• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1185-1193
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• 2007

Ginsing polysaccharide, known to have an immune regulating effect, was administered to 23 randomly selected healthy male subjects with a mean age of 23 years in accordance with an IRB approval. Then, these subjects underwent physico-chemical tests and serum proteome was analyzed from the blood sample taken from these subjects. Analyses of proteome involved image analysis, protein sections and protein identification in sequence after two-dimensional electrophoresis was carried out. During the physico-chemical test, 4 subjects were excluded from the study. In the proteome analysis, identified were 5 spots such as SP40, 40, Cytokeratin 9, hypothetical protein LOC544932, Apolipoprotein E ,similar to Human albumin, which showed differences in the amount of protein expression. In conclusion, changes of 5 proteins were remarkable before and after administration of ginsing polysaccharides. In certain cases, hepatic and renal slight injury occurred. Thus, further clinical study on dosage regimen would be necessary for securing the basis for concentration-dependent effectiveness and safety.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.331-335
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• 1997

Xerostomia is caused by organic or functional changes affecting the salivary system at different levels. Patients suffering from xerostomia may also complain of an oral burning sensation, ulceration or soreness, difficulty in swallowing, and poor denture retention. And pilocarpine is administered orally to induce salivary secretion. In Seoul National University Hospital(SNUH) pharmacy, the pilocarpine chewing tablets are prepared and supplied to patients of xerostomia in request of the dental hospital in SNUH. And we tested the salivary flow induction and the dissolution patterns of these products in saliva by a double-blind, sequential cross-over trials to eight healthy human volunteers with placebo. The pilocarpine chewing tablet contained 5 mg of pilocarpine, and placebo consisted of same materials as test drug, but didn't contain pilocarpine. In vivo experiment, all subjects were instructed to chew as 60-80 times/min. Mixed saliva was collected in the ranges of intervals such as 0-2, 2-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-30, 30-45 and 45-60 min after pilocarpine chewing tablet or placebo administration. Saliva volume was measured in each collecting time interval, and saliva pilocarpine concentrations were determined by reversed phase HPLC. The 82.5 percent $(4.13{\pm}0.69\;mg)$ of pilocarpine was extracted from chewing tablets during mastication of 60-80 times per minute for 60 minutes. Among these dissolved amounts, 90 percent was extracted within 20 minutes. The salivary flow rates were more increased in a group who administered pilocarpine chewing tablet at the interval of 5-10, 10-15, 20-30 and 45-60 min rather than a placebo-group, but only extracted amount of pilocarpine at 45-60 min interval is significanly different between two groups (p<0.05). But total amounts of saliva secreted for 1 hour in two group-pilocarpine and placebo treated- were $46.36{\pm}9.72\;ml\;and\;39.09{\pm}7.81\;ml$, respectively, and were not significantly different between two groups.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.239-248
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• 2019

There are no published data on Gyeongokgo (GOK) safety or efficacy despite being commonly use. The Gyeongokgo (GOK) is commonly used in traditional Korean medicine to promote a health qi and blood, but their objective data was not sufficient in clinical field. To investigate the safety and efficacy of GOK with hematologic and serologic testing and the change of the quality of life in healthy individuals. Randomized, subject-assessor-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center pilot study Participants and Interventions 29 healthy volunteer subjects were randomly placed into the GOK group (n = 20) or placebo control group (n = 9) and instructed to take one treatment packet (GOK or placebo) twice daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and underwent hematologic and serologic tests and body composition analysis. The FSS total score (p = 0.093) and SF-36 general health index (p = 0.002) were improved following treatment in the GOK group. Post-treatment thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were increased in the GOK group compared with pre-treatment levels (p = 0.0042). C-reactive protein levels decreased (p = 0.0256) in the GOK group compared with that the placebo group. In time-series tests, GOK did not affect post-prandial serum triglycerides, glucose, insulin, or C-peptide levels. Notably, elevations in serum fasting triglycerides at 2- (p = 0.0333) and 4-hours (p = 0.0414) post-prandial were lower than those in the placebo group. GOK reduced fatigue levels and did not significantly affect laboratory test results performed to measure safety, serum glucose, and lipid profiles. Post-meal triglyceride levels were effectively reduced with treatment.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.373-385
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• 2019

This paper presents a useful in-plane structural analysis of low-rise blind-bolted composite frames with semi-rigid joints. Analytical models were used to predict the moment-rotation relationship of the composite beam-to-column flush endplate joints that produced accurate and reliable results. The comparisons of the analytical model with test results in terms of the moment-rotation response verified the robustness and reliability of the model. Abaqus software was adopted to conduct frame analysis considering the material and geometrical non-linearities. The flexural behaviour of the composite frames was studied by applying the lateral loads incorporating wind and earthquake actions according to the Australian standards. A wide variety of frames with a varied number of bays and storeys was analysed to determine the bending moment envelopes under different load combinations. The design models were finalized that met the strength and serviceability limit state criteria. The results from the frame analysis suggest that among lateral loads, wind loads are more critical in Australia as compared to the earthquake loads. However, gravity loads alone govern the design as maximum sagging and hogging moments in the frames are produced as a result of the load combination with dead and live loads alone. This study provides a preliminary analysis and general understanding of the behaviour of low rise, semi-continuous frames subjected to lateral load characteristics of wind and earthquake conditions in Australia that can be applied in engineering practice.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2022

Background: Only a few studies directly compared the therapeutic efficacy and safety of two pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) in asthma. We analyzed the asthma treatment outcomes, safety, and patient preferences using formoterol/beclomethasone (FORM/BDP), a pMDI with extra-fine particles, compared with formoterol/budesonide (FORM/BUD), another pMDI with non-extra-fine particles. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group study, 40 adult asthmatics were randomized to FORM/BDP group (n=18; active FORM/BDP and placebo FORM/BUD) or FORM/BUD group (n=22; active FORM/BUD and placebo FORM/BDP). During the two visits (baseline and end of 8-week treatment), subjects were asked to answer questionnaires including asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaires (ACQ), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA). Lung function, compliance with inhaler, and inhaler-handling skills were also assessed. Results: Ten subjects in the FORM/BDP group and 14 in the FORM/BUD group completed follow-up visits. ACT, ACQ, QLQAKA (a primary outcome), and adverse events did not differ between two groups. We found that the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the pulmonary volume in the FORM/BDP group was higher than in the FORM/BUD group. Regarding preference, subjects responded that the flume velocity of FORM/BDP was higher, but more adequate than that of FORM/BUD. They also answered that FORM/BDP reached the trachea and bronchus and irritated them significantly more than FORM/BUD. Conclusion: The use of pMDI with extra-fine particles may relieve small airway obstruction more than the one with non-extra-fine particles despite no significant differences in overall treatment outcomes. Some asthmatics have a misconception about the adequacy of high flume velocity of pMDIs.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2020

Background and Objectives:The blockage of adenosine receptors by caffeine changes the levels of neurotransmitters. These receptors are present in all parts of the body, including the auditory and vestibular systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine on evoked potentials using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Subjects and Methods: Forty individuals (20 females and 20 males; aged 18-25 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: the test group (consuming 3 mg/kg pure caffeine powder with little sugar and dry milk in 100 mL of water), and the placebo group (consuming only sugar and dry milk in 100 mL water as placebo). The cVEMPs and ABRs were recorded before and after caffeine or placebo intake. Results: A significant difference was observed in the absolute latencies of I and III (p<0.010), and V (p<0.001) and in the inter-peak latencies of III-V and I-V (p<0.001) of ABRs wave. In contrast, no significant difference was found in cVEMP parameters (P13 and N23 latency, threshold, P13-N23 amplitude, and amplitude ratio). The mean amplitudes of P13-N23 showed an increase after caffeine ingestion. However, this was not significant compared with the placebo group (p>0.050). Conclusions: It seems that the extent of caffeine's effects varies for differently evoked potentials. Latency reduction in ABRs indicates that caffeine improves transmission in the central brain auditory pathways. However, different effects of caffeine on auditory- and vestibular-evoked potentials could be attributed to the differences in sensitivities of the ABR and cVEMP tests.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.450-461
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• 2022

A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study was used to determine the cognitive functions related to working memory (WM) and antioxidant properties of fermented Laminaria japonica (FLJ) on healthy volunteers. Eighty participants were divided into a placebo group (n = 40) and FLJ group (n = 40) that received FLJ (1.5 g/day) for 6 weeks. Memory-related blood indices (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF; angiotensin-converting enzyme; human growth hormone, HGH; insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1) and antioxidant function-related indices (catalase, CAT; malondialdehyde, MDA; 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-oxo-dG; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were determined before and after the trial. In addition, standardized cognitive tests were conducted using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Batteries. Furthermore, the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS)-IV, and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) were used to assess the pre and post intake changes on WM-related properties. According to the results, FLJ significantly increased the level of CAT, BDNF, HGH, and IGF-1. FLJ reduced the level of TBARS, MDA, and 8-oxo-dG in serum. Furthermore, FLJ improved physical activities related to cognitive functions such as K-WAIS-IV, MoCA-K, Paired Associates Learning, and Spatial Working Memory compared to the placebo group. Our results suggest that FLJ is a potential candidate to develop functional materials reflecting its capability to induce antioxidant mechanisms together with WM-related indices.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2020

Background and Objectives:The blockage of adenosine receptors by caffeine changes the levels of neurotransmitters. These receptors are present in all parts of the body, including the auditory and vestibular systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of caffeine on evoked potentials using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Subjects and Methods: Forty individuals (20 females and 20 males; aged 18-25 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: the test group (consuming 3 mg/kg pure caffeine powder with little sugar and dry milk in 100 mL of water), and the placebo group (consuming only sugar and dry milk in 100 mL water as placebo). The cVEMPs and ABRs were recorded before and after caffeine or placebo intake. Results: A significant difference was observed in the absolute latencies of I and III (p<0.010), and V (p<0.001) and in the inter-peak latencies of III-V and I-V (p<0.001) of ABRs wave. In contrast, no significant difference was found in cVEMP parameters (P13 and N23 latency, threshold, P13-N23 amplitude, and amplitude ratio). The mean amplitudes of P13-N23 showed an increase after caffeine ingestion. However, this was not significant compared with the placebo group (p>0.050). Conclusions: It seems that the extent of caffeine's effects varies for differently evoked potentials. Latency reduction in ABRs indicates that caffeine improves transmission in the central brain auditory pathways. However, different effects of caffeine on auditory- and vestibular-evoked potentials could be attributed to the differences in sensitivities of the ABR and cVEMP tests.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.210-217
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• 2022

Passive source depth estimation has been studied for decades since the source depth can be used for target classification, target tracking, etc. The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of ambiguity in the previous paper [S.-il. Cho et al. (in Korean), J. Acoust. Soc. Kr. 38, 120-127 (2019)] that source depth is estimated in two points. The patterns of phase shift of Channel Impulse Response(CIR) reflected in ocean surface and bottom is used for removing ambiguity of the source depth estimation, and after removing ambiguity, source depth is estimated at one point through the intersection of CIR. In order to extract CIR in case of unknown source signal and continuous signal or noise, Ray-based blind deconvolution is used. The proposed algorithm is demonstrated through numerical simulation in ocean waveguide.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.354-364
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• 2022

Background and objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of a new everolimus-eluting stent with an abluminal-coated biodegradable polymer (Osstem Cardiotec Centum) with those of the Xience Alpine stent (Xience). Methods: This randomized, prospective, multicenter, parallel-designed, single-blind trial was conducted among patients with myocardial ischemia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 21st September 2018 until 3rd July 2020. The primary efficacy endpoint was in-segment late lumen loss (LLL) at 270 days after the procedure and the primary safety endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. Results: We enrolled 121 patients and analyzed 113 patients who finished 270 days of follow-up for the primary efficacy endpoint. The mean age of the participants was 66.8 years. As for the primary efficacy endpoint, LLL of the Osstem Cardiotec Centum group was 0.09±0.13 mm and that of the Xience group was 0.12±0.14 mm (upper limit of 1-sided 95% confidence interval, 0.02; p for non-inferiority, 0.0084). This result demonstrates the non-inferiority of the Osstem Cardiotec Centum. As for the primary safety endpoint, MACE occurred in one patient (1.59% of the Xience group). Meanwhile, no MACE occurred in the Osstem Cardiotec Centum group. Conclusions: The Osstem Cardiotec Centum is non-inferior to the Xience Alpine^® stent and is confirmed to be safe. It could be safely and effectively applied to patients with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI.