• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.463-475
• /
• 2000

The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs on motivation, the performance of health behavior, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. The subjects consisted of 31 patients who participated in the rehabilitation program during their hospital stay, and were compared with 34 patients who did not participate. The study results are as follows: 1. The mean of cardiac risk factor scores for the subjects was 22.5 (SD = 5.5) at the level of low to moderate risk with some possibility to improve. The physiological and behavioral risk factors for the subjects were also in the normal range or slightly above the normal range. 2. The motivation level to preform health behaviors for both groups was improved after discharge. Also, perceived self-efficacy was significantly higher for the program participants than for the comparison group at the post-test. 3. The performance of cardiac related health behaviors improved for both groups after discharge, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The program participants reported better performance in most health behaviors at the post-test, but the results failed to reach a statistical significant level. 4. As for motivation and health behavior, the subjects in the both groups showed an improved quality of life after the discharge. In addition, the program participants produced significantly higher scores in health and functioning dimension than the comparison group during the post-test. In conclusion, the study partially supported the effects of the inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program to motivate and improve the quality of life, and provide the need to apply early rehabilitation interventions for the patients after cardiac events. Further study with a longitudinal design is also suggested to verify the effect of cardiac rehabilitation program from hospitalization to discharge and subsequently to fully recover to the level of pre-hospitalized state.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.482-488
• /
• 2019

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs. Replicase (Rep) proteins are considered essential for viral replication. Capsid (Cap) protein is the primary immunogenic protein that induces protective immunity. Little is known about comparison on the immunogenicity of PCV2 Rep and Cap fusion protein and Cap protein. In the present study, recombinant baculoviruses expressing the Rep-Cap fusion protein (Bac-Rep-Cap) and the Cap protein (Bac-Cap) of PCV2 were constructed and confirmed with western blot and indirect fluorescence assay. Immunogenicities of the two recombinant proteins were tested in mice. The titers of antibodies were determined with a PCV2-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a serum neutralization assay. The $IFN-{\gamma}$ response of immunized mice was measured by ELISA. The mice immunized with the Bac-Rep-Cap and Bac-Cap successfully produced Cap-specific immunoreaction. The mice immunized with the Bac-Cap developed higher PCV2-specific neutralizing antibody titers than mice injected with the Bac-Rep-Cap. $IFN-{\gamma}$ in the Bac-Rep-Cap group was increased compared to those in the Bac-Cap group. Vaccination of mice with the Bac-Rep-Cap showed significantly decreased protective efficacy compared to the Bac-Cap. Our findings will indubitably not only lead to a better understanding of the immunogenicity of PCV2, but also improved vaccines.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.340-345
• /
• 2010

Two similar microbial fungicides (termed as MA and MB) developed in a Korean biopesticide company were analyzed and compared each other in their biocontrol activities against the phytophthora blight of chili pepper caused by Phytophthora capsici. MA and MB contained the microbe Paenibacillus polymyxa and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, with concentrations over those posted on the microbial products. In comparison of the isolated microbes (termed as MAP from MA and MBB from MB) in the antagonistic activities against P. capsici was effective, prominently against zoospore germination, while MBB only significantly inhibited the mycelia growth of the pathogen. Some effectiveness of MAP and MBB was noted in the inhibition of zoosporangium formation and zoospore release from zoosporangia; however, no such large difference between MAP and MBB was noted. In a pot experiment, MA reduced the severity of the phytophthora blight more than MB, suggesting that the disease control efficacy would be more attributable to the inhibition of zoospore germination than mycelia growth of P. capsici. These results also suggest that the similar microbes MA and MB targeting different points in the life cycle of the pathogen differ in the disease control efficacies. Therefore, to develop microbial fungicides it is required to examine the targeting points in the pathogen's life cycle as well as the action mode of antagonistic microorganisms.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.170-175
• /
• 2011

This study was carried out for the molecular level identification of recombinant protein vaccine efficacy, by oral feeding against white spot syndrome virus infection, with the comparison of viral mRNA transcriptional levels in shrimp cells. For the determination of WSSV dilution ratio for the vaccination experiment by oral feeding, in vivo virus titration was carried out using different virus dilutions of virus stock ($1{\times}10^2$, $2{\times}10^2$, and $1{\times}10^3$). Among the dilution ratios, $2{\times}10^2$ diluted WSSV stock was chosen as the optimal condition because this dilution showed 90% mortality at 10 days after virus injection. Recombinant viral proteins, rVP19 and rVP28, produced as protein vaccines were delivered in shrimps by oral feeding. The cumulative mortalities of the shrimps vaccinated with rVP19 and rVP28 at 21 days after the challenge with WSSV were 66.7% and 41.7%, respectively. This indicates that rVP28 showed a better protective effect against WSSV in shrimp than rVP19. Through the comparison of mRNA transcriptional levels of viral genes from collected shrimp organ samples, it was confirmed that viral gene transcriptions of vaccinated shrimps were delayed for 4~10 days compared with those of unvaccinated shrimps. Protection from WSSV infection in shrimp by the vaccination with recombinant viral proteins could be accomplished by the prevention of entry of WSSV due to the shrimp immune system activated by recombinant protein vaccines.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.107-116
• /
• 2013

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most effective stimulating electrode in Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) for pain relief, and to apply to the treatment of Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods We included 45 participants who met the inclusion criteria. DOMS of both Triceps Surae Muscles were experimentally induced through eccentric contractions. 24-hours after induction of DOMS, who scored more than 40 mm in visual analogue scale (VAS) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=44). In 15 of them, needle electrodes were inserted into BL57, BL56. In 15 of them, surface electrodes were applied on the same points and the others were treated with manual acupuncture. The effects of pain relief were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), mechanical pain threshold (MPT), surface electromyography (SEMG). Results In VAS, group comparison had no significant difference after all treatments had done. The difference in VAS between the time before the treatment was started (Day 2) and after all treatments were completed was greater in Acupuncture group than that of needle-electrode group. In MPT, there was no significant difference among groups. Electrical contraction decreased significantly at 2nd before-after treatment comparison in needle-electrode MENS group. But fatigue scores were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions The results suggest that the types of electrodes has no significant effect on microcurrent therapy in DOMS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.41-47
• /
• 2017

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using a korea's natural monument No. 265 designate 'Yeonsan-Ogye'. In this study, research by using extracts from different concentration of the Yeonsan-Ogye through an MIA-induced arthritis animal model was being conducted in vivo and scientifically verifying the efficacy of medicinal food. Methods : Yeonsan-Ogye was administered 500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day, 2000 mg/kg/day to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at $60mg/m{\ell}$. MMP-9, COMP, CTXII, calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum were measured by ELISA. The changes of relative hind paw weight bearing ratio by Incapacitance Test Meter and The cartilage of meniscus volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of meniscus were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Also, the histopathological analysis of knee was observed by H&E and safranin-O staining. Results : Production of MMP-9, COMP (all groups) and CTXII (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) level in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The other way, production of calcitonin (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) and glycosaminoglycan (all groups) level in serum, Hind paw weight bearing ratio (all groups) was increased, espectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume in micro-CT increased significantly. In addition, all groups showed a increase in the cartilage volume and proteoglycan. Conclusion : The results for Yeonsan-Ogye showed significant antiarthritis activity in serum and the cartilage. Therefore, it is thought to be that Yeonsan Ogye can be utilized as a variety of new korea medicie and health foods against arthritis diseases.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.183-190
• /
• 2024

Purpose : This study aims to conduct a comprehensive comparison and analysis of intervention strategies utilized for school-aged children facing difficulties in writing, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of various intervention approaches both domestically and internationally. The primary focus is on assessing the efficacy of each intervention approach and identifying gaps in the existing literature. Methods : Data for this study were gathered from the domestic database RISS from January 2013 to March 2020, and international databases Pubmed and Google Scholar were utilized. The keywords for domestic literature search included 'occupational therapy', 'handwriting', and 'school-aged', while for international literature search, the keywords were 'occupational therapy', 'handwriting', and 'children'. A total of 4 international and 2 domestic articles were selected for review based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results : The study findings present a thorough comparative analysis of intervention strategies, categorizing them into task-oriented intervention, sensory-motor intervention, and integrated intervention. All intervention methods demonstrated notable improvements in the legibility of handwriting. Comparison between domestic and international literature revealed a predominant use of task-oriented intervention in domestic studies, while international studies showcased a diverse range of intervention methods. Conclusion : Interventions were categorized into computer-based, task-oriented, sensory-motor, and integrated interventions. Task-oriented interventions were the most common in both domestic and international studies, while integrated interventions were the most effective. Based on these findings, it is necessary to increase awareness of the need for handwriting intervention research among occupational therapists in Korea. Additionally, there is a need for well-supported handwriting intervention research with larger sample sizes in both domestic and international occupational therapy. Finally, future research should actively investigate the application of tailored integrated interventions for school-aged children with handwriting difficulties.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2013

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of acupuncture treatment with those of collaborative treatment regarding acute Bell's palsy. Methods Twenty-six patients who received outpatient treatment between March 2012 and February 2013 were divided into 2 groups. The East-West treatment group (EW group, n=12) received prednisolone and then acupuncture afterwards. The Eastern treatment group (E group, n=14) received just acupuncture. Acupuncture was administered 3 to 4 times a week, and both groups were educated to practice facial muscle exercises at home. Evaluations were made before treatment, after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks using the House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system. Results Compared to before treatment, the House-Brackmann grades of both EW and E groups after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment significantly decreased (p<0.05). Regarding group comparison, the House-Brackmann grade of the EW group was significantly lower than the E group at 1 week (p=0.043), but there was no significant difference at 2 and 3 weeks. Regarding improvement of House-Brackmann grades, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 1, 2 and 3 weeks (p>0.05). Conclusions Compared to just acupuncture treatment, collaborative treatment with prednisolone significantly improved the House-Brackmann grade after 1 week, but there was no difference as time passed. Because early intervention determines the prognosis of Bell's palsy, collaborative treatment at the early stage will be clinically helpful to patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.263-272
• /
• 2018

Nonprescription drugs have become increasingly important in Korean healthcare. By leveraging lower-cost drugs and reducing expenditure associated with fewer physician visits, the nonprescription segment can deliver tremendous value to individual consumers and the Korean healthcare system. Many countries have provided simpler and more rapid routes to market entry for qualifying nonprescription drug products, using the established data on drug safety and efficacy, as well as public and professional opinion. In US, the FDA waived the pre-approval process for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs marketed through the OTC Monograph Process. In Australia and Canada, different OTC product application levels are defined, with a reduced level of assessment required when the risks to consumers are considered low. Japan established a new OTC evaluation system in 2014 to facilitate the Rx-to-OTC switch process. The legislative framework for medicinal products in the European Union allows for drugs to be approved with reference to appropriate bibliographic data for old active substances with well-established uses. Through a comparison of the regulatory framework and the requirements for nonprescription approval process in different countries, several ways to improve regulatory practice for the evaluation of nonprescription drugs in Korea have been suggested.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.7
• /
• pp.3213-3218
• /
• 2012

When patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), efficacy is monitored by the extent of tumor shrinkage. Since their publication in 1981, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have been widely practiced in clinical trials and oncologic practice, for standardized tumor response evaluation. With advances in cancer treatment and tumor imaging, a simpler criterion based on one-dimensional rather than bi-dimensional (WHO) tumor measurement, named Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) was introduced in 2000. Both approaches have four response categories: complete response, partial response, stable disease and progressive disease (PD). Bi-dimensional measurement data of 151 patients with ABC were analysed with WHO and RECIST criteria to compare their response categories and inter criteria reproducibility by Kappa statistics. There was 94% concordance and 9/151 patients were recategorized with RECIST including 6/12 PD cases. RECIST therefore under-estimates and delays diagnosis of PD. This is undesirable because it may delay or negate switch over to alternate therapy. Analysis was repeated with a new criteria named RECIST-Breast (RECIST-B), with a lower threshold for PD (${\geq}10%$ rather than ${\geq}20%$ increase of RECIST). This showed higher concordance of 97% with WHO criteria and re-categorization of only 4/151 patients (1/12 PD cases). RECIST-B criteria therefore have advantages of both ease of measurement and calculations combined with excellent concordance with WHO criteria, providing a practical clinical tool for response evaluation and offering good comparison with past and current clinical trials of NACT using WHO guidelines.