• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.151-158
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• 2013

Objectives To investigate the pattern of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in patients with bipolar disorders managed by lithium or valproic acid. Methods The study participants were 106 patients with DSM-IV bipolar disorders receiving planned maintenance treatment at the Mood Disorders Clinic of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (aged between 17 and 64, mean duration of follow-up = 875.65 days). Using the bipolar disorder registry, thyroid function data were analyzed to assess the frequency of and the risk factors for SCH in patients managed by lithium (n = 64) or valproic acid (n = 42) for more than 5 months. Results Overall frequencies of SCH were 20.3% (13/64) in the lithium group, 14.3% (6/42) in the valproic acid group, and between the two groups there is no difference (p = 0.43). No differences were observed in the potential risk factors for SCH between the two groups including age, sex, subtype of bipolar disorder, baseline TSH, and concomitant antipsychotic use. In cases with SCH, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) showed a tendency to increase at 3 month after the initiation of lithium or valproic acid. A gradual increase in the number of patients showing SCH was found within the first 3 years of medication. Conclusions With regular monitoring and careful assessment, there was no difference in the risk of SCH between lithium and valproic acid maintenance. The risk of mood stabilizer-associated SCH may gradually increase within 3 years following the commencement of medication, thereby mandating close monitoring for the first 3 years of treatment. Further studies with large sample size would be needed to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2002

Objective : Few studies have examined the relationship between the risk of cancer and exposure to pesticides in Korea or in other East Asian that have until recently used chlorophenoxy herbicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the exposure to pesticides and cancer incidence. Methods : We conducted a prospective cohort study with a follow-up period of 13 years (1985-1998). The subjects included 2,687 male and 3,589 female Kangwha Island residents, Koreans aged fifty-five or more as of March 1985, who received a personal health interview and completed a health examination survey. A Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks(RR). Results : At baseline, the mean age of the study participants in 1985 was 66.4 for males and 67.1 for females. During the 13 years follow-up, a total of 300 incidents of cancer in males and 140 in females developed. In males, the total cancer incidence in the highest group was RR, 1.4 (95%. CI=1.0-1.9), p for trend=0.041, for digestive organ cancer Incidence in the highest group, RR, 1.5 (95% CI=1.0-2.3), p for trend=0.057, for stomach cancer, incidence in the highest group, RR, 1.6 (95% CI=0.9-2.8), p for trend=0.094, for gallbladder cancer incidence in the highest group, RR, 9.1 (95% CI=1.1-77.0), p for trend=0.014 were elevated according to the higher frequency of pesticide use per year. In particular, the risk of gallbladder cancer was very high. Although not significant, the risk of liver cancer was higher than in the non-exposed group (in the highest group, RR, 2.0(95% CI=0.7-5.9)). In females, although not significant, breast cancer incidence in the highest exposure group was higher than in the non-exposed group (in the highest group, RR, 4.7 (95% CI=0.5-27.9)). Conclusions : This study demonstrates that Korean farmers who use pesticides, particularly males, have a significantly higher total cancer incidence, particularly from digestive organ cancers such as, stomach, gallbladder, and liver cancer. In particular, the risk of gallbladder cancer was very high.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.371-378
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• 2021

This study examined the effects of combined exercise training for preventing falls on the physical performance, falling index, and balance in elderly women. All subjects (N = 32) were recruited and divided randomly to either a combined exercise group (n= 16, EX) or non-exercise control group (n = 16, CON). During 12 weeks of training, the subjects in the EX performed the combined exercise programs (three times/week, 60min/session), and the subjects in the CON maintained their ordinary lives. At the PRE, MID, POST tests, All subjects completed senior fitness tests(dynamic balance, two minutes walking, sit and stand for 30 seconds), tests for falling risk with Tetrax, and tests for posture balance with the spine balance 3D. After the baseline tests, two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with contrast testing was used with SPSS 21.0. Alpha was set to 0.05. In the results, the dynamin balance (p=.001), two minutes walking (p=.001), sit and stand for 30 seconds (p=.001), falling risk (p=.002), and posture balance (p=.034) in the EX were significantly different, but not in the CON. Thus, elderly females who performed combined exercise training for 12 weeks can increase their physical fitness & posture stability and reduce their falling risk.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3483-3489
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• 2013

Background: To identify the prevalence of different stages of smoking and differences in associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: Thos longitudinal study started in February 2011 and the subjects were 2552 form one students aged between twelve to thirteen years of from 15 government secondary schools of Kinta, Perak. Data on demographic, parental, school and peer factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. We examined the effects of peer, school and parental factors on the five stages of smoking; never smokers, susceptible never smokers, experimenters, current smokers and ex-smokers, at baseline. Results: In the sample, 19.3% were susceptible never smokers, 5.5% were current smokers 6% were experimenters and 3.1% were ex-smokers. Gender, ethnicity, best friends' smoking status, high peer pressure, higher number of relatives who smoked and parental monitoring were found to be associated with smoking stages. Presence of parent-teen conflict was only associated with susceptible never smokers and experimenters whereas absence of home discussion on smoking hazards was associated with susceptible never smokers and current smokers. Conclusions: We identified variations in the factors associated with the different stages of smoking. Our results highlight that anti-smoking strategies should be tailored according to the different smoking stages.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.245-255
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• 2020

Objective: The present study analyzed domestic and overseas academic journals to understand the research status and characteristics of radon concentration distribution in Korea in accordance with environmental conditions. Methods: As part of the meta-analysis, pooled average concentration was calculated using an inverse variance-weighted average of the arithmetic means and standard deviations among the investigated values. Using the obtained pooled average concentration, a Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to increase the reliability of the occurrence possibility of the calculated concentration distribution. A total of 38 research articles were selected, including 27 articles published in domestic academic journals and 11 articles published in foreign academic journals. Results: The comparison results showed differences in radon concentration distribution in accordance with regional and topographical characteristics. Conclusion: Currently, even though research into radon is steadily picking up the pace in Korea much remains to be done. Additional research is thus needed to establish a baseline for radon emissions in Korea.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.93-104
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• 2004

Purpose : This study was conducted to understand the health status and health behaviors of preschoolers to provide baseline data for developing health promotion programs. Method 'Parents of children attending day-care centers and guardians of preschoolers were recruited for the study. Data were collected from June to August2002 using a structured questionnaire. Result . Among 754 preschoolers, 17,3% were overweight, while 18.2% were underweight, while 15.9% and 23.2% were overweight and underweight respectively, among 85 children living with guardians. The most frequent infectious diseases that children have had previously were hand-foot-mouth disease, chicken pox, and measles. Current health conditions that children have frequently are respiratory disease and atopic dermatitis for bother groups. Only 54%-61% brush their teeth everyday at bedtime, 49%-54% wash their hands every time after returning home, 4.5%-8.8%wear bicycle helmets, 9,3%-11.1% use a child car seat, and 3.5%-8.1% eat fruits and vegetables five times a day, Children living with guardians were less likely toper form positive health behaviors compared with children in day-care centers. Conclusion 'Based on the study results, health professionals could plan and develop health promotion programs to change unhealthy behaviors of preschoolers targeting high-risk groups.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.185-190
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• 2020

Purpose: Gait and cognitive impairment in stroke patients exacerbate fall risk and mobility difficulties during multi-task walking. Virtual reality can provide interesting and challenging training in a community setting. This study evaluated the effect of community-based virtual reality gait training (VRGT) using a 360-degree image on the gait ability of chronic stroke patients. Methods: Forty-five chronic stroke patients who were admitted to a rehabilitation hospital participated in this study. Patients meeting the selection criteria were randomly divided into a VRGT group (n=23) and a control group (n=22). Both these groups received general rehabilitation. The VRGT group was evaluated using a 360-degree image that was recorded for 50 minutes a day, 5 days per week for a total of 6 weeks after their training. The control group received general treadmill training for the same amount of time as that of the VRGT group. The improvement in the spatiotemporal parameters of gait was evaluated using a gait analyzer system before and after training. Results: The spatiotemporal gait parameters showed significant improvements in both groups compare with the baseline measurements (p<0.05), and the VRGT group showed more improvement than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Community-based VRGT has been shown to improve the walking ability of chronic stroke patients and is expected to be used in rehabilitation of stroke patients in the future.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.75-87
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine visually impaired people's clothing behavior, using a qualitative approach. The results are intended to be used as baseline data to make an instrument that can measure the factors that have an effect on visually impaired people's clothing needs from the perspective of environmental and social relationship contexts. This study was made through in-depth interviews with people with grade-1 visual impairment, and the results were as follows: First, when purchasing clothing, they were accompanied by trusted people, and chose trusted brands and trusted products. They spent as little time as possible, did not try on many clothes, and they preferred colors, designs, and purchase methods that carried as low a risk as possible. Second, they wanted basic product information and simple procedures when purchasing and using clothing products. Third, they were able to manage their own clothes themselves. However, there was insufficient laundry information available. Fourth, the main reason why visually impaired people took care of their appearance was that they wanted to look neat and clean to be respected by others. Based on the study results, it is necessary to provide information on clothing to improve quality of life and welfare and thus ensure visually impaired people's independence.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.276-282
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore root shape abnormalities, to investigate the influence of root form abnormalities on periodontal attachment loss, and to gather basic data to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of aggressive periodontitis. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2012, a survey was conducted of all 3,284 periodontitis patients who visited the Department of Periodontology, Daejeon Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Dentistry. Clinical parameters (probing depth, periodontal attachment loss, missing teeth) were measured and a radiographic examination was performed at the baseline. We classified the root shape abnormality of bicuspids and molars based on Meng classification. Results: The periodontal attachment loss was the highest at the maxillary first molar (6.03 mm). The loss of the second molar was prominent. Type V deformity was shown to be the most common in the second maxillary and mandibular molars (P<0.05). Type V root shape was associated with the highest attachment loss (P=0.01). Conclusions: Considering the small population and limited design of this study, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. We suggest larger scale, methodologically more sophisticated studies that include normal controls and chronic periodontitis patients to clarify whether root form abnormalities are a potential risk factor for aggressive periodontitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.5985-5987
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• 2012

A cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing staff of a missionary hospital of Delhi in June 2009. All the nurses were invited to participate in the training programme on breast cancer and techniques of breast self examination (BSE). A questionnaire was administered to all 259 participants seeking information on their level of awareness regarding breast cancer and relevant screening guidelines. With the help of 5 training workshops all the nurses were imparted training regarding the most appropriate technique of doing breast self exams. The mean age of the participants was 35.8 years. Out of a total of 259 nursing staff members 77.2% correctly answered all the 10 questions regarding high risk factors for breast cancer and after the training programme this increased to 100% (p<0.05). Only 65.2% of the participants gave correct responses to all the 8 questions regarding correct technique of performing a BSE, which after the training programme increased to 99.3% (p<0.05). At the baseline only 56.8% knew all the three screening methods correctly and after the intervention 98.7% could correctly mark the responses regarding screening (p<0.05). The actual practice of following the screening guidelines amongst the nursing staff was poor. Only 26 (10.03%) had ever done a BSE, none performed it monthly, 58 (22.4%) had ever gone themselves for a CBE and 18 (6. 94%) had ever undergone mammography.