Improving Upper Limb Spasticity in Patients with Stroke by Electroacupuncture Therapy: a Pre- and Post-Treatment Study.

Background: : Post-stroke upper limb spasticity (PS-ULS) causes a decline in the quality of life of patients by reducing their ability to perform normal daily activities. Objectives: : We performed pre- and post-treatment analyses of the changes in stroke patients with ULS following constant electroacupuncture therapy (EAT). Methods: : Thirty patients with PS-ULS underwent 12 sessions of EAT over 4 weeks. After performing acupuncture therapy at four acupoints on the affected arm (LI11, LI10, LI4, and TE5), electrostimulation (60 Hz) was performed for 20 min. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) were measured as the outcome variables. Results: : Following EAT, there was a significant decrease in the elbow MAS score (p < 0.001), a significant decrease in the wrist MAS score (p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the FMA-UE score (p < 0.001). Adverse events related to EAT were not reported. Conclusion: : EAT decreased upper limb spasticity and improved functional recovery at the elbow and wrist. Large-scale and rigorous clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of EAT.

Shallow and reverse attention network for colon polyp segmentation.

Polyp segmentation is challenging because the boundary between polyps and mucosa is ambiguous. Several models have considered the use of attention mechanisms to solve this problem. However, these models use only finite information obtained from a single type of attention. We propose a new dual-attention network based on shallow and reverse attention modules for colon polyps segmentation called SRaNet. The shallow attention mechanism removes background noise while emphasizing the locality by focusing on the foreground. In contrast, reverse attention helps distinguish the boundary between polyps and mucous membranes more clearly by focusing on the background. The two attention mechanisms are adaptively fused using a "Softmax Gate". Combining the two types of attention enables the model to capture complementary foreground and boundary features. Therefore, the proposed model predicts the boundaries of polyps more accurately than other models. We present the results of extensive experiments on polyp benchmarks to show that the proposed method outperforms existing models on both seen and unseen data. Furthermore, the results show that the proposed dual attention module increases the explainability of the model.

Generation of Wheat Near-Isogenic Lines Overexpressing 1Bx7 Glutenin with Increased Protein Contents and SDS-Sedimentation Values.

Overexpression of Glu-1Bx7 via allele 1Bx7OE significantly contributes to high dough strength in some wheat varieties and is useful for improving wheat quality. However, the proportion of wheat varieties containing Bx7OE is quite low. In this study, four cultivars containing 1Bx7OE were selected, and among the selected varieties, Chisholm (1Ax2*, 1Bx7OE + 1By8*, and 1Dx5 + 1Dx10) was crossed with Keumkang, a wheat variety that contains 1Bx7 (1Ax2*, 1Bx7 + 1By8, and 1Dx5 + 1Dx10). SDS-PAGE and UPLC analyses showed that the expression of the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) 1Bx7 was significantly higher in NILs (1Ax2*, 1Bx7OE + 1By8*, and 1Dx5 + 1Dx10) compared with that in Keumkang. Wheat quality was analyzed with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy by measuring the protein content and SDS-sedimentation of NILs. The protein content of NILs (12.94%) was 21.65% higher than that of Chisholm (10.63%) and 4.54% higher than that of Keumkang (12.37%). In addition, the SDS-sedimentation value of NILs (44.29 mL) was 14.97% and 16.44% higher than that of Keumkang (38.52 mL) and Chisholm (38.03 mL), respectively. This study predicts that the quality of domestic wheat can be improved by crossbreeding with 1Bx7OE-containing cultivars.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Arabinoxylan Content from a 562 Hexaploid Wheat Collection.

The selection of wheat varieties with high arabinoxylan (AX) levels could effectively improve the daily consumption of dietary fiber. However, studies on the selection of markers for AX levels are scarce. This study analyzed AX levels in 562 wheat genotypes collected from 46 countries using a GWAS with the BLINK model in the GAPIT3. Wheat genotypes were classified into eight subpopulations that exhibited high genetic differentiation based on 31,926 SNP loci. Eight candidate genes were identified, among which those encoding F-box domain-containing proteins, disease resistance protein RPM1, and bZIP transcription factor 29 highly correlated with AX levels. The AX level was higher in the adenine allele than in the guanine alleles of these genes in the wheat collection. In addition, the AX level was approximately 10% higher in 3 adenine combinations than 2 guanine, 1 adenine, and 3 guanine combinations in genotypes of three genes (F-box domain-containing proteins, RPM1, and bZIP transcription factor 29). The adenine allele, present in 97.46% of AX-95086356 SNP, exhibited a high correlation with AX levels following classification by country. Notably, the East Asian wheat genotypes contain high adenine alleles in three genes. These results highlight the potential of these three SNPs to serve as selectable markers for high AX content.

Subjective life expectancy of middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study in Korea using age-specific subgroup analysis.

OBJECTIVE: As the population ages and the survival rate of cancer patients increases, long-term management of older adult cancer survivors has become important. Subjective life expectancy (SLE) is a concept that refers to an individual's particular predicted lifespan, which enables individuals to live an active life with hopeful expectations for the extension of a healthy life. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors related to SLE according to age group, to help enable middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors to actively live out their lives with a sense of control. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. METHODS: This study included 538 participants in the fifth to seventh survey data of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging dataset. Moreover, we conducted multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: The participants of this study were 137 middle-aged (under 64 years), 196 young-old (65-74 years), 164 old-old (75-84 years) and 41 oldest-old (over 85 years) cancer survivors. The mean age of the participants was 71.22 ± 9.4 years. The factors related to SLE were employment status (ß = 7.43, p = 0.018) and quality of life (QOL) (ß = 0.25, p = 0.010) for the middle-aged group and age (ß = -1.50, p = 0.002) and employment status (ß = 10.44, p = 0.003), and QOL (ß = 0.31, p < 0.001) in the young-old group; in the old-old group and oldest-old group, the predictors of SLE were QOL (ß = 0.35, p = 0.004) and social network (ß = 2.76, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The SLE of middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors was different by age group, and related factors also varied by it. Therefore, an individual approach for each age group is required to effectively promote SLE. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By developing and applying differentiated nursing interventions suitable for each age group for middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors, it should be possible to help them make a healthy transition with positive expectations for life extension.

Thermoelectric and Transport Properties of Permingeatite Cu3SbSe4 Prepared Using Mechanical Alloying and Hot Pressing.

Permingeatite (Cu3SbSe4) is a promising thermoelectric material because it has a narrow band gap, large carrier effective mass, and abundant and nontoxic components. Mechanical alloying (MA), which is a high-energy ball mill process, has various advantages, e.g., segregation/evaporation is not required and homogeneous powders can be prepared in a short time. In this study, the effects of MA and hot-pressing (HP) conditions on the synthesis of the Cu3SbSe4 phase and its thermoelectric properties were evaluated. The electrical conductivity decreased with increasing HP temperature, while the Seebeck coefficient increased. The power factor (PF) was 0.38-0.50 mW m-1 K-2 and the thermal conductivity was 0.76-0.78 W m-1 K-1 at 623 K. The dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, increased with increasing temperature, and a reliable and maximum ZT value of 0.39 was obtained at 623 K for Cu3SbSe4 prepared using MA at 350 rpm for 12 h and HP at 573 K for 2 h.

Scalp acupuncture for children with cerebral palsy: A protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture causing activity limitations, leading the most common movement disorder to children. Scalp acupuncture (SA) is one of several specialized acupuncture techniques, and it has been used widely in China to alleviate several CP symptoms, despite the deficiency of high-quality evidence related to this practice. Therefore, we plan to conduct a protocol of systematic review aimed at systematically reviewing all the clinical evidence on the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture for treating CP in children. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to May 1, 2019 MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wan-fang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). All published English and Chinese articles randomized controlled trials (RTCs) will be included. All types of CP of children in the trials will be included in this study and these individuals will be involved as core searchers to evaluate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture. Rev Man V.5.3 software will be implemented for the assessment of bias risk, data synthesis, subgroup analysis, and meta-analyses if inclusion conditions are met. Continuous outcomes will be presented as mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD), while dichotomous data will be expressed as a relative risk. RESULTS: The systematic review will synthesize the available knowledge surrounding scalp acupuncture for children with CP. The findings will be synthesized to determine the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture for children with CP. CONCLUSION: This protocol will present the evidence of whether scalp acupuncture is an effective intervention for children with CP.

Non-pharmacological interventions for patients with dementia: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This protocol for a systematic review describes the methods that will be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions for patients with dementia. METHODS: We will search ALOIS, the specialized register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG), without language or publication status restrictions. Additional separate searches will be run in many of the above six databases to ensure the most up-to-date results are retrieved.The study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by two authors and only randomized controlled trials will be included. The risk of bias will be assessed independently by two authors following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We will use RevMan software and random-effects models to assess the heterogeneity and data synthesis.If any plan for documenting important protocol amendments changes, the researchers will make a revision agreement and then register the modification on PROSPERO. CONCLUSION: Through this systematic review, a comprehensive understanding of current non-pharmacological interventions on dementia will be available. Meanwhile, it will provide basic evidence for further clinical research. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because no individual patient's data are included in this paper. This study will be disseminated through conference presentation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019136435.

Validation of the Core Seven-Emotions Inventory - short form.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of short form of the Core Seven Emotions Inventory (CSEI-s) scale. METHODS: The participants were third-grade Korean Medicine University students As with the original CSEI, the scales in the short form (CSEI-s) were composed of seven factors and consisted of 28 items in total. The internal consistency coefficient was calculated, and a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the reliability of the short form scale. Finally, to verify the validity of the abbreviated scale, a correlation analysis with the abbreviated scale and the CSEI-s scale was conducted. RESULTS: A 178 among 200 initial participants were included in the analysis (mean age: 24.5 years). The results of the exploratory factor analysis made from the 28 items of the seven factors of the CSEI-s showed that the factor loadings were as high as 0.64-0.89, excluding the tenth item of fear (0.52), and the model fit also had a good confirmatory factor with the analysis result. The results of the reliability verification showed that the Cronbach α values of all seven subscales of the short-form CSEI scale were 0.7 or higher, and the overall reliability was 0.83. A factor analysis revealed that the factor loadings were adequate, and their reliability and validity were confirmed for the CSEI-s scale, making it applicable to measuring the core seven emotions of patients in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: CSEI-s scale may apply to measure core emotions of the patient in a clinical setting.

Mixed Histology Is a Risk Factor for Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors of lymph node (LN) metastasis are important factors to consider in endoscopic submucosal dissection in early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of the study was to identify the correlation between mixed histology and LN metastasis in EGC. METHODS: A total of 1645 patients who underwent curative radical gastrectomy for EGC were divided into three groups (pure differentiated [pure D], mixed, and pure undifferentiated [pure UD]) according to histologic type. They were subsequently analyzed retrospectively for LN metastasis. The patients who had mixed histology between differentiated and undifferentiated tubular adenocarcinoma were defined as mixed group. RESULTS: The pure UD group was significantly younger than the other groups. Tumor size was larger in the mixed group. LN metastasis occurred more frequently in the mixed group and the pure UD group than in the pure D group (pure D, mixed, and pure UD, 7.7%, 23.2%, and 10.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for LN metastasis were large tumor size (odd ratio [OR], 1.308), submucosal invasion (OR, 3.565), lymphovascular invasion (OR, 9.755), and histologic types of mixed (OR, 2.360) and pure UD (OR, 1.657). CONCLUSIONS: Mixed histology is an important risk factor for LN metastasis in EGC. Thus, radical gastrectomy should be considered in the cases of mixed-type histology after endoscopic resection.

Clinical effects of mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy standardized for insomnia: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review protocol describes the methods that will be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy programs as a psychological intervention for insomnia disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search the following 11 electronic databases without language or publication status restrictions: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycARTICLES. Furthermore, we will also search 5 Korean-language databases (Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean studies Information Service System, Research Information Service System, Korean Medical Database, and Korea Citation Index). The study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 authors. The study quality assessment and evaluation of the quality of evidence for the main findings will be performed independently by 2 authors using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias and predefined criteria (the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach). Data synthesis and analysis will be performed using RevMan Version 5.3. Data will be synthesized by either a fixed effects or random effects model according to a heterogeneity test or the number of studies included in the meta-analysis. If any plan for documenting important protocol amendments changes, the researchers will have a revision agreement and then register the modification in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval will not be required because individual patient data are not included and because this protocol is for a systematic review. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through conference presentations.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018111217.

Meditation-based clinical study to determine the correlation of quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) and 24-hour EEG activity.

BACKGROUND: The heart continuously transmits information to the cerebrum during each pulse, and influences information processing such as perception, cognition, and emotion, which are processed in the cerebrum. This is the basis for the theory of oriental medicine widely used in psychiatric medicine and clinical practice, so-called Simjushinji (heart and brain) theory, that the heart controls the mind. The present study aims to analyze the correlation between heart and brain function by 24-hour active electrocardiogram and quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement under meditation. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, 2-armed, parallel, multicenter clinical trial will analyze a total of 50 subjects, including 25 each for the test group and the active control group. Subjects will be randomly allocated to the test group (performing resource mindfulness) and the control group (performing stress mindfulness) in a 1:1 ratio. The clinical trial consists of 3 stages. The first and third stages are stable states. The second stage is divided into the test and active comparator groups. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) measurements at stages 1 and 3 will be recorded for 10 minutes; measurements at stage 2 will be recorded for 20 minutes with the eyes closed. The 24-hour Holter Monitoring and heart rate variability will be evaluated at each stage. Before the beginning of stage 3, subjects will complete the questionnaires. The primary outcome will be analyzed by independent t tests of both groups. DISCUSSION: Scientific studies based on clinical epistemology are expected to serve as a basis for sustainable medical services in the field of psychiatric medicine in Korea. HRV, blood pressure index, and biometric index in qEEG, as determined by 24-hour Holter monitoring, will complement quantitative biomarkers and be useful in various fields.

Gallotannin Improves the Photoaged-Related Proteins by Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases/c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases Signaling Pathway in Human Epidermal Keratinocyte Cells.

Tannins are a type of polyphenols found in several fruits such as grapes and berries, and nuts such as aronias and acorns. Both hydrolyzable tannins and condensed tannins are referred to as tannins. Among the hydrolyzable tannins, gallotannin has a strong antioxidative property and is known to protect the skin by inhibiting the precursors of elastolytic enzymes. However, its mechanism of protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) damage in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant and antiaging effect of gallotannin on UVB-irradiated human cells by studying its effect on extracellular signal-regulated kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (EKRs/JNKs) signaling related to cell growth and differentiation/stress apoptosis. The results showed that gallotannin improved collagen synthesis, reduced metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in a dose-dependent manner, and downregulated MMP-1 levels through the ERK/JNK signaling pathway in UVB-irradiated human cells. Gallotannin also increased glutathione but did not increase transforming growth factor beta 1, which induces fibrosis. We propose that gallotannin is a novel agent for protection against UVB, and acts as an antiaging agent that can be used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Deqi Induction by HT7 Acupuncture Alters Theta and Alpha Band Coherence in Human Healthy Subjects.

The aim of this preliminary study is to investigate the changes in phase synchronization in the theta and alpha bands before and during the performance of classical acupuncture on the Sinmun (HT7). The electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from nine healthy young subjects were recorded before and during acupuncture in the "closed-eye" state. The EEG signals were acquired from 19 surface scalp electrodes (FP1, FP2, F7, F3, Fz F4, F8, T3, C3, Cz, C4, T4, T5, P3, Pz, P4, T6, O1, and O2). Needles were inserted into the HT7 bilaterally and were then manipulated to induce deqi and retained for 15 minutes. Phase synchronization was measured by phase coherence. In the theta band, coherence significantly increased between the temporal (T5, T6) and occipital areas (O1, O2) during the acupuncture stimulation. In the alpha band, coherence significantly increased between the left temporal area (T5) and other areas (frontal, parietal, and occipital). Phase coherence in the theta and alpha bands tended to increase during the retention of the acupuncture needles after deqi. Therefore, it can be concluded that acupuncture stimulation with deqi is clinically effective via the central nervous system (CNS).

Trends in Suicide Methods and Rates among Older Adults in South Korea: A Comparison with Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Lethality of the chosen method during a suicide attempt is a strong risk factor for completion of suicide. We examined whether annual changes in the pattern of suicide methods is related to annual changes in suicide rates among older adults in South Korea and Japan. METHODS: We analyzed annual the World Health Organization data on rates and methods of suicide from 2000 to 2011 in South Korea and Japan. RESULTS: For Korean older adults, there was a significant positive correlation between suicide rate and the rate of hanging or the rate of jumping, and a significant negative correlation between suicide rate and the rate of poisoning. Among older adults in Japan, annual changes in the suicide rate and the pattern of suicide methods were less conspicuous, and no correlation was found between them. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that the increasing use of lethal suicide methods has contributed to the rise in suicide rates among older adults in South Korea. Targeted efforts to reduce the social acceptability and accessibility of lethal suicide methods might lead to lower suicide rate among older adults in South Korea.

Effect of body weight and lifestyle changes on long-term course of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Koreans.

BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing, there have been few studies of long-term changes in NAFLD in large numbers of subjects. This study was performed to assess the long-term changes in severity of fatty liver and to analyze the association with changes in body weight and lifestyle factors. METHODS: We analyzed lifestyle factors, biochemical data, and abdominal ultrasonography in subjects who underwent voluntary medical checkups at a 5-year interval. Fatty liver on ultrasonography was graded as normal, mild, moderate, or severe by the degree of echogenicity. RESULTS: The analyzed population consisted of 2895 subjects of age 47+/-8.7 years (range, 20-79 years). Among the 1938 subjects who had normal livers at baseline, 374 subjects (19%) developed fatty liver 5 years later. Those who developed fatty liver showed more weight gain, increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), and glucose levels during the 5-year period. Among the 930 subjects who had fatty liver at baseline, 263 (28%) subjects showed a decrease in grade and 209 (22%) progressed to a higher grade of fatty liver after 5 years. The group with a lower grade lost -2.2+/-4.3 kg of body weight from baseline, and reduction in hepatic steatosis grade was associated with decreased serum AST, ALT, triglycerides, gamma-GT, and fasting glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Even a small weight reduction was associated with improvements in NAFLD and related metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Subjects with fatty liver should be advised to lose weight through lifestyle modifications.

Inorganic metal hydroxide nanoparticles for targeted cellular uptake through clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are biocompatible materials which can be used as drug-delivery nanovehicles. In order to define the optimum size of LDH nanoparticles for efficient cellular uptake and drug-delivery pathway, we prepared different sized LDH nanoparticles with narrow size distribution by modulating the crystal growth rate, and labelled each LDH particle with a fluorophore using a silane coupling reaction. The cellular uptake rate of LDHs was found to be highly dependent on particle size (50 > 200 > or = 100 > 350 nm), whose range of 50 to 200 nm was selectively internalized into cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis with enhanced permeability and retention. Our study clearly shows that not only the particle size plays an important role in the endocytic pathway and processing, but also the size control of LDH nanoparticles results in their targeted uptake to site-specific clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This result provides a new perspective for the design of LDH nanoparticles with maximum ability towards targeted drug delivery.

Association between BMI and metabolic syndrome and adenomatous colonic polyps in Korean men.

Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with the risk of colon cancer. Adenomatous colonic polyps are precancerous lesions of colon cancer. We investigated whether BMI and the metabolic syndrome are associated with the presence of adenomatous colonic polyps in Korean men. Anthropometric measurements, metabolic risk factors, and colonoscopic pathologic findings were assessed in 1,898 men who underwent routine colonoscopy at the Health Promotion Center of Asan Medical Center in 2005. The modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used for the definition of the metabolic syndrome. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between BMI and the metabolic syndrome and adenomatous polyps. Compared with men in the 1st quintile of the BMI, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for adenomatous polyps in men in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles of the BMI were 1.55 (1.10-2.19), 1.57 (1.10-2.24), 1.94 (1.34-2.81), and 1.99 (1.31-3.01), respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Men with triglycerides (TGs) > or = 150 mg/dl were significantly more likely to have adenomatous polyps than were men with TG <150 mg/dl (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.03-1.62). As a function of the number of metabolic risk factors, the ORs for adenomatous polyps were 1.41 (1.03-1.93), 1.52 (1.08-2.12), 1.46 (1.01-2.12), and 1.77 (1.08-2.90) for 1, 2, 3, and > or = 4 risk factors, respectively (P for trend <0.05). Adenomatous colonic polyps were significantly associated with increased BMI levels. Subjects with even one component of the metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk for developing adenomatous polyps compared to those subjects without any component in Korean men.

A cross-sectional study of socioeconomic status and the metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.

PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status may influence the risk of the metabolic syndrome. We investigated the association between socioeconomic status and the metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 8,541 subjects ages 20 to 79 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001. Socioeconomic status was measured by education and income level. RESULTS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among this population was 29%. Relative to women with educational level<7 years, those with educational levels of 7 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, and >13 years had odds ratios for the metabolic syndrome of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 1.16), 0.55 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.70), and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.43), respectively (p for trend<0.05). Relative to women with lower income, those with middle and upper income had odds ratios for the metabolic syndrome of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.75 to 1.08) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.97), respectively (p for trend<0.05). A significant association between the metabolic syndrome and socioeconomic status was not observed in men. CONCLUSIONS: Lower socioeconomic status was associated with a higher risk of the metabolic syndrome in Korean women but not in Korean men.