• Archives of Obesity and Metabolism
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.74-77
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• 2022

Treatment of obesity includes diet therapy, exercise therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug therapy, and bariatric surgery. Most obese patients lose weight by combining diet, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. But, in some cases, only one of these treatments is preferred. A 56-year-old male patient had a body mass index (BMI) of 33.1 kg/m² and a waist circumference of 108 cm. He had been treated for hypertension; diabetes and dyslipidemia were diagnosed but not treated. However, at the initial visit to treat obesity, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia again. So he decided to treat these two diseases with drugs first and modify his lifestyle. He started walking more than 20,000 steps every day and then he really walked about 15,000 steps every day during 5 months, although diet calorie or alcohol drinking amount was not significantly decreased. After about 6 months, the patient's weight decreased by 10.1 kg, the BMI decreased by 4.1 kg/m², the waist circumference decreased by 10 cm, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased by 4.59%, the visceral fat area decreased by 115 cm², and the subcutaneous fat decreased by 38 cm². As a result of body composition analysis, muscle mass increased by 1.2 kg, and the percentage of body fat decreased by 10.4%. The walking exercise does not have any space restrictions and has high accessibility by using a mobile phone app. Therefore, considering the patient's situation, it would be better to treat obese patients by first recommending walking exercises and increasing the number of steps to lose weight and improve the comorbidities.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2008

The purpose of the present study was to examine the pharmacokinetics and lymphatic delivery of the oligopeptide, a model peptide of X antigen epitope peptides, after the intramuscular administration of the peptide-bearing liposomes in rats. $^{14}C$-labelled peptide was used as a tracer to analyze the peptide levels in plasma, bile, urine, tissue homogenates, and lymph nodes (superior cervical nodes, brachial nodes and superior mesenteric nodes). Model peptide rapidly disappeared from the plasma by 30 min (${\alpha}$ phase) after i.v. administration, which was followed by the late disappearance. The apparent plasma half-lives ($t_{1/2({\alpha}),app}$) of the peptide at the ${\alpha}$ phase when administered at a dose of 0.2-1.0 mg/kg were about 5 min. The maximum plasma concentration ($C_{max}$) was $1.52\;{\mu}g/mL$, after the i.m. administration of the peptide at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. The bioavailability, which was calculated from the time zero to last quantitative time, of the i.m. administered peptide was over 60%. Of the various tissues tested, the peptide was mainly distributed in the kidney after the i.m. administration. The peptide levels in the kidney 3 hr after the i.m. administration were higher than those of maximum plasma concentration ($C_{max}$). The cumulative amounts of the peptide found in the urine 72 hr after the administration of 1.0 mg/kg were 2-folder higher than those in the bile, suggesting that the peptide is mostly excreted in the urine. Moreover, the concentrations of the peptide in the lymph nodes were as high as that of the plasma and the tissues. In conclusion, the peptide concentration in the lymph nodes was maintained by 24 hr after the i.m. administration of the peptide-bearing liposomes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2012

As topographic characteristics of Korea where 64 % of the national land area is forest and only 17 % is being used as farmland, remediation of farmland contaminated by heavy metals is a considerably important issue. In this study, as an alternative of practically and effectively remediating farmland which was abandoned as its crop plants exceeded maximum residue limit of heavy metals due to mining impact, applicability of stabilization method was examined through the pilot-scale field experiment. Three plots ($L{\times}W{\times}D=3m{\times}2m{\times}0.3m$) were installed at the selected farmland and in plot 1, only soil of the selected farmland was applied, in pilot 2, soil of the selected farmland plus 3 % limestone (w/w) was applied and in pilot 3, soil of the selected farmland plus 3 % limestone was applied and then uncontaminated soil was covered thereon (0.3 m). After that, seeds of radish, Korean cabbage and soybean of which characteristics of edible portions are different were sowed on each plot and cultivated. Afterwards, at a proper harvesting time (app. 80 days later), crop plants and soil were collected and phytoavailability (0.11 M HOAc extractable) of heavy metals in soil and accumulated concentration of heavy metal in edible portion of crop plants were examined. As a result, it was revealed that phytoavailability of heavy metals in soil added with limestone (plot 2) was clearly reduced compared with plot 1 (untreated) and owing to this treatment, accumulated concentration of heavy metals in edible portion of crops was also clearly reduced compared with plot 1. While radish cultivated in plot 1 had exceeded maximum residue limit of agricultural products, in particular, plot 2 using limestone had shown concentration lower than maximum residue limit and this plot had shown little difference with 3 plot where crop was cultivated in uncontaminated soil cover. Therefore, it was considered that for abandoned farmland like the selected farmland, reducing mobility and phytoavailability of heavy metals and reducing crop uptake through stabilization method would be an effective and practical alternative for producing safe agricultural products on a sustained basis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.278-289
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• 2021

The rapid aging of society has led to a surge in cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. As there is limited evidence for the development of dementia in medicine, a shift in focus on prevention strategies using bioactive compounds in food is required. This systematic review evaluated the effects of various bioactive compounds on age-associated cognitive decline. The literature was searched for terms related to bioactive compounds in cognitive decline and article selection was limited to clinical randomized controlled trials for a single bioactive compound. We identified 21 studies that evaluated the strength of the evidence. ω-3 fatty acids and vitamin B presented a strong evidence level, whereas vitamin D and E, anserine/carnosine, and chromium were defined as having moderate levels of evidence. ω-3 fatty acids relieved cognitive decline and reduced amyloid β-related protein accumulation. Vitamin B decreased homocysteine levels, which is accompanied by alleviation of cognitive function. In conclusion, ω-3 and vitamin B have the potential to improve age-associated cognitive decline.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to enhance the oral bioavailability (BA) of zanamivir (ZMR) by increasing its intestinal permeability using permeation enhancers (PE). Four different classes of PEs (Labrasol$^{(R)}$, sodium cholate, sodium caprate, hydroxypropyl ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin) were investigated for their ability to enhance the permeation of ZMR across Caco-2 cell monolayers. The flux and $P_{app}$ of ZMR in the presence of sodium caprate (SC) was significantly higher than other PEs in comparison to control, and was selected for further investigation. All concentrations of SC (10-200 mM) demonstrated enhanced flux of ZMR in comparison to control. The highest flux (13 folds higher than control) was achieved for the formulation with highest SC concentration (200 mM). The relative BA of ZMR formulation containing SC (PO-SC) in plasma at a dose of 10 mg/kg following oral administration in rats was 317.65% in comparison to control formulation (PO-C). Besides, the $AUC_{0-24\;h}$ of ZMR in the lungs following oral administration of PO-SC was $125.22{\pm}27.25$ ng hr $ml^{-1}$ with a $C_{max}$ of $156.00{\pm}24.00$ ng/ml reached at $0.50{\pm}0.00$ h. But, there was no ZMR detected in the lungs following administration of control formulation (PO-C). The findings of this study indicated that the oral formulation PO-SC containing ZMR and SC was able to enhance the BA of ZMR in plasma to an appropriate amount that would make ZMR available in lungs at a concentration higher (>10 ng/ml) than the $IC_{50}$ concentration of influenza virus (0.64-7.9 ng/ml) to exert its therapeutic effect.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.145-149
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• 2007

Electrochemical studies were performed for a single particle of nickel hydroxide for the cathode of Ni-MH batteries. A carbon fiber microelectrode was manipulated to make electrical contact with an alloy particle, and electrochemical experiments were performed. As a result of cyclic voltammetry, the oxidation/reduction and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are clearly separated for a single particle. The total cathodic charge (Qred) is practically constant for the scan rate investigated, indicating that the whole particle has reacted. The total anodic charge(Qox) was larger than that of reduction reaction, and the magnitude of oxygen evolution taking place as a side reaction was enhanced at lower scan rates. As a result of galvanostatic charge and discharge measurement, the discharge capacity of single particle was found to be 250 mAh/g, value being very close to the theoretical capacity (289 mAh/g). The apparent proton diffusion coefficient(Dapp) using potential step method inside the nickel hydroxide was found to range within $3{\sim}4{\times}10^{-9}\;cm^2/s$.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1990.06a
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• pp.111-122
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• 1990

The growth responses of a variety of human Intestinal bacteria to extracts of Pun(1.vKy'n.ieny and five other oriental medicinal Araliaceae were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The extracts enhanced the growth of Bifidobncterilim breve and B. longum in Media with or without carbon sources, suggesting the bifid factor (5) might be involved in the phenomenon. This effect was most pronounced with water extract of p. ginseng, the growth of 27 bifidobacteria strains belonging to B. ndolexcentium, H. longlrm, and 1. breve and B. iniuntis being greatly stimurated, whereas seven B. bifidum strains and other bacteria such as clostridia and 5.fcherirhia coli had little or no ability to utilizes it (or growth. Methanol extracts of p, ginseng were found to selectively inhibit growth of various clostridia including C. perfringens and C. Paraputrificum, but this effect was not observed on other bacteria including bifidobacteria. The effect of ginseng extract intake(600 mg/day for two weeks) on the fecal microflora, pH, volatile fatty acids, ammonia, putrefactive products, and -glucuronidase, -glucosidase and nitroreductase activities, and on the blood components (triglyceride, total cholesterol and ammonia) were investigated using seven healthy human volunteers. The total concentration of fecal microflora including Bri'idobucterilim app. during the period of ginseng extract intake was significantly unaffected from the proceeding and sub sequent control periods. However, the frequency of occurrence of subjects having C. perfringens was significantly decreased. The fecal pH value was also significantly decreased, suggesting that the intake might increase the activity of Bifidobacterium spp. Other biochemical properties in faces did not changed significantly. The levels of ammonia and triglycerid in blood were decreased with ginseng extract intake. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological actions of P ginseng as an adaptogen.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.223-227
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• 2017

Background Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by hand surgeons. The authors created a surgical simulation of open carpal tunnel release utilizing a mobile and rehearsal platform app. This study was performed in order to validate the simulator as an effective training platform for carpal tunnel release. Methods The simulator was evaluated using a number of metrics: construct validity (the ability to identify variability in skill levels), face validity (the perceived ability of the simulator to teach the intended material), content validity (that the simulator was an accurate representation of the intended operation), and acceptability validity (willingness of the desired user group to adopt this method of training). Novices and experts were recruited. Each group was tested, and all participants were assigned an objective score, which served as construct validation. A Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to gauge face, content, and acceptability validity. Results Twenty novices and 10 experts were recruited for this study. The objective performance scores from the expert group were significantly higher than those of the novice group, with surgeons scoring a median of 74% and medical students scoring a median of 45%. The questionnaire responses indicated face, content, and acceptability validation. Conclusions This mobile-based surgical simulation platform provides step-by-step instruction for a variety of surgical procedures. The findings of this study help to demonstrate its utility as a learning tool, as we confirmed construct, face, content, and acceptability validity for carpal tunnel release. This easy-to-use educational tool may help bring surgical education to a new- and highly mobile-level.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.57 no.12
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• pp.46.1-46.19
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• 2015

Background: This study examined whether activation of innate immunity and alterations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism precede development of subclinical mastitis (SCM). Methods: Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein from 100 Holstein dairy cows at -8, -4, disease diagnosis week, and +4 weeks postpartum. Six healthy cows (controls - CON) and six cows that showed clinical signs of SCM were selected for serum analyses. All serum samples were analyzed for acute phase proteins (APP) haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA); proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and serum lactate, BHBA, and NEFA concentration. Data of DMI, milk production, and milk composition were recorded and analyzed. Results: The results showed that cows with SCM had greater concentrations of SAA, TNF (P < 0.01), and lactate before expected day of parturition (P < 0.05) compared to CON cows. Cows with SCM showed greater concentrations of lactate starting at -8 weeks (P < 0.05) and TNF starting at -4 weeks prior to the expected day of parturition (P < 0.01). Interestingly, at -4 weeks, concentrations of IL-1 and Hp were lower in cows with SCM compared to healthy cows (P < 0.01) followed by an increase during the week of disease diagnosis (P < 0.05). Subclinical mastitis was associated with lower DMI, at -4 weeks before calving, milk production (P < 0.05) and increased somatic cell counts (SCC) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that SCM is preceded by activated innate immunity and altered carbohydrate metabolism in transition dairy cows. Moreover the results support the idea that Hp, lactate, and SAA, at -8 weeks, and TNF and IL-1 at -4 weeks can be used as early indicators to screen cows during dry off for disease state.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.253-264
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• 1990

The growth responses of a variety of human intestinal bacteria to extracts of Panax ginseng and five other oriental medicinal Araliaceae were elraluattd in vitro and in vivo. The extracts enhanced the growth of Brifidobnnerilrm breve and B. longlim in media with or without carbon sources, suggesting that bifidus factors) might be involved in the phenomenon. This effect was most pronounced with water extract of P. ginseng, the growth of 27 bifidobacteria strains belonging to B adolescentis, B. longum, B. brim and B. infantis being greatly stimurated, whereas seven B. bifidum strains and other bacteria such as clostridia and Escherichin soli had little or no ability to utilise it for growth. Methanol extracts of p. ginseng were found to selectively inhibit growth of various clostridia including bifidobacteria. Paraputrificum, but this effect was not observed on other bacteria including bifidobacteria. The effect of ginseng extract intake (600 mg/day for two weeks) on the faecal microflora, pH, volatile fatty acids, ammonia, putrefactive products, and -glucuronidase, -glucosidase and nitroreductase activities, and on the blood components (triglyceride, total cholesterol and ammonia) were investigated using seven healthy human volunteers. The total concentration of faecal microflora including Bifidnkaderiifm app. during the period of ginseng extract intake %twas significantly unaffected from the preceding and subsequent control peroids. However, the frequency of occurrence of subjects having C. perfringens was significantly decreased. The faecal pH value was also significantly decreased, suggesting that the intake might increase the activity of Bifidobncterium spry. Other biochemical properties in faeces did not changed significantly. The levels of ammonia and triglycerid in blood were decreased with ginseng extract intake. These results may be an indication of at least one of the Pharmacological actions of p. ginseng as an adaptogen.