• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.195-202
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• 2018

Hyperglycemia is one of the major risk factors for stroke. Hyperglycemia can lead to a more extensive infarct volume, aggravate neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia. ${\alpha}$-Synuclein is especially abundant in neuronal tissue, where it underlies the etiopathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated whether hyperglycemic conditions regulate the expression of ${\alpha}$-synuclein in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemic injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection to induce hyperglycemic conditions. MCAO were performed four weeks after streptozotocin injection to induce focal cerebral ischemia, and cerebral cortex tissues were obtained 24 hours after MCAO. We confirmed that MCAO induced neurological functional deficits and cerebral infarction, and these changes were more extensive in diabetic animals compared to non-diabetic animals. Moreover, we identified a decrease in ${\alpha}$-synuclein after MCAO injury. Diabetic animals showed a more serious decrease in ${\alpha}$-synuclein than non-diabetic animals. Western blot and reverse-transcription PCR analyses confirmed more extensive decreases in ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression in MCAO-injured animals with diabetic condition than these of non-diabetic animals. It is accepted that ${\alpha}$-synuclein modulates neuronal cell death and exerts a neuroprotective effect. Thus, the results of this study suggest that hyperglycemic conditions cause more serious brain damage in ischemic brain injuries by decreasing ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2018

Purpose: Previous studies have addressed the role of the hypercoagulable state in the pathogenesis of cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the association between coagulation factors, including tissue factor (TF) expression, platelet count, and fibrinogen level, and disease recurrence in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent curative resection for stage II or III colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2007 were included in this study. Data from a prospectively maintained database were retrospectively reviewed. TF expression was determined by immunohistochemistry using an anti-TF monoclonal antibody. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 5-year disease-free survival. Results: TF was highly expressed in 257 of 297 patients (86.5%). TF expression was not significantly associated with the platelet counts (P=0.180) or fibrinogen level (P=0.281). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was lower in patients with high TF expression than in patients with low TF expression (72.3% vs. 83.9%, P=0.074). In Cox hazard analysis, high TF expression was an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 2.446; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.054-5.674; P=0.037). Undifferentiated histologic type (HR, 2.911; 95% CI, 1.308-6.481; P=0.009), venous invasion (HR, 2.784; 95% CI, 1.431-5.417; P=0.003), and lymph node metastasis (HR, 2.497; 95% CI, 1.499-4.158; P<0.001), were also significantly associated with disease recurrence. Conclusion: TF expression is associated with a recurrence in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. However, further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms relating TF expression with oncologic outcomes and its potential role as a therapeutic target.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tuberculosis (TB) in the general population in Timor-Leste. Methods: In the nationally representative cross-sectional 2016 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey, 4622 men (aged 15-59 years) and 12 607 women (aged 15-49 years) were randomly selected using stratified multistage sampling and interviewed. Results: Overall, 66.9% of men and 62.8% of women were aware of TB, 4.4% of men and 12.6% of women had TB courtesy stigma, and 83.3% of men and 88.6% of women reported intention to receive TB treatment. The $mean{\pm}standard$ deviation overall TB knowledge score was $3.9{\pm}2.0$ (out of 8) among men and $3.0{\pm}1.8$ among women. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, among both men and women, older age, higher education, rural residence, and sources of TB information (family/friends, school/workplace, health care provider, Internet, television, and newspaper) were associated with higher TB knowledge scores. In addition, among women, higher wealth status and having heard about TB from the radio were associated with higher TB knowledge scores. Negative associations with TB courtesy stigma were found for urban residence and having heard about TB from family or friends among men, and for older age, higher TB knowledge, and TB information sources (family/friends and school/workplace) among women. Among both men and women, higher TB knowledge scores and having heard of TB from a health care provider were associated with intention to receive TB treatment. Conclusions: This study identified socio-demographic risk factors for deficiences in population-based TB knowledge in Timor-Leste; these findings should be considered when designing TB communication, prevention, and control strategies.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.38-53
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, and, in recent years, its prevalence in Korea has continuously increased. The change of lifestyle, particularly diet, is critical for the reduction of abdominal obesity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention focused on dietary self-efficacy and behaviors on the improvement of abdominal obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Abdominally obese adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors were recruited through 16 medical facilities in South Korea from the year 2013 to 2014. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an intensive intervention group (IG) that received a multi-component intervention to reduce abdominal obesity, by mainly focusing on dietary attitude and dietary behavior change, and a minimal information intervention group (MG) that received a brief explanation of health status and a simple recommendation for a lifestyle change. The interventions were provided for 6 mon, and health examinations were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-mon follow-ups. A path analysis was conducted to identify the process governing the changes in abdominal obesity. RESULTS: The IG showed an improvement in self-efficacy for eating control and diet quality at 6-mon follow-up. Abdominal obesity improved in both groups. Waist circumference was observed to be decreased through the path of "improved self-efficacy for eating control in food availability-eating restriction-improved dietary quality" in IG. Most changes in follow-ups were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive program targeting the modification of dietary behavior influenced management of abdominal obesity, and the effect occurred through a step-by-step process of change in attitude and behavior. Generally, improvements were also seen in the MG, which supports the necessity of regular health check-ups and brief consultation. The results can be used for further development and implementation of more successful interventions.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2022

Background: The Environmental Health Action Program was a national project carried out from 2012~2021. It was aimed at developing public technologies to protect people's health from various environmental hazards. Objectives: One of the final goals of the project was "creating health benefits worth more than 179.2 billion won by reducing the environmental burden of disease." This study aims to evaluate whether the program sufficiently achieved the planned benefits. Methods: In order to secure consistency in evaluation, we applied the same equation used in the goal-setting process. It is comprised of six parameters to estimate the benefit: 1. The amount of medical expenses for environmental diseases; 2. The attributable proportion of environmental risk factors' 3. The rate of reduction in medical expenses for environmental diseases; 4. R&D project contribution; 5. The proportion of successful policy reflection; and 6. The contributions of the project. The corresponding variables were estimated at the end of the project, and the health benefits of the project were recalculated using the newly estimated variables. Results: It was estimated that a total of 195 billion won in health benefits occurred or will occur from 2015 to 2026. The main contributors for achieving the target were an increase in medical expenses for environmental diseases, a high score in the R&D project contribution, and the proportion of successful policy reflection. Conclusions: Technically, the equation used in the project is about medical expenses for environmental diseases rather than about the environmental burden of disease. There are several benefits of using the environmental burden of disease in the evaluation of public health policies. In further studies, developing a policy evaluation framework using indicators such as population attributable fraction would be needed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and dietary behavior of adolescents from North Korean refugee (NKR) families residing in South Korea (SK), who are known to be at a higher risk of malnutrition due to their lower socioeconomic status and facing other psychological challenges. Methods: A total of 178 adolescents (91 males and 87 females) from NKR families were included in the analysis, and their demographic details such as age, birthplace, parental nationality, and duration of their settlement in SK were collected through questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were also taken to determine their growth and nutritional status according to the 2017 Korean National Growth Charts for children and adolescents. The study used the Nutrition Quotient for Korean Adolescents (NQ-A) questionnaire to assess the dietary behavior of the participants. Results: Approximately 11.8% and 10.1% of participants were identified with malnutrition and obesity, respectively. The total mean score for the NQ-A was 50.1. The mean scores for the individual factors of balance, diversity, moderation, environment, and practice were 49.2, 44.7, 43.8, 51.2, and 61.5, respectively. Approximately 47.2% of participants had a low NQ-A grade. However, there was no significant difference in the NQ-A scores according to their nutritional status or duration of time in SK. Conclusions: Adolescents from NKR families exhibited both malnutrition and obesity. However, their dietary behavior, as assessed using the NQ-A, did not vary with their nutritional status. The unique challenges and related dietary behavior of North Korean adolescent refugees should be taken into consideration, when developing targeted strategies for nutritional education and health management programs.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

This is a case study of private sector's development of long-term unexecuted urban parks in Pohang through a special act, which provides a guideline of 30% of land for non-park while 70% of land for park. The strategy has a lot of validity in many respects along with the urban planning sunset system, but even with the special act it would not easy to be implemented in Pohang, where the guideline has been modified to 20% for non-park, mostly multi-family housing projects while 80% for park. Thus, participation of private companies would be discouraged due to low commercial validity. Also, there would exist various risks because the project would be completed through a long-term decision-making and execution process. Thus, this study argues that it would be better for Pohang to follow the original guideline of the government for better implementation of the projects, along with preparation of a law with which the government be able to recoup excess profits when too much profits would be given to private developers. For the project implemented smoothly, it is also important to understand local housing market and fluctuating economic conditions, and to prepare various incentives for private companies. In addition, to secure publicity, guidelines on the level of publicity of the project should be prepared through negotiation by parties to prevent the project being discouraged too much.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.61-65
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• 2021

Although re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is rare (incidence rate <1%), it is associated with a mortality rate of >20%; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important. We report a case of RPE following chest tube insertion in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. We have specifically focused on the mechanism underlying RPE and the possible etiology. An 82-year-old man with a history of chronic anemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was referred to the emergency department for management of recurrent right-sided pneumothorax. We performed emergency closed thoracostomy for suspected tension pneumothorax, which led to stabilization of the patient's vital signs; however, he coughed up frothy pink sputum accompanied by severe right-sided chest pain 30 min postoperatively. The patient showed new-onset right pulmonary consolidation on chest radiography, as well as desaturation, tachycardia, and tachypnea and was diagnosed with RPE. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation and supportive treatment using diuretics, ionotropic agents, and prophylactic antibiotics. RPE gradually resolved, and the patient was extubated 3 days after admission. He has not experienced recurrent pneumothorax or pulmonary disease for 4 months. We emphasize the importance of RPE prevention and that aggressive ventilator care and supportive treatment can effectively treat RPE following an accurate understanding of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.403-409
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• 2008

Recently, the desire for low body weight, which is an abnormal weight construct along with obesity, has become an evident and serious problem in teenagers. In Korea, the desire for low weight is not perceived as an important problem, but it is rapidly expanding relative to the physical changes and developmental issues teenagers experience. The social atmosphere presented through mass media is the key influencer for the increasing low weight occurrence in teenagers. Because thoughts about beauty have changed among people, and since there is apparent blind interest in slim body shape and appearance, already low-weight individuals are attempting to lose weight along with obese persons. Thus, we consider it necessary to guide teenagers toward having correct perceptions with regard to weight and their own body shape, and that a healthy and appropriate weight is beautiful. Therefore, for this study, we investigated body perception, abnormal weight, attitude toward weight control, and factors related to eating behavior among teenage girls, who are considered the at risk group for overt body weight control behavior. Based on this, we have attempted to set in motion a systematic and active nutrition education program that will allow us to increase body satisfaction by educating on nutritional issues related to development, and ultimately, implant healthy body shape perceptions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2022.01a
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• pp.155-157
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• 2022

담낭용종은 담낭암의 원인일 수 있다. 담낭용종의 잘 알려진 위험요소는 대사증후군, 젊은 나이, 이상지질혈증 등이다. 제주도는 한반도에서 약 80km 떨어져 있으며 한라산을 중심으로 두 개의 행정구역(제주시와 서귀포시)으로 나뉘어 있다. 국제공항과 국제항구는 유일하게 제주시에만 위치해 있다. 또한 제주시에는 서귀포시보다 기업체와 학교의 수가 더 많다. 식이 및 알코올 소비는 두 지역 간에 다르며 이러한 요인이 담낭용종 유병률에 영향을 미칠 것이다. 따라서 이 연구의 목적은 두 지역 거주민들의 담낭용종 유병률을 조사하고 담낭용종과 관련된 다양한 요인들을 비교해보고자 하였다. 본 연구는 2009년 1월부터 2019년 12월까지 제주대학교병원 단일 건강검진센터를 방문한 21,734명을 대상으로 하였다. 담낭용종 유병률과 관련된 요인을 제주시 거주민과 서귀포시 거주민 두 집단으로 나누어 조사하였다. 담낭용종 유병률은 제주시가 10.1%, 서귀포시가 9.2% (P = 0.039)였다. 평균 연령과 고위험 음주자의 비율은 서귀포시에서 더 높았다. 평균 체질량지수와 공복혈당, 총콜레스테롤, 저밀도지질단백질-콜레스테롤, 아스파르테이트아미노전이효소, 감마-글루타밀전이효소, 알칼리인산분해효소 수치는 제주시에서 낮게 나타났다. 이 연구에서 담낭용종 유병률은 제주도의 두 지역 간에 유의한 차이가 있었다. 연령과 알코올 소비는 이러한 차이에 기여하는 주요 요인이 될 수 있다.