• CELLMED
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.6.1-6.6
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• 2016

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has now become more common in occurrence in women of reproductive age, particularly in urban and semi-urban population in India. So there is a need to investigate this phenomenon taking into consideration various aspects including possible treatment method to ameliorate/eradicate this syndrome, which has far reaching socio-economic impact and consequences, in view of infertility and irregular menstrual cycles frequently associated with this syndrome. Homeopathy is a branch of traditional alternative medicine which is gaining popularity in India and some other developing countries, as also in some of the developed countries in Europe. With this background scenario, we have made an attempt to treat cases of confirmed PCOS and tried to compare the relative efficacy of two potentized homeopathic drugs, namely, Lycopodium clavatum (Lyco) and Calcarea carbonica (Calc), most frequently used by homeopathic practitioners, selecting different potencies of the drugs, depending on condition/guiding symptom(s) of the patients. While the main focus was pointed on total/partial removal of cysts, data pertaining to different PCOS associated symptoms were also compared for the sake of learning if the two drugs had differential effects on these symptoms also. The study parameters in this investigation included: regularity/irregularity of menstrual cycle, presence/absence of acne, hirsutism, male type alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, body/mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio. Overall results provided clear evidences that both these homeopathic drugs had great ameliorating effects on PCOS, although each drug had a little different effect in respect of the individual parameters of this study.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.242-248
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• 2007

It is known that onion increases antioxidative and antibiotic capacity, and decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study was carried out to investigate whether ethanol extract of onion can enhance blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic patients. Foully three hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; 25 in controls and 18 in experimental group. The control group was offered to take placebo for 4 weeks (200 ml/day), and experimental group was offered to consume ethanol extract of onion for 8 weeks (200 ml/day that corresponds to 500 g of onion). There were no differences in sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and educational levels between groups before treatment. After 8 weeks of onion extract consumption, plasma triglycerides level was significantly decreased in experimental group compared to control (p<0.05). Total cholesterol level was tended to decrease in experimental group, but there was no significant difference of change between control and experimental group. The levels of plasma glucose and LDL-cholesterol were not changed significantly after onion extract consumption. In summary, alcohol extract of onion may have a positive effect on the lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemia patients through decreasing plasma triglyceride concentration.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.94-102
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• 2014

Diet attrition and failure of long term treatment are very frequent in obese patients. This study aimed to identify pre-treatment variables determining dropout and to customise the characteristics of those most likely to abandon the program before treatment, thus making it possible to modify the therapy to increase compliance. A total of 146 outpatients were consecutively enrolled; 73 patients followed a prescriptive diet while 73 followed a novel brief group Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) in addition to prescriptive diet. The two interventions lasted for six months. Anthropometric, demographic, psychological parameters and feeding behaviour were assessed, the last two with the Italian instrument VCAO Ansisa; than, a semi-structured interview was performed on motivation to lose weight. To identify the baseline dropout risk factors among these parameters, univariate and multivariate logistic models were used. Comparison of the results in the two different treatments showed a higher attrition rate in CBT group, despite no statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms (P = 0.127). Dropout patients did not differ significantly from those who did not dropout with regards to sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), history of cycling, education, work and marriage. Regardless of weight loss, the most important factor that determines the dropout appears to be a high level of stress revealed by General Health Questionnaire-28 items (GHQ-28) score within VCAO test. The identification of hindering factors during the assessment is fundamental to reduce the dropout risk. For subjects at risk, it would be useful to dedicate a stress management program before beginning a dietary restriction.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.421-428
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• 2012

Several studies revealed that low calcium intake is related to high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is high in Koreans along with their low dietary calcium consumption. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium intake between the hypertension and normotension groups and to investigate the correlation between dietary calcium intake and blood pressure, blood lipid parameters, and blood/urine oxidative stress indices. A total of 166 adult subjects participated in this study and were assigned to one of two study groups: a hypertension group (n = 83) who had 140 mmHg or higher in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or 90 mmHg or higher in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and an age- and sex-matched normotension group (n = 83, 120 mmHg or less SBP and 80 mmHg or less DBP). The hypertension group consumed 360.5 mg calcium per day, which was lower than that of the normotension group (429.9 mg) but not showing significant difference. In the hypertension group, DBP had a significant negative correlation with plant calcium (P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and energy intake. In the normotension group, total calcium and animal calcium intake were significantly and positively correlated with serum triglycerides. No significant relationship was found between calcium intake and blood/urine oxidative stress indices in both groups. Overall, these data suggest reconsideration of food sources for calcium consumption in management of the blood pressure or blood lipid profiles in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2007

The present study was carried out to evaluate the physiological effects of mushroom supplementation on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects were randomized into either a control group or mushroom supplementation group. Mushroom supplementation was provided 3 times a day for 4 weeks. We found that total dietary fiber intake was about 2.5 times higher (30.3 g vs. 12.3 g) in subjects receiving mushroom supplementation than in the control group. Two groups maintained the same food intake and amount of activity, exercise during the supplementation. We observed no difference in age, height, weight, BMI (body mass index), blood pressure between the groups. Nutrient intake did not differ appreciably between the two groups, except for fiber intake, during the supplementation. Fasting blood glucose levels and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly lower in those ingesting mushroom than in controls. Furthermore, the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased significantly in the mushroom supplementation group. Small changes were observed in the concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of those supplemented with mushroom, but these changes were not statistically significant. Activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase with mushroom supplementation were higher than in controls, but and glutathione peroxidase activity was not affected. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance of mushroom group were lower than control group, but were not significant. We conclude that addition of mushroom influences glycemic control and may be effective in lowering blood lipids and improving antioxidant enzyme activities. Accordingly, such effects may reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, to confirm these effects and to make dietary recommendations for patients with type 2 diabetes, further studies are necessary.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.347-361
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate dietary intake between with and without hypertension. Study subjects were more than 30 years old adults (n = 3,806) who participated in the 2001 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. People who have 'self-recognition about hypertension' and 'having diet for hypertension' were excluded. Using the WHO standard, subjects were divided into the hypertensive group (SBP> 140, DBP> 90) and the normal group (SBP< 140, DBP< 90). The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) of a hypertensive group were higher than those of a normal group (p < 0.01). The distribution of the subjects for smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, stress, preference of salty food were not significantly different between a normal group and a hypertensive group (p>0.05). Dietary intakes were investigated by the 24-hour recall method. When food and dish intakes analyzed by sociodemographic factors, normal group consumed more fruits than those of a hypertensive group. Statistical significant were shown at female group, residences in metropolitan area and having elementary school education (p<0.05). Hypertensive group consumed more alcoholic beverages than those of a normal group at 'age 39-39', 'aged 50-64', 'high economic status', 'low economic status' and 'residences in metropolitan' (p<0.05) The amount of intakes for fat, potassium, thiamin, vitamin C and alcohol were significantly different between the normal group and the hypertensive group (p<0.05). The highest score of the Dietary diversity score (DDS) was 4 in both normal group and hypertensive group. Normal group showed high Nutrition Density (ND) of vitamin C and hypertensive group showed high ND of sodium. In summary, these results showed that significant difference for people with hypertension were intakes of fruits, alcohol, thiamin, vitamin C. And these results differed by sociodemographic groups. Therefore, the differential approach in each group is demanded for prevention and control of the hypertension.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.111-117
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• 2007

The study aims to measure and analyze the thickness and depth of blood vessel on the pulse diagnosis locations and the blood velocity through the use of ultrasonic waves (LOGIQ5PRO, GE Medical, U.S.) in order to understand the structural difference of pulse diagnosis locations. The subjects included 44 healthy men and women(22.28${\pm}$2.62 age) considered normal in terms of Body Mass Index(BMI). The thickness and depth of the blood vessel and the blood velocity were measured three times on CHON, KWAN and CHUCK to obtain the average value. Results showed there is a statistically significant difference among the variables measured on CHON, KWAN and CHUCK. A difference according to gender was also observed. This explains why an oriental medical doctor can tell the difference in pulses depending on the location of CHON, KWAN and CHUCK. In addition, the difference in pressure between CHON and KWAN was higher than that in pressure between KWAN and CHUCK. The findings explain why oriental medical doctors take pulses by dividing CHON, KWAN and CHUCK in the short length of the three fingers. It can be used to develop a pulse diagnosis device enabling accurate measurement according to the characteristics of blood vessel structure based on where the pulse is taken. Furthermore, the results can be used as basic data for the development of a pulse diagnosis simulator.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.227-235
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to analysis the effect of form of outsole on lower leg Electromyography (EMG) during gait. The subject were 11 women(mean age $47.33{\pm}4.4$ years, height $158.00{\pm}3.3$cm, weight $59.50{\pm}6.1$, body mass index $23.80{\pm}1.8kg/m^2$), who had no serious foot musculoskeletal disease within3years prior to study. The vastus medialis, gastrocnemius, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior were compared during gait with 2 types of shoe(complex function double rocker sole, negative-heel rocker sole) by using pair t-test(p<.05). The vastus medialis, gastrocnemius, semitendinosus were not found to be significantly different among the 2 types of shoe but tibialis anterior were found(p<.05). The complex function double rocker sole shoe caused a significant change in energy expenditure compared to the negative-heel rocker sole shoe.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.233-245
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary habits and nutrient intakes on skin condition of female university students. The subjects were 95 female university students in Daegu. This study examined anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, food intake habits and skin condition (moisture, elasticity, sebum (U-zone, T-zone), pores, evenness and melanin pigmentation. The subjects in this study had an average age of 21.4, an average height and weight of 161.2 cm and 52.9 kg, respectively, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 20.3 $kg/m^2$. The means of skin elasticity, pores, evenness, and melanin pigmentation were within the normal range of women in their 20s and the skin moisture state was slightly lower than the normal range, which showed a dry tendency. The sebum in the U-zone and the T-zone was lower than the standard values, which showed less secretion in both areas. The subjects with high nut intake showed a better skin pore state (p < 0.05). Those with a high intake of instant foods showed a sig-nificantly low skin moisture and a significantly higher sebum rate (p < 0.05). The group with high skin elasticity and the group with less melanin pigmentation showed a significantly low animal protein intake (p < 0.05). The group with high skin elasticity also showed a significantly higher vitamin A and niacin intakes as well (p < 0.05). The group with high skin evenness showed a significantly lower animal lipid intake and a significantly higher vitamin E intake (p < 0.05). In addition, those with high skin elasticity and evenness as well as low melanin pigmentation showed a tendency of high intake of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, carotene, vitamin C or vitamin E. In summary, a moderate intake of plant-based products and also the antioxidant vitamins within such products seems to have a beneficial effect on maintaining a healthy and good skin condition.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.125-130
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was undertaken in order to identify the characteristics of patients diagnosed with occult an hip fracture after hip trauma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiology reports of all patients who underwent hip skeletal computed tomography (CT) for suspected hip fractures but had normal initial X-rays after hip trauma between August 2006 and January 2012. The variables evaluated included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), accident mechanism, previous fracture, independence, late presentation, ability to bear weight, pain on passive rotation, tenderness of the groin area, diagnosis and treatment. Patients were divided into two groups, with hip fracture (occult hip fracture group) and without hip fracture (no fracture group) to evaluate the characteristics associated with an occult hip fracture. Results: The patients, a total of 139, had a mean age of 58.3 years and included 72 male patients(51.8%). The occult hip fracture group included 43 patients(30.9%). Of those 43, 21 patients(48.8%) had intertrochanteric or trochanteric fractures, 8 patients(18.6%) had femur neck fractures and 14 patients(32.6%) had acetabular fractures. Of the 43, 15 patients(34.9%) needed operative treatment. Age was higher in the occult hip fracture group than it was in the no fracture group($64.4{\pm}19.1$ years vs. $55.5{\pm}23.6$ years, p=0.021). A previous fracture was associated with the presence of a new fracture (p=0.014; OR=3.971, 95% CI=1.314-11.997). Conclusion: Further evaluation of patients who are older or have history of fractures is prudent, even though the initial X-rays are normal.