How the knowledge shared using social media is taken up into health professions education practice: A qualitative descriptive study.

Social media may promote knowledge sharing but what users do with the new knowledge and how it may influence practice remains to be known. This exploratory study used a social constructivist lens to understand how health professions educators and researchers integrate knowledge from social media into their respective practices. We purposively sampled health professions educators and researchers using the hashtags #MedEd, #HPE, and #HealthProfessionsEducation on Twitter/X. We obtained informed consent, conducted interviews via videoconference, and engaged in multiple cycles of deductive and inductive coding and analysis. Participants identified as educators and researchers (n = 12), as researchers (n = 1), or as educators (n = 1) from Canada (n = 8), the United States (n = 3), and Switzerland, Ireland, and China (n = 1, respectively). Eight participants actively used social media (i.e., creating/posting original content); six participants indicated passive use (i.e., reading/retweeting content). They discussed the importance of crafting a consumable message and social media identity to streamline the content shared. Social media's accessible, non-hierarchical nature may facilitate knowledge-sharing, whereas the potential spread of misinformation and technological requirements (e.g., internet access, country-specific restrictions on platforms) present barriers to uptake. Participants described using knowledge gained from social media as teaching tools, new research methodologies, new theoretical frameworks, and low-risk clinical interventions. Previous research has demonstrated how social media has empirically been used for diffusion or dissemination rather than as an active process of evidence uptake. Using knowledge translation frameworks, like the Knowledge to Action or Theoretical Domains frameworks, to inform social media-based knowledge sharing activities in health professions education is recommended.

Bee venom acupuncture and herbal medicine for hand eczema: Two case reports and an in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Eczema and contact dermatitis are relatively common, non-life-threatening disease, but can reduce the patient's quality-of-life when it becomes chronic. This study describes two cases of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and herbal medicine (San Wu Huangqin decoction; SWH) co-treatment for hand eczema and contact dermatitis, then confirms the effect of the combination therapy in an in vivo model of eczema. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old female (case 1) and a 33-year-old male (case 2) presented to the clinic with symptoms of itching and erythema (case 1), and scaliness (case 2) on both hands. Both were diagnosed with hand eczema and contact dermatitis based on examination of the erythema and scaliness. They were treated with BVA and SWH for three months. The lesions were healed and had not recurred after 1 and 3 years of follow-up. A mouse study was conducted by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to induce eczema-like contact dermatitis in Balb/c mice. In a DNCB-induced eczema-like contact dermatitis model, BVA and SWH co-administration synergistically improved clinical symptoms seen in eczema. Also, they improved histological changes of the skin, suppressed immune cell infiltration, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin E in the serum. CONCLUSION: This study suggests BVA and SWH could be an alternative treatment for eczema and contact dermatitis.

Effectiveness analysis of herbal medicine for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to identify the clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary clinics and the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine (HM). Thirty-five patients with gastroesophageal-reflux symptom who visited the 16 Korean medicine (KM) primary clinics from June 2022 to October 2022 were included in the study. We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 35 patients and collected clinical characteristics, HM, and outcome variables such as the numerical rating scale, gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire, frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Euro-Quality Of Life-5 Dimension, and adverse events. Of the 35 patients, 12 (34.3%) were men, and the average age of all patients was 47.0 ±â€…14.3 years. HM was prescribed for all 35 patients; Pinelliae Tuber (n = 31, 88.57%), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (n = 30, 85.71%), and Poria Sclerotium (n = 28, 80%) were the most prescribed herbs. All scores including numerical rating scale, frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire, and Euro-Quality Of Life-5 Dimension after 30 and 60 days from baselines showed significant improvement, and there were only a few adverse events. This study supports the effectiveness and safety of HM in reducing GERD symptoms in primary Korean medicine clinics. The most frequently used herbs may play significant roles in GERD symptom management.

Effects of electroacupuncture on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of electroacupuncture for the treatment of obesity. METHODS: We searched 8 electronic databases for articles published between 2005 and 2021, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the review. The intervention groups received either electroacupuncture alone or electroacupuncture with standard care, whereas the control groups received sham electroacupuncture, standard care, or no treatment. The primary outcome was the body mass index (BMI), and the secondary outcomes were the body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass, body fat percentage, and adverse effects. Continuous outcome data are presented as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 RCTs involving 779 participants. Results revealed that the BMI (MD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.35 to -0.61), BW (MD: -1.89; 95% CI: -2.97 to -0.80), WC (MD: -2.67; 95% CI: -4.52 to -0.82), and WHR (MD: -0.03; 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.01) were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared with those in the control groups. Adverse effects were reported in 5 studies. The most commonly used acupoint in the abdomen was ST25, whereas the most commonly used acupoints in other regions were ST36 and SP6 for the treatment of obesity. ST25 was the most commonly used acupoint connected by electroacupuncture. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that electroacupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for simple obesity. To increase the reliability of this study, further detailed, long-term studies should be conducted on the effects of electroacupuncture on obesity.

Effect of Moxibustion Combined with Other Interventions on Body Weight Reduction in the Treatment of Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Moxibustion has been used in the treatment and prevention of obesity. However, there has been no systematic review or meta-analysis conducted on the use of moxibustion on obesity treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the role of moxibustion in the treatment of obesity. Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of moxibustion on obesity. The primary outcome was body weight. The secondary outcomes were the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis were conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: Eleven RCTs involving 761 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Other interventions that were included in the analyses were manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, embedding therapy, herbal medicine, and diet control. Moxibustion combined with other interventions resulted in a significant improvement in body weight reduction (mean difference [MD] -3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI: -4.25 to -2.38]; I2 = 17%), BMI (MD -1.51, 95% CI [-1.88 to -1.14]; I2 = 76%), and WC (MD -2.82, 95% CI [-3.50 to -2.13]; I2 = 75%), but did not improve HC (MD -2.05, 95% CI [-4.21 to 0.11]; I2 = 0%) or WHR (MD -0.01, 95% CI [-0.03 to 0.01]; I2 = 57%). Conclusions: Moxibustion can be used with other interventions to improve body weight, BMI, and WC in people with obesity. However, the conclusions of this review should be cautiously applied to clinical practice because most of the included studies had a high or unclear risk of bias.

Acupuncture for patients with insomnia and predictors of treatment response: a chart review.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia. OBJECTIVE: We observed the responses of patients with insomnia to acupuncture in routine clinical practice. In addition, we explored patient characteristics that might affect the treatment response to acupuncture for insomnia. METHODS: Medical records of patients with insomnia in a Korean medicine clinic with baseline Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores ⩾8 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores ⩾5 were reviewed. Acupuncture was applied at ST43, GB41, ST41, SI5, HT3, KI10, HT7 and ST3, for 1-2 months. The ISI and PSQI were measured monthly to assess insomnia severity. The effect of acupuncture over time was analyzed using a multilevel linear model for repeated measures. In addition, logistic regression was used to explore predictors of treatment response. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients with insomnia aged 59.2 ± 12.5 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (90.1% female) were included in the analysis. After the acupuncture treatment, ISI scores were significantly reduced by -3.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) = -4.99, -2.50) and -4.69 (95% CI = -6.22, -3.16) after the first and second month, respectively. The PSQI global scores also improved, and sleep duration showed a tendency to increase by 0.35 h (95% CI = -0.17, 0.86) after acupuncture treatment. Three cases of mild fatigue were reported. In addition, higher baseline pain/discomfort predicted a greater likelihood of response after acupuncture treatment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.60). CONCLUSION: In a real-world setting, the insomnia of outpatients in a clinic was slightly alleviated after acupuncture treatment. These findings require validation by randomized controlled trials.

Creating synergies among education/research, practice, and policy environments to build capacity for the scholar role in occupational therapy and physiotherapy in the Canadian context.

Scholarly practice (SP) is considered a key competency of occupational therapy and physiotherapy. To date, the three sectors-education/research, practice, and policy/regulation-that support SP have been working relatively independently. The goals of this project were to (a) understand how representatives of the three sectors conceptualize SP; (b) define each sector's individual and collective roles in supporting SP; (c) identify factors influencing the enactment of SP and the specific needs of how best to support SP; and (d) co-develop goals and strategies to support SP across all sectors. We used interpretive description methodology. Consistent with an integrated knowledge translation approach, partners representing the three sectors across Canada recruited individuals from each sector, developed the content and questions for three focus groups, and collected and analyzed the data. Inspired by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we developed the questions for the second focus group. We analyzed the data using an inductive thematic analysis method. Thirty-nine participants from the three sectors participated. Themes related to participants' conceptualization of SP included (a) ongoing process, (b) reflective process, (c) broad concept, and (d) collective effort. Themes describing factors influencing and supporting SP were (a) recognition, (b) appropriate conceptualization, (c) social network, (d) accessibility to resources, and (e) forces outside of practitioners' effort. Goals to support SP included (a) further recognizing SP, (b) sustaining SP competency, and (c) ensuring access to information. SP requires collaborative and integrated intersectoral support and further recognition of its importance through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders.

Social media as a mechanism of dissemination and knowledge translation among health professions educators: a scoping review.

Health professions educators often use social media to share knowledge; however, it is unclear what specific dissemination and knowledge translation (KT) processes are occurring and the implications of this sharing for health professions education (HPE). This study explored how educators have used social media as a mechanism of dissemination and KT in the literature. A critical scoping review methodology, informed by Engeström's Activity Theory, was employed. Twelve databases were searched and studies that: (a) addressed health professions educators; (b) described the use of social media for dissemination or KT; (c) focused on a regulated health profession; (d) focused on undergraduate or graduate education; and (e) were published in English or French between 2011 and 2021 were included. Data were analyzed using numerical and qualitative content analyses. Of the 4859 articles screened, 37 were eligible for inclusion. Social media may facilitate knowledge sharing in HPE, but there is a lack of conceptual clarity on what is meant by 'dissemination' and 'KT'. Who is responsible for sharing knowledge, what knowledge is being shared, and the target audiences are not always clear. Multiple factors (e.g., affordances, opportunity costs) influence how social media is used as a mechanism of dissemination, and it remains unclear whether and how it is used as a mechanism of KT. Concepts like KT and dissemination, which are often borrowed from other disciplines, must be critically evaluated for their relevance and suitability if they are to be appropriately applied to HPE and in particular to social media. Educators looking to use social media to teach students about KT should consider whether this use of technology truly aligns with their stated learning outcomes.

Clinical effectiveness of decoction form of herbal medicine in primary care treatment of allergic rhinitis: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: The decoction form of herbal medicine (D-HM) is mainly prescribed to patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Korean Medicine (KM) clinics in the Republic of Korea; however, it is difficult to conduct clinical trials of D-HM due to regulatory issues. This study investigated the clinical safety and effectiveness of D-HM combination therapy for the treatment of AR by analyzing the AR outpatient data from 17 KM clinics. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who visited KM clinics for AR treatment from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Cases were collated using structured case report forms and divided into the D-HM with KM usual care group (D-HM group) and the KM usual care group (UC group). Since D-HM therapy could not be randomly assigned to the study population, we used optimal propensity score (PS) matching to investigate the effectiveness and safety of D-HM combination therapy in the treatment of AR. Results: Data from 228 patients were collected. After PS matching, 144 patients were finally analyzed. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and mini-rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (mini-RQLQ) were significantly improved in the D-HM group compared with those in the UC group (TNSS: p=0.02; mini-RQLQ: p=0.04). Four patients in the D-HM group experienced minor adverse events that were mild and resolved within 15 days. Conclusions: D-HM combination therapy may be beneficial in the management of symptoms and rhinitis-associated quality of life and potentially useful in clinical practice. However, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to confirm their effectiveness. Study registration: This study has been registered at Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0007242).

What scholarly practice means to respiratory therapists: An interpretive description study.

RATIONALE: Engagement in scholarly practice has been associated with professional empowerment, role satisfaction and improvements in care delivery and patient outcomes across many healthcare professions. However, in evolving professions like respiratory therapy, scholarly practice is excluded from competency frameworks, resulting in a gap in education and subsequent application of this competency in practice. An exploration of scholarly practice in respiratory therapy may provide insights into evolving professions that face tensions between meeting competency requirements as outlined in frameworks and providing quality healthcare to the populations they serve. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore what scholarly practice means, and how it manifests in practice from respiratory therapists' (RTs) perspectives. METHODS: We used interpretive description methodology. We purposively sampled participants to obtain varied perspectives of scholarly practice in respiratory therapy. We conducted 26 semistructured interviews with RTs in different roles (clinicians, educators, researchers, leaders and managers) across Canada and analysed the data using inductive analysis. Data collection and analysis proceeded concurrently. RESULTS: We developed five main themes: (i) the identity of a scholarly practitioner in RTs; (ii) factors influencing scholarly practice; (iii) one's impression of their professional self-image; (iv) scholarly practice as a vehicle for changing practice and (v) the complex interconnections between knowledges and practices. CONCLUSION: Scholarly practice appears to be a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing a wide range of activities and skills including conducting research, reflective practice, application of research to practice, and contributing to the advancement of the profession and healthcare. Scholarly practice is influenced by organisational context and culture, available resources, intrinsic motivation and external political context. We identified similarities between professional identity and the description of the scholarly practitioner, suggesting that these two phenomena may be interconnected. Furthermore, participants believed that scholarly practice could enhance the image, credibility, legitimacy and professionalisation of the profession.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-obesity effect of cupping therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cupping therapy is a common practice in Korean medicine. Despite developments in this clinical and research area, the current knowledge is insufficient to identify the effects of cupping therapy on obesity. We aimed to assess the effects and safety of cupping therapy on obesity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of cupping therapy. METHODS: A systematic search of databases was conducted, including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Citation Information by the National Institute of Informatics, KoreaMed, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, and ScienceON, for full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through January 14, 2023, with no language restrictions. The experimental groups received cupping therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional therapy. The control groups received no treatment, conventional therapy, or TCM treatments alone. The experimental and control groups were compared in terms of body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage (BFP). We evaluated the risk of bias using the 7 domains stipulated by the Cochrane Collaboration Group and performed a meta-analysis using Cochrane Collaboration software (Review Manager Software Version 5.3). RESULTS: A total of 21 RCTs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The analysis revealed improvements in BW (P < .001), BMI (P < .001), HC (P = .03), and WC (P < .001). However, there were no clinically significant changes in WHR (P = .65) or BFP (P = .90), both of which had very low certainty of evidence. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results show that cupping therapy can be used to treat obesity in terms of BW, BMI, HC, and WC and is a safe intervention for the treatment of obesity. However, the conclusions of this review should be interpreted with caution in clinical practice because of the uncertain quality of the included studies.

Acupuncture for patients with Maigne's syndrome: A case series.

RATIONALE: Diagnosing the precise etiology of low back pain (LBP) is crucial for facilitating speedy recovery in patients. Maigne's syndrome (MS), commonly referred to as thoracolumbar junction syndrome, is a condition characterized by pain resulting from nerve entrapment, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study presents a series of six case reports wherein patients diagnosed with MS received acupuncture treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: Six individuals with LBP were included in the study, and all were diagnosed with MS. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was confirmed in all six patients through pinch-roll and thoracic vertebrae compression tests, indicating the presence of thoracolumbar junction syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: Acupuncture treatment was administered to all patients, primarily targeting the T11-L2 facet joints, with additional acupoints selected based on the specific nerve entrapment of MS including the superior cluneal, subcostal, and iliohypogastric nerves. OUTCOMES: Following acupuncture therapy, all patients reported improvements in their LBP symptoms, while four patients also exhibited amelioration in their thoracic vertebrae compression test results. LESSONS: These findings underscore the significance of promptly diagnosing the underlying cause of LBP and suggest that acupuncture may be an effective approach in alleviating MS-related pain.

Efficacy of mecasin for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A phase IIa multicenter randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive paralysis of voluntary muscles. Mecasin, the extract of modified jakyakgamchobuja-tang-a herbal preparation comprising of Radix Paeoniae Alba, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Radix Polygalae, Curcuma Root, Fructus Chaenomelis, and Rhizoma Atractylodis Japonicae-shows neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and alleviates the symptoms in patients with ALS. AIM OF THE STUDY: This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mecasin in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive mecasin 1.6 g daily, mecasin 2.4 g daily, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the Korean version of ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (K-ALSFRS-R) score. The secondary endpoints were muscular atrophy measurements, pulmonary function test results, creatine kinase levels, body weight, safety, and scores of the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strength; Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS pain); Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; and Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients randomized, 24 completed the follow-up. Significant between-group differences were detected in the primary endpoint using the omnibus F-test. The changes in the K-ALSFRS-R score between 12 weeks and baseline were -0·25, -1·32, and -2·78 in the mecasin 1.6 g, mecasin 2.4 g, and placebo groups, respectively. The difference in the K-ALSFRS-R score between the mecasin 1.6 g and placebo groups was 2·53 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·61-4·45), and that between the 2.4 g and placebo groups was 1·46 points (95% CI: 0·48-3·40). However, no significant differences were detected in the secondary endpoints (MRC: dyspnea, p = 0·139; VAS pain, p = 0·916; forced vital capacity, p = 0·373). The incidence of adverse events was similar and low in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mecasin may retard symptomatic progression without major adverse effects. A phase IIb study to evaluate its long-term effects in ALS is ongoing.

The flowering time regulator FLK controls pathogen defense in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Plant disease resistance is a complex process that is maintained in an intricate balance with development. Increasing evidence indicates the importance of posttranscriptional regulation of plant defense by RNA binding proteins. In a genetic screen for suppressors of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accelerated cell death 6-1 (acd6-1), a small constitutive defense mutant whose defense level is grossly in a reverse proportion to plant size, we identified an allele of the canonical flowering regulatory gene FLOWERING LOCUS K HOMOLOGY DOMAIN (FLK) encoding a putative protein with triple K homology (KH) repeats. The KH repeat is an ancient RNA binding motif found in proteins from diverse organisms. The relevance of KH-domain proteins in pathogen resistance is largely unexplored. In addition to late flowering, the flk mutants exhibited decreased resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and increased resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. We further found that the flk mutations compromised basal defense and defense signaling mediated by salicylic acid (SA). Mutant analysis revealed complex genetic interactions between FLK and several major SA pathway genes. RNA-seq data showed that FLK regulates expression abundance of some major defense- and development-related genes as well as alternative splicing of a number of genes. Among the genes affected by FLK is ACD6, whose transcripts had increased intron retentions influenced by the flk mutations. Thus, this study provides mechanistic support for flk suppression of acd6-1 and establishes that FLK is a multifunctional gene involved in regulating pathogen defense and development of plants.

Korean medicine treatment for premature ovarian failure: Three case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as amenorrhea lasting for more than 4 months before 40 years of age, which is accompanied by a serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration above 40 mlU/mL. POF can cause a series of symptoms associated with low estrogen levels, such as hot flushes, excessive sweating, and infertility. This study aimed to report three cases of POF that were treated successfully with Korean medicine. CASE REPRESENTATION: Three patients with POF were selected for inclusion in this study. The treatment regimen consisted of herbal medicines, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, and Hominis placental pharmacopuncture. The basic treatment period was 3 months, and follow-up was performed after menstrual recovery. Following treatment, all three patients resumed menstruation without any adverse events. One patient also conceived successfully. CONCLUSIONS: These case reports suggest that Korean medicine could be effective for treating POF. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of action of herbal medicines and acupuncture in improving menstruation and FSH levels.

Development of the Korean Medicine Core Outcome Set for Primary Dysmenorrhea (COS-PD-KM) for Herbal Medicine Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea in Primary Clinics.

The aim of this study was to develop a Korean medicine (KM) core outcome set (COS) for primary dysmenorrhea to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal medicine (HM) in treating primary dysmenorrhea in patients visiting KM primary clinics. Previously reported outcomes were identified through a literature review to define outcomes and effect modifiers (EMs) for the questionnaire. Experts were invited to conduct modified Delphi consensus exercises, and primary care clinicians were invited to conduct Delphi consensus exercises to evaluate suitability and feasibility. Finally, an additional round of a modified Delphi exercise was conducted with experts to obtain a final agreement on the COS. Seventeen outcomes and 15 EMs were included from a literature review, and one effect modifier was suggested by the experts (Phase 1). In Phase 2, after the modified Delphi consensus exercises by experts, 10 outcomes and 11 EMs were included in the COS. The clinicians all agreed on the feasibility of COS (Phase 3). Finally, 10 outcomes and 6 EMs were included in the COS-PD-KM after the final modified Delphi consensus exercise (Phase 4). The effectiveness of HM used in primary clinics could be evaluated with this COS in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Further studies that involve more relevant stakeholder groups, such as patient representatives and gynecological experts, are needed.

Association of Dietary Behaviors with Poor Sleep Quality and Increased Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean Military Service Members.

Purpose: Sleep quality among military service members is important for enhancing their capabilities and preventing psychiatric problems. We aimed to explore the association of dietary behaviors with poor sleep quality and increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in military men on active duty. Patients and Methods: A large-scale multi-site cross-sectional survey was conducted in five units of the Republic of Korea's army. Poor sleep quality and increased risk of OSA were defined using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Berlin Questionnaire, respectively. Information on dietary behaviors, including the frequency of skipping breakfast, eating snacks, consuming a night meal, and overeating, were collected. Results: From August 2021 to September 2021, 4389 male respondents, mean age (20.8 ± 1.3 years), completed the survey; 2579 (58.8%) were assessed as having poor sleep quality, and 614 (14.0%) increased risk of OSA. After adjusting for lifestyle and occupational covariates, skipping breakfast 1-2 times weekly was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing poor sleep quality, compared with not skipping breakfast (odds ratio: 1.23 [95% CI 1.02-1.47]). Eating night meals 5-6 times weekly was also associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio: 5.54 [95% CI 2.49-14.18]). In addition, skipping breakfast daily (odds ratio: 2.28 [95% CI 1.27-4.03]) and eating night meals daily (odds ratio: 2.30 [95% CI 1.21-4.22]) were related to an increased risk of OSA. Conclusion: Dietary behaviors appear to be related to poor sleep quality and a high risk of OSA. To improve sleep quality, dietary factors could be considered when promoting health programs for military personnel in further research.

Occupational therapists' application of the Do-Live-Well framework: A Canadian health promotion approach.

Background. The Do-Live-Well (DLW) framework is an occupation-focused health promotion approach. Online and in-person DLW educational workshops were offered to encourage occupational therapists to apply the DLW concepts. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to understand workshop participants' experiences of and perspectives on using the DLW framework to support its application in the future. Method. Interpretative description was used to understand workshop participants' perspectives on benefits, facilitators, and challenges of using DLW. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings. Eight themes were identified as follows: (a) environmental factors of practice settings, (b) co-workers' support, (c) DLW enhanced occupational therapy practice, (d) confidence in using DLW, (e) nature of the DLW framework, (f) DLW promoted healthy occupational engagement, (g) DLW was not suitable for everyone, and (h) pandemic effects. Implications. The DLW framework supports occupationally focused practices, and continuous learning support will be needed.

Korean medicine registry of herbal medicine for weight loss.

INTRODUCTION: In South Korea, the prevalence of obesity has continuously increased over the last decade, and the burden of social and economic costs has also increased immensely. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and current status of patients receiving herbal medicine (HM) treatment for weight loss in Korean medicine (KM) by constructing a multi-institutional prospective registry. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, observational, multi-center registry, including patients visiting the KM clinics in South Korea for weight loss. This study will collaborate with 15 KM clinics and recruit patients into the registry between October 2021 and October 2022. The study population will include patients visiting the KM clinics for weight loss. A total of 1000 eligible patients visiting the KM clinics for weight loss who decide to undergo HM treatment will be enrolled in the registry. After enrollment, we will collect the individual characteristics of each patient, such as body mass index, body composition test, liver and kidney function tests, and information on prescribed HM. We will also record the adverse events at each visit. DISCUSSION: This study is the first prospective, multicenter registry of HM for weight loss in KM clinics. The results of this registry may show the current status of patients who receive HM treatments for weight loss and provide evidence for reasonable decision-making on KM healthcare policy for obese patients in the future.

Development of the Korean Medicine Core Outcome Set for Stroke Sequelae: Herbal Medicine Treatment of Elderly Patients With Stroke Sequelae in Primary Clinics.

Objectives: We developed a Korean medicine core outcome set for stroke sequelae (COS-SS-KM) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine (HM) for stroke sequelae, especially for elderly stroke patients in primary clinics. Methods: We identified previously reported outcomes from a literature review and defined the list of outcomes and effect modifiers for the core outcome set (COS) questionnaire. Three rounds of modified Delphi consensus exercises with experts were conducted online for suitability assessment, and one round of a modified Delphi consensus exercise with primary clinicians was conducted for feasibility assessment. Results: The review identified 17 outcomes and 16 effect modifiers; moreover, six outcomes and one effect modifier were suggested by the experts. The final COS comprised 8 outcomes and 12 effect modifiers for history taking, and experts listed 13 major symptoms of stroke sequelae for symptom assessment. The clinicians agreed on the feasibility of the COS. Conclusion: This COS will help primary care researchers assess the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, including HM, for elderly patients with stroke sequelae. Future studies should focus on reflecting the opinions of all stakeholders.