• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.292-303
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• 2021

Studies that relate the structure of tropical regrowth vegetation to soil properties are generally lacking in the literature. This study proposes three indices for assessing the structural regeneration of secondary forests. They are: (1) the tree diameter class, (2) the plant life form and (3) the woody/herbaceous plants ratio indices. They were applied to assess the regeneration status of forest regrowth vegetation (aged 1-10 years), derived savanna regrowth vegetation in south western Nigeria, and to secondary forests in different stages of succession in Columbia and Venezuela, Bolivia, Mexico in South and Central America and semi-arid savanna in Ethiopia and seasonal deciduous forest successional stages in India. In all the cases, the indices increased with increasing age of regrowth vegetation and hence, with increasing structural complexity of regenerating vegetation. The tree diameter class index increased from 32.1% in a 9-year secondary forest to 69.0% in an 80-year-old secondary forest in Columbia and Venezuela and from 0.4% in a 1-year fallow to 20.9% in 10-year regrowth vegetation in southwestern Nigeria. In semi-arid savanna in northern Ethiopia, the woody/herbaceous plants ratio index increased from 18.1% in a 5-year protected grazing enclosure to 75.1% in 15-year protected enclosure, relative to the status of 20-year enclosure. The indices generally had correlations of 0.6-0.90 with species richness and Simpson's/Margalef's species diversity, implying that they are appropriate measures of ecosystem development over time. The proposed indices also had strong and positive correlations with soil organic carbon and nutrients. They are therefore, significant indicators of fertility status.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.1
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• pp.33-46
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• 2023

Background: Umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI; ANORO ELLIPTA, GSK) is a commonly used dual bronchodilator. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of UMEC/VI in Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over a 6-year period. Methods: This was an open-label, multicentre, observational, post-marketing surveillance study. A total of 3,375 patients were enrolled consecutively in 52 hospitals, by 53 physicians, between July 2014 and July 2020. Patients who were administered UMEC/VI (fixed-dose 62.5 ㎍/25 ㎍) at least once and were monitored for safety and effectiveness were included in the analysis. Incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported after administrating at least one dose of UMEC/VI were monitored, including unexpected adverse events (UAEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Effectiveness of UMEC/VI after 24 weeks of administration was also assessed using physician's evaluation (effective, ineffective/no change, worsening, indeterminable) and lung function improvement. Results: Of 3,375 patients, 3,086 were included in the safety assessment group (mean age±standard deviation: 69.76±8.80 years; 85.9% male [n=2,652]; 73.1% aged ≥65 years [n=2,255]). The overall incidence of AEs was 28.8% (n=890), of which 2.2% (n=67) were ADRs. Serious AEs and UAEs were reported in 181 (5.9%) and 665 (21.6%) patients, respectively, and two patients (<0.1%) reported unexpected severe ADR. Of the 903/3,086 patients analysed for effectiveness, most (82.8%, n=748) showed overall disease improvement after UMEC/VI treatment. Conclusion: This study confirmed UMEC/VI administered to Korean patients according to the prescribing information was well-tolerated and can be considered an effective option for COPD treatment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.132-142
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• 2004

Nutritional factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD) in the different age groups of Korean men were investigated to obtain baseline data for maintaining bone health. Information on diet and anthropometry was collected in 80 elementary school children, 83 high school students, 87 adults aged 25 to 35 years and 98 elderly people over 60 years of age. Data for food and nutrient intake were obtained by 24-hour recall method. BMDs of lumbar spine (L$_2$- L$_4$) and femoral neck were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The relationship between BMD and nutritional factors were analyzed. In the femoral neck, 5.7% of adults was classified as osteopenia and 47.9% and 37.8% of the elderly were classified as osteopenia and osteoporosis. It was shown that plant protein, Ca, p, Fe, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin C intakes were related with BMD in all age groups. As for the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of nutrients, the lowest quartile group of BMD showed significantly lower MAR among children. The RDA percent of nutrients was a strong influential factor on BMD. Subjects who consumed below 75% of Korean RDA in energy, vitamin A, thiamin, and vitamin C showed lower BMD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that MAR in children, vegetable Ca in adolescents, and vitamin C in adults and elderly people were the highest influential factor on BMD. Therefore, the above results demonstrated that not only calcium but also other nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin C were necessary in order to keep the healthy bone status. In addition, although there were various dietary factors that influenced bone density, MAR was identified as the major factor that affected bone density. Thus, a balanced diet that includes all nutrients is necessary for a healthy bone density. (Korean J Nutrition 37(2) : 132-142, 2004)

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7603-7606
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• 2015

Background: The chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin can cause acute and chronic forms of peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of chronic neuropathy and its risk factors in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with FOLFOX or XELOX regimens in the Oncology Ward of Hazrate-Rasoul Hospital in Tehran. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 patients with CRC were entered into our study, aged over 18 years, without history of receiving other neurotoxic agents or other predisposing factors such as diabetes or neurologic diseases and kidney and liver dysfunction. For the FOLFOX regimen, patients received oxaliplatin, 85mg/m2, every 2 weeks for 12 courses and with the XELOX regimen, oxaliplatin was $130mg/m^2$, every 3 weeks for 8 courses. Based on Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC or NCI-CTC v.3), the patients were divided into 5 groups (grades) based on the severity of their symptoms. Results: Fifty-seven patients (43.8%) were male and 73(56.2%) female. Some 19 patients (14.7%) had BMI<20, 97(74.6%) were between 20-25 and 14 (10.8%) ${\geq}25$. In 105 patients (80.7%) neuropathy was found. There was significant correlation between BMI, hypomagnesaemia and especially, severity of anemia in patients with neuropathy compared to those without. Conclusions: Oxaliplatin regimens can induce chronic neuropathy in CRC patients, with anemia, high BMI and hypomagnesaemia as risk factors that can predispose to this kind of neurotoxicity.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.3 s.35
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• pp.390-399
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• 1991

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between pesticide use and mortality, and cancer mortality which are recognized as health hazards of pesticides. Data were analyzed from a cohort of 6,066 people aged fifty-five or over and who have been residing in the main island of Kangwha county. Death certificates, computerized citizenship registers searches, and household interview survey lead to get more than ninety-seven percents follow-up rate for the first five year observation period. Important findings are as follows : 1. Age specific mortality rates of pesticide users are significantly lower than those of pesticides nonusers. The SMR of male is 0.80, and 0.58 for females respectively probably due to healthy worker effects. But, age specific cancer mortality rates are significantly higher than those of pesticide nonusers (SMR=1.59) in males. This finding is not observed in females (SMR=0.85), however. 2. Logistic regression analyses showed that self-reported health status, drinking, and smoking histories in male are significantly associated with total mortality rate. The histories of pesticide use are also calculated to be highly associated with cancer mortality as in univariate analyses in males. In female, self-reported health status, age of first delivery are found to be significantly related to total mortality rate. Only drinking history is calculated to be associated with cancer mortalities in females. Data from further observation of 'Kangwha cohort' and indepth analyses of these are highly expected.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.860-869
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• 2008

The purposes of this study were to investigate use patterns of nutrition information service of 50-and-older adults and analyze the differences in use patterns of nutrition information service according to their socio-demographic variables. The survey was conducted with 500 adults aged 50-and-over living in Seoul between March 28 and April 10, 2007. A total of 401 questionnaires were used for analysis (use rate 80.2%) and the statistical data analyses were completed using SPSS Win (ver 12.0). The main results of this study were as follows. First, most respondents (73.3%) realized the need for nutrition counseling or education. However, 65.3% of respondents have little experience in nutrition counseling or education. Second, the most preferred methods of nutrition counseling or education were field trips (27.7%), counseling in hospitals/public health centers (23.4%), cooking classes (23.2%). And the most often cited sources of nutrition information were TV/radio (66.6%) and newspapers/magazines/books (41.6%). Third, sociodemographic variables such as sex, age, education level, occupations were significantly related to methods of nutrition counseling or education. And variables such as age, education level, occupations were significantly related to often cited sources of nutrition information. Also sex, age, education level, occupations were significantly related to needs for nutrirtion information service.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.41-54
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to research on status of physical discomfort and clothing life including clothing inconvenience for enhancing self-reliance of elderly women, newly emerging consumer. The subject of research were 346 elderly women who aged 60 or older in Seoul and Seoul Suburbs. Survey consisted of questions about body discomfort, satisfaction and purchasing criteria of ready-to-wear, the inconvenience of clothing. The results of this study are as follows: Physical discomforts were generally associated with the ability to regulate body temperature. The biggest complaint of ready-to-wear was the price, and the next were the size and activity. In purchasing criteria, 'clothes to fit my body shape', 'clothes easy to put on and take off', 'comfortable clothes to work' showed high score. In clothing inconvenience, 'feel inconvenience due to several layers of clothing to avoid chilliness', 'feel heaviness in the waist due to tightness', 'feel chilliness even when wearing several layers of clothing in the winter' were the most uncomfortable parts. Subjects over the age of 80 years and needed the help of others in activities experienced more inconvenience in clothing life. It seems that body discomfort such as dulness of movement and loss of body temperature regulation capability due to aging had a influence on their clothing life. This problem could be improved by the adjustment of pattern allowance, the selection of the fastener, and the proper use of functional fabric. The results of this study will be used as a basis for development of the elderly women's clothing to increase convenience and mobility in everyday life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.351-360
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• 2012

Background: Identification of reliable predictors of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) will enable healthcare providers to intervene and change the patterns of LTPA in the population to improve community health. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine prevalence and pattern of LTPA among adult Saudis aged 18-65 years, and to define the socio-demographic determinants that correlate with LTPA in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2176 adult Saudis attending urban and rural primary health care centers were selected using a multistage proportionate sampling method. Participants were personally interviewed to gather information regarding socio-demographics, physical activity pattern using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Physical activity (PA) in each domain was expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). Results: The median total METs minutes/week for LTPA for both genders was 256, higher for men (636 METs minutes/week) compared to women (249METs minutes/week). Overall, only 19.8% of the total PA was derived from LTPA. Of the sampled population 50.0% reported doing no leisure activity. Using the cut off of 600 METs-minutes/day or 150 minutes of moderate intensity over 5 or more days/week, only 21.0% of the included sample were considered as being sufficiently active and 10.4% were in the high active category with beneficial health effects. Multivariate regression analysis showed that male, younger age (<35 years), absence of chronic disease conditions and moderate level of total PA were significant predictors for being active in the LTPA domain. Conclusion: The prevalence and intensity of LTPA among the included sample demonstrated low levels. Nearly 80% of the included sample population did not achieve the recommended LTPA level with beneficial health effects. Female gender, urban residence and associated chronic diseases correlated with a low LTPA.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.711-717
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• 2010

Purpose: Orphan lung diseases are defined as lung diseases with a prevalence of 1 or less in 2,000 individuals. Despite an increase in the numbers of patients with such diseases, few studies on Korean children have appeared. To obtain epidemiologic and demographic data on these diseases, we systematically reviewed reports on pediatric orphan lung diseases in Korea over the last 50 years. Methods: We reviewed 223 articles that have appeared since 1958 on orphan lung diseases in Korean children. These articles described a total of 519 patients aged between 0 and 18 years. We classified patients by year of publication, diagnosis, geographic region, and journal. Results: Of 519 patients, 401 had congenital cystic lung diseases and 66 had bronchiolitis obliterans. About 80% of patients were described in reports published in three journals, Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease (Korea), the Korean Journal of Pediatrics, and the Korean Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, in which papers on 157 (30.2%), 138 (26.6%), and 111 (21.4%) patients appeared, respectively. The frequency of publication of case reports has increased since 1990. Of the 519 patients, 401 (77.3%) were from Seoul/Gyeonggi-do and 72 (13.9%) from Busan/Gyeongsangnam-do. Conclusion: The prevalence of pediatric orphan lung disease has increased since 1990, and some provinces of Korea have a higher incidence of these diseases than do others. Studies exploring the incidence of pediatric orphan lung diseases in Korea are needed for effective disease management.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.315-320
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• 2018

Purpose: This study set out to evaluate the compliance to, and efficacy of oral supplementation, using a 1.5 kcal/mL or 1 kcal/mL sip feed, in children with mild to moderate malnutrition. Methods: This was a parallel, randomized, controlled open-label trial in children aged 3 to 6 years with a weight for height Z (WHZ) score <-1 and ${\geq}-3$, who were randomized to receive a total of 600 kcal/day from either a 1.5 kcal/mL or a 1.0 kcal/mL pediatric sip feed for 28 days. Assessments included daily study product intake, body weight, tolerance and dietary intake from solid food. Results: Of 110 children recruited, 98 ($mean{\pm}standard$ deviation of age $49{\pm}7months$) completed the study. Both sip feeds were well tolerated, with high compliance ($80{\pm}24%$ and $81{\pm}22%$ of prescribed volume in 1.5 kcal/mL and 1.0 kcal/mL groups respectively, p=0.79). Both study groups gained similar weight during the 28 days intervention period ($0.42{\pm}0.40kg$ in 1.5 kcal/mL group vs. $0.49{\pm}0.49kg$ in 1.0 kcal/mL group, p=0.43). There were no significant differences between the groups in weight gain and in the change in WHZ score over the intervention period. Dietary analysis at the end of the study did not show replacement of solid food by the oral nutritional supplements. Conclusion: In children with mild to moderate malnutrition, both 1.5 kcal/mL and 1 kcal/mL pediatric sip feeds had high compliance and were well tolerated, and were equally effective in promoting weight gain in the 28 days study period.