Self-rated Physical,Mental, Oral,and Cognitive Health in Older Korean Immigrants: The Role of Health Indicators and Sociocultural Factors

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Guided by the models of health assessment and social determinants of health, we examined predictors of self-rated physical, mental, oral, and cognitive...     

The ameliorative effect of AST2017-01 in an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis animal model

Inflammation Research - AST2017-01 is developed to be used for treatment and prevention of allergic diseases and composed of processed-Cordyceps militaris and processed-Rumex crispus. But, effect...     

Impact of Chronic Simulated Snoring on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

Background and Purpose

Chronic simulated snoring was induced in rabbits to determine the impact of snoring on the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods

The pressure wave of induced snoring at the carotid bifurcation of rabbits was acquired by gently pressing the airway. This wave was then simulated using custom-made mechanical devices. Twelve rabbits were used in this study, seven of which were assigned to the experimental group and the remaining five formed the control group. All of the rabbits were raised on a 1% high-cholesterol diet. Either working or sham devices were positioned at the ventral center of the neck in each rabbit. At the end of a 2-month observation period, all of the rabbits were sacrificed by perfusion fixation, the carotid arteries harvested, and the carotid atherosclerosis histology reviewed.

Results

All of the rabbits survived to the end of the experimental period. Blood sampling revealed the presence of hypercholesterolemia in both groups, with no significant difference between them. The presence and degree of atherosclerosis did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show the feasibility of making a chronic simulated snoring rabbit model. However, the causative role of snoring in carotid atherosclerosis was not detected in this animal study.     

Mental health literacy in religious leaders: a qualitative study of Korean American Clergy

Although religious leaders in ethnic minority communities are often the first point of contact for mental health needs, little is known about their mental health literacy. The aim of the current study was to explore the knowledge and beliefs about depression held by Korean American clergy, using a qualitative approach. The Gateway Provider Model (GPM) and Jorm's conceptualisation of mental health literacy served as a framework for the enquiry. Seventeen clergy members serving in Korean communities in two U.S. metropolitan cities participated in an individual in‐depth interview during the spring of 2013. Using the constant comparison method, the research team coded the data independently, compared and modified codes, and derived major categories and themes in consensus approach. Eight themes emerged from the interviews, and they were grouped into five categories: (i) the ability to identify the problem; (ii) knowledge about causes and risk factors; (iii) knowledge and beliefs about treatment; (iv) knowledge about resources and services; and (v) contextual factors. Despite some variations, a majority of the participants acknowledged that depression is an important issue in the Korean American community and felt a sense of responsibility for the well‐being of their community members. The findings highlight the need for mental health education and training for religious leaders in ethnic minority communities to help them properly respond to community mental health needs.