• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.365-371
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• 2007

To evaluate the effect of air pollution on respiratory health in children, We conducted a longitudinal study in which children were asked to record their daily levels of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate(PEFR) using potable peak flow meter(mini-Wright) for 4 weeks. The relationship between daily PEFR and ambient air particle levels was analyzed using a mixed linear regression models including gender, age in year, weight, the presence of respiratory symptoms, and relative humidity as an extraneous variable. The daily mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ over the study period were $64.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and $46.1{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The range of daily measured PEFR in this study was $182{\sim}481\;l/min$. Daily mean PEFR was regressed with the 24-hour average $PM_{10}(or\;PM_{2.5})$ levels, weather information such as air temperature and relative humidity, and individual characteristics including sex, weight, and respiratory symptoms. The analysis showed that the increase of air particle concentrations was negatively associated with the variability in PEFR. We estimated that the IQR increment of $PM_{10}$ or $PM_{2.5}$ were associated with 1.5 l/min (95% Confidence intervals -3.1, 0.1) and 0.8 l/min(95% CI -1.8, 0.1) decline in PEFR. Even though this study showed negative findings on the relationship between respiratory function and air particles, it was worth noting that the findings must be interpreted cautiously because exposure measurement based on monitoring of ambient air likely resulted in misclassification of true exposure levels and this was the first Korean study that $PM_{2.5}$ measurement was applied as an index of air quality.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1145-1154
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• 2012

Recent research has been mostly focused on the differences of prenatal sex hormone could affect the ratio of the lengths of the second to fourth digits (2D:4D) as well as the rate of several physiological characteristics. It has been suggested that digit ratios are thought to be associated with either higher prenatal testosterone levels or greater sensitivity to androgens, or both. However, a study of person with disabilities are rare in Korea. The purpose of this study was to compare patterns of the ratio (2D:4D) of the lengths of the second and fourth digits in persons with disabilities and students without disabilities. Also, we empirically analyze the characteristics of persons with disabilities. We found that finger length ratio (2D:4D) of men with disabilities and student without disabilities were lower than women with disabilities and student without disabilities. Therefore, it could be confirmed that finger length ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic trait. There were no correlations between finger length ratio (2D:4D) and age group in persons with disabilities. Therefore, as with person without disabilities, the 2D:4D ratio was negatively associated with a growth process of persons with disabilities. Finally, There was no difference correlations between finger length ratio (2D:4D) and level of disability in persons with intellectual disabilities. From this, one possible explanation for this is that if finger length ratio (2D:4D) is related to person with disability then current classification of the level of disability deserves further investigation.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2017

Objectives Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and plasma levels of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), have previously been determined to be associated with depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of plasma levels of ACE and cytokines with recurrent depression. Methods A total of 52 participants (14 male, 38 female, aged $43.9{\pm}14.0years$) were enrolled after being diagnosed with depression by experienced psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center. The participants completed blood sampling, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Results ACE plasma levels are higher in patients with recurrent depression ($27.4{\pm}10.4U/L$) than in patients with newly diagnosed depression ($19.1{\pm}7.7U/L$) (p = 0.004). The levels of cytokines, such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, are not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, the ACE plasma level is negatively correlated with a reduction in the HAMD over six weeks (r = -0.429, p = 0.046, n = 22). Conclusions The current findings show that plasma ACE levels may be associated with recurrent depression and further suggest that the renin-angiotensin system could play a role in recurrent depression.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1458-1467
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• 2010

The present study was retrospectively designed to define whether preoperative levels of leukocytes and D-dimer are potentially useful factors in predicting perioperative outcomes of coronary heart disease (CHD). There was no relationship between preoperative leukocyte counts (Pre-OP leukocyte) and preoperative D-dimer levels (Pre-OP D-dimer). Pre-OP leukocyte counts each had positive correlation with cardiac troponin-I, creatine kinase-MB or C-reactive protein (cardiac markers) levels at preoperative and postoperative periods. Pre-OP D-dimer levels were positively associated with each cardiac marker at the same periods. Pre-OP leukocyte counts positively related with aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (liver markers), whereas Pre-OP D-dimer level positively or negatively correlated with bilirubin (liver marker), creatinine (renal marker) or glucose levels at preoperative and/or postoperative periods. Pre-OP leukocyte and Pre-OP D-dimer were inversely associated with Pre-OP high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels or left ventricular ejection fraction. Pre-OP leukocyte counts each had positive correlation operation duration and postoperative mechanical ventilation-time (PMVT), whereas Pre-OP D-dimer levels had positive relationship with PMVT, intensive care unit-staying period and hospitalization. The retrospective data suggest that Pre-OP leukocyte and Pre-OP D-dimer levels may be clinically useful factors for predicting perioperative outcomes in patients with CHD.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2014

This study was to examine whether high school students' academic motivation and learning strategies influence their competence. Of the 600 high school students surveyed from 3 high schools in two metropolitan cities, Korea, 489 completed and returned the questionnaires yielding a total response rate of 81.50%. The final sample consisted of 399 males (81.6%) and 82 females (16.8%). Among the final sample, 113 students were gifted, and 376 students were non-gifted. Their average age was 17.20 years. Measures of students' competence (i.e., cognitive competence, and social competence), academic motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation to know, toward accomplishment, and to experience stimulation, and extrinsic motivation identified, introjected, and external regulation, and amotivation), and learning strategies (i.e., metacognition, self-monitoring, strategy formation) Spearman's rho(${\rho}$) indicated that students' competence was positively associated with intrinsic (i.e., to know, toward accomplishment, to experience stimulation) and extrinsic (i.e., identified, introjected) motivation, and learning strategies. However, students' competence was negatively associated with amotivation. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that intrinsic motivation (i.e., to experience stimulation), extrinsic motivation(i.e., external regulation), and learning strategies (i.e., strategy formation) were the crucial contributors for enhancing students' competence. Results are discussed in relation to theoretical implications and school settings.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2009

Objectives: Seminal concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) relevant to sperm nuclear DNA integrity has not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ in correlation with sperm parameters and nuclear DNA integrity in asymptomatic healthy donors. Methods: Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from forty-five healthy donors. Results: Sperm quality was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis and nuclear DNA integrity measured by the TUNEL assay in raw semen. TNF-${\alpha}$ concentrations were measured by ELISA in frozen-thawed seminal plasmas. Sperm DNA fragmentation rates were ranged between 1.9% and 53.0% (mean${\pm}$SD, 12.4${\pm}$9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed that DNA fragmentation rate was not associated with sperm concentration or motility but had a correlation with linearity negatively (r=-0.325, p=0.03) and age positively (r=0.484, p=0.001). The mean seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ was 4.9 pg/mL with a range from 1.1 to 22.6 pg/mL. The TNF-${\alpha}$ concentration had no correlation with clinically relevant parameters of sperm quality or nuclear DNA fragmentation rate. Conclusion: Our results indicate that sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation may be not associated with seminal TNF-${\alpha}$ level or sperm quality in asymptomatic healthy donors.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6311-6318
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• 2012

Background: HER2/neu overexpression due to gene amplification is an important factor in breast cancer, modifying the sensitivity to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody therapy. The clinical significance of HER2 expression in non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is currently under evaluation. The tumor suppressor gene PTEN negatively regulates the HER2/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of simultaneous alteration in HER2 and PTEN protein expression in relation to biological behaviour of NSCLCs. Materials and Methods: Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in sixty-one (n=61) NSCLC cases along with CISH for HER2 gene analysis and detection of chromosome 17 aneuploidy. Patients were followed-up for a period of 34 to 41 months after surgery. Results: HER2 overexpression (2+/3+score) was detected in 17 (27.9%) patients while loss of PTEN expression was observed in 24 (39.3%) cases, low expression in 29 (47.6%) and overexpression in 8 (13.1%). Simultaneous HER2 overexpression and PTEN low/loss of expression were correlated with metastasis (71.4% vs 36.2% p=0.03). Analysis in the subgroup of 22 patients of pTNM stage III with lymph node status N1 or N2 revealed that there was a relationship between the number of positive regional lymph node groups and simultaneous deregulation of the two genes (p=0.04). Multivariate analysis determined that HER2 overexpression was associated with an increasing risk of developing metastases (OR: 4.3; 95%CI: 1.2-15.9; p: 0.03) while PTEN overexpression was associated with lower risk (OR: 0.1; 95%CI: 0.1, 1.0; p: 0.05). Conclusions: Simultaneous HER2/PTEN deregulation is a significant genetic event that leads to a more aggressive phenotype of NSCLC.

• Korean Journal of Childcare and Education
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.137-155
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• 2010

This study investigates the relationships among adult attachment, satisfaction with life and affection-rejection parenting in preschoolers' mothers. The participants were 339 preschoolers' mothers in Daegu or Gyeongbok Province. The collected data were analyzed by single and multiple regressions, using SPSS PC(15.0 version). The results are as follows. (1) Adult attachment and satisfaction with life was positively associated with affection parenting in preschoolers' mothers. Adult attachment and satisfaction with life was negatively associated with rejection parenting In preschoolers' mothers. (2) The influence of adult attachment on affection-rejection parenting was rather higher than satisfaction with life in preschoolers' mothers. (3) The explanation power adult attachment on rejection parenting was rather higher than on affection parenting in preschoolers' mothers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.11 s.256
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• pp.746-760
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• 2005

Background: Following the implantation of heart valve prostheses, it is important to maintain therapeutic INR to reduce the risk of thromboembolism. The objectives of this study were to determine the causes of nontherapeutic INRs, and to identify the factors associated with nonadherences to warfarin therapy in Korean outpatients with prosthetic heart valves managed by a pharmacist-run anticoagulation service (ACS). Material and Method: A retrospective chart review was completed for all patients enrolled in the ACS at Seoul National University Hospital from March, 1997b to September, 2000. The data on 868 patients (5,304 visits) who were at least 6 months post-valve replacement were included. All possible causes of nontherapeutic INRs were documented for each patient visit. The association of covariates to noncompliance was investigated by univariate analysis. Result: The reasons for nontherapeutic INRs were identified as follows: inadequate dosage adjustment $(21\%)$, nonadherences to dosing regimen $(13\%)$, drug/herbal interactions $(12\%)$, changes in diet $(7\%)$, and indeterminate cause $(42\%)$. Younger age, shorter duration of ACS and longer duration of warfarin therapy were associated with nonadherence. Conclusion: In this study, nonadherence and interactions between diet and medications were found to be important factors influencing nontherapeutic INRs. Longer duration of enrollment in the ACS affected the adherence to warfarin therapy Positively whereas younger age and longer duration of warfarin therapy affected negatively.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.388-397
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• 2011

Selenium (Se) is known to prevent from several cancers, while iron (Fe) is known to be associated with high risk of cancers. The role of Se on colon carcinogenesis was investigated in an animal model induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in low Fe mice. Six-week old ICR mice fed on a low Fe diet (4.5 ppm Fe; generally 10 times lower than normal Fe) with three different Se (0.02, 0.1 or 0.5 ppm) levels for 24 weeks. The animals received weekly three ($0{\sim}2^{nd}$ weeks) i.p. injections of AOM (10 mg/kg RW), followed by 2% DSS with drinking water for 1 week to induce the colon cancer. There were five experimental groups including vehicle, positive control (normal Fe level, AOM/DSS), Low Fe (LFe) + AOM/DSS+Low Se (LSe), LFe + AOM/DSS + medium Se (MSe) and LFe + AOM/DSS + high Se (HSe) groups. HSe group showed a 66.7% colonic tumor incidence, MSe group showed a 69.2% tumor incidence, and LSe group showed a 80.0% tumor incidence. The tumor incidence was negatively associated with Se levels of diets. Tumor multiplicity in Hse group was significantly low compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). With increasing Se levels of diets, the primary anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were decreased and apoptotic bodies were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity and its protein level were dependent on the levels of Se of diets. Malondialdehyde level in liver was lowest in Hse group among experimental groups. These findings indicate that dietary Se is chemopreventive for colon cancer by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing cell proliferation in Fe-deficient mice.