• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.111-130
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the current status of Korean medicine clinical practice for pregnant patients. Methods: The study is conducted by searching medical records of 209 pregnant patients using Korean Standard Classification of Diseases related pregnancy at the Korean Gynecology Clinic of traditional Korean medicine hospital from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2021. We retrospectively investigated characteristics, symptoms, pregnancy outcomes of the patients and treatments for the patients. Results: The most frequent symptoms of pregnant patients were musculoskeletal symptoms (60.63%) followed by neuropsychiatric symptoms (14.55%) and genital symptoms (10.82%). The most common contributory factor of the symptoms was the motor vehicle accident (74.64%). Acupuncture (94.94%) and moxibustion (90.91%) were performed to most pregnant patients. Cupping (86.60%), herbal medicine (52.63%), Chuna therapy (30.62%), and pharmacopuncture (21.05%) were performed to the patients. Normal pregnancy maintenance and delivery were reported by 147 patients (91.30%). Premature birth was reported by 11 patients (6.83%), and miscarriage was reported by 3 patients (1.86%). Conclusions: Most patients were the patients with musculoskeletal symptoms injured by motor vehicle accidents. Various Korean medicine treatments were performed during pregnancy with safety outcomes. This study could be used as basic data to provide instructions for the development of traditional Korean medicine in the obstetric clinical fields.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.34-38
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to determine whether routine second trimester complete blood cell (CBC) count parameters, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), could predict obstetric outcomes. Methods: We included singleton pregnancies for which the 50-g oral glucose tolerance test and CBC were routinely performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in our outpatient clinic from January 2015 to December 2017. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their pregnancy outcomes as follows: group 1, spontaneous preterm births, including preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes; group 2, indicated preterm birth due to maternal, fetal, or placental causes (hypertensive disorder, fetal growth restriction, or placental abruption); and group 3, term deliveries, regardless of the indication of delivery. We compared the CBC parameters using a bivariate correlation test. Results: The study included 356 pregnancies. Twenty-eight subjects were in group 1, 20 in group 2, and 308 in group 3. There were no significant differences between the three groups in neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Although there was no significant difference in NLR, LMR, and PLR between the three groups, LMR showed a negative correlation with gestational age at delivery (r =-0.126, p =0.016). Conclusion: We found that a higher LMR in the second trimester was associated with decreased gestational age at delivery. CBC parameters in the second trimester of pregnancy could be used to predict adverse obstetric outcomes.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.45-52
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• 2017

The precast concrete (PC) method has many advantages in fast construction, quality control, etc. In domestic construction market, however, its application has been quite limited because of the concerns about structural integrity and seismic performances due to the discrete connections between precast concrete members. By applying the post-tensioning method, the precast beam-column connection can be well tightened, allowing improved structural integrity, and proper seismic performances can be also achieved. In this study, reversed cyclic tests have been conducted on the beam-column connection specimens, where the test variables included the compressive strength of grouting mortar and the tensile strengths of prestressing strands, based on which their seismic performances have been examined in detail. The post-tensioned PC beam-column connections showed good seismic performances comparable to that of the monolithic reinforced concrete connection specimen. When 2400 MPa prestressing strands are applied to the beam-column connection, it is preferable to adjust the prestress level similar to that applied for the 1860 MPa prestressing strands to avoid premature local crushing failures at the beam-column connections.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.149-155
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• 2021

Background: We have reported that internal deletions in the nef, gag, and pol genes in HIV-1-infected patients are induced in those treated with Korean Red Ginseng (KRG). KRG delays the development of resistance mutations to antiretroviral drugs. Methods: The vif-vpr genes over 26 years in 20 hemophiliacs infected with HIV-1 from a single source were sequenced to investigate whether vif-vpr genes were affected by KRG and KRG plus highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) (hereafter called GCT) and compared the results with our previous data. Results: A significantly higher number of in-frame small deletions were found in the vif-vpr genes of KRG-treated patients than at the baseline, in control patients, and in ART-alone patients (p < 0.001). These were significantly reduced in GCT patients (p < 0.05). In contrast, sequences harboring a premature stop codon (SC) were more significant in GCT patients (10.1%) than in KRG-alone patients, control (p < 0.01), and ART-alone patients (p = 0.078 for peripheral blood mononuclear cells). The proportion of SC in Vpr was similar to that in Vif, whereas the proportion of sequences revealing SC in the env-nef genes was significantly lower than that in the pol-vif-vpr genes (p < 0.01). The genetic distance was 1.8 times higher in the sequences harboring SC than in the sequences without SC (p < 0.001). Q135P in the vif gene is significantly associated with rapid progression to AIDS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our data show that KRG might induce sD in the vif-vpr genes and that vif-vpr genes are similarly affected by lethal mutations.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.137-159
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• 2021

Long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are nutrients involved in many metabolic and physiological processes, and are referred to as n-3 LCPUFA. They have been extensively studied for their effects in human nutrition and health. This paper provides an overview on metabolism, sources, dietary intake, and status of n-3 LCPUFA. A summary of the dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFAs for different age groups as well as specific physiological conditions is provided. Evidence for n-3 LCPUFA in cardiovascular diseases, including new studies, is reviewed. Expert recommendations generally support a beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on cardiovascular health and recommend a daily intake of 500 mg as DHA and EPA, or 1-2 servings of fish per week. The role of n-3 LCPUFA on brain health, in particular neurodegenerative disorders and depression, is reviewed. The evidence for beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA on neurodegenerative disorders is non-conclusive despite mechanistic support and observational data. Hence, no definite n-3 LCPUFA expert recommendations are made. Data for the beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on depression are generally compelling. Expert recommendations have been established: 200-300 mg/day for depression; up to 1-2 g/day for major depressive disorder. Recent studies support a beneficial role of n-3 LCPUFAs in reducing the risk for premature birth, with a daily intake of 600-800 mg of DHA during pregnancy. Finally, international experts recently reviewed the scientific evidence on DHA and arachidonic acid (ARA) in infant nutrition and concluded that the totality of data support that infant and follow-on formulas should provide both DHA and ARA at levels similar to those in breast milk. In conclusion, the available scientific data support that dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFA should be established for the general population and for subjects with specific physiological conditions.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.261-273
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• 2021

Purpose: This study used a descriptive investigative design to identify educational needs for developmental supportive care for the purpose of establishing a developmental supportive care education program for nurses in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: A survey was conducted on 93 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units located in a metropolitan area, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test with the SPSS 25.0 program. For the purpose of analyzing educational needs, we further analyzed data through an importance-performance analysis (IPA) and the Borich needs assessment and the locus for focus models. Results: The average importance of the developmental supportive care of nurses in neonatal intensive care units was 3.74±0.78 out of 5, and the average performance was 3.46±0.81 out of 5. A t-test on the difference between the IPA and Borich needs assessment showed the highest educational need in the categories of 'individualized care', and 'I serve on the Developmental Care Committee at my institution'. In addition, according to the results of deriving the priorities of educational needs using the Borich needs assessment and the locus for focus model, the highest priority was 'I provide appropriate pain management when noxious procedures are necessary'. Conclusion: These findings can be used as basic data to design a developmental supportive care program suitable for nurses in neonatal intensive care units to meet the educational needs for developmental supportive care.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.422-430
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• 2021

Objectives: Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but insufficient research has investigated pregnancy and its outcomes in women with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study compared birth outcomes related to COVID-19 between Bangladeshi pregnant women with and without COVID-19. Methods: The study was conducted at 3 tertiary referral hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March to August 2020. Pregnant women admitted for delivery at these hospitals with laboratory results (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) were analyzed. Using convenience sampling, we included 70 COVID-19-positive and 140 COVID-19-negative pregnant women. Trained and experienced midwives conducted the interviews. Data were analyzed using the t-test, the chi-square test, and univariate and multivariable linear and logistic regression. Results: Pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to give birth to a preterm baby (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 4.37) and undergo a cesarean section (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.51 to 7.07). There were no significant differences in birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and the Apgar score at 1 minute or 5 minutes post-delivery between women with and without COVID-19. All the newborn babies who were born to COVID-19-positive women were COVID-19-negative. Conclusions: Our study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to give birth to a preterm baby and undergo a cesarean section. For this reason, physicians should be particularly cautious to minimize adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women with COVID-19 and their newborn babies.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.116-128
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• 2022

Purpose: The paper aims to: 1) identify the reasons for the low usage of recycled paper in domestic workplaces and the premature state of recycled paper industry; 2) assess the environmental effects of replacing domestically consumed copy papers with recycled papers; and 3) suggest ways in which the recycled paper industry can expand in South Korea. Method: Questionnaire survey with cluster sampling is used to identify the attitudes and behavior with respect to recycled copy paper, the results of which are analyzed using SPSS. The environmental effect of replacing copy papers with recycled paper is assessed through the Life Cycle Assessment approach and Paper Calculator V4.0. Result: While the respondent's experience in using recycled copy paper was relatively low, they tend to acknowledge the need for its use and show relatively high satisfaction with the quality of the recycled paper. The environmental benefits of replacing ordinary copy paper with 40%+ recycled paper under the 10% market share increase scenario amounts to 60,000 tons of CO₂ emissions reductions. Conclusion: The results from the attitude survey and market research, five approaches to improving the recycled copy paper market are suggested.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.191-199
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• 2020

Noni has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years in South Pacific Polynesia, China and India, and has been heavily ingested as an extract for its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, a recent study found that the noni extract causes digestive disorders, kidney problems, and liver diseases, which made it necessary to use it for other purposes than as an extract. In this study, we want to evaluate the potential of noni as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkling agent. Methods: Noni was freeze-dried, extracted in water, and concentrated. Skin cells were treated with the noni extract for 24 hrs and then were exposed to UVB (55 mJ/cm²). After 48 hrs of incubation, pro-inflammatory cytokine, elastase, MMP-1 and type-1 procollagen levels were measured by ELISA. Results: To find out the antioxidant effect of the noni extract, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity experiments were conducted and the noni extract showed 97.0 % and 92.0 % antioxidant efficacy at 200 ㎍/mL respectively. The noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) decreased IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS in a concentration-dependent manner. In the RT-PCR experiment involving NO production, the noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) inhibited NO production by strongly inhibiting iNOS mRNA expression, and also inhibited the elevation of MMP-1 and elastases caused by UVB irradiation by 25.0 % and 7.0 % respectively. In addition, type-1 procollagen was elevated by 20.0 % by the noni extract treatment in HaCaT cells. Conclusion: The noni extract has photoprotective ability by reducing proinflammatory mediators, elastase and MMP-1 production, and elevation of collagen synthesis. Our findings suggest that the noni extract might be a good natural substance to protect against UVB-induced premature skin aging.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.539-548
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• 2022

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are one of the most important and widely used lateral load-bearing systems. The reason for this is easier execution than reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls, faster construction time, and lower final weight of the structure. However, the main drawback of SPSWs is premature buckling in low drift ratios, which affects the energy absorption capacity and global performance of the system. To address this problem, two groups of SPSWs under cyclic loading were investigated using the finite element method (FEM). In the first group, several series of circular rings have been used and in the second group, a new type of SPSW with concentric circular rings (CCRs) has been introduced. Numerous parameters include in yield stress of steel plate wall materials, steel panel thickness, and ring width were considered in nonlinear static analysis. At first, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model was validated using three sets of laboratory SPSWs and the difference in results between numerical models and experimental specimens was less than 5% in all cases. The results of numerical models revealed that the full SPSW undergoes shear buckling at a drift ratio of 0.2% and its hysteresis behavior has a pinching in the middle part of load-drift ratio curve. Whereas, in the two categories of proposed SPSWs, the hysteresis behavior is complete and stable, and in most cases no capacity degradation of up to 6% drift ratio has been observed. Also, in most numerical models, the tangential stiffness remains almost constant in each cycle. Finally, for the innovative SPSW, a relationship was suggested to determine the shear capacity of the proposed steel wall relative to the wall slenderness coefficient.