Impact of typhoons on anthropogenic nitrogen sources in Lake Sihwa, South Korea.

This study investigated the nitrate dual isotopic compositions (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3) of water samples to trace nitrate sources in Lake Sihwa, which encompasses various land-use types (e.g., urban, industry, wetland, and agriculture). The biogeochemical interactions of anthropogenic nitrogen sources (e.g., soil, road dust, and septic water) were also evaluated through multiple pathways from terrestrial boundaries to the water column. Based on increased concentrations of dissolved total nitrogen (DTN; 3.1 ± 1.6 mg/L) after typhoon, the variation of element stoichiometry (N:P:Si) in this system shifted to the relatively N-rich conditions (DIN/DIP; 14.1 ± 8.1, DIN/DSi; 1.4 ± 1.8), potentially triggering the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Furthermore, discriminative isotopic compositions (δ15NNO3; 4.0 ± 2.1 ‰, δ18ONO3; 6.1 ± 4.3 ‰) after the typhoon suggested the increased DTN input of anthropogenic origins within Lake Sihwa would be mainly transported from urban sources (76 ± 9 %). Consequently, the isotopic-based approach may be useful for effective water quality management under increased anthropogenic activities near aquatic systems.

Successful Simultaneous Treatment of Benign Stricture and Colonic Neoplasm Arising from Colonic Interposition after Esophagectomy: A Case Report.

Colonic interposition is the main procedure used in esophageal reconstruction. We report a rare case of simultaneous treatment of an anastomotic site stricture and a neoplasm in the interpositioned colon. A 69-year-old female visited our outpatient clinic with symptoms of progressive dysphagia for 1 year. At the age of 30 years, the patient underwent esophagectomy with retrosternal colonic interposition because of severe esophageal burns after chemical ingestion. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed stricture at the anastomosis site and a 10-mm flat elevated high-grade dysplasia in the interpositioned colon. First, through-the-scope balloon dilatation was performed for strictures. However, stenosis was observed during the second upper gastrointestinal endoscopy session. Therefore, a second session of through-the-scope balloon dilatation was performed, and simultaneously, endoscopic submucosal dissection was also successfully performed. After 2 months of follow-up, stenosis persisted; consequently, balloon dilatation was performed. No recurrence of neoplasm was confirmed endoscopically. Through-the-scope balloon dilatation of the stricture site and simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection of the neoplasm in the interpositioned colon were successfully performed.

Basin-specific pollution and impoundment effects on greenhouse gas distributions in three rivers and estuaries.

Large uncertainties exist regarding the combined effects of pollution and impoundment on riverine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It has also been debated whether river eutrophication can transform downstream estuaries into carbon sinks. To assess human impacts on the riverine and estuarine distributions of CO2, CH4, and N2O, two source-to-estuary surveys along three impounded rivers in Korea were combined with multiple samplings at five or six estuarine sites. The basin-wide surveys revealed predominant pollution effects generating localized hotspots of riverine GHGs along metropolitan areas. The localized pollution effect was pronounced in the lower Han River and estuary adjacent to Seoul, while the highest GHG levels in the upper Yeongsan traversing Gwangju were not carried over into the faraway estuary. CH4 levels were elevated across the eutrophic middle Nakdong reaches regulated by eight cascade weirs in contrast to undersaturated CO2 indicating enhanced phytoplankton production. The levels of all three GHGs tended to be higher in the Han estuary across seasons. Higher summer-time δ13C-CH4 values at some Nakdong and Yeongsan estuarine sites implied that temperature-enhanced CH4 production may have been dampened by increased CH4 oxidation. Our results suggest that the location and magnitude of pollution sources and impoundments control basin-specific longitudinal GHG distributions and estuarine carryover effects, warning against simple generalizations of eutrophic rivers and estuaries as carbon sinks.

Systematic tracing of nitrate sources in a complex river catchment: An integrated approach using stable isotopes and hydrological models.

Quantitative estimation for tracking the transport of various nitrate sources is required to effectively manage nitrate loading in complex river systems. In this study, we validated an integrated framework using field isotopic data (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3) of nitrates and hydrological modeling (hydrological simulation program FORTRAN; HSPF) to determine anthropogenic nitrate flux among different land-use types within a watershed. Nitrate isotopic compositions showed different ranges among four land-use types (4.9 to 15.5‰ for δ15NNO3, -4.9 to 12.1‰ for δ18ONO3), reflecting the different nitrate sources (sewage, synthetic fertilizer, effluent and soil) within watersheds. Based on the integration of HSPF modeling, we also found that total nitrate loads might be partially controlled by hydrological conditions such as water discharge (12,040.3-22,793.2 L/s) from upstream to downstream. Among the nitrate sources, the sewage transport showed unique enhancement near urban boundaries, along with an increase in total nitrate load (>193.5 NO3-N g/s km2) in downstream areas. In addition, the isotopic- and model-based nitrate fluxes showed good correlation for urban sources (R2=0.73, p < 0.05) but poor correlations for agriculture-dominated land use (R2=0.13, p > 0.05), reflecting the potential influence of surface runoff and ground infiltration into the watershed. Consequently, this research provided useful information to establish nitrogen management policy controlling point and non-point nitrate source loads in various land-use types for the restoration of water quality and aquatic ecosystem in the complex river system. Considering the recent increase in human activities near aquatic environments, this framework would be effective for individually estimating the quantitative contributions of anthropogenic nitrate sources transported along river-coastal systems.

Weight Gain, Comorbidities, and Its Associated Factors Among Korean Adults.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain in adults is associated with an increased risk of obesity-related diseases and high healthcare costs. However, there have been limited studies on weight gain in Asians. This study investigated the prevalence, comorbidities, and associated factors of weight gain in the Korean population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of Korean adults aged 19-64 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2016-2019. We used data from 15,514 adults (subjects 1) to analyze the prevalence of weight gain. Finally, after excluding adults with suspicious debilitating conditions among them, 11,477 adults (subjects 2) were used to analyze comorbidities and associated factors. Weight changes and lifestyle factors were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. We analyzed odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine factors associated with weight gain. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of weight gain was 25.7% in men and 31.3% in women and decreased significantly with age in both sexes. Weight gain of ≥ 6 kg was evident in 10.5% of men and 9.8% of women and was more pronounced with a higher baseline body mass index (BMI). Most metabolic comorbidities worsened the greater the weight gain. Young age was the strongest associated factor for weight gain. Other factors associated with weight gain were being unmarried, blue-collar job, lower income, and alcohol consumption in men; being married in women; smoking and skipping breakfast in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Weight gain was much more pronounced in younger adults and at a higher baseline BMI in both sexes. Public education and health policies to prevent unnecessary weight gain should be strengthened by considering the associated harmful factors in Korean adults.

Spatial variability of water quality and sedimentary organic matter during winter season in coastal aquaculture zone of Korea.

We investigated the composition, source, and reactivity of sedimentary organic matter (OM) present in aquaculture systems along the Korean coast. A multi-isotopic approach was applied to 216 surface sediments from five sections: western (W)-1, W-2, southern (S)-1, S-2, and eastern (E)-1 sections. The 15N-enriched total nitrogen signatures in the surface sediments of the W-1 section may indicate that a substantial fraction of sedimentary OM has anthropogenic origins exported through the Han River. Simultaneously, the deposition of allochthonous OM is predominant in the S sections (Jinhae and Masan Bays). The 34S-depleted patterns at the S-2 section may indicate that sulfate reduction occurring at the sedimentary boundary contributes to active OM decomposition, depending on the increased sedimentation of the aquaculture-derived OM. Our results highlight that isotopic-based source tracking near aquaculture systems provide important information for identifying anthropogenic contamination in coastal marine sediments and for improving environmental management.

Stepwise Approach for Tracing the Geographical Origins of the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Using Dual-Element Isotopes and Carbon Isotopes of Fatty Acids.

While there are many studies that have reported methods for tracing the geographical origin of seafoods, most of them have focused on identifying parameters that can be used effectively and not the direct application of these methods. In this study, we attempted to differentiate the geographical origins of the Manila clam R. philippinarum collected from different sites in Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and China using a combination of analyses based on dual-element isotopes, fatty acids (FAs), and compound-specific isotopic analysis of FAs. We hypothesized that a stepwise application of new parameters to unclassified samples could achieve this objective by integrating new information while reducing time and labor. The FA profiles and compound-specific carbon isotopic values of FAs were found to enhance the discrimination power of determining the geographic origin up to 100%. Our findings demonstrate the advantageousness of using several parameters simultaneously over the conventional method of employing individual analytical methods when identifying geographic origins of the Manila clam, which could have implications for tracing the origins of different shellfish species or other food products as well.

Surface urban heat island in South Korea's new towns with different urban planning.

A new town is strategically built within a short period compared to naturally developed cities. It is considered an appropriate study area for analyzing the urban climate problems such as surface urban heat islands (SUHIs) that is differently generated according to urban planning and development. In this study, we suggest comprehensive method for determining and comparing changes in surface UHI distribution during 1989-2048 in two new towns with different urban planning. First, a substantial increase in built-up areas was observed from 1989 (< 5%) to 2018 (> 40%) in both new towns. However, SUHI phenomenon-increasing patterns were different of about 12.25% depending on urban planning and urban morphology. Results also showed the importance of vertical and horizontal structures which can have a great influence on SUHI intensity and accordingly, the difference in SUHI distribution between two new towns was confirmed. Moreover, without effective mitigation, the built-up area in both new towns is estimated to increase to approximately 60%, and the SUHI intensity in most areas to increase by 4 °C in 2048. In addition, the spread and intensification of the SUHI phenomenon are predicted to be greater due to the characteristics of the building structure and the active urban expansion. Thus, these results combined with architectural assessment models can improve the understanding of thermal environmental impacts of urbanization and provide directions for sustainable urban development and renovation.

Experience With and Awareness of Telemedicine Among Korean Outpatients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Owing to the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic, the demand for telemedicine has increased. However, the awareness of and experience with telemedicine among the Korean population have not been investigated. Therefore, we examined Korean outpatients' experience with and awareness of telemedicine. Methods: From December 2020 to March 2021, we conducted a survey exploring the awareness of and experience with telemedicine of outpatients who were consecutively enrolled by family physicians from four hospitals. The participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, experience, satisfaction, preference, and future considerations concerning telemedicine. We evaluated factors associated with satisfaction with telemedicine experiences using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 563 study participants, 364 participants had experience with telemedicine. More than 95% of the telemedicine visits were performed by telephone consultation, and the most common disease type for telemedicine visits was chronic diseases (67.5%). Overall, 82.4% of the participants were satisfied with telemedicine. More than 90% of the participants were satisfied with telemedicine in terms of saving time and money relative to hospital visits, no risk of infection, and convenience. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adults aged ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-8.68), residents of a metropolitan city (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.41-32.55), and those with knowledge of telemedicine (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.21-7.26) were more likely to be satisfied with their telemedicine experience, compared with their counterparts. For chronic diseases, participants with telemedicine experience were significantly more likely to prefer telemedicine for revisits, compared with those with no telemedicine experience. Nonetheless, most respondents recognized that telemedicine requires improvement. Conclusions: Most Korean outpatients showed high satisfaction with telemedicine. Telemedicine may be considered in various medical situations in the future. Therefore, building a practical system for telemedicine and changes in the medical environment are required.

Isotopic investigation of skeletal remains at the Imdang tombs reveals high consumption of game birds and social stratification in ancient Korea.

Understanding the development of early states on the Korean Peninsula is an important topic in Korean archaeology. However, it is not clear how social structure was organized by these early states and what natural resources were utilized from their surrounding environments. To investigate dietary adaptation and social status in ancient Korea, stable isotope ratios and radiocarbon dates were measured from humans and animals from the Imdang cemetery, Gyeongsan city, South Korea. The results indicate that the Imdang diet was mainly based on C3 plants and terrestrial animals. Animal remains in the graves were directly consumed as daily food items as well as for ritual offerings. MixSIAR modeling results revealed that the dietary sources for the humans were: game birds > C3 plants > terrestrial herbivores > marine fish > C4 plants. The finding that the game birds represented the highest contribution to the whole diet, indicates that game birds must have been intensively hunted. Furthermore, elites consumed more game birds than their retainers and they also consumed seafood as a privileged dietary item in the Imdang society. This study demonstrates that the Apdok was a stratified society having high variations in the consumption of food items available to an individual and provides new insights about the subsistence and social status of the early ancient Apdok state on the Korean Peninsula.

Using stable isotope probing and fluorescence spectroscopy to examine the roles of substrate and soluble microbial products in extracellular polymeric substance formation in activated sludge process.

In this study, we used stable isotope-labeled soluble microbial products (SMP) and substrates to explore their assimilation into the formation of new biological products (i.e., extracellular polymeric substances and biomass) in two adjacent sequencing batch reactors. The isotope labeling approach along with fluorescence spectroscopy allowed us to distinguish between refractory and labile portions of SMP constituents as well as their roles in the formation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Comparison of SMP fluorescence and the specific UV absorbance values between the two reactors revealed the presence of humic-like aromatic substances in the non-consumable part of SMP, which can be ultimately released as effluent organic matter. Parallel factor analysis modeling of fluorescence spectra showed that the hydrolysis of EPS contents mostly resulted in humic-like components in SMP rather than protein-like components, which were initially abundant in EPS (>80%). From variations in carbon and nitrogen isotopic contents in EPS and biomass, it was found that carbon-containing substrates were enriched faster than their nitrogenous counterparts. The contributions to new EPS formation reached 87.5% for carbon and 60.5% for nitrogen. Meanwhile, the isotopic tracking of the labeled SMP revealed that only 11.0% and 11.9% of carbon and 13.3% and 11.6% of nitrogen from the influent SMP were finally assimilated into EPS and biomass, respectively. In contrast, the isotopic enrichment in SMP was higher (~50%) than that of EPS and biomass, indicating the low bioavailability and refractory nature of the feed SMP. This study proposed a promising approach for estimating the relative contributions of different forms of labile substrate and SMP to the formation of EPS in activated sludge processes. This approach could be suggested as a versatile method for establishing the kinetics, substrate element flow, mass balance on organic substrates and nutrients, as well as for tracking the consumption and uptake pathways of hazardous materials.

Integrated approach for quantitative estimation of particulate organic carbon sources in a complex river system.

Despite receiving a considerable amount of attention in the past, quantitative and systematic estimation of the source contributions for different organic carbons (OCs) in complex river systems is still challenging. In this study, we tested an integrated framework using field data of bulk elements and lipid biomarkers and hydrological modeling (hydrological simulation program FORTRAN, HSPF) for the quantitative estimation of OC loads along different land-use types of a watershed (Geumho River watershed in South Korea). Based on the specific source assignments identified from the lipid biomarker patterns in particulate organic carbon (POC) such as short/long chains of alkanes, fatty acids and alcohols, and coprostanol/cholesterol, spatial variations of the diagnostic lipids could be used as an indicator to discriminate between the contributions of natural (algae, bacteria, and terrestrial plants) and anthropogenic sources (fecal). Based on the integration of HSPF modeling, it was also found that various POC loads might be partially controlled by different water discharges within watersheds. With the increase in POC fluxes, the increase in fecal loads was also noticed, as reflected by the predominant lipid (especially coprostanol normalized by water discharges). As a straightforward approach, we developed a set of indices including fecal index-1, ratios of coprostanol, fatty acids, and alkanes, which strengthened the sensitivity for fecal contamination. Compared with the conventional HSPF results, the variations of these proposed indices were more influenced by the broadened watershed extents with increasing downstream distance, which provided a more accurate estimation of the quantitative contributions of POC loadings in the complex river system.

Relationship of domain-specific quality of life with body mass index and waist circumference in a Korean elderly population.

BACKGROUND: Obesity affects health-related quality of life (QoL); however, their relationship among elderly Asians is not well known. AIMS: Relationship of domain-specific QoL with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and the sex differences were investigated using a nationally representative sample of elderly Korean population. METHODS: In the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey phase VII (2016-2018), 3659 adults aged ≥ 65 years (1551 men and 2108 women) participated. BMI and waist circumference were classified according to Asian- and Korean-specific criteria. QoL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Scale-Five Dimensions (EQ-5D). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship of QoL with BMI and waist circumference. RESULTS: Men with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 had a significant association with poor QoL in mobility and self-care, but no relationship was found with the other domains. Women with BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 had poor QoL in mobility and self-care, and those with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 had poor QoL in usual activities and pain/discomfort. There was no significant association with anxiety/depression. Both elderly men and women with abdominal obesity had a significant association with poor QoL in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort; however, there was no significant relationship with waist circumference and anxiety/depression. CONCLUSIONS: The association between QoL and BMI was different according to sex and the domains of QoL. Domain-specific QoL should be considered in the management of body weight of the elderly.

A Multi-Elements Isotope Approach to Assess the Geographic Provenance of Manila Clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) via Recombining Appropriate Elements.

The increasing global consumption of seafood has led to increased trade among nations, accompanied by mislabeling and fraudulent practices that have rendered authentication crucial. The multi-isotope ratio analysis is considered as applicable tool for evaluating geographical authentications but requires information and experience to select target elements such as isotopes, through a distinction method based on differences in habitat and physiology due to origin. The present study examined recombination conditions of multi-elements that facilitated geographically distinct classifications of the clams to sort out appropriate elements. Briefly, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) analysis was performed according to several combinations of five stable isotopes (carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), oxygen (δ18O), hydrogen (δD), and sulfur (δ34S)) and two radiogenic elements (strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and neodymium (143Nd/144Nd)), and the geographical classification results of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum from Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPR Korea), Korea and China were compared. In conclusion, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with at least four elements (C, N, O, and S) including S revealed a remarkable cluster distribution of the clams. These findings expanded the application of systematic multi-elements analyses, including stable and radiogenic isotopes, to trace the origins of R. philippinarum collected from the Korea, China, and DPR Korea.

High Performance Field-Effect Transistors Based on Partially Suspended 2D Materials via Block Copolymer Lithography.

Although various two-dimensional (2D) materials hold great promise in next generation electronic devices, there are many challenges to overcome to be used in practical applications. One of them is the substrate effect, which directly affects the device performance. The large interfacial area and interaction between 2D materials and substrate significantly deteriorate the device performance. Several top-down approaches have been suggested to solve the problem. Unfortunately, however, they have some drawbacks such as a complicated fabrication process, a high production cost, or a poor mechanical property. Here, we suggest the partially suspended 2D materials-based field-effect transistors (FETs) by introducing block copolymer (BCP) lithography to fabricate the substrate effect-free 2D electronic devices. A wide range of nanometer size holes (diameter = 31~43 nm) is successfully realized with a BCP self-assembly nanopatterning process. With this approach, the interaction mechanism between active 2D materials and substrate is elucidated by precisely measuring the device performance at varied feature size. Our strategy can be widely applied to fabricate 2D materials-based high performance electronic, optoelectronic, and energy devices using a versatile self-assembly nanopatterning process.

Association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future cardiovascular disease and mortality in older adults: a Korean nationwide longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is considered an independent health risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in older adults. Despite its importance, there have been few reports on the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and cardiovascular (CV) mortality among elderly Asians aged ≥ 65 years. This study investigated the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and CV mortality in an elderly Korean population using a large nationwide sample. METHODS: From the cohort database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, 62,604 adults aged ≥ 65 years (32,584 men and 30,020 women) were included. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were categorized by quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models and linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between the quartiles of lipoprotein cholesterol and future CV events or mortality. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.3 years. The incidence rates of ischemic heart disease and ischemic brain disease were 0.97 and 0.61 per 1,000 person-years, respectively, and the mortality rates from these diseases were 0.22 and 0.34 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In a completely adjusted model, high HDL-C and LDL-C levels were not associated with total CV events and CVD mortality. However, high LDL-C levels were significantly associated with a lower incidence of ischemic brain disease. Furthermore, diabetic patients with high LDL-C levels were more likely to have higher CV mortality, whereas non-smokers with high LDL-C levels were less likely to be at risk of CV events. CONCLUSIONS: Neither high LDL-C nor HDL-C levels were significantly associated with future CV mortality in older adults aged ≥ 65 years. High LDL-C levels do not seem to be a risk factor for CVD in elderly individuals, and further studies are required.

Beliefs about the Harmfulness of Heated Tobacco Products Compared with Combustible Cigarettes and Their Effectiveness for Smoking Cessation among Korean Adults.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have been widely used in Korea since their introduction in 2017. In this study, we investigated the perceptions of their relative harmfulness and smoking cessation effects. We performed an online survey in 7000 Koreans in 2018 (2300 males and 4700 females aged 20-69 years) by matching their age, sex, and provincial distribution. To investigate the factors causing HTPs to be perceived as less harmful than combustible cigarettes (CCs) and helpful for smoking cessation, we used multivariable logistic regression analyses. HTPs were less harmful than CCs in 16.8% of participants, particularly among HTP-only users and dual and triple users of HTPs, electronic cigarettes (ECs), or CCs than among CC-only users, those who were aged ≤ 34 years, males, and those with higher incomes. HTPs were reportedly helpful for smoking cessation in 11.2% of participants. Similar perceptions were more likely among HTP-only users, as well as dual and triple users than among CC-only users and adults with higher education/incomes. Although Korean adults generally had negative perceptions of the harmfulness and smoking cessation effects of HTPs compared with CCs, dual and triple users were more likely to have positive perceptions. Monitoring the use of multiple tobacco products and HTPs is a new challenge for Korean policymakers.

Prevalence and correlates of current use of heated tobacco products among a nationally representative sample of Korean adults: Results from a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Heated tobacco product (HTP) use has increased rapidly in Korea since its introduction in 2017. We investigated the prevalence and correlates of the current use of HTPs among a nationally representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 6182 participants aged ≥19 years took part in the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted one year after the introduction of HTPs in Korea. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of current HTP use (defined as past 30-day use) among Korean adults was 4.4% (7.8% for males and 0.9% for females) in 2018. Among current HTP users, approximately 90% were dual users with combustible cigarettes (CCs) or electronic cigarettes (ECs), or triple users with CCs and ECs. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, males, younger participants, and current CC and/or EC users showed greater odds of being current users of HTPs compared with females, older participants, and non-users of CCs and ECs. Moreover, current EC-only users were more likely to use HTPs than current CC-only users. Compared with current CC-only use, using HTPs with CCs concurrently was not associated with attempts to quit smoking during the past year or with intentions to quit CC smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The popularity of HTP use and the pattern of its poly use with CCs and ECs is a new challenge for Korean tobacco control policy.

Association between disability and cardiovascular event and mortality: A nationwide representative longitudinal study in Korea.

This study aimed to examine the association between disability and cardiovascular (CV) disease incidence and mortality in Korea longitudinally, using a national representative sample. We used the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) database, which includes information on the disability of the National Screening Program participants such as severity and type of disability, which were obtained from the Korean National Disability Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between disability and CV disease incidence and mortality. We constructed four models with different levels of adjustment, in which Model 3 was a fully adjusted model. This study included 514,679 participants, and 7,317 CV deaths were reported within a mean follow up of 10.8 ± 3.9 years (maximum, 13.9 years). For 5,572,130 person-year (PY) follow-up, the CV mortality rate was 1.313 per 1,000 PY. In Models 1 and 2, CV disease incidence was significantly higher in participants with disability than in those without disability. In Model 3, the incidence was higher only among participants aged 50-64 years and severe disabled participants aged <50 years. CV mortality was significantly higher in participants with disability than in those without disability in all Models, and the mortality increased in both sexes in Models 1 and 2 but only increased in men in Model 3. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis of health behavior and chronic diseases. People with disability showed higher CV disease incidence and mortality than those without disability, regardless of the type of disability or risk factors for CV disease.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Beopje curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and its active compounds.

Inflammation is a defense response of the body to stimuli. Curly dock (CD) is an herbal food with anti-inflammatory effects. Beopje is an herbal food processing method that reduces toxicity and enhances beneficial effects. This study investigated the effects of CD and Beopje curly dock (CD-B) extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage in RAW 264.7 cells. Cell survival rate and nitrite concentration were determined using the MTT assay and Griess method, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the inflammatory cytokine levels. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory associated genes were detected by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. CD and CD-B extracts compositions were assessed by UPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis. Our results indicate that CD-B has a more significant inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells than CD, suggesting that the Beopje process potentially enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of CD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Long-term inflammation can cause a variety of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of body inflammation in time. This study preliminarily clarified the mechanism of herbal foods to alleviate inflammation by regulating the immune response, and further confirms that applying the Beopje process enhances the anti-inflammatory effect. This research can serve as a significant reference for future research, prevention and treatment of inflammation-related diseases, and the development of functional foods with anti-inflammatory activity. It also provides a theoretical basis for the further reasonable application of Beopje processing method.