• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess both the approximate lethal dose and the single dose intramuscular injection toxicity of Danggui (Angelica gigantis radix) pharmacopuncture (DGP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: The experiments were conducted at the good laboratory practice (GLP) laboratory, Biotoxtech Co., which is a laboratory approved by the ministry of food and drug safety (MFDS). The study was performed according to the GLP regulation and the toxicity test guidelines of the MFDS (2009) after approval of the institutional animal care and use committee of Biotoxtech. Single doses of DGP were injected intramuscularly into the rats in three test groups of 6 week old SD rats (5 male and 5 female rats per groups) in the amounts of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mL/animal for groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and normal saline solution in the amount of 1.0 mL/animal was injected intramuscularly into the rats (5 male and 5 female rats) in the control group. Observations of the general symptoms and weight measurements were performed during the 14 day observation period after the injection. Hematologic and serum biochemical examination, necropsy, and a local tolerance test at the injection site were done after the observation period. Results: No death was observed in three test groups (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mL/animal group). In addition, the injection of DGP had no effect on general symptoms, weights, hematologic and serum biochemical examination, and necropsy. The results from the local tolerance tests at injection site showed no treatment related effects in the SD rats. Conclusion: The results of single dose intramuscular injection of DGP suggest that the approximate lethal dose is above 1.0 mL/animal for both male and female SD rats and that intramuscular injection of DGP may be safe.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 2018

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Neuroinflammation plays critical role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the effect of three licorice varieties, Glycyrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, and Shinwongam (SW) on a mouse model of inflammation-induced memory and cognitive deficit. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and orally administrated G. uralensis, G. glabra, and SW extract (150 mg/kg/day). SW, a new species of licorice in Korea, was combined with G. uralensis and G. glabra. Behavioral tests, including the T-maze, novel object recognition and Morris water maze, were carried out to assess learning and memory. In addition, the expressions of inflammation-related proteins in brain tissue were measured by western blotting. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in spatial and objective recognition memory in LPS-induced cognitive impairment group, as measured by the T-maze and novel object recognition test; however, the administration of licorice ameliorated these deficits. In addition, licorice-treated groups exhibited improved learning and memory ability in the Morris water maze. Furthermore, LPS-injected mice had up-regulated pro-inflammatory proteins, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, via activation of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF{\kappa}B$) pathways in the brain. However, these were attenuated by following administration of the three licorice varieties. Interestingly, the SW-administered group showed greater inhibition of iNOS and TLR4 when compared with the other licorice varieties. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain of LPS-induced cognitively impaired mice that were administered licorice, with the greatest effect following SW treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The three licorice varieties ameliorated the inflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction by down-regulating inflammatory proteins and up-regulating BDNF. These results suggest that licorice, in particular SW, could be potential therapeutic agents against cognitive impairment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.160-165
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Korea is quickly becoming an aged society. Dementia is also becoming a vital public health problem in Korea. Cognitive impairment as a pre-stage of dementia shares most risk factors for dementia. The aim of the present study was to determine associations of serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E with the risk of cognitive impairment among elderly Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 230 participants aged 60-79 years from Yangpyeong cohort were included. Cognitive function was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening. The logistic multivariable regression model was applied to determine the effect of serum vitamins A, C, and E on the risk of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the risk of cognitive impairment and serum levels of vitamin A and vitamin C. There was a significant odd ratio when the second tertile group of beta-gamma tocopherol level was compared to the first tertile group [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14-0.98, P for trend = 0.051]. In subgroup analyses, there were significant negative associations between beta-gamma tocopherol level and the risk of cognitive impairment in men (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.03-0.87, P for trend = 0.028), non-drinkers or former drinkers (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.66, P for trend = 0.025), and non-smokers or former smokers (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09-0.82, P for trend = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Serum beta-gamma tocopherol levels tended to be inversely associated with the risk of cognitive impairment. Further prospective large-scaled studies are needed to examine this association.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.973-990
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• 1996

To investigate diagnostic imaging of cystitis and to apply it to the small animal practice, ultrasonogram of urinary bladder with moderate distension(4ml/kg) and with complete distension(9ml/kg) to evaluate the irregularity and thickness of bladder, radiography and histopathological examination were performed after experimental cystitis induction. On double contrast cystography, mucosal membrane of the urinary bladder was smooth and thickening urinary bladder wall was not found before cystitis induction. At 3rd day post induction(PI), mucosal irregularity was noted at the cranioventral region of the urinary bladder. Thickening of the urinary bladder wall and filling defect was observed as well. Cystographic findings of 7, 10, 15, 21 day PI were similar to that of 3rd day PI. On ultrasonographic findings of the mural thickness in induction group, it was ascertain that the mural thickness with moderate distention was more thickened than with complete distention at transverse scan. Ultrasonographic findings at longitudinal scan were similar to those of transverse scan. On ultrasonographic findings of mucosal irregularity in induction group, from PI to 7 day PI, mucosal irregularity with moderate distention was more irregular than mucosal irregularity with complete distention. At 10 day PI, there was similarity between moderate distention and complete distention. On histopathologic examination of a section of urinary bladder taken 3 day PI, the mucosal and submucosa were infiltrated by a mixture of thick inflammatory exudate which was composed of neutrophil, plasma protein, bacterial colony and necrotic cells. Congestion, hemorrhage and edema were also observed in the submucosa. At 7th day PI, the mucosal change was similar to that of 3rd day PI, but neovascularization and fibroplasia were observed in the submucosa. At 15th and 21th day PI, mild hyperplasia of mucosal epithelium was observed in the mucosa. Deposition of collagen, neovascularization and severe diffuse infiltration of lymphocyte were observed. These results suggest that ultrasonographic examination with moderate distention is considered to be a more simple, rapid, noninvasive, sensitive and useful diagnostic method than other diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of the cystitis and the differential diagnosis of urinary tract infection.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.472-482
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine if a geriatric injury would have a statistically significant relationship with the spatial safety within a specific region. To achieve the objectives of this study, an independent sample t-test and One-way ANOVA were performed to verify difference in mean value of regional safety grade, depending on the injury intentionality, injury location, activities at the time of injury, and injury mechanism, in 6,572 geriatric injury patients by combining the National Hospital Discharge Patients Injury Survey data and regional safety index data. The results of statistical validation suggested that there was no difference in the mean value of regional safety grade by sub-group with respect to the injury intentionality. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the mean value of regional safety grade in each sub-group with regard to the injury location, activities at the time of injury, and injury mechanism in connection with some areas of the regional safety index. Based on the results of such analysis, we derived and presented 3 implications related to policies and practice for the prevention of geriatric injury and a reduction of its occurrence rate in light of spatial safety after a discussion of the results through a comparison with previous studies that examined individual areas.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2002

The objective of tole study was to compare nutritional knowledge, attitudes and food practices of competitive athletes, recreational athletes and non-participants. All students enrolled at the University of Nebraska in an Introductory Nutrition course in which sports nutrition was stressed, were asked to participate in the study. The course was typical of many introductory nutrition courses ; about two thirds of the students were from the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and most of the students were encouraged to take this course by their advisers. The students were divided into three groups : 20 competitive athletes (mostly runners, swimmers, basketball players and football players for the University), 14 recreational athletes (who were involved in a planned exercise program at least 2 hours per week), and 19 non-participants. At the beginning of the semester, students completed a food frequency questionnaire, and a 24-hour food record based on the Food Guide Pyramid. A nutrition knowledge and attitude questionnaire was formulated specifically for this study, covering normal nutrition and sports nutrition. The results showed that consumption of foods from all Food Guide Pyramid food groups except the fats/oils/sweets group was not significantly different among the three student groups. Regarding the fats/oils/sweets group, competitive athletes consumed significantly more numbers of servings than recreational athletes, while the recreational athletes consumed significantly more than non-participants (p<0.01). The total mean scores from the nutrition attitude and knowledge questionnaire were not significantly different among the three student groups. However, combined athletes (competitive athletes and recreational athletes) obtained significantly higher scores on some of the nutrition attitude questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, significantly lower scores on some of the nutrition knowledge questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, whether competitive or some of the nutrition knowledge questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, whether competitive or recreational, had a very positive attitude regarding the effects of nutrition on their sports performance and health: however, these athletes did not appear to apply scientific principles of sports nutrition to their diet. In conclusion, advising athletes to simply increase or decrease their intakes of certain foods is too simplistic an approach for maintenance of good health and for better sporting performance. Athletes and non-athletes need continuous nutrition education to help with improving their competitive edge and food choices.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.74-79
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• 2008

Zinc plays a protective role in anti-atherosclerosis but the clear mechanism has not been proposed yet. In the present study, we evaluated whether zinc modulates atherosclerotic markers, VACM-1 and ICAM-1 and cell viability both in endothelial cells in vitro and mouse aortic cell viability ex vivo. In study 1, as in vitro model, endothelial EA.hy926 cells were treated with $TNF{\alpha}$ for 5 hours for inducing oxidative stress, and then treated with Zn-adequacy ($15\;{\mu}M$ Zn) or Zn-deficiency ($0\;{\mu}M$ Zn) for 6 hours. Pro-atherosclerosis factors, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA expression and cell viability was measured. In study 2, as ex vivo model, mouse aorta ring was used. Mourse aorta was removed and cut in ring then, cultured in a 96-well plate. Aortic ring was treated with various $TNF{\alpha}$ (0-30 mg/ml) and intracellular zinc chelator, N, N, N', N', -tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN, $0-30\;{\mu}M$) for cellular zinc depletion for 2 days and then cell viability was measured. The results showed that in in vitro study, Zn-adequate group induced more VCAM-1 & ICAM-1 mRNA expression than Zn-deficient group during 6-hour zinc treatment post-5 hour TNF-$\alpha$ treatment, unexpectedly. These results might be cautiously interpreted that zinc would biologically induce the early expression of anti-oxidative stress through the increased adhesion molecule expression for reducing atherosclerotic action, particularly under the present 6-hour zinc treatment. In ex vivo, mouse aortic ring cell viability was decreased as TNF-$\alpha$ and TPEN levels increased, which suggests that mouse aortic blood vessel cell viability was decreased, when oxidative stress increases and cellular zinc level decreases. Taken together, it can be suggested that zinc may have a protective role in anti-atherosclerosis by cell viability in endothelial cells and aorta tissue. Further study is needed to clarify how pro-atherosclerosis molecule expression is modulated by zinc.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.356-365
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• 2018

Background: Woman kidney donors face obstetric complication risks after kidney donation, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Studies on childbirth-related complications among Asian women donors are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included woman donors aged 45 years or younger at the time of kidney donation in a single tertiary hospital between 1985 and 2014. Pregnancy associated complications were investigated using medical records and telephone questionnaires for 426 pregnancies among 225 donors. Matched non-donor controls were selected by propensity score and the maternal and fetal outcomes were compared with those of donors. Primary outcomes were differences in maternal complications, and secondary outcomes were fetal outcomes in pregnancies of the donor and control groups. Results: A total of 56 cases had post-donation pregnancies. The post-donation pregnancies group was younger at the time of donation and older at the time of delivery than the pre-donation pregnancies group, and there were no differences in primary outcomes between the groups except the proportion receiving cesarean section. Comparison of the complication risk between post-donation pregnancies and non-donor matched controls showed no significant differences in gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or composite outcomes after propensity score matching including age at delivery, era at pregnancy, systolic blood pressure, body weight, and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-2.14; P = 0.724). Conclusion: This study revealed that maternal and fetal outcomes between woman kidney donors and non-donor matched controls were comparable. Studies with general population pregnancy controls are warranted to compare pregnancy outcomes for donors.

• Korean Journal of Family Social Work
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• no.23
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• pp.103-152
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to develop a program for couples in early stage of marriage for enhancing family resilience based on the concept of 'Family Resilience' by Walsh. Based on the literature review of couples in early stage of marriage, marital enrichment, and Family Resilience, a program focused on belief system, organizational pattern, and communication process was designed and implemented. The program was applied to seven couples in early stage of marriage for four (3hours/session/week) sessions. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to compare the pre and post effects of the program. By operating a focus group composed of the program participants, a qualitative analysis of the participant's evaluation was performed. The pre and post comparative analysis showed a significant enhancement in belief system, organizational pattern, communication process, and dyadic adjustment. The results of the qualitative study in the focus group also reinforced the effectiveness of the program. The evaluation showed that the 3 hour/ 4 session program was appropriate in terms program format. The significances of this study are the concretion of the concept of Family Resilience and providing practice tools for the daily practitioner.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.159-173
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of service quality of banks on customer satisfaction and recommendation intention through empirical analysis. In particular, the focus was on the differences of the causal effect between PB(Private Banking) customers and regular customers. For this study, two groups were surveyed and 428 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The hypothesis was tested with a structural equation model using AMOS 23.0. As a result, empathy, reliability and tangibles of bank service quality had a positive(+) effect on customer satisfaction. However, responsiveness and assurance were not statistically significant. On the other hand, customer satisfaction has a positive effect on recommendation intention. This study was conducted to compare the two groups, PB customers and regular customers, and found a significant difference. In the PB customers group, tangibles had a positive effect on customer satisfaction, but no other factors were supported. On the other hand, in the regular customers group, empathy and reliability had a positive effect on customer satisfaction while responsiveness, assurance, and tangibles were not supported. Customer satisfaction were analyzed to have a positive influence on recommendation intention in both groups. These findings are academically significant by applying the SERVQUAL factors to banking services and revealing the differences between the PB customers and regular customers. In practice, it is meaningful in that it provided banks with the insights needed for future segmentation and management of customer groups.