• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.4765-4771
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• 2014

Background: Patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) may have compromised health related quality of life (HRQoL). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has long been the leading cause of CLD including liver cancer and cirrhosis. Knowledge on different symptom profiles of CLD should help in development of comprehensive treatment and patient care plans. Objective: To access the facets of HRQoL in chronic liver diseases throughout their spectrum of severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University in Yunnan Province of China. Both out- and inpatients undergoing treatment protocols for different HBV related liver disease states were consecutively collected from December 2012 to June 2013. ANOVA was used to compare the mean scores of EQ-5D and chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) among 5 disease groups. The relationship between demographic variables predicting global CLDQ scores and the domains of CLDQ was analysed. Results: A total of 1040 patients including 520 without complications, 91 with compensated cirrhosis, 198 with decompensated cirrhosis, 131 with HCC and 100 with liver failure were recruited. All domains of CLDQ, the means of EQ-5D value and EQ VAS exhibited significant decline with worsening of disease severity from uncomplicated HBV to liver failure. The multivariate regression demonstrated the reduction of mean scores of CLDQ domain at advanced stage. Patients with liver failure and HCC had more HRQoL impairment than other disease states. No effect of patient gender was found. Patient age was associated with 'fatigue' and 'worry' domains (p=0.006; p=0.004) but not with other domains and global scores of CLDQ and ED-5D. Conclusions: The HRQoL in chronic hepatitis B patients is greatly affected by disease states. Care for HBV-related diseases should consider not only the outcomes of treatment strategies but also improvement in patient wellbeing.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8127-8134
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• 2014

Background: Qigong is highly favoured among Asian breast cancer survivors for enhancing health. This study examined the hypothesis that quality of life (QoL) in the Qigong group is better than the placebo (aerobic) or usual care group. Materials and Methods: A total of 197 participants were randomly assigned to either the 8-week Kuala Lumpur Qigong Trial or control groups in 2010-2011. Measurement taken at baseline and post-intervention included QoL, distress and fatigue. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Kruskal Wallis were used to examine for differences between groups in the measurements. Results: There were 95 consenting participants in this 8week trial. The adherence rates were 63% for Qigong and 65% for the placebo group. The Qigong group showed significant marginal improvement in Quality of life scores compared to placebo (mean difference=7.3 unit; p=0.036), compared to usual care (mean difference=6.7 unit; p=0.048) on Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast measure. There were no significant changes between the placebo and usual care groups in fatigue or distress at post intervention (8-week). Conclusions: Cancer survivors who participated in the Qigong intervention showed slightly better QOL. Follow up studies are greatly needed to evaluate which subgroups may best benefit from Qigong. With a steep rise of cancer survivors, there is an urgent need to explore and engage more cultural means of physical activity to fight side effects of treatment and for cancer control in developing countries.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.243-257
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• 2010

This study was conducted to search the health food intake behavioral intentions of male workers. The health-related behavior of 150 subjects were compared(smoke, alcohol drink, breakfast, BMI, sleep, exercise and health check). On the basis of the Theory of Planned Behavior, the factors health-food intake behavior were evaluated; there were normative beliefs, motivation for compliance, subjective norms, social influence factors, and barriers as perceived behavior control. The results were showed with five points by the Likert scale and Significance by t-test. The most frequently consumed health food was tea(3.40/4points) followed by healthy drinks(2.49/4). As behavioral beliefs, if consumption of 'nutritional supplements'(3.61/5) and 'fatigue recovery'(3.62/5) received the highest scores. As a result, the idea of 'nutritional supplements'(3.94/5) and 'fatigue recovery'(4.06/5) were the important aspects, but others were also positively evaluated. As a sub-factor of subjective norms on normative beliefs, The highest social groups to encourage consumption of health food were parents (3.93/5), and the lowest were doctors (3.02/5). The most influential people were doctors (3.67/5) and spouses (3.65/5). Barriers to consumption health food were side effects (1.09/5) and price (2.08/5). Taking Ginseng products and other processed foods (juice, honey, bamboo, etc.) were correlated with health concern (p<0.05). Taking traditional stamina foods was correlated with dietary habit recognition (p<0.05). Mineral intake was positively correlated with age. Healthy drinks was negative (p<0.05). Minerals and supplement consumption were correlated with the practice of healthy behavior (p<0.01).

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.176-182
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• 2011

Objectives: Previous investigations have presented some evidence of late cognitive effects in dental personnel exposed to metallic mercury. We wanted to examine if Norwegian dentists have an increased prevalence of symptoms consistent with neurological and/or cognitive malfunction. Methods: The study group consisted of 406 dentists from central Norway and 217 controls from the general population, all under the age of 70. They had responded to a standardised postal questionnaire (Euroquest) inquiring about seven symptoms in regard to neurology, psychosomatics, memory, concentration, mood, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. A score was calculated for each symptom based on 4 to 15 single questions scored on a scale from 1 (seldom or never) to 4 (very often). Results: The dentists and controls had a participation rate of 57.2 % and 42.9 % respectively. The dentists reported no more cognitive symptoms than the controls, with low average symptom scores from 1.16 for neurological symptoms in males to 1.73 for fatigue in females. Corresponding figures for the controls were 1.22 and 1.77. There were a total of 1.2 % of the dentists and 1.8 % of the controls who reported having three or more of the seven symptoms "often" or more frequently. Conclusion: Norwegian dentists do not report more cognitive and neurological symptoms than controls from the general population.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.230-239
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether subjective symptoms, physical fitness, and emotional variables were improved after participating in a 6-week Tai Chi program in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: 23 rheumatoid arthritis patients participated in the Yang style Tai Chi for arthritis patients 90 minutes session conducted twice a week at the Arthritis Center of D University Hospital. The main outcome of current studies included self-reported scores of subjective symptoms(pain, sleep satisfaction, and fatigue), physical fitness tests, and depression (PHQ-9) and self-efficacy investigated with questionnaire before and after participating in Tai Chi. Results: After participating in Tai Chi, participants perceived lesser pain (t=2.61, p=.016) and fatigue (Z=-2.32, p=.020), and reported improved sleep satisfaction (t=-3.56, p=.002). In the physical fitness test, there were significant improvement in muscle strength (upper limb: t=-7.19, p<.001, lower limb: t=-4.86, p<.001), and balance (right t=-3.70, p=.001; left t=-2.30, p=.031). Depression (t=3.87, p=.001) and self-efficacy (Z=-3.44, p=.001) improved significantly after participating in Tai Chi. Conclusion: Tai Chi had beneficial effects on subjective symptoms and emotional variables as well as physical fitness. Therefore, the program could be recommended in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study is to report on the effectiveness of Korean medicine to improve symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Some patients are treated with medication, but medications may have no effect in some patients. Korean medicine treatments have been used in such patients, but few reports exist. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old female patient with CIPN reported symptoms of bilateral limb pain and tingling sensations as well as cold sensations in bilateral lower legs and hands, fatigue, and bilateral limb weakness. To reduce the patient's symptoms, we provided Korean medical treatment, including herbal medicine (Uchashinki-hwan), acupuncture, and moxibation. To evaluate the results of this treatment, we used a numeric rating scale (NRS), the manual muscle test (MMT), the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire about CIPN (EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20). After 49 days of treatment, the NRS scores decreased for bilateral limb pain and tingling, for bilateral lower leg and hand cold sensation, and for fatigue. The MMT results for the upper and lower extremities were improved. CTCAE Grade and EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 score were also decreased. Conclusion: According to these results, Korean medicine treatment may be considered an effective treatment for CIPN. Prospective studies are needed in the future to confirm and expand these findings.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.762-779
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mediterranean diet is an environmentally friendly and healthy diet model. The diet offers many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and olive oil to consumers. In addition, it provides moderate amounts of fish and chicken, smaller quantities of dairy products, red meat, and processed meat. The Mediterranean diet has a high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content, and it causes many physiological changes that can provide a physical performance advantage. This study examined the effects of a 15-day menu, which was planned using foods with a low acid load within the Mediterranean diet rules, on the exercise performance, lactate elimination, anthropometric measurements, and body composition. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifteen professional male athletes between the ages of 13 and 18, who were engaged in ski running, were included in the experimental study. Dietary intervention was applied for 15 days. The athlete performances were evaluated by applying the vertical jump test, hand grip strength, 20 meters shuttle run test, and Borg fatigue scale. After the shuttle run test (every 3 min for 30 min), blood was drawn from the finger, and the lactate elimination time was calculated. Performance and lactate measurements, body analysis, and anthropometric measurements were taken before and after dietary intervention. RESULTS: The vertical jump height and hand grip strength increased after the intervention (P < 0.05). The test duration, total distance, the number of shuttles, and maximum oxygen consumption parameters of the shuttle run test increased (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the athletes' perceived fatigue scores decreased in several stages of the shuttle run test (P < 0.05). The lactate elimination time and athlete's body composition were similar in repeated measurements (P > 0.05). In the last measurements, the upper middle arm circumference decreased while the height of the athletes increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the Mediterranean diet is a safe and feasible dietary approach for aerobic performance and strength increase.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.30 no.5 s.82
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• pp.625-642
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• 2000

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of mechanical and thermal fatigue stress on the shear, tensile and shear-tensile combined bond strengths(SBS, TBS, CBS) in various orthodontic brackets bonded to human premolars with chemically cured adhesive(Ortho-one, Bisco, USA). Five types of commercially available metal brackets with various bracket base configurations of Photoetched base(Tomy, Japan), Non-Etched Foil Mesh base(Dentaurum, Germany), Micro-Etched Foil Mesh base(Ortho Organizers, USA), Chessboard base(Daesung, Korea), and Integral base(3M Unitek, USA) were used. Samples were divided into 3 groups, the first group was acted with shear-tensile combined loads($45^{\circ}$) of 200g for 4 weeks(mechanical fatigue stress), the second group was subjected to the 5,000 thermocycles of 15 second dwell time each in $5^{\circ}C\;and\;55^{\circ}C$ baths(thermal fatigue stress), and the third group was the control. Bond strengths were measured at the crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. The cross-section of bracket base/adhesive interface and the fracture surface were examined with the stereoscope and the scanning electron microscope. The resin remnant on bracket base surface was assessed by ART(Adhesive Remnant Index). The obtained results were summarized as follows, 1. In static bond strength, Photoetched base bracket showed the maximum bond strength and Integral base bracket showed the minimum bond strength(p<0.05). In all brackets, shear bond strength(SBS) was in the greatest value and shear-tensile combined strength(CBS) was in the least value(p<0.05). 2. After mechanical fatigue test, Photoetched base bracket showed the maximum bond strength and Integral base bracket showed the minimum bond strength(p<0.05). In Photoetched base bracket and Micro-Etched Foil Mesh base bracket, shear bond strength(SBS), tensile bond strength(TBS) and shear-tensile combined strength(CBS) were decreased after mechanical fatigue test(p

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.606-620
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although some juices affect subjective sleep quality, there is a lack of information on the effect of a specific juice on objective sleep quality and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep; thus the present study investigated whether a blended juice made from natural extracts influenced sleep quality and HRV during sleep in adults with disturbed sleep. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A randomized, crossover study was conducted on twenty-five adults (15/10, female/male) complaining of difficulty initiating or maintaining nighttime sleep (Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI] ≥ 5). During feeding sessions (FS), subjects received sleep-inducing juice made of natural ingredients (250 mL/trial) twice a day for 8 weeks or non-FS (N-FS) for 8 weeks while maintaining normal activities. Sleep quality and parameters were recorded via wearable actigraph for 7 consecutive days, and PSQI scores were assessed before and after the intervention. HRV was also monitored at rest and during sleep. RESULTS: After receiving the sleep-inducing juice intervention (FS), PSQI scores were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and correlated with a significant decline in fatigue severity scale and visual analogue scale levels (P < 0.05; both). HRV indices of vagal activity were significantly improved during FS (P < 0.05), and no significant differences in N-FS were observed. Sleep efficiency and total sleep time increased significantly (P < 0.05) and sleep latency, total counts, sleep fragmentation index, and movement index, decreased significantly (P < 0.05, all 4) during FS, with no significant differences-observed during N-FS. CONCLUSIONS: This study results demonstrated that an 8-week course of sleep-inducing juice has led to improve sleep quality, suggesting an enhanced cardiac vagal tone during sleep. Thus, it could be a well-tolerated option for adults with disturbed sleep.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.25-31
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• 2005

Objectives: This study was designed to assess traditional Korean medical therapy for urticaria and establish a clinical assessment guideline. Methods: Duration of symptoms, personal and family history of allergic diseases, serum IgE level, suspected causes and Provocation factors were investigated in 56 patients. Frequency of wheals, duration of wheals, number of wheals, itch severity and antihistamine counts on a 6-point (0-5) scale were assessed in 34 patients. The change of total scores and each criterion between baseline and follow up were analyzed using paired t-test (p<0.05). Results: 1. Acute urticaria within 6 weeks was $26.8\%$ and chronic urticaria over 6 weeks was $73.2\%$. The mean duration of symptoms was $19.2\pm38.8$ months. 2. $57.1\%$ of patients had a personal history of allergic diseases and $50\%$had a family history. $29.1\%$ had over 200 IU/mL serum IgE level. 3. The suspected causes were none $(39.3\%)$, foods $(32.1\%)$, drugs $(12.5\%)$, contact $(5.4\%)$ and maternity$(5.4\%)$. 4. The suspected provocation factors were foods $(41.1\%)$, none $(26.8\%)$, fatigue $(12.5\%)$, heat and sweating $(12.5\%)$, pressure $(10,7\%)$ and stress $(7.1\%)$. 5. The total scores between baseline and follow up of 34 patients were lowered from $15.38^{\circ}\;{\ae}3.75\;to\;8.82^{\circ}\;{\ae}5.21$, which was significant statistically (p=0.000). 6. Itch severity, frequency of wheals and number of wheals were the most significantly lowered of all criteria. Conclusions: Traditional Korean medical therapy was proven to be effective for urticaria, while itch severity, frequency of wheals and number of wheals should be assessed clinically with greater priority.