Design issues in cross-sectional biomarkers studies: Urinary biomarkers of PAH exposure and oxidative stress

Kang, Daehee,Lee, Kyoung-Ho,Lee, Kyoung-Mu,Kwon, Ho-Jang,Hong, Yun-Chul,Cho, Soo-Hun,Strickland, Paul T. Elsevier 2005 Mutation research Vol.592 No.1-2

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Cross-sectional biomarker studies can provide a snapshot of the frequency and characteristics of exposure/disease in a population at a particular point in time and, as a result, valuable insights for delineating the multi-step association between exposure and disease occurrence. Three major issues should be considered when designing biomarker studies: selection of appropriate biomarkers, the assay (laboratory validity), and the population validity of the selected biomarkers. Factors related to biomarker selection include biological relevance, specificity, sensitivity, biological half-life, stability, and so on. The assay attributes include limit of detection, reproducibility/reliability, inter-laboratory variation, specificity, time, and cost. Factors related to the population validity include the frequency or prevalence of markers, greater inter-individual variation than intra-individual variation, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), association with potential confounders, invasiveness of specimen collection, and subject selection.</P><P>Three studies are selected to demonstrate different features of cross-sectional biomarker studies: (1) characterizing the determinants of the biomarkers (study I: urinary PAH metabolites and environmental particulate exposure), (2) relationship of multiple biomarkers of exposure and effect (study II: relationship between urinary PAH metabolites and oxidative stress), and (3) evaluating gene–environmental interaction (study III: effect of genetic polymorphisms of <I>GSTM1</I> on the association of green tea consumption and urinary 1-OHPG levels in shipbuilding workers).</P>

Sex/gender and additional equity characteristics of providers and patients in perioperative anesthesia trials: a cross-sectional analysis of the literature

Etherington Nicole,Wu Michael,Boet Sylvain 대한마취통증의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Anesthesiology Vol.74 No.1

Sex and gender, among other equity-related characteristics, influence the process of care and patients’ outcomes. Currently, the extent to which these characteristics are considered in the anesthesia literature remains unknown. This study assesses their incorporation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on anesthesia-related interventions, for both patients and healthcare providers. This is a cross-sectional analysis using an existing dataset derived from the anesthesia literature. The dataset originated from a scoping review searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews. RCTs investigating the effect of anesthesia-related interventions on mortality for adults undergoing surgery were included. Equity outcome measures were recorded for both patients and providers and assessed for inclusion in the study design, reporting of results, and analysis of intervention effects. Three-hundred sixty-one RCTs (n = 144,674) were included. Most RCTs (91%) reported patient sex/gender, with 58% of patients identified as male. There were 139 studies (39%), where 70% or more of the sample was male, compared to just 14 studies (4%), where 70% or more of the sample was female. Only 10 studies (3%) analyzed results by patient sex/gender, with one reporting a significant effect. There was substantial variation in how age was reported, although nearly all studies (98%) reported some measure of age. For healthcare providers, equity-related information was never available. Better consideration of sex/gender and additional health equity parameters for both patients and providers in RCTs is needed to improve evidence quality, and ultimately, patient care and outcome.

Compression Performance of Asymmetric Cross-Section Columns Intended for Use in Modular Structures

Yun-Chul Choi,Keum-Sung Park,Moon-Sung Lee 한국강구조학회 2023 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.23 No.5

This study aimed at developing desirable column cross-sections that are part of mid- and high-rise steel-precast concrete hybrid module buildings. Column cross-sections comprising existing modular frames are mostly steel hollow structural sections. These closed column cross-sections make the assembly process more difficult, leading to reduced constructability, and are costly because of the necessity for fireproofing treatment. In the present study, to overcome these limitations, an asymmetric open cross-section was produced by bending a steel plate, and part of it was filled with concrete. For the evaluation of the structural performance of the developed design, a total of nine specimens of asymmetric open cross-sections were experimented. The test variables were the length of the columns and eccentricity of the load. It was found that the strength decreased as the length of the column increased, and the eccentricity decreased the strength by about 45% compared to the case of central load.

Association between hearing loss and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study

Kim Jihoon,Lee Yesung,서은혜,Kim Dae Hoon,Lee Jaehong,Jeong Youshik,Kwon Seonghyun,정진숙,Lee Woncheol 대한직업환경의학회 2023 대한직업환경의학회지 Vol.35 No.1

Background: Hearing loss (HL) is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The pathogeneses of HL and CVD commonly involve inflammatory responses. Previous studies investigated elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with HL, however, their findings did not demonstrate statistical significance. In our cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we investigated the correlation between HL and increased highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels to determine how HL is associated with CVDs. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with workers aged over 18 years who underwent health check-ups at our institution between 2012 and 2018 (n = 566,507), followed by conducting a longitudinal study of workers aged > 18 who underwent health checkups at least twice at our institution between 2012 and 2018 (n = 173,794). The definition of HL was as an average threshold of ≥ 20 dB in pure-tone air conduction at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz in both ears. The incidence of increased hsCRP levels throughout the follow-up period was defined as a level exceeding 3 mg/L. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were performed to estimate the risk of increased hsCRP levels according to the occurrence of HL in groups stratified by age. Results: In the cross-sectional study, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.34); the OR was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.80–1.22) in those under 40 and 1.28 (1.08–1.53) in those over 40. In the longitudinal study, the multivariable-adjusted OR was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.92–1.19); the OR was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.90–1.35) in those under 40 and 1.20 (1.01–1.43) in those over 40. Conclusions: This cross-sectional and longitudinal study identified an association between HL and increased hsCRP levels in workers aged over 40 years.

Factors Associated With the Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Miyagi Part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-based Cohort Study

( Kumi Nakaya ),( Naoki Nakaya ),( Mana Kogure ),( Rieko Hatanaka ),( Ippei Chiba ),( Ikumi Kanno ),( Satoshi Nagaie ),( Tomohiro Nakamura ),( Motoyori Kanazawa ),( Soichi Ogishima ),( Nobuo Fuse ),( 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2024 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.30 No.2

Background/Aims The objective of this research is to examine factors related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prevalence in a large population-based study. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with participants in the Miyagi part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based cohort study who completed the Rome II Modular Questionnaire. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) for the presence of IBS and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the reference group were calculated for each factor. Additionally, a stratified analysis was performed by sex and age group (20-49 years, 50-64 years, and ≥ 65 years). Results Among 16 252 participants, 3025 (18.6%) had IBS, comprising 750 men (15.5%) and 2275 women (19.9%). Multivariate ORs for the presence of IBS decreased significantly with each year of age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99). Moreover, compared with the reference group, ORs for the presence of IBS were significantly higher in individuals whose home was partially damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, those with < 16 years of education, those who spent less time walking, those with high perceived stress (1.77, 1.57-2.01), those with high psychological distress (1.58, 1.36-1.82), and those with high symptoms of depression (1.76, 1.60-1.94). In stratified analyses, a significant relationship was found between psychological factors and IBS prevalence in all sex and age groups. Conclusions This large cross-sectional population-based cohort study identified several factors associated with IBS prevalence. Psychological factors were significantly associated with IBS prevalence across all age groups and sexes. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024;30:208-219)

L2어휘습득 요인에 관한 구조 관계 분석: 횡단적 연구

지문건 ( Ji Moon-gun ) 글로벌영어교육학회(구 호남영어교육학회) 2018 Studies in English education Vol.23 No.1

This study investigates the structural relationships of variables impacting the English vocabulary proficiency of 202 elementary school, 197 middle school, and 210 high school Korean learners. English vocabulary tasks and a questionnaire on vocabulary learning strategy were conducted. Vocabulary learning strategy consisted of determination, social, metacognitive, cognitive, and memorization strategies. Results of regression showed that determination and memorization strategies play an important role in English vocabulary ability in elementary learners; memorization strategy predicts a significant amount of unique variance for English vocabulary proficiency in middle school learners; and metacognitive and memorization strategies contribute a significant amount of unique variance to English vocabulary proficiency in high school learners. Findings of structural equation modeling indicated that determination strategy is a direct component in elementary learners, memorization strategy is a direct endogenous variable in elementary and middle school learners, and metacognitive strategy directly influences high school learners English vocabulary achievement.

요통 환자의 치료행태 및 변증에 관한 단면조사 연구

고호연 ( Ho Yeon Go ),고연석 ( Youn Seok Ko ),이정한 ( Jung Han Lee ),정원석 ( Won Suk Chung ),신병철 ( Byung Cheul Shin ),차윤엽 ( Yun Yeop Cha ),안민윤 ( Min Youn Ahn ),선승호 ( Seong Ho Sun ),전찬용 ( Chan Yong Jeon ),장보형 ( 한방재활의학과학회 2013 한방재활의학과학회지 Vol.23 No.4

ObjectivesLumbago is very common symptoms and many lumbago patients visited Korean Medicine clinic to cure lumbago. But It is not studied therapy type and pattern iden-tification in lumbago patients. This study aim to survey therapy type and pattern identi-fication in lumbago patients.MethodsWe collected data of 755 patients treated to cure lumbago in Korean Medicine Hospital from 1, Jan. to 31, Dec., 2012. The therapy variable are acupuncture, herbal acu-puncture, physical therapy, Chuna Tx, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion. Demographic variable are age, gender, district, medical insurance code, and etc.Results1) We collected data of 755 lumbago patients in 5 Korean medical Hospitals. 2) Age, district, insurance code, diseases were statistically significant by pattern identification. 3) Therapy types of lumbago patients were different by pattern identification.ConclusionsIn lumbago patients, therapy type and herbal medicine were different by Pattern identification. In the future, it is needed prospective and large scale database for pattern identification in lumbago patients. (J Korean Med Rehab 2013;23(4):177-184)

Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women in Iran: A Population-based Study

( Fatemeh Shobeiri ),( Ensiyeh Jenabi ),( Seyyed Mohammad Mahdi Hazavehei ),( Ghodratollah Roshanaei ) 대한폐경학회 2016 대한폐경학회지 Vol.22 No.1

Objectives: Menopause can have psychological, physical, and vasomotor symptoms along with sexual dysfunction and these symptoms can affect the quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this research was to determine and association the effective factors on QOL among postmenopausal Iranian women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 300 postmenopausal women in Hamadan, Iran. We used the Menopause-Specific QOL questionnaire (MENQOL) for measuring QOL in postmenopausal women. SPSS version 16 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean scores of QOL for vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual domains were 11.65 ± 5.93, 19.36 ± 1.20, 39.12 ± 1.95 and 11.02 ± 5.66, respectively. Higher scores had worse QOL. Using MENQOL scores, our study showed significant differences in QOL based on age, education level, financial status, number of children, employment, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion: Menopause causes a decrease in QOL, which is dependent to age, work, BMI, financial status and number of children variables. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective intervention programs to improve QOL in postmenopausal women. (J Menopausal Med 2016;22:31-38)

Cross-sectional Study for Blood Metal Concentration in Patients with Herbal Medicine Intake

박영철,이선동 대한예방한의학회 2009 대한예방한의학회지 Vol.13 No.1

Evidences from various countries suggest that toxic heavy metals in herbal medicine may constitute a serious health problem. In order to evaluate whether the toxic heavy metals caused by herbal medicine intake, blood samples collected from 222 patients taking herbal medicine were analyzed. In average levels of analyzed metals, 0.4~33.9% of total samples for 8 metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn except Cr and Fe exceeded the upper limit for WHO reference value. In analysis of regression coefficients indicating the levels of metals increased or decreased after taking herbal medicine for one month, however, there were different aspects by intake types for herbal medicine. For example, the metals increased by taking decoction in blood samples were as follows; Cd and Pb whether Mn, Ni and Pb as increased metals were identified in the group taking pill and decoction(combined intake group). The odds ratio showing values higher than 1 indicating that people who take herbal medicine would have possibility higher for metal accumulation in blood than that from people who do not take herbal medicine. The metals showing the odds ratio higher than 1 were Hg and Ni in decoction group, and Cd and Hg in combined intake group. However, eight of the total, 10 metals showed the odds ratios lower than 1 by taking herbal medicine. Thus, this may explain the possible role of herbal medicine as a chelator for heavy metals in body.

비네트를 활용한 한국 물리치료사의 임신 관련 허리통증 환자에 대한 치료실태 조사연구

한희주(Hee-ju Han),김선엽(Suhn-yeop Kim) 한국전문물리치료학회 2020 한국전문물리치료학회지 Vol.27 No.1

Background: Pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) has fewer systematic guidelines than pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, previous studies have not evaluated physical therapy for this ailment in Korea. Objects: We aimed to provide a detailed account of clinical decision making by Korean physiotherapists while treating PLBP. Methods: In total, 955 questionnaires were distributed mainly in places of continuing education held by the Korean Physical Therapy Association from April to July 2019. The same questionnaire was posted on a website used by physiotherapists. We collected subject information, a specific Vignette typically represent symptoms of PLBP, and responses to multiple questions about decision making, subjective recognition and interest level in the field of women’s health physiotherapy (WHPT). Results: The overall response rate was 56% (n = 537); of these, responses to 520 questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents chose various combinations of physical therapy methods. There were significant differences in subjective recognition levels of WHPT according to gender (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.01), education level (p < 0.01), and clinical experience (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in interest according to gender (p < 0.01) and education level (p < 0.01). With respect to the types of treatment, significant differences were noted in selective rates for “manual therapy”, “pain control”, and “supportive devices” based on gender. Manual therapy tended to be chosen more with increasing age and clinical experience. With increased education level, there were fewer choices for the use of pain control. Conclusion: This is the first data on how Korean physiotherapists manage PLBP patients using the vignette method. We were able to recognize the Korean physical therapist s decision on PLBP patients, and observed statistically significant correlations. This may aid in developing future research and education plans in the WHPT field.