• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-15
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• 2007

We examined the effects of pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) on platelet activation. Thirty-six women with PIH (blood pressure > 140/90 mm Hg after two consecutive measurements after the $24^{th}$ weeks of gestation) without proteinuria, fifty-six normotensive pregnant women, and fifty non-pregnant women were studied. WBC, RBC, platelet related variables, including mean platelet component (MPC), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet component distribution width (PCDW) were determined for this study. MPC levels were significantly lower in women with PIH compared with normotensive pregnant women and non-pregnant women (P<0.05). MPC levels were inversely con-elated with PIH (r=-0.49, P<0.001), systolic BP (r=-0.22, P<0.01), diastolic BP (r=-0.17, P<0.005), WBC (r=-0.30, P<0.001), MPV (r=-0.41, P<0.001), and PCDW (r=-0.68, P<0.001), and positively con-elated with RBC (r=0.32, P<0.001), platelet count (r=0.21, P<0.05), and mean platelet mass (MPM) (r=0.18, P<0.05). MPC levels were found to be an independent factor associated with PIH and PCDW (P<0.01) after adjustments were made for potential confounding factors such as gestational age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, WBC, RBC, Platelet count, and PCDW. In conclusion, MPC levels were significantly lower in women with PIH, and MPC levels were found to be an independent factor associated with PIH and PCDW. Therefore, platelet activation is suggested as a useful predictor for patients with PIH.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2018

Background: Vitamin D has been associated with sepsis in pediatric and adult patients. The association with neonates is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels on neonatal early-onset sepsis. Methods: We searched studies published up to November 2017 in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. All studies that reported 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with or without early-onset sepsis were included. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Four studies were eligible. The weighted mean difference of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis and controls was -7.27 ng/mL (95% confidence interval = -7.62, -6.92). Maternal vitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis were significantly lower than those in controls (weighted mean difference -7.24 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval -8.45, -6.03). All neonates with early onset sepsis had vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D <20 ng/mL). Conclusion: Lower neonatal and maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with neonatal early-onset sepsis. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be helpful to prevent neonatal early-onset sepsis. The effects of vitamin D supplementation on early-onset sepsis in neonates warrant further study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3601-3604
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• 2016

Background: The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is a potent chemoattractant for natural killer cells, monocytes, and memory T lymphocytes. However, any role in the genesis of salivary gland tumors (SGT) is unknown. To assess the diagnostic relevance of chemokines in SGT, MCP-1 levels in the serum of patients were investigated in association with tumor progression and clinical aggressiveness. Materials and Methods: Using an ELISA kit, we assessed and compared the circulating levels of MCP-1 in blood serum of 70 SGT patients with 44 healthy control samples. Results: The results of this study showed that the concentration of MCP-1 was significantly lower in patients with benign ($463.8{\pm}158.5pg/ml$, P=0.033) and malignant ($454.8{\pm}190.4pg/ml$, P=0.007) SGT than in healthy subjects ($645.7{\pm}338.9$). No significant difference in mean serum levels of MCP-1 was observed between the benign and malignant group (p=0.9). While MCP-1 levels were lower in patients with an advanced clinical stage, advanced tumor size, higher tumor grade, or lymph node involvement, but the mean MCP-1 level between groups showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusions: MCP-1 levels in the serum of patients with SGT were decreased, indicating that this might a good marker for discriminating patients with SGT from healthy people. However, no clear-cut relationship was detected between MCP-1 levels and clinicopathologic factors, and MCP-1 is not a good marker for evaluating tumor dissemination.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.80-85
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• 2013

Purpose: Febrile seizures (FS) are seizures that occur between the age of 6 and 60 months, but its pathophysiology still is not fully understood. There is limited information about the correlation between levels of selenium and leptin with FS. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of selenium and leptin in children with FS. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a University Hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, in 2011. The serum levels of selenium and leptin of 25 children with simple febrile seizure (case group) were compared with 25 febrile children without seizure (control group) in acute phase and after three months. The levels of serum selenium and leptin were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, respectively. Results: In acute phase, the mean serum level of selenium in case and control groups were $95.88{\pm}42.55$ and $113.25{\pm}54.43{\mu}g/dL$, respectively, and difference was not significant (P=0.415), but after three months, this level had a significant increase in both groups (P<0.001). In acute phase, the mean serum leptin level in case and control groups were $0.94{\pm}0.5$ and $0.98{\pm}0.84$ ng/mL, respectively, but difference was not significant (P=0.405). After three months, serum leptin level had no significant change in both groups (P=0.882). Conclusion: These observations suggest that serum levels of selenium and leptin have not specific relation with FS but overllay is lower, however, further study is recommended. Also selenium level in stress and acute phase was significantly lower than recovery phase.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.270-276
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine whether a specific synthetic metalworking fluid (MWF), "A", in use for 10 months without replacement, displayed microbial resistance and to identify the additives associated with the control of microbial growth. Three synthetic MWF products ("A", "B", and "C") were studied every week for two months. Microbial deterioration of the fluids was assessed through evaluation by endotoxin, bacteria and fungi levels in the MWFs. In addition, formaldehyde, boron, ethanolamine, and copper levels were also studied to determine whether they influence microbial growth in water-based MWFs. Throughout the entire study in the sump where MWF "A" was used, bacteria counts were lower than 103 CFU/mL, and endotoxins never exceeded 103 EU/mL. These levels were significantly lower than levels observed in sumps badly deteriorated with microbes. Boron levels in MWF "A" ranged from 91.7 to 129.6 ppm, which was significantly higher than boron levels found in other MWF products. The total level of ethanolamine (EA) in MWF "A" ranged from 35,595 to 57,857 ppm (average 40,903 ppm), which was over ten times higher than that found in other MWFs. Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) concentrations in MWF "A" were also significantly higher than seen in other MWFs. However, although EA and boron might improve anti-microbial performance, their abuse can pose a serious risk to workers who handle MWFs. From an industrial hygiene perspective, our study results stress that the positive synergistic effect of boron and EA in reducing microbial activity in MWF must be balanced with the potentially negative health effects of such additives. Our study also addresses the disadvantage of failing to comprehensively report MWF additives on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Future research in MWF formulation is needed to find the best level of EA and boron for achieving optimal synergistic anti-microbial effects while minimizing employee health hazards.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.268-276
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• 2015

Objectives: According to the 2007 Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS), some areas in the Gyeongsang Provinces showed very high blood mercury levels in adults. We conducted this project to investigate any related health effects in children due to mercury levels in these areas. Methods: In total, 1,097 students between grades 3 and 6 at 19 elementary schools were recruited from four areas with high mercury exposure as identified by the KNEHS. Total mercury levels in biological samples were compared with health check-ups performed on the schoolchildren. Biological monitoring, supported by questionnaires, a computerized neurobehavioral test, a posturography test and a personality test, were applied. Results: Triglycerides showed a significant relation with mercury in blood, urine and hair. Total mercury concentrations were divided into two groups: upper and lower concentration groups based on the median value. In the computerized neurobehavioral test, the upper blood mercury group showed a greater reaction time for color-word vigilance (p<0.05). In the posturography test, the intensity value of the tremor test showd high significant relations with mercury levels (p<0.01). In the personality test, self-consciousness, misdeeds and family relationships showed significant differences between the upper and lower urine mercury groups (p<0.01), and specific reactions, ego resilience and hyperactivity also showed some differences (p<0.1). Conclusion: Some items in the neurobehavioral test, posturography test and personality test showed significant relations with biological mercury levels. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate management of students showing high mercury levels are recommended in order to reduce their mercury exposure.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2018

Recent findings indicate that Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) are expressed outside the gustatory system, including in the gastrointestinal tracts and the exocrine glands, such as the submandibular (SM), parotid (P), lacrimal (L) glands and pancreas (PC). Specifically, T2Rs are found in some of the gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and these cells secreted peptide hormones in response to stimulation by bitter-tasting compounds. The results show that T2Rs may have significant physiological roles besides bitter taste reception. The functions of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands remain poorly understood. An expression levels analysis of T2Rs will help to determine those functions in the exocrine glands. The expression levels of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands were discovered via the qPCR. C57BL/6J mice of 42~60-day-old were used. Messenger RNAs were extracted from S, P, L and PC. Cloned DNAs were synthesized by reverse transcription. Quantitative PCRs were performed using the SYBR Green method. The expression levels of the T2Rs were calculated as relative expression levels to that of the GAPDH. The statistical significance among the observed exocrine glands was tested using the variance analysis (ANOVA test). Tas2r108, out of murine 35 T2Rs, was the most highly expressed in every observed exocrine gland. This finding was similar to previous results from tongue papillae, but the expression levels were lower than those of the tongue papillae. Tas2r137 of SM, P, L and PC were expressed a little lower than that of tongue papillae. The T2Rs in the exocrine glands may play slightly different roles from those in the tongue. We suggest that physiological studies such as a patch clamp and functional $Ca^{2+}$ imaging of acinar cells are necessary for understanding the Tas2r108 functions.

• 한국사회정책
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.187-211
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• 2017

This study aimed to examine the relationship between children's perceived levels of neglect and abuse and community characteristics. For this, it analyzed data from the Korean Children & Youth Panel Survey and data collected from the Statistics Korea. Main findings are as follows. First, children who resided in the communities with higher report rates of child maltreatment perceived higher levels of neglect. Second, children who resided in the communities with higher rates of welfare recipients, lower residential mobility, or lower rates of those who responded they had someone to ask for help when they were sick tended to perceive higher levels of neglect. Third, while the perceived levels of abuse were explained by the child factors, those of neglect were explained by child, family, and community factors. Based on these findings, this study suggested the interventions on the community levels and future research directions.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.845-853
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• 2012

To investigate the role of temperatures and photoperiods as environmental cues regulating reproductive rhythm in Pseudobagrus fulvidraco, rearing experiments were conducted using sveral rearing regimes conbined with photoperiods and water temperatures during gonadal degeneration periods. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) in control was $8.16{\pm}1.50%$, while in other experiment GSI levels in female were lower than that in the control. In case of experimental precinct of 9 light (L) and 15 L, GSI levels were decreased. But GSI level with $20^{\circ}C$ was no diffrence after 40 and 60 days. GSI level in male of control was $0.35{\pm}0.05%$. GSI under 9 L and $25^{\circ}C$ was similar to that in control, whereas its level in other experiments was lower than that in control. Testosterone (T) of female was $3.68{\pm}0.22$ ng/mL at experimental precinct. In case of 9 L and 15 L, concentration of T were lower than experimental precinct in all of water temperature. Estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) and $7{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one ($17{\alpha}20{\beta}OHP$) levels of female were $0.42{\pm}0.02$ and $0.83{\pm}0.01$ ng/mL at experimental precinct. $E_2$ levels of 9 and 15 L were higher than experimental precinct and $17{\alpha}20{\beta}OHP$ levels of 9 and 15 L were higher than experimental precinct. In case of T and 11-ketotestosterone levels were $0.69{\pm}0.11$ and $.62{\pm}0.03$ ng/mL in male. During the period of gonadal degeneration, gonadal maturation did not occur in any of the experimental regimes. However, comparatively high levels of $E_2$ observed at low temperature regimes ($20^{\circ}C$) regardless of photoperiods.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.437-441
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• 2019

Objective: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a calcium-dependent serum enzyme, has been shown to be involved in lipid metabolism. In this study, we examined the putative correlation of the serum PON1 level of Hanwoo, Korean native cattle, with gender and meat quality grade. Methods: PON1 levels were estimated by determining the arylesterase and paraoxonase activities (AE and PO, respectively) in serum samples from Hanwoo individuals (n = 56). Serum PON1 levels were analyzed in different gender groups (female [n = 21], castrated male [n = 17], and male [n = 18]), and meat quality grades (${\geq}1$ [n = 23], 2 [n = 21], and 3 [n = 12]). Results: Serum PON1 levels were similar in female ($AE=120{\pm}55U/mL$, $PO=84{\pm}43mU/mL$) and castrated male ($123{\pm}44U/mL$, $PO=89{\pm}30mU/mL$), while male showed a significantly lower level ($AE=65{\pm}43U/mL$, $PO=44{\pm}34mU/mL$). Furthermore, analysis of serum PON1 levels in three different grades of meat quality showed similar levels in the grades ${\geq}1$ ($AE=118{\pm}49U/mL$, $PO=84{\pm}37mU/mL$) and 2 ($AE=116{\pm}54U/mL$, $PO=82{\pm}43mU/mL$), while the level was significantly lower in the grade 3 ($AE=58{\pm}35U/mL$, $PO=39{\pm}27mU/mL$) of lower meat quality. Conclusion: We discovered the gender-dependent differences in serum PON1 levels of Hanwoo and a positive association of the serum PON1 level with meat quality. Results in this study suggest that PON1 would be a useful serum marker for preliminary screening of Hanwoo individuals with high-quality meat and applicable for genetic improvement.