• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권5호
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• pp.1977-1981
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• 2012

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is a native herb found in Southeast Asia which features various pharmacological activities against allergy, inflammation, viral and bacterial infection, and cancer. The aims of this study were to determine the cytotoxic effect of 6 fractions obtained from silica gel column chromatography of alcoholic HCT extract on human leukemic Molt-4 cells and demonstrate mechanisms of cell death. Six HCT fractions were cytotoxic to human lymphoblastic leukemic Molt-4 cells in a dose-dependent manner by MTT assay, fraction 4 exerting the greatest effects. Treatment with $IC_{50}$ of HCT fraction 4 significantly induced Molt-4 apoptosis detected by annexinV-FITC/propidium iodide for externalization of phosphatidylserine to the outer layer of cell membrane. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential was reduced in HCT fraction 4-treated Molt-4 cells. Moreover, decreased expression of Bcl-xl and increased levels of Smac/Diablo, Bax and GRP78 proteins were noted on immunoblotting. In conclusion, HCT fraction 4 induces Molt-4 apoptosis cell through an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

• 셀메드
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.20.1-20.23
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• 2021

Background: The pandemic COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 has spread like a forest fire. This disease may have serious consequences for pregnant women. Presently, no specific drugs or vaccines exist to battle this disease and researches are underway. Unani medicine has a unique role in prevention and management during epidemics. Here, we reviewed the overview of COVID-19 infection and pregnancy, concept and practices in Unani medicine for flu-like epidemics in general and pregnancy, and safety of Unani drugs for the prevention and treatment of mild symptomatic cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Methodology: Unani classical texts and pharmacopoeia were meticulously explored for concepts and practices for flu-like epidemic diseases. Further, we browsed scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus and others for an overview, epidemics and Unani medicine, effectiveness and safety of Unani drugs in COVID-19 and pregnancy. Results: Unani medicine includes prevention and management of flu-like epidemic include quarantine and isolation, aromatic herbal drugs fumigation and spraying for environmental disinfection, ilaj bid tadbir for health promotion and use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs in general and related to pregnancy. Lahsun, asalussus, behidana, banafsha, zanjabeel, unnab, etc are in use since antiquity for the prevention and treatment of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic pregnant women during infectious and epidemic diseases. Conclusion: Currently, the aforementioned plants are proven for antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, probably useful in the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, scientific studies have provided new insight into the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Unani medicines that are safe in pregnancy.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.170-177
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• 2005

Oriental medicinal herb extracts (OHE) showing anticancer activities were investigated for effectiveness as antiviral drugs. Infection of MuLV to cell line resulted in formation of giant syncytia. Number of giant syncytia in culture treated with OHE decreased by 40% compared to that of non-OHE-treated cell culture. To determine OHE effects on progeny release, RT-PCR was performed. In vivo animal studies demonstrated effectiveness of OHE as antiviral drug when administered orally. After OHE administration, viral cytopathic effects decreased. Infected mice showed splenomegaly and over-proliferation of lymphocytes with decreased CD4+ cell counts. These symptoms decreased in OHE-treated mice, indicating OHE maybe useful therapeutics against MuLV/MAIDS as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS animal model. Results show XC plaque assay and in vivo MAIDS model using MuLV are suitable tools for screening anti-retroviral drug candidates.

• 보건의료산업학회지
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives: We analyzed the importance and performance of hospital social responsibility (HSR) according to the characteristics of hospitals, and presented strategies for HSR activities. Methods: An online HSR questionnaire was sent to hospitals nationwide from October 12 to 26, 2018. The 206 responses received were analyzed in accordance with the IPA to assess the performance and importance of HSR. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the employees and hospitals regarding the importance and performance of HSR activities. In the area of "sustained maintenance", items related to consumer issues such as "compliance with personal information processing policy", "patient confidentiality", "fair information provision", and "system for patient safety and infection prevention" were derived. In the area of "'high priority for improvement", there were three common items between hospitals and general hospitals: "regular donations and support from local communities", "active cooperation with related institutions", and "compliance with process-related laws and regulations". In the area of "low priority", four items were derived: "support for employee participation in community activities", "efforts to hire local residents", "education and cultural programs for local communities", and "transparent support for political activities". In the area of "sublation of excessive efforts", two items of "employee welfare efforts" and "efforts to improve labor relations", were commonly found in hospitals and general hospitals. Conclusions: It is necessary to improve the management efficiency of hospitals by the systematic allocation of manpower and resources through the establishment of four regional strategies based on the results of IPA analysis.

• 가정∙방문간호학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.321-329
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the factors that affect the confidence of nurses at small and medium-sized hospitals in the control of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and to establish basic data for the interventional strategy to improve the nurses' execution of the control of infection caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Methods: A total of 154 nurses working at four small and medium-sized hospitals situated in City C were selected as participants of this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 21.0 software. Results: Confidence in controlling infections caused by multdrug-resistant organisms had a positive correlation with the level of knowledge of this control and the health beliefs of the nurses. Factors that affect nurses' confidence in controlling infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms included perceived benefits (β=.431, p<.001) and knowledge (β=.354, p<.001) with an explanatory power of 36.4%. Conclusion: It was found that the nurses have higher confidence in executing their duties with higher perceived benefits of and knowledge about the control of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. As such, it is deemed necessary to establish strategies to elevate the advantages of and knowledge about infection prevention activities at the time of training/education on controlling infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

• 한국재난정보학회 논문집
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.420-430
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• 2014

화재와 같은 재난현장에서 재난대응활동을 수행하는 소방공무원은 진압 구조 구급활동을 하는 동안 열, 연기, 유독가스에 노출되며 정신적인 스트레스, 생물학적 유해인자, 그리고 화재 진압 시 요구되는 인체공학적으로 부자연스러운 자세로 인한 육체적 과부하 등의 다양한 유해인자에 노출되고 있다. 그러나 지금까지 이에 대한 연구는 개별적 수준에서는 일부 존재해 왔지만 화재현장에서 소방관에게 노출되는 유해인자를 종합적으로 정리하고 그 대책까지 제안한 연구는 존재하지 않았다. 본 연구의 목적은 재난현장에서의 안전 및 유해인자를 종합적으로 도출하고 그 대응방안까지 제시함으로써 소방공무원의 노출로 인한 건강장애 및 사고 예방에 기여하는 데 의미가 있다고 할 수 있다. 이에 소방업무환경별로 화재진압분야, 구조 및 구급분야, 생활환경분야로 나누어 환경분석을 하고 물리적 화학적 생물학적 심리적 측면으로 구분하여 화재현장의 유해인자를 도출하고 노출현황을 제시하였다. 그리고, 물리적 유해인자 중에는 특수건강검진 결과 가장 많은 케이이스수를 차지하는 소음분야에 대하여 대처방안을 모색하였다. 화학적 유해인자는 보호장비와 클린룸 운영방안을, 생물학적 유해인자는 감염예방교육과 예방접종, 주기적 관리점검 체계확립을, 심리적 유해인자는 PTSD 경감 부스 설치와 멘토링제도의 도입을 제시하였다.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.158-166
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate patient safety regulations and guidelines in order to understand their current status, and to examine support measures to improve patient safety in Korean hospitals. Methods: The participants were the safety officers from hospitals with 200 or more beds and 112 hospitals responded to the online survey. The questions covered patient safety regulations, the performance level of patient safety activities, patient safety incident reporting systems, the dedicated professional, training, support mechanisms, and expectations of reporting systems. Results: Among preventative measures, fall prevention and hand hygiene were reported to be most widely practiced (92% and 91%, respectively). Time-out for invasive procedures showed a relatively low practice rate at 70%. Among patient care activities, transfusion, surgery and sedation, medication, and infection management were performed by 84, 74, 93 and 93% of the hospitals, respectively. Patient safety activities included patient safety committee, patient safety cooperation between decision-making bodies, patient safety workshops, seminars, lectures, and training for employees. Conclusion: Patient safety regulations and guidelines have not yet been sufficiently prepared, and a public institution such as a certification authority is of crucial importance to enforce these guidelines.

• 핵의학기술
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.104-110
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• 2011

Purpose: 최근 의료기관에 대한 객관적인 평가방법은 의료기관 인증제도를 시행하여 의료서비스에 대한 수요자의 신뢰성을 높이고 있다. 또한 핵의학 검사실과 진단검사의학 검사실도 국제적인 여러 종류의 인증제도를 채택하면서 검사실내의 안전관리에 관한 사항이 중요시 되고 있다. 핵의학과 혈액검사실에서도 검체에 의한 감염 및 방사성 동위원소시약을 비롯한 여러 유해환경에 노출되어 있으므로 직원 및 환자의 안전관리 영역에 많은 관심이 요구된다. 이에 본원 핵의학과 혈액검사실에서 실시하고 있는 직원 및 환자의 안전관리 활동에 대해 논해 보고자 한다. Material & Method: 본원 핵의학과 혈액검사실에서는 안전관리 책임자에 의해 전반적인 안전관리 사항이 제시되고 검사실 모든 직원이 이를 업무에 적용하고 있다. 정해진 규정에 따라 안전관리 교육을 정기적으로 실시하고 있으며, 검사 업무 중에는 개인 보호구 착용 및 손 위생을 시행하여 감염을 예방하고 있다. 또한 기술적 안전지침과 정전으로 발생되는 사고지침을 통해 유사시에 대비하고 있다. 감염관리 지침을 통해 감염 예방 및 감염 시 대비 요령을 숙지하고 방사성 동위원소 관리, 시약 사용에 대한 안전관리 및 유해화학 물질에 대한 안전 지침을 업무에 적용하고 있다. Result: 핵의학과 혈액검사실에서는 안전관리 규정을 업무에 적용하고 있다. 손 위생을 실시해야 하는 상황에서 손 씻기를 시행하여 직원 및 환자 간 감염을 예방하고 있으며, 검체에 의한 감염을 예방하고자 개인 보호구 착용을 하고 있다. 혈액검사실 내에서 사용하고 있는 시약에서 유해물질로 분류된 시약은 쉽게 알아 볼 수 있도록 분리하여 보관하며 방사성 폐기물 및 일반 의료 폐기물도 효율적으로 안전한 관리를 하고 있다. 이와 같은 많은 안전관리 활동을 통해 직원들은 안전관리 의식이 향상 되었으며 환자들은 여러 위험으로부터 보호되고 있다. Conclusion: 핵의학과 혈액검사실 직원은 안전관리에 대한 규정을 충분히 숙지하고 업무에 적용해야 한다. 더 나은 안전관리에 대한 제안이 나오면 검토하여 적용하고 직원 및 환자의 안전관리에 대한 질적 향상을 높여야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.29-32
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• 2020

As respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) is transmitted either via directly contact with an infected case or via indirectly contaminated fomites or skin, the major preventive measures are strict hand hygiene, early detection of transmitted sources, and rapid isolation of RSV patients. Especially early detection of hidden cases is the most critical control measure when an index case was notified in a postpartum center. The Guideline of Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention defines potential contacts in an epidemiologic survey as admitted newborns, parents of index cases, center's workers, and visitors for 10 days before the first diagnosis day of index case. However, it needs to classify potential contacts in more detail in order to conduct a successful survey. Authors conducted to search related literatures and appraise the evidences. Firstly, potential contacts would be classified into RSV-related symptomatic contacts(SxC) and asymptomatic contacts. And then, mother, caring workers, and visitors of the index cases among asymptomatic contacts would be defined as the asymptomatic close contacts(ASCC). Finally, the rest would be defined as the asymptomatic regular contacts(ASRC). The defined test using reverse transcription-PCR is applied to SxC and ASCC, and decision of isolation or regular activities are made according to the results. The rapid antigen detection test kits are applied to ASRC. These suggestions might be helpful to detect hidden cases earlier and prevent a further infection.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.173-179
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• 2014

Background: Ginsenosides are the major components responsible for the biochemical and pharmacological actions of ginseng, and have been shown to have various biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antiviral activities of seven ginsenosides [protopanaxatriol (PT) type: Re, Rf, and Rg2; protopanaxadiol (PD) type: Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd)] against coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), enterovirus 71 (EV71), and human rhinovirus 3 (HRV3). Methods: Assays of antiviral activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated by the sulforhodamine B method using the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. Results: The antiviral assays demonstrated that, of the seven ginsenosides, the PT-type ginsenosides (Re, Rf, and Rg2) possess significant antiviral activities against CVB3 and HRV3 at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$. Among the PT-type ginsenosides, only ginsenoside Rg2 showed significant anti-EV71 activity with no cytotoxicity to cells at $100{\mu}g/mL$. The PD-type ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd), by contrast, did not show any significant antiviral activity against CVB3, EV71, and HRV3, and exhibited cytotoxic effects to virus-infected cells. Notably, the antiviral efficacies of PT-type ginsenosides were comparable to those of ribavirin, a commonly used antiviral drug. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggest that the ginsenosides Re, Rf, and Rg2 have the potential to be effective in the treatment of CVB3, EV71, and HRV3 infection.