• Title/Summary/Keyword: Aging phenomenon

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Melatonin inhibits glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by downregulating mitochondrial respiration and mTORC1 activity

  • Lee, Seunghyeong;Byun, Jun-Kyu;Kim, Na-Young;Jin, Jonghwa;Woo, Hyein;Choi, Yeon-Kyung;Park, Keun-Gyu
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.55 no.9
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    • pp.459-464
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    • 2022
  • Various mechanisms have been suggested to explain the chemopreventive and tumor-inhibitory effects of melatonin. Despite the growing evidence supporting melatonin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, it remains largely unknown how this phenomenon modulates metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. The aim of our study was to identify the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of melatonin, which is known to inhibit glycolysis. We analyzed the time-dependent effects of melatonin on mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in liver cancer cells. The results showed that from a cell bioenergetic point of view, melatonin caused an acute reduction in mitochondrial respiration, however, increased reactive oxygen species production, thereby inhibiting mTORC1 activity from an early stage post-treatment without affecting glycolysis. Nevertheless, administration of melatonin for a longer time reduced expression of c-Myc protein, thereby suppressing glycolysis via downregulation of HK2 and LDHA. The data presented herein suggest that melatonin suppresses mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis simultaneously in HCC cells, leading to anti-cancer effects. Thus, melatonin can be used as an adjuvant agent for therapy of liver cancer.

Factors Influencing Post-Adoption Resistance to Self-Order Kiosks at Fast-Food Restaurants: A Focus on the New-Silver Generation

  • Hwaran Lee;Eunkyung Kang;Kyung Young Lee;Minwoo Lee;Sung-Byung Yang
    • Journal of Smart Tourism
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    • v.3 no.2
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    • pp.23-36
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    • 2023
  • Due to the phenomenon of aging, a new consumer segment known as the "new-silver generation" is emerging. Unlike the previous silver generation, this generation possesses significant economic power and consuming willingness, attracting attention from consumer goods companies. However, both the new-silver generation and the elderly face challenges in adopting contactless or self-service technologies such as self-order kiosks, resulting in negative reactions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the attitude and response of the newsilver generation towards kiosks, as well as the factors influencing their resistance to such technology. By applying theoretical perspectives from the innovation resistance model, technostress theory, and the value-based model, this study identifies influencing factors for innovation resistance among the new-silver generation when using contactless technologies implemented in fast-food restaurants. The findings indicate that a lower awareness of new technologies and services corresponds to decreased adoption resistance, while a higher perceived value leads to more positive behaviors and attitudes among the new-silver generation utilizing kiosks at fast-food restaurants.

The role of autophagy in cell proliferation and differentiation during tooth development

  • Ji-Yeon Jung;Shintae Kim;Yeon-Woo Jeong;Won-Jae Kim
    • International Journal of Oral Biology
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    • v.48 no.4
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    • pp.33-44
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    • 2023
  • In this review, the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy were described, and its interaction with apoptosis was identified. The role of autophagy in embryogenesis, tooth development, and cell differentiation were also investigated. Autophagy is regulated by various autophagy-related genes and those related to stress response. Highly active autophagy occurrences have been reported during cell differentiation before implantation after fertilization. Autophagy is involved in energy generation and supplies nutrients during early birth, essential to compensate for their deficient supply from the placenta. The contribution of autophagy during tooth development, such as the shape of the crown and root formation, ivory, and homeostasis in cells, was also observed. Genes control autophagy, and studying the role of autophagy in cell differentiation and development was useful for understanding human aging, illness, and health. In the future, the role of specific mechanisms in the development and differentiation of autophagy may increase the understanding of the pathological mechanisms of disease and development processes and is expected to reduce the treatment of various diseases by modulating the autophagic phenomenon.

Ascorbic acid extends replicative life span of human embryonic fibroblast by reducing DNA and mitochondrial damages

  • Hwang, Won-Sang;Park, Seong-Hoon;Kim, Hyun-Seok;Kang, Hong-Jun;Kim, Min-Ju;Oh, Soo-Jin;Park, Jae-Bong;Kim, Jae-Bong;Kim, Sung-Chan;Lee, Jae-Yong
    • Nutrition Research and Practice
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    • v.1 no.2
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    • pp.105-112
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    • 2007
  • Ascorbic acid has been reported to extend replicative life span of human embryonic fibroblast (HEF). Since the detailed molecular mechanism of this phenomenon has not been investigated, we attempted to elucidate. Continuous treatment of HEF cells with ascorbic acid at ($200{\mu}M$) from 40 population doubling (PD) increased maximum PD numbers by 18% and lowered $SA-{\beta}-gal$ positive staining, an aging marker, by 2.3 folds, indicating that ascorbic acid extends replicative life span of HEF cells. Ascorbic acid treatment lowered DCFH by about 7 folds and Rho123 by about 70%, suggesting that ascorbic acid dramatically decreased ROS formation. Ascorbic acid also increased aconitase activity, a marker of mitochondrial aging, by 41%, indicating that ascorbic acid treatment restores age-related decline of mitochondrial function. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry revealed that ascorbic acid treatment decreased G1 population up to 12%. Further western blot analysis showed that ascorbic acid treatment decreased levels of p53, phospho-p53 at ser 15, and p21, indicating that ascorbic acid relieved senescence-related G1 arrest. Analysis of AP (apurinic/apyrimidinic) sites showed that ascorbic acid treatment decreased AP site formation by 35%. We also tested the effect of hydrogen peroxide treatment, as an additional oxidative stress. Continuous treatment of $20{\mu}M$ of hydrogen peroxide from PD 40 of HEF cells resulted in premature senescence due to increased ROS level, and increased AP sites. Taken together, the results suggest that ascorbic acid extends replicative life span of HEF cells by reducing mitochondrial and DNA damages through lowering cellular ROS.

Optimum design of propulsion shafting system considering characteristics of a viscous damper applied with high-viscosity silicon oil (고점도 실리콘오일 적용 점성댐퍼 동특성을 고려한 추진축계 최적 설계)

  • Kim, Yang-Gon;Cho, Kwon-Hae;Kim, Ue-Kan
    • Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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    • v.41 no.3
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    • pp.202-208
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    • 2017
  • The recently developed marine engines for propulsion of ships have higher torsional exciting force than previous engines to improve the propulsion efficiency and to reduce specific fuel oil consumption. As a result, a viscous damper or viscous-spring damper is installed in front of marine engine to control the torsional vibration. In the case of viscous damper, it is supposed that there is no elastic connection in the silicon oil, which is filled between the damper housing and inertia ring. However, In reality, the silicon oil with high viscosity possesses torsional stiffness and has non-linear dynamic characteristics according to the operating temperature and frequency of the viscous damper. In this study, the damping characteristics of a viscous damper used to control the torsional vibration of the shafting system have been reviewed and the characteristics of torsional vibration of the shafting system equipped with a corresponding viscous damper have been examined. In addition, it is examined how to interpret the theoretically optimal dynamic characteristics of a viscous damper for this purpose, and the optimum design for the propulsion shafting system has been suggested considering the operating temperature and aging. when the torsional vibration of the shafting system is controlled by a viscous damper filled with highly viscous silicon oil.

A Basic Study on Welfare of Retired Clergy in Daesoon Jinrihoe (성직자 노후복지 조성을 위한 기초연구 - 대순진리회를 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Jin-young;Lee, Young-jun
    • Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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    • v.40
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    • pp.115-153
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    • 2022
  • Korea has rapidly become an aging society, and this phenomenon is found not only in common population but also in many religious circles. In this context, interest in the welfare of retired clergy members is increasing, and some religious organizations are trying to devise and perform rules and/or policies that ensure a secure post-retirement life for their clergy. However, the welfare benefits differ from one religion to another according to the characteristics of the given religion's organizational structure. For instance, denominations with a centralized hierarchy such as Catholicism or Won Buddhism implement a relatively stable welfare system for their elderly clergy members whereas autonomous denominations like many Buddhist or Christian orders are often found to have somewhat insecure welfare systems. Clergy welfare in Daesoon Jinrihoe, one of the representative new religions in Korea, is emerging as an important issue as Daesoon Jinrihoe is also affected by the problems of Korea's aging society. However, since the order has a mixed system of a centralized hierarchy and autonomous local branches, the welfare for their elderly clergy lacks clear lines of accountability. Consequently, there have been talks to devise a proper welfare system; however, these talks have come to a standstill. In this regard, this study aims to look into and analyze how various structures and welfare systems within Korean religious organizations impact elderly clergy. Lastly, this research will provide suggestions on practical alternatives for Daesoon Jinrihoe which could resolve the problems within their welfare system that negatively impact elderly clergy members at present.

In Vitro Efficacies of Complex of Cedrol and Three Peptides, and Wrinkle Improvements and Lips Volumization effects of Applied Formulations (Cedrol 및 펩타이드 3 종 Complex 의 In Vitro 효능 및 적용 제형의 입술 주름 개선 및 Volumization 효과에 대한 연구)

  • Seongsu Kang;Seung-Hyun Jun;Jinyong Lee;Myoung Jin An;Nae Gyu Kang
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.49 no.4
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    • pp.365-373
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    • 2023
  • Since the lips are a representative facial part that can express human attraction, aesthetic interest in them has always existed in human history. However, as lips age, they tend to form wrinkles, become thinner, and lose their volume. To counteract this phenomenon, medical procedures such as fillers or fat transplantation have been suggested. In this study, we verified that the one of main effective material complex of L G H&H L IPCERIN®, combination of cedrol, a sesquiterpene found in cedarwood, and three peptides (acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl tetrapeptide-9, and desamidocollagen) could ameliorate the photo-aging and reduce the wrinkles through in vitro experiments. The possibility of improving collagen and elastin expression in skin fibroblasts and reducing MMP expression under photoaging conditions was verified. In addition, it was confirmed that the amount of fat tissue in the lips can be increased by promoting adipose stem cell differentiation and increasing the amount of fat produced in the in vitro adipose stem cell differentiation experiment. Two weeks of human application tests confirmed that a combination of cedrol and peptides can improve the wrinkles, texture, elasticity, and volume of the lips. This study verified that the combination of cedrol and three peptides can be used as effective cosmetic materials to decrease the various signs of aging in the lips.

The Understanding of Human Rights of the Elderly and Christian Educational Approaches (노인 인권에 대한 이해와 기독교교육적 접근)

  • Junghee Kim
    • Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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    • v.75
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    • pp.83-102
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    • 2023
  • Purpose of Research: The purpose of this study is to emphasize that the understanding of the elderly must change to a more positive one as a way to resolve social problems caused by aging. And this study proposes understanding and education about the human rights of the elderly as one of the measures. Research Contents and Methods: The research aims to achieve its purpose through the following contents and methods. First, this study examines the issue of elder abuse that occurs in old age to understand the importance of human rights for the elderly in the context of aging. One of the causes of elder abuse is the lack of understanding of the human rights of the elderly. What are the rights of the elderly? To this end, the text explains the understanding of the human rights of the elderly according to UNESCO, as well as the policy on the human rights of the elderly in Korea. Based on this, the importance of human rights education for the elderly was argued. This is because an increase in awareness has a significant impact on improving the human rights of the elderly. In particular, this study argues that the church is also affected by the aging phenomenon. Therefore, it is argued that the church should also take an interest in the human rights of the elderly. And it was emphasized that human rights education for the elderly should be approached from a Christian perspective. Results/Conclusions: In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of protecting the human rights of the elderly and proposes three aspects of christian human rights for the elderly. First, there is a need for self-dignity education for the elderly. Second, it is necessary to learn about and empathize with the lives of the elderly in order to recognize and respect their rights across different generations. Third, education on mutual respect was proposed as a means to alleviate conflicts between the elderly and other generations, and to promote harmony and respect for rights. It is believed that this will play an important role in bridging the generation gap caused by aging. Unfortunately, this study has a limitation in that it does not address methodological approaches and education, as it primarily focuses on theoretical proposals. Therefore, it is hoped that further studies will continue to be conducted to develop specific alternatives aimed at enhancing the human rights of the elderly.

A Study on Medical Fee System of the convalescent hospital -Focused on the case of patient group adjustment - (요양병원 수가제도에 대한 소고 -환자군 조정 판결을 중심으로 -)

  • Kwon, Hye Ok
    • The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.195-218
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    • 2017
  • The increase in medical expenses for convalescent hospitals is increasing abnormally, which puts enormous burden on the National health insurance finances. This is a phenomenon that has been associated with the social phenomenon of rapid aging. The fact that the convalescent hospitals are paid the fixed amount per day for hospitalization became the incentive for some hospitals to use the patients as means of making money. And these hospitals intend to get regular care or take medicines at other hospitals in order to reduce medical expenses, even when the medical fee is paid. In order to prevent such financial leaks, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service adjusted the patient group for inpatients in a hospital with the above behavior, and then cut the cost of medical care benefits. However, Above decision was canceled by the court on the grounds that there was no basis rule. However, based on the above case, I think that it can be an opportunity to draw up the problem and to improve of the Medical Fee System of hospital. The modified medical fee system can strengthen the medical function of the convalescent hospital. In addition, it seems reasonable to exclude admission for "physically disabled group". Even if admission is allowed for the physically disabled group due to social needs, it should be excluded from the National health insurance for the fianacial soundness and the sustainability of the system.

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Veterans Hospital Medical Expenses Increase & Decrease Characteristics and Convergence Phenomenon-Focusing on the implications of the medical support system for national veterans-

  • Yu, Tae Gyu
    • International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.16-21
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    • 2021
  • As the average age of national veterans has increased from 69 years old(2011) to 71 years old(since 2015) over the past five years, the overall medical service cost of veterans has increased by about 20%. The main cause of this phenomenon is 'ultra-aging', which accounts for 67% of veterans, while the proportion of health insurance patients aged 70 or older is 9%. Therefore, it is judged that the analysis of the trend of use of medical services at veterans hospitals in each region that is in charge of severe medical services of national veterans can serve as an opportunity to seek countermeasures for the severe medical system of national veterans. First of all, based on the details of major medical expenses (hospitalization, outpatient, pharmaceutical expenses) by region for the last 10 years(2010-2019), data significance was performed through a chi-square test, and the Central Veterans Hospital and Non-Central Veterans Hospital using EXCEL. 'Expected frequency' was calculated by year. By applying the CHITEST(observation frequency, expected frequency) function again, the p-value(p<0.05) was calculated, and the profit bias of each region's veterans hospital could be determined. The specific research method is for the last 10 years(2010-2019) for state-sponsored patients_outpatient treatment income, state-sponsored patients_hospitalization income, exempt patients_outpatients at the Central Veterans Hospital, Busan Veterans Hospital, Gwangju Veterans Hospital, Daegu Veterans Hospital, and Daejeon Veterans Hospital. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted to verify the significance of the difference between group averages on the status of 5 medical revenues of veterans hospitals in each of the 5 regions, including medical treatment income, reduced patients_hospitalization income, and reduced patients_medicine expenses. It was found to be significant(p<0.05) at all levels, including region and type. Finally, the bias in the profit structure of regional veterans hospitals was the highest in 2017(p=0.0004) and the lowest in 2013(p=0.0349). In addition, in the profit structure of the Veterans Hospital, the year in which the'regional' variable worked the most was 2019, and the year with the least affected was 2010. The order of the former is Jungang(=31,674,713), Busan(=12,314,614), Gwangju(=11,957,038), Daegu(=10,168,015), and Daejeon(=6,991,034), and the order of the latter is Jungang(=57,868,791), and Busan(=19,183,194). Gwangju(=17,904,712), Daegu(=15,656,034), and Daejeon(=14,377,395). In conclusion, the profit bias of veterans hospitals repeatedly raced the lowest(p=0.01986) and highest(p=0.03499) for the past five years(2010-2014) year by year, with the 'regional' variable being the most in the veterans hospital's profit structure It was identified as a major influence factor. On the other hand, for the last 5 years (2015-2019), the influence factors of the'regional' variable every year were in 2015(p=0.02015), 2016(p=0.01741), 2017(p=0.00045), and 2018(p=0.00394). in 2019(p=0.00227), a significant difference was confirmed at a very low level.