• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate exposure characteristics of lead using data from the domestic occupational exposure literature. Methods: Occupational airborne exposure data on lead reported in the domestic literature from 1981 to 2018 were collected and re-analyzed. The exposure levels in the data were expressed as an estimated arithmetic mean and a weighted arithmetic mean (WAM) of the number of samples. Lead exposure characteristics were analyzed by industry, process, and year. Results: From a total of 14 documents, 8,305 airborne lead measurements for 17 industries were identified, and the WAM concentration in eight industries exceeded the occupational exposure limit of 50 ㎍/m³. Three industries (battery manufacturing, lead smelting, and litharge manufacturing) accounted for 95% of the total data, and exposure trends could be confirmed over 10 years. Exposure levels continue to decrease in all three industries. Conclusions: Considering the distribution outlook of lead and lead compounds, the main management targets are lead storage battery manufacturing and secondary smelting for lead regeneration.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.479-499
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• 2022

The lack of a clonal renin-secreting cell line has greatly hindered the investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of renin secretion at the cellular, biochemical, and molecular levels. In the present study, we investigated whether it was possible to induce phenotypic switching of the renin-expressing clonal cell line As4.1 from constitutive inactive renin secretion to regulated active renin secretion. When grown to postconfluence for at least two days in media containing fetal bovine serum or insulin-like growth factor-1, the formation of cell-cell contacts via N-cadherin triggered downstream cellular signaling cascades and activated smooth muscle-specific genes, culminating in phenotypic switching to a regulated active renin secretion phenotype, including responding to the key stimuli of active renin secretion. With the use of phenotype-switched As4.1 cells, we provide the first evidence that active renin secretion via exocytosis is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain. The molecular mechanism of phenotypic switching in As4.1 cells described here could serve as a working model for full phenotypic modulation of other secretory cell lines with incomplete phenotypes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.616-624
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• 2022

Mebendazole (MBZ), a microtubule depolymerizing drug commonly used for the treatment of helminthic infections, has been suggested as a repositioning candidate for the treatment of brain tumors. However, the efficacy of MBZ needs further study to improve the beneficial effect on the survival of those patients. In this study, we explored a novel strategy to improve MBZ efficacy using a drug combination. When glioblastoma cells were treated with MBZ, cell proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited with an IC₅₀ of less than 1 µM. MBZ treatment also inhibited glioblastoma cell migration with an IC₅₀ of less than 3 µM in the Boyden chamber migration assay. MBZ induced G2-M cell cycle arrest in U87 and U373 cells within 24 h. Then, at 72 h of treatment, it mainly caused cell death in U87 cells with an increased sub-G1 fraction, whereas polyploidy was seen in U373 cells. However, MBZ treatment did not affect ERK1/2 activation stimulated by growth factors. The marked induction of autophagy by MBZ was observed, without any increased expression of autophagy-related genes ATG5/7 and Beclin 1. Co-treatment with MBZ and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) markedly enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of MBZ in the cells. Triple combination treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) (another autophagy inducer) further enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of MBZ and CQ. The combination of MBZ and CQ also showed an enhanced effect in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells. Therefore, we suggest that the modulation of protective autophagy could be an efficient strategy for enhancing the anti-tumor efficacy of MBZ in glioblastoma cells.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.203-210
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vestibular sensory stimulation exercise on the limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time in adult women. Methods : This study was conducted with 30 female. All subjects were randomly and equally assigned to an experimental group and a control group of 15 each. Subjects assigned to the experimental group received vestibular sensory stimulation training for 6 weeks. For the intervention, vestibular sensory stimulation exercises were conducted by referring to the Hamid exercise method and the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise method, and the control group did not receive any intervention. All subjects were tested for limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time before and after the intervention. Results : The results of this study showed significant differences between groups in reaction time, moving velocity, and directional control in the limit of stability test after intervention. In the dynamic weight shift test after intervention, there was a significant difference between the groups in the slow directional control of left and right. And in the upper and lower extremities reaction time test after intervention, both scores and reaction time showed significant differences between groups. Conclusion : As a result, the three vestibular sensory stimulation exercises applied in this study improved the limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.27-35
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the TPI Level 1 test and the performance of KPGA professional golf players. Methods : In 2019, 30 KPGA golf players attempted in the TPI Level 1 test. Their performance was then compared with the test based on the players' aggregated official records on the KPGA website, The most meaningful prize money ranking, average driving distance, fairway landing rate, and average number of putts were considered to evaluate their performance. Additionally, to obtain the average value of the players' accumulated records, the period from the first game in March 2019 to the end of October was considered. Results : The criterion for the difference between the upper group and the lower group was set based on the 9 points of the TPI Level 1 test, which showed the most significant difference. The prize money ranking stood at 63.00±51.77 in the upper group and 113.92±68.79 in the lower group in the TPI Level 1 test, the difference was significantly higher (p<.05) for the upper group (p<.05). The average driving distance was 286.15±10.06 yds for the upper group and 277.39±8.49 yds for the lower group, group, with the driving distance significantly higher in the upper group (p<.05). Further, the average number of putts for the upper group was 1.81±.02 and 1.85±.04 for the lower group, indicating a significant difference. Conclusion : A higher TPI Level 1 test score is likely to have a positive effect on performance.. As a result of the statistical values of this study, it was found that players must possess at least 9 out of 17 types of physical abilities Therefore, it can be considered that training and intervention to acquire these physical abilities are essential.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.70-75
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• 2022

Background Fingertip injuries are very common; however, the reconstruction of volar pulp defects with nail bed defects is challenging in the absence of the amputated segment. We reconstructed fingertip amputations with nail bed defects using a new surgical approach: a subcutaneous flap and composite graft. Methods We treated 10 fingertip amputation patients without an amputated segment, with exposed distal phalangeal bone and full-thickness nail bed defects between February 2018 and December 2020. All patients underwent two-stage surgery: in the first stage, a subcutaneous flap was performed to cover the exposed distal phalanx, and in the second stage, a composite graft, consisting of nail bed, hyponychium, and volar pulp skin, was applied over the subcutaneous flap. Results All flaps survived and all composite grafts were successful. The wounds healed without any significant complications, including the donor site. The average follow-up duration was 11.2 months (range, 3-27 months). The new nail and the shape of the volar pulp were evaluated during follow-up. All patients were satisfied with their natural fingertip shapes and the new nails did not have any serious deformities. Conclusions A subcutaneous flap in combination with a composite graft fitting the shape of the defect could be another option for fingertip injuries without amputated segments.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권2호
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• pp.276-286
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• 2022

Objective : Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. However, its clinical efficacy in regard to specific types of pain has not been well studied. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of paddle-type SCS according to the type of neuropathic pain. Methods : Seventeen patients who underwent paddle-lead SCS at our hospital were examined. Clinical outcomes were evaluated pre- and postoperatively (3 months, 1 year, and last follow-up) using the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI). The NPSI categorizes pain as superficial, deep, paroxysmal, evoked, or dysesthesia and assess the duration of the pain (pain time score). Changes in NPSI scores were compared with change in Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Results : After SCS, the pain time score improved by 45% (independent t-test, p=0.0002) and the deep pain score improved by 58% (independent t-test, p=0.001). Improvements in the pain time score significantly correlated with improvements in the VAS score (r=0.667, p=0.003, Spearman correlation). Additionally, the morphine milligram equivalent value was markedly lower after vs. before surgery (~49 mg, pared t-test, p=0.002). No preoperative value was associated with clinical outcome. Conclusion : The NPSI is a useful tool for evaluating the therapeutic effects of SCS. Chronic use of a paddle-type spinal cord stimulation improved the deep pain and the pain time scores.

• 임상간호연구
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.185-197
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was performed to verify reliability and validity of the Korean Pediatric Patient Classification System (KPPCS) and estimate nursing time conversion index. Methods: The study was conducted in 9 children's hospital which included various areas and size of bed settings. To verify intraclass correlation reliability and construct validity, staff nurses and nurse managers of 21 wards classified 575 patients according to KPPCS comparing differences by age, days of stay, type of stay and medical department. Direct and indirect nursing time of 575 patients were measured by 284 nursing staffs by stopwatch observation and self reports for 24 hours. Results: KPPCS has 12 categories, 55 nursing activities and 80 criterions. High agreement among nurses (r=.91, p<.001) suggested substantial reliability. Construct validity was verified by comparing differences in age, days of stay, type of stay and medical department (p<.05). The correlation of nursing time and classification score was also statistically significant (r=.59, p<.001). The nursing time conversion index was 10.78 minutes per 1 classification score. The entire patient group were classified to four groups using KPPCS. Conclusion: The findings suggest that KPPCS would be a useful tool for estimating nursing demands related to the complexity of pediatric patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.104-114
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• 2022

Background: Abnormalities of myelin, which increases the efficiency of action potential conduction, are found in neurological disorders. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) demonstrates therapeutic efficacy against some of these conditions, however effects on oligodendrocyte (OL)s are not well known. Here, we examined the effects of KRG-derived components on development and protection of OL-lineage cells. Methods: Primary OL precursor cell (OPC) cultures were prepared from neonatal mouse cortex. The protective efficacies of the KRG components were examined against inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. For in vivo function of Rb1 on myelination, after 10 days of oral gavage into adult male mice, forebrains were collected. OPC proliferation were assessed by BrdU incorporation, and differentiation and myelination were examined by qPCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results: The non-saponin promoted OPC proliferation, while the saponin promoted differentiation. Both processes were mediated by AKT and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. KRG extract, the saponin and non-saponin protected OPCs against oxidative stress, and both KRG extract and the saponin significantly increased the expression of the antioxidant enzyme. Among 11 major ginsenosides tested, Rb1 significantly increased OL membrane size in vitro. Moreover, Rb1 significantly increased myelin formation in adult mouse brain. Conclusion: All KRG components prevented OPC deaths under oxidative stress. While non-saponin promoted proliferation, saponin fraction increased differentiation and OL membrane size. Furthermore, among all the tested ginsenosides, Rb1 showed the biggest increase in the membrane size and significantly enhanced myelination in vivo. These results imply therapeutic potentials of KRG and Rb1 for myelin-related disorders.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• 제16권11호
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• pp.3694-3722
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• 2022

In today's globalized world, there is no transparency in exchanging data and information between producers and consumers. However, these tasks experience many challenges, such as administrative barriers, confidential data leakage, and extensive time delays. To overcome these challenges, we propose a decentralized, secured, and verified smart chain framework using Ethereum Smart Contract which employs Inter Planetary File Systems (IPFS) and MongoDB as storage systems to automate the process and exchange information into blocks using the Tendermint algorithm. The proposed work promotes complete traceability of the product, ensures data integrity and transparency in addition to providing security to their personal information using the Lelantos mode of shipping. The Tendermint algorithm helps to speed up the process of validating and authenticating the transaction quickly. More so in this time of pandemic, it is easier to meet the needs of customers through the Ethermint Smart Chain, which increases customer satisfaction, thus boosting their confidence. Moreover, Smart contracts help to exploit more international transaction services and provide an instant block time finality of around 5 sec using Ethermint. The paper concludes with a description of product storage and distribution adopting the Ethermint technique. The proposed system was executed based on the Ethereum-Tendermint Smart chain. Experiments were conducted on variable block sizes and the number of transactions. The experimental results indicate that the proposed system seems to perform better than existing blockchain-based systems. Two configuration files were used, the first one was to describe the storage part, including its topology. The second one was a modified file to include the test rounds that Caliper should execute, including the running time and the workload content. Our findings indicate this is a promising technology for food supply chain storage and distribution.