Association of Cigarette Prices with the Prevalence of Smoking in Korean University Students: Analysis of Effects of the Tobacco Control Policy

Han, Jin-Ok,Im, Jeong-Soo,Yim, Jun,Choi, Yoon-Hyeong,Ko, Kwang-Pil,Kim, Junghoon,Kim, Hee Gerl,Noh, Yunhong,Lim, Young-Khi,Oh, Dae-Kyu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.13

Background: Increased pricing of cigarettes might be one of the most effective approaches for reducing the prevalence of smoking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of increasing cigarette prices through taxation by a tobacco intervention policy on the changes in smoking prevalence in Korean university students. Materials and Methods: The participants in this study were 23,047 healthy university students aged 18-29 years from a health examination in 2011-2015. We investigated the adjusted prevalence of daily and occasional smoking before and after increasing cigarette prices through taxation. Results: The prevalence of occasional smoking was significantly decreased in 2015 from 2014 in both male (from 10.7% in 2014 to 5.4%) and female (from 3.6% to 1.1%) students, but the prevalence of daily smoking did not decrease significantly. The frequency of individuals who had attempted smoking cessation during the past year was significantly higher among occasional smokers in male students (90.2%) compared with daily smokers (64.9%). For female students, there were no differences in experience of smoking cessation, willingness for smoking cessation, or E-cigarette experience between daily and occasional smokers. Conclusions: We found that a policy of increasing cigarette prices through taxation is associated with decreases in the prevalence of occasional smokers, who have relatively lower nicotine dependence compared with individuals who smoke daily. The results of our study suggest that social support and direct intervention for smoking cessation at the community level are needed for university students alongside the pricing policy.

Parallel Process System and its Application to Steam Generator Structural Analysis

Yoon-Suk Chang,Han-Ok Ko,Jae-Boong Choi,Young-Jin Kim,Shinobu Yoshimura 대한기계학회 2005 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.19 No.11

A large-scale analysis to evaluate complex material and structural behaviors is one of interesting topic in diverse engineering and scientific fields. Also, the utilization of massively parallel processors has been a recent trend of high performance computing. The objective of this paper is to introduce a parallel process system which consists of general purpose finite element analysis solver as well as parallelized PC cluster. The later was constructed using eight processing elements and the former was developed adopting both hierarchical domain decomposition method and balancing domain decomposition method. Then, to verify the efficiency of the established system, it was applied for structural analysis of steam generator in nuclear power plant. Since the prototypal evaluation results agreed well to the corresponding reference solutions it is believed that, after reinforcement of PC cluster by increasing number of processing elements, the promising parallel process system can be utilized as a useful tool for advanced structural integrity evaluation.

Optimal effect-site concentration of remifentanil to prevent hemodynamic changes during nasotracheal intubation using a video laryngoscope

Yoon, Ji-Young,Park, Chul-Gue,Kim, Eun-Jung,Choi, Byung-Moon,Yoon, Ji-Uk,Kim, Yeon Ha,Lee, Moon Ok,Han, Ki Seob,Ahn, Ji-Hye The Korean Dental Society of Anesthsiology 2020 Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Vol.20 No.4

Background: Nasotracheal intubation is the most commonly used method to secure the field of view when performing surgery on the oral cavity or neck. Like orotracheal intubation, nasotracheal intubation uses a laryngoscope. Hemodynamic change occurs due to the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Recently, video laryngoscope with a camera attached to the end of the direct laryngoscope blade has been used to minimize this change. In this study, we investigated the optimal effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil for minimizing hemodynamic responses during nasotracheal intubation with a video laryngoscope. Methods: Twenty-one patients, aged between 19 and 60 years old, scheduled for elective surgery were included in this study. Anesthesia was induced by slowly injecting propofol. At the same time, remifentanil infusion was initiated at 3.0 ng/ml via target-controlled infusion (TCI). When remifentanil attained the preset Ce, nasotracheal intubation was performed using a video laryngoscope. The patient's blood pressure and heart rate were checked pre-induction, right before and after intubation, and 1 min after intubation. Hemodynamic stability was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate by 20% before and after nasotracheal intubation. The response of each patient determined the Ce of remifentanil for the next patient at an interval of 0.3 ng/ml. Results: The Ce of remifentanil administered ranged from 2.4 to 3.6 ng/ml for the patients evaluated. The estimated optimal effective effect-site concentrations of remifentanil were 3.22 and 4.25 ng/ml, that were associated with a 50% and 95% probability of maintaining hemodynamic stability, respectively. Conclusion: Nasotracheal intubation using a video laryngoscope can be successfully performed in a hemodynamically stable state by using the optimal remifentanil effect-site concentration (Ce₅₀, 3.22 ng/ml; Ce₉₅, 4.25 ng/ml).

Report on 24 unrecorded bacterial species of Korea belonging to the phylum Firmicutes

Han, Ji-Hye,Joung, Yochan,Kim, Tae-Su,Bae, Jin-Woo,Cha, Chang-Jun,Chun, Jongsik,Im, Wan-Taek,Jahng, Kwang Yeop,Jeon, Che Ok,Joh, Kiseong,Seong, Chi Nam,Yoon, Jung-Hoon,Cho, Jang-Cheon,Kim, Seung Bum The National Institute of Biological Resources 2015 Journal of species research Vol.4 No.2

As an outcome of the study on the bacterial species diversity in Korea, we report 24 unrecorded bacterial species of Korea belonging to the phylum Firmicutes. The unrecorded species excavated through this study were assigned to 12 different genera of 7 families, namely Bacillus, Halobacillus, Lysinibacillus and Thalassobacillus of Bacillaceae, Brevibacillus and Paenibacillus of Paenibacillaceae, Viridibacillus of Planococcaceae, Salinicoccus and Staphylococcus of Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcus of Enterococcaceae, Lactobacillus of Lactobacillaceae, and Lactococcus of Streptococcaceae, respectively. The bacterial isolates were obtained from various ecosystems in Korea. The isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and those exhibiting at least 99% sequence similarity with known bacterial species but never reported in Korea were selected as unrecorded species. The selected isolates were subjected to further taxonomic characterization including the analysis of cell shape and fine structure using electron microscope, colony color and shapes, enzyme activities and carbon source utilization. The descriptive information on the 24 unrecorded species are provided.

EDUCATIONAL EFFECTS OF RADIATION WORK-STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Han, Eun Ok,Kim, Jae Rok,Choi, Yoon Seok Korean Nuclear Society 2014 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.46 No.3

The results of this study, suggest public communication to promote the use of radiation as follows: first, suitable information for the recipient's perception patterns should be provided, as there is a difference in risk perception and acceptance between the experts and the public. Thus, information on the necessity of nuclear power should be provided to the public, while information based on technical risks is provided by the experts. Second, since the levels of perception, knowledge, and attitudes increased highly for sectors which use radiation after the class, classes should be provided continuously to increase students' perception, knowledge, and attitude, which are all preemptive variables which induce positive behavioral changes. Third, since the seven sectors which use radiation are highly correlated, arguments for the necessity of other sectors should be based on the necessity of the medical sector.

A study of the relationship between clinical phenotypes and plasma iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme activities in Hunter syndrome patients

Ok Jeong Lee,Su-Jin Kim,박형두,이수연,Chi-Hwa Kim,Ah-Ra Ko,Yeon-Joo Yook,Su-Jin Lee,박성원,Se-Hwa Kim,Sung-Yoon Cho,Eun-Kyung Kwon,Sun Ju Han,진동규,Young Bae Sohn 대한소아청소년과학회 2012 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.55 No.3

Purpose: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II or Hunter syndrome)is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) deficiency. MPS II causes a wide phenotypic spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. IDS activity, which is measured in leukocyte pellets or fibroblasts, was reported to be related to clinical phenotype by Sukegawa-Hayasaka et al. Measurement of residual plasma IDS activity using a fluorometric assay is simpler than conventional measurements using skin fibroblasts or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This is the first study to describe the relationship between plasma IDS activity and clinical phenotype of MPS II. Methods: We hypothesized that residual plasma IDS activity is related to clinical phenotype. We classified 43 Hunter syndrome patients as having attenuated or severe disease types based on clinical characteristics,especially intellectual and cognitive status. There were 27 patients with the severe type and 16 with the attenuated type. Plasma IDS activity was measured by a fluorometric enzyme assay using 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-iduronate 2-sulphate. Results: Plasma IDS activity in patients with the severe type was significantly lower than that in patients with the attenuated type (P=0.006). The optimal cut-off value of plasma IDS activity for distinguishing the severe type from the attenuated type was 0.63 nmol·4 hr-1·mL-1. This value had 88.2% sensitivity, 65.4% specificity, and an area under receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.768 (ROC curve analysis; P=0.003). Conclusion: These results show that the mild phenotype may be related to residual lysosomal enzyme activity.

Inhibitory Activity of Bumblebee Worker (Bombus terrestris L.) Venoms on Nitric Oxide, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 Production in Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Macrophages

Han Sang-Mi,Lee Kwang-Gill,Yeo Joo-Hong,Kweon Hae-Yong,Woo Soon-Ok,Yoon Hyung-Joo,Baek Ha-Ju,Park Kwan-Kyu Korean Society of Sericultural Science 2006 International Journal of Industrial Entomology Vol.12 No.2

To elucidate the composition of bumblebee (Bomb us terrestris) venom (BBV) and the anti-inflammatory effect of BBV. The major components of BBV by LC chromatography and SDS-PAGE were identified. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines was examined by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells, with BBV. BBV inhibits LPS-induced NO in a dose dependent manner. We also found that BBV inhibits proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 production. These findings mean that BBV can be used in controlling macrophages mediated inflammation related disease. Additional studies on the pharmacological aspects of the individual components of BBV are recommended for future trials.

Influence of Naloxone on Catecholamine Release Evoked by Nicotinic Receptor Stimulation in the Isolated Rat Adrenal Gland

Ok-Min Kim,Geon-Han Lim,Dong-Yoon Lim 대한약학회 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.6

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of naloxone, a well known opioid antagonist, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane-depolarization in the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands, and to establish its mechanism of action. Naloxone (10-6~10-5 M), perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min, produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition of CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32×10-3 M), high K+ (5.6×10-2 M), DMPP (10-4 M) and McN-A-343 (10-4 M). Naloxone itself also failed to affect the basal CA output. In adrenal glands loaded with naloxone (3×10-6 M), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644, an activator of L-type Ca2+ channels, and cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase, were also inhibited. In the presence of met-enkephalin (5×10-6 M), a well known opioid agonist, the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high K+, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were also significantly inhibited. Taken together, these results suggest that naloxone greatly inhibits the CA secretion evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as that by membrane depolarization. It seems that these inhibitory effects of naloxone does not involve opioid receptors, but might be mediated by blocking both the calcium influx into the rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and the uptake of Ca2+ into the cytoplasmic calcium store, which are at least partly relevant to the direct interaction with the nicotinic receptor itself.

Validation of QF-PCR for Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis of Common Chromosomal Aneuploidies in Korea

Han, Sung-Hee,Ryu, Jae-Song,An, Jeong-Wook,Park, Ok-Kyoung,Yoon, Hye-Ryoung,Yang, Young-Ho,Lee, Kyoung-Ryul Korean Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics 2010 대한의학유전학회지 Vol.7 No.1

Purpose: Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) allows for the rapid prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies. The main advantages of this assay are its low cost, speed, and automation, allowing for large-scale application. However, despite these advantages, it is not a routine method for prenatal aneuploidy screening in Korea. Our objective in the present study was to validate the performance of QF-PCR using short tandem repeat (STR) markers in a Korean population as a means for rapid prenatal diagnosis. Material and Methods: A QF-PCR assay using an Elucigene kit (Gen-Probe, Abingdon, UK), containing 20 STR markers located on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y, was performed on 847 amniotic fluid (AF) samples for prenatal aneuploidy screening referred for prenatal aneuploidy screening from 2007 to 2009. The results were then compared to those obtained using conventional cytogenetic analysis. To evaluate the informativity of STR markers, the heterozygosity index of each marker was determined in all the samples. Results: Three autosomes (13, 18, and 21) and X and Y chromosome aneuploidies were detected in 19 cases (2.2%, 19/847) after QF-PCR analysis of the 847 AF samples. Their results are identical to those of conventional cytogenetic analysis, with 100% positive predictive value. However, after cytogenetic analysis, 7 cases (0.8%, 7/847) were found to have 5 balanced and 2 unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities that were not detected by QF-PCR. The STR markers had a slightly low heterozygosity index (average: 0.76) compared to those reported in Caucasians (average: 0.80). Submicroscopic duplication of D13S634 marker, which might be a unique finding in Koreans, was detected in 1.4% (12/847) of the samples in the present study. Conclusion: A QF-PCR assay for prenatal aneuploidy screening was validated in our institution and proved to be efficient and reliable. However, we suggest that each laboratory must perform an independent validation test for each STR marker in order to develop interpretation guidelines of the results and must integrate QF-PCR into the routine cytogenetic laboratory workflow.

The Third Nationwide Korean Heart Failure III Registry (KorHF III): The Study Design Paper

Yoon Minjae,Kim Eung Ju,Han Seongwoo,Park Seong-Mi,Kim In Cheol,Cho Myeong-Chan,안효석,신미승,Hwang Seokjae,Jeong Jin-Ok,Yang Dong Heon,Kim Jae-Joong,최진오,Cho Hyun-Jai,Yoo Byung-Su,Kang Seok Min,Choi Dong-Ju 대한심부전학회 2024 International Journal of Heart Failure Vol.6 No.2

With advancements in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, significant changes have occurred in heart failure (HF) management. The previous Korean HF registries, namely the Korea Heart Failure Registry (KorHF-registry) and Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry (KorAHF-registry), no longer accurately reflect contemporary acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Our objective is to assess contemporary AHF patients through a nationwide registry encompassing various aspects, such as clinical characteristics, management approaches, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of individuals hospitalized for AHF in Korea. This prospective observational multicenter cohort study (KorHF III) is organized by the Korean Society of Heart Failure. We aim to prospectively enroll 7,000 or more patients hospitalized for AHF at 47 tertiary hospitals in Korea starting from March 2018. Eligible patients exhibit signs and symptoms of HF and demonstrate either lung congestion or objective evidence of structural or functional cardiac abnormalities in echocardiography, or isolated right-sided HF. Patients will be followed up for up to 5 years after enrollment in the registry to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes. KorHF III represents the nationwide AHF registry that will elucidate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of contemporary AHF patients in Korea. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04329234 With advancements in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, significant changes have occurred in heart failure (HF) management. The previous Korean HF registries, namely the Korea Heart Failure Registry (KorHF-registry) and Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry (KorAHF-registry), no longer accurately reflect contemporary acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Our objective is to assess contemporary AHF patients through a nationwide registry encompassing various aspects, such as clinical characteristics, management approaches, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of individuals hospitalized for AHF in Korea. This prospective observational multicenter cohort study (KorHF III) is organized by the Korean Society of Heart Failure. We aim to prospectively enroll 7,000 or more patients hospitalized for AHF at 47 tertiary hospitals in Korea starting from March 2018. Eligible patients exhibit signs and symptoms of HF and demonstrate either lung congestion or objective evidence of structural or functional cardiac abnormalities in echocardiography, or isolated right-sided HF. Patients will be followed up for up to 5 years after enrollment in the registry to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes. KorHF III represents the nationwide AHF registry that will elucidate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of contemporary AHF patients in Korea. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04329234