• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 2019

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitations associated with chronic inflammatory response due to noxious particles or gases in the lung. Iron deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation, such as COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among iron deficiency, iron homeostasis, and inflammation in retired miners with COPD. Methods: The serum levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor(sTfR), and transferrin saturation(TSat) as biomarkers for iron deficiency and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) as a biomarker for inflammation and hepcidin as a biomarker for iron homeostasis were measured in 93 male subjects. Iron deficiency was defined as any one or more of (1) sTfR>28.1 nmol/L, (2) TSat<16%, and (3) ferritin< $12{\mu}g/L$. Results: Iron deficiency was found 28% of the study subjects. Median levels of serum hsCRP was significantly increased related to airflow limitation of COPD(GOLD 1, $0.09{\mu}g/dL$ vs. GOLD 2, $0.17{\mu}g/dL$ vs. GOLD $3{\leq}$, $0.30{\mu}g/dL$, p=0.010), and was positively correlated with hepcidin(p=0.009). Mean level of serum hepcidin was lower in COPD subjects with iron deficiency(p=0.004) and serum levels of hepcidin was negatively correlated with %$FEV_1$ predicted(p=0.030). Conclusions: These results suggest that high serum levels of hepcidin are related to severe airflow limitation or inflammation and can decrease iron availability, regardless of iron status.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.80-89
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• 2010

Purpose: This paper has attempted to investigate the association between the subclinical thyroid function disorder caused by natural change in thyroid hormones or thyroid remedies and the incidence of CHD. Methods: Data was analyzed of 7,675 women who had undergone health examinations in a hospital in Gyeonggi-do between January 2007 and December 2008. The covariation of the coronary risk factors such as age, BMI, HbA1C, systolic blood pressure, LDL:HDL-cholesterol ratio, CRP, smoking and exercise were analyzed by using logistic regression analysis. Results: A significant increase in serum TSH was observed with higher age (F=26.91, p=.00). In terms of age, the risk of CHD started to gradually increase since the 40s and sharply since the 60s (${\chi}^2$=113.29, p=.00). The serum TSH was the most significant parameter influencing CHD (B=.12, p=.00). The risk of coronary heart disease was 3.12 times higher in the subclinical hypothyroidism group (OR=3.12) while no significant difference was observed in the subclinical hyperthyroidism group. Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism may be an independent risk factors for CHD. A nurse nursing patients with thyroid disorder should be well informed of their state of subclinical thyroid function disorder and make efforts to extend their health expectancy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Cartography
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.69-76
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• 1995

This study is the 3-D precision deformation measurement of a bridge, obtain results of precision control points by GPS and 3-D measurement system and develope efficientlty technices which can solve precision 3-D analysis by CRP In the result, we could overcome the problems of former control point measurement in the way of the combination system of GPS and 3-D measurement system to positioning decision of reference points and control points. Then we could symplify old measurement process on the 3-D deformation analysis of a linear structure and complement parted analysis fault of measurement instrument.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

To construct a novel vaccine candidate against bovine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), FanC, the major subunit of K99 fimbriae adhesion, was inserted into secretion plasmid pYA3560 containing a ${\beta}-lactamase$ secretion system. This was then transformed into ${\Delta}asd$ ${\Delta}crp$ Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium and designated as JOL950. Secretion of recombinant fanC fimbrial antigens was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Groups of mice were inoculated with single or double doses of JOL950. Another group was used as a negative control. Compared to control mice, all immunized mice had significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and secretory IgA against FanC. The IgG2a and IgG1 titer assays revealed that immunization highly induced IgG2a compared to that of IgG1, indicating that T helper-1- related cell-mediated immune responses may be elicited by JOL950. The results show that both systemic and mucosal immunities against selected fimbrial antigens of bovine ETEC expressed by a live attenuated S. Typhimurium strain are prominently produced in mice immunized with JOL950 via an oral route.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2005

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiologic role of serum E-selectin, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced cell adhesion mollecule in Kawasaki disease(KD) and to look for the evidence of direct relationship between the plasma levels of soluble E-selectin and the incidence of coronary artery lesion(CAL). Methods : Changes in plasma levels of sE-selectin(n=98) over time were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) in 23 patients with acute KD and 25 age-matched febrile children. Results : Compared with control values, the peak levels of plasma sE-selectin were significantly elevated($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $22.89{\pm}12.53ng/mL$ vs $10.65{\pm}3.42ng/mL$, P=0.01) in KD. 5 patients with CAL, plasma sE-selectin levels before treatment were higher than in 18 patients without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.43{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ and $19.00{\pm}8.32ng/mL$, respectively; P=0.01). Plasma sE-selectin declined rapidly in the majority of KD patients regardless of the presence of CAL. Plasma sE-selectin levels after treatment and convalesent period were similar in KD patients with and without CAL. The plasma levels sE-selectin were correlated with those of white blood cell count(r=0.299, P<0.05), CRP(r=0.430, P<0.05), serum albumin(r=-0.483, P<0.05), serum protein(r=-0.502, P<0.05) and hemoglobin(r=-0.372, P<0.05) not with those of ESR, platelet, or duration of fever. There were significant differences in the initial level of serum sE-selectin between KD with and without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.44{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ vs. $19.00{\pm}17.18ng/mL$) in multivariated linear tests. Conclusion : Plasma sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in KD than in other febrile illness. Higher plamsa levels of sE-selectin may have potential as a predictor of CAL in patients with KD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.52-55
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• 2007

Purpose : Hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice and gallbladder hydrops are unusual manifestations of Kawasaki disease (KD). In this case, abdominal pain, anorexia and abdominal distension may follow eventfully. We reviewed the clinical and laboratory data to investigate the causative factors of hyperbilirubinemia in patients with KD. Methods : Two-hundred eighty two children diagnosed and hospitalized with KD were identified by searching patients' charts. Cases were included in the study if diagnosed between January 1997 and December 2004. We reviewed clinical data, age, sex, duration from the onset of fever to admission and duration from start of treatment to defervescence. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between normal (A) and hyperbilirubinemia (B) groups. Results : Thirteen patients (4.6 percent) showed hyperbilirubinemia. In the hyperbilirubinemia group, age and initial ALT value were higher than group A (P=0.003, 0.018 respectively). Duration from the onset of fever to admission and age were relative risk factors in hyperbilirubinemia (P=0.007, 0.003 respectively) in patients with KD. Conclusion : Shorter duration from the onset of fever to admission and older age group were relative risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia in patients with KD.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.236-242
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• 2013

Purpose: The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the factors affecting the spread of odontogenic infection. Furthermore, this study was performed to apply to future treatments. Methods: A total of 65 patients, who had received treatment for odontogenic infections from 2010 to 2012 for 3 years, were enrolled in this study. The causes of infection, presence of systemic disease, and complications, durations of treatment, treatment methods, and inflammation levels were compared with the data. Results: Patients over 70 years with systemic disease required immediate drainage, systemic antibiotic therapy and hospitalization. We can determine the direction of the early diagnosis and treatment through blood tests (white blood cells, neutrophil, C-reactive protein [CRP]) and computed tomography. Patients over 70 years with systemic disease had the highest percentage. In addition, these patients showed high levels of inflammation index, such as CRP average of 24.8 and needed for a long-term treatment period and a wide range of surgical incision & drainage several times. Systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus and hypertension, accelerate the spread of infection and had a negative effect that delays healing. Eventually, five of the 65 patients showed serious systemic complications. Conclusion: When evaluating cervico-facial infected patients due to odontogenic infection, the most important thing is deciding the appropriate diagnosis and degree of disease. Considering the patient's systemic status and age, we need to decide the treatment plan. Especially, those patients over 70 years with systemic disease should be treated with rapid surgical approach, and the use of a wide range of antibiotics and intensive care. If proper treatment principle does not apply, severe life-threatening complications will result, such as necrotizing fascitis, acute airway obstruction, mediastinitis, and others.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.5
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• pp.218-225
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• 2014

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an extremely aggressive tumor with a poor clinical course. Although many efforts have been made to improve patients' survival rates, patients who survive longer than 2 years after chemotherapy are still very rare. We examined the baseline characteristics of patients with long-term survival rates in order to identify the prognostic factors for overall survivals. Methods: A total of 242 patients with cytologically or histologically diagnosed SCLC were enrolled into this study. The patients were categorized into long- and short-term survival groups by using a survival cut-off of 2 years after diagnosis. Cox's analyses were performed to identify the independent factors. Results: The mean patient age was 65.66 years, and 85.5% were males; among the patients, 61 of them (25.2%) survived longer than 2 years. In the multivariate analyses, CRP (hazard ratio [HR], 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-6.06; p=0.012), TNM staging (HR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.59-6.80; p=0.001), and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 11.14; 95% CI, 2.98-41.73; p<0.001) were independent prognostic markers for poor survival rates. Conclusion: In addition to other well-known prognostic factors, this study discovered relationships between the long-term survival rates and serum CRP levels, TNM staging, and PFS. In situations with unfavorable conditions, the PFS would be particularly helpful for managing SCLC patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.122-130
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• 2011

Objective: Although recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has revolutionized the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving hemodialysis (HD) with no need of blood transfusion, some patients have a blunted or appear to be resistant to rhEPO. There is a controversy in the causes of rhEPO resistance in maintenance HD patients with anemia. This study is to examine current anemia treatment outcomes and the factors influencing the rhEPO responsiveness in HD patient with CKD. Methods: The clinical parameters or factors relating to erythrompoietin treatment outcomes and erythropoietin responsiveness were collected from the HD patients in two large dialysis centers for three months. The collected paramenters included serum iron, total iron biding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation rate, ferritin, albumin, intact PTH, C-reactive protein (CRP), nPCR and medications such as an angiotensin converting enzyme inhbitor, an angiotension II receptor blocker and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (HMG-CoA RI). The data were analyzed to examine the degree of acheiveing the anemia treatment goal and factors relating to ERI. Results: Among total 111 patients, 42 (42.3%) and 47 (37.8%) patients achieved the target Hct and Hb based on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Services (HIRA) reimbursement criteria. In the higher ERI group (upper quartile), the patients had higher CRP levels (0.5 mg/dl) (p=0.0096), and lower TIBC score (<$240{\mu}g/dl$) (p=0.0027), and less patients were taking HMG-CoA RI (p=0.0019). Male patients (p=0.0204), patients with high TIBC score ($R^2$=0.084, p=0.0021) and patients taking HMG-CoA RI (p=0.0052) required to administer less dose of rhEPO meaning higher erythropoietin responsiveness. Conclusion: Less than 50% of CKD patients were achieving the goals of anemia by erythropoietin administration in large hospitals in Korea even though the goals were lower than those of NKF-K/DOQI practice guideline. The factors influencing ERI were sex, TIBC and HMG-CoA RI administration status, and neither an ACEI nor an ARB did not influence ERI.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.349-361
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• 2010

In this review, the current knowledge of the carbon metabolism and global carbon regulation in Corynebacterium glutamicum are summarized. C. gluamicum has phosphotransferase system (PTS) for the utilization of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. C. glutamicum does not show any preference for glucose when various sugars or organic acids are present with glucose, and thus cometabolizes glucose with other sugars or organic acids. The molecular mechanism of global carbon regulation such as carbon catabolite repression (CCR) in C. glutamicum is quite different to that in Gram-negative or low-GC Gram-positive bacteria. GlxR (glyoxylate bypass regulator) in C. glutamicum is the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) homologue of E. coli. GlxR has been reported to regulate genes involved in not only glyoxylate bypass, but also central carbon metabolism and CCR including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Therefore, GlxR has been suggested as a global transcriptional regulator for the regulation of diverse physiological processes as well as carbon metabolism. Adenylate cyclase of C. glutamicum is a membrane protein belonging to class III adenylate cyclases, thus it could possibly be a sensor for some external signal, thereby modulating cAMP level in response to environmental stimuli. In addition to GlxR, three additional transcriptional regulators like RamB, RamA, and SugR are also involved in regulating the expression of many genes of carbon metabolism. Finally, recent approaches for constructing new pathways for the utilization of new carbon sources, and strategies for enhancing amino acid production through genetic modification of carbon metabolism or regulatory network are described.