Celosia cristata , belongs to Amaranthaceae family, has been utilized in many traditional medicinal systems to treat hemostasis, eye and mouth inflammation, and gynecological diseases. The various physiological investigations on C. cristata have documented its antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antihepatotoxic properties. During the research program aimed at isolating bioactive constituents from the medicinal plants, the aerial parts of C. cristata were extracted using 80% EtOH, then sequentially partitioned with n-hexane, CH 2 Cl 2 , and EtOAc. The CH 2 Cl 2 -soluble fraction demonstrated inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 24.7 μg/mL. The CH 2 Cl 2 -soluble fraction was subjected to a series of chromatographic techniques, such as Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, MPLC, and preparative HPLC. As a result, seven known norisoprenoids (1–7) were isolated, and the structures were determined through the analysis of spectroscopic data, especially 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Dehydrovomifoliol (2), 3-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-9-one (6), and 9-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one (7) exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 17.7–24.4 μM.

Objectives: To conduct a comparative study of children’s health in South Korea versus North Korea focusing on air pollution. Methods: We used annual mortality rate, prevalence, and environmental indicators data from the World Bank and World Health Organizations (WHO). Trend analysis of the two Koreas was conducted to evaluate changes in health status over time. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to find out the correlation between environmental indicators and children’s health status. Results: We found a distinct gap in children’s health status between the two Koreas. While North Korea reported a higher death rate of children than South Korea, both showed a decreasing trend with the gap narrowing from 2000 to 2017. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased and that of thinness decreased in both Koreas. Except PM2.5 exposure, South Korea reported higher figures in most indicators of air pollutant emissions (South Korea, mean (SD)=28.3 (2.0); North Korea, mean (SD)=36.5 (2.8), P-value=0.002). Conclusion This study empirically discovered the gaps and patterns of children’s health between South Korea and North Korea. North Korean children experienced more severe health outcomes than children in South Korea. These findings imply that epigenetic modification caused by environmental stressors affect children’s health in the two Koreas despite similar genetic characteristics. Considering the gaps in children’s health between the two Koreas, more attention and resources need to be directed towards North Korea because the necessary commodities and services to improve children’s health are lacking in North Korea.

Background/Aims: In Korea, medications are available by prescription from a physician, or can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Education regarding both prescribed and OTC drugs is important to minimize side effects and avoid drug abuse. The risk of side effects due to polypharmacy is increasing due to the growing number of elderly patients with comorbidities. Methods: There are various clinical guidelines for physicians, but it is difficult for patients and their caregivers to find published guidelines regarding drug use. In this regard, experts from nine subspecialties of internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and guideline development methodology formed a working group to develop guidelines for safe drug use under the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Association of Internal Medicine. Results: The main contents of this guideline are 1) safe and effective drug administration, 2) the proper use of analgesics (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), 3) the proper use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills to prevent drug abuse, 4) points to be aware of when taking multiple medications. Conclusions The guidelines were developed for patients and their caregivers to understand the general principles and precautions for drug use, including commonly used painkillers, mood stabilizers, sleeping pills, and polypharmacy. These guidelines could also be used as educational materials for physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers to educate patients and their caregivers.

Background/Aims: In Korea, medications are available by prescription from a physician, or can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Education regarding both prescribed and OTC drugs is important to minimize side effects and avoid drug abuse. The risk of side effects due to polypharmacy is increasing due to the growing number of elderly patients with comorbidities. Methods: There are various clinical guidelines for physicians, but it is difficult for patients and their caregivers to find published guidelines regarding drug use. In this regard, experts from nine subspecialties of internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and guideline development methodology formed a working group to develop guidelines for safe drug use under the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Association of Internal Medicine. Results: The main contents of this guideline are 1) safe and effective drug administration, 2) the proper use of analgesics (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), 3) the proper use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills to prevent drug abuse, 4) points to be aware of when taking multiple medications. Conclusions The guidelines were developed for patients and their caregivers to understand the general principles and precautions for drug use, including commonly used painkillers, mood stabilizers, sleeping pills, and polypharmacy. These guidelines could also be used as educational materials for physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers to educate patients and their caregivers.

Purpose: South Korea ranked 18th out of the 162 participating countries in the 2019 report on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Among the 17 specified goals, it has the most difficulty in achieving gender equality (SDG 5). This shortcoming is manifested in the lack of studies on gender-sensitive indicators. The study aims to establish the significance of the development of a comprehensive health matrix to concretize the concept of gender-sensitivity which is often considered as abstract. Methods: An integrated analysis of health determinants was conducted through a convergence study involving medical, social and natural sciences. This analysis was based on both literature reviews and focusgroup discussions. The 6 following focal points were chosen based on the SDGs: gender equality, medicine, education, economy, nutrition, and environment. Objective quantitative indicators were then designated to each of the 6 areas and comparatively analyzed for South Korea, North Korea, and the other SDGs countries. Four areas on sexual and reproductive health were also selected. Results: The results indicated that South Korea scored much lower than North Korea and the other SDGs countries in terms of gender equality. It was also behind North Korea in education, although North Korea had a comparatively lower ranking in the rest of the areas. On the other hand, it fared better than the aforementioned countries with respect to environment, nutrition, medicine, and economy. Conclusion A comprehensive gender-sensitive health matrix was developed to refine the abstract concept of gender-sensitivity through objective quantitative indicators that assess the health status of a country by means of a scoring system. Gender equality was also confirmed as a common and significant component in the disciplines of sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive health.

Purpose: South Korea ranked 18th out of the 162 participating countries in the 2019 report on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Among the 17 specified goals, it has the most difficulty in achieving gender equality (SDG 5). This shortcoming is manifested in the lack of studies on gender-sensitive indicators. The study aims to establish the significance of the development of a comprehensive health matrix to concretize the concept of gender-sensitivity which is often considered as abstract. Methods: An integrated analysis of health determinants was conducted through a convergence study involving medical, social and natural sciences. This analysis was based on both literature reviews and focusgroup discussions. The 6 following focal points were chosen based on the SDGs: gender equality, medicine, education, economy, nutrition, and environment. Objective quantitative indicators were then designated to each of the 6 areas and comparatively analyzed for South Korea, North Korea, and the other SDGs countries. Four areas on sexual and reproductive health were also selected. Results: The results indicated that South Korea scored much lower than North Korea and the other SDGs countries in terms of gender equality. It was also behind North Korea in education, although North Korea had a comparatively lower ranking in the rest of the areas. On the other hand, it fared better than the aforementioned countries with respect to environment, nutrition, medicine, and economy. Conclusion A comprehensive gender-sensitive health matrix was developed to refine the abstract concept of gender-sensitivity through objective quantitative indicators that assess the health status of a country by means of a scoring system. Gender equality was also confirmed as a common and significant component in the disciplines of sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive health.

BACKGROUND: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. METHODS: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors—primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. RESULTS: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. CONCLUSION: Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cause of Death ; Consultants ; Coronary Disease ; Delivery of Health Care ; Heart ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Insurance Benefits ; Korea ; Life Style ; Methods ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nutritionists ; Physical Therapists ; Preventive Medicine ; Recurrence ; Rehabilitation ; Secondary Prevention ; Specialization ; Sports Medicine ; Surgeons

OBJECTIVE: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and three additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. METHODS: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors—primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and two general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, three rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cause of Death ; Consultants ; Coronary Disease ; Delivery of Health Care ; Heart ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Insurance Benefits ; Korea ; Life Style ; Methods ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nutritionists ; Physical Therapists ; Preventive Medicine ; Recurrence ; Rehabilitation ; Secondary Prevention ; Specialization ; Sports Medicine ; Surgeons

Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular (CV) disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of thirty-three authors—primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers CV mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Cause of Death ; Consultants ; Coronary Disease ; Delivery of Health Care ; Heart ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Insurance Benefits ; Korea ; Life Style ; Methods ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nutritionists ; Physical Therapists ; Preventive Medicine ; Recurrence ; Rehabilitation ; Secondary Prevention ; Specialization ; Sports Medicine ; Surgeons

BACKGROUND: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. METHODS: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors—primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. RESULTS: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. CONCLUSION Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.