• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.187-195
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• 2004

A number of plants from different geographical origins have been shown to possess antioxidant activity. Some of them have been developed as natural antioxidant formulations for food, cosmetic and other applications. Bangladeshi flora is a rich source of a range of plant species, many of which are medicinal plants, and have been used in the preparations of the Unani and Ayurvedic traditional medicines. There are no, or just a few, reports on any systematic screening of the extracts of Bangladeshi plants for free radical scavenging activity using DPPH assay available to date. As part of our on-going search for biological activity in Bangladeshi plants, Kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis), Goran (Ceriaps decandra), Swarnalata (Cuscuta reflexa), Gab (Diospyros peregrina), Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Possur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) have been selected for the assessment of their free radical scavenging activity, and studies on the contents of alkaloids, anthraqunones, flavonoids and tannins in these extracts. Most of these species have been used in traditional medicine in Bangladesh and other countries for the treatment of various illnesses ranging from common cold to cancer. All extracts, except the methanol extract of Cuscuta reflexa, displayed significant free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay $(RC_{50}$ values within the range of $2.75\;{\times}\;10^{-2}\;to\;4.7\;{\times}\;10^{-3}\;mg/mL)$. Among these extracts, the methanol extract of Xylocarpus granatum exhibited the most potent activity $(4.7\;{\times}\;10^{-3}\;mg/mL)$ and that of Cuscuta reflexa had the least activity $(1.64\;{\times}\;10^{-1}\;mg/mL)$. While none of these plants showed positive tests with Dragendorff's reagent, presence of low to moderate amounts of phenolic compounds, e.g. anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins was evident in all of these plants, except for the methanolic extracts of C. reflexa and the barks of D. peregrina, which did not display any evidence for the presence of flavonoids and anthraquinones, respectively.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4301-4306
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• 2016

Background: Cancer is a burden on humanity and ranks as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China. Shanxi province has its unique cancer patterns and the burden is increasing. In this study, we aimed to assess the pattern of dietary habits and life-style in Shanxi, a high-risk area for upper gastrointestinal cancers in China and further evaluate the trends in cancer incidence and mortality based on registered data. Materials and Methods: Data on lifestyle, diet, physical activity were obtained from the household health survey at Zhongyang from 2013 to 2015. Cancer diagnoses were reported to Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDCP). Population-based cancer incidence data and mortality data of 2012 were collected from the SCDCP. All incidence and death rates were expressed per 100,000 populations. Univariate analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Overall, deficiencies in fresh fruits and vegetable food, and intake of hot food, salted food, or pickled food are serious problems in Shanxi, especially in rural areas. Upper gastrointestinal cancers were the most commonly diagnosed cancers, and the incidence in rural areas is higher than those in urban areas. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer for females. Moreover, the agespecific incidence exhibited an increased trend before 40 years old. Consistent with the previous literature, our epidemiological investigation results suggest that lifestyle, nutrition deficient, and infections were major risk factors for upper gastrointestinal cancers or cervical cancer in Shanxi. Facing a serious situation, we further explored defensible recommendations for the general public in order to promote changes in environments that support healthful eating and physical activity habits, to reduce cancer risk. Conclusions: Our results present the current cancer trends in Shanxi and its related etiologic risk factors and provide a theoretical basis to guide public health efforts to prevent and control cancers in the province.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.84-107
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• 2011

Purposes : The purpose of present study is to detect the effects of ointment contained Takrisodok-Eum on the skin barrier's recovery of the Atopic dermatitis. Methods : A total of 44 patients who visited Semyung Oriental Medical Center from April 27th, 2011 to September 20th, 2011 were included in the study. In this study, the patients were treated with Takrisodok-Eum (experimental group) and positive control group. For 8 weeks of gross examination, hematological examination and instrumental asessment were made before and after the study to examine how well the products for experimental group with those for control group in recovering the damaged skin barriers by Atopic dermatitis. Results : 1. In the primary endpoint, SCORAD Index showed a statistically significant decline in experimental group. 2. In the secondary endpoint index of skin hydration, both the experimental group and the control group showed statistical significance. 3. In the secondary endpoint index of TEWL, the experimental group showed greater statistical significance than the control group. 4. In the secondary endpoint index of skin pH, skin pH showed a statistically significant decline in both the control group and the experimental group within the normal range. 5. In the secondary endpoint index of Total IgE, Eosinophil count, IL-10, IL-13, both the experimental group and the control group showed no statistical significance. 6. To evaluate the safety of the products for the human body, hematological examination and hematological biochemical examination, vital sign check were conducted; both control group and experimental group showed no abnormal level. And There were no severe adverse events during this study. Therefore, it is suggested that the safety of the products, if used for certain period, should be safe for the human body. Conclusions : According to the above experiments, it is suggested that Takrisodok-Eum should be effective for the Atopic dermatitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.27-36
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• 2011

Objective : The purpose of this clinical research was to analyze the correlation between disease severity and disease specific quality of life adjusted by general quality of life measure in adult patients with atopic dermatitis attending Wonkwang Univ. Sanbon Oriental Medical Center. Methods : A total of 35 patients participated in atopic dermatitis clinical trial from June 1st, 2010 to June 30th, 2011 were included in this study. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis(SCORAD) index, Dermatologic Life Quality Index(DLQI), Health Utility Index III(HUI-III) and EuroQoL 5-Dimension(EQ-5D) have been estimatied. Baseline statistical analysis and normality test were done by using Student t-test, Shapiro-Wilk test and ladder test. Pearson analysis and Spearman analysis were conducted to examined the correlation of each variables. Hierachial regression analysis was performed using related variables. Statistical significance was achieved if the probability was less than 5%. Results : There were statistically significance between DLQI and SCORAD index, and also between DLQI and EQ-5D. However there was no significant between DLQI and HUI-III. In the hierachial regression analysis, after adjusting for demographic variables (gender, age) and general quality of life (EQ-5D), SCORAD index significantly predict the intensity of disease specific quality of life (DLQI). Conclusions : We confirmed the correlation between SCORAD index and DLQI, and developed the inference for regression equation of DLQI using SCORAD index, EQ-5D and demographic variables.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.138-153
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• 2010

Purposes : The object of present study is to detect the Effects of Snail Secretion Filtrate and Hyaluronic acid on the skin barrier's recovery of the Atopic dermatitis. Methods : A total of 20 patients who visited Semyung Hanny Oriental Medical Center from september 1st, 2009 to August 31th, 2010 were included in this study. In this study, they were treated with Snail Secretion Filtrate(experimental group) and Hyaluronic acid(control group). For 4 weeks gross examination, hematological examination and instrumentation through skin-ANBT equipment were made before and after the experiments to see how well the products for experimental group act against those for control group in recovering the damaged skin barriers by Atopic dermatitis. Results : 1. In the primary endpoint, SCORAD Index showed a statistically significant decline in both the control group and the experimental group. However, the experimental group showed greater statistical significance than the control group. 2. In the secondary endpoint index of skin hydration, both the control group and the experimental group did not show a statistically significant increase. However, the degree of skin hydration in the experimental group is greater than in the control group. 3. In global assessment of efficacy, it was higher in the experimental group than in the control group for both the subjects and the researchers. 4. To evaluate the safety of the products for the human body, hematological examination and hematological biochemical examination were conducted; both the control group and the experimental group showed no abnormal level. Therefore, the safety of the products, if used for so long a time, proved to be safe for the human body. 5. Product satisfaction was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions : According to above experiments, Snail Secretion Filtrate was effective on the Atopic dermatitis.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was aimed to survey the actual caregiving conditions of family caregivers who are caring patients with rare and incurable diseases using home ventilators at home, and to clarify any factors affecting their burdens and quality of life. Methods: A questionnaire survey was performed by the 159 subjects, and the questionnaires contained the actual conditions of caregiving activities, and caregiver's burdens and quality of life. The collected data was analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise linear regressions. Results: The mean of burden scores was 3.55 out of 5, and influencing variables included the relationships with patient (spouse), respite (moderate), health status, and diagnosis (non ALS), with the explanatory power of 30.0%. The mean of the quality of life was 2.58 point, and the influencing variables included burdens, health status, and respite (enough), with the explanatory power of 39.0%. Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of life among family caregivers caring for patients with using a home ventilator, it is required to develop strategies for reducing caregiving burdens as well as to introduce family respite welfare systems to family caregivers.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.115-128
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• 2003

Bojungikgitang is the water extracts prepared from Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix, Angelicae gigantis Radix, Astractylodis Rhizoma alba, Aurantii nobilis Pericarpium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Bupleuri Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, which has been used for the treatment of indigestion, and immunological disease in oriental countries. In this study, the effects of Bojungikgitang on the productions of nitiric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined using RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with $interferon-{\gamma}\;(IFN-{\gamma})$ plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bojungikgitang (10-400 ${\mu}$g/ml) per se had no cytotoxic effect in unstimulated macrophages, but this compound dose-dependently reduced the release of NO and $PGE_2$ caused by stimulation of $LPS/IFN-{\gamma}$. The levels of iNOS and COX-2 protein were markedly suppressed by the treatment with Bojungikgitang in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, Bojungikgitang also attenuated the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (1L)-1${\beta}$ and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that Bojungikgitang decreases the NO and $PGE_2$ production in macrophages by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression and these properties may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of Bojungikgitang.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2002

Some studies report that electroacupuncture(EA) boost natural killer cell(NK cell) activity. And also it is well known that hypothalamus is deeply related to effects of EA on analgesia. Some reports said that especially lateral hypothalamic area(LHA) is related to splenic NK cell activity. In order to investigate the relation between hypothalamus and effects of EA at ST36 point on NK cell activity of Spraque-Dawley rats. Lesions were made bilaterally at lateral hypothalamic area(LHA). And NK cytotoxities of normal and lesioned rats were measured with 51Cr release immunoassay after EA stimulation for 2 and 14 days. NK cell activity of EA group was significantly higher than sham group at 2nd, 14th day in normal rats. And LHA lesions abolished effects of EA on NK cell activity at 2nd day. But LHA lesions did not affect the effects of EA at 14th days. We also had an evidence that the decrease of NK cell activity was almost recoverd at 14th day. These results strongly suggest that LHA is deeply related to increase of NK cell activity induced by EA.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.665-678
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• 1999

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability. Because muscle weakness is one of the most prominent consequences of stroke, it was considered important to determine whether exercise in order to improve muscle strength and range of motion could have an effect in limiting the learned disuse of the affected side. The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of an 8 week rehabilitation program on physical and cognitive ability in stroke patients. A total of 18 patients who were admitted to the oriental medicine unit of a K medical center in Seoul were recruited : ten for the experimental group and eight for the control group. The rehabilitation program consisted of three level's of active and passive exercises for prevention of muscle contracture and at range of motion. Muscle strength, flexibility of the upper and lower extremity, perceived balance, functional independence, depression, and quality of life for the two groups were compared at the pretest and 4 and 8 weeks after the rehabilitation program. The results are as follows : 1) When measuring muscle strengths of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, hip flexion and knee extensor, ankle dorsi-flexor and muscle strength of knee flexor. Muscle strength of knee flexor for the experimental group was significantly higher than the comparison group at the 4 weeks. 2) Muscle strength and flexibility of the ankle dorsi -flexor for the experimental group was significantly better than for the control group at 8 weeks. 3) Functional independence, perceived balance, and Tinetti balance for the experimental group as measured at 4 and 8 weeks were better than for the control group. Also, there were changes over time in physical balance and functional ability, but there was no significant differences between the groups. 4) The experimental group showed a higher quality of life and lower depression than the control group at 8 weeks. 5) Muscle strength and flexibility of ankle dorsi -flexor were significantly changed over time and an interaction between group and time. The findings suggested that the rehabilitation program would improve the physical and psychological status of the stroke patients. Thus, the gains in actual or perceived ability to perform physical activities was marked.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.41-54
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze various forms of musculoskeletal pain during different stages such as antenatal, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The data for this study were collected through a self-administered survey with a structured questionnaire to 113 subjects. The survey was administered from May, 2003 to March, 2004 with subjects selected from postpartum centers in 3 different areas: Kangnam, Kangbook, and Bucheon. Analytical tools used for this study were frequency analysis, crosstabulation, percentage analysis, independent t-test, chi-square, and multiple response analysis. The findings of this study were as follows: 1. Comparison study of musculoskeletal pain according to variables including a pregnant woman's age, delivery techniques, different types of delivery such as primiparity, multiparity, dystocia, easy delivery, shows that these relationships are statistically not significant (p>0.05). 2. A total of 61.9% gave positive responses for the question about the relationship between musculoskeletal pain during postpartum and that in preparation of labor, but shows that this relationship was statistically not significant (p>0.05). 3. Relationships between forms of musculoskeletal pain in different phases are significant (p<0.05). The compared phases are: premarriage and pre-pregnancy, premarriage and antenatal, premarriage and postpartum, premarriage and lactiferous phase, pre-pregnancy and antenatal, pre-pregnancy and postpartum, and pre-pregnancy and lactiferous phase. However, results for the comparison between antenatal and postpartum, antenatal and lactiferous phase, and postpartum and lactiferous phase show that these relationships are statistically not significant (p>0.05). According to this study, musculoskeletal pain which occurred during antenatal is significantly related to the pain occurring during postpartum. Results produced from this study might be used as a helpful tool for developing educational programs aiming at teaching self pain-detection performable at home or at the workplace and body maintenance during the course of antenatal and postpartum.