• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.138-145
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the audiologic results after cochlear implantation (CI) in older patients and the degree of improvement in their quality of life (QoL). Subjects and Methods: Patients over 65 years old who underwent CI at implant center in Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital were included in this study (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). The control group was patient over 65 years old with normal hearing (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). We administered three questionnaires [World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD)], and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to evaluate the QoL, CIrelated effects on activities of daily life, and social activities in all the subjects. Moreover, correlations between speech recognition and the QoL scores were evaluated. The duration of implant use and comorbidities were also examined as potential factors affecting QoL. Results: The patients had remarkable improvements (the mean score of postoperative speech perception 75.7%) in speech perception after CI. The scores for the WHOQOL-OLD and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire responses were similar in both the study and control groups, except those for a two subdomains (social relations and social participation). The patients with longer-term CI had higher scores than those with short-term CI use. In general, the changes in GDS scores were not significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: The treatment of hearing loss with CI conferred significant improvement in patient's QoL (p<0.01). The evaluation of QoL can provide multidimensional insights into a geriatric patient's progress and, therefore, should be considered by audiologists.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.138-145
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the audiologic results after cochlear implantation (CI) in older patients and the degree of improvement in their quality of life (QoL). Subjects and Methods: Patients over 65 years old who underwent CI at implant center in Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital were included in this study (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). The control group was patient over 65 years old with normal hearing (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). We administered three questionnaires [World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD)], and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to evaluate the QoL, CIrelated effects on activities of daily life, and social activities in all the subjects. Moreover, correlations between speech recognition and the QoL scores were evaluated. The duration of implant use and comorbidities were also examined as potential factors affecting QoL. Results: The patients had remarkable improvements (the mean score of postoperative speech perception 75.7%) in speech perception after CI. The scores for the WHOQOL-OLD and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire responses were similar in both the study and control groups, except those for a two subdomains (social relations and social participation). The patients with longer-term CI had higher scores than those with short-term CI use. In general, the changes in GDS scores were not significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: The treatment of hearing loss with CI conferred significant improvement in patient's QoL (p<0.01). The evaluation of QoL can provide multidimensional insights into a geriatric patient's progress and, therefore, should be considered by audiologists.

• Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.253-256
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• 2005

We have constructed the Mount Fuji submillimeter-wave telescope at Nishiyasugawara (alt. 3725 m) near the summit of Mt. Fuji (alt. 3774 m). Thanks to the excellent condition of Mt. Fuji, we have successfully carried out the [CI] survey toward more than 40 square degrees of sky, including qrion MC, Taurus MC, Rosetta MC, DR 15, DR 21, NGC 1333, NGC 2264, W 3, W 44, W 51, L 134, p-Oph. Our [CI] survey have revealed that the [CI] 492 GHz emission widely extends to the molecular clouds. The spatial and velocity structures of the [CI] 492 GHz emission resemble those of 13CO J=l-0 in many molecular clouds, implying that [CI] 492 GHz and $^{13}CO$ J=1-0 are emitted from the same gas. The column density of $C^o$ linearly correlates with that of CO up to high Av, suggesting that $C^o$ exist in the deep interior of molecular clouds. In several regions, we have found that the distributions of $C^o$ and CO are different from each other. The $C^o$-rich area is found in the Hieles' cloud 2. The C+/CO/$C^o$ configuration is found in DR 15, p-Oph, M 17, Orion KL, and NGC 1333. These results indicate that an origin of $C^o$ is unrelated with the photodissociation process. We discuss the observed $C^o$ distributions in relation to the non-equilibrium chemistry.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of oocyte number with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels measured by two automated methods (Access or Elecsys) in fresh stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Methods: In this retrospective study at a university hospital, data were collected from 243 fresh stimulated IVF cycles performed from August 2016 to December 2020. The serum AMH level was measured by Access in 120 cycles and by Elecsys in 123 cycles. The cut-off of serum AMH for prediction of poor responders (three or fewer oocytes) or high responders (15 or more oocytes) was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: For the two automated methods, the following equations were derived: total oocyte number=2.378+1.418×(Access-AMH) (r=0.645, p<0.001) and total oocyte number=2.417+2.163×(Elecsys-AMH) (r=0.686, p<0.001). The following combined equation could be derived: (Access-AMH)=0.028+1.525×(Elecsys-AMH). To predict poor responders, the cut-off of Access-AMH was 1.215 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC], 0.807; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.730-0.884; p<0.001), and the cut-off of Elecsys-AMH was 1.095 ng/mL (AUC, 0.848; 95% CI, 0.773-0.923; p<0.001). To predict high responders, the cut-off of Access-AMH was 3.450 ng/mL (AUC, 0.922; 95% CI, 0.862-0.981; p<0.001), and the cut-off of Elecsys-AMH was 2.500 ng/mL (AUC, 0.884; 95% CI, 0.778-0.991; p<0.001). Conclusion: Both automated methods for serum AMH measurement showed a good correlation with oocyte number and good performance for predicting poor and high responders in fresh stimulated IVF cycles. The Access method usually yielded higher measured serum AMH levels than the Elecsys method.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2019

This study examined the relationship between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) with ferritin in Korean adults. This study included 4,948 adults aged ${\geq}20years$ from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. A covariance test adjusted for covariates was performed for the ferritin levels in relation to the decreased eGFR (eGFR<$60ml/min/1.73m^2$) and elevated uACR ($uACR{\geq}30mg/g$). Several key findings were made in the present study. First, after adjusting for the related variables, the ferritin level was higher in the decreased eGFR group [$103.04{\pm}6.59mL/min/1.73m^2$; 95% confidence interval (CI), 90.12~115.96] than in the normal eGFR group ($84.87{\pm}1.16mL/min/1.73m^2$; 95% CI, 82.59~87.14; P=0.007). Second, after adjusting for the related variables, the ferritin level ($M{\pm}SE$) was similar in the normal uACR group ($85.70{\pm}1.20mg/g$; 95% CI, 83.35~88.05) and elevated uACR group ($82.72{\pm}4.09mg/g$; 95% CI, 74.71~90.73) (P=0.487). Chronic kidney disease was positively associated with the ferritin level in Korean adults but albuminuria was not.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.36-45
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• 2013

We analyzed natural radionuclides in 80 wells in volcanic rock areas and investigated environmental characteristics. Uranium and radon concentrations ranged from ND to $9.70{\mu}g/L$ (median value: 0.21) ${\mu}g/L$, 38~29,222 pCi/L (median value: 579), respectively. In case of gross-${\alpha}$, 26 samples exceeded MDA (minimum detectable activity, < 0.9 pCi/L) value and the activity values ranged from 1.05 to 8.06 pCi/L. The radionuclides concentrations did not exceed USEPA MCL (maximum contaminant level) value of Uranium ($30{\mu}g/L$) and gross-${\alpha}$ (15 pCi/L). But Rn concentrations in 4 samples exceeded USEPA AMCL (Alternative maximum contaminant level, 4,000 pci/L) and one of them showed a significantly higher value (29,222 pCi/L) than the others. The levels of uranium concentrations in volcanic rock aquifer regions were detected in order of andesite, miscellaneous volcanic rocks, rhyolite, basalt aquifer regions. Radon, however, was detected in order of miscellaneous volcanic rocks, rhyolite, andesite, basalt aquifer regions. The correlation coefficient between uranium and radon was r = 0.45, but we found that correlations of radionuclides with in-situ data or major ions were weak or no significant. The correlation coefficient between the depth of wells and uranium concentrations was a slightly higher than that of depth of wells and radons. Radionuclide concentrations in volcanic rock aquifers showed lower levels than those of other rock aquifers such as granite, metamorphic rock aquifers, etc. This result may imply difference of host rock's bearing-radioactive-mineral contents among rock types of aquifers.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.201-205
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• 2007

This paper reports the amount of $^{222}Rn$ and $^{238}U$ in 18 sites of ground water and 30 sites of surface water. The instrument used to count $^{222}Rn$ activity was the liquid scintillation counter (LSC) which could resolute ${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ radiations. And $^{238}U$ was analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Radon and Uranium were not detected in raw and treated water which were sampled in a water treatment plant. However, radon ($^{222}Rn$) was high concentration in ground water from Jeon-la, Gang-won. So was uranium ($^{238}U$) in case of ground water from Gang-won, Choong-chung. Radon ($^{222}Rn$) activities were detected less than 15 pCi/L at 5 sampling points, 15~300 pCi/L at 7 sampling points, 300~4000 pCi/L at 6 sampling points. However, Radon ($^{222}Rn$) activities of all ground water samples were less than 4,000 pCi/L, which was bellow American Alternative Maximum Contamination Level (AMCL). Uranium ($^{238}U$) concentrations were less than $0.1{\mu}g/L$ at 5 sampling points, from $0.1{\mu}g/L$ to $20{\mu}g/L$ at 13 sampling points. Uranium was not detected in about 30% of the whole samples, but the concentration ranged from relatively low to high concentrations depending on the sampling point. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) of radon was 15 pCi/L. and the detection limit of uranium was $0.1{\mu}g/L$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 1999

Both the groundwater changes due to different pumping rates and the geochemistry of thermal waters in the Suanbo area are considered in this study. The observation of groundwater level change since 1991 shows that the change is directly correlated with pumping rates of thermal waters and reveals the retardation of ca. 5 weeks after pumping. The hydrogeological aquifer in the area is under reducing condition. The thermal waters are of Na-HCO$_3$ type. and are alkaline (pH=8.5∼8.7) with low TDS values (274∼284 mg/l) and high concentrations of Na (68∼72 mg/l). F (6.4∼8.9 mg/l), and HCO$_3$(136∼146 mg/l). Oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of thermal water indicate a meteoric water origin. The activities of Rn-222 and Ra-226 in both thermal water and local groundwater were determined to delineate possible geochemical controls on the Rn-222 and Ra-226. The Rn-222 concentrations are several orders of magnitude greater than the Ra-226 concentrations. The concentrations of Rn-222 range from 190 to 7.490 pCi/1 with an average of 2,522 pCil/l. and those of Ra-226 average 0.32 pCi/1 with the range from 0.25 to 0.42 pCi/1. The concentrations of Rn-222 and Ra-226 are inversely correlated with EC and alkalinity. The pH it positively correlated with Ra-226. The correlation between Rn-222 and Ra-226 is poor. Thermal waters in the study area are produced from highly fractured phyllite. The thermal water qualify. CSAMT (controled-source audiofrequency magnetotelluric) prospecting, and petrological evidences, however, indicate that the heat is possibly transmitted through deep normal faults reaching a deep granite batholith, and the phyllite acts only as a groundwater pathway.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.111-127
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of healthy lifestyle interventions (HLSIs) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS). Methods: Major databases were searched for English-language original articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 2, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were included. Quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nineteen studies were included. Significant effects on HR-QoL were found for interventions using a multi-modal approach (exercise and education) (d=-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to -0.07, p=.02), lasting not less than 6 months (d=-0.72; 95% CI=-1.15 to -0.29, p=.0010), and using a group approach (d=-0.46; 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.06, p=.02). Self-efficacy showed significant effects when HLSIs provided health education only (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18; p=.003), lasted for less than 6 months (d=-0.40; 95% CI=-0.69 to -0.11, p=.006), and were conducted individually (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18, p=.003). The physical outcomes (physical activity, fatigue, exercise capacity-VO₂, exercise capacity-upper body, body mass index) revealed no statistical significance. Conclusion: Areas of HLSIs for CACS requiring further study were identified, and needs and directions of research for holistic health management were suggested.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.149-163
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• 2021

Objectives This study is to review the effectiveness of exercise after lung cancer surgery. Methods Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed database. The systematic review was conducted through flow diagram. The risk of biases were assessed through the Cochrane guideline. Characteristics and outcomes were extracted from each study. Meta-analyses of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), quality of life (QoL), pulmonary complications were conducted. Results 14 RCTs were selected. In meta-analysis, exercise improved FEV1 (mean difference [MD] 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04 to 0.25; p=0.009; I2=55%) and mean change of FEV1 (MD 0.11; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.20; p=0.02; I2=0%). Exercise increased the distance of 6MWT, but there was considerable heterogeneity (MD 45; 95% CI 21.16 to 68.83; p=0.0002, I2=89%). There was no differences in QoL scores by 2 questionnaires (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire, short form-36). Exercise reduced the duration of hospital stay (MD -3.32; 95% CI -5.27 to -1.36; I2=0%; 2 studies) but not duration of chest tube intubation (MD -1.37; 95% CI -2.81 to 0.06; I2=0%) and incidence of pulmonary complications (pooled risk ratio 0.54; 95% CI 0.23 to 1.30; I2=0%). Conclusions Exercise might reduce the duration of hospital stay after lung surgery. There was not enough evidence to prove improvement of lung function, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, QoL, and decline of pulmonary complications. Low-quality risk of bias, different units or estimation of outcome, different exercise type and duration, heterogeneity among studies make the evidence of effectiveness weak. Future researches are required to redeem these defects.