• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 1996

This study was performed to investigate the toxicity of DA-125 in beagle dogs, an anthracycline antitumor antibiotic. The dogs were administered DA-125 i.v. at 0.0023, 0.0375, 0.15 and 0.6 mg/kg/day, 6 days/week for 26 weeks. At 0.6 mg/kg, all male and female dogs were either sacrificed moribundly or dead during the 26-week treatment. The dogs revealed inactivity, salivation, dark bloody discharge, swelling of the subcutaneous injection site, abscess, and ulceration in the abdominal wall and legs. At 0.15 mg/kg, anorexia, salivation, and swelling of the injection site were observed. The food consumption was decreased with a statistical significance at 6 and 12 weeks treatment in males of 7.6 mg/kg. At 0.0375, 0.15 and 0.6 mg/kg, body weights were decreased significantly in a dose-related fashion after 17 weeks treatment. Total white blood cell counts for male dogs at 0.6 mg/kg were lower than those of control dogs after 13 weeks treatment, which appeared mainly due to decreased neutrophils. At 0.15 mg/kg, testicular atrophy was found in all males by gross pathology and the testicular weights were significantly decreased when compared to those of control males. Microscopically, the testis showed moderate atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and marked decrease in number of spermatozoa in the epididymal tubules. At 0.6 mg/kg, petechia or echymotic hemorrhage was observed in gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, and other organs at the necropsy, Marked atrophy of thymus were observed in both males and females. In addition, severe testicular atrophy was noted in all males. Microscopically, gastrointestinal tract showed hemorrhage, epithelial denudation, hypermucus secretion, and atrophy of intestinal villi. Seminiferous tubules of the atrophic testis were lined with Sertoli cells only and devoid of germ cells. Severe oligospermia or aspermia was present in the epididymal tubules. Bone marrow showed marked depletion of hemopoietic cells. In addition, marked atrophy was found in the lymphoid tissue of gastrointestinal tract, various Iymph nodes, and thymus. Injection sites showed marked inflammatory response with necrosis, necrotizing vasculitis, thrombus formation, and ulceration in the skin. According to the present results, no observed effect level appeared to be 0.0375 mg/kg. At 0.15 mg/kg, testis was a target organ, while at 0.6 mg/kg hemopoietic tissue, gastrointestinal tract, and testis were considered to be target organs. At 0.6 mg/kg the test compound seems to inflict a damage on the blood vessels causing hemorrhage in the various organs and tissues.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.425-430
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• 2012

Rumex acetosa is a perennial herb that is widely distributed across eastern Asia. Although the hot water extract of R. acetosa has been used to treat gastritis or gastric ulcers as a folk medicine, no scientific report exists for the use of this plant to treat gastric ulcers. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the anti-ulcer activity of water and 70% ethanol extracts obtained from R. acetosa, using an HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging activities of these two extracts were also evaluated and compared. As a result, the administration of R. acetosa extracts significantly reduced the occurrence of gastric ulcers. However, significant differences in protective activity against gastric ulcers were observed between the two samples. In the case of the group pretreated with an ethanol extract dosage of 100 mg/kg, the protective effect (90.9%) was higher than that of water extract (41.2%). Under histological evaluation, pretreatment with R. acetosa extracts reversed negative effects, such as inflammation, edema, moderate hemorrhaging and loss of epithelial cells, presented by HCl/ethanol-treated stomachs. Meanwhile, R. acetosa extracts showed potent DPPH radical-scavenging activity and decreased NO production in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cellular viability. The greater anti-ulcer and NO production inhibitory activities exhibited by ethanol extracts compared to water extracts could be ascribed to the higher emodin levels, a major anthraquinone component of this plant.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.407-421
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• 2016

This paper reports a meta-analysis of sixteen studies that evaluated the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for persistent primary insomnia. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL and several Korean databases were searched between January 2015 and June 2015. The main search strategy involved the terms that indicate CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Insomnia) and presence of insomnia. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias. Data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.3 program of Cochrane Library. Sixteen clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a total of 1503 participants. Stimulus control, sleep restriction, sleep hygiene education, and cognitive restructuring were the main treatment components. CBT-I was conducted for a mean of 5.4 weeks, 5.5 sessions, and an average of 90 minutes per session. The effects of CBT-i on total sleep time (d=-0.31), sleep onset latency (d=-0.29), awakening time after sleep onset (d=-0.55), sleep efficiency (d=-0.70), insomnia severity (d=-0.77) and sleep belief (d=-0.64) were significant. Overall, we found a range from small to moderate effect size. CBT-I also was effective for anxiety (d=-0.30) and depression (d=-0.35). The findings demonstrate that CBT-I interventions will lead to the improvement of both sleep quality and quantity in patients with insomnia.

• 한국노년학
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.969-989
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• 2008

This study attempts to explain how depression among community elderly relate to suicidal ideation and whether or not the psycho-social characteristics of elderly persons moderate the relationship between these two variables. This study was conducted in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu and included 273 persons 65 years and above who were using senior welfare centers in the communities. For the questionnaire and analysis, this research uses the Health Care, Life Event, Self-esteem, Family Assessment scales. This research utilizes a wide range of statistical analyses, such as descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation, reliability analysis, multiple regression, and general linear modeling. The calculations employed the use of SPSS/PC+ 12.0. This research indicates, among other things, that elderly persons with a high level of depression and psycho-social characteristics show a tendency toward higher suicidal ideation and that the level of self-esteem, life event, and family communication plays a moderating role in the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among community elderly. In conclusion, elderly persons who experienced with a high level of psycho-social characteristics shows a relatively greater tendency toward suicidal ideation when compared to elderly persons having a low level of psycho-social characteristics. The intervention's effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation can reinforce self-esteem, and cope with stressful life events and family discord as prevention strategy to reduce risk factors for suicide in late life.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.73-94
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• 2009

In this paper the benefit was forecasted for traffic safety facilities to be constructed along the inland waterway between Phnom Penh and Chong Kneas(Siem Reap) port in Cambodia. First of all, the number of cruise ships passengers and cargo volumes were predicted. Second, the traffic volume of the cruise ships and cargo ships were calculated according to the prediction. Last, the safety benefit of traffic safety facilities was forecasted with the traffic after surveying the waterway accidents. The other benefit was also presented by converting the effect of relieving the emotional burden of navigators into currency value. Accordingly the entire benefit was estimated to be $14,990, $20,950 and $28,540 for pessimistic, moderate and optimistic prospects, in 2011. And then the entire benefits are calculated as $28,320, $63,060 and $95,230 for each prospect in the final estimation year 2020.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.581-585
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• 2010

The effects of plastic container vent ratio on fruit quality during strawberry precooling and storage were analyzed. Plastic containers ($520mm{\times}355mm{\times}182mm$) were manufactured with bottom and side vents at areal ratios of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Fruit was loaded at a volume ratio of 80% prior to pressure cooling and storage at $5^{\circ}C$. The internal fruit temperature was $18^{\circ}C$ and the times taken to attain $2^{\circ}C$ after precooling were 1 hour 9 minutes, 1 hour 13 minutes, 2 hours 2 minutes, and 2 hours 51 minutes at vent ratios of 20%, 15%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. To mimic the current distribution system, precooled strawberries were packaged in tray wrapping and stored at $5^{\circ}C$. Changes in weight, bruising, extent of decay, and firmness, were measured. Weight loss, bruising, and decay were highest at a vent ratio of 20%, lowest at a vent ratio of 15%, and moderate at vent ratios of 5% and 10%. No significant among-treatment difference in fruit firmness was evident.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.546-554
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• 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. Methods: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. Results: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01578837;

• 한국노년학
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.15-32
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• 2017

The current study aims to identify the heterogeneous changes of functional disabilities in old age rather than to identify an average longitudinal pattern and to explore the effect of health status and social status as risk factors in functional disability trajectories. The sample consisted of a representative sample of community dwellers aged 65 and older from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006 - 2012) was the focus of the study. Latent Class Growth Analysis was used to identify the functional disability trajectory groups. Variables regarding health status and social status changes by class were identified using multinomial logistic regression. The results showed various change patterns in functional disability, which include independent (78%), stable high (4.4%), steeply increasing (7.1%), slightly increasing (5.5%), and moderate to low (4.7%). Aggravation in depressive symptoms and cognitive functions as well as decline in social participations and social engagements were significant predictors of membership in increasing group of functional disability. The findings provide important initial empirical information to target clinical practice and have implications in the importance of conducting research on groups with different characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Therapy
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.13-26
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• 2018

Objective : The aim of the study was to investigate the application of nonpharmacological cognitive interventions in patients with dementia. Methods : We searched published studies in KISS, PubMed, and Sciencedirect databases from January 2013 to December 2017. The main keywords used were "Dementia" AND "Cognitive stimulation OR Cognitive rehabilitation OR Cognitive training" and a total of ten studies were selected for analysis from 753 searched articles. Results : Seven of the ten selected studies showed significant improvements in cognitive function after intervention, whereas three studies showed no improvement in cognitive function; however, activation of brain waves, improvement in the relationship between care givers and patients, improvement in the quality of life of care givers, and improvements in visual motor skills were shown. Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) was used as the assessment tool for identifying the effects of the cognitive function improvement, and in four studies the quality of life of dementia patients was measured as an intervention effect. The main subject of the cognitive intervention is patients with mild to moderate dementia. Conclusion : The results of this study can be used as a basis for the selection of intervention methods, as well as their duration and assessment, according to the characteristics of dementia patients.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.225-232
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• 2019

Thymus vulgaris L. is widely used as an ingredient in cooking and in herbal medicine. However, there is little information about its toxicity. The present study was performed to evaluate the acute and repeated 28-day oral dose toxicity of thyme essential oil in rats. For the acute toxicity test, two groups of three rats were used. The rats received a single dose of essential oil: 300 or 2,000 mg/kg of body weight (bw). The rats were observed individually during the first four hours, and then daily until day 14. For the toxicity test with repeated doses, four groups of 10 rats were used. Doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day were tested for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected and the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological examination showed that in the lungs of rats given the 2,000 mg/kg bw dose, polymorph nuclear infiltrates, hemosiderin macrophages, and interstitial space thickening were present. In the repeated dose study, all rats survived the 28-day treatment period and apparently showed no signs of toxicity. The hematological and biochemical parameters were not altered. The histopathological study of the organs showed severe changes in the lung, with the dose of 500 mg/kg/day; in the other organs, no alterations were observed or the changes were slight. The body weight was only altered in male rats given the 500 mg/kg dose. The relative weight of the organs did not show any significant changes. Our studies revealed that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris has moderate oral toxicity according to the results of the acute test, whereas the results of the 28-day oral toxicity test suggest that the no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) is greater than 250 mg/kg/day.