• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.201-216
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• 2013

The purpose of this case-control study was to show the relationship between risk factor(Sex, Age, Martial Status, Educational Periods, Family history, Variables of Obesity, Smoking Status, Drinking Status, Past History, Blood Test) and the incidence of stroke. Methods: 788 stroke patients were enrolled as the case group and 450 non-stroke patients as control group from Sep.2006 to Dec.2010. Patients were hospitalized within 30 days after the onset of stroke. Risk factors and warning signs were obtained from personal interview by oriental medicine doctors who used CRF. Results: 1. Age was found to have significant relation with stroke(p<.0001). 2. Martial status(p<.0001, OR=0.44) and educational periods(p<.0001) were both significant risk factor for stroke. 3. As a result of reviewing the influence of family history, it was found to have no significant relation with stroke. Stroke was found to have significant relation with stroke(OR=1.50). 4. Female waist circumference(WC, p<.0001) and female waist-hip circumference ratio(WHR, p<.0001) were risk factors for stroke. On the other hand, male WC and male WHR showed no significant influence on stroke occurrence as an independent risk factor. 5. Both smoking status(p<.0001, current smoker OR=8.95) and drinking status(p<.0001, current drinker OR=2.50, former drinker OR=2.82) were significant risk factors for stroke. 6. As a result of reviewing the influence of past history, transient ischemic attack(p<.0001, OR=8.46), hypertension(p<.0001, OR=4.72), hyperlipidemia(0.0064), diabetes mellitus(p<.0001, OR=3.34), stroke(p<.0001, OR=50.26) were significant risk factors. On the other hand, ischemic heart disease(p=0.2332) was found to have no significant relation with stroke. 7. Increase of WBC, RBC, Platelet, TG, FBS and Cl- level were significant risk factor of stroke, On the other hand, decrease of Hgb, Hct, AST, HDL-chol, LDH, Na+ and K+ level were significant risk factor of stroke. T-chol and ALT level showed no significant influence on stroke occurrence.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.49-59
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• 2017

Objectives : This study evaluated the efficacy of electroacupuncture therapy using an insulated needle in adults with abdominal obesity. Methods : This study was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-designed pilot trial. Sixteen participants eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an insulated needle group and a control group. Insulated or common needles were inserted at acupoints located on the abdomen (CV12, CV6, ST25, ST27, SP15) and were electrically stimulated for 30 minutes (16 Hz, within tolerable strength). A total of 10 sessions of treatment were performed twice per week for 5 weeks. All participants were requested to maintain their usual diet and lifestyle. The outcome measures were waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and abdominal computed tomography (CT) of the total fat area (TFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and visceral fat area (VFA). Results : A total of 12 participants divided into the insulated needle group (n = 5) and the control group (n = 7; common needle) were treated for 10 sessions and analyzed per-protocol (PP). WC decreased significantly after 10 sessions in both groups. The WC, TFA, SFA, and VFA of abdominal CT in the insulated needle group decreased more than in the control group; however, there were no significant differences in any parameter between the insulated needle group and the control group. Patients in the insulated needle group were more strongly stimulated with electrical stimulation than patients in the control group. Conclusion : Electroacupuncture using insulated needles in adults with abdominal obesity might be a more effective treatment than common needles. Additional studies are required to compensate for the limitations of this pilot study and to verify the results and efficacy.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.176-189
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• 2012

This study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on obese women and aimed to confirm that the effects of KRG on obesity differ dependently on a gene. Fifty obese women were recruited and randomized to receive KRG (n=24) or placebo (n=26) for 8 wk. Measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total fat mass, percentage of body fat, resting metabolic rate, basal body temperature, and daily food intake (FI), blood test (serum lipid, liver and renal function), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and a gene examination were performed. Comparisons of subjects before and after the administration of KRG revealed significant improvements of obesity in terms of weight, body mass index (BMI), WHR, FI, and KOQOL. However, in the comparison between KRG group and placebo group, only KOQOL was significantly different. KRG displayed significant efficacy on BMI and KOQOL in the CT genotype of the G protein beta 3 gene, but not in the CC genotype, on blood sugar test in the Trp64/Arg genotype of the beta 3 adrenergic receptor gene, but not in Trp64/Trp genotype, on KOQOL in the DD genotype of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene, but not in the ID and DD genotypes. The effects of KRG on obesity were confirmed to some extent. However, a distinct effect compared to placebo was not confirmed. KRG is more effective for improving the secondary issues of the quality of life derived from obesity rather than having direct effects on the obesity-related anthropometric assessment and blood test indices.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review current research trends and to provide basic data for the guideline of the acupuncture treatment for abdominal obesity in the clinic. Methods: Publications related to acupuncture treatment for abdominal obesity were retrieved from 9 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, DataBase Periodical Information Academic, National Discovery for Science Library). Extracted studies were analyzed in terms of publication year, study type, treatment method, acupoint and evaluation method. Results: There were 19 studies about acupuncture treatment applied to abdominal obesity. Electroacupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding therapy was the most frequently studied treatment method. ST₂₅, CV₁₂, SP₁₅, CV₆, CV₄ was the most frequently used acupoint. Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio was the most frequently used evaluation method. Conclusions: This review identified acupuncture application for abdominal obesity. However, well-designed and conducted clinical trials will be more needed to develop acupuncture treatment for abdominal obesity.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2023

Recent studies have evaluated the association between specific beverage intake and metabolic risks in adults. However, more evidence is needed to examine the association between the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and metabolic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HBI and metabolic factors in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 338 overweight and obese individuals living in Tabriz, Iran were selected. Data on beverage consumption, demographics, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. The mean value of HBI index among all of the participants was 59.76 ± 6.51. Those at the higher HBI scores had significantly lower waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and weight (p < 0.05). HBI and triglyceride scores also had a significant relationship. It has been shown that at higher HBI scores compared to lower scores, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increase while homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure decrease. HBI scores higher among Iranian adults were associated with a better chance of losing weight and weight loss and a better lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, HBI can be a useful and helpful tool for assessing the overall quality of beverages adults consume. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the possible health effects of healthy beverage index.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.196-202
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• 2006

In this study the swimwear pattern focused on a typical middle-aged women's body was developed and discussed. To determine the characteristics of a typical middle-aged women's body, their actual bust were cast. According to a generated flattened body surface shell, the right side of pattern was designed considering stretching ratio of swimwear materials as shown in the figure 3. Special features of the developed swimwear pattern are a bust dart, a particularly designed lining, a power-net, and a brassiere-cup. Against a commercial swimwear pattern, the darts were applied to bust area considering its volume. The lining was attached on the entire right side except brassiere part, and power-net was added twice on belly and hip part. As a result, silhouette and body shape were improved. The new brassiere-cup was designed and made to satisfy the middle-aged women's demand about their bust volume. Swimwear fitting test was performed, and it was evaluated. The developed swimwear rated activity, body support, entire silhouette, pressure, comfortable fitting, suitability with body figure, nudity higher by comparison with a commercial swimwear, as shown in the Table 6. Specially the developed swimwear satisfied future customers about a bust, a hip, a waist, a belly area, which the middle-aged women are not confident. Reducing exposure of an armhole and upper leg area, it also satisfied them. New developed swimwear pattern will provide useful reference to swimwear businesses targeting middle-aged women.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2009

Purpose: To investigate the physical and biochemical parameters related with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in obese children. Methods: One hundred forty-two obese or overweight children who visited the out-patient clinics of Chungnam National University Hospital between January 2006 and August 2008 were enrolled. Physical measures and biochemical tests were performed in all patients. Liver sonography was performed in 43 patients. They were divided into the following 2 groups based on ALT levels: group I, normal ALT levels (n=65); and group II, elevated ALT levels (n=77). We compared the physical measures, biochemical results, and ultrasonographic findings of the livers in both groups. Other causes of elevated serum ALT levels were ruled out. Results: The male-to-female ratios were 1.6:1 in group I and 7.6:1 in group II. Among physical parameters, the waist circumference-to-height ratio and hip circumference-to-height ratio were significantly higher in group II (p=0.001 and 0.046, respectively). Among biochemical parameters, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase (${\gamma}$-GT), and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group II (p<0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). The AST/ALT ratio was <1 (mean, 0.55) and statistically lower in group II. There was a positive correlation between the serum ALT level and ${\gamma}$-GT (p<0.001, r=0.750), and a positive correlation between the serum ALT level and the waist circumference-to-height ratio in group II (p<0.001, r=0.401). Conclusion: The results suggest that the waist circumference-to-height ratio and ${\gamma}$-GT may be associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase activity in obese children.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.761-771
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between metabolic syndrome and erythrocyte deform ability in acute stroke patients. Methods : Among 88 of the recruited patients, 52 were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome. We assessed their general characteristics, risk factors. We compared the assessed variables between metabolic syndrome and control group. We analyzed the relationship between metabolic syndrome and erythrocyte deform ability. We analyzed relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and erythrocyte deformability. Results : The general characteristics waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio were higher in metabolic syndrome group. The metabolic syndrome group was also diagnosed with hypertension, DM, and hyperlipidemia more often than the control group. The blood test metabolic syndrome group showed higher triglycerides, total lipids, fasting blood sugar, and 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose level and lower HDL-cholesterol than the control group. There were more patients diagnosed with Dampness-Phlegm in the metabolic syndrome group. There were more patients showing lower erythrocyte deform ability in the metabolic syndrome group. The plasma homocysteine level was negatively correlated with erythrocyte deform ability. Conclusion : The results reconfirmed that the risk factors are more in metabolic syndrome group. The results indicated that metabolic syndrome lead to a lower erythrocyte deform ability in small vessel disease stroke patients. The Plasma homocysteine level was negatively correlated with erythrocyte deform ability.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.751-757
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to provide basic background information on stroke by evaluating various etiological factors on the basis that the onset time of cerebral infarction varies according to its cause. Methods : We studied hospitalized patients within 4 weeks after their ictus who were admitted at Kyunghee OMC, Kyungwon OMC, or Donguk Ilsan OMC from [month] $1^{st}$, 2005 to June $30^{th}$, 2007. We compared the general characteristics of acute stroke patients according to onset time. Results : Regardless of the onset time, the distribution of cerebral infarction patterns showed high SVO. The onset time did not show significant difference for average age, height, weight, BMI, waist measurement, hip measurement, or waist/hip ratio between onset during sleep and awakening. Patients whose stroke occurred while awake were more likely to have a past history of HTN, DM, ischemic heart disease, or atrial fibrillation but did not show significant difference according to their onset time. Conclusions : The above results show that the overall tendency of acute stage cerebral infarction patients varies according to their onset time. This study was carried out on the basis of previous findings that cerebral infarctions that occurred during sleep were more likely to have been caused by cerebral thrombosis, and strokes that occurred while awake were more likely to have been caused by cerebral embolism. However, there were no statistically relevant results, so a larger study group is needed to research the tendency of stroke patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.155-169
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• 1997

This study investigated the effect of weight control by using the commercial appetite suppressant ((-)-hydroxycitric acid(HCA) formula) and nutrition education on 72 obese women over a period of 8 weeks. During the study it conducted nutritional education for women to control their weight, thus analyzed their changes in anthropometric variables. All obese women were randomized in a double-blind method to consume either HCA(HCA group : experimental group) or placebo(placebo group : control group). Two groups were also divided randomly into 2 groups combined with commercial formula diet in 1 meal a day(HD group and PD group : HCA + gormula diet and placebo + formula diet) or not(HO group and conducted with 4 groups(HD, HO, PD, and PO group). All subjects were assigned to consume 800-1500kcal/d balanced diet which is 500kcal less than their usual energy requirement. To evaluate the effect of the weight control program, weight, percent of body fat, waist and hip circumferences, and 5 skinfold thickness were measured up to 5 times in all obese women. The mean weight of the subjects at the onset of the study was 76.5$\pm$10.6kg. The mean body mass index(BMI) wa 30.1$\pm$3.8 and it was in the upper 5 percentile of mean BMI of Korean women. At the end of the program, mean weight loss was 3.5kg after 2 weeks(p<0.001), and 5.8kg after 4 weeks(p<0.001). The waist, hip ratio(WHR) and skinfold thickness measurements of biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and abdominum showed significant reduction over the entire study period(p<0.05). These outcome were evaluated by effect of nutritional education and counselling. The reduction of % of body fat was significantly different among the 4 groups. Women who administrated HCA demonstrated more change in weight, BMI than the placebo group. There was also significant reduction in body composition (% of body fat, WHR, and skinfold thickness) than the other groups. The HD group which was administrated HCA combined with formula diet was more decreased than other groups. It showed that this program using commercial HCA and formula diet induced not only a change in weight but also a change in body composition. The outcome of this study suggests that HCA has a more effctive change on weight control which is carried out with nutritional education and counselling.