• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2009

Due to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global warming, the importance of forest ecosystems, as a place of carbon accumulation and emission, has received a great amount of recognition lately. This study was performed to help understand and provide the current status of carbon cycle in the pinus densiflora stand, Korea. The samples were collected from average 35-years-old Pinus densifiora rands in Gongju, Youngdong, Chungsan, Muju, Mupung, and Jangsu regions. Total thirty aboveground sample trees were cut, and ten roots were sampled, and soil samples were collected. Average carbon concentrations in foliage, branch, stem bark, stem wood, and root were 55.7%, 56.0%, 56.0%, 57.3%, and 56.5%, respectively. Carbon content was estimated by the model $Wt=aD^b$ where Wt is oven-dry weight in kg and D is DBH in cm. Total carbon content (aboveground and root) was 42.39tonC/ha in the Pinus densiflora stand. The proportion of each tree component to total carbon content was high in order of stemwood, root, branch, stem bark, and foliage. Total net primary production (aboveground and root) was estimated at 6.51tonC/ha/yr in Pinus densiflora stand. The proportion of each tree component to total net primary carbon content was high in order of sternwood, root, branch, foliage and stembark. Soil carbon contents in the study sites was 43.51tonC/ha at 0-50cm soil depth.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.165-169
• /
• 2010

Recently, the number of stray dogs is proportionate to the increase of the number of the companion dogs. Sarcoptic scabiei var canis, causing scabies, is one of the most important canine zoonotic arthropods in Korea and around the world. Thus, we have tried to know the prevalence of canine scabies in the stray dogs in Korea. A total of 565 stray dogs were collected from the rescue centers all over the country from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2006. They were grouped with euthanasia or natural death and examined for the gender and age estimated by dental formula. To identify the lesions, the whole body was grossly examined and tested pathologically. Thirty two (5.66%) of 565 dogs were diagnosed as canine scabies. Dogs from urban areas had fewer scabies (0.62%) than those of rural areas (12.5%). Prevalence of scabies in male and female dogs was no difference as 5.96% and 5.25%. Euthanasia group showed higher prevalence (6.48%) than natural death group (2.44%) in scabies. Old dogs over five years showed lower infestration (1.82%) in scabies. In histopathological findings, there were mites in the burrows formed in the subcorneal space. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis with crust, and vascular dilatation were main findings. One hundred thirteen (20%) of 565 stray dogs were diagnosed to have skin disease. Among them, canine scabies is the most prominent ectoparasite as 5.66 %. With previous reports on human infection in Korea, canine scabies must be regarded as the important zoonotic canine skin disease. Accordingly, for the human and canine hygiene it is imperative that stray dogs with skin problems are segregated and tested for the parasites to treat properly as soon as arriving at rescue shelter.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.210-219
• /
• 2001

Purpose: To examine the effects of the GEAP on pain, fatigue, self-esteem, perceived health status and self-efficacy in patients with chronic arthritis. Methods: One group Pre- & post-test design was used. Outcome domains included pain, number of painful joints, fatigue, self-esteem, perceived health status and self-efficacy. Thirty-four patients were recruited over four times from a rheumatic clinic affiliated to a university medical center in Seoul, Korea The GEAP is an exercise program modified by the investigators from PACE program which developed by Arthritis Foundation. The program duration is about 60 minutes, three times a week for 6 weeks. Participants were predominantly women (68%) ; on average 57.3 years old; and diagnossed with RA (58.8), osteoarthritis (29.4) or other (11.8). Results: After completing the GEAP, subjects showed significant improvement in pain (p=.02), number of painful joints (P= .04), fatigue (p= .0001), and perceived health status (P=.006). There were no improvements in self-esteem and self-efficacy score for adults with chronic rheumatic diseases. Conclusion: This study showed that the GEAP is an effective exercise intervention for improving outcomes for patients with chronic arthritis. More sample and research are needed to 1) accurately evaluate on self-esteem and self-efficacy; 2) understand and improve adherence. And also a longer follow up period is recommended to evaluate long-term effects of the PACE program.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.424-435
• /
• 2016

Purpose: This study examined knowledge about cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and its relationship to health behaviors among middle-aged postmenopausal women with CVD risk factors. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. One hundred and thirty-six postmenopausal women were recruited from outpatient departments of four hospitals. The women were $60.69{\pm}6.5$ years old. Self-reported questionnaires were administered, and waist-hip ratios (WHR) were measured. Results: Among the women, 72.8% reported hypertension, 19.1% reported diabetes, 33.8% reported hypercholesterolemia, and 24.2% reported angina pectoris. Moreover, 73.9% of the women reported not knowing of CVD prevention, and only 26.1% reported exercising regularly. A majority of the women (80.9%) had a WHR > 0.85. Multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for age and marital status indicated that the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke increased (p<.001). Waist-hip ratio${\leq}0.85$ (p=.022) and living with family members (p=.006) were significant predictors of healthier behaviors ($R^2$=0.21, p<.001). Knowledge of CVD and health behaviors were not correlated. Conclusion: Obese women and women who live alone are no more likely to practice health behaviors aimed at CVD prevention than their counterparts in the sample. Education and exercise interventions are needed, especially for obese women, to promote healthy behaviors among middle-aged postmenopausal women with CVD risk factors.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.11-15
• /
• 2003

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to investigate the corneal topography changes as a result of near task in myopes and emmetropes. Methods : Thirty university students, aged from 18 to 24 years old, were randomly selected. They were divided into two refractive groups of fifteen each : myopia and emmetropia. The corneal topography of each subject was measured with the Eye-Sys Videokeratography system. Measurements were taken : before and after 30 minutes of near task (copy N10 text at 20 cm working distance). Both simulated keratometry and semi-meridian keratometric map program were used in the data analysis. Results : Our results reveal no significant changes in both simulated keratometry and semi-meridian presentation as a result of near task for both myopes and emmetropes, except a significant change (p<0.05) found at the flattest meridian of the central (3 mm) portion of the corneal topography after near task for emmetropes only. Conclusions : We conclude that the corneal topography, does not change significantly as a result of near task in both myopes and emmetropes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.394-405
• /
• 2004

The objective of this study is to develop a nutrition policy on food and nutrition labeling and education systems for fast food and carbonated soft drinks in Korea by identifying the fast food and soft drink use and by examining nutrition policies and labeling in Korea and other countries. Fast food is defined as food dispensed quickly at a restaurant generally offering a limited menu of inexpensive items, which may be mostly not nutritious. It is a growing component of the Korean diet, especially on children and adolescent population. Low nutrient dense beverages such as carbonated drinks are also increasing in the children and adolescent's diet in Korea and concern has been raised that these beverages may replace more nutritious beverage and provide empty calories. According to 2001 Korean national health and nutrition survey, fast food and carbonated soft drinks were most popular among 13 - 19 years old adolescents. Thirty six and 72 percent of adolescents consumed hamburger and carbonated beverage equal to or more than once a week, respectively. In United States, all processed food including soft drinks should disclose full nutrition information by nutrition labeling requirement.. Restaurant foods are not required to provide nutrition information currently, but legislation on mandatory nutrition labeling of fast foods with other restaurant foods has been proposed currently in US. The sales of foods of minimal nutritional value, such as soft drinks, in the nation's schools is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Nutrition information about fast food in US has been provided by fast food companies, non-profit organizations, hospitals and government through internet, booklet and brochure, etc, but the information is available from only a few resources in Korea. This study suggests a nutrition policy on fast food and soft drink use which includes establishing mandatory nutrition labeling and developing nutrition education materials and programs by web-site, booklet and government and school programs in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.795-807
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise therapy to oldwomen's muscle strength, flexibility and IADL. To identify the effect of exercise therapy on oldwomen's muscle strength, flexibility and IADL, this study attempted to determine grip strength, back strength, leg strength, flexibility of upper and low(flexion, extension, abduction), flexibility of trunk(flexion, extension) and IADL, using dynamometer, goniometer and Geriatric center IADL, for 34 female. Thirty-four subjects participating in this study consisted of A group(from sixty-five to sixty-nine, eleven person), B group(from seventy to seventy-four, twelve person), C group(over seventy-five years old, eleven person). Data from the findings of this experiment were computed for and standard deviation by using repeated measurement of MINI TAB. As a result, the following conclusion was drawn : 1. Subject group showed significantly higher scores on effect of exercise between three age group after regular exercise. 2. Subject group showed significantly higher scores on muscle strength(grip strength, back strength, leg strength) and there is a difference between three age group after regular exercise of muscle strength. 3. Subject group showed significantly higher scores on flexibility (upper, lower, trunk) and there is a difference between three age group after regular exercise of flexibility. 4. Subject group showed significantly higher scores on IADL(Instrumental activities of daily living) and there is a difference between three age group after regular exercise. As a result of this study, the effect of exercise training program had improved muscle strength, ROM (range of motion) of joint, IADL. Thus exercise training program could be beneficially applied for the prevention of disability and promotion of health and wellbeing in the aged easily and safely.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.58 no.7
• /
• pp.263-266
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Ventricular repolarization is assessed using the QT interval corrected by the heart rate (QTc) via an electrocardiogram (ECG). Prolonged QTc is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias and cardiac mortality. As there have been few reports regarding the effects of hyperthyroidism on ventricular repolarization, we studied the association between serum free thyroxine (free T4 [fT4]) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and the QTc interval. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with hyperthyroidism (<30 years old) were included, and we used their clinical records and available ECGs (between August 2003 and August 2011) to evaluate the association between their fT4 and TSH levels and their QTc interval. In addition, we studied the ECGs of 72 age-matched patients with no hyperthyroidism (control group) and compared their data with that from the patients group. Results: The QTc duration in patients with hyperthyroidism was significantly prolonged compared to that in the control subjects (P<0.001). In addition, the number of hyperthyroid patients with abnormal prolonged QTc was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.001). Among the patients with hyperthyroidism, patients with prolonged QTc and borderline QTc had higher fT4 levels and there was positive correlation between their fT4 levels and their QTc interval (P<0.05). However, no correlation was observed between their TSH levels and their QTc interval. Conclusion: We report that hyperthyroidism is associated with QTc prolongation. The correlation between the fT4 levels and the QTc interval suggests that thyroid status is associated with QTc values and the risk of cardiac mortality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.58-66
• /
• 2006

Threshold limit value (TLV) test between expert and consumer panel was conducted about absolute, recognition and difference threshold respectively. And we tried to suggest appropriate and minimum acceptable menthol concentration level by consumer panel. Determination of threshold value was based on ASTM E 679-79 method by forced-choice ascending concentration series. In addition, a semi-ascending paired difference method was referred to conduct test. The group threshold value was determined as the value of geometric mean individual threshold. The smokers were dividend by two groups, trained and consumer panel. Trained panel was selected according to sensitivity to menthol discrimination. Consumer panel wasrecruited in proportion as population ratios including female smokers. They were all over twenty years old volunteers and summed up thirty four persons. In terms of sensor evaluation, overall difference test with seven-category scale by both trained and consumer panelists were done. On judging correct or incorrect answer, two by three cut-off levels applied to. Every test was conducted with two sessions, before smoking and during smoking period. And, only two samples served each paneI per test with regard to sensory fatigue and reliable results. All tests were replicated, and in total 32 times per panelist. In conclusion, the recognition threshold about consumer and expert panel was 358 ppm/cig. and 276 ppm/cig. in separately. Besides, absolute and difference thresholds were obtained also. And, we conduct difference threshold test with two different ways, upward and downward. And, The results of each method were 246, 195 ppm/cig., 1414, 1336 ppm/cig. and 1047, 972 ppm/cig.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.4
• /
• pp.413-419
• /
• 2015

The present study determined and compared the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum strains infecting children living in 2 areas from Gabon with different malaria endemicity. Blood samples were collected from febrile children from 2008 to 2009 in 2 health centres from rural (Oyem) and urban (Owendo) areas. Genetic diversity was determined in P. falciparum isolates by analyzing the merozoite surface protein-1 (msp1) gene polymorphism using nested-PCR. Overall, 168 children with mild falciparum malaria were included. K1, Ro33, and Mad20 alleles were found in 110 (65.5%), 94 (55.9%), and 35 (20.8%) isolates, respectively, without difference according to the site (P>0.05). Allelic families' frequencies were comparable between children less than 5 years old from the 2 sites; while among the older children the proportions of Ro33 and Mad20 alleles were 1.7 to 2.0 fold higher at Oyem. Thirty-three different alleles were detected, 16 (48.5%) were common to both sites, and 10 out of the 17 specific alleles were found at Oyem. Furthermore, multiple infection carriers were frequent at Oyem (57.7% vs 42.2% at Owendo; P=0.04) where the complexity of infection was of 1.88 (${\pm}0.95$) higher compared to that found at Owendo ($1.55{\pm}0.75$). Extended genetic diversity of P. falciparum strains infecting Gabonese symptomatic children and high multiplicity of infections were observed in rural area. Alleles common to the 2 sites were frequent; the site-specific alleles predominated in the rural area. Such distribution of the alleles should be taken into accounts when designing MSP1 or MSP2 malaria vaccine.