• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.10
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• pp.554-559
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• 2016

Mycobacterium abscessus, a member of the group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, has been identified as an emerging pulmonary pathogen in humans. However, little is known about the protective immune response of antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), which guard against M. abscessus infection. The M. abscessus gene MAB1843 encodes ᴅ-alanyl-ᴅ-alanine dipeptidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ᴅ-alanyl-ᴅ-alanine dipeptide. We investigated whether MAB1843 is able to interact with DCs to enhance the effectiveness of the host's immune response. MAB1843 was found to induce DC maturation via toll-like receptor 4 and its downstream signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B pathways. In addition, MAB1843-treated DCs stimulated the proliferation of T cells and promoted Th1 polarization. Our results indicate that MAB1843 could potentially regulate the immune response to M. abscessus, making it important in the development of an effective vaccine against this mycobacterium.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.130-136
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• 2011

Purpose: Chloral hydrate is a common drug frequently used for procedural sedation. But data on chloral hydrate use in the newborns are limited. This study examined the frequency of adverse effects of chloral hydrate and factors related to the adverse effects. We also examined if there were additional adverse effects when an additional sedative was used. Methods: The medical records of 104 patients admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from March 2010 to February 2011 who used chloral hydrate for procedural sedation were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Adverse effects after administration of chloral hydrate were noted in 41.3% of the 104 patients. The adverse events included oxygen desaturation (18.8%), increase in apneic episodes (17.5%), increase in bradycardia (10%), and feeding intolerance (3.8%). Using oxygen at the time of chloral hydrate administration was independently associated with adverse effects (odds ratio [OR], 10.911: 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-57.178) and with the necessity for an additional sedative after administration of chloral hydrate (OR, 4.151: 95% CI, 1.455-11.840). Using one additional sedative agent after chloral hydrate showed no difference in adverse effects except feeding intolerance. Conclusion: Patients dependent on oxygen at the time of chloral hydrate administration may were found to be at higher risk for adverse effect of chloral hydrate and for an additional sedative. When an additional sedative is needed, it could be used with monitoring feeding intolerance after chloral hydrate administration.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.189-200
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• 2002

Objective : This study is designed to find out the effects of Carthmi-Flos herbal acupuncture theraphy on knee joint with osteoarthritis. Methods : 32 cases of diagnostic patient with the osteoarthritis of knee joints by biochemical method, X-ray analysis and hematologic & serologic tests are divided Carthmi-Flos herbal acupuncture theraphy Group(HAG, 16 peples) and non-Carthmi-Flos herbal acupuncture theraphy Group(NHAG, 16 peoples) at Ik-San Oriental medical hospital in wonkwang university from 1th June 2000 to 31th January 2002. After treatment, we evaluated the effect per each group . Results : 1. In the both HAG and NHAG females were much more than males. Sixty aged patients were the most in the HAG(56.3%) and Seventy aged patients were the most in the NHAG(68.8%). 2. Over 5 years duration of disease in HAG was the most(37.5%). 6 months and over 5 years duration of disease in NHAG was the most(each 31.3%). 3. Two groups were not improved chronic stage(over 5 years). 4. The effect of treatment by condition of patients was follows: After treatment, Grade IV & III were decreased 75.0% in HAG and 56.2% in NHAG 5. In the distribution of treatment progression : 15 cases(93.7%) were recoverd in HAG but 14 cases(87.5%) in NHAG. 6. After comparing the results before and after treatment, we found 93.3% of patients showed recovery at anterior area and 88.9% showed at posterior. Conclusion : These results shows that Carthmi-Flos(CF) herbal acupuncture treatment has good effect on osteoarthritis in knee joint. Futhermore it is possible that CF acupuncture is one of the promising candidates for long-term therapy of osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.131-143
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• 2003

Objective : The purpose of this study is to arrange the literature about acupuncture therapy on the hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula. Methods : We arrange Huang Di Nei Jing and fifteen kinds of literature about the hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula. Results : 1. The cause of hemorrhoids are overfatigue, overeating, imbalance of stool(const-ipation or diarrhea), uncontrol sexual excess or abstinence, pathgenic factors of wetness, heat, wind, dry, fire, chronical hemorrhoids that has not been treated, and general weakness. 2. Symptom of hemorrhoids is that skin is projected form the nine holes or varicose extension to become hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids is small nodosity that projected on the anal inter or outer region, and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula is pus which comes out form one or some fistula on the anal around inter and outer region. 3. Therapy method of hemorrhoid and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula are elimination pathological heat from blood, promote blood flow to remove blood stasis, cold in nature and purge away fire, remove heat form the blood, promote blood flow to remove blood stasis, cold in nature and purge away fire, remove heat from the blood and eliminate dampness, tonify the spleen and replenish Ki, dispel wind and alleviate pain and so forth. Therapy method of hemorrhoid is to give the first consideration to relieve blood: eliminating pathological heat form blood complicated by anal fistula is to tonify the blood first, than after that eliminating pathological heat form blood. About external method are method of fumigation, method of ointment, method of close with medicine, necrotizing method and also operation(injection, bind etc.)was used for treatment. 4. The prescription are Gurgak-hwan, Wypi-hwan, Gunggyi-tang, Jingyochangchul-tang, Jingyobangpung-tang, Mokhyangbinrang-hwan, Ochi-san, Gamihyanso-san, Jojang-hwan, Sinyung-hwan used frequently. 5. food taboo on patient's diet of the hemorrhoid and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula are raw grain, cold or dampness food, alcohol, hot food, Singiberis rhizoma recens, Cinnamomi ramulus. 6. Acupuncture therapy on the hemorrhoid and hemorrhoid complicated by anal fistula are, in the first stage eliminating pathological heat form blood and eliminate dampness, and in the long term eliminate dampness, promote and remove meridian energy, remove that form the intestines, dispel channels and collaterals. 7. Acupuncture points at B2, CV1, B58, B36, B56, Sp5, S30, B25, B54, GV1, GV20, L6, B40 used frequently for the acupuncture therapy, and acupuncture point at GV4, GV1, B30, hemorrhoidal point used form moxibustion. Reduction blood at B40 and blue capillary of Sp9 and acupuncture Chungbaek, Ki-gack, Ki-jung, Ki-mun(Dongsh Kihyel) makes the treatment very effective.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.446-456
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• 2005

Nerve growth factor(NGF) has a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration. The aim of this study is to construct a well-functioning hNGF-$\beta$ recombinat adenovirus for the ultimate development of improved method to promote peripheral nerve regeneration with adenovirus mediated hNGF-$\beta$ gene transfection into Schwann cells. First PCR associated cloning of GFP-tagged hNGF-$\beta$ which was ligated into E1/E3 deleted adenoviral vector was performed and tranfected into E. coli to construct hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus. After production of recombinat adenovirus in a large scale, its transfection efficiency, expression, and function were evaluated using cell lines or primarily cultured cells of HEK293 cells, Schwann cells, fibroblast(NIH3T3) and myocyte(CRH cells). GFP expression was observed in 90% of infected cells compared to uninfected cells. Total mRNA isolated from hNGF-$\beta$ recombinat adenoviru infected cells showed strong RT-PCR band, however, LacZ recombinant adenovirus infected or uninfected cells did not. NGF quantification by ELISA showed a maximal release of 18.865 +/- 0.31ng/mL at 4th day. PC-12 cells exposed to media with hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus infected Schwann cell demonstrated higher levels of differentiation compared with controls. We generated hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus and induced over expression of NGF successfully in nonneuronal and neuronal cells. Following these result, it is expected to develop an improved treatment strategy peripheral nerve regeneration using the hNGF-$\beta$ gene transfected cells.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2005

The present study was conducted to compare antioxidant activity of Cuscutae Semen, Psoraleae Fructus, Cnidii Fructus and Epimedii Herba by DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract was studied using diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) for DPPH method. DPPH radical scavenging activity was measured after. .10, 20 and 30 minutes. The extract was tested by 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and $1000{\mu}g/ml$ concentrations. The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical with time-dependent manner. Also, the extract showed dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract of Cuscutae Semen, Psoraleae Fructus, Cnidii Fructus and Epimedii Herba scavenged DPPH radical with the IC50 being 2.7, 3.2, 2.9 and 1.1 mg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the extract of Epimedii Herba, Cuscutae Semen, Cnidii Fructus and Psoraleae Fructus have antioxidant activity for the treatment of male sterility.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2008

Recently, people are becoming fatter in most parts of the world. Obesity is regarded as an important risk factor to adversely affect the health of humans, associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, therefore, we tested the short time efficiency and safety of Bangpoongtongsungsan as a drug to decrease body weight in subjects with obesity. A total 48 volunteers (24 man, 24 woman) with body mass index (BMI : weight in kg divided by square of height in meters) of $23㎏/m^2$ participated in clinical study for 12 weeks, from 2008, March 01 to 2008, Jun 30. The subjects was received a dietary supplement of 12 pieces hard capsules per day (4 pieces in one, 3 times in a day) during the clinical study. At the end of clinical study, body weight of subjects was significantly decreased from $72.21{\pm}11.44\;kg$ to $70.53{\pm}11.67\;kg$ (p<0.05). Waist circumferences of subjects were reduced $91.58{\pm}6.43\;cm$ to $85.25{\pm}7.70\;cm$ (p<0.05). Also, a BMI of subjects was significantly decreased $26.07{\pm}2.35\;kg/m^2$ to $25.63{\pm}2.63\;kg/m^2$ (p<0.05). Particularly, a decrease in body weight, waist circumferences, and BMI was more significant in woman than man. But, other biochemical levels including lipid and glucose in plasma had no changes at the end of clinical study. In conclusion, administration of Bangpoongtongsungsan in subjects with high body weight fat could inhibit obesity associated with a decrease in body weight, waist circumferences, and BMI.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 2005

Older adults in the hospice care experience difficulties in expressing their emotional and psychological issues, which has detrimental effect in their well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine how music can be used to facilitate self-expression both verbally and nonverbally in order to decrease negative influences of self-concealment. Four cases were referred from hospice personnel at the hospital, and received music therapy sessions for four month. The total number of session varied from 9 to 11 depending on the conditions of each case. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from pre and post test of Self-Concealment Scale and Personal Descriptive Essays. The results indicated that the use of music, especially programed songs were effective in evoking emotional responses with various life-related issues and themes. The posttest indicated that the level of self-concealment has decreased, and also the Personal Descriptive Essays involved increased statements of emotional content after music therapy implementation. The study indicates that music can be used as an significant communicative and expressive medium when working with older adults in the hospice or palliative care, since they experience many difficulties to be engaged in the active expression. Music provide both passive and active experience through listening and participating, and programed music therapy intervention will increase the quality of life through expressive music activities.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.154-157
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• 2005

Purpose : We evaluated the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of mycoplasma pneumonia. Methods : A total of 559 medical records of children with mycoplasma pneumonia admitted to The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. Results : The mean annual number of cases was 51. There was a higher occurrence in autumn (September-November, 41.7%) and in winter(26.7%). Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia were noted in 1993-94, 1997, 2001, and 2003. The age distribution showed a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age and 68.2 percent of patients were in 3-8 years of age. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2 : 1. In comparison between 1994 and 2003, there was a difference in age distribution with a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age in 1994, and of 3-4 years of age in 2003. There were outbreaks during autumn and winter in 1993-94, and during summer and autumn in 2003. Conclusion : Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred every 2-4 years in Daejeon in accordance with nationwide epidemics during 1993-2003. The peak incidence of age in the recent outbreak was younger than in the outbreak which occurred 10 years ago, and in outbreaks in Western countries.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1571-1576
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• 2002

Purpose : Recently, clinical trials of steroid add-on therapy were reported with variable results in Kawasaki disease. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients at high risk of with Kawasaki disease(${\geq}4$ points of Harada score) treated by three commonly used different treatment regimens, with or without corticosteroids. Methods : Medical records of 96 children with Kawasaki disease treated with one of the threee regimens were reviewed retrospectively. Regimen 1 was aspirin(100 mg/kg/day) plus intravenous gamma globulin 2 g/kg single dose; regimen 2, aspirin(100 mg/kg/day) plus intravenous gamma globulin 1 g/kg single dose; regimen 3, regimen 2 plus prednisolone(2 mg/kg/day), followed by tapering two weeks and pulse therapy of methyl prednisolone performed in cases of retreatment. Also low dose aspirin was given in all three regimens for eight weeks after the acute phase. The cardiovascular and laboratory evaluations were performed on acute phase, immediate after acute phase, and subacute phase, eight weeks after treatment. Results : The frequency of coronary artery lesions and laboratory findings in the three different regimens were similar. The more rapid control of fever after treatment was noted in regimen 3. Furthermore the frequency of retreatment was decreased in regimen 3 compared to the other two regimens. Conclusion : Steroid add-on therapy showed some beneficial outcome compared to conventional treatment regimens. The role of steroid in the treatment of Kawasaki disease should be reassessed in systemic manner.