Korean Urban Research Articles

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and functional state: The Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) Study

BackgroundFunctional state and cholesterol metabolism are important for older adults; however, this association has not been fully investigated among community-dwelling older adults. Thus, we investigated the association of HDL cholesterol with multiple functional state measures in an elderly Korean population. MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 3514 participants, aged 65 years or older, who participated in baseline health assessment for the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort study from 2012 to 2015. HDL cholesterol concentration was analyzed using both continuous and categorical variables. Functional state was assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), activities of daily living (ADL) scale, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale, timed up-and go (TUG) test, and chair-rise test (CRT). Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate independent association between HDL cholesterol and functional state, after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid-lowering drug, history of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and health behaviors. ResultsHDL cholesterol concentration was significantly associated with MMSE, ADL, IADL, TUG, and CRT in the unadjusted model. After adjustment for covariates, the association remained significant for MMSE (standardized β=0.059, p=0.001), ADL (standardized β=−0.053, p=0.004), and CRT (standardized β=−0.037, p=0.037). In fully-adjusted model, Participants who had a lower HDL concentration (<40mg/dL) showed significantly increased odds for having MMSE decline (OR 1.451, 95% CI 1.119–1.883) and ADL dependency (OR 2.251, 95% CI 1.119–4.526), compared reference group (≥60mg/dL). ConclusionsHigher HDL cholesterol concentration was associated with better functional state among Korean older adults.

Lower Jump Power Rather Than Muscle Mass Itself is Associated with Vertebral Fracture in Community-Dwelling Elderly Korean Women.

Sarcopenia is considered to be a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture, which is a major health problem in elderly women. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of sarcopenia, with regard to muscle mass and function, with prevalent vertebral fracture in community-dwelling elderly women. We recruited 1281 women aged 64 to 87 years from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort study. Muscle mass and function were measured using bioimpedance analysis and jumping mechanography. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and jump power were used as an indicator of muscle mass and function, respectively. Among the participants, we observed 282 (18.9%) vertebral fractures and 564 (44.0%) osteoporosis. Although age, body mass index, and prevalence of osteoporosis increased as both SMI and jump power decreased, prevalence of vertebral fracture increased only when jump power decreased. In univariate analysis, compared with the highest quartile of jump power, the lowest quartile had a significant odds ratio of 2.80 (95% CI 1.79-4.36) for vertebral fracture. This association between jump power and vertebral fracture remained significant, with an odds ratio of 3.04 (95% CI 1.77-5.23), even after adjusting for other risk factors including age, bone mineral density, previous fracture, and cognitive function. In contrast, there was no association between SMI and vertebral fracture. Based on our results, low jump power, but not SMI, is associated with vertebral fracture in community-dwelling elderly Korean women. This finding suggests that jump power may have a more important role than muscle mass itself for osteoporotic fracture.

Association between HbA1c and carotid atherosclerosis among elderly Koreans with normal fasting glucose.

AimWe examined whether glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is associated to carotid atherosclerosis in an elderly Korean population with normal fasting glucose.MethodsUsing data from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,133 participants (335 men and 798 women) with a mean age of 71.8 years. All participants had fasting blood glucose less than 100mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) and HbA1c level below 6.5% (48 mmol/mol). They were also free from a history of cardiovascular disease, known type 2 diabetes mellitus or use of anti-diabetes medications. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT) using ultrasonography. The association between HbA1c and carotid IMT was investigated using multivariable linear regression analysis.ResultsHbA1c levels were independently and positively associated with carotid IMT (β = 0.020, p = 0.045) after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, smoking and alcohol intake. However, fasting insulin and glucose levels were not associated with carotid IMT.ConclusionHbA1c levels were positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis, as assessed by carotid IMT, in an elderly population with normoglycemia. Our study suggested that higher HbA1c level is an effective and informative marker of carotid atherosclerosis in an elderly population.

Evaluation of the Site Specific Ground Response in Korean Urban Site

Evaluation of the Site Specific Ground Response in Korean Urban Site

Analysis of Research Trends and Knowledge Structures of Korean Urban Regeneration

Analysis of Research Trends and Knowledge Structures of Korean Urban Regeneration

Influence of Road Proximity on the Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Korean Urban Agricultural Soils and Crops.

The urban agricultural (UA) environment near active roadways can be degraded by traffic-related particles (i.e., exhaust gases and road dust), which may contain heavy metals. The current study investigated changes in heavy-metal [cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)] concentrations in soils located near highly trafficked roads in Korea and the subsequent uptake of these metals by Chinese cabbage. Heavy-metal plant concentrations were determined in both washed and unwashed plant leaves to determine whether foliar deposition played any role in plant metal uptake. Soil concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were all lower than the Korean standard soil limits and showed no significant influence from road traffic. In contrast, both Ni and Cr concentrations in soils collected within 10m of the road were 4 and 5 times greater, respectively, than those in soils collected 70m from the road. Heavy-metal concentrations in unwashed Chinese cabbage leaf collected at 5m from the road were consistently greater than those of washed leaf samples, thus indicating the deposition of traffic-related particles on the plant surface. With the exception of Cu, all heavy-metal concentration in washed plant samples collected at 5m also showed greater accumulation compared with samples collected further away. This was mainly attributed to increased total soil heavy-metal concentrations and increased metal phytoavailability induced by decreases in soil pH near the road. However, overall heavy-metal soil concentrations were well lower than the allowable concentrations, and the levels observed in plants collected in this study were considered not to currently pose a significant risk to human health. However, some traffic-related heavy metals, in particular Cr and Ni, were being accumulated in the roadside UA environment, which may warrant some caution regarding the environment and/or health issues in the future.

OS 22-07 Association between hemoglobin A1c and carotid atherosclerosis among elderly Koreans with normal fasting glucose

Objective: We examined whether HbA1c is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in a community-dwelling elderly Korean population with normal fasting glucose. Design and Method: Using data from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 1,133 participants (335 men and 798 women) with mean age 71.8 years. All participants had fasting blood glucose less than 100 mg/dL (5.6mmol/L) and a level of HbA1c below 6.5% (48 mmol/mol). They were also free from history of cardiovascular disease, known diabetes or use of anti-diabetes medication. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT) and the number of plaques using ultrasonography. The relationships of HbA1c with carotid IMT and plaque were investigated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: HbA1c levels are independently and positively associated with carotid IMT (standardized β=0.06, p = 0.042) and number of plaques (standardized β=0.06, p = 0.021) after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, smoking and alcohol intake, particularly in men. However, fasting insulin and glucose levels were not associated with carotid IMT or plaques. Conclusions: HbA1c levels are positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis measured by carotid IMT and plaques in an elderly population with normoglycemia. Our study suggested that higher HbA1c level may contribute to carotid atherosclerosis among older adults with normal fasting glucose.

젠더화된 도시담론 구축을 위한 시론적 검토: 서구 페미니스트 도시연구의 기여와 한계 및 한국 도시지리학의 과제

젠더화된 도시담론 구축을 위한 시론적 검토: 서구 페미니스트 도시연구의 기여와 한계 및 한국 도시지리학의 과제

Application of Regional Study Methodology for Researching Korean Urban Folklore

한국도시민속 연구에는 더욱 새롭고 유용한 연구방법론과 목표가 필요하다. 특히 도시와 민속을 연결시키되 한국 근․현대도시의 역사적, 사회적 특성에 근거한 방법론과 목표가 필요하다고 본다. 그러자면 지역에 대한 학제적 지식을 바탕으로 식민제국과 중앙권력의 타자화와 일방적 발명에 저항하는 방법을 모색해온 지역연구 방법론을 차용하는 것이 바람직하다.BR 최근의 지역연구는 지역단위의 설정과 지역의 구분, 지역의 진정성 모색, 그리고 지구화에 대한 간주관적 대응논리로써 일방적이고 억압적인 외부의 타자화와 지역발명을 비판하는 논리를 구축해왔다. 한국 도시민속 연구도 이 방법론을 활용함으로써 지역의 진정성 위에서 지역공동체를 추구하는 한국도시민속의 특유의 속성을 파악할 수 있으리라 본다. 더불어 한국도시민속 연구에서도 지역을 ‘향토’나 ‘지방’으로부터 탈영토화한 이후 재영토화를 통해 ‘지역’으로 인식해냄으로써 ‘향토’와 ‘지방’에 내재된 한계와 모순에서 벗어나야 한다.BR 이로써 한국도시민속 연구는 지역민의 주체적 인식으로 지역에 부여된 역사적이고 사회적인 속성을 전유하고 지역성을 파악하는 바를 포착해낼 수 있으리라 본다. 아울러 한국도시민속 연구가 민속학 본연의 학제적이고 종합적인 학문으로서의 특성을 살리면서 역사와 사회에 대한 비판적 성찰에 나섬과 동시에 외래문화와 지구화 등의 영향과 압력에 비판적으로 대응하는 논리를 구비할 수 있다.

Temporal Variations of Citizens’ Demands on Flood Damage Mitigation, Streamflow Quantity and Quality in the Korean Urban Watershed

Sustainable watershed management (SWM) can be achieved through recognition and reflection upon the values of citizens. Collaborative governance consisting of citizens is crucial for successful SWM. Collaborative governance definitely requires an active participatory decision-making process that reflects citizens’ preferences. Citizen preference also tends to substantially change with life pattern and life quality. These shifts can be caused by slight variations in both social priorities and personal preferences for SWM. Therefore, collaborative water governance must be frequently renewed in response to citizens’ values through the participatory framework. The An’yang Stream in South Korea is generally regarded as a representative urban stream restoration case that has been successfully led by collaborative governance. By conducting individual surveys with citizens on-site, this study addresses how citizens’ preferences of the stream’s management have changed between 2005 and 2015. In addition, this study used three quantitative hydrologic vulnerability indices: potential flood damage (PFD), potential streamflow depletion (PSD), and potential water quality deterioration (PWQD). They can spatially quantify citizen preference using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which can systematically derive citizens’ subjective relative-weighted preferences. In the end, this study identified critical differences in priorities in regard to vulnerable areas between in 2005 and in 2015.

Serum uric acid concentration and metabolic syndrome among elderly Koreans: The Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) study

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies have demonstrated that elevated serum uric acid concentration is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have focused on elderly populations. Thus, we investigated the association of serum uric acid concentration with metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling elderly Koreans. MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 2940 participants (986 men and 1954 women) aged 65 years or older who participated in a baseline health assessment for the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort study from 2012 to 2014. Serum uric acid concentration was analyzed using both continuous and dichotomous variables. Hyperuricemia was defined as a uric acid concentration ≥7.0mg/dL in men and ≥6.0mg/dL in women. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 harmonizing definition. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate independent association between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for age, body mass index, LDL cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, estimated glomerular filtration rate health behaviors, and medications. ResultsPrevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components increased significantly according to uric acid concentration in both sexes. The adjusted odds ratios for having metabolic syndrome per 1.0mg/dL higher uric acid concentration were 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03–1.31) in men and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.13–1.42) in women. Hyperuricemia was also associated with metabolic syndrome, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.11–2.63) in men and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.05–2.29) in women. ConclusionsElevated serum uric acid concentration was independently associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling elderly Koreans.

The Modernity of Asia and City: the Korean Urban Experience

The Modernity of Asia and City: the Korean Urban Experience

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and depressive symptoms in an older Korean population: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aims to examine associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and depressive symptoms in an older Korean population. MethodsThe study used data from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly study, which enrolled 2942 participants aged 65 years or older from urban and rural communities. After excluding those treated with antidepressants, we conducted cross-sectional analysis of 2853 participants (962 men and 1891 women). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed as both a continuous and categorized variable. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale – Short Form. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between serum 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms for men and women separately. ResultsIn men, ORs (95% CIs) for depressive symptoms were 1.74 (0.85, 3.58), 2.50 (1.20, 5.18), and 2.81 (1.15, 6.83) for those with a 25(OH)D concentration of 20.0–29.9, 10.0–19.9, and <10.0ng/mL, respectively (P-trend=0.013), compared with those with a 25(OH)D concentration of ≥30.0ng/mL, after adjustment for study year, month of assay, age, parathyroid hormone, body mass index, number of comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise, sleep duration, income, education, cohabitation status, and residential area. In women, the associations between 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms were significant neither before nor after adjustment. LimitationsDue to the cross-sectional study design, causal association is uncertain. Intake of vitamin D supplements and outdoor activity were not examined. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that lower concentrations of vitamin D are independently associated with depressive symptoms in older Korean adults.

Urban-rural differences explain the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and insulin resistance in Korea.

An increasing number of studies report associations between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and insulin resistance; however, whether low vitamin D levels directly contribute to increased insulin resistance is unclear. We investigated the impact of residential area on the association between 25(OH)D and insulin resistance in elderly Koreans. Using data from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly study, we conducted cross-sectional analyses in 1628 participants (505 men and 1123 women). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed as both continuous and categorized variables. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. In men, 25(OH)D level was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (standardized β = −0.133, p < 0.001) after adjustment for age, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, and study year. However, we noted significant urban-rural differences in 25(OH)D level (43.4 versus 65.6 nmol/L; p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (1.2 versus 0.8 mmol·pmol/L2; p < 0.001). When we additionally adjusted for residential area, the association between 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR was attenuated (standardized β = −0.063, p = 0.115). In women, the association between 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR was not significant before or after adjustment for residential area. Environmental or lifestyle differences in urban and rural areas may largely explain the inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and insulin resistance.

Public-Private Partnership and Economic Efficiency: A Case Study of the Korean Urban Rail Transit System

This study examines whether a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement improved operational cost efficiency in Korea’s urban rail transit system. Overall, evidence suggests that private participation has not contributed to cost reduction in service operation. The study also explains how the absence of cost advantage in the private partnership may be associated with the two defining characteristics of a typical PPP: the bundling of different activities into a single contract and risk sharing between the public and private parties. I argue that, if negative externalities exist across the bundled activities, the risk sharing between the public and private parties may greatly weaken the concessionaire’s incentive for cost management.

Empirical Evidences of Korean Urban Development Model for Mass Production of Housing

Empirical Evidences of Korean Urban Development Model for Mass Production of Housing

Abstract P111: Sleep duration is associated with serum osteocalcin level in an elderly Korean population: the Korean Urban and Rural Elderly (KURE) study

Importance: Association between sleep duration and health related outcome studies have been published consistently. However there have been few studies of the association between sleep duration and bone formation in elderly. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine association between sleep duration and serum osteocalcin level in an elderly Korean population. Design: Cross sectional analysis using baseline cohort data. Setting: Community based setting Participants: Among the total of 927 participants, we excluded 1 participant because of the absence on sleep duration answer. A final total of 926 participants (624 women and 302 men aged 64-87 years) who completed baseline health examination in 2012 were enrolled in this study. Measurement: Sleep duration was measured by interviewer-assisted questionnaire. Participants answered their regular time of going to bed, time of opening eyes in the morning, and time of regular nap using open questions during the passing year. Serum osteocalcin level, a known biomarker of osteogenesis, was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method in the central research laboratory. The association between sleep duration (minutes/day) and serum osteoclacin level (ng/ml) was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: In the total population, sleep duration had significant association with serum osteocalcin level (ß=-0.008, p=0.013). One hour increase in sleep duration was associated with 0.48 ng/ml increase in serum osteocalcin level. This association remained after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and serum 25(OH) vitamin D (ß=0.012, p&lt;0.001). This association was consistent before and after adjusting confounders in women (ß=-0.010, p=0.019, ß=-0.011, p=0.009, respectively) and men (ß=-0.013, p=0.012, ß=-0.013, p=0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that longer sleep duration is associated with higher bone formation process in an elderly of Korean.

Abstract P112: Association between sleep duration and serum lipid levels in an elderly Korean population: The Korean Urban and Rural Elderly (KURE) Study

Importance: Sleep duration has been considered as a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease and mortality. Several studies suggest that sleep duration can influence the serum lipid levels, but the association remains unclear. Objective: The aim of present study is to assess the association of sleep duration with serum lipid levels in an elderly Korean population. Methods: The KURE study is a cohort study to investigate risk factors for major disorders of the elderly. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 926 participants (302 men and 624 women aged 64-87 years) who completed baseline health examination in 2012. Sleep duration was measured by the interviewer-assisted questionnaire. Habitual sleep time was calculated based on the response to the questions about hour of bedtime, hour of rising, and hours of nap during the passing year. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations in serum were measured from overnight fasting blood samples. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was calculated from total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels using Friedewald’s formula. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine whether sleep duration was associated with serum lipid levels. Results: Sleep duration was not significantly associated with total cholesterol (β=-0.154mg/dL per sleep hour, p =0.843), triglyceride (β=-1.000, p =0.506) and LDL cholesterol (β=0.678, p =0.339) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction and stroke. However sleep duration was inversely associated with HDL cholesterol (β=-0.644, p =0.015) in fully adjusted model. In the sex-specific analysis, sleep duration was marginally associated with HDL cholesterol in men (β=-0.770, p =0.078) and significantly associated with HDL cholesterol in women (β=-0.685, p =0.037) after fully adjustment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that longer sleep duration was associated with lower serum HDL cholesterol level in an elderly Korean population. Keywords: Sleep duration, lipids, HDL cholesterol, elderly

The Korean urban rural elderly cohort study: study design and protocol

BackgroundKorea is one of the fastest aging countries and is expected to become a super-aged society within 12 years. The Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) study was developed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and establish the prevention and management of major disorders of the elderly in Korea.Methods/DesignThe KURE study is a community-based prospective cohort study on health, aging, and common geriatric disorders of Korean elderly persons aged at least 65 years. To construct a cohort reflecting both urban and rural areas, we selected 2 representative communities in the country. To establish multidisciplinary approaches to geriatric health, this study was performed by researchers in the divisions of geriatrics, preventive medicine, endocrinology, and sociology. The baseline examinations began in 2012; the study will follow more than 4,000 elderly Koreans over 10 years. The first and second follow-up health examinations will be performed every 4 years. Every 2 years after each health examination, inter-assessment interview will be conducted to improve participant retention.DiscussionThe KURE study will provide longitudinal epidemiologic data on health, aging, and common geriatric disorders of the elderly in Korea. This is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary study of the elderly with respect to biological, physical, socio-economic, and environmental factors. The results of this study will contribute to improve public health and welfare policies for the aging society in Korea.

Chronic low back pain in young korean urban males: the life-time prevalence and its impact on health related quality of life.

ObjectiveWe assessed the life-time prevalence (LTP) of chronic low back pain (LBP) in young Korean males. We also evaluated the relationship between lumbar spinal lesions and their health related quality-of-life (HRQOL).MethodsA cross-sectional, self-reported survey was conducted in Korean males (aged 19-year-old) who underwent physical examinations for the conscript. We examined 3331 examinees in November 2014. We included 2411 subjects, who accepted to participate this study without any comorbidities. We interviewed using simple binary questions for their LBP experience and chronicity. HRQOL was assessed by Short-Form Health-Survey-36 (SF-36) in chronic LBP and healthy control groups. Radiological assessment was performed in chronic LBP group to determine whether there were any pathological causes of their symptoms.ResultsThe LTP of chronic LBP was 13.4%. Most (71.7%) of them didn't have any lumbar spinal lesions (i.e., non-specific chronic LBP). The SF-36 subscale and summary scores were significantly lower in subjects with chronic LBP. Between specific and non-specific chronic LBP group, all physical and mental subscale scores were significantly lower in specific chronic LBP group, except mental health (MH) subscale score. In MH subscale and mental component summary score, statistical significant differences didn't appear between two groups (p=0.154, 0.126).ConclusionIn Korean males 19 years of age, the LTP of chronic LBP was 13.4%, and more than two-thirds were non-specific chronic LBP. Chronic LBP had a significant impact on HRQOL. The presence of lumbar spinal pathoanatomical lesions affected mainly on the physical aspect of HRQOL. It influenced little on the mental health.