• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.519-529
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of food insecurity in Korean elderly and to analyze the health status as well as food and nutrient intakes according to food insecurity status. Methods: A total of 939 elderly subjects (over 65 years old) were used in our analysis from the fifth 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1). The variables consisted of general characteristics, physical and mental health, nutrient intake, rate of deficient intake of energy and nutrients compared with Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and food quality and diversity according to the status of food insecurity. Food insecurity status was measured using a self-reported food security questionnaire on the dietary situation in the previous year, and participants were classified according to three groups: food secure group, mildly food insecure group, and moderately/severely food insecure group. Results: The proportion of the food insecure group was approximately 67% and the food insecure group had lower income and educational status than the food secure group. Food insecurity was associated with worse physical and mental health status after adjusting potentially confounding variables. The results showed that food insecurity in Korean elderly significantly affected mental health (including stress cognition, depression experience, and suicide thoughts) which exceeded stages of physical health. In addition, food insecurity showed significant association with low nutrient intake and high rate of deficient intakes of energy and nutrients compared with KDRIs, and a reduction of dietary quality and diversity was indicated in the food insecure group. Conclusion: This study concludes that the prevalence of food insecurity may affect the physical and mental health as well as dietary intake of the elderly Korean population. Therefore, food insecurity should be considered as an important public health issue in Korea.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2011

For overall system test, hidden-target test have been used using film which leads to inherent analysis error. The purpose of our study is to quantify this error and to propose gel dosimeter based verification technique for 3-dimensional target point error. The phantom was made for simulation of human head and this has ability to equip 10 gel-dosimeter. $BANGkit^{TM}$ which we are able to manufacture whenever it is needed as well as to easily change the container with different shapes was used as a gel dosimeter. The 10 targets were divided into two groups based on shapes of areas with a planned 50% isodose line. All treatment and analysis was performed three times using Novalis and $BrainSCAN^{TM}$. The target point error is $0.77{\pm}0.15mm$ for 10 targets and directional target point error in each direction is $0.54{\pm}0.23mm$, $0.37{\pm}0.08mm$, $0.33{\pm}0.10mm$ in AP (anterior-posterior), LAT (lateral), and VERT (vertical) direction, respectively. The result of less than 1 mm shows that the treatment was performed through each precise step in treatment procedure. In conclusion, the 3-dimensional target point verification technique can be one of the techniques for overall system test.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 2014

Purpose : To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of perfusion defect (PD) on first-pass stress perfusion MR imaging in relation with the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (APH). Materials and Methods: Cardiac MR imaging with first-pass stress perfusion, cine, and LGE sequence was performed in 26 patients with APH from January 2008 to December 2012. We analyzed a total of 416 segments for LV wall thickness on end-diastolic phase of cine images, and evaluated the number of hypertrophied segment and number of consecutive hypertrophied segment (NCH). We assessed the presence or absence of PD and LGE from all patients. If there was PD, we subdivided the pattern into sporadic (sporadic-PD) or ring (ring-PD). Using univariate logistic method, we obtained the independent predictor for presence of overall PD and ring-PD. Results: PD on stress perfusion MRI was observed in 20 patients (76.9%), 12 of them (60%) showed ring-PD. Maximal LV wall thickness and number of hypertrophied segment were independent predictors for overall PD (all, p < 0.05). NCH with more than 3 segments was an additional independent factor for ring-PD. However, LGE was not statistically related with PD in patients with APH. Conclusion: About three quarters of the patients with APH showed PD, most of them represented as ring-PD. LVH degree or distribution was related with pattern of PD, however, LGE was not related with PD. Therefore, the clinical significance of PD in the patients with APH seems to be different from those with non-APH, and further comparison study between the two groups should be carried out.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.40-48
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• 2008

Purpose : We sought to determine the early change of ventricular geometry and function after concomitant surgeries of modified Dor procedure and mitral valve annuloplasty by using magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods : We enrolled 21 patients with dilated heart failure who underwent modified Dor procedure (n=8), mitral valve annuloplasty (n=6), or both surgeries (n=7). Cine MRI was used to assess left ventricular dimensions and function before and after surgery. We measured the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and the dimensions of the left ventricular long-axis and short-axis. Left ventricular stroke volume, ejection fraction, and sphericity index were calculated from these measurements. These parameters were analyzed and compared between three different surgery groups to explain the combined effect of the concomitant surgeries. Results : MRI was performed within average $12\;{\pm}\;15$ days (range 1-58 days) before and $38\;{\pm}\;50$ days (range 7- 231 days) after the surgery. The patients who underwent concomitant surgeries had more profound enlargement of left ventricle and decreased contractility prior to surgery than those in the patients who underwent single surgical procedure. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume and endsystolic volume significantly decreased in all patients regardless of surgery type after surgery. Ejection fraction significantly increased only in the patients who got modified Dor procedure without mitral valve annuloplasty (25.4% to 40.7%). Sphericity index increased in patients with modified Dor procedure but decreased in patients with mitral valve annuloplasty (0.65 to 0.78 vs. 0.75 to 0.65). In the patients who underwent concomitant surgeries showed no significant change in sphericity index after surgery. Conclusion : The early change of the left ventricular geometry and function after the concomitant surgeries with modified Dor procedure and mitral valve annuloplasty in patients with dilated heart failure includes a marked reduction in left ventricular volume and in stroke volume. The shape of the left ventricle does not change because the effect of sphericity index decrease from mitral valve annuloplasty is counteracted by the effect of sphericity index increase from modified Dor procedure. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction is not the early change after the concomitant surgeries.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.996-1002
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• 2003

Purpose : In Rett syndrome patients, the incidence of sudden death is greater than that of the general population, and cardiac electrical instability including fatal cardiac arrhythmia is a main suspected cause. In this study, we are going to find out the possible cause of the higher risk of sudden death in Rett patients by the evaluation of heart rate variability, a marker of cardiac autonomic activity and corrected QT intervals. Methods : Diagnosis of Rett syndrome was made by molecular genetic study of Rett syndrome (MECP2 gene) or clinical diagnostic criteria of Rett syndrome. Heart rate variability and corrected QT intervals were measured by 24 h-Holter study in 12 Rett patients, and in 30 age-matched healthy children with chief complaints of chest pain or suspected heart murmurs. The were compared with the normal age-matched control. Results : Patients with total Rett syndrome, classic Rett syndrome, and Rett variants had significantly lower heart rate variability(especially rMSSD)(P<0.05) and longer corrected QT intervals than age-matched healthy children(P<0.05). Sympathovagal balance expressed by the ratio of high to low frequency(LF/HF ratio) also showed statistically significant differences between the three groups considered(P<0.05). Conclusion : A significant reduction of heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic disarray, suggests a possible explanation of cardiac dysfunction in sudden death associated with Rett syndrome.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.519-524
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• 2010

Purpose : To determine the efficacy of the N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a useful diagnostic method in children with incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods : Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed as having KD between January 2008 and June 2009 were enrolled in the study. American Heart Association recommendations for diagnosis were used, and patients were divided into the complete KD and incomplete KD groups. Blood tests including NT-proBNP were performed on admission day. Nineteen patients who had other febrile diseases other than KD were enrolled as control. Results : Thirty-three patients (34%) had incomplete KD. Change in the lips and oral cavity and conjunctivitis were the most common clinical features, but their frequency was lower than complete KD (76% vs 98%, 76% vs 90%). Patients with incomplete KD exhibited significantly higher NT-proBNP level than that of control ($1,407.7{\pm}1633.5pg/mL$ vs $126.2{\pm}135.5pg/mL$, $P$<0.001). An NT-proBNP cutoff value of 158 pg/mL provided a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 74% for diagnosis of incomplete KD. Conclusion : NT-proBNP assay can be clinically useful for the diagnosis of incomplete KD, if the patient has persistent fever, change in the lips and oral cavity, and conjunctivitis, and if the patient with those symptoms is suspected to have incomplete KD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1350-1356
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• 2005

Osteoporosis that is associated with estrogen deficiency in menopause is by far the most common cause of age-related bone loss. Since isoflavone had been reported as a natural substance that minimizes bone loss, we have begun this study to examine the effect of the substance on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Five week-old (n=22) and 25 week-old (n=22) Sprage-Dawley female rats were classified into young (Y) and adult (A) groups. Each group consisted of three subgroups : sham operated group (SH), ovariectomized group (OVX), and isoflavone supplemented group (OVX+ISO 80 mg/kg B.W.). They were fed chow for 9 weeks. The result showed that body weight gain was increased in YOVX in comparison to YSH group, (p<0.05) serum osteocalcin concentration and urinal deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion had significantly increased in YOVX more than in YSH group, and significantly decrease in OVX+ISO than in YOVX group (p<0.05). We concluded that soy isoflavones may decrease bone turnover in young rats. However, isoflavone supplement didn't show significant influence on bone metabolism of adult rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.432-436
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• 1984

The effect of Korean ginseng(Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) on glucose and protein metabolism was studied. In this experiment, powdered Panax ginseng was administered to rats for 6 weeks. The rats were divided into three groups, namely, I, II, and IIII, each group consisting of 15 rats. The amounts of powdered Panax ginseng which were added to the basal diet for the diets of group II and group III were 2.5 g/kg and 12.5g/kg, respectively. The group I was used as the control group fed the basal diet. The weight gains of the rats fed the ginseng containing diets were higher than those of the control rats, tut not significant. The serum glucose levels of all ginseng-treated rats were decreased with significance (P<0.001). In the rats fed the ginseng containing diet (2.5 g/kg of diet), there were no significant differences in contents of albumin, ${\alpha}_1-globulin$, ${\alpha}_2-globulin$, ${\gamma}-globulin$ and A/G ratio compared with those of the control rats, however, the levels of total protein and ${\beta}-globulin$ were increased significantly (p<0.005). The levels of total protein and ${\alpha}_2-globulin$ obtained from the rats fed the ginseng containing diet(12.5 g/kg of diet) revealed higher than those of the control rats (p<0.05), the contents of ${\alpha}_1-globulin$, ${\beta}-globulin$ and ${\gamma}-globulin$ were also increased significantly (p<0.001). Albumin level and A/G ratio obtained from the rats of group III were lower than those of the control group, especially A/G ratio was statistically significant (p<0.001).

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2007

Objectives : The objective of the present study was to investigate alexithymia in major depressive disorder(MDD) and subclinical depression(SCD). Methods : Three hundred eighty-six community-dwelling adults(238 females and 148 males, age 19-79; mean age $43.0{\pm}13.9$) were recruited. Structured clinical Interview for DSM-IV(SCID) was conducted for the diagnosis of MDD or other Axis I psychiatric disorders. The Center for Epidemiological Studies for Depression Scale(CES-D) and the Totonto Alexithymia Scale(TAS) were administered to assess depressive symptom and alexithymia, respectively. Among subjects without MDD, those who had minor depressive disorder on the SCID or high scores(i.e. over 16) on the CES-D were defined as subjects with SCD. TAS total score and factor I, II, III scores of TAS in MDD, SCD, and non-depressive controls were compared. Results : Among 386 subjects, 38 subjects(9.8%) were diagnosed as MDD by DSM-IV criteria, while 57 subjects(14.8%) were classified into SCD group. There were significant differences between 3 groups(MDD, SCD and non-depressive controls) in total score($F_{2,383}=14.0$, p<0.01), factor I(difficulty in identifying feeling)($F_{2,383}=23.4$, p<0.01) and factor II(difficulty in describing feeling)($F_{2,383}=7.8$, p<0.01), but not factor III(external oriented thinking)($F_{2,383}=1.8$, p=0.16) of TAS. In post-hoc analysis, both MDD subjects and SCD subjects had higher scores in TAS total, factor I and factor II, compared to non-depressive controls(all p<0.01). In contrast, there were no significant differences between MDD subjects and SCD subjects in any TAS factor. Conclusion : In this study, both MDD subjects and SCD subjects were more alexithymic than non-depressive control subjects. These findings suggest that SCD, as well as MDD, is also related to alexithymia.

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.27-39
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• 1993

The shingle beach as a typical pocket beach located in Jeongdo-ri, Wando, Cheolanam-do, Korea has been investigated in terms of textural characteristics, mainly gravel shape and roundness. In the Jeongdo-ri gravel beach, changes of beach profile after storm weather and textural parameters of gravels were observed and measured from May 1992 to March 1993. Beach profile is divided into two different Fair-weather zone and Storm-weather zone influenced by dynamic condition of wave energy. The former is affected by wave and tide under fair-weather condition, the latter seems to be formed under storm-weather condition. Each zone comprises a series of beach faces and berms formed by continuous sedimentary processes of swash, overwash and backwash. Storm-weather zone is subdivided into three groups having a pair of beach face and berm respectively. Mean sizes of berm gravel(45.5 mm -123.6 mm) are coarser than gravels of beach face (36.8 mm - 78.3 mm) in fair-weather zone. On the other hand, in storm-weather zone, gravels of berms (33.1 mm -82.5 mm) are finer than those of beachfaces (46.2 mm - 105.2 mm). The proportion of disc shaped gravels of berm (50.0% - 58.5 %) is higher than that of beachface (45.9 % - 51.3 %) in each subzone except C-group of storm-weather zone. And the proportion of the equant shaped gravel increases about up to 10% seaward. Therefore, shore-normal distribution of gravels seems to be affected by shape and size sorting effects. Shore-parallel distribution pattern of gravel shape is more distinctive than size distribution patterns. That is, disc and blade shaped particles decrease up to 20% and 13% respectively, and equants increase up to 34% to the westward. Gravels plotted on Sneed and Folk's triangular diagram are more compacted and elongated with decreasing size. Therefore primary gravels are shaped by characteristics of country rock e.g. cleavage, joint etc., and secondary are affected by sorting and size-controlled process evolution by wave action.