• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.351-356
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to investigate the gait characteristics in Parkinson's disease patients. Specifically, the total stance time and the ratio of each stance phase (heel strike, mid-stance, propulsion) are analyzed from the foot-pressure measurement system which requires low cost and small space compared to the conventional gait analysis system. The gait characteristics were analyzed in 23 Parkinson's disease patients (before and after L-dopa medication), 34 elderly (sixties) normal subjects and 21 young (twenties) normal subjects. Bradykinesia global score (self-developed score of slowness of body movement) of patients before medication was determined to see the relationship between the score and the gait characteristics. The total stance time was greater in the erde. of patients, elderly, youngs (p<0.05). The phase ratio of heel strike and propulsion was smaller and that of mid-stance was greater in the order of patients, elderly, youngs (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the above gait characteristics of patients before and after medication. There was a tendency, though statistically non-significant, that the total stance time is longer and the propulsion phase ratio is shorter in patients with greater Bradikinesia global scale, and this tendency was relieved after medication.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.559-563
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• 2013

This study aims to quantify the effects of medication (Med) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) on resting rigidity in patients with Parkinson's disease. We tested 10 limbs of five patients under each of four treatment conditions: 1) baseline, 2) DBS, 3) Med, 4) DBS + Med. Rigidity at the wrist joint was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The examiner randomly imposed flexion and extension movement on patient's wrist joint. Resistance to passive movement was quantified by viscoelastic properties. Not only rigidity score but also damping constant showed improvements in rigidity by DBS and Med treatments (p<0.05). This indicates that the viscosity can represent the change in rigidity due to DBS as well as Med, which was manifested by UPDRS score.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2004

Molecular Nuclear Neuro-Imaging in "CNS" drug discovery and development tan be divided into four categories that are clearly inter-related.(1) Neuroreceptor mapping to examine the involvement of specific neurotransmitter system in CNS diseases, drug occupancy characteristics and perhaps examine mechanisms of action;(2) Structural and spectroscopic imaging to examine morphological changes and their consequences;(3) Metabolic mapping to provide evidence of central activity and "CNS fingerprinting" the neuroanatomy of drug effects;(4) Functional mapping to examing disease-drug interactions. In addition, targeted delivery of therapeutic agents could be achieved by modifying stem cells to release specific drugs at the site of transplantation('stem cell pharmacology'). Future exploitation of stem cell biology, including enhanced release of therapeutic factors through genetic stem cell engineering, might thus constitute promising pharmaceutical approaches to treating diseases of the nervous system. With continued improvements in instrumentation, identification of better imaging probes by innovative chemistry, molecular nuclear neuro-imaging promise to play increasingly important roles in disease diagnosis and therapy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.59-68
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• 2010

목적 : 최근 한의학에서 널리 사용되며, 신경계 질환에도 응용되고 있는 봉약침의 농도의존적 효과를 알아보기 위하여, 대표적인 신경 퇴행성 질환인 파킨슨병의 동물모델을 통해 세포보호효과와 세포사멸 및 신경염증 기전을 관찰하였다. 방법 : C57BL/6 mice에 신경독소인 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)를 4번 복강내 주입하여 중뇌의 흑질 도파민 신경세포를 파괴하여 Parkinson 질병동물 모델을 만든 후, 2개의 군에는 마지막 MPTP 투여 2시간 후에 1차, 그 후로 48시간이 지날 때마다 양측 신수에 각각 0.06mg/kg 농도와 0.6mg/kg 농도의 봉약침을 시행하여 총 4회 시술한 후, 도파민 세포를 측정하는 TH 면역조직 화학법을 통해 세포의 보존 정도를 관찰하고, 세포사멸과 관련된 양상을 확인하기 위하여 Caspase 3, 신경염증과 관련된 양상을 확인하기 위하여 iNOS의 발현여부를 면역 조직화학법을 이용하여 관찰하였다. 결과 : 관찰결과 MPTP 투여 후 MPTP 투여군의 흑질의 도파민 세포 수는 감소하였으나 0.6mg/kg 봉약침을 투여한 경우에는 유의성 있게 세포 수가 유지되었다. Caspase-3와 iNOS 발현억제 실험에서 0.6mg/kg 봉약침군은 MPTP 투여군과 0.06mg/kg의 봉약침군과 비교하여 Caspase-3, iNOS 발현을 유의하게 억제하였다. 결론 : 봉약침은 MPTP 투여로 인한 신경세포 손상에 대하여 농도에 따라 세포사멸 기전과 신경염증 기전을 억제함으로 신경세포를 보호하는 것으로 추정되며, 추후 적절한 경혈점 및 최적의 봉약침 농도를 찾는데 지속적인 연구가 필요할 것이다.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of NXP031, an inhibitor of oxidation by specifically binding to the complex of DNA aptamer/vitamin C, on dopaminergic neurons loss and the reaction of microglia in an animal model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subchronic Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: A subchronic PD mouse model was induced via an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPTP 30 mg/kg per day for five days. NXP031 (vitamin C/aptamer at 200 mg/4 mg/kg) and vitamin C at 200 mg/kg were administered via IP injections at one hour after performing MPTP injection. This process was performed for five days. Motor function was then evaluated with pole and rotarod tests, after which an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Results: NXP031 administration after MPTP injection significantly improved motor functions (via both pole and rotarod tests) compared to the control (MPTP injection only) (p<.001). NXP031 alleviated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum caused by MPTP injection. It was found to have a neuroprotective effect by reducing microglia activity. Conclusion: NXP031 can improve impaired motor function, showing neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum of MPTP-induced subchronic Parkinson's disease mouse model. Results of this study suggest that NXP031 has potential in future treatments for PD and interventions for nerve recovery.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.250-258
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• 2020

Background: Dopamine receptor agonists (DRAs) have been associated with impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) in preliminary studies. Whether the association holds true when DRAs are used to treat non-PD, such as restless legs syndrome, prolactinoma, and several mood disorders is uncertain. Objective: The present study aimed to understand the research gaps related to the risk of ICDs associated with pramipexole or ropinirole (PRX/ROP) use as a treatment for specific underlying diseases, excluding Parkinson's disorders. Methods: We conducted a scoping review, systematically searching databases to identify literature on the types, prevalence, and factors associated with ICD in non-PD patients receiving PRX/ROP. All relevant information that helped understand the epidemiology of ICDs among non-PD patients taking PRX/ROP were extracted and analyzed. We also evaluated the potential associations between PRX/ROP and ICDs, utilizing the Naranjo scale or statistical analysis, depending on the type of literature. Results: We included 24 articles (19 case reports or case series and 5 population-based studies) in this scoping review. Evaluating the 19 case reports or case series using Naranjo scores led to the discovery of a possible link between PRX/ROP exposure and ICDs. However, important information to assess causality is frequently missing. Moreover, the population-based studies lack diversity in the study populations and enough study samples to draw conclusive results. Conclusion: Our scoping review suggests that the currently available literature requires more details in future case reports and for well-powered studies in various disease conditions where PRX/ROP is frequently used.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 1997

This study was performed to evaluate the characteristics of smoking behavior and the effects of smoking on clinical symptoms and level of serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Methods : 76 male schizophrenic patients answered the questionnaire about the characteristics of smoking patterns. And patients were assessed by brief psychiatric rating scale(BPRS), positive and negative syndrome scle(PANSS), Hamilton rating scale for depression(HAM-D), assessment for involuntary movement scale(AIMS) and symptom checklist 90 R(SCL-90-R). Serum prolactin levels were measured by enzymeimmunoassay. Results: 1) The frequences of drinking coffee were significantly higher in smokers. The reasons for smoking were to relieve tension, to avoid boredom, due to habit and to do with friends. 80.1% of smokers tried quitting, but smoking was relapsed due to craving and withdrawal symptoms. 2) No significant difference was seen in mean neuropeltic doses, scores of PANSS and AIMS. But as for BPRS, scores of anxiety/depression subscale were significanly lower in smokers. Scores of HAM-D and scores of interpersonal sensitivity and phobia among SCL-90-R were significantly lower. 3) Levels of serum prolactin were significanlty lower in smokers. Conclusion : These findings suggest that in schisophrenia smoking relieves anxiety and depression subjectively But decreased prolactin levels may suggest that the possibility of increased dopamine in CNS.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.999-1006
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• 2020

The suppression of neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells, well known as the main immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are considered a key target for improving the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Teleogryllus emma is widely consumed around the world for its broad-spectrum therapeutic effect. In a previous work, we performed transcriptome analysis on T. emma in order to obtain the diversity and activity of its antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are found in a variety of species, from microorganisms to mammals. They have received much attention as candidates oftherapeutic drugs for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Teleogryllusine (VKWKRLNNNKVLQKIYFVKI-NH₂) derived from T. emma on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced BV-2 microglia cells. Teleogryllusine significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production without cytotoxicity, and reducing pro-inflammatory enzymes expression such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, Telegryllusine also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) through down-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. These results suggest that T. emma-derived Teleogryllusine could be a good source of functional substances that prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.301-306
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• 2016

It is very hard for edentulous patients to satisfy retention and stability with their complete denture. Especially, for patients with systemic diseases such as Parkinson's disease causing involuntary and limited movements, fabricating complete dentures may be challenging to both dentists and patients due to functional limitations. To overcome this problem, overdentures can be used through conserving retained roots. In this case, a 45-year-old male patient had to extract numerous teeth due to dental caries, and at the time of visit he was taking drugs for diabetes and Parkinson's disease for a period of long time. A complete denture was applied to maxilla, and for mandible, an overdenture on two preserved retained roots was applied where its retention and stability were obtained by magnetic attachments. This case reports that overdenture with retained roots improved overall functional limitations.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.37-45
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• 2020

Purpose: Symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) include tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The purpose was to explore the effects of breathing, meditation and qigong on the improving of insight, behavior, mood discomfort, depression, anxiety, and olfactory dysfunction, which are PD non-motor symptoms. Methods: Three stages of An's-4444 healing breathing, An's Gwanjeong healing meditation, and healing qigong performed 12 times for 80 minutes at a time in subjects with PD (11 patients), and pre- and post-measurements compared and evaluated. Results: The Integrated Parkinson's Rating Scale (UPDRSI) for mood discomfort after 12 healings was 69%. The Depression Scale (61%) for HAMD, and 64% for Anxiety (HAMA)), and the smell identification test (TSI) for a trial for olfactory dysfunction, improved to 82%, respectively. However, the numerical values after one month after 12 healing were almost same in all four scales. This means that the healing effect maintained until after one month. Conclusions: An's healing breathing, meditation and qigong therapy significantly improved insight, behavior, and mood discomfort, and non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and olfactory dysfunction. These results suggest that An's breathing, meditation and qigong therapy are valuable as a primary therapy to improve and heal non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. Further research in biomedical science is needed.