No abstract

SUMMARYGalgeuntang water extract exhibited a strong free radical scavenging activity and reducing power determination. However, a gradual increase in the free radical scavenging activity and reducing power determination was obtained with increasing concentrations. The highest radical scavenging activity was shown by the water extract from Galgeuntang (116.93 μg/mL) and the water extract from Cinnamonum cassia Presl. (95.01 μg/mL). These results of phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts indicated that the strong radical scavenging activity of the Cinnamonum cassia Presl. extract might be in part due to the phenolic compounds. The correlation coefficient between TPC and DPPH (r 2 = 0.9312), TFC and DPPH (r 2 = 0.9677), showed positive correlation among total phenolic/flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. These results suggest that Galgeuntang has a potential antioxidant activity.

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has afflicted patients with severe chronic illnesses who need continuous care between home and hospitals. This qualitative study examines the experiences and challenges of healthcare providers around acute care hospitals who have cared for patients with severe chronic illness in non-COVID-19 situations during the pandemic. Methods: Eight healthcare providers, who work in various healthcare settings around acute care hospitals and frequently care for non-COVID-19 patients with severe chronic illnesses, were recruited using purposive sampling from September to October 2021 in South Korea. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) deterioration in the quality of care at various settings; (2) new emerging systemic problems; (3) healthcare providers holding on but reaching their limit; and (4) a decline in the quality of life of patients at the end of their lives, and their caregivers. Conclusion: Healthcare providers of non-COVID-19 patients with severe chronic illnesses reported that the quality of care was declining due to the structural problems of the healthcare system and policies centered solely on the prevention and control of COVID-19. Systematic solutions are needed for appropriate and seamless care for non-infected patients with severe chronic illness in the pandemic.

Since the first patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (hereinafter COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and COVID-19 was recognized as a novel infectious disease [1], there have been over 157 million cumulative confirmed cases and nearly 3.28 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 (as of May 11, 2021, WHO Situation Reports [2]); as such, COVID-19 has posed a steadily increasing burden throughout the world. Various levels of social distancing measures have been implemented worldwide in an effort to respond to the crisis and prevent the spread of infection, and hospitals have also enforced strict visitation policies for the safety of patients, families, and medical staff, such as limiting