2024, Vol.37, No.3

A Review of the Sub-disciplines and Their Changes in Physical Anthropology in Korea

Woo Eun Jin

, Min Seo Kim

, Lee Dae Han

and 1 other persons | 2024, 37(3) | pp.125~131 | number of Cited : 0

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Physical anthropology initially focused on the analysis of ethnic origins and morphological characteristic. However, since the mid-20th century, it has transformed into an interdisciplinary field that comprehensively explores the biological attributes of human and it is widely known as biological anthropology. This research aims to understand the current state of physical anthropology in Korea by examining the journals published by the Korean Association of Physical Anthropologists. Additionally, in order to explore the future directions for physical anthropology in Korea, this study also conducted a comparative review of articles published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology. As a result, it was found that a significant majority of the articles in domestic journals were focused on the field of anatomy. Meanwhile, research categorized under biological anthropology accounted for only about 10% of the total. In contrast, research in American journal cover a wide range of sub-disciplines within biological anthropology, including primatology, paleoanthropology, skeletalbiology, bioarchaeology, human biology, and genetics. The predominance of research in the field of anatomy in domestic journals is closely related to the history of physical anthropology in Korea, which began primarily within departments of anatomy. However, recently there has been a steady increase in the proportion of forensic anthropology, along with a slight rise in the number of researchers in the field of bioarchaeology. This indicates a shift towards greater diversity in the topics of biological anthropology of Korea. It is hoped that these changes will continue, leading to the development of Korean physical anthropology as a comprehensive field that addresses the biological attributes of human, integrating research from a wider range of disciplines.

Estimation of Adult Stature Based on Patella Morphology in a Korean Population: Postmortem computed tomography-based study

EunSeo Park

, Ji Won Hwang

, Bo Yong Yu

and 2 other persons | 2024, 37(3) | pp.133~140 | number of Cited : 0

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Diagnostic Usefulness of Degenerative Disc Disease Using the CT Number

Tai-Soo Park

, Sik Yoon

| 2024, 37(3) | pp.141~150 | number of Cited : 0

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This study aimed to determine the prevalence of each grade of degenerative disc disease (DDD) and to measure the height and computed tomography (CT) numbers of intervertebral discs in affected regions. A total of 412 patients (221 males and 191 females) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for back pain were included in the study. DDD grades were classified, and disc heights were measured using three images from the lumbosacral region. The CT number, measured in Hounsfield unit (HU), for DDD was obtained using CT scans. The average age of the subjects was 49.47 years. In the disc between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, no significant difference in degenerative grades was found between genders. However, in the disc between the 4th and 5th vertebrae, grade 3 was observed in 21.47% of male subjects, while grade 4 was found in 24.3% of female subjects (p<0.001). Additionally, in the disc between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra, grade 4 was the most common degenerative grade in both males (98 cases, 23.8%) and females (113 cases, 27.4%), with a significant difference between genders (p<0.05). Regarding intervertebral disc height, discs in grade 1 measured 10.71 ± 1.47 mm, those in grade 2 measured 9.95 ± 1.35 mm, in grade 3 measured 9.65 ± 1.62 mm, in grade 4 measured 8.70 ± 1.74 mm, and in grade 5 measured 6.52 ± 1.89 mm. This shows a trend of decreasing disc height as the degeneration grade increased (p<0.001). Furthermore, the CT numbers according to the degenerative grade were 57.34 ± 4.66 HU in grade 1, 67.64 ± 3.97 HU in grade 2, 75.75 ± 3.90 HU in grade 3, 86.51 ± 6.14 HU in grade 4, and 112.48 ± 10.89 HU in grade 5, all showing significant differences (p<0.001). Based on the results of this study, disc height and CT numbers (HU) could be clinically useful indicators for assessing the degree of DDD in Koreans.

Analysis of the Relationship between Maximum Oxygen Uptake and Physical Characteristics

Hyun-Tae OK , Su Jeong LEE , Kwang Min OH and 1 other persons | 2024, 37(3) | pp.151~160 | number of Cited : 0

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This study aims to analyze the relationship between subjects’ health, physical characteristics related to fitness, and VO2max measured by direct methods. The goal is to provide foundational data for developing safe, individualized, and systematic exercise prescription programs for health promotion and disease prevention. The study involved 30 men and 11 women in their 20s. All participants underwent measurements of body composition, anthropometry, muscle strength and endurance of the upper and lower extremities, and graded exercise tests (GXT) to determine VO2max, exercise load, heart rate, and blood pressure. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed on all measured data to determine the relationship between VO2max and physical characteristics. Body Fat Percentage (%BF) showed the strongest negative correlation with VO2max, with a correlation coefficient of -0.817. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that %BF had a significant relationship with VO2max, and the p-value was 0.000, which is statistically significant. Hip circumference exhibited a negative correlation with VO2max, with a correlation coefficient of -0.314. However, in the multiple regression analysis involving body measurements and VO2max, no statistically significant results were observed for any of the parameters. Upper body strength showed the strongest positive correlation with VO2max, with a correlation coefficient of 0.578. Nonetheless, the multiple regression analysis of physical function and VO2max did not yield statistically significant results. Maximum systolic blood pressure (SBPmax) during exercise demonstrated a strong positive correlation with VO2max, with a correlation coefficient of 0.787. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that SBPmax had a significant relationship with VO2max, with a p-value of0.000, which is statistically significant. This study emphasizes the importance of body fat percentage in relation to VO2max levels, which are known to be closely related to overall human health. Therefore, in terms of exercise prescription and programming, it is desirable to not only consider the relationship between cardiovascular fitness factors, such as VO2max, and body composition, which have traditionally been proven to be related, but also to take into account overall fitness factors, including improvements in strength and muscular endurance, which might otherwise be overlooked as important health-related fitness factors.

Expression Patterns of P2X3 and Vesicular Glutamate Transporters in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons and Their Changes during Peripheral Inflammation

Yun Sook Kim

, Jaehyun Hong

, Yi Sul Cho

and 1 other persons | 2024, 37(3) | pp.161~171 | number of Cited : 0

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Activation of purinergic receptor P2X3 expressed on the primary sensory neurons, induces the release of glutamate from their central and peripheral afferents, which is involved in both acute and chronic pain. However, little is known about the type of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) that is involved in the glutamate release associated with P2X3 activation. To address this issue, we investigated the expression of P2X3, VGLUT1, andVGLUT2 in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons by immunofluorescence under the normal condition and following inflammation induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-injection into the rat vibrissa pad. In addition, we examined the ultrastructure of P2X3-immunopositive (+) central terminals by electron microscopy. P2X3+ neurons were mostly small to medium-sized and frequently coexpressed VGLUT2, but rarely VGLUT1. In the CFA group, which exhibited thermal hyperalgesia, there was a significant increase in the number of P2X3+, VGLUT2+, andVGLUT2+/P2X3+ neurons compared with controls (P2X3+ neurons: 39.0% vs 28.4%, VGLUT2+ neurons:44.6% vs 34.9%, VGLUT2+/P2X3+ neurons: 33.8% vs 22.5%, p<0.05). Conversely, the numbers of VGLUT1+ and VGLUT1+/P2X3+ neurons did not significantly differ between the CFA group and controls (VGLUT1+ neurons: 28.8% vs 28.4%, VGLUT1+/P2X3+ neurons: 0.6% vs 0.5%). Additionally, P2X3+ axon terminals in the trigeminal caudal nucleus frequently received an axoaxonic synapse from an axon terminal containing pleomorphic vesicles, suggesting presynaptic modulation of P2X3-mediated sensory signals before synaptic transmission. These results indicate that 1) VGLUT2, rather than VGLUT1, is involved in glutamate release associated with P2X3 activation under acute and inflammatory pain conditions, and 2) P2X3+ primary afferents in the trigeminal caudal nucleus are finely regulated by various presynaptic mechanisms.

Forensic Anthropological Implication of Undetected Rib Fractures in Child Abuse Case

Jihyeong Lee

, Dae-Kyoon Park

| 2024, 37(3) | pp.173~180 | number of Cited : 0

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Forensic anthropologists play a crucial role in estimating the biological profile of skeletonized bones, including identifying fractures and taphonomic changes. It is also important to analyze the fracture patterns that occur in infants or children younger than 5 years because family members can cause the fractures. The aim of this study is to promote meticulous diagnosis and prevent child abuse by raising awareness among medical professionals. This case is for a male neonate who tragically passed away approximately five months after birth. According to the first hospital record, his right humerus was fractured due to his four-year-old sister pulling on his hand while his mother held him and tried to stand up. The diagnosis was made by X-ray images of the right humerus and the normal left humerus. After 17 days, a follow-up examination X-ray confirmed positive progress in treating the fracture. However, the child was later found dead at home, prompting an autopsy. The autopsy revealed not only the humeral fracture but also skull fractures and subdural hemorrhage. These findings led the police to re-examine the child’s previous hospital records. A forensic anthropologist identified possible fracture sites and calluses. Interestingly, the X-ray image of the right humeral fracture accidentally captured fractures in the 3rd to 8th left ribs, which were not visibly damaged. The follow-up X-ray, taken 17 days after the initial fracture, also revealed calluses in the same rib region. These observations were diagnosed by a professor of diagnostic radiology. Long bone fractures and rib fractures in infants or young children are frequently associated with “shaken baby syndrome” and “abusive head trauma.” Had the rib fractures been identified during the initial diagnosis of the right humeral fracture and reported as suspected child abuse, the child’s life might have been spared. However, if the radiologist focuses only on major fracture sites, it is possible that they may overlook the possibility of fractures in other parts of the body. It tends to underscores the importance of considering fractures in various body parts beyond major sites. In diagnosis of limb fractures in infants or young children, forensic discipline such as forensic anthropologists and forensic nursing might be helpful to identify overlooked other body part fractures and to exclude child abuse.

Case Study on Development of Convergence Career Exploration Educational Program in the Medical Arts Field

Sabeom Park

, Yunja Hwang

| 2024, 37(3) | pp.181~188 | number of Cited : 0

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TMEM14C is a Novel Biomarker for Prognosis And Diagnosis of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hye-Ran Kim

, Jongwan Kim

, Hyun Jun Woo

and 1 other persons | 2024, 37(3) | pp.189~199 | number of Cited : 0

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Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are frequently used as prognostic biomarkers for various cancer types, making them a significant area of interest in cancer research. The prognostic significance of transmembrane protein 14C (TMEM14C) and its association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) has not been explored in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). This study aimed to assess the potential prognostic value of TMEM14C by conducting a comprehensive analysis of online databases on LIHC. We evaluated the potential of TMEM14C as a prognostic biomarker using online databases such as TIMER, GEPIA2, UALCAN, OSlihc, and LinkedOmics. We observed that the mRNA expression of TMEM14C was upregulated in LIHC than that in normal tissues. Upregulated TMEM14C expression was associated with worse prognosis based on the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with LIHC. Furthermore, TMEM14C expression was positively associated with TIICs. In the co-expression and functional enrichment analyses of TMEM14C, 7,401 genes were positively associated with TMEM14C, whereas 12,520 genes showed negative associations. The results of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA)-Gene Ontology showed that TMEM14C-related co-expression genes were involved in protein localization to translational elongation, protein localization to the endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial gene expression. Furthermore, GSEA-Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that these genes regulated ribosomes, oxidative phosphorylation, and spliceosomes. A survival map revealed that 28 and 24 genes that were positively associated with TMEM14C showed significant hazard ratios for overall survival and diseasefree survival, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that TMEM14C is a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential tumor immune therapeutic target in patients with LIHC.

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Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 2024 KCI Impact Factor : 0.36

2024, Vol.37, No.3