• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.140-149
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• 2021

Background: The aim of these two (pre COVID-19 pandemic) public health studies in Amsterdam were to promote the profession of the oral hygienist and to increase oral health care awareness among (pregnant) women and young mothers, who were visitors of public consumer's exhibitions. Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were carried out. In 2018, during the first study, 1,765 visitors of the Household Fair completed a questionnaire. In 2020, during Study 2, 304 visitors of the Nine-Month Fair completed a semi-structured online questionnaire. At both fairs a team of 'outspoken' oral hygienists, i.e., members of the Foundation 'Goed Gebekt', provided the visitors with tailored advices about general health related to adults, mothers', and their children' oral health, using natural routine interviewing, that was based on their own professional daily practical experience. Results: In Study 1, just over half (53.5%) of a total of 1,742 visitors, (85.7% female) was younger than 45 years old. In Study 2, 210 visitors with a mean age of 30.7 years were included. Most women reported their self-perceived oral health as 'good' (mean=8.0, standard deviation=1.3; range 3~10). Qualified (self) employed oral hygienists seem to be known among the visitors, but still only visited upon referral of the dentists. Up to the age of 18 reimbursements by the basic insurance is still unknown to the public. Conclusion: The Foundation 'Goed Gebekt' encourages other oral hygienists to make their own initiatives and experiences public and to share it. Public awareness is needed for oral health promotion and the development of optimally targeted interventions among (pregnant) women and young mothers by oral hygienists.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2021

Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads heterogeneously, disproportionately impacting poor and minority communities. The relationship between poverty and race is complex, with a diverse set of structural and systemic factors driving higher rates of poverty among minority populations. The factors that specifically contribute to the disproportionate rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, are not clearly understood. Methods: We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 test results from community-based testing sites in Los Angeles, California, between June and December, 2020. We used tester zip code data to link those results with United States Census report data on average annual household income, rates of healthcare coverage, and employment status by zip code. Results: We analyzed 2 141 127 SARS-CoV-2 test results, of which 245 154 (11.4%) were positive. Multivariable modeling showed a higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 test positivity among Hispanic communities than among other races. We found an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 positivity among individuals from zip codes with an average annual household income

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.65-84
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• 2021

Our understanding of how barriers to access systematically varies with the compositional and contextual characteristics of users is incomplete. Using a public university library in Ghana, this study assessed the heterogeneous barriers or constraints students encounter in accessing electronic resources based on their demographic and contextual attributes. A descriptive survey design was adopted and structured questionnaires were administered randomly to 558 students in the four constituent colleges of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS and descriptive statistics were generated. The results revealed that students faced six key challenges in accessing electronic information resources in the library namely delays in download of information, poor internet connectivity, and limited accessibility of university portal, inadequate computers in the library, poor lighting and limited ancillary services (on the spot printing facilities), with differences based on gender, academic level, and college affiliation. Only 24% males and 26% females had no challenges or problems with delays in download of electronic information. About three-fourth of all users had poor internet connectivity and complained about inadequate computers associated with accessing electronic resources. 40% percent of undergraduate students in the Colleges of Education Studies, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and Humanities and Legal Studies each encountered four to six simultaneous challenges. Irrespective of gender, first year undergraduate students in all the four colleges were the least likely to report multiple challenges. This suggests the need for targeted and context-specific interventions to address the identified challenges.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for brain reperfusion injury in ischemic stroke patients and to analyze the clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 168 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-Square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression with IBM SPSS/WIN 24.0. Results: Brain reperfusion injury occurred in 67 patients (39.9%) with a low favored outcome (𝛘²=6.01, p=.014). On multivariable analysis, blood urea nitrogen (Odds ratio [OR]=1.14, 95% Confidence interval [CI]=1.06-1.23), aphasia (OR=6.16, CI=1.62-23.40), anosognosia (OR=4.84, CI=1.13-20.79), presence of both aphasia and anosognosia (OR=7.33, CI=1.20-44.60), and time required to achieve targeted blood pressure (OR=1.00, CI=1.00-1.00) were identified as risk factors for brain reperfusion injury. A statistically significant difference was detected in clinical outcomes, including hemorrhagic transformation (𝛘²=6.32, p=.012), intensive care unit length of stay (Z=-2.08, p=.038), National Institute of Health Stroke scale score at discharge (Z=-3.14, p=.002), and modified Rankin Scale score at discharge (Z=-2.93, p=.003). Conclusion: This study identified the risk factors and presented the clinical outcomes of brain reperfusion injury. It is necessary to consider these risk factors for evaluating the patients and to establish nursing interventions and strategies.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.88-97
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• 2021

Purpose: Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have impaired balance and movement control. Exercise interventions have not targeted these impairments in this population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of complex balance exercises on unstable ground, on the gait, balance, and daily living ability of patients with total knee arthroplasty. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The participants consisted of 30 patients placed into two groups of 15 each: a experimental group (complex balance exercise) and a control group (physical therapy exercise). Both group exercise was applied for 3 times a week for 30 minutes for four weeks. Force plate for balance ability and Timed up and go (TUG) test were the primary outcome measures. The secondary outcome measures included 10-m walk test (10MWT) and the daily living ability using the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living scale (KOS-ADL). Results: The result of this study showed that the experimental group had a significant difference in TUG and 10MWT than the control group, and balance was significantly different in CEA, CPL, and CAV. There was a significant difference in daily living ability between the experimental and control groups. This study confirms that the physical therapy with complex balance exercise on unstable surfaces has positive effects on balance, gait and daily living ability in patients with total knee arthroplasty. Conclusion: As a result of this study, complex balance exercise on unstable surface was more effective in improvement gait, balance and daily living ability in total knee arthroplasty. From this study, physical therapy with complex balance exercises on unstable ground may be proposed as and effective intervention method for improving gait, balance, and daily living ability in patients with early total knee arthroplasty.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.1168-1177
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• 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal death in the midbrain. Recently, the association between alterations in PD pathology and the gut microbiota has been explored. Microbiota-targeted interventions have been suggested as a novel therapeutic approach for PD. Agathobaculum butyriciproducens SR79^T (SR79) is an anaerobic bacterium. Previously, we showed that SR79 treatment induced cognitive improvement and reduced Alzheimer's disease pathologies in a mouse model. In this study, we hypothesized that SR79 treatment may have beneficial effects on PD pathology. To investigate the therapeutic effects of SR79 on PD, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced mouse models were used. D-Amphetamine sulfate (d-AMPH)-induced behavioral rotations and dopaminergic cell death were analyzed in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Treatment with SR79 significantly decreased ipsilateral rotations induced by d-AMPH. Moreover, SR79 treatment markedly activated the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway in the striatum. In addition, SR79 treatment affected the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and its downstream target genes in the striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Our findings suggest a protective role of SR79 in 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by regulating the AKT/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and astrocyte activation. Thus, SR79 may be a potential microbe-based intervention and therapeutic strategy for PD.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.99-111
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• 2023

Purpose : Although quantitative research on alcohol consumption among nursing students is important, qualitative research is needed to determine the subjective views of individual students, such as their feelings and thoughts, and ensure the implementation of a targeted alcohol intervention program. Q-methodology is a systematic approach that examines the subjective perspectives of individuals, including their views, beliefs, and attitudes, enabling understanding of the types and characteristics according to the individual's subjectivity structure. This study examined the subjective perceptions of drinking among freshmen in nursing college using Q methodology. Methods : Q-sorting was conducted, collecting 38 P samples and 40 statements. The data were analyzed using the PC QUANL program. The principal component factor analysis method was used for Q-factor analysis. Results : The results identified four types of drinking perceptions among freshmen in nursing college. Type 1 was "safety and health pursuit," type 2 was "friendship pursuit," type 3 was "'norm-oriented," and type 4 was "sound manners." When looking at the subjective perceptions of drinking among freshmen in nursing college, there was a common opinion that drinking should not be forced and that it is an individual choice. However, the difference in views (positive and negative) of drinking shows the need for customized educational programs and interventions suitable for each type. Conclusion : Nursing freshmen should be prepared to play an important role in health care as an educational role and model in preventing damage from drinking and maintaining health promotion throughout their life by habituating proper drinking behavior during college life. In addition, it is necessary to develop a plan to increase positive awareness of drinking among nursing students through various strategic programs that can participate in sobriety prevention programs within the university.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.157-166
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• 2023

Purpose : The purposes of this study were to determine the relationships of communication skills with smartphone addiction and self-efficacy before clinical practice training among nursing students and to provide basic data for developing and verifying the effectiveness of an intervention program for improving nursing students' communication skills. Methods : This study targeted those who obtained consent to collect data explained the purpose and procedure of the study for the first and second graders of the nursing department at one university located in B city. The data collection period was from April 24 to May 13, 2023. A total of 207 questionnaire responses were included in the analysis. The collected data were analyzed using t-tests and analysis of variance in the SPSS/Win 230 program. The results were reported as real numbers, percentages, mean values, and standard deviations. The correlations between the variables were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results : Smartphone addiction according to the general characteristics of the study subjects showed significant differences in 'residence type' (F=2.91, p=.035) and 'average smartphone usage time' (F=20.15, p=.000). It seemed. self-efficacy was determined by 'age' (F=2.74, p=.045), 'subjective academic level' (F=7.71, p=.001), and 'average smartphone usage time' (F=3.96, p=.009) showed a significant difference. Communication skills showed a significant difference in 'average smartphone usage time' (F=3.83, p=.011). The correlation between the variables of the study subjects showed that self-efficacy was negatively correlated with smartphone addiction (r=-.42, p<.001), and communication ability was positively correlated with self-efficacy. It was found that (r=.55, p<.001). 15) Conclusion : On the basis of the study results, the higher the nursing students' smartphone addiction, the lower their self-efficacy, and the higher their communication ability, the higher their self-efficacy. Therefore, intervention research is necessary to develop interventions for preventing smartphone addiction and increasing communication ability among nursing students.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.261-269
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• 2023

Background: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common condition encountered in ambulatory practice and is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions. This study aimed to evaluate the potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARS in South Korea and identify influencing factors. Methods: We analyzed Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Samples data. We selected outpatients aged 20 to 64 with ARS, prescribed antibiotics between February and November 2020. Potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was categorized as: 1) inappropriate antibiotic selection and 2) inappropriate antibiotic dosage or duration. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the impact of various factors on inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Results: Of 1,210 patients, 80.83% received potentially inappropriate ARS antibiotic prescriptions. Inappropriate antibiotic selection accounted for 43.55%, and inappropriate antibiotic dosage and duration contributed to 37.28%. Otolaryngologists had higher odds ratio (OR) of potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescribing compared to internal medicine practitioners, while dentists had lower OR. Patients aged 20 to 29 years had a higher OR than other age groups, and those who visited primary care clinics had a higher OR than those who visited hospitals. Conclusion: Potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for ARS is prevalent in South Korea. This study identified physician specialty, patient age group, and the level of healthcare facility as factors influencing potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Addressing this issue through targeted interventions, such as improved guidelines adherence and patient education, is imperative to mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic misuse and antibiotic resistance.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.100005.1-100005.15
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• 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with a complex genetic basis, presenting both in familial and sporadic forms. The hexanucleotide (G₄C₂) repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, which triggers distinct pathogenic mechanisms, has been identified as a major contributor to familial and sporadic Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. Animal models have proven pivotal in understanding these mechanisms; however, discrepancies between models due to variable transgene sequence, expression levels, and toxicity profiles complicate the translation of findings. Herein, we provide a systematic comparison of 7 publicly available Drosophila transgenes modeling the G₄C₂ expansion under uniform conditions, evaluating variations in their toxicity profiles. Further, we tested 3 previously characterized disease-modifying drugs in selected lines to uncover discrepancies among the tested strains. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the C9orf72 G₄C₂ mutations but also presents a framework for comparing constructs with minute structural differences. This work may be used to inform experimental designs to better model disease mechanisms and help guide the development of targeted interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, thus bridging the gap between model-based research and therapeutic application.