Clinical Utility and Cut-Off Scores of the Korean Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to re-validate the clinical efficacy of the Korean Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale (K-AARS), which is a self-report scale for ADHD in adults, and to determine the clinical utility and cut-off scores of K-AARS. METHODS: The participants were 135 drug naïve adults with ADHD and 144 healthy controls. To diagnose ADHD based on the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, two board-certified pediatric psychiatrists interviewed the participants and completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. K-AARS was applied to all participants. K-AARS comprises six clinical subscales, one impairment subscale, and one driving behavior subscale. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to calculate the cut-off scores of K-AARS. RESULTS: All subscale scores, including six clinical subscale, impairment subscale, and driving behavior subscale scores, were found to be significant in distinguishing adults with ADHD from healthy controls. The sensitivity and specificity of the six clinical subscales were 63.0–77.0% and 66.7–79.9%, respectively. The combined total score of the six clinical subscales, had a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 79.9%. CONCLUSION: The discriminative power of K-AARS for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults was excellent, and K-AARS and the empirical diagnosis of adults can be useful in diagnosing ADHD in adulthood.

Association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and metabolic syndrome risk among Korean adults / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 614 subjects aged 30~60 years were recruited from those who received a medical checkup at a general hospital in South Korea between 2009 and 2012. Presence of MetS was determined based on criteria issued by the NCEP ATP III. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, retinol, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were estimated by combining 3-day diet records with an antioxidant vitamin database for common Korean foods. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins and MetS. RESULTS: Men in the highest tertile for retinol (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23~0.71, P for trend = 0.0009), carotenoids (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.32~1.00, P for trend = 0.0470), and vitamin E (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30~0.92, P for trend = 0.0190) intakes had a lower likelihood of having Mets than those in the lowest tertile. The OR of high fasting blood glucose among men in the highest tertile for vitamin A (µg RE: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32~0.97, P for trend = 0.0417, µg RAE: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29~0.92, P for trend = 0.0211), carotenoids (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23~0.73, P for trend = 0.0036), and vitamin E (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26~0.82, P for trend = 0.0080) intakes was lower than those in the lowest tertile. In women, subjects in the highest tertile of retinol intakes had a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest tertile group (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.30~0.98). The OR for abdominal obesity was lower among women with the highest vitamin A (µg RE) intakes compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28~0.93, P for trend = 0.0293). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins might be associated with reduced risk of having MetS among Korean adults.

Analysis of dimensions and shapes of maxillary and mandibular dental arch in Korean young adults

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate dental arch dimensions and to classify arch shape in Korean young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included 50 Koreans with age ranging from 24 to 32 years. Maxillary and mandibular casts were fabricated using irreversible hydrocolloid and type III dental stones. Incisor-canine distance, incisor-1(st) molar distance, incisor-2(nd) molar distance, intercanine distance, inter-1(st) molar distance, and inter-2(nd) molar distance in both the maxillary and mandibular arch were measured using a three-dimensional measuring device. The dental arch was classified into three groups using five ratios from the measured values by the K-means clustering method. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Arch lengths (IM2D, incisal-2(nd) molar distance) were 44.13 mm in the maxilla and 40.40 mm in the mandible. Arch widths (M2W, inter 2(nd) molar width) were 64.12 mm in the maxilla and 56.37 mm in the mandible. Distribution of the dental arch form was mostly ovoid shape (maxilla 52% and mandible 56%), followed by the V-shape and the U-shape. The arch width for the U-shape was broader than for the other forms. CONCLUSION: This study establishes new reference data for dental arch dimensions for young Korean adults. The most common arch form is the ovoid type in the maxilla and mandible of Koreans. Clinicians should be aware of these references and classify arch type before and during their dental treatment for effective and harmonized results in Koreans.

Analysis of crown size and morphology, and gingival shape in the maxillary anterior dentition in Korean young adults

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to analyze the dimensions of clinical crowns and to classify the crown and the gingival type in the anterior teeth in Korean young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Casts were obtained from 50 subjects ranging in age from 24 to 32. Measurements of length and width were made on the casts using a pair of digital calipers on the entire dentition. Crown thickness and papilla height were also measured and MDW/CL (mesiodistal width to clinical length) and CW/CL (cervical width to clinical length) ratios of the maxillary anterior teeth were calculated. The K-clustering method was used for CW/CL to classify the anterior tooth shape into three groups (tapered, ovoid, and square), and one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's post-hoc comparison were used to evaluate statistical significance between the groups. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between tooth shape and papillary height (PH) to demonstrate the correlation between tooth shape and gingival morphological characteristics. RESULTS: The average length of the maxillary central incisors was 9.89 mm; the mesio-distal width was 8.54 mm; and the ratio of width/length was 0.86 in Korean young adults. The average bucco-palatal thickness of the central incisor was 3.14 mm at the incisal 1/3 aspect. Ovoid type was the most common tooth shape (48%), followed by square type (29%) and taper type (23%) in the central incisors of Korean young adults. Tooth shape and gingival type were correlated with each other. CONCLUSION: New reference data were established for tooth size in Korean young adults and the data show several patterns of tooth shape and gingival type. Clinicians should diagnose and treat based on these characteristics for better results in the Korean population.

Analysis of Kimchi, vegetable and fruit consumption trends among Korean adults: data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998-2012)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze daily kimchi, vegetable and fruit consumption by general characteristics and vegetable and fruit consumption from 1998 to 2012 by the Korean population based on the data of the KNHANES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study is based on the 1998-2012 KNHNES. Analysis data on 54,700 subjects aged 19 years and older were obtained from health behavior interviews and the 24-hour dietary recall method. RESULTS: Daily kimchi consumption and portion size of kimchi decreased significantly from 1998 to 2012 (adjusted P for trend < 0.0001). Meanwhile, daily consumption of both non-salted vegetable and fruit with and without kimchi did not significantly change between 1998 and 2012. Reduced consumption of kimchi, non-salted vegetable, and fruit was observed for both genders as well as daily meal episodes and cooking locations. Male and female subjects with insufficient non-salted vegetable and fruit intake were increased 1.4 times and 1.3 times, respectively, in 2012 than 1998. All subjects consumed at least 400 g/day of non-salted vegetable, fruit, and kimchi in each survey year, although they consumed insufficient amounts (< 400 g/day) of non-salted vegetable and fruit without kimchi. CONCLUSIONS: Since Koreans generally consume high amounts of fermented vegetables, including kimchi, total vegetables and fruit. Consumption of these foods by the Korean adult population reached 400 g, which is the recommended intake of the WCRF/AICR. Based on this result, it is necessary to promote consumption of kimchi in the Korean population and research the development of low sodium kimchi in the future.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and adiposity measurements in the general Korean population

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity, which is a known risk factor for many chronic diseases, has also been associated with vitamin D deficiency. This study explored the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and adiposity measures in a general Korean population using the most recent, nationally representative survey data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study sample consisted of 4,771 Korean adults (≥ 19 years) who participated in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Serum 25(OH)D was determined by radioimmunoassay. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and total body fat content were measured as adiposity measurements. Total body fat content was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in men than in women. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively correlated with energy intake, and it was negatively correlated with total body fat content (P < 0.0001) and percentage body fat (P < 0.0001) after adjustment for age in both sexes, while was inversely correlated with BMI only in women. In multivariable regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with the total body fat content after adjustment for age, BMI, education, region, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and energy intake only in men (P = 0.0047). However, the serum 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with WC or BMI, indicators of adiposity after adjustment for potential risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D concentration was independently associated with the total body fat content in a general Korean population, but it may be not associated with the indicators for estimating adiposity, such as WC or BMI.

The Relationship between Resting Heart Rate and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Korean Adults: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012)

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between resting heart rate (RHR), the risk factors and prevalences of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Korean adults. METHODS: A cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V) using frequency analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and logistic regression. Participants were stratified according to RHR into 5 groups; or =90 bpm. RESULTS: The results show that risk factors of MetS and T2D increased as RHR increased. Compared to those with a RHR of or =90 bpm by 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-2.08), 2.05 (95% CI, 1.42-2.96), 2.34 (95% CI, 1.57-3.48), and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.23-4.47), respectively. Similarly, compared to those with a RHR of or =90 bpm by 1.01 (95% CI, 0.72-1.41), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.02-2.05), 1.83 (95% CI, 1.25-2.68), and 2.40 (95% CI, 1.30-4.44), respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, RHR was significantly associated with risk factors and prevalences of MetS and T2D. This study suggests that RHR is associated with MetS and T2D and can be used to predict such diseases.

Metabolic risk and nutritional state according to breakfast energy level of Korean adults: Using the 2007~2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate energy level of breakfast with less risk of chronic disease for Korean adults. METHODS: Using data from the 2007~2009 Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, from a total of 12,238 adults aged 19~64, the final 7,769 subjects were analyzed except subjects who were undergoing treatment for cancer or metabolic disorder. According to the percent of breakfast energy intake versus their estimated energy requirement (EER), the subjects were divided into four groups: or = 30% (sufficient, S). All data were analyzed on the metabolic risk and nutritional state after application of weighted value and adjustment of sex, age, residential area, income, education, job or jobless, and energy intake using a general linear model or logistic regression. RESULTS: The subjects of group S were 16.9% of total subjects, group M 39.2%, group L 37.6%, and group VL 6.3%. The VL group included more male subjects, younger-aged (19 to 40 years), urban residents, higher income, higher education, and fewer breakfasts eaters together with family members. Among the 4 groups, the VL group showed the highest waist circumference, while the S group showed the lowest waist circumference, body mass index, and serum total cholesterol. The groups of VL and L with lower intake of breakfast energy showed high percent of energy from protein and fat, and low percent of energy from carbohydrate. With the increase of breakfast energy level, intake of energy, most nutrients and food groups increased, and the percentage of subjects consuming nutrients below EAR decreased. The VL group showed relatively higher intake of snacks, sugar, meat and eggs, oil, and seasonings, and the lowest intake of vegetable. Risk of obesity by waist circumference was highest in the VL group by 1.90 times of the S group and the same trend was shown in obesity by BMI. Risk of dyslipidemia by serum total cholesterol was 1.84 times higher in the VL group compared to the S group. Risk of diabetes by Glu-FBS (fasting blood sugar) was 1.57 times higher in the VL group compared to the S group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that higher breakfast energy level is positively related to lower metabolic risk and more desirable nutritional state in Korean adults. Therefore, breakfast energy intake more than 30% of their own EER would be highly recommended for Korean adults.

Glycemic Index Recognition and Practice of Low-Glycemic-Index Diet by Adults with Chronic Diseases in Some Rural Areas / 農村醫學 地域保健

BACKGROUND: The glycemic index (GI) indicates the rise in blood glucose caused by carbohydrate-containing foods. In Korea, there have been few studies on the understanding adults have of GI. Thus, this study investigated differences GI knowledge among the korean adults. METHODS: A questionnaire on the perspective of GI and experience in GI education, participational intent to learn, general knowledge level, and dietary practice was conducted among those living in agricultural areas. Respondents were visitors to the health promotion center of a university hospital. RESULTS: When asked about the GI familiarity, the standard of education, the relationships between diseases and GI, the diabetes group was better able to answer correctly than the other groups. However, the diabetes group showed either no difference or less correct responses for general knowledge of GI. With respect to their usual consideration and low GI dietary practice, the diabetes group provided higher responses than the other groups. On the whole, the diabetes group was better than the other groups for GI relative factor but none of the groups showed high levels for perspective, education, dietary practice of GI. CONCLUSIONS: The groups other than the diabetes group had a low perspective of GI, a lack of correct knowledge of GI, and did not follow a proper diet without considering GI. Even in the diabetes group the perspective, knowledge, and proper dietary practices were not adequate. Accordingly, further education of GI is necessary for diabetic patients, patients with chronic diseases and also people without diseases.

Urinary Arsenic Concentrations and their Associated Factors in Korean Adults

Arsenic (As) is a well-known human carcinogen and its dietary exposure has been found to be the major route of entry into general population. This study was performed to assess the body levels of As and their associated factors in Korean adults by analyzing total As in urine. Urine and blood samples were collected from 580 adults aged 20 years and older, who had not been exposed to As occupationally. Demographic information was collected with the help of a standard questionnaire, including age, smoking, alcohol intake, job profiles, and diet consumed in the last 24 hrs of the study. Total As, sum of As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), in urine was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer involving hydride generation method. The geometric mean concentration of total As in urine was 7.10 microg/L. Urine As was significantly higher in men (7.63 microg/L) than in women (6.75 microg/L). Age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and job profiles of study subjects did not significantly affect the concentration of As in urine. No significant relationship was observed between body mass index (BMI), Fe, and total cholesterol in serum and urinary As. Urine As level was positively correlated with seaweeds, fishes & shellfishes, and grain intake. A negative correlation between urinary As level and HDL-cholesterol in serum and meat intake was observed. Overall, these results suggest that urinary As concentration could be affected by seafood consumption. Therefore, people who frequently consume seafood and grain need to be monitored for chronic dietary As exposure.

Nutrient Intake Status of Korean Drinkers: Analysis of Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2011

This study analyzed the dietary habits and nutrient intake status of adult drinkers in Korea. Alcohol drinking patterns were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Among 4,968 persons, 91.5% were drinkers. Classification of their drinking patterns by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score showed 64.5% of the drinkers were normal drinkers, 22.4% problem drinkers and 13.2% alcohol-dependent drinkers. Overall, 47% of the drinkers were considered alcohol-dependent in the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS4). Significant differences were found between those who abstained from alcohol (86.8%) and alcohol-dependent drinkers (68.9%); when asked about breakfast habits 73.4% of non-drinkers often had family meals, while only 55.4% of the alcohol-dependent drinkers had family meals. Dietary energy, alcohol energy, and total energy intake significantly increased for the alcohol-dependents (P<0.001). In addition, the intake of eight nutrients (protein, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, calcium, phosphorous and iron), significantly increased in the following order (least to highest): abstainers, normal drinkers, drinkers with a moderate addiction to alcohol and alcohol-dependent drinkers (P<0.05). Nutrient Adequacy Ratios (NAR) of all nutrients, except vitamin C, and the Mean nutrient Adequacy Ratio (MAR) significantly increased in the following order (least to highest): abstainers, normal drinkers, drinkers with a moderate addiction to alcohol and alcohol-dependent drinkers (P<0.05). The intake of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin per 1,000 kcal, according to drinking pattern, decreased in the order of abstainers, normal drinkers, drinkers with a moderate addiction to alcohol, and alcohol-dependent drinkers (P<0.001). The above results show that the nutrient intake of normal drinkers, drinkers with a moderate addiction to alcohol, and alcohol-dependent drinkers are higher than abstainers. However, overall intake of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin per 1,000 kcal was low. Therefore it is necessary to increase vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin intake for drinkers.

Dietary Habits of Hazardous Drinkers and Heavy Episodic Drinkers in Partial Area of Gyeonggi

The purpose of this study is to assess dietary habits of the hazardous drinkers and the heavy episodic drinkers in Korean adults. The respondents consisted of 814 adults (415 male and 399 female) who are 20~69 years of age by random selection in partial area of Gyeonggi. A self-report questionnaire was used to cover questions regarding dietary habits, drinking behavior and physical activity. Total dietary habit scores in hazardous drinker group (63.25) was significantly lower than normal drinker group (68.61) in male respondents (P<0.001). Male hazardous drinker group less eat fruit (P<0.01), eat more processed food (P<0.01) than male normal drinker group. Female hazardous drinker group doesn't eat 3 meals a day than female normal drinker group. Total dietary habit scores in heavy episodic drinker group [occasional heavy episodic drinker (62.76), frequent heavy episodic drinker (63.77)] were significantly lower than abstainer group (69.16) in male respondents (P<0.001). Male heavy episodic drinker group less eat fruit (P<0.01), eats more processed food (P<0.01), salty food (P<0.001), sugary food (P<0.05), animal fat (P<0.01) and eats out often (P<0.01) than male abstainer group. Male heavy episodic drinker group significantly less apply nutrition knowledge to their life (P<0.05) and less exercise everyday-more than 1 hour (P<0.01) than male abstainer group. In drinking behavior index, AUDIT (alcohol use disorder identification test) score was negatively correlated with age (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between dietary habits and physical activity (P<0.01) but there was negative correlation between dietary habits and AUDIT score (P<0.01). This study highlights that AUDIT score was negatively influenced dietary habits.

The Evaluation Study on Eating Behavior and Dietary Quality of Elderly People Residing in Samcheok According to Age Group / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating behaviors and dietary quality of various aged adults. This study conducted through questionnaire and dietary survey by 24-hr recall to 850 adults residing in Samcheok. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the age in male and female, which included 20~29 yrs group (male n = 94, female n = 66), 30~49 yrs group (male n = 201, female n = 216), 50~64 yrs group (male n = 88, female n = 96), and >or = 65 yrs group (n = 46, female n = 43). In male, 20~29 yrs group had a larger proportion of subjects who skipped breakfast, lunch and dinner compared to other groups (p or = 50 yrs group were significantly lower than those of or = 65 yrs group in male were 4.1, 3.8, 3.7 and 3.5 respectively and there was significant difference (p or = 65 yrs group. The ND (Nutrient Density) of animal protein, vitamins A and B1 in 20~29 yrs group were significantly lower than those of other groups. The KDDS of 20~29 yrs group, 30~49 yrs group, 50~64 yrs group and > or = 65 yrs group in female were 4.0, 3.9, 3.9 and 3.6 respectively and >or = 65 yrs group was significant lower than other groups. According to these results, >or = 65 yrs and 20~29 yrs group had more dietary habit problems and poor nutrition status than 30~64 yrs group. The results of this study revealed that nutritional management and education for adequate meals should be emphasized in adults and elderly.

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes among Korean adults: The 2001 Korean national health and nutrition examination survey

This study aimed to identify risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Korea, a rapidly changing country. Data of 5,132 adults aged 20-85 were used from the 2001 Korean Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to identify risk factors for T2D. Three models were specified: (i) socioeconomic and demographic factors (model 1: age, gender, education, poverty income ratio, employment), (ii) behavioral risk factors and covariates (model 2: obesity, physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking, dietary quality, family history of T2D, co-morbidity) and (iii) socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral factors (model 3). The prevalence of T2D was 7.4%. Less education (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.84), age (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.56-3.08 in 40-59 yrs, OR 4.05, 95% CI 2.76-5.95 in 60 yrs + comparing to 20-39 yrs) and abdominal obesity (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.79-2.82) were risk factors for T2D even after controlling for other factors simultaneously. There was a significant association of T2D with ever smoking (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.67). The relationship of age with T2D was modified by gender in model 1 and the relationship of smoking with T2D was modified by obesity in model 2. Less educated, older, obese or ever smokers were more likely to have T2D. Gender mediated the relationship of age, and obesity mediated the relationship of smoking, with T2D. Intervention programs for T2D in Korea should take the interactions among risk factors into account.

Reconfirmation of Preanalytical Variables and Establishment of Reference Intervals of Platelet Function Analyzer-100 Closure Times in Korean Adults / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PFA-100, Dade-Behring, Germany) is an instrument that simulates in vivo hemostatic plug formation under high shear flow by measuring the time required to occlude aperture. We performed this study to reconfirm preanalytical variables and establish the reference intervals of Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 120 healthy individuals were enrolled. Closure times (CT) with the collagen/ epinephrine (CEPI) and the collagen/ADP (CADP) cartridges were measured. RESULTS: The reference intervals by the central 95th percentile were 82-182 sec for CEPI-CT and 62-109 sec for CADP-CT. Females had significantly longer CEPI- and CADP-CT than males (P=0.034 and 0.022, respectively). Individuals over 40 yr showed shorter CEPI- and CADP-CT compared with younger ones (P=0.002 and 0.003, respectively). CEPI- and CADP-CT values measured in the afternoon were significantly longer than corresponding ones in the morning (P<0.0001 in both conditions). Group O blood groups were related to longer CEPI- and CADP-CT compared with non-O blood groups (P=0.0003 and <0.0001, respectively). CADP-CT was weakly correlated with hematocrit (r=-0.296, P=0.001), but not CEPI-CT. CONCLUSIONS: We reconfirmed the preanalytical variables and established the reference intervals of PFA-100 CT in Korean adults. It is recommended that reference interval of this test should be verified according to age, diurnal variation, and ABO blood groups for optimal utilization.

Using the Precaution Adoption Process Model to Assess Cancer Screening Behavior among Korean Adults

BACKGROUND: Cancer screening for early detection of cancer is essential in the reduction of cancer mortality, but it cannot be successful without the general public's active participation in performing the screening tests. The aim of this study was to examine the stage of readiness for cancer screening among Korean adults by using one of the stage theories, the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). METHODS: We developed a survey instrument to assess cancer screening behavior by applying the stages of the PAPM. A total of 1,057 adults participated across four municipalities from two metropolitan cities (Incheon and Busan) and two provinces (Kyeonggi-Do and Kyeongsangnam-Do) in Korea. The individuals were classified according to their stage of readiness to perform cancer screening tests regardless of the specific site of cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 28.6% of the participants surveyed had been screened for cancer in the two years prior to our survey. Among those who had not been screened, some had never heard of or had not thought about cancer screening (28.6%). Others were considering the possibility of performing cancer screening tests (29.8%) or had decided to perform them but had not yet acted (11.6%), while a few had decided not to perform them (1.5%). The most significant factors influencing whether or not cancer screening was performed were family experience with cancer screening, sex, age, marital status, region, and financial resources. CONCLUSION: In order to promote cancer screening in the general population, we should make adequate and appropriate interventions (including information, education, financial supports, etc.) to improve individuals' readiness to perform cancer screening.

Soft tissue cephalometric analysis of aesthetic Korean female / 대한치과교정학회지

The purpose of this study was to provide data on the normative values of some clinically important soft tissue dimensions for adult Korean females with aesthetically beautiful facial profiles. Lateral cephalograms of 18 Korean female models, who were selected for their well balanced and aesthetic facial profiles, were evaluated. All cephalograms were taken with the subjects in a natural head position with the teeth in occlusion and the lips at rest. The means and standard deviations were determined and presented. In addition, comparisons with the previous studies were performed. The results of the present study were as follows: 1. The upper and lower lips were posteriorly located in relation to the Ricketts' E line (Upper lip to E line: -2.08, Lower lip to E line: -0.04). 2. Both lips were more posteriorly located than those in the results of previous studies on Korean females selected by normal occlusion, but more anteriorly located than in the results of studies selected on an aesthetic basis. 3. The nasolabial angle for this sample was 101.03 degrees with a standard deviation of 8.47 degrees.

A cephalometric investigation on the craniofacial configurations of Class II division 1 and 2 in Korean / 대한치과교정학회지

Numerous studies have revealed the similarities and discrepancies in two divisions of class II malocclusion, since these malocclusion groups have been postulated to be disparate criterion, much as classified under one diagnostic umbrella. This study was undertaken to describe the craniofacial configurations of class II division 1 and 2, and consequently to discriminate the morphologic differences between the two malocclusion groups in Korean sample. Lateral headfilms of 34 class II division 1 and 29 division 2 were employed, while those of 142 adults of normal occlusion served as a control. The landmarks were digitized and 26 variables were statistically analyzed for one way: 1. There manifested no statistically significant difference in maxillary position anteroposteriorly. Normal occlusion group exhibited most anteriorly positioned mandible, whereas class II division 1 showed the most retroposition. Class II division 1 disclosed clockwise rotation tendency of mandible, which resulted in position of the chin posteriorly. 2. Class II division 1 showed greater in SN to MP, SN to PP significantly than other groups. 3. Class II division 2 showed smaller gonial angle and larger mandibular body length than other groups. 4. Class II division 1 revealed greater anterior lower face height than other groups, whereas division 2 dictated significantly greater posterior face height. 5. Class II division 2 expressed the most retroclined lower incisor, while division 1 manifested the most proclination. The largest interincisal angle resided in Class II division 2 group. There were no significant differences in upper molar position anteroposteriorly.

Thickness of cranial bone: preliminary study

Polymorphism of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene according to the severity of asthma in Korean adult asthmatics / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Many chemical mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, bradykinin, angiotensisn II (A II), and even angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) affect the pathophysiology of asthma. ACE exists in the epithelium, endothelium, neuroepithelium, plasma, and especially in high concentrations in human lung tissue. ACE converts A I to A II, which is highly vasoconstrictive, bronchoconstrictive, inflammatory substance, and can also inactivate bradykinin. ACE polymorphism determines the level of ACE such as DD, higher concentration of ACE, but II, lowest concentration of that, so in DD type, the level of A II increase, but that of bradykinin decrease. From that point we can speculate polymorphism of ACE gene anyhow affects asthma, so we carried out this study for evaluating relationships between the ACE genotype distribution and genesis and severity of asthma in Korean adult asthmatics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 150 asthmatics, 57 patients of non asthmatic lung diseases including lung cancer (n=10), pulmonary tuberculosis (n=27), empyema (n=3), pneumonia (n=11), bronchiectasis (n=5) and lung abscess (n=1) and 100 normal healthy subjects without hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and nephropathy which may bias the result. Bronchial asthmatics were classified into 3 groups according to the criteria of the NAPE. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for ACE genotypes was performed. PCR products were electrophoresed in 1% agarose gels, and then DNA pattern was directly visualized under ethidium bromide staining. RESULTS: The frequency for II, ID, and DD genotypes were 46 (46%), 38 (38%), 16 (16%) in control group, 59 (39.6%), 74 (49.5%), 17 (10.9%) in asthma group and 28 (49.1%), 24 (42.1%), 5 (8.8%) in non-bronchial lung disease group, respectively. There was no signi- ficant difference in frequency of ACE genotype distribution among the 3 groups (p > 0.05). The frequency for II, ID, and DD genotypes in the 3 groups of asthmatics were 17 (34%), 27 (54%), 6 (12%) in mild subset, 13 (26%), 30 (60%), 7 (14%) in moderate subset, and 11 (22%), 33 (66%), 6 (12%) in severe subset. Even though there was also no significant difference among the 3 severity subsets in the asthma group, the frequency of non-DD subsets such as II and ID was higher in moderate and severe asthmatics. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ACE gene polymorphism dose not affect the genesis but can progress asthma in Korean adult asthmatics. However, further mass studies on asthmatics will be needed to clarify the effect of ACE polymorphism on the severity of Korean adult asthmatics.