• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.1345-1349
• /
• 2014

Although many epidemiologic studies investigated the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and their associations with esophageal cancer, definite conclusions could not be drawn. To clarify the effects of MTHFR polymorphisms on the risk of esophageal cancer, a meta-analysis was here performed in Chinese populations. A total of 16 studies including 3,040 cases and 4,127 controls were involved in this metaanalysis. Overall, significant associations were found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk when all studies in Chinese populations were pooled into the meta-analysis (T vs. C, OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06-1.34; TT vs. CC, OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07-1.70; TT+ CT vs. CC, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.54; TT vs. CC + CT, OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity and source of controls, the same results were found in Kazakh (TT vs. CC, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.02-1.87; TT + CT vs. CC, OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.03-2.18), in not stated populations (T vs. C, OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.08-1.42; TT vs. CC, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.10-1.96; TT + CT vs. CC, OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05-1.60; TT vs. CC + CT, OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.12-1.56), and in hospital-based studies (T vs. C, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.19-1.51; TT vs. CC, OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.37-2.39; TT + CT vs. CC, OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.26-1.83; and TT vs. CC + CT, OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.13-1.70). In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism contributes to esophageal cancer development in Chinese populations.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2012

Two Spirostomum species collected from freshwater in Korea were identified as S. caudatum (Muller, 1786) and S. teres (Claparede and Lachmann, 1858). They are recorded for the first time in Korea. The description was based on the observation of living specimens and protargol impregnated specimens. Diagnostics of these species are as follows. Spirostomum caudatum: body size $400-450{\times}20-30\;{\mu}m$ in vivo, shaped long and slender with a tapered posterior part, highly contractile; macronucleus ellipsoid; adoral zone of membranelles occupied 30% of body length; somatic kineties 14-22 in number. Spirostomum teres: body size $240-460{\times}25-40\;{\mu}m$ in vivo, shaped long and slender with a flattened posterior end, highly contractile; cortical granules arranged in 2-3 rows; adoral zone of membranelles occupied 50% of body length; somatic kineties 20-30 in number; macronucleus ellipsoid; micronuclei 2-3 in number. Spirostomum caudatum and S. teres are the most similar congeners, but they are different in the posterior part of body (tail-like posterior part vs. flattened posterior end), length of adoral zone of membranelles in body length (1/3 vs. 1/2), and the number of somatic kineties (14-22 vs. 20-30). These populations match with European populations in morphological characters.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.106-110
• /
• 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH) is known to be related to nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension according to the apnea-hypopnea grading. A total of 2,210 adults with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea were referred to our sleep center from July 2009 to May 2013. Clinical blood pressure (BP) was measured before sleeping (bedtime BP) and immediately after waking up in the next morning (morning BP). Subjects were classified into four groups based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from PSG as follows: control group (n=470) simple snoring and with AHI<5; mild group (n=577) with $AHI{\geq}5$ and <15; moderate group (n=508) $AHI{\geq}15$ and <30; and severe group (n=655) with $AHI{\geq}30$. The differences and correlations between BP and PSG parameters according to the AHI groups were analyzed. Patient's were classified as nomentensive (blood pressure <120/90 mmHg, n=700), prehypertensive (blood pressure < $140-120{\leq}mmHg$, n=1297) hypertensive (blood pressure ${\geq}140/90mmHg$, n=214) according to the office blood pressure measurements. The comparison of sleep parameters showed that OSA groups had a significantly higher stage N1 (control group vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $66.4{\pm}30.7$ vs. $85.5{\pm}36.6$, $128.4{\pm}57.3$, p<0.001) and total arousal number (control vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $110.7{\pm}47.7$ vs. $150.8{\pm}56.6$, $236.6{\pm}95.8$, p<0.001) compared to control group. The comparison of sleep parameters showed that OSA groups had a significantly lower stage N2 (control group vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $172.6{\pm}47.2$ vs. $150.7{\pm}50.5$, $120.3{\pm}57.4$, p<0.001), stage N3 (control group vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $38.4{\pm}33.4$ vs. $27.4{\pm}26.0$, $56.1{\pm}27.5$, p<0.001), REM (control group vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $64.3{\pm}25.5$ vs. $56.1{\pm}27.5$, $47.3{\pm}25.9$, p<0.001) and mean SaO2% (control group vs. moderate OSA, severe OSA; $90.0{\pm}3.5$ vs. $82.5{\pm}5.5$, $70.0{\pm}8.8$, p<0.001) compared to control group. The Apnea-hypopnea index was significantly higher in OSA groups, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure than in the nomentensive group (bed time systolic pressure vs. AHI; <120 vs. 120-139, 140-159, >159; $17.5{\pm}18.6$ vs. $24.9{\pm}21.0$, $31.0{\pm}25.7$, $42.3{\pm}31.7$, p<0.001), (bed time diastolic pressure vs. AHI; 60-79 vs. 80-89, 90-99, >99; $19.3{\pm}19.7$ vs. $22.4{\pm}20.3$, $29.8{\pm}23.3$, $38.8{\pm}28.5$, p<0.001). AHI was positively correlated with morning systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, bed time systolic pressure and diastolic pressure (r=0.314, 0.279, 0.233 and 0.200, respectively, p<0.001). We conclude that BMI, Age, neck circumference and AHI increase with the blood pressure.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
• /
• v.9 no.4 s.44
• /
• pp.29-42
• /
• 2005

Total 350 borehole profiles were selected from the database of borehole logs in Seoul, for the site-specific seismic evaluation at two 4km${\times}$4km plain areas. Equivalent-linear site response analyses for the selected 350 sites were conducted based on shear wave velocity (Vs) Profiles, which were determined from the N-Vs correlation established using borehole seismic testing results in the inland areas of Korea. Most sites were categorized as site classes C and D based on the mean Vs to 30 m in depth (Vs30) ranging from 250 to 550 m/s. The she periods of the plains in Seoul ranging between 0.1 and 0.4 sec were significantly lower than those of the western US, from which the site coefficients in Korea were derived. For plains in Seoul, the site coefficients, Fa's and Fv's specified in the Korean seismic design guide, underestimate the ground motion in short-period (0.1-0.5 sec) band and overestimate the ground motion in mid-period (0.4-2.0 sec) band, respectively, because ol the differences in the geotechnical conditions between Seoul and the western US, although the Fa's in several sites overestimate the motion due to the base Isolation effect resulted from the soft layer in soil deposit.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.270-281
• /
• 2019

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of the magnesium (Mg)-enriched formula vs. control formula in constipated infants. Methods: An open-label, interventional, and the comparator-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mg-enriched formula in formula-fed infants ${\leq}6$ months old presenting with functional constipation according to modified Rome IV criteria. Infants were randomized 1:1 to intervention or control formula for 30 days. Parents recorded stool consistency (hard, normal, or watery) and frequency on days 1-7 and 23-29. Physicians recorded patient baseline characteristics and performed the clinical examination at the time of three patient visits (baseline, day 8, and 30). Results: Of the 286 recruited infants, 143 received the Mg-rich formula and 142 received the control formula. After 7 days, significantly more infants had stools with normal consistency with the Mg-rich formula compared to the infants fed with the control formula (81.8% vs. 41.1%; p<0.001). The number of infants passing one or more stools per day was increased at day 7 in the Mg-rich formula group (86.7% vs. 68.2%; p<0.001). At days 7 and 29, >25% of infants responded completely to the Mg-rich formula compared to <5% of infants fed with the control formula (p<0.001). Parents of infants in the Mg-rich formula group were very satisfied with the treatment (80.8% vs. 10.2%), with the majority willing to continue treatment after 30 days (97.9% vs. 52.6%; p<0.001). Conclusion: The Mg-rich formula significantly improved stool consistency and frequency compared to the control formula in constipated infants.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.61-68
• /
• 2017

Purpose: To investigate differences in clinical features, blood/urinary findings, and prognosis in different age groups of patients with Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura (HSP). Methods: A total of 469 patients with HSP were analyzed retrospectively from June 2003 to February 2016. We classified patients into child or adult groups based on their age. Results: The adult group had more patients with anemia (child vs. adult; 7.5% vs. 16.4%), and higher immunoglobulin A (IgA) (30.0% vs. 50.0%) levels, C-reactive protein (34.2% vs. 54.0%) and uric acid (3.1% vs. 12.1%) levels than the child group. The child group was highly positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin M (IgM) (34.4%). More patients in the child group presented with high levels of antistreptolysin O (24.7% vs. 2.9%) and high C4 (11.5% vs. 4.2%). Low C3 (1.1% vs. 10.2%) levels, and renal involvement with gross hematuria (8.6% vs. 21.5 %), nonnephrotic proteinuria (1.1% vs. 11.2%), and nephrotic syndrome (1.1% vs. 6.0%) were common in the adult group. Adults also had poorer renal outcomes [persistent hematuria/proteinuria (10.5% vs. 32.8%), and chronic kidney disease (0% vs. 11.2%)] than the child group. Risk factors for renal involvement such as older age and higher level of uric acid were only found in the child group. The risk factors for poor renal outcome were nephrotic syndrome in the child group and gross hematuria in the adult group. Conclusion: In this study, child and adult groups presented with different clinical manifestations of HSP. We found that risk factors for renal involvement included age and high uric acid level in the child group. Moreover, nephrotic syndrome in the child group and gross hematuria in the adult group increased the risk of poor renal outcome.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.695-718
• /
• 2020

Based on the Construal Level Theory, we aim to study a most favorable fit among the advertising model, media type, and message construals, which are important factors in an advertisement. A two (social distance of the ad model in an ad: distal (low similarity) vs proximal (high similarity) by two (social distance of a media type: distal (portal) vs. proximal (SNS)) by two (message construal: abstract vs concrete) laboratory experiment was conducted to examine attitude changes on ad messages. The results show that abstract messages were more effective in attitude toward advertisement and purchase intention under the distal social distance (i.e. advertising model in low-similarity and portal media type) while concrete messages were so under the proximal social distance and SNS media type.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.328-352
• /
• 2020

If a firm announces an investment in IT security, how the market value of its competitors reacts to the announcement? We try to shed light on this question through an event study design. To test the relationship, we collected 143 announcements on cybersecurity investment and measured the subsequent impact on 533 competitors' abnormal returns, spanning from 2000 to 2019. Our estimation results present that, on average, the announcements have no observable impact on the market value of announcing firms and competitors as well, which is consistent with findings of a prior study. Interestingly, however, the impact becomes evident when we classify our samples by industries (Finance vs. non-Finance or ICT vs. non-ICT) and firm size (Big vs. Small). We interpret our empirical findings through the lenses of contagion effect and competition effect between announcing firms and their competitors. Key finding of our study is that, for financial service firms, the effect resulting from the announcement on cybersecurity investment transfers to competitors in the same direction (i.e., contagion effect).

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.28-39
• /
• 2021

Purpose : This study investigated the occurrence of postoperative ileus and its related factors in patients after spinal surgery. Methods : After a retrospective review of data from patients who underwent spinal surgery at a single hospital located in Busan from 2012 through 2016, a total of 253 patients were included. The subjects were divided into non-ileus and ileus groups. We compared patient-, surgery-, and postoperative hematological-related factors. Results : A total of 41 (16.2%) out of 253 patients experienced postoperative ileus. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in mean age (68.44 vs 60.50 years), occupation (9.8 vs 28.8%), cardiovascular comorbidity (63.4 vs 37.7%), approach of surgery (supine/prone: 29.3/70.7 vs 12.7/87.3%), duration of anesthesia (5.86 vs 4.43 hours), narcotic use (75.6 vs 56.6%), postoperative serum hemoglobin level (3 days: 10.81 vs 11.41 g/dL), postoperative serum protein (immediately/3 days: 5.30/5.43 vs 5.62/5.68 g/dL), postoperative albumin level (3 days: 3.17 vs 3.40 g/dL), postoperative C-reactive protein level (3 days: 11.44 vs 8.36 mg/dL), postoperative bed stabilization period (3.32 vs 2.50 days), and onset of bowel movement (2.59 vs 1.94 days). In multivariate logistic regression, age and time of anesthesia were independent risk factors of postoperative ileus. Conclusion : To detect ileus after spinal surgery early, nurse education is needed with intensive screening on advanced age, surgery-related factors, and postoperative hematological indices.

• 베이커리
• /
• no.3 s.308
• /
• pp.30-33
• /
• 1994