• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 2021

The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio and pulse pressure in Korean adults with hypertension. Data from 1,515 adults from the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI-3, 2015) were analyzed. There were several key findings in the present study. First, aspartate aminotransferase (odds ratio [OR], 1.018; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002 to 1.033), alanine aminotransferase (OR, 0.982; 95% CI, 0.969 to 0.996), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (OR, 1.367; 95% CI, 1.027 to 1.819) were the independent factors determining high pulse pressure. Second, after adjusting for related variables [age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC)], the ORs of high pulse pressure with the 1st quartile as a reference were significantly higher in the 4th quartile of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio [1.632 (95% CI, 1.113~2.393)]. The high pulse pressure was positively associated with aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio in Korean adults with hypertension, but was inversely associated with alanine aminotransferase.

• 한국노년학
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.893-907
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• 2017

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting frailty by urinary incontinence groups among the vulnerable elderly woman in Korea. In this secondary analysis, data were collected from records for 3,251 elders registered in the Visiting Health Management program of Public Health Centers in 2012. body mass index, waist circumference, timed up & go, depression, self rated helath, walking exercise, flexibility exercise, strengh exercise and frailty were assessed. Data were analyzed using $x^2$-test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and stepwise regression to determine the associated factors of frailty by urinary incontinence. Depression, walking exercise, timed up & go and age were found to be factors significantly associated with frailty among the elders with incontinence(F=38.321, p<.001). Age, depression, walking exercise, self rated health and tined up & go were found to be factors associated with frailty in the elders without incontinence(F=265.666 p<.001). The findings show that frailty of elders and associated factors were different by urinary incontinence, and common factors affecting frailty were depression, walking exercise, timed up & go, age. Thus, these factors should be considered in the development of intervention program for care and prevention of frailty and program should be modified according to urinary incontinence.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.192-200
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• 2022

The association between heavy metals in the blood and obesity has been examined in many studies. However, inconsistencies have been observed in the results from these studies. The present study was conducted using data from 119,181 participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for 11 years in 2005 and between 2008 and 2017. The subjects with missing heavy metal blood tests, health interview data, and health examination data were excluded from the study. The study population comprised 1,844 individuals (972 men, 872 women) who were eligible for inclusion. It was found that obesity and abdominal obesity were associated with an increase in both blood mercury (P<0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.001). After adjusting the confounding factors, those with concurrent high levels of ALT and the highest tertile of mercury showed an increased risk of obesity (odds ratio 4.46, 95%, confidence interval 2.23~8.90, P<0.001) as well as abdominal obesity (odds ratio 5.36, 95%, confidence interval 2.57~11.17, P<0.001). The interrelationship of mercury and ALT with the parameters of body mass index (P for interaction=0.009) and waist circumference (P for interaction=0.012), respectively, have been observed to be significant, suggesting that the reciprocal relationship could contribute to obesity and abdominal obesity.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2023

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the abdominal cavity between functional dyspepsia patients and healthy people using an algometer combined with an ultrasound device. Methods : A non-randomized, controlled, pilot trial was conducted. Thirty patients in the experimental group and fifteen participants in the control group were recruited. We collected demographical data, and measured abdominal circumference, height of the body cavity, subcutaneous fat thickness, visual analogue scale of dyspepsia symptoms in the experimental group, depth of algometer and pressure of algometer when pressure pain occurred, and the whole ultrasonic image from the beginning of pressurization to the time when pressure pain occurred. The measurements were carried out twice with the duration of 1 week. Generalized linear regression was conducted to adjust baseline characteristics. Results : A total of 45 participants (30 in experimental group, 15 in control group) were recruited and finished the trial. Females were recruited more in the experimental group than in the control group and it was statistically significant. The difference in thickness of abdominal cavity between a second before the pressure pain and at the time when pressure pain occurred was statistically significant on 1st visit, and other measurements were not statistically significant. From the results of the regression analysis, the difference between two groups was statistically significant in the differences in the thickness of stomach and up to abdominal aorta on 1st visit, and the thickness of stomach on 2nd visit, and other measurements were not statistically different. Conclusions : According to the results, there were not statistically significant differences in abdominal examination when pressure pain occurred between dyspepsia patients and healthy people. Further studies are warranted to assess the abdominal examination using devices including algometer and ultrasound devices, regarding the results of the present study.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.88-104
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• 2024

Purpose: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is primarily synthesized in the liver upon stimulation of infectious disease cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and is used as a biological marker of systemic inflammation. Previous studies reported that hs-CRP is closely related to diet and abdominal obesity. Furthermore, a dietary score favoring the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains over meat and saturated fat reduced inflammation and decreased the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity. Nevertheless, no studies have examined whether hs-CRP mediates the relationship between dietary scores and abdominal obesity, and research on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) is lacking. Therefore, the present study examined the association between the KHEI and abdominal obesity and the mediating effect of hs-CRP. Methods: In total, 17,770 adults aged ≥19 years were included in the study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018. KHEI was developed to assess the overall diet quality of Korean adults. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between KHEI, hs-CRP, and abdominal obesity. The mediation analysis with the bootstrapping method was performed using SAS MACRO. Results: Among women, the odds ratio (OR) of abdominal obesity prevalence was lower in the highest KHEI compared to the lowest KHEI after adjusting for age, body mass index, educational level, income level, occupational status, marital status, household type, region type, alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical activity, total energy intake, and hsCRP (OR 0.744, 95% confidence interval 0.598-0.926). The association between KHEI and abdominal obesity was partially mediated via hs-CRP, and the mediated proportion was 68.7% in men and 38.1% in women. Conclusion: A substantial relationship was observed between the KHEI and abdominal obesity among females. Moreover, according to the KHEI, abdominal obesity may be mediated partially by hs-CRP.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.89-100
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• 2024

Purpose : The objective of this study was to determine the major factors influencing the onset of diabetes and prediabetes and for collection of the basic data required to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and plan for administration of an effective health care system. By classifying the level of blood sugar management according to three categories: normal, prediabetes, and diabetes diagnosis, and determining the causes of diabetes in consideration of various variables, we will conduct an analysis of the main factors to be addressed for effective management of blood sugar and for preparation of basic data for use in early management. Methods : In this study, an analysis of raw data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected over a period of three years from 2019 to 2021, including 8,110 subjects in 2019, 7,359 subjects in 2020, and 7,090 subjects in 2021 was performed. A total of 22,559 subjects were aged 19 years or older, and 15,821 subjects were classified as subjects for inclusion in the final analysis. In the analysis, categorical variables were tested for difference, analysis of continuous variables using regression was performed, and analysis of influencing factors was performed using multinomial logistic analysis. Result : Significant factors related to the onset of diabetes and prediabetes included age (p<.001), marital status (p<.001), occupation (p<.001), hypertension (p<.001), dyslipidemia (p<.001), cardiovascular disease (p=.008), alcohol (p=.030) smoking (p=.005), systolic blood pressure (p<.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<.001), body mass index (p<.001) and waist circumference (p=.037), blood triglycerides (p<.001), and blood cholesterol (p<.001). Conclusion : Diabetes, a complex disease affected by a variety of diseases, requires active management from the prediabetes stage, and providing an appropriate level of medical information and services to elderly individuals without family support is considered a long-term health care system requirement in Korean society where the demographic structure is changing. In particular, determining the causes of prediabetes and development of a preventive approach to administering the health care system will be important for efficient management of diabetic patients.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.111-121
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• 2024

With strength training comes the risk of injury and the benefits of exercise. Lack of knowledge and experience or repetitions at excessive intensity can lead to injury. Adequate feedback on an exercise's progress can increase the exercise's effectiveness and reduce injuries by providing scientific data and psychological motivation. This study aimed to validate EMG equipment and examine the effects of 8 weeks of biofeedback training with wireless electromyography. A correlation analysis between the Noraxon device and Fitsig^®(EMG Prototype), a well-known instrument in the field of research, showed a moderate correlation. Statistically significant differences in humeral circumference, humeral muscle mass, and biceps and triceps strength were found between the left and right sides of the body over time, with no differences in the type of exercise. Feedback training with real-time EMG was found to be favorable for hypertrophic growth and strength improvement. Future studies should be conducted to investigate its application in sports activities further.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.745-752
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• 2005

Purpose : Adolescent obesity is known to be associated with complications such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and insulin resistance. We measured the common carotid artery by ultrasound as a predictor of atherosclerosis, and investigated the relationship between carotid artery parameters and serum cytokines in obese adolescents. Methods : Twenty-nine obese adolescents(16-17 years old, obesity index>130 percent) and twentyseven normal controls were included. Obesity index and body mass index were calculated from their height and weight. Skin fold thickness was measured at the triceps, and fat mass and fat distribution by bioelectrical impedence analysis. Blood pressure was measured at resting state and serum lipid, insulin, and homocysteine levels after a 12-hour fasting period. Intimal wall thickness, systolic and diastolic diameters of the common carotid artery were measured by ultrasound, and compliance and distensibility calculated by equation. Results : Systolic and diastolic diameters of the carotid artery significantly correlated with arm circumference, body mass index, fat distribution and fat mass. The higher systolic blood pressure was, the larger systolic and diastolic diameter. The higher diastolic blood pressure was, the larger carotid intimal thickness. Insulin levels had positive correlations with systolic, diastolic diameters and serum homocysteine level with intimal thickness. Conclusion : The carotid artery diameter significantly increased with the degree of obesity and blood pressure. The carotid intimal wall thickness significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure. Measurement of carotid artery thickness, insulin and homocysteine levels might be useful to predict the development of coronary artery disease.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.8
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• pp.736-744
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• 2007

Leptin, as an adipocyte-derived hormone, is an important regulator of food intake and energy expenditure. In the cross-sectional study, leptin was shown to be positively related to body adiposity and metabolic disorders in adults. However, there were very few studies which reported the leptin as a predictor of weight gain over time. We examined whether serum leptin can be used as an indicator of the present and 1-year past weight status in very young children. First grade students from elementary schools in Gwacheon City were enrolled in the study since 2005. The study subjects(total 375 students; 195 boys and 180 girls) participated in the investigation of both 2005 and 2006. Physical examinations including height, weight, waist circumference were done. To examine the prevalence of obesity, obesity index was used. Serum leptin was measured, and their nutritional status was also evaluated based on 3-Day dietary records. Serum leptin levels were strongly positively related with the value of the present BMI and with the value of the BMI one year before. We found no association with leptin levels and amount of energy intake and macronutrient intake in this children population. Children were divided into three groups according to leptin tertiles. The highest leptin tertile group showed highest prevalence of obesity in year 2006 as well as in year 2005. Serum leptin levels can reflect the weight status now and as well as 1-year before. Possibly serum leptin levels can predict the weight gain of year later. Without an action against the obesity on children with high leptin level, those children would maintain the excess adiposity growth and progress into the obesity-related metabolic disorders. Further studies are needed to predict the obesity as early as possible and preventive system then after.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2010

This study aims at investigating the health and nutritional status of the adults according to frequency of eating out. One day food intake data were collected by 24 hr recall dietary survey and body size, blood pressure and some blood lipids and other constituents were measured on 137 Daejeon metropolitan citizens 20 yrs old and above who visited Chungnam National University Hospital for physical examination during the period of December 6, to December 15, 2008. The frequency of eating out were categorized into four levels: less than once a week, once a week, 2-3 times a week, 4 times a week and above. Body mass Index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, GPT and GOT did not showed any significant difference according to the frequency of eating out of the subjects. Though, systolic blood pressures and serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol showed a little tendency to be high in the subjects eating out 2-3 times a week. In the contrary, serum triglyceride level tended to be low in the same group. The subjects eating out 4 times a week and over took more total protein, animal protein, animal fat, phosphorus and vitamin $B_2$ than any other group. Also protein energy ratio was the highest in the group eating out 4 times a week and above and they took more animal food group, other food group, beverages teas and alcohols than other groups eating out. These results showed that higher frequency of eating out leads to higher intake of protein, fat, phosphorus, animal food groups and other food groups (oils, beverages, seasonings) and to lower intake of vitamin C and plant food groups. It, thus, suggested that the strategy for restaurant business is required to provide the menu substituted animal food by more plant food.