• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of the center of pressure (COP) trajectory in healthy elderly subjects while crossing an obstacle before and after participation in Tai Chi training. Forty healthy elderly subjects participated either in a 12-week intervention of Tai Chi training or in a health education program. The participants were divided into two groups (the experimental group and the control group). Subsequently, the participants were pre- and post-tested on crossing over an obstacle from a quiet stance. Participants in the experimental group received Tai Chi training that emphasized the smooth integration of trunk rotation, a shift in weight bearing from bilateral to unilateral support and coordination and a gradual narrowing of the lower-extremity stance three times weekly. The participants in the control group attended a health education program one hour weekly and heard lectures about general information to promote health. Performance was assessed by recording the changes in the displacement of the COP in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions using a force platform. Participants in the Tai Chi group significantly increased the A-P and M-L displacement of the COP after Tai Chi training (p<.05). No significant differences in the A-P and the M-L displacement of the COP between pre-testing and post-testing in the control group were found. This study has shown that participation in Tai Chi exercise increased the magnitude of the A-P and M-L displacement of the COP, thereby improving the ability of healthy elderly participation to generate momentum to initiate gait. These findings support the use of Tai Chi training as an effective fall-prevention program for the elderly.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.7.1-7.9
• /
• 2011

Bioelectric impedance measurements have been reported to show significant variation between individuals. Different physiological conditions like thickened skin, obesity, and fluid retention can affect the impedance measurement. Therefore, it is important to learn what other factors can affect the measurements of impedance even in healthy individuals. Such information is a prerequisite for understanding the changes in impedance associated with acupuncture treatment. This study investigated the bio-impedance properties of tissue segments in the arms of a number of healthy subjects, so as to define the factors that might influence the variation of the bio-impedance data in acupuncture meridians studies. 51 healthy subjects were recruited through Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. Demographic data was collected from each subject including the age, sex, BMI, and time since most recent meal. Electrodes were applied to the forearms of each test subject. Measurements were done by a purpose-built Bio-Impedance Research Device (BIRD-I) which allowed the determination of core resistance (Rc) and core reactance (Xc) of each of the three meridian tissue segments on the anterior surface of the forearm. No significant difference was found in the core resistance attributable to age group, gender, BMI or meal intake. However, a statistically significant trend in increasing resistance from the radial to ulnar aspect of the forearm (p < 0.001) was found. No significant difference was found in the core resistance of test tissue segments among the 51 healthy subjects measured in this study. However, the trend of increasing core resistance from the radial to ulnar aspects of the arm deserves further investigation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.118-122
• /
• 2005

The objective of the present investigation was to study pharmacokinetics of promethazine in Korean healthy subjects using a validated HPLC method. The HPLC analysis was performed on a Capcell Pak CN column with a mixture of acetonitrile-0.02M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (42:58, v/v, pH 6.0) and the analyte was quantified with UV detection at 251 nm. The calibration curve of the drug was linear over the range of 1-40ng/mL in human serum and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1 ng/mL. This analytical method was validated and shown to be specific, accurate, precise and reproducible. This method was applied to pharmacokinetic study of promethazine in Korean healthy volunteers following an oral administration of two 25 mg Himazin tablets (50 mg promethazine ${\cdot}$HCI) after overnight fasting. Serum samples were collected at given intervals over a 36-hour period (12 points) and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from serum concentration-time profile using WinNonlin program. The estimated $AUC_{0__\infty}$, $AUC_{0_\infty}$, $C_{max}$, $T_{max}$ and $t_{1/2}$ of promethazine obtained from Korean healthy subjects were 103.84 ${\pm}$84.30 ng${\cdot}$hr/mL, 87.94${\pm}$81.02 ng${\cdot}$hr/mL, 13.43${\pm}$10.92 ng/mL, 2.00${\pm}$1.16 hr and 5.88${\pm}$3.47 hr, respectively.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.8 no.5
• /
• pp.550-557
• /
• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Angelica keiskei is a green leafy vegetable rich in plant pigment phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. This study examined bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids in Angelica keiskei and the alteration of the antioxidant performance in vivo. SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS: Absorption kinetics of phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei were determined in healthy older adults (> 60 y, n = 5) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 5). Subjects consumed 5 g dry Angelica keiskei powder encapsulated in gelatin capsules with a low flavonoid and carotenoid liquid meal. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h. Samples were analyzed for flavonoids and carotenoids using HPLC systems with electrochemical and UV detection, respectively, and for total antioxidant performance by fluorometry. RESULTS: After ingestion of Angelica keiskei increases in plasma quercetin concentrations were observed at 1-3 and 6-8 hr in the healthy group and at all time points in the metabolic syndrome group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Plasma lutein concentrations were significantly elevated in both the healthy and metabolic syndrome groups at 8 hr (P < 0.05). Significant increases in total antioxidant performance were also observed in both the healthy and the metabolic syndrome groups compared to baseline (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of phytonutrients of Angelica keiskei and their ability to increase antioxidant status in humans.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.312-317
• /
• 2016

Objective: Midazolam is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. Inhibition or induction of CYP3A can affect the pharmacological activity of midazolam. The aims of this study were to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model and evaluate the effect of CYP3A-mediated interactions among ketoconazole, rifampicin, and midazolam. Methods: Three-treatment, three-period, crossover study was conducted in 24 healthy male subjects. Each subject received 1 mg midazolam (control), 1 mg midazolam after pretreatment with 400 mg ketoconazole once daily for 4 days (CYP3A inhibition phase), and 2.5 mg midazolam after pretreatment with 600 mg rifampicin once daily for 10 days (CYP3A induction phase). The population PK analysis was performed using a nonlinear mixed effect model ($NONMEM^{(R)}$ 7.2) based on plasma midazolam concentrations. The PK model was developed, and the first-order conditional estimation with interaction was applied for the model run. A three-compartment model with first-order elimination described the PK. The influence of ketoconazole and rifampicin, CYP3A5 genotype, and demographic characteristics on PK parameters was examined. Goodness-of-fit (GOF) diagnostics and visual predictive checks, as well as bootstrap were used to evaluate the adequacy of the model fit and predictions. Results: Twenty-four subjects contributed to 900 midazolam concentrations. The final parameter estimates (% relative standard error, RSE) were as follows; clearance (CL), 31.8 L/h (6.0%); inter-compartmental clearance (Q) 2, 36.4 L/h (9.7%); Q3, 7.37 L/h (12.0%), volume of distribution (V) 1, 70.7 L (3.6%), V2, 32.9 L (8.8%); and V3, 44.4 L (6.7%). The midazolam CL decreased and increased to 32.5 and 199.9% in the inhibition and induction phases, respectively, compared to that in control phase. Conclusion: A PK model for midazolam co-treatment with ketoconazole and rifampicin was developed using data of healthy volunteers, and the subject's CYP3A status influenced the midazolam PK parameters. Therefore, a population PK model with enzyme-mediated drug interactions may be useful for quantitatively predicting PK alterations.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.14 no.11
• /
• pp.619-626
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of physical activity and sedentary life in metabolically healthy obesity(MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity(MUO). A total of 1585 middle-aged obesity men and women participated in this study. The subjects were divided to MHO(n=840) and MUO(n=745) by metabolic syndrome markers(National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III). We analyzed measurement data using t-test. As results, physical activity and exercise participant between group had not significant difference in men subjects. But, in women subjects, total physical activity volume and muscle strength exercise participant between group had a significant difference. In conclusion, we suggest that physical activity and exercise participant are important factors affecting health status in the same level of obesity women.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.62 no.11
• /
• pp.416-421
• /
• 2019

Background: The seropositivity rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) antibodies is known to be ≥95% after hepatitis B virus vaccination during infancy. However, a low level or absence of anti-HBs in healthy children is discovered in many cases. Recent studies in adults reported that a reduced anti-HBs production rate is related to obesity. Purpose: To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) affects anti-HBs levels in healthy children following 3 serial dose vaccinations in infancy. Methods: We recruited 1,200 healthy volunteers aged 3, 5, 7, or 10 years from 4-day care centers and 4 elementary schools. All subjects completed a questionnaire including body weight, height, and vaccine type received. Levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs in all subjects were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The standardized scores (z score) for each sex and age were obtained using the lambda-mu-sigma method in the 2017 Korean National Growth Charts for children and adolescents. Results: Our subjects (n=1,200) comprised 750 males (62.5%) and 450 females (37.5%). The overall anti-HBs seropositivity rate was 57.9% (695 of 1,200). We identified significant differences in mean BMI values between seronegative and seropositive groups (17.45 vs. 16.62, respectively; P<0.001). The anti-HBs titer was significantly decreased as the BMI z score increased adjusting for age and sex (B=-15.725; standard error=5.494; P=0.004). The probability of anti-HBs seropositivity based on BMI z score was decreased to an OR of 0.820 after the control for confounding variables (95% confidence interval, 0.728-0.923; P=0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between anti-HBs titer and BMI z score after adjustment for age and sex. Our results indicate that BMI is a potential factor affecting anti-HBs titer in healthy children.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.105-121
• /
• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Sa-am acupuncture with tonifications of kidney and urinary bladder on radial pulse in healthy subjects. Methods : Sixty healthy subjects participated in this study, and were divided into a kidney tonifying acupuncture group(KI group), urinary bladder tonifying acupuncture group(BL group) and control group. Radial pulse was measured by 3 dimensional pulse imaging system(DMP-3000) before, immediately after, 30 minutes after, and 60 minutes after acupuncture at Cun, Guan, and Chi in each time. Results : 1. BL group exhibited significantly reduced T1 / T, T4 / T, T4 / (T-T4), T5 / T and increased(T-T4) / T compared to KI group. 2. BL group showed increase of radial augmentation index / heart rate(RAI / HR) in left Cun, H5, Ad / Ap in left Chi, H1, As / Ap in right Chi compared to KI group. BL group showed decrease of As / Ap, Aw / Ap in left Chi, H1, pulse depth, Ad / Ap in right Chi compared to KI group. 3. KI group showed increase of Aw / Ap, H1, H2, H4, pulse area in right Guan, pulse depth in right Chi compared to BL group. KI group showed decrease of RAI in left Cun, applied pressure, pulse depth in left Guan, Aw / Ap in right Chi compared to BL group. Conclusions : The effects of Sa-am acupuncture with tonifications of kidney and urinary bladder in healthy humans have been observed on various parameters. The parameters analysed in this study can be used to differentiate the effects of Sa-am acupuncture with tonifications of kidney and urinary bladder on radial pulse.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.7-18
• /
• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find parameters to compare the effects of Sa-Am acupuncture with large intestine tonifying and sedating on radial pulse in healthy subjects. Methods : Sixty healthy subjects participated in this study, divided into large intestine tonifying acupuncture group, large intestine sedating acupuncture group and control group. Radial pulse was measured by 3 dimensional pulse imaging system(DMP-3000) before, right after, 30 minutes after and 60 minutes after acupuncture at Cun, Guan, and Chi in the acupuncture group and in the control group at the same time points. Results : 1. Angle of main peak and magnitude of fourier component significantly changed by integrated analysis of Cun, Guan and Chi. 2. Amplitude of H1, Pulse Power volume / min, elasticity, AIx / HR, Frequency and magnitude of fourier component significantly changed by analysis of Cun, Guan, and Chi. Conclusions : The effect of Sa-Am acupuncture with large intestine tonifying and sedating in healthy human may be observed on time, amplitude, pulse area, augmentation index and fourier components parameters. The parameters analysed in this study may be used to differentiate the effects between Sa-Am acupuncture with large intestine tonifying and sedating on radial pulse. Further studies on the effects of Sa-Am acupuncture using radial pulse are needed.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.10-16
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Pilocarpine has the effects on improvement of salivary flow and subjective symptoms for xerostomic patients. Because of unwanted side effects following its systemic administration, topical pilocarpine has been paid attention as an alternative. This study aimed to investigate effects of pilocarpine solution as mouthwash on salivary flow and adverse effects compared to systemic administration of 5 mg pilocarpine tablet in healthy subjects. Methods: The study was a double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Five milligrams pilocarpine tablets, 4 mL of 2% pilocarpine solution and placebo solution were given to 12 healthy volunteers (6 males and 6 females) in a predetermined order with wash-out period of at least two days and unstimulated whole saliva was collected before and after administration of each drug. Blood pressure and pulse rate was also measured and subjective effect and potential side effects were evaluated by a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: Systemic (5 mg tablet) and topical (2% solution) use of pilocarpine significantly increased salivary flow rate in healthy subjects compared to placebo (p<0.001). In both the pilocarpine solution and tablet groups, salivary flow rates at 120 minutes after administration remained increased. Subjective effect on salivation was the largest in the pilocarpine tablet group, followed by the pilocarpine solution group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in blood pressure and pulse rate after administration of all three drugs. Fewer side effects reported in the pilocarpine solution group than in the tablet group. Conclusions: Two percents pilocarpine solution as mouthwash increases salivary flow rate, definitely superior to placebo solution and comparable to pilocarpine tablet, with fewer side effects in healthy subjects. It indicates a possibility of pilocarpine solution as a useful alternative of pilocarpine tablets for the xerostomic patients with systemic diseases.