• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.790-800
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was to identify knowledge, perception and health behavior about metabolic syndrome for an at risk group in a rural community area. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 575 adults with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and/or abdominal obesity were recruited from 11 rural community health care centers. A questionnaire was developed for this study. Anthropometric measures were measured and blood data was reviewed from the health record. Results: Knowledge about the metabolic syndrome was low as evidenced by only a 47% correct answer rate. Only 9% of the subjects ever heard about the disease, and 87% answered they do not know the disease at all. 87% of the subjects were not performing regular exercise, 31% drank alcohol more than once a month, 12.5% were current smokers, and 33.6% are did not have a regular health check-up. Conclusion: Development of systematic public health care programs are needed to prevent future increases in cardiovascular complications and to decrease health care costs. These might include educational programs for the primary health care provider and an at risk group, a therapeutic lifestyle modification program, and a health screening program to identify potential groups.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-75
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• 2021

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the roles and practices of occupational therapists in public health centers based on their working experience of occupational therapists who are working in these facilities. Methods : We used Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological research method. Six occupational therapists were interviewed, and their recorded data were analyzed using Claizzi's thematic analysis. Results : As a result, 4 categories, 16 themes, and 24 elements were elicited. The major roles of occupational therapists in public health centers were the evaluation of clients, home-visit occupational therapy, management of dementia programs and community connection projects. Interventions that are needed to create a healthy community include case and program management, compensatory approaches, and healthy lifestyle interventions. The difficulties experienced by occupational therapists include their limited number job insecurity, performance-oriented administrative policy, and the lack of communication among professionals. Occupational therapists require education in health management and practice in public health centers to build their capacities. Conclusion : The results of this study could be used for guidelines for occupational therapists who work in community healthcare centers, as well as basic training for competent occupational therapists in the community.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.77-91
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• 2022

Objective : This study aimed to assess the effects of occupation-based lifestyle intervention programs on older adults in the local community. Methods : Nine community-dwelling older individuals participated in this study using a one-group pre-post design. The occupation-based lifestyle intervention program consisted of 12 group sessions, and one individual session was conducted for seven weeks. Occupational balance, activity occupancy, activity participation, depression, health-related quality of life, and program satisfaction were assessed. Results : The average attendance rate of the nine participants was 10.11 (SD=1.36). Overall occupational balance (p=.012), activity participation status (p=.008), performance (p=.012), and satisfaction with activity participation (p=.008) were increased. Furthermore, the results showed changes in leisure time (p=.008) and rest time (p=.008). Finally, there were some improvements in the overall health-related quality of life (p=.034) and depression scores (p=.012). Conclusions : Occupation-based lifestyle intervention programs positively affected occupational balance, activity occupancy, activity participation, depression, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. This research suggests promising benefits and feasibility of the program for community-dwelling older adults.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.10
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• pp.536-541
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• 2016

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, two closely linked metabolic disorders, is increasing worldwide. Over the past decade, the connection between these disorders and the microbiota of the gut has become a major focus of biomedical research, with recent studies demonstrating the fundamental role of intestinal microbiota in the regulation and pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Because of the complexity of the microbiota community, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota is associated with metabolic disorders remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize recent studies that investigate the role of the microbiota in both human subjects and animal models of disease and discuss relevant therapeutic targets for future research.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2024

Stunting, a condition characterized by impaired growth and development in children, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Over the past decade, emerging evidence has shed light on the potential role of gut microbiota modulation in stunting. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to impaired nutrient absorption, chronic inflammation, altered short-chain fatty acid production, and perturbed hormonal and signaling pathways, all of which may hinder optimal growth in children. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research exploring the bidirectional relationship between stunting and the gut microbiota. Although stunting can alter the gut microbial community, microbiota dysbiosis may exacerbate it, forming a vicious cycle that sustains the condition. The need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota to combat stunting is also discussed. Nutritional interventions, probiotics, and prebiotics are among the most promising approaches to modulate the gut microbiota and potentially ameliorate stunting outcomes. Ultimately, a better understanding of the gut microbiota-stunting nexus is vital for guiding evidence-based interventions that can improve the growth and development trajectory of children worldwide, making substantial strides toward reducing the burden of stunting in vulnerable populations.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.229-239
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• 2009

Molecular imaging strives to visualize processes in living subjects at the molecular level. Monitoring biochemical processes at this level will allow us to directly track biological processes and signaling events that lead to pathophysiological abnormalities, and help make personalized medicine a reality by allowing evaluation of therapeutic efficacies on an individual basis. Although most molecular imaging techniques emerged from the field of oncology, they have now gradually gained acceptance by the cardiovascular community. Hence, the availability of dedicated high-resolution small animal imaging systems and specific targeting imaging probes is now enhancing our understanding of cardiovascular diseases and expediting the development of newer therapies. Examples include imaging approaches to evaluate and track the progress of recent genetic and cellular therapies for treatment of myocardial ischemia. Other areas include in vivo monitoring of such key molecular processes as angiogenesis and apoptosis, Cardiovascular molecular imaging is already an important research tool in preclinical experiments. The challenge that lies ahead is to implement these techniques into the clinics so that they may help fulfill the promise of molecular therapies and personalized medicine, as well as to resolve disappointments and controversies surrounding the field.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the essence of hospital life concerning discharge from rehabilitation facility as defined by clients with complete quadriplegia. Method: This was a qualitative research using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology. Four participants with complete quadriplegia were participated. Results: The lived experience of discharge from rehabilitation facility among clients with complete quadriplegia was structured by 10 components and was defined as a life event which those patients felt fears and worries to leave the therapeutic environment and to return to their community with various changes due to their disability. During their hospital stay, the patients with quadriplegia were concerning to prepare proper living conditions and their health conditions so that they could keep their life independent and worthy. They also cherished a hope for cure for their cervical injury even at the moment of discharge. Conclusion: This study suggests developing a discharge program which relieves the clients' emotional burden for discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility and helps them to take an active role in preparing for returning to their daily life.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.68-74
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• 2014

Objectives: To analyze the growth pattern of the functional food market in Korea, and thus produce essential information in mapping out a strategy for Korean medicine. Methods: A survey of literature or analysis reports about market changes related to functional foods in Korea was undertaken. Results: The Korean functional food market has been growing rapidly, to 1.4 trillion won in 2012 compared to 250 billion won in 2004, which is an annual growth rate of about 14%. In particular, individually-approved functional food is worthy of notice regarding its growth rate and functional position, which is similar to herbal drugs. The expanding growth of functional food affects negatively the decrease of herbal drug industry in Korea to date. Conclusions: To compete with functional foods, the Korean medicine community needs to develop patient-friendly and cost-effective herbal drugs, and strategies to adopt them as therapeutic modalities.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.44.1-44.28
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• 2022

Gut dysbiosis is one of prominent features in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) which are of an unknown etiology. Although the cause-and-effect relationship between IBD and gut dysbiosis remains to be elucidated, one area of research has focused on the management of IBD by modulating and correcting gut dysbiosis. The use of antibiotics, probiotics either with or without prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation from healthy donors are representative methods for modulating the intestinal microbiota ecosystem. The gut microbiota is not a simple assembly of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but a complex organ-like community system composed of numerous kinds of microorganisms. Thus, studies on specific changes in the gut microbiota depending on which treatment option is applied are very limited. Here, we review previous studies on microbial modulation as a therapeutic option for IBD and its significance in the pathogenesis of IBD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.183-187
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• 2022

The current Covid-19 pandemic has changed the entire world and bought so many unprecedented challenges to the scientific community. More than 5 million people died due to the SARS-COV-2 outbreak. For many thousands of years, ginseng, the traditional herb has been used for various infectious diseases by traditional healers. Ginseng showed promising antiviral effects by modulating both natural and acquired immunity. Ginseng might be used as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection along with the vaccine. In this current review, we offer an alternative approach for SARS-COV-2 prevention during this unprecedented pandemic.