• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.437-450
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the flora of Is. Gageo (Jeollanam-do). The vascular plants were collected 13 times (from June 2008 to September 2011), and 465 taxa in total were identified, including 112 families, 301 genera, 402 species, 3 subspecies, 49 varieties, 9 forms and 2 hybrids. 171 taxa were first records for the region. Among them were seven taxa of Korean endemic plants and the Ministry of Environment-designated plants, which should be protected by the wildlife protection law, were identified as three taxa. There were 54 taxa of the flora with the levels III, IV, V in the floristic indicator plants which was designated by Ministry of Environment. The naturalized plants were identified as 29 taxa, and their naturalization ratio and urban index were found to be 6.2% and 9.0% respectively. There existed many kinds of plants resources having conservational value like $Loxogramme$ $salicifolia$, $Sarcandra$ $glabra$, $Osmanthus$ $insularis$, $Saussurea$ $polylepis$, $Carex$ $ligulata$ var. $austrokoreensis$, $Hosta$ $jonesii$, $Cyrtosia$ $septentrionalis$, etc., in this area. As therefore clear that appropriate plans to conserve the natural habitat of Is. Gageo must be made immediately.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise program on activities of daily living (ADL), balance and cognition in elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Methods: Thirty-two patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment were assigned to one of two groups: an exercise group (n=16) and a control group (n=16). The exercise group carried on regular exercise for 60 minutes a day, 4-5 times per week for 8 weeks. The exercise group participated in an exercise program (treadmill training and physical training). ADL, balance and cognitive function were evaluated before and at the end of the program using the Korean modified Bathel Index (K-MBI), the Functional independence measure (FIM), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Balance performance monitor (BPM), and the Mini mental state examination (MMSE) in both groups. Results: There were significant exercise-induced improvements in ADL and Balance from pre to post tests; but not in MMSE. Conclusion: Exercise programs can improve ADL and balance in elderly with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.259-262
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• 2011

Compared to acupuncture, the pulsed magnetic field (PMF) stimulus is a useful tool for treatment of many physical conditions and health maintenance due to its advantages as a noninvasive and nontoxic medical treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PMF stimulus direction at PC9 on the alpha activity of electroencephalogram (EEG) and vascular aging calculated from photoplethysmograph (PPG). It can be concluded that the direction of PMF stimulus affects the increase of alpha activity of EEG and PPG, indicating the vascular stiffness and the sclerosis level of blood vessels weakly relevant to the direction of PMF stimulus.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.153-165
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to provide basic data for the conservation of wetland ecosystems in the Civilian Control Zone and the management of Yongyangbo wetlands in South Korea. Yongyangbo wetlands have been designated as protected areas. A field survey was conducted across five sessions between April 2019 and August of 2019. A total of 248 taxa were identified during the survey, including 72 families, 163 genera, 230 species, 4 subspecies, and 14 varieties. Their life-forms were Th (therophytes) - R₅ (non-clonal form) - D₄ (clitochores) - e (erect form), with a disturbance index of 33.8%. Three taxa of rare plants were detected: Silene capitata Kom. and Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. known to be endangered species, and Aristolochia contorta Bunge, a least-concern species. S. capitata is a legally protected species designated as a Class II endangered species in South Korea. A total of 26 taxa of naturalized plants were observed, with a naturalization index of 10.5%. There was one endemic plant taxon (Salix koriyanagi Kimura ex Goerz). In terms of floristic target species, there was one taxon in class V, one taxon in Class IV, three taxa in Class III, five taxa in Class II, and seven taxa in Class I. Three invasive alien species (Ambrosia trifida L., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., and Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc) were observed. For continuous conservation of Yongyangbo Wetlands, it is necessary to remove invasive alien plants and block the inflow of non-point pollutants.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.98-104
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in end-stage renal disease patients and its change after kidney transplantation (KT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent KT between 2007 and 2018 at two tertiary centers. We analyzed 488 patients (median age, 53 years; 58% male) who had obtained echocardiography both before and within 3 years after KT. Conventional echocardiography and LV GLS assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography were comprehensively analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the absolute value of pre-KT LV GLS (|LV GLS|). We compared longitudinal changes of cardiac structure and function according to pre-KT |LV GLS|. RESULTS: Correlation between pre-KT LV EF and |LV GLS| were statistically significant, but the constant was not high (r = 0.292, p < 0.001). |LV GLS| was widely distributed at corresponding LV EF, especially when the LV EF was > 50%. Patients with severely impaired pre-KT |LV GLS| had significantly larger LV dimension, LV mass index, left atrial volume index, and E/e' and lower LV EF, compared to mildly and moderately reduced pre-KT |LV GLS|. After KT, the LV EF, LV mass index, and |LV GLS| were significantly improved in three groups. Patients with severely impaired pre-KT |LV GLS| showed the most prominent improvement of LV EF and |LV GLS| after KT, compared to other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in LV structure and function after KT were observed in patients throughout the full spectrum of pre-KT |LV GLS|.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.162-181
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze the current status of both exotic and naturalized plants in the designated Cultural Preservation Area located in Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do in order to identify traditional cultural places and to provide basic information to prepare a conservation strategy. The vascular plant species was identified as having 114 taxa: 50 families, 93 genera, 94 species, 16 varieties and 4 forms in King Sejong's Prince Taesil. Among them are 15 taxa of the exotic plant species and 16 taxa of naturalized plant species, which resulted in 14.04% of the Naturalization Rate and 5.90% of the Urbanization Index. The vascular plant species was identified as 68 taxa: 40 families, 64 genus, 57 species, 8 varieties and 4 forms in the Seongju Hyanggyo. Among them, the exotic plants recorded 17 taxa with 30 taxa of naturalized plants. The Naturalization Rate was 44.12% and Urbanization Index was 11.07%. The Seongbaksup, which was a grove outside of the Seongju Fortress recorded 61 taxa: 34 families, 58 genera, 55 species, 5 varieties and 1 form. Among them, the exotic plant species consisted of 10 taxa with 17 taxa of naturalized plants, with a 27.87% Naturalization Rate and a 6.27% Urbanization Index. The vascular plant species was recorded as 230 taxa: 92 families, 183 genus, 182 species, 1 subspecies, 32 varieties and 14 forms in Hangae Village. Among them, exotic plants consist of 28 taxa with 85 naturalized plant species, with a Naturalization Rate of 37.12% and Urbanization Index of 31.37%. The vascular plant species in the Seongsan Ancient Tomb is recorded as having 131 taxa: 55 families, 107 genus, 106 species 19 varieties and 6 forms. Among them, exotic plants consist of 18 classifications, and naturalized plants consist of 22 classifications with a Naturalization Rate of 16.79% and an Urbanization Index of 8.12%. The Seongju Hangyo recorded the highest Naturalization Rate among all surveyed sites in Hangae Village. All five of these surveyed sites will require a management plan to eradicate both exotic and naturalized plant species. Hangae Village especially needs to prepare a management plan. The invasion of ragweed in Seongju Hanggyo and Hangae Village, which is one of the most invasive plant species to disturb the ecosystem, is in need of management to eradicate it.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.126-137
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• 2002

Objective : There is accumulating data that cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, cerebro-vascular accident, coronary heart disease, relate to atherosclerotic changes. Increased serum levels of lipids could play a role in these circumstances. the SDPTG(the second derivative of photoplethysmogram waveform) is noninvasive methods for evaluating the pulse wave and is correlated with age and other risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods : To study the effects of serum lipid levels on the SDPTG in the middle-age adults, data on serum lipid levels and the SDPTG were collected in 80 healthy middle age with varying serum lipid concentrations. Biological vascular age was assessed using the SDPTG. the SDPTG consists of an a, b, c, and d wave in systole and an e wave in diastole; an SDPTG aging index(Al) was calculated as (b-c-d-e)/a. Results : Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, total lipid, phospholipid, HDL cholesterol levels were respectively and significantly correlated with SDPTG Al. Serum lipid levels and blood pressure are age-dependent and the SDPTG is blood pressure-dependent. Restricting analysis to age and blood pressure yield strong positive correlations between serum triglyceride, total lipid levels and SDPTG Al, but no correlations between serum total cholesterol, phospholipid levels and SDPTG Al. Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that preventive acupuncture programs or herbal medications for reducing serum lipid, especially triglyceride, levels in middle-age should include a evaluation of biological vascular aging with the second derivative of photoplethysmogram waveform.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.911-942
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• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the flora of indigenous habitat of Donghae-si and Samcheok-si in Gangwon-do, Korea. The vascular plants were collected 18 times (from March to October 2011), and were identified as 804 taxa; 127 families, 445 genera, 720 species, 8 subspecies, 69 varieties, 5 forms and 2 hybrids. In the flora of this area, the calcicolous plants were 55 taxa; Cheilanthes argentea, Clematis serratifoliam, Quercus variabilis. Epipactis papillosa, etc. The endangered plants designated and protected by the wildlife protection law, the Ministry of Environment, Korean were counted to one taxon; Cymbidium macrorhizum. The red list of vascular plants according to IUCN valuation basis were examined, endangered species (EN); Prunus yedoensis and Cymbidium macrorhizum, Vulnerable species (VU); Juniperus chinensis, Pulsatilla tongkangensis, Diarthron linifolium and Swertia wilfordii, Near Threatened species (NT); Paeonia japonica, Allium senescens, Epipactis papillosa and Pogonia minor, Least Concern species (LC); Asplenium ruta-muraria, Platycladus orientalis, Monotropa hypopithys and Eleutherococcus divaricatus var. chiisanensis, etc., Data Deficient species (DD); Paeonia lactiflora var. trichocarpa, and Not Evaluate species (NE); Prunus choreiana, Panax ginseng and Polygonatum infundiflorum etc. Korean endemic plants of this area were 26 taxa; Aconitum pseudolaeve, Corydalis hirtipes, Vicia chosenensis, Salvia chanroenica and Hemerocallis hakuunensis, etc. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 130 taxa comprising 11 taxa of grade V, 15 taxa of grade IV, 33 taxa of grade III, 15 taxa of grade II, 56 taxa of grade I. The naturalized plants were identified as 67 taxa and the percent of naturalized index (NI) was 8.3% of total 804 taxa vascular plants.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2014

Various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) especially enzyme-inducing AEDs might be associated with increased vascular risk, through impairment of the endogenous antioxidative ability which may trigger oxygen-dependent tissue injury. Lamotrigine (LTG) a non-enzyme-inducing AED has scarce information regarding its effects on oxidative stress. The present study aimed to study the possible modulation of vascular risk factors of epileptogenesis by LTG, in a rat model of kindling seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Four groups of male Wister rats were used; vehicle control group, PTZ group (alternate day PTZ, 30 mg/kg, i.p), LTG/PTZ group (LTG 20 mg/kg/day p.o and alternate day PTZ) and LTG group. The study period was 5 weeks. Lipoproteins and total homocysteine (tHcy), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. Aortic endothelial function study and histopathological examination of the rats' brains, aortas and coronaries were conducted. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), tHcy, MDA, GSH levels were significantly higher in epileptic rats than normal controls rats. A decrease in HDL-cholesterol with high atherosclerotic index was also demonstrated. The administration of LTG improved the PTZ-kindled seizures. It produced a significant decrease in TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol, MDA, aortic GSH and increase in HDL-cholesterol with no significant effect on serum GSH and tHcy levels. LTG improved endothelium-dependent relaxation, decreased hippocampal neurodegenerative changes and atherosclerotic changes of aortas and coronaries. LTG decreased seizures severity, hippocampal damage and improved vascular risk markers in this rat model of kindling seizures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1222-1227
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• 2000

Objective : Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), an endothelial cell specific cytokine, is a potent angiogenic growth factor implicated in the tumor angiogenesis and increases vascular permeability dramatically. Peritumoral brain edema(PTBE) occurs in 40-60% of meningiomas. Many causative factors have been investigated, but the mechanism of PTBE associate with meningioma is unclear. VEGF has been implicated as one of the causative factors of PTBE. This study was designed to determine whether the extent of VEGF expression is correlated with degree of PTBE in meningiomas. Methods : Meningioma tissue samples from 40 patients(7 men and 33 women, mean age $53{\pm}13years$) who underwent surgery were examined retrospectively for the expression of VEGF immunohistochemically. The extent of PTBE was estimated by using preoperative CT or MRI as an edema index(EI). In addition to VEGF, several causative factors including tumor size, location, histologic type, microvasculature(CD31) were compared with EI. Results : Twenty-six meningiomas demonstrated PTBE, and the other 14 did not. Of the 40 patients of meningiomas, 28 were positive(17 were 1+ and 11 were 2+) for VEGF. The EI increased significantly just as VEGF was strongly expressed(p=0.006). Microvascular proliferation was also closely correlated with the extent of peritumoral brain edema(p<0.05). Conclusion : These data suggest that VEGF expression and microvascular proliferation are closely correlated with PTBE in meningioma.