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The Yeongnam Massif is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and holds key elements in understanding the Palaeoproterozoic tectonic evolution of north‐east Asia during the amalgamation of the Columbia supercontinent. In this study, we have conducted geochronological and geochemical studies on the mafic intrusive along the northern margin of the Yeongnam Massif. Sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb zircon dating on two amphibolite and one gabbro samples in the Damyang area show that the amphibolites crystallized at ~1.87 Ga and the gabbro crystallized at ~87.6 Ma. The 1.87 Ga Damyang amphibolites are simultaneous with the Muju and Okbang amphibolites along the northern margin of the Yeongnam Massif. They also show similar geochemical characteristics, including tholeiitic basalt composition, enriched Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) and large ion lithosphile elements (LILEs), depleted high field strength elements (HFSEs), and slightly enriched but various Hf isotopes, indicating that they originated from an enriched but heterogeneous mantle source with fluid addition. Thus, the 1.87 Ga amphibolites along the northern margin of the Yeongnam Massif were probably emplaced in an arc‐related setting. Combined with the 2.02–1.96 Ga magmatism, it is proposed that the subduction might have lasted during the 2.02–1.85 Ga interval and mantle‐derived magma rose up due to the roll‐back process between 1.88–1.85 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean Peninsula mainly comprises the Paleoproterozoic Gwanmo, Nangnim, Gyeonggi, and Yeongnam massifs from north to south. The Paleoproterozoic basement is rarely exposed in the Paleozoic Taebaeksan basin, which is located in the northeastern part of the Okcheon belt between the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs. One of the most important issues in the tectonic interpretation of the Korean Peninsula is whether Paleoproterozoic rocks in the Taebaeksan basin have an affinity with those in the Gyeonggi or Yeongnam massifs. To solve this problem, we focused on the petrogenesis of the Imgye gabbroic diorite, Jungbongsan granite, and Jangsan quartzite in the Imgye area of the Taebaeksan basin. The Imgye gabbroic diorite shows mafic to intermediate compositions with slightly enriched LREEs compared to HREEs, slightly positive Rb, K, and Pb anomalies, and negative Ta, Nb, and P anomalies. The Imgye gabbroic diorite formed in a volcanic arc tectonic setting. The geochemical compositions of the Jungbongsan granite show enriched LREEs compared to HREEs with negative Eu anomalies, and reveal strong positive Rb, Th, K, and Pb anomalies with negative Ba, Ta, Nb, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. This Jungbongsan granite also formed in an arc tectonic setting like the Imgye gabbroic diorite. LA-ICP-MS zircon age dating of the Imgye gabbroic diorite gives an intrusion age of 1948 ± 21 Ma, whereas SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age dating on the Jungbongsan granite yields an emplacement age of 1873 ± 14 Ma. The εHf(t) values of the Imgye gabbroic diorite are from 3.5 to 9.7, whereas those of the Jungbongsan granite are from −2.9 to 0.6. These data imply that the Imgye gabbroic diorite formed from a depleted mantle in the arc tectonic environment, whereas the Jungbongsan granite formed by reworking pre-existing crust material in the arc environment. The detrital zircons in the Jangsan quartzite show ages ranging from 3.06 to 1.85 Ga, with a peak concentration of ca. 2.5 Ga. Previous studies have suggested that the northern Gyeonggi and Nangnim massifs underwent collision-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.93–1.90 Ga, and then post-collisional magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.89–1.83 Ga, whereas the southern Gyeonggi massif underwent subduction-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.94–1.92 Ga, and then post-collision-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.84–1.78 Ga. By contrast, subduction-related events were recognized in the northern Yeongnam massif at ca 2.02–1.96 Ga and 1.90–1.85 Ga. This work, combined with the previous studies, suggests that the Paleoproterozoic basement in the Imgye area of the Taebaeksan basin can be correlated with the Paleoproterozoic basement of the northern Yeongnam massif rather than with those of the Nangnim and Gyeonggi massifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nangrim and northern Gyeonggi Massif can be correlated to Jiao-Liao-Ji belt. • Southern Gyeonggi Massif may not be correlated to northern Gyeonggi Massif. • Sobaeksan Gneiss Complex cannot correlated to Nangrim Massif. Correlation of the Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Korean Peninsula and China has been considered to be important for the tectonic evolution of Northeast Asia, yet it is still unclear. Recently considerable new data have been obtained from the Korean Peninsula and China providing a better opportunity to correlate the Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Korean Peninsula and China. Intermediate–P/T metamorphism and post–collisional magmatism have been found to have occurred during ca. 1.95–1.83 Ga not only in the Jiao–Liao–Ji belt on the eastern North China Craton but also in the Nangrim and northern Gyeonggi Massifs within the Korean Peninsula representing that these Paleoproterozoic rocks can be correlated. These events occurred as a result of the collision between the Longgang Block of the eastern North China Craton and the Nangrim Massifs of the Korean Peninsula. On the other hand, the southeastern Gyeonggi Massif underwent an arc–related magmatic and metamorphic events during ca. 1.96–1.91 Ga suggesting that the Paleoproterozoic rocks in southeastern Gyeonggi Massif cannot be correlated with those in northern Gyeonggi Massif. The Yeongnam Massif is unlikely correlated to the Nangrim and northern Gyeonggi Massifs and the eastern North China Craton because arc–related igneous activity occurred during ca. 2.00–1.85 Ga in the Sobaeksan Gneiss Complex in the central to northeastern Yeongnam Massif. The Jirisan Gneiss Complex in the southwestern Yeongnam Massif underwent intermediate–P/T metamorphism that is followed by post–collisional magmatic and low–P/T metamorphic events during ca. 1.92–1.86 Ga and these events may be correlated to those in the eastern Cathaysia Block on the South China Craton. The Paleoproterozoic correlation between the Korean Peninsula and China in this study supports a tectonic model in which the Permo–Triassic Dabie–Sulu continental collision belt in China extends into the Hongseong–Odaesan collision belt in the Gyeonggi Massif within the Korean Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of this study was to determine if hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance are/is associated with the prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in Korean women. Methods This study included 735 female patients with PTC and 537 female non-PTC control subjects. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance and the occurrence of PTC. Results The prevalence of PTC was significantly correlated with increased insulin, glucose levels, and a high homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The multivariate adjusted odds ratios for the prevalence of PTC in the highest quartile groups for insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR were 2.88, 9.32, and 4.07 (all p < .001), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile groups. Pathological analyses revealed that increased serum glucose, insulin levels, and a higher HOMA-IR were associated with the multifocality of PTC. Conclusion Hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance may be associated with the development of PTC, but not disease severity in Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on brain volume are influenced by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. We examined the effects in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy normal controls. Methods: Forty participants with AD and 20 healthy normal controls were recruited from memory impairment clinics at Pusan National University Hospital in Korea. All participants were APOE genotyped and underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including 3‐D volumetric images for grey matter (GM) volume. A multiple regression model integrated into statistical parametric mapping was used to see if there was any correlation between vitamin B12 or homocysteine and GM volume in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers) of AD patients and healthy normal controls. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 carriers with AD but not in non‐carriers. We also found that there was a significant negative correlation between serum concentrations of homocysteine and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 non‐carriers with AD but not in carriers (P < 0.001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons; extent threshold = 100 voxel). Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on GM volume might be influenced by APOE genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported in several studies that there may be a significant correlation between reproductive history and the risk of osteoporosis due to the effect of estrogen. Under this hypothesis, however, it is unclear whether the age at first delivery has any major influences on the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the age at first delivery and the risk of osteoporosis in Korean menopausal women. This study was performed using data from the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 2,530 Korean postmenopausal women. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was made using the World Health Organization T-score criteria (T-score ≤ -2.5, at the femoral neck or lumbar spine). Participants were categorized into 3 groups according to age at first delivery: ≤23, 24–29, and ≥30 years. Older age, lower body mass index, lower calcium intake, later menarche, and earlier menopause increased the risk of osteoporosis, whereas hormone therapy and oral contraceptive use were associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women whose first delivery occurred at age 24–29 years were shown to have a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio, 2.124; 95% confidence interval, 1.096–4.113; P = 0.026) compared to those who first gave birth after the age of 30 years. These findings suggest that postmenopausal women whose first delivery occurred in their mid to late 20s, a period during which bone mass slowly accumulates to the peak, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) content and a risk assessment from consumption of Korean edible oils were investigated. Liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy were used to measure eight PAH in edible oils commonly consumed in Korea. The total average PAH concentration was 0.548 μg/kg from edible oils and the content of the 8 PAH was lower than 2 μg/kg, which is the maximum tolerable limit reported by the commission regulation. The contents of the eight PAH were converted to exposure assessment and risk characterization values. Dietary exposure to PAH from edible oils was 0.025 ng-TEQBaP/kg/d, and margin of exposure (MOE) was 4 × 106, which represents negligible concern. Although PAH were detected from edible oils in Korea, their contribution to human exposure to PAH is considered not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Hyperandrogenism (HA) has been linked with several components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Few studies in Asian women have evaluated the important risk factors for and prevalence of MetS according to PCOS subtype. In this study, we investigated differences in metabolic parameters and the prevalence of MetS in two major phenotypic subgroups of PCOS in Korea. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between HA-associated parameters and MetS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from May 2010 to December 2011 in Korea. A total of 837 females with PCOS, aged 15–40, were recruited from Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 13 hospitals. Of those, 700 subjects with either polycystic ovaries (PCO)+HA+oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea (O) or PCO+O were eligible for this study. MetS was diagnosed according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: MetS was more prevalent in the PCO+HA+O group (19.7%) than in the PCO+O (11.9%) group. There were statistically significant trends for an increased risk of MetS in the PCO+HA+O group compared to the PCO+O group. After adjustment for age, the odds ratio of MetS was 2.192 in non-obese subjects with PCO+HA+O compared to those with PCO+O, whereas the risk of MetS was not different in obese patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high free androgen index and low sex hormone-binding globulin were significantly associated with MetS in non-obese women with PCOS, with odds ratios of 4.234 (95% CI, 1.893–9.474) and 4.612 (95% CI, 1.978–10.750), respectively. However, no associations were detected between MetS and SHBG and FAI in obese PCOS subjects. Conclusions: Our results indicate that HA and its associated parameters (FAI and SHBG) are significantly associated with MetS in non-obese PCOS subjects, whereas this association was not observed in obese subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant conodont elements have been recovered from the Hwajeol Formation, to allow five zones to be erected: Proconodontus, Eoconodontus notchpeakensis, Cambrooistodus minutus, Cordylodus proavus, and Fryxellodontus inornatus-Monocostodus sevierensis-Semiacontiodus lavadamensis zones, in ascending order. More confident biozones are recognized in the Sesong Slate and lower Hwajeol Formation in the Makgol section, a part of the southern limb of the Baekunsan syncline, Taebaeksan Basin, Korea, especially focusing on the conodont biostratigraphic boundary of two units, and the subdivision potential of the previous ' Proconodontus Zone', lowermost biozone of the Hwajeol Formation. Similarly, only a few conodont elements recovered from upper 14.5 m interval, namely the Furongian portion of the Sesong Slate, in the Makgol section did not allow erection of a biozone. Nevertheless, this part of the unit plus the basal 2.5 m interval of the Hwajeol Formation is characterized by the occurrence of Prooneotodus rotundatus (Druce and Jones), Teridontus nakamurai (Nogami), Phakelodus elongatus (An) and Phakelodus tenuis Müller, This interval marks the early Furongian ' Prooneotodus rotundatus Zone'. The rest of the measured section yielded relatively abundant conodonts, so three conodont biozones are proposed, based on the successive appearance of key species: Proconodontus tenuiserratus, Proconodontus posterocostatus, and Proconodontus muelleri zones, in ascending order, and thus allowing subdivision of the previous ' Proconodontus Zone'. The four conodont biozones are correlated with the relevant biozones of North and South China, and North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An SRF plant which can produce 100 ton/month of SRF, one of the largest manufacturing plants in Korea, was investigated in this study. The actual operated SRF yield at 21.7 % that showed a lower yield than expected; originally designed value was 25.0%. The cause of these results was the difference between characteristics of MSW applied to this plant originally and that which was actual incoming. The MSW led to decrease the separation efficiency of the mechanical treatment process. Thus, each element of the facility was modified. After modification, the SRF yield increased to 30.9%, whereas the physico-chemical properties of SRF were satisfied with domestic standard of SRF regardless of modifying MT facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Machari Formation ranges from the 'upper Series 3' (Middle Cambrian) to Furongian (Upper Cambrian) in the Yeongwol area, Korea. It has been known to yield relatively diverse invertebrate fossils. Particularly, the trilobite biozones of the formation have been well defined. On the other hand, little has hitherto been studied on conodont microfossils for the formation. This paper reports a diverse and well-preserved protoconodonts and paraconodonts of Series 3 from the formation in the Eodungol Section, exposed along a southern mountain trail of Mt. Sambangsan, Yeongwol, Korea. Five of the 13 samples collected for conodont contain a rich protoconodont and paraconodont assemblage and numerous shelly fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, sponge spicules, hyolithids, and incertae sedis. Sample Eo 5 is extremely fossiliferous (465 elements, 96.5% of total collection), and the most abundant species was Phakelodus elongatus (236 elements, 62% of the Eo 5 collection). The preservation is relatively good, but some specimens are corroded and fragmentary. Some of the protoconodonts are exfoliated. Relatively larger ones were commonly preserved as phosphatized internal molds, particularly in specimens of Furnishina bigeminata, Furnishina leei n. sp., Muellerodus pomeranensis, Nogamiconus sinensis, and westergaardodids. Phakelodids were commonly preserved as clusters. Among 20 species referable to nine genera, Furnishina bigeminata, Furnishina leei n. sp., Nogamiconus sinensis, Huayuanodontus tricornis, Proscandodus obliquus, and Westergaardodina grandidens were previously undescribed species in Korea. This assemblage is named herein as the Westergaardodina matsushitai Zone, which is a new biozonal name replacing the old one, i.e., Gapparodus bisulcatus-Westergaardodina matsushitai-Westergaardodina moessebergensis Assemblage. The W. matsushitai Zone corresponds to the Lejopyge armata trilobite Zone and is well correlated with the upper Series 3 conodont biozones of the Westergaardodina matsushitai-Westergaardodina grandidens Zone of South China and the Westergaardodina matsushitai Zone of North China, respectively. The present data allow a useful correlation to China and Baltica in relation to new subdivision of the Cambrian. Furnishina leei n. sp. is newly described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Our results show that cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) or ocular VEMP (oVEMP) abnormalities in the recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) group were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrent BPPV group. Therefore, we can infer that VEMP abnormality is one of risk factors for BPPV recurrence. Objective: This prospective study aimed to test the hypothesis that otolith dysfunction using the VEMP test is a cause of recurrence of BPPV. Methods: cVEMP and oVEMP tests using 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli were performed on 16 patients with recurrent BPPV between March 2010 and December 2011. Both VEMP tests were performed in 20 patients with non-recurrent BPPV. Results: The differences in age, sex, and involved canal between the recurrent and non-recurrent BPPV groups were not significant. Abnormal cVEMP responses were detected in 5 of 16 (31.3%) subjects in the recurrent BPPV group and abnormal oVMEP responses were detected in 4 of 16 (25%) subjects in the recurrent BPPV group. When we defined VEMP abnormality as an abnormal cVEMP or abnormal oVEMP, VEMP abnormalities were detected in eight (50%) subjects in the recurrent BPPV group and in three (15%) subjects in the non-recurrent BPPV group; the difference between groups was significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood mercury and urinary arsenic levels are more than fivefold greater in the Korean population compared with those of the United States. This may be related to the foods people consumed. Therefore, we examined the associations between food categories and mercury and arsenic exposure in the Korean adult population. Data regarding nutritional, biochemical, and health-related parameters were obtained from a cross-sectional study, the 2008-2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (3,404 men and women age ≥20 years). The log-transformed blood mercury and urinary arsenic levels were regressed against the frequency tertiles of each food group after covariate adjustment for sex, age, residence area, education level, smoking status, and drinking status using food-frequency data. Blood mercury levels in the high consumption groups compared to the low consumption groups were elevated by about 20 percents with salted fish, shellfish, whitefish, bluefish, and alcohol, and by about 9-14 percents with seaweeds, green vegetables, fruits and tea, whereas rice did not affect blood mercury levels. Urinary arsenic levels were markedly increased with consumption of rice, bluefish, salted fish, shellfish, whitefish, and seaweed, whereas they were moderately increased with consumption of grains, green and white vegetables, fruits, coffee, and alcohol. The remaining food categories tended to lower these levels only minimally. In conclusion, the typical Asian diet, which is high in rice, salted fish, shellfish, vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and tea, may be associated with greater blood mercury and urinary arsenic levels. This study suggests that mercury and arsenic contents should be monitored and controlled in soil and water used for agriculture to decrease health risks from heavy-metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between blood lead, cadmium, and mercury levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate in a general population of South Korean adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on data obtained in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2008–2010). The final analytical sample consisted of 5924 participants. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the MDRD Study equation as an indicator of glomerular function. Results: In multiple linear regression analysis of log2-transformed blood lead as a continuous variable on eGFR, after adjusting for covariates including cadmium and mercury, the difference in eGFR levels associated with doubling of blood lead were −2.624mL/min per 1.73m² (95% CI: −3.803 to −1.445). In multiple linear regression analysis using quartiles of blood lead as the independent variable, the difference in eGFR levels comparing participants in the highest versus the lowest quartiles of blood lead was −3.835mL/min per 1.73m² (95% CI: −5.730 to −1.939). In a multiple linear regression analysis using blood cadmium and mercury, as continuous or categorical variables, as independent variables, neither metal was a significant predictor of eGFR. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI values for reduced eGFR calculated for log2-transformed blood metals and quartiles of the three metals showed similar trends after adjustment for covariates. Discussion: In this large, representative sample of South Korean adults, elevated blood lead level was consistently associated with lower eGFR levels and with the prevalence of reduced eGFR even in blood lead levels below 10μg/dL. In conclusion, elevated blood lead level was associated with lower eGFR in a Korean general population, supporting the role of lead as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: Blood lead levels (BLLs) in the Korean adult population are about twofold higher than those in the US adult population, which may be related to nutrient intake. We examined which nutritional factors might be associated with decreased BLL. Methods: This study was based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data obtained over 3years (2007–2009) using a rolling sampling design involving a complex, stratified, multistage, probability-cluster survey of a representative sample of the non-institutionalized civilian population of South Korea. Results: A multiple regression analysis after controlling for covariates indicated that dietary fat and protein were significant opposite predictors of BLL in five different models; fat and protein intake had negative and positive associations with BLL, respectively. Covariates used in the analysis were sex, age, regional area, education level, smoking and drinking status, hypertension, use of antihypertensive drugs, diabetes, use of antidiabetic drugs, use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, hemoglobin level, and exposure to chemical substances during daily life. Intake levels of other nutrients, such as dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and calcium, did not show any significant effect on BLL. Gender was also an important predictor: BLL was significantly higher in men than women. However, total femur T-score, which represents bone mass, was unaffected by BLL. When calculating adjusted predicted marginal values of blood lead according to dietary fat percentage, BLL was lower by 5.3% and 8.0% in men when fat intake was increased from 10% to 20% and 25%, respectively. This effect of fat intake on BLL was minimal in women. Conclusion: The accumulation of body stores of lead from lead exposure may be reduced by increasing dietary fat consumption to 25% of energy intake, especially in men. However, this must be weighed against possible cardiovascular risks of higher fat diets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2007, as part of the control and prevention of environmental contamination threatening public health, the Korean Ministry of Environment planned to implement a national biomonitoring survey of three metals: lead, cadmium, and mercury in the blood of residents living near 350 abandoned metal mines known to be contaminated and as possible threats to the health of inhabitants. Thus, we investigated demographic and lifestyle variables and blood lead levels in residents living around the mines and compared them against those of control subjects. We measured the blood lead concentrations in 14,849 subjects (14,132 from nearby the 350 abandoned metal mines and 717 subjects from eight control areas). A questionnaire was provided to all subjects to determine gender, age, mining experience, period of time living in the vicinity of mines, smoking status, and personal perception of abandoned mines as a health risk. The geometric means (95% confidence intervals) of the blood lead levels of residents living around the abandoned metal mines and control areas were 3.017 (2.996-3.037 μg/dL) [female, 2.797 μg/dL (2.771-2.822 μg/dL); male, 3.330 μg/dL (3.298-3.363 μg/dL)] and 2.757 (2.677-2.837 μg/dL) [female, 2.604 μg/dL (2.506-2.700 μg/dL); male, 2.993 μg/dL (2.859-3.126 μg/dL)], respectively. Among residents of the mining areas, nonsmokers and residents who had no mining experience showed significantly lower mean blood lead levels than did smokers, past smokers, and those with mining experience. The mean blood lead concentrations of residents who expressed some concern about the abandoned mines were significantly higher than those of residents without concerns. The mean blood lead concentration of residents living around the abandoned mines was significantly higher than that of residents living in control areas as well as that of the general adult Korean population. We also confirmed that smoking is an important variable to consider, as it increases blood lead concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: We present data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2009 on the association between blood manganese (Mn) levels and menopausal status in women. Methods: The present analysis was restricted to female participants who completed the health examination survey, including blood Mn measurements (n =1826). Menopausal status was categorized into pre- and post-menopausal. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine whether menopausal status or serum ferritin were significant predictors of blood Mn level and to investigate whether menopausal status modifies the association between blood Mn and serum ferritin after adjusting for covariates. Results: The geometric means (GMs) of blood Mn in the low and low-normal serum ferritin groups were significantly higher than the GM of blood Mn in the normal group. The GM of blood Mn in premenopausal women was significantly higher than in postmenopausal women Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that both serum ferritin and menopausal status were predictors of blood Mn, after adjusting for various covariates, and menopausal status acted as a modifier of the effect of ferritin on blood Mn levels. Blood Mn levels were 11.0% and 22.7% lower in premenopausal women when serum ferritin increased from 10μg/dL to 60 and 100μg/dL, respectively, but the decrease in blood Mn based on the increase in serum ferritin was minimal in postmenopausal women. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report that menopausal status was a predictor of blood Mn level after adjusting for serum ferritin. In conclusion, the present study showed that both serum ferritin and menopausal status were predictors of blood Mn, after adjusting for various covariates, and menopausal status acted as a modifier of the effect of ferritin on blood Mn levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous published studies have estimated the long-run cointegrating relationship to infer the price elasticity of imports, but a stable long-run cointegrating relationship might not be detected in the data, especially in the case of sectoral data. This paper develops a method to estimate the price elasticity of imports based on a vector autoregression model, which can be applied when a stable long-run cointegration relationship does not exist. The methods developed in past studies and our method are applied to Korean sectoral imports data to illustrate the usefulness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: We present data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2009 on the distribution of blood cadmium levels and their association with iron deficiency in a representative sample of the adult Korean population. Methods: Serum ferritin was categorized into three levels: low (serum ferritin <15.0μg/L), low normal (15.0–30.0μg/L for women and 15.0–50.0 for men), and normal (≥30.0μg/L for women and ≥50.0 for men), and its association with blood cadmium level was assessed after adjustment for various demographic and lifestyle factors. Results: Geometric means of blood cadmium in the low serum ferritin group in women, men, and all participants were significantly higher than in the normal group. Additionally, multiple regression analysis after adjusting for various covariates showed that blood cadmium was significantly higher in the low-ferritin group in women, men, and all participants compared with the normal group. We also found an association between serum ferritin and blood cadmium among never-smoking participants. Discussion: We found, similar to other recent population-based studies, an association between iron deficiency and increased blood cadmium in men and women, independent of smoking status. The results of the present study show that iron deficiency is associated with increased levels of blood cadmium in the general population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The primo-vascular system is described as the anatomical structure corresponding to acupuncture meridians and has been identified in several tissues in the body, but its detailed anatomy and physiology are not well understood. Recently, the presence of keratin 10 (Krt10) in primo-vascular tissue was reported, but this finding has not yet been confirmed. In this study, we compared Krt10 expression in primo-vascular tissues located on the surface of rat abdominal organs with Krt10 expression on blood and lymphatic vessels. Krt10 protein (approximately 56.5 kDa) was evaluated by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Krt10 (IR) in the primo-node was visualized as patchy spots around each cell or as a follicle-like structure containing a group of cells. Krt10 IR was also identified in vascular and lymphatic tissues, but its distribution was diffuse over the extracellular matrix of the vessels. Thus Krt10 protein was expressed in all three tissues tested, but the expression pattern of Krt10 in primo-vascular tissue differed from those of blood and lymphatic vascular tissues, suggesting that structural and the regulatory roles of Krt10 in primo-vascular system are different from those in blood and lymphatic vessels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The obejective of this study was to assess the association between the blood total mercury concentration and fish consumption in the Korean general adult population using a representative sample. Methods: We studied the blood mercury concentration in a representative sample of 1,749 Koreans who were included in the Third Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES III) performed in 2005, and compared it with the frequency of fish consumption collected during the nutrition survey of KNHANES III. Results: The geometric means of the blood mercury levels in female subjects (n =890), male subjects (n =859), and all participants (n =1,749) representing adult Koreans aged ≥20years were 3.70μg/L [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.46–3.94μg/L], 4.70μg/L (95% CI, 4.38–5.02μg/L), and 4.15μg/L (95% CI, 3.93–4.38μg/L), respectively. The geometric mean of the blood mercury level was significantly higher in the high-fish-consumption group (4.38μg/L; more than once a week) than in the low-consumption group (3.71μg/L: less than once a week), but the intergroup difference of 18% was less than that in Western countries. Among the nine listed individual types of fish and shellfish, there was a general trend for the blood mercury level to increase with the consumption frequency of squid, clam, salted seafood, and mackerel. The proportion of Korean women aged 20–49years having blood mercury levels of at least 5.8μg/L was 27.7% (150/542) in our study. Conclusions: The blood mercury level in a representative sample of the Korean adult population was found to be associated with fish consumption in both men and women. However, a high consumption of fish increased the blood mercury level by only 18%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to determine gender differences in outcomes and mortality in Korean stroke patients. Methods: We analyzed the demographics, risk factors, in-hospital mortality, functional outcomes at discharge, and any-cause mortality over a 5-year period for 18,364 Korean patients, and determined a cumulative mortality rate using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to elucidate gender differences in stroke outcomes. Results: Women suffered strokes that were severer than those suffered by men. Although women had a lower risk of any-cause death than men, they exhibited poorer functional status at discharge. Conclusion: In Korea, women lived longer, but had greater disabilities after strokes than men, indicating the need to develop gender-specific interventions to improve stroke outcomes and reduce the disability burden in women. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the authors compared bone mineral density (BMD) determined using GE Lunar iDXA and Prodigy and derived cross-calibration equations for the 2 devices in Korean adults. One hundred subjects (66 women and 34 men) participated in this study. Bone mineral density of spine and femur was measured by iDXA and Prodigy dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar, Madison, WI). Subjects were divided into 3 groups. The first group (30 subjects) was scanned twice using Prodigy for precision testing and then once using iDXA. The second group (30 subjects) was scanned twice using iDXA and then once using Prodigy. Cross-calibration equations were derived using these results. The derived equations were tested in the third group (40 subjects). Predicted values from calculations based on Prodigy findings were compared with measured iDXA data. A significant difference was found between the BMD determined using the 2 devices (p <0.001). However, linear regression analysis showed a high level of agreement between the two (r 2 from 0.984 to 0.994, p <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no significant correlations between Prodigy and iDXA. Cross-calibration equations decreased systematic errors between Prodigy and iDXA by 0.4% at the spine, 0.8% at the femoral neck, and 0.1% at the total femur. A high level of agreement was found between Prodigy and iDXA in Korean adults. Cross-calibration equations proved reliable based on comparisons of measured and calculated BMD values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dissolved organic ligands, such as EDTA, humic acids, hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions of dissolved organic matter (DOM), on the growth of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata in cultured media and natural lake waters. The growth of algae was gradually increased on the addition of dissolved organic ligands, but markedly declined at high concentrations, due to reduced bioavailable iron concentrations (e.g., Fe3+ and Fe′—inorganic ferric iron). The results demonstrated that the high growth rates of P. subcapitata were correlated with the hydrophobic, but not hydrophilic, DOM from five lakes, spiked under the nutrients-controlled conditions. This was attributed to the role of DOM in controlling the bioavailable iron due to complexation of Fe(III) with –COOH and –OH functional groups on the hydrophobic DOM. Therefore, the hydrophobic DOM, as chelating agent, is a biologically important component in the lake waters, which affects the algal growth by interacting with bioavailable iron in the lake water and can change the results of bioassay experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary A co-operative study was conducted to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with moyamoya disease who were diagnosed and treated at neurosurgical institutes in Korea before 1995. Twenty-six hospitals contributed 505 cases and among them, the clinical characteristics of 334 patients with definite moyamoya disease were evaluated. The number of patients began to increase from the late 1980s, and after that approximately 20 patients were treated each year. There were two age peaks: from six to 15 and from 31 to 40 years of age. Haemorrhagic manifestations occurred in approximately 43% of the patients. The major clinical manifestations were haemorrhage in adults (62.4%) and ischaemia in children (61.2%). Overall 54.5% of the patients experienced decreased consciousness levels, mainly due to intracranial haemorrhage or cerebral infarction. In the patients with ischemic manifestations, the adult patients were more likely to have cerebral infarction than the pediatric patients (80% vs. 39%) and the pediatric patients were more likely to have TIA (61% vs. 25%). Thirty eight percent of the patients underwent bypass surgery and 53% of these procedures were performed bilaterally. Treatment policies, including indications for bypass surgery and commonly used drugs, were somewhat different according to the institution. Overall favorable outcome was 73%, and the most significant factor affecting poor outcome was haemorrhagic manifestation. This article describes the characteristics of 334 patients with moyamoya disease, who were diagnosed and treated at neurosurgical institutes in Korea before 1995. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, petrological, structural, geochemical, and geochronological analyses of the Statherian alkali feldspar granite and porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula were conducted to examine petrogenesis of the granitoids and their tectonic setting. Zircon U-Pb dating revealed that the two granites formed around 1.71 Ga and 1.70–1.68 Ga, respectively. The results of the geochemical analyses showed that both of the granites have a high content of K2O, Nb, Ta, and Y, as well as high FeOt/MgO and Ga/Al ratios. Both granites have alkali-calcic characteristics with a ferroan composition, indicating an A-type affinity. Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic compositions yielded negative εHf(t) values (−3.5 to −10.6), indicating a derivation from ancient crustal materials. Both granite types underwent ductile deformation and exhibited a dextral sense of shear with a minor extension component. Based on field relationships and zircon U-Pb dating, it was considered that the deformation event postdated the emplacement of the alkali feldspar granite and terminated soon after the emplacement of the porphyritic alkali feldspar granite in an extensional setting. These data indicated that there were extension-related magmatic activities accompanying ductile deformation in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula during 1.71–1.68 Ga. The Statherian extension-related events are well correlated with those in the midwestern part of the Korean and eastern parts of the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Arc magmatism occurred along the northern Yeongnam Massif at ca. 2.02–1.96 Ga. • Paleoproterozoic igneous rocks were metamorphosed ca. 1.89–1.87 Ga. • Crustal growth and reworking events occurred at ca. 3.25 Ga and 2.02 Ga, respectively. • Yeongnam Massif underwent different tectonothermal event compared to the North China Craton. The Jangsu-Gokseong area is located in the southwestern part of the Yeongnam Massif and mainly consists of Precambrian metagranitoids (metagranite, metaleucogranite and metagranodiorite) with minor migmatite and marble. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U–Pb dating shows that the metagranitoids emplaced during ca. 2.02–1.96 Ga and metamorphosed at ca. 1.89–1.87 Ga. The metagranitoids show calc-alkaline trends, enrichment in large lithophile elements and negative Nb and Ta anomalies with low Sr/Y (<12), Nb/Th (<1) and Nb/Zr (<0.1) ratios. The metagranitoids have negative ε Hf (t) values (−1.63 to −6.41) with a Paleoarchean two-stage model age (T DM2 = 3.25 Ga). These data suggest that the protoliths of the metagranitoids were derived from ancient crustal materials with metagraywacke or metatonalitic compositions and formed in a subduction-related setting. The intrusion ages and geochemical composition of the metagranitoids in the study area match well with those of Paleoproterozoic metagranitoids distributed along the northern margin of the central to northeastern Yeongnam Massif. These metagranitoids show that Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.02–1.96 Ga) subduction-related magmatism occurred widely along the northern margin of the Yeongnam Massif, which has not been reported from the Gyeonggi and Nangrim massifs on the Korean Peninsula and the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt in the eastern North China Craton. Therefore, the Yeongnam Massif might have existed as a separate crustal unit at least during the Paleoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Arc metamorphism in the northcentral Yeongnam Massif at ca. 1.87–1.86 Ga. • Arc magmatism in the northcentral Yeongnam Massif at ca. 1.87–1.69 Ga. • The arc events are linked to that in the northeastern Yeongnam Massif. • The Yeongnam Massif does not correlate with the North China Craton. The Paleoproterozoic basement of the Korean Peninsula consists of three massifs, the Nangrim, Gyeonggi and Yeongnam Massifs, from north to south. In the Muju area of the northcentral Yeongnam Massif, amphibolites intruded the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks and orthogneisses. The amphibolites can be divided into Type-I and Type-II amphibolites. The whole-rock geochemical data and zircon Lu–Hf composition of the amphibolites suggest that the Type-I and Type-II amphibolites formed in an island and continental arc tectonic setting, respectively, and both amphibolites were derived from enriched mantle sources. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the Type-I and Type-II amphibolites were emplaced at ca. 1.87 Ga and 1.69 Ga, respectively. The surrounding metasedimentary rock (migmatite) underwent upper amphibolite facies (720–730 °C and 7.3–7.4 kbar) metamorphism and then underwent amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism (520–622 °C and 1.7–3.5 kbar). The zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the peak metamorphism occurred at ca. 1.87–1.86 Ga. The geothermal gradient (approximately 32 °C/km) during peak metamorphism correlates with that of the arc area, indicating that metamorphism occurred in an arc tectonic setting. These data suggest that the northcentral Yeongnam Massif underwent arc-related magmatic and metamorphic events during ca. 1.87–1.69 Ga. This finding indicates that the northcentral Yeongnam Massif does not correlate well with the Nangrim and northern Gyeonggi Massifs, which are correlated with the eastern North China Craton, because the Nangrim and Gyeonggi Massifs underwent postcollisional igneous activity during ca. 1.88–1.84 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with research which investigated exacerbations of asthma in elderly adults.

The Hongcheon-Chuncheon areas located in the northern Gyeonggi Massif on the Korean Peninsula consist of Neoarchean (ca. 2.61–2.49 Ga) and middle Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.09 Ga) metagranitoids, the Euiam Gneiss Complex (ca. 1.89–1.87 Ga), and metasedimentary units, including the Yongduri Gneiss Complex and Euiam Group. The Neoarchean metagranitoids intruded at ca. 2.61–2.49 Ga and underwent polymetamorphism at ca. 1.92–1.87 Ga and 229 Ma. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate that they were formed by partial melting of low-K mafic rock in the lower crust due to heat supplied from the underplated mafic magma chamber in the arc tectonic setting. The Paleoproterozoic metagranitoids are classified into three types based on geochronology and whole rock chemistry: ca. 2.09 Ga, ca. 1.90 Ga, and ca. 1.89–1.87 Ga metagranitoids that formed in an arc tectonic setting, a syn-collisional tectonic setting, and a post-collision tectonic setting, respectively. The Paleoproterozoic 1st stage metasedimentary rocks (paragneisses) deposited in the Yongduri Gneiss Complex experienced Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, whereas the 2nd stage metasedimentary rocks deposited in the Euiam Group did not experience Paleoproterozoic metamorphism. The 1st stage metasedimentary rocks (paragneisses) were deposited after 2.05–1.95 Ga in an arc tectonic setting; they experienced intermediate-P/T metamorphism (780–860 °C/8.7–11.0 kbar) at ca. 1.91 Ga and then low-P/T metamorphism (710–750 °C/6.0–6.5 kbar) at ca. 1.86 Ga. The 2nd metasedimentary rocks were deposited after ca. 1.88–1.83 Ga and metamorphosed at ca. 234–230 Ma. Together with previous data, these data indicate that the Hongcheon-Chuncheon areas have Archean remnants and experienced similar Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal events recognized from the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt formed by the collision between the Longgang Block of the North China Craton and the Nangrim Massif of the Korean Peninsula, suggesting that the northern Gyeonggi Massif can be correlated to the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meso-Neoproterozoic Gubongsan group in the Chuncheon area of the northern Gyeonggi massif in the southern Korean Peninsula was studied to check its correlation with the Meso-Neoproterozoic rocks of the Sangwon system in the northern Korean Peninsula and those of the Qingbaikou system in the southeastern margin of the North China craton. The Gubongsan group consists of the Pyeongchonri, Siniri, and Gamjeongri formations and the upper limit of sedimentation ages of each formation are 1058 Ma, 978 Ma, and 845 Ma, respectively. The detrital zircons in the Pyeongchonri and Siniri formations have two age peaks of ∼1.6–1.5 Ga and 1.2–1.1 Ga. The detrital zircons in the Gamjeongri formation has an age peak of 0.9 Ga. The Gubongsan group was intruded by metabasite and meta-intermediate rock ca. 888–795 Ma. To the south of the Gubongsan group, metabasite intruded ca. 910 Ma. These igneous rocks are plotted in the within-plate basalt field and have enriched LREE without negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. They show ε Hf (t) values from −1.72 to 14.10 and are plotted between E -MORB and OIB within the MORB array, representing that they formed from the juvenile mantle. This study represents that the sedimentation in the Gubongsan group occurred during Neoproterozoic in the extensional rifting environment with igneous activities in the later stage of extension. The metabasite in the Gubongsan group shows similar Neoproterozoic emplacement age and extension-related geochemical characteristics to the Sariwon sill in the Sangwon system located in the southern Nangnim massif, and the Dalian and Chulan sills in the Qingbaikou system of the southeastern margin of the North China craton. Not only the correlation of metabasite but also the youngest age of the detrital zircons and age provenance in the sedimentary rocks of the Gubongsan group are similar to those of the Sangwon system and the Qingbaikou system. This study represents that the Meso-Neoproterozoic rocks in the Gubongsan group can be correlated with those in the Sangwon system and the Qingbaikou system. These correlations indicate that the northern Gyeonggi massif can be correlated with the southern Nangnim massif and the southeastern margin of the North China craton. • The Meso-Neoproterozoic Gubongsan Group occurs in the northern Gyeonggi massif. • Rift-related metabasite intruded the Gubongsan Group (GG) during 888–795 Ma. • The GG can be correlated to the Sangwon system in the southern Nangnim massif. • The GG can be correlated to the Qingbaikou system in the North China craton (NCC). • The northern Gyeonggi massif in the Korean Peninsula can be correlated to the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity results in the progression of metabolic disorders, especially type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR) is a causative factor of T2DM morbidity in obese people. It is generally held by clinicians that IR is caused by adiposity-related inflammation that is mediated by changes in composite ions in the gut microbiome. This experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of Cucumis melo L. (Cucumis) on obesity-induced IR in genetically leptin-deficient Lepob/Lepob mice. Specifically, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of Cucumis and the effects of Cucumis on the gut microbiota. We evaluated glucose control by measuring FBS, performing the OGTT, quantifying serum IR, calculating the HOMA-IR, and determining the lipid profiles. To see whether inflammation was reduced, we analyzed adipose tissue macrophages as well as monocytes in the blood. We also profiled the gut microbiota to determine whether the ratios of microbial phyla changed. We found that Cucumis improved IR in obese mice and relieved inflammation in adipose tissue and blood. Simultaneously, the microbiota composition ratios changed. In conclusion, administration of Cucumis improved IR by reducing inflammation, thereby changing the gut microbiota composition. Cucumis is thus a promising treatment for obesity-induced insulin resistance and the inflammatory state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor noise level is a significant factor for occupants’ health, comfort, and psychological well-being in residential buildings; hence the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends guidelines for residential buildings based on the 24-h sound levels. However, only few studies have examined 24-h noise levels and sources from neighbours. Consequently, 24-h noise measurement is necessary for understanding noise level and acoustic comfort in homes. Field measurements were performed in 26 residential apartments in Korea to investigate levels and types of noise from neighbours. Noise recordings were carried out at each residence in unoccupied conditions. The recordings were analysed at 1 min intervals in terms of the A-weighted equivalent ( L Aeq ) and maximum sound pressure levels ( L AFmax ) for three different time periods during the day. It was found that 20 apartments met the recommended WHO guidelines during the daytime (07:00–23:00). However, at night (23:00–07:00), eight apartments were in excess of the WHO guideline value in terms of L Aeq while L AFmax exceeded the WHO limit level in 22 apartments during the night. Human footsteps, movement of furniture, and dropping of small items were found to be major sources accounting for approximately 80% of all the noise events. L AFmax of children’s jumping and dropping small items were greater than others. Adults’ walking showed larger variation of noise levels than other sources. Moreover, it was found that indoor noise levels were not affected by slab thickness and major noise sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methamphetamine, a derivative of amphetamine, has been well known to cause mental problems in humans; however, its physical effects are little known. Despite relevant information on the effect of methamphetamine abuse on bone quality being available, data regarding the frequency of osteoporosis in methamphetamine abusers are limited.Methods: We selected 46 hospitalized male methamphetamine abusers and 188 reference male controls in whom any conditions affecting bone metabolism were ruled out. Bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We compared the BMD between methamphetamine abusers and controls and evaluated the frequency of osteoporosis in both groups.Results: The mean BMD value was lower in methamphetamine abusers (mean+/-SD, 0.71+/-0.07 g/cm(2)) than in the controls (mean+/-SD, 0.98+/-0.14 g/cm(2)). The frequency of osteoporosis was 22% according to WHO diagnostic guidelines, and osteopenia at the lumbar spine was 76%. The correlation between the extent of methamphetamine abuse and BMD was very clear.Conclusion: There was considerable loss of bone mineral in a high percentage of methamphetamine abusers. Our study is the first clinical study to determine the frequency of osteoporosis in male methamphetamine abusers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of iron supplementation for 6 mo on blood lead (PbB) concentration in populations of premenopausal (PRE-M) and postmenopausal (POST-M) Korean women. Methods: We conducted a community intervention trial in Asan, Republic of Korea. Of the 137 enrolled women with hemoglobin (Hb) levels lower than 12 g/dL, 37 were PRE-M and 100 were POST-M. Each woman received the equivalent of 9 mg of supplemental iron per day in the form of sodium-iron ethylene-diaminetetra-acetic acid (NaFeEDTA) syrup for a period of 6 mo. Results: The initial PbB concentrations were 2.56 ± 0.99 μg/dL (mean ± SD) for the PRE-M women and 3.27 ± 1.24 μg/dL for the POST-M women. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). After 6 mo of NaFeEDTA supplementation, the PbB concentration decreased in the POST-M group but no change was observed in the PRE-M group. When age and baseline Hb levels were adjusted for, PbB concentrations decreased by 0.10 and 0.31 μg/dL in the PRE-M and POST-M groups, respectively, and the results were significant using a multivariate model (P = 0.016). Iron status determined by zinc protoporphyrin, transferrin saturation, and Hb improved significantly in both groups, but serum ferritin decreased significantly in the POST-M women (P < 0.001), with no change in the PRE-M group. Conclusion: After 6 mo of supplementation with the equivalent of 9 mg of iron/d in the form of NaFeEDTA, the PbB concentrations in Korean women with anemia appeared to depend on their menopausal status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Jinan area experienced granulite facies metamorphism at ~8.5–7 kbar and 800-760 ℃. • The peak metamorphism occurred at1.87–1.84 Ga along with a clockwise P-T path. • Porphyritic granitoids intruded at 1.87–1.84 Ga in a post collisional tectonic setting. • The post collisional igneous and metamorphic activities occurred simultaneously after collision. • This study suggests the existence of subduction before collision in the JLJB. The Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt (JLJB) is a Paleoproterozoic collisional belt between the Longgang Block in the northeastern North China Craton and the Nangrim Massif on the Korean Peninsula. The Jinan area, located in the northeastern JLJB, was intruded by monzogranite at 2151 ± 6 Ma and then intruded again by porphyritic granites at 1842 ± 5 Ma in a postcollisional tectonic setting. The monzogranite and an associated gabbro were metamorphosed into metamonzogranite and metabasite at 1868 ± 11 Ma–1846 ± 3 Ma. Pelitic granulites occur together with the porphyritic granites. The pelitic granulites have peak metamorphic mineral assemblages of garnet + biotite + plagioclase + K-feldspar + sillimanite + quartz + ilmenite and underwent retrograde metamorphism, as evidenced by the presence of cordierite and muscovite. Pseudosection analysis of the granulites yields peak metamorphic conditions of ~8.5–7 kbar and 800–760 °C, and conventional geothermobarometry analysis of garnet rims and adjacent minerals yields retrograde metamorphic conditions of ~5–3.5 kbar and 740–680 °C. Dating of monazite from the two granulites demonstrates that peak metamorphism occurred between 1840 ± 2 Ma and 1847 ± 4 Ma. These results, together with the findings of previous studies, indicate that in the Liaodong and Jinan areas of the JLJB, igneous and metamorphic activities occurred together at ~1.85 Ga in a postcollisional tectonic setting, suggesting that collision between the Longgang Block and the Nangrim Massif occurred before ~1.85 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Cretaceous igneous rocks in the northeastern North China Cratons (NCC) and southeastern South China Cratons (SCC) in Northeast Asia are interpreted to have formed in the extensional tectonic environment caused by subducted slab roll-back. On the other hand, the Cretaceous magmatism in the proto-Southwest Japan was confirmed to have occurred in the compressional state produced by the paleo-Pacific plate subduction. The granitoids and enclaves in the northern Gyeonggi Massif intruded at ca. 110–109 Ma and 112 Ma respectively, and the granite and pyroclastic rock in the northcentral Yeongnam Massif were formed at 106 Ma and 103 Ma respectively. The enclaves in the Ganghwa area which located in northern Gyeonggi Massif have high whole-rock Sr isotope composition (0.70748–0.71181) and low whole-rock εNd(t) (−14 to −15) value and low zircon εHf(t) (−19.2 to −14.7) values with enrichment of LILE, suggesting their origin from enriched lithospheric mantle metasomatized by subducted slab sediment. The Early Cretaceous granitoids on the northern Gyeonggi and northcentral Yeongnam massifs have adakite like geochemical composition which are derived from the lower crust instead of subducted oceanic crust derived melt. The geochemical features of the Early Cretaceous igneous rocks in the Korean Peninsula including the study area imply that the Early Cretaceous magmatism on the Korean Peninsula mainly occurred in the extension regime caused by slab roll-back of the paleo-Pacific plate as in the NCC. On the other hand, the igneous rocks formed at 80–66 Ma in the Korean Peninsula have geochemical characteristics similar to that in the Cretaceous igneous rocks in proto-Southwest Japan, indicating that the 80–66 Ma magmatism in the Korean Peninsula were produced by the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. The Cretaceous igneous rocks in the northeastern NCC and on the Korean Peninsula show a southeastward-younging trend from 145 Ma to 80 Ma, indicating that southeastward slab roll-back had started at 145 Ma and continued until 80 Ma. Arc-related igneous activity occurred from 116 Ma in southwestern Japan and propagated northward, resulting arc related magmatism in the northern margin of proto-southwestern Japan and the southeastern margin of the Korean Peninsula at 80–66 Ma. [Display omitted] • Enriched lithospheric mantle origin of Early Cretaceous Ganghwa enclave. • Melting of lower crust related adakitic signature in the granitoids. • 120–100 Ma Extension related magmatism in the Korean Peninsula (KP). • Southeastward younging trend from 145 Ma in North China Cratons to 80 Ma in KP. • 80–66 Ma arc related magmatism in the southeastern margin of KP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Early Neoproterozoic (ca. 0.92 Ga) sedimentation in the central Korean Peninsula. • Early Neoproterozoic successions in marginal shallow marine to fluvial environments from the continental margin. • Similarity of Early Neoproterozoic successions in the central Korean Peninsula and the southeastern North China Craton. The Early Neoproterozoic supracrustal metasedimentary succession from the Paju–Yangju–Dongducheon area in the central Korean Peninsula is distributed along the northwestern margin of the basement gneisses in the Middle Paleoproterozoic Gyeonggi Massif. The metasedimentary succession includes quartzite, quartz–mica schist, mica schist, calc schist, marble, and calc-silicate, showing alternating layering and large-scale isoclinal folds with Middle Paleoproterozoic gneisses. The basement gneisses yield zircon LA–MC–ICPMS U-Pb ages of 1.87–1.86 Ga. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages of eight quartzites, seven quartz–mica schists and four calc schists suggest the following features. (1) Early Neoproterozoic (ca. 0.92 Ga) sedimentation, (2) prominent age peaks in the Late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic range, (3) sandy proximal and muddy to calcic distal provenances, and (4) age population under extensional and trailing edge settings. The detritus of the quartzites were mainly derived from the peripheral Middle Paleoproterozoic basement. In contrast, quartz–mica schists and calc schists show detritus derived from distal Late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic clastic sources in the southeastern North China Craton and central Korean Peninsula where magmatic rocks related to the extensional tectonics associated with the disruption of the Columbia supercontinent occur. The detrital zircon records and litho-tectonic features indicate that the Early Neoproterozoic rocks in the Paju–Yangju–Dongducheon area, as well as the central Korean Peninsula, show similarities with the southeastern North China Craton. We therefore interpret that the Early Neoproterozoic supracrustal metasedimentary successions were deposited in marginal shallow marine to fluvial environments from the marginal part of the linked central Korean Peninsula and the southeastern North China Craton which were located at the southwestern margin of western part of the Columbia supercontinent during the Early Neoproterozoic (ca. 0.92 Ga). However, metamorphic overgrowths on zircons and large-scale isoclinal folding in the alternation of the Early Neoproterozoic metasedimentary and the Middle Paleoproterozoic rocks in the Paju–Yangju–Dongducheon area are related to Late Permian to Triassic compressional collision tectonics in the central Korean Peninsula after the Early Neoproterozoic sedimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An effective HPLC method to analyse platycosides from the balloon flower root was developed using ELSD. The optimum resolution of the platycosides was achieved on an ODS column with gradient elution of eluent A, 30mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.81): methanol: acetonitrile=75:5:20 (v/v/v), and B, 69:5:26 (v/v/v). Amongst 18 platycosides, platycoside E showed the highest content, followed by polygalacin D2 and 3″-O-acetylplatyconic acid A. The sum of these three compounds was recommended for quality control of balloon flower root for medicinal purposes. The samples could be clustered into groups based on platycoside content. Group I, characterised by a high concentration of platycosides, was located near the west coast of Korea, whereas group II, characterised by a low concentration of platycosides, was located inland or in mountainous area. The method could be used to control the quality of balloon flower root. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: In Korea, Morus alba leaves have been traditionally administered as natural therapeutic agent for the alleviating dropsy and diabetes. Aim of the study: The present study was performed to evaluate melanin-concentrating hormone receptor subtype 1 (MCH1) antagonism of the ethanol extract of Morus alba leaves (EMA) and its anti-obesity effect in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Materials and methods: The binding affinity of EMA for the MCH1 receptor with europium-labeled MCH (Eu-MCH), the function of recombinant MCH1 receptors expressed in CHO cells, and the anti-obesity effects in DIO mice were evaluated. Results: MCH1 receptor binding studies showed, EMA exhibited a potent inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 2.3±1.0μg/ml. EMA (10–100μg/ml) also inhibited the intracellular calcium mobilization with the recombinant MCH1 receptors expressed in CHO cells. In an anti-obesity study with DIO mice, long-term oral administrations of EMA for 32 consecutive days produced a dose-dependent decrease in body weight and hepatic lipid accumulation. Conclusions: These results suggest that chronic treatment with EMA exerts an anti-obesity effect in DIO mice, and its direct MCH1 receptor antagonism may contribute to decrease body weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the Sm–Nd isotopic characteristics of the Gyeonggi massif, Korea, in order to delineate its crustal growth history. Nd isotopic depleted-mantle model ages (TDM), obtained from 32 new measurements of basement and supracrustal samples and from the literature, suggest that the Gyeonggi massif is as old as Middle Archean (>3.0 Ga) and was primarily extracted from the mantle during the Late Archean (2.9–2.5 Ga). In addition, minor crustal formation occurred during the Early Proterozoic (ca. 1.9–1.8 Ga). Late Archean–Early Proterozoic crustal growth of the Gyeonggi massif is comparable with that of the Sino-Korean or Yangtze craton. The TDM distribution pattern alone is not sufficient to determine the crustal affinity of the Gyeonggi massif with either of the Chinese cratons. However, Late Proterozoic crustal evolution of the Gyeonggi massif appears to favor its tectonic correlation with the Yangtze craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Neoproterozoic metasedimentary successions and igneous suites in the central Korean Peninsula provide important insights into the tectonic evolution of East Asia. Here we report detailed detrital zircon U Pb age data from the Neoproterozoic metasedimentary successions as well as geochemical data on the early Neoproterozoic rift-related plutonic rocks. Our results together with the available data from the central Korean Peninsula, lead to the following inferences. (1) Regional sedimentation in the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 1000–920 Ma) as a result of the late Paleoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic intracratonic rifting. (2) Arc magmatism in the southern periphery of the central Korean Peninsula in the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 913–895 Ma and ca. 865–770 Ma). (3) Back-arc magmatism in the inland area of the central Korean Peninsula in the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 888–852 Ma). (4) Magmatism and sedimentation in the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 765–720 Ma) due to early Neoproterozoic back-arc and intracratonic rifting. The early-Neoproterozoic geological and tectonic events in the central Korean Peninsula correlate with those in the southeastern part of the North China Craton. The spatial and temporal similarities and discrepancies in the early Neoproterozoic geological records of the Sino-Korean continent mark the tectonic evolution within a continental inland (the southeastern part of the North China Craton) and a continental margin (the central Korean Peninsula). Unlabelled Image • Comprehensive zircon U Pb age data on early Neoproterozoic metasedimentary and igneous suites. • Major tectonics events correlated to Rodinia supercontinent history. • Subduction, transition to back-arc and rifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We performed a retrospective pooled analysis of 28 patients who had been diagnosed with insulin autoimmune syndrome and evaluated the prevalence of anti-insulin receptor antibodies. Dual positivity for anti-insulin and anti-insulin receptor antibodies was common (53.8%). However, these patients had a similar phenotype compared with insulin receptor antibody-negative patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin (PGB) as adjunctive therapy, using a flexible-dosing schedule in Korean patients with refractory partial-onset seizures., Methods: This randomized, double-blind (DB), placebo-controlled trial consists of a 6-week baseline, a 12-week DB treatment, and a 1-week taper phase. Patients having recurrent partial seizures (>or=4 seizures during baseline phase) under adequate pharmacotherapy were recruited to be randomized to PGB or placebo (PLC) in a 2 to 1 ratio. Starting dose was 150 mg/day, increased every 2 weeks by 150-mg/day increments up to maximum dose of 600 mg/day. The primary efficacy parameter was response ratio (RRatio) for all partial seizures., Results: A total of 178 patients (119 in PGB, 59 in PLC) were assigned to the study. Median daily doses of PGB and PLC were 367 and 420 mg/day, respectively. RRatio least squares (LS) mean was -35.8 in the PGB group and -23.2 in the PLC group, with estimated difference in RRatios being -12.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): -22.7 to -2.5, p = 0.015] in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Analysis of secondary efficacy measures showed a general trend favoring PGB over PLC. Seventy-seven patients (64.7%) in the PGB group and 18 patients (30.5%) in the PLC group developed adverse events (AEs) related to the study drug. Seven patients (5.9%) in the PGB group discontinued the study prematurely because of AEs. In the post hoc analysis, a significant weight gain (>or=7% of baseline body weight) was found in 24.8% of patients taking PGB, which was more frequent in patients with a lower body mass index (BMI