• Toxicological Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2017

Chemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (II) (CDDP) as a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of cancers has been reported to most likely induce testicular toxicity. Administration of antioxidants, such as pentoxifylline (PTX) may reduce some Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of CDDP. Therefore, this study investigated the potentially protective effects of PTX on CDDP-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats. For this purpose, 42 male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. The rats were orally pretreated with PTX at the 3 doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg once a day for 14 successive days. On the $14^{th}$ day of the study, they were intraperitoneally (IP) administered with a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg). Finally, the sperm/testis parameters, serum levels of reproductive hormones, including testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) as the pivotal endocrine factors controlling testicular functions, and histopathological changes of testis tissue were examined. Pretreatment with the two doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg PTX indicated significant increases in the sperm count and motility induced by CDDP administration. The right and significantly left testis weights were decreased following the treatment with 300 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP. However, 75 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP showed the best near-to-normal histopathological features. The results demonstrated that PTX alone enhanced some parameters, such as the sperm count, while reducing other parameters, including sperm fast motility and germ layer thickness. Furthermore, despite testosterone or LH levels, the mean serum FSH level was significantly augmented by the doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg. It was concluded that PTX administration cannot reduce CDDP-induced testicular toxicity even at high doses (e.g., 300 mg/kg), while it seemed to partially intensify CDDP toxicity effects at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Thus, further research is required in this regard.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.5
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• pp.441-447
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• 2012

Background: Chest tube drainage (CTD) is an indication for the treatment of pneumothorax, hemothroax and is used after a thoracic surgery. But, in the case of incomplete lung expansion, and/or persistent air leak from CTD, medical or surgical thoracoscopy or, if that is unavailable, limited thoracotomy, should be considered. We evaluate the efficacy of bronchoscopic injection of ethanolamine to control the persistent air leak in patients with CTD. Methods: Patients who had persistent or prolonged air leak from CTD were included, consecutively. We directly injected 1.0 mL solution of 5% ethanolamine oleate into a subsegmental or its distal bronchus, where it is a probable air leakage site, 1 to 21 times using an injection needle through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Results: A total of 15 patients were enrolled; 14 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax [idiopathic 9, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3, post-tuberculosis 2] and one case of empyema associated with broncho-pleural fistula. Of these, five were patients with persistent air leak from CTD, just after a surgical therapy, wedge resection with plication for blebs or bullae. With an ethanolamine injection therapy, 12 were successful but three (idiopathic, COPD and post-tuberculosis) failed, and were followed by a surgery (2 cases) or pleurodesis (1 case). Some adverse reactions, such as fever, chest pain and increased radiographic opacities occurred transiently, but resolved without any further events. With success, the time from the procedure to discharge was about 3 days (median). Conclusion: Bronchoscopic ethanolamine injection therapy may be partially useful in controlling air leakage, and reducing the hospital stay in patients with persistent air leak from CTD.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.172-177
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro efficacy of enrofloxacin-silver sulfadiazine (Baytril$^{(R)}$ otic, Bayer, USA) for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs. Twenty-four dogs with otitis externa were included in this double-blinded, randomized study. The experimental group was treated with the Baytril$^{(R)}$ otic and the distilled water was applied to the control group. Both groups were administered each solution twice daily for 7 days and next 7 days off treatment. On days 0, 7 and 14, clinical signs, bacteriological and fungal counts were graded using semi-quantitative scales, respectively. For the evaluation of in vitro efficacy of Baytril$^{(R)}$ otic, we also performed Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test by agar dilution method against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Malassezia pachydermatis. In the experimental group, the sum of clinical scores was decreased 81.0% and microbial scores were significantly reduced 87.0% at days 14, compared with day 0. The results of MIC testing were showed the concentration of enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine in Baytril$^{(R)}$ otic is high enough to kill for 3 infectious agents. No adverse reactions were observed in any of the dogs during this study. These results suggest that Baytril$^{(R)}$ otic are efficient and safe treatment for canine otitis externa.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.185-189
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• 2015

In this study, the clinical safety and toxicology of oral ingestion of supplement capsules containing ginseng radix was investigated in healthy young volunteers. This study was a pilot randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. The healthy volunteers were divided into 6 groups of 20 each (10 males and 10 females). They took the ginseng powder for 35 days (3g/day) for safety evaluation. There were measured general healthy levels such as hematological, biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters. After the first week, besides Korean white ginseng the other treatments led to an significant increase of white blood cells. Korean red ginseng increased UREA (blood urea nitrogen) in healthy volunteers, but it didn't exceed the range of normal values, and in the subsequent process of treatment there is no effect of elevating UREA. After the three weeks, Korean white ginseng showed relatively low the content of blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. After the five weeks, compared with the other treatments, Korean red ginseng increased white blood cells, platelet distribution width and average volume of platelet. Korean white ginseng decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. American ginseng decreased blood creatinine in healthy volunteers. In conclusion, through test the blood routine, urine routine, liver function, renal function, blood glucose, blood lipid and electrocardiogram, the healthy volunteers continuous taking ginseng for 35 days (3 g/day) is safe and reliable, and have no obvious adverse reactions and side effects.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.407-412
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display on the subjective and objective oral hygiene improvement. Methods: One hundred and fifteen subjects in healthy or mild gingivitis status between the ages of 20 and 90 were recruited and reviewed for study inclusion criteria. At first visit, 115 pre-screened subjects filled in the questionnaire form which consisted of demographic factors, behavioral factors (smoking, alcohol consumption), toothbrushing habits (brushing time and frequency), self-reported oral health status, and self-satisfaction. Baseline clinical indices (Plaque index, Gingival index) were also recorded by a periodontist. Subjects were instructed how to use powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display, and were provided with it. Thirty days after first visit, 90 subjects returned for the second assessment by self-reported questionnaire form and professional clinical checkup. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test for the difference between baseline and second visit data. The relationship among variables was examined with chi-square test and Fisher' s exact test. Results: Significant differences were not found on self-reported satisfaction related with sex, smoking, alcohol consumption (P<0.05). Self-reported tooth brushing habit was improved in the aspect of brushing time and frequency. Significant differences were found on the self-reported oral health status, self-satisfaction, and clinical indices between the baseline and second visit data (P<0.01). Clinical indices were significantly reduced after using powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display (P<0.01). No adverse reactions were reported during the study period. Conclusions: Powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display successfully promoted oral hygiene from the subjective and objective viewpoint after 30 days of home usage.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2018

Skin aging degree can be objectively measured using the instrumental analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging effects of a cream containing 8000 PPM of resveratryl triacetate (RTA) in the human skin test. Twenty female subjects were given test products twice a day for 8 weeks on the face, and wrinkles, sagging, elasticity, dermis denseness, moisture and brightness were measured every 4 weeks by instrument analysis. After 4 and 8 week-use of the test product, total wrinkle area decreased (5.12%, 4.86%), total wrinkle volume decreased (10.53%, 8.41%), sagging decreased (4.69%, 5.91%), elasticity increased (2.84%, 3.98%), dermis denseness increased (15.65%, 20.80%), water content increased (5.83%, 7.37%), lightness ($L^*$ value) increased (0.79%, 1.07%), and individual typology angle ($ITA^{\circ}$) increased (5.43%, 4.95%)compared with the baseline values before treatments, and all these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). No adverse skin reactions were observed in all participants during the study period. This study supports the anti-aging effects of the test product.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1026-1032
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• 2016

Citrus platymamma hort. ex Tanaka is widely used in traditional Korean medicine because of its medicinal benefits including an anti-inflammatory effect. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activities of C. platymamma during its harvest period. Fruit peel samples were obtained between September 2015 and February 2016. The results indicate that C. platymamma peel extract (CPE) was an effective inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effects of CPE at $100{\mu}g/mL$ concentration included dose-dependent decreases in the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. In addition, CPE decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6. The highest anti-inflammatory activity and flavonoid content were observed in CPE of C. platymamma peel harvested during the immature fruit period in September. Further, to assess the suitability of CPE for cosmetic use, we performed MTT assays using HaCaT keratinocytes and observed that CPE did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. To test the potential application of CPE as a cosmetic material, we also performed primary skin irritation tests on normal skin of 30 volunteers and no adverse reactions were observed. The results of this study indicate that CPE may be considered as an anti-inflammatory candidate for inclusion in cosmetic materials.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2009

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) caused by inappropriate prescription are responsible for major socioeconomic loss. Drug-drug interactions (DDI) has been recognized as a major part of ADRs and, therefore, healthcare professionals should prevent possible DDIs to minimize preventable ADRs. This study aimed to examine DDI information in drug information references and Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA) drug labeling information. Drug ingredients from the formulary of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea (HIRA) were included for the study. DDI information source used for the study were Micromedex Drugdex and Drug Information Facts (DIF) with the DDI severity level of "moderate" or more. The DDI information in KFDA drug labeling were collected and compared. Drug ingredients were classified with KFDA Drug Classification and ATC Classification of WHO for the analysis. Among the total 1,355 drug ingredients satisfying inclusion criteria, 738 ingredients involved at least one DDI, which was described in Micromedex and/or DIF. Drug Ingredients of 176 involved DDI only described in KFDA drug labeling, but not Micromedex nor DIF. Drug ingredients of 35 which DDIs were described in Micromedex or DIF did not have DDI based on KFDA drug labeling. Micromedex and DIF retrieved 7,582 and 3,071 DDIs, respectively 57.6% and 58.5% of DDIs were also described in KFDA drug labeling. Central nervous system (CNS) drugs, cardiovascular system (CVS) drugs and the antiinfectives appeared to have higher frequency of DDIs among all drug classes. The highest number of DDIs with high severity level ("contraindicated" or "major") were the DDIs of CNS drugs. The antiinfectives are the second drug group having serious DDIs. The DDI pairs of the CNS drug and the antiinfective had the highest contraindication risk (13.6%). DDI information from Micromedex and DIF were not consistent with the result that only 465 ingredients' DDIs are common in both literature (total DDI numbers were 715 vs 488, respectively). And 1,652 DDI information are common in both references among 7,582 vs 3,071 DDIs, respectively. Only 55.2% of DDI information in the database contained in the KFDA drug labeling. Prescribers and pharmacists should pay attention to the drugs for CV system, CNS and infections because of higher risk of possible DDIs compared to other drug classes. KFDA drug labeling is not likely to be recommended as a good information source for DDI due to significant inconsistency of information. Drug information providers should be aware that DDI information from different sources are not consistent and therefore multiple references should be used.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.234-244
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• 2020

Background: Chronic pain affects approximately 22% of the world's population. Opioids can be useful in chronic pain management. However, some patients have negative perception of opioids. The purpose of this research was to evaluate patients' perception about opioids and investigate problems associated with prescribing and taking opioids in South Korea. Methods: Patients who visited a pain clinic in 14 university hospitals of South Korea from September through October 2018 were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires about taking opioids. Results: Of the 368 patients that were surveyed (female 53.3%, male 46.7%), 56.8% were prescribed opioids. In the opioid group, 92.8% patients had heard of opioids from their doctor and 72.6% of them had a positive perception about opioids. The side effects associated with opioid use were constipation (35.4%), dizziness (24.6%), nausea and vomiting (17.4%), dysuria (6.2%), and addiction (2.0%). In the no opioid group, the primary sources of information about opioids were doctors (49.2%), mass media (30.8%), and the internet (16.2%). The main reasons why 39.0% patients did not take opioids were fear of addiction (57.7%) and side effects (38.5%). There were 71.5% and 60.9% patients in the opioid and no opioid group, respectively, who wished to take opioids when their numeric rating scale pain score was ≥ 7. Conclusions: Perception of opioids among patients who take them was either neutral or positive. However, 39.0% patients who have not been prescribed opioids did not want an opioid prescription, citing fear of addiction and side effects as the primary reasons.

• Journal of Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.441-452
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• 2018

Background : The prevalence of the chronic metabolic disease is increasing due to the aging society. Therefore, Korean Society of Health-system Pharmacists (KSHP) has a specialty pharmacist system to improve the professionalism of pharmacists. The purpose of this study is to suggest the difference between specialty pharmacist and non-specialty pharmacist with regards to their knowledge, delivery of information on medication, service provision, and job satisfaction. Methods : An online survey research was conducted for hospital pharmacists. The reliability of the questionnaire items was presented using Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ test. The t-test or ANOVA analysis was used for evaluating differences in continuous variables. Results : A total of 171 pharmacists responded to the questionnaire, and 87.7% of the respondents were aged less than 30 years (76.6%) and four-year graduates (86.0%). Typically, 108 (63.2%) were candidates for the pharmacist's specialty certificate, and the remaining 63 (36.8%) were not enrolled. Considering the field of specialty with overlapping, the total number of certificated patients was 140 (26.3% of the total of 532 in 2016). The results of the reliability analysis of the specific questionnaire showed that the Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ value was over 0.78. There was no significant difference in customer directionality between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) with respect to overall knowledge about the treatment process, drug efficacy, and side effects, information about medicines and adverse drug reactions, and in providing appropriate information to medical staff including patients and physicians. Conclusions : The pharmacist with specialization showed a positive result of self-evaluation of items such as knowledge about drugs, communication of information on medications, and service provision, compared to other pharmacists, and the result was in correlation with the numbers of specialization. There was no difference in job satisfaction related to working environment. Henceforth, it is hypothesized that there is a necessity for continuous improvement in the working environment to suit the purpose of the pharmacy specialist system.