The C677 Mutation in Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene: Correlation with Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Elderly Korean men

The C677T mutation in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in elevated homocysteine levels and, presumably, in increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, elevated homocysteine levels are reportedly associated with high serum uric acid levels. We evaluated the MTHFR genotype and a panel of biochemical, hematological variables, and lifestyle characteristics in 327 elderly Korean men (age range 40-81 yr; mean, 51.87). This study shows that mutation of the MTHFR gene may be a risk for hyperuricemia. The mean uric acid levels for the C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes were 5.54, 5.91 and 6.33 mg/dL, respectively (p=0.000). The T/T genotype was significantly more frequent in subjects with high uric acid levels (p=0.003). Thus, this mutation of the MTHFR gene is implied by the study results to be a risk factor of hyperuricemia in elderly Korean men. However, the relationship between the MTHFR mutation and uric acid metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, further studies are necessary to explain the associated between the MTHFR mutation and elevated uric acid levels, and to examine potential relationships between it and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of Height and Arm Length on Simple Reaction Time / 대한산업의학회지

To identify the relation between simple reaction time and height and arm length, simple reaction time was performed to medical students with measurement of height, and arm length. Participants should answer questions about Smoking, drinking, sleep deprivation, history of diseaseand drug, whether to use computer or hot Mean height of men(n=98) was 173.0+/-4.79 cm, that of women (n-22) 161.7+/-4.33 cm. Mean arm length of men was 73.5+/-3.09 cm, and that of women 68.0+/-2.93 cm respectively. Height and arm length were statistically significantly different between-men and women (plt;0.01). Mean simple reaction time of men was 265.4+/-25.03 msec, that of women 286.8+/-28.48 msec. Mean simple reaction time was also statistically significantly different(p<0.01). As a result of correlation analysis, for men. None was significant. However, for women, height and arm length showed statistically significant, correlation with mean reaction time. Correlation coefficient of height and arm length were 0.45 (p<0.05) and 10.57 (p<0.05) respectively.

Micronucleus test as an index of mutagenicity for workers exposed to chromium / 대한산업의학회지

No abstract available.

Development of a device constantly stimulating tuning fork and variability of its vibration perception time / 예방의학회지

No abstract available.

Medical Technology of North Korea: with Special Reference to the Content Analysis of Medical Textbooks / 예방의학회지

Unfortunately, we have poor knowledge of medical technology in North Korea. This study has thus attempted to identify the level and status of medical technology development through analyzing the contents of medical textbooks currently in use. This study has assumed that three factors are influencing the level and status of medical technology in a society ; the level of socio-economic development in general, the level of scientific technology revolution and health policy. Forty textbooks are collected for this purpose. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1) North Korea has strengths in that (1) its herb drugs, which are in a broad use, are cheaper, more safe and more attainable than bio-equivalent chemical ones, and (2) the development of its medical technology was carried out with emphasis on the practical and basic health needs. 2) North Korea has weaknesses in that (1) its medical diagnostic method largely depends on manual procedures, (2) the R & D investment in the development of chemical drugs, especially antibiotics, is very small, (3) the amount of medical equipments is in a absolute shortage, and (4) the medical technology is destitute of specialty, caused mainly by the overemphasis on Juche-Uihak or herb medicine. 3) Medical technology has two faces, positive and negative so that it cannot be successfully evaluated by one. It eventually acts a positive function for public health through developments of drug, equipment and new medical treatment method. But it is also true that it has negative effects such as the dehumanization of high cost medical technology, cost hike due to over-investments in expensive equipments, and the absence of wholistic care from overspecialization. 4) We have to consider economic status and the social needs of medical care in order to evaluate the medical technology of a society. It is also the ease with North Korea. A whole picture of the North Korean medical technology could be understood only if further comprehensive studies of medical technology are to be carried out for North Korea.

Clinical trial of leptospires vaccine on its immunogenicity and safety / 예방의학회지

Since the reservior of leptospires organism is consisted of a broad spectrum of animals, the best method of prevention is vaccination. The clinical trial of leptospires vaccine conducted on human volunteer for its immunogenicity and safety. Summarized results are as follows: 1. The Oral temperature among vaccinated group ranged from 36.7 +/- 0.34 degrees C, while in placebo injected group it ranged from 36.4 +/- 0.46 degrees C to 36.7 +/- 0.53 degrees C. There wan no association between vaccination and fever (p<0.05). 2. Mild local reactions revealed in vacciness were swelling (50-75%), Redness(75-90%), and induration(25-40%). Placebo injected group revealed only redness in 12.5% in the 1st injection and 37.5% in the second injection. The duration local reactions on injection site for both vaccinees and placebo groups disappeared within 48 hours. 3. Generalized Symptoms complained by the vaccinees were myalgia (25%), back pain(15%), headache(15%), pruritus(15%), and abdominal pain(10%), whereas placebo group complained of headache(25%), myalgia(12.5%), back pain(12.5%), pain in eyes(12.5%), abdominal pain(12.5%) prutitus(12.5%) and nausea(12.5%). 4. The serological test(MAT) of vaccinees showed geometric mean antibody titer as follows: a. L. icterohemorrhagiae lai, 1 week after 1st vaccination: 22.45, 1 week after 2nd vaccination: 111.23, 3 week after 2nd vaccination: 266.64, b. L. canicola canicola, 1 week after 1st vaccination: 24.62, 1 week after 2nd vaccination: 123.92, 3 week after 2nd vaccination: 276.55, c. L. icterohemorrhagiae copenhageni, 1 week after 1st vaccination: 28.28, 1 week after 2nd vaccination: 128.55, 3 week after 2nd vaccinaton: 247.88, Whereas all of the placebo injected group, showed below 1 : 20 titers. The sero-conversion rate of vaccinees were 100 percent.