Anti-apoptotic effects of autophagy via ROS regulation in microtubule-targeted and PDGF-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells

Autophagy has been studied as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. However, insufficient studies have been reported concerning the influence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through autophagy regulation. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of VSMCs on the regulation of autophagy under in vitro conditions similar to vascular status of the equipped microtubule target agent-eluting stent and increased release of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Cell viability and proliferation were measured using MTT and cell counting assays. Immunofluorescence using an anti-α-tubulin antibody was performed to determine microtubule dynamic formation. Cell apoptosis was measured by cleavage of caspase-3 using western blot analysis, and by nuclear fragmentation using a fluorescence assay. Autophagy activity was assessed by microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC-II) using western blot analysis. Levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H₂DCFDA. The proliferation and viability of VSMCs were inhibited by microtubule regulation. Additionally, microtubule-regulated and PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs increased the cleavage of caspase-3 more than only the microtubule-regulated condition, similar to that of LC3-II, implying autophagy. Inhibitory autophagy of microtubule-regulated and PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs resulted in low viability. However, enhancement of autophagy maintained survival through the reduction of ROS. These results suggest that the apoptosis of conditioned VSMCs is decreased by the blocking generation of ROS via the promotion of autophagy, and proliferation is also inhibited. Thus, promoting autophagy as a therapeutic target for vascular restenosis and atherosclerosis may be a good strategy.

Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity by calcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo

Ascorbic acid is one of the most well-known nutritional supplement and antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Calcium ascorbate has been developed to mitigate the gastric irritation caused by the acidity of ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to compare calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid, focusing on their antioxidant activity and effects on gastric juice pH, total acid output, and pepsin secretion in an in vivo rat model, as well as pharmacokinetic parameters. Calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid had similar antioxidant activity. However, the gastric fluid pH was increased by calcium ascorbate, whereas total acid output was increased by ascorbic acid. In the rat pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, calcium ascorbate increased the gastric fluid pH without changing the total acid output. Administration of calcium ascorbate to rats given a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg as ascorbic acid resulted in higher plasma concentrations than that from ascorbic acid alone. The area under the curve (AUC) values of calcium ascorbate were 1.5-fold higher than those of ascorbic acid, and the C(max) value of calcium ascorbate (91.0 ng/ml) was higher than that of ascorbic acid (74.8 ng/ml). However, their T(max) values were similar. Thus, although calcium ascorbate showed equivalent antioxidant activity to ascorbic acid, it could attenuate the gastric high acidity caused by ascorbic acid, making it suitable for consideration of use to improve the side effects of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, calcium ascorbate could be an appropriate antioxidant substrate, with increased oral bioavailability, for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Murrayafoline A Induces a G0/G1-Phase Arrest in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The increased potential for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth is a key abnormality in the development of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Abnormally high activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is believed to play a central role in the etiology of these pathophysiological situations. Here, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects and possible mechanism(s) of murrayafoline A, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from Glycosmis stenocarpa Guillamin (Rutaceae), on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Murrayafoline A inhibited the PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner, as measured using a non-radioactive colorimetric WST-1 assay and direct cell counting. Furthermore, murrayafoline A suppressed the PDGF-BB-stimulated progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and cell cycle progression analysis. This anti-proliferative action of murrayafoline A, arresting cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs, was mediated via down-regulation of the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, CDK4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These results indicate that murrayafoline A may be useful in preventing the progression of vascular complications such as restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and atherosclerosis.

Differential Gene Expression in GPR40-Overexpressing Pancreatic beta-cells Treated with Linoleic Acid

"G protein-coupled receptor 40" (GPR40), a receptor for long-chain fatty acids, mediates the stimulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion. We examined the profiles of differential gene expression in GPR40-activated cells treated with linoleic acid, and finally predicted the integral pathways of the cellular mechanism of GPR40-mediated insulinotropic effects. After constructing a GPR40-overexpressing stable cell line (RIN-40) from the rat pancreatic beta-cell line RIN-5f, we determined the gene expression profiles of RIN-5f and RIN-40. In total, 1004 genes, the expression of which was altered at least twofold, were selected in RIN-5f versus RIN-40. Moreover, the differential genetic profiles were investigated in RIN-40 cells treated with 30 microM linoleic acid, which resulted in selection of 93 genes in RIN-40 versus RIN-40 treated with linoleic acid. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway (KEGG, http://www.genome.jp/kegg/), sets of genes induced differentially by treatment with linoleic acid in RIN-40 cells were found to be related to mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase- and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways. A gene ontology (GO) study revealed that more than 30% of the genes were associated with signal transduction and cell proliferation. Thus, this study elucidated a gene expression pattern relevant to the signal pathways that are regulated by GPR40 activation during the acute period. Together, these findings increase our mechanistic understanding of endogenous molecules associated with GPR40 function, and provide information useful for identification of a target for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Medical Care Expenditure in Suicides From Non-illness-related Causes / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Several epidemiological studies on medical care utilization prior to suicide have considered the motivation of suicide, but focused on the influence of physical illnesses. Medical care expenditure in suicide completers with non-illness-related causes has not been investigated. METHODS: Suicides motivated by non-illness-related factors were identified using the investigator's note from the National Police Agency, which was then linked to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment data. We investigated the medical care expenditures of cases one year prior to committing suicide and conducted a case-control study using conditional logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, gender, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Among the 4515 suicides motivated by non-illness-related causes, medical care expenditures increased in only the last 3 months prior to suicide in the adolescent group. In the younger group, the proportion of total medical expenditure for external injuries was higher than that in the older groups. Conditional logistic regression analysis showed significant associations with being a suicide completer and having a rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and high medical care expenditure. After stratification into the four age groups, a significant positive association with medical care expenditures and being a suicide completer was found in the adolescent and young adult groups, but no significant results were found in the elderly groups for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Younger adults who committed suicide motivated by non-illness-related causes had a higher proportion of external injuries and more medical care expenditures than their controls did. This reinforces the notion that suicide prevention strategies for young people with suicidal risk factors are needed.

5,8-Dimethoxy-2-Nonylamino-Naphthalene-1,4-Dione Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Blocking Autophosphorylation of PDGF-Receptor beta

As the abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis and vascular restenosis, a candidate drug with antiproliferative properties is needed. We investigated the antiproliferative action and underlying mechanism of a newly synthesized naphthoquinone derivative, 5,8-dimethoxy-2-nonylamino-naphthalene-1,4-dione (2-nonylamino-DMNQ), using VSMCs treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). 2-Nonylamino-DMNQ inhibited proliferation and cell number of VSMCs induced by PDGF, but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), in a concentration-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. This derivative suppressed PDGF-induced [3H]-thymidine incorporation, cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase, and the phosphorylation of phosphor-retinoblastoma protein (pRb) as well as the expression of cyclin E/D, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2/4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Importantly, 2-nonylamino-DMNQ inhibited the phosphorylation of PDGF receptorbeta(PDGF-Rbeta) enhanced by PDGF at Tyr579, Tyr716, Tyr751, and Tyr1021 residues. Subsequently, 2-nonylamino-DMNQ inhibited PDGF-induced phosphorylation of STAT3, ERK1/2, Akt, and PLCgamma1. Therefore, our results indicate that 2-nonylamino-DMNQ inhibits PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation by blocking PDGF-Rbeta autophosphorylation, and subsequently PDGF-Rbeta-mediated downstream signaling pathways.

Medical Care Utilization During 1 Year Prior to Death in Suicides Motivated by Physical Illnesses / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Many epidemiological studies have suggested that a variety of medical illnesses are associated with suicide. Investigating the time-varying pattern of medical care utilization prior to death in suicides motivated by physical illnesses would be helpful for developing suicide prevention programs for patients with physical illnesses. METHODS: Suicides motivated by physical illnesses were identified by the investigator's note from the National Police Agency, which was linked to the data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment. We investigated the time-varying patterns of medical care utilization during 1 year prior to suicide using repeated-measures data analysis after adjustment for age, gender, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Among 1994 suicides for physical illness, 1893 (94.9%) suicides contacted any medical care services and 445 (22.3%) suicides contacted mental health care during 1 year prior to suicide. The number of medical care visits and individual medical expenditures increased as the date of suicide approached (p<0.001). The number of medical care visits for psychiatric disorders prior to suicide significantly increased only in 40- to 64-year-old men (p=0.002), women <40 years old (p=0.011) and women 40 to 64 years old (p=0.021) after adjustment for residence, socioeconomic status, and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the suicides motivated by physical illnesses contacted medical care during 1 year prior to suicide, but many of them did not undergo psychiatric evaluation. This underscores the need for programs to provide psychosocial support to patients with physical illnesses.

Three dimensional analysis of tooth movement using different sizes of NiTi wire on NiTi scissors-bite corrector / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in three dimensional tooth movement using three different wire sizes (0.018 x 0.025-in, 0.016 x 0.022-in, 0.016-in) on a NiTi scissors-bite corrector. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images of the experimental model before and after tooth movement were taken and reconstructed into three dimensional models for superimposition. The direction and the amount of tooth movement were measured and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The lingual and intrusive movements of the crown of the maxillary second molar were increased as the size of the NiTi wire increased. The roots of the maxillary second molars moved buccally except for the 0.016-in group. The intrusive movement of the roots of the maxillary second molars was increased as the size of the NiTi wire increased. Due to the use of orthodontic mini-implants, anchorage loss was under 0.2 mm on average. CONCLUSIONS: The 0.018 x 0.025-in NiTi wire was most effective in lingual and intrusive movement of the maxillary second molar which was in scissors-bite position. Indirect skeletal anchorage with a single orthodontic mini-implant was rigid enough to prevent anchorage loss.

Three dimensional analysis of tooth movement using different types of maxillary molar distalization appliances / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the three dimensional changes of tooth movement using four different types of maxillary molar distalization appliances; pendulum appliance (PD), mini-implant supported pendulum appliance (MPD), stainless steel open coil spring (SP) and mini-implant supported stainless steel open coil spring (MSP). METHODS: These experiments were performed using the Calorific machine? which can simulate dynamic tooth movement. Computed tomography (CT) images of the experimental model were taken before and after tooth movement in 1 mm thicknesses and reconstructed into a three dimensional model using V-works 4.0TM. These reconstructed images were superimposed using Rapidform 2004TM and the direction and amount of tooth movement were measured. RESULTS: The mean reciprocal anchor loss ratio at the first premolar was 17 - 19% for the PD and SP groups. The appliances using mini-implants (MPD or MSP) resulted in less anchorage loss (7 - 8%). On application of a pendulum appliance or MPD, distalization was obtained by tipping rather than by bodily movement. Furthermore, the maxillary second molar tipped distally and bucally. But on application of MSP, distalization was achieved almost by bodily movement. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding tooth movement patterns during molar distalization, stainless steel open coil spring with indirect skeletal anchorage was relatively superior to other methods.

Effect of Sociodemographic Factors, Cancer, Psychiatric Disorder on Suicide: Gender and Age-specific Patterns / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of sociodemographic factors, cancer, and psychiatric disorders on suicide by gender and age-specific patterns in South Korea. METHODS: The study is a case-control study. Claim data was obtained from the national health insurance database and national death registration database. The number of people who committed suicide was 11,523, which was matched with a control group consisting of ten times as many people at 115,230 selected from the national health insurance and medical aids beneficiaries. The medical utilization of the case group was one year before death and that of the control group was from July 1,2003 to June 30, 2004. Four variables-address, economic status, presence of a psychiatric disease, and cancer-were used in multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Living in cities or in rural areas showed a greater risk for suicide than living in a metropolitan city. Low economic status, the presence of a psychiatric disorder, and cancer were also statistically meaningful risk factors for suicide. The three major psychiatric diseases, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorder, were meaningful in all age groups, but the scale of the odds ratio differed by the age group. Only the psychiatric disorder variable was meaningful in the adolescent group, whereas a psychiatric disorder and economic status were meaningful for the young adult group, and all variables were meaningful for the middle-aged group. A psychiatric disorder and cancer were meaningful in the elderly group, economic status was meaningful for male subjects, and address was meaningful for female subjects. CONCLSIONS: Factors such as living in city or rural areas, low economic status, the presence of a psychiatric disorder, and cancer were statistically meaningful risk factors in suicide. These factors also differed by age group. Therefore, policymakers should establish policies for suicide prevention that are relevant for each age group.

The effect of the introduction of Picture Archiving and Communication System on interpretation rate of radiologic examinations / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the introduction of picture archiving and communication system(PACS) by identifying the change of the interpretation rates of radiologic examinations. METHODS: The data about total of 297,314 radiologic examinations done from June, 2001 to June 2002 was collected through medical record. December, 2001 which was the month of PACS introduction was excluded from the analysis for controlling the bias. Data concerning the time spent on interpretation, types of patients, clinical departments and types of radiologic examinations were collected. Chi-square test was performed to evaluate differences before and after introduction of PACS. RESULTS: 1. The interpretation rates of total radiologic examinations significantly increased after the introduction of PACS. The interpretation rate within 1 day increased 2.3 times higher after the introduction of PACS. 2. Both of the interpretation rates of radiologic examinations for outpatients and inpatients were significantly increased after the introduction of PACS. The interpretation rate within 1 day of radiologic examinations among outpatients increased 2.1 times higher and that among inpatients increased 3 times higher after the introducton of PACS. CONCLUSION: There was overall increase of interpretation rate suggesting the improvement of performance in department of radiology. This indicated that introduction of PACS brought about a positive impact on medical service quality through improving operational efficiency.

The Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Analysis in Eyes with Small Optic Disc

PURPOSE: Eyes with small optic disc may be infirm to glaucomatous damage but suitable and objective methods for monitoring glaucomatous optic nerve damage in small optic disc are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis using scanning laser polarimetry in patients with small optic disc. METHODS: 63 patients with small optic disc were recruited in this study. Eyes with average disc diameter 1.617 mm or less which was 33 percentile by topographic scanning system in our normal population study were enrolled. There were 26 patients with normal tension glaucoma and 37 patients with normal visual fields. Each patient underwent RNFL analysis using GDx VCC. Measurements of axial length, intraocular pressure, refractive error, disc diameter and cup/disc ratio were fulfilled. Findings were compared with independent t-test between 2 groups. GDx VCC parameters were analyzed with multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: No differences in age, axial length, intraocular pressure, refractive error and disc diameter were apparent between the two groups. However, significant differences were detected in GDx VCC parameters including TSNIT average, Superior average, TSNIT standard deviation, NFI, Superior ratio, Inferior ratio, Sup/nasal, Maximum modualation, Superior maximum and Normalized superior area (p<0.001). The RNFL damage of superior area was prominent. CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with small optic disc, it is hard to detect the pathologic glaucomatous change by their disc morphologies. Therefore, RNFL analysis could be useful for a glaucoma screening of the patients with small optic disc.

5 Years' Evaluation of 'the Separation of Prescribing and Dispensing Roles' Policy on Medical Institutions

No abstract available.

Spatial changes of the upper dentition following en-masse space closure: A comparison between first and second premolar extraction / 대한치과교정학회지

The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate and compare maxillary arch dimensional and positional changes between first and second premolar extraction groups. The Calorific Machine was used to illustrate tooth movement in three dimensions. The experimental teeth except the first or second premolars were embedded in artificial alveolar bone. The extraction space was closed using arch wires with bull loops into which 15 degree gable bends were placed. Before and after space closure, radiographs were taken in the sagittal and occlusal directions using occlusal films. The results showed greater mean maxillary incisor retraction and less anchorage loss in the maxillary first premolar extraction group than in the maxillary second premolar extraction group. Mesiopalatal rotation of anchor teeth was greater after extraction of a maxillary second premolar than a maxillary first premolar (p<.001).

The evaluation of rotational movements of maxillary posterior teeth using three dimensional images in cases of extraction of maxillary first premolar / 대한치과교정학회지

Cephalometric superimposition is unable to evaluate tooth movement along the occlusal plane and the errors of photographing and superimposition of the occlusogram is also inevitable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the rotational movements of the maxillary posterior teeth following space closure after extraction of maxillary first premolars, using 3D dental images. In 19 adult females, analysis of rotational movements of the maxillary posterior teeth was performed between the initial and final 3D dental images superimposed on the maxillary hard palate. The results showed a diversity of rotational movements of posterior teeth. The causes of various rotational movements may be different rotation of molars in each case at the beginning of treatment, individual characters of the dental arch and tooth morphology. The results of the study indicate that accurate evaluation of rotational movements of posterior teeth following space closure after extraction of premolars using 3D dental images can be obtained through the subdivision of tooth movement during the initial aligning, space closure and finishing stages.

A study on the effect of the magnitude of the gable bends on the tooth movement pattern during en-masse space closure in the maxillary dentition / 대한치과교정학회지

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine appropriate magnitude of the Gable bends to produce maximum retraction of the anterior teeth. The Calorific Machine was used to illustrate the tooth movement in three dimension. The experimental teeth except the first premolar were embedded in the artificial alveolar bone part. In a series of experiments, the extraction space was closed using arch wires with bull loops into which the gable bends of 10degrees, 20degrees, 30degrees degrees were incorporated. The experiments were repeated three times for each degree of the gable bend. Before and after the space closure, radiographs were taken in the sagittal and occlusal directions using occlusal films. Analysis of variance and Scheffe post hoc test were used to determine significant differences among the three groups. The following results were obtained. 1. As magnitudes of the gable bends increased, more bodily anterior tooth movement was seen and the distance of retraction also increased. 2. As magnitudes of the gable bends increase, the amount of posterior tooth protraction decreased while intrusive and buccal movement increased. 3. The arch was coordinated by distal-in rotation of the canine and mesial-in rotation of the second premolar adjacent to the extraction space.

Development of a Fatigue Symptom Checklist for Commercial Drivers: An Experimental Trial / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue is a primary human factor for decreased job performance in the workplace. It is well documented that drowsiness is a typical symptom of fatigue and is closely associated with commercial drivers'safety and well-being. However, few studies have been conducted to develop or validate fatigue symptom instruments for a working population. The main purpose of this study was to develop a general fatigue checklist and a driving fatigue checklist for Korean commercial drivers. METHODS: A total of 287 bus drivers in a commercial transportation company participated in a self-administered survey that was designated Study 1. Based on the statistical results of Study 1, a focus meeting with 16 professional consultants was conducted to revise the fatigue symptom instrument for Study 2. In Study 2, 288 commercial drivers (156 bus drivers and 132 truck drivers) participated in the revised questionnaire survey. All collected responses were entered into a SPSS worksheet and the data analysis was conducted using SPSS software 11.1. The exploratory factor analysis used in this study followed the principle component factoring rule and the varimax rotation method for factor extraction. The criteria for item selection were an Eigen value of 1.0 or greater, a communality score of .50 or greater, and no 'fence rider'property over the extracted factors. RESULTS: Through Study 1, the consultant meeting, and Study 2, a general fatigue checklist was developed with a total of 3 factors and 11 items, and a driving fatigue checklist was developed with 2 factors and 10 items. The 3 factors of the general fatigue checklist were physical fatigue, psychological fatigue, and chronic tiredness. The two factors of the driving fatigue checklist were physical fatigue and perceptive and functional fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The primary contents of general fatigue were different from those of driving fatigue according to the two fatigue instrument factors developed in this study. The primary fatigue symptoms of the commercial driving population were identified as physical fatigue and perceptive and functional fatigue.

Distribution of Refractive Errors and Quantified Optometric Values in Urban Elementary Fourth Graders in Korea

PURPOSE: To assess the distribution of ocular diseases, refractive errors, and quantified optometric values in urban elementary 4th graders in Korea. METHODS: A total of 234 schoolchildren were assessed in a population-based, cross-sectional study. The examination included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity measurements, corneal refractive power measurements using an autokeratometer (KR-8100, Topcon(R) Inc., Japan), ocular motility evaluation, slit-lamp biomicroscopy for the anterior segment and media, the measurements of anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length using an A-scan ultrasound biometry (A/B-scan system 835, Humphrey(R) Inc., Dublin, CA), retinoscopy under cycloplegia, and fundus examination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of strabismus, epiblepharon, and amblyopia were 1.3%, 2.6%, and 1.7%, respectively. Mean visual acuity was -0.18 +/- 0.31 LogMAR. The prevalence rates of myopia (or=+1.00 D SE), and anisometropia (SE difference>or=1.00 D) were 46.2%, 7.3% and 5.9%, respectively. The means of corneal refractive power, axial length, and anterior chamber depth were 43.29 +/- 1.45 D, 23.42 +/- 1.26 mm, and 3.29 +/- 0.30 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We assessed the distribution of ocular diseases, refractive errors, and quantified optometric values in a population-based study. The results showed that increases in the prevalence of reduced vision and myopia are an important public health problem in urban elementary 4th graders in Korea.

The Relationships between Stress and PC-Bang Visit in Adolescents / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed for the evaluation of relationships between PC-Bang (the place where people surf the internet, play computer games and etc) visit and stress in adolescents. METHODS: 66 adolescents in city of Kangnung were interviewed in June, 2000. The independent variables were general characteristics of adolescents, the characteristics related to school activities and the length of time using PC-Bang. The amount of stress was measured by the Korean version BEPSI (Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument) scale. RESULTS: The multiple regression analysis shows that the BEPSI score of female was higher than that of male by 0.18 (p<0.05) and the adolescents with more communication with their friends scored lower 4.04 (p<0.001) than others in the BEPSI. As the time used in PC bang increased, the BEPSI score was also increased 0.18 point per hour (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This result shows that the time of PC-Bang usage is significantly related with the BEPSI score of adolescents.

Factors Affecting On-Line Medical Information Retrieval by Patients at a General Hospital in Seoul / 대한의료정보학회지

This study was designed to identify the factors relating to the retrieval of medical information from the Internet by patients at a general hospital in Seoul. A questionnaire survey was carried out for 440 inpatients and outpatients who visited the general hospital by 20 educated nurses between 24 and 25 October, 2002. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and Internet use, and opinions about medical information on the Internet and Internet use, by t-tests or chi-square tests. A logistic regression analysis was applied to find models explaining the factors affecting Internet use and the search for medical on the Internet. According to our logistic regression analysis, the younger, better educated, higher income, and singles showed a higher Odds ratio for Internet use. Age, education period, income and confidence level of the Internet contents were statistically significant in the search for medical information on the Internet(p< 0.05). The results showed the customers characteristics, needs, and problems with using the Internet in medical area on the customer s views. These results would be useful for building marketing strategies using the Internet as a way of servicing and communicating with the patients.