• PNF and Movement
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.13-21
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of side walking training combined with squats on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of side walking training combined with squats among stroke patients. Methods: Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=15) that underwent side walking training combined with squats and a control group (n=15) that performed general rehabilitation exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks. Balance was assessed using the functional reach test and timed up and go test, while gait ability was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the intervention. Differences between the experimental and control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Results: After the exercise, significant within-group improvements in balance and gait ability were observed in both the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in balance and gait ability following the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: While general rehabilitation is commonly employed in treating stroke patients and is relatively effective, the application of side walking training combined with squats may offer additional benefits in terms of improving balance and gait ability in these patients.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.126-133
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• 2024

Background: Medication's benefits and harms require careful management. Laws mandate pharmacists to provide essential medication details since inadequate counseling may pose risks. This study explores public expectations for pharmacist-provided side effect information to enhance safety. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was created for participant to self-report, refined through pilot surveys with experts and laypersons. Nineteen items were categorized into four sections, using closed-ended questions. Adults over 20, having obtained prescription medications within the past year, were surveyed via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and T-tests using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The study involved 189 participants, with a slightly higher proportion of females (59.3%) than males (40.7%), predominantly in their 20s (45.0%) and college graduates (57.1%). Health professionals represented 76.2% of respondents. Over half visited pharmacies at least 5 times yearly for prescriptions. Indirect experience with side effects was more common (30.2%) than direct experience (17.5%). Most (82.0%) showed interest in media-reported side effect events. Satisfaction with pharmacist-provided side effect explanations was low (59.7%), but importance was high (98.9%). Preferences favored combined verbal and written explanations (65.1%), with a majority desiring explanations for common but less serious side effects (82.5%). Healthcare professionals found explanations significantly more sufficient than non-professionals did. Older individuals, those living with elderly, and frequent pharmacy visitors attributed greater importance to pharmacist-provided explanations. Conclusion: Koreans view pharmacist-provided medication side effect explanations as vital but find current services lacking. Enhancements in content and delivery methods are needed in pharmacy counseling to meet public expectations.

• 대한치과기공학회지
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.21-27
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the stress distribution and deformation in implant abutments made from titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), zirconia, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), including their screws and fixtures, under various loading conditions using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Three-dimensional models of the mandible with implant abutments were created using Siemens NX software (NX10.0.0.24, Siemens). FEA was conducted using Abaqus to simulate occlusal loads and assess stress distribution and deformation. Material properties such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were assigned to each component based on literature and experimental data. Results: The FEA results revealed distinct stress distribution patterns among the materials. Titanium alloy abutments exhibited the highest stress resistance and the most uniform stress distribution, making them highly suitable for long-term stability. Zirconia abutments showed strong mechanical properties with higher stress concentration, indicating potential vulnerability to fracture despite their aesthetic advantages. PEEK abutments demonstrated the least stress resistance and higher deformation compared to other abutment materials, but offered superior shock absorption, though they posed a higher risk of mechanical failure under high load conditions. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate materials for dental implants. Titanium offers durability and uniform stress distribution, making it highly suitable for long-term stability. Zirconia provides aesthetic benefits but has a higher risk of fracture compared to titanium. PEEK excels in shock absorption but has a higher risk of mechanical failure compared to both titanium and zirconia. These insights can guide improved implant designs and material choices for various clinical needs.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.417-425
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• 2024

This study investigated the effects of various planting models on the joint cultivation of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and marigold (Tagetes erecta)to enhance sustainable rooftop urban farming. Rooftop agriculture is increasingly valued to boost the food supply and benefit the environment. Integrating such practices into urban planning is viewed as a way to sustainably manage resources and improve the food-energy-water cycle in cities. The experiment was conducted on a rooftop in Chungju, South Korea from May to August. Four different planting setups were used: central eggplant with peripheral marigold (SET), eggplant with a protective net (SIC), central marigold with peripheral eggplant (TES), and control with only eggplant (CON S). These models tested the effects of companion planting versus monoculture using a lightweight soil mix ideal for rooftops made from cocopeat and perlite and enriched with organic fertilizer. Measurements focused on soil conditions and plant health and assessed soil temperature, moisture, conductivity, plant height, width, and leaf size. The results indicated that the SET modelyielded the best growth. This setup benefited from marigold pest control properties and its ability to improve soil conditions by enhancing moisture and nutrient levels and aiding eggplant growth. These findings underscore the potential of mixed planting on rooftops and suggest that such approaches can be effectively incorporated into urban agriculture to boost yield and environmental sustainability. This study supports the idea that diverse planting methods can significantly affect plant growth and promote urban greening and food security.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.247-261
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• 2023

Kimchi cabbage is widely consumed in Korea, with the popularity of this pickled vegetable dish growing internationally due to its health benefits. In this study, the physical (size, color), functional (antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, and flavonoid content), and nutritional (water- and fat-soluble vitamins) characteristics of two new kimchi cabbage varieties, namely red and gold kimchi cabbages (RKC and GKC, respectively), were analyzed and compared with those of the common kimchi cabbage (CKC). There were no significant differences in the thickness or length of the three kimchi cabbages, although RKC had the narrowest outer leaves among the three varieties (11.94 cm). Regarding chromaticity, yellowness was highest in GKC (29.86), whereas redness was highest in RKC (9.31). Furthermore, RKC had the highest recorded vitamin B₆ and B₉ (1,288.5 ㎍/100 g and 776.7 ㎍ dietary folate equivalent/100 g, respectively). On the other hand, the fat-soluble vitamins vitamin A (β-carotene) and K (Phylloquinone) were both highest in GKC (907.1 ㎍/100 g and 712.2 ㎍/100 g, respectively). Generally, all kimchi cabbage samples contained high levels of vitamin E (1.8-4.9 mg α-tocopherol equivalent/100 g). RKC attained the highest antioxidant activity and total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents among the three kimchi cabbages. These results show that gold and red kimchi cabbage can be used as raw materials in the food-processing industry.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권11호
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• pp.1531-1541
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• 2023

Lipase is a well-known and highly in-demand enzyme. During the last decade, several lipase optimization studies have been reported. However, production costs have always been a bottleneck for commercial-scale microbial enzyme production. This research aimed to optimize the conditions for lipase production by Limtongozyma siamensis DMKU-WBL1-3 via a One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approach combined with statistical methods while using a low-cost substrate. Results suggest that low-cost substrates can be substituted for all media components. An optimal medium was found, using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD), to consist of 0.50% (w/v) sweet whey, 0.40% (w/v) yeast extract (food grade), and 2.50% (v/v) palm oil with the medium pH adjusted to 4 under shaking flask cultivation. From an economic point of view, this work was successful in reducing production costs while increasing lipase productivity. The medium costs were reduced by 87.5% of the original cost while lipase activity was increased by nearly 6-fold. Moreover, lipase production was further studied in a 2-L stirred-tank fermentor. Its activity was 1,055.6 ± 0.0 U/ml when aeration and agitation rates were adjusted to 1 vvm and 170 rpm, respectively. Interestingly, under this optimal lipase production, the yeast showed accumulated lipids inside the cells. The primary fatty acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) that is typically linked to health benefits. This study hence reveals promising lipase production and lipid accumulation by L. siamensis DMKU-WBL1-3 that are worthy of further study.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.55-64
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training on balance and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-one stroke patients were allocated randomly into one of two groups: robot-assisted gait training combined virtual reality training group (RGVR group; n = 16) and control group (n = 15). The RGVR group received 30 minutes of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training. Robot-assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device. In the Control group, neurodevelopmental therapy was performed according to the function of chronic stroke patients. Both groups underwent training for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. The balance assessment system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), BBS, and TUG were used to evaluate the balance ability. The OptoGait (Microgate Srl, Bolzano, Italy) and 10 mWT were measured to evaluate the gait ability. The measurements were performed before and after the eight-week intervention period. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in their balance and gait ability during the intervention. RGVR showed significant differences in balance and gait ability compared to the control group groups (p < .05). These results showed that RGVR was more effective on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. CONCLUSION: RGVR can improve balance and gait ability, highlighting the benefits of RGVR. This study provides intervention data for recovering the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제66권4호
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• pp.740-748
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• 2024

Different dietary patterns affect the gut microbial compositions and diversity. Consistently, microbiome alterations are linked to digestion, immunity, and productivity. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) is a perennial bamboo species rich in proteins and fiber. Previous studies have confirmed the health benefits of SQ; however, the effects of SQ supplementation on gut microbiome and production performance are unclear. Herein, Landrace pigs were supplemented with SQ extract (SQE) and gut microbial compositions as opposed to the control group were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the influences of SQE supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF) were assessed after slaughter. In the SQE group, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla increased significantly, whereas Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes phyla markedly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera increased, whereas that of Treponema, Prevotella, and Turicibacter decreased (p < 0.05). The microbial richness was similar between groups; however, microbial diversity decreased in the SQE supplementation group. Additionally, the SQE supplementation in pigs resulted in a slight increase in ADG. In contrast, BF in the SQE group decreased notably (p < 0.05). These results underscore the significant influence of SQE supplementation on the gut microbiota and demonstrate the potential of SQ as a valuable feed resource for enhancing animal productivity.

• 한국건설관리학회논문집
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.73-81
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• 2024

In South Korea, NO_X emissions are a major concern, leading to acid rain and smog, harming both the atmosphere and human health, particularly in urban areas. This study seeks to determine the most advantageous pavement material for NO_X reduction in urban areas and assess whether photocatalytic pavement blocks, proven to reduce NO_X emissions, can serve as a viable alternative to conventional cement pavement blocks. To achieve this, a comparative life cycle cost (LCC) analysis was conducted between photocatalytic pavement blocks and conventional cement pavement blocks installed for their NO_X reduction capabilities. The cost-saving benefits of NO_X reduction were monetized for photocatalytic pavement blocks. The analysis period was based on the least common multiple of the replacement cycles of both pavement materials: 30 years. The results revealed that while photocatalytic pavement blocks initially produce higher installation costs than cement pavement blocks, they offer greater cost savings in terms of total cost and net present value due to their NO_X reduction effect over the life cycle. Additionally, the cost-saving effects of photocatalytic pavement blocks are even more pronounced because their replacement period is 5 years longer than that of cement pavement blocks. This study holds significance in performing an LCC analysis of the previously unanalyzed photocatalytic pavement blocks while also demonstrating their potential as substitutes for cement pavement blocks.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권12호
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• pp.890-900
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Some individuals exhibit discrepancies between risk classifications assessed using clinical factors and those obtained by vascular imaging. We aimed to evaluate whether statins provide clinical outcome benefits in patients classified as having low to moderate cardiovascular risk but with carotid plaque. Methods: This was a retrospective propensity score matching study. A total of 12,158 consecutive patients undergoing carotid ultrasound between January 2012 to February 2020 were screened. Individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk who were not currently recommended for statin therapy but had carotid plaques were included. Among 1,611 enrolled individuals, 806 (statin group: 403, control group: 403) were analyzed. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs: cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack) and all-cause mortality. Results: During the median follow-up of 6.0 years, the incidence of MACCEs did not differ between the groups (6.1 and 5.7/1,000 person-years in the control and statin groups, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; p=0.90). The incidence of all-cause mortality did not differ (3.9 and 3.9/1,000 person-years, respectively; adjusted HR, 1.02; p=0.97). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed similar rates of MACCEs (log-rank p=0.72) and all-cause mortality (log-rank p=0.99) in the 2 groups. Age and smoking were independent predictors of MACCEs. Subgroups exhibited no differences in clinical outcomes with statin use. Conclusions: Benefit of statin therapy was likely to be limited in low to moderate risk patients with carotid plaques. These results could guide physicians in clinical decision-making regarding cardiovascular prevention.