• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.449-456
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of health perception, body image and sexual function on depression according to the menopausal stage in Korean middle aged women. Methods: Subjects were 182 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who had not received hormonal replacement therapy. A five-item General HealthShort Form (SF-36) Health Survey Questionnaire (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992) was used to measure health perception. Body image was measured Semantic Differential scale, CES-D was used to measure the level of depression, and sexual function was measured by FSFI. Results: The subjects rated their health as 'moderate', their body image as 'moderate, and level of depression as 'high'. However, there were no significant differences in health perception, body image, and depression between perimenopasual and postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women experienced lower levels of sexual function than perimenopausal women in sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. In stepwise regression analysis, 21.7% of variance in depression was shown to be perceived health and body image in postmenopausal women. However, in perimenopausal women, perceived health and sexual function explained 34.5% of variance in depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that nurses must consider the menopasusal stage when counseling their patients.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.86-95
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• 2006

The ethanol extract of the Crotalaria juncea seeds, which showed promising antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities in albino mice, was taken up further for the isolation of the active fractions present in it. Two fractions that were obtained from thin layer chromatography were subjected for testing to know their antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities. After preliminary trials the fraction I showed maximum antifertility activity at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally to the rats for 50 days. The fraction I was found to affect spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine functions of the testis as indicated by gravimetric, histopathological and biochemical changes. Further this fraction has caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of the testis. The accessory reproductive organs like epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostrate, Cowper's gland and Levator Ani muscle showed significant malfunction. Cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were reduced significantly. The treatment has also resulted in increase in the cholesterol level and alkaline phosphatase activity, and decrease in protein, glycogen, sialic acid contents and acid phosphatase activity in testis. It is noteworthy that RIA studies have shown significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed abnormalities in sperm structure.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.295-305
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• 1996

This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary calcium level(a diet which met 100% or twice the calcium level in AIN-76 diet) on preventing bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Sprauge-Dawley rats(body weight 200$\pm$5g) were divided into two groups. One group were ovariectomized(Ovx) while the others received sham operation(Sham). Thereafter, each rat group was further divided into normal calcium diet(NCD, 0.52%) and high calcium diet(HCD, 1.04%) sub-groups. All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Urinary pyridinoline & creatinine and serum estradiol, luteinizing hormone, calcium, phosphate, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were determined. There were no significant differences in serum calcium. total protein and albumin in the two groups(Ovx vs Sham) of rats. Ovariectomized rats had significantly lower estradiol than sham operated rats. There was a highly significant correlation between total bone mineral density(TBMD) and overall level of esteradiol(r=0.59, p<0.05). Total bone mineral density did not correlate significantly with ALP or osteocalcin, although a negative trend was evident. However, the rats fed high calcium diet had a lower crosslinks value and osteocalcine than the rats fed normal calcium diet. An increased rate of bone turnover is usually associated with a decrease in bone mass bexause bone formation at each remodeling site is never as great as resorption. Ovariectomized rats fed high calcium diet had a lower crosslink value and osteocalcin; it means high cacium diet decreased bone turnover rate. The findings from the present study demonstrated that bone loss due to ovarian hormonal deficiency can be partially prevented by a high calcium diet. Futhermore, these findings support the strategy of the use of a high calcium diet in the prevention of estrogen depletion bone loss (postmenopausal osteoporosis).

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.168-179
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• 2015

We previously identified the rice gene, OsSAP, as an encoder of a highly conserved putative senescence-associated protein that was shown to have anti-apoptotic activity. To confirm the role of OsSAP in inducing abiotic stress tolerance in rice, we introduced OsSAP and AtBI-1, a plant homologue of Bax inhibitor-1, under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter into the rice genome through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The OsSAP transformants showed a similar chlorophyll index after salinity treatments with AtBI-1. Furthermore, we compared the effects of salinity stress on leaves and roots by examining the hormone levels of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellic acid (GA3), and zeatin in transformants compared to the control. With the exception of phytohormones, stress-induced changes in hormone levels putatively related to stress tolerance have not been investigated previously. Hormonal level analysis confirmed the lower rate of stress in the transformants compared to the control. The levels of ABA and JA in OsSAP and AtBI-1 transformants were similar, where stress rates increased after one week and decreased after a two week period of drought; there was a slightly higher accumulation compared to the control. However, a similar trend was not observed for the level of zeatin, as the decrease in the level of zeatin accumulation differed in both OsSAP and AtBI-1 transformants for all genotypes during the early period of salinity stress. The GA3 level was detected under normal conditions, but not under salinity stress.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.526-534
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• 2008

To determine the trace level of synthetic and natural hormones in food, the improvement of official analytical method and new development of simultaneous determination of hormones were established. On the basis of developed analytical method, the background level of natural hormones and distribution of residual hormones were monitored in meat. Target hormones were six natural hormones such as estrogens ($17{\beta}$-estradiol, $17{\alpha}$-estradiol, estrone), androgens ($17{\beta}$-testosterone, $17{\alpha}$-testosterone), and gestagens (progesterone) and three synthetic hormones such as DES, zeranol, and taleranol. These hormones were analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. Newly developed multi-residue analysis method was applied for meat sample which were collected from market in the capital region and monitored the presence of residues of synthetic and natural steroid hormones. No residue of synthetic hormones were detected and endogenous level of progesterone was detected in cattle, pig and liver samples tested.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.20-24
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• 2012

Background: Migraine patients can be sensitive to external or internal stimuli, such as light, noise, or hormonal changes. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) with breath-holding method, we evaluated the changes of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia in women with migraine without aura between fasting and postprandial period. Methods: Twelve women with migraine without aura and the same number of age and sex-matched healthy controls with no significant history of headache participated in this study. Using TCD examinations, we studied mean flow velocity in middle cerebral artery with better temporal window. Each subject was examined consecutively before and after a standard meal, together with serum glucose level and blood pressure. CVR was evaluated with breath-holding index (BHI). Results: Postprandial-BHI (mean+SD) was significantly higher than fasting-BHI (mean+SD) in patients group but not in controls (in patient group; postprandial-BHI=1.38, fasting-BHI=1.08, in control group; postprandial-BHI=1.25, fasting-BHI=1.18, P=0.021 and 0.239, respectively). After meal, serum glucose level was significantly enhanced but blood pressure was not in both groups. Serum glucose level of patients showed a tendency of mild positive correlation with BHIs (${\gamma}$=0.448, P=0.032). Conclusions: Although exact mechanisms are unclear, cerebrovascular reactivity of some women with migraine without aura may be influenced by prandial state.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.41-60
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• 1994

The objective of this paper is to verify clinical effects of Lyu's Soyosan(柳氏逍遙散) and Lyu's Kwipithang(柳氏歸脾湯). They were prescribed to the enperimental student group suffering from mental stress and annoyed by psychological instability. From the biochemical examination before and after medication, we measure the amount of hormonal variation in thyroid hormone(TSH, $T_4$) and adrenocortical hormone(ACTH, cortisol) The results are as follows. 1. The average of self-rating anxiety scale(SAS) in test group is $41.00\;{\pm}\;7.84$. This value is statistical significant and higher than one of normal person(age 20-39). The average of a global assesment of recent stress(GARS) scale is $28.62\;{\pm}9.00$. There is statistical correlation coefficient between SAS and GARS (p < 0.001). 2. Both Lyu's Soyosan(柳氏逍遙散) and Lyu.s Kwipithang (柳氏歸脾湯) groups show statistically significant reduction of total cholesterol and triglyceride level in serum lipid after ten day medication. 3. It is observed that Lyu's Soyisan(柳氏逍遙散) and Luy's Kwipithang (柳氏歸脾湯) groups have increasing tendency of TSH. The statistically significant reduction of $T_4$ was found in two groups after ten day medicaton. 4. It is observed that Lyu's Soyosan(柳氏逍遙散) and Lyu's kwipithang (柳氏歸脾湯) group have statistically significant reduction of serum cortisol level after ten day medication, Both groups have statistically significant reduction of plasma ACTH level after twenty day medication. From these results, it is verified that both Lyu's Soyosan(柳氏逍遙散) and Lyu's Kwipithang (柳氏歸脾湯) have anti-stress effects against psychological instability and mental stress. The Lyu's Soyosn(柳氏逍遙散) shows special effectiveness in depression of liver-energy(肝氣鬱結) and the Lyu's Kwipitang (柳氏歸脾湯) is also effective in deficiency heart-blood(心血不足).

• Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2008

The relationship between three phenological parameters and somatic embryogenesis was investigated during a two-year period. Staminodes and petals from six hybrids and two clones as controls were sowed on three distinct primary callus growth media. Flowering level, fructification level, and leaf thrusts rhythm as phenological parameters were measured simultaneously during the weekly harvest of flower buds. Mean and coefficient of variation of the measured parameters highlighted stable phenological phases. The relationship between phenological parameters and somatic embryogenesis was investigated first by comparing the variation of somatic embryogenesis and that of the phenological parameters, and second by using Pearson's linear correlation. Except for the fructification level in both control clones the first year, the other parameters recorded stable phenological phases, regardless of the genotype and year. Favorable and unfavorable phases for the somatic embryogenesis were identified. In hybrids, favorable phases included February, August, September, and October. In both control clones, time interval propitious to embryogenesis stretched from February to December. The significance of the coefficient of correlation seemed to establish a relationship between somatic embryogenesis and phenology. However, a causal link could not be established. Leaf thrusts rhythm was revealed to be the phenological parameter most linked to somatic embryogenesis. Attempts to optimize embryogenesis during unfavorable phases, showed that a correction of 2.4 D/TDZ concentration is not the solution.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.155-166
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• 2000

In order to elucidate the interrelationship between electrolytes and exercise the investigation was undertaken to determine the electrolyte levels in young males took on varied environmental temperatures ($13^{\circ}C$, $24^{\circ}C$ or $34^{\circ}C$). 10 healthy young males were used for the experiments. Our results showed the following significant changes; 1. The raising of the environmental temperature, the weight reduction were increased due to marked sweating. 2. In the electrolytes of serum, decreased the $K^+$ concentration at $13^{\circ}C$, but increased the $Na^+$ or $Cl^-$ concentration at $24^{\circ}C$, and increased the $Na^+$ or $Cl^-$, or $Mg^{+}^{+}$ concentrations at $34^{\circ}C$. 3. The raising of environmental temperature appear to be increased PRA,Ang I, Ang II and ALD levels, whereas no changed ADH level. 4. Serum levels of PRA, Ang I, Ang II and ALD were incresed after exercise, and their increments were incresed paralel ttie incresed environmental temperature. However, there no significant change in ADH, level. In conclusion, exercise induced not only changes of serum electrolytes levels such as $Na^+$, $Cl^-$, $K^+$, $Mg^{+}^{+}$, but also serum hormonal changes such as PRA, Ang I, Ang II, ALD. However, ADH level was not changed significantly, These changes were more prominent in exercise at hot temperature than in lower temperature.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2005

Objective: The prolactinoma is the most common pituitary tumor and sometimes shows severe invasiveness to the adjacent cavernous sinus, especially in the male patient. The dopamine agonist can be used as an alternative treatment modality to surgery. But, the transsphenoidal or transcranial approach for tumor removal has been more preferred treatment option of neurosurgeons in invasive prolactinoma. Especially rapid decompression of mass effect and resolution of the neurologic deficit is demanded. The prospective study is done in order to identify the therapeutic efficacy of bromocriptine as an initial treatment option for the invasive prolactionomas. Methods: Twenty patients with invasive prolactinoma were studied. Preoperative neurological and endocrinological evaluations were done, and size and invasiveness of the tumor was estimated on MRI. Bromocriptine was administrated by increasing dose planning reaching maximum dose at 1 month of treatment, with close neurological and endocrinological monitoring. At 3months after treatment, MRI was taken and decision was made whether to continue bromocriptine or to have surgical intervention. Results: Thirteen patients showed excellent result with only bromocriptine treatment. These patients showed not only marked reduction of tumor volume and prolactin level, but also, improving clinical symptoms and other hormonal deficits. 13patients who had visual field defect and decreased visual acuity had all improved visual symptoms. But, the remaining 4patients required surgical treatment due to insufficient reduction of tumor size inspite of normalized prolactin level within 3months. Remaining 2patients had $20{\sim}30%$ of tumor size reduction, but prolactin level was not normalized. One patient required radiation therapy. Conclusion: Bromociptine can be used as initial treatment for the invasive prolactinomas with careful monitoring of the neurological and endocrinological status. It should be carefully followed up for tumor size reduction within 3 months after initiation of treatment.