• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.26-34
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• 2004

Hypertension is prevalent among older adults, and nutrition is important for hypertension management. However, there are few nutrition education materials developed for older adults. The purpose of this study was to develop a booklet for prevention and management of hypertension for older adults. Based on lesson plans, topics for the booklet included introduction to hypertension, hypertension prevention through weight management, nutritional management of hypertension, and lifestyle modifications. After several revisions of the draft were made, illustrations and icons appropriate to the text were designed by a graphic designer using Illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop 6.0. The booklet consisted of four chapters and 40 pages. The first chapter dealt with information on hypertension, risk factors, complications and dietary guidelines. These were mainly explained by illustrations and characters of older adults. The second chapter included assessment of obesity, reducing fat intake and behavioral change strategies. The third chapter focused on practical tips for reducing salt, eating more fiber and calcium, and sample menus. The fourth chapter presented information for quitting smoking and drinking, and stress management. Finally, games, meal planning and quizes, were presented as reinforcement. Based on pilot testing with 10 adults aged 50 and older, minor changes were made in wording, expressions and information. This booklet is characterized by using simple and specific messages, providing tips for dietary and lifestyle changes, and using illustrations and characters of older adults to increase understanding. The revised booklet is self-explanatory and can be used by older adults or in nutrition education for older adults.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2020

Objectives: The objective of the study was to prepare Bauhinia variegata loaded nanoemulsion(formulation and determine the efficacy of herbal drug formulation against diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain through acupuncture technique. Methods: Nine different ba tches of nanoemulsion (NE1 NE9) of BVN was prepared by varying the S_mix ratio and the concentration of oil. BVN was characterized to determine particle size, shape, zeta potential, polydispersity index, optical transmittance, drug release profile and stora ge stability. The optimized formulation was subjected to plantar test, behavioral tests of neuropathic pain and Von Frey filament stimulation test. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared solution of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to the experimental rats. Animals were made diabetic divided into four groups, Group I was untreated normal control group, Group II was diabetic control group, Group III was Bauhinia variegata extract ( treated group (100 mg/kg/day, p.o) and Group IV was BVN treated groups (100 mg/kg/day, p.o) acute and chronically. Results: The prepared B. variegata loaded nanoemulsion was nanosized (124 nm), spherical, uniform and stable over the period of 180 days with no change in physiochemical properties. The bl ood glucose and body weight of animals was normalizing after four weeks of treatment that was significant with BVN in comparison to diabetic control group. The chronic administration of BVN significantly (P<0.001) decreased hind paw withdrawal latency an d attenuated mechanical allodynia as compared with diabetic rats. Conclusion: Thus, BVN may be an effective drug formulation against diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 1999

Magnesium ion is known to selectively block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced responses and to have anticonvulsive action, neuroprotective effect and antinociceptive action in the behavioral test. In this study, we investigated the effect of $Mg^{2+}$ on the responses of dorsal horn neurons to cutaneous thermal stimulation and graded electrical stimulation of afferent nerves as well as to excitatory amino acids and also elucidated whether the actions of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ are additive or antagonistic. $Mg^{2+}$ suppressed the thermal and C-fiber responses of wide dynamic range (WDR) cell without any effect on the A-fiber responses. When $Mg^{2+}$ was directly applied onto the spinal cord, its inhibitory effect was dependent on the concentration of $Mg^{2+}$ and duration of application. The NMDA- and kainate-induced responses of WDR cell were suppressed by $Mg^{2+}$, the NMDA-induced responses being inhibited more strongly. $Ca^{2+}$ also inhibited the NMDA-induced responses current-dependently. Both inhibitory actions of $Mg^{2+}$ and $Ca^{2+}$ were additive, while $Mg^{2+}$ suppressed the EGTA-induced augmentation of WDR cell responses to NMDA and C-fiber stimulation. Magnesium had dual effects on the spontaneous activities of WDR cell. These experimental findings suggest that $Mg^{2+}$ is implicated in the modulation of pain in the rat spinal cord by inhibiting the responses of WDR cell to noxious stimuli more strongly than innocuous stimuli.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.471-476
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• 2005

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has been used as a food supplement and a traditional herbal medicine for a men's sexual enhancement. In this study, we prepared a flavonoid fraction (RWE) from a hot water extract of RVS and its influence on sexual behavior was studied in male rats which were orally administered varying doses of RWE for 2 weeks. All doses of RWE stimulated sexual behavior in male rats such as reducing mounting latency and enhancing mount frequencies. However, intermission numbers were not changed and none of group can observe the ejaculation during behavioral testing time 5 min. Testosterone levels were Increased about 0$\∼$53$\%$ and 92$\∼$164$\%$ by the treatment of RWE for 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. However, estrogen levels in male rats tended to decrease in a dose dependent manner of RWE. At the dose of RWE 200 mg/kg, estrogen level was reduced to 77.5$\%$ and 70.3$\%$ of control after 1 and 2 weeks treatment. These findings suggest that the Rhus flavonoid fraction can stimulate the androgen-dependent male sexual behavior and it can be applied to the material of functional food for enhancing the sexual function.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.486-494
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• 2018

Recently, we have reported that animals with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) overexpression exhibit reduced social interaction, decreased preference for novel social interaction and poor nest-building behaviors-symptoms that mirror those observed in human autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Overexpression of TERT also alters the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio in the medial prefrontal cortex. However, the effects of TERT overexpression on hippocampal-dependent learning and synaptic efficacy have not been investigated. In the present study, we employed electrophysiological approaches in combination with behavioral analysis to examine hippocampal function of TERT transgenic (TERT-tg) mice and FVB controls. We found that TERT overexpression results in enhanced hippocampal excitation with no changes in inhibition and significantly impairs long-term synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, the expression levels of phosphorylated CREB and phosphorylated $CaMKII{\alpha}$ were significantly decreased while the expression level of $CaMKII{\alpha}$ was slightly increased in the hippocampus of TERT-overexpressing mice. Our observations highlight the importance of TERT in normal synaptic function and behavior and provide additional information on a novel animal model of ASD associated with TERT overexpression.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.740-749
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• 2006

The objective of this study was to develop nutrition education materials for older adults, 'nutritional management for healthy aging'. A booklet and four leaflets were developed based on lesson plans. Topics of the lesson plans included eating habit assessment. Korean food guide pyramid, meal planning, eating sensibly and weight management. The titles of the leaflets were 'Eating right for healthy aging', 'Eat calcium-rich foods', 'Enjoy fruits & vegetables' and 'Weight management'. Illustrations and icons appropriate to the texts were designed using illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop 6.0. Booklet (letter size, 5 chapters, 44 pages) and leaflets (B4 size, 6 sections) focused on modifying undesirable eating habits, providing practical tips for desirable behaviors, and behavioral modification such as recording in a food diary, goal setting and increasing self-efficacy. The drafts were pilot-tested by interviews with older adults(n=10), and minor changes were made. The characteristics of revised materials are as follows; i) materials focused on providing desirable eating behaviors for healthy aging, ii) messages were simple and specific, iii) large fonts(13 pt) were used and materials included interesting pictures and illustrations, iv) materials provided tips for balanced diets and recipes fur older adults, v) materials included sections for participation of learners including assessment of nutritional risk factors and obesity, meal planning and games. The revised materials are self-explanatory and can be used by older adults and in nutrition education for older adults.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2021

Sophora flavescens Ait. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant widely founded in Northeast Asia, and its dried root (Kushen) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The therapeutic effects of Kushen in micturition disorder was not investigated comprehensively yet. In the present study, we examined and compared the efficacy of three batches of Kushen extract using different ethanol content through an in vitro cell-based assay. Among them, we chose the batch with the highest efficacy and augmented the volume of extract for industrial purpose. The bulk extract was examined in its efficacy in the in vitro cell-based assay, and the therapeutic effects through an in vivo behavioral assay of OAB rats. The main components of the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was investigated by MTT assay. The overall efficacy of the extract was as much as, or more than, kurarinone, a potent BK_Ca channel activator. Thus, the extract was a potent relaxant of urinary smooth muscle by upregulating the activity of BK_Ca channel. The Kushen extract could be explored as an alternative medicine against overactive bladder patients indicating severe dysfunction of BK_Ca channel.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.452-458
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• 2019

Objective: The study was carried to determine the interaction effects of pen enrichment and sex on behavioral activities, skin lesions and physiology of Windsnyer pigs. Methods: Forty-eight growing Windsnyer pigs of both sex, with an average initial body weight of 21.6 (${\pm}9.01$) kg were used. Four pigs were randomly assigned to either enriched or barren pens at a stocking density of $0.35m^2/pig$. Enriched pens contained 2 L bottles filled with stones and suspended at head level on ropes stretching across the pens. In addition, two plastic balls (90 mm in diameter) and 500 mL bottles (235 mm long) were placed on the floor of each enriched pen. Results: Pigs in barren environments had higher heart rates (p<0.001) than those in enriched pens. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on rectal temperature (p<0.001). Females in enriched pens had higher rectal temperatures (p<0.05) than females in barren pens. There was no interaction of pen environment and sex on time spent eating and drinking (p>0.05). Time spent bullying was influenced (p<0.05) by pen environment and sex. Female pigs in barren environment spent more time on bullying than females in enriched pens. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on time spent lying down and walking (p<0.05). Female pigs in enriched pens spent more time lying down than females in barren pens. Males in barren pens spent more time walking than males in enriched pens while no effect of pen environment was observed in females. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on the number of skin lesions in the head, neck and shoulder region and other parts of the body (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that pen enrichment reduced the number of skin lesions and anti-social behaviors, especially for female pigs. There is a need, therefore of housing indigenous pigs under confinement.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2021

Background: Correctional officers (COs) experience elevated rates of mental and physical ill-health as compared with other general industry and public safety occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic, mental health, job tenure, and work-family characteristics and their prospective association to burnout within and between jail officers during one year of new employment. Methods: In 2016, newly hired jail officers (N = 144) completed self-reported surveys across four time points in a one-year prospective study at a Midwestern United States urban jail. Linear mixed-effects and growth modeling examined how work-family conflict (W-FC) and depressive symptoms relate to perceptions of burnout over time. Results: Jail officer burnout increased and was related to rises in W-FC and depression symptoms. Within-person variance for W-FC (B_pooled = .52, p < .001) and depression symptoms (B_pooled = .06, p < .01) were significant predictors of burnout. Less time on the job remained a significant predictor of burnout across all analyses (B_pooled = .03, p < .001). Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that burnout increased during the first year of new employment; and increased W-FC, higher depression, and brief tenure were associated with burnout among jail COs. Future study of correctional workplace health is needed to identify tailored, multilevel interventions that address burnout and W-FC prevention and early intervention among COs.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-17
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• 2023

The focus of this research is the practice of journalism in relation to the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship (JFPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Journalists and curators who are participants in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship received fundings from the state. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship is a unique model because it is the only one in the world in journalism practice that involves state's financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fundings from the state for the media lead to dilemmas and controversies. This research uses a qualitative approach and a single holistic case study method. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship was held from May to December 2021, involving 7,276 journalists from 857 media (print, television, radio, and online media) and 26 curators. This study found that during the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship, journalism experienced a crisis and lost its function as a control overpower. Giving cash to journalists and curators during the fellowship makes journalism lose its independence and objectivity. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship has degraded or eliminated the function of the press as a watchdog. Incentives for journalists while participating in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship is a long-term investment by the government to co-opt Indonesian media and journalists in the future. On the other hand, the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship raises another aspect; the crisis of journalism. Journalism work produced in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship does not reflect the values and principles of journalism. Journalism values, such as independence and impartiality, are absent from the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship product.