• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.103-112
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• 2021

Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) may be a cause of gallbladder cancer. The known risk factors for GBPs are male gender, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia. Especially, male gender has been known that it strongly affects on the prevalence of GBPs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate risk factors affecting the prevalence of GBPs among adults on Jeju Island according to genders. We examined 5,574 subjects who visited a single health-screening center at Jeju National University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors affecting the prevalence of GBPs. The prevalence of GBPs were 8.9% in male subjects and 8.1% in female subjects, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that ≥60 year age (odds ratio [OR] 0.659; P=0.027) and aspartate aminotransferase >32 IU/L (OR 0.658; P=0.009) in male subjects and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ≥60 mg/dL (OR 0.514; P=0.013) in female subjects were independent factors affecting the prevalence of GBPs. The prevalence of GBPs in men (8.9%) is comparable to that in women (8.1%) on Jeju Island. Age <60 years and the higher level of aspartate aminotransferase in men and the normal or lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in women were independent risk factors of GBPs on Jeju Island.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.568-573
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• 2021

This study identified genomic factors associated with endoplasmic reticulum protein (ERp)29 gene expression in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of genetic variants, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In total, 373 European genes from the 1000 Genomes Project were analyzed. SNPs with an allelic frequency of less than or more than 5% were removed, resulting in 5,913,563 SNPs including in the analysis. The following expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) from the long noncoding RNA LOC105372577 were strongly associated with ERp29 expression: rs6138266 (p<4.172e10), rs62193420 (p<1.173e10), and rs6138267 (p<2.041e10). These were strongly expressed in the testis and in the brain. The three eQTL were identified through a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and showed a significant association with ERp29 and osteosarcoma amplified 9 (OS9) expression. Upstream sequences of rs6138266 were recognized by ChIP-seq data, while HaploReg was used to demonstrate how its regulatory DNA binds upstream of transcription factor 1 (USF1). There were no changes in the expression of OS9 or USF1 following ER stress.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.671-677
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• 2021

Interest in the everyday hazards of radon has recently increased as such, this study attempted to examine the dangers of radon in spilled groundwater by comparing the radon concentrations of the drained groundwater and tap water used in recirculating systems in Incheon Subway restrooms. At five stations of Incheon Subway Line 1 and three stations of Line 2, drained groundwater is recirculated and used in restrooms for toilet flushing. Stations restroom tap water for hand washing that used as a control and the measured values of each were compared. With the cooperation of Incheon Transportation Corporation, samples of spilled groundwater and tap water were collected sealed to prevent contact with the air, and a DURRIDGE RAD7 was used as the experimental equipment. The collected samples were subjected to radial equilibration for approximately 3.5 h, at which the radon concentration reached its maximum, and then calculated as 10 measurements using the RAD7 underwater radon measurement mode. In all eight stations, the radon concentration in tap water was lower than the recommended amount. However, in an average of 7 out of the eight stations, the radon concentration in the effluent groundwater was 100 times higher than that in tap water. Since high radon concentrations in groundwater runoff can be harmful to humans, and there is no accurate standard for radon concentrations in domestic water, it is necessary to continuously monitor radon in water and prepare a guidance of recommended values.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.603-617
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of amaranth seed extracts on glycemic regulation in HepG2 cells. The 80% ethanol extracts of amaranth seeds were used to evaluate α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, cell viability, glucose uptake and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), glucose transporter (GLUT)-2, GLUT-4, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2. Methods: The samples were prepared and divided into 4 groups, including germinated black amaranth (GBA), black amaranth (BA), germinated yellow amaranth (GYA) and yellow amaranth (YA). Glucose hydrolytic enzyme, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were examined using a proper protocol. In addition, cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Glucose uptake in cells was measured using an assay kit. The mRNA expression levels of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1 and IRS-2 were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The inhibitory activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were highly observed in GBA, followed by BA, GYA and YA. Similar results were observed for glucose. The GBA effect was similar compared to the positive control group. The mRNA expression levels of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and IRS-2 were significantly increased. The potential hypoglycemic effects of amaranth seed extracts were observed due to the increase in glucose metabolic enzyme activity, and glucose uptake was mediated through the upregulation of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and IRS-2 expression levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the amaranth seed is a potential candidate to prevent a diabetes. The present study demonstrated the possibility of using amaranth seeds, especially GBA and BA for glycemic control.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.119-126
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• 2022

The reported risk factors for gallstone disease (GD) are old age, female sex, obesity, metabolic syndrome and migrants. Many younger adults tend to live in Jeju City, where transportations are convenient and commercial activities are active. Whereas, older people tend to live in Seogwipo City, because they engaged in fisheries and agriculture. Rates of migrants and old age could affect the prevalence of GD among residents in two regions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the GD prevalence and analyze risk factors affecting GD including residencies. A total of 13,050 subjects who visited a single health medical check-up center on Jeju Island between 2012 and 2019 were included. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for GD. The prevalence of GD among residents were 5.7% in Jeju City and 5.8% in Seogwipo City, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (P=0.008), body mass index (P=0.044), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.006) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P=0.013) were independent factors affecting GD. The old age, mean higher body mass index, gamma-glutamyl transferase and mean lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent risk factors affecting GD. However, residencies did not affect the prevalence of GD.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2022

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we conducted a Delphi survey that included the experts from the field of COVID-19 immunization in children aged 5-11 years. The aim was to organize collective expert opinions on COVID-19 vaccination in young children in the Republic of Korea, and so thus assist the vaccination policy. Methods: The panels included pediatric infectious disease specialists, preventive medicine experts, infectious disease physicians, and COVID-19 vaccine experts consulting the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Delphi survey was conducted online using a questionnaire from February 14 to February 27, 2022. Results: The Delphi panels agreed that children were vulnerable to COVID-19, and the severity of illness was modest. Furthermore the panels reported that children with chronic illness were more susceptible to a worsening clinical course. There were generally positive opinions on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years, and experts gathered a slightly positive opinion that the adverse events of pediatric COVID-19 were not numerous. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination were evaluated at a level similar to the potential risks in children. Currently, the only approved mRNA platform vaccine in children seemed to be sustainable; however, the recombinant protein platform COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated as better options. Conclusions: Due to the surge of the Omicron variant and an increase in pediatric cases, the COVID-19 vaccination in young children may have to be considered. Panels had neutral opinions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years. Thus monitoring of the epidemiology and the data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination should be continued.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.197-212
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• 2022

This study was conducted to empirically analyze the effects and interactions among beneficial bacteria, commensal bacteria, and acne bacteria, which are factors in the skin microbiomes, on detrimental bacteria by 289 people, who are 20 to 49 years old among Koreans. As a result of multiple regression models using bio big data of skin microbiomes, when the difference in skin microbiomes according to the sex and age of the subjects was controlled, the beneficial bacteria showed a negative (-) effect on the detrimental bacteria, while the commensal and acne bacteria showed a positive (+) effect. Particularly, the negative (-) effect of beneficial bacteria on detrimental bacteria was different through interaction with acne bacteria according to the level of commensal bacteria. These results demonstrate that the activation of beneficial bacteria inhibits detrimental bacteria, and the effect of skin microbiomes on detrimental bacteria is balanced with skin microbiomes through interaction with independent influence. Therefore, it is suggested that when studying skin microbiomes products to help the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and to create a skin environment that inhibits detrimental bacteria in the personalized cosmetics manufacturing industry, it is necessary to consider the independent effects and interactions among skin microbiome factors together.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.239-255
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine whether family relationships of elderly single-person households affect community participation and whether these relationships differ by gender. Based on Baltes and Baltes (1990) 's selection, optimization, and compensation theory (SOC) and the argument that family members are a social capital by Prandini (2014), we test whether family relationships can affect community participation in old age. In order to verify this, single-person households were extracted from the 2017 National Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (Male sample=370, Female sample=1770), multiple regression analysis were conducted with the dependent variables of friends·neighbors and the participation at Kyungrodang·welfare centers for the elderly. The results are as follows. In the case of men, family relations showed no significant effect on their participation in friends·neighbors, or Kyungrodang·welfare centers. However, in the case of women, the frequency of contact with family had a positive effect on the frequency of meeting friends·neighbors. Family contact frequency and child relationship satisfaction had a positive (+) effect on Kyungrodang·welfare center participation, while family meeting frequency had a negative effect on participation in Kyungrodang·welfare centers. For women, although Prandini's (2014) claim that family members are a social capital seems to be supported, it was found that the impact could vary depending on the type of community participation. In addition, practical discussions and suggestions were presented.

• 한국노년학
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.455-468
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• 2021

This study was performed to utilize for foundation data of research related nursing communication and developing nursing intervention by examining the relationship between nurses' perception of the elderly and communication. This study is a descriptive research using a set of questionnaires that examines the relationship between nurses who provide care to the elderly by confirming their perception of the elderly, communication difficulties with the elderly, communication behavior, and satisfaction with communication. After IRB approval, data were collected either face-to-face survey or by online survey. A total of 292 nurses participated in this study. The collected data were analyzed as descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA, Duncan test and Pearson's Correlation Coefficients, Multiple Regression Analysis by using SPSS/WIN 26 program. As a result, a significant correlation was identified between perception of the elderly and communication disorders, communication behavior, and communication satisfaction. We found that nurses who had more positive perceptions about the elderly had less communication disorders, better communication behaviors, and higher communication satisfaction with the elderly. From this result, we suggest that nurses caring for the elderly should receive education on communication methods with elderly to improve their perception. Furthermore, we suggest future studies to improve nurse's perception of the elderly and communication.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Background: A validation study is needed to make domestic applications of German Kneipp therapy. Purpose: The study aims to test the effect of a Kneipp therapeutic program in a domestic forest environment on the autonomic nervous system. Methods: The program was made considering the 4 key elements ('exercise', 'regulative therapy', 'nutrition', and 'phytotherapy') of the Kneipp therapy. Total 3 sessions (once a week for 5 hours in each session) were performed to 40 domestic adults divided into four groups (10 in each group). HRV was measured on the subjects before and after the intervention, and its 6 characteristic parameters (TP, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF, CSI: Cumulative Stress Index) were compared for statistical analysis. Results: For 33 subjects excluding 7 who were disturbed by interrupt factors during measurements, significant improvements after the intervention, were observed in TP(8.64%, p < ..001), VLF(6.96%, p < .05), LF(15.86%, p < .001), HF(8.46%, p < .01), LF/HF(5.77%, p < .05) and CSI(-16.06%, p < ..001). Conclusions: The Kneipp therapy performed in the forest environment was shown to activate the autonomic nervous system and in particular the sympathetic and parasympatheric nervous to promote heart activity, and was also shown to most significantly reduce cumulative stress. The present observations would be the first preliminary evidence that the Kneipp therapeutic interventation in a domestic forest environment results in positive responses of the autonomic nervous system including stress relief.