Urban-Rural Differences in the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Korean Adults / 전남의대학술지

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression among Koreans living in urban and rural areas, stratified by socioeconomic status. The study included 216,765 participants from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9, with a score of 10 or higher indicating depressive symptoms. Residences with the words Eup and Myeon in their addresses were categorized as rural areas, and residences with Dong in their addresses as urban areas. Socioeconomic status was evaluated by household income and education level. A Poisson regression analysis with sampling weights was conducted and adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity. The adjusted prevalence rate of depressive symptoms was 3.33% (95% CI, 3.21-3.45) in urban areas and 2.59% (95% CI, 2.43-2.74) in rural areas. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in urban areas was 1.29 times (95% CI, 1.20-1.38) higher than in rural areas. The prevalence rate ratio for depressive symptoms in urban areas compared to rural areas sorted by monthly incomes was 1.39 (95% CI, 1.28-1.51) for less than 2 million won, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06-1.41) for 2 to 3.99 million won, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.90-1.32) for more than 4 million won, and the urban-rural difference was more evident in lower household income subjects (p for interaction=0.033). However, urban-rural differences did not differ according to sex, age, or education level. In conclusion, we found urban-rural differences in depressive symptoms in a representative sample of Koreans, and revealed that these differences may vary according to income level. These results suggest that mental health policy must consider the health disparities according to residence and income.

Measles susceptibility of marriage migrant women in Korea / 한국역학회지

International migrants could be considered a risk group susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a measles seroprevalence study among 419 marriage migrant women living in Sinan-gun and Wando-gun, South Jeolla Province, located in the southwestern part of Korea. The overall seroimmunity was 92.8%. The seroimmunity varied considerably according to the country of origin and increased with age. Our current analysis could be valuable in the context of discussions concerning vaccination policies for immigrants in Korea.

Development and application of a couple-centered antenatal education program in Korea

Purpose@#This study was conducted to develop a couple-centered antenatal education program and to test the program’s feasibility. @*Methods@#With a preliminary-experimental study design, 33 pregnant couples who were expecting their first child participated in this study. The program consisted of four sessions (1 hour/session/week) of education and counseling. Data were collected before and after the intervention from September 2018 to April 2019 at a women’s hospital in Daejeon, Korea, with demographic data forms, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, Korean Newborn Care Confidence Scale, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale-10. @*Results@#The pregnant women and their husbands were on average 32.30±3.11 and 33.21±6.25 years old, respectively. The mean marriage duration was 2.34±1.63 years, the gestational age was 31.30±2.66 weeks, and 78.8% of the couples had a planned pregnancy. After the program, both the pregnant women and their husbands showed significant improvements in attachment to the fetus and confidence in providing infant care. Prenatal depression, prenatal stress, and fear of childbirth in pregnant women significantly decreased after completing the program. However, the dyadic adjustment score did not change significantly either in the pregnant women or their husbands. @*Conclusion@#A couple-centered antenatal education program seems to be effective for couples adjusting to parenthood, but further studies should explore ways to have a positive impact on couples’ relationships.

Development and application of a couple-centered antenatal education program in Korea

Purpose@#This study was conducted to develop a couple-centered antenatal education program and to test the program’s feasibility. @*Methods@#With a preliminary-experimental study design, 33 pregnant couples who were expecting their first child participated in this study. The program consisted of four sessions (1 hour/session/week) of education and counseling. Data were collected before and after the intervention from September 2018 to April 2019 at a women’s hospital in Daejeon, Korea, with demographic data forms, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, Korean Newborn Care Confidence Scale, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale-10. @*Results@#The pregnant women and their husbands were on average 32.30±3.11 and 33.21±6.25 years old, respectively. The mean marriage duration was 2.34±1.63 years, the gestational age was 31.30±2.66 weeks, and 78.8% of the couples had a planned pregnancy. After the program, both the pregnant women and their husbands showed significant improvements in attachment to the fetus and confidence in providing infant care. Prenatal depression, prenatal stress, and fear of childbirth in pregnant women significantly decreased after completing the program. However, the dyadic adjustment score did not change significantly either in the pregnant women or their husbands. @*Conclusion@#A couple-centered antenatal education program seems to be effective for couples adjusting to parenthood, but further studies should explore ways to have a positive impact on couples’ relationships.

Non-linear Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Males / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Korean males.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted on males aged ≥50 years who participated in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. LUTS severity was assessed using the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, and was dichotomized as severe (IPSS >19) and non-severe (IPSS ≤19). BMI was divided into 6 categories: <18.5, 18.5-22.9, 23.0-24.9, 25.0-27.4, 27.5-29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m². To evaluate the relationship between BMI and LUTS, a survey-weighted multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). Age, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, educational level, household income, and comorbidities were adjusted for in the multivariate model.@*RESULTS@#A U-shaped relationship was detected between BMI and severe LUTS. Compared with a BMI of 23.0-24.9 kg/m², the PRR for a BMI <18.5 kg/m² was 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 2.02), that for a BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m² was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.44), that for a BMI of 25.0-27.4 kg/m² was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.45), that for a BMI of 27.5-29.9 kg/m² was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.83 to 1.47), and that for a BMI ≥30.0 kg/m² was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.18 to 2.88).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study showed that both high and low BMI were associated with severe LUTS.

Non-linear Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Males / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Korean males. METHODS: This study was conducted on males aged ≥50 years who participated in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. LUTS severity was assessed using the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, and was dichotomized as severe (IPSS >19) and non-severe (IPSS ≤19). BMI was divided into 6 categories: <18.5, 18.5-22.9, 23.0-24.9, 25.0-27.4, 27.5-29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m². To evaluate the relationship between BMI and LUTS, a survey-weighted multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). Age, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, educational level, household income, and comorbidities were adjusted for in the multivariate model. RESULTS: A U-shaped relationship was detected between BMI and severe LUTS. Compared with a BMI of 23.0-24.9 kg/m², the PRR for a BMI <18.5 kg/m² was 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 2.02), that for a BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m² was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.44), that for a BMI of 25.0-27.4 kg/m² was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.45), that for a BMI of 27.5-29.9 kg/m² was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.83 to 1.47), and that for a BMI ≥30.0 kg/m² was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.18 to 2.88). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that both high and low BMI were associated with severe LUTS.

Association of Falls and Fear of Falling with Mortality in Korean Adults: The Dong-gu Study / 전남의대학술지

This study evaluated the association between falls and the fear of falling (FOF) with the risk of all-cause mortality in Korean adults. The study enrolled 4,386 subjects aged 50 years and over who participated in the Dong-gu Study. Falls in the past year were categorized as yes or no. Injurious falls were defined as falls that resulted in fractures, head injuries, sprains or strains, bruising or bleeding, or other unspecified injuries. FOF was classified as low or high. The associations of falls and fall-related characteristics with mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. The average follow-up was 7.8 years. During this period, 255 men and 146 women died. In a fully adjusted model, falls in the past year were not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.58), but a history of injurious falls was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04–1.79). Compared with subjects without a FOF, subjects who were moderately or very afraid of falling had a higher mortality rate (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.97–1.63). In conclusion, injurious falls and a high FOF increased the risk of all-cause mortality in Koreans. This study suggests that injurious falls and FOF can predict mortality in the general population.

Long-term Changes in the Spherical Equivalent and Axial Length in Bilateral High-hyperopia Children

PURPOSE: To explore changes in the spherical equivalent refractive error and axial length of both eyes of children with high hyperopia over time. METHODS: Children with bilateral hyperopia ≥ 4.0 diopters (D) underwent visual acuity testing and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. The mean age at the first visit was 6.5 years and spherical equivalent refractive error and axial length were measured at least three times over the following year. Axial length was measured using an intraocular lens Master instrument (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). RESULTS: The mean annual increase in axial length was +0.21 mm and the mean annual reduction in spherical equivalent refractive error was −0.39 D. Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, the mean annual increase in axial length was +0.36 ± 0.26 mm. In patients aged ≥ 9 years old, the mean annual increase was +0.12 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.00). The mean annual reduction in spherical equivalent refractive error was −0.53 ± 1.00 D between the ages of 3 and 5 years, but became −.32 ± 0.54 D at age ≥ 9 years old. This difference was not significant (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: In children with bilateral hyperopia, the spherical equivalent refractive error decreased and the axial length increased with age. The rate of axial length growth was higher in younger children.

Relationship between Functional Fitness and Break Response in Elderly Drivers: Comparison with Young Driver

PURPOSE: This study compared the functional fitness and brake response of elderly and young drivers to confirm the correlation between the functional fitness and brake response. METHODS: This study was a cross sectional observational design. Older drivers (>65age, n=21) and young adult drivers (20–40aged, n=20) were enrolled as subjects. The functional fitness of the subjects was measured using a senior fitness test consisting of a back scratch (BS), chair sit and reach (CSR), arm curl (AC), chair stand up (CSU), foot up and go (8-FUG), and 2-minute step (2-MS). The brake response used the virtual driving simulator to measure the brake reaction time (BRT) and braking distance (BD) according to the pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. RESULTS: The older drivers had a lower BS (p < 0.000), CSU (p=0.040), and 8-FUG (p=0.011) than the young adult drivers. BS and 8-FUG showed a significant positive correlation with the BRT and BD of pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. CSU showed a significant negative correlation with the BRT of pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the flexibility of the upper extremity, lower extremity strength, and agility are strongly correlated with the driving performance of elderly drivers.

Association of Coffee and Tea with Ferritin: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (IV and V) / 전남의대학술지

There have been few studies that have evaluated the association between coffee intake and iron in Korean population. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (IV and V; 2007–2012) was used to investigate the association between coffee and green tea intake and serum ferritin levels in Korean adults. Beverage intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between coffee and tea intake and serum ferritin levels, after adjusting for age, body mass index, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and daily iron intake. Coffee intake was negatively related to serum ferritin levels in both sexes. The multivariate-adjusted geometric mean of serum ferritin level was 100.7 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.2–103.4) in men drinking <1 coffee/day, and 92.2 ng/mL (95% CI: 89.7–94.8) in those drinking ≥3 coffees/day. In women, the equivalent serum ferritin levels were 35.6 ng/mL (95% CI: 34.8–36.4) and 28.9 ng/mL (95% CI: 27.8–30.1). However, green tea intake was not related to serum ferritin levels. In conclusion, coffee consumption was associated with lower serum ferritin levels in Korean adults.

Association between Smoking and Unintentional Injuries among Korean Adults / 전남의대학술지

Using a cross-sectional representative national survey, we evaluated the relationship between cigarette smoking and unintentional injuries among Korean adults. We used data from the 2009 Korean Community Health Survey. Smoking status was defined as never smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. Current smokers were categorized into light daily smokers (1–10 cigarettes/day), moderate daily smokers (11–20 cigarettes/day), or heavy daily smokers (≥21 cigarettes/day). We used the Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimation to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic variables, lifestyle variables, and health status variables, former smokers (PRR, 1.19, 95% CI 1.11–1.28), light daily smokers (PRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.32), moderate daily smokers (PRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.24–1.42), and heavy daily smokers (PRR 1.40, 95% CI 1.25–1.57) had an increased risk for unintentional injuries compared with non-smokers. In conclusion, cigarette smoking is associated with unintentional injuries in a dose-response manner in Korean adults. The findings suggest that community smoking cessation programs may reduce morbidity and mortality from unintentional injuries.

Glycated Hemoglobin and All-Cause Mortality in Korean Type 2 Diabetes / 전남의대학술지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study of 352 type 2 diabetic patients aged 30-92 who participated in a community diabetes complications screening program in Gokseng-gun, Jeollanamdo, Korea. HbA1c levels were categorized as <6.5%, 6.5-6.9%, 7.0-7.9%, 8.0-8.9% and ≥9.0%. Patients were followed up on for a mean of 6.9 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality. During the mean follow-up period of 6.9 years, 77 patients (21.9%) died. A J-shaped association was found between HbA1c and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality at 6.5-6.9% of HbA1c levels. Compared to patients with HbA1c of 6.5-6.9%, patients with <6.5%, 7.0-7.9%, 8.0-8.9% and ≥9.0% had an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality of 1.71 (0.76-3.84), 1.23 (0.53-2.82), 1.32(0.51-3.44) and 2.66 (1.01-7.02), respectively. We found a J-shaped association between glycated hemoglobin and all-cause mortality in Korean type 2 diabetic patients.

Association between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Type 2 Diabetes in Korean Adults / 전남의대학술지

Previous studies have suggested that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the association between serum vitamin D levels and type 2 diabetes in Korean adults. This study included 9,014 subjects (3,600 males and 5,414 females) aged ≥50 years who participated in the Dong-gu Study. The subjects were divided into groups in whom the serum vitamin D level was severely deficient (<10 ng/mL), deficient (10 to <20 ng/mL), insufficient (20 to <30 ng/mL) and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). Type 2 diabetes was defined by a fasting blood glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL and/or an HbA1c proportion of ≥6.5% and/or self-reported current use of diabetes medication. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and type 2 diabetes. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 22.6%, 22.5% and 18.4% and 12.7% for severely deficient, deficient, insufficient, and sufficient, respectively. Multivariate modeling revealed that subjects with insufficient or sufficient vitamin D levels were at a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than were subjects with deficient vitamin D levels [odds ratio (OR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.94 and OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35–0.74, respectively]. Higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with a reduced risk of diabetes in Korean adults, suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

A Gender-Specific Association between Self-Reported Snoring and Hemoglobin A1c Levels in a General Population without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE: We explored whether a gender difference was evident in terms of the associations of snoring with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in a healthy population without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 2706 males and 4080 females who participated in the baseline survey of the Namwon Study. In terms of self-reported snoring frequency, participants were classified as non-snorers or occasional (1–3 days/week), frequent (4–6 days/week), or constant (7 days/week) snorers. Participants with DM, defined as a fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL and/or use of insulin or hypoglycemic medication, were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: In females, the fully adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) HbA1c levels in non-snorers and in occasional, frequent, and constant snorers were 5.53% (5.47–5.59%), 5.53% (5.47–5.59%), 5.57% (5.49–5.64%), and 5.57% (5.51–5.64%), respectively, reflecting a dose-response relationship (p trend=0.004). Compared with female non-snorers, the risk of an elevated HbA1c level (top quintile, ≥5.9%) in constant snorers remained significant (odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.66) after full adjustment. In addition, in females, a significant linear trend in HbA1c level odds ratio by increased snoring frequency was apparent (p trend=0.019 in model 3). In contrast, no significant association between snoring frequency and HbA1c level was identified in males. No significant association between snoring frequency and HOMA-IR was detected in either gender. CONCLUSION: We discovered a gender-specific association between snoring and HbA1c level in a healthy, community-dwelling population free of DM.

Glycated Hemoglobin and All-Cause Mortality in Korean Type 2 Diabetes / 전남의대학술지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study of 352 type 2 diabetic patients aged 30-92 who participated in a community diabetes complications screening program in Gokseng-gun, Jeollanamdo, Korea. HbA1c levels were categorized as <6.5%, 6.5-6.9%, 7.0-7.9%, 8.0-8.9% and ≥9.0%. Patients were followed up on for a mean of 6.9 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality. During the mean follow-up period of 6.9 years, 77 patients (21.9%) died. A J-shaped association was found between HbA1c and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality at 6.5-6.9% of HbA1c levels. Compared to patients with HbA1c of 6.5-6.9%, patients with <6.5%, 7.0-7.9%, 8.0-8.9% and ≥9.0% had an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality of 1.71 (0.76-3.84), 1.23 (0.53-2.82), 1.32(0.51-3.44) and 2.66 (1.01-7.02), respectively. We found a J-shaped association between glycated hemoglobin and all-cause mortality in Korean type 2 diabetic patients.

Association between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Type 2 Diabetes in Korean Adults / 전남의대학술지

Previous studies have suggested that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the association between serum vitamin D levels and type 2 diabetes in Korean adults. This study included 9,014 subjects (3,600 males and 5,414 females) aged ≥50 years who participated in the Dong-gu Study. The subjects were divided into groups in whom the serum vitamin D level was severely deficient (<10 ng/mL), deficient (10 to <20 ng/mL), insufficient (20 to <30 ng/mL) and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). Type 2 diabetes was defined by a fasting blood glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL and/or an HbA1c proportion of ≥6.5% and/or self-reported current use of diabetes medication. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and type 2 diabetes. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 22.6%, 22.5% and 18.4% and 12.7% for severely deficient, deficient, insufficient, and sufficient, respectively. Multivariate modeling revealed that subjects with insufficient or sufficient vitamin D levels were at a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than were subjects with deficient vitamin D levels [odds ratio (OR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.94 and OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35–0.74, respectively]. Higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with a reduced risk of diabetes in Korean adults, suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

Association of APOE Genotype with Bone Mineral Density in Men and Women: The Dong-gu and Namwon Studies / 전남의대학술지

Many studies have investigated relationships between APOE genotype and bone mineral density (BMD). However, the results of these studies have been inconsistent. Few studies have been carried out in Asian populations. We studied the relationship of the APOE gene polymorphism and BMD in two large population-based studies. The datasets included the Dong-gu Study (3575 men and 5335 women) and the Namwon Study (2310 men, 3512 women). Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. APOE genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The APOE genotypes were classified into APOE E2 (E2/E2 and E2/E3), APOE E3 (E3/E3), and APOE E4 (E3/E4 and E4/E4). The genotype distribution of the study population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were no significant differences among APOE genotype groups in lumbar and femoral neck BMD in either cohort. Our data do not support the hypothesis that the APOE genotype is associated with BMD.

Sensitization to and Challenge with Gliadin Induce Pancreatitis and Extrapancreatic Inflammation in HLA-DQ8 Mice: An Animal Model of Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish a pathogenetic mechanism of pancreatitis in celiac disease and IgG4-related disease using gluten-sensitive human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ8 transgenic mice. METHODS: Transgenic mice expressing HLA-DQ8 genes were utilized. Control mice were not sensitized but were fed gliadin-free rice cereal. Experimental groups consisted of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice; nonsensitized mice with cerulein hyperstimulation; and gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation. RESULTS: Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation showed significant inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrosis and acinar atrophy compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed greater IgG1-positive plasma cells in the inflammatory infiltrates of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation or gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice showed IgG1-stained inflammatory cell infiltrates in the extrapancreatic organs, including the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Gliadin-sensitization and cerulein hyperstimulation of gluten-sensitive HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice resulted in pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation. This animal model suggests that chronic gliadin ingestion in a susceptible individual with the HLA-DQ8 molecule may be associated with pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation.

Association of APOE Genotype with Bone Mineral Density in Men and Women: The Dong-gu and Namwon Studies / 전남의대학술지

Many studies have investigated relationships between APOE genotype and bone mineral density (BMD). However, the results of these studies have been inconsistent. Few studies have been carried out in Asian populations. We studied the relationship of the APOE gene polymorphism and BMD in two large population-based studies. The datasets included the Dong-gu Study (3575 men and 5335 women) and the Namwon Study (2310 men, 3512 women). Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. APOE genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The APOE genotypes were classified into APOE E2 (E2/E2 and E2/E3), APOE E3 (E3/E3), and APOE E4 (E3/E4 and E4/E4). The genotype distribution of the study population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were no significant differences among APOE genotype groups in lumbar and femoral neck BMD in either cohort. Our data do not support the hypothesis that the APOE genotype is associated with BMD.

Effects of a Navigation Program for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: This study was to identify how a navigation program would affect resilience, uncertainty and anxiety in patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer. METHODS: A randomized controlled design was used with 103 participants recruited and randomly allocated in two groups. The experimental group (n=50) received the navigation program, which consisted of information provisions and psychological support, prior to treatment. The control group (n=53) received standard care with general educational intervention only prior to treatment. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients in the navigation program group showed signicant reduction in scores for anxiety (F=5.86, p<.017). However uncertainty (F=0.22, p=.642) and resilience (F=1.06, p=.503) were not signicantly different. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the navigation program has positive effects on anxiety in patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer. We suggest that further studies be conducted to investigate other strategies for increasing the resilience and reducing the uncertainty of these patients.