Lamellar Graphene Oxide-Based Composite Membranes for Efficient Separation of Heavy Metal Ions and Desalination of Water.

Sufficient efforts have been carried out to fabricate highly efficient graphene oxide (GO) lamellar membranes for heavy metal ion separation and desalination of water. However, selectivity for small ions remains a major problem. Herein, GO was modified by using onion extractive (OE) and a bioactive phenolic compound, i.e., quercetin. The as-prepared modified materials were fabricated into membranes and used for separation of heavy metal ions and water desalination. The GO/onion extract (GO/OE) composite membrane with a thickness of 350 nm shows an excellent rejection efficiency for several heavy metal ions such as Cr6+ (∼87.5%), As3+ (∼89.5%), Cd2+ (∼93.0%), and Pb2+ (∼99.5%) and a good water permeance of ∼460 ± 20 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. In addition, a GO/quercetin (GO/Q) composite membrane is also fabricated from quercetin for comparative studies. Quercetin is an active ingredient of onion extractives (2.1% w/w). The GO/Q composite membranes show good rejection up to ∼78.0, ∼80.5, ∼88.0, and 95.2% for Cr6+, As3+, Cd2+, and Pb2+, respectively, with a DI water permeance of ∼150 ± 10 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. Further, both membranes are used for water desalination by measuring rejection of small ions such as NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, and MgSO4. The resulting membranes show >70% rejection for small ions. In addition, both membranes are used for filtration of Indus River water and the GO/Q membrane shows remarkably high separation efficiency and makes river water suitable for drinking purpose. Furthermore, the GO/QE composite membrane is highly stable up to ∼25 days under acidic, basic, and neutral environments as compared to GO/Q composite and pristine GO-based membranes.

Frequency and Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from Placenta of Mothers with Term and Preterm Deliveries.

Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality (babies in the first four weeks of life) and now the second leading cause of mortality after pneumonia in children under age five. The neonatal gut microbial colonization is crucial in the human life cycle. Placental microbiota transmits from the gut microbiota plays a significant role in association with kinship. Simultaneously, this transition is being made from mother to infant. This comparative study explored the diversity of microbiota associated with term and preterm neonates by evaluating the placental samples. The study found that 16/68 (23.5%) full-term placental samples were positive for S. aureus; on the other hand, 4/16 (25%) preterm placental samples confirmed culture growth for S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns showed that Staphylococcusaureus (S. aureus) isolates from both types of samples were resistant to Ofloxacin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Oxacillin, and Cefoxitin. However, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) detection was 43.75% in full-term and 75% in preterm placental samples. Moreover, two isolates were positive for both mecA and PVL virulent genes, and the rest were positive only for the mecA gene. Interestingly few isolates lacked both characteristic MRSA genes, mecA and PVL. Notably, resistances were more inclined towards preterm samples for antimicrobial susceptibility and MRSA screening. It may be concluded that there is a significant presence of S. aureus in the placenta of mothers with term and preterm deliveries which might be responsible for preterm deliveries. Therefore, judicious use of antibiotics during pregnancies may help prevent preterm births.

Gravity-Based Flow Efficient Perfusion Culture System for Spheroids Mimicking Liver Inflammation.

The spheroid culture system provides an efficient method to emulate organ-specific pathophysiology, overcoming the traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture limitations. The intervention of microfluidics in the spheroid culture platform has the potential to enhance the capacity of in vitro microphysiological tissues for disease modeling. Conventionally, spheroid culture is carried out in static conditions, making the media nutrient-deficient around the spheroid periphery. The current approach tries to enhance the capacity of the spheroid culture platform by integrating the perfusion channel for dynamic culture conditions. A pro-inflammatory hepatic model was emulated using a coculture of HepG2 cell line, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells for validating the spheroid culture plate with a perfusable channel across the spheroid well. Enhanced proliferation and metabolic capacity of the microphysiological model were observed and further validated by metabolic assays. A comparative analysis of static and dynamic conditions validated the advantage of spheroid culture with dynamic media flow. Hepatic spheroids were found to have improved proliferation in dynamic flow conditions as compared to the static culture platform. The perfusable culture system for spheroids is more physiologically relevant as compared to the static spheroid culture system for disease and drug analysis.

Phytochemical Investigation, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Acer cappadocicum Gled.

The appearance of novel microbial resistance, diverse cancer ailment and several other morbidities such as appetite loss, hair loss, anemia, cell damage, etc., are among most critical situation that keeps the phytochemical quest on. Thus, this study characterized the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potentials of a rarely accessed Acer cappadocicum gled (AC) population thriving in a remote Palas Valley in northern Pakistan. Leaf extracts of the plant were prepared in organic solvents with different polarities through maceration. Extracts were subjected to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities using agar well, DPPH and cell viability assays. A. cappadocicum methanolic extract (ACM) significantly inhibited bacterial growth, followed by n-butanolic extract (ACB) with the second-highest bacterial inhibition. Similar activity was observed against mycelial growth inhibition in plant-fungal pathogen by ACM and ACB. However, human pathogenic fungi did not affect much by extracts. In antioxidant assessment, the chloroform extract (ACC) showed strong scavenging activity and in cytotoxic evaluation, extracts restricted growth proliferation in cancer cells. The inhibitory evidence of extracts, potent scavenging ability, and low cell viability of human-derived cell lines supports the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancerous potential of A. cappadocicum. It advances our quest for natural product research.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants of Himalayas, Pakistan.

Medicinal plants are known for their diverse use in the traditional medicine of the Himalayan region of Pakistan. The present study is designed to investigate the anticancer and antimicrobial activities of Prunus cornuta and Quercus semicarpifolia. The anticancer activity was performed using cancerous human cell lines (HepG2, Caco-2, A549, MDA-MB-231, and NCI-H1437 carcinoma cells), while the antimicrobial activity was conducted with the agar-well diffusion method. Furthermore, toxicity studies were performed on alveolar and renal primary epithelial cells. Initially, different extracts were prepared by maceration techniques using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and methanol. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinones. The chloroform extract of P. cornuta (PCC) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (16 mm) and Salmonella enterica (14.5 mm). The A. baumannii and S. enterica strains appeared highly susceptible to n-hexane extract of P. cornuta (PCN) with an antibacterial effect of 15 mm and 15.5 mm, respectively. The results also showed that the methanolic extracts of Quercus semecarpifolia (QSM) exhibited considerable antibacterial inhibitory activity in A. baumannii (18 mm), Escherichia coli (15 mm). The QSN and QSE extracts also showed good inhibition in A. baumannii with a 16 mm zone of inhibition. The Rhizopus oryzae strain has shown remarkable mycelial inhibition by PCM and QSN with 16 mm and 21 mm inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, the extracts of P. cornuta and Q. semicarpifolia exhibited prominent growth inhibition of breast (MDA-MB-231) and lung (A549) carcinoma cells with 19-30% and 22-39% cell viabilities, respectively. The gut cell line survival was also significantly inhibited by Q. semicarpifolia (24-34%). The findings of this study provide valuable information for the future development of new antibacterial and anticancer medicinal agents from P. cornuta and Q. semicarpifolia extracts.

Associations Between Fat Mass, Lean Mass, and Knee Osteoarthritis: The Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V).

As little is known about the associations between body composition (fat mass and lean mass) and knee OA, especially regarding body parts (upper body and lower limbs), the purpose of this study was to identify the association between the former and the prevalence of the latter according to body parts. This study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis, with 4194 people (1801 men and 2393 women) from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V, 2010-2011) included. Body composition (fat mass and lean mass) was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and knee OA was diagnosed based on the level of Kellgren-Lawrence grade. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, upper body composition was not significantly correlated with radiographic knee OA (P > 0.05), while participants with higher lean mass of lower limbs were less likely to have radiographic knee OA (aOR 0.57; 95 % CI 0.32-0.99). In stratified analysis, participants with higher lean mass of lower limbs were less likely to have a radiographic knee OA in 40-54 kg (P for trend = 0.05) and 55-70 kg stratum (P for trend = 0.03), while this trend slightly attenuated in 70-85 kg stratum (P for trend = 0.15). In conclusion, the increase in lean mass of lower limbs is inversely related to the prevalence of knee OA while upper body composition is not. This study suggests that the lean mass of lower limbs might be associated with reduction in the risk of knee OA.

Psychological Status and Associated Factors among Korean Cancer Survivors: a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

It is important to assess psychological distress after a diagnosis for cancer survivors, a population with a high risk for psychological distress. The aim of this study is to assess psychological distress among cancer survivors and to clarify the associated factors. In this cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from standardized questionnaires administered to 1,163 cancer survivors and 49,243 non-cancer survivors who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012). We identified the adjusted rates for psychological distress and assessed factors associated with this kind of distress using multivariate logistic regression. Cancer survivors tended to have a higher adjusted rate of psychological distress than the general population. The current depressive symptom rate for cancer survivors was 16.69%, and the adjusted rate for history of depression in cancer survivors was 15.61%. The adjusted rate for higher level of stress was 25.51% in cancer survivors. Among the cancer survivors, younger subjects, female subjects, and those with limited social support were more prone to psychological distress. In addition, current smokers or risky drinkers, those with chronic diseases, and those with a poor self-perception of their health status were also identified as a high-risk group for psychological distress. As the number of cancer survivors has increased, the importance of assessing psychological distress after a cancer diagnosis should be emphasized among all cancer survivors. Further, psychological supportive care interventions for cancer survivors are needed to improve the survival rate and improve their quality of life.

Health inequalities in hypertension and diabetes management among the poor in urban areas: a population survey analysis in south Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and diabetes differed by residential areas. In addition, the rate of good hypertension or diabetes control was examined separately in men and women, and in urban and rural areas. METHODS: This study used Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination V (2010-2012) data, a nationwide cross-sectional survey of general South Korean population. Residential areas were categorized into urban and rural areas. To examine differences between the residential areas in terms of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and diabetes we performed a multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking, marital status, monthly income, and educational level. To investigate control of hypertension or diabetes within each residential area, we performed a subgroup analysis in both urban and rural areas. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension is higher among men in urban areas than among those in rural areas (OR = 0.80; 95 % CI = 0.67-0.96, reference group = urban areas). However, the subgroups did not differ in terms of diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. Regardless of both sex and residential area, participants in good control of their hypertension and diabetes were younger. Inequality in good control of hypertension was observed in men who lived in urban (≤Elementary school, OR 0.74, 95 % CI 0.60-0.92) and rural areas (≤Elementary school, OR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.46-0.99). Inequality in health status was found in women who resided in urban areas (≤Elementary school, OR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.37-0.75). Good control of diabetes also showed inequalities in health status for both men (≤Elementary school, OR 0.61, 95 % CI 0.40-0.94; Middle/High school, OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.49-0.96) and women in urban areas (≤1 million won, OR 0.56, 95 % CI 0.33-0.93) (Reference group = '≥College' for education and '>3 million' Korean won for income). CONCLUSIONS: After correction for individual socioeconomic status, differences by residential area were not observed. However, when the participants with good disease control were divided by region, inequality was confirmed in urban residents. Therefore, differentiated health policies to resolve individual and regional health inequalities are necessary.

The Benefit of Bone Health by Drinking Coffee among Korean Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

PURPOSE: Although the concern about coffee-associated health problems is increasing, the effect of coffee on osteoporosis is still conflicting. This study aimed to determine the relationship between coffee consumption and bone health in Korean postmenopausal women. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed using a nationally representative sample of the Korean general population. All 4,066 postmenopausal women (mean age 62.6 years) from the fourth and fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2011), who completed the questionnaire about coffee consumption and had data of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA at the femoral neck and lumbar spine and osteoporosis was defined by World Health Organization T-score criteria in addition to self-report of current anti-osteoporotic medication use. RESULTS: After adjusting for various demographic and lifestyle confounders (including hormonal factors), subjects in the highest quartile of coffee intake had 36% lower odds for osteoporosis compared to those in the lowest quartile (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.95; P for trend = 0.015). This trend was consistent in osteoporosis of lumbar spine and femoral neck (aOR = 0.65 and 0.55; P for trend = 0.026 and 0.003, respectively). In addition, age- and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine increased with higher coffee intake (P for trend = 0.019 and 0.051, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Coffee consumption may have protective benefits on bone health in Korean postmenopausal women in moderate amount. Further, prospective studies are required to confirm this association.

Low-temperature roll-to-roll atmospheric atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 thin films.

The Al2O3 thin films deposition through conventional ALD systems is a well-established process. The process under low temperatures has been studied by few research groups. In this paper, we report on the detailed study of low-temperature Al2O3 thin films deposited via a unique in-house built system of roll-to-roll atmospheric atomic layer deposition (R2R-AALD) using a multiple-slit gas source head. Al2O3 thin films have been grown on polyethylene terephthalate substrates under a very low-temperature zone of room temperature to 50 °C and working pressure of 750 Torr, which is very near to atmospheric pressure (760 Torr). Al2O3 thin films with superior properties were achieved in the temperature range of the ALD window. An appreciable growth rate of 0.97 Å/cycle was observed for the films deposited at 40 °C. The films have good morphological features with a very low average arithmetic roughness (Ra) of 0.90 nm. The films also showed good chemical, electrical, and optical characteristics. It was observed that the film characteristics improve with the increase in deposition temperature to the range of the ALD window. The fabrication of Al2O3 films was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis with the appearance of Al 2p, Al 2s, and O 1s peaks at the binding energies of 74, 119, and 531 eV, respectively. The chemical composition was also supported by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The fabricated Al2O3 films demonstrate good insulating properties and optical transmittance of more than 85% in the visible region. The results state that Al2O3 thin films can be effectively fabricated through the R2R-AALD system at temperatures as low as 40 °C.

Influenza vaccination and associated factors among Korean cancer survivors : a cross-sectional analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Influenza vaccination is important for cancer survivors, a population with impaired immunity. This study was designed to assess influenza vaccination patterns among Korean cancer survivors. In this cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from standardized questionnaires from 943 cancer survivors and 41,233 non-cancer survivors who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2011). We identified the adjusted influenza vaccination rates and assessed factors associated with influenza vaccination using multivariate logistic regression. Cancer survivors tended to have a higher adjusted influenza vaccination rate than the general population. The rates for influenza vaccination in specific cancer types such as stomach, hepatic, colon, and lung cancers were significantly higher than non-cancer survivors. Among all cancer survivors, those with chronic diseases, elderly subjects, and rural dwellers were more likely to receive influenza vaccination; those with cervical cancer were less likely to receive influenza vaccination. Cancer survivors were more likely to receive influenza vaccinations than non-cancer survivors, but this was not true for particular groups, especially younger cancer survivors. Cancer survivors represent a sharply growing population; therefore, immunization against influenza among cancer survivors should be concerned as their significant preventative healthcare services.

Development of nanostructured ZnO thin film via electrohydrodynamic atomization technique and its photoconductivity characteristics.

This article presents the non-vacuum technique for the preparation of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film on glass substrate through electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique. The detailed process parameters for achieving homogeneous ZnO thin films are clearly discussed. The crystallinity and surface morphology of ZnO thin film are investigated by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The result shows that the deposited ZnO thin film is oriented in the wurtzite phase with void free surface morphology. The surface roughness of deposited ZnO thin film is found to be ~17.8 nm. The optical properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films show the average transmittance is about 90% in the visible region and the energy band gap is found to be 3.17 eV. The surface chemistry and purity of deposited ZnO thin films are analyzed by fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, conforming the presence of Zn-O in the deposited thin films without any organic moiety. The photocurrent measurement of nanostructured ZnO thin film is examined in the presence of UV light illumination with wavelength of 365 nm. These results suggest that the deposited nanostructured ZnO thin film through EHDA technique possess promising applications in the near future.

Fabrication of nanostructured copper indium diselenide (CIS) thin films by electrohydrodynamic atomization technique.

In this article, we report a non-vacuum electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique for deposition of CulnSe2 (CIS) thin films. The CIS ink has been prepared with three different concentrations (7.5 wt.%, 12.5 wt.% and 15 wt.%) by using suitable solvent mixture (ethanol:terpineol as 1:1 molar ratio) with surfactant to achieve a stable dispersions. The important physical parameters for achieving homogeneous with non-agglomerated CIS layers through EHDA technique are investigated in detail. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the crystalline structure of CIS layers oriented in the chalcopyrite phase. The film uniformity has been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Different thickness of CIS layers has been achieved by varying the concentration of CIS particles in the precursor ink solution. The optical properties of CIS layers show the two optical band gaps in UV-visible and near infra-red (NIR) region with band gap of about 2.67-2.49 eV and 1.34-1.29 eV respectively. The energy band gap of CIS thin films have been decreased with the increase of film thickness. The X-ray photoelectron spectra confirmed presence of binding energy corresponding to CulnSe2. The electrical study observed the sheet resistivity 76-33 Omega cm with respect to film thickness.

Factors associated with breast and cervical cancer screening in Korea: data from a national community health survey.

This study investigated factors associated with breast and cervical cancer screening using data from a nationwide community survey. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in all 253 administrative districts of Korea. The breast and cervical cancer screening rate was negatively associated with the obesity (ß = -2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.73 to -1.03; ß = -1.93, 95% CI = -3.43 to -0.43), positively associated with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions scale (ß =2.53, 95% CI = 0.24 to 4.81; ß = 2.51, 95% CI = 0.68 to 4.34). Moreover, higher alcohol consumption rate was negatively related to screening rates for breast cancer, while areas with higher proportion of diabetes were found to have higher screening rates. Area with higher rate of osteoarthritis had a lower screening rate for cervical cancer. This study showed breast and cervical cancer screening was associated with particular area characteristics. This ecological approach is thought to be a major complement to measures of health attributes.

Optimization of experimental parameters to determine the jetting regimes in electrohydrodynamic printing.

The harmony of ink and printing method is of importance in producing on-demand droplets and jets of ink. Many factors including the material properties, the processing conditions, and the nozzle geometry affect the printing quality. In electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing where droplets or jets are generated by the electrostatic force, the physical as well as the electrical properties of the fluid should be taken into account to achieve the desired performance. In this study, a systematic approach was suggested for finding the processing windows of the EHD printing. Six dimensionless parameters were organized and applied to the printing system of ethanol/terpineol mixtures. On the basis of the correlation of the dimensionless voltage and the charge relaxation length, the jet diameter of cone-jet mode was characterized, and the semicone angle was compared with the theoretical Taylor angle. In addition, the ratio of electric normal force and electric tangential force on the charged surface of the Taylor cone was recommended as a parameter that determines the degree of cone-jet stability. The cone-jet became more stable as this ratio got smaller. This approach was a systematic and effective way of obtaining the Taylor cone of the cone-jet mode and evaluating the jetting stability. The control of the inks with optimized experimental parameters by this method will improve the jetting performance in EHD inkjet printing.

Prevalence of and factors associated with osteoporosis among Korean cancer survivors: a cross-sectional analysis of the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Identifying and managing osteoporosis among cancer survivors is an important issue, yet little is known about the bone health of cancer survivors in Korea. This study was designed to measure the prevalence of osteoporosis and to assess related factors among Korean cancer survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis. Data were obtained from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck, and from standardized questionnaires among 556 cancer survivors and 17,623 non-cancer controls who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2008-2011). We calculated adjusted proportions of osteoporosis in non-cancer controls vs. cancer survivors, and we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of osteoporosis among cancer survivors was significant higher than that of the non-cancer controls after adjusting for related factors. Furthermore, osteoporosis among cancer survivors was higher in elderly subjects (60-69 years : adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.04, 95% CI : 1.16-8.00, ≥70 years : aOR 6.60, 95% CI 2.20-19.79), in female cancer survivors (aOR: 7.03, 95% CI: 1.88-26.28), and in a group with lower monthly income (aOR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.31-8.71). In male cancer survivors, underweight and lower calcium intake were risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the osteoporosis among cancer survivors varies according to non-oncologic and oncologic factors. Effective screening should be applied, and a sufficient and comprehensive management should be matched to individual cancer survivors early after cancer treatment.

Structural and electrical properties of Ag grid/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) coatings for diode application through advanced printing technology.

This paper is focused on printed techniques for the fabrication of hybrid structure of silver (Ag) grid/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on polyethylene terepthalate (PET) as a flexible substrate. Ag grid has been printed on PET substrate by using gravure offset printing process, followed by PEDOT:PSS thin film deposition on Ag grid through electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique. The important parameters for achieving uniform hybrid structure of Ag grid/PEDOT:PSS through printed techniques have been clearly discussed. Field emission scanning electron microscope studies revealed the uniformity of printed Ag grid with homogeneous deposition of PEDOT:PSS on Ag grid. The optical properties of Ag grid/PEDOT:PSS were measured by UV-visible spectroscopy, which showed nearly 80-82% of transparency in the visible region and it was nearly same as PEDOT:PSS thin film on PET substrate. Current-voltage (I-V) analysis of fabricated hybrid device by using printed Ag grid/PEDOT:PSS as a bottom electrode showed good rectifying behavior with possible interfacial mechanisms. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) analysis was carried over different frequencies. These results suggest that fabrication of hybrid structure through printed techniques will play a significant role in mass production of printed electronic devices for commercial application by using flexible substrate.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and associated factors in korean cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors compared to non-cancer controls from a population-based sample and to identify associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, as defined by 2009 consensus criteria. Associated factors with were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis among cancer survivors. RESULTS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors (n = 335) was similar to that in the non-cancer population (n = 10,671). However, gastric cancer survivors showed lower risk of metabolic syndrome than non-cancer controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.86). Age of more than 60 years (aOR 4.83, 95% CI 1.94?12.03), BMI between 23 and 25 (aOR 6.71, 95% CI 2.90?15.6), BMI more than 25 (aOR 12.23, 95% CI 5.20?28.77) were significantly associated with the metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors are unlikely to have a higher risk of the metabolic syndrome than non-cancer controls in Korea. This finding may be due to a relatively high proportion of gastric cancer survivors in Korea than in Western countries. The risk for metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors would appear to vary according to oncological and non-oncological factors.

Do People Have Healthier Lifestyles in Greener Environments? An Analysis of the Association between Green Environments and Physical Activity in Seven Large Korean Cities.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that neighborhood environments influence levels of health and disease in individuals. Evidence suggests that green environments have positive effects on physical and psychological health. In this study, we examined the association between public park per person (PPP) and physical activity in 7 large Korean cities with a population of over 1 million. METHODS: We obtained data from the third Korea National Health and Nutritional Survey and data on the area of PPP from the Korean national statistics office. RESULTS: Physical activity and adjusted mean of physical activity increased significantly with PPP. When stratified by family income, physical activity increased significantly in all groups in a PPP-dependent manner. Physical activity significantly increased as PPP increased (coefficient, 16.025; 95% confidence interval, 12.392 to 19.658) before and after adjustment for age, sex, and family income. Physical activity increased in all income groups including the low income group. CONCLUSION: These results show that green park spaces independently promote physical activity and influence healthy lifestyles. Therefore, the importance of PPP for physical activity and health should be emphasized in urban planning.

Psychosocial needs of cancer patients and related factors: a multi-center, cross-sectional study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Identifying psychosocial needs and satisfying them are important issues to many cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and its related factors, based on a nationwide sample of cancer patients in Korea. METHODS: A multi-center survey was administered to 2661 cancer patients from 10 cancer centers in Korea. The survey measured the needs for psychosocial support, using the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer, and potential correlates, such as socio-demographic and clinical factors. Multivariate ordinal regression and binary logistic regression were conducted to identify factors that may predict psychosocial needs. RESULTS: On the measure for psychosocial needs, the median score of psychological problems was 2.73 points and that of social support was 1.92 points, as the standardized score on a scale of 10 points. Needs for psychological problems were positively correlated with intensive treatment, degree of stress, problems with EQ5-D, needs for information and education, needs for hospital facilities/services and needs for physical symptoms. The need for social support was positively correlated with problems with EQ5-D and other unmet needs of cancer patients. Income levels and the number of years since diagnosis were negatively correlated with the need for social support. CONCLUSION: Unmet psychosocial needs were common in cancer patients and have varied according to patients' socio-demographic and clinical factors. These results suggest that a psychosocial approach to treatment should be applied comprehensively and that such an approach should be matched to patients' socio-demographic and clinical circumstances.