• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.301-313
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• 2024

Objective: The current body of evidence lacks clarity regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as minimally invasive treatments for benign thyroid nodules. The primary objective of this study is to clarify these concerns. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Europe PMC, and Medline databases until October 10th, 2023, using a combination of relevant keywords. This study incorporated literature that compared RFA and MWA for benign thyroid nodules. The primary outcome was the volume reduction ratio (VRR) from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcomes were symptom score, cosmetic score, ablation time, major complications rate, hemorrhage, hoarseness, skin burn, cough, and sympathetic nerve injury. We used Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. We employed random effects models to analyze the standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio for the presentation of outcomes. Results: Nine studies with 2707 nodules were included. The results of our meta-analysis indicated similar efficacy between RFA and MWA in terms of VRR during the 1 (SMD 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.13 to 0.26; P = 0.52) and 3 (SMD 0.11; 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.25; P = 0.12) months of follow-up. VRR was significantly higher in RFA than in MWA at the 6 (SMD 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.43; P = 0.008) and 12 month of follow-up (SMD 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.59; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between RFA and MWA in symptom scores, cosmetic scores, or the incidence of complications, including hemorrhage, hoarseness, skin burn, cough, and sympathetic nerve injury. Conclusion: RFA showed a higher VRR than MWA at 6 and 12-month follow-ups, with a comparable safety profile.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.162-171
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• 2007

Obesity is an independent risk factor fur coronary artery disease in the postmenopausal women, which may be mediated by alteration of blood lipid metabolism. We are aimed to evaluate the effects of low energy diet, restriction of high fat foods and exercise education on weight, fat mass and blood lipid profile. Fifteen postmenopausal obese women were studied. Subjects received detailed advice about how to achieve a reduction of weight by a low-energy diet (1,200kcal), restriction of high fat food and increased exercise in every 4 wks during 8 wk. To evaluate the effectiveness for education programs, dietary fat habit and daily nutrient intakes, exercise were tested before and after intervention. Anthropometry, computerized tomography, and blood lipid profile were assessed before and after intervention. According to the nutrition education, energy intake (from 1776.1 ${\pm}$ 28.2 kcal to 1268.7 ${\pm}$ 115.2 kcal, p < 0.001) and percent of energy from fat (21.9%, p < 0.01) were significantly decreased. However, the index of nutritional quality was over 1.0. On the contrary, exercise (from 341.3 ${\pm}$ 222.1 kcal to 569.4 ${\pm}$ 309.8 kcal, p < 0.05) was increased and dietary fat habit scores (from 30.8 ${\pm}$ 5.2 to 36.1 ${\pm}$ 3.0, p < 0.01) were improved. Also, body weight (4.2%, p < 0.001), BMI (4.5%, p < 0.001), body fat mass (3.4%, p < 0.05) and waist to hip ratio (1.1%, p < 0.05) were decreased. Among abdominal fat, visceral fat (26.1%, p < 0.05) and subcutaneous fat (14.8%, p < 0.01) were decreased. But there was no difference in visceral fat to subcutaneous fat ratio. We observed HDL-cholesterol increase (11.7%, p < 0.05), triglyceride reduction(14.8%, p < 0.05) and atherogenic index improvement (from 2.7 ${\pm}$ 0.7 to 2.3 ${\pm}$ 0.7, p < 0.05) However, there was no change in LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. Theses results showed that low energy diet, restriction of high fat foods and exercise education could result in reduction of body weight, fat mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat, and in improvement of blood lipid profile in the postmenopausal obese women.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.17-30
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• 2005

Lycopene is the red-coloured carotenoid predominantly found in tomato fruit and one of the major carotenoids in the diets of North American and Europeans. Interest in lycopene is growing rapidly following the recent publication of its effects as a natural antioxidant and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers. Lycopene, a polyene hydrocarbon carotenoid haying 13 double bond, of which 11 are conjugated double bonds in a linear array exhibits a strong antioxidant property almost twice as strong as that of ${\beta}$-carotene. Lycopene has been shown in recent epidemiological and experimental studies to protect against oxidative damage of DNA which plays an important part in development of various cancer. Lycopene also contribute towards reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by preventing oxidation of low-density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol. This review summarize our knowledge and the current understanding of lycopene in human health as well as the results of experiments we conducted. We conducted experiments for investigating the effects of antioxidant in broiler and the possibilities of production of high quality eggs containing lycopene by the dietary lycopene supplementation with synthetic lycopene or tomato paste. The results shows that thiobarbituric acid reaction substances(TBARS) values in process of LDL oxidation in blood serum of broiler were significantly decreased by dietary lycopene and tomato paste. The dietary lycopene supplementation resulted in improved egg yolk color and in decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) of egg yolk after 4 wk of storage at room temperature significantly(P<0.05). The dietary tomato paste was more effective in the MDA reduction compared to the lycopene(P<0.05). The contents of lycopene in egg yolk of the lycopene supplementation groups were significantly higher than those of the control group.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.383-392
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• 2000

Objective : We have reviewed the potential cancer preventive and other relevant properties of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which has been traditionally used as a natural tonic in oriental countries. Data identification and study selection: Publications on Panax ginseng and its relation to cancer were obtained from the Medline database (1983-2000) and by checking reference lists to find earlier reports. The reports cover experimental models and human studies on cancer-preventive activity, carcinogenicity and other beneficial or adverse effects. In addition, possible mechanisms of chemoprevention by ginseng were also considered. Results : Published results from a cohort and two case-control studies in Korea suggest that the intake of ginseng may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. When ginseng was tested in animal models, a reduction in cancer incidence and multiplicity at various sites was noted. Panax ginseng and its chemical constituents have been tested for their inhibiting effect on putative carcinogenesis mechanisms (e.g., cell proliferation and apoptosis, immunosurveillance, angiogenesis); in most experiments inhibitory effects were found. Conclusion : While Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer has shown cancer preventive effects both in experimental models and in epidemiological studies, the evidence is currently not conclusive as to its cancer-preventive activity in humans. The available evidence warrants further research into the possible role of ginseng in the prevention of human cancer and carcinogenesis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.95-104
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• 2002

Objects. There was an increase in obese population due to eating habits resulted in modernization of lifestyle and the change of the tendency to conduct the physical activity, in order words, the reduction in the range of kinetic energy. Obesity is viewed as a major risk factor for serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer as well as for psychological and social problems owing to our fat-phobic society. In the present study, we investigate the weight loss thanks to giving Handayulso-tang(HD) medication of Taeum-in to induced obesity rats and its effects on lipid metabolism, given that their behavior patterns are changed according to their constitution. Methods: The extracts of Handayulso-tang was orally administered to the rats of HD group 200mg/200g of rats weight every day for 6 weeks, and the control group were fed with equal amount of saline. And measured the body weight and total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid and total lipid contents in serum in obese rats. Results: 1. The body weight in HD group were decreased. 2. The contents of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride in HD group were decreased and statistically showed the significant difference compared with the control group. 3. The contents of serum free fatty acid and total lipid in HD group were decreased, but did not statistically show the significant difference compared with the control group. Conclusion: Based on the above results, we know that Handayulso-tang have effects on the decrease of the body weight and the contents of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid and total lipid So it could be concluded that Handayulso-tang can help the treatment of obesity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.274-278
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• 2020

Pig slurry (PS) is the most applicable recycling option as an alternative organic fertilizer. The application of pig slurry has the risk of air pollution via atmospheric ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. The zeolite has a porous structure that can accommodate a wide variety of cations, thus utilizing for the potential additive of deodorization and gas adsorption. This study aimed to investigate the possible roles of zeolite in mitigating NH3 and N2O emission from the pig slurry applied to the maize cropping. The experiment was composed of three treatments: 1) non-N fertilized control, 2) pig slurry (PS) and 3) pig slurry mixed with natural zeolite (PZ). Both of NH3 and N2O emission from applied pig slurry highly increased by more than 3-fold compared to non-N fertilized control. The NH3 emission from the pig slurry was dominant during early 14 days after application and 20.1% of reduction by zeolite application was estimated in this period. Total NH3 emission through whole period of measurement was 0.31, 1.33, and 1.14 kg ha-1. Nitrous oxide emission in the plot applied with pig slurry was also reduced by zeolite treatment by 16.3%. Significant increases in forage and ear yield, as well as nutrient values were obtained by pig slurry application, while no significant effects of zeolite were observed. These results indicate that the application of zeolite and pig slurry efficiently reduces the emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide without negative effects on maize crop production.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.345-359
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• 2024

Deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) increases aqueous humour outflow resistance leading to elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma, which remains the only modifiable risk factor. Resveratrol has been shown to counteract the steroid-induced increase in IOP and increase the TM expression of ECM proteolytic enzymes; however, its effects on the deposition of ECM components by TM and its associated pathways, such as TGF-β-SMAD signalling remain uncertain. This study, therefore, explored the effects of trans-resveratrol on the expression of ECM components, SMAD signalling molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator in dexamethasone-treated human TM cells (HTMCs). We also studied the nature of molecular interaction of trans-resveratrol with SMAD4 domains using ensemble docking. Treatment of HTMCs with 12.5 µM trans-resveratrol downregulated the dexamethasone-induced increase in collagen, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin at gene and protein levels through downregulation of TGF-β1, SMAD4, and upregulation of SMAD7. Downregulation of TGF-β1 signalling by trans-resveratrol could be attributed to its effect on the transcriptional activity due to high affinity for the MH2 domain of SMAD4. These effects may contribute to resveratrol's IOP-lowering properties by reducing ECM deposition and enhancing aqueous humour outflow in the TM.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.837-848
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• 2007

The literature suggested that a small reduction in overall blood pressure can have a large effect on overall prevalence of hypertension, and therefore, the affect of taste preferences of the population on salt intake should be considered for long-term blood pressure intervention programs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of salt taste preference and salt taste sensitivity on salt intake behavior as risk factors for high blood pressure. We collected information on blood pressure, diet and lifestyle behaviors, salt taste preference and salt taste sensitivity from 540 respondents from Suseo-dong, Seoul. Salt taste sensitivity was assessed by administering a 1% NaCl solution to the subject's tongue and measuring the perceived intensity on 10 level scale. Salt intake behavior was classified into 3 categories: frequency of high-sodium foods, practice of salt-reducing behavior and frequency of vegetable and fruit intake. Salt taste preference showed a significant relation to the subjects' blood pressure, i.e. subjects with a higher salt preference had higher blood pressure. Salt taste sensitivity did not show a significant relation to blood pressure. However, there was a positive correlation between salt taste preference and salt taste sensitivity. Among the 3 indicators used to measure salt intake behavior, the practice of salt-reducing behavior remained significantly correlated to blood pressure. Moreover, salt-reducing behavior and salt taste preference showed a significant correlation, i.e. people who do not like salty foods tend to practice more salt-reducing behavior, leading to reduced levels in blood pressure. In a population, a small reduction in overall blood pressure can have large effects in overall prevalence of hypertension, in contrast to clinical studies where achievement of an individual's normal blood pressure is emphasized. Therefore, taste preference of the population should be considered for long-term blood pressure intervention programs.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2010

Economic feasibility of power generation system using waste woody biomass in a circulating fluidized bed combustor has been investigated. Effects of important variables such as capital investment, cost of waste wood, certified emission reduction(CER), system marginal price(SMP) on the benefit of business have been analyzed. Internal rate of return(IRR) was predicted as 16.67%, which implicates the business is promising based on the assumptions such as SMP of 99 Won/kWh, capital cost of 10.65 billion won, and complimentary providing of waste wood. Major factors affecting the benefit of business were as follows; system marginal price, operational rate, capital investment, expenditure of waste wood, certified emission reduction. In addition, it must be necessary to consider CHP power plant providing steam as one of the means to diversify sales network, for the management of the business risk.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.12 no.4 s.31
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• pp.259-268
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• 2006

It has been recognized that high level of serum cholesterol is a risk factor associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Ingestion of probiotic lactic acid bacteria(LAB) in Kimchi would possibly be a method to decrease serum cholesterol in humans, as it was reported. In vitro culture experiment evaluated the effects of LAB(Leu. citreum, Lac. plantarum, Leu. mesenteroides, Weissella kimchii, W. confusa) extracted from Kimchi on cholesterol reduction in the MRS broth containing soluble cholesterol. Experimental strain of Leu. citreum and Leu. mesenteroides dominated in the first phase of Kimchi fermentation reduced the level of cholesterol 55.64% and 56.37%, respectively. Also, cholesterol lowering-effect was observed in over 55% of Lac. plantarum, W. kimchii and W. confusa strains, which were dominated in the end phase of fermentation. Our results suggest that selected probiotic LAB from Kimchi have an excellent cholesterol reducing effect in in vitro culture.