• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.48-56
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• 2024

Objective: This study investigated the relationship of anthropometric and metabolic risk factors with seminal and sex steroidal hormone parameters in a screened population of healthy males. Methods: The participants were healthy young men without chronic or congenital diseases. The body composition parameters that we investigated were measured weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), as well as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Semen samples were analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology, seminal pH, and liquefaction time. Biochemistry analysis, including glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, was conducted on fasting blood samples. Testicular volume was calculated separately for each testis using ultrasonography. Results: Body mass index exhibited an inverse association with total sperm count. WC showed negative correlations with numerous seminal parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm morphology, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The basal metabolic rate was associated with seminal pH, liquefaction time, and sperm motility. WC, fat mass percentage, and triglyceride levels exhibited negative correlations with sex hormone binding globulin. The measures of glucose metabolism were associated with a greater number of seminal parameters than the measures of cholesterol metabolism. C-reactive protein levels were inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count. Conclusion: Anthropometric and metabolic risk factors were found to predict semen quality and alterations in sex steroidal hormone levels.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.155-161
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• 2012

Excessive oxidative stress and abnormal blood lipids may cause chronic diseases. This risk can be reduced by consuming an antioxidant- and fiber-rich vegetarian diet. We compared biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and lipid profiles of sex- and age-matched long-term vegetarians and omnivores in Korea. Forty-five vegetarians (23 men and 22 women; mean age, $49.5{\pm}5.3$ years), who had maintained a vegetarian diet for a minimum of 15 years, and 30 omnivores (15 men and 15 women; mean age, $48.9{\pm}3.6$ years) participated in this study. Their 1-day, 24-h recall, and 2-day dietary records were analyzed. Oxidative stress was measured by the levels of diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM). Antioxidant status was determined by the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. We observed that vegetarians had a significantly lower body fat percentage ($21.6{\pm}6.4%$) than that of omnivores ($25.4{\pm}4.6%$; $P$ < 0.004). d-ROM levels were significantly lower in vegetarians than those in omnivores ($331.82{\pm}77.96$ and $375.80{\pm}67.26$ Carratelli units; $P$ < 0.011). Additionally, total cholesterol levels in the vegetarians and omnivores were $173.73{\pm}31.42$ mg/dL and $193.17{\pm}37.89$ mg/dL, respectively ($P$ < 0.018). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was $101.36{\pm}23.57$ mg/dL and $120.60{\pm}34.62$ mg/dL ($P$ < 0.005) in the vegetarians and omnivores, respectively, indicating that vegetarians had significantly lower lipid levels. Thus, oxidative stress, body fat, and cholesterol levels were lower in long-term vegetarians than those in omnivores.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference
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• 2000.06a
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• pp.1493-1510
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• 2000

Theoretical models that can be used to predict the range of main lobe widths and the probability distribution of the peak sidelobe levels of two-dimensionally sparse arrays are presented here. The arrays are considered to comprise microphones that are randomly positioned on a segmented grid of a given size. First, approximate expressions for the expected squared magnitude of the aperture smoothing function and the variance of the squared magnitude of the aperture smoothing function about this mean are formulated for the random arrays considered in the present study. By using the variance function, the mean value and the lower end of the range i.e., the first I percent of the mainlobe distribution can be predicted with reasonable accuracy. To predict the probability distribution of the peak sidelobe levels, distributions of levels are modeled by a Weibull distribution at each peak in the sidelobe region of the expected squared magnitude of the aperture smoothing function. The two parameters of the Weibull distribution are estimated from the means and variances of the levels at the corresponding locations. Next, the probability distribution of the peak sidelobe levels are assumed to be determined by a procedure in which the peak sidelobe level is determined as the maximum among a finite number of independent random sidelobe levels. It is found that the model obtained from the above approach predicts the probability density function of the peak sidelobe level distribution reasonably well for the various combinations of two different numbers of microphones and grid sizes tested in the present study. The application of these models to the design of random, sparse arrays having specified performance levels is also discussed.

• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.538-544
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• 2018

Background: Serum copeptin has been demonstrated to be useful in early risk stratification and prognostication of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the prognostic value of copeptin after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for clinical outcomes remains uncertain. We investigated the prognostic role of serum copeptin levels immediately after successful PCI as a prognostic marker for major adverse cardiac events (MACE; comprising death, repeat PCI, recurrent MI, or coronary artery bypass grafting) in patients with AMI. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 149 patients with AMI who successfully received PCI. Serum copeptin levels were analyzed in blood samples collected immediately after PCI. The association between copeptin levels and MACE during the follow-up period was evaluated. Results: MACE occurred in 34 (22.8%) patients during a median follow-up of 30.1 months. MACE patients had higher copeptin levels than non-MACE patients did. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in serum copeptin levels was associated with increased MACE incidence (odds ratio=1.6, P =0.005). Conclusions: A high level of serum copeptin measured immediately after PCI was associated with MACE in patients with AMI during long-term follow-up. Serum copeptin levels can serve as a prognostic marker in patients with AMI after successful PCI.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.158-166
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of berberine on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched seven electronic databases for studies through October 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RTCs) of berberine were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. The RevMan 5.4.1 program was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 279 relevant studies were identified, and 6 eligible RCTs were included to study the efficacy berberine on NAFLD. The six selected trials are studies on the effect between berberine and conventional treatment combined treatment versus conventional treatment. Liver function tests, blood lipid levels, and blood glucose levels were assessed. Combination treatment with berberine, ursodeoxycholate acid, metformin, and monascus purpureus showed statistically significant improvements in liver function levels, blood lipid levels, and blood glucose levels compared to conventional treatment alone. However, there was no significant efficacy of berberine combination dietary, exercise than control group on NAFLD. The meta-analysis results of examining 4 RCTs comparing the therapeutic efficacy of berberine showed statistically significant improvement in the liver function test, blood lipids levels, blood glucose levels. Conclusions: This study suggests that berberine has positive efficacy on blood lipids, blood glucose liver function, fatty liver condition of NAFLD. However, the level of evidence is low because of small effect size,so further investigation is needed.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.85-95
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• 2024

Purpose: Developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1) plays a role in regulating neutrophil migration within the periodontium. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of DEL-1 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), as well as the number of neutrophils in patients with periodontitis. Methods: Forty systemically healthy, non-smoking periodontitis patients participated in this study. Clinical periodontal parameters, including the plaque index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, modified sulcular bleeding index, and marginal bone level, were measured. Levels of DEL-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in unstimulated saliva samples, as well as DEL-1 in the GCF of 3 teeth from each participant, were assessed. Neutrophil counts in oral rinse and GCF samples were recorded. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to examine the correlation between protein levels, clinical parameters, and neutrophil quantities. Participants were divided into 2 age groups (those under 50 years and those 50 years or older) in order to investigate potential age-related differences. Results: DEL-1 levels in the GCF showed a negative relationship with PPD (sum). Neutrophils in oral rinse samples were positively correlated with PPD, IL-8, and IL-1β levels. Neutrophils in GCF exhibited a positive correlation with PPD (sum). Salivary DEL-1 levels showed correlations with IL-8 and IL-1β, but not with the clinical parameters of periodontitis. Conclusions: The negative relationship observed between PPD and GCF DEL-1 levels is consistent with the proposed protective role of DEL-1.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.165-175
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• 2016

Ambroxol is used in COPD and asthma to increase mucociliary clearance and regulate surfactant levels, perhaps through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. To determine the role and effect of ambroxol in an experimental model of asthma, BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) followed by 3 days of challenge. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung cell composition and histology, and cytokine and protein carbonyl levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were determined. Ambroxol was administered either before the first OVA challenge or was begun after the last allergen challenge. Cytokine production levels from lung mononuclear cells (Lung MNCs) or alveolar macrophages (AM) were also determined. Administration of ambroxol prior to challenge suppressed AHR, airway eosinophilia, goblet cell metaplasia, and reduced inflammation in subepithelial regions. When given after challenge, AHR was suppressed but without effects on eosinophil numbers. Levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in BAL fluid were decreased when the drug was given prior to challenge; when given after challenge, increased levels of IL-10 and IL-12 were detected. Decreased levels of protein carbonyls were detected in BAL fluid following ambroxol treatment after challenge. In vitro, ambroxol increased levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-12 from Lung MNCs and AM, whereas IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production was not altered. Taken together, ambroxol was effective in preventing AHR and airway inflammation through upregulation of Th1 cytokines and protection from oxidative stress in the airways.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.118-129
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of Korean foods and school foodservice satisfaction levels among middle school students as provided by a Korean menu-focused school foodservice. The study subjects included middle school freshmen attending a school providing Korean menus and their parents. A survey questionnaire was administered to obtain information on general characteristics, perceptions of traditional Korean foods, and degrees of satisfaction toward school foodservice. The student subjects had significantly lower interest and preference for traditional Korean foods and less positive perceptions of traditional Korean foods than the parent subjects. In regard to degrees of satisfaction for school foodservice, the students evaluated the current Korean menu-focused foodservice significantly higher than the previous foodservice provided to them during their elementary school days. The parent subjects' also generally reported very high satisfaction levels of the foodservice. The current study findings suggest there are positive effects of Korean-style school foodservice and support its further expansion to other schools. It is recommended that dietary education on the excellence of traditional Korean foods should accompany the provision of Korean-style foodservices in order to better guide adolescents' recognition of the matter.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.35-45
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate Effects of Sujeom powder(SJP) pharmacopuncture Injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) in rats with caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis(AP). Methods : We examined changes of organ weight, histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression of cycolooxygenase 2(COX-2) in the pancreas. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups as follow: normal(Nor), caerulein-induced(Con), caerulein+SJP pharmacopuncture 0.2mL injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$)(SA), and caerulein+SJP pharmacopuncture 0.8 mL injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$)(SB) groups. Pancreatic tissues of rats from all groups were removed for histological observation and light microscopic examination. Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Results : The ratio of pancreas/body weights was significantly(p<0.05) increased in the Con, the SA and the SB compared with the Nor, but was slightly decreased in the SA and in the SB groups compared with the Con. Caerulein administration has significantly(p<0.05) increased in the levels of amylase, but the SA, the SB significantly(p<0.05) decreased in the levels of these enzyme. The levels of amylase were increased significantly with caerulein administration, but were inhibited significantly in the SA and in the SB groups. Interleukin-6(IL-6) levels were significantly(p<005) increased in all groups compared with the Nor, especially in the SB. were significantly increased. The levels of Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels were significantly increased in all groups compared with the Nor. In the conclusion, the datum of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ are suggested that the inflamation was still existed actively at a point of measurement(24 hours later). The COX-2 positive materials are observed in the pancreas from the Con, but these positive materials are decreased in the SJP pharmacopuncture at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) treatment group. Conclusion : SJP pharmacopuncture injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) is potentially capable of limiting pancreatic damage during AP by restoring the fine structure of acinar cells and tissues. Therefore we can say that SJP pharmacopuncture Injected at Jung-wan($CV_{12}$) may have beneficial effects in the treatment of caerulein-induded AP. Further studies about the adequate amount of the SJP pharmacopuncture and about more effective route of administration is still required.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7303-7307
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• 2015

Background: Leukemia is a common cancer among children and adolescents. Wilms' tumor gene (WT1) is highly expressed in patients with acute leukemia. It is found as a tumor associated antigen (TAA) in various types of hematopoietic malignancies and can be employed as a useful marker for targeted immunotherapy and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). In this regard, WT1 is a transcription factor that promotes gene activation or repression depending on cellular and promoter context. The purpose of this study was assessment of WT1 gene expression in patients with acute leukemia, measurement of IL-12 and C3 levels in serum and evaluation of the relationship between them. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the expression of WT1 mRNA using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and serum levels of IL-12 and C3 using ELISA and nephelometry in peripheral blood of 12 newly diagnosed patients with acute leukemia and 12 controls. Results: The results of our study showed that the average wT1 gene expression in patients was 7.7 times higher than in healthy controls (P <0.05). In addition, IL-12 (P = 0.003) and C3 (P <0.0001) were significantly decreased in the test group compared to controls. Conclusions: WT1 expression levels are significantly higher in patients compared with control subjects whereas serum levels of interleukin-12 and C3 are significantly lower in patients. Wt1 expression levels in patients are inversely related with serum levels of IL-12 and C3.