• Stress
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.259-267
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors influencing cognitive function and life satisfaction in elderly living alone. Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study by using secondary data from the 2014 national survey of Korean elderly. The study sample consisted of 2,249 subjects who live alone, aged 65 years old and over. Data were analyzed frequency analysis, ${\chi}^2$-test, t-test, ANOVA and Logistic regression analysis. Results: The risk factors that significantly influenced cognitive function were old age, bereavement, lack of education, no regular exercise and low socio-cultural activity satisfaction. The risk factors that significantly influenced life satisfaction were no bereavement, lack of education, no work, negative evaluation of health status, diagnosis of depression and no regular exercise. Also experience of emotional and economical abuse, neglect of financial support and low cognitive function were identified risk factors of life satisfaction. Conclusions: The elderly living alone with risk factors of cognitive decline should be interested. To prevent or delay cognitive impairment, regular exercise and socio-cultural activities were recommended. It was suggested that the promotion of cognitive function, appropriate work and exercise, and social efforts to prevent abuse and neglect can contribute to improving life satisfaction of elderly living alone.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.562-570
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• 2019

This study examined the factors affecting the underweight of Korean adolescents using data from Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey, which are national health statistics. This is a second data analysis study using the 13th Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey. The subjects were 48,242 adolescents who range from the first-year middle school students to the third-year high school students. The measurement variables were classified into demographic, physical activity, dietary, and mental health characteristics. The collected data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The factors affecting the underweight of Korean adolescents were sex, school type, academic performance, economic level, physical activities, weight control efforts, ramen intake, confectionary intake, stress, and subjective sleep fulfillment rate. Based on the results of this study, we need to search for the measures to help underweight adolescents recover their proper weight.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.689-699
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• 2021

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been increasing non-face-to-face activities; as a result, this has resulted in the number of individuals obtaining medical information from the websites and mobile contents of medical institutions increasing. The study conducted the structural equation modeling to test hypotheses; as a result, all sub-factors of e-service quality of small medical clinic websites and mobile contents, usability, security, responsiveness, design, and information, had a significant positive effect on relationship quality, and relationship quality had a significant positive effect on e-Loyalty. Moreover, the structural equation model showed a good model fit, χ²/df of 2.021, NFI of .954, TLI of .969, CFI of .976, RMSEA of .046. Future research is suggested to study relationship quality by developing a system able to quickly and accurately respond to websites and mobile contents users; furthermore, improving e-service quality and relationship quality is likely to strengthen e-loyalty.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.56-65
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• 2020

Purpose:This study aims to understand and explore the subjective experiences of patient safety education among health care professionals in developing a patient safety curriculum in South Korea. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through two focus group interviews in the period October-December 2018. Eleven participants who underwent patient safety education participated in each session. All interviews were recorded and transcribed as spoken, and qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories of discussion depicting participants' subjective experience with patient safety education. Results: A total of three categories and seven themes were identified out of 77 units of analysis. Topics were identified in the dimensions of a patient safety curriculum, as follows: (1) activities for patient safety; (2) principle of patient safety (five rights, ethics, patient participation) and patient participation; (3) leadership, teamwork, and communication; and (4) reporting and learning system for patient safety events. In the dimension of methods, (5) case and evidence-based education and (6) multidisciplinary and small group teaching were identified. Finally, in the dimension of the system, (7) policies for patient safety education were identified. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that patient safety education is a significant area for health care professionals. Health care professionals suggested that a systematic patient safety curriculum would improve their knowledge and attitude toward patient safety. Moreover, it enables them to better construct a safety environment in a hospital.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.654-664
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3, isolated from Panax ginseng, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It is known to reduce inflammation in acute lung injury in mice, and to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines and COX-2 in human asthmatic airway epithelium. In this study, we attempted to determine whether ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also investigated its effects on oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in tracheal epithelial cells. Methods: Asthma symptoms were induced in female BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were divided into five groups: normal controls, OVA-induced asthmatic controls, and asthmatic mice treated with ginsenoside Rg3 or prednisolone by intraperitoneal injection. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells (human tracheal epithelial cells) treated with ginsenoside Rg3 to investigate its effects on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative responses. Results: Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration, oxidative responses, airway inflammation, and AHR in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Ginsenoside Rg3 reduced Th2 cytokine and chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells treated with ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the eotaxin and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, and monocyte adherence to BEAS-2B cells was significantly reduced as a result of decreased ICAM-1 expression. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the expression of reactive oxygen species in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 is a potential immunomodulator that can ameliorate pathological features of asthma by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.271-279
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• 2022

Background: Inflammation is known to underlie the pathogenesis in neuropathic pain. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms involved in antinociceptive effects of co-administration of acetaminophen and L-carnosine in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced peripheral neuropathy in male Wistar rats. Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven experimental groups (n = 8) treated with normal saline/acetaminophen/acetaminophen + L-carnosine. CCI was used to induce neuropathic pain in rats. Hyperalgesia and allodynia were assessed using hotplate and von Frey tests, respectively. Investigation of spinal proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidant system were carried out after twenty-one days of treatment. Results: The results showed that the co-administration of acetaminophen and L-carnosine significantly (P < 0.001) increased the paw withdrawal threshold to thermal and mechanical stimuli in ligated rats compared to the ligated naïve group. There was a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the levels of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer B cell inhibitor, calcium ion, interleukin-1-beta, and tumour necrotic factor-alpha in the spinal cord of the group coadministered with acetaminophen and L-carnosine compared to the ligated control group. Co-administration with acetaminophen and L-carnosine increased the antioxidant enzymatic activities and reduced the lipid peroxidation in the spinal cord. Conclusions: Co-administration of acetaminophen and L-carnosine has anti-inflammatory effects as a mechanism that mediate its antinociceptive effects in CCI-induced peripheral neuropathy in Wistar rat.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.49-56
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the motivation for choosing a major, COVID-19 anxiety, and work values on the employment preparation behavior of health college students and to provide evidence for developing programs for employment preparation behavior in the future. Methods : Employing a random sampling method, a survey was conducted from April 22 to June 3, 2022, using an electronically-disseminated questionnaire with college students majoring in medical technician, health administration, and nursing from D and K colleges located in Daegu. A total of 402 students who fully understood and agreed to the purpose of the study participated. The SPSS statistical program was used to analyze the collected data, which were verified using correlation and regression analyses. Results : The results of the study are: First, employment preparation behavior was positively correlated to major selection motivation, COVID-19 anxiety, and work values. Second, significant relationships were found between employment preparation behavior and motivation behind choosing a major, work values, and COVID-19 anxiety, in that order. The higher the major selection motivation, work values, and COVID-19 anxiety were, the better the employment preparation behavior was. Conclusion : The study's results indicate that it would be meaningful to provide health college students who were highly motivated to select their major and who possess sound work values with well-prepared job training programs. Various activities organized by the school for improving the students' self-satisfaction and self-efficacy, which can strengthen their long-term work values, could also be provided. In addition, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, college students may feel anxious about new infectious diseases that might occur in the future. Therefore, considering the contemporary situation, a helpful educational program will be invaluable to fit the pupils for life's battle after they finish their education.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.477-483
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data that would inform the direction of oral rehabilitation and how to expand of the role of dental hygienists in Japan. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the role of dental hygienists in the field of oral rehabilitation in Japan. Results: Japan has been making academic and practical developments in the field of oral rehabilitation for over 30 years, and has been gradually implementing a fee support policy since the 1990s. In addition, Japan has been operating a dental hygienist system specializing in oral rehabilitation since 2006. The related work was being carried out with the dental hygienist's expertise in the field of rehabilitation medical treatment secured. Dental hygienists work full-time at long-term care facilities for the elderly in addition to conducting oral care activities under the local comprehensive care system, in the areas of convalescence and acute rehabilitation, as well as in the field of visiting rehabilitation. It can be seen that, in the field of nursing care, they are specialized in oral care tasks for the elderly. Conclusions: In the future, a policy and related fee system should be gradually prepared to expand the role of dental hygienists in the field of oral rehabilitation that can contribute to improving oral health linked to systemic diseases.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.67-75
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate difference between walking practice and happiness of one-person households according to the life cycles. This is a secondary analysis study using data from the 2021 Community Health Survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 program for composite sample statistical analysis. As a result, in old age, there were many women, low education, and non-economic activities, and there were many basic living and less than 7 hours of sleep. The walking practice of one-person households was low in youth, middle age, and old age of one-person households. The level of happiness by life cycles of one-person households was 6.69 points in youth, 6.43 points in old age, and 6.19 points in middle age, and the happiness of middle age was the lowest. In youth, middle age, and old age of one-person households, there was a significant differences in happiness depending on walking practice. Therefore, social, welfare, and policy strategies should be developed to encourage walking to improve happiness of one-person households.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2024

Light is a major external environmental factor that influences the circadian rhythm of photosynthetic organisms and various physiological phenomena, such as growth, maturation, and behavior. The number of light-reaching organisms changes depending on the season and atmospheric conditions, and the intensity and wavelength of light differ depending on the organisms inhabiting the environment. Altered light changes the circadian rhythm of fish, which is controlled by clock genes, such as period 2 (Per2), cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), and melatonin. In this study, we set the zeitgeber time (ZT; 14 light-10 dark, LD) based on the actual sunrise and sunset times and examined Per2 and Cry1 activities, levels of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), and melatonin in Pholis nebulosa, a drifting seaweed species exposed to irregular light. Per2 and Cry1 levels increased during the daytime and decreased after sunset. The AANAT levels decreased during the daytime and increased during the night. Melatonin concentration was highest around midnight (ZT21, 23:30), but exhibited similar concentrations during the daytime. While the activity of Per2, Cry1, and AANAT levels exhibited a typical circadian rhythm observed in most vertebrates, melatonin concentrations did not show a significant difference between the daytime and nighttime. These findings provide insights into the circadian rhythm patterns of organisms exposed to irregular light environments, such as P. nebulosa, which differ from those of typical fish species.