• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.187-195
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• 2024

Purpose : Many studies have confirmed the relationship between physical exercise, chronic diseases, and quality of life, but few of those studies were limited to aerobic exercise. Above all, no research has confirmed the relationship between aerobic exercise and the oral health. This study is significant because it is the first study to confirm the relationship between aerobic exercise, which is practiced more frequently than other exercises, and oral health in adults. Through this study, we hoped to confirm the complex impacts of aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life, oral health-related behavior, and oral health status in adults and to use these impacts as basic data on the importance of aerobic exercise. Methods : In this study, the following analysis was conducted based on a complex sample design that applied stratification variables, cluster variables, and weights using SPSS version 21.0. Complex sample cross-analysis was conducted to identify general characteristics according to aerobic physical activity practice, and oral health-related characteristics according to the aerobic physical activity practice rate. Then, complex sample logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of aerobic physical activity practice on oral health-related characteristics. During the statistical analysis, missing values were treated as valid values, and the statistical significance level was set at .05. Results : Aerobic physical activity practice was 1.39 times higher among the respondents who brushed their teeth after lunch (p<.001), 1.43 times higher among those who used dental floss (p<.001), 1.24 times higher among those who used mouthwash (p=.040), and 1.37 times higher was among those who had not experienced dental treatment (p=.040), which were statistically significant differences. Conclusion : This study found that when an individual's health status is maintained, positive oral health behavior can be achieved by paying attention to oral health, and this appears to contribute to improving oral health.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.227-236
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• 2024

Purpose : The number of young patients with diabetes is on the rise, and they face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels. This study aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on blood sugar control in young and middle-aged patients with diabetes aged 19-64 years using data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021). Methods : Blood sugar control in patients with diabetes was determined based on FBG 110 mg/㎗, and physical activity was measured using physical activity categories that considered the sum of walking, moderate intensity, and high intensity. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4, and the Rao-Scott chi-square test was conducted to determine differences in blood sugar control based on the sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity of patients with diabetes. Complex-sample multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of physical activity on blood sugar control. Results : There were statistically significant differences in blood sugar control between young and middle-aged patients with diabetes, depending on sex, age, marital status, obesity, and amount of physical activity. As a result of the complex sample simple logistic regression analysis without adjusting for variables, the non-physical activity group was found to have a higher risk of blood sugar dysregulation than the health-promoting physical activity group (OR: 2.80). Complex-sample multiple logistic regression analysis with control variables showed that the non-physical activity group had a higher risk of blood sugar dysregulation than the health-promoting physical activity group (OR: 3.70). Conclusion : Multifaceted efforts are needed to develop health intervention programs that can increase physical activity, diabetes awareness, and treatment rates, including controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications in young and middle-aged patients with diabetes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.49-59
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• 2024

Purpose : Chronic ankle instability (CAI) can impair strength and balance, leading to activity limitations and restricted participation. Traditionally, ankle stabilization exercises have been applied, and more recently, the effects of hip muscle exercises have been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of hip exercises (HE) and ankle stabilization exercises (ASE) on dynamic balance, performance and ankle function in subjects with CAI. We also compared the difference in effectiveness between HE and ASE. Methods : A total of 34 subjects with CAI participated, ane were randomly divided into two groups: the HE group and the ASE group. The HE group performed a program consisting of exercises above 70 % MVIC, while the ASE group performed a traditional ankle stabilization exercise program. The subjects in each group completed their respective exercise program for a total of 30 minutes once a day and were assessed before and after the intervention. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test (YBT). Performance was assessed using the hop for distance test (HDT), and side-hop test (SHT). Ankle function was assessed using foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) questionnaires. Results : YBT, HDT, and FAAM values increased significantly in both groups after the intervention (p<.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups. SHT values decreased significantly in both groups after the intervention (p<.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion : Although no significant superiority was observed between HE and ASE in this study, both exercise programs were effective in improving dynamic balance, performance, and ankle function in subjects with CAI. These findings suggest that both HE and ASE can be suitable interventions for CAI, highlighting the need for individualized treatment plans. Future research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of exercise programs on CAI subjects of different ages and occupational characteristics.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.121-130
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• 2024

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of neck stabilization exercises using a stick on the pain, headache, and quality of life of adult patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods : The participants of this study were 28 adult patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. The subjects were assigned to the experimental group (n=15, neck stabilization exercises using a stick after conservative physical therapy) and the control group (n=13, conservative physical therapy) according to the order of participation in the study and the intervention methods. The intervention was conducted three times a week for four weeks. The neck stabilization exercises using a stick consisted of isometric exercises of the muscles around the neck and strengthening exercises of the muscles around the scapula. The visual analog scale (VAS) and headache impact test (HIT-6) were used to measure the pain and headache, and the SF 36 health questionnaire (SF-36) was used to measure the quality of life. Results : In the comparison of VAS, HIT-6, and SF-36, there were significant differences between before and after the intervention in both the experimental and control groups (p<.05). The pre-post comparisons between the two groups according to the experiment showed significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (p=.001). However, the experimental group showed greater changes than the control group. Conclusion : Through this study, it was confirmed that neck stabilization exercises using a stick have positive effects on reducing the neck pain and headaches and improving the quality of life of adult patients with chronic neck pain. Therefore, it is considered that neck stabilization exercises using a stick can be used as an effective exercise method for the treatment and prevention of patients with chronic neck pain in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.237-247
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of nursing interventions for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). As the use of ECMO increases in critical care settings, it is important to understand how nursing interventions affect patient outcomes, survival, and complication rates. Methods : This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A literature search was performed using terms related to ECMO and nursing interventions in several international electronic databases including CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Studies were screened and selected according to predefined eligibility criteria, focusing on those that evaluated the impact of nursing interventions on adult. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Results : A total of 647 studies were identified, and seven met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The included studies demonstrated that high-quality nursing care significantly improves clinical outcomes and reduces complications in patients receiving ECMO. Effective nursing interventions included prone positioning combined with ECMO for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, meticulous infection control, comprehensive and continuous nursing protocols, skilled nursing, and multidisciplinary management. These interventions have been shown to improve oxygenation, reduce complications, such as bleeding, manage blood pressure, and enhance overall clinical outcomes. Conclusion : High-quality nursing interventions are critical to improve survival and reduce complications in patients receiving ECMO. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive nursing protocols, including infection control and psychological support, is essential for the effective management of these patients. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the development of practical guidelines and educational programs to improve the quality of care for patients undergoing ECMO, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of ECMO treatment and patient outcomes.

• ALGAE
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2016

Marine organisms are frequently used to be harmful and have lower side effects than synthetic drugs. The cognitive improving efficacy of gamma aminobutyric acid-enriched fermented Saccharina japonica (FSJ) on the memory deficient rats, which were induced by trimethyltin chloride (TMT), was investigated by assessing the Morris water maze test and by performing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunohistochemistry. The neurite outgrowth of Neuro2a cells was assessed in order to examine the underlying mechanisms of the memory enhancing effects of FSJ. Treatment with FSJ tended to shorten the latency to find the platform in the acquisition test of the Morris water maze at the second and fourth day compared to the control group. In the probe trial, the FSJ treated group increased time spent in the target quadrant, compared to that of the control group. Consistent with the behavioral data, these treatments recovered the loss of ChAT, CREB, and BDNF immunepositive neurons in the hippocampus produced by TMT. Treatment with FSJ markedly stimulated neurite outgrowth of the Neuro2a cells as compared to that of the controls. These findings demonstrate that FSJ may be useful for improving the cognitive function via regulation of neurotrophic marker enzyme activity.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.449-456
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• 2014

The use of synovial fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SFMSCs) obtained from patients with degenerative arthropathy may serve as an alternative therapeutic strategy in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For treatment of OA and RA patients, autologous transplantation of differentiated MSCs has several beneficial effects for cartilage regeneration including immunomodulatory activity. In this study, we induced chondrogenic differentiation of SFMSCs by inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA) with a small molecule and microRNA (miRNA). Chondrogenic differentiation was confirmed by PCR and immunocytochemistry using probes specific for aggrecan, the major cartilaginous proteoglycan gene. Absorbance of alcian blue stain to detect chondrogenic differentiation was increased in H-89 and/or miRNA-23b-transfected cells. Furthermore, expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 was decreased in treated1 cells. Therefore, differentiation of SFMSCs into chondrocytes through inhibition of PKA signaling may be a therapeutic option for OA or RA patients.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.88-101
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• 2009

Objectives: Since Korean traditional medicine has an integrative perspective by its nature, the patients' psychological and physical problems in a Korean traditional clinic may be resolved through a more integrative approach. The purpose of this study was to describe the latent characteristics of psychological health of child outpatients and their parents visiting Korean traditional clinic with physical complaints and was to propose an alternative curriculum to meet their needs based on their psychological and physical aspects. Methods: Subjects studied consisted of 100 outpatients (59 boys, 41 girls, mean age 55 months, age range 18 to 83 months) and their parents. Behavior characteristics for children were measured by Korean version of Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5-5 (CBCL1.5-5) while parenting stress, depression, and anxiety for parent were measured by Korean-Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (K-PSI-SF), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. The data of subjects were compared to those of standardized groups and then were compared according to child's gender within sample. Results: Child participants were reported to have significantly higher scores of all CBCL 1.5-5 subscales than the standardized group. When compared, no differences of K-PSI-SF, CES-D, and STAI was found between parents of participants and the standardized groups. However, parents of child participants with at-risk psychological problems showed significantly higher scores of all parenting stress subscales than those of all child participants. In addition, the mothers of boy participants demonstrated significantly higher anxiety, depression and parenting stress than those of girl participants irrespective of psychological severity. Conclusions: We discussed the implication of these results in clinical situation and make recommendations for curriculum of psychiatry and pediatrics with the aim of improving proper diagnosis, consulting and treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.47-54
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the disease burden of cancer, to investigate how many cancer patients use CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies with or without conventional medicine, to know reasons for use of cancer CAM therapies, and finally to discuss viewpoints on treating cancer with traditional Korean medicine (TKM). Method: In order to know the disease burden of cancer, the prevalence and mortality of cancer patients of Korean, American, and WHO reports were investigated, and the usage of cancer CAM therapies was investigated in several reports. The viewpoints about cancer treatment with TKM were suggested with the characteristics of TKM. Results: One hundred thousand Korean people were diagnosed [in time period] as new cancer patients, and cancer patients are gradually increasing every year. Cancer is a leading cause of deaths in Korea and worldwide. From 21% to 63% of Korean cancer patients, 80% of American cancer patients, and 35.9% of European cancer patients used CAM therapies, and the most common therapy was an herbal therapy. Conclusions: TKM has been used to treat cancer since initial use of acupuncture and herbs with basic viewpoints on human health and disease. First, TKM regards occurrence of cancer as an environmental problem of the whole human being. Second, the pathologic concept centered on antipathogenic Qi (Zheong Qi) can reinforce the functioning of the patient's own natural vitality to overcome cancer. Third, TKM deals with cancer patients through mind, body, and spirit based on the monoism of mind and body.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.421-447
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• 2014

Traditional medicine has been integrated into the national health system in many countries such as Korea, China, Taiwan, etc. Korea and China are most representative among them. The purpose of this study is to compare the policies on traditional medicine in Korea and China focusing on where it came from and where it is headed. In this regard, the study suggested the first analysis tool in the world for analyzing the policy of traditional medicine. The results of the study are as follows: First of all, the development process of Korean Medicine (KM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows the same pattern, that is, both are influenced by its own national policies. Secondly, the difference between the two countries is due to the gap in the development status or the different aspects in national heath system. TCM is more vitalized in health system and has larger category, and stays ahead in globalization compared to KM. TCM covers Chinese medicine, integrative medicine and ethno-medicine. Korea emphasizes the role of KM in the declining birthrate and aging society, and promotes the overseas patient invitation strategy. China, on the other hand, establishes the medical system for emergency medical treatment and preventive treatment of major diseases and promotes overseas expansion of TCM service. In addition, Korea stressed the safety and distribution of herbal medicine, and China emphasizes production technologies. Korea has a strong medical device industry along with the government's fostering policy; however, in China, medical devices are in the R&D stage yet. Even though both countries promotes the drug development from natural products, Korea focuses on developing herbal cosmetics in application industry, but China shows weakness in policies on application industry. China shores up the foundation for culture and theory of traditional medicine, while Korea doesn't have related policy. Korea places emphasis on promoting collaboration with international organizations and medical volunteer programs, whereas China is more interested in mutual cooperation and real trade with other countries.