• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.240-247
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• 2022

Background: Although insomnia and constipation are highly prevalent worldwide, studies examining a possible association between them are lacking. We examined the relationship between insomnia and constipation in shift workers who have a high prevalence of insomnia and other diseases. Methods: This study had a multicenter cross-sectional design and conducted using health examination data including self-reported questionnaires. In total, 12,879 and 4,650 shift workers were enrolled in Severance Hospital and Wonju Severance Hospital, respectively, during 2015-2017. Multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analysis were performed in each center with the same protocol, using a common data model. Results: The mean age of the total population was 44.35 (standard deviation = 8.75); the proportion of males was 56.9%. Female sex, being underweight and non-smoker were strongly associated with an increased risk of constipation symptom (p < 0.001). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using ORs of both centers with weights; there was a significant dose-response relationship (sub-threshold 1.76 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-1.91]; moderate 2.28 [95% CI 2.01-2.60]; severe 4.15 [95% CI 3.18-5.41] in the final model, p for trend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis performed by stratifying sex and pooled ORs showed a similar trend to that of the entire group. Conclusion: We observed a strong correlation between insomnia and constipation in this population. Our findings may help in formulating guidelines and policies to improve quality of life in shift workers through the management of sleep quality and proper bowel function. This study is the first to report this relationship among people working in shifts.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권7호
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• pp.877-884
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• 2022

Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit host health when ingested in a live state, and lactic acid bacteria are the most common type. Among fungi, Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is the only strain known to have a probiotic function with beneficial effects on colitis; however, information on other probiotic yeast strains is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to discover yeast strains expressing intestinal anti-inflammatory activities by exhibiting probiotic properties in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Nuruk (Korean traditional fermentation starter) containing various microbial strains was used as a source for yeast strains, and S. cerevisiae 28-7 (SC28-7) strain was selected with in vitro and in vivo characteristics to enable survival in the intestines. After 14 days of pretreatment with the yeast strains, DSS was co-administered for six days to induce colitis in mice. The results revealed that the disease activity index score was lowered by SC28-7 treatment compared to the DSS group, and the colon length and weight/length ratio were recovered in a pattern similar to that of the normal group. SC28-7 administration significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and modified the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ) and proteins involved in gut barrier functions (mucin 2, mucin 3, zonula occludens-1, and occludin) in colon tissues. These results indicate that SC28-7 attenuates DSS-induced colon damage and inflammation, supporting its future use as a probiotic yeast for treating and preventing intestinal inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.138-144
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• 2024

Crocin은 여러 가지 요리에 향미와 색깔을 주는 치자 열매나 사프란에 함유되어 있는 적노란색의 수용성 색소이다. 사프란과 치자는 전통의학 분야에서 부종, 해열, 해독 작용이 있어 바이러스성 간염, 식도염, 관상동맥심장병, 신경쇠약, 불면증, 퇴행성 신경질환, 호흡기 질환, 비뇨기 질환 등을 치료하는데 사용되어 왔다. Crocin (C₄₄H₆₄O₂₄)은 카로테노이드의 복합체로, dicarboxylic acid crocetin과 disaccharide gentiobiose로 이루어진 diester이다. Crocin은 혈액학적인, 병리학적인 독성이나 유전독성이 없다. 현재까지 수많은 생체 내 및 생체 외 연구들을 통해 Crocin의 생물학적인 약리작용이 밝혀지고 있다. 본 총설에서는 염증성 장질환, 위염, 천식, 동맥경화, 류머티스 관절염, 다발성 경화증, 당뇨, 알츠하이머병, 파킨슨병, 우울증 등의 염증 관련 질환에서 Crocin의 보호 효과를 요약한다. Crocin은 다양한 작용 기전을 통해 항염, 항산화, 세포 자살 방지 기능을 함으로써 이들 질환을 개선하는 것으로 추론된다.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.125-135
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• 2024

Purpose: The updated ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in children were published in 2016. However, information on the use of these criteria is scarce. This study aimed to report the frequency of the use of the ROME IV criteria by Indonesian pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) in FC management in infants and toddlers. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: A total of 248 respondents (183 pediatricians and 65 GPs) from 24 Indonesian provinces completed the survey. Most respondents reported an estimated prevalence of FC to be less than 5% both in infants and toddlers. On average, only 64.6% of respondents frequently used the ROME IV criteria. Pediatricians used the ROME IV criteria more often than GPs did (p<0.001). The most frequently used criteria were painful or hard bowel movements (75.0%) and ≤2 defecations/week (71.4%). Lactulose as a laxative was the preferred treatment choice, followed by changing the standard formula to a specific nutritional formula. Most of the respondents carried out parenteral reassurance and education. Normal growth, as a marker of good digestion and absorption function, and normal stool consistency and frequency were the most reported indicators of gut health. Conclusion: The ROME IV criteria for functional constipation are not extensively used by pediatricians and GPs in Indonesia. Laxatives and specific nutritional formulas were the most used management approaches in infants and toddlers. Medical education, especially for general practitioners, should be updated.

• 대한골관절종양학회지
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.148-154
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• 2005

목적: 천추에 발생한 척색종에 대해 수술적 치료를 시행했던 환자들의 장기 추시 결과를 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 천추 척색종으로 수술을 시행받았던 4예를 대상으로 하였으며, 평균 추시 기간은 8.3년(3~11)이었다. 3예에서 후방 도달법을, 1예에서는 전후방 도달법을 통해 종양의 완전 절제를 시행하였으며, 1예에서 제 2천추 신경근 이상을, 3예에서 제 3천추 신경근 이상을 보존하였다. 술 후 배뇨, 배변 장애 유무를 포함한 하지의 운동, 감각 장애 유무를 평가하였고 수술 부위 감염 등의 합병증과 추시상 국소적인 재발 및 원거리 전이 유무를 조사하였다. 결과: 전 예에서 술 후 하지의 운동 장애는 없었으나 1예에서 우하지의 방사통이 심하였고, 1예에서 수술창의 감염이 있었다. 술 후 배뇨 기능은 2예에서 정상이었고 1예에서는 간헐적 요실금을, 1예에서는 지속적인 자가 도뇨를 시행하였다. 배변 기능은 1예에서 정상이었고, 2예에서는 변비를 보였다. 추시상 1예에서 재발 및 전이가 없었고, 1예에서 수술 부위의 재발이, 1예에서 원거리 전이 및 수술 부위의 재발이 있었다. 결론: 천추에 발생한 척색종에 대하여 수술적 절제 후 평균 8년 이상의 생존으로 만족할 만한 결과를 보였으며, 조기 발견을 통한 적극적인 수술적 치료가 상부 천추 신경근의 보존으로 기능 소실의 최소화와 함께 생존을 연장할 수 있는 방법으로 생각된다.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.237-245
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• 1992

1979년부터 1986년까지 자궁경부암으로 진단되어 외부방사선 및 강내 방사선 치료를 함께 받은 550명의 환자를 대상으로 직장 합병증과 방사선량에 대한 후향적 분석을 시행하였다. 전체 환자550명 중 468명은 근치적 목적으로 방사선 치료를 받았으며, 82명은 수술후에 추가적인 방사선 치료를 받았다. 이들 82명 중 43명은 수술절제연 양성으로, 31명은 원발질환의 재발로, 8명은 stump cancer로 방사선 치료를 받았다. Grade 2와 3를 포함하는 직장 합병증의 발생률은 5년에 $6.7였다. 합병증이 생긴 환자군의 직장에 조사된 방사선량은 $7424{\pm}834$ cGy이었으며, 이는 합병증이 발생하지 않은 환자군의 $6946{\pm}717$ cGy보다 많았고 통계학적 유의성이 있었다(p<0.05) 직장합병증의 정도에 따른 방사선량의 차이는 통계학적 유의성이 없었다(p>0.05). 전체 합병증의 발생률은 직장에 조사된 방사선량에 따라 증가하였는데, 6,500 cGy 이하에서는 5년 합병증 발생률이 15.6이었으며 8,000 cGy 이 상 조사된 환자군에서는 71.2이었다. 직장 합병증에 영향을 줄 수 있는 요인들을 Cox의 방법에 의해 다변량분석한 결과 당뇨가 있는 경우 합병증 발생률이 증가하였으며, 강내 방사선치료는 한번 시행한 경우보다 두번 시행한 환자군에서 합병증 발생률이 더 적었다. 또한 자궁의 후방만곡은 ovoid의 크기와 함께 분석된 경우에 통계적으로 중요한 의미를 나타내었고, ovoid의 크기는 이번 분석에서 합병증 발생에 가장 중요한 인자로 나타났다. 직장에 조사된 방사선량도 중요한 요소로서 방사선량이 많아질수록 합병증 발생률은 증가하였다(p<0.05). TDF와 CRE단위로 분석하였으며 선량과 합병증의 관계는 cGy 단위의 결과와 같았다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.307-314
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• 2008

Objectives : We conducted an epidemiologic survey to evaluate the effect of the aircraft noise exposure on the health of the residents near the military airbases in Pyeongtaek City. Methods : The evaluation of environmental noise level, questionnaire survey, and health examination were performed for 917 residents. The study population consisted of four groups: subjects who lived in the village close to the fighter airbase (high exposure), subjects who lived along the course of fighters (intermediate exposure), and subjects near a helicopter airbase, and the control group. Results : The prevalence of the aircraft noise related accident and irritable bowel syndrome in the exposure groups were higher than that of the control group. The risks of noise induced hearing loss, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were higher in the exposed groups than in the control group. The prevalence of anxiety disorder and primary insomnia were higher in the exposed groups than in the control group. Prevalence odd ratios of the risk for primary insomnia after adjusting age, sex, agricultural noise, and occupation were 4.03 [95% confidence interval (95% Cl) 1.56-10.47] for the subject near the helicopter airbase, 1.23 (95% Cl 0.40-3.76) for those intermediately exposed to fighter noise, and 4.99 (95% Cl 2.14-11.64) for those highly exposed to fighter noise. Conclusions : The results of the present study suggest that the aircraft noise may have adverse effects on hearing function, cardiovascular health and mental health. Therefore, it seems to be needed to take proper measures including the control of the aircraft noise and the management of the exposed people's health.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.77-82
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• 2007

Objective : The authors tried to reveal some unique features of lipomeningomyelocele (LMMC), including clinical presentation, factors precipitating onset of symptoms, pathologic entities of LMMC associated with tethered cord syndrome, and surgical outcome in LMMC patients. Methods : Seventy-five patients with LMMC were enrolled in this study. Neuro-imaging and intraoperative findings allowed classification of LMMC into three Types. The patients were divided into two groups by age : A (51 patients), from birth to 3 years, and B (24 patients), from 3 to 24 years. For prevention of retethering of the cord, a mega-dural sac rebuilding procedure was performed in 15 patients. Results : During a mean postoperative follow-up period of 4 years, the surgical outcome was satisfactory in terms of improved pain and motor weakness, but disappointing with reference to the resolution of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Among these 75 patients with LMMC, preoperative deficits were improved after surgery in 29 (39%), remained stable in 28 (37%), changed slightly in 13 (17%), and worsened in 5 (7%). Patients in group A achieved better outcomes than those in group B. Depending on the type of lesion, patients with types I and II LMMC have better outcomes than those with type III LMMC. Finally, retethering of the cord with neurological deterioration occurred in 4 (5.3%) of the 75 patients, but no retethering was found in the 15 patients who were recently treated with a mega-dural sac rebuilding procedure. Conclusion : Our data continue to support the opinion that early diagnosis and optimal surgery are still essential for the treatment of patients with LMMC, since there is a high likelihood of residual neurological functions that can be preserved. Based on our surgical experience of untethering and decompression of lipomas, a mega-dural sac repair is useful to prevent retethering of the cord.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제30권10호
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• pp.1480-1487
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• 2020

Our previous report determined that miR-144 is a key regulator of intestinal epithelial permeability in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) rats. Recent evidence has shown that lactobacilli play an important role in the relief of IBS-D symptoms. However, few studies have addressed the mechanisms by which microRNAs and lactobacilli exert their beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial permeability. Hence, to elucidate whether miRNAs and lactobacilli play roles in intestinal epithelial barrier regulation, we compared miRNA expression levels in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under Lactobacillus casei (L. casei LC01) treatment. IECs and L. casei LC01 were co-cultured and then subjected to microRNA microarray assay. qRT-PCR, western blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens 1 (ZO1/TJP1). The interaction between miRNAs and L. casei LC01 acting in IECs was investigated through transfection of RNA oligoribonucleotides and pcDNA 3.1 plasmid. The results are as follows: 1) L. casei LC01 decreased the expression of miR-144 and FD4 and promoted OCLN and ZO1 expression in IECs; 2) L. casei LC01 enhanced the barrier function of IECs via downregulation of miR-144 and upregulation of OCLN and ZO1; 3) Under L. casei LC01 treatment, OCLN and ZO1 overexpression could partially eliminate the promoting effect of miR-144 on intestinal permeability in IECs. Our results demonstrate that L. casei LC01 regulates intestinal permeability of IECs through miR-144 targeting of OCLN and ZO1. L. casei LC01 can be a possible therapeutic target for managing dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.205-214
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• 2005

Background: We examined global gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (DC), and tested whether the identified genes with the altered expression might be associated with susceptibility to UC. Methods: PBMCs from 8 UC and 8 normal healthy (NH) volunteers were collected, and total RNAs were subjected to the human 8.0K cDNA chip for the micro array analysis. Real time-PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to verify the results of micro array. One hundred forty UC patients and 300 NH controls were recruited for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Results: Twenty-five immune function-related genes with over 2-fold expression were identified. Of these genes, two chemokines, namely, CXCL1 and CCL20, were selected because of their potential importance in the evocation of host innate and adaptive immunity. Four SNPs were identified in the promoter and coding regions of CXCL1, while there was no significant difference between all patients with UC and controls in their polymorphisms, except minor association at g.57A>G (rs2071425, p=0.02). On the other hand, among three novel and one known SNPs identified in the promoter region of CCL20, g. -1,706 G>A (p=0.000000055), g. -1,458 G>A (p=0.0048), and g. -962C>A (p=0.0006) were found to be significantly associated with the susceptibility of Uc. Conclusion: Altered gene expression in mononuclear cells may contribute to IBD pathogenesis. Although the findings need to be confirmed in other populations with larger numbers of patients, the current results demonstrated that polymorphisms in the promoter region of CCL20 are positively associated with the development of Uc.