• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.167-178
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• 2007

Purpose : The necessity of professional non-MD genetic counselor has been recently emphasized in a medical field. By conducting a national survey on the demands for generic counseling and professional non-MD generic counselor, we can make a long-term master plan to execute the educational program for professional genetic counselors and indeed promote genetic counseling in Korean health care service in a systemic manner. Methods : The survey has been conducted from September 3rd to October 4th of 2007 in a way of e-mail, telephone interview, fax, and direct contacts. It's targets were senior researchers and professors in medical and non-medical institutions, policy makers, research institutions or foundations. The survey questions consist of 16 questionnaires. Results : As a result of survey, 102 of 650 people responded. 80% of respondents indicated that genetic counseling is needed as a health care service and 34% among them considered it as "the most needed". In addition, 77% of the respondents showed that, it is necessary to have a professional non-MD genetic counselor with a master degree or higher in the field of medical genetics and among them 29% thought it as "the most necessary". A 77% of respondents considered that the cost of genetic counseling should be covered by health insurance and among them, 29% answered "strongly agreed". A 56% of respondents chose the answer of "They have a plan to hire the professional non-MD genetic counselor" in their institution, and among them 71% selected "within 5 years" in terms of when to hire. Also, they tend to expect the role of the professional non-MD genetic counselor to be not only "genetic counselor" (60%), but also "researcher" (42%), "educator" (18%) and "clinical laboratory coordinator" (19%). Conclusion : The 102 of 650 people responded to the survey. Based upon the nationwide survey over the needs on genetic counseling in health care service and demands on the professional non-MD genetic counselor, systematic educational program for the genetic counseling, with reimbursement coverage for counseling service by health insurance should be emphasized in development of a master plan.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.65-76
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• 2010

Purpose: he use of PET scanners and the number of patient in Korea have been increased for recent several years dramatically. For this reason, technologists have more possibilities to be exposed to the radiation. The hospitals using PET scanners should make an effort to reduce the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiation exposure does when using radiation shielding devices. The evaluation was performed through questionnaire survey and experiment. Materials and Methods: First, the technologists who had experience working in PET center in 2008-2009 were surveyed with questionnaire and TLD Figures, personal opinion of utilization of radiation shielding devices are analyzed. Second, we measured the shielding rate of shielding devices which have been using in PET study procedures. We divided the procedures into four steps; distribution, moving, injection of $^{18}F$-FDG and patient setup. Results: First, the results of this survey, using of L-block+Syringe shield, L-block, Syringe shield, No shield during the injection, were each 58.5%, 20%, 9%, 12.3%. The TLD values according to utilization of radiation shield, using both L-block+Syringe Shield and L-block showed the lower TLD values, and Syringe shield only or No shield showed the higher TLD values. Second, the results of experiments according to PET study procedures measured the shielding rates as follows. The shielding rates during the distribution using L-block, L-block+Apron shield were measured 97.4%, 97.7%. The shielding rates during the $^{18}F$-FDG delivery to the injection room using mobile Syringe shield, Syringe holder, Syringe shield carrier were each 81.7%, 98.9%, 99.7%. The shielding rates during the injection using Syringe shield, L-block, L-block+Syringe shield were measured each 51.9%, 98.3%, 98.7%. The shielding rates of Apron were measured in each 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm distance. The measurement were each 16.9%, 14.2%, 16.6%, 17.1%, 18.1%, 18.6%. Conclusion: The most effective method for radiation shielding is to using L-block during the $^{18}F$-FDG distribution and Syringe shield carrier during in moving $^{18}F$-FDG. For the $^{18}F$-FDG injection, L-block+Syringe shield have to be used. The shielding effect of Apron has shown average 16.4%. According to the survey of questionnaire, the operators recognized well risk of the radiation exposure but, tended ignore in working. The radiation dose according to recognition of radiation exposure risk was not relevant. but radiation dose according to utilization of radiation shield lower the more use it. The main reason of no use of shielding devices is cumbersome, 55% of the respondents answered. I'm sure, by use of radiation shield in all PET procedure, radiation exposure will be reduced considerably.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2009

Purpose: To investigate the physical and biochemical parameters related with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in obese children. Methods: One hundred forty-two obese or overweight children who visited the out-patient clinics of Chungnam National University Hospital between January 2006 and August 2008 were enrolled. Physical measures and biochemical tests were performed in all patients. Liver sonography was performed in 43 patients. They were divided into the following 2 groups based on ALT levels: group I, normal ALT levels (n=65); and group II, elevated ALT levels (n=77). We compared the physical measures, biochemical results, and ultrasonographic findings of the livers in both groups. Other causes of elevated serum ALT levels were ruled out. Results: The male-to-female ratios were 1.6:1 in group I and 7.6:1 in group II. Among physical parameters, the waist circumference-to-height ratio and hip circumference-to-height ratio were significantly higher in group II (p=0.001 and 0.046, respectively). Among biochemical parameters, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase (${\gamma}$-GT), and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group II (p<0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). The AST/ALT ratio was <1 (mean, 0.55) and statistically lower in group II. There was a positive correlation between the serum ALT level and ${\gamma}$-GT (p<0.001, r=0.750), and a positive correlation between the serum ALT level and the waist circumference-to-height ratio in group II (p<0.001, r=0.401). Conclusion: The results suggest that the waist circumference-to-height ratio and ${\gamma}$-GT may be associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase activity in obese children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.442-447
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• 1999

Introduction: Understanding the normal distribution of the tracheal diameter and crross- sectional area is one of the key elements in the management of various tracheal pathologies or tracheal reconstruction for the patients in growing age. However, data for Korean standard has been lacking. This study was designed to analyze retrospectively the distribution of tracheal diameter and cross-sectional area in young Koreans, which can afford fundamental data for the management of tracheal diseases. Material and Method: Of the patients who underwent computerized tomogram of the chest between May 1996 and August 1998, one hundred six young patients(age range: 0-20 years) were included. Patients with any conditions which might affect the tracheal cross-sectional area or diameter, such as tracheal disease, previous operation, mediastinal tumor, or obstructive lung disease were excluded from the study. Gender distribution was 69 males and 37 females. Tracheal diameters, anterior-posterior and transverse, were measured at the level of the thoracic inlet(level I) and the aortic arch(level II). Types of the trachea were divided into round, oval, or horseshoe shaped on cross-sectional view, and the dimension was calculated by using the equation of A=1/4$\pi$ab(A; area, $\pi$; 3.14, a; anterior-posterior diameter, b; transverse diameter). We analyzed the distribution of the diameter at each level and compared the cross-sectional area with respect to age and gender. A p-value lower than 0.05 wa considered significant. Result: The trachea of patients less than 5 years old were round in shape at both of level I and II, and no differences in cross-sectional area was observed between the levels(p=NS). As the age increased, the trachea become oval in shape at level I while it remained round in shape at level II(p=0.020). The tracheal diameter and cross-sectional area increased as the age increased with a linear correlation(r>0.9). In patients less than 5 years of age, female patients showed larger cross-sectional area than male patients (p=0.020), and it was reversed in patients older than 15 years of age(p=0.002). Conclusion: From the above results, we suggest chest computerized tomogram as a safe and reliable tool in measuring the tracheal diameter and cross-sectional area. We also provide the data as a standard for distribution of the tracheal diameter and cross-sectional area in young Korean population.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.854-861
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• 2002

In this study, we reviewed our early and long-term surgical results of complete atrioventricular septal defect during the last 16 years at our hospital. Materials and Methods: Between April 1986 and March 2002, 73 patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect underwent total correction without preceding palliation. Age at repair ranged from 2 to 85 (median age, 7) months, and weight ranged from 3 to 22 (median weight, 5.9)kg. Follow-up was complete with a mean duration of 69$\pm$51 months. Results: Overall operative mortality was 16.4%(12) with 3 late deaths. One, 5, and 10 year actuarial survival rates were 96.3 %, 94.2 % and 94.2 % respectively Sixteen of 61 (22.2%) operative survivors have undergone reoperation for postoperative mitral regurgitation or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Freedom from mitral reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years were 87.8 %, 72.4 %, and 57.8 % and freedom from LVOTO at 1, 5, and 10 years were 98.2 %, 86.3 %, and 83.2 % respectively. Summary: In this study, we found that our early surgical results improved with quite an acceptable long-term outcome. Close observation of remaining mitral regurgitation was necessary, A precise evaluation of the atrioventricular valve morphology, a meticulous surgical technique, and the adequate postoperative management are mandatory for the excellent results.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.4 s.249
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• pp.291-300
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• 2005

One-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects through median sternotomy has been recently adopted by many institutions since it is known to be safer than the staged repair. The early and midterm results of the one-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects were retrospectively evaluated. Material and Method: 45 patients who underwent one-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects performed by one surgeon from January 1996 to July 2003 were included in this retrospective study. The median age of repair was 16 days (range, 3 days$\~$23.7 months) and the mean weight was $3.62\;\pm\;1.30 kg$. Thirty one $(68.9\%)$ had coarctation and 14 $(31.1\%)$ had interrupted aortic arch. Associated intracardiac anomalies were VSD in 31 patients (VSD group), TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly in 10 (TGA group), and others in 4 (ASD in 1, aortopulmonary window 1, truncus arteriosus 1, aortic and mitral stenoses 1, miscellaneous group). The arch obstruction was repaired with end-to-side anastomosis in 23 patients and end-to-end anastomosis in 22. Result: Overall postoperative hospital mortality was $22.2\%\;(10/45);\;16.1\%$ (5/31) in VSD group, $40\%$ (4/10) in TGA group, and$25\%$ (1/4) in miscellaneous group. There was no mortality in VSD group since 1998, and the mortality in TGA group has remarkably reduced since technical modification for coronary transfer was adopted $(75\%\;vs\;16.7\%)$. There was no postoperative seizure or other neurological complications. Postoperative aortic restenosis occurred in 5 patients $(5/35,\;14.3\%)$. Two patients underwent balloon aortoplasty with successful results. There was no reoperation. There was one late death caused by pneumonia 5 months after the operation. Two-year actuarial survival rate including operative death was $72.9\%$. Conclusion: The operative mortality of one-stage repair has been reduced with time and aortic restenosis rate was also acceptable. We concluded that this procedure is a reproducible procedure for aortic arch anomalies associated with intracardiac defects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.1212-1217
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate Quality characteristics of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum to increase the value of functional food resources. To examine Quality characteristics of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum, various factors such as color, texture, fiber, minerals, tannin, crude proteins, crude lipids and sensory quality, were determined using physicochemical methods. The contents of dietary fiber were 0.57％ and 0.54％ in each 100 g of leaf and stem parts (freeze drying base). In mineral content, potassium was the highest value in both of leaf and stem parts (freeze drying base). The contents of tannin were 108.1 $\mu$g/mL and 20.9 $\mu$g/mL in leaf and stem parts (fresh base) respectively. Blanching stems showed significant difference in hardness from freeze-drying leaves. The antioxidative activity in ethanol extracts of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum was investigated using peroxide value and free radical scavenging activity. Free radical scavenging activity in ethanol extracts of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum was 43.5％ in a 100 $\mu$g/mL level, and the antioxidative index was 1.09 in a 500 $\mu$g/mL level. For functional food using Pleurospermum kamtschaticum the contents of crude proteins and lipids were about 9％ and 26％, respectively. The results from sensory evaluation of each treatment older age showed a better acceptability.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.249-259
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of four lifestyle-related diseases, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia, on oral health in the rural elderly in Korea. Methods: We enrolled 399 subjects over 60 years of age over a six year period, year 2000-2006/ year 2001-2007. All subjects received a routine health examination as part of a program conducted by the National Health Insurance Corporation at Seongju-gun Public Health Center in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. All subjects were surveyed and examined to determine their general and oral health statuses. Results: Our results suggest that the duration of lifestyle-related diseases has a significant influence on oral health. The following factors were all significant in the results of analyses: duration of diabetes, tooth decay, which teeth had decayed, missing and filled teeth(DMFT), duration of hypertension, and duration of obesity and hypercholesterolemia(p<0.05). Our results also suggest that the number of lifestyle related diseases has a significant influence on oral health. Subjects with more than two diseases had significantly greater numbers of missing teeth and greater numbers of DMFT(p<0.01). The results of simple regression analysis indicate that patients exhibiting longer durations of diabetes also exhibit more tooth decay, and that patients exhibiting longer durations of hypertension and obesity are characterized by greater numbers of missing teeth. The longer the duration of any of the four lifestyle-related diseases we considered, the more DMFT we observed. Multiple regression analyses also demonstrated that longer duration of lifestyle-related disease was associated with greater numbers of missing teeth. As the number of lifestyle-related diseases increased, DMFT also increased. Conclusions: In summary, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia have significant influences on oral health in the elderly. In this context, the prevention and management of lifestyle-related disease is critical for the maintenance and promotion of oral health.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.185-188
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• 2009

Purpose: Standard of retests were discrepant and inconsistent due to inaccuracy and lack of standardization within normal range limit of tumor marker test. To enhance the standardization of retests set standard value below normal range and the Order Communication System Quality Control (OCS QC) program was put in place. This program enables managing the results within lower limit of normal range which were used for tumor marker test in Health Center. Materials and Methods: At present the tumor marker study for AFP, CEA, CA19-9, CA125, and PSA included outpatients in Asan Medical Center from February to March, 2009. The standard value was obtained by using the percentage of CV of Inter Assay according to the normal range of each tumor test. The results were confirmed by using the OCS QC program via formatted assessment of screening test such as test items, standard value and medical department. The number of out-of-range results within plus and minus 30 percents regarding the five primary items of tumor marker test was assessed. The next step was to obtain the number of AFP, CEA, and CA125 according to the ratio of comparison between prior and post test result, 60%, 50%, and 40% within normal range, respectively. In addition, set standard value below normal range. Results: The first screening test with percentage of sample number was resulted between 30%-40% and the second one was AFP 26.1%, CEA 18.9%, CA19-9 17.3%, CA125 18.7%, and PSA 21.0% obtained screening percentage of average 20 percents. The limited value of retest was AFP less than 5.0 and more than 10.0, CEA less than 1.0 and more than 3.0, CA19-9 less than 10.0 and more than 30.0, and PSA less than 1.0 and more than 2.0 to set and the number of retest was obtained by applying to the limited value of retest to screening percentage of average 20 percents For two months, the number of retest was AFP 0, CEA 15, CA19-9 3, CA125 2, and PSA 5. Conclusions: Through using the OCS QC program in establishing the standard of retest systemically, there appeared to be reduced discrepancy among the examiners and to be expected improvement in relation to the error of results.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2014

GRAS probiotics can be used to modulate intestinal microbiota and to alleviate various gastrointestinal disorders. In several recent studies, researchers have explored the potential expansion and usability of probiotics to reduce the risk factors associated with diseases, including obesity, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, and oxidative stress. In this review, our aim was to clarify the mechanism underlying interactions between hosts (animal or human) and probiotics and the beneficial effects of probiotics on human health.