• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.371-375
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• 2007

To control blood glucose level as close to normal is a major goal of treatment of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are the major risk factors for cardiovascular complications, the major cause of immature death among the patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study is to determine the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Salicornia herbacea in animal model of type 2 diabetes and to investigate the possible mechanisms for the beneficial effects of S. herbacea. S. herbacea was extracted with 70% ethanol and desalted with 100% ethanol. Three week-old db/db mice (C57BL/KsJ, n=16) were fed AIN-93G semipurified diet or diet containing 1% desalted ethanol extract of S. herbacea for 6 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. Fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were measured by enzymatic methods and blood glycated hemoglobin ($HbA_{1C}$) by the chromatographic method. Body weight and food intake of S. herbacea group were not significantly different from those of the control group. Fasting plasma glucose and blood glycated hemoglobin levels tended to be lowered by S. herbacea treatment. Consumption of S. herbacea extract significantly decreased plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels (p<0.05). The inhibition of S. herbacea extract against yeast ${\alpha}$-glucosidase was 31.9% of that of acarbose at the concentration of 0.5 mg/mL in vitro. The inhibitory activity of ethanol extract of S. herbacea against porcine pancreatic lipase was 59.0% of that of orlistat at the concentration of 0.25 mg/mL in vitro. Thus, these results suggest that S. herbacea could be effective in controlling hyperlipidemia by inhibition of pancreatic lipase in animal model of type 2 diabetes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.249-256
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The traditional Korean diet is plant-based and rich in antioxidants. Previous studies have investigated the potential health benefits of individual nutrients of Korean foods. However, the cumulative effects of a Korean diet on inflammation remain poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a plant-based Korean diet. MATERIALS/METHODS: Using data from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 75 individual plant food items were selected which represent over 1% of the total diet intake of the Korean diet. These items were classified into ten different food groups, and the vegetable (Veg) and fruit (Fruit) groups were studied based on their high antioxidant capacity. For comparison, a mixture of all ten groups (Mix) was prepared. To produce a model of inflammation with which to test these Veg, Fruit, and Mix plant-based Korean food extracts (PKE), RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: Levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), as well as protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were found to be lower following PKE treatment. Furthermore, PKE treatment was found to suppress tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) signaling pathway. Overall, the Mix group exhibited the greatest anti-inflammatory effects compared with Veg and Fruit PKE group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators by the PKE tested was found to involve an inhibition of NF-kB activation. Moreover, PKE tested have the potential to ameliorate various inflammation-related diseases by limiting the excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.322-333
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are 2 of the independent predictors for cardiovascular disease, while Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is a traditional medicinal plant that can improve cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the fruit of ASH on vascular function in apparently healthy subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, consisting of healthy adults with at least 2 of the following 3 conditions: borderline high blood pressure (BP; 120 mmHg ≤ systolic BP ≤ 160 mmHg or 80 mmHg ≤ diastolic BP ≤ 100 mmHg), smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day), and borderline blood lipid levels (220 ≤ total cholesterol ≤ 240, 130 ≤ low density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 165, or 150 ≤ triglyceride ≤ 220 mg/dL). Randomly assigned 76 subjects who received a placebo or 2 doses of ASH fruit (low, 500 mg/day; high, 1,000 mg/day) completed the intervention. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), flow-mediated dilation, carotid intima-media thickness, and BP were measured both at baseline and following the 12-week intervention. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation was assessed by western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, the low-dose group showed more significant changes after the 12-week intervention period in terms of systolic BP (0.1 vs. -7.7 mmHg; P = 0.044), baPWV (31.3 vs. -98.7 cm/s; P = 0.007), and the ratio of phospho-eNOS/eNOS (0.8 vs. 1.22; P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ASH fruit extract at 500 mg/day has the potential to improve BP and arterial stiffness via endothelial eNOS activation in healthy adults with smoking and the tendency of having elevated BP or blood lipid parameters.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.378-386
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a major cause of abnormal overgrowth of the prostate mainly in the elderly. Corni Fructus has been reported to be effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases because of its strong antioxidant effect, but its efficacy against BPH is not yet known. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Corni Fructus water extract (CF) in testosterone-induced BPH rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: To induce BPH, rats were intraperitoneal injected with testosterone propionate (TP). Rats in the treatment group were orally administered with CF with TP injection, and finasteride, which is a selective inhibitor of $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2, was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Our results showed that the increased prostate weight and histopathological changes in BPH model rats were suppressed by CF treatment. CF, similar to the finasteride-treated group, decreased the levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by TP treatment in the serum, and it also reduced $5{\alpha}$-reductase expression and concentration in prostate tissue and serum, respectively. In addition, CF significantly blocked the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), AR co-activators, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in BPH rats, and this blocking was associated with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels in serum and prostate tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CF may weaken the BPH status through the inactivation of at least $5{\alpha}$-reductase and AR activity and may be useful for the clinical treatment of BPH.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.175-187
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of skate cartilage extracts containing chondroitin sulfate (SCS) on hyperlipidemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed mice in comparison with the effects of shark cartilage-derived chondroitin sulfate (CS). MATERIALS/METHODS: Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-KO) mice were fed HCD with an oral administration of CS (50 and 100 mg/kg BW/day), SCS (100 and 200 mg/kg BW/day), or water, respectively, for ten weeks. RESULTS: The administration of CS or SCS reduced the levels of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL cholesterol and elevated the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CS or SCS significantly attenuated inflammation by reducing the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and hepatic protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and IL-1beta (P < 0.05). In particular, the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was reduced only in the 100 mg/kg BW/day of SCS-fed group, whereas the IL-6 level was reduced in the 100 and 200 mg/kg BW/day of SCS-fed groups (P < 0.05). In addition, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production were attenuated in the livers of the CS and SCS groups mediated by the upregulation of hepatic proteins of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the biological effects of SCS, similar to those of CS, are attributed to improved lipid profiles as well as suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the intake of HCD.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2018.05a
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• pp.309-313
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• 2018

Maker Activity based Design-Thinking 5 Step is a better experience for providing the public with a better approach to design by sympathizing with human needs and exploring the public's potential desires. This paper studied the teaching method by applying the value of the Maker Training that emphasizes the importance of sharing and opening results with others after creating them based on the ideas of the learners using different tools, the basic mind of Design-Thinking with the observation and empathy about human beings and the derivation of user-centric results to the SW coding curriculum. For this purpose, we studied teaching methods by Design-thinking based on sections that require coding in the information classes of the secondary school curriculum. We demonstrated the class to a group of education experts by applying the syllabus of instruction. Then we collected evaluations and opinions of the experts and we modified the syllabus to reflect the collected assessment. Under the Design-thinking 5 step foundation, classes were demonstrated with a group of education experts, opinions collected, and suggestions collected were reflected on the assessment outcome. I think that It is an effective training opportunity to practice a widespread idea that enables infinite thinking and a convergence of thinking that brings out the best decision from a widespread idea.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.65-80
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• 2008

Objectives: To identify the relationship between the internet addition of elementary school students, and their health behavior and VDT syndrome, and thereby to detect the impact of internet addiction on the health behavior of elementary school students, to get the basic information necessary to develop a prevention program for internet addiction and to plan for VDT syndrome prevention program. Methods: We conducted this study during the period from jun 27, 2007 through July 8, 2007. The subjects of this study were 416 children whose grades were in 4th through 6th grades of elementary schools located in the city A in Kyung Pook Providence. Data were obtained from self-rating questionnaires. The questionnaires were composed of Korean Internet Addiction Self-examination on Internet Use Patterns (K-scale), Health Behavior Profile, VDT Syndrome, and general characteristics. We used t-test, AVOVA with Ducan method for Post-hoc comparison in means comparison between groups, $X^2$-test for frequency analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. We used SPSS/PC(12.0 ver) program and the LISREL 8.53 Win program for covariance structural analysis. Results: Major results were as follows. 1. The internet addiction propensity distribution based on the distribution of scores were investigated according to the self diagnosis scale on internet addiction. 6.5% of them were high risk user group, 14.4% were potential risk users and 79.1% of them were common user groups. 2. Internet addictions by sex, internet use duration, frequency (days/week), time(hours/day), purpose, position, brightness of internet, attitude of parents and frequency of conversation of family members were statistically significant(p<0.01). 3. There was a statistically significant difference in VDT syndrome according to internet addiction groups(p<0.001) besides ocular symptoms, dry mouth and GI troubles. 4. The health behavior score was the lowest in high risk user group(p<0.001). There were significant differences between internet addiction groups in personal hygiene and habits of daily living(p<.002), the prevention of accidents(p<.002), the practice concerned with the prevention of infectious disease(p=.002), and mental health(p<.001). 5. There was also a significant negative correlation between internal addiction and health profile(r=-0.365, p<0.01) and a significant positive correlation between internal addiction and VDT syndrome(r=0.331, p<0.01). 6. As the result of structural model analysis, internet use time(/day), days of internet use(/1week), conversation frequency among family members, degree of brightness of internet use had significant direct effects on internet addiction. Conclusions: The results will help the development of an effective intervention program for the prevention and treatment of internal addiction by clarifying the effect of the internal addiction upon elementary school students' VDT syndrome and health behavior.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was conducted to analyze the single dose toxicity of Mecasin (Gami-Jakyak Gamcho buja Decoction) herbal acupuncture administered in the vein of Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods : All experiments were performed at the Medvill, an institution licensed to conduct nonclinical studies, under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen in this pilot study. In the experiment, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five male and five female animals per group. Doses of Mecasin herbal acupuncture, at 0, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg, were given to the experimental groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, at 2 ml/kg, was administered to the control group. Mecasin herb acupuncture and normal saline were injected into the vein at once, and we observed mortality, clinical signs, weights, and gross findings for 14 days after injection. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results : There is no death or abnormality in any of the four groups. All groups put on weights favorably. There are no significant gross findings in necropsy examinations. Conclusions : The above results showed that intravenous injection of 500-2,000 mg/kg of Mecasin herb acupuncture did not cause any changes in weight or, in the results of necropsy examinations, in mortalities. Therefore, the toxicity of Mecasin herb acupuncture was not confirmed, and the presumptive lethal dose of Mecasin herb acupuncture was higher than 2,000 mg/kg. The outcomes suggest that treatment with Mecasin herbal acupuncture is relatively safe. Further evaluations on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.45-56
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate medical care behaviors influencing accuracy of the payment based New diagnosis-related groups (DRG) compared to fee for service (FFS) in hospitalized patients with medical illness. Methodology: In order to estimate the difference in medical costs between New DRG and FFS depending on medical care behaviors, medical records and hospital claims data (n=4,232) were utilized, which were collected from a single public hospital during the first-half of 2018. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, and multivariate binary logistic regression. Findings: The average difference in medical costs between New DRG and FFS were KRW 506,711±13,945 with incentives and KRW -51,506±12,979 without incentives, respectively. Forty-four point two percent (44.2%, n=1,872) of total subjects were shown to have negative compensation in overall medical costs with New DRG compared to the costs with FFS. Medical care behaviors that affected on the negative compensation were the presence of severe bed sores on admission, medical consultations, death, operations, medications and laboratory or imaging tests with unit price over KRW 100,000, hospital-acquired complications or underlying comorbidities, elderly patients (≧65 years), and hospitalized for more than average inpatient days defined by New DRG (p<0.001). The difference in average medical cost between New DRG and FFS for a group with mild illness was KRW -11,900±10,544, whereas it was KRW -196,800±46,364 for a group with severe illness (p<0.0001). Practical Implications: These findings suggest that New DRG payment model without incentives may incompletely cover the variation of medical costs in real clinical practice. Therefore, policy makers need to consider that the current New DRG reimbursement should be focused and refined to improve accuracy of payment on medical care resources utilized in severe and complex medical conditions.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2014

Deep sedation is considered for the dental treatment of pediatric or disabled patients who have severe anxiety or involuntary movement. Deep sedation using sevoflurane inhalation in emergency dental practice, therefore, is also preferred for fast induction and recovery. This survey consists of 121 people with pediatric or disabled patients who underwent dental treatment under deep sedation using sevoflurane inhalation from January 2013 to October 2013. Patients who were scheduled for deep sedation were classified into a non-emergency sevoflurane sedation group, whereas patients who underwent emergency sedation due to trauma and patients with disabled characteristics itself were classified into an emergency sevoflurane sedation group. Of 121 patients studied, 95 patients received dental care under non-emergency sedation, 26 patients received dental care under emergency sevoflurane sedation. The two groups were analyzed according to: gender; age; primary reason for sedation; duration of sedation; treatment time; induction methods; treatment information; and departments. Non-emergency sevoflurane sedation in pediatric or disabled patients was safe and effective for controlling the behavior. Emergency sevoflurane sedation was a useful method for younger pediatric patients with traumatic injury who need simple, short time emergency treatment. Deep sedation using sevoflurane inhalation not only will reduce the use of general anesthesia gradually but also will be a useful method to emergency treatment for pediatric or disabled patients.