• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.414-420
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• 2022

Objective: In this study, the test-retest reliability and validity were presented to evaluate the usability of isokinetic rehabilitation equipment for the knee joint. Design: Cross-sectional design, reliability & validity study. Methods: Thirty healthy adults participated in the study. A CSMI dynamometer was used as a standardized measuring device to present the validity of the equipment. It was measured based on the dominant leg. The average peak torque value was selected as the measurement variable. After the measurement, a questionnaire was conducted on safety, satisfaction, and performance through the usability evaluation questionnaire. Results: The knee joint isokinetic rehabilitation equipment showed high reliability with Intraclass Correlations Coefficients (ICC) =0.883~0.956. In order to check the validity of the equipment, the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference limit was confirmed by the Bland & Altman plot. As a result, all three angular velocities showed a smaller confidence interval in the flexion than in extension. There were less than 10 plots that were not included in 2 Standard Deviation (SD) between all measurements. As a result of the usability evaluation questionnaire, the average of the safety domain(4.9±0.4), satisfaction domain(4.1±0.8), performance domain(4.3±0.8). Conclusions: If the product is improved by supplementing the items identified in the usability evaluation process, it is judged that it can be used as a useful device in various knee joint rehabilitation fields.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.505-512
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• 2020

Background: In monitoring exposure to environmental smoke (ETS), biomarkers can overcome the subjectivity and inaccuracy of self-reporting measurements, and have the advantage of reflecting ETS exposure in all places. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ETS exposure measurement using biomarkers such as urine cotinine. Methods: This study used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey data from 2009 to 2018. A total of 28,574 non-smokers with urine cotinine data were selected for the study. The cotinine concentration and ETS exposure rate using urine cotinine was estimated and then compared with the self-reporting measurements. The degree of agreement among measurements of ETS exposure was confirmed. Results: As a result of measuring ETS exposure with urine cotinine, 23,594 (83.8%) out of 28,574 subjects were classified as to exposure groups. This estimate differs significantly from measurements made by self-reporting. In addition, the average concentration of cotinine in non-smokers has decreased to a 10th level over the past 10 years. Based on the biomarker, the sensitivity of the self-reporting was 8.5%-29.0%, the specificity was 16.4%-19.5%, and the kappa value was 2.0%-5.8%. Conclusion: The findings of our study show that self-reporting measurement does not well reflect the extent to which non-smoker's exposure to smoking materials. Whereas cotinine concentration has decreased significantly over the past 10 years, the ETS exposure rate has not reduced. It strongly suggests the need for intervention in the group of non-smokers exposed to low concentrations of smoke. Therefore, an assessment using biomarkers such as cotinine-based measurement should be made in the Health Plan 2030.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.108-120
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• 2024

The study aimed to investigate the basic data to derive plans for snack provision to improve the nutritional status of older adults living in long-term care facilities (LFs) or long-term care hospitals (LHs). The 252 respondents (118 from LHs and 134 from LFs) were included in the study. The questionnaire of nationwide cross-sectional survey was developed by the authors and registered dietitians. The written questionnaire was sent to the food service managers across 800 LFs or LHs. The online survey was introduced using the online platform and network site for dietitians. More than 70% of live-in and non-live-in LFs provided snacks, which were mainly provided one to two times a day. Most institutions provided fruits one to three times a week. The main considerations when providing fruit were in the order of residents' preference, cost, and ease of consumption. The reasons for not serving fruit included cost and differences in the residents' eating and mastication abilities. Most institutions also provided dairy products at a frequency of one to three times a week. The reasons for not serving dairy products included cost and the lack of awareness of the need to provide them. To improve the quality of life and the offer benefits of fruits and dairy products to older people, efforts are needed to propose a plan to expand the provision of snacks in appropriate quantities and varieties.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.173-178
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• 2016

Purpose: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been investigated as a novel diagnostic imaging tool. The utilisation of this equipment has been evaluated through several studies in the field of dentistry. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine through basic experiments the effectiveness of OCT in implant dentistry. Materials and Methods: To assess detection ability, we captured OCT images of implants in each of the following situations: (1) implants covered with mucosae of various thicknesses that were harvested from the mandibles of pigs; (2) implants installed in the mandibles of pigs; and (3) implants with abutments and crowns fixed with temporary cement. The OCT images were captured before cementation, after cementation, and after removing the excess submucosal cement. Results: If the thickness of the mucosa covering the implant body was less than 1 mm, the images of the implants were clearly detected by OCT. In the implants were installed in pigs' mandibles, it was difficult to capture clear images of the implant and alveolar bone in most of the samples. Remnants of excess cement around the implants were visible in most samples that had a mucosa thickness of less than 3 mm. Conclusion: Currently, OCT imaging of implants is limited. Cement remnants at the submucosal area can be detected in some cases, which can be helpful in preventing peri-implant diseases. Still, though there are some restrictions to its application, OCT could have potential as an effective diagnostic instrument in the field of implant dentistry as well.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.354-361
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• 2021

본 연구는 노인인구의 급속한 증가에 따른 만성질환자 증가 추이를 고려하여, 만성질환에 의한 정신건강 악화에 대해 다루고자 하였다. 이를 위해, 한국인의 사망원인 중에서 상위를 차지하는 5가지의 주요 만성질환(당뇨병, 암, 만성폐질환, 심장질환, 뇌혈관 질환)을 선정하였다. 1-2차년도 고령화연구패널조사(KLoSA)에 참여한 45세 이상의 중고령자를 대상으로, 만성질환 진단자로의 전이와 우울 수준이 어떠한 관계가 있는지 살펴보았다. 연구방법은 SPSS 25.0을 사용한 다중회귀분석을 실시하여, 만성질환자로 전이한 경우 및 5가지 각 질환별 전이한 경우가 우울에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 분석하였다. 본 연구결과에 따르면, 만성질환 진단자로 전이는 우울수준을 유의미하게 증가시키는 것으로 나타났다. 질환별로 살펴보았을 때, 암, 만성 폐질환, 뇌혈관 질환이 진단된 중고령자는 우울 수준이 높아졌으나, 당뇨병과 심장질환이 진단된 경우는 우울에 유의한 영향을 미친다는 증거가 발견되지 않았다. 본 연구결과를 바탕으로 만성질환자로의 전이와 우울관리에 대한 논의가 이루어졌다.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.67-76
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• 2022

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study of residents within and outside Fukushima Prefecture to clarify their perceptions of the need for smartphone applications (apps) for explaining exposure doses. The results will lead to more effective methods for identifying target groups for future app development by researchers and municipalities, which will promote residents' understanding of radiological situations. Materials and Methods: In November 2019, 400 people in Fukushima Prefecture and 400 people outside were surveyed via a web-based questionnaire. In addition to basic characteristics, survey items included concerns about radiation levels and intention to use a smartphone app to keep track of exposure. The analysis was conducted by stratifying responses in each region and then cross-tabulating responses to concerns about radiation levels and intention to use an app by demographic variables. The intention to use an app was analyzed by binomial logistic regression analysis. Text-mining analyses were conducted in KH Coder software. Results and Discussion: Outside Fukushima Prefecture, concerns about the medical exposure of women to radiation exceeded 30%. Within the prefecture, the medical exposure of women, purchasing food products, and consumption of own-grown food were the main concerns. Within the prefecture, having children under the age of 18, the experience of measurement, and having experience of evacuation were significantly related to the intention to use an app. Conclusion: Regional and individual differences were evident. Since respondents differ, it is necessary to develop and promote app use in accordance with their needs and with phases of reconstruction. We expect that a suitable app will not only collect data but also connect local service providers and residents, while protecting personal information.

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a 24-week combined exercise training program in older women with hypertension. Women with hypertension who were 70 years and older were randomized into two groups: combined exercise group (CE; n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The CE group performed a combined exercise training program four times per week for 24 weeks and the control group did not. Five factors, including body composition (percent body fat and skeletal muscle mass), health-related physical fitness, adipocytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), kidney risk factors (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] and cystatin C), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the program. The findings showed that total muscle mass, health-related physical fitness factors, and GFR increased significantly in the CE group compared to those in the control. Additionally, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and IL-6, TNF-α, and cystatin C levels in the CE group decreased significantly after the intervention. In contrast, total muscle mass decreased significantly and blood pressure remained unchanged in the control group. These results suggest that CE training may positively impact circulating levels of adipocytokines and cystatin C and improve physical fitness levels in elderly women with hypertension. Therefore, CE training helps to prevent renal disease and improve health-related physical fitness, eventually leading to a better quality of life.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.40-51
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 shows promising tumor-suppressive effects in ovarian cancer via inhibiting NF-kB signaling. This study aimed to explore the downstream tumor suppressive mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 via this signaling pathway. Materials and methods: A systematical screening was applied to examine the expression profile of 41 kinesin family member genes in ovarian cancer. The regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on KIF20A expression was studied. In addition, we explored interacting proteins of KIF20A and their molecular regulations in ovarian cancer. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for bioinformatic analysis. Epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 were used as in vitro and in vivo cell models. Commercial human ovarian cancer tissue arrays were used for immunohistochemistry staining. Results: KIF20A is a biomarker of poor prognosis among the kinesin genes. It promotes ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Ginsenoside Rg3 can suppress the transcription of KIF20A. GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assays confirmed that KIF20A physically interacts with BTRC (β-TrCP1), a substrate recognition subunit for SCF^β-TrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase. In vitro ubiquitination and cycloheximide (CHX) chase assays showed that via interacting with BTRC, KIF20A reduces BTRC-mediated CDC25A poly-ubiquitination and enhances its stability. Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment partly abrogates KIF20A overexpression-induced CDC25A upregulation. Conclusion: This study revealed a novel anti-tumor mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3. It can inhibit KIF20A transcription and promote CDC25A proteasomal degradation in epithelial ovarian cancer.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.49.1-49.15
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• 2024

Importance: Endochondral ossification plays an important role in skeletal development. Recent studies have suggested a link between increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and skeletal disorders. Moreover, previous studies have revealed that increasing the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and osteopontin (OPN) while inhibiting NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) can enhance bone growth. This investigation provides further evidence by showing a direct link between NOX4 and MPO, OPN in bone function. Objective: This study investigates NOX4, an enzyme producing hydrogen peroxide, in endochondral ossification and bone remodeling. NOX4's role in osteoblast formation and osteogenic signaling pathways is explored. Methods: Using NOX4-deficient (NOX4^-/-) and ovariectomized (OVX) mice, we identify NOX4's potential mediators in bone maturation. Results: NOX4^-/- mice displayed significant differences in bone mass and structure. Compared to the normal Control and OVX groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed NOX4^-/- mice had the highest trabecular bone volume, while OVX had the lowest. Proteomic analysis revealed significantly elevated MPO and OPN levels in bone marrow-derived cells in NOX4^-/- mice. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased MPO, OPN, and collagen II (COLII) near the epiphyseal plate. Collagen and chondrogenesis analysis supported enhanced bone development in NOX4^-/- mice. Conclusions and Relevance: Our results emphasize NOX4's significance in bone morphology, mesenchymal stem cell proteomics, immunohistochemistry, collagen levels, and chondrogenesis. NOX4 deficiency enhances bone development and endochondral ossification, potentially through increased MPO, OPN, and COLII expression. These findings suggest therapeutic implications for skeletal disorders.

• 한국사회복지학
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.195-213
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• 2004

본 연구는 한국인의 가치와 정서에 근거하여 노인이 경험한 이야기를 통해 노인이 생각하는 '좋은 죽음'에 대한 의미를 이해하는데 목적을 두고 '질적 연구방법'을 적용하여 자료를 분석하였다. 연구 대상자는 서울시에 거주하는 노인 40명이었으며, 이들을 개별적으로 심층 면담하여 자료를 수집하였다. 수집된 자료를 분석한 결과 한국노인이 생각하는 '좋은 죽음'의 대주제는 '복 있는 죽음'으로 나타났으며 소주제는 '부모를 앞선 자녀가 없는 죽음', '자녀가 임종을 지켜주는 죽음', '자식에게 부담주지 않는 죽음', '부모 노릇 다하고 맞는 죽음', '고통 없는 죽음', '천수를 다한 죽음', '준비된 죽음' 등 7개였다. 연구결과에서 분석된 주제는 한국에서 말하는 오복 중 '죽음 복'과 일맥상통하고 있으며, 한국노인은 하늘이 주신 명을 다하고, 남은 삶을 통해 죽음을 준비하여, 깨끗하고 고통 없이 삶을 마감하길 바랬다. 또한 한국노인은 죽음에 대해 자손을 배려한 의미가 강하게 나타났는데, 삶에서뿐만 아니라 죽음에 있어서도 자녀의 생존, 건강, 행복, 성공 등과 매우 밀접한 관계를 맺고 있었다. 본 연구 결과는 노인이 바라보는 '좋은 죽음'을 이해함으로 노인 개인의 바람직한 죽음 준비 차원 뿐 아니라, 사회복지 차원에서 노인복지 정책입안 및 실천 서비스 제공에 있어 노인의 남은 삶을 성공적 노후(Successful Aging)로 영위하게 하는데 함의가 있다.