• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.125-131
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• 2020

Purpose : Lower extremity orthoses have been used as conservative methods to recover gait of the stroke patients. The purpose of this study is to examine how newly designed pelvic belt orthosis can improve gait ability and dynamic balance of adults with Hemiparesis after stroke. Methods : 22 patients who had hemiparesis after stroke participated in this study. Two groups were randomly created by assigning 10 subjects to the experimental group and the rest of the 12 subjects to the control group. The control group was treated by conventional physical therapy and occupational therapy. Identical therapy protocols were used to treat the experimental group who were assigned to wear the pelvic belt orthosis during post measurement. This study has a group of independent variables including group, gender, age, height, MAS, lesion side, cause and a group of dependent variables including gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and dynamic balance. The GAITRite system was used to measure spatial-temporal gain parameters and the balance system SD to measure dynamic balance. The data was analyzed using R version 3.3.1. Random forest, boosting algorithm, and MANOVA test were conducted to determine the effects of independent variables on dependent variables. Results : This study has a group of independent variables including group, gender, age, height, MAS, lesion side, cause and a group of dependent variables including gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and dynamic balance. The independent variable "group" has the most important value, which is approximately 25.42 (%IncMSE) representing a value three times greater than the second important predictor "height." Conclusion : As a result of this research, the hypothesis is validated with conclusion that Pelvic Belt orthosis could be effectively used for improving gait ability and balance of the patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2022

Background: Muscle activities of gluteus maximus (GM) and hamstring (HAM) have important roles in the stability and mobility of the hip joint during various functional activities including bridge and prone hip extension exercises. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate muscle activities of GM, multifidus (MF) and HAM during three different bridge exercises in healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were participated. Electromyography device was used to measure muscle activities of GM, MF and HAM. Each subject was asked to perform three different bridge exercises with hip abduction (0°, 15°, 30°) in random order. One-way repeated measures analysis of the variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test were used. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.01. Results: The muscle activity of GM was significantly different among three conditions (hip abduction 0°, 15°, 30°) (adjusted p-value [Padj] < 0.01). The muscle activity of GM was significantly greater during bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° compared to 0° and 15° (Padj < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the muscle activity of MF and HAM muscle (Padj > 0.01). The ratio of muscle activity (ratio = GM/HAM) during bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° was significant greater compared to the hip abduction angles 0° and 15° (Padj < 0.01). Conclusion: Bridge exercise with hip abduction 30° can be recommended to selectively facilitate the muscle activity of GM and improve the ratio of muscle activity between GM and HAM.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.331-341
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• 2021

Liver cancer is a common tumor and currently the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Liver cancer is highly related to inflammation as more than 90% of liver cancer arises in the context of hepatic inflammation, such as hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. Despite significant improvements in the therapeutic modalities for liver cancer, patient prognosis is not satisfactory due to the limited efficacy of current drug therapies in anti-metastatic activity. Therefore, developing new effective anti-cancer agents with anti-metastatic activity is important for the treatment of liver cancer. In this study, SP-8356, a verbenone derivative with anti-inflammatory activity, was investigated for its effect on the growth and migration of liver cancer cells. Our findings demonstrated that SP-8356 inhibits the proliferation of liver cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and suppressing the mobility and invasion ability of liver cancer cells. Functional studies revealed that SP-8356 inhibits the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways, which are related to cell proliferation and metastasis, resulting in the downregulation of metastasis-related genes. Moreover, using an orthotopic liver cancer model, tumor growth was significantly decreased following treatment with SP-8356. Thus, this study suggests that SP-8356 may be a potential agent for the treatment of liver cancer with multimodal regulation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 2022

IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory condition by infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells that often presents as a tumorous lesion. This disease can affect nearly every organ system. After the pancreas, the head and neck region is second most common site for presentation of IgG4-related disease such as Mikulicz's disease, Küttner tumor. The involvement of IgG4-related disease in laryngeal lesions is extremely rare. We have experienced a case of IgG4-related disease with pseudotumor formation in the larynx that is suggestive of malignancy in radiologic findings. But the pathology findings was finally confirmed as IgG4-related disease. Oral treatment with prednisolone was initiated, and the edematous mass reduced in size without permanent functional impairment of vocal fold mobility. We report our experience with a literature review.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.247-256
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kaltenborn-Evjenth (KE) joint mobilization of the distal radioulnar joints (RUJ) and proximal RUJ in distal radius fractures (DRFs) on range of motion (ROM), grip strength (GS), and patient-written wrist evaluation (PRWE) in each group once, thrice, or fivefold. Methods : Forty-two subjects participated in this study. We divided the subjects with DRFs into groups applying KE concepts RUJ mobilization once, thrice, and fivefold. The patients' ROM and GS were measured using a joint goniometer and dynamometer, respectively. Pain and function were also assessed using a PRWE. In the statistical analysis, all data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-tests were performed for within-group before-and-after comparisons of each intervention. One-way analysis of variance was used for between-group comparisons of differences. All statistical significance levels were set at α=.05. Results : There were significant differences in the ROM in all three groups before and after the intervention (p<.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups. There were significant differences in the GS in the three groups before and after the intervention (p<.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups. In the pain part of the PRWE, all three groups had significant differences before and after intervention (p<.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. In the functional part of the PRWE, there were significant differences in the three groups before and after intervention (p<.05), but no significant difference occurred between the groups. Conclusion : Based on the aforementioned results, there were no significant between-group differences in ROM, GS, and PRWE (pain and function) after the application of the K-E joint mobilization to DRFs once, thrice, and fivefold. Nevertheless, there were significant within-group differences in all the above.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

Purpose: This systematic review aims to determine whether robot-assisted training is more effective in gait training for persons with subacute hemiparetic stroke. Methods: This study adopted a systematic review study design focused on subacute hemiparetic stroke, and four core academic databases were searched until June 11, 2021, for relevant studies, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Central. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of robotic-assisted training on gait performance in persons with a diagnosis of subacute hemiparetic stroke. The selected RCT studies were qualitatively synthesized based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, settings, and study design (PICOS-SD). Results: The study selected five RCTs involving 253 subacute hemiparetic stroke patients and performing robotic-assisted gait training using the following devices: the Lokomat, Morning Walk, Walkbot, ProStep Plus, or Gait Trainer II. Five RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis after quantitative synthesis, and the results showed that the robot-assisted gait training group had a greater gait performance than the control group based on the 10-meter walk test, Berg balance scale, Rivermed mobility index, functional ambulation category, and modified Barthel index. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the gait performance of subacute hemiparetic stroke patients changes throughout robot-assisted gait training, but there were no indications that any of the clinically relevant effects of robot-assisted training are greater than those of conventional gait training. Further, the small sample size and different therapeutic intensities indicate that definitive conclusions could not be made.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2022

Bacteria grow biofilm on various surface such as separation membrane, food packaging film and biomedical device. Growth of biofilm is associated with the formation of a complex structure of exopolysaccharides. Effect of antibacterial effect reduce drastically once the biofilm developed due to the difficulties in mass transport of antimicrobial agent. In order to enhance the antibacterial activity, surface of the membrane is modified, coated or immobilized with functional materials with biocidal properties. One of the idea is to introduce positive charge on the membrane surface by the presence of quaternary ammonium group which might displace divalent metal ion such as magnesium or calcium present in the bacteria cell wall. Efficacy of cell membrane disruption depends on the mobility of the agents available directly on the surface environment. In this review, various biocidal agents like quaternary ammonium group, helamine or zwitter ion containing membrane are discussed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 2023

Background: Various functional tests such as upper quarter Y-balance test (UQYBT) are used to evaluate shoulder stability and mobility in clinical or sports fields. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between the scapular or trunk muscle and UQYBT. However, the correlation between UQYBT and hip flexor, which can be considered as a core muscle, has not been confirmed. Objects: To verify the relationship between the UQYBT and scapular muscle (scapular protractor and lower trapezius [LT]), trunk muscle, and hip flexor strengths in healthy male participants. Methods: A total of 37 healthy male participants were recruited and underwent UQYBT in the push-up posture. The isometric strength of the scapular protractor, LT, trunk flexor and extensor, and hip flexors were measured using a smart KEMA strength sensor (KOREATECH Inc.). Results: The superolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related to trunk extensor (r = 0.443, p < 0.01), scapular protractor (r = 0.412, p < 0.05), LT (r = 0.436, p < 0.01), and both sides of the hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.669, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.641, p < 0.01). The inferolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately related to the scapular protractor (r = 0.429, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.511, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.481, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.521, p < 0.01). The medial direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related with the scapular protractor (r = 0.522, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.541, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.605, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.561, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that the strength of the scapular muscles, trunk muscles, and hip flexor muscles correlated to the UQYBT. Therefore, the strength of not only the scapular and trunk muscles but also the hip flexor muscles should be considered to improve the UQYBT.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.252-263
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• 2023

Purpose: To assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness of Tai Chi on the functional outcomes of older adults in the community. Methods: This was a mixed-method study that employed a single-group repeated measure design and in-depth interviews. Nine older adults were recruited from the community were recruited to participate in a Tai Chi program, conducted twice weekly for 6 months. Research outcomes included physical function, cognitive function, and quality of life, measured at intervals of 3 and 6 months. Findings: Tai Chi exercises were gradually conducted based on the health status of the older adults. All participants actively participated in the program with an average attendance of 90%. Consequently, the participants showed significant improvements in mobility and their memory recall ability at both 3 and 6 months. Additionally, the results of the Stroop test exhibited improvement 3 months after the commencement of the study program. Quality of life of the participants improved according to the mild cognitive impairment questionnaire, but it did not show significant improvement in health-related quality of life. Conclusion: The Tai Chi exercise program was a safe and, feasible program to improve the physical function, cognitive function, quality of life among the older adults in the community.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week combined cognitive and physical exercise program on cognitive and physical functions in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design: A one-group pretest-posttest study. Methods: Twelve participants with MCI engaged in a weekly 60-minute session of combined cognitive and physical exercise program. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while physical function was evaluated through measures of muscle strength, postural balance, and walking capabilities. Muscle strength assessments included the arm curl test, handgrip strength, and the 5 sit-to-stand test. Postural balance was evaluated using the one-leg stance test, timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, and four square step test. Walking function was analyzed through a gait analysis device. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were compared to determine the effects of the exercise program. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in MoCA, arm curl test, timed up-and-go test, walking speed, and cadence following the 12-week intervention (p<0.05). MoCA scores revealed enhanced cognitive performance, while measures of muscle strength, including the arm curl test, exhibited significant changes. Improvements in timed up-and-go test scores indicated enhanced mobility, accompanied by increased walking speed and cadence, as evidenced by gait analysis. Conclusions: This study suggests that a structured 12-week program incorporating both cognitive and physical exercises can lead to meaningful improvements in cognitive and physical functions among older adults with MCI.