Recently, next generation sequencing (NGS) has received attention as the ultimate genotyping method to overcome the limitations of capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, such as the limited number of STR loci that can be measured simultaneously using fluorescent-labeled primers and the maximum size of STR amplicons. In this study, we analyzed 15 autosomal STR markers via the NGS method and evaluated their effectiveness in STR analysis. Using male and female standard DNA as single-sources and their 1:1 mixture, we sequentially generated sample amplicons by the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, constructed DNA libraries by ligation of adapters with a multiplex identifier (MID), and sequenced DNA using the Roche GS Junior Platform. Sequencing data for each sample were analyzed via alignment with pre-built reference sequences. Most STR alleles could be determined by applying a coverage threshold of 20% for the two single-sources and 10% for the 1:1 mixture. The structure of the STR in each allele was accurately determined by examining the sequences of the target STR region. The mixture ratio of the mixed sample was estimated by analyzing the coverage ratios between assigned alleles at each locus and the reference/variant ratios from the observed sequence variations. In conclusion, the experimental method used in this study allowed the successful generation of NGS data. In addition, the NGS data analysis protocol enables accurate STR allele call and repeat structure determination at each locus. Therefore, this approach using the NGS system will be helpful to interpret and analysis the STR profiles from singe-source and even mixed samples in forensic investigation.
Alleles ; DNA ; Electrophoresis, Capillary ; Female ; Gene Library ; Humans ; Ligation ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Statistics as Topic

Body surface potential map, an electric potential distribution on the body torso surface, enables us to infer the electrical activities of the heart. Therefore, observing electric potential projected to the torso surface can be highly useful for diagnosing heart diseases such as coronary occlusion. The BSPM for the heart of a patient show a higher level of sensitivity than 12-lead ECG. Relevant research has been mostly based on clinical statistics obtained from patients, and, therefore, a simulation for a variety of pathological phenomena of the heart is required. In this study, by using computer simulation, a body surface potential map was implemented according to various occlusion locations (distal, mid, proximal occlusion) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Electrophysiological characteristics of the body surface during the ST segment period were observed and analyzed based on an ST isointegral map. We developed an integrated system that takes into account the cellular to organ levels, and performed simulation regarding the electrophysiological phenomena of the heart that occur during the first 5 minutes (stage 1) and 10 minutes (stage 2) after commencement of coronary occlusion. Subsequently, we calculated the bipolar angle and amplitude of the ST isointegral map, and observed the correlation between the relevant characteristics and the location of coronary occlusion. In the result, in the ventricle model during the stage 1, a wider area of ischemia led to counterclockwise rotation of the bipolar angle; and, during the stage 2, the amplitude increased when the ischemia area exceeded a certain size.
Cardiac Electrophysiology* ; Computer Simulation* ; Coronary Occlusion ; Coronary Vessels* ; Electrocardiography ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; Electrophysiology ; Heart ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Torso

PURPOSE: This study explored the feasibility of a 12 week self-efficacy based exercise intervention for overweight and obese college students. METHOD: A repeated measure, 4-group randomized controlled design was used. Students were recruited from two universities, in Seoul, Korea using: (1) flyers either on the campus bulletin boards or in campus restrooms; (2) advertisement on campus e-board; and (3) self-referral. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Korean college students aged 18 to 29; (2) BMI >23; (3) viscerally obese; and (4) accessible to a phone and a computer. Participants completed three self-reported questionnaires: socio-demographic questionnaire (at the baseline), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (at the baseline and 12th week), and Physical Fitness sub-subscale (at the baseline and 12th week). Additionally, physiological data (height, weight, blood pressure) were collected at the baseline and 12th week. Descriptive statistics and a two-way mixed ANOVA were performed using SPSS12.0. RESULTS: No significant group difference was observed. However, students with increased exercise self-efficacy during the program showed better physical fitness in the 12th week. When students' physical fitness was enhanced, the physiological factors were improved. CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy based exercise intervention may be applicable and acceptable to the college students. It is necessary to conduct a replicated study with a larger sample and an elongated intervention period.
Feasibility Studies* ; Humans ; Korea ; Obesity ; Overweight* ; Physical Fitness ; Self Efficacy ; Seoul ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Coronary artery disease is one of the principal causes of mortality worldwide. Andreas Gruntzig initially developed balloon angioplasty to treat the condition. Coronary stenting was first used in the mid-1980s to prevent abrupt vessel closure and restenosis. Stent material and design have received a great deal of attention over the past 30 years. Modern polymer stents feature antiproliferative coatings. Recently, a bioresorbable stent scaffold was introduced. This article focuses on the current status of coronary stents, especially with respect to certain aspects of clinical practice.
Angioplasty, Balloon ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Mortality ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Polymers ; Stents*

Tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) lymphocytes contain immunologically sensitized to tumor but functionally deficient T cells. The 30 kDa protein antigen, a major secreted protein antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, exhibits strong T cell stimulatory effect. In this study, it examined that the feasibility of using M tuberculosis 30 kDa antigen to stimulate tumor-draining lymph node cells for the generation of specific immune effector cells. Freshly isolated TDLN lymphocytes could directly respond to the 30 kDa antigen alone and their proliferative responses were markedly augmented by stimulation with rIL-2. TDLN cells were stimulated with the 30 kDa antigen for various time intervals and examined for the induction of IFN-r and IL-4 mRNA using RT-PCR. The expression of IFN-r mRNA was greatly augmented after 1 wk, whereas IL-4 mRNA is markedly decreased after 1 wk. Cytotoxic T cell activities induced by the 30 kDa antigen was also evaluated. TDLN cells stimulated with the 30 kDa antigen alone were able to generate remarkable cytotoxic response to K562 or Daudi cell lines after 6 days of culture. And their cytotoxic effects were highly augmented by stirnulation with rIL-2. These results suggest that the 30 kDa antigen of M. tuberculosis may selectively activate Thl cells of TDLN lymhocytes and induce the cytotoxic T cell activities. In conclusion, the 30 kDa antigen can be used as a biologic response modifier in tumor immunology.
Allergy and Immunology ; Cell Line ; Interleukin-4 ; Lymph Nodes* ; Lymphocytes* ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis* ; Mycobacterium* ; RNA, Messenger ; T-Lymphocytes ; Th1 Cells* ; Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Today, patients with fatty liver have increased by several factors. Some patients with fatty liver have abnormal liver function tests, by the way they have interpreted unwisely and made wrong therapeutic approach about abnoimal liver function tests. So we conducted this study to evaluate the factors related to patients with fatty liver and make basic concept for management. METHODS: We selected 96 patients(71 men, 25 women) who were diagnosed as fatty liver by ultrasound in Asan Medical Health Examination Center, also selected 91 controls(68 men, 23 women) who had similar sex and age distribution from January to December, 1993. We excluded toxic and viral hepatitis cases or patients. We surveyed by questionnaires that composed of 3 day-dietary diary and life style. Nutrient and alcohol intakes were analyzed by nutrient-analysis program that was derivated from Food Composition Table, and we analyzed several biochemical variables. RESULTS: There were 71 men and 25 women with fatty liver, 68 men and 23 women in controls. In cases of men, the mean age was 47 years-old in patient group, 44 years-old in control group. The obesity index was 112.7% in patients, 102.6% in controls, the mean level of triglyceride was 205mg/dl in patients, 150mg/dl in controls. The mean level of serum HDL-C was 46mg/dl in patients, 50mg/dl in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of obesity was 66.2% in patients, 27.9% in controls, hypertriglyceridemia was 42.3% in patients, 22.1% in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of patients who had increased AST was 26.8% in patients, 11.8% in controls, and the frequency of patients or cases who had increased ALT was 26.8%, in patients, 7.4% in controls(p<0.05). There were no significant statistical differences in the nutrient intakes, alcohol drinking and exercise between the male patients and controls. In cases of women, the mean age was 53 years in patient gr oup or among patients, 51 years in controls. The obesity index was 112.2% in patients, 102.1% in controls, and the mean level of serum triglyceride was 198.3mg/dl in patients, 136.4mg/dl in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of obesity was 76.0% in patients, 30.4% in controls, and the frequency of hypertriglyceridemia was 36.0% in patients, 13.0% in controls. There were statistically significant differences in the frequency of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia between patients and controls(p<0,05). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of increased AST and ALT, nutrient intakes, alcohol drinking, and excercise between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty liver disease was attributed either to obesity or hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, it is very important to control of weight and hypertriglyceridemia in the management of patients with fatty liver.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Alcohol Drinking ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Fatty Liver* ; Female ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Hypertriglyceridemia ; Life Style ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; Triglycerides ; Ultrasonography ; Surveys and Questionnaires

No abstract available.
Hernia*

No abstract available.
Mass Screening* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

The purpose of this study was to take the right direction and meet the requirements of newspaper function about child health through evaluation of child health information articles in newspapers. Data were collected 4 main daily newspaper by selecting child health information articles during 1 year from January 1 to December 31, 1998. The results of this study are as follows. The frequency according to health category, disease treatment(47.7%) topped followed by health maintenance?promotion(28.8%), growth?development(12.1%), disease prevention(11.4%). The frequency according to WHO international disease classification, infectious disease (23.6%) take most. In evaluation area of child health information, practical usage(3.78) topped followed by accuracy(3.68), comprehensiveness(3.64), clearness (3.48), concreteness(3.33).
Child ; Child* ; Classification ; Communicable Diseases ; Humans ; Newspapers* ; Child Health* ; Periodicals

The purpose of this study was to take the right direction and meet the requirements of newspaper function about child health through evaluation of child health information articles in newspapers. Data were collected 4 main daily newspaper by selecting child health information articles during 1 year from January 1 to December 31, 1998. The results of this study are as follows. The frequency according to health category, disease treatment(47.7%) topped followed by health maintenance?promotion(28.8%), growth?development(12.1%), disease prevention(11.4%). The frequency according to WHO international disease classification, infectious disease (23.6%) take most. In evaluation area of child health information, practical usage(3.78) topped followed by accuracy(3.68), comprehensiveness(3.64), clearness (3.48), concreteness(3.33).
Child ; Child* ; Classification ; Communicable Diseases ; Humans ; Newspapers* ; Child Health* ; Periodicals