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Family planning allows individuals and couples to schedule and regulate births at the appropriate time and number. Women who carry unplanned pregnancies are susceptible to postnatal complications, which directly impact their well-being, making them a burden to society. There are 27600 adolescent abortions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), accounting for about 19 percent of abortion cases in Kinshasa in 2021 while the reproduction rate remains one of the highest in the world at 5.7 and a low contraceptive prevalence across all methods (28%) in 2022. This study aims to determine the factors that influence modern contraceptive use among women in Kinshasa city in the Democratic Republic of Congo by using data from the PMA 2020 cross-sectional survey to assess the association between predictors and modern contraceptive use through logistic regression analysis (OR and 95% CI).Findings show that older women are more likely to use modern contraceptive than younger (15-22) and their sensitivity diminishes as they age. This likelihood is also high when women do not discuss this topic with their partner. As household size increases, women’s use of modern contraceptives is positively affected (OR: 4.993). The same is true for women who have given birth at least compared to those who have never given birth (OR: 2.313). Wanting fewer children makes her more likely to use these contraceptives than when she wants more (OR: 1.244). Male condoms, emergency contraceptives and pills were used more by women aged 15-31 while the most common contraceptive method used only by older women is female sterilization.In a country with rapid population growth such as the DRC, the strategy should focus on raising awareness among young women through school programs, health facilities, community outreach, and other means to achieve optimal use of modern contraceptives based on commonly used methods and involving adult men and women.

Pancytopenia represents a unique challenge for primary care doctors and its etiological causes encompass various specialties, including hematology and rheumatology. Despite the existence of effective tests such as bone marrow biopsy and immunoassays to rule out the potential causes of pancytopenia, it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact diagnosis. In this case report, we have described such a 'gray zone' patient, who presented with pancytopenia, neutropenia, and splenomegaly, and was being treated for fungal pneumonia before being transferred to Severance Hospital (department of family medicine). As the patient had a 10-year history of multiple, long-term hospital admissions that were having a severely debilitating impact on the quality of life, we performed a partial splenic embolization as a potential cure for the symptoms. Although this induced acute blood count recovery, it failed to prevent eventual mortality from septic shock.

Human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) located in hair follicles (HFs) play a pivotal role in hair follicle morphogenesis, hair cycling, and hair growth. Over the past few decades, probiotic bacteria (PB) have been reported to have beneficial effects such as improved skin health, anti-obesity, and immuno-modulation for conditions including atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PB can secrete 50~150 nm sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microbial DNA, miRNA, proteins, lipids, and cell wall components. These EVs can regulate communication between bacteria or between bacteria and their host. Although numerous biological effects of PB-EVs have been reported, the physiological roles of

Extracellular vesicles, which are highly conserved in most cells, contain biologically active substances. The vesicles and substances interact with cells and impact physiological mechanisms. The skin is the most external organ and is in direct contact with the external environment. Photoaging and skin damage are caused by extrinsic factors. The formation of wrinkles is a major indicator of skin aging and is caused by a decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid. MMP-1 expression is also increased. Due to accruing damage, skin aging reduces the ability of the skin barrier, thereby lowering the skin's ability to contain water and increasing the amount of water loss.

Animal placentae can be used as health-promoting food ingredients with various therapeutic efficacies, but their use is limited by their unpleasant odor and taste. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of deodorization of sheep placenta via yeast fermentation. A yeast strain was successfully isolated and identified as a novel Brettanomyces strain (Brettanomyces deamine kh3). The deodorizing efficacy of fermentation of the sheep placenta with B. deamine kh3 was evaluated by 42 panels, based on evaluation of preference, ranking, and aroma profiles, and compared with normal placenta and placenta fermented with B. bruxellensis. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that fermentation of the sheep placenta with B. deamine kh3 may improve its palatability by increasing flavors such as that of grass (tree), rubber, and burnt, and by decreasing the odor and soy sauce flavor. Solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography (SPME-GC) showed that major off-flavors in sheep placenta, such as ammonia, dimethyl disulfide, and 1,3-dioxolane, were completely diminished in the sheep placenta fermented with B. deamine kh3. This study presents those major volatile compounds, including 2-isobutyl\-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane, and 3-methyl-1-butanol, could be crucial in improving the palatability of the sheep placentae fermented with B. deamine kh3. This study provides a good starting point for the industrial application of a new deodorization method.

We describe the structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of the NNE–SSW-striking Yangsan Fault, Korea. The surface trace of the fault extends for over 170 km on land, displaying ∼20–30 km of dextral offset. It transects mainly Mesozoic–Cenozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks. Our field observations suggest that the style of deformation within the fault core is controlled by the ductility of the protoliths. Where sedimentary rocks have been faulted, fault cores tend to be relatively wide, having hosted multiple events. Internal fault core structures are characterized by networks of multiple anastomosing strands of fault gouge and breccia, which enclose lenses of fractured protolith. However, where igneous (crystalline) rocks have been faulted, slip tends to be much more localized within narrow fault cores comprising cataclastic rocks. Combining our new data with previous research results, we infer that four main movement phases have occurred on the fault: (1) Late Cretaceous sinistral slip faulting with a component of extensional deformation, under a regime of NW–SE compression; (2) late Paleogene intense dextral slip faulting, which occurred under a regional NE–SW compressional regime; (3) middle Miocene weak sinistral slip faulting, during NNW–SSE compression; and (4) local Quaternary dextral slip faulting with a reverse component, under ENE–WSW to E-W compression. The most intense phase of deformation appears to have occurred during the late Paleogene due to a major reorganization of plate motion in and around the NW Pacific area. Our findings highlight that the fault has been a preferred zone of weakness for episodic reactivations having significant implications for the changing tectonic environments of East Asia from Late Cretaceous to Quaternary, and that its segments underwent distinguishable deformations at each phase probably due to their geometrical features and fault rock properties.

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used in Asia for its various biological effects, but no studies have investigated the safety of its long-term intake. Therefore, the present study evaluated the safety of KRG intake for 24 weeks. Methods: We randomized 1,000 participants in a 1:1 ratio into two groups, which were treated daily with 2 g of KRG or a placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was all adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that occurred after KRG or placebo administration, which were reported at week 4, 12, and 24 after the baseline visit. Results: In total, 192 and 211 participants experienced adverse events in the KRG and placebo groups (39.2% and 42.0%, respectively; p = 0.361), and 59 and 57 KRG- and placebo-treated individuals reported ADRs (12.0% and 11.4%, respectively; p = 0.737). The frequently occurring ADRs were pruritus (2.0%), headache (1.6%), diarrhea (1.4%), and dizziness (1.2%) in the KRG group and pruritus (2.0%), headache (1.8%), dizziness (1.6%), rash (1.4%), and diarrhea (1.2%) in the placebo group. Discontinuation of drug administration due to ADRs was reported in 13 participants, six (1.2%) and seven (1.4%) in the KRG and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.814). No significant abnormal changes were revealed by anthropometric, laboratory, and vital sign measurements in the KRG group compared with those in the placebo group. Conclusion: The present study confirms the safety and tolerability of daily intake of 2 g of KRG for 24 weeks by healthy adults. Keywords: Adverse drug reaction, Adverse event, Korean Red Ginseng, Safety, Tolerability

Background Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDLC) ratio predicts insulin resistance better than individual lipid levels, including TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), or HDLC. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome in the general Korean population. Methods We evaluated the data of adults ≥20 years old who were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013 and 2014. Subjects with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer were excluded. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the harmonized definition. We examined the odds ratios (ORs) of metabolic syndrome according to TG/HDLC ratio quartiles using logistic regression analysis (SAS ver. 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Weighted complex sample analysis was also conducted. Results We found a significant association between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome. The cutoff value of the TG/HDLC ratio for the fourth quartile was ≥3.52. After adjustment, the OR for metabolic syndrome in the fourth quartile compared with that of the first quartile was 29.65 in men and 20.60 in women (P

Background Incidence of whooping cough is increasing in Korea. Since 2011, occurrence among adolescents and adults has risen putting vulnerable neonates at risk. National immunization guidelines now include Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccination during pregnancy and as a cocooning strategy (i.e., vaccinating adults and adolescents in contact with neonates). This study assessed post-marketing Tdap (Boostrix®, GSK, Belgium) vaccine safety in subjects ≥ 10 years. Methods This open, non-comparative multi-center study was conducted over six years at 10 hospitals in Korea. Subjects received Tdap in normal clinical practice according to local prescribing information. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded, classified as expected or unexpected, and severity and relationship to Tdap were assessed. Results The analysis included 672 Korean subjects (mean age, 44 years; range, 11–81), 451 were women and 211 were pregnant. Ninety subjects experienced 124 AEs (incidence 13.39%) of which six were serious AEs (SAEs) assessed as not related to vaccination, and 51 were non-SAEs related to vaccination (mostly administration site reactions). Overall 65/124 AEs were unexpected; the most common were 14 constipation, 5 dyspepsia, 4 common cold and 4 premature labor cases. One case of common cold was assessed as possibly related to vaccination. Pregnancy outcome was ‘live infant, no apparent congenital anomaly’ in 195 subjects (92.42%) or ‘lost to follow-up’ in 16 subjects. Conclusion Tdap administration to Korean subjects ≥ 10 years, including pregnant women, for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was shown to have a well-tolerated safety profile. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01929291, Graphical Abstract

The Dadaepo Basin is a small Late Cretaceous sedimentary basin in SE Korea, located on the eastern margin of Asia. The basin is an isolated extensional basin situated between the NNE-striking Yangsan and Dongnae faults. The basin-fill sediments, named the Dadaepo Formation, consist of channelized conglomerates and sandstones intercalated with dominantly purple mudstones in the lower part. The upper part is dominated by fine- to coarse-grained tuffaceous sandstones and olive to dark gray mudstones with abundant volcanic interbeds. The formation unconformably overlies dacitic rocks dated at ca. 94 Ma and is overlain by basaltic andesite dated at ca. 69 Ma (Ar–Ar ages). The overall configuration of the strata of the Dadaepo Formation indicates syndepositional tilting of the basin floor to the north-northeast. A number of outcrop-scale faults are observed in the basin-fill sediments, of which the majority are NW-striking normal faults, including syndepositional growth faults. The orientations of mafic (magmatic) and clastic dikes, interpreted as being approximately contemporaneous with the deposition of the Dadaepo Formation, are also nearly parallel to the strikes of outcrop-scale normal faults. All these extensional structures consistently indicate NE–SW extension of the basin and obliquely intersect the basin-bounding Yangsan and Dongnae faults at angles of 40°–60°. It is thus concluded that the Dadaepo Formation was deposited in a pull-apart basin that subsided as a result of NNE-striking sinistral strike–slip faulting in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula during the Campanian (Late Cretaceous). This strike–slip faulting was related to north-northwestward oblique subduction of the proto-Pacific (Izanagi/Kula) or Pacific plate under the eastern margin of the Eurasian plate.

이 연구에서는 충청남도 중서부 9개 지자체 지역을 대상으로 문헌조사와 관련 연구자의 자문을 통해 총 114개소의 지질유산 목록을 작성하고, 이들 중 65개소를 선정하여 야외조사를 실시한 후, ‘지질유산 가치평가 및 관리등급 산정 방법’에 따라 최종적으로 1~5등급에 속하는 43개소의 지질유산을 선정하였다. 이와 함께 이 연구에서 수행된 연구지역 지질유산들의 관리등급 평가와 지역별 분포 특성, 그리고 국가지질공원 인증을 위한 여러 기준 등을 함께 고려하여, 최종적으로 선정된 43개소의 지질유산 중에서 태안군-서산시-홍성군-보령시-서천군의 해안을 연결한 36개소의 지질유산을 하나로 묶어 ‘충남 서해안 지질공원’이라 칭하고, 국가지질공원 후보지로 제안하였다. ‘충남 서해안’ 지질공원 후보지를 구성하는 36개소의 지질유산을 관리등급에 따라 구분하면 I등급 4개소, II등급 9개소, III등급 13개소, Ⅳ등급 9개소, V등급 1개소 등 국가지정 관리대상(III등급) 이상의 가치를 가지는 지질유산이 26개소로, 1차적으로 국가지질공원으로서의 가치와 규모 조건을 충족한다. 특히 후보지로 제안된 ‘충남 서해안’의 지질유산들은 지질탐방로의 개발이 용이하며, 이미 많은 관광, 생태학습과 체험을 위한 자원이 풍부한 지역이다. 태안해안국립공원을 비롯한 천연기념물, 명승지, 도지정 문화재 및 경승지, 박물관, 국립생태원 등과 연계된 인프라 구축도 타 시도보다 우수하여, 이 연구에서 발굴된 각 지질유산에 지질·지형의 본질적 가치를 부여하면 국가지질공원으로의 빠른 성장은 물론 위상도 높아질 것으로 예상된다. 이와 함께 수도권에서 서해안 고속도로를 이용한 접근성이 우수하여, 지질관광 및 교육관광 측면에서의 활용 잠재력도 매우 높은 것으로 판단된다.

A red pigment produced by Zooshikella ganghwensis, was purified by solvent extraction and fractionation. The pigment was identified to be prodigiosin on the basis of spectroscopic data such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, 2D-NMR, IR, and FAB-MS. Prodigiosin inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene expression and the growth of human cancer cell lines, SK-BR-3, HCT-116, SK-OV-3, HeLa, HepG2, and SK-MEL-5.

The effects of

This study was conducted to evaluate preparation and characteristics of flexible liposomes (Bounsphere™) consisting of a biocompatible lipid membrane with dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG) as an edge activator and containing niacinamide (NA). We evaluated particle size and zeta potential of the prepared liposomes by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and investigated their deformability, safety, skin permeability, and anti-melanogenesis activity in Bounsphere™ that remained stable for more than 6 months. The average size of Bounsphere™ was about 200 nm, and the change in liposome size after 6 months was not greater than that of conventional liposomes. The zeta potential of Bounsphere™ was about 32 mV with a positive charge, indicating relatively good stability. The deformability of Bounsphere™ was higher than that of conventional liposomes. In addition, the skin permeability of Bounsphere™ was higher than that of conventional liposomes or the phosphate buffer solution. These results indicated that Bounsphere™ with DPG as an edge activator has advantages over conventional liposomes as NA carriers. Furthermore, we found that 2% NA-loaded Bounsphere™ enhanced skin whitening. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Bounsphere™ can be used as a delivery system to enhance transdermal permeation and skin whitening agent effectiveness.

To investigate the incidence of isolated hematuria and its relationship to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V were used. A stratified, three-stage, clustered probability design was used to collect representative data on the Korean population. Ultimately, 18,587 participants were included. The incidence of isolated dipstick hematuria and its relationship with the GFR (estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) were evaluated. The analysis showed that 31.8 % of the population had isolated hematuria, the incidence of which significantly increased with age (P trend

One new feruloyl sucrose ester, 3-feruloyl-4′,6′-diacetyl sucrose (1), along with five known feruloyl sucrose esters, 3,6-diferuloyl-3′,6′-diacetyl sucrose (2), smilaside A (3), 3,6-diferuloyl-6′-acetyl sucrose (4), 3-feruloyl-6′-acetyl sucrose (5), and 3,6-diferuloyl sucrose (6), was isolated from Oryza sativa roots. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. The six isolated feruloyl sucrose esters were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase in vitro.

Herbal plant extracts are good resources to find functional compounds for cosmetic ingredient. In this study, the extract of Areca semen (A. semen) was studied for melanogenesis inhibition and antioxidant activity. The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen contained phenolic contents, 301.35 ± 0.88 µg/mg, and exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 1.02 ± 0.07 µg/mL. Further, FRAP value exhibited potent antioxidant activity with 9.07 ± 0.36 mM. Disk diffusion assay was performed for antibacterial activity. Ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) at 80 µg/mL, whereas it showed no significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results of cell viability indicated that ethyl acetate fraction did not show cytotoxicity to B16/F1 cells at 80 µg/mL and showed significant cytotoxicity at 100 µg/mL of concentration and showed inhibition of melanin synthesis inhibitory, 29.78 ± 0.31% at 80 µg/mL. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of tyrosinase and MITF were decreased after treatment with ethyl acetate fraction in a dose-dependent manner. As a result, the ethyl acetate fraction of A. semen could be considered as potential as whitening agents.

One new phenylglycoside, 1-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-[6′-O-(4″-carboxy-1″ ,3″ ,5″ - trihydroxy)phenyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), along with eight known ones, isosalicin (2), vanilloloside (3), (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), crenatin (5), hydrageifolin I (6), tachioside (7), isotachioside (8), and koaburside (9), were isolated from the stems of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data such as NMR, FAB-MS, and IR. All these compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

The calyx of Fragaria ananassa (Rosaceae) has not been investigated for its chemical constituents and biological activity. This study focused on the isolation of active metabolites from the calyx of this plant. Compounds from F. ananassa calyx were extracted in 80 % aqueous MeOH and the concentrated extract was successively partitioned into EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H2O fractions. Repeated silica gel, octadecyl silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies afforded six purified flavonoids. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR), DEPT, and 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC), the flavonoids were identified as kaempferol (1), astragalin (2), quercetin (3), isoquercitrin (4), sexangularetin (5), and sinensin (6). All the flavonoids were isolated for the first time from the F. ananassa calyx in this study. The flavonoids were evaluated for radical-scavenging capacity 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid ammonium salt), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity methods. In conclusion, quercetin (3) consistently showed the highest ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC radical-scavenging activities compared with the other isolated flavonoids.

Chromatographic methods such as silica gel, ODS, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographic techniques were used to identify three new phenylethanoid glycosides along with three known ones, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl o-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-allopyranoside (1), magnoloside D (2), and magnoloside A (3), from the fruits of Magnolia obovata. Using the spectroscopic data, including NMR, MS, and IR, the new phenylethanoid glycosides were identified and named magnoloside F (4), magnoloside G (5), and magnoloside H (6).