• Health Policy and Management
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.329-348
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• 2011

This research analyzed 168,010 cases of death of the aged over 65 from 244,867cases of death excluding 7 unknown age cases from 244,874 all age cases of death by using the death data of the National Statistical Office for 2007 to figure out factors affecting the quality of causes of death statistics of the aged and to suggest the ways of improving the quality of death statistics of the aged in korea. This research tried to derive factors affecting ill-defined cause of death category in acordance with WHO's guidelines and to find causes of lowering the accuracy of causes of death statistics of the aged. This research identified the problems of causes of death statistics of the aged by using both demographic characteristics such as sex, age, marital status, educational attainment, residential region, region size and factors of death items as independent variable to find causes of ill-defined cause of death of the aged. Logistic regression analysis was executed to calculate the hazard ratio about the ill-defined causes of death of the aged and multiple regression analysis was conducted to derive factors affecting the ill-defined cause of death by regional groups through using these independent variables such as the component ratio of over age 65, female death rates, doctors insitutions rate, medical institutions rate, attaching rates of death certificate by neighborhood. As a results of this research, R-code was the highest of ill-defined causes of death, accounting for 82.1%, and senility death(R54) of R-code was the highest, accounting for 91.2%. through subdivided order distribution of the ill-defined causes of death of the aged. As ill-defined causes of death by regional groups, attaching rates of death certificate by neighborhood was the most important factor(p<0.05) and also showed regression model's description with 83.8% ($R^2$=83.8%). Furthermore, Jeon-nam was the highest in the regional groups and these regions such as Je-ju, Jeon-buk, Chung-nam were not only attaching the death certificate by neighborhood but also were high at the rate of ill-defined causes of death. Therefore, this research found that both reconsideration about death certificate by neighborhood and education for doctors who write death certificate were needed the most.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.329-334
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was aimed at analyzing the characteristics and symptoms in home-based hospice-palliative care (HBHPC) patients registered at local public health centers. Methods: A retrospective study was performed; Data of 144 HBHPC patients registered at six public health centers in Pusan City were analyzed, including their initial visit records (registration cards, initial pain evaluation and symptom evaluation). Results: The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old. Among all, 46.2% of the patient lived alone, and 65% had middle school education or lower. The most popular (36.3%) religion was Buddhism, and 47.5% received medical assistance from the government. The most frequent diagnosis was lung cancer followed by stomach cancer and liver cancer in that order. Of all, 48.9% were functionally too weak to lead a daily life, 39.6% were under cancer treatment when registered at the public health center, and 84.5% were aware of the fact that they have reached the terminal phase. Moreover, 83.6% complained about pain, and the pain level was moderate or severe in 36.5% of them. Besides pain, fatigue was the most complained symptom (84.7%), and 49.3% of them rated their fatigue as moderate or severe. Conclusion: Most of the HBHPC patients were socio-economically underprivileged and complained about moderate or worse pain and symptoms. Therefore, it appears necessary to develop an integrated strategy that is tailored for each patient reflecting their characteristics.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.2 s.30
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• pp.79-99
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• 1995

The survey was done on 30 cases of obese patients who were treated by fasting therapy in the Dept. of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, oriental medical hospital in Won Kwang University from May 1995 to August 1995. The results are as follows: 1. The ratio of females to males was 1:14. The distribution was 20th decades (63%), 30th decade(13%), 10th decade(6.7%), and 40th decade(6.7%). 2. In the age of obese-prevalence, the middle to high school years was the highest number as 12 persons(40%). The 20th decade(23.3%) and 30th decade(13.3%) were the second and third highest frequency of subjects. 3. In the obesity index, 150% of ideal weight was the highest percentage with persons(40%). 120-129%(30%), 130-139%(23.3%) and 140-149%(6.7%) were in order of frequency. 4. In the family histories of obese patients, it was found that hypertension had a high incidence of 8 persons. Other evidences of family histories were DM (7), cancer (3) and CVD (2). In hereditary tendency of obese parents, it was known that hereditary tendency of obese mothers was high at 14 persons, that of obese fathers was 5 persons, and that of obese parents was 2 persons. 5. In identifying the cause of obesity, it was found that changes of diet patterns was high at 24 persons(80%). Pregnancy, birth and diseases were in order of cause. 6. The review of consumption showed that obese patients ate the same amount as non-obese persons in the case of 21 patients(70%), 8 patients(26.7%) ate more than non-obese persons and 1 person(3.3%) ate less than persons of the same ages. 7. Obese patients consumption of daily snacks was 10 persons(33%). 17 person(57%) of the obese patients ate midnight snacks every 3-4 days. 11 persons(37%) of the obese patients ate out every 3 - 4 days. 8. For the purpose of weight reduction, 15 patients(50%) used exercise. Fasting therapy(36.7%) and food restriction(33.3%) were the second and third methods used by obese patients. 9. In the relation of constitution medicine usage with obese patients, TAE-EUM-IN was 14 persons(46.7%), SO-EUM-IN was 11 persons(36.7%), and SO-YANG-IN was 5 persons(l6.7%).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.978-983
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• 2006

We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of mycelial culture extract from Phellinus linteus (MCPL) for suppression in the process of ethanol-induced inflammation in rat liver. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly increased in the serum of ethanol-treated rats compared to normal. However, the level of ALT was arrested markedly in ethanol-treated rats with MCPL compared to ethanol alone treated control ones. Severe histopathological changes of liver such as cloudy swelling, inflammatory cells infiltration, Kupffer cell reaction and focal necrosis were demonstrated in the rats challenged with ethanol compared with normal. Fewer scores of these changes were observed in MCPL-treated rat with recovered glycogen in centrolobular region of hepatic lobule. The Western analysis showed that the expression of inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ were increased in the ethanol-treated rat. But decline of COX-2 and iNOS expression were observed in MCPL-treated rat. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of COX-2 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ tended to increase in ethanol-treated rat, but decrease of these reactions were induced by MCPL treatment. These results suggest that MCPL may act as a protective agent for alcohol-induced liver injury through a regulating inflammation-related proteins.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.1569-1576
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• 2010

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is widely used in Indonesia and other countries as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). The MeOH extract of white skinned sweet potatoes (WSSP) was administered orally in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.) injection. Oxidative stress was measured by tissue lipid peroxide (LPO) levels, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and by antioxidative enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase in the liver. An increase in blood glucose, LPO level, AST, ALT, TG and TC levels was observed in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Administration of MeOH extract of WSSP at a dose of 200 mg/kg for two weeks caused a significant reduction in blood glucose, LPO levels, AST, ALT, TG and TC levels in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, oral administration of MeOH extract showed significant improvement in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) compared to STZ-induced diabetic rats. In conclusion, the obtained results clearly indicate the role of oxidative stress in the induction of diabetes, and that the protective effects of MeOH extracts of WSSP could be used to benefit diabetic patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.738-743
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• 2008

In this study, 20 kinds of raspberries and blackberries, cultivated or wild in Korea, were collected. Weight, moisture content, sugar content, sugar composition, pH, titratable acidity and acid composition of the fruits were determined. Weight of each of the fruits and moisture contents in the fruits were $0.9{\sim}7.8g$ and $26{\sim}62%$, respectively. The sugar contents in the fruit juices were $6.9{\sim}16.9%$ (Brix). The major sugars in the fruits were glucose ($40.7{\sim}84.0%$ (w/w) of the total sugars) and fructose ($6.5{\sim}57.5%$). Sucrose and xylose were also detected in a small quantity. pH and titratable acidity of the berry juices were $2.8{\sim}3.9%$ (w/v, citric acid) and $0.6{\sim}2.9%$, respectively. The major organic acids were citric acid ($14.6{\sim}87.5%$ (w/w) of the total acids) and malic acid ($9.6{\sim}87.1%$). Succinic, tartaric and oxalic acids were also detected in a small amount.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.42-51
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• 2006

Schwann cell, one of important components of peripheral nervous system, interact with neurons to mutually support the growth and replication of embryonal nerves and to maintain the different functions of adult nerves. The Ara-C, known as an antimitotic agent, have been used to have high effectiveness in eliminating fibroblasts during Schwann cell culture period. This enrichment effect is also known to be cummulative with each successive pulse of Ara-C applied and is due to a progressive loss of fibroblasts. But the cytotoxicity by Ara-C is also cummulative and noticeable over the period. To determine the most effective application time and interval of Ara-C in the Schwann cell culture, we observed the Schwann cell purity and density with the Ara-C treatment in plain and three-dimensional culture from dorsal root ganglion of new born rat. By culturing dispersed dorsal root ganglia, we can repeatedly generate homogenous Schwann cells, and cellular morphology and cell count with mean percentages were evaluated in the plain culture dishes and in the immunostainings of S-100 and GFAP in the three-dimensional culture. The Ara-C treated cultures showed a higher Schwann cell percentage (31.0%${\pm}$8.09% in P4 group to 65.5%${\pm}$24.08% in P2 group), compared with that obtained in the abscence of Ara-C (17.6%${\pm}$6.03%) in the plain culture after 2 weeks. And in the three-dimensional culture, S-100 positive cells increased to 56.22%${\pm}$0.67% and GFAP positive cells to 66.46%${\pm}$1.83% in G2 group (p<0.05), higher yield than other groups with Ara-C application. Therefore, we concluded that the Ara-C treatment is effective for the proliferation of Schwann cells contrast to the fibroblasts in vitro culture, and the first application after 24 hours from cell harvesting and subsequent 2 pulse treatment (P2 group in plain culture and G2 group in three-dimensional culture) was more effective than other application protocols.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.85-94
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• 2013

Objectives : This study aims to contribute to developing new pattern identification based on searches regarding pattern identification of low back pain, which is used in thesis both in Korea and China. Methods : First of all, we searched thesis concerning pattern identification of low back pain from RISS, OASIS, Korean traditional knowledge portal, CNKI. Results : 1. There were overall 34 thesis, consist of 18 Korean thesis(13 clinical papers and 5 analytical papers) and 9 Chinese thesis(7 clinical papers and 9 analytical papers). 2. 10 of 11 Korean thesis used more than 9 patterns for pattern identification, 9 of 14 Chinese thesis used less than 4 patterns for pattern identification of low back pain. 3. Patterns, which were repeatedly used in Korea, were 腎虛腰痛(Kidney deficiency low back pain), 濕熱腰痛(Dampness-heat low back pain), 寒濕腰痛(Cold-dampness low back pain), 痰飮腰痛(Phlegm-fluid retention low back pain), 風腰痛(Wind low back pain), 食積腰痛(Food accumulation low back pain), 濕腰痛(Dampness low back pain), 挫閃腰痛(Sprain low back pain), 瘀血腰痛(Static blood low back pain), 氣腰痛(Qi low back pain). 4. Patterns, which were repeatedly used in China, were 腎虛腰痛(Kidney deficiency low back pain), 濕熱腰痛(Dampness-heat low back pain), 寒濕腰痛(Cold-dampness low back pain), 氣滯血瘀腰痛(Blood stasis due to qi stagnation low back pain). Conclusions : Based on these results, it is considered that an advanced type of pattern identification of low back pain should be made or existing type needs to be practically and objectively improved.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.105-115
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was aimed to review the trend of occupational health in korean medicine and to suggest the strategic approach. Methods : We collected 40 articles on occupational health in the internet site OASIS using the keyword 'workplace', 'worker'. Then we analyzed them. Results : There were 40 papers that were published between 2000 and 2012. Published papers on the korean journal of oriental preventive medicine were more than the other journals. Affiliation of the first author of the published papers was concentrated to one. Clinical research papers accounted for 90% of the total study. Papers on health management were more than half. Conclusions : Related to occupational health, high quality and large amount of research and development is needed and the active policy of the government should be supported in Korean medicine.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze internal research trends of work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) and provide problems of researches forward. Methods : 6 Korean databases were searched for articles of WMSDs published from 2000 to 2012, and 264 research were systematic reviewed. An analytical method was used descriptive statistics, an actual number and percentage. Results : The results of distribution by year were reported more than 20 articles after 2004, and 45 articles in 2009. Industrial classification distribution of research subjects the manufacturing industry was many most at the 84. Research contents in most description were 147 whether it was risk factor and relation. Research design type of articles was most description survey research 226. In the research field 89 articles were reported to the journal related to technologies. Conclusions : It is considered to be necessary that ergonomic approach would cooperate with other approaches such as integrated health management system as well as industrial medicine considering psychosocial factors.