• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2018

Objectives This study was aimed to examine cold hypersensitivity tendency in the hands, feet and abdomen according to Sasang constitution among Koreans. Methods Multi stage stratified sampling was conducted for random selection of 1,100 participants aged ${\geq}19years$, based on sex, age, region in Oct.2010. Cold hypersensitivity was measured using a questionnaire to score the extent of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, feet, abdomen. Subjects' constitution was diagnosed by Korea Sasang Constitutional Diagnostic Questionnaire (KS-15). The cold hypersensitivity scores according to Sasang constitution were analyzed using logistic regression and one way ANOVA. Results On the one way ANOVA, Soeumin group's cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet scores were significantly higher than those of Taeeumin and Soyangin groups. However, there was no significant difference in the abdominal cold hypersensitivity scores by constitution. The regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and sociodemographic variables, showed that Soeumin group had significantly higher cold hypersensitivity effects of the hands (${\beta}=0.105$, p = 0.002) and feet (${\beta}=0.099$, p = 0.003) than Taeeumin group. Conclusions Soeumin group significantly had higher cold hypersensitivity scores in the hands and feet than Taeumin and Soyangin group.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2473-2476
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• 2014

Background: Little is known about the cancer screening prevalence and correlates in older adults from different racial backgrounds. In the context of heightened efforts for prevention and early diagnosis, we collected information on screening for two major types of cancers: cervical and breast cancer in order to establish their prevalence estimates and correlates among older South African women who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE) in 2008. Materials and Methods: We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a multi-stage stratified cluster sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or older in South Africa in 2008. In this analysis, we only considered the female subsample of (n=2202). The measures used included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the association of socio-demographic factors, health variables and cancer screening. Results: Overall, regarding cervical cancer screening, 24.3% ever had a Papanicolaou (PAP) smear test, and regarding breast cancer screening, 15.5% ever had a mammography. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age, higher education, being from the White or Coloured population group, urban residence, greater wealth, and suffering from two or more chronic conditions were associated with cervical cancer screening, and higher education, being from the White or Indian/Asian population group, greater wealth, having a health insurance, and suffering from two or more chronic condtions were associated with breast cancer screening. Conclusions: Cancer screening coverage remains low among elderly women in South Africa in spite of the national guideline recommendations for regular screening in order to reduce the risk of dying from these cancers if not detected early. There is a need to improve accessibility and affordability of early cervical and breast cancer screening for all women to ensure effective prevention and management of cervical and breast cancer.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the contributions of macronutrients to the total energy intakes and Body Mass Indices (BMI, $kg/m^2$) of Korean women. Methods : We used dietary records data from 115 healthy Korean women, ages 20 and over, who completed four 3-day dietary records between February 2003 and March 2004. For the calculation of nutrients we used a dietary assessment program developed by the Korean Nutritional Society. Macronutrient intakes were estimated by averaging individual total daily intakes in four 3-day dietary records. Subjects were categorized into three Body Mass Index (BMI) groups : underweight (BMI < 20), normal (20 $\leq$ BMI < 25), and overweight (BMI $\geq$ 25) group. Results : The total energy intakes were not different among the three BMI groups. Similarly, other macronutrient intakes such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vegetable protein, animal protein, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not different. From the multivariate nutrient density model, substituting polyunsaturated fatty acid for carbohydrate was positively associated with BMI in women aged 20 to 49 ($\beta=2.31$, p<0.01). In women aged 50 and over, substituting animal protein for carbohydrate was positively associated with BMI ($\beta=0.549$, p=0.04). Conclusions : No single macronutrient was associated with BMI when all subjects were combined. However, when stratified by age, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in younger women, and animal protein intake in older women, were positively associated with BMI. In the future, we recommend a larger study to confirm these results.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.37-50
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• 2011

Nutrients intake status of 73 lactating women, that is 45 breast feeding (BF), 13 formula feeding (FF) and 15 mixed feeding (MF), living in Daejeon was investigated. Self-recorded food intakes for two weekdays and eating behaviors using questionnaires were surveyed from May to August 2008. Subjects aged $29.2{\pm}3.4$ years and their infants aged $8.2{\pm}3.2$ months. Body mass index of the subjects was $21.0{\pm}3.2$. Of the subjects 23.3% were employed. Daily energy intake was $1953{\pm}391$ kcal. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was $0.77{\pm}0.14$ and was higher in FF ($0.86{\pm}0.13$) than in BF ($0.76{\pm}0.11$) and MF ($0.72{\pm}0.18$). Nutrients that over 50% of the subjects took less than estimated average requirement were vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C and calcium. And index of nutritional qualities of those 5 nutrients were below one Forty six and sixths percent (46.6%) of the subjects showed GMFVD = 11111 pattern of five food group intakes and 57.5% took meals three times daily, 56.2% skipped often breakfast, and 64.4% dined out two times and more per week. Subjects having lower MAR (< 0.72, n = 24), compared with those having higher MAR (${\geq}$ 0.83, n = 24), showed more skipping daily meals and less frequency of eating-out, and took less legumes, vegetables, fishes, and milk. As the results, intakes of calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C were insufficient in lactating women, especially in BF and MF mothers. Meal skipping and low intakes of dairy foods, legumes, vegetables, and fishes might have adverse influences on nutritional status of lactating women. Accordingly, nutrition care program for lactating women should be focused on intake of three meals daily and a variety of food.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.171-176
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• 2012

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess work ability of Korean workers in the shipbuilding industry. Background: Old age is associated with inevitable time-dependent losses in physical capabilities. However the maintenance of physical capabilities is essential for continuing independence in old age. The work ability index(WAI) was constructed to reveal how well a worker is able to perform his or her work. Method: The WAI is a kind of survey methods developed to estimate the work capacity of aged workers by the Finish Institute of Occupational Health(FIOH) in 1998. The difference of the WAI between groups in each category was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the relationship between the WAI and the workers' ages was tested by the Correlation test. Results: This study surveyed 2,709 persons working in the shipbuilding industry in Korea. The average WAI score for all workers was 40.0 denoting a Good Level. Also, workers in the shipbuilding industry had lower work ability, as compared to the results of other industries. The WAI was analyzed for different age groups(${\leq}29$; 30~34; 35~39; 40~44; 45~49; 50~54; ${\geq}55$). The results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed that significant difference was identified on the effect of aging(p<0.05). Conclusion: Advanced countries like the Finland showed decreasing tendency in good and excellent levels as aged, but there was no decreasing tendency in Korean population. The results may be attributable to the general characteristics of Korean society, such as poor social security and burden caused by role of the patriarch. It may bring forth higher work ability in aged population even their physical condition is getting worse. Application: This finding could be used for developing more accurate assessment tool of work ability for working environment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.169-174
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• 2015

Objective: To assess compliance with Korean guidelines for embryo transfer, the possible reasons for non-compliance, and multiple pregnancies according to each specific condition in compliant cycles. Methods: A single-institution, retrospective study was conducted of 256 fresh in vitro fertilization cycles during 2012-2014. To assess compliance with Korean guidelines, the maximum recommended number of embryos transferred (according to criteria of age, transfer day, and presence of favorable conditions) was compared with the actual number of embryos transferred. Clinical pregnancy rate (PR) was assessed as the percentage of pregnant women resulting from each set of transfer conditions, including the number of embryos transferred. The multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) was calculated as the percentage of pregnant women with a multifetal pregnancy. Results: The compliance rate with the Korean guidelines was 96.5% (247/256). Non-compliance occurred in nine cycles owing to poor embryo quality, repeated implantation failure, or hostile endometrium. In compliant cycles, the PR was 31.2% (77/247), and the MPR was 27.3% (21/77; 20 twins and one triplet). Higher MPR was noted in two types of transfer conditions: transfer of three cleavage embryos in women aged 35-39 years with favorable conditions (66.7%; primarily from those aged 35-37 years) and transfer of two blastocysts in women aged ${\geq}40$ years with favorable conditions (50%). Conclusion: Under the Korean guidelines, compliance rate was high in our center. Multiple pregnancies occurred primarily in group with favorable conditions. In high-risk groups for multiple pregnancies, reducing number of embryos transferred should be considered than suggested in the guideline.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2008

The present study was conducted to examine metabolic risk factors and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of Korean females living in Seoul and to investigate the relationship between the metabolic risk factors and serum TAC. A total of 353 females aged between 20 and 64 participated in the study. Obesity indicators, blood pressure, serum lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were measured as metabolic risk factors. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was employed to determine serum TAC of subjects. Obesity indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were significantly higher in the participants aged $\geq$ 50 y (older group) than in the participants aged 20-49 y (younger group) (p < 0.001). Blood pressure, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and fasting blood glucose were also significantly higher in the older group than in the younger group (p < 0.001), demonstrating significant positive correlations between age and MS risk factors. The association between FRAP and MS risk factors were also investigated. FRAP values showed significant positive correlations with age (p = 0.001), serum TG (p = 0.002) and TC (p = 0.03). A tendency of positive association between FRAP and waist circumference was observed without any significant difference (p = 0.06). Increased serum FRAP with central obesity and serum lipids may be interpreted as results of activation of antioxidant defense system against oxidative stress induced by metabolic syndrome (MS) constituent factors. However, to verify the function of FRAP as a potential biomarker of susceptibility to MS various contributors to the plasma antioxidant capacity and their biological relevance related to MS should be elucidated further.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.292-297
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• 2007

Purpose : Kawasaki disease (KD) rarely occurs in school-aged children. We clarified the characteristics of KD in this age group to provide tips for a high index of suspicion. Methods : Features of 38 patients with KD who were 7 years of age or older were retrospectively reviewed. Results : The incidence of the KD patients ${\geq}7years$ was 4.9 percent. The ratio of male to female was 2.5:1. Of the 38 patients, nine patients (24.0 percent) were diagnosed with typical KD and 29 patients (76.0 percent) with incomplete KD. In incomplete KD patients, cervical lymphadenopathy (69.0 percent) occurred most frequently, followed by conjunctival injection (62.0 percent) and polymorphous rash (45.0 percent). These patients occasionally presented with other additional symptoms including abdominal pain, headache, vomiting and arthralgia. Incomplete KD was initially diagnosed as cervical lymphadenitis (34.0 percent), viral infection (14.0 percent), scarlet fever (7.0 percent), meningitis (7.0 percent), and Kikuchi disease (7.0 percent). Coronary complications were noted in 15 patients (39.0 percent). Of the 37 patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, five (14.0 percent) were resistant to the therapy and all had coronary abnormalities. Conclusion : Most patients with KD ${\geq}7years$ of age have incomplete presentations. They tend to have a higher incidence of initial presentations of unilateral neck mass and coronary artery involvement. In school-aged children, fever and cervical lymphadenitis or suspected neck infection unresponsive to intravenous antibiotics should signal the possibility of KD. A high index of suspicion and prompt treatment is essential in this age group of patients.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.176-182
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• 2015

Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy between elderly and non-elderly patients. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 273 patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma were divided into two age groups: elderly (${\geq}70$ years, n=71) vs. non-elderly (<70 years, n=172). Postoperative outcomes, including length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were compared between the groups. Results: The elderly group showed a significantly higher rate of comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores than those in the non-elderly group. No significant differences were found with respect to lymphadenectomy or combined organ resection between the groups. After surgery, the elderly group showed a significantly higher incidence of grade III and above complications than the non-elderly group (15.5% vs. 4.1%, P=0.003). Among the complications, anastomosis leakage was significantly more common in the elderly group (9.9% vs. 2.9%, P=0.044). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that old age (${\geq}70$ years) was an independent risk factor (odds ratio=4.42, 95% confidence interval=1.50~13.01) for postoperative complications of grade III and above. Conclusions: Elderly patients are more vulnerable to grade III and above complications after laparoscopic total gastrectomy than non-elderly patients. Great care should be taken to prevent and monitor the development of anastomosis leakage in elderly patients after laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.181-187
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• 2012

Objectives: Serum uric acid levels have been reported to be associated with a variety of cardiovascular conditions. However, the direct association between uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome remains controversial. Thus, we evaluated the association of serum uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome in a community-based cohort study in Korea. Methods: We performed cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of 889 males and 1491 females (aged 38 to 87) who participated in baseline examinations of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study: Kanghwa study. Blood samples were collected after at least an 8 hour fast. Uric acid quartiles were defined as follows: <4.8, 4.8-<5.6, 5.6-<6.5, ${\geq}6.5$ mg/dL in males; and <3.8, 3.8- <4.3, 4.3 - <5.1, ${\geq}5.1$ mg/dL in females. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Criteria with adjusted waist circumference cutoffs (90 cm for males; 80 cm for females). The association between serum uric acid quartiles and metabolic syndrome was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The odds ratio for having metabolic syndrome in the highest versus lowest quartiles of serum uric acid levels was 2.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60 to 4.46) in males and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.50 to 3.05) in females after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, total cholesterol, HbA1c, albumin, ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and log C-reactive protein. The number of metabolic abnormalities also increased gradually with increasing serum uric acid levels (adjusted p for trend < 0.001 in both sexes). Conclusions: Higher serum uric acid levels are positively associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome in Korean males and females.