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We conducted differentiations between thyroid follicular adenoma and carcinoma for 8-bit bitmap ultrasonography (US) images utilizing a deep-learning approach. For the data sets, we gathered small-boxed selected images adjacent to the marginal outline of nodules and applied a convolutional neural network (CNN) to have differentiation, based on a statistical aggregation, that is, a decision by majority. From the implementation of the method, introducing a newly devised, scalable, parameterized normalization treatment, we observed meaningful aspects in various experiments, collecting evidence regarding the existence of features retained on the margin of thyroid nodules, such as 89.51% of the overall differentiation accuracy for the test data, with 93.19% of accuracy for benign adenoma and 71.05% for carcinoma, from 230 benign adenoma and 77 carcinoma US images, where we used only 39 benign adenomas and 39 carcinomas to train the CNN model, and, with these extremely small training data sets and their model, we tested 191 benign adenomas and 38 carcinomas. We present numerical results including area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Mental health literacy is a fairly new concept, first introduced in 1997. It refers to what people know and believe about mental health disorders. People's knowledge and beliefs help them to recognize, manage and prevent mental disorders., Generally, older adults have lower health literacy compared to young and middle-aged adults., What this study adds to existing knowledge? This is the first study on the mental health literacy of Korean older adults., This study looks beyond peoples' ability to recognize mental health disorders and their opinions about them. It identifies factors that are associated with mental health literacy (level of education and social support, the number of people in one's social circles and how individuals rate their health)., What are the implications for practice? Older adults might get more out of mental health literacy programmes in group or social settings., Programmes that use older adult peer educators/supporters, such as the 'older people's champions' of the Healthy Passport programme in England, might make the programmes more effective., Mental health campaigns, such as Australia's beyondblue, might increase mental health literacy of older adults., Abstract Introduction Korea is experiencing rapid population ageing, spurring an increased need for mental health services for the elderly. Approximately one-third of Korean older adults experience depressive symptoms, and Korea has the highest elder suicide rate among 34 developed nations. Mental health literacy is an important component of promoting mental health, yet studies on the concept have been conducted in few countries. Aim This study examines the level of mental health literacy among Korean older adults and identifies factors associated with their mental health literacy. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 596 community-dwelling Korean adults aged 65 and older. Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use framed the study. Results Overall, participants displayed low levels of mental health literacy. They had difficulty recognizing their mental health issues and had limited knowledge about self-help strategies. Mental health literacy was positively associated with education, social support, social network and health status. Discussion and Implications This study highlights a need for efforts to increase mental health literacy among Korean older adults. Strategies that have the potential to empower this population to proactively attend to their mental health include community-based education and national mental health campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Serious organ shortages have necessitated the use of ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidneys transplantation, which has been increasingly preformed in Korea. However there are few detailed comparative data regarding patient and graft survival, graft function, and complications in Korean patients receiving ABO-compatible (ABOc) and ABOi kidney transplants (KT). Methods: This retrospective study compared 35 consecutive ABOi living donor KTs with 138 ABOc living donor KTs using same immunosuppressive regimens. We examined preoperative demographic factors, immunologic risk factors, patient and graft survivals, postoperative renal function, acute rejection episodes, infections, medical and surgical complications, duration of hospital stay as well as cause for readmission, and their rates. Results: Patient survival, graft survival, and graft function over the 2 years after transplantation were similar between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in terms of complications with exception of bleeding and BK virus infection. Acute antibody-mediated rejection episodes, bleeding complications, BK virus infections, and preoperative hospital stay were significantly greater in the ABOi group (P = .001, P = .002, P = .005, and P < .001 respectively). Conclusions: We concluded that, despite some disadvantages, ABOi KT is a viable, safe option for patients whose only available donor is blood group incompatible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 823-830 Objectives: To compare the salivary levels of trace metals between non-smokers and smokers using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The effect of pretreatment methods on the accuracy of ICP-MS analysis and daily variations in trace metal levels in saliva were also investigated. Subjects and methods: The participants were 10 male non-smokers (mean age: 27.4 ± 3.4 years) and 30 male smokers (mean age: 26.5 ± 4.1 years). Unstimulated whole saliva was collected. Salivary flow rate, the number of metal restorations in the oral cavity, the level of blood contamination in the saliva and the levels of cotinine and trace metals in the saliva of each participant were determined. Results: Direct dilution of saliva samples with nitric acid showed the most accurate ICP-MS results. Trace metal levels in saliva showed wide daily variations. They were not affected by the number of metal restorations. Trace metal concentrations of saliva samples without blood contamination were much lower than the previously reported values. Salivary levels of cotinine and aluminum were significantly increased in smokers. Conclusions: Saliva can be a medium for trace metal analysis. Salivary levels of cotinine and aluminum can be useful markers to evaluate smoking status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research regarding the ride comfort of the HSR350X high-speed train in Korea. It mentions the factors needed to be evaluated for ride comfort including track conditions, train speed, and seasonal and annual variations. It notes the use of regression analysis and statistical evaluation in determining the ride comfort. Several charts and tables depicting the variations in ride comfort experiments are also presented.

Background Recent investigations suggest that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is important in the pathogenesis of not only aspirin-intolerant asthma but also asthma unrelated to aspirin intolerance. Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of variations in the gene coding PGE2 receptor subtype EP1–4 ( Ptger1–4) on the risk of asthma in the Korean population. Methods Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected after re-sequencing Ptger1–4 and were genotyped in 480 asthmatics and 140 healthy controls, who were randomly recruited. Results By logistic regression analyses controlling for age and sex, 1388T>C in Ptger3 was found to be significantly associated with asthma [ P=0.002, odds ratio (95% confidence interval)=0.63 (0.46–0.85) in the allele model], and this remained significant after applying the Bonferroni correction. In terms of haplotype, the frequency of the C–C–A–A haplotype in Ptger3 was significantly lower in asthmatics than in healthy controls ( P=0.004). Moreover, the prevalence of this haplotype was significantly lower in moderate-to-severe asthmatics than in mild asthmatics ( P=0.045; mild vs. moderate and P=0.034; mild vs. severe). However, no association was found between any genetic variation in Ptger1, Ptger2, or Ptger4 and asthma. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that genetic variations in Ptger3 are significantly associated with the risk and severity of asthma in the Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hyper-sensitivity reaction of IgE, with its high-affinity receptors (FcℇRI), is central to the phenomenon of atopic diseases. Objective To evaluate the genetic effects of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FcℇRI on intermediate phenotypes of asthma, i.e. atopy and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), in the Korean general population. Subjects and methods Atopy and AHR were evaluated in a cohort of 2055 subjects, aged 10–18 years, using skin prick tests (SPTs) for common aeroallergens and total serum IgE and methacholine bronchial provocation tests. All FcℇRI-α, FcℇRI-β, and FcℇRI-γ gene exons of 24 healthy subjects were sequenced to locate informative non-synonymous SNPs (minor allele frequency >2%). Informative SNPs were then scored, using the high-throughput single base extension method. Relative risk (RR) was determined by multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors. The functional relevance of non-synonymous SNPs was analysed using the sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) program. Results The SNP search found only one informative non-synonymous SNP in FcℇRI-β: E237G (minor allele frequency=0.21). The positive rate of AHR was lower among subjects with the 237*E allele than among those with 237*G [RR (95% confidence interval)=0.41 (0.19–0.89); P=0.01]. However, the E237G substitution was not associated with either a positive SPT response or total serum IgE levels. Sequence evolution analysis predicted that the E237G variation is an intolerant amino acid substitution, with functional importance. Conclusion In the Korean general population, AHR is significantly associated with the E237G polymorphism of FcℇRI-β, which results in an intolerant amino acid substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To estimate the burden of disease attributable to overweight and obesity using disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) in Korea.Research methods:Firstly, overweight and obesity-related diseases and their relative risk (RR) were selected by the systematic review. Secondly, population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were computed by using the formula including RR and the prevalence of exposure (Pe) of overweight and obesity. Thirdly, DALYs of overweight and obesity-related diseases in Korea were estimated. Finally, the attributable burden (AB) of diseases due to overweight and obesity was calculated as the sum of the products from multiplying DALYs of overweight and obesity-related diseases by their PAFs.Results:The disease burden attributable to overweight was 827.1 person years (PYs) overall, 732.6 for men, 922.9 for women per 100 000 persons. The disease burden attributable to obesity was 260.0 PYs overall, 144.2 for men, 377.3 for women. Diabetes attributable to overweight and obesity accounts for highest burden among other diseases in both genders. The disease burden attributable to overweight was 3.2 times higher than that attributable to obesity.Conclusion:Most proportion of disease burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) occurred among those with only moderately raised levels such as overweight, not the extremes such as obesity. It suggests that population-based, public health intervention rather than high-risk group-focused strategies are more effective to reduce the burden of disease attributable to overweight and obesity in Korea.International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 1661–1669. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803321; published online 14 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is an uncommon neoplasm. The overall prognosis is favorable. The prognostic factors that are related to survival have not been well defined and are discussed in the literature amidst controversy.Methods: Thirty-five patients diagnosed with adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and survival times were reviewed and analyzed for prognostic significance.Results: Of the 35 cases, there were 30 cases representing stage I tumors, one case at stage II, four cases at stage III, and no cases at stage IV. The mean overall survival time of all patients was 140.3 months. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 92.0% and 85.8% respectively. The FIGO stage was the only independent prognostic factor.Conclusions: Despite the small number of patients, the study showed that the less advanced stage is the only favorable prognostic factor of significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Problematic parent-child relationships have been identified as one of the main predictors of adolescents' mental health problems, but there are few existing interventions that address this issue., The format and delivery method of existing interventions for parents are relatively inaccessible for parents with full-time jobs and families living in rural areas., What does this paper add to existing knowledge? The newly developed 'Stepping Stone' culturally specific web-based intervention, which is intended to help Korean parents of adolescents to acquire both knowledge and communication and conflict management skills, was found to be feasible and well-accepted by parents., This study enabled us to identify areas for improvement in the content and format of the intervention and strategies. This will potentially increase effect sizes for the outcome variables of parents' perception and behaviours., What are the implications for practice? This web-based intervention could be delivered across diverse settings, such as schools and community mental health centers, to increase parents' knowledge of adolescent's mental health and allow for early detection of mental health problems., Mental health nurses working in schools may spend a significant amount of time addressing students' mental health issues; thus, this web-based intervention could be a useful resource to share with parents and children. In this way, the mental health nurses could facilitate parental engagement in the intervention and then help them to continue to apply and practice the knowledge and skills obtained through the program., Abstract Introduction There is a need for accessible, culturally specific web-based interventions to address parent-child relationships and adolescents' mental health. Aims This study developed and conducted a preliminary evaluation of a 4-week web-based intervention for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16 years in Korea. Methods We used a two-group, repeated measures, quasi-experimental study design to assess the feasibility of developing and implementing a web-based intervention for parents. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and t tests, and mixed effect modeling were used for data analysis. Results The intervention and 1-month follow-up survey were completed by 47 parents in the intervention group and 46 parents in the attention control (AC) group. The intervention was found to be feasible and well-accepted by parents. Discussion This culturally specific web-based intervention is a useful tool for knowledge dissemination among large numbers of parents. Areas for improvement in the content and format of the intervention and strategies to elicit significant parent-child interactions are provided. Implications for practice and conclusion The intervention could be disseminated in collaboration with mental health nurses working in schools to facilitate parents' participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The relationship of body composition and bone mineral density is complex and controversial. When classifying Korean population based on gender, age, and body mass index, fat mass had varying contributions to bone mineral density. Introduction: The relationship between body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) is complex, and it is uncertain how components of body mass variably affect BMD. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was performed in subjects ≥20 years based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008 to 2011. Among 17,583 subjects, the mean ages were 49.1 ± 16.0 years (M, n = 7495) and 49.3 ± 16.3 years (F, n = 10,088). Subjects were divided into age groups, either <50 or ≥50 years for males, or menopausal state, either premenopausal or postmenopausal, for females. A further classification used BMI, either <25 or ≥25 kg/m. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were compared and evaluated to look for correlations with BMD. Further, appendicular lean mass (ALM), fat mass (FM), fat percentage (FP), and waist circumference (WC) were included for multivariate analysis with BMD, controlling for covariates in each age group and BMI subgroup. Results: Anthropometric and body composition parameters significantly correlated with BMD in all age groups for both genders. After adjusting for covariates, ALM strongly affected BMD in all age groups for both genders. FM, FP, and WC significantly affected BMD in both age groups of women and in older men, but they did not affect BMD in younger men. Fat indices positively affected BMD of all sites in all non-obese women and in non-obese older men. However, little contribution was found in obese subgroups of both genders and in non-obese younger men. Conclusion: Considering different weights of covariates, ALM strongly contributed to BMD in all gender, age, and BMI groups. On the other hand, fat indices positively affected BMD of both age groups in women and older men with normal BMI, but they showed little contribution to BMD within the same age groups with high BMI or any BMI subgroups of younger men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A daughter's bone mineral density (BMD) is significantly correlated with her mother's BMD, but the daughter's body mass index (BMI) could modulate this association. Maternal inheritance dominantly affects daughters with a lower BMI, but BMI could compensate for hereditary influences in daughters with a higher BMI in terms of daughter's BMD. Introduction: Achieving optimal peak bone mass at a young age is the best way to protect against future osteoporosis and subsequent fractures. Although environmental components influence bone mass accrual, but peak bone mass is largely programmed by inheritance. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of maternal inheritance on the daughter's bone mass and to assess whether these influences differ according to the daughter's body mass index (BMI). Methods: We used data obtained from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V and included 187 mother-daughter pairs. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS), femur neck (FN), and total hip (TH) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The daughter group was stratified into two groups according to the mean BMI (21.4 kg/m). Results: The daughters' BMD correlated significantly with both their BMI and their mothers' Z-score for each skeletal site. In the daughters with a lower BMI (≤21.4 kg/m), the BMDs at the FN and TH were affected more by the mothers' Z-score than by the daughters' BMI. Meanwhile, the influence of the daughters' BMI on their BMD was higher than that of their mothers' Z-score in daughters with a higher BMI (>21.4 kg/m). Moreover, the mothers' Z-scores were a significant predictor of their daughters having Z-scores < −1.0 only in daughters with a lower BMI. Conclusions: This study suggests that maternal inheritance is an important determinant of the daughters' bone mass, but that this hereditary factor may vary according to the daughters' BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies in order to assess quantitatively the effect of dairy consumption on risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods We searched for eligible studies published up to March 2015 through the PubMed and Embase databases and reviewed the references of relevant articles. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled relative risks with 95% CIs after adjusting for several confounders. Results We identified nine prospective cohort studies including a total of 35 379 subjects and 7322 incident cases of metabolic syndrome, and 12 cross-sectional studies including 37 706 subjects. In the meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, the pooled relative risk of incidence of metabolic syndrome for the highest vs. the lowest category of dairy consumption was 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-0.98), and for a 1-serving/day increment of dairy consumption, the pooled relative risk was 0.88 (95% CI 0.82-0.95). In the meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies, the pooled relative risk of prevalence of metabolic syndrome for the highest vs. the lowest category of dairy consumption was 0.73 (95% CI 0.63-0.86). The association was not significantly different by geographical region, follow-up time and adjustment factors. Conclusion Our findings indicate that dairy consumption is inversely associated with the incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Further well-designed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide definitive evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed indoor radon survey was conducted during a year (from September 2012 to August 2013) quarterly in Bonghwa county, one of the provisional radon-prone areas in Korea. The surveyed area was selected on the basis of previously conducted nationwide radon survey results. In order to minimise statistical and environmental uncertainties, ∼3 % of the entire dwellings were carefully selected based on the statistical annual report of Bonghwa county. The measurement is carried out by using solid-state nuclear track detector. The range of indoor radon concentration in each dwelling was 4.36–858 Bq m−3 and that of annual effective dose due to inhaled radon of the resident in each dwelling was 0.19–23.5 mSv y−1. Each dwelling was determined for geology criterion using one-way Analysis of Variance for the purpose of comparing indoor radon distribution with geology. Geographical distribution of indoor radon is closely related to the geological characteristics of basement rocks. In addition, the comparison between geographical distribution of indoor radon and terrestrial gamma radiation was done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a therapeutic laughter program and the number of program sessions on anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 31 patients who received four sessions of therapeutic laughter program comprised and 29 who were assigned to the no-program control group. Scores for anxiety, depression, and stress were measured using an 11-point numerical rating scale. While no change was detected in the control group, the program group reported reductions of 1.94, 1.84, and 2.06 points for anxiety, depression, and stress, respectively (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01). Scores decreased significantly after the first therapeutic laughter session (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01). As the therapeutic laughter program was effective after only a single session in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients, it could be recommended as a first-line complementary/alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Many health issues have been reported to be associated with poor nutritional status. We sought to examine the association between nutritional intake and oral health status in elderly people. Methods The association between perceived disability in mastication and prosthodontic status was analysed using multiple logistic regression. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the association between prosthodontic status and nutritional intake. Results The elderly subjects with partial or full dentures reported chewing difficulties 1.62-fold more frequently (95% CI: 1.06-2.49) than those with natural teeth or a fixed prosthesis after adjusting for gender, TMD (temporomandibular disorder), household income and education level. Additionally, daily nutritional intakes of energy, protein, fat, ash, calcium, phosphorus and thiamine were decreased significantly in elderly with partial or full dentures compared with those with no prosthesis or with a fixed prosthesis ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings underline oral health status and perceived disability in mastication are associated with dietary imbalances in the elderly. We suggest that the evaluation of patients' nutritional status should be considered as a part of an overall plan for dental hygiene care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features in adult patients with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) who visited the emergency department (ED) and to determine the predictive factors of bacteremia among the initial presenting clinical features. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the ED of a tertiary hospital in Korea from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. All adult patients who were diagnosed with febrile UTI and for whom data on blood and urine cultures were available were included in the study. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests were performed at the initial presentation. Results: A total of the 325 patients with febrile UTI (median age: 60 years) were included for analysis, of whom 82 % were female. Bacteremia was detected in 106 of the 325 patients (32.6 %), with Escherichia coli the most frequent pathogen detected (59.7 % of cases). Between the bacteremic and non-bacteremic groups, there was significant difference in age (67 vs. 57 years, respectively), flank pain (16 vs. 7.8 %), suprapubic discomfort (0 vs. 4.6 %), body temperature (38.8 vs. 38.3 °C), respiratory rate (21 vs. 20/min), platelet count (170 vs. 186 × 10/μL), C-reactive protein (10.2 vs. 8.3 mg/dL), and procalcitonin (1.5 vs. 0.3 ng/mL) ( P < 0.05 for all). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.03; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05], systolic blood pressure of <90 mmHg (OR 3.27; 95 % CI 1.13-9.45), body temperature of >39 °C (OR 4.26; 95 % CI 2.28-7.96), and procalcitonin level of >0.5 ng/dL (OR 2.03; 95 % CI 1.07-3.86) were significantly associated with bacteremia. Conclusion: Among our adult patients with febrile UTI, age, systolic blood pressure, body temperature, and procalcitonin were significantly associated with bacteremia. We therefore suggest that these factors should be considered when deciding upon treatment options for febrile UTI patients at the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the association between pulmonary function and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects who had never smoked. Pulmonary function was associated with BMD in premenopausal, but not postmenopausal, women. Introduction: It has been reported that low bone mass is common in patients with pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, in healthy nonsmoking women, the relationship between bone mass and pulmonary function has yet to be clarified. The object of this study was to determine whether pulmonary function is related to BMD in healthy nonsmoking women based on menopausal status. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study based on data obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationwide representative survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2010. This study included 456 subjects who had never smoked and analyzed data concerning pulmonary function and BMD. Results: Functional vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were correlated with BMD at lumbar spine, femur neck (FN), and total hip in premenopausal women ( p = 0.030, p = 0.003, p = 0.019, respectively, for FVC; p = 0.015, p = 0.006, p = 0.059, respectively, for FEV). However, FVC and FEV were only correlated with BMD at FN in postmenopausal women ( p = 0.003 for FVC; p = 0.006 for FEV). Body mass index (BMI), FVC, and FEV were significantly related with BMD at FN, even after adjusting for age and other confounding factors (β = 0.334, p < 0.001; β = 0.145, p = 0.017; and β = 0.129, p = 0.037, respectively) in premenopausal women. However, only age and BMI were correlated with BMD at FN (β = −0.268, p = 0.001 and β = 0.384, p > 0.001) in postmenopausal women after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions: Pulmonary function, including FVC and FEV are associated with BMD at FN in healthy nonsmoking premenopausal women but not in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background National Health Insurance ( NHI) claim records could provide valuable data for epidemiological studies of asthma in Korea. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of adult asthma and to investigate asthma-related healthcare use and prescription patterns in Korea over 5 years. Methods National Health Insurance claim records from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 were analyzed in a retrospective, population-based study. Outcome measures included asthma prevalence, healthcare use, and prescription patterns over time, by type of hospital, and by medical specialty. Additionally, we assessed differences in healthcare use between newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed patients in 2009. Results Over 5 years, the prevalence of asthma among Korean adults increased from 4944 to 5707 cases per 100 000 population (from 3760 to 4445 in men and from 6108 to 6951 in women). Asthma-related outpatient visits decreased from 4.82 ± 8.02 to 3.44 ± 5.50. Approximately 3% of all patients were hospitalized and 2.4% received asthma-related emergency treatment each year. Pulmonary function tests were performed in 10-11% of patients an average of 1.3 times per year. Newly diagnosed patients experienced fewer asthma-related hospitalizations (1.78% vs 4.35%) and emergency department visits (0.80% vs 2.11%) than the previously diagnosed group. Prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids-based inhalers were maintained with about 20% of average of all types of hospitals. Conclusions The prevalence of asthma in Korea has increased over a recent 5-year period, and asthma is still suboptimally controlled. Public health strategies are needed to improve the management of asthma in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Most bone mineral density (BMD) loci were reported in Caucasian genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This study investigated the association between 59 known BMD loci (+200 suggestive SNPs) and DXA-derived BMD in East Asian population with respect to sex and site specificity. We also identified four novel BMD candidate loci from the suggestive SNPs. Introduction: Most GWAS have reported BMD-related variations in Caucasian populations. This study investigates whether the BMD loci discovered in Caucasian GWAS are also associated with BMD in East Asian ethnic samples. Methods: A total of 2,729 unrelated Korean individuals from a population-based cohort were analyzed. We selected 747 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These markers included 547 SNPs from 59 loci with genome-wide significance (GWS, p value less than 5 × 10) levels and 200 suggestive SNPs that showed weaker BMD association with p value less than 5 × 10. After quality control, 535 GWS SNPs and 182 suggestive SNPs were included in the replication analysis. Results: Of the 535 GWS SNPs, 276 from 25 loci were replicated ( p < 0.05) in the Korean population with 51.6 % replication rate. Of the 182 suggestive variants, 16 were replicated ( p < 0.05, 8.8 % of replication rate), and five reached a significant combined p value (less than 7.0 × 10, 0.05/717 SNPs, corrected for multiple testing). Two markers (rs11711157, rs3732477) are for the same signal near the gene CPN2 (carboxypeptidase N, polypeptide 2). The other variants, rs6436440 and rs2291296, were located in the genes AP1S3 (adaptor-related protein complex 1, sigma 3 subunit) and RARB (retinoic acid receptor, beta). Conclusion: Our results illustrate ethnic differences in BMD susceptibility genes and underscore the need for further genetic studies in each ethnic group. We were also able to replicate some SNPs with suggestive associations. These SNPs may be BMD-related genetic markers and should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rare Isotope Science Project (RISP) is launched in Korea to build the IF and ISOL facilities. Current status of RISP is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Although sirtuin 1 ( SIRT1) over-expression and resveratrol exert anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory effects, their effects and the mechanism of action on human gingival fibroblast ( HGF)-mediated inflammation are unknown. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of activating SIRT1 using resveratrol and recombinant adenovirus encoding SIRT1 (Ad- SIRT1) on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and to elucidate its mechanism of action of lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) and nicotine stimulated- HGF. Material and Methods Cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The amount of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) released into the culture medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. mRNA and protein levels were analyzed using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results Nicotine and LPS up-regulated the expression of SIRT1 mRNA and SIRT1 protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Resveratrol and Ad-SIRT1 decreased LPS and nicotine-induced cytotoxicity, ROS and PGE2 production, and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in HGFs. Resveratrol and Ad-SIRT1 inhibited nicotine and LPS-mediated protein kinase C (PKC), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p38, ERK, JNK, MAPK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Conclusion This study is the first to show that the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of SIRT1 activation in HGFs occur through the PKC, PI3K, MAPK and NF-κB pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We prospectively investigated related clinical and radiological risk factors for progression following acute osteoporotic spinal fractures. Fracture location, morphological feature (mid-portion), and involvement of vertebral posterior wall were statistical significant risk factors considering increase of height loss and kyphotic angle, and occurrence of intravertebral cleft sign as a progressive collapse. Introduction: This study was designed to investigate the clinical and radiological risk factors related to progressive collapse of acute osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSF). Methods: In total, 100 patients with acute OSF were prospectively enrolled at a single institute. Five pathological fractures were excluded. Twelve patients dropped out of the study because of conversion to surgical treatment during follow-up. Eight patients were excluded as follow-up losses. Thus, 75 patients were analyzed. Clinical data and radiological data were recorded and analyzed. As a definition of progressive OSF, height loss ≥15 %, kyphotic angle ≥10°, and the occurrence of an intravertebral cleft sign at the 6-month follow-up compared to the initial values were adopted. Correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to elucidate the related clinical or radiological factors for progressive OSF. Results: The occurrence of intravertebral cleft was not related to any significant differences in the clinical results and was only related to the fracture level in the regression analysis. A ≥15 % increase in height loss and a ≥10° increase in kyphotic angle were related to worse clinical results. Mid-portion type fractures and involvement of the posterior wall were significant risk factors with relatively high odds ratios for progressive OSF under these criteria. Conclusion: A thoracolumbar fracture, a mid-portion type fracture, and involvement of the vertebral posterior wall are relative risk factors for progressive collapse following acute OSF. More attention should be paid to patients with OSF and these risk factors during conservative management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of obesity studies have been focused on identifying the relationships between socioeconomic status and physical activity involvement. In behavioral medicine, the limited data are available on obese people's physical activity and its related psychological predictors based on psychological theories. Purpose: To identify the differences in physical activity and its related motivational attributes among normal weight, overweight, and obese adolescents and to find the effect of body mass index (BMI) and the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) constructs in predicting physical activity. Method: One thousand seventy-one students ranging from seventh to ninth grades were randomly selected from three junior high schools in Seoul (359 normal weight students, 468 overweight students, and 244 obese students). A Korean version of Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 and Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire were applied to measure the participants' motivational attributes and physical activity. Results: Overweight and obese adolescents showed higher scores on amotivation and externally motivated regulations for physical activity than their normal weight counterparts. Internal regulation was more significant for physical activity in normal weight adolescent. However, there was no difference in physical activity among the three groups. Additionally, the findings identified that BMI and the SDT constructs were significant to explain physical activity. Conclusion: This study offers fundamental knowledge in gaining a clearer understanding of the types of motivation most likely to contribute to the initiation and promotion of physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background adenoma ( BGA) is defined as benign adenomatous tissue contiguous to resected carcinomas, and the absence of BGA in a tumour is considered a histological criterion of de novo cancers. The present study aimed to identify the clinicopathological characteristics of T1 colorectal cancer ( CRC) without BGA. Method A retrospective review was carried out of prospectively collected data from two centres: the National Cancer Center, Korea; and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Korea. A total of 590 patients with T1 CRC, treated by endoscopic or surgical resection between January 2001 and August 2011, were enrolled. Details regarding gender, age, tumour location, endoscopic gross type, tumour size, depth of submucosal ( SM) invasion, angiolymphatic invasion, tumour grade, budding and lymph node ( LN) metastasis were evaluated with regard to the presence or absence of BGA. Results BGA was absent in 197 (33.4%) patients. Tumour size <20 mm, flat or depressed type, deep SM depth and tumour budding were associated with the absence of BGA in univariate and multivariate analyses ( P < 0.05). In surgically resected patients, LN metastases were significantly associated with the absence of BGA ( P = 0.022). Conclusion T1 CRC without BGA presented several characteristics of small size (<20 mm), flat or depressed type, deep SM depth (SM 2/3), LN metastasis and tumour budding. These results indicate that de novo cancers may have a more invasive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Persistent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) has been observed in patients with eradicated foci, but there are few studies of the risk factors and clinical outcomes of persistent bacteremia. This study determined the risk factors for persistent methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in patients without retained eradicable foci, including genotypic characteristics. Methods: All adult SAB patients were investigated between 2008 and 2010. Persistent bacteremia was defined as bacteremia lasting >7 days after treatment and patients were monitored prospectively. The study included patients without retained eradicable foci, e.g., removed prosthetic devices and intravenous catheters removed after diagnosis, and those without metastatic infections. Results: Persistent bacteremia occurred in 36 % (31/87) SAB patients with eradicated foci. There were no significant differences in successful defervescence (2.0 vs. 2.0 days, P = 0.55) and total length of hospital stay after bacteremia in the persistent bacteremia group and resolved bacteremia group ( P = 0.32). The difference in MRSA bacteremia-related 30-day mortality with persistent bacteremia and resolved bacteremia was not significant ( P = 0.12). However, agr dysfunction was higher in persistent bacteremia patients (94 %) than those with resolved bacteremia (75 %, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model found that only agr dysfunction [odds ratio (OR) 4.83, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.02-22.89, P = 0.04] was an independent risk factor for persistent bacteremia. Conclusions: This study suggests that persistent bacteremia with eradicated foci might not adversely affect the outcome for MRSA bacteremia patients. agr dysfunction in S. aureus was significantly associated with persistent bacteremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The evaluation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended before kidney transplantation. The interferon-γ release assay has been reported to be more specific than the tuberculin skin test (TST) for detecting LTBI. We compared the TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) for the screening for LTBI and determined the agreement between the two tests in renal transplant recipients before transplantation. Methods: Adult patients who were evaluated for renal transplantation between May 2010 and February 2012 at Severance Hospital in South Korea were prospectively enrolled. We performed TST and QFT-GIT. Results: Of the 126 patients, 23 (19.3 %) had positive TST results and 53 (42.1 %) had positive QFT-GIT results. Agreement between the TST and QFT-GIT was fair (κ = 0.26, P < 0.001). The induration size of TST was significantly correlated with a positive rate of QFT-GIT ( P = 0.015). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.13, P = 0.003), male sex (OR 2.73, 95 % CI 1.17-6.38, P = 0.021), and risk for LTBI (OR 4.62, 95 % CI 1.15-18.64, P = 0.031) were significantly associated with positive QFT-GIT results. For positive TST results, only male sex was associated (OR 4.29, 95 % CI 1.40-13.20, P = 0.011). Conclusion: The positivity for QFT-GIT was higher than the positivity for TST, and QFT-GIT more accurately reflected the risk for LTBI. However, a further longitudinal study is needed in order to confirm that the QFT-GIT test can truly predict the development of TB after renal transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kim YS, Kang SJ, Kim JW, Cho HR, Moon SB, Kim KY, Lee HS, Han CH, Ku SK, Lee YJ. Effects of Polycan, a β-glucan, on experimental periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in Sprague-Dawley rats. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 800-810. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Polycan is a promising candidate for the treatment of periodontal disease. This study was undertaken to examine whether Polycan, a type of β-glucan, has a protective effect on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in Sprague-Dawley rats. Material and Methods: Polycan was orally administered, daily, for 10 d, at 21.25, 42.5 or 85 mg/kg, beginning 1 d after ligation. Changes in body weight and alveolar bone loss were monitored, and the anti-inflammatory effects of Polycan were determined by measuring the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in gingival tissue. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as a measure of the antioxidant effect. Results: Ligature placement led to a marked decrease in body weight, increased alveolar bone loss and increased concentrations of MPO, IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA, as well as increased iNOS activity and inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen-fiber content. Histological examination revealed increases in the number and activity of osteoclast cells, decreases in alveolar bone volume and elevated percentages of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. Daily oral treatment with 42.5 or 85 mg/kg of Polycan for 10 d led to significant, dose-dependent inhibition of the effect of ligature placement. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that 10 d of oral treatment with Polycan effectively inhibits ligature placement-induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via an antioxidant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kim Y-S, Shin S-I, Kang K-L, Herr Y, Bae W-J, Kim E-C. Nicotine and lipopolysaccharide stimulate the production of MMPs and prostaglandin E2 by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α up-regulation in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 719-728. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Although hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is up-regulated in the periodontal pockets of periodontitis patients, the expression and precise molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α remain unknown in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). The aim of this study was to explore the effects, as well as the signaling pathway, of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of HIF-1α and on the production of its target genes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PDLCs. Material and Methods: The expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α proteins was evaluated using western blotting. The production of PGE2 and MMPs was evaluated using enzyme immunoassays and zymography, respectively. Results: LPS and nicotine synergistically induced the production of PGE2, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and increased the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2 and HIF-1α proteins. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity by chetomin or knockdown of HIF1α gene expression by small interfering RNA markedly attenuated the production of LPS- and nicotine-stimulated PGE2 and MMPs, as well as the expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α. Furthermore, pretreatment with inhibitors of COX-2, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB decreased the expression of nicotine- and LPS-induced HIF-1α and COX-2, as well as the activity of PGE2 and MMPs. Conclusion: These data demonstrate novel mechanisms by which nicotine and LPS promote periodontal tissue destruction, and provide further evidence that HIF-1α is a potential target in periodontal disease associated with smoking and dental plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical implication of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance has been unclear in patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis (SPM). We collected the clinical data of 120 patients with SPM in 12 hospitals of the Republic of Korea. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 23 ESC-nonsusceptible SPM episodes were compared to those of 97 ESC-susceptible episodes. Hospital acquisition, presence of other foci of pneumococcal infection, septic shock at initial presentation, or concomitant bacteremia were more commonly observed in ESC-nonsusceptible than ESC-susceptible SPM. Empiric antimicrobial therapy with vancomycin and ESC combination was very common in both groups. Although there was a tendency towards higher early fatality in ESC-nonsusceptible SPM (3-day mortality; 17.4 % vs. 4.4 %, p = 0.05), in-hospital mortality (26.1 % vs. 20.9 %, p = 0.59) and median length of hospital stay (20 days vs. 24 days, p = 0.34) did not differ between ESC-nonsusceptible and ESC-susceptible SPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 613-620 Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate salivary markers related with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Materials and Methods: Thirty female patients with BMS and twenty female control subjects were included. Unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva samples (SWS) were collected, and their flow rates were determined. Salivary levels of cortisol, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and enzymatic activity of α-amylase were determined. Salivary transferrin level was measured to determine the level of blood contamination in saliva samples. Results: The levels of all analytes in UWS were significantly correlated with those of SWS. The levels of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and DHEA in UWS were significantly correlated with age. Age-matched comparisons revealed that the patient group had significantly higher levels of cortisol in UWS and of 17β-estradiol in SWS. When the patients were divided into older (≥60 years) and younger (<60 years) groups, the older group showed a significantly lower level of progesterone in UWS. There were no significant relationships between treatment efficacy and levels of salivary analytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, patients with BMS showed significantly higher levels of cortisol in UWS and of 17β-estradiol in SWS compared with controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bone mineral density (BMD), a representative marker of osteoporosis risk, is found to be highly heritable in this Korean study, which is very consistent with the findings in Western populations. This finding strongly supports that genetic factors are significant determinants of osteoporosis risk along with individual biological and behavioral factors. Introduction: Although genetic factors are known to contribute significantly to variations in BMD in Western populations, such an association has not been fully evaluated in an Asian population. This study was conducted to determine the role of genetic factors on BMD in Korean population. Methods: The study participants were 2,728 men and women consisting of 497 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs, 119 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, and 1,496 first-degree relatives from the Healthy Twin Study. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Quantitative genetic analysis based on a variance decomposition model was performed. Results: Age and the measured covariates accounted for 17~61% of the variation in BMD, depending on the sites of measurement. After accounting for the covariate effects, the heritability of BMD at the whole body, thoracic and lumbar spine, whole ribs, whole pelvis, whole arms, and whole legs were 0.76, 0.72, 0.73, 0.71, 0.51, and 0.75, respectively. The pair-wise correlation of BMD was the highest within MZ twin pairs, followed by DZ twin pairs, sibling pairs, and parents-child pairs. Cross-trait correlation analysis revealed a positive genetic correlation between BMDs at different sites, ranging from 0.80 (arm and leg BMD) to 0.50 (pelvis and arm BMD). Conclusions: The high heritability of BMD in this Korean population similar to those found in Western populations and the significant common genetic basis between BMDs at different sites strongly supports a significant role of genetic determinants on the risk of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutation status of PANK2 among Korean patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and to document the outcome of pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: Direct sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis of PANK2 were conducted in 12 patients (11 unrelated) with PKAN, diagnosed on the basis of extrapyramidal dysfunction and the 'eye-of-the-tiger sign' on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pallidal DBS was conducted in four patients, and the outcomes were measured using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). Results: A PANK2 mutation was identified in both alleles in all patients. The most prevalent mutation was c.1319G>C (p.R440P) in 8/22 mutated alleles (36%). An intragenic deletion ranging from exons 2 to 4 was found in one allele (1/22, 4.5%) using deletion/duplication analysis. The outcome of pallidal DBS was favorable in two patients with atypical PKAN and moderate severity of dystonia. However, two patients with typical PKAN and relatively severe symptoms showed variable responses. Conclusions: The c.1319G>C (p.R440P) mutation appears to be a founder genotype among Korean patients with PKAN. Furthermore, this study provides additional data for the recent international effort to evaluate the efficacy of pallidal DBS in the treatment of patients with PKAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the fecal carriage rate of serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae in healthy Koreans and studied their genetic relationship with liver abscess isolates. We compared the carriage according to the country of residence. The stool specimens were collected through health promotion programs in Korea. K. pneumoniae strains were selected and tested for K1 by PCR. Serotype K1 isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis. A total of 248 K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 1,174 Koreans. Serotype K1 was identified in 57 (4.9%), of which 54 (94.7%) were ST 23 and were closely related to the liver abscess isolates. Participants aged >25 years showed a higher fecal carriage rate than those ≤ 25 ( P = 0.007). The proportion of serotype K1 out of K. pneumoniae isolates in foreigners of Korean ethnicity who had lived in other countries was lower compared with those who had lived in Korea (5.6% vs 24.1%, P = 0.024). A substantial proportion of Koreans >25 years carries serotype K1 K. pneumoniae ST23 strains, which are closely related to liver abscess isolates. Differences in carriage rates by country of residence suggests that environmental factors might play an important role in the carriage of this strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 1098-1105 Summary Background The eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy have declined due to antibiotic resistance worldwide. Aim To compare the eradication rate of the 10-day sequential therapy for H. pylori infection with that of the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy. Methods This was a prospective, randomised, controlled study. A total of 409 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either the 10-day sequential therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) plus amoxicillin (1000 mg) twice a day for 5 days, then pantoprazole (40 mg) with clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (500 mg) twice a day for another five consecutive days or the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy regimen, which consisted of pantoprazole (40 mg) with amoxicillin (1000 mg) and clarithromycin (500 mg) twice a day for 14 days. The pre- and post-treatment H. pylori status were assessed by rapid urease test, urea breath test, or histology. Successful eradication was confirmed at least 4 weeks after finishing the treatment. Results In the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rates of the 10-day sequential therapy and of the 14-day PPI-based triple therapy were 85.9% (176/205) and 75.0% (153/205), respectively ( P = 0.006). In the per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 92.6% (175/205) and 85% (153/204), respectively ( P = 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference between the two investigated groups regarding the occurrence of adverse event rates (18.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.143). Conclusion The 10-day sequential therapy achieved significantly higher eradication rates than the 14-day standard PPI-based triple therapy in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JEON B.Y., LEE H-Y., PARK E-C., CHOI K.S., JUN J.K., KIM Y., HAN M.A., YOON N-H., KIM E.J. & JEON S.M. (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care 20, 803-809 Satisfaction with mammography in the National Cancer Screening Programme participants of age 40s in Korea The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with the National Cancer Screening Programme of mammography in Korea and to examine the association between subscales of satisfaction and general satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey for women who had obtained a National Cancer Screening Programme mammographic screening at general hospitals between May and October 2008. The present study included 2005 women in their forties. We performed multivariate linear regression using dependent variable as general satisfaction and independent variables as subscales of satisfaction, such as pre-screening information transfer, staff interpersonal skills, physical surroundings and results reporting. Participants were stratified according to the result of their mammogram as negative or positive. Mean score of satisfaction was above 2.5 of 4 for all subscales. Women who received positive results were less satisfied with all of subscale factors. Staff interpersonal skills were the most important factor that contributed to general satisfaction. Future efforts such as staff training programme of communication/attitude skills, ensuring privacy and explanation of possible discomfort of the screening would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 577-583 Objective: To investigate the fungistatic and fungicidal activity of hyaluronic acid (HA) and the influences of HA on the anticandidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system. Materials and Methods: HA, hen egg-white lysozyme, and the bovine lactoperoxidase system were used. Candida albicans ATCC 10231, 18804, and 11006 strains were used in the experiments. The fungistatic activity of HA was determined by measuring the optical densities of the cultures. The candidacidal activity of HA and the influences of HA on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system were determined by comparing the numbers of colony-forming units. Results: Hyaluronic acid displayed inhibitory effects on the growth of C. albicans, and the inhibitory effects were proportional to HA concentration. HA did not have any measurable candidacidal activity. HA showed inhibitory effects on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme, and the peroxidase system that was proportional to HA concentration. HA at 1.0-2.0 mg ml−1 almost completely inhibited the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid possesses fungistatic activity but no candidacidal activity. HA showed inhibitory effects on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HAN M.A., CHOI K.S., JUN J.K., KIM Y., PARK E.-C. & LEE H.-Y. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to screening intention in a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer. The data were taken from the 2008 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey. We conducted a nationwide survey with trained interviewers using a questionnaire. A total of 2038 participants agreed to answer the survey. There were 955 study subjects aged ≥50 years in the target age group for colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer screening behaviour and demographic characteristics were collected to evaluate intention for colorectal cancer screening and related factors. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used in the analysis. The lifetime screening rate was 50.4% (50.9% for men and 49.8% for women). The screening rate with recommendation was 39.7% (39.3% for men and 40.1% of women). The odds ratios of intention to be screened increased significantly in younger subjects and those screened with double-contrast barium enema or colonoscopy. 'Without any symptoms' was reported as the most frequent reason for non-attendance or no intention to be screened. Age and recent screening methods were important factors related to intention to be screened for colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to identify remaining barriers to screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the operation of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), there exist various disturbances that cause the conductors to become unstable. The KSTAR Toroidal Magnet (TF) system was designed to secure the sufficient stability against them. The stability analysis showed that the energy margin of the TF Cable-In-Conduit (CIC) conductor was sufficiently high so that the expected disturbances could not cause the conductor to quench. During the 2nd KSTAR campaign in 2009, the cryogenic stability of the TF magnet system was analysed by energizing it up to 36 kA that is a bit higher than the designed current of 35.2 kA. The temperature increase measured at helium outlets was less than 0.1 K, which was well consistent with the analysis. Even in the reference plasma scenario, it was expected from the analysis that there still exists the sufficient temperature margin more than 4 K. The quench analysis was carried out to validate the design of the present TF CIC conductor from the magnet protection's point of view. In this paper, the cryogenic stability of the TF magnet system was estimated and the quench detection parameters were derived for protecting possible damages from quenches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) adopted superconducting coils which consist of rectangular cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC) without a central hole for supercritical helium. Most of all, the KSTAR has a unique superconducting magnet system with Nb3Sn and NbTi such as ITER. We expect that the test results of KSTAR experiments can also provide useful information for ITER and the other fusion devices. Up to now, the KSTAR superconducting magnet system is showing a larger flexibility and reliability in operation. For example, the TF magnet system has achieved the current charging of 36.2 kA and PF magnet system has been also charged up to \pm4 kA without difficulties during the last two times KSTAR campaigns. The significant thermo-hydraulic characteristics such as helium flow distribution, pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of coil, the friction factor and the temperature variation according to the current charging operations are introduced in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To retrospectively evaluate the computed tomography (CT) appearances of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection. Materials and methods: Chest CT images obtained at clinical presentation in 21 patients (eight men, 13 women; mean age, 37 years; age range, 6–82 years) with confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) infection were assessed. The radiological appearances of pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities, distribution, and extent of involvement on initial chest CT images were documented. The study group was divided on the basis of age [group 1, patients <18 years old (n =8); group 2, patients ≥18 years old (n =13)]. Medical records were reviewed for underlying medical conditions and laboratory findings. The occurrence of recognizable CT patterns was compared for each group using the images from the initial CT examination. Results: The most common CT pattern observed in all patients was ground-glass attenuated (GGA) lesions (20/21, 95%). Bronchial wall thickening (9/21, 43%) was the second most common CT finding. Other common CT findings were consolidation (6/21, 29%), pleural effusion (6/21, 29%), pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum (5/21, 24%), and atelectasis (5/21, 24%). Among these, atelectasis and pneumomediastinum (pneumothorax) were only observed in group 1. The GGA lesions showed predilections for diffuse multifocal (10/20, 50%) or lower zone (8/20, 40%) distribution. Involvement of central lung parenchyma (12/20, 60%) was more common than a mixed peripheral and central pattern (6/20, 30%) or a subpleural pattern (2/20, 10%) at the time of presentation. Patchy GGA lesions were more frequent (18/20, 90%) than diffuse GGA lesions, and 75% (15/20) of these lesions had a bronchovascular distribution. Bilateral disease was present in all patients with GGA lesions. Bronchial wall thickening was predominantly centrally located and the distribution of the consolidation was non-specific. Conclusion: The predominantly centrally located GGA lesions, with common multifocal or bilateral involvement, peribronchovascular distribution, and patchy appearance are the more distinctive CT findings of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection. Pneumomediastinum and atelectasis resulting from this disease are more common in young patients under the age of 18 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Research is to identify the bioactive secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 isolated from marine sediment and to assess their apoptosis-inducing effects. Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 was isolated from marine sediment obtained from the East Sea of Korea. An ethyl acetate extract of KMD 901 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity towards five cancer cell lines (HCT116, AGS, A549, MCF-7 and HepG2). Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in this strain allowed us to identify KMD 901 as a strain of Aspergillus versicolor. The cytotoxic compounds from Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 were purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified as diketopiperazine disulfides through spectroscopic analyses including extensive 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. The diketopiperazine disulfides were found to induce apoptosis in HCT116 cells based on cell morphology, DNA fragmentation observed by agarose gel electrophoresis, Annexin-V/PI staining using a flow cytometer and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bax) using Western blotting analysis. Further study using an in vivo xenograft model showed inhibitory effects of acetylapoaranotin () on tumour proliferation. A new diketopiperazine disulfide, deoxyapoaranotin (), along with previously described acetylaranotin () and acetylapoaranotin () was separated from Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 and found to have direct cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects towards HCT116 colon cancer cell lines. These results suggest that the diketopiperazine disulfides produced from Aspergillus sp., KMD 901, could be candidates for the development of apoptosis-inducing antitumour agents. Also, this study indicates that marine natural products as potential source of pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a candidate gene association study, we found that the variations of calcitonin receptor ( CALCR) gene were related to the risk of vertebral fracture and increased bone mineral density (BMD). Calcitonins through calcitonin receptors inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and modulate calcium ion excretion by the kidney and also prevent vertebral bone loss in early menopause. To identify genetically susceptible factors of osteoporosis, we discovered the variations in CALCR gene, genotyped in Korean postmenopausal women ( n = 729), and examined the potential involvement of seven single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and their haplotypes in linkage disequilibrium block (BL_hts). The SNPs, +43147G > C (intron 7), +60644C > T (exon13, 3' untranslated region), and their haplotypes, BL2_ht1 and BL2_ht2, showed a significant association with risk of vertebral fracture ( p = 0.048–0.004) and BL2_ht1 showed a highly significant protective effect. Moreover, the polymorphism +60644C > T showed a highly significant association with BMD at both lumbar spine and femoral neck. The subjects carrying CC and CT genotypes with the SNP, +60644C > T, had higher BMD values at the lumbar spine ( p = 0.01–0.001) and femoral neck ( p = 0.025–0.009). These results indicate that the CALCR gene may regulate bone metabolism, and +60644C > T in the CALCR gene may genetically modulate bone phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Saemangeum reclaimed land located on the western coast of Korea is one of the world's largest reclamation projects, developing 40,100 ha of land area. After construction of sea dikes in 2006, the exposed land area has been increasing in relation to the water level height. Dust from the exposed land, containing high amounts of salt, disperses to nearby areas. The dust is harmful to human and animal health as well as to plant growth. Therefore, an estimation of fugitive dust dispersion is necessary for the development of plans to manage the problem. Field experiments are ideal for understanding aerodynamic phenomena. However, finding a correlation between weather conditions and dust dispersion is a difficult task due to limited measuring points. Moreover, weather conditions are unstable, unpredictable, and cannot be artificially controlled. Field experiments also involve high labor and time expenses. To overcome these limitations, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to analyze dust dispersion phenomena, both quantitatively and qualitatively, according to the topography of the area, under various weather conditions. Effort was devoted to improving the accuracy of the CFD model by taking into account topographical design, mesh structure, turbulence models, particle generation, and other factors influencing the final solution. Computed results of the 3-D developed CFD model were compared against experimental data. Results showed an average error of -6.8%, which is within the acceptable range. CFD-computed vertical log-profiles of dust dispersion were similar to the vertical profiles presented by an earlier study. CFD results showed that dispersion of fugitive dust was mainly affected by particle size, wind speed, wind direction, and topography of the area. The estimated dispersion distance, measured at a height of 3 m for the 10 μm particles and a wind speed of 1.7 m s-1, was 3100 m. A dispersion distance of 6300 m was obtained when wind speed was 3.9 m s-1 for the 10 μm particles. This study showed that a CFD model can be effectively used to supplement field experiments when analyzing dispersion of fugitive dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Spitz naevi have not been widely studied in Asians. Aim. To compare the epidemiology and clinicopathological features of Spitz naevi in Koreans with lesions in western countries. Methods. In total, 80 Spitz naevi in 77 patients diagnosed over 10 years at 17 university hospitals in Korea were analysed. Results. The relative incidence of Spitz naevus vs. MM was 1 vs. 10.9. In most patients (75%) the Spitz naevi had been present for > 6 months. The size of the lesion was relatively large. Histologically, most of the lesions (54%) were the dermal type and pigmentation was common (49% of lesions). Immunohistochemical study found that all of the 34 lesions were positive for S-100 protein but only 14 (47%) were positive for HMB-45. Conclusion. Spitz naevus is rare in Korea. The lesions were more commonly larger, pigmented, and of the dermal type than reported in western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to validate a scale to examine the moral sensitivity of Korean nurses. A pre-existing scale, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), developed by Lu¨tze´n,was used after deletion of three items. The reliability and validity of the scale were examined by using Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis, respectively. According to the results, reliability of the scale was adequate but its construct validity was not fully supported. Through discussion on evidence of validity, five subconstructs emerged. In particular, unlike the factor structure of the MSQ, two subconstructs, patient-oriented care and professional responsibility, were newly extracted. It was assumed that the other three MSQ subconstructs, conflict, meaning and benevolence (expressed as nurses being ethically good), would not be sensitive to cultural background. Given these findings, interpretations about the meaning of moral sensitivity of Korean nurses are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few cohort studies have investigated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection before the occurrence of gastric cancer.Methods: Among 14,440 cohort participants, 100 incident gastric cancer cases were individually matched to two controls. Epstein-Barr virus antibodies IgG and IgA against viral capsid antigen (VCA), EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibody IgG, and early antigen (EA) antibody IgG were measured using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).Results: The highest titres of VCA IgG (odds ratio (OR): 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-3.06) or EBNA IgG (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.51-1.46) were not associated with gastric cancer risk.Conclusion: Higher levels of VCA IgG or EBNA IgG were not associated with increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma in Koreans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents detailed facies and architectural analyses and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Sihwa Formation (Lower Cretaceous), mid-west Korea, which comprises an about 3-km-thick non-marine succession containing abundant dinosaur eggshells. Based on constituent facies, bedset geometry, stacking pattern, and bounding surface characteristics, the entire succession can be classified into three architectural elements. Element I occurs along the basin margin and shows a monotonous stacking of tabular or crudely stratified conglomeratic units. It represents alluvial-fan deposits of debris-flow-dominated fan and sheetflood-dominated fan. Element II is characterized by multi-storey, sheet or upward-widening, conglomeratic channel-fills whose maximum thickness exceeds 1.5m. Each channel-fill unit is encased within red–brown silty sandstones of Element III with sharp erosional bases but diffuse gradational upper boundaries. It consists generally of (1) cut-and-fill deposit (trough cross-stratified or openwork conglomerate) in the lower part and (2) composite low-relief bar deposit (lenticular conglomerate and stratified gravelly sandstone) in the upper part. Shallowness of each cut-and-fill unit, absence of fining-upward lateral accretion package and the predominance of simple-bar deposit collectively suggest deposition from ephemeral braided streams. Element III typically shows a fining-upward stacking of (1) single- or multi-storey small-scale (<1.5m thick) channel fills with limited lateral extent of less than 15m, (2) poorly sorted, graded and diffusely bounded silty conglomerates or gravelly siltstones with discontinuous gravel sheets and pockets and (3) homogeneous or graded, red–brown fine-grained deposits with calcretes and burrows in ascending order. Element III is interpreted as channel-margin to floodplain, including crevasse channel fill, crevasse splay and floodplain fines. The entire sequence of the Sihwa Formation can be divided into the alluvial-fan and terminal-fan successions. The alluvial-fan succession displays a progradational stacking pattern and indicates a low rate of basin subsidence in the initial phase of rifting. The upper terminal-fan succession consists of proximal braided stream and distal floodplain deposits in the western and central parts of the basin and is characterized by an axial dispersal pattern and an aggradational stacking. It suggests rapid subsidence of the basin floor during the main phase of rifting. The asymmetrical cross-basin distribution of each architectural element reflects a half-graben structure of the basin with steep-gradient fault-bounded eastern margin (footwall block) and gently sloped, flexural western margin (hangingwall block). The predominance of ephemeral braided-stream deposits along with red–brown fine-grained floodplain deposits with common calcretes indicates arid to semi-arid palaeoclimates. Approximately 140 dinosaur eggs (Faveoloolithidae and Dendroolithidae) were identified mainly from the (gravelly) siltstones and small-scale channel fills of Element III deposits and partly from the cut-and-fill conglomerates of Element II deposits. The eggs commonly retain their original oval shape but are invariably breached and stuffed with the substrate of gravels and silt. They are either isolated or clustered, forming a circular concentration in plan view. The abundant yield of eggs, more than 20 eggs in 5 separate nests from a single depositional unit, suggests a dense population of the parental dinosaurs. The repetitive occurrence in many stratigraphic horizons reflects site preference as a nesting habitat of the near-channel or abandoned channel areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atmospheric surface aerosol radiative forcing (SARF) ΔF, forcing efficiency ΔFe and fractional forcing efficiency ΔFFe evaluated from cloud-screened narrowband spectral and thermal-offset-corrected radiometric observations during the Asia dust outbreak episodes in Gwangju, Republic of Korea are reported in this study. Columnar aerosol optical properties (aerosol optical depth (AOD), τ aλ, Angstrom exponent α, mass concentration of fine and coarse mode particles) were also reported for the station between January 2000 and May 2001 consisting of 211cloud-free days. Results indicate that majority of the AOD were within the range 0.25–0.45 while some high aerosol events in which AODs ≥ 0.6 were observed during the severe dust episodes. For example, AOD increases from annual average value of 0.34 ± 0.13 at 501 nm to values >0.60 during the major dust events of March 27–30 and April 7–9, 2000, respectively. The α 501–870 nm which is often used as a qualitative indicator of aerosol particle size had values ranging from 0.01 to 1.77. The diurnal forcing efficiency ΔDFe at Gwangju was estimated to be −81.10 ± 5.14 W m −2/ τ 501 nm and −47.09 ± 2.20 W m −2/ τ 501 nm for the total solar broadband and visible band pass, respectively while the fractional diurnal forcing efficiency ΔFDFe were −15.8 ± 0.64%/ τ 501 nm and −22.87 ± 1.13%/ τ 501 nm for the same band passes. Analyses of the 5-day air-mass back trajectories were further developed for Gwangju in order to classify the air-mass and types of aerosol reaching the site during the Asia dust episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of atmospheric aerosols on surface ultraviolet (UV) irradiance at Gwangju, Korea (35°13′N, 126°50′E). Data analyzed included surface UV irradiance measured by UV radiometers from June 1998 to April 2001 and the aerosol optical depth (AOD) in the visible range determined from a rotating shadow-band radiometer (RSR). The radiation amplification factor (RAF) of ozone for UV-B (280–315 nm) at Gwangju was 1.32–1.62. Values of the RAF of aerosols (RAFAOD) for UV-A and UV-B were 0.18–0.20 and 0.22–0.26, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]