• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.258-266
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• 2020

Background: Oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis is a key pathological process in ischemic heart disease. Glutathione reductase (GR) reduces glutathione disulfide to glutathione (GSH) to alleviate oxidative stress. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) prevents the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes; however, the role of GR in this process is unclear. Therefore, the effects of GRb1 on GR were investigated in this study. Methods: The antiapoptotic effects of GRb1 were evaluated in H9C2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and Western blotting. The antioxidative effects were measured by a reactive oxygen species assay, and GSH levels and GR activity were examined in the presence and absence of the GR inhibitor 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the binding of GRb1 to GR. The direct influence of GRb1 on GR was confirmed by recombinant human GR protein. Results: GRb1 pretreatment caused dose-dependent inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cell apoptosis, at a level comparable to that of the positive control N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The binding energy between GRb1 and GR was positive (-6.426 kcal/mol), and the binding was stable. GRb1 significantl reduced reactive oxygen species production and increased GSH level and GR activity without altering GR protein expression in H9C2 cells. Moreover, GRb1 enhanced the recombinant human GR protein activity in vitro, with a half-maximal effective concentration of ≈2.317 μM. Conversely, 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea co-treatment significantly abolished the GRb1's apoptotic and antioxidative effects of GRb1 in H9C2 cells. Conclusion: GRb1 is a potential natural GR agonist that protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of H9C2 cells.

• Journal of Family Resource Management and Policy Review
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.57-72
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• 2008

The propose of this study is to examine the economic stresses and coping strategies for elderly households depending on the variables of background, and to analyze the relations between these factors. Elderly households which satisfied the following criteria were recruited for participation: (a) reside in Seoul, or in the metropolitan area (b) live apart from their adult children after retirement and (c) ages over sixty. From September 20th, 2006 to November 30th, 2006, 296 were used for this research. First, the mean score of the economic stress level of elderly households was 2.87 out of 5, and the stress levels of income expenditure and asset debt were intermediate. The mean score of the economic coping strategy was 3.17 out of 5. In order to overcome economic stress, elderly households utilized reducing their expenditure, financial management, and re-employment. The level of elderly households' life satisfaction was 3.29 of 5 and the depression was 3.17 of 5. Second, there was a difference in accordance with the objective economic variables and the degree of the economic stress after the review of the variables of the elderly households and the coping strategy due to economic stress. The result shows that the households which had a low economic status and high economic stress from the objective viewpoint participated in more economic activities. Their reactions were to decrease the overall expenditure through reducing the expenditure rather than to manage the asset effectively through re-employment or to inaugurating a business. Third, I analyzed situational factors, economic stress, and economic coping strategy in order to compare relative contributors to psychological well-being through using regression. At the third phase in the process of analysis, the socio-psychological factors appeared to be significant factors contributing to psychological well-being. Regarding the stress caused by income expenditure increased, when elderly households were more concerned about reducing expenditure and re-employment, their feelings of depression increased.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.152-158
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• 2015

Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) stability is maintained through a complex combination of soft-tissue restraints that include coracoclavicular (CC), AC ligament and overlying muscles. Among these structures, the role of the CC ligament has continued to be studied because of its importance on shoulder kinematics, especially after AC injury. This study was designed to determine the geometric change of conoid and trapezoid ligaments and resulting stresses on these ligaments according to various scapular motions. Methods: The scapuloclavicular (SC) complex was isolated from a fresh-frozen cadaver by removing all soft tissues except the AC and CC ligaments. The anatomically aligned SC complex was then scanned with a high-resolution computed tomography scanner into 0.6- mm slices. The Finite element model of the SC complex was obtained and used for calculating the stress on different parts of the CC ligaments with simulated movements of the scapula. Results: Average stress on the conoid ligament during anterior tilt, internal rotation, and scapular protraction was higher, whereas the stress on the trapezoid ligament was more prominent during posterior tilt, external rotation, and retraction. Conclusions: We conclude that CC ligament plays an integral role in regulating horizontal SC motion as well as complex motions indicated by increased stress over the ligament with an incremental scapular position change. The conoid ligament is the key structure restraining scapular protraction that might occur in high-grade AC dislocation. Hence in CC ligament reconstructions involving only single bundle, every attempt must be made to reconstruct conoid part of CC ligament as anatomically as possible.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.218-227
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• 2021

Background: Panax ginseng is one of the most important medicinal plants and is usually harvested after 5 to 6 years of cultivation in Korea. Heavy metal (HM) exposure is a type of abiotic stress that can induce oxidative stress and decrease the quality of the ginseng crop. Siderophore-producing rhizobacteria (SPR) may be capable of bioremediating HM contamination. Methods: Several isolates from ginseng rhizosphere were evaluated by in vitro screening of their plant growth-promoting traits and HM resistance. Subsequently, in planta (pot tests) and in vitro (medium tests) were designed to investigate the SPR ability to reduce oxidative stress and enhance HM resistance in P. ginseng inoculated with the SPR candidate. Results: In vitro tests revealed that the siderophore-producing Mesorhizobium panacihumi DCY119^T had higher HM resistance than the other tested isolates and was selected as the SPR candidate. In the planta experiments, 2-year-old ginseng seedlings exposed to 25 mL (500 mM) Fe solution had lower biomass and higher reactive oxygen species level than control seedlings. In contrast, seedlings treated with 10⁸ CFU/mL DCY119^T for 10 minutes had higher biomass and higher levels of antioxidant genes and nonenzymatic antioxidant chemicals than untreated seedlings. When Fe concentration in the medium was increased, DCY119^T can produce siderophores and scavenge reactive oxygen species to reduce Fe toxicity in addition to providing indole-3-acetic acid to promote seedling growth, thereby conferring inoculated ginseng with HM resistance. Conclusions: It was confirmed that SPR DCY119^T can potentially be used for bioremediation of HM contamination.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.106-115
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• 2022

Background: Current research suggests that humans are exposed to microplastics through consumption of foods and beverages, the airway route, and a variety of other means. Objectives: We evaluated oxidative stress and inflammation from polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in the neonatal liver through intragastric administration or intratracheal instillation in pregnant mice. Methods: PE-MPs were administered from gestational day 9 to postnatal day 7. The intragastric administration group (0.01 mg/mouse/day or 0.1 mg/mouse/day) and intratracheal instillation group (6 ㎍/mouse/day or 60 ㎍/mouse/day) of PE-MPs were administered. After sacrifice, the oxidative stress and inflammation of the neonatal livers were measured. Results: As a result of the oxidative stress caused by PE-MPs in the neonatal livers, glutathione peroxidase decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the intragastric administration group compared to the control group and intratracheal instillation decreased in high concentration PE-MPs. The catalase level increased at high concentrations of intragastric administration and intratracheal instillation. To confirm the level of inflammation caused by PE-MPs, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factoralpha were increased compared to the control group except for intratracheal intilation-high concentration PEMPs. The C-reactive protein level was decreased by intragastric administration compared to the control group and intratracheal instillation was increased compared to the control group. Conclusions: Despite the difficulty in comparing the toxic intensity between intragastric administration and intratracheal instillation of PE-MPs, our study revealed that oxidative stress and inflammation were induced in the neonatal liver. However, it is necessary to evaluate the toxic effects of microplastics on various organs as well. Overall, the present study indicates that the evaluation of toxic effects of long-term microplastic exposure, potential of microplastic toxicity on next-generation offspring and toxicity mechanism in human should be considered for further investigations.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.415-420
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• 2022

Background: Healthcare workers perform an emotionally exhausting daily work activity, making them prone to occupational hazards, namely psychosocial ones. This study aims to assess the impact of psychosocial risk factors on healthcare workers' mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed between May and June of 2021 with 479 healthcare workers from Portuguese hospitals. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to assess mental health, and psychosocial risks were assessed through the Health and Work Survey - INSAT. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the psychosocial risk factors related to anxiety, depression, and stress. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression was performed to identify the models that better explained psychosocial risk factors' relationship with anxiety, depression, and stress. Results: Data showed a strong exposure to psychosocial risks. Work pace and intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands stood out with higher global average percentages for yes answers to "exposure and discomfort." The analysis of the b values and p-values from the multiple linear regression shows that some cross-sectional psychosocial risks are predictors of anxiety and stress dimensions, and other psychosocial risks differ in the two mental health dimensions. However, it is important to highlight that healthcare workers still showed great joy and pleasure in performing their work activities. Conclusion: Support network development in the work environment is needed to prevent healthcare workers' emotional stress and promote their psychological well-being. Therefore, new research is essential to understand the psychosocial risks that affect healthcare workers and assess the less visible effects of work-health relationships.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.43.1-43.12
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• 2023

Background: Gig workers, also known as platform workers, are independent workers who are not employed by any particular company. The number of gig economy workers has rapidly increased worldwide in the past decade. There is a dearth of occupational health studies among gig economy workers. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to violence and job stress in gig economy workers and depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 955 individuals (521 gig workers and 434 general workers) participated in this study and variables were measured through self-report questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 when the score was greater than or equal to 10 points. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, working hours, education level, exposure to violence and job stress. Results: 19% of gig economy workers reported depressive symptoms, while only 11% of general workers reported the depressive symptoms. In association to depressive symptoms among gig economy workers, the mainly result of odds ratios for depressive symptoms were as follows: 1.81 for workers type, 3.53 for humiliating treatment, 2.65 for sexual harassment, 3.55 for less than three meals per day, 3.69 for feeling too tired to do housework after leaving work. Conclusions: Gig economic workers are exposed to violence and job stress in the workplace more than general workers, and the proportion of workers reporting depressive symptoms is also high. These factors are associated to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the gig workers associated between depressive symptoms and exposure to violence, job stress.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.513-522
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• 2002

This study investigated stress and the extent of climacteric symptoms in mid-life men, and examined their relationship in order to better understand the stress and climacteric symptom experiences of mid-life men, and thereby attempted to offer basic materials for the development of a health improvement program that may help increase the quality of life of mid-life men. Three hundred mid-life men whose ages were between 40 and 59 and resided in the Seoul area were subjects of this study. The data were analyzed with the SAS PC program using descriptive statistics to analyze subjects' general characteristics and variables of stress and the extent of climacteric symptoms of the subjects. The relationship between stress and climacteric symptoms were examined by the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and stress and the extent of climacteric symptoms in relation to the general characteristics were analyzed by T-test and ANOVA. The study conclusions are as follows: 1. Subjects general characteristics The average, age of the subjects was 46 and 47.0% of them reported ages between 40 and 45. Of the subjects, 98% were married. In marriage satisfaction, those who were generally satisfied with their married life comprised 62.0% of the subjects. In terms of level of education, 95.7% were educated above the high school level. In occupational background, 59.7% had occupations related to technologies. As for religion, 42.7% had no religion. In number of children, 67.3% had 2 children. In residential status, 79,3% were living in their own homes. In terms of living arrangements, 87.7% of the subjects were living in the form of nuclear families. 2. Stress and the extent of climacteric symptoms The level of stress was scored as $2.94{\pm}0.74$, and considering that the overall examination score is $27.16{\pm}1.32$, the subjects' stress level was not viewed as particularly high. The average score of the extent of climacteric symptoms was $35.37{\pm}0.27$. The extent of sub-domains of climacteric symptoms included skeleton symptoms ($39.37{\pm}2.81$), joint pain ($39.16{\pm}3.66$), vasomotor symptoms ($35.39{\pm}3.01$), other symptoms ($36.99{\pm}3.02$), psychological symptoms ($34.68{\pm}3.01$), urogenic symptoms ($35.03{\pm}3.27$), and cardiovascular symptoms ($33.70{\pm}2.78$). 3. General characteristics in relation to the stress level The subjects' general characteristics that were significantly related to the level of stress were marriage status (F=4.38, p=.001), marriage satisfaction (F=4.56, p=.001), educational background (F=2.68, p=.012), and age (F=2.48, p=.033). 4. General characteristics in relation to the level of climacteric symptoms The subjects' general characteristics that were significantly related to the level of climacteric symptoms were educational background (F=3.26, p=.007), age (F=2.58, p=.027), marriage status (F=2.62, p=.025), and marriage satisfaction (F=2.78. p=.032). 5. The correlation between stress and climacteric symptoms The subjects' level of stress and climacteric symptoms were significantly related to each other (r=0.578, p=0.000). The subjects' level of stress was correlated with sub-domains of the climacteric symptoms including psychological symptoms (r=0.579, p=0.000), joint pain (r=0.479, p=0.000), skeleton symptoms (r=0.477, p=0.000), other symptoms (r=0.467, p=0.000), vasomotor symptoms (r=0.4615, p=0.000), cardiovascular symptoms (r=0.458, p=0.000), urogenic symptoms (r=0.401. p=0.000). In summary, the climacteric symptoms suffered by mid-life men are positively correlated with their level of stress. In addition, the climacteric symptoms were affected by the level of stress.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.238-238
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• 2017

Salt stress is one of the deteriorating abiotic stresses due to the climate change, which causes over-accumulation of $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$ ions in plants and inhibits the growth and yield of rice especially in coastal Southeastern Asia. The yield components of rice plant (panicle number, spikelet number per panicle, 1000-grain weight, % of ripened grains) that are majorly affected by salt stress vary with growth stages at which the plant is subjected to the stress. In addition, the salt sensitivity of each yield component differs among rice varieties even when the salt-affected growth stage was same, which indicates that the physiological mechanism to maintain each yield component is different from each other. Therefore, we hypothesized that rice plant has different genes/QTLs that contribute to the maintenance of each yield component. Using a Japanese leading rice cultivar, Koshihikari, and salt-tolerant Nona bokra's chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) with the genetic background of Koshihikari (44 lines in total) (Takai et al. 2007), we screened higher yielding CSSLs under salinity in comparison to Koshihikari and identified the yield components that were improved by the introgression of chromosome segment(s) of Nona bokra. The experiment was conducted in a salinized paddy field. One-month-old seedlings were transplanted into a paddy field without salinity. These were allowed to establish for one month, and then the field was salinized by introducing saline water to maintain the surface water at 0.4% salinity until harvest. The experiments were done twice in 2015 and 2016. Although all the CSSLs and Koshihikari decreased their yield under salinity, some CSSLs showed relatively higher yield compared with Koshihikari. In Koshihikari, all the yield components except panicle number were decreased by salinity and % of ripened grains was mostly reduced, followed by spikelet number per panicle and 1000-grain weight. When compared with Koshihikari, keeping a higher % of ripened grains under salinity attributed to the significantly greater yield in one CSSL. This indicated that the % of ripened grains is the most sensitive to salt stress among the yield components of Koshihikari and that the Nona bokra chromosome segments that maintained it contributed to increased yield under salt stress. In addition, growth analyses showed that maintaining relative growth rate in the late grain filling stage led to the increased yield under salt stress but not in earlier stages.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.5423-5433
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• 2013

This study has analyzed the factors related to everyday stress, professional stress, and professional satisfaction experienced while performing administrative duties in unit of school, concerning administrative education government officials. The study period was set from March 10 to March 30, 2013, and the subjects of study was set as 122 employees of Cheongwon-gun, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, working as administrative education government officials. The spsswin18.0 program was used for data analysis, and the t-test, and frequency analysis and credibility were also analyzed. The positive analysis was verified at a significant level of 5%. The results of the analysis displayed regarding the Professional Satisfaction pursuant to demographic Characteristic, the difference of Professional Satisfaction between positions was meaningful. However, the differences between sex, age, religion, educational background, marital status, school level, school scale, career, drinking, smoking were not analyzed as meaningful at a significant level of 5%. With regard to Sub-factors of Professional Satisfaction for Demographic Characteristic, the factors in the part of human resource management, human relation, and job capacity were analyzed as meaningful but organizational atmosphere was analyzed as not meaningful at a significant level of 5%. Also with regard to the stress on Quantitative Role among Sub-factors of Professional Stress by Demographic Characteristic, the difference between age, school level, position, career, smoking was meaningful. With regard to career development, the difference between smoking was meaningful. With regard to the stress on role conflict and ambiguity, the difference for demographic characteristic was analyzed as not meaningful at a significant level of 5%. This study implies that the social environmental consideration is required for administrative education government officials, and it is regarded that consideration is required sequentially to developing job capacity, human relation, organizational atmosphere, rather than to human resource management.