• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2014

Various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) especially enzyme-inducing AEDs might be associated with increased vascular risk, through impairment of the endogenous antioxidative ability which may trigger oxygen-dependent tissue injury. Lamotrigine (LTG) a non-enzyme-inducing AED has scarce information regarding its effects on oxidative stress. The present study aimed to study the possible modulation of vascular risk factors of epileptogenesis by LTG, in a rat model of kindling seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Four groups of male Wister rats were used; vehicle control group, PTZ group (alternate day PTZ, 30 mg/kg, i.p), LTG/PTZ group (LTG 20 mg/kg/day p.o and alternate day PTZ) and LTG group. The study period was 5 weeks. Lipoproteins and total homocysteine (tHcy), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. Aortic endothelial function study and histopathological examination of the rats' brains, aortas and coronaries were conducted. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), tHcy, MDA, GSH levels were significantly higher in epileptic rats than normal controls rats. A decrease in HDL-cholesterol with high atherosclerotic index was also demonstrated. The administration of LTG improved the PTZ-kindled seizures. It produced a significant decrease in TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol, MDA, aortic GSH and increase in HDL-cholesterol with no significant effect on serum GSH and tHcy levels. LTG improved endothelium-dependent relaxation, decreased hippocampal neurodegenerative changes and atherosclerotic changes of aortas and coronaries. LTG decreased seizures severity, hippocampal damage and improved vascular risk markers in this rat model of kindling seizures.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.283-289
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• 2013

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated guinea pig heart. KRG has been shown to possess various ginsenosides, which are the major components of Panax ginseng. These components are known naturally occurring compounds with beneficial effects and free radical scavenging activity. The heart was induced to ischemia for 60 min, followed by 120 min reperfusion. The hearts were randomly allocated into five groups (n=8 for each group): normal control (N/C), KRG control, I/R control, 250 mg/kg KRG group and 500 mg/kg KRG group. KRG significantly increased hemodynamics parameters such as aortic flow, coronary flow and cardiac output. Moreover, KRG significantly increased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), the maximal rate of contraction (+dP/$dt_{max}$) and maximal rate of relaxation (-dP/$dt_{max}$). Also, treatment of KRG ameliorated electrocardiographic index such as the QRS, QT and RR intervals. Moreover, KRG significantly suppressed the lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and ameliorated the oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde and glutathione. KRG was standardized through ultra performance liquid chromatograph analysis for its major ginsenosides. Taken together, KRG has been shown to prevent cardiac injury by normalizing the biochemical and oxidative stress.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.127-137
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review on current status of use and measurement condition of heart rate variability(HRV) by reviewing clinical studies published in journal of Korean medicine registered Korea citraion index(KCI). Methods : One hundred twenty articles were found by searching the representative Korean databases. At first analysis was performed by current status of use(journal, academic field of corresponing author, purpose of study, disease of subject, HRV measurement devices, intervention methods and tests compared to HRV). At second analysis was performed by measurement condition(uncontrolled study, relaxation before measurement, measurement position, measurement place, measurement time period and restriction of smoking, alcohol, caffeine, meal). Results : The analysis showed that department of acupuncture & moxibustion, department of oriental neuropsychiatry are major part in journal & academic field. The purpose of study were classified under studies to verify therapeutic effect on normal subject(39%), to verify therapeutic effect on the patients(8%), to investigate characteristics of the patients(34%) and to be compared with other test(19%). Disease of subject & measurement devices in article were so various. Major intervention methods were acupuncture(61.4%), mind-body intervention(19.2%). Studies that measurement condition were not controlled were relax time(24%), measurement position(19%), measurement place(26%), measurement time period(91%) and restriction of smoking, alcohol, caffeine, meal(49%). Conclusions : This study showed that current status of use of HRV is widespread in Korean medicine but more controlled measurement conditon are needed to get more reliable result from clinical studies and to improve diagnosis and treatment of Korean medicine.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1487-1494
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• 2012

This study has been carried out to verify curative effect of lavender and lawn, a green space composition factor. Thus, the physiological index value of blood pressure, heart rate and salivary amylase were measured with object of 16 women in their 20~30s for stress relaxation effect at lavender garden and lawn square, and impression assessment upon SD method as for psychological value was performed in this study. And a survey was conducted on necessity and reason of urban green space with object of 345 men and women urban workers. As a result of variance analysis between groups and multi test of Turkey upon object place, the blood pressure was lowered the same at lavender garden and lawn square, and especially, high blood pressure was greatly lowered to 30 mmHG at lavender garden. On the other hand, low blood pressure group showed the tendency of a little increasing at the same places. And for the pulse, there was difference between high blood pressure group and normal group at the same places. To conclude, at lavender garden and lawn square the blood pressure was made to be lowered when it's high, and when it's low, the effect of returning to sound status, the function of increasing, was verified. In case of impression assessment upon SD method, the lawn square was assessed as resting place and lavender garden diversional place. And over 90% of urban workers responded to the green space's necessity and curative effect, diversion and resting place were adopted for the reason in high-ranking items. As above the green space pattern that urban workers require and curative effect of lavender garden and lawn square were verified. Therefore, the functional green space plan is required, which curative effect, diversion and resting place are considered, for the future green space plan design.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7847-7852
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• 2015

Purpose: Research carried out with gynecologic cancer patients using CAM was reviewed to provide a source for discussing which CAM method is used for which purpose, patients' perceptions on the effects/side effects occurred during/after using CAM and their sources of information regarding CAM. Materials and Methods: This literature review was carried out for the period between January 2000 and March 2015 using Scopus, Dynamed, Med-Line, Science Dırect, Ulakbim, Research Starters, Ebscohost, Cinahl Complete, Academic Onefile, Directory of Open Access Journals, BMJ Online Journals (2007-2009), Ovid, Oxford Journal, Proquest Hospital Collection, Springer-Kluwer Link, Taylor & Francis, Up To Date, Web Of Science (Citation Index), Wiley Cochrane-Evidence Base, Wiley Online Library, and Pub-Med search databases with "complementary and alternative medicine, gynecologic cancer" as keywords. After searching through these results, a total of 12 full length papers in English were included. Results: CAM use in gynecologic cancer patients was discussed in 8 studies and CAM use in breast and gynecologic cancer patients in 4. It was determined that the frequency of CAM use varies between 40.3% and 94.7%. As the CAM method, herbal medicines, vitamins/minerals were used most frequently in 8 of the studies. When the reasons why gynecologic cancer patients use CAM are examined, it is determined that they generally use to strengthen the immune system, reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and for physical and psychological relaxation. In this review, most of the gynecologic cancer patients perceived use of CAM as beneficial. Conclusions: In order that the patients obtain adequate reliable information about CAM and avoid practices which may harm the efficiency of medical treatment, it is recommended that "Healthcare Professionals" develop a common language.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.475-482
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• 2004

We have fabricated a LiNbO$_3$ travelling-wave optical modulator. The travelling-wave modulator consisted of M-Z(Mach-Zehnder) interferometer and CPW(Coplanar Waveguide) travelling-wave electrodes. Design of CPW electrodes were performed by SOR(Successive Over Relaxation) to obtain the conditions of Microwave effective index and impedance matching. The fabricated modulator had -3.2 dB insertion loss, and S$_{11}$ below -15 dB up to 12 GHz, S$_{21}$ better than -3 dB upto 7 GHz. It turned out that the optical response showed the 3 dB bandwidth of above 12 GHz.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture International Edition
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• no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2001

The tremendous growth of population and physical development in the largest urban agglomeration in Indonesia -the Jakarta Metropolitan Region, also known as Jabotabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Tanggerang, Bekasi)- has created many environmental problems, such as land use conversion, increasing urban temperature, water and air pollution, intrusion of seawater, and flooding. These problems have become more serious as the urban green space (trees, shrubs, and groundcovers) has decreased rapidly with the urbanization process. Urban green space directly benefits the urban environment through ameliorating air pollution, controlling temperature, contributing to the balance of the hydrological system, and providing space for recreation and relaxation. Because there is little hard data to support the claim of decreasing greenery in Jabotabek, it is necessary to measure the amount of urban green space. The paper describes the spatial analysis of urban green space within Jabotabek through the use of a geographical information system (GIS). We used GIS and remote sensing to determine land cover change and predicted greenery percentage. Interpretation of Landsat data for 1972, 1983, 1990, and 1997 showed that Jabotabek has experiences rapid development and associated depletion of green open space. The proportion of green open space fell by 23% from 1972 to 1997. We found a low percentage of urban green space in the center of Jakarta but a high percentage in fringe area. The amount of greenery is predicted by the Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI) model: predicted greenery (%) = [146.04] RVI - 134.96. We consider that our result will be useful for landscape planning to improve the environment of Jabotabek.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.273-277
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• 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may induce vascular relaxation by increasing the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), an important mediator of vascular tone during sepsis. This study aimed to determine whether regulation of NO and the ANP system is altered in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney injury. LPS (10 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$) was injected in the tail veins of male Sprague-Dawley rats; 12 hours later, the kidneys were removed. Protein expression of NO synthase (NOS) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) was determined by semiquantitative immuno-blotting. As an index of synthesis of NO, its stable metabolites (nitrite/nitrate, NOx) were measured using colorimetric assays. mRNA expression of the ANP system was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To determine the activity of guanylyl cyclase (GC), the amount of cGMP generated in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and ANP was calculated. Creatinine clearance decreased and fractional excretion of sodium increased in LPS-treated rats compared with the controls. Inducible NOS protein expression increased in LPS-treated rats, while that of endothelial NOS, neuronal NOS, and NEP remained unchanged. Additionally, urinary and plasma NOx levels increased in LPS-treated rats. SNP-stimulated GC activity remained unchanged in the glomerulus and papilla in the LPS-treated rats. mRNA expression of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-C decreased in LPS-treated rats, while that of ANP and NPR-A did not change. ANP-stimulated GC activity reduced in the glomerulus and papilla. In conclusion, enhancement of the NO/cGMP pathway and decrease in ANP clearance were found play a role in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced kidney injury.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.498-507
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• 2024

In the field of mental health care, long-term healing programs have gained widespread recognition for their effectiveness in promoting well-being. However, the efficacy of shorter-term interventions, such as 1-night 2-day programs, remains relatively understudied. The primary objective of this initiative is twofold: firstly, to enhance the overall well-being and resilience of participants, and secondly, to investigate the program's potential to ameliorate specific mental health indicators. These indicators include physical stress levels, autonomic nervous system health, brain activity, brain stress, and concentration. A 1-night 2-day mental health healing program was implemented for 560 civil servants from Jeollanam-do (mean age 47.87 yrs). The focus was on measuring changes through baseline assessments before participation and post-program assessments upon completion. Measurements included physical stress index, autonomic nervous system health, brain activity level, brain stress, and brain concentration. There was a significant decrease in physical stress, as well as a significant decrease in autonomic nervous system health (p<0.05). Although there was no significant difference in brain activity level, there was a tendency for brain activity level to stabilize in the high-frequency range. Additionally, a significant decrease in stress levels and an improvement in concentration were observed. Incorporating 1-night 2-day relaxation programs into our daily lives offers a holistic approach to caring for both our physical and mental health, providing essential moments of rejuvenation and self-care that contribute to overall well-being and fulfillment.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.309-317
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• 1999

Background: Left ventricular diastolic filling is an important determinant for maintenance of cardiac output during hemodialysis. Few investigators have studied the influence of hemodialysis on diastolic function. To evaluate the change of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. we performed M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic studies before and after hemodialysis. Methods: The study population consisted of 30 patients(15 patients were male, mean age $45{\pm}10$ years) with CRF on maintenance hemodialysis. They have normal left ventricular systolic function(Fractional shortening>30%) and no evidence of valvular heart disease or regional wall motion abnormalities. The ejection fraction (EF) was measured using M-mode echocardiography and Doppler indices such as peak E velocity, peak A velocity, isovolumetric relaxation time(IVRT), deceleration time(DT). and left ventricular ejection time(LVET) obtained from Doppler echocardiography. The index of myocardial performance (IMP) was calculated from each of the Doppler velocity indices. Results: The weight reduction after hemodialysis was $2.1{\pm}1.0kg$(p<0.0001), After hemodialysis, there was some decrease in blood pressure(p<0.05), but no significant change in heart rate, EF and fractional shortening, mean VCF, peak A velocity, and DT. And significant reduction in peak E velocity, E/A ratio(p<0.0001. p<0.001), and significant increase in IVRT and IMP(p<0.05, p<0.0001) were noted. Conclusion: In conclusion, preload reduction is the main mechanism that accounts for changes in Doppler diastolic indices after hemodialysis. And an increased IMP suggests that diastolic function may be aggravated after hemodialysis, and that implies impaired left ventricular filling and disturbed left ventricular compliance.