• Title/Summary/Keyword: Nature of Medicine

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Genomic and Proteomic Databases: Foundations, Current Status and Future Applications

  • Navathe, Shamkant B.;Patil, Upen;Guan, Wei
    • Journal of Computing Science and Engineering
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.1-30
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    • 2007
  • In this paper we have provided an extensive survey of the databases and other resources related to the current research in bioinformatics and the issues that confront the database researcher in helping the biologists. Initially we give an overview of the concepts and principles that are fundamental in understanding the basis of the data that has been captured in these databases. We briefly trace the evolution of biological advances and point out the importance of capturing data about genes, the fundamental building blocks that encode the characteristics of life and proteins that are the essential ingredients for sustaining life. The study of genes and proteins is becoming extremely important and is being known as genomics and proteomics, respectively. Whereas there are numerous databases related to various subfields of biology, we have maintained a focus on genomic and proteomic databases which are the crucial stepping stones for other fields and are expected to play an important role in the future applications of biology and medicine. A detailed listing of these databases with information about their sizes, formats and current status is presented. Related databases like molecular pathways and interconnection network databases are mentioned, but their full coverage would be beyond the scope of a single paper. We comment on the peculiar nature of the data in biology that presents special problems in organizing and accessing these databases. We also discuss the capabilities needed for database development and information management in the bioinformatics arena with particular attention to ontology development. Two research case studies based on our own research are summarized dealing with the development of a new genome database called Mitomap and the creation of a framework for discovery of relationships among genes from the biomedical literature. The paper concludes with an overview of the applications that will be driven from these databases in medicine and healthcare. A glossary of important terms is provided at the end of the paper.

A Study on the Pungent Taste of Huangbo (Phellodendri Cortex) - Based on Comparison of Its Application by the Yishui School and Zhu Danxi - (황백(黃柏)의 신미(辛味)에 대한 고찰(考察) - 역수학파(易水學派) 의가(醫家)들과 주단계(朱丹溪)의 활용 방식의 비교를 중심으로 -)

  • Shin, Sang-won
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.97-114
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    • 2022
  • Objectives : Background research on the history of Huangbo's taste being written as 'pungent' was undertaken, after which its clinical meaning was examined from the medical perspective that was behind the medicinal's taste designation. Furthermore, through various understandings on the 'pungent' taste within the process of clinical application, the meaning of 'pungent' in Korean medicinal research was re-evaluated. Methods : Description of Huangbo's taste as 'pungent' as written in medical texts were chronologically examined to determine its origin. The clinical meaning of the pungent taste of Huangbo was examined within the broad medical perspective of doctors who were behind these descriptions. Results & Conclusions : The pungent taste of Huangbo was first described by Zhang Yuansu, followed by doctors of the Yishui School such as Li Dongyuan, Wang Haogu, etc., during which such knowledge was established and contributed to recognition of Huangbo's effect as tonifying Kidney deficiency and treatment of fire within water, after reaching the Kidney. Li Dongyuan understood the meaning of Huangbo's pungent taste as eliminating Yin fire and restoring the upward direction, ultimately restoring the general 'Rising-Falling-Floating-Sinking' mechanism within the context of his inner damage treatment. On the other hand, Zhu Danxi interpreted the pungentness of Huangbo based on his understanding of the nature of fire and action towards it. It seems as Huangbo's effects were understood within a relatively narrow frame, application of its pungent taste became vague, which gave rise to criticism by later period doctors, ultimately leading to an ambiguous understanding of the pungent taste of Huangbo.

The Effects of Treadmill Gait Training with Flexible Derotator of Femur Orthosis on Postural Alignment of Lower Extremities and Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Single Group Rpeated Measure Design (대퇴골 회전방지보조기를 착용한 트레드밀 보행훈련이 뇌성마비 아동의 하지배열 및 보행에 미치는 영향: 단일그룹 반복측정 연구)

  • Yoo, Hyun-Young;Kim, Suhn-Yeop;Jang, Hyun-Jung
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.1-10
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    • 2014
  • PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of flexible derotator of femur orthosis (FDO) during treadmill gait training on the quadriceps-angle (Q-angle), lateral pelvic tilt, gait speed, and number of steps in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Seven children with cerebral palsy who had rotational deformity of the lower extremities participated in this study. We used single group repeated measure design. The procedure consisted of baseline phase, intervention phase, and post-intervention phase. The baseline phase consisted of stretching and strengthening exercise and treadmill gait training without FDO. The treatment phase not only included the same procedures as those for baseline, but also included FDO during treadmill gait training. Postural alignment of the lower extremities was assessed with the Q-angle, and lateral pelvic tilt using the Dartfish software program. A 10-m walk test was used to evaluate gait speed and number of steps. RESULTS: For postural alignment, there was significant differences after the application of FDO (p<.05). For gait ability, there was significant differences in all phases (p<.01). CONCLUSION: These finding suggest that the application of FDO during treadmill gait training had a positive effect on the improvement of postural alignment and gait ability in children with cerebral palsy having rotational deformity.

Impact of DRG Payment on the Length of Stay and the Number of Outpatient Visits After Discharge for Caesarean Section During 2004-2007 (DRG 지불제도가 재원일수와 퇴원 후 외래방문일수에 미치는 영향: 2004-2007년도 제왕절개술을 중심으로)

  • Shon, Chang-Woo;Chung, Seol-Hee;Yi, Seon-Ju;Kwon, Soon-Man
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.44 no.1
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    • pp.48-55
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    • 2011
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based payment on the length of stay and the number of outpatient visits after discharge in for patients who had undergone caesarean section. Methods: This study used the health insurance data of the patients in health care facilities that were paid by the Fee-For-Service (FFS) in 2001-2004, but they participated in the DRG payment system in 2005-2007. In order to examine the net effects of DRG payment, the Difference-In-Differences (DID) method was adopted to observe the difference in health care utilization before and after the participation in the DRG payment system. The dependent variables of the regression model were the length of stay and number of outpatient visits after discharge, and the explanatory variables included the characteristics of the patients and the health care facilities. Results: The length of stay in DRG-paid health care facilities was greater than that in the FFS-paid ones. Yet, DRG payment has no statistically significant effect on the number of outpatient visits after discharge. Conclusions: The results of this study that DRG payment was not effective in reducing the length of stay can be related to the nature of voluntary participation in the DRG system. Only those health care facilities that are already efficient in terms of the length of stay or that can benefit from the DRG payment may decide to participate in the program.

A Study on the 「Zhenmairushijie」 by Zhang Yuansu in 『Chandobangronmaekkyulgipseong』 (『찬도방론맥결집성』의 장원소 「진맥입식해」 연구)

  • Jang, Woo-chang
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.1-27
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    • 2019
  • Objectives : By studying the contents of Zhang Yuansu's "Zhenmairushijie", which are introductory remarks of "Chandobangronmaekkyulgipseong", this study attempts to clarify the academic meaning expressed in it and consider his real significance. Methods : First, based on previous studies on Zhang Yuansu and "Wangshuhemaijue", this study divides the contents of "Zhenmairushijie" into 4 chapters and read out the original text. Next, based on Zhang Yuansu's notes and other writings on the original text, this study examines contents in detail. Finally, based on the discussion, this study examines the current significance of academic thoughts expressed in Zhang Yuansu's "Zhenmairushijie". Results & Conclusions : "Zhenmairushijie" emphasizes the combination of nervation and Byeonggi in the process of feeling the pulse for diagnosis, the combination of Byeonggi and Yongyak to declare that the feeling of the pulse for diagnosis is the principle of differential diagnosis. The combination principle of nervation-Byeonggi can be found in comprehensive pulse methods of "Nanjing", and the combination of Byeonggi-Yongyak should follow Ohaeng's Bubuheoshilsajeongbosa principle. Pulse methods of "Wangshuhemaijue" integrated Byeonggi expressed in Uigyeong and Byeonggi in Gyeongbang in the process of the feeling of the pulse for diagnosis to present the principle of diagnosis to perform Byeongjeungronchi. Therefore, "feeling the pulse for diagnosis ipsik" is not only an introductory remark of feeling the pulse for diagnosis, but an comprehensive remark of whole diagnosis as well. It is an introductory remark of the entire medical field due to the nature of oriental medicine which emphasizes diagnosis.

Study on the Concept of Monarch-fire(君火) and Ministerial-fire(相火) in Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪)'s Ministerial-fire Theory(相火論) (주단계(朱丹溪) 상화론(相火論)의 군화(君火) 상화(相火)의 개념에 대한 고찰)

  • Lee, Yong-Bum
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.27 no.4
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    • pp.29-38
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    • 2014
  • Objectives : In ministerial-fire theory(相火論) of Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪), the meanings of monarch-fire(君火) and ministerial-fire(相火) described in papers published nowadays are not the same. Therefore, it is necessary to rebuild a clear concept. Methods : To understand the relationships among 'heaven(天)'-'human(人)' and 'name(名)'-'position(位)', the core concept of the ministerial-fire theory(相火論) of Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪), I examined the relationships between 'heaven(天)' and 'human(人)' in Neo-Confucianism(性理學) of Song(宋) Dynasty and reviewed the notes of Wang Bing(王冰) which were quoted by Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪) to set the concept of monarch-fire(君火) and ministerial-fire(相火). I studied relevant texts. Results : In ministerial-fire theory(相火論) of Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪), monarch-fire(君火) is perceived as being from greed(人欲) that can cause hyperactivity(妄動) of ministerial-fire(相火), whereas ministerial-fire(相火) is perceived as being able to control monarch-fire(君火) by following the orders from heaven. This point of view is different from the past which recognized monarch-fire (君火) as the owner and ministerial-fire(相火) as the servant. Conclusions : Zhu Dan-Xi(朱丹溪) received the ideological impact of Neo-Confucianism, and accepted the notes of Wang Bing, recognized monarch-fire(君火) as 'name(名)' and ministerial-fire(相火) as 'position(位)', so he voiced the ministerial-fire theory(相火論) that perceived monarch-fire(君火) as fire(火) of the five processes(五行) of human body that came from greed, ministerial-fire(相火) as being in a position to hear the order from the 'heaven(天)' to control monarch-fire(君火). But the concept of ministerial-fire(相火) which he set connoted a confusing meaning of 'nature(性)' and 'way(道)' of Neo-Confucianism. In the later process to solve the problem, life-gate theory(命門學說) was raised, and many researchers had tried to remove the meaning of hyperactivity from the ministerial-fire(相火).

Aromatherapy of Patients with Chronic Diseases (만성 질환자의 건강문제와 아로마 요법)

  • Kim, Myung-Ja;Park, Hyung-Sook;Song, Hyo-Jeong
    • Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.25-33
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    • 2003
  • In this paper, we checked health problems of outpatients who suffered from cancer, apoplexy, and arthritis. After accessing each patients condition, in order to alleviate their sufferings, we introduced several methods of aroma therapy as a holistic approach to these health problems. Aromatherapy, which can be defined as a nature-friendly complementary / alternative method, has its great merit in its easy way of treatment by the family member of patient or patient himself. Recently, it was scientifically proved that aroma therapy has various curative effects. The easiness of applying aroma therapy is full of suggestions concerned with the future of nursing science. Recently, in the domain of home care nursing, there happened a fundamental change in its structure: a change from the supplier/professional-centered to the consumer/patient-centered one. With this change, home care nursing as a cherished desire of nursing science obtained its legal ground in the established medical programs and, in the same context, patients came to have the chance to receive demanded medical services in their home without going through complicated hospital admission procedures. Considering the future status of home care nursing as a major contributor in the consumer-centered structure of medical health service, aroma therapy as a complementary/alternative method is expected to contribute not only to establishing more effective structure of health service supply but also to resolving chronic health problem of outpatients.

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Pathophysiology of orthostatic tremor: a multiple case study (길입성 진전의 병태생리: 다증 증례 연구)

  • Seo, Man-Wook;Lee, Kwang-Woo
    • Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.44-50
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    • 2002
  • Introduction : Orthostatic tremor develops in the legs while standing up with no weakness, pain or imbalance in the leg and the tremor is characteristically not observed when walking. However there have been some confusions about orthostatic tremor in several aspects. For the past ten years, we have observed 4 patients with orthostatic tremor. In each case tests were performed to investigate the following three important areas of inquiry about orthostatic tremor. Firstly, whether this disorder is an independent diagnostic entity or a variant of essential tremor. Secondly, whether the progress of this disorder is specifically related with standing posture. Lastly, the nature of the pathophysiologic mechanism behind the appearance of the tremor when standing after the lapse of a certain latent period and its disappearance upon the commencement of walking. Methods : Our 4 cases of orthostatic tremor were studied clinically, electrophysiologically, and pharmacologically. Electrophysiological tests included tremor spectrum test and electromyography. Results : We observed the presence of this tremor in several other tonic postures, as well as its absence, in a vertically lifted position from all our cases. Our cases registered a variable tremor frequency between 5 and 12 Hz according to the tremor spectrum test and EMG. Furthermore all our 4 cases demonstrated patterns of both synchronous EMG activity and alternating EMG activity at various times in homologous muscles of both legs. Orthostatic tremor was improved significantly with propranolol as well as clonazepam. Conclusions : From the results of our study we drew the following conclusions. It is probable that orthostatic tremor is simply a variant of essential tremor rather than being an independent diagnostic entity and that in most cases its development is specifically related with muscle contraction rather than merely with the act of standing. Furthermore we discovered a clue in the previously described neural control mechanism that the nuclear bag fibers in the muscle spindle have lag time of several seconds in their response to muscle strength and that their baseline does not reset fully in rapidly moving muscle. This neural control mechanism could offer sufficient explanation for the phenomena of tremor appearance when standing and disappearance when walking in orthostatic tremor.

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A Study on the Mechanism of Opening-with-Pungent/Lowering-with-Bitter Method of Wenbing and the Spleen/Stomach Disease Treatment in Piweilun (온병학(溫病學) 신개고강법(辛開苦降法)과 『비위론(脾胃論)』의 비위병(脾胃病) 치료 기전에 대한 고찰)

  • Ahn, Jinhee;Kim, Do-hoon
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.91-109
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    • 2020
  • Objectives : The aim of this paper is to compare the mechanisms of the OP/LB method and the SSD treatment in 『Piweilun』. Methods : Wenbing texts, articles on the OP/LB method, and the 『Piweilun』 was examined for comparison of treatment mechanisms of SSD. Results : The mechanism of the OP/LB method in treating SSD was to treat the Spleen and Stomach separately, to restore the ascending/descending pattern of qi through simultaneous use of pungent and bitter flavors which raises and lowers, respectively. Moreover, the use of medicinals with contrary properties regulate the other's biased nature, and none of the medicinals create dampness. The pungent and bitter flavors play central roles, where the pungent flavor opens and communicates and the bitter flavor clears and lowers. The treatment method of SSD in the 『Piweilun』 treat the Spleen and Stomach together, with a focus on raising and dispersing through upraising yang and reinforcing qi by means of Wind medicinals with pungent and bitter flavors added to sweet and warm medicinals. Conclusions : Owing to the expansion of the OP/LB method concept by modern-contemporary scholars, the potential for treating SSD as can be seen in the 『Piweilun』 with the OP/LB method has emerged. The similarity between the OP/LB method and treatment of SSD in the 『Piweilun』 is that the objective of the formulas is to lower fire heat and communicate qi to help qi movement. This common objective allows for treatment of SSD within Wenbing and those in 『Piweilun』 with the said formulas through appropriate modification fit for each situation.

Design, Synthesis, and Functional Evaluation of 1, 5-Disubstituted Tetrazoles as Monoamine Neurotransmitter Reuptake Inhibitors

  • Paudel, Suresh;Wang, Shuji;Kim, Eunae;Kundu, Dooti;Min, Xiao;Shin, Chan Young;Kim, Kyeong-Man
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.191-202
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    • 2022
  • Tetrazoles were designed and synthesized as potential inhibitors of triple monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) reuptake based on the functional and docking simulation of compound 6 which were performed in a previous study. The compound structure consisted of a tetrazole-linker (n)-piperidine/piperazine-spacer (m)-phenyl ring, with tetrazole attached to two phenyl rings (R1 and R2). Altering the carbon number in the linker (n) from 3 to 4 and in the spacer (m) from 0 to 1 increased the potency of serotonin reuptake inhibition. Depending on the nature of piperidine/piperazine, the substituents at R1 and R2 exerted various effects in determining their inhibitory effects on monoamine reuptake. Docking study showed that the selectivity of tetrazole for different transporters was determined based on multiple interactions with various residues on transporters, including hydrophobic residues on transmembrane domains 1, 3, 6, and 8. Co-expression of dopamine transporter, which lowers dopamine concentration in the biophase by uptaking dopamine into the cells, inhibited the dopamine-induced endoctytosis of dopamine D2 receptor. When tested for compound 40 and 56, compound 40 which has more potent inhibitory activity on dopamine reuptake more strongly disinhibited the inhibitory activity of dopamine transporter on the endocytosis of dopamine D2 receptor. Overall, we identified candidate inhibitors of triple monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake and provided a theoretical background for identifying such neurotransmitter modifiers for developing novel therapeutic agents of various neuropsychiatric disorders.