• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.317-328
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• 2018

Cognitive impairment responses are important research topics in the study of degenerative brain diseases as well as in understanding of human mental activities. To compare response to scopolamine (SPL)-induced cognitive impairment, we measured altered parameters for learning and memory ability, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction and neuronal cell damages, in Korl:ICR stock and two commercial breeder stocks (A:ICR and B:ICR) after relevant SPL exposure. In the water maze test, Korl:ICR showed no significant difference in SPL-induced learning and memory impairment compared to the two different ICRs, although escape latency was increased after SPL exposure. Although behavioral assessment using the manual avoidance test revealed reduced latency in all ICR mice after SPL treatment as compared to Vehicle, no differences were observed between the three ICR stocks. To determine cholinergic dysfunction induction by SPL exposure, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assessed in the three ICR stocks revealed no difference of acetylcholinesterase activity. Furthermore, low levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and high levels of inflammatory cytokines in SPL-treated group were maintained in all three ICR stocks, although some variations were observed between the SPL-treated groups. Neuronal cell damages induced by SPL showed similar response in all three ICR stocks, as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Nissl staining analysis and expression analyses of apoptosis-related proteins. Thus, the results of this study provide strong evidence that Korl:ICR is similar to the other two ICR. Stocks in response to learning and memory capacity.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.39-52
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• 2021

Objective : This study aimed to identify the characteristics and analyze the quality of studies on memory improvement using a single-subject research design. Methods : Six studies were selected through the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and National Digital Science Library (NDSL). Keywords were memory training, stroke, early dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and single-subject research design. The characteristics and quality levels were analyzed between January 2011 and October 2020. Results : Regarding the quality level, the middle level (7-10 points) was 66.7% of the four articles, and the high level (11-14 points) was 33.3% of the two articles. Reversal designs were used in all studies. Independent variables were errorless learning, smartphone application, cognitive training system (CoTras), spaced retrieval training (SRT) with errorless learning, spaced retrieval training, and iPad applications. The dependent variables included memory, attention, electroencephalogram, instrumental activities of daily living, depression etc., which increased after the intervention. The total session, study period, and intervention time were varied. Conclusion : In single-subject research design related to memory training, occupational therapy intervention was confirmed as an effective method for improving memory and attention. The quality level of single-subject research design was moderate or higher, and high-quality level of studies should be conducted by additional design to increase the validity in the future.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2013

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder and characterized by positive symptom (i.e., delusions, hallucinations), negative symptom (i.e., lack of emotion, social withdrawal), and cognitive impairment. Previously, we reported that the ethanolic extract of Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina attenuated the MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors such as prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and cognitive impairment in mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether danshensu isolated from P. vulgaris var. lilacina attenuates MK-801-induced sensorimotor gating dysfunction (PPI deficits), hyperlocomotion, and memory impairment in mice. Acute administration of danshensu (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the MK-801-induced PPI deficits in the acoustic startle response test. We also observed that the impaired recognition memory induced by MK-801 was attenuated by danshensu (1 mg/kg) in the novel object recognition test. However, danshensu failed to reverse the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion in the open-field test. Collectively, the present results indicate danshensu would be an active agent for treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.199-217
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• 2019

Evolutionary research on mental disorders is relatively difficult compared to other medical studies. It is because the cause of mental disorder is unclear relative to other medical diseases, various proximate causations are involved. And it is difficult to distinguish cause and effect and to carry out experimental research. Despite these methodological difficulties, it is possible to establish an evolutionary hypothesis on mental disorders based on constructive reductionism, and to demonstrate actual data on the model based on this hypothesis. In this paper, I will discuss some conceptual definitions needed for applying ecological approaches to evolutionary psychiatric research. We will first discuss the appropriate level of explanations and the scope of the study subjects, then discuss the conceptual definition of behaviour and function, dysfunction and the appropriate level of selection.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.196-203
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• 2010

Black sesame (Sesami semen nigrum) has been used to treat dizziness, earnoise, constipation in the traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we assessed memory enhancing properties of 70% ethanolic extract of black sesame (EBS70) and its ameliorating activities on learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine. Drug-induced amnesia was made by scopolamine treatment (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Single EBS70 (200 mg/kg, p.o.) administration significantly enhanced cognitive function and attenuated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments as determined by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tasks (P<0.05) and also reduced escape-latency on the Morris water maze task (P<0.05). In addition, EBS70 increased BDNF expression in hippocampus 4 h after its administration (P<0.05). These results suggest that EBS70 enhances learning and memory in normal state and attenuates amnesic state caused by cholinergic dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.261-270
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• 2022

Background: The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a critical region for the management of nociception. The RVM is also involved in learning and memory processes due to its relationship with the hippocampus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind orexin-A signaling in the RVM and hippocampus's effects on capsaicin-induced pulpal nociception and cognitive impairments in rats. Methods: Capsaicin (100 g) was applied intradentally to male Wistar rats to induce inflammatory pulpal nociception. Orexin-A and an orexin-1 receptor antagonist (SB-334867) were then microinjected into the RVM. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to check the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the RVM and hippocampus. Results: Interdental capsaicin treatment resulted in nociceptive responses as well as a reduction in spatial learning and memory. Additionally, it resulted in decreased BDNF and increased COX-2 expression levels. Orexin-A administration (50 pmol/1 µL/rat) could reverse such molecular changes. SB-334867 microinjection (80 nM/1 µL/rat) suppressed orexin's effects. Conclusions: Orexin-A signaling in the RVM and hippocampus modulates capsaicin-induced pulpal nociception in male rats by increasing BDNF expression and decreasing COX-2 expression.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.71-80
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the non-pharmacological intervention on depressive symptoms in the older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 1,147 studies were retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Science direct, KISS, RISS, and DBPia. Twenty-one studies which met the criteria were selected and the quality assessment was conducted independently by two investigators. The effect size of non-pharmacological intervention was estimated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0. The overall effect size turned out to be the medium effect size (Hedges' g=-0.68, 95% CI=-1.01~-0.36). As a result of the subgroup analysis, the intervention type was statistically significant. The effect size of cognitive intervention (Hedges' g=-1.03, 95% CI=-1.43~-0.61) and multi component intervention (Hedges' g=-0.97, 95% CI=-1.63~-0.33) was greater than excise intervention (Hedges' g=-0.53, 95% CI=-1.16~0.03). This study shows that non-pharmacological intervention was also effective in reducing depressive symptoms in the older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Based on the research results, it is expected that various non-pharmacological intervention studies will be attempted to improve cognitive function and depressive symptoms of the older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2023

Objective : We investigated the efficacy of an artificial intelligence computerized cognitive training program using motion capture to identify changes in cognition, depression, and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods : A total of seven older adults (experimental group = 4, control group = 3) participated in this study. During the COVID-19 period from October to December 2021, we used a program, "MOOVE Brain", that we had developed. The experimental group performed the program 30 minutes 3×/week for 1 month. We analyzed patients scores from the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination-2, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet for Daily Life Evaluation, the short form Geriatric Depression Scale, and Geriatric Quality of Life Scale. Results : We observed positive changes in the mean scores of the Stroop Color Test (attention), Stroop Color/Word Test (executive function), SGDS-K (depression), and GQOL (QoL). However, these changes did not reach statistical significance for each variable. Conclusion : The study results from "MOOVE Brain" can help address cognitive and psychosocial issues in isolated patients with MCI during the COVID-19 pandemic or those unable to access in-person medical services.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.517-527
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• 2022

This study aimed to compare changes in cognitive function, depression and ability to perform activity of daily living (ADL) in patients with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and ischemic stroke (IS) and to identify factors associated with changes in instrumental ADL. A total of 86 patients (dementia=30, MCI=32, and IS=24) were included to analyse cognitive function, depression, and basic and instrumental ADL obtained at the time of diagnosis and 1 year after baseline. Repeated measures analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used. A significant group by time interaction was found in executive function (p=.037) and instrumental ADL (p=.023) across groups. The MCI group has little change in executive function and instrumental ADL from the baseline to 1 year after diagnosis while other two groups showed changes with the dementia group showing declines and the group of IS having improvement in these factors over time. Changes in executive function(p=.030) and basic ADL (p<.001) explained 26.9% in the variance of changes in instrumental ADL. These findings showed a different changing pattern in executive function during the first year after diagnosis of dementia, MCI, and IS which have cognitive changes as their main symptoms, probably leading to a different changing pattern in instrumental ADL. Healthcare professionals should routinely assess for executive function and instrumental ADL problems and intervene to maintain and improve these functional outcomes immediately after disease.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.874-883
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• 2011

Many studies have shown that the steamed root of Rehmannia glutinosa (SRG), which is widely used in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases in the context of Korean traditional medicine, is effective for improving cognitive and memory impairments. The purpose of this study was to examine whether SRG extracts improved memory defects caused by administering scopolamine (SCO) into the brains of rats. The effects of SRG on the acetylcholinergic system and proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus were also investigated. Male rats were administered daily doses of SRG (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days, 1 h before scopolamine injection (2 mg/kg, i.p.). After inducing cognitive impairment via scopolamine administration, we conducted a passive avoidance test (PAT) and the Morris water maze (MWM) test as behavioral assessments. Changes in cholinergic system reactivity were also examined by measuring the immunoreactive neurons of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the reactivity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in the hippocampus. Daily administration of SRG improved memory impairment according to the PAT, and reduced the escape latency for finding the platform in the MWM. The administration of SRG consistently significantly alleviated memory-associated decreases in cholinergic immunoreactivity and decreased interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) mRNA expression in the hippocampus. The results demonstrated that SRG had a significant neuroprotective effect against the neuronal impairment and memory dysfunction caused by scopolamine in rats. These results suggest that SRG may be useful for improving cognitive functioning by stimulating cholinergic enzyme activities and alleviating inflammatory responses.