• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.231-236
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between craniovertebral angle(CVA), age, and body mass index(BMI) in middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s. The forward head posture(FHP) was measured using a posture measuring device using a 3D sensor for 456 healthy men and women. As a result of the study, the middle-aged CVA had a high level of negative correlation with age (r=-.937; p<.01) and a very low level of positive correlation with BMI (r=.071). CVA of middle-aged men had a high negative correlation with age (r=-.932; p<.01) and a very low positive correlation with BMI. There was a correlation (r=.056), whereas, for middle-aged women, there was a high level of negative correlation (r=.939, p<.01) only with age, but had a weak (low level of negative) correlation with BMI. This study suggests that CVA has a significant negative correlation with age in both males and females however, has a weak relationship with BMI.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.147-160
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high concentration of uremic toxins in their blood and often experience muscle atrophy. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin produced by tryptophan metabolism. Although an elevated IS level may induce muscle dysfunction, the effect of IS on physiological concentration has not been elucidated. Additionally, the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on muscle hypertrophy have been reported in healthy models; however, it is unclear whether UA ameliorates muscle dysfunction associated with chronic diseases, such as CKD. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether UA can improve the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis. MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were incubated with or without IS (0.1 mM) and UA (1 or 2 μM) to elucidate the physiological effect of UA on CKD-related mitochondrial dysfunction and its related mechanisms using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IS suppressed the expression of differentiation marker genes without decreasing cell viability. IS decreased the mitochondrial DNA copy number and ATP levels by downregulating the genes pertaining to mitochondrial biogenesis (Ppargc1a, Nrf1, Tfam, Sirt1, and Mef2c), fusion (Mfn1 and Mfn2), oxidative phosphorylation (Cycs and Atp5b), and fatty acid oxidation (Pdk4, Acadm, Cpt1b, and Cd36). Furthermore, IS increased the intracellular mRNA and secretory protein levels of interleukin (IL)-6. Finally, UA ameliorated the IS-induced impairment in C2C12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that UA improves the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis by affecting differentiation, ATP levels, and IL-6 secretion in C2C12 cells. Therefore, UA could be a novel therapeutic agent for CKD-induced muscle dysfunction.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.341-349
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• 2022

This study explored in-depth emotional experiences influenced by childhood trauma of adult female survivors. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with married adult women who experienced trauma in their childhood. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi phenomenological research method. As a result of the study, 7 categories were derived: 'children who cannot protect themselves', 'childhood trauma,' 'insecure attachment and good child syndrome,' 'difficulties in interpersonal relationships,' 'difficulties in raising children,' 'somatization symptoms,' 'finding myself who is lost.' In addition, this study aims to understand the psychological experience of children in the family and the relationship between parents and children and the growth experience of healing them by comparing and contrasting the two cases of trauma. The foundation for healthy ego-resilience and emotional well-being has been laid through the research results on negative and maladaptive emotional experiences reflected throughout the life of adult women who suffered childhood trauma.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.241-250
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• 2022

It is known that chronic pain and injury of upper limb joint tissue in manual wheelchair users is usually caused by muscle imbalance, and the propulsion speed is reported to increase this muscle imbalance. In this study, kinematic variables, electromyography, and ultrasonographic images of the upper limb were measured and analyzed at two different propulsion speeds to provide a quantitative basis for the risk of upper extremity joint injury. Eleven patients with spinal cord injury for the experimental group (G_E) and 27 healthy adults for the control group (G_C) participated in this study. Joint angles and electromyography were measured while subjects performed self-selected comfortable and fast-speed wheelchair propulsion. Ultrasound images were recorded before and after each propulsion task to measure the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). The range of motion of the shoulder (14.35 deg in G_E; 20.24 deg in G_C) and elbow (5.25 deg in G_E; 2.57 deg in G_C) joints were significantly decreased (p<0.001). Muscle activation levels of the anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii increased at fast propulsion. Specifically, triceps brachii showed a significant increase in muscle activation at fast propulsion. AHD decreased at fast propulsion. Moreover, the AHD of G_E was already narrowed by about 60% compared to the G_C from the pre-tests. Increased load on wheelchair propulsion, such as fast propulsion, is considered to cause upper limb joint impingement and soft tissue injury due to overuse of the extensor muscles in a narrow joint space. It is expected that the results of this study can be a quantitative and objective basis for training and rehabilitation for manual wheelchair users to prevent joint pain and damage.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.142-151
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• 2022

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder threatening the quality of life and highly occurred in over 65 years old. Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB), a traditional medicine used for the treatment of headache and convulsion, has been reported to have neuroprotective effect. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GEB and the proteomic changes in the substantia nigra (SN) of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice. Methods : Male eleven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 days. Two hours after the daily MPTP injection, the mice were orally administered 800 mg/kg of GEB extract, which continued for 7 days beyond the MPTP injections, for a total of 12 consecutive days. Two hours after the final GEB administration, the brain samples were collected, and dopaminergic neuronal death and proteomic changes in the SN were evaluated. Results : GEB prevented the MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and regulated the expression of 11 proteins including thimet oligopeptidase, T-complex protein 1, glycine tRNA ligase, and pyruvate kinase isozymes M1. Conclusions : GEB prevents MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death by regulating the proteins in the SN.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.224-238
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• 2023

To develop customized food products for gastric cancer patients, it is crucial to understand their dietary characteristics and changes in their perception of smell and taste due to their condition. This study conducted in-depth interviews and administered olfactory and gustatory tests on 20 patients with gastric cancer. A control group of 20 healthy, gender and age matched individuals, was included for comparison. Patients reported difficulties in sustaining their appetite, particularly during chemotherapy. This could be attributed to gastrointestinal discomfort and an altered perception of smell and taste. The olfactory test revealed that cancer patients were significantly less sensitive than the control group. Also, a smaller number of participants in the cancer group were reported to have a normal taste function, which enabled them to perceive umami, one of the five basic taste compared to those in the control group. These findings demonstrated that gastric cancer patients experience post-surgical digestive issues, chemotherapy-induced changes in smell and taste, and appetite loss. To improve the quality of life of these patients and the efficacy of the treatment, it is necessary to consider not only their nutritional requirements but also other factors such as appetite loss and discomfort when developing meals specifically for them.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.225-243
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• 2023

Large amounts of additives are used during meat product processing to maintain product quality and shelf life. With the growing interest in healthy foods, natural plant-based additives are being used as alternatives to synthetic additives. In this study, six types of natural extracts with excellent antibacterial activity were selected, and their antibacterial and antioxidant activities against four types of pathogens were evaluated in various combinations. In addition, the pH, color, amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and growth of pathogenic microorganisms were analyzed during the storage of sausages treated with various combinations of these extracts. The natural extract mixtures exhibited different antibacterial activities, depending on the combination. Compared to grapefruit seed extract, a mixture of natural extracts extracted with ethanol (M4) reduced the Escherichia coli content by more than 99.9% after 8 days of storage and slowed the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. by more than 80% after 14 days. Compared to untreated (NC) and grapefruit extract (PC)-treated sausages, sausages treated with the natural extract mixtures showed a significant decrease in CIE L^* and an increase in CIE a^* and CIE b^* (p < 0.05). The pH value was significantly lower in sausages containing natural extract mixtures than in the NC and PC sausages (p < 0.05). The natural plant extract mixtures significantly prevented lipid oxidation (p < 0.05). In summary, different types of natural extract mixtures have a synergistic effect when used together, suggesting that natural preservatives can generally inhibit the growth of microorganisms and oxidation of processed meat.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2023

Purpose: To determine the effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection into the human masseter muscle on the morphology of the mandibular condyle bone using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group I received a single BoNT injection; Group II received two injections, with the second being administered 4 months after the first. CBCT scans of both temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were performed before and 6 months after the first injection. Bony changes in the cortical layers of the condyle heads were evaluated and the long and short axes of both mandibular condyles were measured. The thickness at the thinnest part of glenoid fossa was also quantitatively measured. Results: There was no significant difference between pre- and post-injection CBCT images. Furthermore, no changes in the cortical layers of the condyle heads were observed among the subjects who exhibited mild degenerative TMJ changes. The quantitative measurements (long axis, short axis, and the thickness of thinnest part of glenoid fossa roof) did not differ significantly between pre- and post-injection except for the long axis in Group I. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it appears that BoNT injections into human masseter muscles do not alter the morphology of the mandibular condyle bone in healthy adults.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.394-400
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• 2022

Background: Impacts of exposure are generally monitored and recorded after injuries or illness occur. Yet, absence of conventional after-the-effect impacts (i.e., lagging indicators), tend to focus on physical health and injuries, and fail to inform if workers are not exposed to safety and health hazards. In contrast to lagging indicators, leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive indexes that offer insights how effective safety and health. The present study is to validate an extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that consists of six leading indicators. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 13 organizations (response rate = 93.1%, 1,439 responses) in Taiwan. Cronbach α, multiple linear regression and canonical correlation were used to test the reliability of the extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) which consists of six leading indicators (safe climate, transformational leadership, organizational justice, organizational support, hazard prevention and control, and training). Criteria-related validation strategy was applied to examine relationships of six leading indicators with six criteria (perceived health, burnout, depression, job satisfaction, job performance, and life satisfaction). Results: The results showed that the Cronbach's α of six leading indicators ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The canonical correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the six leading indicators and criteria (1st canonical function: correlation = 0.647, square correlation = 0.419, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study validates the extended VPP framework that focuses on promoting safety and physical and mental health. Results further provides applications of the extended VPP framework to promote workers' safety and health.

• Design Convergence Study
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.233-246
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• 2016

Mobile health industry has been combined with IT technology and is attracting attention. The health application has been developed to provide users a healthy life style. First of all, 5 mobile health applications were selected and reviewed in terms of their service trend. It turned out that none of those applications had any emotional data but physical one. Secondly, to extract users' emotion, technological researches were sorted into different categories. And the result implied that text-based emotion recognition technology is the most suitable for the mobile health service. To implement the service, the application was designed and developed the process of emotion recognition system based on the contents of the research. One-dimension emotion model, which is the standard of classifying emotional data and social network service, was set up as a source. In last, to suggest the usage of health application has been combined with persuasive technology. As a result, this paper prospered a overall service process, concrete service scheme and a guidelines containing 15 services in accordance with the five emotions and time. It is expected to become a direction for indicators considering a psychological individual context.