• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.207-212
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• 2016

Objectives: Acupuncture treatments are safe and effective for a wide variety of diseases involving autonomic dysregulation. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive method for assessing sympathovagal balance. The low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) spectral power ratio is an index of sympathovagal influence on heart rate and of cardiovascular health. This study tests the hypothesis that from rest to 30% to 50% of peak oxygen consumption, the nonlinear Conte-Zbilut-Federici (CZF) method of computing the LF/HF ratio is a more reliable index of changes in the HRV than linear methods are. Methods: The subjects of this study were 10 healthy young adults. Electrocardiogram RR intervals were measured during 6-minute periods of rest and aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer at 30% and 50% of peak oxygen consumption ($VO_{2peak}$). Results: The frequency domain CZF computations of the LF/HF ratio and the time domain computations of the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) decreased sequentially from rest to 30% $VO_{2peak}$ (P < 0.001) to 50% $VO_{2peak}$ (P < 0.05). The SDNN and the CZF computations of the LF/HF ratio were positively correlated (Pearson's r = 0.75, P < 0.001). fast Fourier transform (FFT), autoregressive (AR) and Lomb periodogram computations of the LF/HF ratio increased only from rest to 50% $VO_{2peak}$. Conclusion: Computations of the LF/HF ratio by using the nonlinear CZF method appear to be more sensitive to changes in physical activity than computations of the LF/HF ratio by using linear methods. Future studies should determine whether the CZF computation of the LF/HF ratio improves evaluations of pharmacopuncture and other treatment modalities.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.387-394
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• 2010

In the field of healthcare, the conventional sterilization treatments have been replaced by irradiation methods which are in accordance with internationally well established quality standards. The quality control in radiation sterilization assures that the absorbed dose of the irradiated material is in agreement with its requirements and standards. The electron beam irradiation requires technical assessments of more process parameters than gamma irradiation does. Korea has witnessed wide uses of electron accelerators since early 2000 but there hasn't been research experiences relating to quality system in accordance with international standards. The new large scale e-beam irradiation system with the specification of 10 MeV, 8 kW was installed and operated in 2008 by Seoul Radiology Services Co. It consists of the electron accelerator, product handling system, safety, documentation and control subsystems into an integrated system to meet the requirement of the Good Manufacturing Practice such as process quality assurance and management of product tracking records. To implement the international standard such as EN ISO11137, it is necessary to understand the purposes aimed in the standard and carry out the tests following the procedures required. This study presented the specification of the e-beam facility and showed what its design requirements and features are. The test results on a variety of process parameters were presented and validated it they are within the required limits.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.400-406
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• 2002

In case of doenjang, solution of browning problem might be an important remedy in order to dissolve consumers' dissatisfaction, therefore this study was performed to develop traditional doenjang which has improved in color aspect for consumers' needs. Physicochemical compositions and color values of commercialized traditional doenjang which was processed by history references of our country, were analyzed. doenjang used as samples were processed with traditional meju, which were made with soybean and mixed with various rates after following process such as soaking, steaming, cooling, chopping and grinding. The doenjang processed were storaged at $30^{\circ}C$ for 27 days, and their amino-N, pH, color values and sensory evaluation were analyzed with fermentation period. Furthermore, nitrogen results analyzed were compared with that of commercialized traditional doenjang. In the comparison with control, treated with only traditional meju, and doenjang treatments processed with different mixing rates of traditional meju and steamed soybean, the content of amino-N in control were higher than the others, and the contents of amino-N decreased with increasing contents of steamed soybean. Their pH were changed weak alkalic region into weak acidic region with fermentation period. In the aspect of color, traditional doenjang having the rate of traditional meju and steamed soybean (1:4) was most improved and also, in comparison of result of sensory evaluation with commercial traditional doenjang, its color, taste and falvor were evaluated predominent, therefore it might be thought to have competition on the market.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2017

In addition to its typical use for skin rejuvenation, fractional laser irradiation of early cancerous lesions may reduce the risk of tumor development as a byproduct of wound healing in the stroma after the controlled injury. While fractional ablative lasers are commonly used for cosmetic/aesthetic purposes (e.g., photorejuvenation, hair removal, and scar reduction), we propose a novel use of such laser treatments as a stromal treatment to delay tumorigenesis and suppress carcinogenesis. In this study, we found that non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) irradiation may have a possible suppressive effect on early tumor growth in syngeneic mouse tumor models. We included two syngeneic mouse tumor models in irradiation groups and control groups. In the irradiation group, a thulium fiber based NAFL at 1927 nm was used to irradiate the skin area including the tumor injection region with 70 mJ/spot, while no laser irradiation was applied to the control group. Numerical simulation with the same experimental condition showed that thermal damage was confined only to the irradiation spots, sparing the adjacent tissue area. The irradiation groups of both tumor models showed smaller tumor volumes than the control group at an early tumor growth stage. We also detected elevated inflammatory cytokine levels a day after the NAFL irradiation. NAFL treatment of the stromal tissue could potentially be an alternative anticancer therapeutic modality for early tumorigenesis in a minimally invasive manner.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.166-172
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• 2019

Background: Hypercalcemia is an important metabolic emergency condition in cancer patients. Bisphosphonate is the treatment of choice for hypercalcemia, whereas calcitonin and hydration with furosemide are recommended for acute supportive therapy. However, data regarding real-world treatment patterns and outcomes of pharmacological treatments are limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of hypercalcemia treatment in solid tumor patients. Methods: Electronic medical records of 123 adults with solid cancers and albumin-corrected calcium levels >10.5 mg/dL or ionized calcium levels >1.35 mmol/L were reviewed. We retrospectively analyzed the pharmacological treatment and recovery rate according to the severity of hypercalcemia. Results: A total of 177 cases were identified, of which 49 were not treated and 30 were treated with hydration only. In moderate-to-severe cases, 86.5% received pharmacological treatment. Thirty-four cases (19.2%) were treated with bisphosphonate alone and 58 cases (32.8%) were treated with bisphosphonate and calcitonin. In mild hypercalcemia cases, the recovery rate was higher for those receiving hydration only or pharmacological treatment (79.7%) than for those receiving no treatment (61.4%, p = 0.041). Most moderate-to-severe cases were treated with medication and of those treated, 56.3% recovered. The recovery rate was lower in those treated with bisphosphonate alone (38.2%) than in those who underwent calcitonin combination treatment (73.7%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Bisphosphonate combined with calcitonin was found to be more effective than bisphosphonate alone for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hypercalcemia. Considering the current shortage of calcitonin, further efforts are required to ensure its stable supply.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.922-940
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• 2019

Obesity, represented by abnormal fat accumulation due to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, is a major public health issue worldwide, leading to multiple noncommunicable diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Diverse solutions have been proposed to combat obesity. Attention has focused on two types of adipose tissues as a promising therapeutic target in obesity: traditional brown and beige or brite. Unlike energy-storing white adipose (endocrine) tissue, traditional brown adipose tissue and beige adipose tissue have energy-dissipating thermogenic properties. Both types of tissue are present in adult humans and inducible through external stimuli, such as cold exposure, ${\beta}3$-adrenergic receptor agonists, and phytochemicals. Among these stimuli, microbiota present in the human intestinal tract participate in multiple metabolic activities. Modulation of gut microbiota may offer a potent and possibly curative strategy against various metabolic diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the effects of established antiobesity treatments on the gut microenvironment or brown-adipose-tissue activation. In this review, we focus mainly on stimuli known to alleviate obesity, weight gain, and metabolic diseases, in addition to known and possible inter-relations between gut microbiota modulation and similar interventions and adipose tissue browning. The findings may pave the way toward new strategies against obesity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.201-210
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• 2022

Vitamin A (Vit A) is a lipid-soluble vitamin required for diverse normal body functions, including good vision, reproduction, growth, development, and cellular differentiation. The therapeutic effects of Vit A have been demonstrated for the treatments of inflammation, low immunity, and cancer. The present review discusses the scientific evidence for establishing the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI) for Vit A, issues caused by unit change of Vit A, and suggestions for the 2025 KDRI revision. Due to the changes in the standard bodyweight observed in several age groups, the 2020 KDRI had minor revisions as compared to the 2015 KDRI. In the 2015 KDRI, the Vit A unit has changed from retinol equivalent (RE) to retinol activity equivalent (RAE) and the activity of carotenoids became half with RAE compared to RE due to this unit change. Since the Vit A intake of Koreans relies heavily on plant-based carotenoids, the dietary intake of Vit A in Koreans as determined by considering the RAE was much lower than values obtained with RE. The analysis for Vit A intake by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey only reflects intakes of retinol and beta-carotene. Thus, it would be necessary to include the consumption of other provitamin A, such as alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Moreover, assessing the amounts of Vit A in foods should be customized to Korean diets since there are seasonal variations in the carotenoid concentration of plants. Moreover, other factors such as age- and sex-specific intake data and considerations of baseline micronutrient status, body mass index, and dietary patterns should be considered for developing more precise KDRI. In particular, the Vit A requirement needs to be met by consuming diverse foods, including animal foods.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.66-70
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• 2019

Purpose: The necrotizing fasciitis is a terrifying infectious disease that can rapidly spreads to surrounding tissues when fascia is infected and it can cause sepsis to death if not properly diagnosed and treated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics, causes, and treatment methods of necrotizing fasciitis in Korea through reviewing patients admitted to our burn center. Methods: 21 patients with necrotizing fasciitis were selected for this study among those inpatients with electronic medical records (EMR) admitted to Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Medical Center from Jan 1, 2008 to June 30, 2019. The medical records and wound photos of those 21 selected subjects were reviewed. Results: There were 13 male and 8 female patients and mean age was 58.76 years old. 13 of 21 subjects were survived and 8 died (38% mortality rate). The surgical treatments performed were I&D, fasciotomy, debridement, allograft, burring, STSG, flap, and amputation. The most common causes were burns in 9 subjects (6 contact burns) and cellulitis occurred on skins in 5 subjects. And other various causes were observed as fournier's gangrene, stab wound, intramuscular injection, tumor and bleu toe syndrome (toe necrosis). The infected areas were 11 feet and legs, 7 hips, 3 abdomen and trunk in 21 subjects. Of the 8 deaths, 3 were infected in feet and legs, 2 were infected in hips, and 2 were infected in abdomen and trunk. As for underlying diseases, 12 patients with hypertension or diabetes were the highest and others such as cancer and stroke were found. Conclusion: The only method to increase the survival rate is to 'suspect' the disease as much as possible and perform early extensive excision. It is advisable to treat the disease by the burn center to properly provide adequate and optimal wound management, infection control, medical care and nutritional supports.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.227-235
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• 2024

Hepatocyte damage caused by medications or herbal products is one of the important problem when these compounds are chronically administrated. Thus, improving hepatocyte survival during treatment offers a wide range of opportunities. Valproic acid (VPA), a branched short-chain fatty acid derived from naturally occurring valeric acid, is commonly used to treat epilepsy and seizures. Although VPA exerts numerous effects in cancer, HIV therapy, and neurodegenerative disease, its effects on the liver and its mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that VPA caused moderate liver cell toxicity and apoptosis. Interestingly, VPA treatment increased transcription levels of PPAR alpha (PPAR-α) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in murine (Hepa1c1c7) hepatoma cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. VPA-induced FGF21 expression was significantly weaker under PPAR-α silencing condition than in cells transfected with non-targeting control siRNA. Subsequent experiments showed that cell viability was significantly lowered when the FGF21 signaling pathway was blocked by FGF receptor antagonist. Finally, we further determined that AMPK phosphorylation was not responsible for VPA-induced FGF21 expression and PPAR-a increments. These results indicate that increases of FGF21 expression alleviate VPA-induced hepatic toxicity, thereby making FGF21 a potential biomarker for predicting liver damage during VPA treatments.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2010

Purpose: In every time radiation therapy set up errors occur because internal anatomical organs move due to breathing and change of patient's position. These errors may affect the change of dose distribution between target area and normal structure. This study investigates the usefulness of body-fix in clinical treatment. Materials and Methods: Among 55~60 aged male patients who has hepatocellular carcinoma in area of liver's couinaud classification, we chose 10 patients and divided two groups by using body-fix or not. When applying body-fix, we maintained a vacuum of 80 mbar pressure by using vacuum pump (Medical intelligence, Germany). Patients had free breathing with supine position. After working to fuse and consist MV-CT (megavoltage computed tomography) with KV-CT (kilovoltage computed tomography) obtained by 5 times treatments, we compared and analyzed set up errors occurred to (Right to Left, RL) of X axis, (Anterioposterio, AP) of Z axis, (Cranicoudal, CC) of Y axis. Results: Average Set up errors through image fusion showed that group A moved $0.3{\pm}1.1\;mm$ (Cranicoudal, CC), $-1.1{\pm}0.7\;mm$ (Right to Left, RL), $-0.2{\pm}0.7\;mm$ (Anterioposterio, AP) and group B moved $0.62{\pm}1.94\;mm$ (Cranicoudal, CC), $-3.62{\pm}1.5\;mm$ (Right to Left, RL), $-0.22{\pm}1.2\;mm$ (Anterioposterio, AP). Deviations of X, Y and Z axis directions by applying body-fix indicated that maximum X axis was 5.5 mm, Y axis was 19.8 mm and Z axis was 3.2 mm. In relation to analysis of error directions, consistency doesn't exist for every patient but by using body-fix showed that the result of stable aspect in spite of changes of everyday's patient position and breathing. Conclusion: Using body-fix for liver cancer patient is considered effectively for tomotherapy. Because deviations between group A and B exist but they were stable and regular.