• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.193-198
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of Cordyceps Militaris(CM) complex extract treatment on patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis(RA). We reviewed medical records of 9 rheumatoid arthritis patients who visited the pain & rehabilitation center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University and were treated with CM complex extract from October 14, 2019 to October 14, 2020. We analyzed the records of DAS 28(Disease Activity Score 28), CDAI(Clinical Disease Activity Index), SDAI(Simplified Disease Activity Index), VAS(Visual analogue Scale), and KHAQ-D(Korean Health Assesment Questionnaire-Disability Index) before and after treatment to evaluate the effects of CM complex extract on RA. As a result, the scores of DAS 28(p<0.05), CDAI(p<0.01), SDAI(p<0.01) and VAS(p<0.01) were statistically significantly decreased, after 8 weeks of taking CM complex extract in RA patients. In conclusion, CM complex extract treatment may have potential effects of reducing disease activity and pain and improving quality of life in patients diagnosed with RA.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.84-93
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• 2001

The effects of brisk walking & muscle strengthening exercise on pain, fatigue, physical function & disease activity were examined in 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Research design was a quasi-experimental study of non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. 14 for the experimental group and 14 for the control group were selected from the out patients on rheumatoid arthritis clinic of Dong-A University Hospital. The experimental group underwent 16 weeks of brisk walking and muscle strengthening exercise using Thera-Band. Pain, fatigue, physical function & disease activity was measured before and after 16 weeks of exercise. At baseline test, Fatigue & physical function score between groups were significantly different. So differences with in experimental group(baseline versus follow up) were compared with differences within the control group by Mann-Whitney test. There were significant differences between groups in the difference score on pain (U=6.50 p<.001) and fatigue (U=26.5 p<.01). For the experimental group, the score on the pain & fatigue was significantly decreased but no changed for the control group. Also there was a significant differences between groups in the difference score of the physical function (U=22.5 p<.001). For the experimental group, the score of the physical function has been significantly in creased. However, for the control group, it has been no changed. But there were no significant differences between groups in the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and the CRP (C-reactive protein)level. In summary, brisk walking & muscle strengthening exercise led to significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and physical function without exacerbating disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.144-148
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• 2018

Background: Panax ginseng is a well-known immune modulator, and there is concern that its immune-enhancing effects may negatively affect patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by worsening symptoms or increasing the risk of adverse effects from other drugs. In this randomized, crossover clinical trial, we evaluated the impact of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on disease activity and safety in RA patients. Methods: A total of 80 female RA patients were randomly assigned to either the KRG (2 g/d, n = 40) treatment or placebo (n = 40) groups for 8 wk, followed by crossover to the other treatment group for an additional 8 wk. The primary outcome was the disease flare rate, defined as worsening disease activity according to the disease activity score 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). The secondary outcomes were development of adverse events (AEs) and patient reported outcomes. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 8 wk and 16 wk. The outcomes were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Of the 80 patients, 70 completed the full study. Their mean age was 51.9 yr, and most exhibited low disease activity (mean DAS28-ESR $3.5{\pm}1.0$) at enrollment. After intervention, the flare rate was 3.7% in each group. During KRG treatment, 10 AEs were reported, while five AEs were developed with placebo; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). Gastrointestinal- and nervous system-related symptoms were frequent in the KRG group. Conclusion: KRG is not significantly associated with either disease flare rate or the rate of AE development in RA patients.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.140-150
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• 2010

Purpose: This study aims to find the factors that affect the degree of self-care performance in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Method: This study used a descriptive correlational design. The data were collected using a sample of 80 PD patients, from the university affiliated Parkinson Center in Busan. Pearson's correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted using the SPSS 18.0. Results: The mean score of the self-care performance was 3.61 (${\pm}0.40$). The highest score observed of self-care performance subscale was medication subscale ($4.55{\pm}0.50$) and the lowest score was observed in the exercise subscale ($3.03{\pm}0.64$). The self-care performance had significant correlations with depression (r=-.32, p<.01), self-care knowledge (r=.28, p<.05), function of motion (r=.25, p<.05), ability of daily activity (r=.22, p<.05), self-efficacy (r=.24, p<.05), and support from medical staff (r=.24, p<.05). The significant predictors of self-care performance included depression (${\beta}=-.28$), status of employment (${\beta}=-.27$), self-care knowledge (${\beta}=-.21$), support from medical staff (${\beta}=-.28$), and educational level (${\beta}=-.28$), accounting for 34% of the variance in the self-care performance. Conclusion: Depression, self-care knowledge, medical support are significant predictors which affect the self-care performance with PD patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.473-480
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• 2022

Purpose: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a complication in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are limited data evaluating dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a screening tool for low BMD in children with IBD. We performed a single site retrospective analysis of DXA use. Methods: Children aged 5-18 years with IBD diagnosed between 2013 to 2017 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Australia, were included. Patient demographics, measures of disease activity, DXA scores, and factors related to BMD were collected. Results: Over a median follow up of 5.1 (4-6.4) years, 72/239 (30.1%) children underwent DXA, and 28/239 (11.7%) children had a second DXA. Our DXA practice differed to consensus guidelines regarding initial screening based on height and/or body mass index (BMI) z-score (8/17 [47.1%]), and repeat surveillance (13/42 [31.0%]). Children had a median lumbar spine (LS) z-score -0.80 (-1.65-0.075). Children with LS z-score≤-2.0 (n=14) had lower weight (6.57 [1.78-23.7] vs. 51.1 [26.5-68.7], p=0.0002) and height centiles (3.62 [1.17-17.1] vs. 42 [16.9-67.1], p=0.0001), and higher faecal calprotectin (FCP) (3041 [1182-4192] vs. 585 [139-2419], p=0.009) compared to children with LS z-score>-2.0. No fractures were reported. Of 28 children who underwent a second DXA 1.6 (1.1-2.2) years following initial DXA, no significant change in z-scores occurred. Conclusion: Children with IBD had low BMD. In addition to height centile and weight centile, FCP was associated with lower BMD, and should be considered in DXA screening guidelines. Greater clinician awareness of DXA consensus guidelines is required. Future prospective studies are required.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.434-442
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this predictive study was to identify factors affecting health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The participants in this study were 131 patients with RA who were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Seoul. Disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis was evaluated by calculating the Disease Activity Score 28. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed with the Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire, and depression with The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. HRQoL was evaluated using The Short Form 36 Health Survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Pain, disability in ADL, disease activity, and depression correlated negatively with physical and mental dimensions of HRQoL. But hierachical multiple regression analysis revealed that disability in ADL and depression were the only variables negatively influencing physical and mental QoL after adjustment for influences of sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that disability in ADL and depression, rather than disease activity and pain have profound effects on HRQoL in patients with RA. Further studies are needed to assess the predictive ability of disease activity and pain on HRQoL in this population.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.5-31
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and learning needs on cardiac rehabilitation of coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) patients. Method: The subjects consisted of 100 CABG patients at A hospital in Seoul. Data were collected by the two different kind of questionnaires which measure knowledge and learning needs on cardiac rehabilitation of CABG patients. The subjects responded the questionnaire on knowledge before CABG and that on learning needs before their discharge. Result: The mean score of knowledge on cardiac rehabilitation was 68.54. Knowledge on risk factor, nature of disease, diet, daily activity, medication, post operative care were great in order. The mean score of learning needs on cardiac rehabilitation was 4.28. Learning needs on diet, medication, nature of disease, post operative care, daily activity, risk factor were great in order. There were significant differences in knowledge according to occupation, economic status and family history(p=.021, p=.017, p=.023). There was a positive correlation between knowledge and learning needs(r=.3009, p=.002). Conclusion: Level of knowledge on cardiac rehabilitation of CABG patients is low and knowledge on postoperative care is the lowest, and learning needs are great in ail categories.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.124-134
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the clinical status of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) in patients diagnosed with PD and to evaluate the impact of RA treatment on the severity of PD. Methods: The study included 148 participants with PD, of whom 64 were also diagnosed with RA (PD+RA group), while 84 age-matched participants were rheumatologically healthy (PD-only group). PD severity was assessed by the following periodontal parameters: clinical attachment loss, probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), alveolar bone loss, and number of missing teeth. RA disease characteristics and impact of disease were evaluated by the Disease Activity Score 28 using C-reactive protein, disease duration, RA treatment, the RA Impact of Disease tool, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Outcome variables were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests and associations were evaluated using regression analysis with the calculation of odds ratios (ORs). Results: Participants in the PD+RA group had higher mean PPD values (2.81 ± 0.59 mm vs. 2.58 ± 0.49 mm, P=0.009) and number of missing teeth (6.27±4.79 vs. 3.93±4.08, P=0.001) than those in the PD-only group. A significant association was found between mean PPD and RA (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.16-4.31; P=0.016). Within the PD+RA group, moderate to severe periodontal disease was significantly more prevalent among participants with higher RA disease activity (P=0.042). The use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) was associated with a lower BOP percentage (P=0.016). Conclusions: In patients with PD, RA was associated with a higher mean PPD and number of missing teeth. The severity of PD was affected by the RA disease clinical activity and by treatment with bDMARDs, which were associated with a significantly lower mean BOP percentage.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.113-125
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a daily life-based physical activity enhancement program performed by middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: This study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. Middle-aged women aged 45 to 64 were recruited from two outpatient cardiology departments, and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=30). For the experimental group, after providing one-on-one counseling and education, we provided customized text messages to motivate them in daily life. To monitor the practice of physical activity, they also used an exercise diary and mobile pedometer for 12 weeks. Subjects' physical activities (MET-min/week) were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Their physiological data were obtained by blood tests using a portable analyzer, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0/WIN program. Results: There were significant differences in exercise self-efficacy, health behavior, IPAQ score, body fat, body muscle, and fasting blood sugar between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences in total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusion: Strengthening physical activity in daily life without being limited by cost burden and time and space constraints. Therefore, it is essential to motivate middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease to practice activities that are easily performed in their daily lives.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.186-191
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an excess mortality from cardiovascular disease which is likely attributed to an atherogenic lipid profile. Among nutritional factors vitamin K has been recently focused as a pivotal nutrient in improvement of lipid related markers. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effects of vitamin K on lipid profile in this disease. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifty eight patients with definitive RA were participated in the present double blind placebo controlled study. They were randomly allocated into two groups to receive vitamin $K_1$ as phylloquinone [10 mg/day] (n = 30) or placebo pills (n = 28), for eight weeks. In order to control the effects of probable confounders dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements including weight and height, clinical status using disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), physical activity and anxiety status were evaluated at baseline. Moreover, serum levels of lipid related markers including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding any of the baseline characteristics. After adjusting for some relevant confounders, in comparison between two groups, we observed no significant changes in lipid related markers at the end of intervention. Also, there was no significant difference between before and after intervention values within groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Function of vitamin $K_1$ in lipid profile modification remains still controversial. This study showed that vitamin $K_1$ has no effect on lipid profile in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies with a longer follow-up are required to determine the effects of vitamin K on atherogenic lipid profile.