• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6949-6953
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• 2013

Background: Nowadays, the encapsulation of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents is attracting interest as a method for drug delivery. We hypothesized that the efficiency of helenalin might be maximized by encapsulation in ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin nanoparticles. Helenalin, with a hydrophobic structure obtained from flowers of Arnica chamissonis and Arnica Montana, has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity but low water solubility and bioavailability. ${\beta}$-Cyclodextrin (${\beta}$-CD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide comprising seven D-glucopyranoside units, linked through 1,4-glycosidic bonds. Materials and Methods: To test our hypothesis, we prepared ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-helenalin complexes to determine their inhibitory effects on telomerase gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and cytotoxic effects by colorimetric cell viability (MTT) assay. Results: MTT assay showed that not only ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin has no cytotoxic effect on its own but also it demonstrated that ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-helenalin complexes inhibited the growth of the T47D breast cancer cell line in a time and dose-dependent manner. Our q-PCR results showed that the expression of telomerase gene was effectively reduced as the concentration of ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-helenalin complexes increased. Conclusions: ${\beta}$-Cyclodextrin-helenalin complexes exerted cytotoxic effects on T47D cells through down-regulation of telomerase expression and by enhancing Helenalin uptake by cells. Therefore, ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin could be superior carrier for this kind of hydrophobic agent.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2011

In this study, Geant4 based Monte Carlo simulations were carried out for medical linear accelerator. Modified Medical Linac2 toolkit was used for calculation. The energy spectrum, most probable energy and the photon mean energy compared with the published results using the EGS4 code. The results well agreed with published results. The calculated results of photon fluence, energy fluence and mean energy according to the radius from the centre of the beam were analyzed. Monte Carlo simulation using Medical Linac2 code is considered to be useful for analysis of medical linear accelerator. Because the calculated results varies depending on Physics List model for same head structure. It it important to choose the right model for research purpose. Monte Carlo simulation using GEANT4 Medical Linac2 is a valuable for any novice to adopt this code to the study related to 6 MV photon fluence from medical linear accelerator.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.124-136
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• 2010

Objective:: This study aimed to examine the customers' utilization of and satisfaction with oriental medical clinics in South Korea. Method: The data for this study were collected from 1,208 patients of 391 oriental medical clinics through a mail questionnaire survey from September to December 2008. The collected data were analyzed by the frequency analysis and $X^2$-test. Results: The results of the study were as follows. First, the most important reason that patients used oriental medical services was to get both oriental and western medical services simultaneously, because they thought such approach would be more effective for treating their diseases. Second, two important reasons that patients visited oriental medical clinics were "the reputation of and trust in the oriental medical clinics" and "the recommendation of their family and friends". Third, many patients of the oriental medical clinics have concerns about the "high prices and the outcome of oriental medical services". Fourth, the most preferred oriental medical service was "acupuncture". Fifth, it was found that 75% of the respondents were satisfied with the services they had received. They told that the outcome of the care and the kindness of the clinics' staff were very important factors that have an impact on their satisfaction. Conclusion: The study results imply that oriental medical clinics have to make an effort to strengthen their reputation and trust in the community through the scientific validation of oriental medicine, differentiated services mixed with traditional value, customer relationship management, reasonable and acceptable price of the services, staff education, and continuous quality improvement.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.227-236
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• 2001

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the clinical results of the thoracolumbar fracture patients treated with oriental medical methods. Methods : We reviewed 40 patients of thoracolumbar fracture, who were hospitalized at WonKwang University KwangJu Oriental Medical Hospital and treated by oriental medical methods. We classified thoracolumbar fracture according to three column theory and then analyzed the cause of injury, sex-age distribution, treatment, and etc.. Results : 1. The distribution showed female predominance(72.5%) in sex and 70age-bracket predominance in age. 2. In the distribution of causes, the largest group was "lifting heavy objects"(40%) and the next was "slip down"(37.5%). 3. In the duration of symptoms, the largest group was the group of "acutest" (40%). 4. The distribution of injured level was L1 body the most(20%). 5. In classification of fracture, "compression fracture" was the most(57.5%) and the next was "burst fracture", "unstable fracture" in order. 7. Therapeutic effects above "fair" were 37 cases(92.5%). 8. The higher grade of clinical symptoms is, the lower therapeutic effect is. 9. In the distribution of treatment results according to classification of fracture, both the compression fracture and the burst fracture were almost same high and the unstable fracture is relatively lower than them. Conclusions : The result to treating thoracolumbar fracture by oriental medical methods is satisfactory.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.142-147
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• 2014

Objective : A thoracolumbar burst fracture is usually unstable and can cause neurological deficits and angular deformity. Patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture usually need surgery for decompression of the spinal canal, correction of the angular deformity, and stabilization of the spinal column. We compared two struts, titanium mesh cages (TMCs) and expandable cages. Methods : 33 patients, who underwent anterior thoracolumbar reconstruction using either TMCs (n=16) or expandable cages (n=17) between June 2000 and September 2011 were included in this study. Clinical outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale and Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) for functional neurological evaluation. The Cobb angle, body height of the fractured vertebra, the operation time and amount of intra-operative bleeding were measured in both groups. Results : In the expandable cage group, operation time and amount of intraoperative blood loss were lower than that in the TMC group. The mean VAS scores and LBOS in both groups were improved, but no significant difference. Cobb angle was corrected higher than that in expandable cage group from postoperative to the last follow-up. The change in Cobb angles between preoperative, postoperative, and the last follow-up did not show any significant difference. There was no difference in the subsidence of anterior body height between both groups. Conclusion : There was no significant difference in the change in Cobb angles with an inter-group comparison, the expandable cage group showed better results in loss of kyphosis correction, operation time, and amount of intraoperative blood loss.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.95-104
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• 2019

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes vascular endothelial cell inflammatory response and apoptosis and plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a metabolite produced by the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Rb1, possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether or not CK protects ox-LDL-damaged endothelial cells and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. Methods: In our study, cell viability was tested using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) was detected using JC-1. The cell apoptotic percentage was measured by the Annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) assay, lactate dehydrogenase, and caspase-3 expression. Apoptosis-related proteins, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways protein expression were quantified by Western blotting. Results: Our results demonstrated that CK could ameliorate ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inflammation and apoptosis, $NF-{\kappa}B$ nuclear translocation, and the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, anisomycin, an activator of p38 and JNK, significantly abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of CK. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CK prevents ox-LDL-induced HUVECs inflammation and apoptosis through inhibiting the $NF-{\kappa}B$, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, CK is a candidate drug for atherosclerosis treatment.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.520-525
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• 2019

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity against many cancers. However, the pharmacologic effect of DHA on HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether DHA could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells and uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in the effect of DHA on HepG2.2.15 cells. We found that DHA effectively inhibited HepG2.2.15 HCC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. DHA also reduced the migration and tumorigenicity capacity of HepG2.2.15 cells. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, results showed that DHA induced cellular senescence by up-regulating expression levels of proteins such as p-ATM, p-ATR, ${\gamma}-H_2AX$, P53, and P21 involved in DNA damage response. DHA also induced autophagy (green LC3 puncta gathered together and LC3II/LC3I ratio increased through AKT-mTOR pathway suppression). Results also revealed that DHA-induced autophagy was not linked to senescence or cell death. TPP1 (telomere shelterin) overexpression could not rescue DHA-induced anticancer activity (cell proliferation). Moreover, DHA down-regulated TPP1 expression. Gene knockdown of TPP1 caused similar phenotypes and mechanisms as DHA induced phenotypes and mechanisms in HepG2.2.15 cells. These results demonstrate that DHA might inhibit HepG2.2.15 cells proliferation through inducing cellular senescence and autophagy.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2021

This study aims to examine the effect of integrated health and welfare(IHW) services on medical use and medical expenses in Korean Veteran Hospitals. Data on the volume of medical use and medical expenses were collected from two patient groups of 5 Veterans' Hospitals: the beneficiary group who has received IHW services and the non-beneficiary group who has not. Each group was composed of 265 patients respectively. The results of the study revealed that the volume of home nursing services, home rehabilitation services, ambulatory services have increased significantly, whereas the average length of stay, number of using emergency services, and average medical expenses have decreased after receiving integrated health services in the beneficiary group. In contrast, the non-beneficiary group showed much more increase both in the volume of inpatient and outpatient services, as well as the average medical expenses, compared to those of the beneficiary group. This results imply that the provision of IHW services have positive impacts on the enhancing the effectiveness of the medical resources utilization for the veteran patients.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.77-90
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to assess and improve the work scope of emergency medical technicians (EMT)-paramedics in emergency medical centers. Methods: Data were collected from February 1 to 14, 2018. The questionnaire comprised a total of 56 questions: eight general questions, six questions about the recognition of EMT-paramedics in emergency medical centers, and 42 questions about their work. Data were analyzed via frequency and correlation analysis using SPSS version 18.0. Results: Regarding the work of EMTs in emergency medical centers, positive opinions were found in 23 items, negative opinions in 4 items, and both positive and negative opinions in 9 items. Regarding the questions about the necessity, work importance, professionalism, and the need for an increase4 in EMR-paramedics, depending on respondents' career, there was no statistically significant difference between the group of beginners and the group comprising beginners and that of experienced workers (p>.200). Conclusion: The expert survey revealed that the work performance of EMT-paramedics in regional emergency medical centers was trusted and showed positive results of improvement and expansion.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.462-467
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• 2018

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of work on medical expenditures by the elderly. Methods: Data pertaining to individuals aged 65 or older collected by the Korean Health Panel 2008-2013 were used. The effects of work on medical expenditures were analyzed in a panel tobit model adjusted for several variables of demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, and health factors for health care. Data were also analyzed based on age groups (65-74, $75{\leq}$), type of work (waged or self-employed), and working time (daytime work or night time work). Results: Among the elderly older than 65 years, 34-37% were workers. Work among the elderly reduced medical expenditures relative to nonworking elderly. Specifically, medical expenditures were lower in individuals older than 75 years, as well as among those who were self-employed insured and had medical aid insurance and those who exercised. However, medical expenditures were higher among females, married individuals, those with a higher household income, and those with a chronic disease. Elderly wageworkers showed reduced medical expenditures than nonworking elderly and elderly daytime workers did. Conclusion: The elderly population's work, especially wage work and daytime work, reduced medical expenditures relative to no work. These results provide valuable information for policymakers by indicating that work was associated with lower medical expenditures than no work. If elderly work is to be encouraged, it is necessary to provide a variety of high-quality wage work.