• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.425-432
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• 2016

In addition to classical synaptic transmission, information is transmitted between cells via the activation of extrasynaptic receptors that generate persistent tonic current in the brain. While growing evidence supports the presence of tonic NMDA current ($I_{NMDA}$) generated by extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs), the functional significance of tonic $I_{NMDA}$ in various brain regions remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that activation of eNMDARs that generate INMDA facilitates the ${\alpha}$-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionate receptor (AMPAR)-mediated steady-state current in supraoptic nucleus (SON) magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs). In $low-Mg^{2+}$ artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), glutamate induced an inward shift in $I_{holding}$ ($I_{GLU}$) at a holding potential ($V_{holding}$) of -70 mV which was partly blocked by an AMPAR antagonist, NBQX. NBQX-sensitive $I_{GLU}$ was observed even in normal aCSF at $V_{holding}$ of -40 mV or -20 mV. $I_{GLU}$ was completely abolished by pretreatment with an NMDAR blocker, AP5, under all tested conditions. AMPA induced a reproducible inward shift in $I_{holding}$ ($I_{AMPA}$) in SON MNCs. Pretreatment with AP5 attenuated $I_{AMPA}$ amplitudes to ~60% of the control levels in $low-Mg^{2+}$ aCSF, but not in normal aCSF at $V_{holding}$ of -70 mV. $I_{AMPA}$ attenuation by AP5 was also prominent in normal aCSF at depolarized holding potentials. Memantine, an eNMDAR blocker, mimicked the AP5-induced $I_{AMPA}$ attenuation in SON MNCs. Finally, chronic dehydration did not affect $I_{AMPA}$ attenuation by AP5 in the neurons. These results suggest that tonic $I_{NMDA}$, mediated by eNMDAR, facilitates AMPAR function, changing the postsynaptic response to its agonists in normal and osmotically challenged SON MNCs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.142-162
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the critical environmental factors on healthy-aging of Korean people, we investigated the significant factors influencing health status of septuagenarians living in rural area of Jeonla province, known to be one of the representative longevity regions in Korea. Methods: We divided subjects into healthy group (36M/25F) or poor-health group (26M/73F) based on self-reported health status, body mass index, a number of prescription, and blood test data. General characteristics, physical measurements, lifestyle, dietary behavior and nutrient intake, physical health and mental health data were statistically compared between the two groups. Results: Average age was not different between healthy group and poor-health group in men and women, respectively. In men, significantly favorable factors to health were observed to be higher education, regular exercise, higher grip strength and walking function, body mass index (${\geq}18.5kg/m^2$), moderate frequency of drinking and eating-out, non-smoking, normal red blood cell (RBC) count, higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) level, good digestive function and appetite, normal hearing function, regular meals, adequate vegetable and fruit intake, diverse food intake, adequate energy and nutrients (protein, vitamin $B_1$, $B_6$, C and E, folate, niacin, P, Zn and K) intake, higher mini-nutrient status assessment (MNA) score and low level of depression. On the other hand, in women, those were literacy, living arrangement, moderate frequency of drinking, healthy teeth, higher grip strength and walking function, bone mineral density, normal RBC and white blood cell (WBC) count, higher DHEAS concentration, higher MNA score, normal cognition and memory function, having snack and adequate fruit intake. Conclusions: These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase health-life expectancy of Korean old people living in rural areas.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2001

Purpose : To improve the local control of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, we have implemented 3-D conformal radiotherapy and forward intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to used of compensating filters. Three dimension conformal radiotherapy with intensity modulation is a new modality for cancer treatments. We designed 3-D treatment planning with 3-D RTP (radiation treatment planning system) and evaluation dose distribution with tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Material and Methods : We have developed a treatment plan consisting four intensity modulated photon fields that are delivered through the compensating tilters and block transmission for critical organs. We get a full size CT imaging including head and neck as 3 mm slices, and delineating PTV (planning target volume) and surrounding critical organs, and reconstructed 3D imaging on the computer windows. In the planning stage, the planner specifies the number of beams and their directions including non-coplanar, and the prescribed doses for the target volume and the permissible dose of normal organs and the overlap regions. We designed compensating filter according to tissue deficit and PTV volume shape also dose weighting for each field to obtain adequate dose distribution, and shielding blocks weighting for transmission. Therapeutic gains were evaluated by numerical equation of tumor control probability and normal tissue complication probability. The TCP and NTCP by DVH (dose volume histogram) were compared with the 3-D conformal radiotherapy and forward intensity modulated conformal radiotherapy by compensator and blocks weighting. Optimization for the weight distribution was peformed iteration with initial guess weight or the even weight distribution. The TCP and NTCP by DVH were compared with the 3-D conformal radiotherapy and intensitiy modulated conformal radiotherapy by compensator and blocks weighting. Results : Using a four field IMRT plan, we have customized dose distribution to conform and deliver sufficient dose to the PTV. In addition, in the overlap regions between the PTV and the normal organs (spinal cord, salivary grand, pituitary, optic nerves), the dose is kept within the tolerance of the respective organs. We evaluated to obtain sufficient TCP value and acceptable NTCP using compensating filters. Quality assurance checks show acceptable agreement between the planned and the implemented MLC(multi-leaf collimator). Conclusion : IMRT provides a powerful and efficient solution for complex planning problems where the surrounding normal tissues place severe constraints on the prescription dose. The intensity modulated fields can be efficaciously and accurately delivered using compensating filters.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5563-5568
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• 2012

Based on our previous report on gastric cancer which documented ATP4A and ATP4B mRNA down-regulation in gastric tumors relative to normal gastric tissues, we hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms could be responsible. ATP4A and ATP4B mRNA expression in gastric cancer cell lines AGS, SNU638 and NUGC-3 was examined using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). AGS cells were treated with TSA or 5'-AzaDC and methylation specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) analysis were performed. MSP analysis was on DNA from paraffin embedded tissues sections and plasma. Expression analysis revealed downregulation of ATP4A and ATP4B genes in gastric cancer cell lines relative to normal gastric tissue, while treatment with 5'-AzaDC re-activated expression of both. Search for CpG islands in their putative promoter regions did not indicate CpG islands (CGI) but only further downstream in the bodies of the genes. Methylation specific PCR (MSP) in the exon1 of the ATP4B gene and exon7 in ATP4A indicated methylation in all the gastric cancer cell lines tested. MSP analysis in tumor tissue samples revealed methylation in the majority of tumor samples, 15/19, for ATP4B and 8/8 for ATP4A. There was concordance between ATP4B and ATP4A down-regulation and methylation status in the tumour samples tested. ATP4B methylation was detectable in cell free DNA from gastric cancer patient's plasma samples. Thus ATP4A and ATP4B down-regulation involves DNA methylation and methylated ATP4B DNA in plasma is a potential biomarker for gastric cancer.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.365-371
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• 2012

We aimed to analyze the muscle activity of adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis during gait and develop the wearing of musculo-skeletal functional garment by applying the principle of sports taping based on the result of the analysis. We selected 20 male students between the ages of 13 and 18 and divided them into 2 groups: one group consisted of 10 patients with idiopathic scoliosis <20 degrees of Cobb's Angle: the other group had 10 normal students. Using, we measured and analyzed the muscle activity of 8 different regions: left and right latissimus dorsi, left and right thoracolumbar fascia, left and right gluteus medius, and left and right biceps femoris during gait. Our results can be summarized as follows: Firstly, in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, the gait showed a significantly low activity of the right latissimus dorsi muscle when the left foot was supported on the ground(p<.05). Secondly, in the overall gait cycle, the patients showed a higher activity of the right thoracolumbar fascia and right gluteus medius than that seen in the normal students: however, this difference was not statistically significant. Thirdly, by applying sports taping on the bisis of the results, this study developed the wearing of musculo-skeletal functional garment that could maximize the stimuli of the right latissimus dorsi and alleviate muscle contraction of the right thoracolumbar fascia and right gluteus medius, while expanding the spinal line upward and downward, by focusing on the difference between left and right muscular strength of the muscle activity of the bright latissimus dorsi. Overall, we expect that by wearing of musculo-skeletal functional garment, the muscular functions in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.3-13
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• 1999

In this study, an alternative spatial analysis method against conventional methods such as Thiessen method, Inverse Distance method, and Kriging method, named Spatial-Analysis Neural-Network (SANN) is presented. It is based on neural network modeling and provides a nonparametric mean estimator and also estimators of high order statistics such as standard deviation and skewness. In addition, it provides a decision-making tool including an estimator of posterior probability that a spatial variable at a given point will belong to various classes representing the severity of the problem of interest and a Bayesian classifier to define the boundaries of subregions belonging to the classes. In this paper, the SANN is implemented to be used for analyzing a mean annual precipitation filed and classifying the field into dry, normal, and wet subregions. For an example, the whole area of South Korea with 39 precipitation sites is applied. Then, several useful results related with the spatial variability of mean annual precipitation on South Korea were obtained such as interpolated field, standard deviation field, and probability maps. In addition, the whole South Korea was classified with dry, normal, and wet regions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.37-45
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• 2006

Objectives : The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Deakumeumja herb-acupuncture on c-Fos expression in each area of the hippocampus of Alcohol intoxicated rats. Methods : Experimental groups were divided into five groups ; normal group, the alcohol-treated (control) group, the alcohol- 1 mg/kg Daekumeumja treated (sample A) group, the alcohol- 5 mg/kg Daekumeumja treated (sample B) group, the alcohol- 10 mg/kg Daekumeumja treated (sample C) group (n = 6 for each group). Rats of normal group were injected intraperitoneally with saline once a day for 5 consecutive days, while animals of the alcohol-treated (control) group were injected once a day with 2 g/kg of alcohol for the same duration of time. Animals of the alcohol and Daekumeumja-treated (sample A, B, C) groups were acupunctured at Chung-wan$(CV_{12})$ with 2 g/kg of alcohol and the appropriate amount of Daekumeumja extract once a day for 5 days. Each groups was evaluated by the changes of c-fos-positive neurons in each area of the hippocampus by using an image analyzer and microscope. Results: 1. In the CAI region of the hippocampus, the number of Fos-positive cells in the sample B, C groups were significantly increased compared with the control group. 2. In the CA2-3 regions of the hippocampus, the number of Fos-positive cells of the sample B, C groups were significantly increased compared with the control group. 3. In the Dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus, the number of Fos-positive cells of the sample C group was significantly increased compared with the control group. Conclusion : c-fos expression in each area of the hippocampus was reduced in alcohol-intoxicated groups. Treatment of Daekumeumja increased this reduction. In conclusion, it can be suggested that Daedumeumja possesses protective effects of the amnesia and learning disability in alcoholism.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.155-166
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• 2000

This study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the temporal changes of the striatal dopamine D2 receptors in the rat model of parkinsonism. After injection of the 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra of adult rats, we measured the receptor binding capacity(Bmax), mRNA and protein of the D2 receptor at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Following the lesion, mRNA and protein were elevated simultaneously on both sides of the striata. They showed more increase on the normal side at 2 and 4 weeks, and then they were almost equally abundant on both sides at 8 weeks. We also observed their increased production in the diffuse cortical and subcortical regions. The Bmax value also increased bilaterally in both striata, and was higher on the normal side at 2 weeks and then on the lesioned side at 4 and 8 weeks. These findings suggest that production of the striatal D2 receptor is regulated at the transcriptional level in this animal model. They also imply that this control may be mediated through a pathway which can have influence on the whole brain, rather than the local control of the dopamine content alone. The measured functional activity(Bmax) of the D2 receptor was not proportional to the amount of the receptor mRNA and proteins produced. This difference may be explained by the post-translational modification of the receptor proteins, which may be controlled by such factor as the local concentration of dopamine.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9171-9176
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• 2014

Aim: P53, the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor gene in all types of human cancer, is involved in cell cycle arrest and control of apoptosis. Although p53 contains several polymorphic sites, the codon 72 polymorphism is by far more common. There are divergent reports but many studies suggest p53 pro/pro SNP may be associated with susceptibility to developing various cancers in different regions of the world. The present study aimed to find any correlation between H. pylori infection and progression of carcinogenesis, by studying apoptosis and the p53 gene in gastric biopsies from north Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 921 biopsies were collected and tested for prevalence of H. pylori by rapid urease test (RUT), imprint cytology and histology. Apoptosis was studied by the TUNEL method. Analysis of p53 gene polymorphism at codon 72 was accomplished by PCR using restriction enzyme BstU1. Observation: Out of 921 samples tested 56.7% (543) were H. pylori positive by the three techniques. The mean apoptotic index (AI) in the normal group was 2.12, while gastritis had the maximum 4.24 followed by gastric ulcer 2.28, gastropathy 2.22 and duodenal ulcer 2.08. Mean AI in cases with gastric cancer (1.72) was less than the normal group. The analysis of p53 72 SNP revealed that p53 (Arg/Arg), (Pro /Arg) variant are higher (40.59% & 33.66%) as compared to p53 pro/pro variant (25.74%) inthe healthy population. Conclusions: The North Indian population harbors Arg or Pro/Arg SNP that is capable of withstanding stress conditions; this may be the reason of low incidence of gastric disease in spite of high infection with H. pylori. There was no significant association with H. pylori infection and AI. However, there is increased apoptosis in gastritis which may occur independent of H. pylori or p53 polymorphism.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.24 no.4 s.47
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• pp.787-798
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• 1994

The purpose of this study was three-fold: i) to investigate the degree of asymmetry in Angle's Class III malocclusion patients and normal adults; ii) to determine the nature of difference existed between two groups; and iii) to investigate the correlationship between the degree of asymmetry and ANB and overbite in Angle's Class III malocclusion patients. The subjects consisted of 25 Angle's Class III malocclusion patients and 25 normal adults and the mean ages were 22.0 and 24.5 years, respectively. Their posteroanterior and lateral cephalograms were traced and analysed with three-dimensional approach. The results were as follows: 1. Asymmetry of Angle's Class III malocclusion group was significant in all regions except cranial base. Their horizontal asymmetry was seen in mandibular angle, maxillary and mandibular 1st molar, mandibular midline and menton. Vertical asymmetry was observed in maxillary 1st molar and mandibular shape and anteroposterior asymmetry in mandibular angle. 2. Nine variables indicating asymmetry were selected and each variable had similar discriminant score. 3. There was a little correlationship between An and asymmetric variable(MSR-B6) and its correlation coefficients was 0.3564. 4. There was no significant correlationship between overbite and asymmetric variables.