• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2016

Purpose: The incidence of glufosinate poisoning is gradually increasing, and it can be fatal if severe poisoning occurs. However, factors useful for predicting the post-discharge neurological prognosis of patients who have ingested glufosinate have yet to be identified. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score measured in the emergency department for predicting the neurological prognosis. Methods: From April 2012 to August 2014, we conducted a retrospective study of patients who had ingested glufosinate. The outcome of the patients at discharge was defined by the Cerebral Performance Category Score (CPC). The patients were divided into a good prognosis group (CPC 1, 2) and a poor prognosis group (CPC 3, 4, 5), after which the APACHE II scores were compared. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from patients determined calibration and discrimination. Results: A total of 76 patients were enrolled (good prognosis group: 67 vs poor prognosis group: 9). The cut-off value for the APACHE II score was 12 and the area under the curve value was 0.891. The Hosmer and Lemeshow C statistic x2 was 7.414 (p=0.387), indicating good calibration for APACHE II. Conclusion: The APACHE II score is useful at predicting the neurological prognosis of patients who have ingested glufosinate.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

The study researches regarding changing in reading and auditory perception ability after intervening dyslexia high-risk group of middle and high school students for improvement on auditory processing of neurological factors, and then aims to make a systematic intervention program for dyslexia students in verifying efficacy. The target of study is dyslexia high-risk group of 168 middle and high school students after a preliminary screening test in Childcare Facilities which are vulnerable social group in Gyeonggi province. They are tested deeply by reading and auditory perception ability, and then 24 students are selected. They are tested 20 times by auditory perception simulation and fluent reading train in TOMATIS Method for improving auditory system which transmits language information, and then are taken by post tests. In conclusion intervention efficacy is sure because reading, understanding, and auditory processing ability are in significant change of statistical analysis after preliminary and post tests. It is an important achievement to show necessity of neurological science access in diagnosis and intervention method of dyslexia through the research.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.861-869
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• 2001

Objective : In this study, we investigated the relationship between the histologic grading of meningiomas and proliferative potentials determined by the Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and flow cytometry (FCM) with the aim of determining whether these potentials can be used as a parameter to the proliferative activity, in particular of atypical and malignant meningiomas. Methods : This study consisted of 47 meningiomas(6 malignant, 14 atypical, and random sampled 27 benign meningiomas). By immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67 and PCNA on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections, the anti-human rabbit polyclonal antibody against Ki-67 antigen and anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody(PC10) scores were counted. FCM was also performed on paraffin-embedded tissue using a selective staining technique for DNA. DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction, and proliferative index(PI)) were determined. Results : The results are summarized as follows ; 1) Proliferation rates as assessed by Ki-67 and PCNA closely correlated with the degree of anaplastic histologic features. 2) Proliferative potentials determined by FCM(S-phase fraction and PI) were not able to distinguish between benign and atypical/malignant meningiomas. 3) DNA ploidy was not a useful indicator of histologic grade in these tumors. 4) Proliferative potentials such as Ki-67 staining index(SI) and PCNA SI did not correlate with the ploidy pattern. 5) There was a linear correlation between Ki-67 SI and PCNA SI, but we could not find a correlation between Ki-67 SI and S-phase fraction or PI. Our results also did not show a statistically signficant correlation between PCNA SI and S-phse fraction or PI. Conclusions : We conclude that evaluation of the proliferative potentials with Ki-67 and PCNA is important as an additional factor for the prediction of malignancy in meningiomas. A dual study of Ki-67 and PCNA SIs on the same tissue might improve the accuracy with which the proliferative potential of a tumor can be predicted. We demonstrated that FCM in meningiomas is not valuable in predicting the behavior of these neoplasms, but we did observe a trend toward more malignancy with higher percent S-phase fraction and higher PI. Analysis of the S-phase fraction and PI might therefore be a useful tool to discriminate among histologic grades of meningiomas.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 2018

Background: Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed neuropsychiatric diseases, but the underlying mechanism and medicine are not well-known. Although Panax ginseng has been reported to exert protective effects in various neurological studies, little information is available regarding its antidepressant effects. Methods: Here, we examined the antidepressant effect and underlying mechanism of P. ginseng extract (PGE) in a chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression model in mice. Results: Oral administration of PGE for 14 d decreased immobility (depression-like behaviors) time in forced swim and tail suspended tests after CRS induction, which corresponded with attenuation of the levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, as well as attenuated c-Fos expression in the amygdala. PGE enhanced messenger RNA expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor but ameliorated microglial activation and neuroinflammation (the level of messenger RNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) in the amygdala of mice after CRS induction. Interestingly, 14-d treatment with celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, and $N_{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, attenuated depression-like behaviors after CRS induction. Additionally, PGE inhibited the upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 pathways. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that PGE exerts antidepressant-like effect of CRS-induced depression by antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant (nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 activation) activities by inhibiting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis mechanism. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of components of P. ginseng as an alternative treatment of depression, including clinical trial evaluation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2010

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor involved in neuronal differentiation, plasticity, survival and regeneration. BDNF draws massive attention mainly due to the potential as a therapeutic target in neurological diseases such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. In a primary screening for the natural compounds enhancing BDNF release from cultured rat primary cortical neuron, we found that compounds such as baicalein, tanshinone IIa, cinnamic acid, epiberberine, genistein and wogonin among many others increased BDNF release. All the compounds at $0.1{\mu}M$ of concentration barely showed stimulatory effect on BDNF induction, however, their combination (mixture 1; baicalein, tanshinone IIa and cinnamic acid, mixture 2; epiberberine, genistein and wogonin) showed synergistic increase in BDNF release as well as mRNA and protein expression. The level of BDNF expression was comparable to the maximum BDNF stimulation attainable by a positive control oroxylin A ($20{\mu}M$) without cell toxicity as determined by MTT analysis. Both mixtures synergistically increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) as well as cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), an immediate and essential regulator of BDNF expression. Similar to these results, mixture of these compounds synergistically inhibited the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by lipopolysaccharide treatments in rat primary astrocytes. These results suggest that the combinatorial treatment of natural compounds in lower concentration might be a useful strategy to obtain sufficient BDNF stimulation in neurological disease condition such as depression, while minimizing potential side effects and toxicity of higher concentration of a single compound.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.96-105
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• 2019

Objective : The aims in the management of thoracolumbar spinal fractures are not only to restore vertebral column stability, but also to obtain acceptable alignment of the thoracolumbar junction (T-L junction) to prevent complications. However, insufficient surgical correction of the thoracolumbar spine would be likely to cause late progression of abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, we identified the surgical factors that affected unfavorable radiologic outcomes of the thoracolumbar spine after surgery. Methods : This study was conducted in a single institution from January 2007 to December 2013. A total of 98 patients with unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture were included. In these patients, fixation was done through transpedicular screws with rods by three surgical patterns. We reviewed digital radiographs and analyzed the images preoperatively and postoperatively during follow-up visits to compare the change of the thoracolumbar Cobb angle with radiologic parameters and clinical outcomes. The unfavorable radiologic group was defined as the patients who were measured as having greater than 20 degrees of thoracolumbar Cobb angle on the last follow-up, or who underwent kyphotic progression of thoracolumbar Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees from the immediate postoperative state to final follow-up, or who had overt instrument failure with/without additional surgery. We assessed the risk factors that affected the unfavorable radiologic outcomes. Results : We had 43 patients with unfavorable radiologic outcomes, including 35 abnormal thoracolumbar alignments and 14 instrumental failures with/without additional surgery. The multivariate logistic regression test showed that immediate postoperative T-L junction Cobb angle less than 10.5 degrees was a statistically significant risk factor, as well as the presence of osteoporosis (p=0.017 and 0.049, respectively). Conclusion : Insufficient correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was considered to be a major factor of an unfavorable radiological outcome. The spinal surgeon should consider that having a T-L junction Cobb angle larger than 10.5 degrees immediately after surgery could result in an unfavorable radiological outcome, which is related to a poor clinical outcome.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2015

Objectives : Bilobalide (BIL) is a predominant sesquiterpene trilactone constituent that accounts for a partial portion of the standardized Ginkgonis Folium extract, which has been widely used to treat a variety of neurological disorders involving cerebral ischemia and neurodegeneration. In this study, it was tested whether BIL exhibits anti-inflammatory activities on inflammation response, or not. Methods : To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of BIL on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of BIL on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The investigation was focused on how BIL affect on inflammation-related mediators including various signals such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), inducible NO synthase(iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results : We found that BIL inhibited LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ productions as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, BIL suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation for MAPK activation. Conclusions : These results suggest that BIL has inhibitory effects on LPS-induced $PGE_2$, NO, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production, as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in the murine macrophage. It seems that these inhibitory effects occur by blocking the phosphorylation of MAPKs for activation. Then, BIL suppressed the activation of nuclear factor $NF-{\kappa}B$ in nucleus. These observations suggest that BIL has anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.161-166
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• 2007

Objectives:Recent studies have raised the possibility that nerve growth factor(NGF) is abnormally regulated in the central nervous system(CNS) of animal models with alcohol dependence. The possible alteration of NGF by prolonged alcohol intake may play an important role in alcohol-induced neurotoxicity. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin(CDT) is regarded as a reliable biological marker of alcohol dependence. The goal of this study was to estimate the changes of %CDT and serum NGF level according to the duration of alcohol abstinence, and to identify whether %CDT level is associated with the serum NGF level in the patients with alcohol dependence. Methods:The subjects were 24 patients with alcohol dependence. We used the Axis-Shield ASA to measure the %CDT level and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) to measure the serum NGF level. %CDT and NGF levels were measured immediately after the admission and at 2 weeks after the admission. Results:Decreased %CDT were observed during the period of 2 weeks after the admission. NGF level was not significantly different after 2 weeks. The NGF levels were not correlated with %CDT. The possibility of %CDT as a predictor of alcohol-induced neurotoxicity was not confirmed. Conclusion:Serum NGF levels is not a reliable indicator of abstinence state in the patients with alcohol dependence. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relation between two indicators in regard to hematological and neurological changes in alcohol dependence.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.379-388
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• 2018

Background: Ginsenosides are the main ingredients of Korean Red Ginseng. They have extensively been studied for their beneficial value in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the multitarget effects of Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) with various components are unclear. Methods: We investigated the multitarget activities of KRGE on neurological dysfunction and neurotoxicity in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. KRGE (37.5 mg/ kg/day, 75 mg/kg/day, or 150 mg/kg/day, per os (p.o.)) was given daily before or after MPTP intoxication. Results: Pretreatment with 150 mg/kg/day KRGE produced the greatest positive effect on motor dysfunction as assessed using rotarod, pole, and nesting tests, and on the survival rate. KRGE displayed a wide therapeutic time window. These effects were related to reductions in the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive dopaminergic neurons, apoptosis, microglial activation, and activation of inflammatory factors in the substantia nigra pars compacta and/or striatum after MPTP intoxication. In addition, pretreatment with KRGE activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways and inhibited phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways, as well as blocked the alteration of blood-brain barrier integrity. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRGE may effectively reduce MPTP-induced neurotoxicity with a wide therapeutic time window through multitarget effects including antiapoptosis, antiinflammation, antioxidant, and maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity. KRGE has potential as a multitarget drug or functional food for safe preventive and therapeutic strategies for PD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.970-978
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• 2008

Objectives : This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the Oriental medical diagnosis and arteriosclerosis by measuring carotid-ankle vascular index(CAVI) in acute cerebral infarction patients. Method : One hundred thirty-one subjects were recruited from the patients admitted to the Internal Medical Department at Kyunghee University Oriental Medical Center from April 2007 to August 2008. We sorted cerebral infarction patients and assessed one hundred fourteen patients' CAVI data. We diagnosed dampness-phlegm by Oriental medical diagnosis and evaluated stroke type by single or multiple infarctions. then, we analyzed their characteristics with type of stroke, risk factor, lifestyle, metabolic syndrome and dampness-phlegm diagnosis. Result : 1. On the demographic variables of the patients, age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, multiple infarction group and metabolic syndrome and dampness-phlegm group were significantly higher in the high CAVI score group than in the control. 2. According to the significant difference in the dampness-phlegm group, we analyzed dampness-phlegm related index for pattern identifications by CAVI score. As a result, dark circles, insomnia, headache, white coating tongue. slippery pulse, and rough pulse were significantly higher in the high CAVI score group then in the control. 3. In multivariate analysis, age, hypertension, multiple infarction and dampness-phlegm groups showed a close relationship with the high CAVI score group. Conclusions : According to the analysis, significance between dampness-phlegm diagnosed patients group and high CAVI score were clarified. Moreover, multiple location infarctions also have a relationship with high CAVI score in cerebral infarction patients. These results can be utilized in the future as a basis material.