Purpose: To explore and identify priorities of middle-aged couples’ educational needs for psychological well-being. Methods: Exploratory sequential mixed method design was used. Qualitative data were collected from 14 couples through couple interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Quantitative data were collected from 234 middle-aged adults using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using paired t-test and Borichs’ needs assessment model. Finally, qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to describe mixed-method findings. Results: Three major themes were identified: (1) confronting vulnerability to mental health problem, (2) navigating lifes journey together, and (3) progressing toward self-transcendence. In quantitative results, “couple communication” had the highest need, followed by “mental health”, the “emotional awareness and expression”, and “improvement of marital relationships”. Integrated results indicated that couple-communication and mental health were priority needs. Conclusion Results of this study provided evidence for middle-aged couples educational needs for psychological well-being. Thus, healthcare professionals need to consider development of educational interventions to enhance couple communication and mental health for middle-aged couples psychological well-being.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of alexithmia on the relationship between attachment and depression in early adulthood. METHODS: A convenience sample of 260 young adults responded to the survey. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and path analyses using bootstrapping. RESULTS: The path analysis indicated that anxious attachment and alexithymia was positively related to depression, but there was not a significant relationship between avoidant attachment and depression. In a modified path model, alexithymia mediated the positive effects of anxious attachment and avoidant attachment on depression. CONCLUSION: Our study findings suggest that early adults who have insecure attachments are vulnerable to alexithymia and depression. Targeted interventions to improve emotional expressive ability may reduce depression in early adulthood.
Adult ; Affective Symptoms ; Depression ; Humans ; Negotiating ; Object Attachment ; Young Adult

Purpose: The study aimed to translate the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI 32) into Korean, to evaluate the reliability and validity of CSI 32 and short-form (CSI 16, 4) in the Korean context, and to determine a cut-off score for Korean couples. Methods: Korean Versions of the Couple Satisfaction Index (K-CSI) 32 was translated, back-translated, and reviewed by five bilingual experts. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with data from a sample of 218 couples (N = 436) to test construct validity. Validity and reliability were evaluated. The receiver’s operating characteristics curve analysis was used to obtain the cut-off score. Results: The construct validities of K-CSI 32, 16, and 4 were verified using one-factor structures. The results of CFA showed a slightly better fit for K-CSI 16 and 4 than for K-CSI 32. Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations of K-CSI with Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Family Relationship Assessment Scale. Moreover, the significant differences in K-CSI between normal and depressive group demonstrated known-group validity. Cut-off scores of 105.5 on K-CSI 32, 50.25 on K-CSI 16, and 13.25 on K-CSI 4 were validated to identify distressed couple relationships. Conclusion For clinical practice, the reliable and valid K-CSI 32 has the potential to measure changes in couple satisfaction after couple therapy or interventions. Applying K-CSI 32 may facilitate research on couple and family relationships in nursing and contribute to the discussion on the role of couple satisfaction in mental health.

Objective: Dysphagia has been reported to occur in patients with inflammatory myopathy (IM). Although high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) provides precise information regarding the pharyngeal pressure, it has not yet been used for assessing dysphagia in routine clinical practice. This study determined whether the results of HRIM for evaluating deglutition disorders in patients with IM could reflect an abnormality that can’t be identified by a video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Methods: We reviewed both VFSS and HRIM results of nine patients with IM, four of whom presented with globus sensation. Results: Cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction was noted in all four patients with globus sensation, and the upper esophageal sphincter residual pressure (UESRP) was higher (≥8 mmHg) in the patients with pharyngeal residue.Using VFSS and HRIM, we demonstrated that dysphagia in patients with IM may arise owing to failed relaxation of UES or decreased hyolaryngeal excursion. Conclusion In conclusion, UES-RP values of ≥8 mmHg indicate the presence of pharyngeal residue and globus sensation in patients with IM. HRIM provided a comprehensive assessment of the mechanisms of dysphagia, and HRIM facilitated recognizing subtle abnormalities in pharyngeal contraction and UES function. HRIM can overcome the limitations of VFSS by allowing clinicians to perform objective measurements in patients with IM.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to translate Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) into Korean and test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Methods: Korean version of DUREL and DSES were translated and back-translated by 6 bilingual experts and group discussions. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 22.0. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with two data sets of secondary analysis study to examine the factor structure and construct validity. Correlations with other variables were used to test validity and reliability. Results: For K-DUREL, the final evaluation yielded two factors with 5 items: intrinsic religiosity and institutional religious activity. K-DSES had two factors with 16 items: transpersonal spiritual experience, and interpersonal & environmental spiritual experience. Cronbach’s ⍺ of K-DUREL and K-DSES were .67 and .96, respectively. Both instruments showed good reliability and validity for the translated Korean versions. Conclusion Applying K-DUREL and K-DSES in theory-based research may contribute to knowledge about the religious activity and spiritual experiences in the health and well-being of a Korean. Also, two instruments have the potential to measure changes in religion and spirituality after spiritual or holistic nursing interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to translate Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) into Korean and test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Methods: Korean version of DUREL and DSES were translated and back-translated by 6 bilingual experts and group discussions. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 22.0. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with two data sets of secondary analysis study to examine the factor structure and construct validity. Correlations with other variables were used to test validity and reliability. Results: For K-DUREL, the final evaluation yielded two factors with 5 items: intrinsic religiosity and institutional religious activity. K-DSES had two factors with 16 items: transpersonal spiritual experience, and interpersonal & environmental spiritual experience. Cronbach’s ⍺ of K-DUREL and K-DSES were .67 and .96, respectively. Both instruments showed good reliability and validity for the translated Korean versions. Conclusion Applying K-DUREL and K-DSES in theory-based research may contribute to knowledge about the religious activity and spiritual experiences in the health and well-being of a Korean. Also, two instruments have the potential to measure changes in religion and spirituality after spiritual or holistic nursing interventions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is positively associated with atherosclerosis via elevating macrophage cell death and plaque formation, in which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-atherogenic effects of kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable, have been established, wherein capsaicin, ascorbic acid, quercetin, 3-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid, and lactic acids were identified. In this study, mechanisms of action of kimchi methanol extracts (KME) on fatty streak formation via suppression of ER stress and apoptosis in aorta were examined in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice fed a high cholesterol diet with an oral administration of KME (KME group, 200 mg·kg-bw⁻¹·day⁻¹) or distilled water (control group) for 8 weeks (n = 20 for group). Plasma lipid and oxidative stress levels were evaluated. Protein expression was measured by western blot assay. Fatty streak lesion size and the degree of apoptosis were examined in the aorta. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, in the KME group, plasma lipids levels were decreased and oxidative stress was alleviated (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2-mediated antioxidants in aorta were increased whereas those for ER stress markers, glucose regulated protein 78, phospho-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase, phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit α, X-box binding protein 1, and C/EBP homologous protein were decreased in the KME group (P < 0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was suppressed via downregulation of phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, bcl-2-associated X protein, caspases-9, and -3 with a concomitant upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (P < 0.05). Fatty streak lesion size was reduced and the degree of apoptosis was less severe in the KME group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, antioxidant activity of KME might prevent fatty streak formation through, in part, inhibition of ER stress and apoptosis in aortic sinus where macrophages are harbored.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; Aorta* ; Apoptosis* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Atherosclerosis ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; Blotting, Western ; Capsaicin ; Carrier Proteins ; Cell Death ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Down-Regulation ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum* ; Glucose ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Lactic Acid ; Lipoproteins* ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Macrophages ; Methanol ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout* ; Oxidative Stress ; Phosphotransferases ; Plasma ; Prokaryotic Initiation Factor-2 ; Quercetin ; Receptors, Lipoprotein* ; Sinus of Valsalva ; Up-Regulation ; Vegetables ; Water

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Owing to health concerns related to the consumption of traditional snacks high in sugars and fats, much effort has been made to develop functional snacks with low calorie content. In this study, a new recipe for Korean rice cookie, dasik, was developed and its antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms were elucidated. The effects were compared with those of traditional rice cake dasik (RCD), the lipid-lowering effect of which is greater than that of traditional western-style cookies. MATERIALS/METHODS: Ginseng-added brown rice dasik (GBRD) was prepared with brown rice flour, fructooligosaccharide, red ginseng extract, and propolis. Mice were grouped (n = 7 per group) into those fed a normal AIN-76 diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with RCD or GBRD. Dasik in the HFD accounted for 7% of the total calories. The lipid, reactive oxygen species, and peroxynitrite levels, and degree of lipid peroxidation in the plasma or liver were determined. The expression levels of proteins involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, and those of antioxidant enzymes were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The plasma and hepatic total cholesterol concentrations in the GBRD group were significantly decreased via downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (P < 0.05). The hepatic peroxynitrite level was significantly lower, whereas glutathione was higher, in the GBRD group than in the RCD group. Among the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly upregulated in the GBRD group (P < 0.05). In addition, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) expression in the GBRD group was significantly lower than that in the RCD group. CONCLUSIONS: GBRD decreases the plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels by downregulating cholesterol synthesis. This new dasik recipe also improves the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory status in HFD-fed mice via CAT and GPx upregulation and NF-κB downregulation. These effects were significantly higher than those of RCD.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Blotting, Western ; Carbohydrates ; Catalase ; Cats ; Cholesterol* ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat ; Down-Regulation ; Fats ; Flour ; Glutathione ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Inflammation ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver ; Mice* ; Oxidative Stress* ; Oxidoreductases ; Panax ; Peroxynitrous Acid ; Plasma ; Propolis ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Snacks ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 ; Up-Regulation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether plasma lipid profiles are affected differently by snack kinds with equal calorific values. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We compared a Korean traditional confectionery (dasik) with Western confectionery (cookie) in this regard. Controlled cross-over study consisted of two 3-week snack intake phases and for separating, a 2-week washout period (3–2–3) was carried out with 30 healthy women aged between 40-59 years old. Brown rice based Korean traditional confectionery and wheat flour based Western confectionery were used. The participants consumed either dasik or cookie every day for 3 weeks, providing 93 kcal a day. RESULTS: The total cholesterol (TC) in the dasik group had decreased significantly after 3 weeks (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the dasik group, reduction in TC and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were greater than those in the cookie group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prioritizing functional snacks like dasik improves plasma lipid profiles; this may be useful information for individuals who cannot refrain from snacking.
Cholesterol ; Cross-Over Studies* ; Female ; Flour ; Humans ; Plasma* ; Snacks ; Triticum

Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Various upper airway symptoms lower quality of life, and due to the recurrent symptoms, multiple treatments are usually attempted rather than one definitive treatment. There are alternatives to medical (medication-based) and nonmedical treatments. A guideline is needed to understand allergic rhinitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We have developed guidelines for medical treatment based on previous reports. The current guidelines herein are associated with the “KAAACI Evidence-Based Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis in Korea, Part 1: Update in pharmacotherapy” in which we aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the medical treatment of allergic rhinitis. Part 2 focuses on nonpharmacological management, including allergen-specific immunotherapy, subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, environmental management strategies, companion animal management, and nasal turbinate surgery. The evidence to support the treatment efficacy, safety, and selection has been systematically reviewed. However, larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select rational non-medical therapeutic options for patients with allergic rhinitis.