• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.295-308
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study evaluated the validity and reliability of Shively and colleagues' self-efficacy for HIV disease management skills (HIV-SE) among Korean participants. Methods: The original HIV-SE questionnaire, comprising 34 items, was translated into Korean using a translation and back-translation process. To enhance clarity and eliminate redundancy, the author and expert committee engaged in multiple discussions and integrated two items with similar meanings into a single item. Further, four HIV nurse experts tested content validity. Survey data were collected from 227 individuals diagnosed with HIV from five Korean hospitals. Construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients with the new general self-efficacy scale. Internal consistency reliability and test-retest were examined for reliability. Results: The Korean version of HIV-SE (K-HIV-SE) comprises 33 items across six domains: "managing depression/mood," "managing medications," "managing symptoms," "communicating with a healthcare provider," "getting support/help," and "managing fatigue." The fitness of the modified model was acceptable (minimum value of the discrepancy function/degree of freedom = 2.49, root mean square error of approximation = .08, goodness-of-fit index = .76, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = .71, Tucker-Lewis index = .84, and comparative fit index = .86). The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = .91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .73) were good. The criterion validity of the K-HIV-SE was .59 (p < .001). Conclusion: This study suggests that the K-HIV-SE is useful for efficiently assessing self-efficacy for HIV disease management.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.437-449
• /
• 2017

As a new duty of universities, contributions to localities and regions are magnified as an important issue and overseas universities are creating it as the index to use self evaluations and public relations actively. The universities in Korea are expanding resources usage of university and proceeding various businesses to enhance co-operation with local government, civic groups and companies lately. However, it is still in an embryo. This study is aiming to analyze cases of foreign universities and the socio-economic impacts of university on the region and discover evaluation index based on the results to be applied to the universities in Korea. This study had considered the evaluation of local effect by the university conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England(HEFCE) which is the representative case to analyze the impacts of university on the region at the level of government and independent organizations. The applicable common index had been extracted for universities in Korea from case studies on University of Rochester in the US and University of Birmingham in the UK considered as a representative university in North America and Europe respectively which are publishing a white paper on local and regional impacts of the university by using various index. As a result, 24 items in six areas(economic influence, research, education, art & cultural services, regional development, and the field of university specialization) had been deducted as the evaluation index which represents the local and regional impacts of university. This index could be secured through holding materials of each university and 'Higher Education in KOREA' as university information disclosure service and it might be applied to the universities in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.109-127
• /
• 2023

Objectives : It was conducted to experimentally analyze the effects of acupuncture treatment at CV12, ST25, and ST36 on weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome changes in the general diet rat and the high-fat diet rat. Methods : It was classified into four groups: general diet & non-treatment group (ND), general diet & acupuncture treatment group (ND+AT), high-fat diet & non-treatment group (HFD), and high-fat diet & acupuncture treatment group (HFD-AT). After acupuncture treatment was performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36, changes in body weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome were analyzed. Results : Compared to the ND group, acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36 in the ND+AT group had no significant effect. Compared to the HFD group, CV12, ST25, and ST36 acupuncture in the HFD+AT group reduced weight, fat weight, inflammatory cytokine IL-6 expression, and lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue. Acupuncture can promote fat metabolism and relieve inflammatory conditions. Differences in diversity between ND and HFD groups were clear in changes in microbiome, fecal metabolites, and serum metabolites. As a result of some microbiome and metabolites involved in fat decomposition, intestinal lipid absorption, and blood lipid concentration control, such as Intestinimonas, Ruminococcus 1, pyroglutamic acid, tryptophan, and inositol, it was observed that the acupuncture treatment effect was evident in the disease-induced imbalance. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, ST36 clearly observed various regulatory actions on obesity induced by high-fat diet, confirming that the action of acupuncture treatment mainly plays a role in controlling an unbalanced state.

• Information Systems Review
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.33-57
• /
• 2020

Although cryptocurrency which can promote innovation in the blockchain ecosystem is published for many useful purposes, in Korea, cryptocurrency is recognized only as a means of investment for the profit. The fact emphasizes only the speculative nature of the cryptocurrency, so investor negates the fundamental purpose of cryptocurrency and hinders innovation in the blockchain ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cause of cryptocurrency perception and speculative behavior of domestic cryptocurrency investors from an academic perspective. We use a model that reflects the traditional considerations and cryptocurrency's characteristics in investment. Using the model, we can explain the cause of misperception of cryptocurrency through the theory of bounded rationality. In building the research model, we use variables of venture and angel investor's consideration used in investment decisions and collect the keywords from indexes of whitepaper to reflect the properties of cryptocurrency. This study mentions that, due to the imitations presented by Simon, individuals are forced to perceive cryptocurrency as a means of speculation and to make irrational decisions that impair ecosystem health. We analyze whether there is a significant difference in rationality in decision made by the sample under limited knowledge and imperfect information constraints. As a result, imperfect information constraints led investors to consider only irrational criteria in decision making. From this result, this study suggests that information asymmetry needs to be relaxed so that investment can be pursued together with rational investment and development of blockchain ecosystem. In addition, the industry can capture strategic insights for successful financing through ICO by enabling better understanding of investor decision-making.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.33-42
• /
• 2024

Objectives : The sigma-1 receptor is implicated in stress, depression, psychostimulant sensitization, and addiction vulnerability. Prior studies have indicated that ethanol exposure modulates sigma-1 receptor activity within the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Here, we explore the sub-mechanisms underlying sigma-1 receptor activity induced by HT7 (Shinmun) stimulation in behavioral alterations following acute ethanol (ETOH) administration. Methods : Male Wistar rats were investigated for pro- and anti-inflammatory markers after injection of ETOH (1 g/kg) using cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)s. After confirming that HT7 stimulation changed the total distance traveled in the open field test (OFT), protein changes in the Ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by Western blotting. The expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after administration of a sigma-1 receptor antagonist (dihydrobromide 1047; BD1047, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and Shenmen (HT7) stimulation was compared. Results : As a result, acute ETOH administration increased proinflammatory marker levels (TNF-𝛼 and IL-6). HT7 stimulation restored the total distance response after acute ethanol administration. In addition, in the VTA, the levels of a microglial marker (iNOS), sigma-1 receptor and protein kinase C, which are predicted to be involved in up- and downregulation, were restored by HT7 stimulation. In particular, HT7 stimulation modulates iNOS expression through effects similar to BD treatment. This study suggests that the stimulatory effect of HT7 may be driven by microglial activation. Conclusions : Microglial activity is regulated by sigma-1 receptor, and sigma-1 receptor activity is regulated by HT7 stimulation. Significantly, we demonstrate that HT7 stimulation ameliorates behavioral alterations induced by acute ETOH administration through microglial activation within the VTA.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.360-378
• /
• 1997

Background : Severe acute lung injury(ALI), also known as the adult respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), is a heterogenous nature of dynamic and explosive clinical synrome that exacts a mortality of approximately 50%. Endotoxin(ETX) is an abundant component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria capable of inducing severe lung injury in gram-negative sepsis and gram-negative bacterial pneumonia, which are among the most common predisposing causes of ARDS. The influx of PMNs into airway tissue is a pathological hallmark of LPS-induced lung injury. And there is a substantial evidence suggesting that cytokines are important mediators of lung injury in gram-negative sepsis. However, the kinetics of phagocytes and cytokines by an exact time sequence and their respective pathogenic importance remain to be elucidated. This study was performed to investigate the role of phagocytes and proinflammatory cytokines in ETX-induced ALI through a time course of changes in the concentration of protein, $TNF{\alpha}$ and IL-6, and counts of total and its differential cells in BALF. The consecutive histologic findings were also evaluated. Method : The experimental animals, healthy male Sprague-Dawley, weighted $200{\pm}50g$, were divided into control- and ALI- group. ALI was induced by an intravenous administration of ETX, 5mg/kg. Above mentioned all parameters were examined at 0(control), 3, 6, 24, 72 h after administration of ETX. $TNF{\alpha}$ and IL-6 cone. in BALF were measured by a bioassay. Results : The protein concentration and total leukocyte count(TC) in BALF was significantly increased at 3h compared to controls(p < 0.05). The protein conc. was significantly elavated during observation period, but TC was significantly decreased at 72h(p < 0.05 vs. 24h). There was a close relationship between TC and protein cone. in BALF(r = 0.65, p < 0.001). The PMN and monocyte count was well correlated with TC in BALF, and the correlation of PMN(r = 0.97, p < 0.001) appeared to be more meaningful than that of monocyte(r = 0.61, p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between protein cone. and PMN or monocyte count in BALF(PMN vs. monocyte : r = 0.55, p < 0.005 vs. r = 0.64, p < 0.001). The count of monocyte was significantly elavated during observation period though a meaningful reduction of PMN count in BALF at 72h, this observation suggested that monocyte may, at least, partipate in the process of lung injury steadly. In this study, there was no relationship between IL-6 and $TNF{\alpha}$ cone., and $TNF{\alpha}$ but not IL-6 was correlated with TC(r = 0.61, p < 0.05) and monocyte(r = 0.67, p < 0.05) in BALF only at 3, 6h after ETX introduced. In particular, the IL-6 cone. increased earlier and rapidly peaked than $TNF{\alpha}$ cone. in BALF. In histologic findings, the cell counts of lung slices were increased from 3 to 72h(p < 0.001 vs. NC). Alveolar wall-thickness was increased from 6 to 24h(p < 0.001 vs. NC). There was a significant correlation between the cell counts of lung slices and alveolar wall-thickness(r= 0.61, p < 0.001). This result suggested that the cellular infiltrations might be followed by the alterations of interstitium, and the edematous change of alveolar wall might be most rapidly recovered to its normal condition in the process of repair. Conclusion : We concluded that although the role of PMN is partly certain in ETX-induced ALI, it is somewhat inadequate to its known major impact on ALL Alveolar macrophage and/or non-immune cells such as pulmonary endothelial or epithelial cells, may be more importantly contributed to the initiation and perpetual progression of ETX-induced ALI. The IL-6 in ETX-induced ALI was independent to $TNF{\alpha}$, measured by a bioassay in BALF. The early rise in IL-6 in BALF implies multiple origins of the IL-6.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.51-66
• /
• 2004

Objectives : The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that participate in the extracellular matrix metabolism play a important role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. The effects of the MMPs are regulated by several factors including Th-1 cytokines, $interferon-{\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$). Up to now, $IFN-{\gamma}$ is known to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, but little is known regarding the exact effect of $IFN-{\gamma}$ on the regulation of the MMPs. This study investigated the effects of $interferon-{\gamma}$ on the pulmonary fibrosis and the expression of the lung MMP-2,-9, TIMP-1,-2, and Th-2 cytokines in aa rat model of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and methods : Male, specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to an intratracheal bleomycin instillation. The rats were randomized to a saline control, a bleomycin treated, and a bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ treated group. The bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ treated group was subjected to an intramuscular injection of $IFN-{\gamma}$ for 14 days. At 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the bleomycin instillation, the rats were sacrificed and the lungs were harvested. In order to evaluate the effects of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ on lung fibrosis and inflammation, the lung hydroxyproline content, inflammation and fibrosis score were measured. Western blotting, zymography and reverse zymography were performed at 3, 7, 14, 28 days after bleomycin instillation in order to evaluate the MMP-2,-9, and TIMP-1,-2 expression level. ELISA was performed to determine the IL-4 and IL-13 level in a lung homogenate. Results : 1. 7 days after bleomycin instillation, inflammatory changes were more severe in the bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group than the bleomycin group (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$2.08{\pm}0.15:2.74{\pm}0.29$, P<0.05), but 28 days after bleomycin instillation, lung fibrosis was significantly reduced as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$3.94{\pm}0.43:2.64{\pm}0.13$, P<0.05). 2. 28 days after bleomycin instillation, the lung hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced as a result of $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$294.04{\pm}31.73{\mu}g/g:194.92{\pm}15.51{\mu}g/g$, P<0.05). 3. Western blotting showed that the MMP-2 level was increased as a result of the bleomycin instillation and highest in the 14 days after bleomycin instillation. 4. In zymography, the active forms of MMP-2 were significantly increased as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment 3 days after the bleomycin instillation, bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$209.63{\pm}7.60%:407.66{\pm}85.34%$, P<0.05), but 14 days after the bleomycin instillation, the active forms of MMP-2 were significantly reduced as a result of the $IFN-{\gamma}$ treatment (bleomycin group : bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ group=$159.36{\pm}20.93%:97.23{\pm}12.50%$, P<0.05). 5. The IL-4 levels were lower in the bleomycin and bleomycin+$IFN-{\gamma}$ groups but this was not significant, and the IL-13 levels showed no difference between the experiment groups. Conclusion : The author found that lung inflammation was increased in the early period but the pulmonary fibrosis was inhibited in the late stage as a result of $IFN-{\gamma}$. The inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis by $IFN-{\gamma}$ appeared to be associated with the inhibition of MMP-2 activation by $IFN-{\gamma}$. Further studies on the mechanism of the regulation of MMP-2 activation and the effects of MMP-2 activation on pulmonary fibrosis is warranted in the future.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.45 no.7
• /
• pp.875-883
• /
• 2002

Purpose : Airways eosinophilia and increased IgE, characteristic features of asthma, result from a predominant Th2 response. In this study, we investigated the effect of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on the inhibition of airways eosinophilia in mice with established airway inflammation. We also investigated the immunological mechanisms involved. Methods : Groups of BALB/c mice were sensitized intradermally with ovalbumin(OVA). At week 10, airway inflammation was induced by intranasal challenge of the mice with OVA. At week 14, the mice were challenged intranasally again with OVA in the presence and without the presence of CpG ODNs. Mice with saline administration served as negative controls. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids(BALF) were obtained and eosinophils were counted. Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the spleen cell cultures were measured by ELISA. Serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG2a antibodies were also measured by ELISA. Results : BALF eosinophils were significantly inhibited in the CpG ODNs-treated mice(P<0.01). IgE and IgG2a levels increased significantly in both CpG ODNs-treated and untreated groups as compared to the negative control group; there was, however, no significant difference between the two groups four days after intranasal administration of CpG ODNs. Cytokine analysis revealed decreased production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and increased production of IL-12 in the CpG ODNs-treated group as compared to the untreated group. Interestingly, $IFN-{\gamma}$ levels were not upregulated in the CpG ODNs-treated group. Conclusion : CpG ODNs vaccination is a potentially useful approach for reversing airways eosinophilia in mice with established airways inflammation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.355-362
• /
• 2002

One fifth dilution of formocresol is usually used for pulpotomy of the primary teeth and emergency pulpotomy of the permanent teeth. However the use of formaldehyde has been subjected to criticism because it may be absorbed into the blood stream and become distributed systemically, it nay also alter the pulp tissue rendering it immunologically active, and have carcinogenic potential. Recently Depulpin$^{\circledR}$(VoCo., Germany) gains popularity as a devitalizing agent during root canal therapy in spite of high concentration of 49 % paraformaldehyde because it facilitate devitalization of pulp and make root canal therapy easier But there have been not enough publications about the reaction of pulp and periapical tissue caused by Depulpin. This study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in pulp and periapical tissue of rats after pulpotomy using formocresol and Depulpin and to elucidate the toxic effects of these agents. Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine Maxillary first molar teeth were used for pulpotomy with formocresol and Depulpin. Rats were sacrificed after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Specimens were histologically observed by light microscope changes in pulp and periapical tissue. The obtained results were as follows. 1. Formocresol group A zone of fixed tissue. in which odontoblasts could clearly be defined, was present directly underneath the pulpotomy dressing in almost all teeth of this group. This was followed by an area of necrotic tissue which resembled dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular detail except some pyknotic nuclei. In the specimens of after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks in which vital tissue was present, it was separated from the fibrous area by a zone of inflammation. In the specimens of after 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament adjacent to the apical foramina of the teeth. 2. Depulpin$^{\circledR}$ group The area of necrotic tissue which had no cells and fibers, was present adjacent to the dressing. This was followed by dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular details except some pyknotic nuclei, A short stump of vital pulp with odontoblasts was present at the end of the canal after 2 days. Inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament after 4 days and after 1week. Severe root resolution and necrosis of periapical tissue opposite the root resorption site were defined after 2 weeks and after 3 weeks. Periapical lesion which consist of necrotic tissue surrounded by a fibrous connective wall, was found after 4 weeks. The results indicated that Depulpin can cause more adverse reaction to the dental pulp and periapical tissue than formocresol, and further studies are needed for its clinical use with safety.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.457-474
• /
• 2003

The ultimate objective of periodontal treatment is to get rid of an on-going periodontal disease and further regenerate the supporting tissue, which is already destroyed, functionally. Currently, the bone grafting operation using various kinds of bone grafting materials and the operation for induced regeneration of periodontal tissue using the blocking membrane are performed for regeneration of the destroyed periodontal tissue. However, there are respective limitations Galenical preparations, which are used for regeneration of periodontal of tissue, has less risk of rejective reaction or toxicity that may be incidental to degradation and their effect is sustainable. Thus, in case they are applicable to a clinic, they can he used economically. Chitosan has such compatibility, biological actions including antibacterial activity, acceleration of wound treatment, etc., and excellent mechanical characteristics, which has recently aroused more interest in it. Also, it has been reported that it promotes osteogenesis directly or indirectly by functioning as a matrix to promote migration and differentiation of a specific precussor cell (for example, osteoblast) and further inhibiting the function of such a cell as fibroblast to prevent osteogenesis. In this study, the pure chitosan solution, which was obtained by purifying chitosan, was used. However, since this chitosan is of a liquiform, it is difficult to sustain it in a defective region. It is, therefore, essential to use a carrier for delivering chitosan to, and sustaining it gradually in the defective region. In the calvarial defect model of the Sprague-Dawley rat, it is relatively easy to maintain a space. Therefore, in this study, the chitosan solution with which ACS was wetted was grafted onto the defective region, For an experimental model, a calvarial defect of rat m s selected, and a critical size of the defective region was a circular defect with a diameter of 8 mm. A group in which no treatment was conducted for the calvarial defect was set as a negative control group. Another group in which treatment was conducted with ACS only was set as a positive control group (ACS group). And another group in which treatment was conducted was conducted with by grafting the pure chitosan solution onto the defective region through ACS which was wetted with the chitosan solution was set an experimental group (Chitosan/ACS group). Chitosan was applied to the Sprague-Dawley rat's calvarial bone by applying ACS which was wetted with the chitosan solution, and each Sprague-Dawley rat was sacrificed respectively 2 weeks and 8 weeks after the operation for such application. Then, the treatment results were compared and observed histologically and his tometrically. Thereby, the following conclusions were obtained. 1. In the experimental group, a pattern was shown that from 2 weeks after the operation, vascular proliferation proceeded and osteogenesis proceeded through osteoblast infiltration, and at 8 week after the operation, ACS was almost absorbed, the amount of osteogensis was increased and many osteoid tissue layers were observed. 2. At 2 weeks after the operation, each amount of osteogenesis appeared to be 8.70.8 %, 13.62.3 % and 4.80.7 % respectively in the experimental group, the positive control group and the negative control group. Accordingly, it appeared to be higher in the Experimental group and the positive control group than in the negative control group, but there was no significant difference statistically (p<0.01). 3. At 8 weeks after the operation, each amount of osteogenesis appeared to be 62.26.1%, 17.42.5 % and 8.21.4 % respectively in the experimental group, the positive control group and the negative control group. Accordingly, it appeared to be substantially higher in the experimental group than in the positive control group and the negative control group, and there was a significant difference statistically (p<0.01). As a result of conducting the experiment, when ACS was used as a carrier for chitosan, chitosan showed effective osteogenesis in the perforated defective region of the Sprague-Dawley rat's calvarial bone.