• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aims to understand the effects of job-seeking stress on depression and self-esteem in college students majoring in health science. Methods : In this study, in order to measure college students' employment stress, depression, self-esteem, and social support, a measurement tool was used by modifying and supplementing the questionnaire to suit the purpose and method of this study. The subjects, 210 students (46 men and 164 women) enrolled in colleges located in Busan, had their scores on the Beck depression inventory (BDI), job-seeking stress scale, and self-esteem scale measured. Results : There was a positive correlation between all sub-variables of employment stress, and a negative correlation between employment stress and self-esteem. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between employment stress and depression, and a negative correlation was found between self-esteem and depression. The result taken from the job-stress scale showed that women experienced an overall higher level of stress than men while seeking jobs. Furthermore, in terms of the BDI, men exhibited a higher level of depression than women when subjected to job-seeking stress. Finally, the results from the self-esteem scale reveal that men exhibited less self-esteem than women. Conclusion : A comprehensive review of the study's findings suggested that women had greater job-seeking stress than men. Additionally, it found that, for men, job-seeking stress had a greater impact on depression levels and self-esteem. These results suggest that a higher level of job-seeking stress may lead to higher levels of depression and lower levels of self-esteem. It will be useful to conduct follow-up research by operating self-esteem and depression programs.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.213-225
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the current status of hygiene education for hotel chefs, in terms of the level of performance and importance of food hygiene inspections, as well as hygiene practices related to food cooking, storage, personal hygiene, and facility environment. We aim to identify what areas of education require priority improvement and derive implications. Methods: A survey on hygiene status, importance, and performance was conducted among 289 chefs working in six luxury hotels in Busan, South Korea. Frequency analysis and cross-analysis were conducted to evaluate the current status of hygiene education, while Borich Needs analysis was conducted to evaluate its importance and performance. The areas needing priority improvement were identified using the Locus-for-Focus model. Results: First, the most common frequency of hygiene education was once or twice a year. Participants who were older and with more years of experience were more likely to participate in annual training. Second, based on the degree of discrepancy between importance and performance and the results of Borich Needs analysis, the areas needing the highest priority were food inspection and hygiene. Third, according to the results of applying The Locus for focus model and visualizing it as a portfolio in a 2 ', 'Chopping boards and knives are frequently washed, sterilized and dried', 'Wash your hands with soap before starting cooking', 'Perform regular quarantine and disinfection to prevent pest invasion'. Conclusion: This study contributed to the understanding of the current status of hygiene education for chefs working in luxury hotels and confirmed the importance of hygiene management. Future research should aim to develop a more comprehensive hygiene education program by including participants from a more diverse pool of hotels and restaurants. This will significantly improve the hygiene management practices of chefs, thereby helping to prevent food hygiene-related accidents.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.257-267
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• 2024

Objectives: Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder caused by dopamine neuron damage, leading to various motor and non-motor symptoms, including depression. While several clinical studies on Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) have addressed this issue, no comprehensive review has been conducted. This study aimed to summarize and analyze TKM treatments for depression associated with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study reviewed research focused on treatment of Parkinson's-related depression, particularly examining traditional therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Data on treatment methods were analyzed to compare approaches of control and experimental groups. Specific use of acupuncture points and other TKM treatments was analyzed. Results: Out of 57 studies, 17 involving 649 participants were selected. Various treatment methods were evaluated, primarily using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Studies predominantly focused on acupuncture targeting specific points (such as LI 4, GB 20, and ST 36) and the use of various herbal medicine combinations. Conclusions: Of the 17 studies, 13 focused on effects of acupuncture, suggesting that acupuncture might play a significant role in alleviating depression associated with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, the use of acupuncture points such as LI 4, GB 20, and ST 36 showed potential therapeutic effects. Additionally, 13 studies demonstrated that TKM could significantly alleviate depression, indicating the potential for an integrative approach combining Eastern and Western therapies. Herbal medicine and Qigong dance therapy also showed promising effects in improving depression.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.229-240
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• 2022

Purpose : In this study, using Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy for metabolic diseases, we analyzed the effect of immune and inflammation-related variables and respiratory health-related variables of test subjects to verify the effect of improving respiratory health. Methods : In this study, 26 patients with metabolic diseases were divided into an experimental group (N=13) and a control group (N=13). After Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy (four weeks/three times a week/1 hour per time), metabolic disease-related variables and immune and respiratory health-related variables were measured and compared between the two groups. The conclusion of this study is as follows: Results : After the four-week Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy, in terms of changes in the metabolic disease-related variables, the control group exhibited a higher increase in TC and LDL-C levels than the experimental group. In the case of glucose, the experimental group showed a decrease after the experiment (p<.05). After the four-week thermotherapy, a statistically significant interactive effect occurred in natural killer (NK) cells among the immune-related variables. According to the results of a post-experimental analysis, the control group showed a higher decrease in NK cells than the experimental group (p<.05). After the 4-weeks thermotherapy, the experimental group showed a greater increase in maximum oxygen intake of the respiratory health-related variables than the control group. Conclusion : Based on a comprehensive review of the study results, the subjects who underwent the four-week Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy exhibited positive physical changes in metabolic disease-related variables as well as immune and respiratory health-related variables, which demonstrates the effectiveness of Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy on immune and respiratory health. Accordingly, it is recommended to conduct long-term Oyster Shell Thermal Therapy with various models in terms of the size and shape.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2793-2800
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• 2015

In molecular-targeted cancer therapy, acquired resistance to gemcitabine is a major clinical problem that reduces its effectiveness, resulting in recurrence and metastasis of cancers. In spite of great efforts to reveal the overall mechanism of acquired gemcitabine resistance, no definitive genetic factors have been identified that are absolutely responsible for the resistance process. Therefore, we performed a cross-platform meta-analysis of three publically available microarray datasets for cancer cell lines with acquired gemcitabine resistance, using the R-based RankProd algorithm, and were able to identify a total of 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 76 up- and 82 down-regulated) that are potentially involved in acquired resistance to gemcitabine. Indeed, the top 20 up- and down-regulated DEGs are largely associated with a common process of carcinogenesis in many cells. For the top 50 up- and down-regulated DEGs, we conducted integrated analyses of a gene regulatory network, a gene co-expression network, and a protein-protein interaction network. The identified DEGs were functionally enriched via Gene Ontology hierarchy and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. By systemic combinational analysis of the three molecular networks, we could condense the total number of DEGs to final seven genes. Notably, GJA1, LEF1, and CCND2 were contained within the lists of the top 20 up- or down-regulated DEGs. Our study represents a comprehensive overview of the gene expression patterns associated with acquired gemcitabine resistance and theoretical support for further clinical therapeutic studies.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.227-244
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• 2021

Objectives: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey provides representative biomonitoring data for environmental pollutants in South Korea. Over the last decade, there have been various studies published using this data. In this study, we aimed to provide information and implications by reviewing each study. Methods: We searched comprehensive electronic databases from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Naver Academic database using the key words 'Korean National Environmental Health Survey' and 'KoNEHS' through March 2021. A total of 57 studies were selected after reviewing the relevance of the data. Results: The most frequently studied pollutants were heavy metals (10), Cotinine (8), Bisphenol A (7), and Phthalates (6), in that order. In particular, Phthalates, Bisphenol A, and Parabens were often studied together (6). A decline in urinary cotinine and heavy metals in the body was shown over time among studies on exposure association. It was demonstrated that Phthalates and Bisphenol A were significantly related to obesity and diabetes from the studies of health impacts. Cross-section study design, spot urine, and insufficient health status information were mostly reported as limitations of the data. Conclusion: Since research has been focused on adults, further investigations of children and adolescents are required. In this regard, it is necessary to maintain the consistency of the data structure and provide integrated weights for all ages. In addition, it would allow the measurement of several environmental pollutants by considering subsample design. Lastly, integrated studies with multi-cycles and the health effects from co-exposure to multiple chemicals would be expected to provide important knowledge.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.235-247
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the main active ingredients in ginseng. Here, we aimed to confirm its protective effect on the heart function in transverse aortic coarctation (TAC)-induced heart failure mice and explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: The effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on heart and mitochondrial function were investigated by treating TAC-induced heart failure in mice. The mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 for improving heart and mitochondrial function in mice with heart failure was predicted through integrative analysis of the proteome and plasma metabolome. Glucose uptake and myocardial insulin sensitivity were evaluated using micro-positron emission tomography. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on myocardial insulin sensitivity was clarified by combining in vivo animal experiments and in vitro cell experiments. Results: Treatment of TAC-induced mouse models with ginsenoside Rg3 significantly improved heart function and protected mitochondrial structure and function. Fusion of metabolomics, proteomics, and targeted metabolomics data showed that Rg3 regulated the glycolysis process, and Rg3 not only regulated glucose uptake but also improve myocardial insulin resistance. The molecular mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 regulation of glucose metabolism was determined by exploring the interaction pathways of AMPK, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the promotion of glucose uptake in IR-H9c2 cells by AMPK activation was dependent on the insulin signaling pathway. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 modulates glucose metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance through activation of the AMPK pathway.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.61-72
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• 2017

Objectives: The effects of Gamiondam-tang (GMODT) co-administration within 5min on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tamoxifen were observed as a process of the comprehensive and integrative medicine, combination therapy of tamoxifen with GMODT to achieve synergic pharmacodynamics and reduce toxicity on the breast cancer. Methods: After 50mg/kg of tamoxifen treatment, GMODT 100mg/kg was administered within 5min. The plasma were collected at 30 min before administration, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hrs after end of GMODT treatment, and plasma concentrations of tamoxifen were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters of tamoxifen (Tmax, Cmax, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$) were analysis as compared with tamoxifen single administered rats using noncompartmental pharmacokinetics data analyzer programs. Results: Co-administration with GMODT induced increased trends of plasma tamoxifen concentrations to 1hr after end of administration, and then showed decreased trends of plasma tamoxifen concentrations, and especially significant (p<0.05) increases of plasma tamoxifen concentrations were demonstrated at 0.5hr after end of co-administration with GMODT and also related significant (p<0.05) decreases of $AUC_{0-inf}$ and $MRT_{inf}$ as compared with tamoxifen single formula treated rats, at dosage levels of tamoxifen 10 mg/kg and GMODT 100 mg/kg within 5 min, in this experiment. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is considered that single co-administration GMODT within 5min significantly inhibited the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen, can be influenced on the toxicity or pharmacodynamic of tamoxifen.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 2017

Objectives : In our previous study, single co-administration GMODT within 5 min significantly inhibited the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen. Therefore, the object of this study was to elucidate the possible effects on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen after single oral co-administration of GMODT with 2.5 hr-intervals. Methods : After 50 mg/kg of tamoxifen treatment, GMODT 100 mg/kg was administered with 2.5 hr-intervals. The plasma were collected at 30 min before administration, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hrs after end of GMODT treatment, and plasma concentrations of tamoxifen were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters of tamoxifen (Tmax, Cmax, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$) were analysis as compared with tamoxifen single administered rats. Results : Two-half hr-interval co-administration with GMODT induced variable changes on the plasma tamoxifen concentrations as compared with tamoxifen single treated rats, and especially significant (p<0.05) increases of plasma tamoxifen concentrations were demonstrated at 0.5 (199.61%) and 1 hr (101.06%) after end of co-administration with GMODT, and also related significant (p<0.05) decreases of $t_{1/2}$ (-39.54%) and $MRT_{inf}$ (-43.94%) as compared with tamoxifen single formula treated rats, at dosage levels of tamoxifen 50 mg/kg and GMODT 100 mg/kg with 2.5 hr-intervals, in this experiment. Conclusions : According to the results, GMODT critically decreased on the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen. Hence, the co-administration of GMODT and tamoxifen should be avoided in the comprehensive and integrative medicine, combination therapy of tamoxifen with GMODT on the breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of further acupuncture research as an effective and safe treatment for reducing cancer-related upper abdominal pain in patients treated with Neurolytic celiac plexus block(NCPB). Methods : This study is a randomized controlled pilot clinical trial of 3-week duration. Fourteen patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to 2 groups: an acupuncture plus NCPB group(experimental group) and a NCPB group(control group). All patients will undergo one session of NCPB, but only the experimental group will receive three acupuncture sessions a week for 2 weeks(6 in total). The primary outcome will be measured using the visual analogue scale, and the secondary outcome will be measured using the Painvision system and the consumption of additional analgesics. Assessments will be made at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 weeks thereafter(that is, the 3-week assessment will be made 1 week after treatment cessation). Conclusions : This clinical trial will inform the design of a full-scale trial. The outcomes will provide information to facilitate the incorporation of acupuncture into existing pain management methods such as NCPB in the treatment of cancer-related upper abdominal pain patients.