• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.196-201
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• 2017

Objective: Musculoskeletal neck pain have many symptoms which include decreased range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength, and increased pain. However, the management methods are controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three interventions on ROM, strength, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) with musculoskeletal neck pain. Design: Pretest-posttest design. Methods: Thirty subjects participated in this experiment. They were randomly assigned to thefollowing groups: passive stretching (PS) group (n=10), massage (MASS) group (n=10), and muscle energy technique (MET) group (n=10). The treatment were applied bilaterally on the upper trapezius. The PS was applied 3 times for 30 seconds each time. The MASS was applied using two different techniques for 2 minutes per technique. For MET, the subjects performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions of isometric resistance exercise that was maintained for 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest. ROM, strength, and PPT parameters were measured after intervention. Results: In the MASS group, there was a significant improvement in all outcomes except for muscle strength (p<0.05). In the MET group, ROM and strength significantly improved compared to the pre-treatment results (p<0.05). As result of measuring the amount of change in each group, there was a significant difference in ROM (flexion) in the PS group compared with the MASS and MET group, a significant difference in strength in the MET group compared with the PS and MASS groups, and a significant difference in PPT in the MASS groups compared with the PS and MET groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that PS, MASS, and MET are effective methods for improving ROM, strength, and PPT for musculoskeletal neck pain. Therefore, various therapeutic interventions for improving ROM, strength, and pain are suggested.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.97-106
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• 2022

Objective. Nanotechnology is spreading among all areas of life, from everyday devices to medicine. The concept of nanotechnology argues that not only can new physical and chemical properties of materials be discovered, but also the new potential of nanostructures when reduced to the nanoscale. The growing interest in the application of nanomaterials in dentistry contributes to the proliferation of the range of nanomaterials used by specialists. The purpose of this review of information sources was to analyze the prospects for the use of nanomaterials in dentistry. Methods. We used the bibliographic semantic method of research, for which we analyzed electronic databases of primary literature sources Scopus, Web of Science, Research Gate, PubMed, MDPI, and MedLine. English-language scientific articles published after 2017 were taken into consideration. Results. According to the results of a search study among modern information primary sources, nanotechnology improves the preventive properties of oral care products, improves the structural-mechanical and aesthetic properties of composite mixtures for dentistry, overcomes the problems of the clinical application of dental implants. Despite the prospects of nanotechnology applications in medicine in general and dentistry in particular, the existing economic and technological problems require a thorough solution for further implementation of nanostructures. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the analysis of modern trends in the application of nanotechnology in dentistry is carried out and the peculiarities of materials are highlighted, the problems and prospects of nanostructures implementation in modern dental implantology are given, physical, chemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of nanomaterials are evaluated. The effect of nanomaterials on the microbial adhesion of the tooth or implant surface is described. Practical significance. The presented publication can become a scientific basis for the solution of urgent problems hindering the introduction of nanotechnology into dental practice. Conclusions. Thus, the use of nanostructures opens up great opportunities for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, not only of dental nature but also in medicine in general.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.501-509
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• 2016

Shikonin, which derives from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been traditionally used against a variety of diseases, including cancer, in Eastern Asia. Here we determined that shikonin inhibits proliferation of gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Shikonin's biological activity was validated by observing cell viability, caspase 3 activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptotic marker expressions in AGS stomach cancer cells. The concentration range of shikonin was 35-250 nM with the incubation time of 6 h. Protein levels of Nrf2 and p53 were evaluated by western blotting and confirmed by real-time PCR. Our results revealed that shikonin induced the generation of ROS as well as caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNK) activity was significantly elevated in shikonin-treated cells, thereby linking JNK to apoptosis. Furthermore, our results revealed that shikonin induced p53 expression but repressed Nrf2 expression. Moreover, our results suggested that there may be a co-regulation between p53 and Nrf2, in which transfection with siNrf2 induced the p53 expression. We demonstrated for the first time that shikonin activated cell apoptosis in AGS cells via caspase 3- and JNK-dependent pathways, as well as through the p53-Nrf2 mediated signal pathway. Our study validates in partly the contribution of shikonin as a new therapeutic approaches/agent for cancer chemotherapy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.165-174
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• 1986

The voltage clamp studies were undertaken to elucidate the properties of the slow inward current, $i_{si}$, in the small preparations of the rabbit sinoatrial node. The slow inward current, $i_{si}$, which is known to be responsible for the late one-third of pacemaker potential and whole range of upstroke phase of action potential was analysed with the effects of isoprenaline, cobalt, ouabain and higenamine. The results obtained are as follows; 1) Voltage of SA node preparation was held at zero current level, usually-40mV and the slow inward current, $i_{si}$, was activated by depolarizing clamp pulses. Peak values of $i_{si}$, in steady state were at $-10{\pm}0mV$ in most preparations. 2) Isoprenaline, ${\beta}-agonist$ increased $i_{si}$ and no shift was noticed in voltage-dependency. 3) Cobalt ion in the concentration of 1 mM abolished is, in entire range of membrane potential and the difference of two current levels before and after $Co^{2+}$ treatment could be considered as pure $i_{si}$ magnitude. 4) In the therapeutic concentration of ouabain $(5{\times}10^{-8}M)$ slightly increased is, and reduced the time to reach the peak value. 5) Higenamine $(10^{-6}M)$ changed the configurations of action potential (i. e. rapid upstroke phase and notch in the spike) and increase spontaneous rate. It also increased is, and the effect of higenamine was blocked ${\beta}-blocker$, propranolol $(10^{-6}M)$.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.202-214
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• 2015

Stimuli-responsive biomaterials that alter their function through sensing local molecular cues may enable technological advances in the fields of drug delivery, gene delivery, actuators, biosensors, and tissue engineering. In this research, pH-responsive hydrogel which is comprised of dimethylaminoethyl methacylate (DMAEMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was synthesized for the effective delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) to breast cancer cells. Cancer and tumor tissues show a lower extracellular pH than normal tissues. DMAEMA/HEMA hydrogels showed significant sensitivity by small pH changes and each formulation of hydrogels was examined by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical test, equilibrium mass swelling, controlled Dox release, and cytotoxicity. High swelling ratios and Dox release were obtained at low pH buffer condition, low cross-linker concentration, and high content of DMAEMA. Dox release was accelerated to 67.3% at pH 5.5 for 6-h incubation at $37^{\circ}C$, while it was limited to 13.8% at pH7.4 at the same time and temperature. Cell toxicity results to breast cancer cells indicate that pH-responsive DMAEMA/HEMA hydrogels may be used as an efficient matrix for anti-cancer drug delivery with various transporting manners. Also, pH-responsive DMAEMA/HEMA hydrogels may be useful in therapeutic treatment which is required a triggered release at low pH range such as gene delivery, ischemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.116-119
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• 2015

Globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) is considered as one of the biological marker for Fabry disease. To date, a reliable biomarker that reflects disease severity and progression has not been discovered to guide the management of Fabry disease. A new method included a simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile in 100 μL of plasma following analyte separation on an Phenomenex Kintex- C18 column using a gradient elution (0.1% formic acid in 5-90% acetonitrile). Total run time was within 12 min including sample preparation and MS/MS analysis. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 1 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 2.0-200.0 ng/mL (r² = 0.9999). Inter-day accuracy and precision at 7 level were 93.4-100.7% with RSD of 0.55-5.97%. Absolute recovery was 97.6-98.6%. The method was applied to human and mice plasma, proved the suitability for quantification of lyso-Gb3 for screening, diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of Fabry disease patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2016

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been reported to lead to cardiac toxicity even at therapeutic doses including sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmia. And in a SSRI-independent manner, sertraline has been known to inhibit various voltage-dependent channels, which play an important role in regulation of cardiovascular system. In the present study, we investigated the action of sertraline on Kv1.5, which is one of cardiac ion channels. The effect of sertraline on the cloned neuronal rat Kv1.5 channels stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells was investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Sertraline reduced Kv1.5 whole-cell currents in a reversible concentration-dependent manner, with an $IC_{50}$ value and a Hill coefficient of $0.71{\mu}M$ and 1.29, respectively. Sertraline accelerated the decay rate of inactivation of Kv1.5 currents without modifying the kinetics of current activation. The inhibition increased steeply between -20 and 0 mV, which corresponded with the voltage range for channel opening. In the voltage range positive to +10 mV, inhibition displayed a weak voltage dependence, consistent with an electrical distance ${\delta}$ of 0.16. Sertraline slowed the deactivation time course, resulting in a tail crossover phenomenon when the tail currents, recorded in the presence and absence of sertraline, were superimposed. Inhibition of Kv1.5 by sertraline was use-dependent. The present results suggest that sertraline acts on Kv1.5 currents as an open-channel blocker.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.588-593
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• 2002

Paraquat, one of the potent herbicides, causes fatal damage to many vital organs, when orally ingested, resulting in circulatory failure, respiratory distress syndrome, and a few other serious problems, but there is no known specific antidote against it. Of the possible problems related to paraquat intoxication, oliguric acute renal failure, which has been known to develop within 24 or 48 hours after intoxication, are notoriously life-threatening. So we attempted to investigate the clinical characteristics and progress of paraquat-induced acute renal failure and the therapeutic possibilities of herbal medicines. All of the fifteen subjects were treated with intravenous fluid injection of 5% dextrose saline or 10% dextrose water in conjunction with herbal medicines which were used for oral administration or gargling. Gamdutang, a decoction of Semen Glycin(黑豆 200g) and Radix Glycyrrhizae(甘草 100g) with addition of other herbs when necessary, was administered orally. At the same time, gargling fluid, consisted of Chinese ink(墨汁), char-frying powder of Rhei Rhizoma(大黃炒炭末), Succus phyllostachyos(竹瀝), was used to detoxify the oral cavity. Serum levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN) and Creatinine reached its peak on the third day of hospitalization, but then decreased and fell within the normal range on the 7th day and remained there. Serum levels of Na+ and K+ decreased down below the lower limits of normal range on the 7th day and on the 3rd day, respectively. Then they returned back within normal limits. Mean urine output on the 1st day of hospitalization was 1,050ml and it continuously increased to reach more than 2,000ml on the 14th day. From that day on, it stayed over 2,000ml. Fifteen cases of acute renal failure caused by paraquat intoxication were treated with combined treatments of oriental and western medicine in our hospital. However, we think that it is necessary to study further about the way to combine oriental and western medicine, to find out a more effective treatment method.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.226-232
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• 2000

Purpose :This study was performed to find out the prognostic factors affecting local control in early glottic cancer treated with radiation therapy alone. Materials and Methods :We analysed 37 patients of histologically confirmed early glottic cancer treated at Chonnam National University Hospital between July Im and December 1995, retrospectively. Age of patients ranged from 30 to 73 years (median; 59 years). Thirty-five (95$\%$) patients were male. Histological type was all squamous cell carcinoma. According to the staging system of 1997 American Joint Committee on Cancer, 37 patients were restaged as follows: Tla; U (73$\%$), Tlb; 3 (8$\%$), 72: 7 (19$\%$). Radiation therapy was done using 6 MV X-ray of linear accelerator The range of total radiation dose delivered to the glottic lesion was between 5,040 cGy and 7,020 cGy (median; 6,600 cGy). Median follow-up period was U months. local control rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Generalized Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the difference of control rates between comparable groups. Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model was done to find out prognostic factors affecting local control. Results:5 year survival rate of 37 patients was 89$\%$. Local control rate of 37 patients was 74$\%$ in 5 years. We included age, 7-stage, anterior commissure involvement, fraction size, total radiation dose, treatment time of radiotherapy as potential prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analysis. As a result, treatment time had statistical significance in local control rate in both univariate (p=0.026) and multivariate (p=0.017) analysis. Complication was not recorded except one patient with hypothyroidism. Conclusion :This study revealed that overall treatment time of radiation was a significant factor affecting local control rate.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.430-435
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• 2017

Background: Mycotic aortic aneurysms are rare and life-threatening. Unfortunately, no established guidelines exist for the treatment of patients with mycotic aortic aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes of the open repair of mycotic thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms and suggest a therapeutic strategy. Methods: From 2006 to 2016, 19 patients underwent open repair for an aortic aneurysm. All infected tissue was extensively debrided and covered with soft tissue. We recorded the clinical findings, anatomic location of the aneurysm, bacteriology results, antibiotic therapy, morbidity, and mortality for these cases. Results: The median age was $62{\pm}7.2years$ (range, 16 to 78 years), 13 patients (68%) were men, and the mean aneurysm size was $44.5{\pm}4.9mm$. The mean time from onset of illness to surgery was $14.5{\pm}2.4days$. Aortic continuity was restored in situ with a Dacron prosthesis (79%), homograft (16%), or Gore-Tex graft (5%). Soft-tissue coverage of the prosthesis was performed in 8 patients. The mean follow-up time was $43.2{\pm}11.7months$. The early mortality rate was 10.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was $74.9%{\pm}11.5%$. Conclusion: This study showed acceptable early and midterm outcomes of open repair of mycotic aneurysms. We emphasize that aggressive intraoperative debridement with soft-tissue coverage results in a high rate of success in these high-risk patients.