• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.1-33
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• 2022

In primary prevention for cardiovascular diseases, there are significant barriers to adherence including freedom from symptoms, long latency for therapeutic benefits, life-long duration of treatment, and need for combined lifestyle changes. However, to implement more systematic approaches, the focus on adherence improvement needs to be shifted away from patient factors to the effects of the treatment team and healthcare system. In addition to conventional educational approaches, more patient-oriented approaches such as patient-centered clinical communication skills, counseling using motivational strategies, decision-making by patient empowerment, and a multi-disciplinary team approach should be developed and implemented. Patients should be involved in a program of self-monitoring, self-management, and active counseling. Because most effective interventions on adherence improvement demand greater resources, the health care system and educational or training system of physicians and healthcare staff need to be supported for systematic improvement.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.71-81
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• 2024

Purpose : In this study, we compared the effects of ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises in individuals with a forward head posture. Outcome measures investigated included the neck disability index, craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), and thickness of the longus colli muscle (LC) and carotid artery (CA) post-intervention. Methods : The study included 20 individuals with a forward head posture, who were assigned to an experimental group (EG, individuals performed ankle exercises) or control group (CG, individuals performed McKenzie and cervical stabilization exercises). The EG intervention was specifically designed to enhance proprioception in the ankle joint and strengthen the ankle muscles to improve overall stability and function. In contrast, CG interventions aimed to improve neck muscle balance and cervical spine alignment. Paired t-tests were used to analyze intragroup changes and independent t-tests to determine intergroup differences pre-and post-intervention. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at α=.05. Results : We observed significant post-intervention improvements in both groups, specifically, in the CVA, CRA, and LC and CA thickness (p<.05). These results indicate that ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises were useful for neck posture correction, improved muscle balance, and enhanced blood flow to the neck. Conclusion : This study underscores the positive effects of ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises in individuals with a forward head posture. Our study highlights the benefits of these exercises for posture correction and overall neck health and the clinical effectiveness and usefulness of ankle exercises as an important intervention to improve forward head posture.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.23-34
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• 2024

Milk, which is often referred to as a healthy beverage, is the first food encountered at birth. During digestion, A1-type milk often leads to digestive disorders due to increased levels of 𝛽-casomorphin-7. It also tends to induce inflammatory responses in the gut immune system by altering the gut microbiota and triggering conditions such as diabetes and respiratory hypersensitivity. In contrast, A2-type milk is gaining attention because of fewer associated problems than A1 milk and its unique functional benefits. However, information on the efficacy of A2 milk relies primarily on limited clinical and animal trial data, and substantiating its efficacy and functional superiority remains a challenge. Therefore, various studies, including research on the distinctive efficacy and functions of A2 milk compared with conventional A1 milk and investigations into the mechanisms underlying its effects on human health following consumption, are necessary in the future.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.295-310
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• 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to a global health crisis with substantial mortality and morbidity. To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, various vaccines have been developed, but unexpected serious adverse events including vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, carditis, and thromboembolic events have been reported and became a huddle for COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine-related myocarditis (VRM) is a rare but significant adverse event associated primarily with mRNA vaccines. This review explores the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, management strategies, and outcomes associated with VRM. The incidence of VRM is notably higher in male adolescents and young adults, especially after the second dose of mRNA vaccines. The pathogenesis appears to involve an immune-mediated process, but the precise mechanism remains mostly unknown so far. Most studies have suggested that VRM is mild and self-limiting, and responds well to conventional treatment. However, a recent nationwide study in Korea warns that severe cases, including fulminant myocarditis or death, are not uncommon in patients with COVID-19 VRM. The long-term cardiovascular consequences of VRM have not been well understood and warrant further investigation. This review also briefly addresses the critical balance between the substantial benefits of COVID-19 vaccination and the rare risks of VRM in the coming endemic era. It emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, research to understand the underlying mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate risk. Filling these knowledge gaps would be vital to refining vaccination recommendations and improving patient care in the evolving COVID-19 pandemic landscape.

• BioChip Journal
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• v.16
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• pp.280-290
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• 2020

Considerable attention is given to drug delivery technology that efficiently delivers appropriate levels of drug molecules to diseased sites with significant therapeutic efficacy. Nanotechnology has been used to develop various strategies for targeted drug delivery, while controlling the release of drugs because of its many benefits. Here, a delivery system was designed to control drug release by external magnetic fields using porous silica and magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanochains (MNs) of various lengths (MN-1: 1.4 ± 0.8 ㎛, MN-2: 2.2 ± 1.1 ㎛, and MN-3: 5.3 ± 2.0 ㎛) were synthesized by controlling the exposure time of the external magnetic force in magnetic nanoaggregates (MNCs). Mesoporous silica-coated magnetic nanochains (MSMNs) (MSMN-1, MSMN-2, and MSMN-3) were prepared by forming a porous silica layer through sol-gel polymerization. These MSMNs could load the drug doxorubicin (DOX) into the silica layer (DOX-MSMNs) and control the release behavior of the DOX through an external rotating magnetic field. Simulations and experiments were used to verify the motion and drug release behavior of the MSMNs. Furthermore, a bio-receptor (aptamer, Ap) was introduced onto the surface of the DOX-MSMNs (Ap-DOX-MSMNs) that could recognize specific cancer cells. The Ap-DOX-MSMNs demonstrated a strong therapeutic effect on cancer cells that was superior to that of the free DOX. The potent ability of these MSMNs as an external stimulus-responsive drug delivery system was proven.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.141-150
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• 2024

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans in the Republic of Korea have spiked, reaching approximately 9 million examinations annually in 2017. CT provides significant medical benefits, but radiation exposure remains a concern. This study aims to analyze CT scans in Korea, as a basis study for radiation safety management. Materials and Methods: The raw data of total CT scans was obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service and analyzed by CT scan type, patients' age and sex, and medical facility type. CT scans trends were analyzed considering the disease incidence. Results and Discussion: In 2017, CT scans accounted for 8,977,300. Usage per capita was 0.18 in males and 0.17 in females. CT scans increased with age until the 50- to 59-year-old groups, then decreased. CT scans were high in abdominal/pelvic (35%), chest (26%), and head (22%) regions due to higher disease rates. Head CT was most frequently used for infants and children. Abdominal/pelvic, chest, and spine CT were more frequent for older groups. The CT scans in the upper and lower extremities was high in child and juvenile groups. Chest and abdominal/pelvic CTs were higher in males, whereas spine, whole spine, and CT densitometry were higher in females. The proportion of CT scans of tertiary and general hospitals, hospitals, and clinics accounted for ≥80%, 13%, and 5%, respectively. Abdomen/pelvis, chest, and head/neck CTs were mostly conducted in tertiary and general hospitals, spine CT in hospitals and clinics, extremity CT in hospitals, and CT densitometry in clinics. Conclusion: The trend of CT scans varied based on the incidence rate for each patient's sex and age, and serious illness diagnosis by medical facility type. The results of this study provide data and guidance for evaluating the radiation exposure of the Korean population by CT and developing management policies for medical radiation safety.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.181-191
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• 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among reproductive-age women. As a leading cause of anovulatory infertility, it complicates fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization. The widely accepted 2003 Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS include sub-phenotypes based on variations in androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. In this systematic review, we examined the impacts of inositol and vitamin D on fertility in PCOS. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, we used relevant keywords to comprehensively search databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MDPI. From an initial pool of 345 articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. The articles suggest that vitamin D and inositol, particularly myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, may represent therapeutic options for PCOS. Vitamin D influences ovarian follicular development, glucose regulation, and insulin sensitivity. When combined with metformin therapy, it is associated with improved menstrual regularity and ovulation. Inositol is crucial for cellular signaling, energy metabolism, glucose regulation, and fertility. This systematic review underscores the importance of investigating inositol and vitamin D within a PCOS management strategy, given the disorder's prevalence and impacts on fertility and metabolic health. Although these agents show promise, additional research could clarify their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits. This review emphasizes the need for exploration of effective treatments to improve the quality of life among individuals with PCOS. Inositol and vitamin D represent potential options, but more studies are required to elucidate their roles in the management of this condition.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.209-223
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• 2024

Purpose: Periodontal disease is a chronic condition caused by microbial infection and mediated by the host's immune response. Phytotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes a renewable resource capable of supplying less expensive medicines for the world's growing population. This review aimed to present clinical evidence on the use of complementary medicinal herbs in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Methods: Different databases were searched using the terms "herbal" and "periodontitis." All included studies were examined with a focus on herbal indications, type, and prescription length. Dentists' therapeutic and prophylactic herbal prescribing habits were also assessed. Results: Various herbs such as turmeric, neem, aloe-vera, pomegranate, catechu, tulsi, cloves, lemon grass, green tea, tea tree oil, peppermint, garlic, pineapple, oak bark, babul, bakul, sage, coriander, moringa, amla, guava, and grape seed extract have been used in the treatment of periodontitis. These herbs have been reported to exhibit a range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antiplaque, antihalitosis, antiresorptive, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. These components can be utilized in various forms such as mouth rinse, gel, oil, toothpaste, aqueous extract, mouthwash, or tooth powder. Conclusions: Several readily available herbal formulations are now available on the market and have been shown to be effective as supplemental periodontal phytotherapy. However, these should be used under the supervision of a dental professional to ensure optimal benefits and effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the understanding of suggested herbal prescription practices among dental professionals.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.945-956
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• 2022

It is well documented that the fruit of the vitamin tree, which is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, shows anti-diabetic, antibacterial, immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. In some countries including Europe it has been used to develop various functional foods. This study was conducted to elucidate the fermentation properties of fermented milk supplemented with vitamin tree (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit powder. The pH, titratable acidity, number of viable cells, and viscosity of the yogurt made with vitamin tree fruit powder were found to be higher than those of the control group, as the amount of supplemented powder added became higher and the fermentation progressed. Production of lactic, malic, and acetic acids increased relative to that of the control as the amounts of supplemented powder were higher. It was found that the increase in the decomposition of lactose to glucose and galactose was proportional to the amount of supplemented powder added and the elapsed fermentation time. During storage for 15 days the quality of yogurt supplemented with vitamin tree fruit powder was within the proper range of fermented milk quality in terms of pH, titratable acidity, and number of lactic acid bacteria. The yoghurt manufactured with vitamin tree fruit powder has a similar quality to that of the control, and therefore, a new functional yoghurt providing health benefits could be developed.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.279-289
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• 2024

Objectives: To report effects of M&L psychotherapy combined with Korean medical treatments on a patient with chronic low back pain. Methods: We treated a patient with chronic low back pain using M&L psychotherapy alongside a combination of Korean medical treatments, which included acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. The patient was diagnosed based on the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for chronic primary pain. To evaluate the patient's progress, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: After three weeks of inpatient treatment and two months of outpatient treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in both pain and psychological symptoms. The NRS score decreased from 7 to 2. The BDI score decreased from 54 to 11 and the BAI score decreased from 33 to 9. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that M&L psychotherapy combined with Korean medical treatments can significantly reduce chronic low back pain and improve psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The patient's notable improvements in NRS, BDI, and BAI scores suggest that an integrated treatment approach addressing both physical and mental health aspects is effective for managing chronic pain. These findings support potential benefits of holistic and multidisciplinary strategies for treating patients with chronic pain.