• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.116-124
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• 2015

Background: Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng (PG), is used widely as a herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases. Panax ginseng has pharmacological effects on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of PG and its possible neuroprotective mechanisms in advanced glycation end product (AGE)-induced AD in a rat model. Methods: Advanced glycation end products were injected bilaterally into the CA3 region of the rats' brains. The Morris water maze test and step-down type passive avoidance test were performed to evaluate their memory and cognitive abilities. The oxidation indexes in the hippocampus were detected. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to visualize the receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) and nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-${\kappa}B$). Results: Behavioral results showed that PG (1 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and 0.25 g/kg) significantly shortened the escape latency, remarkably increased the number of crossing times, significantly decreased the number of errors, and prolonged the latency in rats with AGE-induced AD. Panax ginseng also significantly reduced the malondialdehyde level, increased the glutathione content, and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the hippocampus. Panax ginseng significantly decreased the expression of RAGE and NF-${\kappa}B$. The blockade of anti-RAGE antibody could significantly reduce AGE-induced impairments and regulate these expressions. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that PG significantly inhibits AGE-induced memory impairment and attenuates Alzheimer-like pathophysiological changes. These neuroprotective effects of PG may be associated with the RAGE/NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway. Our results provided the experimental basis for applying PG in preventing and treating AD.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.353-359
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• 2000

${\alpha}_2$-Adrenoceptor antagonists, which can enhance synaptic norepinephrine levels by blocking feedback inhibition processes, are potentially useful in the treatment of disease states such. as depression, memory impairment, impotence and sexual dysfunction. (10bS)-1,2,3,5,6,10b-Hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline oxalate (YSL-3S) was evaluated in several in vitro biological tests to establish its pharmacological profile of activities as an ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor antagonist. Saturation binding assay revealed that$^{3}[H]$rauwolscine bound to the $\alpha$$_2$-adrenoceptors with a Kd value of 6.3$\pm$0.5 nM and a Bmax value of 25l$\pm$39 fmol/mg protein in rat cortical synaptic membranes. Competitive binding assay showed that YSL-3S inhibited the binding of$^3[H]$rauwolscine (1 nM) in a concentration-dependent manner with a Ki value of 98.2$\pm$12.1 nM while it did not inhibit the binding of [$^3$H]cytisine (1.25 nM) to neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors. The Ki values of yohimbine, clonidine and norepinephrine for $^3[H]$rauwolscine binding were 15.8$\pm$1.0, 40.1$\pm$5.9 and 40.0$\pm$11.5 nM, respectively. In addition, the binding affinity of YSL-3S for ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors was higher than that of its antipode and the racemic mixture. The functional activity of YSL-3S at the presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors was assessed using the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens. Clonidine inhibited field-stimulated contractions of the vas deference in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of YSL-3S or yohimbine caused a parallel, rightward the dose-response curve of clonidine in a dose-dependent manner, indicating an antagonistic action at the presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors. The $pA_2$values of yohimbine and YSL-3S were 7.66$\pm$0.13 and 6.64$\pm$0.18, respectively. The results indicate that YSL-3S acts as a competitive antagonist at presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$ -adrenoceptors with a potency approximately ten times lower than yohimbine, but is devoid of binding affinity for neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2015

Objectives : Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors are core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The purpose of our study was to investigate the frequency of motor stereotypes in ASD children and their clinical features. Methods : Among 171 ASD children (age range, 3-15), the ASD group with motor stereotypes was defined according to two items in the Korean version of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (K-ADI-R). We compared the clinical features, behavior problems and severity of other domains in the K-ADI-R and executive functions between the ASD group with motor stereotypes and the ASD group without motor stereotypes. Results : Ninety (52.6%) of 171 ASD children had motor stereotypes. The ASD group with motor stereotypes had a lower intelligence quotient score (62.23 vs. 84.94, p<.001) compared to the ASD group without motor stereotypes. The ASD group with motor stereotypes had more impairments in the social interaction domain [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.11, p=.001] and communication domain (AOR 1.15, p=.008). Thought problems and lethargy were more frequent in the ASD group with motor stereotypes than the ASD group without motor stereotypes (AOR 2.059, p=.034 ; adjusted OR 1.045, p=.046). However, no significant differences in executive function were observed between the ASD group with motor stereotypes and the ASD group without motor stereotypes. Conclusion : The ASD group with motor stereotypes showed more impairment in social interaction and communication domains, which are core symptoms of autism. Motor stereotypes may indicate greater severity of ASD.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.515-523
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• 2016

This study applied a home therapy convergence program to patients who had undergone mastectomy and examined its effects on their arm functions, occupational performance, quality of life, and depression. The number of subjects was 20. The subjects were those who visited an occupational therapy room as outpatients and received the intervention twice per week, forty minutes per each time, for 12 weeks. In order to look at their arm functions before and after the intervention, K-DASH was employed and their edema was measured with a tape line. In order to examine their occupational performance, quality of life, and depression before and after the intervention, COPM, FACT-B, and BDI, respectively, were utilized. After the intervention, their arm functions significantly increased, but their edema did not significantly decrease, their occupational performance and quality of life significantly improved, and their depression was significantly reduced. Thus, a home education convergence program positively affected mastectomy patients' arm functions, occupational performance, quality of life, and depression.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.23-26
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• 2009

Mental retardation is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as" subnormal general intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period and is associated with impairment of either learning and social adjustment or maturation, or both." A patient with mild to moderate mental retardation can be managed adequately using restraints and medications. However, in case of severe or profound mental disability, dental treatment cannot be accomplished even with the use of behavior modification, physical restraints and sedation techniques. When treatment in the dental office has much difficulty, hospitalization for dental treatment under general anesthesia can and should be considered. This case presents the treatment of a patient with mental retardation who was referred to our department for comprehensive dental care. Dental examination revealed widespread dental caries and a severe anterior open bite with crowding problems. Under general anesthesia, generalized caries treatment was performed by our department, and the anterior dental esthetics was achieved in collaboration with the department of prosthodontic dentistry.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.281-289
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• 2004

Objective : Blepharoptosis is drooping of eyelid which causes impairment of visual field by covering partially or completely, and it is classified into congenital ptosis and acquired one. In western medicine, idiopathic blepharoptosis is usually treated by tarsectomy. Contrary to that concept, we consider eyelid is assigned to Yookryoon(肉輪) among Ohryoon(五輪) which matches to spleen. In oriental medicine, it can be treated by promoting spleen and kidney. Here I report two cases of idiopathic blepharoptosis improved by conservative acupuncture therapy and herb medicine. Methods : The changes in clinical symptoms of general body weakness, anorexia, dizziness, dry eye, etc, in degree of eyelid drooping and in individual expression were described as they were treated with acupuncture therapy, herb medicine, Bojoong-ikgi-tang(補中益氣湯) and some physical therapy including Negative, I.C.T, S.S.P and Carbon. Results : Symptoms(ex) general body weakness, anorexia, dizziness, dry eye, etc) at admission improved and disappeared gradually with acupuncture therapy and herb medicine. The patients could discharge with favorable recovery. Conclusions : In oriental medicine, blepharoptosis is mainly treated by promoting Qihyul(氣血) and enhancing flow of that. If the patient has deficiency of Suhnchun-poomboo(先天稟褓賦) and Mungmoon-hwa(命門火), he is treated by promoting Shin-yang(腎陽). If he is weak in Bee-qi(脾氣), he needs to be treated by strengthening Bee-yang(脾陽) where patient with lack of Ganhyul(肝血) is supposed to be treated by promoting Hyul(血). These following two cases were managed by acupuncture, herb medicine and physical therapy on idiopathic blepharoptosis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 1998

Improved knowledge of the time course of antimicrobial activity should provide useful information for designing optimal dosage regimen. In contrast to $\beta$-lactam, aminoglycosides tend to induce a prolonged postantibiotic effect against aerobic or facultative gram negative rods and clinical outcome was significantly correlated with achieving peak serum concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety of e same total daily dose of amikacin and gentamicin given either twice or thrice daily in the treatment of patients. Consecutive patients over 20 years old with a suspected or confirmed infection for which an aminoglycosides was indicated were eligible. Exclusion criteria were known allergy to aminoglycosides, renal impairment, granulocytopenia and pregnancy. Patients were treated with intravenous amikacin 15 mg/kg/day or gentamicin 4.5 mg/kg/day either in two devided or in three devided. Seventy-four patients with infection were enrolled in this study of amikacin twice daily (A2, n=29), gentamicin twice daily (G2, n=8) vs amikacin thrice daily (A3, n=30), gentamicin thrice daily (G3, n=7). Baseline characteristics were comparable in G2 and G3. The clinical cure rate (including partial improve) were $89.0\%\;and\;86.0\%$ in A2 group and A3 group respectively. The bacteriologic cure rate were $99.0\%\;and\;85.7\%$ in A2 group and in A3 group respectively. The clinical and bacteriologic effects were difficult to compare G2 with G3, because of the small numbers of patients. The serum creatinin rose in $3.44\%$ (1 in 29) of patients in the A2 group compared to $13.3\%$ (4 in 30) in e A3 group. Although audiometry was not performed, there was no clinical evidence of ototoxicity in any of the patients. In our opinion, twice-daily regimen of aminoglycosides is more effective and less nephrotoxic than thrice-daily regimen.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.238-246
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• 2019

Background: In South Korea, as an aged society, an understanding of dementia and its risk factors is important from clinical and healthcare policy perspectives. Relationship between cognitive impairment and body weight or weight changes have been reported, but these were contradictory. We have evaluated the association between weight changes and cognitive decline using national level longitudinal data. Methods: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing from 2006 to 2012 were used. Association between weight changes and decline in cognitive function as measured by K-MMSE (the Korean version of the Mini-mental state examination) score was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Weight changes were calculated from 1st wave and 3rd wave survey data, and classified into five groups as stable, increases, decreases of >10%, or 5%-10%. Results: About 37% of the total participants (n=4,512) were 65 years or older. These participants made up the largest proportion of the groups with weight change exceeding 10%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that weight changes exceeding 10% (10% increase vs stable, adjusted OR [aOR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.95; 10% decrease vs stable, aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11-1.88) were significant predictive factors for decline in cognitive function. In subgroup analyses, the association between weight changes and cognitive decline was significant in males aged over 65 years and in normal BMI groups. Conclusion: Weight changes, both increases and decreases exceeding 10% of baseline, were significantly associated with declines in cognitive function among older adults in South Korea.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.184-194
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• 1987

The purposes of this study were; 1) to gather data relevant to demographic features. major main management practices, and the level of impairment of the activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with back pain, 2) to test the sensitivity of the Korean Pain Rating Scale and the Graphic Rating Scales, and 3) to identify indirect indicators of back pain by analysing pain related-behaviors. The level of pain was measured by Korean Pain Rating Scale(KPRS) and Graphic Rating Scales(GRS) developed by the reserchers. The GRS consists of two dimensions; the pain intensity (sensory) and unpleasantness (affective) measures. Of the 1,650 diagnosed back pain patients, from January 4 through June 30, 1987 by visiting outpatients' clinics of orthopedic and neurosurgical departments at 11 university hospitals in different districts of Korea, 330 men and women patients were self-selected by responding to the mailed questionnaires. The results were summarised as follows: Male exceeded female patients in number and onset of back pain were more prevalent in the age groups of 20s and the 30s. The average duration of suffering from the pain were 11 months, sixty three (19.1%) of the subjects retired from their jobs, one third(36.7%) have teen hospitalized for the treatment of back pain. In two thirds(64.8%) of the cases pain was characterized as lower back pain. The average sleep hour was 6.8 hours per 24 hours and the average rest hour during the day was 3.3 hours. The mean percentage of pain measured by GRS was higher than that of KPRS. The level of sensory intensity as well as the affective level of pain measured by KPRS and GRS were not highly correlated (sensory intensity r=0.4986, affective r=0.5029) which indicated low discriminative power. On the other hand, intercorrelation between sensory and affective dimension measured by KPRS and GRS showed moderate interrelation(r=0.7247; r=0.7899). One-third(32.5%) of the subjects complied with the hospital prescribed treatment while the other one-third(31.5%) depended on self-remedy and traditional practices, and the last one-third did not imply any pain management practices. The following 6 pain-related behaviors such as length of hospitalization, rest hour during day hours, varieties of pain management practice implied, number of pain sites, need for ADL and discomfort accompanied by ADL revealed to be important indicators of back pain. An investigation of sociodemographic features of patients with back pain in a larger context, i.e. with bigger number of respondents is recommended. Tests for construct validity of KPRS, i.e. factor analysis is further recommended.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.421-427
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• 2009

Oromandibular dystonia is a focal neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary sustained and often painful muscle contraction, usually producing repetitive movements or abnormal positions of the mouth, jaw and.or tongue. Patients suffering from oromandibular dystonia often experience difficulties in chewing, swallowing and speaking, resulting from the impairment of mandibular movements. At present there is no etiologic treatment for oromandibular dystonia, because the pathophysiology of primary and focal dystonia is still incompletely understood. Many treatments such as medication, behavioral therapy, surgery are suggested to decrease the involuntary movements. But these success rates are relatively low and they have a lot of complications. many studies suggested that chemodenervation with botulinum toxin is the most effective treatment for oromandibular dystonia. We reported the 2 cases which were treated oromandibular dystonia with botulinum toxin and reviewed the orofacial movement disorders(especially oromandibular dystonia) and botulinum toxin treatment for oromanfibular dystonia.