• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.298-304
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the association of blood pressure levels with the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques. Methods : Data were obtained from 2,635 subjects, aged 50 years and over, who participated in the Community Health Survey (a population-based, cross-sectional study) in Dong-gu, Gwangju city between 2007 and 2008. Participants were categorized into three groups according to blood pressure levels; normotensives (<120/80 mmHg), prehypertensives (120-139/80-89 mmHg), and hypertensives ($\geq$140/90 mmHg). Prehypertensives were further categorized as low prehypertensives (120-129/80-84 mmHg) and high prehypertensives (130-139/85-89 mmHg). Carotid intima-media thickness and plaques were evaluated with a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test, ANOVA, and multiple logistic regression. Results : Prehypertensives had significantly greater maximal CCA-IMT values than normotensives, with a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of 1.78 (95% CI=1.36-2.32) for abnormal CCA-IMT (maximal CCA-IMT$\geq$1.0 mm), and 1.45 (95% CI=1.19-1.77) for carotid plaques. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio of low prehypertensives was 1.64 (95% CI=1.21-2.21) for abnormal CCA-IMT, and 1.30 (95% CI=1.04-1.63) for carotid plaques compared with normotensives. Subject with hypertension had higher frequency of abnormal CCA-IMT (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% CI=1.49-3.18), and carotid plaques (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI=1.46-2.67) compared with normotensives after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions : Our results indicate that there is a significant increase in the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with prehypertension (even in low prehypertensives) compared with normotensive subjects. Further studies are required to confirm the benefits and role of carotid ultrasonography in persons with prehypertension.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2005

We surveyed the incidence of urinary calculi for feeding period, urinary lesion, composition of calculi and changes of serum chemistry with Korean native castrated steers, which are growing until 26 through 31 months. Without showing any clinical signs such as urethral obstruction, hydronephrosis and strangury for all group, $37.8\%$ (34 out of 90) of Korean native steers carried urinary calculi in carcass. The incidence of urine calculi far different feeding stages from 26 to 31 months were observed as $13.3-60.0\%$er, no significant differences were detected. The distribution of calculi were kidney $(24.4\%)$, kidney and bladder $(10\%)$ and kidney, bladder and urine $(3.3\%)$. Congestion of urinary bladder was shown in $26.6\%$ of Korean native steers. Korean native steers with urinary calculi $(41.2\%)$ had more possibilities (P<0.05) to bring outbreaks of congestion of urinary bladder than those of without calculi $(17.8\%)$. The main composition of calculi were struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals), calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, non-oxalate calcium, ammonia and phosphate. The distribution of urine pH was $71.7\%$(above pH 8.0), $12.2\%$ (between pH 7.0 and pH 8.0) and $16.6\%$ (under pH 7.0). Like shown in herbivores, most of the urine pH was distributed as alkaline urine. Serum creatinine was shown significant difference (P<0.05) according to incidence of calculi but other serum chemistry didn't show any difference in serum chemistry. These results suggest that feeding until 26 to 31 months in Korean native steers castrated at 6 months of the age elicits urinary calculi and congestion of urinary bladder, but not clinical abnormality. And adjustment of the dietary Can ratio to a level of 2:1 or greater during feeding period may reduce the possibility of incidence of urinary calculi in Korean native steers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3629-3633
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• 2014

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an immunosuppressive tumor whose median survival time is only 12-15 months, and patients with GBM have a uniformly poor prognosis. It is known that heredity contributes to formation of glioma, but there are few genetic studies concerning GBM. Materials and Methods: We genotyped six tagging SNPs (tSNP) in Han Chinese GBM and control patients. We used Microsoft Excel and SPSS 16.0 statistical package for statistical analysis and SNP Stats to test for associations between certain tSNPs and risk of GBM in five different models. ORs and 95%CIs were calculated for unconditional logistic-regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender. The SHEsis software platform was applied for analysis of linkage disequilibrium, haplotype construction, and genetic associations at polymorphism loci. Results: We found rs891835 in CCDC26 to be associated with GBM susceptibility at a level of p=0.009. The following genotypes of rs891835 were found to be associated with GBM risk in four different models of gene action: i) genotype GT (OR=2.26; 95%CI, 1.29-3.97; p=0.019) or GG (OR=1.33; 95%CI, 0.23-7.81; p=0.019) in the codominant model; ii) genotypes GT and GG (OR=2.18; 95%CI, 1.26-3.78; p=0.0061) in the dominant model; iii) GT (OR=2.24; 95%CI, 1.28-3.92; p=0.0053) in the overdominant model; iv) the allele G of rs891835 (OR=1.85; 95%CI, 1.14-3.00; p=0.015) in the additive model. In addition, "CG" and "CGGAG" were found by haplotype analysis to be associated with increased GBM risk. In contrast, genotype GG of CCDC26 rs6470745 was associated with decreased GBM risk (OR=0.34; 95%CI, 0.12-1.01; p=0.029) in the recessive model. Conclusions: Our results, combined with those from previous studies, suggest a potential genetic contribution of CCDC26 to GBM progression among Han Chinese.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1083-1087
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• 2013

Background: Colorectal cancer has several modifiable behavioural risk factors but their relationship to the risk of colon and rectum cancer separately and between countries with high and low incidence is not clear. Methods: Data from participants in the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration (APCSC) were used to estimate mortality from colon (International Classification of Diseases, revision 9 (ICD-9) 153, ICD-10 C18) and rectum (ICD-9 154, ICD-10 C19-20) cancers. Data on age, body mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol, height, smoking, physical activity, alcohol and diabetes mellitus were entered into Cox proportional hazards models. Results: 600,427 adults contributed 4,281,239 person-years follow-up. The mean ages (SD) for Asian and Australia/New Zealand cohorts were 44.0 (9.5) and 53.4 (14.5) years, respectively. 455 colon and 158 rectum cancer deaths were observed. Increasing age, BMI and attained adult height were associated with increased hazards of death from colorectal cancer, and physical activity was associated with a reduced hazard. After multiple adjustment, any physical activity was associated with a 28% lower hazard of colon cancer mortality (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.53-0.96) and lower rectum cancer mortality (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.45-1.27). A 2cm increase in height increased colon and all colorectal cancer mortality by 7% and 6% respectively. Conclusions: Physical inactivity and greater BMI are modifiable risk factors for colon cancer in both Western and Asian populations. Further efforts are needed to promote physical activity and reduce obesity while biological research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which they act to cause cancer mortality.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.193-213
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• 1995

The purpose of this study is to investigate a possible contribution of nonspecific esterases, which occur in the oral cavity, to the degradation of ester bonds in polymethacrylates. One of the problems connected with the use of composite resins for restorations is their inadequate resistance to wear. It has been shown that methacrylate hydrolysis can be catalyzed by enzymes and that a carboxylic hydrolase (porcine liver esterase) catalyzed the hydrolysis of several mono - and dimethacrylates. The softening effect on a BISGMA/TEGDMA polymer induced by hydrolase will accelerate the in vivo wear of the polymer. Porcine liver esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) 3.2 mol/L $(NH_4)_2$ $SO_4$ was obtained from Sigma Chemical Company. The esterase activity of one unit is defined as the amount of enzyme capable of hydrolyzing $l{\mu}mol$ ethyl butyrate per min at pH 8.0 AT $25^{\circ}C$. Phosphate buffer, 10mmol/L, pH 7.0, was made by adjustment of a solution of $Na_2HPO_4$ with $H_3PO_4$. Composite resins used in this study are Silux Plus, Z-100, Durafil VS, and Prisma APH. Cylindrical specimens, 14mm in diameter and 3mm thick, of Silux Plus, Z-100, Durafil VS, Prisma APH were polymerized under the celluloid strip. 60 specimens were divided into 2 groups. One group was emersed only in buffer solution, the other group was emersed in buffer and enzyme solution. Silux Plus and Z-100 were divided into 2 subgroups, one subgroup was cured only Visilux 2. And the other subgroup was cured Visilux 2 and Triaid II. Thereafter, specimens were polished to its best achievable surface according to manufacture's directions. The Vickers hardness of the specimens was measured after 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, 50 days. The solutions were changed after each measurement. Composite resin surfaces were evaluated for the surface roughness with profilometer (${\alpha}$-step 200, Tencor instruments, USA) after 1 and 50 days. And then surfaces of specimens were pictured with stereosopy after 1 and 50 days. The results were as follows. 1. The surface hardness of Silux plus, durafil VS, and Prisma APH were decreased with time. But, the surface hardness of Z-100 was not decreased. 2. The surface hardness of all composite resins was decreased by esterase. 3. Composite resins, which were light-cured by Visilux 2 and concomitantly baked by oven, showed more hardened surface than light-cured by Visilux 2 only. 4. Significant surface changes were occured in Silux plus after esterase treatment.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 1999

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of shift work on psychological, physical and social adjustment in nurses. Methods: Two hundred ninety-nine female nurses(179 shift worker, 120 non-shift worker) filled out a questionnaire, which consisted of fifty-six items including demographic characteristics. Subjective ratings of psychological, physical, social and sleeprelated distresses were assessed with a visual analogue scale(100mm). Results: Shift work exerted significantly negative impacts on all psychological, physical, social and sleep-related variables of the shift work nurses. The subjective perception about psychological and physical health of shift work nurses was significantly negative as compared to that of non-shift work nurses. Shift work nurses complained of more shift work related social dysfunction and limited social activity. Shift work nurses were also suffering from significant sleep difficulties as compared to non-shift work nurses. Conclusions: This study suggests that shift work can exert a negative impact on psychological and physical health of nurses as it can cause disturbances of the normal circadian rhythms of the psychophysiological functions, beginning with the sleep-wake cycle. Shift work can also cause difficulties in maintaining the usual relationships both at family and social levels. These results may suggest that we need appropriate coping strategies to overcome adverse effects of shift work.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2017

Numerous studies have investigated quantifying dietary intake according to the weight status of children and adolescents. However, studies on differences in quality among diets remain scarce. This study compared diet quality by weight status and examined correlations between quality of diet and obesity in children and adolescents. Two hundred fourteen children and adolescents aged between 9 and 18 years participated in this study (Normal weight n=104, Obesity n=110). The data related to food intake were investigated by dietary records, Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), and Nutrition Quotient (NQ) and then compared with Dietary Reference Intakes for Korean (KDRIs). In DQI-I, moderation factor (control of unhealthy foods) score was 21.7 in the normal weight group and 19.5 in the obesity group. The normal weight group showed a higher score for moderation factor than the obesity group (P<0.001). Compared with KDRIs, vitamin $B_6$, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and zinc intakes were insufficient in both groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that DQI-I moderation was negatively associated with obesity (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87) after adjustment for age, gender, income, and total energy intake. Our results suggest that children and adolescents require nutritional education to understand the importance of vitamin and mineral consumption. Especially, education for children and adolescents with obesity needs to emphasize moderation of nutrient intake that can cause diseases with hyper-ingestion such as sodium and high calorie-low nutrition foods.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.60-67
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• 2011

Ultrasonography (US) is a recent technique that has proven to be useful for assessing muscle thickness and guiding the rehabilitation decision-making of clinicians and researchers. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the US measurement of transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) thicknesses for different probe locations and measurement techniques. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Muscle thicknesses of the transversus TrA, IO, and EO were measured three times in the hook-lying position. The three different probe locations were as follows: 1) Probe location 1 (PL1) was below the rib cage in direct vertical alignment with the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). 2) Probe location 2 (PL2) was halfway between the ASIS and the ribcage along the mid-axillary line. 3) Probe location 3 (PL3) was halfway between the iliac crest and the inferior angle of the rib cage, with adjustment to ensure the medial edge of the TrA. The two different techniques of thickness measurement from the captured images were as follows: 1) Muscle thickness was measured in the middle of the muscle belly, which was centered within the captured image (technique A; TA). 2) Muscle thickness was measured along a horizontal reference line located 2 cm apart from the medial edge of the TrA in the captured image (technique B; TB). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [3,k]) was used to calculate the inter-rater reliability of the thickness measurement of TrA, IO and EO using the values from both the first and second examiner. In all three muscles, moderate to excellent reliability was found for all conditions (probe locations and measurement techniques) (ICC=.70~.97). In the PL1-TA condition, inter-rater reliability in the three muscle thicknesses was good to excellent (ICC=.85~.96). The reliability of all measurement conditions was excellent in IO (ICC=.95~.97). Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that TA can be applied to PL1 by clinicians and researchers in order to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.3130-3137
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• 2011

The present study was to elucidate such a relationship by comparing the coronary risk factors with and without fatty liver adjusted for age and/or BMI. Study subjects were 665 women of 30 years and over, who underwent health package check-up at the health promotion center of an university hospital from July, 2009 to June, 2010. As a results, the prevalence rates of fatty liver of study subjects were 11.6%, and the rates were significantly higher in older age group, in the group of higher level of BMI. The group of subjects with fatty liver had significantly lower mean HDL-cholesterol and higher levels of body fat rate, TG, TC, LDL-cholesterol, FBS and ALT, then those parameters in subjects without fatty liver, even after adjustment for age and/or BMI. In age and BMI adjusted logistic regressions, The odds ratio of fatty liver was increased significantly as there is an increase in the abnormal group with TG, TC, LDL-C and ALT.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.235-244
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• 2010

Objectives: To examine the prophylactic antibiotic use in reducing surgical site infection. Methods: This was a retrospective study for patients aged 18 years and older who underwent gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, cesarean section and hysterectomy. The data source was quality assessment data of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service gathered from medical records of 302 national hospitals. Prophylactic antibiotic use was defined as: timely antibiotic administration or inappropriate antibiotic selection. We performed hierarchical logistic regression to examine the association between prophylactic antibiotic use and surgical site infection with adjustment for covariates. Results: The study population consisted of 16 348 patients (1588 gastrectomies, 2327 cholecystectomies, 1,384 colectomies, 3977 hysterectomies and 7072 cesarean sections) and surgical site infection was identified in 351 (2.1%) patients. The rates of timely antibiotic administration and inappropriate antibiotic selection varied according to procedures. Cholecystectomy patients who received timely prophylactic antibiotic had a significantly reduced risk of surgical site infection compared with those who did not receive a timely prophylactic antibiotics (OR 0.64, 95% CI=0.50-0.83), but no significant reduction was observed for other procedures. When inappropriate prophylactic antibiotics were given, the risk of surgical site infection significantly increased: 8.26-fold (95% CI=4.34-15.7) for gastrectomy, 4.73-fold (95% CI=2.09-10.7) for colectomy, 2.34-fold (95% CI=1.14-4.80) for cesarean section, 4.03-fold (95% CI=1.93-8.42) for hysterectomy. Conclusions: This study examines the association among timely antibiotic administration, inappropriate antibiotic selection and surgical site infection. Patients who received timely and appropriate antibiotics had a decreased risk of surgical site infection. Efforts to improve the timing of antibiotic administration and use of appropriate antibiotic are needed to lower the risk of surgical site infection.