• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.167-173
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• 2023

This study assesses the urine microalbumin to urine creatinine ratio (uACR) with uric acid and the association with the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UA/HDL-C) ratio in Korean adults. Data from the 2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was procured and included 5,845 adults aged 20 years or older. Several key findings were obtained in the present study. After adjusting for the related variables (age, gender, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease), the uACR was found to be positively associated with the quartiles of the UA/HDL-C ratio (P=0.002). Moreover, after adjusting for related variables, the odds ratio (OR) of albuminuria (uACR≥30.0 mg/g) was not significant in quartile 2 (Q2) (OR, 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.757~1.361) and Q3 (OR, 1.090; 95% CI, 0.811~1.465) but was significantly higher in Q4 (OR, 1.416; 95% CI, 1.044~1.921) as compared to Q1 of the UA/HDL-C ratio. We conclude that since the UA/HDL-C ratio is positively associated with albuminuria in Korean adults, an increased UA/HDL-C ratio could be applied as a useful measure to assess albuminuria in Korean adults.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the difference in cardiovascular changes between obese people and the general public using a treadmill. This study was conducted by recruiting 32 adult males who had no experience in hospital visits or treatment due to cardiovascular disease. The subjects were divided into an obese group and a general group based on BMI 25 and performed treadmill exercise for 12 minutes. SBP, DBP, HR, MAP, and PP before and after the treadmill were measured to see the difference in cardiovascular system changes. Data analysis was evaluated using an independent t-test. In the case of SBP, MAP, and PP, there were significant differences between groups (P<0.05). For DBP and HR, no significant difference was found between the two groups (P>0.05). The subjects of this study consisted only of healthy adult males in their 20s, and there is a limitation in that it was performed in a short time.

• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.144-153
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• 2014

Background: Normal renal function and health have been recognized as important factors in living donors after kidney donation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health status and health-promoting lifestyle in living donors after kidney donation. Methods: A total of 678 living-kidney donors were counted in our center from January 1990 to December 2011. Only 84 donors agreed to participate in the survey by telephone. We received consent for participation in our survey from 48 donors (57.1%). Data were collected from May to August 2013 using donor characteristics, health status, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile I (HPLP-I). Results: The donors were predominantly female (62.5%) and the average age was 48.9±11.8 years, and the average period after nephrectomy was 9.7±5.7 years. The characteristics of donors included ideal body weight (37.5%), overweight (37.5%) in body mass index, and good health status (81.3%). Most donors underwent an annual medical check-up (56.2%), no health problem (81.3%), and no disease (64.6%). However, one patient was treated with dialysis for renal failure due to diabetes. The total average score for HPLP-I was 128.3±13.9. Higher than average scores (116.3±19.1) were observed for the general middle-aged woman. There were statistically significant differences in self-realization and nutrition in subsection of HPLP-I. Self-realization showed a higher score for Christian (F=2.743, P=0.041) and good health (F=3.389, P=0.017). Nutrition showed a higher score for overweight, obesity (F=6.783, P=0.000), and older than 60 (F=3.854, P=0.009). Conclusions: Most living kidney donors were healthy after their donation and had relatively high scores for health-promoting lifestyle. However, one patient had a serious health problem. In addition, younger, longer period after donation, and the rare health examination of donors showed a lower health-promoting lifestyle. Designed and continuous health-care management after transplantation is needed for kidney donors.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.159-171
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline values and temporal changes in body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), measured using serial computed tomography (CT) imaging on the prognosis of operable breast cancers in Asian patients. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively included 627 Asian female (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 53.6 ± 8.3 years) who underwent surgery for stage I-III breast cancer between January 2011 and September 2012. Body composition parameters, including SMI and VAT, were semi-automatically calculated on baseline abdominal CT at the time of diagnosis and follow-up CT for post-treatment surveillance. Serial changes in SMI and VAT were calculated as the delta values. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of baseline and delta SMI and VAT values with disease-free survival. Results: Among 627 patients, 56 patients (9.2%) had breast cancer recurrence after a median of 40.5 months. The mean value ± SD of the baseline SMI and baseline VAT were 43.7 ± 5.8 cm²/m² and 72.0 ± 46.0 cm², respectively. The mean value of the delta SMI was -0.9 cm²/m² and the delta VAT was 0.5 cm². The baseline SMI and VAT were not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.983; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.937-1.031; p = 0.475 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.995-1.006; p = 0.751, respectively). The delta SMI and VAT were also not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted HR, 0.894; 95% CI, 0.766-1.043; p = 0.155 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.989-1.014; p = 0.848, respectively). Conclusion: Our study revealed that baseline and early temporal changes in SMI and VAT were not independent prognostic factors regarding disease-free survival in Asian patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.4.1-4.11
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• 2023

Background: Shift work has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on several evidences. The classic risk factors of CVD include age, hypertension, smoking, obesity and diabetes. Recently, the serum homocysteine level has been reported to be a valuable indicator of CVD risk. This study aimed to determine the variation in serum homocysteine level as a cardiovascular risk indicator among female workers according to shift work. Methods: The data of regular health examination of workers at an electronic manufacturing services company in Yeongnam region, South Korea in 2019 were examined in this study. The investigation was based on a cross-sectional study conducted on 697 female workers (199 day workers and 498 shift workers). The sociodemographic and biochemical characteristics were compared between day workers and shift workers. Through a logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of the increased serum homocysteine level in relation to shift work was determined. Results: Compared to female day workers, female shift workers showed significantly higher level of serum homocysteine (8.85 ± 2.16 vs. 9.42 ± 2.04 μmol/mL; p = 0.001). The OR of day workers against shift workers was 1.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-2.63). With the adjustment of variables that may influence the level of serum homocysteine, the adjusted OR was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.09-2.60). Conclusions: The serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in shift workers than in day workers. It is thus likely to be a useful predictor of CVD in shift workers.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.15-27
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• 2024

The goal of this study was to provide basic data necessary for managing fish in the Seomgang River by confirming diversity of fish species in the Seomgang River and determining the degree of change in fish species through a comparison with earlier related work. Growth rate, obesity level, and temporal and spatial reproductive capacities were analyzed to determine growth characteristics of dominant species. Fish fauna and structure of the fish community were surveyed at three different time points from October of 2020 to August of 2021 at eight sites. In addition, growth characteristics of Zacco platypus from June of 2021 to July of 2022 at four sites were determined. A total of 3,999 individuals, 43 species, and ten families of fish were identified. Among these species, 19 (44.19%) were Korean endemic species and four (9.30%) were endangered species. The dominant species was Z. platypus. Pungtungia herzi was identified as a subdominant species. An analysis of length-weight relationships and condition factor (k) of Z. platypus confirmed a good state of growth. As a result of a frequency analysis of the total length, the life cycle of the Z. platypus population living in the Seomgang River was found to be stable. According to gonadosomatic index (GSI) analysis, the spawning season of Z. platypus was estimated to occur after May, consistent with the literature.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.30 no.12 s.159
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• pp.1690-1696
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide the basic data useful in designing apparel patterns for aged abdominal obese women. The body measurements of 318 women were taken at random, whose ages were over 60 and fields of action were colleges, sports centers, or business sites in Seoul and the neighboring districts. A total of 33 features in the upper body and lower body were used fer the anthropometric measurement and analysis using anthropometry. The collected measurement data were processed statistically using the SPSS 12.0 program for technical statistical analysis, t-test, frequency analysis, correlation analysis. The results of the study are as follows. 1. Subjects were classified into two groups as a result of analysis for measurement data. It was revealed that 251(about 79 percent) women of total subjects(n=318) have a characteristic of abdominal obese body type and elderly women of these group usually had big abdomen rather than hip. The criteria of abdominal obesity based on waist-hip ratio, WHR(=0.85). 2. Aged abdominal obese women have shown much larger size in most body measurements except items of some vertical length, such as bust ponit-bust point, font interscye, back interscye with circumference and depth of armscye, bust, waist, abdomen and hip while showing no difference in height, biacrominal breadth, hip width, neck shoulder point to breast point, crotch length. 3. Vervaeck index(=100.1) and Rohrer index(=1.7) indicated that the abdominal obese women were fat in overall body. And aspect ratio of waist(=0.86), abdomen(=0.92) and hip(=0.75) also appeared high that the shape of cross sections in those regions was similar to a figure of circle 4. In view of the correlation coefficient between hip circumference and the rest measurement items, and between hip circumference inclusively of the abdomen protrusion and the rest measurement items, there were found some differences for each group. In case of Group (abdominal obese group), the former is smaller than the other. 5. In case of Abdominal obese women, hip circumference inclusively of the abdomen protrusion is more mutually related to the rest items related to make apparel pattern as waist circumference, depth of armscye and so on than what hip circumference is. This result indicated which must be considered hip circumference inclusively of the abdomen protrusion to make apparel patterns for abdominal obese women unlike women of common body types.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.300-306
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• 2010

Purpose : Recent changes in the population structure of Korea, such as rapid decline in birth rate and exponential increase in old-aged people, prompted us to prepare a new health improvement program in children and adolescents. Methods : We reviewed current health screenings applied for children and adolescents in Korea and other developed countries. We collected and reviewed population-based data focused on mortality and morbidity, and other health-related statistical data. We generated problem lists in current systems and developed new principles. Results : Current health screening programs for children and adolescents were usually based on laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and radiologic tests. Almost all of these programs lacked evidence based on population data or controlled studies. In most developed countries, laboratory tests are used only very selectively, and they usually focus on primary prevention of diseases and health improvement using anticipatory guidance. In Korea, statistics on mortality and morbidity reveal that diseases related to lifestyle, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, are increasing in all generations. Conclusion : We recommend a periodic health screening program with anticipatory guidance, which is focused on growth and developmental surveillance in infants and children. We no longer recommend old programs that are based on laboratory and radiologic examinations. School health screening programs should also be changed to meet current health issues, such as developing a healthier lifestyle to minimize risk behaviors—or example, good mental health, balanced nutrition, and more exercise.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.956-963
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• 2000

Backgrounds : Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSA) can divided into two groups, positional(PP) and non-positional(NPP) obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, according to the body position while sleeping. In this study, we evaluated the differences of anthropometric data and polysomnographic recordings between the two types of sleep apnea syndrome. Materials : Fifty patients with OSA were divided two groups by Cartwright's criteria. The supine respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was at least two times higher than the lateral RDI in the PP group, and the supine RDI was less than twice the lateral RDI in the NPP group. This patients underwent standardized polysomnographic recordings. The anthropometric data and polysomnographic data were analyzed, statistically. Results : Of all 50 patients, 30% were found to be positional OSA. BMI was significantly higher in the PP group(p<0.05). Total sleep time was significantly longer in the PP group (350.6$\pm$28.2min, 333.3$\pm$46.0min, (p<0.05). Sleep efficiency was high in the PP group(89.6$\pm$6.4%, 85.6$\pm$9.9%, p<0.05). Deep sleep was significantly higher and light sleep was lower in the PP group than in the NPP group but no difference was observed in REM sleep between the two groups. Apnea index(AI) and RDI were significantly lower( 17.0$\pm$10.6, 28.5$\pm$13.3, p<0.05) and mean arterial oxygen saturation was higher in the PP group(92.7$\pm$1.8%. p<0.05) than in the NPP group. Conclusion : Body position during sleep has a profound effect on the frequency and severity of breathing abnormalities in OSA patients. A polysomnographic evaluation for suspected OSA patients must include monitoring of the body position. Breathing function in OSA patients can be improved by controlling their obesity and through postural therapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.206-217
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• 1995

Background: In patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS), there are several factors increasing upper airway resistance and there is a predisposition to compromised respiratory function during waking and sleep related to constitutional factors including a tendency to obesity. Several recent studies have suggested a possible relationship between sleep apnea(SA) and systemic hypertension. But the possible pathophysiologic link between SA and hypertension is still unclear. In this study, we have examined the relationship among age, body mass index(BMI), pulmonary function parameters and polysomnographic data in patients with OSAS. And also we tried to know the difference among these parameters between hypertensive OSAS and normotensive OSAS patients. Methods: Patients underwent a full night of polysomnography and measured pulmonary function during waking. OSAS was diagnosed if patients had more than 5 apneas per hour(apnea index, AI). A careful history of previously known or present hypertension was obtained from each patient, and patients with systolic blood pressure $\geq$ 160mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure $\geq$ 95mmHg were classified as hypertensives. Results: The noctural nadir of arterial oxygen saturation($SaO_2$ nadir) was negatively related to AI and respiratory disturbance index(RDI), and the degree of noctural oxygen desaturation(DOD) was positively related to AI and RDI. BMI contributed to AI, RDI, $SaO_2$ nadir and DOD values. And also BMI contributed to $FEV_1,\;FEV_1/FVC$ and DLco values. There was a correlation between airway resistance(Raw) and AI, and there was a inverse correlation between DLco and DOD. But there was no difference among these parameters between hypertensive OSAS and normotensive OSAS patients. Conclusion: The obesity contributed to the compromised respiratory function and the severity of OSAS. AI and RDI were important factors in the severity of hypoxia during sleep. The measurement of pulmonary function parameters including Raw and DLco may be helpful in the prediction and assessment of OSAS patients. But we could not find clear difference between hypertensive and normotensive OSAS patients.