• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.307-318
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Relocation to new environments can have a negative impact on health by altering body weight and dietary patterns. This study attempted to elucidate changes in body weight, food security, and their current food and nutrient consumption in adult North Korean refugees (NKR) living in South Korea (SK). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed data on 149 adult NKR from a North Korean refugee health in SK cohort at four time points (leaving North Korea, entering SK, first examination, and second examination). Body weight was self-reported at the two earlier time points and directly measured at the two later time points. Food security, diet-related behaviors (dietary habits and food consumption), and sociodemographic information were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Nutrient intake information was obtained by one-day 24-hour recall. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS ver 23.0. RESULTS: Body weight increased during relocation by an average of 4 kg, although diversified patterns were observed during the settlement period in SK. Approximately 39.6% of subjects maintained their body weight between the first and second examinations, whereas 38.6% gained and 22.1% lost at least 3% of their body weight at the first examination by the second examination. Food security status improved from 12.1% food secure proportion to 61.7%. NKR showed generally good food and nutrient consumption (index of nutrient quality: 0.77-1.93). The body weight loss group showed the most irregular meal consumption pattern (P < 0.05), and eating-out was infrequent in all three groups. Consumption frequencies of food groups did not differ by group, except in the fish group (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: This study observed considerable body weight adjustment during the settlement period in SK after initial weight gain, whereas food security consistently improved. More detailed understanding of this process is needed to assist healthy settlement for NKR in SK.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.471-478
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• 2021

Background: The effect of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which occurs with similar degenerative conditions, when seen together, has not been studied. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the relationship between pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in LSS patients with intermittent vascular claudication (IVC). Methods: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with LSS using magnetic resonance imaging participated in this study. Thirty-five patients with IVC symptoms and showing vascular lesions by lower extremity venous and arterial Doppler ultrasonography imaging were included in the IVC-LSS group. The pain, static balance, dynamic balance, disability, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were evaluated using the numeric rating scale, single leg stance test, Time Up and Go (TUG), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), respectively. Results: Age and female sex were found to be higher in the IVC-LSS group (P = 0.024; P = 0.012). The IVC-LSS group had a shorter single leg stance time and TUG test duration, pain intensity, ODI, FES-I, and TSK scores were higher than patients with LSS (P = 0.001). Pain, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were moderately correlated with disability in the IVC-LSS group. No relationship was found between pain and dynamic balance. Also, the pain was not related to kinesiophobia. Conclusions: The findings indicated that IVC causes loss of balance and an increase in pain, disability, fear of falling, and kinesophobia in patients with LSS.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.49-54
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• 2019

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is a global health problem and threatens health of societies. These problems have led to a search for alternative approaches such as combination therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of caffeine and omeprazole in combination with gentamicin or ciprofloxacin against standard and clinically resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of different agents against bacterial strains were determined. The interaction of non- antibiotic drugs with gentamicin and ciprofloxacin was studied in vitro using a checkerboard method and calculating fraction inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Verapamil as efflux pump inhibitor was used to evaluate the possible mechanism of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Results: The MIC and MBC values of gentamicin against bacterial strains were in the range of $20-80{\mu}g/ml$ and $40-200{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Caffeine and omeprazole had no intrinsic inhibitory activity against tested microorganisms. However, upon combination of caffeine with antibiotics, the synergistic effects were observed. Verapamil was able to reduce the MIC values of gentamicin (4 folds) only in some bacterial strains. Conclusion: These findings indicated that caffeine was effective in removing bacterial infection caused by S. aureus and E. coli. The relevant mechanisms of antibiotic resistance were not related to the drug efflux.

• 한방비만학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.68-78
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to analyse the trend in papers related to obese people with disabilities. Methods: We reviewed Korean Medicine papers by searching 4 Korean web databases and classified the papers by the year of publishment, the title of journals, the type of study, main treatment, assessment for outcomes. Results: There were 18 studies about the intellectually disabled, which accounted for most of the study. It is expected that intensive research on obesity for the intellectually disabled will be conducted in the future. Also, study on obesity for the disabled will require special attention. Disabled person tend to have a higher obesity rate and secondary diseases due to disabilities can be easily developed. Their health care capabilities are more likely lower than those of the general population. Given these considerations, it would be necessary to study metabolic syndrome in parallel in the study of obesity for the disabled. Disabled person are exposed to obesity more easily than ordinary people, and there is a higher risk of health degradation due to complications from obesity, which requires more attention and research. However, since there is not research in the oriental medical and medical circles on obesity in the disabled, medical approaches and studies on obesity in the disabled are necessary. Conclusions: We expect that more interest and research will be carried out on obesity for the disabled in the Korean medicine to achieve clinical application and to develop treatment protocols for the disabled obesity disease.

• 한국학교보건학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.178-185
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of auriculotherapy on reducing signs of dry eye syndrome. Methods: This study is based on a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The participants who scored higher than 13 on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were divided randomly into two groups, the experimental group (n=45) and the control group (n=44). Auriculotherapy was performed by researchers for 2 weeks. For the experimental group, seed stickers were applied to the eye, liver, shenmen, and tubercle point of their ears. The pretest and the posttest included the same questionnaires of the OSDI as well as the Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ25) and the eye fatigue. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, $x^2$ test, t-test and paired t-test, using SAS 20.0 program. Results: The difference in the OSDI's scores showed a significant decrease between the pretest and the posttest (t=-4.12, p<.001) in the experimental group. No significant difference was found in the NEI-VFQ25 (t=-0.10, p=.921, t=-0.91 p=.374). However, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in eye fatigue (t=5.78, p<.001), whereas the control group showed no difference (t=1.38, p=.18). Conclusion: Auriculotherapy can be used effectively on relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and eye fatigue. However, the quality of life related to eyes was not improved by auriculotherapy.

• 한국치위생학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.351-362
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• 2019

Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the maturity of dental biofilm, which was assessed with quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital(QLF-D), in a sample of Korean older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 67 participants, aged 65 years and older. All participants completed a questionnaire and tests to measure their manual dexterity and handgrip strength, which are parameters that indicate hand function abilities. To evaluate dental biofilm maturity, 804 surfaces of six index teeth were imaged using QLF-D and then quantified as ${\Delta}R$ values. All data were collected from May 25, 2017 to April 30, 2018. The independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and step-wise multiple linear regression were performed to analyze the factors associated with the maturity of dental biofilm (${\Delta}R$). Results: The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the factor most strongly related to dental biofilm maturity(${\Delta}R$) was manual dexterity (${\beta}=-0.326$), followed by handgrip strength (${\beta}=-0.303$) and use of interdental cleaning devices (${\beta}=-0.283$) (p<0.05). Conclusions: Manual dexterity, handgrip strength, and use of interdental cleaning devices are factors that can predict dental biofilm maturity in adults aged 65 years or older. Therefore, the hand function of a patient should be evaluated first, before assessing the oral hygiene status of the patient or providing him/her with oral health education, and the dental hygienist should provide differentiated oral hygiene care depending on the patient's hand function ability. Finally, dental hygienists should help older adults to recognize the importance of auxiliary oral hygiene devices such as interdental brushes and keep motivating them to use the devices more frequently.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.308-323
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to construct and test a predictive model for the quality of life (QOL) in mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DB). The hypothesized model included severity of illness, distress, uncertainty, self-help, and parenting efficacy as influencing factors, QOL as a consequence based on the Braden's Self-Help Model. Methods: The data were collected through a direct and online surveys from 206 mothers in 8 locations, including welfare or daycare centers, developmental treatment centers, and The Parents' Coalition for the Disabled located in two provinces of Korea. Data were analysed using SPSS/WIN 23.0 and AMOS 21.0 program. Results: The fit indices of the predictive model satisfied recommended levels; 𝛘² = 165.79 (p < .001), normed 𝛘² (𝛘²/df) = 2.44, RMR = .04, RMSEA = .08, GFI = .90, AGFI = .85, NFI = .91, TLI = .93, CFI = .95. Among the variables, distress (β = - .46, p < .001), parenting efficacy (β = .22, p < .001), and self-help (β = .17, p = .018) had direct effects on QOL. Severity of illness (β = - .61, p = .010) and uncertainty (β = - .08, p = .014) showed indirect effects. The explanatory power of variables was 61.0%. Conclusion: The study results confirm the utility of Braden's Self-Help Model. They provide a theoretical basis for improving QOL in mothers of children with DB. Nursing intervention strategies that can relieve mothers' distress and uncertainty related to disease and enhance parenting efficacy and self-help behavior should be considered.

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.36-43
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• 2021

[Purpose] Exercise is a key factor in preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome. Sumo wrestlers increase their body size from childhood for athletic advantage; however, the risk of metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers is undetermined. Preventive measures against pediatric obesity should be initiated during childhood to prevent obesity in adulthood, considering its high global incidence. We comparatively evaluated the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers and children with obesity. [Methods] We enrolled 70 male children (age 9-17 years [sumo group, n = 14] and 9-14 years [other sports and non-exercise groups, n = 28 each]) and evaluated their anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference, waist to height ratio) and hematological parameters (total, low-density, high-density, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; triglycerides; plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels). [Results] The BMI z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference (p < 0.05, along with the non-exercise group), and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher and the high-density cholesterol level was lower in the sumo group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). The waist to height ratio was significantly higher in the non-exercise group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other blood lipid, plasma glucose (significantly lower level than the reference range in the sumo group, p < 0.05), and glycated hemoglobin (within the reference range in all groups) levels among the three groups. [Conclusion] Junior sumo wrestlers had a larger body size and higher blood pressure than children with obesity who exercised regularly. This provides direction for future research into targeted preventive interventions against metabolic syndrome for junior sumo wrestlers with large body size.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.221-232
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• 2022

Purpose : In this study, rectus abdominis relaxation intervention was administered to office workers who were experiencing low back pain due to sitting for extended periods of time in an incorrect posture. This study aimed to develop an effective treatment program for individuals who experience low back pain. This was done by verifying changes using the Korean Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI) and considering kyphosis. Both factors are related to low back pain. Methods : This study included 39 office workers with low back pain. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. 1) The functional massage and self-stretching (FAS) group (n=14). 2) The diaphragmatic breathing and self-stretching (DAS) group (n=13). 3) The self-stretching (S) group (n=12). All groups applied the intervention for 30 minutes a day, thrice a week for four weeks. All participants were evaluated using the K-ODI and thoracic kyphosis measurements before and after the intervention. Results : The findings of this study are as follows. All three groups had improved K-ODI scores after the intervention. The FAS and DAS groups showed a greater effect than the S group. However, there was no difference in effect between the FAS and DAS groups. Kyphosis was not improved in any of groups after the intervention, and there was no difference between the three groups. Conclusion : This study showed that the FAS, DAS, and S programs were effective relaxation interventions that improved the K-ODI for office workers with low back pain. The FAS and DAS programs were more effective than the S program. Therefore, it is recommended to combine relaxation and stretching of the rectus abdominis muscle for office workers who experience low back pain. Clinically, a relaxation intervention that is most appropriate for the patient, depending on his or her condition, should be.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.175-180
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• 2023

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a decrease in face-to-face classes worldwide, affecting the mental health of children and their parents. The global pandemic has increased children's overall use of electronic media. This study analyzed the effect of children's screen time on problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 186 parents from Suwon, South Korea, were recruited to participate in an online survey. The mean age of the children was 10.14 years old, and 44.1% were females. The questionnaire included questions on children's screen time, problematic behaviors, and parental stress. Children's behavioral problems were evaluated using the Behavior Problem Index, whereas the Parental Stress Scale was used to estimate parental stress. Results: The mean smartphone usage frequency of the children was 5.35 days per week, and the mean smartphone screen time was 3.52 hours per day. Smartphone screen time (Z=4.49, p<0.001) and usage frequency (Z=2.75, p=0.006) were significantly correlated with children's behavioral problem scores. The indirect effect of parental stress on this relationship was also statistically significant (p=0.049, p=0.045, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that children's smartphone screen time has affected problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, parental stress is related to the relationship between children's screen time and problematic behaviors.