• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2021

With the recent rapid improvement in the standards of life and westernization of dietary lifestyles, the consumption of high-calorie diets such as high-fat and high-protein red meat and instant foods has increased, while less vegetables containing dietary fiber are consumed. In addition to that, stress, erroneous dietary behaviors, and contaminated environments are linked to the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, which is on the rise. Another cause of ulcerative colitis is that involve laxative abuse, including repeated, frequent use of laxatives, and include such conditions as deteriorated bowel function, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, etc. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazine.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2024

Purpose: The updated ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in children were published in 2016. However, information on the use of these criteria is scarce. This study aimed to report the frequency of the use of the ROME IV criteria by Indonesian pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) in FC management in infants and toddlers. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: A total of 248 respondents (183 pediatricians and 65 GPs) from 24 Indonesian provinces completed the survey. Most respondents reported an estimated prevalence of FC to be less than 5% both in infants and toddlers. On average, only 64.6% of respondents frequently used the ROME IV criteria. Pediatricians used the ROME IV criteria more often than GPs did (p<0.001). The most frequently used criteria were painful or hard bowel movements (75.0%) and ≤2 defecations/week (71.4%). Lactulose as a laxative was the preferred treatment choice, followed by changing the standard formula to a specific nutritional formula. Most of the respondents carried out parenteral reassurance and education. Normal growth, as a marker of good digestion and absorption function, and normal stool consistency and frequency were the most reported indicators of gut health. Conclusion: The ROME IV criteria for functional constipation are not extensively used by pediatricians and GPs in Indonesia. Laxatives and specific nutritional formulas were the most used management approaches in infants and toddlers. Medical education, especially for general practitioners, should be updated.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2005

This study was conducted to identify the effect of meridian acupressure on defecation of patients with post spinal operation. The nonequivalent control group posttest only design was used. The data were obtained from 77 post spinal operative patients, 34 in the experimental 43 in control group in Y Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The neurosurgical unit A and B ward, assigned by matched sample by the name of operation such as laminectomy and posterior lumbar interbody fusion are performed. Meridian acupressure meant the method that an examiner presses response points distributed in the pass of energy vessel. In this study, meridian acupressure program was performed on as points in order of Hegue (LI-4), Zhigou (TE-6), Zusanli (S-36), Shangjuxu (S-37), Xiajuxu (S-39), Tianshu (S-25), Taichong (L-3) which was known to be related to large intestine. Data were collected from 1, July 2003 to 1, September 2003. Meridian acupressure program was carried out for 20 minutes 4 hours after operation twice daily. In order to evaluate the effect of meridian acupressure intervention, they were asked time of bowel recovery, gas passing, and defecation though questionnaire method. Data were analyzed by the SPSS/ WIN 11.0 program. The results of this study were summarized as follows; 1. Homogeneity tests of general characteristics and operation related characteristics of the experimental group and the control group were performed. General characteristics included age, sex, defecation habit, eating pattern, fluid intake, life style, activity, usage of laxative and etc. 2. Hypotheses were verification as follows; 1) Recovery of bowel sound of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure intervention was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-6.770,P=.000). 2) Time of gas passing of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-8.003, P=.000). 3) Time to defecation of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-9.026, P=.000). 4) Abdominal discomfort due to defecation of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was lesser than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-3.431, P=.001). From these results, meridian acupressure intervention was effective for recovery of bowel sound, reduce time to gas passing, time to defecation and lessen abdominal discomfort due to defecation on post spinal operative patients. And therefore this intervention can probably considered on clinical practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.125-129
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• 2016

Background: Patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) who receive radioactive iodine-131 (RAI) are released from isolation when their dose rate is below the regulatory requirements. The purpose of this study was establish predicting factors for early release from the isolation facility after RAI administration in patients with DTC. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study which included 96 (58 females and 38 males) patients with DTC who had received RAI from April 2013 till August 2015. The study was duly approved by the ethical committee of the institute. Patients who had complete information of primary tumor size (PTS), serum TSH, stimulated thyroglobulin level [sTg] with antibodies (IU/ml) at the time of RAI treatment were included. All had a normal serum creatinine level. To attain lower effective half-life good hydration and administration of soft laxative were ensured. Dose rate was measured (immediately, 24 h and 36 h) at 1 meter distance from anterior mid trunk and a dose rate <$50{\mu}Sv/h$ was considered as the releasing criterion. At 24 h 50 patients were released while the remaining 46 patients were released at 36 h. A post-ablative whole body scan (PA-WBIS) was performed 5-8 days after RAI ablation in all patients. Results: Patients released after 24 h were significantly younger, had smaller lesions with higher proportion of papillary cancer, lower sTg, lower sTg/TSH ratio and had received a lower dose of RAI as comapred to those who were discharged after 36 h. Serum TSH and gender were not found to have any significant correlation between two cohorts. ROC and multivariate analysis have shown age ${\leq}37years$, PTS ${\leq}3.8cm$, $RAI{\leq}150mCi$, $sTg{\leq}145ng/ml$ and $sTg/TSH{\leq}1.085$ as strong indepedent predictors for early release. Conclusions: We conclude that younger age (${\leq}37years$), smaller tumor size (${\leq}3.8cm$), lower RAI dose (${\leq}150mCi$), lower sTg (${\leq}145ng/ml$) and a lower sTg/TSH ratio (${\leq}1.085$) are significant independent predictors for release at 24 h after RAI treatment in DTC patients. Effective utilization of these factors could help the treating physicians to use limited number of internment facilities with higher throughput, lower cost and lower psychological stress to patients.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.307-313
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• 2014

Rumex crispus (curled dock), which is a perennial wild plant, has long been used as a laxative, astringent, and medicine to treat blood and skin diseases. We recently reported that the roots of R. crispus are an effective nutraceutical for bone. This study prepared ethanol extracts of the leaves and roots of R. crispus, and analyzed the major constituents using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In addition, their effects on the proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells, such as cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen content, and mineralization, were compared. The chromatograms of the chemical constituents of the two extracts exhibited quite different profiles: quercetin and quercitrin were identified as major peaks in the leaf extract, whereas cinnamtannin B1 and procyanidin isomers were the major peaks for the root extract. Neither extract was cytotoxic at concentrations of < $25{\mu}g/ml$. ALP activity and collagen synthesis-which are markers of the early stage of osteogenesis-in MG-63 cells were significantly increased upon the addition of the root extract compared with the addition of the leaf extract. In contrast, the leaf extract had a more stimulatory effect on mineralization-which is marker of the late stage of osteogenesis-in MG-63 cells than did the root extract. In conclusion, extracts of both leaves and roots of R. crispus stimulated the bone-forming activity of osteoblasts; in particular, the root extract was more effective in the early stage of osteoblast differentiation, while the leaf extract was more effective in the late stage. This difference in anabolic activity may be due to differences in the constituents of the leaves and roots. The leaves and roots of R. crispus appear to complement each other as stimulators of bone formation.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1102-1113
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• 2023

Objective: To elucidate the use of radiological studies, including nuclear medicine, and biopsy for the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (PCA) in clinical practice and understand the current status of PCA in Asian countries via an international survey. Materials and Methods: The Asian Prostate Imaging Working Group designed a survey questionnaire with four domains focused on prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), other prostate imaging, prostate biopsy, and PCA backgrounds. The questionnaire was sent to 111 members of professional affiliations in Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan who were representatives of their working hospitals, and their responses were analyzed. Results: This survey had a response rate of 97.3% (108/111). The rates of using 3T scanners, antispasmodic agents, laxative drugs, and prostate imaging-reporting and data system reporting for prostate MRI were 21.6%-78.9%, 22.2%-84.2%, 2.3%-26.3%, and 59.5%-100%, respectively. Respondents reported using the highest b-values of 800-2000 sec/mm² and fields of view of 9-30 cm. The prostate MRI examinations per month ranged from 1 to 600, and they were most commonly indicated for biopsy-naïve patients suspected of PCA in Japan and Singapore and staging of proven PCA in Korea and Taiwan. The most commonly used radiotracers for prostate positron emission tomography are prostate-specific membrane antigen in Singapore and fluorodeoxyglucose in three other countries. The most common timing for prostate MRI was before biopsy (29.9%). Prostate-targeted biopsies were performed in 63.8% of hospitals, usually by MRI-ultrasound fusion approach. The most common presentation was localized PCA in all four countries, and it was usually treated with radical prostatectomy. Conclusion: This survey showed the diverse technical details and the availability of imaging and biopsy in the evaluation of PCA. This suggests the need for an educational program for Asian radiologists to promote standardized evidence-based imaging approaches for the diagnosis and staging of PCA.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2005

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the status of bowel health behaviors, prevalence of constipation and risk factors related to self-reported constipation in high school students. Methods: The study subjects were 1,882 students of six high schools located in a metropolitan city, who were selected by the accidental sampling from June to August, 2002. We analyzed the data by frequency analysis, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS ver. 10.0. Results: The result of this study were summarized as follows: 1. A prevalence rate of self-reported constipation was 25.2%. A rate in male students was 13.4% and in female students 36.5%. 2. In regard to therapeutic behavior, 52.1% of study student with change in bowel habit had not find particular counsellor, 38.9% of the student had counselling with parents. 16.3% of students in constipation group had taken laxative medicine for treating the constipation. 73.5% of the student in constipation group had suffered from anal pain during defecation, but 48.0% in normal group. 41.6% of the student in constipation group had a experience of rectal bleeding after defecation, but 23.7% in normal group. So constipation related symptoms distribution had showed statistically significant difference between two group. 3. From the multivariate analysis by self-reported method, the risk factors related to the constipation were sex(female), experience of diet for weight reduction, absence of the breakfast and intake of vegetable more than 3 times per weeks. Conclusions: we had reconfirmed that we should improve eating habits to prevent and treat the constipation in a result of this study. Intervention that is target to girl students, abstain from weight reduction diet, regularity of taking meals, intake more vegetables, stress management should be provided to prevent the constipation especially in Korean high school students. Further prospective designed study are needed to establish the causal-effect relationship between so many risk factors with constipation.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2002

Purpose: Constipation in childhood is a significant problem, however, understanding of its epidemiology has been limited in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in school-aged children, helping to manage and prevent it. Methods: This cross-sectional, descripsive observational prevalence study included children (2grade, 1st and 6th grade) who were attending two elementary schools in Gwangju. The prevalence of constipation, associated symptoms, and risk factors were evaluated by questionnaire. A child was considered to be constipated when he or she defecated two or less times per week. Results: The prevalence of constipation was 15.4%. There is no significant difference between both sexes and grades. Of the causes of constipation, there was statistically significant difference in exercise deficiency, frequent intake of convenience food, long-time watching TV, unbalanced diet and enuresis history between constipation and normal group. Especially, long-time watching TV, exercise deficiency, and enuresis history were risk factors for development of constipation. Only 27.1% of children with constipation were treated by laxative and enema. Conclusion: Even though the prevalence of constipation was high, more than half of them was not treated at all. We should endeavor to educate the children and their parents to prevent constipation by evaluating the feeding and behavioral habit completely, and treating them properly.