• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.161-169
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• 2022

Engagement is an important factor in the field of rehabilitation as it is a known factor that have a positive influence on functional gaining in people who receive rehabilitation therapy. Although a number of measurements for engagement have been recently developed, investigation of possible factors that may have influence on engagement is not well established. Currently available evidence suggests that engagement is affected by mood and it is hypothesized that a personal factor may contribute to engagement. Therefore, this study aims to test the hypothetical relationship between mood and engagement while performing a manual dexterity task through an experiment in healthy participants prior to investigation on people with medical condition who requires rehabilitation therapy. After inducing target mood (positive or negative mood) for study participants by asking them to recall autobiographical memories, change in muscle activity, which was operationalized as an indicator of engagement, was investigated. Electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from four muscle areas in non-dominant hand side to quantify muscle activity. The results show that the target moods were appropriately induced with the method. Although there were subtle differences in the level of engagement between different moods, certain variables derived from muscle activity were significantly different; mean amplitude for wrist extensor EMG showed significant difference between different moods (Z = -2.023, p < .05) indicating that muscle activities in the wrist extensor are greater for positive mood than negative mood region during manual dexterity task. Meanwhile, performance outcomes of Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), such as mean completion time and number of errors, between moods showed no significant difference in two different moods, resulting in MMDT administration may not be useful task in distinguishing the level of rehabilitation engagement.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.87-96
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of single herbal medicines and Korean herbal medicine complex prescriptions for osteoporosis in Korea. We targeted studies published in domestic journals from January 1, 2013 to April 1, 2021. For domestic databases, RISS, NDSL, OASIS, DBpia, KISS, KISTI, and Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal were used. Words such as "osteoporosis", "herbal medicine", "herbal combination prescription" and "herbal" were combined and searched. A total of 32 studies were selected. Among them, 8 studies were conducted exclusively for animal studies, 18 studies were conducted on cell experiments, and 6 studies were conducted on both animal and cell experiments. There were 18 studies using a single herb and 14 studies using a combination of Herbal medicine. As a result of the investigation of a single herb, it was found that 補陽藥 was most widely used, and it was found that it was mainly used in the herbal combination prescription, mainly for 補陽藥, 補氣藥, and 補陰藥. Studies in animal experiments revealed significant results mainly in bone mineral density, serological indicators, and morphological indicators of bone tissue. In the study of cell experiments, the effects were found in factors related to the differentiation of osteoclasts and inhibitors of inflammation. Through the results of this study, we are able to confirm the effective single herbal medicines and herbal medicine complex prescriptions for the treatment of osteoporosis, and it is expected that they will contribute to clinical treatment.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2021

Background and objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a forest healing program in terms of depression, neuropsychological and physiological benefits for the elderly. Methods: For this purpose, we developed a forest therapy program for the elderly who are vulnerable to dementia and conducted a total of 11 sessions of forest therapy activities in a forest once a week. We measured the changes in depression, resting-state Electroencephalography(EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the program. There were 60 subjects aged over 65 yesrs old. 30 subjects participated in the forest therapy program, and the other were in the control group. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure the level of depression, neuroNicle FX2 (Laxtha, Korea) was used to measure the resting-state EEG, and photoplethymogram (ubpulse T1, Laxtha, Korea) was used to measure the HRV. Results: The results showed that the depression index of the experimental group improved with statistical significance after the program (experiment group = 3.267 decrease of the mean). In the EEG measurement, the alpha-peak frequency at rest (experimental group = 0.227 Hz increase of the mean) was improved (mean increase = 0.23 in the experimental group, p < .05). The high frequency of HRV, which represents the parasympathetic nerve activity of the body's autonomous response, was also significantly improved (mean increase = 0.396 in the experimental group, p < .05). Conclusion: The results suggest that the forest therapy program can reduce the cognitive, psychological and physical risk factors of dementia for the elderly at risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, forest therapy activities may be suitable for the prevention of dementia in the elderly.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.87-93
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• 2013

Objectives : Degenerative arthritis arises from several physiological factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of Phyto-extract Complex (CME) on degenerative arthritis. Methods : CME is composed of extracts of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit, mulberry leaves and black beans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). To measure the toxicity of CME, we performed the single-dose toxicity study. For the evaluation of its effects on degenerative arthritis, we examined the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, using in vitro enzyme activity assay, the reduction of protein expression of COX-2, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in RAW264.7 cells which were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We also examined the serum level of prostaglandins (PGs) and injury of the knee joint cartilage, using animal model of degenerative arthritis induced by mono-sodium iodoacetate (MIA). Results : CME did not have any toxicity in single-dose toxicity study. The CME inhibited the activity of COX-2 and could reduce the protein expression of COX-2, 5-LO and iNOS in RAW264.7 cells. The CME also reduced the serum level of PGs and prevented from the cartilage injury of knee joint in animal model of degenerative arthritis induced by MIA. Conclusions : Taken altogether, the CME could be useful for the improvement of degenerative arthritis through its various anti-inflammatory activities and prevention from the cartilage injury of knee joint.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.462-470
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• 2022

Background Reactive oxygen species cause serious damage to the physiological function of tissues. Determination of total antioxidant capacity of skin tissue is one of the determinants of damaged tissue function. Mast cells (MCs) are one of the groups of cells that are invited to the site of injury. The healing process begins with the rapid release of various types of MCs' intermediate factors at the site of injury. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) production and secretion have been shown to regenerate the skin. The aim of this research was to evaluate the wound-healing and antioxidant effects of BMMSCs per MCs. Methods Fifty-four albino Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: (1) nonsurgery, (2) surgery, and (3) surgery + BMMSCs. Groups 2 and 3 were operated with a 3 × 8 cm flap and in group 3, cell injections (7 × 10⁹ cell injection at the time of surgery) were performed. After days 4, 7, and 15, percentage of the surviving tissue, histological characteristics, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the groups. For results, Graph Pad Prism 8 software was used, and data were analyzed and compared by analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results BMMSCs' application decreased the amount of MDA, increased SOD activity and survival rate of the flaps, and improved the histological characteristics. Conclusion This study revealed the protective effects BMMSCs alongside MCs against oxidative stress on the survival of the flaps. However, for clinical use, more research is needed to determine its benefits.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.72.1-72.14
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• 2022

Background: The treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI), a common disease in dogs, is limited. Therefore, an effective method to prevent AKI in veterinary clinics is particularly crucial. Objectives: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is the third gaseous signal molecule involved in various physiological functions of the body. The present study investigated the effect of H₂S on cisplatin-induced AKI and the involved mechanisms in dogs. Methods: Cisplatin-injected dogs developed AKI symptoms as indicated by renal dysfunction and pathological changes. In the H₂S-treated group, 50 mM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) solution was injected at 1 mg/kg/h for 30 min before cisplatin injection. After 72 h, tissue and blood samples were collected immediately. We performed biochemical tests, optical microscopy studies, analysis with test kits, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Results: The study results demonstrated that cisplatin injection increased necroptosis and regulated the corresponding protein expression of receptor interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1, RIPK3, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1; furthermore, it activated the expressions of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and interleukin-1β, in canine kidney tissues. Moreover, cisplatin triggered oxidative stress and affected energy metabolism. Conversely, an injection of NaHS solution considerably reduced the aforementioned changes. Conclusions: In conclusion, H₂S protects the kidney from cisplatin-induced AKI through the mitigation of necroptosis and inflammation. These findings provide new and valuable clues for the treatment of canine AKI and are of great significance for AKI prevention in veterinary clinics.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1817-1826
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• 2022

Public concern on the methods of raising food-producing animals has increased, especially in the last two decades, leading to voluntary and mandated changes in the animal production methods. The primary objective of these changes is to improve the welfare of farm animals. The use of gestational stalls is currently a major welfare issue in swine production. Several studies assessed the welfare of alternative housing systems for gestating sows. A comparative study was performed with gestating sows housed in either individual stalls or in groups in a pen with an electronic sow feeder. This review assessed the welfare of each housing system using physiological, behavioral, and reproductive performance criteria. The current review identified clear advantages and disadvantages of each housing system. Individual stall housing allowed each sow to be given an individually tailored diet without competition, but the sows had behavioral restrictions and showed stereotypical behaviors (e.g., bar biting, nosing, palate grinding, etc.). Group-housed sows had increased opportunities to display such behavior (e.g., ability to move around and social interactions); however, a higher prevalence of aggressive behavior, especially first mixing in static group type, caused a negative impact on longevity (more body lesions, scratch and bite injuries, and lameness, especially in subordinate sows). Conclusively, a more segmented and diversified welfare assessment could be beneficial for a precise evaluation of each housing system for sows. Further efforts should be made to reduce aggression-driven injuries and design housing systems (feeding regimen, floor, bedding, etc.) to improve the welfare of group-housed sows.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Male hypogonadism is a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone and significantly impacts health. Age, obesity, genetics, and oxidative stress are some physiological factors that may contribute to testosterone deficiency. Previous studies have shown many pharmacological benefits of Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) Baillon as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, the molecular mechanism of attenuating hypogonadism is yet to be well established. This research was undertaken to study the effects of S. chinensis extract (SCE) on testosterone deficiency. MATERIALS/METHODS: S. chinensis fruit was pulverized and extracted using 60% aqueous ethanol. HPLC analysis was performed to analyze and quantify the lignans of the SCE. RESULTS: The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging assays confirmed that the SCE and its major lignans (schisandrol A and gomisin N) inhibit oxidative stress. Effects of SCE analysis on the testosterone level under oxidative stress conditions revealed that both schisandrol A and gomisin N were able to recover the lowered testosterone levels. Through mRNA expression of TM3 Leydig cell, we observed that the SCE lignans were able to induce the enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis-related genes such as 3β-HSD4 (P < 0.01 for SCE, and P < 0.001 for schisandrol A and gomisin N), 17β-HSD3 (P < 0.001 for SCE, schisandrol A and gomisin N), and 17, 20-desmolase (P < 0.01 for schisandrol A, and P < 0.001 for SCE and gomisin N). CONCLUSIONS: These results support that SCE and its active components could be potential therapeutic agents for regulating and increasing testosterone production.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2023

Due to COVID-19, the non-face-to-face era has arrived, and telemedicine has become a demand of the times in the medical community. Accordingly, this study aims to present a way to supplement Korea's telemedicine policy by comparing and analyzing domestic telemedicine policy and China's telemedicine policy, and analyzing the success factors of Chinese telemedicine. Domestic and foreign literature was explored to compare and analyze telemedicine policy cases of Korean, Chinese. Domestic and foreign national legal databases and web DBs were used, and literature were restricted between 2009 and 2022. Prior to COVID-19, the scope of telemedicine was very narrow in Korea, and only some pilot projects were operated. After COVID-19, the scope of telemedicine temporarily expanded, but no specific policies or systems were prepared. On the other hand, in the case of China, related policy institutional discussions on telemedicine have been actively conducted since the past, and accordingly, specific scope of application and related management norms and systems have been prepared. For the development of telemedicine in Korea, it is necessary to supplement the definition of telemedicine, ensure the accuracy and safety of non-face-to-face care through telemedicine, and solve the concentration phenomenon of large hospitals through limited conditions for hospital-level medical institutions.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.188-197
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• 2020

Due to hazardous working environments at complex, unstructured, and dynamic construction sites, workers frequently face potential safety and health risks throughout the construction process. In this regard, addressing safety challenges remains one of the top priorities. Construction workers' ability to identify and assess risks is acquired through training, which is one of the primary key factors to determine their safety and wellbeing in hazardous working environments. As such, safety managers constantly focus on the effectiveness of the training materials provided to the workers. However, the construction workers are considerably at greater risk of injuries and fatalities compared to the workers in other industries. In this regard, further studies are required to build up a body of knowledge on the conventional safety training approaches as well as their evaluation techniques in order to boost up the adoption by the practitioners in a widespread manner. This paper provides a systematic review of the current safety training approaches and the various techniques for measuring their effectiveness. The attributes of the current safety training methods for construction workers and their evaluation techniques are identified and analyzed. Results indicated that: 1) immersive environment-based training methods are effective than the traditional safety training methods; 2) this effectiveness can be empirically supported by evaluation strategies, but the current techniques are subjective, intrusive, and error-prone. This research offers fresh opportunities to investigate the training strategies by objectively monitoring the physiological responses of construction crews. The results of this study can be used by researchers and practitioners to identify and determine optimal safety training programs that could potentially become ubiquitous in the construction industry.