• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.71-82
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Family Resilience Reinforcement Program (FRRP) for family caregivers of the elderly with dementia on the family resilience, caregiver burden, family adaptation, perceived health status and depression. Methods: FRRP was implemented for 60 minutes each time, once a week, for 8 weeks. According to 3 factors of Walsh's Family resilience theory, FRRP was organized and specified as redefining 'belief system' in 1 to 2 sessions, figuring out one's own 'organizational pattern' in 3 to 5 sessions, enhancing 'communication process' in 6 to 8 sessions. A total of 46 family caregivers were assigned into either the experimental group with FRRP or the control group. Data were collected from February 18 to April 12, 2013 at the dementia support centers, and the data of 36 participants were finally analyzed. Results: The experimental group reported statistically significant differences in family resilience (p=.002), caregiver burden (p=.012), family adaptation (p<.001), and perceived health status (p=.002) compared to those in the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in depression. Conclusion: In the light of these results, FRRP is considered to decrease caregiver burden and to influence family resilience, family adaptation and perceived health status positively. The developed FRRP is considered to be an efficient nursing intervention for strengthening family resilience of the given population. It warrants future research expanding the range of target population to those caregivers of the patients with other chronic conditions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2299-2304
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• 2012

Since there is evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) may play some role in oral carcinogenesis, we investigated the presence of HPV in a group of Pakistani subjects with normal oral cavity using real-time PCR analysis. Two-hundred patients attending the Dental Department, Sandaman Provincial Hospital, Balochistan, Pakistan, were recruited. After interview, oral epithelial cells were collected by scraping and subjected to DNA extraction. The HPV-positive DNA samples were further analyzed using primer sets specific for HPV-16 and -18. It was found that out of 200 DNA samples, 192 were PCR-positive for the ${\beta}$-globin gene and these were subsequently examined for the presence of HPV DNA. Among these, 47 (24.5%) were HPV-positive with the virus copy number ranged between 0.43-32 copies per 1 ${\mu}g$ of total DNA (9-99 copies per PCR reaction). There were 4 and 11 samples containing HPV-16 and -18, respectively. Additionally, one sample harbored both types of HPV. Among the investigated clinical parameters, smoking habit was associated with the presence of HPV (p = 0.001) while others indicated no significant association. The prevalence of HPV in normal oral cavity in our Pakistani subjects appears to be comparable to other studies. However, the association between the presence of HPV and smoking warrants further investigations whether both of these factors can cooperate in inducing oral cancer in this group of patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3289-3294
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• 2016

Naringin, a bioflavonoid found in Citrus seeds, inhibits proliferation of cancer cells. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mode and mechanism(s) of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell death induced by naringin. The cytotoxicity of naringin towards HepG2 cells proved dose-dependent, measured by MTT assay. Naringin-treated HepG2 cells underwent apoptosis also in a concentration related manner, determined by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide (PI) employing flow cytometry. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) measured using 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide ($DiOC_6$) and flow cytometer was reduced concentration-dependently, which indicated influence on the mitochondrial signaling pathway. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities were enhanced as evidenced by colorimetric detection of para-nitroaniline tagged with a substrate for each caspase. Thus, the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways were linked in human naringin-treated HepG2 cell apoptosis. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak proteins were increased whereas that of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein was decreased, confirming the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway by immunoblotting. There was an increased expression of truncated Bid (tBid), which indicated caspase-8 proteolysis activity in Bid cleavage as its substrate in the extrinsic pathway. In conclusion, naringin induces human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell apoptosis via mitochondria-mediated activation of caspase-9 and caspase-8-mediated proteolysis of Bid. Naringin anticancer activity warrants further investigation for application in medical treatment.

• Journal of Labour Economics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.55-83
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• 2007

This paper examines the welfare aspects of loan-based self-insurance against unemployment, and discusses the scope of government intervention in its provision. This paper deals with these issues in a model where the individuals may experience unemployment shocks frequently to leave little savings for retirement, so that the government may have to provide them with unemployment and retirement insurance benefits during their unemployment and retirement, respectively. We identify the two interesting features in the model: the externality that the self-insurance exerts, upon other social insurances, and the incentive of private sector to provide loans that exerts the externality upon other social insurances. In particular, this paper shows that, although the inefficiency associated with private loan warrants the government provision of loans to unemployed workers, the over-incentive of the private sector to offer loans may reduce the scope of the government intervention. This paper also shows that, unless the inefficiency associated with private loans is high, the private incentive for loans would reduce welfare because of the externality generated by private loans.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A number of studies examined secular trends in blood lipid profiles using time series data of national surveys whereas few studies investigated individual-level factors contributing to such trends. The present study aimed to examine secular trends in dietary and modifiable factors and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia (HC) prevalence and evaluate their associations using time series data of nationwide surveys. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study included 41,073 Korean adults aged ≥ 30 years from the 2005, 2007-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to select significant factors associated with HC, which was defined as serum LDL cholesterol levels ≥130 mg/dL. RESULTS: The following factors showed a positive association with HC (P < 0.05): for men having higher body mass index (BMI), being married, having an office job, and consuming higher dairy and vegetable oil products; for women having higher age or BMI, having no job or a non-office job, not in a low-income household, and consuming higher dairy products. In the given model, the 2016 survey data showed that a 2 kg/㎡ reduction in BMI of obese persons resulted in a decreased HC prevalence from 30.8% to 29.3% among men and from 33.6% to 32.5% among women. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, it is suggested that primary prevention programs should advocate having proper BMI for Korean adults with a high-risk of HC. However, whether discouraging consumption of dairy and vegetable oil products can reduce HC prevalence warrants further studies with a prospective longitudinal design.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.357-368
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• 2013

Tailored nutritional education is generally found to be more effective in changing behaviors and to be more fully implemented than a non-tailored equivalent. This study was conducted in order to develop tailored nutritional education materials on food additives in processed foods based on need and levels of knowledge of educational targets of elementary-school students in Seoul Metropolitan City. The focus group interview was conducted with six elementary-school nutrition teachers in order to gather information and to develop a tailored quantitative questionnaire for the survey. Based on the results from 138 nutrition teachers, all answered that education on food additives in processed foods for students is necessary and both teachers and students need to receive education regarding definition, safety, and use of food additives for each processed food, in the form of video, PPT, and teaching-learning plan. Nutritional education materials for two classes were developed using video clips (grocery shopping and cooking class) about food additives in processed foods, PPTs with activity papers, two teaching-learning plans, and school newsletters to parents. In conclusion, the current study warrants conduct of further studies short-term and long-term impacts and efficacy of tailored need-based nutrition education in promotion of healthy nutrition by conveying proper scientific knowledge regarding food additives in processed foods for elementary-school students.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.177-188
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunohistological effect of Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture in treating the arthritis, performed several experimental items : those are paw edema, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $PGE_2$. Methods : All the male Sprague Dawley rats used in this study were bred and maintaned in our pathogen-free rat colony and were 8 weeks of age at the start of to experiment. The experimental model of arthritis was induced by injection of $50{\mu}g/{\mu}{\ell}$ adjuvant(mineral oil mixed Mycobacterium butyricum). Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture was injected into ST36(足三里) of rats daily for 21 days. Immunohistological analysis was carried out to assess paw edema, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $PGE_2$ expression in synovial membrane and sera Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture injected. Results : Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture group showed a decrease with statistical significance, in paw edema, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $PGE_2$ in synovial membrane and sera compared with control group. Conclusion : Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture stimulation inhibited the development of immunity to adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Thus, Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture may have preventive effects on autoimmune inflammatory joint diseases as arthritis. The effect of Buthus martensi Karsch Herbal-acupuncture on the immune function and the disease activity in patients with arthritis warrants further investigation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.406-411
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• 2010

Objective : Esophageal/hypopharyngeal injury can be a disastrous complication of anterior cervical surgery. The amount of hypopharyngeal wall exposure within the surgical field has not been studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the chance of hypopharyngeal wall exposure by measuring the amount of axial rotation of the thyroid cartilage (ARTC) and posterior projection of the hypopharynx (PPH). Methods : The study was prospectively designed using intraoperative ultrasonography. We measured the amount of ARTC in 27 cases. The amount of posterior projection of the hypopharynx (PPH) also was measured on pre-operative CT and compared at three different levels; the superior border of the thyroid cartilage (SBTC), cricoarytenoid joint and tip of inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage (TIHTC). The presence of air density was also checked on the same levels. Results : The angle of ARTC ranged from $-6.9^{\circ}$ to $29.7^{\circ}$, with no statistical difference between the upper and lower cervical group. The amount of PPH was increased caudally. Air densities were observed in 26 cases at the SBTC, but none at the TIHTC. Conclusion : Within the confines of the thyroid cartilage, surgeons are required to pay more attention to the status of hypopharynx/esophagus near the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage. The hypopharynx/esophagus at the TIHTC is more likely to be exposed than at the upper and middle part of the thyroid cartilage, which may increase the risk of injury by pressure. Surgeons should be aware of the fact that the visceral component at C6-T1 surgeries also rotates as much as when the thyroid cartilage is engaged with a retractor. The esophagus at lower cervical levels warrants more careful retraction because it is not protected by the thyroid cartilage.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.169-173
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• 2008

Purpose: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects young people, which warrants surgical intervention. Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an optimal surgical method remains controversial because of high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of wide excision and coverage with fasciocutaneous advancement flap for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, and to assess the usefulness of this method Methods: From May 1995 to October 2006, the authors treated 19 patients with the use of coverage with fasciocutaneous flap after wide excision. The results were evaluated regarding recurrence rates, complications, and the change in sensitivity of the gluteal region after surgery. The follow-up period was 7 to 142 months (mean, 76 months). All patients were male. Results: Postoperative complications were wound infection at the suction drain insertion site and skin necrosis around the suture margin in one case, respectively. During the follow up period, only one recurrence (5.3%) was seen in fifth postoperative month, which was successfully treated by the same operative procedure. There was no other complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence and flap loss. Extensive scarring and anatomic distortion did not occur in the reconstructed area. In addition, sensitivity of the gluteal region did not diminish. The aesthetic results were satisfactory for all patients as well. Conclusion: The authors advocate that fasciocutaneous flap closure be a good alternative method to cover defects after the excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 1999

A new analytical procedure for the measurement of monomeric isocyanates and total isocyanate group in workplaces has been investigated. The method described herd involves derivatization of the isocyanate sample upon collection with the reagent 9-anthracenylmethyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate (PAC). Laboratory investigations have demonstrated that excess PAC reagent can be satisfactorily removed from PAC-derivatized monomeric isocyanates-a requirement for the success f the analytical procedure. After removal of excess PAC reagent, the PAC derivatives of butyl isocyanate, phenyl isocyanate, HDI, MDI, and TDI were reacted with sodium thiomethoxide to convert them all to 9-anthracenylmethyl methyl sulfide (AMMS). Total isocyanate group was determined by HPLC analysis and quantification of the single AMMS peak. This circumvents many of the disadvantages associated with current HPLC methods. There were no longer problems associated with quantifying late-eluting peaks and analysis times were very short. A single detector was used for quantification because a standard of the analyte existed and the retention time could be determined. Because all species were converted to a single analyte, the problem of variability of response factors among different species was averted. Finally, there were no complex chromatograms to interpret. Monomers of other individual species were measured by analysis of the sample before the individual species were converted to AMMS. The favorable performance of PAC warrants its further study as a reagent for the determination of total isocyanate group in air.