• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.350-357
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a possible association between the anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) titer and stage of duodenal mucosal damage and assess a possible cut-off value of anti-tTG at which celiac disease (CD) may be diagnosed in children in conjunction with clinical judgment. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a gastroenterology clinic in a tertiary hospital from April 2012 to May 2013. Seventy children between 6-months and 18-years-old with suspected CD underwent celiac serology and duodenal biopsy. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS 16. Diagnostic test values were determined for comparing the anti-tTG titer with duodenal biopsy. An analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer tests were performed for comparing the means between groups. A receiver operating characteristics curve was plotted to determine various cut-off values of anti-tTG. Results: The mean antibody titer increased with severity of Marsh staging (p<0.001). An immunoglobulin (Ig) A-tTG value at 115 AU/mL had 76% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 17% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosis of CD (p<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1). Conclusion: There is an association between the anti-tTG titer and stage of duodenal mucosal injury in children with CD. An anti-tTG value of 115 AU/mL (6.4 times the upper normal limit) had 76% sensitivity, 100% specificity, with a 100% PPV, and 17% NPV for diagnosing CD (95% CI, 0.75-1). This cut-off may be used in combination with clinical judgment to diagnose CD.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.116-120
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was conducted to re-validate the clinical efficacy of the Korean Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale (K-AARS), which is a self-report scale for ADHD in adults, and to determine the clinical utility and cut-off scores of K-AARS. Methods: The participants were 135 drug naïve adults with ADHD and 144 healthy controls. To diagnose ADHD based on the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, two board-certified pediatric psychiatrists interviewed the participants and completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. K-AARS was applied to all participants. K-AARS comprises six clinical subscales, one impairment subscale, and one driving behavior subscale. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to calculate the cut-off scores of K-AARS. Results: All subscale scores, including six clinical subscale, impairment subscale, and driving behavior subscale scores, were found to be significant in distinguishing adults with ADHD from healthy controls. The sensitivity and specificity of the six clinical subscales were 63.0-77.0% and 66.7-79.9%, respectively. The combined total score of the six clinical subscales, had a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 79.9%. Conclusion: The discriminative power of K-AARS for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults was excellent, and K-AARS and the empirical diagnosis of adults can be useful in diagnosing ADHD in adulthood.

• BLOOD RESEARCH
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.314-319
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• 2018

Background Iron overload is a risk factor affecting all patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI). We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship of serum ferritin (SF) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with liver iron concentration (LIC) determined by R2 magnetic resonance imaging (R2-MRI), to estimate the most relevant degree of iron overload and best time to chelate in patients with TI. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 119 patients with TI (mean age years) were randomly selected and compared with 120 patients who had a diagnosis of thalassemia major (TM). Correlations of LIC, as determined by R2-MRI, with SF and ALT levels, were assessed in all participants. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results SF and LIC levels were lower in patients with TI than in those with TM; only ferritin values were significant. We found a statistically significant relationship between SF and LIC, with cut-off estimates of SF in patients with TI who had splenectomy and those who entered puberty spontaneously (916 and 940 ng/mL, respectively) with LIC >5 mg Fe/g dry weight (P<0.0001). A significant relationship was also found for patients with TI who had elevated ALT level (63.5 U/L), of 3.15 times the upper normal laboratory limit, using a cut-off for LIC ${\geq}5mg\;Fe/g\;dry\;weight$. Conclusion We determined the cut-off values for ALT and SF indicating the best time to start iron chelation therapy in patients with TI, and found significant correlations among iron overload, SF, and ALT.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.2012-2022
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• 2021

Objective: In most retail centers, primal pork cuts for sale are usually prepared into retail-ready slices and overwrapped with air-permeable plastic film. Also, meat of Korean native black pig (KNP) is reputed for its superior quality, however, its shelf life during retail display has not been studied. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate shelf life of prepackaged retail-ready KNP belly and shoulder butt slices during refrigerated display. Methods: Bellies and shoulder butt obtained at 24 h post-mortem from finishing KNP were used. Each belly or shoulder butt was manually cut into 1.5 cm-thick slices. The slices in each cut type were randomly taken and placed on white foam tray (2 slices/tray) overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film. The retail-ready packages were then placed in a retail display cabinet at 4℃. Shelf life and sensory quality of the samples were evaluated on day 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 of display. Results: The shoulder butt reached the upper limit (20 mg/100 g) of volatile basic nitrogen for fresh meat after 9 days while, the belly remained within this limit throughout the display time (15 days). Both the cuts reached a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level of above 0.5 mg malondialdehyde/kg after 9 days. The a^* (redness) values remained unchanged during first 9 days in both cuts (p>0.05). After 9 days, off-flavor was not found in either cut, but higher off-flavor intensity was found in shoulder butt after 12 days. The shoulder butt was unacceptable for overall eating quality after 12 days while, belly still was acceptable after 12 days. Conclusion: The belly showed a longer shelf life compared to the shoulder butt, and a shelf life of 9 and 12 days is recommended for the prepackaged retail-ready KNP shoulder butt and belly slices, respectively.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.306-309
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• 2022

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits onto the host when administered at adequate doses. Most widely used probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, are known to be elements of healthy gut microflora and hence are not considered a threat to the host. However, probiotics may pose a risk in certain populations with compromised immune systems or defects in gut barrier functions. Herein, we evaluated the safety of Bifidobacterium breve BB077, according to the safety evaluation guidelines for probiotics produced by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS). The results show that B. breve BB077 is both non-hemolytic and non-cytolytic. In contrast, B. breve BB077 exhibited higher streptomycin and tetracycline resistance than the suggested NIFDS standard cut-off values. Hence, a genetic analysis of the streptomycin and tetracycline resistance genes was performed to determine the origin of antimicrobial resistance. Streptomycin and tetracycline resistance was shown have arisen from chromosomal mutations and considered intrinsic to the taxonomic group. In conclusion, the B. breve BB077 strain might be safe for human consumption.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.228-243
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• 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to translate the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI 32) into Korean, to evaluate the reliability and validity of CSI 32 and short-form (CSI 16, 4) in the Korean context, and to determine a cut-off score for Korean couples. Methods: Korean Versions of the Couple Satisfaction Index (K-CSI) 32 was translated, back-translated, and reviewed by five bilingual experts. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with data from a sample of 218 couples (N = 436) to test construct validity. Validity and reliability were evaluated. The receiver's operating characteristics curve analysis was used to obtain the cut-off score. Results: The construct validities of K-CSI 32, 16, and 4 were verified using one-factor structures. The results of CFA showed a slightly better fit for K-CSI 16 and 4 than for K-CSI 32. Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations of K-CSI with Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Family Relationship Assessment Scale. Moreover, the significant differences in K-CSI between normal and depressive group demonstrated known-group validity. Cut-off scores of 105.5 on K-CSI 32, 50.25 on K-CSI 16, and 13.25 on K-CSI 4 were validated to identify distressed couple relationships. Conclusion: For clinical practice, the reliable and valid K-CSI 32 has the potential to measure changes in couple satisfaction after couple therapy or interventions. Applying K-CSI 32 may facilitate research on couple and family relationships in nursing and contribute to the discussion on the role of couple satisfaction in mental health.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.522-529
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• 2021

Background: Burnout syndrome (BOS) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. This study aims to create the Korean version burnout syndrome scale (KBOSS) that conforms to WHO's definition of BOS and present the cut-off points for screening. Methods: We developed the KBOSS based on WHO's definition of BOS. An online survey was conducted through a specialized online research company. We recruited 444 workers for this research. The validity of the KBOSS was assessed using factor analysis and Pearson's correlation. The KBOSS reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The cut-off points for each of the three dimensions were derived using the upper quartile score. Results: The validity and reliability of the KBOSS were good. Regarding reliability, the scale's overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.813. Cronbach's alpha of each three-dimension was as follows: exhaustion, 0.916; cynicism, 0.865; and professional inefficacy, 0.819. The cut-off points of BOS three dimensions are exhaustion S 21; cynicism S 18; and inefficacy S 15. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire (KBOSS) can be a useful tool for screening of BOS.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.107-117
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish a model of the predictive factors for success or failure of examinees undertaking the Korean physical therapist licensing examination (KPTLE). Additionally, we assessed the pass/fail cut-off point. Methods : We analyzed the results of 10,881 examinees who undertook the KPTLE, using data provided by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. The target variable was the test result (pass or fail), and the input variables were: sex, age, test subject, and total score. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, descriptive statistics, independent t-test, correlation analysis, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed on the data. Results : Sex and age were not significant predictors of attaining a pass (p>.05). The test subjects with the highest probability of passing were, in order, medical regulation (MR) (Odds ratio (OR)=2.91, p<.001), foundations of physical therapy (FPT) (OR=2.86, p<.001), diagnosis and evaluation for physical therapy (DEPT) (OR=2.74, p<.001), physical therapy intervention (PTI) (OR=2.66, p<.001), and practical examination (PE) (OR=1.24, p<.001). The cut-off points for each subject were: FPT, 32.50; DEPT, 29.50; PTI, 44.50; MR, 14.50; and PE, 50.50. The total score (TS) was 164.50. The sensitivity, specificity, and the classification accuracy of the prediction model was 99 %, 98 %, and 99 %, respectively, indicating high accuracy. Area under the curve (AUC) values for each subject were: FPT, .958; DEPT, .968; PTI, .984; MR, .885; PE, .962; and TS, .998, indicating a high degree of fit. Conclusion : In our study, the predictive factors for passing KPTLE were identified, and the optimal cut-off point was calculated for each subject. Logistic regression was adequate to explain the predictive model. These results will provide universities and examinees with useful information for predicting their success or failure in the KPTLE.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2024

In this paper, in order to realize lower cut-off frequency of the waveguide, the folded Ridge waveguide (FRWG) is suggested by alternating T-shape structure in the conventional folded waveguide with Y-shape structure. Suggested FRWG can be equivalent by the reverse Ridge waveguide. As the height of side of the FRWG is lower, the width of side is increased. Therefore, the cut-off frequency of the FRWG can be decreased more than half compared with conventional waveguide. The FRWG is designed with the length, height, and width of Y-shape structure of 40mm, 20mm, and 2mm, respectively. Designed FRWG has the cut-off frequency of the 1.996GHz. Also, the transition between the FRWG and SMA connector is designed. The transition is optimized by the capacitance of the signal line of the connector. Its result shows the VSWR under 2:1 in the band of 2.064 ~ 3.050 GHz. Suggested FRWG can be applied with miniaturization of various waveguide devices.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.157-163
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• 2023

Purpose: This study examined the methods for treatment of femoral neck fracture (FNF) preferred by members of the Korean Hip Society (KHS) and identified factors that influence decisions regarding the surgical intervention of choice. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 members of the KHS responded to the 16-question survey which included questions about the mean number of surgeries performed each month for treatment of femoral neck fractures, the cut-off age for deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty, the implant used most often, usage of cement, and factors influencing each decision. Results: The mean cut-off age used when deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty was 64 years old. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) (70%) was the most preferred option for treatment of displaced FNFs in cases where arthroplasty was indicated (total hip arthroplasty [THA] 19% and dual mobility THA 11%). The main reasons for selection of arthroplasty over reduction with internal fixation were age and pre-fracture ambulatory status. Pre-trauma ambulatory status and/or sports activity were the main factors in selection of HA over THA. Cement was used by 33% of responders. Poor bone quality and a broad femoral canal were factors that influenced the usage of cement. Conclusion: Management of FNFs in the elderly is a major health problem worldwide; thus, remaining alert to current trends in treatment is essential for surgeons. The mean cut-off age used in deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty was 64 years old. HA is the preferred method for treatment of displaced FNFs for members of the KHS.