Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954, which comprises 11 species, is a genus in the family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae Beier, 1932. Members of this group can be represented by troglobitic characterisitics and narrow-range endemism. Three species are documented on the Korean Peninsula: Spelaeochthonius cheonsooi You, Yoo, Harms and Harvey, 2022; S. dentifer Morikawa, 1970; S. seungsookae You, Yoo, Harms & Harvey, 2022. In this study we utilize ten species, including three recorded Korean species, two Japanese species, and five new species, for molecular analysis. We employ four genes (COI, H3, 18S, 28S) commonly used in pseudoscorpions studies. This study aims to (i) identify the most specific gene for species identification in pseudoscorpions, (ii) demonstarate the narrow-range endemism of Spelaeochthonius, and (iii) explore the speciation pathway of this genus. Consequently, our understanding of biodiversity and necessity of species conservation.

Menopausal status and hormonal changes are important factors related to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women. Nutrient intake is also a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Although, postmenopausal status and hormonal changes result in a 60% increased risk for metabolic syndrome, there has been no method to elucidate the effects of nutrient intake on metabolic syndrome following menopause. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nutrient intake by menopausal women on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. All data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2009. Menopausal women showed a 1.8-fold increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome group showed significantly lower values in calcium, iron, vitamin A, carotin, retinol and riboflavin intake than those of normal group in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, there are significant differences in crude fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin and niacin. Indeed, different patterns of nutrient intake were observed by menopausal status and metabolic syndrome. As menopause cannot be controlled, a diet with adequate nutrient intake may be useful to control the rapid increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome due to menopause.

Effects of pretreatment and extraction conditions on total polyphenol yield from licorice root were investigated using statistical method. For pretreatment, heat treatment at 121°C for 10 min was applied. Licorice root content in solvent (10, 20, and 30%) ethanol concentration (20, 40, and 60%) and reaction time (1, 2, and 3 h) were used as variables for extraction conditions. Two experiments, with heat treated and no treated licorice, were prepared with same experimental design. Box behnken design was employed and produced a total of 15 trials. Total polyphenol yield from licorice root was not affected by heat treatment. Among variables, licorice content in solvent showed most significant effect regardless of other variables (p