• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2023

Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability in more than 280 million people worldwide. Monoamine-based antidepressants are currently used to treat depression, but delays in treatment effects and lack of responses are major reasons for the need to develop faster and more efficient antidepressants. Studies show that ketamine (KET), a PCP analog, produces antidepressant effects within a few hours of administration that lasts up to a week. However, the use of KET has raised concerns about side effects, as well as the risk of abuse. 4 -F-PCP analog is a novel PCP analog that is also an NMDA receptor antagonist, structurally similar to KET, and might potentially elicit similar antidepressant effects, however, there has been no study on this subject yet. Herein, we investigate whether 4-F-PCP displays antidepressant effects and explored their potential therapeutic mechanisms. 4-F-PCP at 3 and 10 mg/kg doses showed antidepressant-like effects and repeated treatments maintained its effects. Furthermore, treatment with 4-F-PCP rescued the decreased expression of proteins most likely involved in depression and synaptic plasticity. Changes in the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT2, EAAT3, EAAT4) were also seen following drug treatment. Lastly, we assessed the possible side effects of 4-F-PCP after long-term treatment (up to 21 days). Results show that 4-F-PCP at 3 mg/kg dose did not alter the cognitive function of mice. Overall, current findings provide significant implications for future research not only with PCP analogs but also on the next generation of different types of antidepressants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.429-435
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• 2023

Epidemiological studies suggest that maternal infection, maternal stress, and environmental risk factors during pregnancy increase the risk of brain development abnormalities associated with cognitive impairment in the offspring and increase susceptibility to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Several animal models have demonstrated that maternal immune activation (MIA) is sufficient to induce abnormal brain development and behavioral defects in the fetus. When polyinosine:polycytodylic acid (poly I:C) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is commonly used in maternal immune activation animal models, was introduced into a pregnant dam, an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activity was observed in the offspring's brain. Microglia are brain-resident immune cells that play a mediating role in the central nervous system, and they are responsible for various functions, such as phagocytosis, synapse formation and branching, and angiogenesis. Several studies have reported that microglia are activated in MIA offspring and influence offspring behavior through interactions with various cytokines. In addition, it has been reported that they play an important role in brain circuits through interactions with neurons and astrocytes. However, there is controversy concerning whether microglia are essential to brain development or lead to behavioral defects, and the exact mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, for the potential diagnosis and treatment of brain developmental disorders, a functional study of microglia should be conducted using MIA animal models.

• 한국노년학
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.477-488
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate newly admitted nursing home resident's experience and adjustment problems in the early stage of institutionalization. Method: In depth interviews was done on 6 elderly residents who were newly admitted. Data from the interview were analyzed using theme analysis method. Results: Results showed that reasons for Institution admission were decreasing physical health and cognitive functioning. Residents reported that difficulties they experienced in institution life were lack of individualized care, loss of autonomy and privacy associated with the demands of group living, and loss of control over activities of daily living. Conclusion: Efforts need to be made to maintain the residents' decision-making and autonomy. Listening intentionally, offering choices, and promoting personal identity might be utilized to reduce relocation stress and enhance adaptation to nursing home living.

• 한국노년학
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.97-109
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• 2011

The purpose of this work is to examine how work stressors are related to the burnout among staff in long-term care facilities for the elderly. This study offers some responses to a growing stress and burnout for the long-term care workers. The demand for long-term care workers is set to rise in light of an increasing share of older people and dependent elderly. Long-term care workers provide long-term care services to persons with a reduced degree of functional, physical or cognitive capacity. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 216 staff in long-term care facilities. The standardised Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI) was used to assess levels of burnout in long-term care workers. The MBI consists of 22 items using a 5-point Likert scale, measuring three sub-scales of burnout; Emotional exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal accomplishment. Data were analyzed using regression. This study is empirically tested the degree of association between burnout and its antecedents. The majority of differences in burnout could be explained by work stressors such as client relationship, job overload, job role conflict, and conflicts with clients' family. The study also identified workers' perceptions of their image in society and emotional support as predictors of burnout. Therefore long-term care facilities are encouraged to review their practices so that workers well-being is supported. The study findings suggest attention for organizational oriented initiatives to cope with burnout.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.79-102
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• 2023

Objective : Autistic Spectrum Disorders(ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by atypical sensory adaptation, communication problem, stereotyped behavior, and feeding disorders. The reasons for ASD feeding disorders are oral sensory motor, cognitive, behavioral, and social problems. Major symptoms include picky eating, selective eating, food refusal, food neophobia, limited food variety, and food aversion. ASD feeding disorders could be accompanied by various problems such as health and nutrition intake problems, feeding development, eating-related sociability, and family and caregiver stress. Feeding problems and disorders in ASD can present from birth. However, ASD is diagnosed by the age of 3, and there might be an appropriate treatment gap. Usually, symptoms of feeding disorders tend to decrease with age. However, the symptoms often remain, so early evaluation, intervention, and periodic checking are necessary. In this study, the general information about the feeding disorder characteristics of ASD, influencing factors, and intervention were described through a literature review. Conclusion : Sensory-based therapy and behavior-based therapies are generally used for feeding disorders in ASD. Sensory-based therapy is effective for food sensitivity and behavior-based therapy for food selection. As the symptoms of feeding disorders in ASD are diverse, a comprehensive approach includes play and participation, oral motor exercise, diet, and daily life. However, appropriate evaluation, intervention protocol, and guidelines for the treatment of feeding disorders in ASD are limited. Therefore, a complex approach based on a more systematic understanding is needed. Feeding rehabilitation specialists, such as occupational therapists, should provide appropriate evaluation and intervention.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2013

Objectives: In this research, the effect of samul-tanggahyangbuja on depression and learning in ovariectomized rats subjected to repetitive stress were assessed. Samul-tanggahyangbuja is the prescription consisting of Samul-tang and Cyperi Rhizoma. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed over a 2-week period. After being orally medicated with samul-tanggahyangbuja (100 or 400 mg/kg), rats performed the Morris water maze test and forced swimming test, and social exploration was assessed in a behavior test. As well, sucrose intake was measured and measurements of blood serum corticosterone and the change of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in blood samples were made. Results: 1. In the Morris water maze test, rats medicated with 100 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze in a shorter time on the 4th day in comparison with the control group, while rats medicated with 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja mastered the maze more quickly (p<0.05 on the 3rd day ; p<0.01 on the 4th day, as compared to control). 2. Immobility time in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja compared with the control group (p<0.05). 3. Sucrose intake and active social behavior of rats receiving 400 mg samul-tanggahyangbuja were markedly increased in comparison with the control group (p<0.01). 4. Blood serum corticosterone measurements revealed decreased blood serum corticosterone level after medicating with samul-tanggahyangbuja. But it was not statistically significant. 5. Treatment with either dose of samul-tanggahyangbuja significantly reduced IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that samul-tanggahyangbuja possesses the anti-depressant and cognitive-enhancing activities related to menopause.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.80-84
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• 2014

Introduction: Sleep has numerous important physiological and cognitive functions that may be particularly important to elite athletes. Sleep deprivation can have significant effects on athletic performance. However, there are few published data related to the amount of sleep obtained by elite athletes. We investigated sleep patterns of Korean women golfers using sleep-related questionnaires. Methods: For this study, 98 Korean university women golfers and 46 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. All subjects were asked to complete the self-administered sleep questionnaire consisting of questions about habitual sleep patterns (sleep onset time, sleep latency, awakening time in the morning, day time napping time), exercise habits, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), validation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: The sleep onset time was significantly earlier (pm 23 : $05{\pm}00$ : 52 and 00 : $14{\pm}00$ : 51 ; t = 5.287, p < 0.001), the waking time was later (am 07 : $21{\pm}01$ : 09 and 6 : $35{\pm}00$ : 32; t = -2.715, p = 0.008), the weekday total sleep time was greater ($417.77{\pm}78.18$ minute and $351.52{\pm}77.83$ minute ; t = 4.406, p = 0.001), and the daytime nap time was greater ($77.73{\pm}41.28$ minute and $20.22{\pm}33.03$ minute ; t = 7.623, p < 0.001) in the golf athletes compared to the controls. The PSQI scores were significantly lower, but estimated sleep latency and ESS, ISS, PSS, and BAI scores were not different among the two groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean university women golfers have good sleep patterns resulting in no difference in sleep-related stress compared to age- and sex-matched control students.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.274-286
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the rearing, health and nutrition services through intervention in GP-GC (grandparents-grandchildren) families. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered in January 2008 and January 2009 to 55(70) grandparents of GP-GC families who received intervention services also GP-GC families that did not receive services. The study area was the city of Chunnam Province, South Korea. The intervention services were provided by electronic voucher one day per week. The questionnaire assessed the general characteristics of the grandparents, childcare stress and burden, health status (ADL, IADL, depression, subjective health status and fall index) and mini nutritional assessment(MNA). The data were analyzed using SPSS software and an F-test, Chi-squared test and t-test. Results: The stress of grandparents resulting from childcare was high, but depression in grandparents perceived by grandchildren was significantly lower in served GP-GC families than in non-served GP-GC families. Differences in scores of affection (t=2.12, df=116, p<.05), automatics (t=2.92, df=116, p<.01), realistic(t=2.24, df=116, p<.05), and level of depression(t=2.90, df=116, p<.01) were significant. Incidences of acute disease, IADL cognitive fuction and depression of grandparents were slightly higher. Intervention services for GP-GC families had an impact on the childcare attitude and health status of grandparents. The intervention services of nutrition for grandparents were not promoted, but the scoring for subjective nutrition status were statistically higher for the served group (t=18.230, p<.0001). Conclusions: This study found that intervention programs of childcare services and health and nutrition management are effective for grandparents of GP-GC families. Intervention services for GP-GC family should establish the political issue.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.176-184
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• 2017

Objectives : Middle aged women with depression often experience hot flush symptoms. It is still unclear about the association between depression and hot flush symptoms. Therefore, we investigated hormonal profile, functional somatic symptoms, coping styles and attitude for menopause between depressed women with hot flush and those without hot flush. Methods : This study included 33 depressed patients with hot flush symptoms and 33 depressed patients without hot flush symptoms. Hot flush was confirmed through prospective daily symptom ratings for a week. Subjects' coping styles were assessed by the stress coping checklist. Somatic symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-15(PHQ-15). Sex hormonal levels were assayed by a radioimmunoassay. The Brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument(WHOQOL-BREF) was used to evaluate quality of life. Results : In coping style, depressed women with hot flush symptoms used less 'problem-centered coping'($13.15{\pm}3.17$) and 'search for social support'($11.83{\pm}2.84$) than those without hot flush symptoms($15.17{\pm}3.1$, p=0.028 ; $14.25{\pm}3.22$, p=0.009 ; respectively). Depressed women with hot flush symptoms showed more negative attitude toward post-menopause, but its statistical significance was marginally insufficient(p=0.059). We did not find any group differences in sex hormonal levels and somatic complaints assessed by the PHQ-15. The score of social relationship domain of WHOQOL-BREF was significantly lower in subjects with hot flush symptoms($8.62{\pm}2.04$) than subjects without hot flush symptoms($9.71{\pm}1.65$ ; p=0.044). Conclusions : Among middle aged women with depression, the manifestation of hot flush symptoms was associated with coping styles and attitude for menopausal transition. Hot flush symptoms in depressed women negatively influence quality of life, so clinicians actively perform therapeutic approach in case of depressed patients with hot flush symptoms. In case of depressed patients who present hot flushes, cognitive behavior therapy or stress management might be an effective treatment option in company with antidepressants or hormonal treatment. Later, longitudinal study will be needed to evaluate risk factor, cause and effect associated with hot flush and depression.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.72-87
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• 2000

Objectives : This study was to provide normative data of Korean version of DSI(K-DSI), a sensitive measure of relatively minor stressors that could be administered daily. Methods : K-DSI was administered in 524 adults, age of 19 or over, daily for 1 week. On the seventh day, Becks Depression Inventory(BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI), and Social Readjustment Rating Scale(SRRS) were also given to test the convergent validity. Analyses(ANOVA or t-test) were conducted to examine the potential effects of demographic variables on K-DSI score. Internal consistency for reliability and Pearson's corelation coefficient with BDI, STAI, SRRS for convergent validity were computed. Percentile scores were calculated for daily and weekly K-DSI Event, Impact and I/E Ratio scores. Results : K-DSI scores in women were higher than those in men. According to age and educational level, the younger and the higher educational level the normative groups were, the higher were K-DSI scores. Among the 5 categories of the inventory, the category of cognitive stressors was highest. Internal consistency of K-DSI(Cronbach's $\alpha$) was .99. Daily and Weekly events and impacts scores were significantly correlated with the scores of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory. 75 percentile scores of the daily/weekly Events, Impacts, and I/E ratio were 17/118 - 124, 57/368 - 389 and 3.48 - 3.49/3.47 - 3.48 respectively. And 95 percentile scores of daily/weekly Events, Impacts, and I/E ratio were 57/151- 161, 405/1038 - 1122, and 4.72 - 4.86/4.46 - 4.56 respectively. Conclusion : Reliability and validity of K-DSI were tested satisfactorily. Authors presented the normative data of K-DSI for Koreans. K-DSI could be a useful measure in clinical settings or researches to assess the minor stressors frequently experienced in everyday life.