• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.383-390
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• 2014

Gastrointestinal motility consists of phasic slow-wave contractions and the migrating motor complex (MMC). Eupatilin (Stillen$^{(R)}$) has been widely used to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers, and various cytokines and neuropeptides are thought to be involved, which can affect gastrointestinal motility. We performed a study to identify the effects of eupatilin on lower gastrointestinal motility with electromechanical recordings of smooth muscles in the human ileum and colon. Ileum and colon samples were obtained from patients undergoing bowel resection. The tissues were immediately stored in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer's bicarbonate solution, and conventional microelectrode recordings from muscle cells and tension recordings from muscle strips and ileal or colonic segments were performed. Eupatilin was perfused into the tissue chamber, and changes in membrane potentials and contractions were measured. Hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential (RMP) was observed after administration of eupatilin. The amplitude, AUC, and frequency of tension recordings from circular and longitudinal smooth muscle strips and bowel segments of the ileum and colon were significantly decreased after admission of eupatilin. Eupatilin elicited dose-dependent decreases during segmental tension recordings. In conclusion, eupatilin (Stillen$^{(R)}$) showed inhibitory effects on the human ileum and colon. We propose that this drug may be useful for treating diseases that increase bowel motility, but further studies are necessary.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.167-174
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• 2018

Alterations in sulfur amino acid metabolism are associated with an increased risk of a number of common late-life diseases, which raises the possibility that metabolism of sulfur amino acids may change with age. The present study was conducted to understand the age-related changes in hepatic metabolism of sulfur amino acids in 2-, 6-, 18- and 30-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. For this purpose, metabolite profiling of sulfur amino acids from methionine to taurine or glutathione (GSH) was performed. The levels of sulfur amino acids and their metabolites were not significantly different among 2-, 6- and 18-month-old mice, except for plasma GSH and hepatic homocysteine. Plasma total GSH and hepatic total homocysteine levels were significantly higher in 2-month-old mice than those in the other age groups. In contrast, 30-month-old mice exhibited increased hepatic methionine and cysteine, compared with all other groups, but decreased hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine and homocysteine, relative to 2-month-old mice. No differences in hepatic reduced GSH, GSH disulfide, or taurine were observed. The hepatic changes in homocysteine and cysteine may be attributed to upregulation of cystathionine ${\beta}-synthase$ and down-regulation of ${\gamma}-glutamylcysteine$ ligase in the aged mice. The elevation of hepatic cysteine levels may be involved in the maintenance of hepatic GSH levels. The opposite changes of methionine and SAM suggest that the regulatory role of SAM in hepatic sulfur amino acid metabolism may be impaired in 30-month-old mice.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제12권5호
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• pp.253-258
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• 2008

Somatostatin (SOM) is a widely distributed peptide in the central nervous system and exerts a variety of hormonal and neural actions. Although SOM is assumed to play an important role in spinal nociceptive processing, its exact function remains unclear. In fact, earlier pharmacological studies have provided results that support either a facilitatory or inhibitory role for SOM in nociception. In the current study, the effects of SOM were investigated using anesthetized cats. Specifically, the responses of rostrally projecting spinal dorsal horn neurons (RPSDH neurons) to different kinds of noxious stimuli (i.e., heat, mechanical and cold stimuli) and to the $A{\delta}$ -and C-fiber activation of the sciatic nerve were studied. Iontophoretically applied SOM suppressed the responses of RPSDH neurons to noxious heat and mechanical stimuli as well as to C-fiber activation. Conversely, it enhanced these responses to noxious cold stimulus and $A{\delta}$-fiber activation. In addition, SOM suppressed glutamate-evoked activities of RPSDH neurons. The effects of SOM were blocked by the SOM receptor antagonist cyclo-SOM. These findings suggest that SOM has a dual effect on the activities of RPSDH neurons; that is, facilitation and inhibition, depending on the modality of pain signaled through them and its action site.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.21-27
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• 2009

Objectives: Spatholobi Caulis is the stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn., which has been used for treating menstrual disorders, anemia, and rheumatic arthralgia in traditional Oriental medicine, This study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Spatholobi Caulis extract (SCE) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated Raw264,7 cells. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MIT assay. Relative levels of NO were measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA Expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins were determined by western blotting. Results : NO production and iNOS expression were increased by incubation with LPS for 24 h. However, the augmented NO was reduced by SCE in a dose-dependent manner. Expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were inhibited by the treatment with SCE, SCE also suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta and IL-6. Conclusions : These results indicate that the MeOH extract of Spatholobi Caulis warrant further development as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• 한국진공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국진공학회 2013년도 제44회 동계 정기학술대회 초록집
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• pp.616-616
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• 2013

그래핀(Graphene)은 열전도도가 높고 전자 이동도(200,000 cm2V-1s-1)가 우수한 전기적 특성을 가지고 있어 전계 효과 트랜지스터(Field effect transistor; FET), 유기 전자 소자(Organic electronic device)와 광전자 소자(Optoelectronic device) 같은 반도체 소자에 응용 가능하다. 최근에는 아크 방출(Arc discharge method), 화학적 기상 증착법(Chemical vapor deposition; CVD), 이온-조사법(Ionirradiation)등을 이용한 이종원자(Hetero atom)도핑과 화학적 처리를 이용한 기능화(Functionalization)등의 방법으로 그래핀의 전도도를 향상시킬 수 있었다. 그러나 이러한 방법들은 기판의 표면을 거칠게 하며, 그래핀에 많은 결함들이 발생한다는 단점이 있다. 이러한 단점을 극복하기 위해 자가조립 단층막법(Self-assembled monolayers; SAMs)을 이용하여 기판을 기능화한 후 그 위에 그래핀을 전사하면, 자가조립 단층막의 기능기에 따라 그래핀의 일함수를 조절 가능하고 운반자 농도나 도핑 유형을 변화시켜 소자의 전기적 특성을 최적화 할 수 있다 [1-3]. 본 연구에서는 PET(polyethylene terephthalate) 기판에 SAMs를 이용하여 유연하고 투명한 그래핀 전극을 제작하였다. 산소 플라즈마와 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)를 이용하여 PET 기판 표면 위에 하이드록실 기(Hydroxyl group; -OH)와 아민 기(Amine group; -NH2)를 순차적으로 기능화 하였고, 그 위에 화학적 기상 증착법을 이용하여 합성한 대면적의 균일한 그래핀을 전사하였다. PET 기판 위에 NH2 그룹이 존재하는 것을 접촉각 측정(Contact angle measurement)과 X-선 광전자 분광법(Xray photoelectron spectroscopy: XPS)을 통해 확인하였으며, NH2그룹에 의해 그래핀에 도핑 효과가 나타난 것을 라만 분광법(Raman spectroscopy)과 전류-전압 특성곡선(I-V characteristic curve)을 이용하여 확인하였다. 본 연구 결과는 유연하고 투명한 기판 위에 안정적이면서 패턴이 가능하기 때문에 그래핀을 기반으로 하는 반도체 소자에 적용 가능할 것이라 예상된다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.649-661
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• 2020

This study examined the laxative effects of hot-water extracts of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (HD), Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel (PM), and a 2:8 mixture of both (HP) in two chronic constipation models. For the loperamide-induced constipation model, animals were divided into an untreated group, negative control group (loperamide 4 mg/kg), positive control group (bisacodyl 4 mg/kg) group, and six treatment groups (HP 100 or 400, HD 50 or 100, and PM 100 or 400 mg/kg). For the low-fiber diet-induced constipation model, animals were divided into an untreated group (normal diet), negative control group (low-fiber diet), positive control group (Agio granule, 620 mg/kg), and the same treatment groups. Fecal number, weight, fecal water content, and intestinal transit ratio were higher in the groups treated with HP, HD, and PM than in the groups treated with loperamide or low-fiber diet. Thickness of colon mucosa and muscle layers were increased in the treated groups. Colon tension increased in the HP groups, and [Ca²⁺]i measurements using fura-2 as an indicator showed that HP inhibits ATP-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in IEC-18 cells. These results showed that the HP mixture has laxative activity by increased mucin secretion and inducing contractile activity and relaxation. It may be a useful therapeutic strategy for ameliorating in chronic constipation.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.94-100
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• 2005

Background: Although trauma has been the major cause of death in korea, there are few reports describing the epidemiologic characteristics of trauma victims according to age-group. Thus, this study aimed to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of trauma victims visiting an urban emergency medical center in Korea. Method: This study was conducted with all trauma victims who visited the emergency departments of Asan Medical Center from April 11, 2005 to May 10, 2005. After the subjects were divided into three groups such as child (${\leq}14$ years old), adult(15-64 years old) and elderly(${\geq}65$ years old), the prehospital courses, injury mechanisms, injury severities and clinical results were compared. Result: Among total 5,927 patients who visited the emergency medical center, 896(15.1%) patients were trauma victims. Although child under the age of 15 comprised 28.7% of the total trauma victims, less severe injuries(injury severity score < 9) accounted for 97.7% of the cases. The hospitalization rate for injury among child was 21.5%. however, although elderly aged 65 comprised only 5.9% of the total trauma victims, more severe injuries(injury severity score ${\geq}9$) accounted for 30.2% of the cases. The hospitalization rate for injury among elderly was 56.4%. Conclusion: Patterns of injury and clinical results by age-group were considerably different. less severe and non-hospitalized injuries were more common in child than other age-groups. while severe and hospitalized injuries were common in elderly.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.298-309
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) among nurses. Methods: Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 8 nurses in 8 different hospitals. Conventional qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Eight major themes emerged from the analysis: DNR decision-making bypassing the patient, inefficiency in the decision-making process of DNR, negative connotation of DNR, predominance of verbal DNR over written DNR, doubts and confusion about DNR, least amount of intervention in the decision for DNR change of focus in the care of the patient after a DNR order, and care burden of patients with DNR. Decision-making of DNR occurred between physicians and family members, not the patients themselves. Often high medical expenses were involved in choosing DNR, thus if choosing DNR it was implied the family members and health professionals as well did not try their best to help the patient. Verbal DNR permission was more popular in clinical settings. Most nurses felt guilty and depressed about the dying/death of patients with DNR. Conclusion: Clearer guidelines on DNR, which reflect a family-oriented culture, need to be established to reduce confusion and to promote involvement in the decision-making process of DNR among nurses.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.20-34
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• 2001

This paper presents the relevance between GMFM and the spatiotemporal parameters of gait in children with cerebral palsy. Twenty-one children ($73.11{\pm}30.06$ months) with cerebral palsy participated in this study. GMFM was performed and spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured by foot print gait analysis. A correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between GMFM scores and spatiotemporal parameters of gait. A linear regression analysis was employed to find how much each gait spatiotemporal parameters could be predicted from GMFM scores. The total GMFM scores was significantly correlated with walking speed, cadence, and stride length. Dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, and jumping) were more significantly correlated with gait spatiotemporal parameters than dimensions A (lying and rolling), B (sitting), and C (crawling and kneeling). The GMFM scores were useful for predicting spatiotemporal parameters. However, it is difficult to predict the status of gait development using GMFM scores because GMFM scores and gait spatiotemporal parameters are only measured as quantities not qualities. In the field, it is easily found that many children with cerebral palsy are unable to walk in any way. Consequently, gait analysis cannot be performed in many cases. Therefore, it is more reasonable to investigate the influence of GMFM on spatiotemporal parameters, rather than vice versa.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.38-48
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• 2012

Purpose: This study described female college students' knowledge, self-efficacy and health behaviors related to bone health. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 214 students were conveniently recruited from a school of nursing in Korea. Participants (mean age=21.2, SD=1.9 years) bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptionmetry. Participants also completed a questionnaire consisting of knowledge test, self-efficacy scale and health behaviors related to bone health. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 17.0 program. Results: The mean BMD at left femoral neck site was $0.86g/cm^2$ and 6.1~12.6%. Results showed that participants were below the expected range of BMD. Level of knowledge (correct rate=54%) and self-efficacy were moderate (mean 54.8 out of 84). More than 84% of subjects drank alcohol more than once a month and 58.4% did participate in regular exercise. Only 7.9% participants took calcium and vitamin-D rich foods every day. There were significant positive correlations between knowledge and self-efficacy (r=.17), health behaviors (r=.14) and self-efficacy and health behaviors (r=.28, all p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that health care professionals need to provide effective interventions for young women in order to enhance knowledge, self-efficacy and health behaviors related to bone health.