• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.50-60
• /
• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the mRNA expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the sperm of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) and teratozoospermic (TER) men compared to normozoospermic (NOR) men, as well as the relationships between GABA receptor expression and sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality. Methods: The mRNA expression of GABA A-α1 and GABA B-R2 receptors in sperm was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in three groups of patients: NOR (n=32), OAT (n=22), and TER (n=45). The fertilization rate and embryo quality were assessed in 35 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; 10 NOR, 10 OAT, and 15 TER men). Results: OAT men had significantly higher mRNA expression of GABA A-α1 and GABA B-R2 receptors in sperm than NOR men; however, the difference between TER and NOR men was not significant. High levels of these receptors were significantly correlated with low sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, as well as the rate of good-quality embryos (GQEs) at the cleavage stage after ICSI. Patients whose female partners had a >50% GQE rate at the cleavage stage had significantly lower levels of GABA A-α1 receptor expression than those whose partners had a ≤50% GQE rate. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that mRNA levels of GABA receptors in human sperm are correlated with poor sperm quality and associated with embryo development after ICSI treatment. The GABA A-α1 receptor in sperm has a stronger relationship with embryo quality at the cleavage stage than the GABA B-R2 receptor.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.295-303
• /
• 2021

Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is considered a potentially treatable neurological disorder by shunt surgery and characterized by a triad of symptoms including gait disturbance, cognitive impairment and urinary dysfunction. Although disorders of white matter are generally viewed as the principal pathological features of INPH, analysis of cortical features are important since the destruction of neural tracts could be associated with cortical structural changing. The aim of the study was to determine whether there was any relationship between gait parameter and structural features of cerebral cortex in INPH patients. Gait parameters were measured as follows: step width, toe in/out angle, coefficient of variation (CV) value of stride length, CV value of stride time. After obtaining individual brain MRI of patients with INPH and hemispheric cortical surfaces were automatically extracted from each MR volume, which reconstructed the inner and outer cortical surface. Then, cortical thickness, surface area, and volume were calculated from the cortical surface. As a result, step width was positively correlated with bilateral postcentral gyrus and left precentral gyrus, and toe in/out was positively correlated with left posterior parietal cortex and left insula. Also, the CV value of stride length showed positive correlation in the right superior frontal sulcus, left insula, and the CV value of stride time showed positive correlation in the right superior frontal sulcus. Unique parameter of cerebral cortical changes, as measured using MRI, might underline impairments in distinct gait parameters in patients with INPH.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.53-62
• /
• 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels and diet with semen parameters (semen standard parameters [SSP] and DNA fragmentation index [DFI]) in infertile men. Methods: Sperm samples were assessed for SSP and DFI (using the sperm chromatin dispersion test). Serum vitamin concentrations were measured with an immuno-electrochemiluminescence assay, and men completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Serum folate levels were positively correlated with sperm progressive motility and DFI. A comparison of SSP between two groups of patients according to serum folate concentration (B9 <4.840 ng/mL and B9 ≥4.840 ng/mL) showed significantly higher sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility in the latter group. However, there was no difference between these groups regarding DFI. Interestingly, serum folate levels were significantly higher in patients with a high DFI (using the cut-offs of 30% or 18%). FFQ data showed that the consumption of fruits and egg yolk correlated positively with sperm concentration and sperm motility, respectively. Conclusion: Serum folate levels showed significant associations with sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility. However, the positive association of serum folate with DFI raises the need for careful prescription of folate supplements.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.465-474
• /
• 2023

The point load test (PLT) is a widely-used alternative method in the field to determine the uniaxial compressive strength due to its simple testing machine and procedure. The point load test index can estimate the uniaxial compressive strength through conversion factors based on the rock types. However, the mechanism correlating these two parameters and the influence of the mechanical properties on PLT results are still not well understood. This study proposed a theoretical model to understand the mechanism of PLT serving as an alternative to the UCS test based on laboratory observation and literature survey. This model found that the point load test is a self-confined compression test. There is a compressive ellipsoid near the loading axis, whose dilation forms a tensile ring that provides confinement on this ellipsoid. The peak load of a point load test is linearly positive correlated to the tensile strength and negatively correlated to the Poisson ratio. The model was then verified using numerical and experimental approaches. In numerical verification, the PLT discs were simulated using flat-joint BPM of PFC3D to model the force distribution, crack propagation and BPM properties' effect with calibrated micro-parameters from laboratory UCS test and point load test of Berea sandstones. It further verified the mechanism experimentally by conducting a uniaxial compressive test, Brazilian test, and point load test on four different rocks. The findings from this study can explain the mechanism and improve the understanding of point load in determining uniaxial compressive strength.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.293-303
• /
• 2023

Patients with chronic renal failure, many of which treated with hemodialysis, present a high prevalence of impaired muscle strength which suggest that muscle mass parameters may be used as markers for changes in muscle in these patients. Measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is a common, simple, and quick measure of muscle function an indicator of overall muscle strength which has been associated with physical activity and several anthropometric traits. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are biochemical markers associated with inflammatory processes which are a common consequence of dialysis. Additionally, hemodialysis patients frequently present signs of malnutrition and depression. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate if muscle and biochemical markers could be used to predict the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients. Several anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, depression state and the serum levels of ICAM-1 and IGF-1 were determined and Pearson's correlation coefficient and/or Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to test the correlation between them. Our results do not show a correlation between HGF, IGF-1 and ICAM-1 with the depression status of the patients, but mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was statistically and positively correlated with depression. Additionally, ICAM-1 levels were negatively correlated with HGS, MAMC, and IGF-1. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that HGS may be used as an indicator of cardiovascular diseases and MAMC may be a good predictor of the level of depression in hemodialysis patients, although further studies are required.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.683-692
• /
• 2019

Objective: We aimed to evaluate correlations between computed tomography (CT) parameters and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters according to disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to determine whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices. Materials and Methods: A total of 370 patients with COPD were grouped based on disease severity according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I-IV criteria. Emphysema index (EI), air-trapping index, and airway parameters such as the square root of wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (Pi10) were measured using automatic segmentation software. Clinical characteristics including PFT results and quantitative CT parameters according to GOLD criteria were compared using ANOVA. The correlations between CT parameters and PFT indices, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and FEV₁, were assessed. To evaluate whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices, multiple linear regression analyses were performed for all patients, Group 1 (GOLD I and II), and Group 2 (GOLD III and IV). Results: Pulmonary function deteriorated with increase in disease severity according to the GOLD criteria (p < 0.001). Parenchymal attenuation parameters were significantly worse in patients with higher GOLD stages (P < 0.001), and Pi10 was highest for patients with GOLD III (4.41 ± 0.94 mm). Airway parameters were nonlinearly correlated with PFT results, and Pi10 demonstrated mild correlation with FEV1/FVC in patients with GOLD II and III (r = 0.16, p = 0.06 and r = 0.21, p = 0.04, respectively). Parenchymal attenuation parameters, airway parameters, EI, and Pi10 were identified as predictors of FEV₁/FVC for the entire study sample and for Group 1 (R² = 0.38 and 0.22, respectively; p < 0.001). However, only parenchymal attenuation parameter, EI, was identified as a predictor of FEV₁/FVC for Group 2 (R² = 0.37, p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for FEV₁. Conclusion: Airway and parenchymal attenuation parameters are independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with mild COPD, whereas parenchymal attenuation parameters are dominant independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with severe COPD.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.919-925
• /
• 2018

Objective: The performance, health, and behaviour of cattle can be strongly affected by climate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress on blood parameters, blood proteins (haptoglobin [Hp]; heat shock protein 70 [HSP70]), rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR) and rumination time in Korean native beef calves. Methods: Thirty-two Korean native beef calves were randomly assigned to 8 groups with 4 animals per group. They were kept in environmental condition with temperature-humidity index (THI) ranging from 70.01 to 87.72 in temperature-humidity controlled chamber for 7 days. Results: Their HR, RT, and serum cortisol and HSP70 levels were increased (p<0.05) in high THI compared to those at low THI. But, serum Hp level was decreased (p<0.05) in high THI compared to these at low THI. In addition, HR, RT, serum cortisol and HSP70 were positively correlated with THI ($R^2=0.8368$, p<0.01; $R^2=0.6162$, p<0.01; $R^2=0.581$, p<0.01; $R^2=0.2241$, p = 0.0062, respectively). There was also positive association between HR and cortisol ($R^2=0.4697$, p<0.01). Similarly, RT and cortisol were positively associated ($R^2=0.4581$, p<0.01). But, THI and HR were negatively correlated with Hp ($R^2=0.2157$, p = 0.02; $R^2=0.3362$, p = 0.003). Hematology and metabolites results were different among treatment groups. Standing position was higher (p<0.05) in the high THI group compared to that in the low THI group. Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded that HR, RT, blood parameters (Cortisol, HSP70, Hp) and standing position are closely associated with heat stress. These parameters can be consolidated to develop THI chart for Korean native beef calves.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.31-37
• /
• 2002

For elucidating the correlation between the eubacterial community structure and environmental parameters in Nammae Reservoir located in Kyungsan, Kyungbuk, the bacterial community structure and their structure affecting environmental parameters were analyzed using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) monthly over year. $\alpha$ . $\beta$ . $\gamma$-subclasses of Proteobacteria and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium (CF) group known as dominant bacterial group in freshwater were detected in 3 stations over year. The ratio of each subclass to total bacteria was determined; $\alpha$.$\beta$ . $\gamma$-subclasses and CF group varied in the range of 4.0~29.2%, 1.7~25.8%, 1.8~12.8%, 4.9~36.3%, respectively and there was no substantial differences between stations. In terms of the correlation between each group specific bacteria and environmental parameters such as temperature, SS, pH, DOC, NH$_4$-N, NO$_3$-N, PO$_4$-P, standing crops of algae, the results were as follows: 1) total bacterial numbers correlated positively with temperature, SS and DOC, 2) Eubacteria positively with DOC and Chl-$\alpha$, 3)${\gamma}$-subclass positively with DOC, and 4) CF group positively with standing crops of chlorophyceae, 5) whereas $\beta$-subclass bacteria correlated negatively with standing crop of cyanobacteria and that of total algae.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.365-373
• /
• 2013

Representative tidal gauging (TG) stations are selected to cover the tidal characteristics of the Korean peninsula coastal seas, and the statistical parameters of the data are analysed from the perspective of the probability distribution at that TG station. The shape of the distribution in the Incheon and Gunsan TG stations, which are tide-dominated areas, shows two clear modes at HWONT and LWONT in the distributions, and in the Mokpo station, shows an asymmetric double peak distribution. In contrast, the frequency distribution shape shows a smoothed flat peak in the Jeju, Yeosu and Busan TG stations, and a single peak in the Pohang and Sokcho TG stations. The emersion and submersion equations suggested as the 6-parameter Gaussian mixture models in this study are accurate, and well fitted to the observed tidal elevation data. The ${\mu}_1$, ${\mu}_2$ parameters are highly correlated to the LWONT and HWONT, and the ${\sigma}_1$ and ${\sigma}_2$ parameters are also closely correlated to the mean tidal range. The ${\mu}_1$ and ${\mu}_2$ parameters coincide with the modes of the suggested probability distribution of the hourly tidal level data.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.2477-2481
• /
• 2013

Aims and Background: The purpose of the research was to study the prognostic value of tumor 18F-FDG PET-based parameters in neoadjuvant chemoradiation for patients with squamous esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Sixty patients received chemoradiation therapy followed by esophagectomy and two 18FDG-PET examinations at pre- and post-radiation therapy. PET-based metabolic-response parameters were calculated based on histopathologic response. Linear regression correlation and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine prognostic value of all PET-based parameters with reference to overall survival. Results: Sensitivity (88.2%) and specificity (86.5%) of a percentage decrease of SUVmax were better than other PET-based parameters for prediction of histopathologic response. Only percentage decrease of SUVmax and tumor length correlated with overall survival time (linear regression coefficient ${\beta}$: 0.704 and 0.684, P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model indicated higher hazard ratio (HR=0.897, P=0.002) with decrease of SUVmax compared with decrease of tumor size (HR=0.813, P=0.009). Conclusion: Decrease of SUVmax and tumor size are significant prognostic factors in chemoradiation of esophageal carcinoma.