• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.87-97
• /
• 2008

Objectives : The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Herba Polygalae Japonica on the proliferation and activation of eosinophils which were prepared from lung cells of asthma-induced mice by ovalbumin (OVA) treatment. Methods : C57BL/6 mouse was exposed to OVA three times a week for 6 weeks. The mouse lung tissues were dissected out, chopped and dessiciated with collagenase (1 ${\mu}g$/ml). Eosinophils were activated by rIL-3/rmIL-5 co-treatments. The lung cells were treated with extract of Herba Polygalae Japonica (EPJ), incubated for 48 hr at $37^{\circ}C$, and analyzed by flow cytometer, ELISA, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry stain. Results : A significant cytotoxicity by drug treatment was not observed. The cell number ratio of granulocyte, CD3e-/CCR3+, CD3e+CD69+, CD4+, CD23+/B220+ cells was increased in rmIL-5/rIL-3 treated control group compared to the normal group. Cells numbers in the experimental animal group treated with EPJ was all decreased. In ELISA analysis, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels and histamine release level were increased in the control group compared to the normal animal group, then significantly decreased in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml of EPJ treatment. In RT-PCR analysis, mRNA expressions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, CCR3 and eotaxin were increased in the control group compared to the normal animal group, then decreased in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml of EPJ treatment. And eosinophil proliferation levels were 18847${\pm}$,1527 (cpm) in the control group, 4676${\pm}$972 (cpm) in the positive control group, and 7709 ${\pm}$ 549 (cpm), 16839 ${\pm}$ 1403 (cpm), 16385 ${\pm}$ 1723 (cpm) in the experimental group with 100 ${\mu}g$/ml, 10 ${\mu}g$/ml, 1 ${\mu}g$/ml of EPJ treatment. Conclusions : The present data suggested that Herba polygalae japonica may have an effects on the inhibition of parameters associated with asthma responses in eosinpophils, and thus implicate the possibility for the clinical application of EPJ.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.10-15
• /
• 2007

Probably the three most important components to a comprehensive evaluation of patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the clinical interview, the medical examination, and the completion and scoring or behavior rating scales. Teachers and other school personnel are often the first to recognize that a child or adolescent might have ADHD, and often play an important role in the help-seeking/referral process. A diagnostic evaluation for ADHD should include questions about ADHD symptoms, other problems including alcohol and drug use, family history of ADHD, prior evaluation and treatment for ADHD. Screening interview or rating scales as well as interviews should be used. When it is feasible, clinicians may wish to supplement these components of the evaluation with objective assessments of the ADHD symptoms, such as psychological tests. These tests are not essential to reaching a diagnosis, however, or to treatment planning, but they may yield further information about the presence and severity of cognitive impairments that could be associated with some cases of ADHD. Screening for intellectual ability and academic achievement skills is also important in determining the presence of comorbid developmental delay or loaming disabilities. The number and type of symptoms required for a diagnosis of ADHD vary depending on the specific subtype. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the person must be experiencing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, and must not meet criteria for other mental disorders which might better account for the observed symptoms such as mental retardation, autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders. This report aims to suggest a practice guideline of assessment and diagnosis for children and adolescents with ADHD in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.35-42
• /
• 2004

Background and objective : Rabeprazole is a new generation proton pump inhibitor, which has a rapid onset after first dose, predictable efficacy in all patients regardless of CYP2C19 genotype status, and less nocturnal acid breakthrough. The aim of the study is to investigate clinical efficacy and safety of rabeprazole sodium (Pariet 10mg qd)when administered once daily to patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) disease. Methods : Among the patients who had visited the Department of Otolaryngology, those with LPR symptoms, had undergone laryngoscopy. Symptoms and endoscopic laryngeal sings were recorded initially, at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and more than 3 months, All patients were evaluated for clinical efficacy on the basis of symptom scores, reflux finding score(RFS), and side effects. Results : In general, most symptom scores and RFS improved over the time. Efficacy of the Pariet on LPR-related symptoms were $63.2\%,\;77.5\%,\;78.7\%,\;and\;90.9\%$ before 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, 8 to 12 weeks, and after 12 weeks respectively. Efficacy on the RFS were $61.8\%,\;78.4\%,\;82.9\%,\;and\;85.5\%$ before 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, 8 to 12 weeks, and after 12 weeks respectively. Pariet was well tolerated and was associated with few drug-related side effects. Conclusion Because of its efficacy and safety, Pariet may prove to be an alternative to currently available proton pump inhibitors.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.195-205
• /
• 2016

This study was performed to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the body burden of heavy metals in Koreans, to provide Korean allele frequencies of selected SNPs, and to assess the difference in allele frequencies with other ethnicities. The candidate-gene approach method and genome-wide association screening were used to select SNPs related to the body burden of heavy metals. Genotyping analysis of the final 192 SNPs selected was performed on 1,483 subjects using the VeraCode Goldengate assay. Allele frequencies differences and genetic differentiations between the Korean population and Chinese (CHB), Japanese (JPT), Caucasian (CEU), and African (YIR) populations were tested by Fisher's exact test and fixation index ($F_{ST}$), respectively. The Korean population was genetically similar to the CHB and JPT populations ($F_{ST}$ < 0.05, for all SNPs in both populations). However, a significant difference in the allele frequencies between the Korean and CEU and YIR populations were observed in 99 SNPs (60.7%) and 120 SNPs (73.6%), respectively. Ten (6.1%) and 26 (16.0%) SNPs had genetic differentiation ($F_{ST}$ > 0.05) among the Korean-CEU and Korean-YIR comparisons, respectively. The SNP with the largest $F_{ST}$ value between the Korean and African populations was cystathionine-${\beta}$-synthase rs234709 ($F_{ST}$: KOR-YIR, 0.309; KOR-CEU, 0.064). Our study suggests that interethnic differences exist in SNPs associated with heavy metals of Koreans, and it should be considered in future studies that address ethnic differences in heavy-metal concentrations in the body and genetic susceptibility to the body burden of heavy metals.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.139-144
• /
• 2013

Advanced cancer patients tend to present multiple concurrent symptoms which are often moderate or severe in intensity. To date, the majority of studies have focused on either a single symptom, such as pain, fatigue, or depression or associated symptoms. While this approach has advanced understanding of some symptoms, it has offered clinicians not much guidance for treating several multiple concurrent symptoms in cancer patients. So in recent years, a few symptom management studies attempted a new approach of focusing on symptom clusters instead of individual symptoms. A symptom cluster is defined as two or more concurrent symptoms that are related to each other. If we better understand symptom clusters, interrelations of symptoms, and their common mechanisms in advanced cancer patients, clinicians can more effectively control multiple, concurrent symptoms and reduce drug side effects. And clinicians can also predict any other symptoms, functional performance, and the relationship between symptom clusters and survival in advanced cancer patients. At present, there is inconsistency in symptom clusters due to many unexplained mechanisms and various means to assess and analyze symptoms. Still, with further study, the approach to symptom clusters rather than individual symptoms could more effectively control symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.43 no.11
• /
• pp.909-920
• /
• 2020

Cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_c) change dynamically in response to inducers, repressors, and physiological conditions, and aberrant [Ca²⁺]_c concentration regulation is associated with cancer, heart failure, and diabetes. Therefore, [Ca²⁺]_c is considered as a good indicator of physiological and pathological cellular responses, and is a crucial biomarker for drug discovery. A genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) was recently developed to measure [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models. GECI have some advantages over chemically synthesized indicators, although they also have some drawbacks such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low positive signal, delayed response, artifactual responses due to protein overexpression, and expensive detection equipment. Here, we developed an indicator based on interactions between Ca²⁺-loaded calmodulin and target proteins, and generated an innovative GECI sensor using split nano-luciferase (Nluc) fragments to detect changes in [Ca²⁺]_c. Stimulation-dependent luciferase activities were optimized by combining large and small subunits of Nluc binary technology (NanoBiT, LgBiT:SmBiT) fusion proteins and regulating the receptor expression levels. We constructed the binary [Ca²⁺]_c sensors using a multicistronic expression system in a single vector linked via the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), and examined the detection efficiencies. Promoter optimization studies indicated that promoter-dependent protein expression levels were crucial to optimize SNR and sensitivity. This novel [Ca²⁺]_c assay has high SNR and sensitivity, is easy to use, suitable for high-throughput assays, and may be useful to detect [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.149-156
• /
• 1995

This study was performed for 182 rural persons of patients who had admitted at National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital from 21th Feb to 18th Aug, 1994. We investigated diseased history based on the data according to the kind of occupation. The results were summarized as follows : The most common occupation was no occupation(35.2%). The most common age group was 5th decade(25.3%). By the age, the most common group in cases of no occupation was over 7th decade and under 5th decade, and agriculture was over 7th decade and 6th decade. Male(83.5%) were more than female, but wasn't significantly different. The most common group in the level of education was over the graduate of high school. The group that have ever drunken(p<0.05) and smoked(p<0.01) was significantly different in labour, service, agriculture, others. Family history, combined disease, symptom were no significantly different by occupation. Both lung fields on the chest X-ray was the most common site of invasion(82.4%). In the tests of AFB smear and culture, the differences according to the occupation were not. At the time of admission, the most common group in the state of treatment was initial treatment. The multi-drug resistance tuberculosis was no significantly different by occupation.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.58-69
• /
• 2017

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent, impairing, and comorbid disorder that persists into adulthood. ADHD should be diagnosed in the same manner as other common adult mental health disorders. The three most important components in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with ADHD are the clinical interview, medical examination, and completion and scoring of behavior rating scales. The diagnostic evaluation of ADHD should include questions about the symptoms, family history, prior evaluation and treatment of ADHD, as well as other problems including alcohol and drug use. Screening interviews or rating scales, as well as interviews, should be used. When it is feasible, clinicians may wish to supplement these components of the evaluation with the objective assessments of the ADHD symptoms, such as through psychological tests. These tests are not essential to reaching a diagnosis, however, or to treatment planning, but may yield further information about the presence and severity of cognitive impairments that could be associated with some cases of ADHD. As comorbidity is the rule rather than the exception, clinicians should carefully screen for comorbid disorders as part of a comprehensive assessment of ADHD. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the person must be experiencing significant distress or impairment in his or her daily functioning, and must not meet the criteria for other mental disorders which might better account for the observed symptoms, such as mental retardation, autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. This report aims to suggest practice guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of children, adolescents and adults with ADHD in Korea.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.399-404
• /
• 2020

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is associated with a variety of therapeutic effects, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxative, antiallergic, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Accordingly, the use of ginseng has reached an all-time high among members of the general public. However, the safety and efficacy of ginseng in transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressant drugs have still not been elucidated. Transplantation is the most challenging and complex of surgical procedures and may require causation for the use of ginseng. In this regard, we have previously examined the safety, immunological benefits, and protective mechanisms of ginseng with respect to calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression, which is the most widely used regimen in organ transplantation. Using an experimental model of calcineurin inhibitor-induced organ injury, we found that ginseng does not affect drug levels in the peripheral blood and tissue, favorably regulates immune response, and protects against calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity and pancreatic islet injury. On the basis of our experimental studies and a review of the related literature, we propose that ginseng may provide benefits in organ transplant recipients administered calcineurin inhibitors. Through the present review, we aimed to briefly discuss our current understanding of the therapeutic benefits of ginseng related to transplant patient survival.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.455-460
• /
• 2017

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), an extremely severe acute hypersensitivity reaction, causes extensive necrosis on the skin and the mucous membrane. SJS is a disease of unknown cause that can occur in all age groups. It is thought to be caused by drug allergy or induced by bacterial infection. Epidermal surface invasion of less than 10 percent is called SJS, and invasion of more than 30 percent is called toxic epidermal necrolysis. Although it is rare with an incidence of 1 - 2 cases per million people per year, it has effects on tooth development and therefore on children who are in a growth phase. The purpose of this case report is to examine the effect of SJS on tooth development in children. In general, eruption of the upper and lower 1st molars and lower central incisors starts at 6 - 7 years of age. Root development also occurs at this time. In the case reported here, SJS occurred in a 6-year-old patient. Although the patient's SJS was completely cured, he still suffers from aftereffects. Developmental abnormalities in the patient's teeth were observed only in teeth for which root development had been completed at the time. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate how to diagnose such systemic diseases by intra-oral features and to recognize and resolve tooth development problems associated with the disease.