• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.111-125
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• 2022

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum is one of the 30 prioritized medicinal plants for economic development of Nepal with a high trade value. Understanding the ecology of individual species is important for conservation and cultivation purposes. However, relation of ecological factors on the distribution and populations of Z. armatum in Nepal remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, an attempt has been made to study the population structure, distribution, and regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum. Vegetation sampling was conducted at six different localities of Salyan district along the elevation range of 1,000 m to 2,000 m. Results: Altogether 50 plant species belonging to 44 genera under 34 families were found to be associated with Z. armatum. Significantly higher species richness was found at Rim (1,400-1,700 m) and Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) and lower at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m). The highest population density of Z. armatum was at Kupinde (1,600-1,800 m) with a total of 1,100 individuals/ha. and the lowest at Chhatreshwori (1,800-2,000 m) with 740 individuals/ha. Based on the A/F value (Whitford index), it can be said that Z. armatum has random distribution in the study area. The plants were categorized into seedlings, saplings and adults based on plant height and the status of natural regeneration category determined. The regeneration potentiality of Z. armatum in the study area was fair with the average seedlings and saplings densities of 150 and 100 individuals/ha. Respectively. A Shannon-Weinner index mean value of 2.8 was obtained suggesting high species diversity in the study area. Conclusions: The natural distribution and regeneration of Z. armatum is being affected in the recent years due to anthropogenic disturbances. Increasing market demand and unsustainable harvesting procedures are posing serious threat to Z. armatum. Thus, effective conservation and management initiatives are most important for conserving the natural population of Z. armatum in the study area.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.195-202
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• 2022

This study explored the effects of Tai Chi on cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors among the Korean elderly. 68 elderly were selected and divided into two groups: an experiment group(34 patients) and a control group(34 patients). The experimental group practiced Tai Chi for 60 minutes a day, five times per week for 6 weeks total. The control group continued their routine levels of activity. CVD risk factors evaluated in both groups including body mass index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C). Each factor was measured before and after the 6-week intervention. Results showed that the experimental group had a significant decrease in measurements of body mass index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels. The experimental group also had an increase HDL-C level. Based on such findings, we believe that Tai Chi exercise program would function as an effective intervention strategy for preventing CVD in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that health and medical service personnel should seek to apply Tai Chi intervention as a daily component of elderly care.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-75
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• 2024

To create dynamic and bustling urban environments, a diverse array of commercial facilities is indispensable. These facilities are recognised as pivotal in attracting and accommodating a larger floating population, thereby suggesting that a greater diversity of commercial establishments fosters heightened consumer expenditure. With this premise, our study endeavours to explore the influence of commercial facility diversity on the Consumer Centre Index. Focused on the temporal context of 2021 and the spatial context of Seoul, our analysis utilizes the Consumer Centre Index, derived from Kernel Density analysis, as the dependent variable. Independent variables encompass factors reflecting commercial attributes and urban characteristics. Employing spatial regression analysis at the administrative district level, we discern that the clustering of similar industries exerts a more pronounced positive effect on consumer activation compared to the clustering of disparate industries. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of concentrating industries that bolster consumer activation. Anticipated outcomes of this study include insights beneficial for optimizing commercial facility location policies within the consumer market.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.146-153
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• 2024

The LEPR (leptin receptor) genotype is associated with obesity. Gut microbiome composition differs between obese and non-obese adults. However, the impact of LEPR genotype on gut microbiome composition in humans has not yet been studied. In this study, the association between LEPR single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1173100, rs1137101, and rs790419) and the gut microbiome composition in 65 non-obese Korean adults was investigated. Leptin, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also measured in all participants. Mean ± SD (standard deviation) of age, body mass index, and leptin hormone levels of participants was 35.2 ± 8.1 years, 21.4 ± 1.8 kg/m², and 7989.1 ± 6687.4 pg/mL, respectively. Gut microbiome analysis was performed at the phylum level by 16S rRNA sequencing. Among the 11 phyla detected, only one showed significantly different relative abundances between LEPR genotypes. The relative abundance of Candidatus Saccharibacteria was higher in the G/A genotype group than in the G/G genotype group for the rs1137101 single nucleotide polymorphism (p=0.0322). Participant characteristics, including body mass index, leptin levels, and other lipid levels, were similar between the rs1137101 G/G and G/A genotypes. In addition, the relative abundances of Fusobacteria and Tenericutes showed significant positive relationship with plasma leptin concentrations (p=0.0036 and p=0.0000, respectively). In conclusion, LEPR genotype and gut microbiome may be associated even in normal-weight Korean adults. However, further studies with a greater number of obese adults are needed to confirm whether LEPR genotype is related to gut microbiome composition.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.84-97
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• 2022

As the proportion of the elderly population increases rapidly, interest in musculoskeletal health is also emerging. Here, we investigated how antioxidant vitamin intake and musculoskeletal health are related. Adults aged 50 to 80 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 27.0 kg/m² were included. Bone mineral density (BMD), lean mass (LM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the grip strength and knee extension using hand dynamometer. Nutrient intakes were measured using a 24-hour recall questionnaire. A total of 153 adults (44 men and 109 women) participated in this study. A partial correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between vitamin E and BMD and between vitamin C and LM/Height. Participants were classified into three groups according to whether their vitamin E and C intake met the recommended intake for Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs). The prevalence of having low T-score (< -1.0) and low ASMI (< 7.0 for men and < 5.4 for women) was 51.3% and 15.4% in the group with vitamins C and E intakes below KDRIs. After adjusting for sex, smoking status and energy, protein, vitamin D, and calcium intake, the group with vitamins C and E both below the KDRIs displayed a significantly lower BMD at all test sites and LM/Height compared with vitamin C and/or E intake above the KDRIs groups. We conclude that sufficient intake of vitamin E and C is important for maintaining BMD and lean mass in Korean adults over 50 years of age.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.241-254
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• 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome. Recent studies examine different strategies to modulate its related complications. Chlorogenic acid, as a bioactive component of green coffee (GC), is known to have great health benefits. The present study aimed to determine the effect of GC on lipid profile, glycemic indices, and inflammatory biomarkers. Forty-four PCOS patients were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial of whom 34 have completed the study protocol. The intervention group (n = 17) received 400 mg of GC supplements, while the placebo group (n = 17) received the same amount of starch for six weeks. Then, glycemic indices, lipid profiles, and inflammatory parameters were measured. After the intervention period, no significant difference was shown in fasting blood sugar, insulin level, Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, Interleukin 6 or 10 between supplementation and placebo groups. However, cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels decreased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.05). This research confirmed that GC supplements might improve some lipid profiles in women with PCOS. However, more detailed studies with larger sample sizes are required to prove the effectiveness of this supplement.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.214-225
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• 2024

Polymorphisms in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene with occurrence and progression of chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence for complex interrelationships, including direct and indirect effects of these variables. This review specifically focuses on studying the effects of healthy diet interaction and MC4R polymorphisms on the development of CVD. The quantity and quality of carbohydrates and proteins consumed are related to obesity susceptibility and cardiometabolic risk factors. A healthy dietary pattern such as a Mediterranean dietary can modulate the association between MC4R polymorphisms (rs17782313) and the risk of CVDs. Also, the Nordic diet can reduce lipid profiles such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol levels. On the other hand, MC4R interaction with the dietary inflammatory index decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increases LDL-C and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, the DASH diet decreases TG, atherogenic index of plasma, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and serum glucose. The interaction between MC4R genes and diets plays an important role in the development of CVD. Adherence to healthy diets such as the Mediterranean, Nordic, Anti-inflammatory, and Dash diets might be an efficient strategy to prevent CVD. The potential for personalized diets to be developed for the treatment and prevention of CVD and its related comorbidities is expected to expand as this field develops.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.33-45
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• 2020

Object Although Taeeum and Soyang constitutional types have bigger body shapes and higher body mass index values than those with the Soeum, the relationship between the Sasang constitutional type and bone mass density is controversial and the association of osteopenia and osteoporosis remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis according to Sasang constitutional type. Methods A total of 2,508 participants were included in this study. Among the study participants, 1,396 had Taeeum type, 276 had Soeum type, and 836 had Soyang type, respectively. The relationships to bone mass density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis in those with Sasang constitutional type were estimated using logistic and linear regression models. Results Bone mass density was significantly higher in the order of Taeeum, Soyang, and Soeum group (p < 0.01). Soeum group in comparison with Taeeum or Soyang group was significantly associated with a high odds ratio for osteopenia and osteoporosis except in the hip and femoral neck in the comparison of Taeeum and Soeum group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the bone mass density of Soeum group decreased more rapidly as the age increased when compared with Taeeum and Soyang group. Conclusions Our findings may contribute to the early prevention and management of high-risk individuals with poor bone mass density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis using Sasang constitution medicine.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.580-587
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• 2019

Benthic macroinvertebrates were analyzed in March, June, September, and December 2018 to evaluate water quality in the Songji River in Sacheon-ci, Korea. The identified benthic macroinvertebrates included 447 individuals belonging to 20 species, 18 families, 12 orders, 5 classes, and 3 phyla. Various ecological parameters were estimated for evaluation of the river status. The total ecological score of benthic macroinvertebrate community (TESB) varied from 17 (Station D) to 41 (Station A). The saprobic index and ecological score of benthic macroinvertebrate community (ESB) for the evaluation of river status revealed a water quality evaluation at Station A of II (oligosaprobic), indicating some satisfactory water protection. The benthic macroinvertebrate index (BMI) varied from 25.207 (Site C) to 39.348 (Station A). The evaluation of the river status at Stations C and D was polysaprobic, and sensitive taxa were absent. The mean Shannon-Weaver index (H') of diversity varied from 1.288 (Station D) to 2.250 (Station A). The classification of saprobity based on H' was ${\beta}$-mesosaprobic at Station A and ${\alpha}$-mesosaprobic at the other stations. The value of geometric density was varied from 1.229 (Station A) to 2.071 (Station D), with a mean of 1.582. An artificial load is being added to this river. One of load is the rectal river construction which flows straight through the river physics. Thus, the environment of living organisms deteriorates due to insufficient water. In order to secure the quality of the Songji River and a good environmental habitat, several low-height stepped-beam structures are required.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.144-152
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• 2023

To evaluate the fire risk of combustible materials, Chung's equations VII, VIII, and IX were newly established. The fire risk index-IX (FRI-IX) and fire risk rating (FRR) were calculated. Ginkgo, dawn redwood, toona, lime, walnut, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were selected as test specimens. The combustion characteristics were evaluated using a cone calorimeter according to ISO 5660-1. After combustion, the fire performance index-VII (FPI-VII) of the specimens, varied between 15.15 and 182.53 s²/kW, as determined by Chung's equations, and the fire growth index-VII (FGI-VII) varied between 0.0023 and 0.0165 kW/s². The fire performance index-VIII (FPI-VIII) based on PMMA varied between 0.29 and 3.45, and the fire growth index-VIII (FGI-VIII) varied between 2.88 and 20.63. The FRI-IX, which is the fire risk rating, showed dawn redwood has a very high fire risk, with FRI-IX values of 71.14 (fire risk rating: G). Therefore, wood with a large amount of volatile organic compounds and a low bulk density showed a high value of FRI-IX by lowering FPI-VII and FPI-VIII and increasing FGI-VII and FGI-VIII.