• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.100-108
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• 2024

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mechanical traction therapy on pain, symptom severity, and functional status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Design: Randomized controlled trial study. Methods: The 24 participants in this study were randomly assigned to either the Mechanical traction therapy (MTT) group (n=12) or the placebo group (n=12). Both groups performed tendon and neural gliding exercise. Both groups underwent mechanical traction therapy with their forearms placed on a traction device. However, in the placebo group, the device was turned off, and a placebo treatment was administered without any mechanical stimulation. All the participants underwent 18 sessions of intervention (10 minutes, 3 days per week for 6 weeks). Both groups were assessed for pain using the numerical pain rating scale and for symptom severity and functional status using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), which includes two additional scales: the Boston Symptom Severity Scale (BSSS) and the Boston Functional Status Scale (BFSS). Results: The muscle activation, pain, symptom severity, and functional status in the MTT group were significantly improved compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that traction therapy combined with tendon and neural gliding exercise. are a beneficial method for improving pain, symptom severity, and functional status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1516-1522
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• 2018

Atherosclerosis is an obstructive vessel disease mainly caused by chronic arterial inflammation to which the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the main pathological response. In the present study, the primary responsible inflammatory cytokine and its signaling pathway was investigated. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs was significantly enhanced by the prostaglandin $F_{2{\alpha}}$ ($PGF_{2{\alpha}}$), while neither was affected by tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$. Prostacyclin $I_2$ was seen to enhance the proliferation of VSMCs while simultaneously suppressing their migration. Both prostaglandin $D_2$ and prostaglandin $E_2$ significantly enhanced the migration of VSMCs, however, proliferation was not affected by either of them. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs stimulated by $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ progressed in a dose-dependent manner; the $EC_{50}$ value of both proliferation and migration was $0.1{\mu}M$. VSMCs highly expressed the phospholipase isoform $C-{\beta}3$ ($PLC-{\beta}3$) while others such as $PLC-{\beta}1$, $PLC-{\beta}2$, and $PLC-{\beta}4$ were not expressed. Inhibition of the PLCs by U73122 completely blocked the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$-induced migration of VSMCs, and, in addition, silencing $PLC-{\beta}3$ significantly diminished the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Given these results, we suggest that $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ plays a crucial role in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and activation of $PLC-{\beta}3$ could be involved in their $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$-dependent migration.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2013

The innate immune response is fundamental defense response of vertebrates and invertebrates. Especially, the innate immune response important for larvae that lack of resistance to infectious diseases in the early stages. Galectin is one of the kinds of lectin and presents in the fish mucous that involves innate immune response. Galectin have been studied from various fishing species, but expression analysis of galectin is still unclear during early developmental stage in olive flounder. In this study, we investigated gene expression of galectin-1 from various developmental stage and tissues. We excised several tissues including the muscle, fin, eye, gill, brain, stomach, intestine, kidney, spleen and liver from adult olive flounder and confirmed gene expression of galectin-1 using RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of galectin-1 was significantly higher in muscle, stomach and intestinal tissue than other tissue in adult fish (5 and 29 months). Also, galectin-1 gene was detected from 0 DAH and gradually increased to 35 DAH and since then decreased after stomach development period. Induction of galectin-1 during the early developmental stage suggest that muscle, fin and eye tissue is formed and begins the secretion of galectin this period. In addition, increased expression levels at 35 DAH suggest that due to complete formation of stomach and intestine, increase of secretion and activation of enzyme. This study shows that expression of galectin-1 during early developmental stages and adult period in olive flounder and can be expect that galectin-1 play essental role in the innate immune system throughout the whole life time. Galectin-1 is primary barrier such as skin and digestive tissue against pathogen infection, also digestive tract developmental period is important for pathogen invasion can be expected that it will serve. Mass mortality due to the disease in seed production is continuing damage, therefore these result will be meaningful about infectious disease during early developmental stages as a basic data for the study.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.271-279
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• 1984

Effects of temperature and additives on the stability of actomyosin extracted from skeletal muscle of Israeli carp, Cyprinus carpio nudus, were studied by analyzing free SH-group, ATP-sensitivity and Ca-ATPase activity. The used additives were sucrose, sorbitol, Na-glutamate and L-cysteine. Furthermore, the denaturation constant($K_D$), protective effect(${\Delta}E/M$) and the other thermo-dynamic parameters on protein denaturation are systematically discussed. The actomyosin showed $4.12{\sim}4.68 mg/ml$ in protein concentration, $2.63{\sim}2.93\%$ in ribonucleic acid to the protein, $1:2.20{\sim}2.63$ in the binding ratio of myosin and actin, $4.33{\sim}5.26\%$ in fat content, 109.78 in ATP-sonsitivity, $0.159{\sim}0.201\;{\mu}M-Pi/min/mg-protein$ in Ca-ATPase activity and $3.3{\sim}3.4M/10^5$g-protein in free SH-group content. The first-order rate plots were obtained on the decrease of Ca-ATPase activity and ATP-sensitivity with an increase in temperature, while the free SH-group was increased to $60^{\circ}C$ and decreased rapidly above the temperature. The half-life of Ca-ATPase activity on the actomyosin Ca-ATPase was 280 min at $12^{\circ}C$, 125 min at $20^{\circ}C$, 55 min at $30^{\circ}C$ and 13 min at $40^{\circ}C$, and activation energy, activation enthalpy, activation entropy and free energy of the proteins at $20^{\circ}C$ wene 5,395 cal/mole, 4,814 cal/mole, -40.42 e.u. and 17,626 cal/mole, respectively. The protective effect of the additives on the actomyosin Ca-ATPase showed that the most effective material is $3\%$ sorbitol and followed in the order of $8\%$ Na-glutamate, $1\%$ sucrose and $1\%$ L-cysteine. The actomyosin was more stable at $-30^{\circ}C$ than at $0^{\circ}C$ and $-20^{\circ}C$. and when the additives were used in the low temperature storage, $8\%$ Na-glutamate was the most effective. $3\%$ sorbitol, $1\%$ sucrose and $1\%$ L-cysteine was to become lower in the order.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.210-219
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• 2004

Extracellular $K^{+}$ concentration ([ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ ) can be increased within several mM by the efflux of intracellular $K^{+}$. To investigate the effect of an increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ on vascular contractility, we attempted to examine whether extracellular $K^{+}$ might modulate vascular contractility, endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) and intracellular $Ca^2$$^{+}$ concentration ([C $a^2$$^{+}$]$_{i}$ ) in endothelial cells (EC). We observed isometric contractions in rabbit carotid, superior mesenteric, basilar arteries and movse aorta. [C $a^2$$^{+}$]$_{i}$ was recorded by microfluorimeter using Fura-2/AM in EC. No change in contractility was recorded by the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ from 6 to 12 mM in conduit artery such as rabbit carotid artery. whereas resistant vessels, such as basilar and branches of superior mesenteric arteries (SMA), were relaxed by the increase. In basilar artery, the relaxation by the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ to from 1 to 3 mM was bigger than that by the increase from 6 to 12 mM. In contrast, in branches of SMA, the relaxation by the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ to from 6 to 12 mM is bigger than that by the increase from 1 to 3 mM. $Ba^2$$^{+}$ (30 $\mu$M) did not inhibit the relaxation by the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ from 1 to 3 mM but did inhibit the relaxation by the increase from 6 to 12 mM. In the mouse aorta without the endothelium or treated with $N^{G}$_nitro-L-arginine (30 $\mu$M), nitric oxide synthesis blocker, the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ from 6 to 12 mM did not change the magnitude of contraction induced either norepinephrine or prostaglandin $F_2$$_{\alpha}$. The increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ up to 12 mM did not induce contraction of mouse aorta but the increase more than 12 mM induced contraction. In the mouse aorta, EDR was completely inhibited on increasing [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ from 6 to 12 mM. In cultured mouse aorta EC, [C $a^2$$^{+}$]$_{i}$ , was increased by acetylcholine or ATP application and the increased [C $a^2$$^{+}$]$_{i}$ , was reduced by the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ reversibly and concentration-dependently. In human umbilical vein EC, similar effect of extracellular $K^{+}$ was observed. Ouabain, a N $a^{+}$ - $K^{+}$ pump blocker, and N $i^2$$^{+}$, a N $a^{+}$ - $Ca^2$$^{+}$ exchanger blocker, reversed the inhibitory effect of extracellular $K^{+}$. In resistant arteries, the increase in [ $K^{+}$]$_{0}$ relaxes vascular smooth muscle and the underlying mechanisms differ according to the kinds of the arteries; $Ba^2$$^{+}$-insensitive mechanism in basilar artery and $Ba^2$$^{+}$ -sensitive one in branches of SMA. It also inhibits [C $a^2$$^{+}$]$_{i}$ , increase in EC and thereby EDR. The initial mechanism of the inhibition may be due to the activation of N $a^{+}$ - $K^{+}$pump. activation of N $a^{+}$ - $K^{+}$pump.p.p.p.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.30 no.5 s.82
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• pp.591-598
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• 2000

This study was designed to analysis the airway which affects to breathing, speech and facial growth pattern in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Upper airway and the position of hyoid bone pattern were analyzed on the lateral cephalometric radiographs of the 78 subjects of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate group and each group was divided two sub-groups by circumpubertal growth peak and gender. These data were statistically analyzed to examine the difference between pre-circumpubertal growth peak group and post-circumpubertal growth peak one, and between male and female group. The results of this study were as follows: 1. After circumpubertal growth peak stage, the position of hyoid bone was lower than before in both male and female group. 2. After circumpubertal growth peak stage, the measurement were increased in CV3ia-APH, PNS-ad which related to the volume of pharyngeal space. This was due to the decrease of adenoid and anteroiferior growth of mandible and affected to breathing and speech after circumpubertal growth peak. 3. During circumpubertal growth peak stage, all measurements increased more in male than female group, which due to the different amount of growth in different gender. 4. The position of hyoid bone was lower in male than female group in all age group. 5. After circumpubertal growth peak stage, CV3ia-APH increased more in male. This was due to the more growth in madible of male which resulted in the activation of digastric muscle.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.257-266
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• 2016

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a common interstitial lung disease; it is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease of unknown etiology. Over the last two decades, knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis has improved markedly and facilitated the identification of potential targets for novel therapies. However, despite the large number of antifibrotic drugs being described in experimental pre-clinical studies, the translation of these findings into clinical practices has not been accomplished yet. NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a homodimeric enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of NADH to $NAD^+$ by various quinones and thereby elevates the intracellular $NAD^+$ levels. In this study, we examined the effect of increase in cellular $NAD^+$ levels on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The mice were orally administered with ${\beta}$-lapachone from 3 days before exposure to bleomycin to 1-3 weeks after exposure to bleomycin. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for analyzing the infiltration of immune cells. In vitro, A549 cells were treated with transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$) and ${\beta}$-lapachone to analyze the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results: ${\beta}$-Lapachone strongly attenuated bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, characterized by histological staining, infiltrated immune cells in BALF, inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic score, and TGF-${\beta}1$, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin accumulation. In addition, ${\beta}$-lapachone showed a protective role in TGF-${\beta}1$-induced ECM expression and EMT in A549 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ${\beta}$-lapachone can protect against bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice and TGF-${\beta}1$-induced EMT in vitro, by elevating the $NAD^+$/NADH ratio through NQO1 activation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, anthocyanins have been reported to have various biological activities. Furthermore, anthocyanin-rich purple corn extract (PCE) ameliorated insulin resistance and reduced diabetes-associated mesanginal fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting that it may have benefits for the prevention of diabetes and diabetes complications. In this study, we determined the anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin component of PCE by HPLC-ESI-MS and investigated its anti-diabetic activity and mechanisms using C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into four groups: diabetic control group (DC), 10 or 50 mg/kg PCE (PCE 10 or PCE 50), or 10 mg/kg pinitol (pinitol 10) and treated with drugs once per day for 8 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured every week. At the end of treatment, we measured several diabetic parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the DC group, Fasting blood glucose levels were 68% lower in PCE 50 group and 51% lower in the pinitol 10 group. Furthermore, the PCE 50 group showed 2-fold increased C-peptide and adiponectin levels and 20% decreased HbA1c levels, than in the DC group. In pancreatic islets morphology, the PCE- or pinitol-treated mice showed significant prevention of pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell damage and higher insulin content. Microarray analyses results indicating that gene and protein expressions associated with glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism in liver and fat tissues. In addition, purple corn extract increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose 6-phosphatase (G6pase) genes in liver, and also increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expressions in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that PCE exerted anti-diabetic effects through protection of pancreatic ${\beta}$-cells, increase of insulin secretion and AMPK activation in the liver of C57BL/KsJ db/db mice.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2005

Cnidii Rhizoma (CR) was subjected to extraction with 70% methanol and tested to determine whether it has anxiolytic activity in mouse by employing staircase and rotarod tests. In addition, to understand the mechanism of anxiolytic action, CR, picrotoxin, yohimbine, isoniazid and strychnine were utilized to deliniate the potential involvement of GABA and glycine receptors in the action of Cnidii Rhizoma. To gain insights into the safety of Cnidii Rhizoma extract, behavioral and MTT tests were carried out. The results were obtained as follows: 1. CR extract had little effect on climbing numbers in the stair case test. 2. CR extract had considerable anti-anxiety effects as evidenced by the reduction of rearing numbers in the stair case test. 3. CR extract had little effect on muscle relaxation. 4. Anxiolytic actions of CR extract appeared to be mediated by glycine receptor activation. 5. Cytotoxicity in the neuronal cell was not observed and no strange behaviors were found. In short, these results indicate that CR extract has the ability to exert anxiolytic activity, possibly by activating glycine receptor with little side effects in mouse.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.930-937
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• 1999

Atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) is a hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic and relaxing properties on vascular smooth muscle. Specific chemical modulator in response for the ANP secretion has not been found yet. Therefore, we have investigated the role of $Ca^{2+}$ responsible for the regulation of ANP induced by protein kinase C(PKC) on mechanically stretch-induced ANP secretion in the rat atria. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. ANP secretion and ANP concentration were increased to more in $Ca^{2+}$-free buffer than in the Kreb-Henseleit buffer on mechanically stretch-induced ANP secretion(p < 0.05), but extracellular fluid translocation(ECF) was not significant. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA, $10^{-7}M$) induced ANP secretion and ANP concentration in $Ca^{2+}$-free buffer shown to more accentuate on mechanically stretch-induced ANP secretion than in the $Ca^{2+}$-free buffer(p < 0.05), but ECF translocation was not significant. 2. In the presence of ryanodine($3{\times}10^{-6}M$), PMA($10^{-7}M$) induced ANP secretion and ANP concentration in the Kreb-Henseleit buffer were shown to more increase on mechanically stretch-induced ANP secretion than in the ryanodine($3{\times}10^{-6}M$) with the Kreb-Henseleit buffer(p < 0.05), but ECF translocation was not significant. 3. In the presence of ryanodine($3{\times}10^{-6}M$), PMA($10^{-7}M$) induced ANP secretion and ANP concentration in the $Ca^{2+}$-free buffer was shown to more increase on mechanically stretch-induced ANP secretion than in the ryanodine($3{\times}10^{-6}M$) with the $Ca^{2+}$-free buffer on mechanically induced ANP secretion(p < 0.05), but ECF translocation was not significant. The results suggest that PKC-induced ANP secretion may not be related to the change of $Ca^{2+}$ on mechanically induced ANP secretion in the rat atria.