BACKGROUND: It is a well known fact that students majoring in medicine and engineering suffer from higher stress level and depression than students in other majors. This study was done to assess the prevalence of depression and the infl uencing factors among the university students majoring in either medicine or engineering and to compare the depression prevalence between the two groups. METHODS: The study randomly selected 640 students either majoring in medicine or engineering from two universities in Kyung-Gi province, Korea. Each of 320 students majoring in either of the two majors from each university was recruited. Among 640 students, 360 students, who were composed of 172 medical students and 188 engineering students was finally chosen for the analysis. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to measure the depression state. RESULTS: The average Zung depression score of university students was 49.2 alpha 9.8. Medical students had a higher score of 52.4 alpha 9.3 as compared to engineering students, who scored 46.3 +/- 9.4. Overall depression rate was 42.8%. Medical students had a higher depression rate (52.3%) than engineering students (34.0%). The logistic analysis showed that infl uencing factors on depression state were sex, grade, major, stress and satisfactory sleep. The main source of stress for medical students was the grades from classes whereas job search was for engineering students. There were differences between the two groups in managing the stress. Medical students chose alcohol drinking or smoking for stress management whereas engineering students playing selected video games as their outlet. CONCLUSION: Medical students from urban areas seemed to be depressed more than engineering students. Their stress management methods among the subjects were drinking, smoking, and playing video games which may cause further physical and psychological problems in the future.
Alcohol Drinking ; Depression ; Drinking ; Humans ; Korea ; Prevalence ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Students, Medical ; Video Games

BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are closely correlated where previous studies showed that adipocytes release many inflammatory substances. HsCRP is an indicator of an independent risk factor in coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of hsCRP in different types of obese patients. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 7,183 middle-aged Korean adults between the ages of 40 and 60 (men 4,147 and women 3,036) by using a cross-sectional approach. We divided study subjects into 4 different groups; Normal Group (NG; normal waist and normal body mass index), Centrally Obese Group (OB1; Non-obese group with central obestiy), Obese Group without central obesity (OB2) and Obese Group with central obesity (OB3). We compared the difference of anthropometry, metabolic parameters, and hsCRP. RESULTS: Waist circumference (r=0.230, P<.001) and body mass index (r=0.222, P<.001) positively corresponded with high levels of hsCRP. Higher values of hsCRP were found in the OB3 compared to the NG. However, there was no difference between the OB1 and the OB2. The subjects who had central obesity or the metabolic syndrome showed high hsCRP values. The hsCRP values were the highest in subjects who had central obesity with the metabolic syndrome. But, the value of hsCRP was not significantly different in central obesity subjects with or without the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The highest value of hsCRP was significantly shown in the obese group with central obesity. However, there were no differences found in the hsCRP levels between the non-obese group with central obesity and the obese group without central obesity.
Adipocytes ; Adult ; Anthropometry ; Body Mass Index ; Coronary Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Obesity ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Risk Factors ; Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND: As prostate cancer in men is increasing in Korea, the need for early detection by mass screening has become an important issue. Screening tests for early detection of prostate cancer are digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA test has been mainly used for prostate cancer screening in health promotion centers. However, PSA has a high sensitivity but low specificity. Therefore, PSA concentration can be increased not only in prostate cancer, but also in several benign prostate diseases such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate ischemia. Also, PSA concentration can increase in the elderly. Therefore, we investigated the results of follow-up PSA tests, in the cases of increased PSA concentration on screening. METHODS: In 538 cases, the PSA concentration were increased over 2.5 ng/ml among total 17,302 males checked up on screening test at Ajou University Hospital from January 1999 to December 2001. Two hundred and four cases followed up with TRUS or prostate biopsy were chosen. We investigated 89 cases who performed follow- up PSA test. On the basis of the results of biopsy or TRUS, the subjects were classified into non-disease group, benign prostate disease group and prostate cancer group (possible or confirmed prostate cancer group). RESULTS: The mean age of non-disease group was 35.5 5.9 years, which was significantly lower than that of benign prostate disease group and prostate cancer group (P<0.05). Compared to the mean age of prostate cancer group (60.6 10.4 years) and non-prostate cancer group (53.1 12.3 years), prostate cancer group was significantly older than non prostate cancer group (P=0.005). When the lower limit of age was set to 40 years (mean-2SD), confirmed prostate cancer group was significantly older than other groups (p<0.001). The PSA concentration of confirmed prostate cancer group (11.33 7.58 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that of non-prostate disease group (4.35 2.22 ng/ml) and possible prostate cancer group (4.44 2.29 ng/ml) (P<0.05). The follow-up PSA level of confirmed prostate cancer group (10.13 6.13 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that of non-prostate disease group (2.55 0.97 ng/ml), BPH group (4.33 3.80 ng/ml), prostatitis group (3.61 2.17 ng/ml), prostate cyst group (3.00 1.86 ng/ml) and possible prostate cancer group (3.81 2.82 ng/ml) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that screening test for prostate cancer be performed after the age of 40. While follow-up PSA test is needed when the PSA is increased up to less than 10 ng/ml, prostate biopsy may be desired in the PSA value of 10.0 ng/ml or greater.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Ischemia ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Prostatitis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma total homocysteine causes the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By reducing plasma total homocysteine may prevent cardiovascular diseases. Many studies showed that vitamin B12 and folic acid decrease homocysteine level when taken with calcium fortified drinking water. Our aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and daily calcium intake. METHODS: Among 636 adults aged 40-69 years who visited a health promotion center of a university hospital from May 2006 to April 2007, the study subjects were 567 who completed self-reported questionnaire. Self-reported calcium intake amount and their baseline health questionnaire were obtained. We measured height and weight by physical examination. Through blood test, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma creatinine and homocysteine level were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean daily calcium intake of entire subjects was 770.1 +/- 266.3 mg. The mean plasma homocysteine concentration was 10.6 +/- 4.3 micromol/L. The multiple regression analysis showed significant correlations between plasma homocysteine level and body mass index, plasma creatinine level and calcium intake. Plasma homocysteine level was inversely associated with dietary calcium intake. CONCLUSION: We found the calcium was inversely associated and homocysteine level an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. However, further studies should be established to confirm if greater calcium intake may lower plasma homocysteine level.
Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Calcium ; Calcium, Dietary ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Creatinine ; Drinking Water ; Folic Acid ; Health Promotion ; Hematologic Tests ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Physical Examination ; Plasma ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin B 12

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a systemic disease with a clinical spectrum ranging from subcorneal pustules, patterned exfoliation to extensive erosion and peeling of skin by the exfoliative toxin of group II Staphylococcus aureus. This disease occurs mainly in infancy and children below five years and it isn't easy to differentiate from other vesicular diseases clinically, but skin biopsy shows an epidermal split at the granular layer. The form and severity of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome will vary according to defense system and toxic factors. Treatment is effective antibiotics, and the mortality rate increases to 5% in children. In our four cases, symptoms were erythema and fever, followed by formation of large bullae and denuded skin. On laboratory findings, leukocytosis was noted in three cases, and S. aureus was confirmed by culture of eye discharge in all cases. Our cases improved with antibiotic therapy. We experienced four cases of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome which were presented with vesicle and exfoliative skin lesion and treated successfully.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biopsy ; Child ; Erythema ; Fever ; Humans ; Leukocytosis ; Mortality ; Skin ; Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome* ; Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and development of lifestyle-related diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between the serum uric acid (UA) levels and oxidative status in Korean adults. METHODS: The subjects were 5,093 individuals (2,041 women and 3,052 men) who underwent a health checkup between June 2012 and December 2016. Oxidative stress levels (derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites [d-ROMs]) and antioxidant potential (biological antioxidant potential [BAP]) were measured. Metabolic markers, including UA, were also examined. RESULTS: Higher serum UA levels were associated with decreased levels of d-ROMs (P < 0.05). The UA levels were positively associated with BAP levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum UA is related to oxidative status, especially antioxidant capacity, in Korean adults; UA may play a role in antioxidant defense systems in humans.
Adult* ; Antioxidants ; Female ; Humans ; Oxidative Stress* ; Oxygen ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Uric Acid*

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the histologic effects of tamoxifen on the endometrium using hysteroscopy in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. METHODS: The study included 46 postmenopausal patients who were referred from another clinic due to thickening or bleeding of the endometrium after taking tamoxifen for breast cancer. All patients underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) and hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy with a 5-mm, continuous-flow, operating hysteroscope. RESULTS: The incidence of malignancy was high (20%) in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) after taking tamoxifen. However, in the non-AUB group with thick endometrium after taking tamoxifen, the incidence of adenocarcinoma was 3.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the estrogen-like effect of tamoxifen on the endometrium. Endometrial evaluation with TVS suggests further diagnostic procedures; moreover, histologic examination is necessary under hysteroscopy, especially in cases of endometrial bleeding after taking tamoxifen.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biopsy ; Breast Neoplasms ; Endometrium ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hysteroscopes ; Hysteroscopy ; Incidence ; Postmenopause ; Tamoxifen ; Uterine Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: The social problems of cigarette smoking and obesity are increasing and they threaten the health and daily life of the both the young and old adults. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between cigarette smoking and obesity. METHODS: The study subjects were recruited from the middle and high school located in Ansan city. We used the self-questionnaire to evaluate their general information including cigarette smoking at enrollment and 8,589 students informations were gathered. Data were classified into three groups (normal body weight, over weight and obesity). Smoking status was classified into past, current, and non smoker and analyzed the relationship with obesity and some life-style patterns. RESULTS: Body weight and body mass index of the girls were significantly higher in the current smokers (52.4 +/- 12.2 kg, 19.8 +/- 3.5 kg/m2) than in the non-smokers (49.5 +/- 7.7 kg, 19.3 +/- 2.6 kg/m2) and in the boys, body weight was higher in the current smokers (60.3 +/- 10.7 kg, 20.4 +/- 3.1 kg/m2) than in the non-smokers (57.5 +/- 12.1 kg, 20.3 +/- 3.3 kg/m2), which was not significant. The odds ratios of having obesity were 2.33 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 3.34) in the current smokers and 2.04 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.36 to 4.0) in the past smokers compared with the non-smokers in the girls. In the boys, there were no significance. Also, all students of the dietary pattern (breakfast, fast food, instant noodle, snack, soft drink) were associated with smoking status significantly. CONCLUSION: The current smokers showed higher prevalence of obesity and obesity-related dietary pattern than in the non-smokers. Cigarette smoking may be associated with obesity in the school girls.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Fast Foods ; Humans ; Life Style ; Obesity ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Snacks ; Social Problems ; Tobacco Products

BACKGROUND: The social problems of cigarette smoking and obesity are increasing and they threaten the health and daily life of the both the young and old adults. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between cigarette smoking and obesity. METHODS: The study subjects were recruited from the middle and high school located in Ansan city. We used the self-questionnaire to evaluate their general information including cigarette smoking at enrollment and 8,589 students informations were gathered. Data were classified into three groups (normal body weight, over weight and obesity). Smoking status was classified into past, current, and non smoker and analyzed the relationship with obesity and some life-style patterns. RESULTS: Body weight and body mass index of the girls were significantly higher in the current smokers (52.4 +/- 12.2 kg, 19.8 +/- 3.5 kg/m2) than in the non-smokers (49.5 +/- 7.7 kg, 19.3 +/- 2.6 kg/m2) and in the boys, body weight was higher in the current smokers (60.3 +/- 10.7 kg, 20.4 +/- 3.1 kg/m2) than in the non-smokers (57.5 +/- 12.1 kg, 20.3 +/- 3.3 kg/m2), which was not significant. The odds ratios of having obesity were 2.33 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 3.34) in the current smokers and 2.04 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.36 to 4.0) in the past smokers compared with the non-smokers in the girls. In the boys, there were no significance. Also, all students of the dietary pattern (breakfast, fast food, instant noodle, snack, soft drink) were associated with smoking status significantly. CONCLUSION: The current smokers showed higher prevalence of obesity and obesity-related dietary pattern than in the non-smokers. Cigarette smoking may be associated with obesity in the school girls.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Fast Foods ; Humans ; Life Style ; Obesity ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Snacks ; Social Problems ; Tobacco Products

PURPOSE: Changes in human body composition can affect the accuracy of spine bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether fat and water in the soft tissue of the abdomen influence lumbar spine BMD measurements obtained using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Duplicate BMD measurements were carried out on healthy volunteers (10 men and 10 women) and the Hologic anthropomorphic spine phantom had on the same day before and after placement of following 3 materials in the abdominal area: lard 900 g, 1.5 cm thick; oil 1.4 liters in a vinyl bag; and water 1.2 liters in a vinyl bag. RESULTS: In the case of human participants, following the placement of exogenous water to mimic extracellular fluid (ECF), there was a significant decrease in lumbar spine BMD (-0.012 g/cm2, p=0.006), whereas the placement of exogenous lard and oil to mimic abdominal fat produced a slight increase in lumbar spine BMD (0.006 g/cm2, p=0.301; 0.008 g/cm2, p=0.250, respectively). The average percentage of lumbar spine BMD change with and without exogenous lard, oil, and water showed increase of 0.51%, and 0.67%, and decrease of 1.02%, respectively. Using the phantom, BMD decreased with the placement of both lard (-0.002 g/cm2, p=0.699) and water (-0.006 g/cm2, p=0.153); however, there was no difference in BMD after oil placement. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in cases where changes in fat and ECF volume are similar, ECF exerts a greater influence than fat on DXA lumbar BMD measurements.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Adult ; Bone Density/*drug effects ; Dietary Fats/pharmacology ; Fats/*pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae/*drug effects/*metabolism ; Male ; Water/*pharmacology