• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.12
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• pp.1311-1320
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• 2009

Childhood obesity has rapidly increased in Korea during the past 20-30 years. Approximately 1 of 10 children and adolescents is obese. Appropriate prevention and intervention measures urgently need. Obesity prevention starts early in life, i.e., obesity prevention and education begins during the period of fetal development in utero. Behavioral changes are the most positively reflected during pregnancy. Infants should be fed breast milk, and inculcated with healthy eating and behavioral habits during infancy to ultimately establish a healthy lifestyle in children. For achieving a lifestyle and behavior that successfully allow children to overcome obesity, although individual motivation is important, active support of parents and family members is also imperative. Health care providers should also make an effort to actively prevent obesity and take necessary intervention actions. Although the efforts of individuals, family, and healthy care providers are important to prevent the rapid increase in obesity, primary prevention should be encouraged at a higher level. Schools should specifically aim at improving nutrition and physical activity by allocating times for healthy eating, playing, and physical education. Moreover, local communities should provide support by funding for safe recreational environments, such as playgrounds and walking tracks. Public health strategies in community and national policies, such as city planning, food marketing, and advertisements, are required for primary prevention of obesity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.167-174
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• 2017

China still has more than 30,000 patients of advanced schistosomiasis while new cases being reported consistently. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product. As ascites being the dominating symptom in advanced schistosomiasis, the present study aimed to explore a prediction model of ascites with D-dimer and other clinical easy-achievable indicators. A case-control study nested in a prospective cohort was conducted in schistosomiasis-endemic area of southern China. A total of 291 patients of advanced schistosomiasis were first investigated in 2013 and further followed in 2014. Information on clinical history, physical examination, and abdominal ultrasonography, including the symptom of ascites was repeatedly collected. Result showed 44 patients having ascites. Most of the patients' ascites were confined in the kidney area with median area of $20mm^2$. The level of plasma D-dimer and pertinent liver function indicators were measured at the initial investigation in 2013. Compared with those without ascites, cases with ascites had significantly higher levels of D-dimer ($0.71{\pm}2.44{\mu}g/L$ vs $0.48{\pm}2.12{\mu}g/L$, P=0.005), as well ALB (44.5 vs 46.2, g/L) and Type IV collagen (50.04 vs $44.50{\mu}g/L$). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated a moderate predictive value of D-dimer by its own area under curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.54-0.73) and the cutoff value as $0.81{\mu}g/L$. Dichotomized by the cutoff level, D-dimer along with other categorical variables generated a prediction model with AUC of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68-0.89). Risks of patients with specific characteristics in the prediction model were summarized. Our study suggests that the plasma D-dimer level is a reliable predictor for incident ascites in advanced schistosomiasis japonica patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.335-342
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• 2016

Staphylococcus aureus, which is generally susceptible to the involvement route in community, is mostly MSSA. However, CA-MRSA is recently increased. Abuse of antibiotics and glycopeptides may increase VISA and VRSA. This study was conducted to investigate the changes on the antibiotic resistance prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the wound of patients in a university hospital for the past 10 years. This study showed that antibiotic resistance was higher in males than in females; moreover, the antibiotic resistance rates increased with age. The resistance rate for penicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, clindamycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, fusidic acid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and rifampicin was, respectively, 97.7%, 60.5%, 57.4%, 48.8%, 41.1%, 44.2%, 44.2%, 14.7%, 13.2% and 3.9% in 2006. The resistance rate for penicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, clindamycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, fusidic acid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fusidic acid, clindamycin, and rifampicin was, respectively 95.9%, 62.6%, 55.7%, 28.6%, 50.3%, 34.7%, 38.8%, 34.0%, 2.7% and 8.2% in 2016. Vancomycin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, and teicoplanin exhibited 100% in antibiotic susceptibility. In particular, fusidic acid resistance was increased by 19.3% in 2016. Compared with 2006, the decreased point, 12.4% was susceptible and was statistically significant. Therefore, this study suggests that periodic review and understanding of microbial and antibiotic changes should continue to investigate appropriate antibiotic susceptibility.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.293-297
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to compare body mass index (BMI) with waist circumference (WC) as a predictor of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: The subjects were consisted of 458 adults, aged 20 year or above, of one community in Kyunggi-do. Mean IOPs were stratified jointly for BMI and WC tertiles. Multi-variate linear regression analysis was also used to compare between BMI and WC. Results: Although any BMI tertiles were not associated with IOP within each tertile of WC, WC tertiles was significantly related to elevation of IOP within the third BMI tertile (${\geq}24.9kg/m^2$). After adjusting for age and sex, only WC showed significant association with IOP. In additional adjustment for lifestyle variables, both BMI and WC were significantly associated with elevation of IOP. However, the results showed the stronger association of IOP with WC than BMI, whether they were adjusted by age and sex or additionally lifestyle variables. Conclusions: These data showed that BMI and WC were positively associated with IOP. However, WC appeared to be a better indicator for higher IOP than BMI.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.410-419
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• 1999

This study sought to figure out women's functional status after childbirth under the Sanhujori. Functioal status was defined as the women's readiness to assume infant care responsibilities and resume her usual activities including household, social and community, self-care and occupational activity. A convenience sample of 211 women who are in the postpartal period of the range from 1 week to 3 months above and residing in Seoul. Korea was studied from January, 1997 to December, 1998 for two years. Mean age of respondents was 29.9 years and mean of the present postpartal period was 7.5 weeks. The present postpartal period was of 5-8 weeks 26.5%, 3-4weeks 26.1%, 9-12 week 23.7% and below 2 weeks 7.1%, 32.7% of women had a job and the mean period of return to job was 2.76 weeks. During Sanhujori the non professional care giver was family members from women's maiden home 73.5% and only 2% of husband. The period women needed for the recovery from now was 5.39 weeks and it means that women need 12.9weeks for recovery after childbirth. For the present subjective health status after childbirth, bad was 20.2%, good 18.3 and average 61.5% and for the recovery status, completely recovered 29.5%, slightly 61.8% and rarely 8.7%. The mean of functional status at the 7.5weeks was baby care activity 3.65, household 2.57, self-care 2.46, occupational 2.44 and social 1.53 in rank. Except baby care the functional status was generally low or very low. The related factors to the functional status were the period and subjective evaluation of Sanhujori women experienced, the present period of postpartum, and subjective feeling of recovery. This result strongly reflects the effects of Sanhujori culture and Sanhujori per se on women's postpartal life including functional status and reconfirmed the relationship between health status and the experience of Sanhujori after delivery as the previous findings from various study showed. It provides a challenge to the professional care givers to research further on the effects of Sanhujori on the health status, health recovery after abortion or delivery from the various aspects through the cross-sectional and longitudinal research for the refinement of the reality of Sanhujori not only as cultural phenomenon but as an inseparable factor influencing in women's postpartal healthy adaptation and for the appropriateness of intervention and quality of care for desirable health outcome.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4999-5003
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• 2016

The testicular cancer (TCa) incidence is increasing in many countries, with age-standardized incidence rates up to 7.8/100,000 men in the Western world, although reductions in mortality and increasingly high cure rates are being witnessed at the same time. In Africa, where rates are lower, presentation is often late and morbidity and mortality high. Given this scenario, awareness of testicular cancer and practice of testicular self-examination among future first response doctors is very important. This study was conducted to determine knowledge and attitude to testicular cancer, and practice of testicular self-examination (TSE) among final (6th) year medical students. In addition, the effect of an intervention in the form of a single PowerPoint(R) lecture, lasting 40 minutes with image content on testicular cancer and testicular self examination was assessed. Pre and post intervention administration of a self-administered structured pre tested questionnaire was performed on 151 medical students, 101 of whom returned answers (response rate of 66.8%). In the TC domain, there was a high level of awareness of testicular cancer, but poor knowledge of the age group most affected, with significant improvement post intervention (p<0.001). Notable also was the poor awareness of the potential curability of TC, this also being improved following the intervention (p<0.001). A poor level of awareness and practice of testicular self-examination pre-intervention was found considering the nature of the study group..Respondents had surprisingly weak/poor responses to the question "How important to men's health is regular testicular self-examination?" Answers to the questions "Do you think it is worthwhile to examine your testis regularly?" and "Would you be interested in more information on testicular cancer and testicular self-examination?" were also suboptimal, but improved post intervention p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.037. Age, gender and marital status were without specific influence. In conclusion, this study showed poor levels of knowledge regarding epidemiology of TCa and its potential curability when detected early. There was also a poor awareness of, practice of, and poor attitudes to TSE. The significant improvement in these parameters post intervention indicates value in educational intervention. We recommend inclusion of TCa coverage and TSE teaching in the secondary school curriculum (targeting adolescents). Greater emphasis should also be given to testicular cancer in the curricula of medical schools and other training institutions for health care personnel.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.551-560
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• 2018

Bellflower root (Platycodon grandiflorum), which belongs to the Campanulaceae family, is a perennial grass that grows naturally in Korea, northeastern China, and Japan. Bellflower is widely consumed as both food and medicine owing to its high nutritional value and potential therapeutic effects. Since foodborne disease outbreaks often come from vegetables, understanding the public health risk of microorganisms on fresh vegetables is pivotal to predict and prevent foodborne disease outbreaks. We investigated the microbial communities on the bellflower root (n = 10). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V6-V9 regions of 16S rRNA genes was conducted via the 454-Titanium platform. The sequence quality was checked and phylogenetic assessments were performed using the RDP classifier implemented in QIIME with a bootstrap cutoff of 80%. Principal coordinate analysis was performed using the weighted Fast UniFrac distance. The average number of sequence reads generated per sample was 67,192 sequences. At the phylum level, bacterial communities from the bellflower root were composed primarily of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria in March and September samples. Genera Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Pantoea comprised more than 54% of the total bellflower root bacteria. Principal coordinate analysis plots demonstrated that the microbial community of bellflower root in March samples was different from those in September samples. Potential pathogenic genera, such as Pantoea, were detected in bellflower root samples. Even though further studies will be required to determine if these species are associated with foodborne illness, our results indicate that the 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing approach can be used to detect pathogenic bacteria on fresh vegetables.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.423-432
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data to promote health in middle-aged Koreans (40-59 years old) by understanding health behaviors that affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level among various health behaviors. In a national health and nutrition survey, raw data combined on a total of 7,406 persons, IV-3 (2009), V-1 (2010), V-2 (2011), V-3 (2012), and VI-1 (2013), were selected as the final analysis subjects. HDL cholesterol was divided into two groups: less than 40 mg/dl and more than 40 mg/dl. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis were as follows: OR=3.916 for males, OR=3.439 for normal than low weight, OR=7.336 for obesity than low weight, OR=1.629 for alcohol consumption, OR=1.498 for smokers, OR=1.426 for don't practice moderate physical activity, OR=1.264 for no walking exercise, OR=1.510 for carbohydrates normal intake than low intake, OR 1.787 for carbohydrates over intake than low intake when HDL cholesterol increased from 40 mg/dl to less than 40 mg/dl. Korean middle-aged high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels should be increased to maintain proper health through aerobic exercise, smoking cessation, proper drinking habits, obesity relief, healthy eating out, and healthy food choices. This requires continuous publicity and education within the community, and a social environment should be built that enables health behavior to be practiced in daily life.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2006

In Korea, about 8.3% over aged 65 are suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other type of dementia. Among dementia-related behaviors, wandering is the one of strongest factors on burden and stress of caregivers. On Lee and Kwon's report with community living persons with dementia, upto 85% of caregivers reported wandering as a problem. Wandering is a frequently encountered problem in communities and long-term care facilities, but it is among least understood dementia. related behavior. Despite the prevalence of wandering, its significant adverse outcomes, and the increase in persons with dementia in Korea, no systematic research has been conducted in Korea. The purpose of this study is to review on literature related to wandering behavior among persons with dementia. The specific topics related to wandering are included: definition, the prevalence of dementia and wandering behavior, the influencing factor on wandering, outcomes of wandering behavior, and the measurement method. Wandering is defined as "aimless walking" and "Meandering, aimless or repetitive locomotion that exposes one to harm and is incongruent with boundaries, limits, or obstacles". Wandering is viewed as a problematic behavior, however, it has to be understood as need-driven compromised behavior. For example, wandering may be an expression of searching for familiar person and/or place. Recently, in Korea, there is an effort for establishing the therapeutic environment for elders who are wanderers in long-term-care facilities. Cognitive impairment of persons with dementia is found to be a consistent factor on wandering behavior through many national and international studies. The adverse outcomes of wandering are serious problem in persons with dementia as well as their caregivers. The adverse outcomes include falls, fractures, getting lost, use of restraints, or even death. In fact, wandering is one of the major reasons for a patient to be institutionalized. For measurement of wandering behavior, two methods are broadly used: observation using stop watch, and survey form. A revised instrument of the Korean version of Algase wandering scale (K_RAWS) is established the psychometric properties (Son, Song, & Lim, 2006) demonstrating valid and reliable instrument in measuring wandering behavior among persons with dementia who are residing in communities. K_RAWS has a 39 items with six subscales including persistent walking, repetitive walking, spatial disorientation, eloping behavior, negative outcome, and mealtime impulsivity. In conclusion, studies including the prevalence of wandering behavior and predictive factors on wandering should be conducted to understand wandering clearly before developing any types of intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.4147-4152
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• 2014

Standard therapy for advanced head and neck cancer consists of a combination of surgery and radiation. However, survival of this patient population has not improved during the past 20 years. Many different multimodality treatment schedules have been proposed, and chemotherapy is often used with the intent of organ preservation. The present study was intended to establish the efficacy of concomitant chemoradiation with a single agent carboplatin in advanced head and neck cancers.The objectives were to investigate the feasibility of concomitant administration of carboplatin, monitor acute toxicity during radiotherapy, and determine subacute side effects, such as wound healing following surgery after chemoradiotherapy. A prospective study was conducted wherein a total of 40 patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinomas of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were enrolled. All patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy and weekly carboplatin area under curve (AUC of 5). Radiotherapy was given in single daily fractions of 1.8-2 grays (Gy) to a total dose of 66-72 Gy. Salvage surgery was performed for any residual or recurrent locoregional disease. Neck dissection was recommended for all patients with neck disease showing less than a complete response after chemoradiation. A total of 40 patients were enrolled of whom 32 were males and 8 were females. Highest incidence of cancer was seen in the 5th-6th decades of life with a median age of 47.7 years. Oropharyngeal tumours constituted a maximum of 21 patients followed by hypopharynx in 10, larynx in 7 and oral cavity in 2. 80% of the patients had a neck node on presentation of which 40% had N2-N3 nodal status. TNM staging revealed that 58% of patients were in stage III and 43% in stage IV. Evaluation of acute toxicity revealed that 50% had grade II mucositis, 25% grade III mucositis, 2.5% grade IV mucositis. 50% of patients had grade I skin reactions, 65% of patients had grade I thrombocytopenia, and 24% of patients had grade I anaemia. After completion of treatment 65% of patients had complete response at the primary and regional sites, and 35% of patients had a partial response of whom 23% underwent neck dissection and 5% of them underwent salvage surgery at the primary site. At the end of one year there were six deaths and four recurrences and 70% were free of disease. Concurrent chemoradiation with carboplatin provided good locoregional control for locally advanced head and neck cancers. This regimen, although toxic, is tolerable with appropriate supportive intervention. Primary site conservation is possible in many patients. Chemoradiotherapy appears to have an emerging role in the primary management of head and neck cancers.