• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.477-482
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• 2001

Tremor refers to rhythmic shaking of a body part. Tremor is a symptom of many disorders, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, orthostatic tremor, cerebellar disease, peripheral neuropathy and alcohol withdrawal. Tremors may be classified as postural, rest or action tremors. Symptomatic treatment is tailored to the tremor type. Because Dansambohyul-tang has been used to treat patients differentiated with an insufficiency of the heart and the spleen(心脾兩虛) in oriental medicine, we treated a 78 year-old female patient who suffered from tremor in mouth, chin and hand and insomnia, with improvement of general condition, who was differentiated with an insufficiency of the heart and the spleen(心脾兩虛) with Dansambohyul-tang, herb complex. After 78 days of treatment with Dansambohyul-tang and some other herb complex, we observed improvement of tremor, insomnia and general condition So Dansambohyul-tang shows therapeutic effects on tremor.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.88-97
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge, facilitators, and barriers of breast self-examination(BSE) in Korean couples for developing a continuous regular BSE promotion program. Method: This descriptive study was undertaken with a focus group methodology including 27 couples of husbands and wives recruited by convenience-sampling. Data transcribed from audiotapes was analyzed to identify common themes. Results: Knowledge of breast cancer and BSE included 'the risk factors of breast cancer', 'prevention of breast cancer', and 'how to do BSE'. Facilitators to BSE included 'self, health professional, and spouse-facilitating factors'. Barriers to BSE included 'cognitive, psychological, informational, and physical barriers'. Conclusion: To promote compliance with BSE among women, tailored programs according to the stage of change of BSE adoption are crucial, not only reflecting the specific needs of the individual by the stage of change, but also utilizing husbands as facilitators.

• The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology
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• v.72 no.5
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• pp.237-244
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• 2018

While the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is decreasing in Korea, the incidence of gastric cancer remains high, emphasizing the importance of H. pylori eradication. A new treatment strategy is needed as the eradication rate with standard triple therapy, which is currently the standard first-line regimen for H. pylori infection, has decreased below the optimum level. The major cause of eradication failure is increased antibiotic resistance. Sequential, concurrent, and hybrid therapies that include clarithromycin produce higher eradication rates than conventional standard triple therapy. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited in regions where the resistance rate to various antibiotics is high. Bismuth quadruple therapy is another alternative therapy, but again the eradication rate is not sufficiently high. Tailored therapy based on individual characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility, may be ideal, but there are several limitations for clinical application and further research is needed. New potassium-competitive acid blocker-based therapies could emerge as effective alternatives in the near future. A consensus is needed to establish a strategy for applying new eradication therapies in Korea.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.59-73
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• 2023

Objectives: The role of physician-scientists who bridge the gap between basic science and clinical medicine is crucial in advancing medical innovation. This study aims to examine the educational and research environment and career satisfaction of graduate students in Korean Medicine among those who are Korean medicine doctor (KMD). Methods: This study analyzed the results of a survey consisting of respondents' composition, job status, graduate education and job satisfaction, economic conditions, career determinants, and obstacles to the career path of KMD-scientists from 65 participants including both full-time and part-time graduate students. Results: The results revealed significant differences between full-time and part-time graduate students in terms of weekly hours spent and job priorities, motivation for entering graduate school, career preferences, and desired career paths. The study highlights the need for tailored support for full-time and part-time graduate students and the importance of economic assistance in fostering KM scientists. Economic difficulties were identified as a major obstacle for full-time graduate students pursuing research careers. Tuition fees were found to be a significant burden for all graduate students. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing the research capabilities of part-time graduate students and improving the quality of education to foster KMD-scientists. Conclusion: This research provides essential insights for Korean Medicine colleges and graduate schools to develop targeted improvement plans and effectively train KMD-scientist.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.47-58
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• 2014

Objective : In Oriental medicine, the concept of Preventive Treatment Disease(治未病, PTD) is intended to actively deal with changes in modern disease patterns due to increase in chronic diseases. In China, preventive health service program based on PTD Theory are being carried out aimed at improving and/or preventing people's health. Method : For the introduction of PTD program based preventive service in Korea for the promotion of people's health, I would like to consider its possibility by reviewing the PTD program being conducted in China. Results : China's preventive health service programs based on PTD Theory started in 2008 for the purpose of promoting people's health and reducing medical expenses by providing medical services tailored to individuals. Regarding the effects of PTD program based preventive health service, improvement of discomforting symptoms comprised 73.04% of responses. As to service items, health guidance, Traditional Chinese Medicinal diagnosis, and preparation of health records were answered as being important. The importance of food and internal medicines for preventing and/or curing PTD Theory are also recognized. Also, as to satisfaction level, 90.64% responded as being satisfied in the order of the level of service providers, their attitudes, service processes, items, costs, and environments. Conclusion : As shown above, according to assessments on China's PTD programs, the PTD Theory is being applied to actual public health programs with highly effective results. Hence, it can be seen that such attempt could also be implemented in Korea as part of a scheme for promoting health by means of Korean medicine health promotion programs. However, further researches into concrete implementation schemes will have to be developed in the future as medical systems are different in Korea from in China.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2020

Previous studies have reported an association between poor sleep and various symptoms and diseases, such as fatigue, obesity, depression, and anxiety. The effects of poor sleep may differ by age and sex. In addition, sleep characteristics and their effects may vary according to Sasang constitutional type. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life and to assess whether these differ by constitutional type. Participants were individuals aged 40-69 years living in two Korean communities in 2012-2014. Sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. The effects of total PSQI score and PSQI component scores were analyzed using a generalized additive model. A Korean Sasang constitutional diagnostic questionnaire was used to assess Sasang constitution. Data for 5,793 participants were analyzed. Poor sleep quality was related to greater fatigue, and lower physical and mental quality of life. The PSQI components including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were associated with fatigue and physical and mental quality of life. Sleep quality was significantly lower in So-Eum compared to So-Yang and Tae-Eum. PSQI component scores for fatigue and quality of life differed significantly by Sasang constitution: for Tae-Eum, sleep latency and use of sleep medications; for So-Eum, daytime dysfunction; and for So-Yang, use of sleep medications and daytime dysfunction. The effects of different aspects of sleep quality differ by Sasang constitution. To improve sleep quality, interventions need to be tailored to constitutional type.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.47-58
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of the present study is to grasp and provide basic data necessary for the establishment of korean healthcare policies in future. Methods : A questionnaire developed by the author was distributed to 299 students of D University located in Busan and collected thereafter from March 5 to June 1, 2012. Statistical processing of the data obtained was conducted using the SPSS WIN IBM 20.0 program to indicate outcomes in frequencies and percentages. Results : The results of the survey are as follows. 1. The number of students who were mainly using korean hospitals/clinics was 6(2.0%). The most important factor in selecting korean medical institutions was 'medical technology'. 2. The treatment that was received the most frequently and the most reliable at korean medical institutions was acupuncture. The most frequent reason for taking korean medicine was 'prescriptions tailored to constitutions' and the most frequent reason for avoiding korean medicine was 'high prices'. 3. There was few number of students who knew that car insurance coverage for traffic accidents include treatment at korean clinics. and who knew about 'permitted standard herbal medicine', 'the use of disposable needles', 'wild ginseng pharmacopuncture'. 4. Among items necessary for the development of korean medicine, 'treatment technology with fast and high effects' was the most frequently selected. Conclusions : University students' preference for and perception of korean medicine were shown to be very low. It is considered that public relations should be reinforced to implant correct perception of korean medicine in university students who will be major users of hospitals and clinics.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2019

Quitting smoking helps smokers maintain their health and extend their lifespan by 10 or more years. Treatment strategies for smoking cessation should be tailored to individual smokers with special needs based on their specific circumstances. It is recommended that pregnant women adopt smoking cessation through counseling and behavioral interventions because the safety of medications has yet to be established. Counseling is the main strategy for smoking cessation in adolescents and nicotine replacement therapy can be used with caution in individuals with serious nicotine dependence. It is important for smokers with psychiatric diseases to quit smoking following accurate assessment of their depression status. Nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion can be used for smoking cessation in smokers with psychiatric disorders. The incidence of cardiovascular disease decreased according to the smoking status and the duration of smoking cessation. In smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who used a combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy the quitting rate was more than twice as high as subjects who used behavioral interventions alone. Varenicline can be used as the most effective anti-smoking drug by most smokers including those with psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.181-189
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• 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This review outlines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies of pain in ALS to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes related to pain. Pain is a prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, with a variable reported prevalence. It may occur at any stage of the disease and can involve any part of the body without a specific pattern. Primary pain includes neuropathic pain and pain from spasticity or cramps, while secondary pain is mainly nociceptive, occurring with the progression of muscle weakness and atrophy, prolonged immobility causing degenerative changes in joints and connective tissue, and long-term home mechanical ventilation. Prior to treatment, the exact patterns and causes of pain must first be identified, and the treatment should be tailored to each patient. Treatment options can be classified into pharmacological treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for cramps or spasticity, and opioid; and nonpharmacological treatments, including positioning, splints, joint injections, and physical therapy. The development of standardized and specific assessment tools for pain-specific to ALS is required, as are further studies on treatments to reduce pain, diminish suffering, and improve the quality of life of patients with ALS.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.139-151
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• 2022

Reconstructive surgery in the management of head and neck cancer has evolved to include structure-specific approaches in which organ-specific treatment algorithms help optimize outcomes. Tongue cancer management and reconstruction are surgical challenges for which well-executed reconstructive plans should be completed promptly to avoid delaying any subsequently planned oncologic treatment. Crucial considerations in tongue cancer resection are the significant functional morbidity associated with surgical defects, particularly in terms of speech and swallowing, and the consequent negative impact on patients' quality of life. With the evolution of microsurgical techniques and the development of the perforator flap concept, flap options can be tailored to the characteristics of various tongue defects. This has allowed the implementation of pliable flaps that can help restore tongue mobility and yield subsequent functional outcomes. Using an evolutional framework, we present this series of reviews related to tongue reconstruction. The first part of the review summarizes flap options and flap-related factors, such as volume and tissue characteristics. Related functional aspects are also presented, including tongue mobility, speech, and swallowing, as well as ways to evaluate and optimize these outcomes.