• CELLMED
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• v.13 no.14
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• pp.17.1-17.23
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• 2023

Menopause is a physiological phase experienced by all women as part of normal aging known as menopause. Per se, menopause is not a disease, but hormonal imbalance may lead to menopausal symptoms in some women. The unani physician described that in Sinn-i-Inḥiṭāṭ/ Sinn al-Yās, Burūdat (coldness) increases lead to Ihtibās al-Tamth (amenorrhea) that can occur naturally. Besides, Khilt Dam (blood) production decreases from the liver, slight production occurs, tends towards Burūdat. Therefore, at this age, Ihtibās al-Tamth is associated with Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās(menopausalsymptoms) including weight gain, loss of appetite, hirsutism, fatigue, headache, backache, arthralgia, neck pain, general myalgia, nervousness, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The traditional Unani manuscripts are enriched with knowledge for the management of Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās. Consequently, an extensive exploration of classical texts concerning the management of Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās was undertaken. Moreover, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and other indexing databases were thoroughly explored for evidence-based approaches to managing menopausalsymptoms. The principle management as per Unani texts is to treat the cause of Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās. Unani medicines with emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties are beneficial for the amelioration of Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās. Unani Herbs such as Asgandh, Aslusūs, Khārkhasak, Tagar, Shuneez, Ustukhuddus, Zafran, and Majūn Najāh possess properties and are proven scientifically for their efficacy in Alāmāt Sinn al-Yās. Hence, the substantiation and preservation of traditional knowledge assume paramount importance in facilitating prospective research and proving invaluable in the modern era. Moreover, the conduct of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses becomes imperative.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.353-361
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• 2023

Background: Noise has been linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including stress, anxiety, insomnia, and cardiovascular disorders. However, research on the relationship between residential traffic noise and mental health in South Korea is limited. Objectives: This study aims to examine the correlation between regional traffic noise levels and mental health using an ecological study design. Methods: In this ecological study, all data were collected from the Korean Statistical Information Service. Traffic noise data in residential areas and the prevalence of mental health indices in 44 cities with noise monitoring stations were obtained. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between regional traffic noise levels and mental health indices. Results: Daytime traffic noise levels were found to have a positive correlation with stress perception (r=0.428, p=0.004) and showed a borderline positive correlation with depressive symptom prevalence (r=0.273, p=0.073). In cities with airports, significant correlations was observed between 24-hour average noise levels and depressive symptoms (r=0.604, p=0.010), whereas this relationship was not observed in cities without airports (r=0.048, p=0.813). Multiple regression analysis, which adjusted for factors such as age, gender ratio, smoking, obesity, unemployment, urban size, and the presence of an airport, confirmed the relationship between 24-hour average noise levels and stress perception (beta=0.287, p=0.024). Conclusions: This study identified correlations between regional traffic noise levels and depressive symptoms or stress perception in adults, with a more pronounced effect in areas with airports. These findings suggest a potential impact of residential traffic noise on mental health, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like noise management in urban planning to promote mental well-being.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.59-72
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• 2024

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors influencing the intention for continual fertility treatments among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: A total of 197 women were recruited through convenience sample from fertility hospitals in Gyeonggi-do and Busan, South Korea. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire incorporating measures of uncertainty; Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; Fatigue Severity Scale; Coping Scale for Infertility-Women; spousal support; treatment environment; and intention for continual fertility treatment. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS 26.0. Results: As many as 70.6% of the participants expressed an intention for continual fertility treatments. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as uncertainty (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20~0.95), active coping (OR = 4.04, 95% CI 1.11~14.71), treatment environment (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.26~6.07), and the duration of marriage (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.24~5.49) were significantly related with this intention. Conclusion: These findings underscore the significance of uncertainty management, having proactive coping strategies, having supportive treatment environments, and considering the duration of marriage concerning women's intention for continual fertility treatment in the context of ART. The implications of these results extend to the development of nursing intervention programs aimed at providing crucial support for women undergoing ART and seeking to continue their infertility treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.31-33
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• 2024

Purpose: Music therapy helps alleviate anxiety, depression, and pain for cancer patients, contributing to stress relief. With such advantages, music therapy is applied across a broad spectrum of treatment areas, including mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and conditions affecting the elderly. It has been shown to enhance the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients. Recent research has revealed its positive effects in boosting immune function and resilience. In light of these findings, the author conducted a study to investigate patient satisfaction with music listening. Materials and Methods: First, a survey was conducted with 30 individuals to inquire about the perceived necessity of listening to music in a waiting area. Next, participants were asked whether listening to music could contribute to psychological stability. Finally, preferences for music genres and satisfaction with music listening were assessed with a sample of 20 individuals. Results: In terms of the perceived necessity of listening to music in the waiting area, 28 out of 30 individuals, or 93%, expressed agreement. Regarding the belief that music listening could contribute to psychological stability, 28 out of 30 individuals, or 93%, believed that it would indeed help with stability. When it comes to preferred music genres, 4 individuals (13%) favored classical music, 2 individuals (6%) preferred traditional Korean music, 2 individuals (6%) enjoyed trot music, and 20 individuals (66%) had no specific genre preference. As for music listening satisfaction, 17 out of 20 individuals, or 85%, reported being satisfied. Conclusion: When patients visit the hospital, stress can increase due to concerns about their medical conditions. To address this, providing a variety of music genres at the hospital has been effective in reducing patient stress and promoting psychological stability.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.39-44
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• 2024

This study was prepared for a natural aroma solution for the purpose of improving depression, anxiety, and insomnia caused by stress in modern people, and applied the solution to wet tissues. Specifically, the pine oil solution was prepared by mixing Korean pine oil and black cherry oil. Heavy metal analysis, antibacterial analysis, psychological evaluation, and skin evaluation were performed on the prepared pine oil solution to examine the possibility of manufacturing functional aroma wet tissues for stress improvement. Furthermore, as a result of investigating whether pine oil solution wet tissues improved the skin, it was found that there was an improvement effect in terms of moisturizing and elasticity.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.381-387
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• 2023

Background: Frailty is defined as a condition of being weak and delicate, and it represents a state of high vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that the cingulate gyrus is associated with frailty in the elderly population. However, few imaging studies have explored the relationship between frailty and the cingulate gyrus in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Eighteen right-handed patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. We used the FreeSurfer software package to estimate the cortical thickness of the regions of interest, including the rostral anterior, caudal anterior, isthmus, and posterior cingulate gyri. The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and laboratory tests were also conducted. Results: The cortical thickness of the right rostral anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) was significantly correlated with the Fried frailty index, age, and creatinine level. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the cortical thickness of the right rostral ACG was associated with frailty after controlling for age and creatinine level. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the cortical thickness of the rostral ACG may be associated with frailty in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and that the rostral ACG may play a role in the frailty mechanism of this population.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.302-316
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a structural model for the quality of life (QoL) among high-risk pregnant women, based on Roy's adaptation model. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 333 first-time mothers diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy in two obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Cheonan, Korea, or participating in an online community, between October 20, 2021 and February 20, 2022. Structured questionnaires measured QoL, contextual stimuli (uncertainty), coping (adaptive or maladaptive), and adaptation mode (fatigue, state anxiety, antenatal depression, maternal identity, and marital adjustment). Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.29±3.72 years, ranging from 26 to 45 years. The most common high-risk pregnancy diagnosis was gestational diabetes (26.1%). followed by preterm labor (21.6%). QoL was higher than average (18.63±3.80). Above-moderate mean scores were obtained for all domains (psychological/baby, 19.03; socioeconomic, 19.00; relational/spouse-partner, 20.99; relational/family-friends, 19.18; and health and functioning, 16.18). The final model explained 51% of variance in QoL in high-risk pregnant women, with acceptable overall model fit. Adaptation mode (β=-.81, p=.034) and maladaptive coping (β=.46 p=.043) directly affected QoL, and uncertainty (β=-. 21, p=.004), adaptive coping (β=.36 p=.026), and maladaptive coping (β=-.56 p=.023) indirectly affected QoL. Conclusion: It is essential to develop nursing interventions aimed at enhancing appropriate coping strategies to improve QoL in high-risk pregnant women. By reinforcing adaptive coping strategies and mitigating maladaptive coping, these interventions can contribute to better maternal and fetal outcomes and improve the overall well-being of high-risk pregnant women.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2024

Objectives: The objective of this study is to develop a specialized clinical research protocol for acupuncture treatment specifically designed for disaster survivors based on insights from an expert survey. Methods: An expert panel comprising specialists in neuropsychiatry, acupuncture, and clinical research methodology was assembled. Initial data to inform the clinical research protocol design was collected utilizing open-ended responses, multiple-choice questions, and a 5-point Likert scale to gauge agreement levels. Next, this data was disseminated to a panel of experts. A cohesive clinical research protocol was then formulated during a core panel meeting by integrating insights from a panel of 10 experts. Results: The protocol developed herein entails a non-randomized controlled study involving participants aged 19~64 years old who have been identified as high-risk or cautious according to the National Trauma Center screening test. The study design includes the establishment of an active control group, which allows for the assessment of an additional effect through comparison with conventional therapy. The selected acupuncture approach involves a combination of manual acupuncture and ear acupuncture. For clinical outcome assessment, the Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale for DSM-5 was proposed to gauge trauma symptoms. Representative scales for various domains such as depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, pain, and quality of life were also provided for reference. Conclusions: The developed protocol is anticipated to streamline the swift design and initiation of clinical trials during disaster scenarios. It is also designed to be scalable, thereby enabling its application in both non-randomized control group studies and single-group before-and-after comparisons.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1467-1474
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• 2023

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.256-270
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• 2024

The antidepressant drug trazodone (TRZ) is commonly used for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia, however, it causes cardiotoxicity, which is one of its limitations. The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of sage (Salvia officinalis) in rats against cardiotoxicity induced by TRZ and to investigate the mechanisms involved in its cardio-protective properties through autophagy and oxidative stress. Fifty male albino rats were split randomly into five experimental groups: control group, sage oil group (100 mg/kg), TRZ group (20 mg/kg), protective group, and curative group. Cardiac function biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-MB [CK-MB], and cardiac troponin T [cTnI]) were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in cardiac tissue (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were evaluated. Heart tissues were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations. DNA damage also evaluated. Significant rise in the levels of AST, CK-MB, and cTnI were observed with enhanced autophagy along with marked histopathological changes in the form of interrupted muscle fibers with wide interstitial spaces with areas of hemorrhage and extravasated blood and interstitial mononuclear cellular infiltration in TRZ group. DNA damage was also significantly increased in TRZ group. However, administration of sage in both protective and curative groups show marked improvement of the cardiac alterations. In conclusion, sage ameliorated the alterations in the heart induced by trazadone through modulation of autophagy and oxidative stress.