• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the intake of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture (XOS) on defecation frequency and symptoms in 56 young women (mean age of 22.1 years old) with constipation. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, a randomized double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks' intake of 10 g sucrose containing 7% xylooligosaccharide or 10 g sucrose on constipation. In experiment 2, 24 g coffee mixture containing 12.8 g plant cream and 11.2 g xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture was consumed by the subjects. During the study, the clinical efficacy was assessed by using a daily diary. The subjects indicated the number of frequencies they defecated in a day and the clinical symptom scores. Results: In experiment 1, the mean frequency of defecations was 2.07 in the pretreatment week and increased significantly to 4.05, 4.42, 4.84, 4.84, and 4.05 in weeks 2 to 6 of XOS intake, in comparison with the 3-3.67 with sucrose intake (sucrose, SUC). In experiment 2, the mean frequency of defecations significantly increased from 2.47 in the pretreatment week to 4.11-5.67 in weeks 1-6 of XOS intake. The occurrence of very loose or loose stools in the XOS group was significantly increased in weeks 5 and 6, compared with the pretreatment week and SUC group. XOS intake significantly alleviated the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness in weeks 2, 3, 5, and 6, while SUC did so in weeks 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). The coffee mixture containing xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture reduced the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness from week 3 until the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture intake was effective, without adverse effects, for the alleviation of constipation in the young women in this study.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.117-127
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• 2021

Objectives Previously, we demonstrated that a 5% ethanol extract of unripe Rubus coreanus (5-uRCK) and ellagic acid has hypocholesterolemic and antiobesity activity in high-fat diet-fed animals. Therefore, we conducted a clinical study on the anti-obesity effect of 5-uRCK in 140 Korean adults (aged 19-70 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²). Methods The participants were randomly assigned to two groups and were administered the placebo (n=70) or 5-uRCK extract (800 mg, n=70) daily for 12 weeks. The subjects were instructed to maintain their usual dietary intake and normal physical activity. Anthropometrics, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and blood parameters were compared between the two groups. Results Average body weight and BMI did not show any significant changes; however, changes in upper body fat mass between the two groups was significantly different, as determined using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline of percent body fat and drinking units. Moreover, Although not significant, the trunk fat mass and percent trunk fat tended to decrease after 5-uRCK supplementation. There was no significant difference in other laboratory biomarkers between the two groups. All safety parameters were within normal ranges in the both group. Conclusions In the present study, 5-uRCK significantly reduced upper body fat in obese subjects after 12 weeks, which indicates that it may help improve android-type obesity. Furthermore, the supplement is safe and well tolerated.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.283-290
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• 2012

Objectives: People who have chronic diseases, as well as gait imbalance or psychiatric drug use, may be susceptible to injuries from falls and slips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of musculoskeletal diseases on incidental fall-related injuries among adults in Korea. Methods: We analyzed data from the 4th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2009), which are national data obtained by a rolling survey sampling method. The 1-year incidence of fall-related injuries was defined by health service utilization within the last year due to injury occurring after a slip and fall, and musculoskeletal diseases included osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and back pain. To evaluate the effects of preexisting musculoskeletal diseases, adults diagnosed before the last year were considered the exposed group, and adults who had never been diagnosed were the unexposed group. Results: The weighted lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal disease was 32 540 per 100 000 persons. Musculoskeletal diseases were associated with a higher risk of fall-related injury after adjustment for sex, age, residence, household income, education, occupation, visual disturbance, paralysis due to stroke, and medication for depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.93). As the number of comorbid musculoskeletal diseases increased, the risk of fall-induced injuries increased (p-value for trend <0.001). In particular, patients who had any musculoskeletal condition were at much higher risk of recurrent fall-related injuries (OR, 6.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 36.08). Conclusions: One must take into account the risk of fall-related injuries and provide prevention strategies among adults who have musculoskeletal diseases.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.550-557
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression among school girls in Korea and identify factors influencing the tendency to depression. Methods: A self-report survey was conducted with South Korean middle schoolgirls who were in the 8th and 9th grades. Four hundred and one schoolgirls were included in the study. The instruments utilized in this study were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale and Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple logistic regression with SPSS WIN 14.0 program. Results: The average depression score of the participants was 20.68, which indicates moderate levels of depression. About 35% of the schoolgirls in this study reported a tendency to depression. Significant predictors for depression were 'decreased problem-solving abilities', 'no family members with whom they can discuss their concern', 'decreased satisfaction in relationship with friends', and 'increased negative self-perception of body-image'. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that schoolgirls require special concern regarding the risk of developing depression. Regular depression screening could be beneficial for early detection of depression in schoolgirls and enhancing problem-solving ability could be considered as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of depression among schoolgirls.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.4125-4129
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• 2016

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) places a significant burden on the patient. Herbal agents are the most commonly complementary therapies used among the public. This study was done to determine the effect of ginger and chamomile capsules on nausea and vomiting in cases undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind and clinical trial study, 65 women with BC undergoing chemotherapy were referred to Breast Cancer Research Center, Tehran, Iran, between May 2013 to June 2014. Regimen for ginger group for 5 days before and 5 days after chemotherapy was: 2 times a day and 500 mg capsules of powdered ginger root in addition to a routine antiemetic regimen consisting of dexamethasone, metoclopramide and aprepitant (DMA) capsules. Chamomile group similarly was: 2 times a day and 500 mg capsules of Matricaria chamomilla extract in addition to a routine antiemetic regimen consisting of DMA capsules. Control group, routine antiemetic regimen consisting of DMA capsules. Results: There were no significant differences between the ginger, chamomile and control groups regarding age. Drugs used for chemotherapy were identical and duration of disease was also matched (1-4 months). Ginger and chamomile were both significantly effective for reducing the frequency of vomiting, there being no significant difference between the ginger and chamomile groups. Moreover, unlike the chamomile, ginger significantly influenced the frequency of nausea. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, it should be declared that taking ginger capsules (1 g/day) might relieve CINV safely. Nurses dealing directly with cancer patients should be responsible for providing educational programs for patients and their families about how to deal with their drug regimens and associated side effects.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.15-21
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of respiration on the segmental motion of the lumbar spine in the lying position. Methods: Twelve healthy females without a history of low back pain participated. Lumbosacral lordosis, intervertebral body angles, intervertebral body displacements, and anterior heights of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine were measured at inspiration, expiration and forced expiration in the supine and prone positions via fluoroscopy. Results: The results of lumbar kinematic analysis in the supine position according to respiration pattern were as follows. The L4/5 intervertebral body angle was significantly higher at forced expiration than at expiration (p<0.05). The L3/4 anterior height of the intervertebral disc was significantly higher at expiration than at forced inspiration and the L5/S1 anterior height of the intervertebral disc was significantly higher at inspiration than at forced expiration (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the intervertebral body displacements and lumbosacral lordosis in the supine position (p>0.05). The results of lumbar kinematic analysis in the prone position according to respiration pattern were as follows. The L5/S1 anterior height of the intervertebral disc was significantly higher at inspiration than at forced expiration (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the intervertebral body angle, the intervertebral body displacements, and the lumbosacral lordosis (p>0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggested that respiration can affect the intervertebral body angle and anterior height of the intervertebral disc in some segments. The results from this study serve as a step in the development of guidelines for lumbar kinematic analysis for lumbar breathing training.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3185-3190
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• 2016

Background: This study was designed to compare radioguided versus routine wire localization of nonpalpable non-malignant breast lesions in terms of efficacy for complete excision, ease of use, time saving, and cosmetic outcome. Materials and Methods: Patients with non-palpable breast masses and non-malignant core biopsy results who were candidates for complete surgical lumpectomy were enrolled and randomly assigned to radioguided or wire localization groups. Radiologic, surgical, and pathologic data were collected and analyzed to determine the difficulty and duration of each procedure, ease of use, accuracy, and cosmetic outcomes. Results: This prospective randomized study included 60 patients, randomly divided into wire guided localization (WGL) or radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) groups. The mean duration of localization under ultrasound guidance was shorter in the ROLL group (14.4 min) than in the WGL group (16.5 min) (p<0.001). The ROLL method was significantly easier for radiologists (p=0.0001). The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 22.6 min (${\pm}10.3min$) for ROLL and 23.6 min (${\pm}9.6min$) for WGL (p=0.6), a non-significant difference. Radiography of the surgical specimens showed 100% lesion excision with clear margins, as proved by pathologic examination, with both techniques. The surgical specimens were slightly heavier in the ROLL group, but the difference was not significant (p=0.06). Conclusions: The ROLL technique provides effective, fast, and simple localization and excision of non-palpable non-malignant breast lesions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.126-133
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• 2011

The fruit of Actinidia arguta (AA) has been used mainly for the treatment of skin diseases, diuresis, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis in Korean traditional medicine. It is known that AA (hardy kiwi) fruit extract has an effect on 2-chloro-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Mode of action for it is associated with the modulation of biphasic Th1/Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, DA9102 containing AA is a herbal medicine currently under phase II clinical trial for atopic dermatitis in Korea. However, no active principles of AA on the decrease of Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-10 have been identified. In this study, bioactivity-guided fractionation of an alcohol extract from the dried fruits of AA using ELISA assay for IL-4 production led to the isolation of $\alpha$-linolenic acid (I), linoleic acid (II), ethyl linolenate (III), ethyl linoleate (IV) and ethyl stearate (V) as the major active components. These compounds showed the down-regulatory effects of IL-4 production in A23187-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells without cytotoxicity.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.9-14
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• 2011

Purpose: The pelvic tilting exercise is a well recognized rehabilitation maneuver. However, little information is available on the changes of lumbar segmental motion during pelvic tilting. This study was conducted to measure the kinematics of the pelvic tilting exercise on the supine and prone positions via fluoroscopy. Methods: A total of 10 female subjects were enrolled. During anterior, neutral, and posterior pelvic tilting, radiographs were taken in each exercise via fluoroscopy (ARCADIS Orbic, Siemens, USA). Images were sent to the picture archiving communication system (PACS), and the digitized images were analyzed using LabVIEW software (National Instruments, USA). Lumbosacral lordosis and the intervertebral body angle, intervertebral disc angle, and intervertebral displacement were analyzed. Results: The results of lumbar kinematic analysis during three tilting postures in the supine and prone positions demonstrated that lumbosacral lordosis and the intervertebral body angle and intervertebral disc angle were significantly higher when the pelvis was tilted anteriorly (p>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between anterior and neutral tilting in the intervertebral disc angle at the L3/4 level in the prone position (p>0.05), and there was no significant difference among tilting positions in intervertebral body displacement in the prone position (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study provides scientific evidence about the pelvic tilting exercise in lumbosacral segmental motion. Depending on the pelvic tilting exercise, kinematic changes were demonstrated in both positions, especially in the supine position. It is suggested that the supine position is effective for mobility, but it should be used carefully for the LBP (Low back pain) patient with hypermobility.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.17-23
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• 1998

Inner nutshell of Castanea mollisima BL (chestnut) has been used as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent from the ancient time in east Asia. In order to develop new anti-aging and anti-wrinkle, ethanolic extract of inner nutshell of Castanea mollisima BL (Cor-285) was prepared and various biological activities were evaluated. Cor-285 showed potent antioxidant activity, Especially, Cor-285 possessed potent free radical scavenging activity in vitro (IC50:7.6 g/ml) compared to gallic acid (IC50:12.5 g/ml), Cor-285 showed the preventive effect against UV-induced cytotoxicity of fibroblast at concentration of 25-250 g/ml. When Cor-285 was evaluated for its anti-allergic activity, it effectively inhibited histamine release from mast cells induced by compound 48/80 (86% inhibition at 10 mg/ml). The inhibitory activity was stronger than that of glycyrrhiznate. Cor-285 also showed in vivo inhibition against delayed hypersensitivity as well as croton-oil induced ear edema in mice when topically applied These results strongly suggest that Cor-285 may reduce immunoregulatory 1 inflammatory skin trouble. From the attempts to isolate the constituents, citropten (simple coumarin) and ellagic acid, a well known radical scavenger, were isolated. In a clinical trial of twenty healthy volunteers with aged skin,6 weeks application of Cor-285 (3% cream) decreased wrinkle about 26% and increased moisturizing 20% on the skin. All of these results indicate that Cor-285 may be an effective anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent.