• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of chronic exposure by welders to manganese (Mn) through an analysis of the degree of brain activity in different activities such as cognition and motor activities using the neuroimaging technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The neurotoxic effect that Mn has on the brain was examined as well as changes in the neuro-network in motor areas, and the usefulness of fMRI was evaluated as a tool to determine changes in brain function from occupational exposure to Mn. Methods: A survey was carried out from July 2010 to October 2010 targeting by means of a questionnaire 160 workers from the shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries. Among them, 14 welders with more than ten years of job-related exposure to Mn were recruited on a voluntary basis as an exposure group, and 13 workers from other manufacturing industries with corresponding gender and age were recruited as a control group. A questionnaire survey, a blood test, and an fMRI test were carried out with the study group as target. Results: Of 27 fMRI targets, blood Mn concentration of the exposure group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001), and Pallidal Index (PI) of the welder group was also significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). As a result of the survey, the score of the exposure group in self-awareness of abnormal nerve symptoms and abnormal musculoskeletal symptoms was higher than those of the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05, respectively). In the correlation between PI and the results of blood tests, the correlation coefficient with blood Mn concentration was 0.893, revealing a significant amount of correlation (p<0.001). As for brain activity area within the control group, the right and the left areas of the superior frontal cortex showed significant activity, and the right area of superior parietal cortex, the left area of occipital cortex and cerebellum showed significant activity. Unlike the control group, the exposure group showed significant activity selectively on the right area of premotor cortex, at the center of supplementary motor area, and on the left side of superior temporal cortex. In the comparison of brain activity areas between the two groups, the exposure group showed a significantly higher activation state than did the control group in such areas as the right and the left superior parietal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and cerebellum including superior frontal cortex and the right area of premotor cortex. However, in nowhere did the control group show a more activated area than did the exposure group. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to Mn increased brain activity during implementation of hand motor tasks. In an identical task, activation increased in the premotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, and supplementary motor area. It was also discovered that brain activity increase in the frontal area and occipital area was more pronounced in the exposure group than in the control group. This result suggests that chronic exposure to Mn in the work environment affects brain activation neuro-networks.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was investigated the relationship between the male and female of near stereoacuity and phoria, and was examined the correlations between near stereoacuity and phoria and refractive error. Methods: Adult 83 (male 36, female 47, mean age $21.09{\pm}1.74$(19~29) years old) target was examined after full correction of refractive error. Near stereoacuity was measured by using Titmus-fly Stereotest(Stereo Optical Co., Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and RANDOT Stereotest (Stereo Optical Co., Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), phoria was measured by using modified torrington method, at distance 40 cm. Results: In near stereoacuity, male was better good than female, and there was no difference between male and female (p>0.05). In near phoria, female was more higher than male, and there was a significant difference between male and female (p<0.05). Near stereoacuity by Titmus-fly test and Randot test result respectively was $262.17{\pm}562.43$ sec (second of arc) $243.08{\pm}68.04$ sec in esophoria, $148.42{\pm}269.54$ sec, $107.40{\pm}263.74$ sec in orthophoria, $113.94{\pm}152.46$ sec, $79.70{\pm}136.83$ sec in exophoria, there was a no difference between three phoria groups (p>0.05), and was a high correlation between phoria and near stereoacity(r=0.68). In addition, near stereoacuity in the refractive error respectively was $80.00{\pm}571.43$ sec, $68.75{\pm}36.82$ sec in myopia, $133.57{\pm}224.15$ sec, $93.14{\pm}214.95$ sec in hyperopia, $511.20{\pm}855.00$ sec, $511.4{\pm}855.60$ sec, there was a significant difference between three phoria groups (p<0.05). when was classfiied near stersoacuity into degree of refractive error, near stersoacuity was best in emmetropia, and was reduced when refractive error was highest in high degree myopia, and hyperopia. Conclusions: Titmus-fly Stereotest and RANDOT Stereotest result, near stereoacuity of adults, when esophoria and high degree refractive error, was reduced, there was a relationship between near stereoacuity with phoria, and refractive error. In this both stereotests if was bad when near stereoacuity can expect a phoria and refractive error.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.235-242
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was to investigate whether the application of different diagnostic criteria affected the frequency of convergence insufficiency (CI). Methods: Eighty one subjects with mean age of 22.54 years (20 to 27 years) were evaluated. Binocularity tests after refraction were performed as the following tests: near point of convergence (NPC) with an accommodative target, phoria using von Graefe method, positive fusional vergence (PFV) with a phoropter. Subjects with CI were diagnosed when exophoria (exo) was greater at near than at distance ($exo{\geq}4{\Delta}$, or >$6{\Delta}$), fusional vergence was $PFV{\leq}11{\Delta}$ for blur, $PFV{\leq}15{\Delta}$ for break, Sheard's or Percival's criterion, and NPC was $NPC{\geq}6cm$, ${\geq}7.5cm$ or >10 cm. Results: Frequency of CI with one diagnostic criterion was ranged from 6.2% to 77.8%, and was overestimated or underestimated according to criteria. It was reduced to the range of 6.2% to 43.2% with diagnostic criteria more than two, especially to the range of 24.7% to 28.4% with lower variability in diagnostic criteria including phoria and Sheard's criterion. There were high relationship between total score of signs and phoria score (r = 0.772, p<0.001), and measured phoria and Sheard's criterion (r = -0.654, p<0.001), but NPC had a high variability and a weak or no significant relationship with other diagnostic criteria. Results suggested $exo{\geq}4{\Delta}$, Sheard's criterion and $NPC{\geq}7.5cm$ for diagnostic criteria of signs and sequence for CI. Conclusions: Frequency of CI is likely to be over- and underestimated with diagnostic criteria. Cutoff values and procedures for phoria, Sheard's criterion and NPC as clinical signs should be suggested definitely in diagnosis associated with CI.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2000

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and abdominal ultrasonogra- phic(US) features of spontaneously reduced transient small bowel intussusception in chlidren. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and US findings of 98 children with intussusception who were admitted to the Pediatric Department of Ulsan Dong-Kang General Hospital from Mar. 1999 to Feb. 2000. Results: 1) Among 98 cases, there were 12 cases (12.3%) of transient small bowel intussusception(TSBI) and 86 cases (87.7%) of classic intussusception (CI). 2) The peak incidence of age in TSBI was over 3 years, which was older than that in CI. With regard to sex distribution, male predominated in both type. 3) Clinical symptoms and signs including cyclic irritability, vomiting, bloody stool, and abdominal mass in TSBI group were less common than those in CI group (41.7%, 33.4%, 0.0%, 0.0% vs 91.9%, 59.3%, 41.9%, 26.7%, respectively) but persistent abdominal pain was more common in TSBI group than in CI group (58.5% vs 11.2%). 4) The size of total target sign and surrounding peripheral hypoechoic rim of TSBI group on US were smaller than those of CI group ($11.95{\pm}2.61$ mm, $2.08{\pm}1.15$ mm vs $26.91{\pm}5.98$ mm, $7.86{\pm}2.77$ mm, respectively). 5) Concomittant illness was found more frequently in TSBI group than in CI group (66.7% vs 26.7%). 6) All case of TSBI group were reduced spontaneouly, which were confirmed by US, but none of CI group. Conclusion: Transient small bowel intussusception is probably more common than generally thought and its clinical and US findings is quite different from classical obstructing intussus-ception. Because all of our cases resulted in spontaneous reduction, we recommend careful observation and repeat examination rather than an immediate operation in transient small bowel intussusception.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.21-47
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• 2013

The aim is to analysis landslide vulnerability in Inje, Korea, using GCI(Geospatial Correlative Integration) and probability rainfalls based on geographic information system (GIS). In order to achieve this goal, identified indicators influencing landslides based on literature review. We include indicators of exposure to climate(rainfall probability), sensitivity(slope, aspect, curvature, geology, topography, soil drainage, soil material, soil thickness and soil texture) and adaptive capacity(timber diameter, timber type, timber density and timber age). All data were collected, processed, and compiled in a spatial database using GIS. Karisan-ri that had experienced 470 landslides by Typhoon Ewinia in 2006 was selected for analysis and verification. The 50% of landslide data were randomly selected to use as training data, while the other 50% being used for verification. The probability of landslides for target years (1 year, 3 years, 10 years, 50 years, and 100 years) was calculated assuming that landslides are triggered by 3-day cumulative rainfalls of 449 mm. Results show that number of slope has comparatively strong influence on landslide damage. And inclination of $25{\sim}30^{\circ}C$, the highest correlation landslide. Improved previous landslide vulnerability methodology by adopting GCI. Also, vulnerability map provides meaningful information for decision makers regarding priority areas for implementing landslide mitigation policies.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2016

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to document the dietary behaviors, dietary changes, and health status of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea. Methods: The survey included 92 female immigrants attending Korean language class at a multi-cultural family support center. General characteristics, health status, anthropometric data, dietary behaviors, and dietary changes were collected. Results: Mean age of subjects was 31.3 years, and home countries of subjects were Vietnam (50.0%), China (26.0%), Philippines (12.0%), and others (12.0%). Frequently reported chronic diseases were digestive diseases (13.2%), anemia (12.1%), and neuropsychiatry disorder (8.9%). Seventeen percent of the subjects was obese ($BMI{\geq}25kg/m^2$). Dietary score by Mini Dietary Assessment was 3.45 out of 5 points. Dietary scores for dairy foods, meat/fish/egg/bean intake, meal regularity, and food variety were low, and those for fried foods and high fat meat intake were also low. Thirty-three percent of subjects answered that they have changed their diet and increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables after immigration. Length of residence in Korea was positively associated with BMI and waist circumference. Length of residence tends to be positively associated with dietary changes and obesity as well as inversely associated with disease prevalence. Conclusion: The study shows that length of residence is inversely related to disease prevalence. However, this association is thought to be due to the relatively short period of residence in Korea and thus the transitional phase to adapting to dietary practices. As the length of residence increases, disease patterns related to obesity are subject to change. Healthy dietary behaviors and adaptation to dietary practices in Korea in female marriage immigrants will not only benefit individuals but also their families and social structure. Therefore, varied, long-term, and target-specific studies on female marriage immigrants are highly needed.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2020

This study was conducted to determine whether invasive muskrats settle in the natural ecosystem of Korea. The study also aimed to provide information on the selection of target areas, basic behavioral characteristics, and habitat use-related data, all of which are essential for effective management strategy establishment and site management. To this end, a trend in international muskrat management was identified to examine the management direction according to the settlement stage. We also secured the location of 72 domestic farmers and classified five regions in Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Sejong Special Self-governing City into regions with high potential for natural leakage to raise the need for a quick survey. We determined that muskrats successfully settled in the natural ecosystem of Korea, based on the fact that we consistently identified a muskrat habitat at the same point for three years, from 2016 to 2018, the age of the captured population was estimated to be 1.2 years, and there had been no additional make-up factors near the habitat since 2012. The muskrats that settled in Korea showed a small home range of 0.0027 ㎢ (MCP 95%) and were estimated to show regular mobility before Spring and Autumn. Also, the areas where the muskrat habitat was observed had a high level of habitat environment disturbance and their ecological and food intake characteristics reflected that disturbance. Muskrat traces were high in hydrophyte vegetation, which can be used as a hideout in open waters and where the growth of both floating leaved plants and floating plants are prevalent. Since international invasive muskrats have already settled in the domestic ecosystem and there is concern about their proliferation in the future, the government must consider a preemptive response and scientific management.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.5159-5168
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• 2014

The study examined the relationship among metal health, metabolic syndrome and nutrient acceptance according to gender. Implemented until 2010-2012, the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as an original document, was used for the study. The target was problem drinkers with more than 12 points under AUDIT. Regarding mental health, it was classified into stress, depression and suicidal impulse. Metabolic syndrome was defined when three causes of BMI, waist circumference, FBS, HDL and BP were out of the normal range. The nutrient intake was obtained to confirm the energy intake of nine non-nutrients (Nutrient adequacy ratio: NAR) and the proper intake of the average non-nutrient (Mean adequacy ratio: MAR). These variables were analyzed by frequency, cross analysis and multiple regression analysis through SPSS18.0. In the general features, there was a significant difference according to age, occupation and marital status. In mental health, stress, depression and suicidal impulse were examined. Metabolic syndrome was dependant on FBS, HDL and BP. The nutrient acceptance depended on calcium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and MAR. Logistic regression analysis performed on the variables showed significant differences. Stress, depression, and thoughts of suicide was significantly higher in men aged 19-29 years, and women aged 30-49 years. In the case of the male, those who employed have metabolic syndrome more than those who unemployed. In terms of female, those who were belonged into the middle - low economic level have undergone with metabolic syndrome. In the part of a Mean adequacy ratio(MAR), the male who unmarried, employed, were in the middle low economic levelwere higher. In the case of the female, it was higher for those who were in the middle - low economic level. Overall, an effective way of planning the solution regarding mental health, metabolic syndrome and nutrient intake can be found by considering these features.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.194-199
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• 2008

Background: Early identification of pathogens can improve the prognosis of patients with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of performing multiplex PCR for endotracheal aspirates to detect three important pathogens (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and MRSA) in patients with VAP. Methods: The endotracheal aspirates of 24 patients were collected within 24 hours of the diagnosis of VAP for performing multiplex PCR. Forward and reverse primers were designed to target the specific site of each pathogen (the oprL gene for P. aeruginosa, 16S rRNA for K. pneumoniae and the mec gene for MRSA). We analyzed the clinical data of the VAP patients, including the culture reports for the endotracheal aspirates. Results: Twenty-four patients (M:F=18:6, mean age=$70{\pm}11$) with VAP were enrolled. Pathogens were isolated from 11 patients (P. aeruginosa in 2, K. pneumoniae in 1, MRSA in 2, other enteric Gram negative bacilli in 3, S. pneumoniae in 2 and mixed infection in 1). Multiplex PCR detected three cases of P.aeruginosa (2 cases coincided with the culture reports) and four cases of K. pneumoniae (1 matched with the culture report). PCR detected two MRSA cases, which did not coincide with the culture reports. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR of the endotracheal aspirate showed some ability to detect Gram negative bacilli, although caution is required when interpreting the results.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.173-183
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• 2008

This research was aimed at looking into the vegetation structure of Abies holophylla forest distributed between Iljumun of Woljeong Temple and Keumgang bridge in Odaesan National Park. It was found that existed a total of 977 tree of Abies holophylla which are more than 20cm in DBH within the target site, and in 2006 when the survey was made, the number of fallen trees and poor growth trees was about 96, accounting for 9.8% of all. The age of Abies holophylla ranged from 41 years to 135 years($11\sim82cm$ in DBH). The number of Abies holophylla over 100cm in DBH was 8 and the largest Abies holophylla was 175cm in DBH and 31m in height. Its density was 5.9 individuals per $400m^2$. As a result of the analysis of the plant community structure using the TWINSP AN classification, Abies holophylla was divided into four community types. Firstly, Pinus densiflora-Abies holophylla community was predicted to vary into Abies holophylla community. In case of other three other communities, Abies holophylla communities were predicted to compete with deciduous broadleaf trees, such as Tilia amurensis and Acer pictum subsp. mono. Abies holophylla forest adjacent to Woljeong Temple of Odaesan National Park has a high value as sustainable resources for culture, landscape and tourism. Thus, it is necessary to clarify the reason for the incidence of poor growth trees and fallen trees among all trees of Abies holophylla and take counter-measures against it for the preservation and management of Abies holophylla forest. In addition, a more aggressive managrment like getting rid of the deciduous broadleaf trees, such as Tilia amurensis and Acer pictum subsp. mono, which appear mostly on understory layer or shrub layer within Abies holophylla, and continuous management is also needed for the young trees of Abies holophylla which are feared to be pressurized outside from their neighboring trees because their initial growth after germination is very slow.