• Survey Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.65-90
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to develope an appropriate method of the household projection in Korea. Given the data constraints, the headship rate method is selected. This method is known to be responsive to changes in demographic factors related to household formation. To project future headship rates, the method of net transition rates based on the average of two-census intervals was adopted for household heads ages 35 and over, while the log-linear formula was employed for those aged under 35. The future headship rate of Korean males shows a one-peak pattern with plateau, whereas that of Korean females marks a two-peak pattern. For a better projection of household in the future, one-person households should be treated more carefully, because they are mostly either young adults or the elderly whose activities of household formation and dissolution are very hard to forecast.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.261-271
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• 2017

It has been suggested that ginseng is beneficial for ameliorating the aging males' symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and depression, in elderly men with testosterone deficiency. We thus investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer; Araliaceae) on obesity in a mouse model of testosterone deficiency (castrated C57BL/6J mice). The effects of ginseng extract (GE) and/or testosterone on obesity and adipogenesis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed castrated C57BL/6J mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were examined using in vivo and in vitro approaches. After feeding mice a HFD for 8 weeks, we found that mice also receiving GE and/or testosterone showed decreased body weight, adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with untreated HFD-fed mice. Expression of adipogenic genes ($PPAR{\gamma}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, and aP2) was decreased by GE and/or testosterone in adipose tissues. Consistent with the in vivo data, lipid accumulation and the mRNA expression of adipogenesis genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were decreased by GE, ginsenosides, and testosterone. The inhibitory effects of GE (or ginsenosides) were comparable to those of testosterone, and the effects of co-treatment with GE (or ginsenosides) and testosterone were greater than those of testosterone alone in vivo and in vitro. Our results indicate that ginseng may be able to potentiate the inhibitory effects of testosterone on obesity and adipogenesis in HFD-fed castrated mice, providing possible therapeutic implications in men with testosterone deficiency.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.231-244
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• 2017

Objective: This study aims to understand the occupational injury characteristics of the workers in the motor vehicle parts (automobile parts) manufacturing industry and to present basic guidelines on accident prevention through accident analysis. Background: There occur many occupational injuries in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry. But there were few researches for the occupational injuries of the workers in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry. Method: This study analyzed the data of occupational injuries of 1,609 workers in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry in 2015. The accident characteristics were analyzed by dividing them into worker related factors and accident related factors. Results: Among the occupational injuries of the workers in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry, 80.6% of the victims were males, 64.0% were older than 40. 57.8% of the victims were employed by the companies with less than 50 workers. In addition, there was a difference in accident characteristics according to age, work experience, employment type, events or exposures, accident time of the day, agents, natures of injuries and illnesses, injured organs and injured body part. Conclusion: It is important to prevent equipment/machinery accidents. For this purpose, more efforts should be made to establish safety measures faithful to the basics of safety devices and safety work procedures. It is also suggested that prevention of disasters should be intensively carried out for workplaces with less than 50 employees and middle-aged and elderly people. Application: The result can be used to present guidelines for preventative measures for the workers in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry including safety education/training.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2020

Background: Most meta-analyses of risk factors for severe or critical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 only included studies conducted in China and this causes difficulties in generalization. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the risk factors in patients with COVID-19 from various countries. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published on the mortality risk in patients with COVID-19 from January 1 to May 7, 2020. Pooled estimates were calculated as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. Results: We analyzed data from seven studies involving 26,542 patients in total in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Among the patients, 2,337 deaths were recorded (8.8%). Elderly patients and males showed significantly higher mortality rates than young patients and females; the OR values were 3.6 (95% CI 2.5-5.1) and 1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.3), respectively. Among comorbidities, hypertension (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.6), diabetes (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.9), cardiovascular disease (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.5), and chronic kidney disease (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.0-8.6) were significantly associated with increased mortalities. Conclusion: This meta-analysis, involving a huge global sample, employed a systematic method for synthesizing quantitative results of studies on the risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19. It is helpful for clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis and improve the allocation of health resources to patients who need them most.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.2973-2977
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• 2016

Opisthorchis viverrini is still a serious problem in Northeastern and Northern Thailand. Active surveillance is required to determine updated data for further prevention and control planning. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for O. viverrini in three provinces, Northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during October 2015 to March 2016 at Kaeng Sanam Nang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Waeng Noi district of Khon Kaen province, and Khon Sawan district of Chaiyaphum province, Thailand. Stool samples were examined by using a modified Kato-Katz Thick smear technique. From a total of 978 participants screened, O. viverrini infection was found in 1.74%, the majority opf positive cases being male (6.62%), age group 51-60 years old (4.21%), educated at primary school (8.43%), occupied with agriculture (9.62%),having an income <4,000 baht per month (4.82%), and living in Khon Sawan district (8.43%). Participants had a high knowledge level (42.43%), good attitude level (34.76%), and fair level (38.04%). The present study indicates the O. viverrini infection rate is low, but elderly males with primary school education involved in agriculture are still frequently effected particularly in Khon Sawan district. Therefore, this risk group requires behavior modification and continued monitoring.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1833-1835
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• 2016

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an acquired clonal B-cell malignancy which primarily affects elderly individuals with an annual incidence of approximately 1% of all malignancies. Our aim is to study demographic and clinicopathological features of adult Pakistani MM patients at presentation. Materials and Methods: This single centre retrospective study extended from January 2010 to December 2014. Data were retrieved from the patients' maintained records on predetermined performa. Results: Overall, 61 patients were diagnosed at our institution with MM during the study period. There were 43 males and 18 females. Age ranged between 34 and 81 years with a mean of $56.1{\pm}12.8$ and a median of 57 years. The male to female ratio was ~2:1. Common presenting complaints included fatigue (81.9%), backache (80.3%) and bone pain (67.2%). Physical findings revealed pallor (44.2%) as a presenting clinical feature. The mean hemoglobin value was $8.9{\pm}1.7g/dl$ with a mean MCV of $85.3{\pm}11.0fl$. Severe anemia with hemoglobin <8.5 gm/dl was seen in 40.9%. The mean total leukocyte count was $8.9{\pm}8.2{\times}10^9/l$, the ANC was $5.0{\pm}3.1{\times}10^9/l$ and the mean platelet count was $188.4{\pm}150.6{\times}10^9/l$. Conclusions: MM in Pakistani patients is seen in a relatively young population with male preponderance. The majority of patients present with symptomatic anemia and backache to seek medical attention. However, clinico-pathological features appear comparable to the published literature.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1409-1413
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• 2015

Background: According to increase in elderly populations, and change in lifestyle and cancer-causing behavior, the global burden of cancer is increasing. For prevention and control of disease, knowledge of population statistics of cancers and their trends is essential. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and trends of cancer in the province of Kerman: southeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out based on cancer registry data at the Disease Management Center of the Health Ministry from 2004 to 2009 in the province of Kerman in Iran. Common cancers were defined as the number of reported cases and standardized incidence rates. To compute the annual percentage change (APC), joinpoint 4.1.1.1 software was applied. Results: Of 10,595 registered cases, 45.3% (4802 cases) were in women and 56.7% (5,793 cases) occurred in men. The standardized incidence rates for both females and males were increasing during the six years studied. The most common cancers in both sexes during six years of studied were skin (13.4%), breast (9.35%), bladder (7.8%), stomach (7.45%), leukemia (7.05%), colorectal(5.57%), lung(4.92%), trachea(3.51%) and prostate(2.48%). Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the cancer incidence is demonstrating increasing trends in both sexes in the province of Kerman. This may be because of changes in lifestyle, increasing exposure to risk factors for cancer and increase of life expectancy. If this is the case, increasing public awareness of cancer risk factors is a high priority, together with introduction of large-scale screening techniques.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.730-737
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• 2020

Objective : Spinal degeneration is a progressive disease, worsening over time. Lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) is a major spinal disease in elderly patients. Surgical treatment is considered for medically intractable patients with LDD and reoperation after primary surgery is not uncommon. The surgical outcome is occasionally unpredictable because of comorbidities. In the present study, the relationship between comorbidities and the incidence of reoperation for LDD over time was determined. Methods : The claims data of the health insurance national database were used to identify a cohort of patients who underwent spinal surgery for LDD in 2009. The patients were followed up until 2016. Medical comorbidity was assessed according to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant differences in sex, surgery, age, causative disease, and comorbidity. Results : The study cohort included 78241 patients; 10328 patients (13.2%) underwent reoperation during the observation period. The reoperation rate was statistically higher (p<0.01) in males, patients 55-74 years and 65-74 years of age, and patients with decompression or discectomy. Significant association was found between increasing reoperation rate and CCI score (p<0.01). Based on multivariate analysis of comorbidities, the significantly higher reoperation rates were observed in patients with peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary lung disease, peptic ulcer, diabetes, and diabetes complications (p<0.01). Conclusion : The study results indicate the reoperation rate for LDD is associated with patient comorbidities. The comorbidities identified in this study could be helpful in future LDD studies.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.84-90
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• 2000

Background and Purpose: Stroke in young adults is relatively uncommon. Only 3.7-14.4% of all strokes occur in patients aged 15-45 years. Stroke in young adults has more various and diverse possible causes than stroke in the elderly. We studied to gain further insight into both pathogenic and etiologic determinants in young adults with stroke. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 230 young patients aged 15-45 years who were admitted to the 2nd internal medicine department of Kyung Hee Oriental Medical Center with a diagnosis of stroke between May 1995 and May 1999. We analysed clinical features and diagnostic tests, such as brain imaging, cerebral angiography, echocardiography, 24 hours holter monitoring and other laboratory tests. Results : 1. Of 230 young patients with stroke aged 15-45 years(176 males(76.5%) and 54 females(23.5%)), 140 patients(60.9%) showed ischemic stroke and 90 patients(39.1 %) showed hemorragic stroke. 2. The most prevalent age group was from 40 to 45 years with 142 patients(61.7%) 3. The most frequent site of 140 ischemic stroke was MCA territory in 93 cases(66.4%) and Multiple, VA territory, PCA territory, ACA territory in order of frequency. 4. The most frequent site of 90 hemorrhagic stroke was basal galglia hemorrhage 57 cases(63.3%) and subcortical 13 cases(14.5%), pons, thalmus, subarachnoid, cerebellum in order of frequency. 5. The causes of hemorrhagic stroke were hypertension 49 cases(54.5%), arteriovenous malformation 7 cases(7.8%), ruptured aneurysm 4 cases(4.5%), angioma 3 cases(3.3%). 6. The risk factors of ischemic stroke were smoking, alcohol drinking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, history of CVA, diabetes mellitus, in order of frequency. 7. The comparison of risk factors between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke: hypertension was prevalent in hemorrhagic stroke, heart disease and history of CVA were prevalent in ischemic stroke. Conclusions: From the above results, we found that stroke in young adults had various possible causes. Young adults with stroke deserve an extensive but tailored evaluation which include angiography and echocardiography for diagnosis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze and report status of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology patients who did funduscopy examination. Through this, we hope that the development of our diagnosis and treatment. Methods : From June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2019, Based on the electronic medical records of patients who had funduscopy examination at Korean Medicine Ophthalmology, Busan University Korean Medicine Hospital, the gender, age, visiting motives and paths, diagnosis, examination number of years, other eye examinations and treatments method were summarized and analyzed. Results : 463 patients were able to check the electronic medical records. They were 283 females and 180 males. The mean age of the patients was 51.5 years and elderly patients who 50s and 60s were 49.3% of whole patients. The most common motives for Korean Medicine Ophthalmology visitation was 'combination treatment with other department in Korean Medicine Hospital'. Outer eye diseases were 283 cases, inner eye diseases were 198 cases. Dry eye syndrome, asthenopia, visual discomfort, conjunctivitis, and eye discomfort were most common in the outer eye diseases. Cataracts, Vitreous floater, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Ocular Pain were most common in the inner eye disease. The most common parts of outer eye diseases were Conjunctival, lacrimal gland, paralytic, corneal, eyelid and front uveal, scleral disease and then in inner eye diseases parts, Retinal, lens, vitreous, glaucoma, optic nerve, behind uveal, choroid disease were most common. The number of funduscopy examination was ups and downs. Herbal medicine was the most common used. Conclusions : The funduscopy examination is essential for diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. We hope that the use of fundus examination and other ophthalmologic examination will be expanded soon in Korean Medicine Ophthalmology.