Korean Ethnic Group Research Articles

Association of a genetic polymorphism of IL1RN with risk of acute pancreatitis in a Korean ethnic group.

Background/AimsSeveral epidemiological studies have validated the association of interleukin gene polymorphisms with acute pancreatitis (AP) in different populations. However, there have been few studies in Asian ethnic groups. We aimed to investigate the relationships between inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and AP as pilot research in a Korean ethnic group.MethodsPatients who had been diagnosed with AP were prospectively enrolled. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and DNA sequencing was subsequently performed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin 1β (IL1B), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA) genes of patients with AP were compared to those of normal controls.ResultsBetween January 2011 and January 2013, a total of 65 subjects were enrolled (40 patients with AP vs. 25 healthy controls). One intronic SNP (IL1RN −1129T>C, rs4251961) was significantly associated with the risk of AP (odds ratio, 0.304; 95% confidence interval, 0.095 to 0.967; p = 0.043). However, in our study, AP was not found to be associated with polymorphisms in the promoter regions of inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL1B (−118C>T, c47+242C>T, +3954C/T, and −598T>C) and TNFA (−1211T>C, −1043C>A, −1037C>T, −488G>A, and −418G>A).ConclusionsIL1RN −1129T>C (rs4251961) genotypes might be associated with a significant increase of AP risk in a Korean ethnic group.

Minority Language Issues in Chinese Higher Education: Policy Reforms and Practice among the Korean and Mongol Ethnic Groups

The purpose of this study is to compare Korean and Mongol minorities in the People’s Republic of China in terms of their native language preservation and educational experiences at the higher education level, and to investigate differences and similarities between Korean and Mongol minorities’ language issues. Content area experts on Chinese minority education from China, South Korea, and the United States were interviewed for this study. Findings include suggestions for helping to formulate government educational policies regarding issues related to language in Chinese minority education at the higher education level. This information is helpful to better understand and educate others in school and home settings where Chinese ethnic minority students reside. The advancement of Chinese minority education knowledge related to higher education will significantly strengthen and empower individuals, families, and communities throughout the People’s Republic of China.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis E virus infection among the Korean, Manchu, Mongol, and Han ethnic groups in Eastern and Northeastern China.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a serious public health concern in developing countries. China is regarded as an HEV-endemic area, but epidemiological data for HEV among different nationalities is limited. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of HEV infection in Koreans (n = 520), Manchus (n = 303), Mongols (n = 217), and Hans (n = 802) in Eastern and Northeastern China between 2013 and 2015. A total of 366 (19.87%) out of 1842 samples were seropositive for IgG or IgM HEV-antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Among these groups, the Mongols had the highest seroprevalence of HEV infection (25.35%, 55/217), followed by the Koreans (23.65%, 123/520), the Manchus (19.80%, 60/303), and the Hans (15.96%, 128/802). Multiple analysis showed that the gender, consumption of raw/undercooked meat, source of drinking water, residence area, and age were significantly associated with HEV infection in four ethnic groups. The present results indicated that HEV infection was prevalent in Mongols, Koreans, Manchus, and Hans in the surveyed regions, which demonstrated the higher risk of transmitting HEV in multiple nationalities in Eastern and Northeastern China.

Minority Language Issues in Chinese Higher Education: Policy Reforms and Practice among the Korean and Mongol Ethnic Groups

Minority Language Issues in Chinese Higher Education: Policy Reforms and Practice among the Korean and Mongol Ethnic Groups

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol, and Han ethnic groups in northern China.

Toxocariasis is a very prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide. Recently, investigators have focused more on Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in humans. Information regarding Toxocara seroprevalence in people from different ethnic backgrounds in China is limited. For this study, blood samples were collected from a total of 802 Han, 520 Korean, 303 Manchu, and 217 Mongol subjects from Jilin and Shandong provinces. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence was 16·07% (14·21% Han, 20·58% Korean, 11·22% Manchu, 18·89% Mongol). Living in suburban or rural areas, having dogs at home, exposure to soil, and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were risk factors for Toxocara infection. Exposure to soil was identified as the major risk factor for Toxocara seropositivity in all of the tested ethnicities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning Toxocara infection in Manchus and Mongols in China. The present study provided baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in northeast China and recommends improvements in personal hygiene standards to achieve this goal.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the Korean, Manchu, Mongol and Han ethnic groups in eastern and northeastern China.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to August 2015 to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors for human Toxoplasma gondii infection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol and Han ethnic groups in eastern and northeastern China. A total of 1842 serum samples, including Han (n = 802), Korean (n = 520), Manchu (n = 303) and Mongol (n = 217) groups, were analysed using enzyme-linked immunoassays to detect IgG and IgM T. gondii antibodies. The overall T. gondii IgG and IgM seroprevalences were 13·79% and 1·25%, respectively. Of these groups, Mongol ethnicity had the highest T. gondii seroprevalence (20·74%, 45/217), followed by Korean ethnicity (16·54%, 86/520), Manchu ethnicity (13·86%, 42/303) and Han ethnicity (11·35%, 98/802). Multiple analysis showed that the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat and the source of drinking water were significantly associated with T. gondii infection in the Han group. Likewise, having a cat at home was identified as being associated with T. gondii infection in the Korean, Manchu and Mongol groups. Moreover, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat was identified as another predictor of T. gondii seropositivity in the Mongol group. The results of this survey indicate that T. gondii infection is prevalent in Korean, Manchu, Mongol and Han ethnic groups in the study region. Therefore, it is essential to implement integrated strategies with efficient management measures to prevent and control T. gondii infection in this region of China. Moreover, this is the first report of T. gondii infection in Korean, Manchu, and Mongol ethnic groups in eastern and northeastern China.

ХАРАКТЕРНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ КУЛЬТУРНОГО КОМПЛЕКСА КОРЕЙСКОГО ЭТНОСА

ХАРАКТЕРНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ КУЛЬТУРНОГО КОМПЛЕКСА КОРЕЙСКОГО ЭТНОСА

The IL-1B Genetic Polymorphism Is Associated with Aspirin-Induced PepticUlcers in a Korean Ethnic Group.

Background/AimsSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. However, SNPs of specific genes vary among races, and data regarding SNPs in the Korean population are scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between SNPs of the COX-1, IL-1β, IL-1RN, and TNF genes and aspirin-induced peptic ulcers, as pilot research in a Korean population.MethodsPatients who had been taking low-dose aspirin (100 mg) for at least 4 weeks were prospectively enrolled. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and DNA sequencing was subsequently performed.ResultsA total of 48 patients were enrolled (23 peptic ulcer patients vs 25 nonulcer controls). Three exon SNPs (IL-1β -581C/T [rs1143627], IL-1β -1061C/T [rs16944], and IL-1RN -1129 [rs4251961]) and one intron SNP (IL-1β IVS2+242C/T) were significantly different between the two groups. On the multivariate analysis after adjustments for age and sex, the CC/CT genotypes of IL-1β -581C/T, and the CT/TT genotypes of IL-1β -1061C/T were positively associated with aspirin-induced peptic ulcers (odds ratio [OR], 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.054 to 20.303, p=0.04; OR, 4.6, 95% CI, 1.054 to 20.303, p=0.04).ConclusionsThe IL-1β -581C/T and IL-1β -1061C/T genotypes may be associated with low-dose aspirin-induced peptic ulcers in a Korean ethnic group.

Does Ethnic Variability Exist in the Systemic Exposures of OATP1A2 Substrates-Fexofenadine in Taiwanese?

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 activity among the Taiwanese population via an analysis of 3 pharmacokinetic studies completed in a total of 103 healthy male Taiwanese subjects. The pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine was measured as an indicator of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 activity. Using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and quantile plots, the frequency distributions of area under the concentration-time curve and concentration were shown to be tri-modal and to represent 3 pharmacokinetic phenotypes. In a comparison with published data, the mean area under the concentration-time curve of fexofenadine in the Taiwanese subjects was similar to that in American, German, and Indian subjects, but significantly different from that in some Asian populations, including Korean and Japanese ethnic groups. These results suggested that Taiwanese subjects showed genetic variation in fexofenadine pharmacokinetics that was associated with differences in organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 activity.

Overview of application and research of Echinops genus in Chinese medicine

Asteraceae Echionopos (Echinops genus) is one of the world's plants commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine herbs. In this paper, a lot of literature on the basis of domestic and foreign, and modern research on the application of medicinal plants in different ethnic groups in our country Echionopos made a brief presentation and evaluation, and its in Chinese Han, Mongolian, Uygur, Kazak, Korean and other ethnic groups in the application of traditional medicine and related research conducted profiles. To further comprehensive and accurate use of the abundant plant resources and research, in order to find biologically active natural products, provide reference basis for the clinical application of new drugs developed and expanded drug source.

Ethnic variation in access to health care of Asian Americans who are not U.S. citizens: Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese ethnic groups.

Using the 2009 California Health Interview Survey, this study examined ethnic variation in the predictors of having a usual source of health care among Asian Americans who are non-U.S. citizens. Chinese residents reported the highest probability of having a usual source of health care (78.0%), followed by Vietnamese (59.8%) and Korean residents (45.2%), and the differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 11.65, p < .01). Poverty status was the only significant predictor for Korean residents and insurance status was the only significant predictor for Vietnamese residents. By contrast, both poverty and insurance status predicted which Chinese residents had a usual source of care. To enhance health care access for vulnerable subgroups of non-U.S. citizens, health care professionals must be aware that there are cultural differences in the predictors of having a usual source of health care based on whether one is an immigrant from China, Korea, or Vietnam.

Increases in Light and Intermittent Smoking Among Asian Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites

Asian Americans are the fastest growing immigrant group in the United States and are more likely to be light and intermittent smokers (LITS) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). LITS experience adverse health effects related to smoking. Previous research has aggregated Asian American ethnic groups, masking important differences between groups. We sought to compare LITS rates among Asian American subgroups before and after the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with NHWs in California utilizing data from the California Tobacco Surveys (CTS). We combined 1990, 1992, and 1996 CTS (pre-MSA) and the 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008 CTS (post-MSA) to examine changes in LITS (<10 cigarettes/day or not smoking daily). Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean ethnic groups were compared with NHWs. Pre-MSA logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, education level, language spoken at home, and use of other tobacco products found that Chinese (odds ratio [OR] = 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.19, 5.21), Filipinos (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 2.73, 4.63), Japanese (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.22, 3.27), and Koreans (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.06, 5.03) were significantly more likely to be LITS compared with NHWs. Post-MSA, all Asian American subgroups experienced an increase in LITS (11.7%-37.8%); however, only Chinese (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.13) and Filipinos (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.26, 4.91) remained significantly more likely to be LITS compared with NHWs. Our results highlight the need for tobacco control efforts that address the growing group of LITS among Asian Americans and NHWs.

Genetic polymorphisms of six Y chromosome short tandem repeat loci in Chinese Korean ethnic group

To determine the allelic sequences and genetic polymorphism of six short tandem repeats (STRs) loci on Y chromosome, including DYS441, DYS442, DYS443, DYS444, DYS445 and DYS446 in Chinese Korean ethnic males from Yanbian region of Jilin province, China, and to construct a preliminary database. Allele frequencies of the six STR loci in 205 Chinese Korean ethnic individuals were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Respectively, 8, 7, 7, 5, 6 and 9 alleles were detected for each of the locus. Together they have formed 151 haplotypes, with a diversity of 0.9937. The six STR loci included in this study were found to be highly polymorphic, and may provide useful markers for genetic analysis.

조선족 농촌주거의 부엌공간의 형태와 취사 및 식사방식 - 중국 동북3성 각 지역의 조선족 농촌주거에 대한 조사연구를 중심으로 -

The house of the China Korean ethnic group in the countryside, kitchen is one of the most important rooms, which works for cooking, warming, and storage. Besides, it has some complementary functions such as washing and showering. The spatial structure of the kitchen is divided into three types, `jeongji`, `walkway` and `independent` one. Those houses which are near Korea peninsula mainly belong to the `jeongji` type; whereas those houses which are in the inland of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning Provinces mainly are `walkway` and `independent` types. The main constituents of the kitchen include pots and pans, water supply and sewerage, fuel and storage etc. The differences among these constituents lead to the geographic differences in the aspect of cooking method and dietary culture, and finally the different kitchen spatial characters are manifested.

Genetic polymorphisms of six X-short tandem repeats loci in Chinese Korean

To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of DXS7132, DXS6854, DXS6797, DXS9898, DXS8378 and GATA31E08 short tandem repeats (STRs) loci in Chinese Korean ethnic group of Yanbian, Jilin, and to construct a preliminary database. The allele frequencies of the six STRs loci in Chinese Korean ethnic individuals were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Total of 8, 6, 8, 8, 5 and 10 alleles were observed in each locus respectively. All loci (in female) met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The statistical analysis of the 6 STR loci showed the heterozygosities were more than 0.4660, the polymorphic information contents (PIC) were more than 0.5293, the haplotype diversity were more than 0.9993, power of discrimination (PD) in females and males were more than 0.7737 and 0.6107, respectively. The results showed that, all the 6 STR loci in this study were found to have high heterozygosity and polymorphic information content, so they could provide useful markers for genetic purposes. These results could serve as valuable data to enrich the Chinese Korean ethnic group genetic database and play an important role in genetic study of Chinese population.

Longevity disparities in multiethnic Hawaii: an analysis of 2000 life tables.

We examined differences among seven major ethnic groups in Hawaii in life expectancy at birth (e[0]) and mortality at broad age groups. We constructed life tables for 2000 for Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, and Samoan ethnic groups in Hawaii. We partitioned overall mortality into broad age groups: <15 (representing premature mortality), 15-65 (representing working age), and 66-84 and > or =85 (representing senescent mortality). The overall e(O) in Hawaii was 80.5 years, but the difference between the longest-living group (Chinese) and the shortest-living group (Samoan) was 13 years. Chinese had the lowest mortality rates in each age group except the > or =85 category. In this last age group, we observed anomalously low rates for some new immigrant groups (especially Samoan males) suggesting, as a cause, that elders in these immigrant groups may return to natal countries in their old age and die there. In the <15 age group, mortality rates for Samoans and Koreans were highest, especially for Korean girls, suggesting some continuance in the U.S. of a preference for boy children. Outside of these anomalies, ethnic differences in e(O) were likely explained by socioeconomic and behavioral variables known to affect mortality levels, which are closely associated with ethnicity in Hawaii. These findings confirm the need to disaggregate Asian and Pacific Islander data, to conduct ethnic-specific research, and to address socioeconomic disparities.

Comparison of Korean and Japanese Head and Face Anthropometric Characteristics

The primary purpose of this research is to collate, compare, and discuss the presently available data for head and face dimensions among Korean and Japanese ethnic groups. Classification of Korean male and female head and face types is simpler than classification of Japanese subjects. Male groups have more statistically significant morphological differences than females, and Japanese subjects display larger values for head and face measurement categories than Korean subjects. Japanese item values for head and face dimensions show distinct differences between male and female subjects compared to Korean subjects. Japanese male subjects have distinct differences from Korean male subjects and relatively lower values for head and face dimensions as age increases compared to Korean male subjects. Generally, female subjects have no regular tendency according to age compared to male subjects.

Comparison of Korean and Japanese Head and Face Anthropometric Characteristics

The primary purpose of this research is to collate, compare, and discuss the presently available data for head and face dimensions among Korean and Japanese ethnic groups. Classification of Korean male and female head and face types is simpler than classification of Japanese subjects. Male groups have more statistically significant morphological differences than females, and Japanese subjects display larger values for head and face measurement categories than Korean subjects. Japanese item values for head and face dimensions show distinct differences between male and female subjects compared to Korean subjects. Japanese male subjects have distinct differences from Korean male subjects and relatively lower values for head and face dimensions as age increases compared to Korean male subjects. Generally, female subjects have no regular tendency according to age compared to male subjects.

BRCA2 Mutations as a Universal Risk Factor for Pancreatic Cancer Has a Limited Role in Korean Ethnic Group

BRCA2 mutations are the well-known cause of inherited susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. However, the true association of BRCA2 mutations with pancreatic cancer may vary among different ethnic groups. As such, we aimed to determine the role of BRCA2 mutations as a risk factor for sporadic and familial pancreatic cancer in Korean patients. Between January 1998 to October 2002, 110 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma gave informed consent for pedigree cancer survey. Analysis of BRCA2 mutations was done in 60 of those patients, all of whom agreed to genetic test. BRCA 2 mutation was analyzed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. Among the 110 patients, 8 cases (7.2%) were confirmed as familial pancreatic cancer. There were no pathogenic BRCA2 truncation mutations in 60 patients with BRCA2 mutation analysis. However, 2 single polymorphic amino acid changes, C1342A(H372N), A3199G(N991D), a silent polymorphism A7470G(S2414S), a splice site mutation intron 16:-14(T to C) polymorphism, and an intron 16:-12 (T to C) unclassified variant were detected in both 9 of 53 sporadic and 1 of 7 familial pancreatic cancer patients. Our results suggest that the BRCA2 mutation may not contribute to increases in the risk for both sporadic and familial pancreatic cancer in Korea.

A linkage disequilibrium block from the BRCA1 gene was associated with breast cancer in Korean population

Recently, the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer have markedly increased in Korea. Many studies were performed to find the genetic susceptibility genes that might be involved in oncogenesis and treatment of breast cancer in various ethnic populations. Among the susceptible genes, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been shown to be involved in hereditary breast cancer.To identify whether the polymorphisms in these genes are associated with breast cancer, genetic association study was performed for tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes with 346 breast cancer patients and 361 healthy controls in Korean ethnic group. We could not find any significant associations between SNPs in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and breast cancer. A single linkage disequilibrium (LD) block from the BRCA1 gene, however, was significantly associated with breast cancer. The haplotype (ht1) of this LD block was increased the risk of breast cancer (OR=0.584, p=0.039) and haplotype (ht2) revealed a protective effect (OR=1.272, p=0.027).According to the premise of LD and previous reports, we hypothesized that any causative or protective variants contribute to or against breast cancer may exist in this LD block. In this presentation, possible causative variations in ht 1 and ht 2 will be discussed.