• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area in 2020 has caused difficulties in the daily life and hospital care of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We detected an increase in blood sugar levels in these children and the number of patients hospitalized with more severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) compared to those before COVID-19. Methods: This single-center study was conducted at Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital. The following patient groups were included; 45 returning patients diagnosed with T1DM and undergoing insulin treatment for more than 2 years and 20 patients newly diagnosed with T1DM before and after COVID-19 were selected by age matching. Returning patients before and after the outbreak were selected, and changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were retrospectively reviewed. The HbA1c levels and severity of symptoms in newly diagnosed patients during hospitalization were examined. Results: HbA1c levels in returning patients with T1DM were significantly increased after COVID-19 (before, 7.70%±1.38% vs. after, 8.30%±2.05%; p=0.012). There were 10 and 10 newly diagnosed patients before and after COVID-19, respectively. The proportion of patients with drowsiness and dyspnea at the time of admission was higher after COVID-19 than before (before, 2 of 10 vs. after, 4 of 10). The HbA1c levels were higher in newly diagnosed patients hospitalized after COVID-19 than before (before, 11.15% vs. after, 13.60%; p=0.036). Conclusion: Due to COVID-19 in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, there was an increase in blood glucose levels in children with T1DM and in the incidence of severe DKA in newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.10
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• pp.710-719
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: In previous studies, high homocysteine levels were associated with high cardiovascular mortality. However, these results were inconsistent with those of randomized controlled trials. We aimed to evaluate the causal role of homocysteine on allcause and cardiovascular mortality using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: This study included the 10,005 participants in the Namwon Study. In conventional observational analysis, age, sex, survey years, lifestyles, body mass index, comorbidities, and serum folate level were adjusted using multivariate Cox proportional regression. MR using 2-stage least squares regression was used to evaluate the association between genetically predicted plasma homocysteine levels and mortality. Age, sex, and survey years were adjusted for each stage. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism was used as an instrumental variable for predicting plasma homocysteine levels. Results: Observed homocysteine levels were positively associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.54) and cardiovascular (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.28-2.06) mortality when plasma homocysteine levels doubled. However, these associations were not significant in MR analysis. The HRs of doubling genetically predicted plasma homocysteine levels for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 0.99 (95% CI, 0.62-1.57) and 1.76 (95% CI, 0.54-5.77), respectively. Conclusions: This MR analysis did not support a causal role for elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations in premature deaths.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.3
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• pp.104-110
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• 2013

Background: Osteopontin (OPN) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), which are expressed on the surface of tumor cells, are associated with hypoxia during tumor development and progression. However, the roles of these proteins in the plasma of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are poorly understood. Herein, we hypothesized that plasma OPN and CAIX levels could be used as diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Fifty-three patients with NSCLC and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled. We selected controls without malignancy and matched them with NSCLC patient cases according to age and gender. Blood samples were collected at the time of diagnosis; the plasma levels of OPN and CAIX were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: The plasma levels of OPN in the patients with NSCLC were significantly elevated as compared to those in the controls (p=0.016). However, there was no difference in the plasma level of CAIX between the NSCLC patients and controls. NSCLC patients with a distant metastasis had a remarkable increase in plasma OPN compared with patients without metastasis (p=0.026), but no such correlation was found for CAIX. There was no difference in overall survival rates according to the plasma level of OPN between the two groups (by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). Conclusion: Plasma OPN levels were elevated in patients with NSCLC as compared with the controls, with greater elevation of OPN levels in the advanced stages of disease. Therefore, plasma OPN may have utility as a diagnostic, but not prognostic, biomarker of advanced NSCLC.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.343-358
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• 2000

Epimedii Herba is an important traditional herb medicine widely used as a tonic. However, the mechanism of action of this drug on the immune system is not well studied. This study was performed to elucidate the effects of the aqueous extract of Epimedii Herba on the production of antibodies in mice. Antibodies in serum were detected in male ICR mice treated with the aqueous extract of Eplmedii Herba (AEEH) at a dosage of 40, 120, and 360mg/kg orally for 2 weeks. Effects of oral administration of AEEH on antibody forming responses were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in serum. The results were as follows; 1. Epimedii Herba slightly decreased body weight gain. 2. Epimedii Herba significantly increased the relative spleen weight. 3. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG levels. 4. Epimedii Herba significantly enhanced total serum IgG1 levels. 5. Epimedii Herba significantly increased total serum IgG2a levels. 6. Epimedii Herba markedly increased total serum IgM levels. These findings demonstrate that Epimedii Herba significantly enhances the production of antibodies at therapeutic concentrations, and suggest that administration of Epimedii Herba may prevent the host from immunologic diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.25-33
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• 1987

This study was carried out to evaluate student exposures to dust in classroom of middle schools. A total of four schools, such as two in an urban and two in a rural area, were selected for this study. In this study, airborne dust concentrations were measured during a period from July 8 to July 18, 1986. Additional measurements of dust concentrations were conducted from November 4 to 7, 1986 to compare the results by seasonal variation. The results of this study were as follows. 1. Respirable dust concentrations were measured by both filtration method (C mg/m$^3$) and Digital Aerosol Monitor (cpm) to calculate anexchange factor K. K- value was 0.159 as follows. $K=\frac{c}{cpm} = \frac{2.71}{17.09} = 0.159$ 2. In summer when windows were opened, the concentrations of airborne respirable dusts measured by filter sampling method were 0.54-1.37 mg/m$^3$ in the morning and 0.79-1.75 mg/m$^3$ in the afternoon. Thus, higher levels were indicated in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the concentrations of airborne respirable dusts measured in winter were approximately twice as high as those in summer. 3. The highest dust concentrations were determined in School D which is a coeducational school with classroom of concrete floor. Walking roads in School D were not paved and students did not wear indoor-shoes. Dust levels in School D were approximately twice as high as levels in School B. All of the measured dust levels in four schools exceeded Korean Standard for outdoor air, 0.3 mg/m$^3$ for 24 hours. Results by Digital Aerosol Monitor indicated that there was no significant difference in dust levels among grades. The concentration of airborne dusts in the classroom was 1.5-3.0 times higher than that in the hall way. The concentration of airborne dusts during recess was 1.3-1.6 times higher than that during class. In winter, the dust concentrations during clean-up exceeded the permissible exposure limit, 10 mg/m$^3$ (as total dusts), for occupational exposures. 4. The concentrations of total dusts measured in winter were 1.5-2.4 times higher than those of respirable dusts measured simultaneously.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.122-131
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• 2010

This clinical study was performed to evaluate whether supplementation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy with Korean red ginseng can enhance Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and reduce levels of halitosis-associated volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the stomach. Seventy-six patients were randomized into an eradication regimen-only group (n=45) or an eradication regimen plus 10 weeks of Korean red ginseng supplementation group (n=31). The eradication regimen consisted of PPI b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d.. for seven days. Korean red ginseng supplementation commenced on the last day of the eradication regimen. $^{13}C$-urea breath test and halimeter measurements were performed prior to protocol repetition. By intention-to-treat analysis, the H. pylori eradication rate in the Korean red ginseng group (77.4%, 24 of 31) was higher than that in the control group (45.0%, 26 of 45). However, by per protocol analysis, the eradication rate in the Korean red ginseng group was significantly higher than that in the control group (92.3%, 24/26 vs. 69.4%, 26/38; p<0.05). H. pylori infection was significantly associated with increased VSC levels. However, VSC levels decreased significantly in the Korean red ginseng group (p<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of triple therapy with Korean red ginseng increased the H. pylori eradication rate and led to significant reductions in VSC levels, suggesting the usefulness of this substance in combating H. pylori infection.

• School Mathematics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.139-154
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• 2008

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate how sixth grade elementary school students react to the types of letters use, what levels of understanding letters students are in and what difficulties are in understanding letters, and to raise issues about instructional methods of algebra. A descriptive study through pencil-and- paper tests was conducted. The test instruments consisted of 18 questions with 6 types of letters use. According to the results of testing, students' types of letter use and the levels of understanding letters were classified. The conclusions from the results of this study were as follows: First, the higher the types of letters use, the more sixth grade elementary school students had low scores on the types. Therefore, teaching methodologies of letters and expressions in the classroom need to encourage for students to improve their ability of using and understanding letter. Second, approximately 40% of students were categorized in level 3. Accordingly it is necessary to have a program of teaching and learning to improve their understanding levels of letters. Third, approximately 15% of students were categorized in level 0. In order to develop understanding of letters, it is important that students use letter evaluated and letter used as an object. Fourth, students had the difficulties in understanding letters. It is informative for teachers to understand these students' difficulties and thinking processes. Finally, we must treat the different uses of letters and introduce them successively according to the student's understanding levels of letters.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.123-128
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• 2011

The notion that dental amalgam is a potential source of mercury exposure remains a controversial issue. However, there are few epidemiological analyses that have addressed whether this occurs in children. We aimed in our current study to identify the relationship between dental amalgam filling surfaces and the blood mercury levels in a cohort of 711 South Korean children aged between 8-9 years. Oral examinations were conducted to detect the number of amalgam filling surfaces on the teeth of these individuals. Blood samples were also taken from these children to assess the levels of mercury accumulation in the body. The amalgam filling surfaces were classified into four groups based on their number: 0 (n = 368), 1-5 (n = 219), 6-10 (n = 89), and 11+ (n = 35). The blood mercury levels in the children with more than 10 amalgam surfaces was 0.47 ${\mu}g$/L higher on average than those with no amalgam surfaces after adjusting for the frequency of fish or seafood consumption, age, and gender (P < 0.05). We found from our data that a higher number of dental amalgam fillings correlated with a higher blood mercury level in Korean children. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these elevated mercury levels exert neurotoxic or nephrotoxic effects.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.454-460
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• 2009

The subway is the major public transportation system in Seoul with 2.2 million people using it everyday. Indoor air pollution in the subway can be a significant part of population exposure because of the number of people using the subway, time spent in transit and potentially high exposure for certain pollutants. The Korea Ministry of Environment has established the level 2 of recommended standards of $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ in subway trains. The aims of this study were to determine the airborne levels of $PM_{10}$, $CO_2$ and any correlation between pollutant levels and number of passenger in a subway train. The airborne $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ were measured on the inside of trains on line #4 for 4 different days from October to November in 2008. Average $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ levels were $113{\pm}25{\mu}g/m^3$ and $1402{\pm}442$ ppm, respectively. These levels did not exceed the level 2 of recommended standards of $250{\mu}g/m^3$ for $PM_{10}$ and 3500 ppm for $CO_2$. $PM_{10}$ level was not correlated with the number of passengers, while $CO_2$ levels were positively correlated with the number of passengers. The findings suggested that $PM_{10}$ in subway trains may have sources other than those directly associated with the number of passengers.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.147-161
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• 1991

The purpose of this study was to investigate the following contents： 1. Relationship between clothing behavior(modesty, conformity, importance) and clothing regulations of school girls. 2. The differences between middle school girls and high school girls in clothing behavior and in attitude toward clothing regulations. 3. The differences between students herself norms and subiective norms(the students thoughts which would be parents opinions and teachers opinions) in attitude toward clothing regulations. Questionnaires were designed and administered to 300 middle school girls and 302 high school girls in Inchon. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficients, t-test, F-test, and Duncan test. The results of the study were summarized as follows： 1. As tho the differences in responses between school levels, the high school girls showed higher interest in conformity. But there is no differences in Modesty and Importance by school levels. 2. As tho the differences in responses between school levels, there were no differences in attitude toward clothing regulations. But according by types of clothing regulations, high school girls showed higher desire in shoes and sack. 3. In correlation coefficients between the variables on clothing behaviors and the attitudes toward clothing regulations of school girls, modesty is the most related toward clothing regulations of school girls and conformity, importance the next. The higher the school girls are in modesty, the more follow the clothing regulations. And the higher the school girls are in conformity and importance, the lower follow the clothing regulations. 4. The differences between students herself norms and subjective norms(the students thoughts which would be parents opinions and teachers opinions), students and parents showed lower scores than teachers. That is tho say, teachers put more restrictions on students clothing than parents do.