• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2017

Objectives: Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) has been debated with regard to its clinical significance and diagnostic criteria. The current diagnostic criterion for PLMD in adults has been changed from periodic limb movement index (PLMI) > 5/hour to PLMI > 15/hour by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in polysomnographic sleep variables according to PLMI and to determine the relevance of the diagnostic criterion for PLMD. Methods: Out of 4195 subjects who underwent standard polysomnography, we selected 666 subjects (370 males and 296 females, aged $47.1{\pm}14.8$) who were older than 17 years and were not diagnosed with primary insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or REM sleep behavior disorder. Subjects were divided into three groups according to PLMI severity: group 1 ($PLMI{\leq}5$), group 2 (5 < $PLMI{\leq}15$), and group 3 (PLMI > 15). Demographic and polysomnographic sleep variables and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were compared among the three groups. Results: There were significant differences among the three groups in age and gender. Sleep efficiency (SE) and stage 3 sleep percentage in group 1 were significantly higher than those in groups 2 and 3. The wake after sleep onset (WASO) score in group 1 was significantly lower than those in groups 2 and 3. However, there were no significant differences in SE, stage 3 sleep percentage, or WASO between groups 2 and 3. Sleep latency (SL) in group 1 was significantly lower than that in group 3, but there was no difference in SL between group 2 and group 3. ESS score in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 3, but there was no difference between group 2 and group 3. Partial correlation analysis adjusted by age showed that PLMI was significantly related to SE and WASO. Conclusion: This study suggests that PLMI influences polysomnographic sleep variables. In addition, we found the individuals who did not have PLMD but had PLMI > 5 were not different in polysomnographic sleep variables from the individuals who had PLMD according to the current criterion. These results raise questions about the relevance of the current diagnostic criterion of PLMD.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1851-1858
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• 2010

Estrogen deficiency in peri- and postmenopausal women results in variety of neurovegetative, psychic and somatic symptoms, and may contribute to severe diseases within the aged female population. Ecklonia stolonifera (ES) is an edible brown algae traditionally used in fishery towns in Far East Asia. This study was performed to investigate the effects of ES extracts on blood flow and serum lipid concentration in ovariectomized rats. Weight-matched female Sprague-Dawley strain rats were assigned to four groups. Three groups were surgically ovariectomized (OVX). The fourth group was sham operated. Rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham-operated rats (Sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-CON), ovariectomized rats supplemented with ES extract at 50 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-ES50) and ovariectomized rats supplemented with ES extract at 200 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-ES200). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride contents decreased in the sham group compared to the OVX-CON group. Six weeks feeding of ES extract resulted in a significant (p<0.05) lowering of serum triglyceride and a lowering tendency of total cholesterol level. The level of Hdl-cholesterol in serum increased by supplementation of ES extracts at 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg bw/day (p<0.05). Blood passage time of the ES extracts-supplemented group was higher than the OVX-CON group. The ability of platelet aggregation of groups treated with ES extracts was less than that of the OVX-CON group. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of ES extract may be used to possibly improve on the metabolic syndrome of menopausal women.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.11
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• pp.1193-1200
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• 2005

Purpose : Invasive bacterial infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Previously, we reported etiology of invasive infections in healthy children in 1985-1995. This study was performed to update etiology of invasive bacterial infections in the previously healthy children. Methods : We reviewed medical records of 98 episodes of invasive bacterial infections in immunocompetent children at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital in 1996-2004. Results : The frequent pathogens identified over all age groups were Streptococcus pneumoniae (33%) and Staphylococcus aureus(33%). The proportion of Salmonella species and Haemophilus influenzae has been declined to 4% each from 23% and 14%, respectively, compared to previous study. S. agalactiae was the most common isolate in the infants ${\leq}3$ months. Among the infants and children aged 3 months to 2 years and children of 2-5 years, S. pneumoniae(57%, 52%, respectively, in each group) was the most common isolates followed by S. aureus(17% and 24%, respectively). S. aureus was the most common isolates(73%) in children >5 years. Primary bacteremia was the most common clinical diagnosis(27%). S. pneumoniae was responsible for 42% of primary bacteremia, 50% of meningitis, and 69% of bacteremic pneumonia and empyema. S. aureus accounted for 80% of bone and joint infections. The case fatality rate was 8.1% for all invasive infections. Conclusion : We reviewed frequency of bacterial agents of invasive infections in children. The data may be useful for pediatricians to select adequate empirical antibiotics in the management of invasive bacterial infections.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.602-609
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• 2006

Purpose : As the prone position is thought to be an important factor in sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS), this study was conducted to contribute to reducing SIDS by analyzing sleeping positions of infants. Methods : A face-to-face questionnaire was carried out with a total of 170 parents with a baby aged less than 6 months. Results : A total of 170 infants included 95 males(55.9 percent) and 75 females(44.1 percent); their average age was 2.8 months. 45.3 percent slept in a supine position; 34.7 percent in a side or supine position; 7.1 percent in a side position; 4.7 percent in a prone position; 4.1 percent in a non-specific position. Among those in a side position, 59.7 percent were in a supine position in the morning; 19.5 percent were in the side position; 13.4 percent were in a non-specific position; and 4.1 percent were in a prone position. To the question why they slept in a specific position, 34.9 percent answered their baby slept comfortably, and particularly, 42.9 percent in the prone position group answered so. In the supine position group, 21.6 percent answered they had no reason. Both in the prone position and side position groups, 21 percent each answered they were worried about the shape of their baby's head. In the side position group, 22 percent answered that they had a fear of choking due to vomiting. In all sleeping position groups, 8.2 percent and 7.4 percent answered it was because they had a fear of suffocation and they wanted to avoid SIDS, respectively. Conclusion : Many of the parents preferred unstable positions, e.g. the side position and the prone position, which could cause SIDS. Their decision on their baby's sleeping position was not based on exact medical knowledge, but on convenience in taking care of their baby. As it was found that only 6 percent of the subjects were advised from their pediatrist about their baby's sleeping position, moreover, it is necessary to carry out more studies and activities for preventing SIDS caused by improper sleeping positions and educating patents about recommended sleeping positions for their baby.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2002

Purpose: The urinary mass screening program in school aged population has been performed since 1981, but the consensus on the follow-up schedule and the management of isolated proteinuria has not been reached yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of isolated proteinuria and to propose a guideline for the treatment and follow-up afterwards Methods: The medical records of 114 cases of isolated proteinuria detected through the analysis of urinary mass screening and evaluated at the pediatric outpatient clinic of Asan Medical Center from January 1990 to July 2001 have been reviewed. Results: The classification of isolated proteinuria was as follows. Transient proteinuria $32\%$, orthostatic proteinuria $65\%$, persistent proteinuria $3\%$, In orthostatic proteinuria group, daytime and nighttime proteinuria were $319.2{\pm}189.1\;mg/dL$ and $56.5{\pm}56.1\;mg/dL$. In persistent proteinuria group, daytime and nighttime proteinuria were $1140{\pm}540.5\;mg/dL$ and $289{\pm}58\;mg/dL$. After 30 month follow-up, 2 cases of persistent proteinuria were needed renal biopsy and 1 case revealed focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. In all cases, serum creatinine, albumin and complements levels were normal. In the orthostatic proteinuria group, no significant renal diseases were detected. Conclusion: Since most of the isolated proteinuria detected through the school urinary mass screening were orthostatic proteinuria or transient proteinuria, initially aggressive diagnostic method such as renal biopsy is not needed and regular follow- up with quantitation of proteinuria is warranted.(J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2002 ; 6 61-7)

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.146-152
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• 2009

Purpose : We performed this study to evaluate the incidence and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Ab) in Korean children with Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura (HSP). Methods : The medical records of 62 patients (31 boys and 31 girls) aged $46.0{\pm}3.1$ (1-16) years with a clinical diagnosis of HSP based on the EULAR/PReS criteria were reviewed retrospectively. From the years 2007 to 2009, the sera from children with acute HSP were tested for aPL Ab such as LA, anti-cardiolipin antibody and anti-${\beta}_2$ glycoprotein I antibody. Results : LA was positive in 18 (29%) of the 62 patients with HSP and We divided the patients into the two groups LA positive group (N=18) and LA negative group (N=44). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to abdominal pain, arthralgia and renal involvement, but LA positive group had significantly higher C-reactive protein ($4.3{\pm}7.2$ mg/dL vs. $1.3{\pm}1.8$ mg/dL, P=0.035), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ($37.5{\pm}26.2$ mm/hr vs. $25.1{\pm}22.6$ mm/hr, P= 0.039), IgM ($148.1{\pm}48.4$ mg/dL vs. $114.9{\pm}41.5$ mg/dL, P=0.024), C3 ($143.1{\pm}21.9$ mg/dL vs. $129.7{\pm}24.5$ mg/dL, P=0.048) and C4 levels ($30.9{\pm}6.3$ mg/dL vs. $24.9{\pm}7.8$ mg/dL, P=0.002) compared with LA negative group. Conclusion : We found that the incidence of positive aPL Ab tests was relatively higher in Korean children with HSP and the presence of aPL Ab was associated with acute inflammatory process of HSP. These results suggest that the aPL Ab are involved in the pathogenesis of HSP in children.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.47-56
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• 2008

Temporal changes of metal solubility have been repeatedly observed in soils equilibrated with metal salt solutions. This phenomenon is known as aging, yet factors that affect the degree of metal aging remain largely unexamined. In this study, we compared the extent of aging on metal partitioning depending on soil, metal, and metal loading. Five soils spiked with four levels of Cd (2.5-20 mg ${kg}^{-1}$), Cu, and Zn (50-400 mg ${kg}^{-1}$) salt solutions were aged in the laboratory up to 1 year. The partitioning coefficient ($K_d$) of each metal was calculated from the ratio of total to dissolved metal concentration in samples collected at times ranging from 1 day to 1 year. The highest $K_d$ values for Cd, Cu and Zn were recorded in a Histosol, Andisol, and fine-textured Alfisol, respectively, whereas the lowest $K_d$ was recorded for an Oxisol and coarsetextured Alfisol. For all soils, a pattern of increasing Kd with aging was evident for Cd and Zn, but not Cu. Rapid Cu sorption was limited when dissolved organic matter was high in soils. In highly-retentive soils, $K_d$ values seemed to be insensitive to metal loading, although a longer period was required for the higher metal loadings to reach the same degree of metal aging as the lower loadings. In soils with low sorption capacity, the $K_d$ values were determined more by metal loading than by aging. Therefore, marked differences can be expected in the degree of metal aging in spiked soils by the soil type, metal and amount of metal added.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.111-124
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• 2016

Purpose: The current study was conducted for evaluation and comparison of dietary behavior and food intake in different regions of Lao PDR. Methods: The survey was conducted on 979 people aged 40~59 years old living in 25 urban provinces and 25 rural provinces in four districts (VTE Capital-Chanthabuly, Xaysetha, VTE Province-Phonhong, and Thoulakhom) of Laos. General demographic information, health status, and dietary behavior were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: The literacy ratio (p = 0.000), education level (p = 0.000), asset ownership level (p = 0.000), and government and private employee ratio (p = 0.000) were higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. The mean value of weight (p = 0.000), waist circumference (p = 0.000), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.000), self-rated health status (p = 0.001), and the rate of obesity (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the rate of current smoker was significantly higher in the rural group (p = 0.023). Meals are becoming more westernized by higher frequency of eating out, consumption of fatty meat and fried or stir-fried food in urban areas compared to rural areas. Urban subjects had relatively better balanced meals compared to rural subjects whereas they consumed insufficient meals per day and consumed meals irregularly compared to rural subjects. Intake of fruit and milk was significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the intake of vegetables was significantly higher in rural areas than urban areas. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the traditional Lao diet is being replaced by an unhealthy western dietary pattern, which may be a risk factor for increasing development of non-communicable disease (NCD) in Lao PDR. Planning of proper personalized nutritional intervention and education in each area is needed to decrease the health risks of NCD.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7459-7466
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• 2013

Background: Some 60 years after introduction of the Papanicolaou smear worldwide, cervical cancer remains a burden in developing countries where >85% of world new cases and deaths occur, suggesting a failure to establish comprehensive cervical-cancer control programs. Effective interventions are available to control cervical cancer but are not all affordable in low-income settings. Disease awareness saves lives by risk-reduction as witnessed in reducing mortality of HIV/AIDS and smoking-related cancers. Subjects and Methods: We initiated a community-based awareness program on cervical cancer in two low-income Muslim Uyghur townships in Kashi (Kashgar) Prefecture, Xinjiang, China in 2008. The education involved more than 5,000 women from two rural townships and awareness was then evaluated in 2010 and 2011, respectively, using a questionnaire with 10 basic knowledge questions on cervical cancer. Demographic information was also collected and included in an EpiData database. A 10-point scoring system was used to score the awareness. Results: The effectiveness and feasibility of the program were evaluated among 4,475 women aged 19-70 years, of whom >92% lived on/below US$1.00/day. Women without prior education showed a poor average awareness rate of 6.4% (164/2,559). A onetime education intervention, however, sharply raised the awareness rate by 4-fold to 25.5% (493/1,916). Importantly, low income and illiteracy were two reliable factors affecting awareness before or after education intervention. Conclusions: Education intervention can significantly raise the awareness of cervical cancer in low-income women. Economic development and compulsory education are two important solutions in raising general disease awareness. We propose that implementing community-based awareness programs against cervical cancer is realistic, locally affordable and sustainable in low-income countries, which may save many lives over time and, importantly, will facilitate the integration of comprehensive programs when feasible. In this context, adopting this strategy may provide one good example of how to achieve "good health at low cost".

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.647-656
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• 2017

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between vitamin D level and dyslipidemia in Korean adults aged 19 years and older. The data for analysis were obtained from the sixth Korea National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 and 2014. Result: This study showed that 74.4% of the specified adult population had vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was found to be 39.6% in the same population. Dyslipidemia differed significantly according to gender (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), smoking status (p<0.001), subjective health status (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), blood pressure (p<0.001), FBS (p<0.001), physical activity (p<0.001), and vitamin D level (p<0.001). When vitamin D deficiency was less than 20.0 ng/mL, there was a significant risk of dyslipidemia with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% Cl, 1.11-1.51). The relationship between vitamin D level and a diagnosis index of dyslipidemia with controlled status of physical activity was statistically significant; in Korean adults, the odds ratio for total cholesterol was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.04-1.81) and for triglyceride was 1.36 (95% CI, 1.11-1.66). Conclusion: Our results showed the relationship between vitamin D level and dyslipidemia was significant in Korean adults, and total cholesterol and triglycerides, which are indicators of dyslipidemia, was significant. Future studies, such as a more systematic cohort study investigating the relationship between vitamin D level and dyslipidemia may be helpful in confirming the causal relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia.