• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.351-358
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• 2005

Objectives : Dementia has rapidly increased with the prolongation of life expectancy and aging in Korea. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of, and find related factors for, dementia in an urban elderly population, using a newly developed screening method. Methods : Seven hundred and six people, aged over 65 years-old, in Dong district of Gwangju, Korea, were recruited using stratified cluster sampling, and completed Korean version of Geriatric Mental State Schedule B3 (GMS B3-K), the Korean version of the Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID-K) and modified 10 word list-learning from the Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). Dementia was diagnosed by an algorithm derived from all three of these measures. Results : The crude and age adjusted prevalence rates of dementia were 13.0 and 11.5%, respectively. Age, education, marital status and a history of cerebrovascular disease were identified as factors related with dementia. Conclusions : The new instrument, using the GMS B3-K, CSID-K and modified 10 word list-learning from the CERAD, was considered effective as a community screening and diagnostic tool for dementia. The results of this study can also be used to develop a community-based prevention and management system for dementia in the future.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.85-94
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• 2010

Platycodon grandiflorum, Doraji as Korean name, is one of the most widely used traditional oriental medicine for bronchial diseases and also used as a folk remedy for geriatric diseases and inflammatory diseases. In recent studies, it has been reported that some effect of P. grandiflorum is derived from its antioxidant activity, although there is still a lack of evidence to establish its oxy-radical scavenging activity. In this study, total oxy-radical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay was used to evaluate antioxidant activity of total extracts (T-PG), polysaccharide fraction (Po-PG), and saponin fraction (Sa-PG) isolated from P. grandiflorum against peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrites. And MTT assay was taken to assess cyto-protective effects of T-PG, Po-PG and Sa-PG in H4IIE cells treated with hydrogen peroxide and tert-butylhydroperoxide. In the TOSC assay, Sa-PG showed strong oxy-radical scavenging capacity compared with T-PG and Po-PG. In cell-based assay, T-PG and Po-PG protected cells from oxidative stress, but Sa-PG did not protect cells because of cytotoxicity of Sa-PG. These results suggest that the saponin components of P. grandiflorum have relatively strong antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity in rat hepatoma cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.2029-2032
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• 2013

Background: The geriatric population in Malaysia is predicted to increase from 4% of the total population in 1998 to 9.8% by 2020, in parallel with developments in the socioeconomy. Cancer is expected to be a major medical issue among this population. However, the decision for treatment in Malaysia is always decided by the caregivers instead of the elderly patients themselves. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the willingness to accept chemotherapy among elderly Malaysians. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients aged 60 and above from various clinics/wards were recruited. Those giving consent were interviewed using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 75 patients were recruited, 35 patients (47%) with a history of cancer. The median age was 73 years old. There were 29 Chinese (38.7%), 22 Indian (29.3%), 20 Malay (26.7%) and four other ethnicity patients. Some 83% and 73% of patients willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively. Patients with cancer were more willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy compared to the non-cancer group (88.6% vs 62.5%, P=0.005, 94% vs 80%, P=0.068). On sub-analysis, 71.4% and 42.9% of Chinese patients without a history of cancer were not willing to receive strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively. Conclusions: The majority of elderly patients in UMMC were willing to receive chemotherapy if they had cancer. Experience with previous treatment had positive influence on the willingness to undergo chemotherapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.398-402
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• 2014

Background Non-incisional blepharoplasty is a simple, less invasive method for creating a more natural-appearing double eyelid than classical incisional blepharoplasty. However, in aging patients, non-incisional blepharoplasty is not effective due to more severe blepharochalasis. Traditionally, incisional blepharoplasty is a common surgical method used for older patients, but blepharoplasty in elderly patients typically results in prolonged recovery times, and final blepharoplasty lines may be located in unintended or asymmetrical positions. Here, we introduce a new modified combination technique for geriatric blepharoplasty. Methods A total of ten patients were treated from July 2010 through July 2012 using the combination method. First, we performed non-incisional blepharoplasty using tarsodermal fixation. Then, incisional blepharoplasty with additional elliptical excision of the upper eyelid skin was performed. We removed pretarsal tissue, fat, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and orbital fat. Telephone surveys were administered to all patients for follow-up. The questionnaire was composed of eight questions that addressed recurrence and satisfaction with aesthetics and the procedure. Results A total of nine patients (90%) responded to the telephone survey. All cases of moderate to severe blepharochalasia were corrected and there were no major complications. Patients who underwent blepharoplasty had higher satisfaction scores. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative shapes of their eyelids. Conclusions The advantages of the proposed technique include: ease of obtaining a natural-looking fold with symmetry at the desired point; reproducible methods that require short operation times; fast postoperative recovery that results in a natural-appearing double-eyelid line; and high patient satisfaction.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.357-370
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• 2012

Radiation therapy, the most commonly used for the treatment of brain tumors, has been shown to be of major significance in tumor control and survival rate of brain tumor patients. About 200,000 patients with brain tumor are treated with either partial large field or whole brain radiation every year in the United States. The use of radiation therapy for treatment of brain tumors, however, may lead to devastating functional deficits in brain several months to years after treatment. In particular, whole brain radiation therapy results in a significant reduction in learning and memory in brain tumor patients as long-term consequences of treatment. Although a number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the pathogenesis of radiation-mediated brain injury, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which radiation induces damage to normal tissue in brain remain largely unknown. Therefore, this review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of whole brain radiation-induced cognitive impairment and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Specifically, we review the current knowledge about the effects of whole brain radiation on pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory pathways, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) system and extracellular matrix (ECM), and physiological angiogenesis in brain. These studies may provide a foundation for defining a new cellular and molecular basis related to the etiology of cognitive impairment that occurs among patients in response to whole brain radiation therapy. It may also lead to new opportunities for therapeutic interventions for brain tumor patients who are undergoing whole brain radiation therapy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.13-18
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this paper is to look at educational needs based on the academic background to improve continuing education (CE) for physical therapists in the Republic of Korea. Methods : 350 people who attended the CE were selected for analysis of the need of the education in Gwangju Metropolitan city of the Korean Physical Therapy Association. Final education was classified as college, university, and master of science course (MSc) or higher. The authors selected 11 subjects such as basic education, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, pediatric, cardiopulmonary, sports, senior citizens, physical therapy, women, oriental medicine, and others. Simple linear regression analysis was performed using dummy variable to identify the needs of the CE according to the academic background. Results : The need for CE in the MSc or higher was greater than college graduation in the nervous system (R2=.019, B=.347), pediatric (R2=.028, B=.491), cardiopulmonary system (R2=.038, B=.600), sports (R2=.037, B=.584), geriatric (R2=.030, B=.261), oriental (R2=.033, B=.597), and others (R2=.028, B=.531). University graduation was lower than college graduation in the need of physical agents (R2=.037, B=-.277). Conclusion : Authors infer that CE was not fully satisfied with physical therapists especially according to academic background that's why present study showed no meaningful statistical results were found. Therefore, we still think that a wider survey of CE will be needed, and the efforts are constantly required for both the Korean physical therapy association and people who working as physiotherapists to strengthen their awareness of the education.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived health status, activities of daily living and depression of the elderly in nursing facilities and to identify correlations among them. The collected data is to improve healthy life for the aged people in communities. This study was performed by using of questionnaire which was consisted of perceived health status, activity of daily living(ADL) and depression. The survey was conducted by 180 aged people at nursing homes. The results of perceived health status show that 64.9% of elderly feel very bad or bad, 61.6% of elderly have a degree of independent level of activity of daily living(ADL) and 48.6% of elderly have a degree of depression. There were statically revealed meaningful correlation between ability of activity of daily living(ADL) and perceived health status, ability of activity of daily living(ADL) and depression. This study about connection among perceived health status, activity of daily living(ADL) and depression is necessary for number of the affiliation function of elderly at nursing homes and development of intervention programs concerned about depression are necessary.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.478-489
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Health Maintenance Program on physical functions and mental health of the elderly in nursing homes. Method: Sixty elderly(over 65 years old) in a randomized control study participated in a 16-week group-based intervention including functional exercises and health education. The participants were divided into 3 groups(Health Maintenance Program Group, Supportive Music Exercise Group, and Control Group) of 20 elderly each. Data was collected from Dec. 1st, 2005 to Mar, 30th, 2006. Physical function of lower body strength was assessed using a 30-second chair test, flexibility was assessed using a sit-and-reach test, and static balance was assessed by the ability to balance on one leg with open and closed eyes. Depression was assessed using the Korean Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale and self esteem was assessed using Rosenberg's Self Esteem Questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test, One-way ANOVA, and Repeated measure two factor analysis. Results: A Health Maintenance Program significantly increased muscle strength, flexibility and static balance, but depression and self-esteem scores were not significantly changed. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that a Health Maintenance Program was more effective on physical function than mental health of the elderly in nursing homes.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2014

The medical bureaucrats was awarded by Wonjong (原從) meritorious retainer were 376 peoples in the Joseon Dynasty. It was not done research on this is accurate so far. Why did they get Wonjong (原從) meritorious retainer? I have found a general rule of the investiture through review of the nokhundogamuigwe (錄勳都監儀軌). The Sillok(實錄) and other materials were used as an adjunct in the investigation. Through the analysis of this medical bureaucrats, This study aims to investigate the change in the social status of the Joseon Dynasty's medical officials. The conclusion of this paper is as follows. First, the social status of medical bureaucrat was similar to that of yangban (兩班) in early days of Joseon Dynasty compared with mid or late days of Joseon Dynasty. Second, bastard households are concentrated in the second half of the 16th century to the early 17th century to advance to the medical officials. Third, acupuncture doctors increased social status by the mid-Joseon Dynasty. Fourth, statutes about Wonjong (原從) meritorious retainer was raising the social status of medical bureaucrat compared to other technical officials.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of Yangseng (Traditional Health Behavior), depression, anxiety, cognitive function between the elderly women living alone and the aged in the living with family. Methods: The subjects of this study were 137 elderly women aged between 65 and 80. They were evaluated with the Tool in Measuring Yangseng (TMY), Korean Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inntory (STAI) and Korean of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMES-K). Depending on whether or not they lived alone, they were divided into two groups; group living alone (L.A.) and group living with family (L.F.). Results: In TMY score, there were statistically significant differences in characteristics of Mind, Diet, Sleep and total score between L.A. (63 persons) and L.F. (74 persons). Group living alone (L.A.) had significantly higher score in KGDS and STAI compared with other group (L.F.). The values of KGDS and STAI comparing to the values of Mind, Diet, Sleep, Exercise and total score in this study resulted in negative correlations which showed statistically significant. Conclusions: Above results suggest that between L.A. and L.F, there are significant difference in physical and mental health. TMY is enough to estimate health of the aged. These results can be used for Yangseng health promoting program based on Korean traditional medicine.