• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.1437-1442
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• 2005

Tongue Diagnosis is the important traditional oriental medical diagnosis method that observes not only the general physiological state but also some kinds of disease. However, manual tongue diagnosis is much influenced by surrounding illumination. Therefore, Digital Tongue Inspection System(DigiTis) is needed for the quantification of objective tongue information, In this research, Tongue images of 98 malignant Neoplasm patients and 34 normal persons were collected by Digital Tongue Inspection System. Statistical analysis of tongue images and patient data indicates that cancer group has more blue-purple components in tongue body(舌質) and yellow components in tongue coating than normal group. Also, there are a lot of rose-pink components in the cancer group of second stage and blue-purple components in the cancer group of third or fourth stage. Our study shows that tongue image is a useful index for distinction between disease and health. Furthermore we need more extended research through the additional sampling and various disease.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.1214-1221
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• 2024

The accumulating evidence substantiates the indispensable role of gut microbiota in modulating the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Uncovering the intricacies of the mechanism is imperative in aiding disease control efforts. Revealing key bacterial species, their metabolites and/or metabolic pathways from the vast array of gut microorganisms can significantly contribute to precise treatment of the disease. With a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Inner Mongolia, China, we recruited volunteers from among the Mongolian population to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and the disease. Fecal samples were collected from the Volunteers of Mongolia with Type 2 Diabetes group and a Control group, and detected by metagenomic analysis and untargeted metabolomics analysis. The findings suggest that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla are the predominant gut microorganisms that exert significant influence on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in the Mongolian population. In the disease group, despite an increase in the quantity of most gut microbial metabolic enzymes, there was a concomitant weakening of gut metabolic function, suggesting that the gut microbiota may be in a compensatory state during the disease stage. β-Tocotrienol may serve as a pivotal gut metabolite produced by gut microorganisms and a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes. The metabolic biosynthesis pathways of ubiquinone and other terpenoid quinones could be the crucial mechanism through which the gut microbiota regulates type 2 diabetes. Additionally, certain Clostridium gut species may play a pivotal role in the progression of the disease.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.259-262
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• 2012

We assessed the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection and changes in the egg positive rate (EPR) over 1-year time, using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method in 2,347 preschool children in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea in 2008 and 2009. The overall EPR for E. vermicularis was 4.1% in 2008 and 4.5% in 2009. A study population of 389 children was repeatedly examined for 2 years. Within this group, the EPR in 2009 was twice higher than in 2008, and the EPR of the group of 5-7-year-old children was significantly higher than that of other age groups. Moreover, in the group of 5-7-year-old children in 2009, the rates of positive and negative conversion were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than in other age groups. Conclusively, enterobiasis was prevalent during 2008-2009 among preschool children in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, and the increased EPR in 2009 was due to an increase in newly acquired infections among 5-7-year-old children.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.938-945
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• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the risk of chronic disease as predicted by abdominal obesity in Korean adult females. Data on 2,738 adult females aged 40~64 yrs was obtained from the 2013~2014 Korean National Health Nutrition Examination Survey. The subjects were divided into normal (n=1,835), abdominal obesity (AO, n=73), and BMI-diagnosed abdominal obesity (BMI-AO, n=505) groups based on the NCEP-ATP III guidelines and by applying the KSSO definition regarding waist circumference. Triglyceride blood levels, fasting blood sugar levels, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the AO and BMI-AO groups than in the normal group. The HDL-cholesterol levels of subjects in the two abdominal groups were lower as compared to those of subjects in the normal group. The mean adequacy ratio was lower among subjects in the AO and BMI-AO groups than among those in the normal group. Moreover, the NAR and INQ scores of some micro-nutrients in both of the abdominal obesity groups were lower than those in the normal group. Both the AO and BMI-AO groups showed significantly higher risks of hypertriglycemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypoHDL-cholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome than were shown by the normal group. Notably, as compared to the normal group, the AO group showed higher risk of hypercholesterolemia, hyperLDL-cholesterolemia, hypertriglycemia, and metabolic syndrome than did the BMI-AO group. This finding suggests that it is essential to develop prevention programs including programs for those with abdominal obesity despite their having a BMI within the normal range.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.286-296
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• 2020

Purpose: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents is associated with high morbidity and possibly has a significant negative impact on their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of children and adolescents with IBD and define the variables that impact these individuals. Methods: We administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PedsQL) to 35 children and adolescents diagnosed with IBD and with available quantitative data from clinical records on epidemiology, clinical evolution, complementary tests, medical interventions, and disease activity. Data were evaluated according to the IBD type and compared with a control group of healthy children. Results: The study group showed a significantly lower PedsQL score than the control group (p<0.01). Significant factors contributing to poor overall quality of life included female sex, Crohn's disease, surgery, and food restrictions. Symptoms such as diarrhea and the fear of using public toilets were associated with low physical scores. Feeling sick had a negative impact on the emotional PedsQL scores. Patients with a fear of using public toilets, anthropometric scores below the 3rd percentile, and greater disease activity scored lower in the social domain. Regarding school and psychosocial evaluations, younger children with symptom onset after the age of 2 years had lower scores than younger children with symptom onset before the age of 2 years. Conclusion: IBD negatively affects the quality of life of children and adolescents based on its impact on the physical, emotional, social, and psychosocial statuses of these patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.196-205
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• 2002

The purposes of this study was to evaluate an occupational health promotion program for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre and post test to evaluate the program. The subjects of this study were 48 employees selected by convenience sampling who were suspected of having hypertension and hyperlipidemia in routine physical examinations and who were working in A University Hospital in Suwon. 25 subjects were assigned to the experimental group and 23 to the control group. Data collection was done using questionnaries before and after the subjects used the program. Results: The results of this study showed that systolic blood pressure, ALT, γ-GTP in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. There were significant differences between two groups in the percentage of 'irregularity of diet' and in health behavior compliance. There were significant differences between the two groups in the number of complaints of symptoms after using the program. Conclusion: This study shows that there were no obvious differences between the two groups in all areas, but this program had a positive effect on health behavior changes. It is expected that employees' lifestyles can be changed through continuous health promotion programs.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.334-345
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• 2018

Spore-forming Bacillus species are commercially available probiotic formulations for application in humans. They have health benefits and help prevent disease in hosts by combating entero-pathogens and ameliorating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these benefits remain unclear. Here, we report the draft genome of a potential probiotic strain of Bacillus clausii B106. We mapped and compared the probiotic profile of B106 with other reference genomes. The draft genome analysis of B106 revealed the presence of ADI pathway genes, indicating its ability to tolerate acidic pH and bile salts. Genes encoding fibronectin binding proteins, enolase, as well as a gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides underscored the potential of B106 to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and colonize the human gut. Genes encoding bacteriocins were also detected, indicating the antimicrobial ability of this isolate. The presence of genes encoding vitamins, including Riboflavin, Folate, and Biotin, also indicated the health-promoting ability of B106. Resistance of B106 to multiple antibiotics was evident from the presence of genes encoding resistance to chloramphenicol, ${\beta}$-lactams, Vancomycin, Tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. The findings indicate the significance of B. clausii B106 administration during antibiotic treatment and its potential value as a probiotic strain to replenish the health-promoting and disease-preventing gut flora following antibiotic treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.613-619
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• 2015

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary malignant cancer of the liver in the world. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels reflect hepatic function and are inversely correlated with the severity of background chronic liver disease. Objective: This study evaluated whether basal serum IGF-1 levels can predict prognosis of HCC patients according to different risks of disease progression. Materials and Methods: A total of 89 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were recruited in 3 groups: Group I, 30 HCC patients receiving sorafinib; Group II, 30 HCC patients with best supportive care; and Group III include 29 patients undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). All patients were investigated for serum levels of AST, ALP, Bb, Cr, BUN, AFP and IGF-I. Results: Patients with disease control had significantly higher baseline IGF-1 levels 210 (185-232.5) ng/mL (p value<0.01) than did patients without disease control. Low basal IGF-1 levels were associated with advanced HCC, such as multiple tumors and advanced stage, and low IGF-1 levels predicted shorter TTP and overall survival in patients treated with TACE. Conclusions: The levels of serum IGF-1, expressed as continuous values, may be helpful for accurately assessing hepatic function and the prognostic stratification of patients with HCC.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise program on activities of daily living (ADL), balance and cognition in elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Methods: Thirty-two patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment were assigned to one of two groups: an exercise group (n=16) and a control group (n=16). The exercise group carried on regular exercise for 60 minutes a day, 4-5 times per week for 8 weeks. The exercise group participated in an exercise program (treadmill training and physical training). ADL, balance and cognitive function were evaluated before and at the end of the program using the Korean modified Bathel Index (K-MBI), the Functional independence measure (FIM), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Balance performance monitor (BPM), and the Mini mental state examination (MMSE) in both groups. Results: There were significant exercise-induced improvements in ADL and Balance from pre to post tests; but not in MMSE. Conclusion: Exercise programs can improve ADL and balance in elderly with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2491-2494
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• 2014

Objective: To explore the mechanism and significance of tumor angiogenesis by observing changes of microvessel density (MVD) and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in residual tumor tissues after cryoablation. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 nude mice xenograft models with transplanted lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were established and randomly divided into 3 groups when the maximum diameter of tumor reached 1 cm: control, cisplatin (DDP) and cryoablation. The nude mice were sacrificed after 21-d cryoablation to obtain the tumor tissues. Then immunohistochemistry was applied to determine MVD and the expression of VEGF in tumor tissues. Results: The tumor volumes of control group, DDP group and cryoablation group were $1.48{\pm}0.14cm^3$, $1.03{\pm}0.12cm^3$ and $0.99{\pm}0.06cm^3$ respectively and the differences were significant (P<0.01), whereas MVD values were $21.1{\pm}0.86$, $24.7{\pm}0.72$ and $29.2{\pm}0.96$ (P<0.01) and the positive expression rates of VEGF were $36.2{\pm}1.72%$, $39.0{\pm}1.79%$ and $50.8{\pm}2.14%$ (P<0.01), respectively, showing that MVD was proportional to the positive expression of VEGF (r=0.928, P<0.01). Conclusions: Cryoablation can effectively inhibit tumor growth, but tumor angiogenesis significantly increases in residual tumors, with high expression of VEGF playing an important role in the residual tumor angiogenesis.