• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2018

Recent findings indicate that Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) are expressed outside the gustatory system, including in the gastrointestinal tracts and the exocrine glands, such as the submandibular (SM), parotid (P), lacrimal (L) glands and pancreas (PC). Specifically, T2Rs are found in some of the gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and these cells secreted peptide hormones in response to stimulation by bitter-tasting compounds. The results show that T2Rs may have significant physiological roles besides bitter taste reception. The functions of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands remain poorly understood. An expression levels analysis of T2Rs will help to determine those functions in the exocrine glands. The expression levels of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands were discovered via the qPCR. C57BL/6J mice of 42~60-day-old were used. Messenger RNAs were extracted from S, P, L and PC. Cloned DNAs were synthesized by reverse transcription. Quantitative PCRs were performed using the SYBR Green method. The expression levels of the T2Rs were calculated as relative expression levels to that of the GAPDH. The statistical significance among the observed exocrine glands was tested using the variance analysis (ANOVA test). Tas2r108, out of murine 35 T2Rs, was the most highly expressed in every observed exocrine gland. This finding was similar to previous results from tongue papillae, but the expression levels were lower than those of the tongue papillae. Tas2r137 of SM, P, L and PC were expressed a little lower than that of tongue papillae. The T2Rs in the exocrine glands may play slightly different roles from those in the tongue. We suggest that physiological studies such as a patch clamp and functional $Ca^{2+}$ imaging of acinar cells are necessary for understanding the Tas2r108 functions.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.611-619
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate changes in the mental functions of the elderly in nursing facilities affected by a horticultural therapy program based on validation therapy. To meet the purpose, we conducted a horticultural therapy program based on validation therapy with 58 elderly participants (average age 79.12±6.84, men and women) once a week, 50 minutes per session, in a total of 10 sessions. Participants were divided into the control and experimental group with convenience sampling. The program was carried out from March 15 to November 22, 2018. Vibraimage 8 pro(ELSYS, 2014) is a recent, psychologically based, emotional-recognition visual imaging technology that measures pixels microvibration in terms of digital frequency and amplitude parameters. To examine the effects of the horticultural therapy program based on validation therapy, Vibraimage was used to assess aggression, stress, tension, suspect, balance, charm, energy, self-regulation, inhibition, neuroticism and positive, negative, physiological domains of mental functions before and after program. As a result, the mean score of the positive domain in the control group significantly decreased from 63.89±5.09 to 60.74±5.48, but it decreased without statistical significance in the experimental group from 63.98±5.45 to 61.39±6.02. The mean score of neuroticism in the experimental group significantly decreased from 31.64±10.94 to 22.87±13.79. Moreover, the mean score of the physiological domain in the experimental group also significantly decreased from 25.08±6.27 to 19.42±8.80. Accordingly, horticultural therapy program based on validation therapy can be utilized as a program to promote mental health, especially maintaining positive mental health function of the eldery, helping those who live in long-term care facilities enjoy a happier life more happier.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.109-119
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• 2023

PURPOSE: The definition and scope of biofeedback are broad and lack a clear framework. Therefore, efforts are needed to clearly understand the exact range and definition of biofeedback based on the research and development conducted to date. Thus, the purpose of this study was to arrive at the definition and scope of biofeedback through a literature review and analysis of its application methods. METHODS: This study is a systematic literature review conducted to understand the various types and effects of biofeedback. International databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed were used. Domestic databases utilized for keyword searches included the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) and the National Digital Science Library (NDSL). Quality assessment of the selected studies in the selection process was done using the Cochrane risk of bias, and the research was analyzed according to the population, intervention, control, and outcomes (PICO) format. RESULTS: Studies conducted between 2019 and 2021 were selected, with 4 papers falling under physiological classifications and 7 under biomechanical classifications. The quality assessment results showed that random sequence generation, allocation concealment, performance bias, and reporting bias were unclear. Detection bias was moderate, and attrition bias and other biases were low. Out of the 11 papers, 9 dealt with physical function outcomes, 5 with daily life activities, and 3 with mental functions. CONCLUSION: Physiological biofeedback tended to influence psychological factors more than physical functions, while biomechanical biofeedback tended to have a positive impact on physical functions.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2013

Objective: This research measured physiological and psychological effects of Vibroacoustic stimulation(VA) to scapular and sacrum of supine position on the mattress. Background: When vibroacoustic stimulation applies to human body, it has a positive influence on physiological and psychological effects by stimulating the organs, tissues and cells of whole body. Method: This experiment was conducted to 10 normal males in two conditions: no stimulation and vibroacoustic stimulation. No stimulation experiment was executed as a supine position for 30 minutes without any vibrational stimulus, while vibroacoustic stimulation was transmitted by the vibrational speaker, which uses 40Hz frequency. Subjects had a laser Doppler flowmeter probe in scapular, sacrum, and also had 8 channel electroencephalogram(EEG) measurement sensor in the scalp. Blood pressure and skin temperature were measured in two conditions with an underlying posture for 30 minutes. Additionally, blood flow rate and EEG were measured before and after for two minutes on two conditions. Results: According to the vibroacoustic stimulation, blood flow rate and skin temperature were increased, while blood pressure was decreased. When using vibroacoustic stimulation compared to no stimulation, blood flow rate went approximately two times higher, and skin temperature also higher 3~4 times. Furthermore, the relative alpha power of brain wave was significantly increased when we applied to vibroacoustic stimulation. Conclusion: This experiment tested the VAT embedded in mattress in two conditions. According to this experiment, VAT decreases blood pressure, improves not only a physiological effect on blood flow rate as well as skin temperature, but also psychological functions by increasing relative alpha power. Application: The results of the publishing trend analysis might help physiological and psychological effects of vibroacoustic stimulation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2015

Transient Receptor Potential, Melastatin-related, member 4 (TRPM4) channels are $Ca^{2+}$-activated $Ca^{2+}$-impermeable cation channels. These channels are expressed in various types of mammalian tissues including the brain and are implicated in many diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In the past several years, the trafficking processes and regulatory mechanism of these channels and their interacting proteins have been uncovered. Here in this minireview, we summarize the current understanding of the trafficking mechanism of TRPM4 channels on the plasma membrane as well as heteromeric complex formation via protein interactions. We also describe physiological implications of protein-TRPM4 interactions and suggest TRPM4 channels as therapeutic targets in many related diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.453-457
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• 2020

The right-handed double-helical structure of DNA (B-DNA), which follows the Watson-Crick model, is the canonical form of DNA existing in normal physiological settings. Even though an alternative left-handed structure of DNA (Z-DNA) was discovered in the late 1970s, Z-form nucleic acid has not received much attention from biologists, because it is extremely unstable under physiological conditions, has an ill-defined mechanism of its formation, and has obscure biological functions. The debate about the physiological relevance of Z-DNA was settled only after a class of proteins was found to potentially recognize the Z-form architecture of DNA. Interestingly, these Z-DNA binding proteins can bind not only the left-handed form of DNA but also the equivalent structure of RNA (Z-RNA). The Z-DNA/RNA binding proteins present from viruses to humans function as important regulators of biological processes. In particular, the proteins ADAR1 and ZBP1 are currently being extensively re-evaluated in the field to understand potential roles of the noncanonical Z-conformation of nucleic acids in host immune responses and human disease. Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the biological importance of Z-DNA/RNA, there remain many unanswered principal questions, such as when Z-form nucleic acids arise and how they signal to downstream pathways. Understanding Z-DNA/RNA and the sensors in different pathophysiological conditions will widen our view on the regulation of immune responses and open a new door of opportunity to develop novel types of immunomodulatory therapeutic possibilities.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2004

Many studies have presented results about the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of Dandelions(Taraxacum officinale). There has yet to be a study which makes comparisons based on the variety or parts of the Dandelion. To compare the physiological activity, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities were measured by using methanol extracts of Korean and Western Dandelions. The Dandelions were taken from Uiryeong in Kyungnam province, and antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of the flower, leaf and root were measured. Antioxidative activities of the methanol extracts were examined with a DPPH test. Antimicrobial activities were examined against 5 microorganisms. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus served as G(+) microorganisms, while Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Eschrichia coli served as G(-) microorganisms. There was no significant difference in the antioxidative activity of the methanol extracts from leaves and roots between varieties. The antioxidative activity of the flower extracts was higher in the Korean than in the Western samples but the highest level of antioxidant was lower than 70%. No significant difference in antimicrobial activities between the varieties was observed. More research using physiological factors other than antioxidative and antimicrobial activities is needed to identify physiological functions and enhance the utilization of Dandelions.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.391-395
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• 1995

Several lines of evidence indicate that physiological activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor was blocked by physiological concentration of $Mg^{2+}$ (1.2 mM). However, the activity of NMDA receptor may not be blocked totally with this concentration of $Mg^{2+}$ under elevated membrane potential by kainate. Here, we described the effect of $Mg^{2+}$ on NMDA receptor and how much of NMDA receptor functions could be activated by kainate. Effects of NMDA receptor antagonist on kainate-induced elevation of intracellualr $Ca^{2+}$ levels $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ and extracellular glutamate level were examined in cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons. kainate-induced elevation of $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ was not affected by physiological concentration of $Mg^{2+}$. Kainate-induced NMDA-induced elevation was blocked by the same concentration of $MG^{2+}$Kainate-induced elevation of [$([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ was decreased by 32% in the presence of NMDA antagonists, MK-801 and CPP (3-[2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl]propyl-1-phosphonic acid), in $Mg^{2+}$ free buffer. Kainate receptor-activated gluamate release was also decreased (30%) by MK-801 or CPP. These resuts show that certain extent of elevations of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and extracellular glutamate by kainate is due to coativation of NMDA receptors.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.555-559
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• 2008

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in mammalian cells via both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Although certain ROS production pathways are required for the performance of specific physiological functions, excessive ROS generation is harmful, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Among the ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidase is widely distributed among mammalian cells, and is a crucial source of ROS for physiological and pathological processes. Reactive oxygen species are also generated by arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, which are released from membrane phospholipids via the activity of cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ ($cPLA_2$). In this study, we describe recent studies concerning the generation of ROS by AA metabolites. In particular, we have focused on the manner in which AA metabolism via lipoxygenase (LOX) and LOX metabolites contributes to ROS generation. By elucidating the signaling mechanisms that link LOX and LOX metabolites to ROS, we hope to shed light on the variety of physiological and pathological mechanisms associated with LOX metabolism.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.200-205
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• 1995

Nutritional factors regulating the morphological differentiation and physiological differentiation of Streptomyces exfoliatus SMF13 on surface cultures were evaluated. S. exfoliatus SMF13 produced leupeptin and chymotrypsin-like protease (CTP) at the stage of substrate mycelium growth, and leupeptin-inactivating enzyme (LIE) and trypsin-like protease (TLP) at the stage of aerial mycelium growth. The activity of leupeptin and CTP was high in the region of active growing substrate mycelium, whereas the activity of LIE and TLP was high in the region of aerial mycelium or spores. The differentiations were induced in glucose-limited conditions or by the addition of glucose anti-metabolite (methyl $\alpha$-glucopyranoside), but repressed by high concentrations of glucose or casamino acids. Morphological differentiation (formation of aerial mycelia and spores) was closely related with physiological differentiation (formation of brown-pigment, LIE and TLP). The local distribution of leupeptin, CTP, LIE, and TLP in a developing colony showed that colony development correlated with the production and functions of the compounds: CTP is essential for providing a nitrogen source for mycelium growth: leupeptin regulates TLP activity: LIE inactivates leupeptin: TLP hydrolyzes nongrowing mycelium.