi adami using the ELISA test for detecting and measurement of cytokines and antibody production. In both single and mixed infections, the study showed that both cell- and antibody-mediated responses were activated. In all experiments, an early relatively high level of IFN-$\gamma$ and IgG2a during the acute phase of the infection, and later elevation of IL-4 and IgG1, suggested that there was a sequential Th1/Th2 response. However, in the avirulent DK strain infection a stronger Th1 response was observed compared to the virulent DS strain-infection or in mixed infections. In the virulent DS infection, there was a stronger Th2 response compared to that in the DK and mixed infections. The faster proliferation rate of the virulent DS strain compared to the DK strain was also evident.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.1027-1031
• /
• 2005

In the present study, wogonin, a major flavone isolated from Scutellaria Radix were examined for its imunosuppressive activity on the 2,4-dinitro-fluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in C3H/HeN mice. This compound inhibited selectively $TNF-\alpha$ and IL-4, but not IL-6, IL-10 and $IFN-\gamma$ on DNFB-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, this compound increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a concentration-dependent manner The above results reveal that wogonin possesses anti-inflammatory, humoral and cellular immunomodulatory, and stress reducing activities on the DNFB-induced DTH in mice and these properties may contribute to the anti-atopic dermatitis activity of Scutellaria Radix.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.159-166
• /
• 2009

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and prognostic predictability of the $7^{th}$ UICC TNM classification compared to $6^{th}$ UICC TNM classification in patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Between June 1992 and December 2006, 1,633 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone gastric surgery and who had been analyzed by the $6^{th}$ UICC method were analyzed using the new $7^{th}$ UICC system. Results: Significant differences in 5-year survival rates were observed for $7^{th}$ UICC N0, N1, N2, N3a, and N3b compared to $6^{th}$ UICC. There were no significant differences in 5-year survival rates between T2 and T3. Distinct survival differences were present between stage III (IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc) and stage IV in $7^{th}$ UICC. Significant differences in 5-year survival rates were not expected for Ia versus Ib, Ib versus IIa, and IIb versus IIIa. The survival rates for the same stages were not homogeneously differentiated by $7^{th}$ UICC except for stage IV. Conclusion: The $7^{th}$ UICC classification system is not better able to predict patient survival compared to 6th UICC in patients with gastric cancer, but is better for accurate prognosis of patients with stage IV gastric cancer.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.251-257
• /
• 1975

In order to investigate the effects of high ambient temperature on the thyroid, a total of 50 rabbits (mean weight, 1,294g) reared under $7^{\circ}C$ were alloted to two groups. Rabbits in one group served as controls and the others, after reared under $30^{\circ}C$ for 16 days, were returned to the normal temperature for 16 days. The results obtained in this work were summerized as follows: 1. The weight of the thyroid gland was decreased severely from the 2nd day and increased to normal range on the 4th day after returned to normal temperature. 2. Thyroid follicles were atrophied significantly from the 1/2 day and then enlarged gradually from the 4th day, while their colloid substance also manifested poor staining, coagulation, and disappearence, being reappeared from the 8th day. 3. Hypertrophied follicular epithelial cells showed more enlarged size, degeneratien, necrosis, and mitosis from the 1/2 day in accordance with experimental term and those changes were diminished from the 8th day. 4. Histologically thyroid manifested-hypothyroidism on the 16th day but showed mild hyperthyroidism on the 2nd day and euthyroidism from the 4th day of returned roaring.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.56 no.6
• /
• pp.366-371
• /
• 2012

In this present study, we determined whether or not there is an immunoadjuvant effect of ochnaflavone, a biflavone isolated from Lonicera japonica. As an antigenic source, the cell wall (CACW) of Candida albicans, a fungal pathogen, was used. CACW consists of 95% carbohydrate (mannan). In the experiments, BALB/c mice were immunized with emersion forms of CACW combined with or without ochnaflavone (Och) in the presence of IFA containing mineral oil or CACW alone. Then, the amounts of antisera collected from these mice groups were measured by the ELISA method. Data from these experiments showed that CACW combined with Och (CACW/Och/IFA) provoked the production of antisera app. 2.2 or 5 times more than the corresponding CACW/IFA or CACW alone (CACW/DPBS), respectively, in mice (P<0.05). We further examined the immune response type induced by Och. Analysis of the values of the IgG1/IgG2a ratios obtained from IgG isotyping revealed that Och induced Th2-immunity more dominantly than Th1. This finding was confirmed by cytokine profile. CACW/Och/IFA formulation induced IL-4 (Th2-type cytokine) more than IFN${\gamma}$ (Th1-type cytokine) as compared with CACW/IFA and CACW/DPBS formulations (P<0.05). All data combined, Och appears to have an immunoadjuvant activity that may convert Th1 immunity into Th2 immunity.

• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.163-172
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study was to develop the analytic framework of Creative Problem Solving(CPS) for elementary school science textbook. For this purpose, we developed the framework based on the theories of problem, definition of problem solving and various kinds of CPS model. The six elements of the framework for content analysis were extracted through theoretical examination: problem introduction, problem statement, solution thinking, formulating hypothesis, testing hypothesis, and assessment. The developed framework was applied to the extbooks for the 5th and the 6th grades 1st semester in elementary science textbook of the 7th national curriculum. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The scores of the framework for content analysis in the 5th grade were slightly higher than those of the 6th grade, but there were no significant difference. 2. The comparison of the scores between the elements of the framework was found that the scores on the elements of testing hypothesis and formulating hypothesis were higher than those of the other elements. 3. The comparison of the scores between the units was found that the scores of the framework for the 9th unit (“trip of water”) of the 5th grade were higher than those of the other units, which were presented lower level than 1.0 (50.0%) score of the framework. 4. The comparison of the scores between the intensive course and the regular coures in the 6th grade textbook was showed that the scores on the intensive course were higher than the basic course. In conclusions, it was found that the problem introduction and problem statement in the textbook should be amended, and that various information and activities should be presented in the textbook.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.71-85
• /
• 1993

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the single and fractionated irradiation on the microvascular structure of the submandibular gland in rats. For this study, 90 Sprague-Dawley strain rats were irradiated to their neck region with equal split doses of 9Gy for a 4 hours interval and 15Gy single dose by 6MV X-irradiation and sacrificed on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 27th day after irradiation. The author observed histological changes at Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and PAS staining under a light microscope, and also observed distribution and structural changes of the microvasculature in rat submandibular gland using a scanning electron microscope by forming vascular resin casting. The results were as follows: 1. In the light microscopic examination, the microvasculature was slightly dilated and decreased in number on the 1st day after irradiation, and increase in number of microvasculature was observed on the 3rd day after irradiation. And then distribution of microvasculature was markedly increased on the 7th day after iradiation, but decreased on th 14th day after irradiation again. Such changes were greater in the single irradiated group than in the fractionated irradiated group. 2. The reaction to PAS staining on glandular cell was decreased on the 1st and the 3rd day after irradiation, and recovered on the 7th day after irradiation. The reaction was decreased on the 14th day after irradiation again, and recovered on the 28th day after irradiation. Changes were more apparent in the single irradiated group. 3. In the scanning electron microscopic examination, early changes of microvasculature were decreased capillary density, dilation of conduits and meandering. Increased capillary dentsity or anastomosis due to vascular reproduction and smooth curved running were observed on the 7th and 14th day after irradiation. Decreased capillary and smooth running tendency were observed on the 28th day after irradiation again. Such changes were greater in the single irradiated group than in the fractionated irradiated group.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.161-184
• /
• 1986

An experiment was made in order to analyze the growth characteristics and productivity of Zoysia japonica under control, mowing and TIBA treatment conditions at the experimental farm of Kyung Hee univ. from May 26 to Oct. 1 in 1985. The field was planned by the randomized block design method and each treatment was given to three plots (2${\times}$2, 4${\times}$4 and 10${\times}$10 cm) and was replicated three times. Each plot was 1$m^2$ for Zoysia japonica. The sampling of each plot was taken once a week after sowing. In order to know the dry matter of total standing crops, kept 9$0^{\circ}C$ and weighted each organ of the plants. Total leaf area of a plant was measured by drawing method. The author adopted the growth analysis of English School. The increasing rates of numbers of leaf and stem were remarkably high in each plot between 10th and 12th weak after sowing and it was highest in TIBA treated plot. The increasin rate of leaf area in each plot was remarkably high beween 10th and 12th week and the maximum value of leaf area was 274.00c$m^2$ in TIBA treated plot of 100 plants/$m^2$. The increasing rate of standing crop was remarkably high between 10th and 12th week and the high increasing tendency in TIBA plot resulted from TIBA. The positive correlationship was founded between standing crop and leaf area. The evaporation rather than temperature acted as a main factor of negative correlation with standing crop during the experiment period. Solar radiation had a high positive correlation in the lower density of plot. C/F ratio was low, during the growth period, from 10th to 12th week after sowing and was low in the higher density under each treated plot. T/R ratio was not constant during the sampling period but was high in the lower density. The increasing rates of RGR and NAR were high between 11th and 12th week after sowing. Leaf area ratio was high in higher density in each plot and not constant in all treated plot.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.122-129
• /
• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the difference of direct nursing activity and patient outcomes as mortality rate, complication rate, readmission rate and length of stay related to graded fee of nursing management for inpatient. Method: The subjects of this study were 44 general hospitals with more than 500 beds. Data totaled to 86,044 claims provided to inpatients in Jan. 2001 requested by an electronic data interchange from a Health Insurance Review Agency. The data was analyzed by SPSS win(ver.10.0) and statistical methods used were frequency, one-way ANOVA, $X^2$-Test and regression. Result: Synthetic judgment through performance index and 95% confidence interval, direct nursing activity showed to provided adequate quality of nursing care on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th nursing degree. Also, patient outcomes showed difference by graded fee of nursing management for inpatient. Mortality rate of 2nd was the lowest with P.I. 67.9, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 4th in order. In case of complication rate, 2nd, 3rd and 4th were lower than other nursing degree. Readmission rate of 4th and 5th was the lowest. Length of stay of 2nd was the shortest with P.I. 88.3, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 4th, 6th in order. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that, the higher nurse-to-patient ratio, the greater amount of direct nursing care activity for the patient. Also, the more direct nursing activities influenced a lower mortality rate, complication rate and readmission rate, shorter length of stay.