• 대한융합한의학회지
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.5-13
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• 2022

Objectives: Smoking had a long negative impact on public health. The ingredients of a cigarette are major risk factors for several diseases. Owing to the problems about economic and quality of life, we need to ensure smoking cessation (SC). There are several approaches for SC including pharmacological therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, education, and behavioral intervention. However, due to some limitations, other alternative approaches are gaining popularity. Acupuncture has been reported to have few side effects and be more effective than some conventional treatments in several articles. However, there are no systematic reviews on the comparison of acupuncture combination treatment with other conventional monotherapies. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that used acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for SC will be searched and data will be summarized according to the predefined criteria. The primary outcome will be the abstinence rate, and secondary outcomes will be adverse events and biochemical indicators. We will use Review Manager to perform a meta-analysis, Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool for the risk of bias assessment, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to determine the quality of evidence. We will investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combination treatment for SC with this study. Ethics and dissemination: This study will provide reliable clinical evidence on additional effect of acupuncture on smoking cessation. We will publish our results in a peer-review journal.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제44권5호
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• pp.1071-1082
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatment with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. Case presentation: We used Korean medicine treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) to treat a hospitalized patient with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The degree of cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet was also evaluated using evaluation paper. The generic health status was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. The 31-year-old female underwent 13 days of inpatient treatment. Her pattern identification was that both hands and feet are cold (BiYangHeo) types. The treatments were herbal medicine and acupuncture. She took Gyejigabuja-tang for 13 days. She also received acupuncture for 20 minutes twice a day at LI11 (曲池), L14 (合谷), TE5 (外關) on her hands, LR3 (太衝), SP6 (三陰交), SP9 (陰陵泉) ST36 (足三里), GB41 (足臨泣) on Feet, GV4 (命門), GV3 (腰陽關), BL23 (腎兪), BL24 (氣海兪), BL25 (大腸兪), and BL26 (關元兪) on the low back. After 2 weeks of treatment, the NRS scale of her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet symptoms dropped from NRS 7 to NRS 3, and her low back pain dropped from NRS 6 to NRS 3. Her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet evaluation paper score decreased from 64 to 32, and her EQ-5D increased from 0.487 to 0.681. After the end of treatment, continued symptom improvements and no significant side effects were confirmed. Results: These findings suggest that Korean medical treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) may be effective for treating cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. The NRS, evaluation paper, and EQ-5D scores improved after treatment, with no side effects.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.47.1-47.12
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• 2024

Importance: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli contribute to global health challenges by forming biofilms, a key virulence element implicated in the pathogenesis of several infections. Objective: The study examined the efficacy of various generations of cephalosporins against biofilms developed by pathogenic S. aureus and E. coli. Methods: The development of biofilms by both bacteria was assessed using petri-plate and microplate methods. Biofilm hydrolysis and inhibition were tested using first to fourth generations of cephalosporins, and the effects were analyzed by crystal violet staining and phase contrast microscopy. Results: Both bacterial strains exhibited well-developed biofilms in petri-plate and microplate assays. Cefradine (first generation) showed 76.78% hydrolysis of S. aureus biofilm, while significant hydrolysis (59.86%) of E. coli biofilm was observed by cefipime (fourth generation). Similarly, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, cefepime, and cefradine caused 78.8%, 71.63%, 70.63%, and 70.51% inhibition of the S. aureus biofilms, respectively. In the case of E. coli, maximum biofilm inhibition (66.47%) was again shown by cefepime. All generations of cephalosporins were more effective against S. aureus than E. coli, which was confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. Conclusions and Relevance: Cephalosporins exhibit dual capabilities of hydrolyzing and inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli biofilms. First-generation cephalosporins exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against S. aureus, while the third and fourth generations significantly inhibited E. coli biofilms. This study highlights the importance of tailored antibiotic strategies based on the biofilm characteristics of specific bacterial strains.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제87권1호
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• pp.100-114
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• 2024

Background: Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves the survival of patients with hypoxemia due to chronic respiratory diseases. The clinical outcomes of LTOT are strongly associated with patient adherence. To improve the adherence of patients, physicians have focused on the efficacy of LTOT. However, poor adherence may stem from patients' perceptions of LTOT. Herein we evaluated patients' perceptions of LTOT affecting adherence. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study using descriptive, open, and closed-ended questionnaire. Patients using oxygen therapy (OT) or requiring it but avoiding OT responded to the questionnaires at three university hospitals. Results: Seventy-nine patients responded to the questionnaires. The number of patients using home and portable OT was 69 (93%) and 37 (46.3%), respectively. Patients with good adherence were 22 (30.1%). Among patients with good adherence, 90.9% used oxygen according to physicians' prescriptions whereas only 37.3% of those with poor adherence followed physicians' prescriptions (p<0.01). The reasons for avoiding using home OT were fear of permanent use (50%), unwanted attention (40%), and lack of symptoms (40%). They avoided portable OT because of unwanted attention (39%), heaviness (31.7%), and lack of symptoms (21.6%). Conclusion: Patients on LTOT had the perception of the misunderstanding the effects of OT and of psychosocial barriers to initiate or use LTOT. Considering these findings, health professionals need to provide effective education on the purpose of LTOT to improve patient adherence to OT and provide sufficient support for the management of psychosocial barriers in patients using LTOT.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.262-275
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• 2024

In Indonesia, Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren and Cryptotermes cyanocephalus Light termite attacks can damage wood and causing losses of 8.7 trillion rupiah per year. Wood treatment and soil barrier are very important to protect structures and their components from termite infestation. The application of synthetic chemicals that pose risks to the environment and human health. The growing movement to replace these chemicals with new termiticides that are safe for the environment in place of persistent organic pollutants. Efficacy performance in entomopathogenic fungi spores such as that produce decanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, and octadecadienoic acid are potential compounds that provide for ecofriendly termite control. Entomopathogenic fungal spores from Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma harzianum, and Beauveria bassiana, as the active ingredient were formulated with nanocellulose was added as an inert ingredient to which helped to deliver the active ingredients on controlling the target pest, and enhance the utility ability of the product fungi to control termites. The mortality of these termites successively entomopathogenic fungi was the main cause of death. The higher concentrations being associated with of nanocellulose used affect increased the number of termites mortality. M. anisopliae paired with 60% nanocellulose concentrate was the best percentage for yielded the greatest C. curvignathus and C. cynocephalus termite control. In the field testing, M. anisopliae provided better, it showed the finest result of termite control rather than B. bassiana and T. harzianum. The results of the research indicate that entomopathogenic fungi can be used for Pest Control Management as the subterranean termite and drywood termite control.

• 미래기술융합논문지
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• 제3권3호
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• pp.17-27
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• 2024

본 연구는 우리나라 경도 치매 노인의 지역사회 참여 증진을 위해 국제 기능, 장애 및 건강 분류(ICF) 기반의 챗봇 시스템을 개발하고 평가하였다. 대상자는 경도 치매 진단을 받고 독거 생활을 하는 노인 12명과 가족 돌봄 제공자 15명을 선정하였다. ICF기반 챗봇 시스템의 개발과정은 포괄적인 요구 평가, 시스템 설계, 콘텐츠 생성, 트랜스포머 어텐션 알고리즘을 사용한 자연어 처리 및 사용성 테스트를 포함하였다. ICF기반 챗봇은 개인 맞춤형 활동 추천, 알림 및 신체적, 사회적, 인지적 참여를 지원하는 정보를 제공하도록 설계되었다. 본 연구에서 사용성 테스트 결과 사용자 만족도와 유용성 인식이 높았으며, 지역사회 활동 및 사회적 상호작용에서 유의미한 개선이 확인되었다. 정량 분석 결과, 주간 지역사회 활동이 92% 증가하고 사회적 상호작용이 84% 증가하였다. 정성적 분석(심층 인터뷰)에서는 챗봇의 사용자 친화적 인터페이스, 제안된 활동의 적절성, 그리고 돌봄 제공자의 부담을 줄이는 역할이 강조되었다. 본 연구는 ICF 기반 챗봇 시스템이 경도 치매 노인의 지역사회 참여를 효과적으로 촉진하고 삶의 질을 향상시킬 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권4호
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• pp.304-319
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: De-escalation of dual-antiplatelet therapy through dose reduction of prasugrel improved net adverse clinical events (NACEs) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), mainly through the reduction of bleeding without an increase in ischemic outcomes. Whether the benefits of de-escalation are sustained in highly thrombotic conditions such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of de-escalation therapy in patients with STEMI or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). Methods: This is a pre-specified subgroup analysis of the HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS trial. ACS patients were randomized to prasugrel de-escalation (5 mg daily) or conventional dose (10 mg daily) at 1-month post-percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint was a NACE, defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, clinically driven revascularization, stroke, and bleeding events of grade ≥2 Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria at 1 year. Results: Among 2,338 patients included in the randomization, 326 patients were diagnosed with STEMI. In patients with NSTE-ACS, the risk of the primary endpoint was significantly reduced with de-escalation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.89; p=0.006 for de-escalation vs. conventional), mainly driven by a reduced bleeding. However, in those with STEMI, there was no difference in the occurrence of the primary outcome (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.48-2.26; p=0.915; p for interaction=0.271). Conclusions: Prasugrel dose de-escalation reduced the rate of NACE and bleeding, without increasing the rate of ischemic events in NSTE-ACS patients but not in STEMI patients.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.163-178
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrative medical service model applied to breast cancer patients and their caregivers, exploring its feasibility and challenges within the context of South Korean healthcare system. Methods : A case study approach was chosen to assess the integrative medical service model's efficacy, involving one breast cancer patient and her primary caregiver from W University Hospital. The patient had completed reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy and was undergoing radiotherapy. The model included standard treatments alongside psychological counseling, aromatherapy, axillary rehabilitation exercise, make-up program, art therapy, laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and yoga programs, and meditation programs delivered over eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys, psychological tests, and feedback assessments. Results : The integrative medical service model demonstrated notable improvements in the quality of life for both breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Participants reported enhanced emotional well-being, reduced stress levels, and improved coping mechanisms throughout the treatment journey. Qualitative feedback highlighted the positive impact of holistic interventions in alleviating psychological distress and fostering resilience. Quantitative data corroborated these findings, showing statistically significant improvements in various psychosocial parameters assessed. Conclusions : Our findings underscore the benefits of integrative medical service model with standard medical treatments in the care of breast cancer patients and their caregivers. The holistic approach not only addresses physical symptoms but also enhances overall well-being and quality of life. However, the implementation of such models faces challenges within the South Korean healthcare system, including fragmented service networks and financial constraints. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial for the widespread adoption and sustainability of integrative care models in oncology practice. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies to further validate these findings and inform policy decisions aimed at optimizing cancer care delivery.

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.41-59
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• 1988

우리나라에서 문제가 되고 있는 몇몇 기생충질환을 대상으로 각종의 혈청학적 진단법을 적용시켜 진단적 가치 및 의의에 대하여 검토하였다. 연구대상 기생충은 간흡충, 낭미충, Capillaria hepatica이었으며, 주로 간접 형광항체반응, ELISA, western blot등의 기법을 적용시켜 보았다. 결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 1) 간흡충증에 있어서 ELISA는 83.3%의 민감도를 나타낸 반면 폐흡층 및 조충과의 교차반응이 인정되었다. ELISA는 간접혈구응집반응, 간접형광항체 반응에 비해 우수한 성적을 보이고 있었다. 앞서 기술한 교차반응을 구별하고 항원-항체반응의 특이항원대를 알아보기 위해 실시한 western blot의 결과 59Kd band와 21K의 band는 간흡충감염자 혈청이외에는 반응하지 않아 종특이성이 있는 것으로 판단되었다. Praziquantel로 치료한 다음 18개월 후에 혈청 및 뇨를 이용하여 ELISA로 검사한 결과 OD치는 치료전의 약 1/2수준으로 감소하였고, 음전률은 60%에 이르렀다. 간접혈구응집반응을 이용할 경우 치료 18개월 후 80%가 음전되었다. 2) 낭미충증 진단에 있어서 간접형광항체반응은 95.8%(23/24) 민감도를 나타내었으며 내막에서 가장 강한 반응을 나타내었다. ELISA 역시 90.0%(36/40)의 높은 민감도를 나타내었으나 두 방법 모두에서 다른 기생충감염자 혈청과의 교차반응이 인정되었다. Western blot 에서 볼때 91, 63, 21Kd의 band가 종특이한 것으로 나타났으며, 이중 63Kd의 항원대가 일관성 있게 낭미충 감염 혈청과 반응하였다. 3) Capillaria hepatica 충란을 이용한 난주위침강반응 및 간접형광항체법에서 85.0%의 민감도를 나타내었으며, 초록색의 특이한 형광이 점막전주위 및 충란절단면의 내막에서 관찰되었다. 수용성충란항원을 이용한 ELISA에 있어서도 85.0%의 민감도를 나타내었다. 항체가 감염후 3~5주부터 급격히 상승하기 시작하여 9주부터 점차 감소되어 감염후 13주에는 음성으로 전환되었다.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.65-88
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• 2004

In general, empowerment is defined as the motivational concept of autonomy and self-efficacy. Recently, the concept of empowerment is applied to improve organizational staff's job satisfaction and organizational commitment in many organizations. Empower-ment in service organizations, i.e., hospitals, has certainly generated more publicity than any other organizations. The objectives of this study are, first, to measure the degree of hospital employees' empowerment using Spreitzer(1995)'s empowerment theory, second, to analyze the causal relationship of organizational and job characteristics, a degree of empowerment, and organizational performance(job satisfaction and organizational commitment), and third, to offer the strategy for the improvement of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Spreitzer insists that the empowerment is composed of 4 dimensions(meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact). And he argues that various work-related characteristics is a direct cause of empowerment and the indirect cause of job satisfaction and organizational commitment, mediated by the empowerment latent variable. In order to perform this study, data were collected by self-administered questionnaires from hospital employees working in administrative department of 3 university hospitals in Inchon and Kyunggi-Do region. The number of cases is 181(response rate; 86%). The Collected data were analyzed with SPSS Ver. 10.0 and AMOSV Ver. 4.0. First, to test validity of variables, the factor analysis was used. Second, to test reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficients was calculated. Cronbach's alpha of empowerment variable is 0.8323 showing that there's no problem in regard to the internal consistency. Also the Cronbach's alpha of other variables are 0.8301 of the degree of perceived control, 0.6705 of job characteristics, O.8787 of compensation, 0.9254 of job satisfaction, and 0.8389 of organizational commitment, respectively. Among the questions of job characteristics, two survey questions are deleted due to lowering the reliability. Third, to test multicollinearity and correlation of variables, the correlation analysis was performed. There was no problem of multicollinearity. Finally structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was conducted to find the causal relationship of organizational and job Characteristics, empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The 16 variables are included for the SEM analysis. The major results of this study are as follows: First, in the case of model fitness, the condition of x$^2$ statistic(92.187) is not fully satisfied, but the indices of GFI(0.912), AGFI(0.863), NFI(0.917) and CFI(0.928) are partially satisfied, which needs to upper 0.90. Second, in the result of hypotheses testing, all hypotheses are accepted and have a positive effect in 95% or 99% confidence interval(P<0.05 or P<0.001) except the effect of compensation variable on empowerment(P=0.082). Third, in regard to the direct, indirect, and total effect of variables, the direct effect of perceived control, task characteristics, and compensation on job satisfaction are 0.728, 2.264, 0.328 and on organizational commitment are 0.094, 1.411, 0.418, respectively. Also the indirect effect of perceived control, task characteristics, and compensation on job satisfaction are 0.311, 0.196, 0.028 and on organizational commitment are 0.210, 0.132, 0.019, respectively. Thus, these findings imply that various work-related factors are direct effect of empowerment and indirect effect of result variables, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Also These results showed that the workplace empowerment is significant mediating factor of employee's job satisfaction and organizational commitment.