• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.48
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• pp.295.1-295.7
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• 2018

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections have become a major healthcare-associated pathogen problem worldwide. Nosocomial VRE infections could be effectively controlled by screening patients at high risk of harboring VRE and thereby lowering the influx of VRE into healthcare centers. In this study, we evaluated factors associated with VRE colonization in patients transferred to emergency departments, to detect patients at risk for VRE carriage. Methods: This study was conducted in the emergency department of a medical college-affiliated hospital in Korea. Every patient transferred to the emergency department and admitted to the hospital from January to December 2016 was screened for VRE using rectal cultures. In this cross-sectional study, the dependent variable was VRE colonization and the independent variables were demographic and clinical factors of the patients and factors related to the transferring hospital. Patients were divided into two groups, VRE and non-VRE, and previously collected patient data were analyzed. Then we performed logistic regression analyses of characteristics that differed significantly between groups. Results: Out of 650 patients, 106 (16.3%) had positive VRE culture results. Significant variables in the logistic analysis were transfer from geriatric long-term care hospital (adjusted odds ration [aOR]: 8.017; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.378-46.651), hospital days (4-7 days; aOR: 7.246; 95% CI: 3.229-16.261), duration of antimicrobial exposure (1-3 days; aOR: 1.976; 95% CI: 1.137-3.436), and age (aOR: 1.025; 95% CI: 1.007-1.043). Conclusion: VRE colonization in patients transferred to the emergency department is associated primarily with factors related to the transferred hospitals rather than demographic and clinical characteristics.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.189-202
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• 2016

This work emphasized optimum production of biodiesel using non-edible Prunus armeniaca (Bitter Apricot) oil via transesterification collected from the high altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, India. In this study the author produced biodiesel through the process of transesterification by using an alkali catalyst with alcohol (methanol and ethanol), under the varying molar ratio (1:6, 1:9, 1:12), variable catalyst percentage (1% and 2%) and temperature ($70^{\circ}C$, $75^{\circ}C$, $80^{\circ}C$, $85^{\circ}C$). Furthermore, a few strong base catalysts were used that includes sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium metal and freshly prepared sodium methoxide. After screening the catalyst, response surface methodology (RSM) in connection with the central composite design (CCD) was used to statistically evaluate and optimize the biodiesel production operation using NaOH as catalyst. It was found that the production of biodiesel achieved an optimum level biodiesel yield with 97.30% FAME conversion under the following reaction conditions: 1) Methanol/oil molar ratio: 1:6, 2) Reaction time: 3h, 3) Catalyst amount: NaOH 2 wt. %, and 4) Reaction temperature: $85^{\circ}C$. The experimental results showed that the optimum production and conversion of biodiesel through the process of transesterification could be achieved under an optimal set of reaction conditions. The biodiesel obtained showed appropriate fuel properties as specified in ASTM, BIS and En- standards.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.3-27
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of different graft materials used in alveolar ridge preservation on dimensional hard tissue changes of the alveolar ridge, assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods: A systematic electronic search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and a manual search were conducted from November 2019 until January 2020. Randomized controlled trials were included if they assessed at least 1 variable related to vertical or horizontal hard tissue changes measured using CBCT scans. After a qualitative analysis of the included studies, subgroups were formed according to the graft material used, and a quantitative analysis was performed for 5 outcome variables: changes in vertical alveolar bone height at 2 points (midbuccal and midpalatal/midlingual) and changes in horizontal (buccolingual) alveolar bone width at 3 different levels from the initial crest height (1, 3, and 5 mm). Results: The search resulted in 1,582 studies, and after an independent 3-stage screening, 16 studies were selected for qualitative analysis and 9 for quantitative analysis. The metaanalysis showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower reduction of alveolar ridge dimensions for the xenogenic subgroup than in the allogenic subgroup, both vertically at the midbuccal aspect (weighted mean difference [WMD]=-0.20; standard error [SE]=0.26 vs. WMD=-0.90; SE=0.22) as well as horizontally at 1 mm (WMD=-1.32; SE=0.07 vs. WMD=-2.99; SE=0.96) and 3 mm (WMD=-0.78; SE=0.11 vs. WMD=-1.63; SE=0.40) from the initial crest height. No statistical analysis could be performed for the autogenic subgroup because it was not reported in sufficient numbers. Conclusions: Less vertical and horizontal bone reduction was observed when xenogenic graft materials were used than when allogenic graft materials were used; however, the loss of alveolar ridge dimensions could not be completely prevented by any graft material.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.182-190
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• 2023

Elbow traumas represent a relatively common condition in clinical practice. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the most accurate tests for screening these potentially serious conditions and excluding elbow fractures. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the literature concerning the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the detection or exclusion of suspected elbow fractures. A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines. Literature databases including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Diagnostic Test Accuracy, Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched for diagnostic accuracy studies of subjects with suspected traumatic elbow fracture investigating clinical tests compared to imaging reference tests. The risk of bias in each study was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 checklist. Twelve studies (4,485 patients) were included. Three different types of index tests were extracted. In adults, these tests were very sensitive, with values up to 98.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.0%-99.8%). The specificity was very variable, ranging from 24.0% (95% CI, 19.0%-30.0%) to 69.4% (95% CI, 57.3%-79.5%). The applicability of these tests was very high, while overall studies showed a medium risk of bias. Elbow full range of motion test, elbow extension test, and elbow extension and point tenderness test appear to be useful in the presence of a negative test to exclude fracture in a majority of cases. The specificity of all tests, however, does not allow us to draw useful conclusions because there was a great variability of results obtained.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.106-115
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• 2023

Objective: To evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no difference in a set of clinical predictors of potentially impacted canines between low-risk patients with and without displaced canines. Methods: The normal canine position group consisted of 30 patients with 60 normally erupting canines ranked in sector I (age, 9.30 ± 0.94 years). The displaced canine group comprised 30 patients with 41 potentially impacted canines ranked in sectors II to IV (age, 9.46 ± 0.78 years). Maxillary lateral incisor crown angulation, inclination, rotation, width, height, and shape, as well as palatal depth, arch length, width, and perimeter composed a set of clinical predictors, which were evaluated on digital dental casts. Statistical analyses consisted of group comparisons and variable correlations (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant association between sex and mesially displaced canines. Unilateral canine displacement was more prevalent than bilateral displacement. The crown of the maxillary lateral incisors was significantly angulated more mesially and rotated mesiolabially in low-risk patients with displaced canines, who also had a shallower palate and shorter anterior dental arch length. Lateral incisor crown angulation and rotation, as well as palatal depth and arch length, were significantly correlated with the canine displacement severity. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Maxillary lateral incisor angulation inconsistent with the "ugly duckling" stage as well as a shallow palate and short arch length are clinical predictors that can significantly contribute to the early screening of ectopic canines in low-risk patients.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the level of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum depression (PPD) in Korean mothers with healthy babies and to explore the factors related to postpartum PTSD. Methods: This study used a longitudinal survey design to explore the levels and association of PPD and PTSD. Two hundred women were recruited during pregnancy and the data were collected via online survey from 166 mothers (84% retained) who gave birth to healthy babies, at two postpartum periods: Fear of childbirth was assessed at the 1st week; and spousal support, PPD, and postpartum PTSD were surveyed at the 4th week postpartum. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Chi square test, and multiple regression were done. Results: The mean age of mothers was 33.12 (±3.97) years old. Postpartum PTSD was low (8.95±6.49) with 1.8% (n=3) at risk (≥19). PPD was also low (6.68±5.28) and 30.1% (n=50) were identified at risk (≥10). The comorbid rate of PPD with PTSD was 6%. Mothers who did not have a planned pregnancy had higher scores of PPD (t=-2.78, p=.008), whereas spousal support and PPD had negative relationship (r=-.21, p=.006). The overall explanatory power for postpartum PTSD was 55.2%, of which PPD was the only significant variable (β=. 76, t=13.76, p<.001). Conclusion: While only 1.8% was at risk of postpartum PTSD at 4 weeks postpartum, PPD prevalence was 30.1% and PPD was the only influential factor of postpartum PTSD. Assessment and counseling of PPD are required as well as screening for postpartum PTSD. More research is also needed on postpartum PTSD in Korean women.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.57-69
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D is produced in the skin during sun exposure and is also ingested from foods. The role of vitamin D needs to be considered in the prevention and management of various diseases. Moreover, since the majority of Koreans spend their days indoors, becoming susceptible to the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The current study aims to prepare a basis for determining dietary reference intake of vitamin D in Korea, by reviewing the evidence against various diseases and risks. MATERIALS/METHODS: Literature published in Korea and other countries between 2014 and 2018 was prioritized based on their study design and other criteria, and evaluated using the RoB 2.0 assessment form and United States Department of Agriculture Nutrition Evidence Library Conclusion Statement Evaluation Criteria. RESULTS: Of the 1,709 studies, 128 studies were included in the final systematic analysis after screening. To set the dietary reference intakes of vitamin D based on the selected articles, blood 25(OH)D levels and indicators of bone health were used collectively. Blood vitamin D levels and ultraviolet (UV) exposure time derived from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed to establish the dietary reference intakes of vitamin D for each stage of the life cycle. The adequate intake levels of vitamin D, according to age and gender, were determined to be in the range of 5-15 ㎍/day, and the tolerable upper intake level was established at 25-100 ㎍/day. CONCLUSIONS: The most important variable for vitamin D nutrition is lifestyle. A balanced diet comprising foods with high contents of vitamin D is important, as is vitamin D synthesis after UV exposure. The adequate intake level of vitamin D mentioned in the 2015 Dietary Reference Intakes for Korean (KDRI) remained unchanged in the 2020 KDRI for the management of vitamin D nutrition in Koreans.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2022.09a
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• pp.73-73
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• 2022

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Family Asteraceae) is highly ranked in production and economic value and is consumed either fresh or in salad mixes because of its important dietary source of bioactive phytochemicals. The world collection of Lactuca spp. leafy crops, maintained in NAC, includes 2,464 accessions from 71 countries around the world, of which 2,411 belong to L. sativa species, nineteen to L. saligna, and fifteen to L. serriolar. We aimed to investigate the lettuce germplasm with morphological and biochemical analyses and provide new material for breeding. The lettuce crop comprises seven main groups of cultivars (including oilseed lettuce) differing phenotypically. Agricultural characteristcs were investigated including time to bolting, time to flowering, seed color, flower color, leaf attitude, leaf color, leaf anthocyanin coloration, type of incision of margin, depth of incisions of margins, and leaf venation. Screening of the health beneficial metabolites like anthocyanin and bitter sesquiterpene lactones (lactucin and lactucopicrin) was also conducted. The range of anthocyanin and SLs were 0~563.78 mg/100g D.W. and 3.74~3311.66 ug/g D.W., respectively. The investigation of the degree of variation regarding phenotypic traits and biochemical revealed adaptive stable and highly variable use of trait collection.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.100005.1-100005.15
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• 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with a complex genetic basis, presenting both in familial and sporadic forms. The hexanucleotide (G₄C₂) repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, which triggers distinct pathogenic mechanisms, has been identified as a major contributor to familial and sporadic Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. Animal models have proven pivotal in understanding these mechanisms; however, discrepancies between models due to variable transgene sequence, expression levels, and toxicity profiles complicate the translation of findings. Herein, we provide a systematic comparison of 7 publicly available Drosophila transgenes modeling the G₄C₂ expansion under uniform conditions, evaluating variations in their toxicity profiles. Further, we tested 3 previously characterized disease-modifying drugs in selected lines to uncover discrepancies among the tested strains. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the C9orf72 G₄C₂ mutations but also presents a framework for comparing constructs with minute structural differences. This work may be used to inform experimental designs to better model disease mechanisms and help guide the development of targeted interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, thus bridging the gap between model-based research and therapeutic application.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.2
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• pp.217-232
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• 2021

This study calculated the productivity and cost of extraction and processing of logging residues by cut-to-length (CTL) and whole-tree (WT) harvesting methods. In addition, the comparative analysis of the characteristics of wood chip fuel to examine whether it was suitable for the fuel conditions of the energy facility. In the harvesting and processing system to produce the wood chips of logging residues the system productivity and cost of the CTL harvesting system were 1.6 Gwt/SMH and 89,865 won/Gwt, respectively. The productivity and cost of the WT harvesting system were 2.9 Gwt/SMH and 72,974 won/Gwt, respectively. The WT harvesting productivity increased 1.3times while harvesting cost decreased by 18.7% compared to the CTL harvesting system. The logging residues of wood chips were not suitable for CTL wood chips based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO 17225-4:2021) and South Korea standard (NIFoS, 2020), but the quality (A2, Second class) was improved through screening operation. The WT-unscreened wood chips conformed to NIFoS standard (second class) and did not conform to ISO but were improved through screening operation (Second class). In addition to the energy facility in plant A, all wood chips except CTL-unscreened wood chips were available through drying processing. The WT-unscreened wood chips were the lowest at 99,408 won/Gwt. Plants B, C, and D had higher moisture content than plant A, so WT-unscreened wood chips without drying processing were the lowest at 57,204 won/Gwt. Therefore, the production of logging residues should improve with operation methods that improve the quality of wood chips required for applying the variable biomass and energy facility.