• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2 s.66
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• pp.145-154
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• 2006

Objectives : Methods to evaluate obesity are growing to be important in studying links between health and disease. Physicians are using BMI (body mass index) to evaluate obesity, but they can't know how much fat the body has by using that method. Even though there are several assessments, there are different scales, so patients are diagnosed as obese, by some but not by others. These studies are limited in evaluating obesity; it is necessary to study based on new knowledge. According to Oriental Medical Theory, obese people are categorized into 3 types, Fei, Kao and Liu Ren. They have different pathology and body shapes than non-obese people. The relationship between Oriental Medical Theory and BMI and assessment of body fat is a fundamental need to easily approach and treat obesity. Methods : At 00 Oriental Medical Center, 145 female subjects who intended to lose weight were given physical tests and grouped into 5 types of obesity. The physical tests were height measurement, BMI, body composition (body fat mass and lean body mass), skin elasticity and physical strength tests. One-way analysis of variance was done to compare the means of physical tests between the five types of obese women. There was some relationship between characteristics of the five types based on physical tests and Fei, Kao and Liu Ren based on Oriental Medical Theory. Least significant difference (LSD) was used in multiple comparisons. Results : 1. According to the skin elasticity test, obesity type 5 placed between obesity types 3 and 4 and obesity types 1 and 2. Obesity types 3 and 4 were in the low skin elasticity result group; obesity types 1 and 2 were in the high ones (p<0.1).Based on Oriental Medical Theory, Fei Ren and Kao Ren can be distinguished by skin elasticity degree. This result should form the basis of obesity diagnosis. 2. According to Oriental Medical Theory, Fei Ren is smaller than others. Based on height measurement, obesity types 3 and 4 were significantly lower than other obesity types (p<0.1), so there is a relationship between Fei Ren and obesity types 3 & 4. 3. There were significant differences between obesity type 2 and obesity type 4 in the body fat mass result (p<0.1). This study did not have large enough a sample size to distinguish Liu Ren. Conclusions : Further clinical research is necessary to study measurement methods of body shape type and skin elasticity for distinguishing Fei Ren from Kao Ren. The diagnosis and treatment based on the relationship of these types should be studied further.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.288-298
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• 2016

Resveratrol acts as a free radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant in the inhibition of numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS). The function of resveratrol and resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles in protecting human lung cancer cells (A549) against hydrogen peroxide was investigated in this study. The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay was performed to evaluate the antioxidant properties. Resveratrol had substantially high antioxidant capacity (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity value) compared to trolox and vitamin E since the concentration of resveratrol was more than $50{\mu}M$. Nanoparticles prepared from ${\beta}$-lactoglobulin (${\beta}$-lg) were successfully developed. The ${\beta}$-lg nanoparticle showed 60 to 146 nm diameter in size with negatively charged surface. Non-cytotoxicity was observed in Caco-2 cells treated with ${\beta}$-lg nanoparticles. Fluorescein isothiocynate-conjugated ${\beta}$-lg nanoparticles were identified into the cell membrane of Caco-2 cells, indicating that nanoparticles can be used as a delivery system. Hydrogen peroxide caused accumulation of ROS in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles restored $H_2O_2$-induced ROS levels by induction of cellular uptake of resveratrol in A549 cells. Furthermore, resveratrol activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) signaling in A549 cells, thereby accumulation of Nrf2 abundance, as demonstrated by western blotting approach. Overall, these results may have implications for improvement of oxidative stress in treatment with nanoparticles as a biodegradable and non-toxic delivery carrier of bioactive compounds.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.12-24
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• 2015

Purpose: The need for the rapid evaluation and treatment of emergency department patients with major trauma is essential. A computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system can improve communication and provide immediate access to information with the goal of reducing ED time delays. The aim of this study was to report on the operation of a trauma CPOE program and demonstrate its usefulness by comparing time intervals from ED arrival to various evaluation steps before and after implementation of the program. Methods: This was a before-and-after observational study from a single emergency department at an academic center. The CPOE program was implemented for 6 months and compared with the data collected from the pre-CPOE implementation period. The efficacy of the program was assessed by comparing the time difference before and after CPOE implementation based on the following factors: total boarding time in ED, door-to-disposition decision time, door-to-blood-test report time, door-to-X-ray time, door-to-CT time, and door-to-transfusion time. Results: Over a period of 6 months, the CPOE was activated for a total of 17 patients. Total boarding time was reduced significantly after implementation [median, 641.5 minutes (IQR, 367.3-859.3) versus289.0 minutes (IQR, 140.0-508.0) for pre-CPOE vs. post-CPOE, respectively, p< 0.05). Time intervals for all evaluation steps were reduced after implementation of the program. The improvements in the door-to-blood-test and door-to-CT times were both statistically significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a standard CPOE system can be successfully implemented and can reduce ED time delays in managing trauma patients.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.410-422
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between knowledge related to disease(KRD), illness attitude, and quality of life(QOL) in relation to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD). According to the study result, there were significant differences with regard to KRD in accordance with subjects' education, monthly income, mMRC(modified Medical Research Council) Dyspnea Scale, inhaled bronchodilator and antibiotic treatment. In addition, there were significant differences with respect to illness attitude according to monthly income and mMRC. In case of the QOL, there were significant differences in accordance with age, marital status, monthly income, inpatient status, history of hospital admission, oxygen use, comorbidity, mMRC, and inhaled steroid. It has shown that there was a significant correlation between KRD and QOL(r=-.438, p<.001), illness attitude and QOL(r=.279, p=.001). Thus, it is important to grasp monthly income and mMRC, which are correlated with the three elements in common. As per assessment about COPD patients in the clinical situation, it is necessary to develop a multi-disciplinary approach, health coaching program for improving KRD and having a positive attitude based on the low-income group with taking interest in the circumstances of mMRC as well as objective test results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2014

Background: Hydrogels are a class of polymers that can absorb water or biological fluids and swell to several times their dry volume, dependent on changes in the external environment. In recent years, hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites have found a variety of biomedical applications, including drug delivery and cancer treatment. The incorporation of nanoparticulates into a hydrogel matrix can result in unique material characteristics such as enhanced mechanical properties, swelling response, and capability of remote controlled actuation. Materials and Methods: In this work, synthesis of hydrogel nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles are studied. At first, magnetic nanoparticles ($Fe_3O_4$) with an average size 10 nm were prepared. At second approach, thermo and pH-sensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide -co-methacrylic acid-co-vinyl pyrrolidone) (NIPAAm-MAA-VP) were prepared. Swelling behavior of co-polymer was studied in buffer solutions with different pH values (pH=5.8, pH=7.4) at $37^{\circ}C$. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles ($Fe_3O_4$) and doxorubicin were incorporated into copolymer and drug loading was studied. The release of drug, carried out at different pH and temperatures. Finally, chemical composition, magnetic properties and morphology of doxorubicin-loaded magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites were analyzed by FT- IR, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The results indicated that drug loading efficiency was increased by increasing the drug ratio to polymer. Doxorubicin was released more at $40^{\circ}C$ and in acidic pH compared to that $37^{\circ}C$ and basic pH. Conclusions: This study suggested that the poly (NIPAAm-MAA-VP) magnetic hydrogel nanocomposite could be an effective carrier for targeting drug delivery systems of anti-cancer drugs due to its temperature sensitive properties.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2014

The roots of Opuntia humifusa (OHR) were extracted with 80% aqueous MeOH and the concentrated extract was partitioned with EtOAc, n-butanol and $H_2O$, successively. The fractions were tested using DPPH and ABST radical scavenging method. The all fractions showed potent scavenging effects. The scavenging effect of the EtOAc fraction was higher than the other fractions, with $IC_{50}$ values as DPPH; $77.0{\pm}1.38{\mu}g/mL$, ABTS: $26.3{\pm}2.02{\mu}g/mL$. And, we investigated anti-inflammatory activities by examining the effects of the OHR fractions on pro-inflammatory cytokine release in the human mast cells (HMC-1). Treatment with OHR fractions clearly reduced the release of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, interleukin (IL)-6 and interleukin (IL)-8) in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells. The results showed the potential of OHR as an excellent antioxidant substance and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. Therefore, OHR may be used as a therapeutic approach to various inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

Objectives: This study examined the relative efficacies of a derivative of betulinic acid (dBA) and its poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nano-encapsulated form in A549 lung cancer cells in vivo and in co-mutagen [sodium arsenite (SA) + benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)]-induced lung cancer in mice in vivo. Methods: dBA was loaded with PLGA nanoparticles by using the standard solvent displacement method. The sizes and morphologies of nano-dBA (NdBA) were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their intracellular localization was verified by using confocal microscopy. The binding and interaction of NdBA with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) as a target were analyzed by using conventional circular dichroism (CD) and melting temperature (Tm) profile data. Apoptotic signalling cascades in vitro and in vivo were studied by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the ability of NdBA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was also examined. The stage of cell cycle arrest was confirmed by using a fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) data analysis. Results: The average size of the nanoparticles was ~ 110 nm. Confocal microscopy images confirmed the presence of NdBA in the cellular cytoplasm. The bio-physical properties of dBA and NdBA ascertained from the CD and the Tm profiles revealed that NdBA had greater interaction with the target DNA than dBA did. Both dBA and NdBA arrested cell proliferation at G0/G1, NdBA showing the greater effect. NdBA also induced a greater degree of cytotoxicity in A549 cells, but it had an insignificant cytotoxic effect in normal L6 cells. The results of flow cytometric, cytogenetial and histopathological studies in mice revealed that NdBA caused less nuclear condensation and DNA damage than dBA did. TEM images showed the presence of NdBA in brain samples of NdBA fed mice, indicating its ability to cross the BBB. Conclusion: Thus, compared to dBA, NdBA appears to have greater chemoprotective potential against lung cancer.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.1833-1841
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• 2000

Microelectrode probe was made and applied to the biofilm in the biological treatment process as the state-of-art technology in order to actually measure the biofilm thickness, ionic concentration gradient, and material transport, etc. instead of classical theoretical approach. The working microelectrode, one of the main components of microelectrode probe, was easily contaminated and broken when determining the differences in the ionic concentrations through the measurement of biofilm's EMF (electromotive force). As a demonstration, two microelectrode probes were constructed in our lab for the measurement of the pH and $NO_3{^-}$ concentration in denitrifying biofilm. The microelectrode probe through the inner biofilm ($350{\mu}m$ from the surface of biofilm) showed that the pH was increased from pH 8 in the bulk solution to pH 8.3, on the other hand, the $NO_3{^-}$ concentration was decreased from 30 fig N/L in the bulk solution to 4 fig N/L.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.381-393
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• 2016

This was a qualitative study to explore and better understand the adaptation experience and processes of peoples with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), as well as to develop a substantive theory using the grounded theory method. There were 13 patients (12 females and 1 male) who received FMS treatment from Rheumatic Medicine outpatient department of one general hospital. The data were collected through an in-depth interview between January and May of 2014. Transcribed interview contents were analyzed by the grounded theory method of Corbin and Strauss (2008). As a result, a total of 98 concepts, 26 sub-categories, and 10 categories were identified through the open coding process. The process of adaptation experience showed 4 steps: perception of uncertainty and limited condition, evaluation of self-control possibility and determinations of expectations of life, searching and trying of strategies, as well as self-regulation. The 4 types of adaptation experience were expansionary, complacently, effusively and withering. The 'protective self-regulation' theory was derived from the core category of 'learning to self-regulation method'. Patients with FMS has repeatedly attempted these strategies of protective self-regulation in order to gain stability from uncertainty and limited condition of the disease. Based on these results, it is necessary to develop an educational program for patients and families which has appropriate nursing intervention strategies in accordance with the types of adaptation.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Burning mouth syndrome(BMS) refers to a chronic orofacial pain disorder usually unaccompanied by mucosal lesions or other clinical signs. Tongue(anterior and lateral border) is found to be the most common site for the burning sensations in the oral cavity, and various oral sites may be affected including hard palate and lips. The etiology of this disorder remains poorly understood, but the various factors might be related with the pathogenesis of the BMS. These factors have been devided into local, systemic and psychological. Recently, there have been increasing reports that the pain of BMS may be neuropathic in origin. The complex and multifactorial etiology of BMS necessitates multidisciplinary approach for the management of these patients. Recently, several studies have reported that oral parafunctional habits could be related the pathogenesis of BMS, and tried to control the symptom of BMS with various methods. We reported the cases who had the symptom of burning mouth syndrome with removable anti-nociceptive appliance in the lower dentition.