• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2010

Objective: To testify whether the increased peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells fraction and their cytolytic activity could coincide with patient's history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and to evaluate these factors are can be valuable diagnostic markers in RSA. Methods: Women with a history of RSA comprised the patient group (n=35). Normal fertile women, who were experienced at least one healthy term birth without history of infertility or recurrent miscarriage, were included as the healthy control group (n=15). The pbNK cells of $CD3^-/CD56^+/CD16^+$ and their cytolytic activities against K562 cells were measured by flow cytometry and the values were compared between study and control groups. Results: Proportions of pbNK cells among peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) ($14.2{\pm}5.2$ vs. $9.4{\pm}3.7%$, p=0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 7.8) was significantly higher in the patient group. The odds ratio of having RSA history was increased as 8.4 folds (59% of sensitivity, 80% of specificity, and 95% CI: 2.0 to 35.8) in patients who showed pbNK cells fraction above 12.1% which was determined as cut-off value by using ROC curve analysis. The cytolytic activities of pbNK cells which measured by three different ratio of effecter pbNK cells to target K562 cells and calculated by the percent of cytolytic K562 cells, were significantly higher in study group than that of control group (in 50:1 ratio, $48.3{\pm}19.0$ vs. $31.3{\pm}11.9%$, p=0.002; in 25:1 ratio, $37.0{\pm}18.1$ vs. $20.2{\pm}9.2%$, p<0.001; in 12.5:1 ratio, $23.5{\pm}12.7$ vs. $12.4{\pm}7.3%$, p=0.001). With the cut-off values of cytolytic activity of pbNK cells as 43.1% (50:1), 26.9% (25:1), and 17.4% (12.5:1) each, the risk of having RSA history was increased by 10.0, 11.4, and 15.0 folds in patients who had increased in each effector of pbNK to target of K562 cells ratio. Conclusion: The analysis of pbNK cells fraction and their cytolytic activity can be valuable diagnostic markers for RSA. We are going to planning the large scaled studies which include the data of obstetric outcomes in subsequent pregnancies to clarify our results of this study.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine whether Rhus verniciflua Stokes with Latin name Lacca Sinica Exsiccata, and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver with Latin name Eucommiae Cortex Extract Combination (ILF-RE) improves laboratory test results in participants with liver function disorder. Methods : This study was conducted at Woosuk university Korean medicine hospital where participants with high serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels from 45 to 135 U/L were enrolled. Subjects received ILF-RE 3.6 g (1.2 g/day as ILF-RE) or placebo 3.6 g for 12 weeks. It was confirmed that urushiol was not detected in ILF-RE. The primary outcomes were the decrement degree of serum ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels between two groups. The secondary outcomes were the decrement degree of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and fatty liver index (FLI) levels between two groups. Adverse events, skin prick tests, laboratory tests, and vital signs were observed and analyzed to confirm the safety of ILF-RE.1) Results : In the ILF-RE group, the liver function index ALT, GGT, lipid metabolism index TG, and fatty liver index FLI were significantly decreased compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference in ILF-RE group in terms of adverse events, severe adverse events, skin prick test, laboratory test, and vital signs compared with placebo group. Conclusions : ILF-RE was found to be effective in improving liver function. In addition, no clinically significant adverse events or body changes were observed during this study.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.315-324
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• 2018

This study was conducted to identify and analyze the educational needs for program outcomes in nursing students. Participants included 256 nursing students at K college, and a survey was conducted from October 30 to December 22, 2017. Data was analyzed with SPSS WIN 20.0 using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Borich's Needs Analysis, and the Locus for Focus Model. Results found that subjects recognized that the present level was high about 'Apply therapeutic communication skills,' 'Provide fundamental nursing skills' and 'Understanding nursing profession standards'. 'Provide fundamental nursing skills', 'Apply a nursing intervention', 'Understanding legal and ethical standards of nursing practice and implementation' were the most important sub-elements of program outcomes. In according with the Borich's needs value and the Locus for Focus Model, 'Apply a nursing intervention', 'Explain the importance of the role and cooperation within the healthcare team', 'Provide fundamental nursing skills', 'Execute the nursing process', 'Understanding the legal and ethical standards of nursing practice and implement' were identified as the top priorities of educational needs. Results of this study are expected to be used as basic data to develop outcome-based curriculum and nursing education programs.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.37-45
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• 2015

Purpose: The main objective of this paper is, to evaluate the unit design for patient-centered care and to draw lessons-learned for further improvement. Methods: This study conducted a case study of the intensive care unit, designed to fulfill patient-centered care in the US. It evaluated the effectiveness of the unit by incorporating several study methods such as plan analyses, direct observations through nursing tracking and behavior mapping, and focus group interviews. Results: The major design decision made in this patient-centered unit was the use of patient rooms with designated family areas and distributed nursing stations. Both design features appeared to be a success on a variety of research metrics and outcomes. The study identified that the patient rooms ultimately help family members to spent more time with their loved ones, which leads to increased satisfaction of family members and nurses also report that they generally enjoy the distributed nurses' stations, which provide a comfortable environment to complete their regular lines of work such as charting, monitoring patients, and collaborating with their colleagues. Implications: Certain design features in intensive care units such as patient rooms with designated family areas and distributed nursing stations could appropriately support hospitals to fulfill patient-centered care.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical study of using acupuncture for chronic pain in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in the outpatient setting. Methods: A prospective case-series attempting to recruit 20 participants was performed from February 11, 2016, to December 31, 2016. We provided Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided one 1 to three 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. The primary clinical outcome was the average pain intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included back-specific dysfunction (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (quality of life questionnaire-26), patient-reported improvement, use of other healthcare resources, and adverse events at 6 weeks. Use of healthcare resources and adverse events were additionally followed-up at 12 weeks by telephone. Results: Of 33 patients screened, a total of 7 were enrolled in the study. Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided 1 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. We observed reduced pain intensity at 6 weeks in all participants. The change in the quality of life and back-specific dysfunction was inconsistent among participants. Mild, temporary adverse events were observed in three patients. Conclusion: In our clinical setting, it was not feasible to recruit sufficient participants and to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain after osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs under a year. Strategies to improve recruitment and to identify barriers to participation are required for future clinical trials.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.45-55
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• 2002

This article review the animals physical therapy. It is so called veterinary physical therapy. The animals physical therapist is working to physical therapy for animals in veterinary clinical field. The veterinary medicine has not veterinary rehabilitation medicine or physical therapy for animals, also physical therapy field in Korea. So, This research will explain about animals physical therapy of Korea and other countries' by journals and internet information and suggest the future of the animals physical therapist. Finally, The veterinary physical therapy is not used to veterinary clinical field in now. But, The veterinary physical therapy will desire to the view of medical serve and economy by the host of animals and clinical veterinarian the future. Animal physical therapy is a new and rapidly developing field of health care for animals. The benefits of physical therapy have long been recognized in humans. More recently, work in the veterinary field has shown the same benefits of physical therapy to be true for animal patients. Performing orthopaedic or neurological surgery, or fitting a human patient with a cast or splint, and then discharging the patient is an outdated approach. In such cases, physical therapy is clearly warranted. Similarly, recent research has shown that post-surgical rehabilitation and therapy after injuries significantly improves the functional outcomes for animals. Physical Therapy is a healthcare profession directed at evaluating, restoring and maintaining physical function and movement. Working with the owner, veterinarian and often other healthcare professionals, a physiotherapist helps your animal to achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being. Equipped with a specialized university Bacheloriate education and intensively educated in Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Histology, Neurology, and Pathology, PT's are able to assess, diagnose and treat movement and function. Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation are recognized sciences applied to both humans and animals. The goals of physiotherapy are to relieve pain, restore range of motion/movement, improve function, prevent injuries and expand the physical potential of the patient. Once in the field, physical therapists actively continue their education to keep up to date on the latest treatments and technologies. Via continuing education courses, physiotherapists can learn how to apply their unique and specialized knowledge to other animal species.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.63-72
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• 2014

Objectives: The current study reviews the implementation and evaluation of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) in the United States (U.S.) to illustrate the program's potential contribution to improving health among Korean adults with chronic conditions while saving healthcare costs. Methods: This study examines existing literature on the history, theoretical background, essential elements, and delivery outcomes of CDSMP with special focus on the successes and challenges to be faced in the implementation of CDSMP to Koreans with chronic conditions. Results: CDSMP is designed to empower people with chronic conditions to develop skills necessary for medical, social role, and emotional management of chronic conditions. Recent studies show the utility of CDSMP in achieving the Triple Aim health reform goals (i.e., better care, better health, better value). Lessons learned from the U.S. experience emphasize the importance of establishing evidence-based studies, collaborating with community partners, and diversifying funding sources to make CDSMP more sustainable. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the replicability of CDSMP and potential for expansion in Korea. More concerted efforts among academia, government, and communities are needed to deliver CDSMP to Korean adults and identify its effectiveness within the Korean context in terms of meeting the Triple Aim goals of better care, better health, and better value.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.198-215
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• 2018

Bronchodilators provide improvements in lung function and reductions in symptoms and exacerbations, and are the mainstay of pharmacological management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease strategy recommends the use of a combination of long-acting ${\beta}_2-agonist$/long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LABA/LAMA) as the first-line treatment option in the majority of symptomatic patients with COPD. This review provides an indirect comparison of available LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) through discussion of important efficacy and safety data from the key literature, with the objective of providing physicians with a framework for informed decision-making. LABA/LAMA FDCs provided greater benefits compared with placebo and similar or greater benefits compared with tiotropium and salmeterol/fluticasone in improving lung function, dyspnea, health-related quality of life, reducing rescue medication use and preventing exacerbations, although with some variability in efficacy between individual FDCs; further, tolerability profiles were comparable among LABA/LAMA FDCs. However, there is a disparity in the amount of evidence generated for different LABA/LAMA FDCs. Thus, this review shows that all LABA/LAMA FDCs may not be the same and that care should be taken when extrapolating individual treatment outcomes to the entire drug class. It is important that physicians consider the efficacy gradient that exists among LABA/LAMA FDCs, and factors such as inhaler devices and potential biomarkers, when choosing the optimal bronchodilator treatment for long-term management of patients with COPD.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2010

The study was initially designed to look into the soon-to-be senior citizens' preferences for the life after retirement in aging society. Its outcomes are to be contributed to grading up the quality of housing culture through examining the expected changes of housing types in the future. The increasing number of the soon-to-be senior citizens becomes leading subjects in information, culture and consumption areas. Therefore it is significant to present a model of housing types for those citizens by analyzing their preferred residence after retirement. To complete those objectives, a set of questionnaires concerning sex, age, district, education and income of those subjects in 40's-50's, who are expected to be more than 20 percent of national population by 2030, were collected and analyzed to find out their preferences over housing types, residential welfare facilities, and co-housing. The results show that the preferences over the residential welfare facilities and co-housing for those who are able to move for themselves are low, while the preferences over single-unit houses in the suburbs within 2 hours from a city are very high. Preferences for apartments in the urban areas are high for those with high income and education. In contrast preferences for life in their hometowns are high for those whose income and education are relatively low. Most of those with some difficulties in moving for themselves want to get help with welfare facilities for the elderly people. And the preferences of those who want to receive help from assistants are different from those preferring to get help from their offsprings, which tells a need for further study of the convertible housing types according to their family members.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2020

This review examined recently published (July 2014 to June 2017), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the safety and effectiveness of combined Korean medicine/complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and Western medicine, to indicate the direction for integrative medical practice. The Korean Medicine Convergence Research Information Center evidence-based medicine database (KMCRIC EBM DB) was used to retrieve relevant RCTs indexed in the last 3 years. Study design, country, sample size, disease/condition with the Korean Standard Classification of Diseases code, interventions, direction of outcomes, and adverse events were extracted and summarized. A total of 93 RCTs were included in this review. Acupuncture/moxibustion was the most commonly used intervention (n = 47; 51%), and 19% (n = 18) of the studies treated musculoskeletal disorders, followed by circulatory disorders (n = 16; 17%), and mental and behavioral disorders (n = 9; 10%). Integrative treatment was reported as more effective than monotherapy in approximately 83% of these studies. Adverse events were poorly reported in most studies. This review suggests that integrative treatments are feasible, effective, and safe for various diseases/conditions, based on the evidence from recently published RCTs. Future studies on integrative healthcare are warranted.