• Journal of Oriental Medical Thermology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2010

Purpose : Most pregnant women avoid laking medicine and acupuncture treatment because of its affect on the unborn baby. However, for a healthy pregnancy, appropriate treatments are needed. Until now, there hasn't been much research about acupuncture therapy on pregnant women in Korea. so we decided to review the kinds of research that have been done in the recent 10 years. Methods : We researched for papers associated with pregnancy and acupuncture. Type of research was limited to randomized controlled trials in the recent 10 years. Results : 58 papers were found. Researches associated with pregnancy and acupuncture could be divided into symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth, and infertility. General acupuncture treatment, acupressure band, and finger pressure therapy was used for morning sickness. General acupuncture treatment was most commonly used for pregnancy-related back pain. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment were used for breech presentation. Conclusion : Further research needed for more acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in pregnant women.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.101-108
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• 2010

It is estimated that the elderly will constitute 24.3% of the entire Korean population in 2030, when about 7,125,000 baby boomers reach retirement age. Therefore, this aging phenomenon might be the most urgent issue facing Korean society. The baby boom generation shows a strong tendency to dispose of existing residences or move into new housing after retirement, thereby exerting enormous impacts on social and economic sectors as well as the housing market. Against this backdrop, this study aims to identify both factors and patterns behind baby boomer retirees' post-retirement housing transfer trends. To this end, a survey is undertaken here with respect to those baby boomers living in Gangnam-gu and Seocho-gu with actual housing transfer plans in the foreseeable future, and who can act as a practical consumer group for the future housing market. This study verifies baby boomers' diverse preferences for housing type. Their preference for apartment houses still remains high in every situation, and this has significant implications for changed preferences of other housing types considering that most of the survey respondents currently reside in apartment houses. According to the survey, there are more than 80 kinds of baby boomers' housing transfer patterns, which demonstrates that more than half of the survey respondents pursue different housing mobility plans. When it comes to the factors behind their housing selection, the baby boom generation shows a strong preference for physical factors. However, environmental and psychological factors gain more momentum under unfavorable circumstances, while social factors play a decisive role in their housing selection in categories such as 'couple/deteriorating health' and 'single/healthy'.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.157-171
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• 2010

This study aimed to investigate the effect of four common types of Qigong position (standing, sitting, supine, and horse-riding position) on the autonomic nervous system. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this study once a week for four weeks. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was measured three times (before, during, and after the position) while the subject maintained one of four positions for ten minutes. There were significant changes in HRV components compared with EEG power spectra in the standing position. Especially, the ratio of low-to-high frequency (LF/HF) which represents a state of balance of autonomic nervous system was increased. In the sitting position, $\beta$ wave which reflects a state of alert consciousness was increased and both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves were activated. On the other hand, in the spine position, $\theta$ wave which signifies a state of relaxation was increased and heart rate (HR) was decreased. Activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves was also observed in this position. Significant increases of indices related to awakening and concentration were observed accompanied by increase of HR and a sympathetic nerve was activated in the riding-horse position. In the present study, it was shown that each Qigong position caused various and significant changes in autonomic nervous system. It would be expected that these results can be applied in the choice of appropriate Qigong position according to objective of Qigong therapy although it is remained to further evaluate the effects of long-term maintenance of Qigong positions and repeated Qigong training.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.182-195
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• 2024

Background: Invasive alien plant species (IAP) significantly threaten Nepal's protected areas and local communities. Understanding their distribution, impact, management, and utilization is essential for developing effective management strategies and sustainable utilization practices. The systematic literature review of publications from 2010 to 2023. The search was conducted through the database Nepal Journal online database (NepJOL) and Google Scholar, yielding an initial pool of 4,304 publication. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria; we meticulously reviewed 43 articles for data extraction. Results: Seventeen IAP are found in protected area, Nepal with the highest prevalence observed in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, followed by Chitwan and Sukhlaphanta National Park. The most problematic species in terrestrial ecosystems are Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara, and Chromolaena odorata. The grassland ecosystems of wildlife habitats, primarily in the Terai and Siwalik regions, are the most invaded. Various management approaches are employed to mitigate the spread and impact of IAP, including mechanical methods such as uprooting, burning, and cutting. However, these methods are costly, and context-specific interventions are needed. The study also explores the potential use of IAP for economic, ecological, or cultural purposes, such as medicinal properties, energy production potential, and economic viability. Local communities utilize these plants for animal bedding, mulching, green manure, briquette, and charcoal production. Conclusions: Applying silvicultural practices alongside mechanical management is recommended to maintain a healthy terrestrial ecosystem and utilize the removed biomass for valuable products, thereby reducing removal costs and increasing income sources, potentially benefitting both local communities and wildlife in protected areas.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2010

Losartan potassium, 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]imidazole-5-methanol mono-potassium salt, is a new class of antihypertensive agents, and is an antagonist in angiotensin receptor. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two Losartan potassium tablets, Cozaar tablet (MSD Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Losata tablet (Kyung Dong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of losartan from the two losartan potassium formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media. Twenty eight healthy male subjects, $23.86{\pm}1.80$ years in age and $67.27{\pm}6.60\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single tablet containing 50 mg as losartan potassium was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals, and the concentrations of losartan in serum were determined using HPLC with fluorescence detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated, and Equiv Test/K-BE Test 2002 was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, Cozaar, were -2.70%, 1.45% and 2.31% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., log 0.8852~log 1.0655 and log 0.8319~log 1.2342 for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Losata tablet was bioequivalent to Cozaar tablet.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.125-131
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• 2010

A bioequivalence study of LANIDIEM$^{(R)}$ tablet 4 mg (Samil. Co., Ltd.) to Vaxar$^{(R)}$ tablet 4 mg (GlaxoSmithKline Co., Ltd.) was conducted according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Forty healthy male Korean volunteers were enrolled in the study and thirty six volunteers completed the study according to the protocol. Thirty six volunteers received each medicine at the lacidipine dose of 4 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was one week wash-out period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of lacidipine were monitored by a high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for over a period of 24 hours after drug administration. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for LANIDIEM$^{(R)}$/Vaxar$^{(R)}$ were log 0.8102~log 1.0417 and log 0.8493~log 1.1439, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of log 0.80~log 1.25. Thus, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of LANIDIEM$^{(R)}$ tablet 4 mg and Vaxar$^{(R)}$ tablet 4 mg with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.109-115
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• 2010

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two choline alphoscerate soft capsules, Gliatilin soft capsule (Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) and Cholicerin soft capsule (Sam Chun Dang Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Serum concentrations of choline after oral administration of choline alphoscerate were determined using a validated LC/MS/MS method. This method showed linear response over the concentration range of 0.5-20 ${\mu}g$/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The lower limit of quantitation using 100 ${\mu}L$ of serum was 0.5 ${\mu}g$/mL which was sensitive enough for pharmacokinetic studies. Thirty six healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the choline alphoscerate dose of 1200 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was a one-week washout period between the doses. Blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals up to 8 hr. $AUC_t$ (the area under the serum concentration-time curve from time 0 to 8 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (the maximum serum drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (the time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the serum concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters, indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for Cholicerin/Gliatilin were log0.9998-log1.1172 and log0.9938-1.0944, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of log0.80-log1.25. Thus, the criteria of the KFDA guidelines for the bioequivalence was satisfied, indicating Cholicerin soft capsule and Gliatilin soft capsule are bioequivalent.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2010

Ibudilast, 3-isobutyryl-2-isopropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, is a nonselective inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE). It preferentially inhibits PDE 3A, PDE4, PDE10 and PDE11 as well as a number of the other PDE families, albeit to a lesser extent. Ibudilast is used clinically to treat bronchial asthma and cerebrovascular disorders. Thes e clinical uses are based on the ability of ibudilast to inhibit platelet aggregation, improve cerebral blood flow and attenuate allergic reactions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two ibudilast capsules, Ketas capsule (Handok Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) and Pinatos capsule (Sam Chun Dang Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The in vitro release of ibudilast from the two ibudilast formulations was tested using KP Apparatus method with various dissolution media. Twenty six healthy male subjects, 23.31${\pm}$1.09 years in age and 70.45${\pm}$8.51 kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single capsule containing 10 mg as ibudilast was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of ibudilast in serum were determined using HPLC/UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated, and computer programs (Equiv Test and K-BE Test 2002) were utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, Ketas, were 6.99%, -2.48% and 9.93% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., log 0.8791~log 1.1861 and log 0.8347~log 1.1199 for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Pinatos capsule was bioequivalent to Ketas capsule.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.799-804
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• 2010

In humans, CYP2C19, a member of the cytochrome P450 subfamily, metabolizes arachidonic acid to produce epoxyicosanoid acids, which are involved in vascular tone and regulation of blood pressure (BP). Recent findings suggest that CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms might be considered as a novel candidate gene for cardiovascular disease. We thus focused on the Korean population to explore the association of two polymorphisms ($CYP2C19^*2$ and $^*3$) in this gene and essential hypertension (EH). A total of 1,241 participants (537 hypertensive subjects and 704 healthy controls) were recruited from the Yonsei Cardiovascular Genome Center in Korea. The CYP2C19 polymorphisms were genotyped using the $SNaPShot^{TM}$ assay. The allele and genotype frequencies of $CYP2C19^*3$ showed significant difference between hypertensives and normotensives (P=0.019 and P=0.023, respectively). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the $CYP2C19^*3$ A allele carriers were significantly associated with EH (OR, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.538-0.972, P=0.032) under a dominant model. In addition, CYP2C19 G-A haplotype ($2C19^*2\;G-^*3$ A combination) was found to significantly reduce EH risk (OR, 0.714, P=0.015). We believe this provides evidence that $CYP2C19^*3$ polymorphism may contribute to a protective effect in the development of EH.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.1790-1799
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• 2010

A controlled and double blinded trial was performed to evaluate the effects of OPE supplementation on blood circulation in healthy male smokers. The study population consisted of 92 healthy male smokers aged $44.4{\pm}7.8$ years. The supplement group (n=49) received OPE containing 100 mg quercetin/day for 10 weeks, while the control group (n=43) received placebo powders. The prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time increased significantly after OPE consumption, indicating the attenuated blood clot formation by OPE. In conclusion, these results indicate that the daily consumption of OPE (containing 100 mg quercetin) for 10 weeks exerts significant health benefits through the modulation of physiological functions including the blood circulation in male smokers.