• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.30
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• pp.2.1-2.9
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• 2015

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between presence of depression symptoms and the exposure level to insecticides among aged population in rural area, determined via measured levels of urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), after controlling for socioeconomic confounding factors. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, we randomly recruited participants for our study (161 male and 239 female) from rural areas of Asan, Chungnam, Korea. Environmental risk factor exposure was assessed using a questionnaire, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze urinary 3-PBA levels. We used a logistic regression analysis to assess the association of urinary 3-PBA levels with the presence of self-reported depression symptoms. Results After controlling for creatinine levels, the median (interquartile range) concentration of 3-PBA was approximately 1.5 times (p<0.05) higher among female (1.54 [0.90 to 2.35]) ${\mu}g/g$) than among male (1.06 [0.64 to 1.81] ${\mu}g/g$). Our study found that among female participants, the unit increase in 3-PBA levels exhibited a likely positive association (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.25) with an increased risk of presence of self-reported depression symptoms, after adjusting for socioeconomic insurance type, daily physical condition, marital status, smoking status, and age. Conclusions Given our finding of a potential association between the presence of self-reported depression symptoms and 3-PBA levels, precautions should be considered to minimize exposure to insecticides and thus protect the health of aged residents in rural areas.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.253-259
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• 2004

Objectives : To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections and determine the associated risk factors among young adults in Busan, Korea, which is known to have a high incidence of liver cancer. Methods : The study population consisted of volunteer participants in a health survey during 2002, which included 1,350 students (515 males and 835 females) aged between 16 and 24 years, from three different schools in Busan. The participating students were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire which included lifestyle habits and risk factors of hepatitis. Sera obtained from the participants were studied for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and Anti-HCV by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method and for liver function tests. Results : Among the study subjects (N=1,350), the seropositivities of HBsAg 7.9%(95% CI=7.8-8.0), 7.6%(95% CI=7.6-7.7) in male and 8.1%(95% CI=8.0-8.2) in female. And the seropositivity of Anti-HBs was 69.7%(95% CI=69.0-70.4), 70.5%(95% CI=69.8-71.2) in male and 69.2%(95% CI=68.5-69.9) in female. The seropositivity of Anti-HCV was 0.4%, 0.2% in male and 0.5% in female. The seropositivity for HBsAg in the subjects not having a hepatitis B vaccination history was twice(95% CI=1.0-4.4) that of those that did. Also, the seropositivity for HBsAg in subjects having experienced sexual intercourse was 1.7 times (95% CI=0.9-3.0) that of the subjects who had not. Conclusions : The present study confirmed the high prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity and sexual transmission of HBV among adolescents and young adults may occur. Further studies to evaluate the relationship between HBV vaccination and sexual transmission are required for the young population in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.65-78
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• 2017

Objectives : Obesity is a worldwide health concern due to an increasing obese population. This study proposed to analyze the differences in medical costs and care utilization between obese and normal group using propensity score matching. Methods : Data were collected from the sample cohort database by the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation. Propensity score matching(PSM) was applied to control selection bias, and factors affecting obesity were used as covariates in PSM. Results : The results showed higher medical costs and care utilization in the obese group than the normal group. According to gender and medical type, there were differences in the relationships between obesity and medical charges and utilization. In particular, the differences in the female population were larger in both outpatients and inpatients than the male population. Conclusions : It is important to manage obesity, because obesity has a negative effect on national health insurance costs. These findings suggest directions for future research.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.173-177
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• 2003

This study was done to investigate the relationship of socioeconomic status and food intake to cognitive status of the older population. The subjects of this study consisted of 214 older persons aged 60 - 84 years. Interviews were conducted using the health-related habits and food frequency questionnaires to provide basic information for nutrition education program. We evaluated the current food consumption-pattern and cognitive status of the subjects. The results of this study were as follows： Mean age of the subjects was 69.7${\pm}$7.4 years. The average cognitive function score of the subjects was 7.9${\pm}$2.0 (full score was 10.0). Male had a higher cognitive status score than female. There was significant difference between cognitive status score and age, education level, pocket money, physical activity and family type. The subjects who had a higher cognitive status score ate more fish and meats group and milk and milk products than the subjects that had a lower cognitive status score. These results have demonstrated that various socioeconomic variables and food intake pattern affect on cognitive status with aging and suggest that proper nutrition education and adequate nutrient intake in quality and quantity are essential in maintaining cognitive status in later life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9871-9873
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• 2014

Brain tumors are a mixed group of neoplasms that originate from the intracranial tissues and the meninges with degrees of malignancy varying greatly from benign to aggressive. Not much is known about the epidemiology of primary malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) in our population in North-East India. In this analysis, an attempt was made to identify the age groups, gender distribution, topography and different histological types of PMBT with data from a hospital cancer registry. A total of 231 cases of PMBT were identified and included for the present analysis. Our analysis has shown that most of PMBT occur at 20-60 years of age, with a male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Some 70.5% of cases occurred in cerebral lobes except for the occipital lobe, and astrocytic tumors were the most common broad histological type. In our population the prevalence of PMBT is 1% of all cancers, mostly affecting young and middle aged patients. As brain tumors are rare, so case-control analytic epidemiological studies will be required to establish the risk factors prevalent in our population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4451-4456
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• 2016

Background: In this study, we examined epidemiological aspects of dynamic changes in incidences of laryngeal cancer in male and female populations in Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: Primary data were for registered patients with malignant laryngeal tumors in the whole country during the period of 1999-2014. Evaluation of changes in laryngeal cancer incidence in the population of Kazakhstan was performed using component analysis. Results: It was determined that the number of patients with laryngeal cancer in the whole country is decreasing although with conflicting impacts of different factors. Despite population growth (all - ${\Delta}_P=+66.1%$, men - ${\Delta}_P=+70.9%$ and women - ${\Delta}_P=+46.4%$), and aging (all - ${\Delta}_A=+45.1%$, men - ${\Delta}_A=+54.3$ and women - ${\Delta}_A=+22.2$), the reduction in risk of developing the disease (all - ${\Delta}_R=-165.6%$, men - ${\Delta}_R=-170.9%$ and women - ${\Delta}_R=-141.0%$) was overwhelming. Conclusions: This investigation was the first epidemiological study of dynamics of laryngeal cancer by component analysis in population of Kazakhstan. Implementation of the results of the study is recommended in management of anti-cancer activities for laryngeal cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.139-142
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• 2007

Malignant salivary gland tumor is rare neoplasm. In Korean population, retrospective study of malignant salivary gland tumor has not been performed. We analyzed 67 cases of malignant salivary gland tumors from 2001 to 2005 in Seoul National University Dental Hospital in Seoul, Korea. The mean age is 51.7 and the male to female ratio is 1:1.39. The most affected site is the palate. Histologically, the tumors were classified as adenoid cystic carcinoma(34.4%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma(31.3%), adenocarcinoma, NOS(11.9%), polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma(3.0%), salivary duct carcionoma(6.0%), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma(4.5%), myoepithelial carcinoma(4.5%), epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma(1.5%), cyatadenocarcinoma(1.5%) and adenosquamous carcinoma(1.5%).

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.35-46
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• 2023

Objectives : Gumiganghwal-tang and its main components have been used for treatment of cough, headache, joint pain and fever. Using a respiratory inflammatory model, we intend to demonstrate the its anti-inflammatory effect and immune mechanism of Gumiganghwal-tang. Methods : We induced the respiratory inflammation mouse model by papain treatment. Female BALB/C mice (8 weeks old) were divided into three groups as follows: saline control group, papain treatment group (vehicle), papain and Gumiganghwal-tang (200 mg/kg) treatment group (n=4). To verify the anti-inflammatory effect of Gumiganghwal-tang extracts, we measured the infiltration of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and nasal lavage fluid (NALF). Additionally, the efficacy of Gumiganghwal-tang extracts on Th2 cell population and alveolar macrophage in lung were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Results : Gumiganghwal-tang extracts administration decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF and NALF, especially of eosinophils. Furthermore, interleukin-5 level was reduced in lung by drug administration. Interestingly, Gumiganghwal-tang extracts treatment also decreased the Th2 cell (CD4⁺GATA3⁺) population and increased the alveolar macrophage (CD11b⁺CD11c⁺) population in lung. Conclusions : Our findings indicate that Gumiganghwal-tang extracts have anti-inflammatory effects by mediating Th2 cell and alveolar macrophage cell activation.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.177-188
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• 2020

The Muslim population is growing significantly in Asian countries. By conducting an experiment, this study examines the cultural differences between South Korean and Indonesian female, young adults, and their perception of hijabis who are represented in the media. The main goal of this study is to compare the perception towards hijabis in a homogenous country new to Muslims against a Muslim-majority country. Results showed that non-hijabis were deemed more physically attractive, empathetic, and enjoyable among Koreans when compared to Indonesians. Through this study, we provide a theoretical explanation using cultivation theory and (parasocial) contact hypothesisto clarify the differences between South Korea and Indonesia. Thisstudy provides a baseline of understanding to determine where both cultures are at in perceiving hijabis. Our results suggest that it will be compelling to correct media representation in order to reduce stereotypes and lead to a successful understanding of both cultures.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.56 no.7 s.106
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• pp.96-104
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to analyze the makeup done to two female protagonists in the film, 'Chicago,' and explore how this makeup - nonverbal communication means - is realized in the area of makeup presentation for femme fatale and how it is societally accepted. Makeup varies by the femme-fatale types, and the general female population can apply these for images they want to express. In the future research, it might be interesting to examine specifically which femme-fatale images are preferred in Korea and the makeup and clothing of Korean stars who primarily influence these images.