• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.25 no.1 s.37
• /
• pp.73-87
• /
• 1992

The level of copayment increased in order to stabilize the financial condition of the health insurance on 1986. An important question regarding the policy was whether the increase in the level of copayments reduced the utilization of medical services in the poor selectively. In spite of the importance of the research question, no study has been reported. This study was designed to find out changes in numbers of physician visits, to explain characteristics influencing the difference of utilization before and after the program. Finally the interaction effect between the program and the level of income was examined for the abover question. A total of 10,421 persons from eight institutions was selected as the study sample. Research findings are as follows. 1. The number of physician visits decreased by ten percent as a result of increasing the level of copayment. 2. The decrease was remarkable in some groups such as children, rural area and large family. 3. The most important factor which explained the difference was the number of physician visits before the introduction of the new program. The more numbers of physian visits during the last year were, the more numbers of physian visits decreased after the program. 4. The interaction term between the program and the level of income was statistically significant in the multiple regression model which explained physician visits and its coefficient was negative. It means that an increase in copayment did not reduced the number of physician visits in the poor, selectively. 5. It can be concluded that imposing adequate copayment reduces the use of medical services as well as medical costs without serious damage in access especially for the poor people.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.482-489
• /
• 2011

In practical design process, designer needs to find an optimal solution by using full factorial discrete combination, rather than by using optimization algorithm considering continuous design variables. So, ANOVA(Analysis of Variance) based on an orthogonal array, i.e. Taguchi method, has been widely used in most parts of industry area. However, the Taguchi method is limited for the shape optimization by using CAE, because the multi-level and multi-objective optimization can't be carried out simultaneously. In this study, a combined method was proposed taking into account of multi-level computational orthogonal array and TOPSIS(Technique for Order preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), which is known as a classical method of multiple attribute decision making and enables to solve various decision making or selection problems in an aspect of multi-objective optimization. The proposed method was applied to a case study of the multi-level shape optimization of lower arm used to automobile parts, and the design space was explored via an efficient application of the related CAE tools. The multi-level shape optimization was performed sequentially by applying both of the neural network model generated from seven-level four-factor computational orthogonal array and the TOPSIS. The weight and maximum stress of the lower arm, as the objective functions for the multi-level shape optimization, showed an improvement of 0.07% and 17.89%, respectively. In addition, the number of CAE carried out for the shape optimization was only 55 times in comparison to full factorial method necessary to 2,401 times.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.201-208
• /
• 2016

Here in this study, we investigated the lifespan-extending effect and underlying mechanism of methanolic extract of Moringa olelifa leaves (MML) using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model system. To define the longevity properties of MML we conducted lifespan assay and MML showed significant increase in lifespan under normal culture condition. In addition, MML elevated stress tolerance of C. elegans to endure against thermal, oxidative and osmotic stress conditions. Our data also revealed that increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and expressions of stress resistance proteins were attributed to MML-mediated enhanced stress resistance. We further investigated the involvement of MML on the aging-related factors such as growth, food intake, fertility, and motility. Interestingly, MML significantly reduced growth and egg-laying, suggesting these factors were closely linked with MML-mediated longevity. We also observed the movement of aged worms to estimate the effects of MML on the health span. Herein, MML efficiently elevated motility of aged worms, indicating MML may affect health span as well as lifespan. Our genetic analysis using knockout mutants showed that lifespan-extension activity of MML was interconnected with several genes such as skn-1, sir-2.1, daf-2, age-1 and daf-16. Based on these results, we could conclude that MML prolongs the lifespan of worms via activation of SKN-1 and SIR-2.1 and inhibition of insulin/IGF pathway, followed by DAF-16 activation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.104-109
• /
• 2008

We previously reported that anti-inflammatory properties of poncirin, isolated from fruit of Poncirus trifoliata, might be the result from the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis $factor-{\acute{a}}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) expression via the down-regulation of $NF{-\kappa}B$ binding activity. In this study, we investigated whether poncirin has an inhibitory effect on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators ex vivo and whether poncirin could relieve the symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice model of inflammatory bowel disease. Poncirin significantly inhibited the productions of NO, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse peritoneal macrophage. In addition, poncirin-treated mice when compared to control mice not receiving treatment recovered better from the weight loss caused by DSS-induced colitis. Changes in disease activity index (DAI) of poncirin-treated mice were also more favorable than for control mice and were comparable with mice treated with a typical anti-inflammatory-drug, 5-aminosalichylic acid (5-ASA). In addition, suppression of plasma NO and IL-6 productions of poncirin-treated mice was also observed in DSS-induced colitis. These results suggest that poncirin has potentially useful anti-inflammatory effects mediated by suppression of inflammatory mediator productions.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.53-76
• /
• 2011

This study analysed empirically the relationship between the CT R&D subsidy program and R&D performance of received company. According to the result, the CT R&D subsidy program is a significant factor to encourage R&D performance. Especially, the CT R&D subsidy program based on validity and reasonable system affects significantly the progress of R&D performance. Otherwise, the reasonable CT R&D subsidy program has a important role to play on company growing from a step of R&D to a step of the commercialisation performance. Thus, government should make an effort on researching data on market demand before implementing policy and communicating with company continually.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.25-33
• /
• 2013

Purpose: We reviewed the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with anal canal carcinoma who were treated with curative intent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) at Severance Hospital from 2005 to 2011. Materials and Methods: Data for 38 eligible patients treated during this period were reviewed. All patients were treated with curative intent using radiotherapy (RT) with (n = 35) or without concomitant chemotherapy (n = 3). Among 35 patients who received CRT, most of the chemotherapeutic regimens were either 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus mitomycin C (23 patients) or 5-FU plus cisplatin (10 patients). Recurrence-free survival (RFS), colostomy-free survival (CFS), overall survival (OS), and locoregional control (LRC) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival between subgroups were compared using the log-rank test. Cox's proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 44 months (range, 11 to 96 months), 3-year RFS, CFS, OS, and LRC were 80%, 79%, 85%, and 92%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor size >4 cm was an independent predicting factor for poorer RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 6.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 28.5; p = 0.006) and CFS (HR, 6.25; 95% CI, 1.39-28.0; p = 0.017), while the presence of external iliac lymph node metastasis was an independent prognosticator for poorer OS (HR, 9.32; 95% CI, 1.24 to 70.3; p = 0.030). No treatment-related colostomies or deaths occurred during or after treatment. Conclusion: Curative intent CRT resulted in excellent outcomes that were comparable to outcomes in previous randomized trials. No severe treatment-related toxicities were observed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.1585-1593
• /
• 2005

The genetic effects of restraint stress challenge on HPA axis and the therapeutic effect of Boshimgeonbi-tang on the stress were studied with cDNA microarray analyses, RT-PCR on hypothalamus using an immobilization-stress mice as an animal model. Male CD-1 mice were restrained in a tightly fitted and ventilated vinyl holder for 2hrs once a day, and this challenge was repeated for seven· consecutive days. In the change of body weight it showed that the Boshimgeonbi-tang is effected recovery on weight loss caused by the immobilization-stress. Seven days later, total RNA was extracted from the organs of the mouse, body-labeled with $CyDye^{TM}$ fluorescence dyes and then hybridized to CDNA microarray chip. Scanning and analyzing the array slides were carried out using GenePix4000 series scanner and GenePix $Pro^{TM}$ analyzing program, respectively. The expression profiles of 109 genes out of 6000 genes on the chip were significantly modulated in hypothalamus by the immobilization stress. Energy metabolism-, lipid metabolism-, apoptosis-, stress protein, transcriptional factor, and signal transduction-related genes were transcriptionally activated whereas DNA repair-, protein biosysthesis-, and structure integrity-related genes were down-regulated in hypothalamus. The 58 genes were up-regulated by the mRNA expression folds of 1.5 to 7.9. and the 51 genes were down-regulated by 1.5 - 5.5 fold. The 11 genes among them were selected to confirm the expression profiles by RT-PCR. The mRNA expression levels of Tnfrsf1a (apoptosis), Calm2 (cell cycle), Bag3 (apoptosis), Ogg1 (DNA repair), Aatk (apoptosis), Dffa (apoptosis), Fkbp5 (protein folding) were restored to the normal one by the treatment of Boshimgeonbi-tang.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.722-728
• /
• 2005

The DNA topoismerase I inhibitor ${\beta}-lapachone$, the product of a lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) from South America, activates a novel apoptotic response in a number of cell lines. In the present report, we investigated the effects of ${\beta}-lapachone$ on the growth of human lung in human non-small-cell-lung-cancer A549 cells. Upon treatment with ${\beta}-lapachone$, a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability and cell proliferation was observed as measured by hemocytometer counts and MTT assay. The ${\beta}-lapachone-treated$ cells developed many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including membrane shrinking, condensation of chromatin and DNA fragmentation. These apoptotic effects of ${\beta}-lapachone$ in A549 cells were associated with a marked induction of pro-apoptotic Bax expression, however the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, elevated amount of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 expression accompanied by up-regulation of tumor suppressor p53 was observed. By RT-PCR analyses, decrease in gene expression level of telomerase reverse transcriptase and telomeric repeat binding factor were also observed. Thus, these findings suggest that ${\beta}-lapachone$ may be a potential anti-cancer therapeutics for the control of human lung cancer cell model.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.151-156
• /
• 2015

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used for the therapy of colon cancer; however, acquired resistance to 5-FU is a critical barrier to successful treatment and the primary cause of chemotherapy failure. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process whereby cells undergo alterations in morphology and molecular characteristics promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Accumulating evidence shows that transition from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype in cancer cells is associated with their resistance to chemotherapy. However, it is still poorly understood whether EMT is involved in acquired resistance to 5-FU. In this study, we developed an in vitro cell model, 5-FU-resistant HT-29 colon cancer cells, and characterized the differences in cellular morphology and molecular alterations between parental and resistant cells. In accord with mesenchymal-like morphology of 5-FU-resistant HT-29 cells, the expression of the mesenchymal marker fibronectin was significantly increased in these cells in comparision with that in the parental cells. Of interest, we also found a marked increase in the expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors Twist, Zeb1, and Zeb2. Finally, 5-FU-resistant cells showed enhanced migration in comparison with parental HT-29. Taken together, these results indicate that EMT could be associated with 5-FU resistance acquired by HT-29 cells. A specific role of each transcription factor found in this study will require further investigation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.96-103
• /
• 2012

In the present study, the inhibitory effect of neem leaf extract (NLE) on lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) production was examined both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro study revealed that NLE treatment ($100{\mu}g/ml$) inhibits LPS (100 ng/ml)-induced NO production by 96% and TNF-${\alpha}$ production by 32%. The reduction in NO production is probably conferred by the complete suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Interestingly, in vivo NLE significantly improved the survival rate of mice in an experimental sepsis model. Administration of NLE (100 mg/kg) 24 h before LPS treatment (20 mg/kg) improved the survival rate of mice by 60%. The inhibition of plasma NO and TNF-${\alpha}$ production by NLE is likely to account for the improved survival of mice. Our results suggest that NLE may present a promising avenue in the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.