• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.4
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• pp.19-73
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• 1990

Today, many people are more interested in preventing the disease than curing it. Chi-Kung (氣功) is the way of Life-Cultivation (養生法) peculiar to the orient, it is reported in china that Chi-Kung has an excellent curative value not only in curing the disease but also in preventing it. But the full-scale study of Chi-Kung is not be made up to now in Korea, so I studied the developmental history of chinese Chi-Kung through the oriental medical books. From this study, I reached the following conclusions ; 1. Chi-Kung is naturally derived from the self-preservation instinct to adapt oneself to circumstances of the nature, but in the investigation from the documentational records, it is originated in the treatment method of the Sam-Huang-O-Jae (三皇五帝 )period to cure the abnormal circulation of the vital force and blood caused by damp (濕). 2. As the principle and the method of the Life-Cultivation of the Chun-chu-Jeon-Kook (春秋戰國) periods were recorded in Huang-Jae-Nai-Gyung (黃帝內徑) detailly and the remedy examples by ancient Chi-Kung such as Tao-Yin (導引), Haeng-Chi (行氣) were presented, we considered that theoretical basis of the development of Life-cultivation and Chi-Kung study was furnished in that period. 3. A famous doctor, Hwa-Ta (華陀) lived in Han dynasty, researched the theory and practice of Tao-Yin transmitted from the former generations, as that result, he formed a kind of medical gymnastics what is called O-Keum-Hi (五禽戱). It is considered that 'O-Keum-Hi' is a Tao-Yin method developed more practically and systemetically than the Tao-Yin appeared in the 'Jang-Ja' (莊子) or 'Hoy-Nam-Ja' (淮南子). 4. In Wui-Jin-Nambook Jo (魏晋南北朝) periods, the contents of Chi-Kung were more abundant under the influence of Buddhism (佛敎) and Taoism (道敎). Galhong (葛洪), the author of 'Po-Bak-Ja' (抱朴子) arranged the ancient Chi-Kung method systematically first of all, Tao-Goeng-Gyung (陶宏景), the author of 'Yang-Seong-Yeun-Myung-Rok' (養性延命錄) recorded the 'Yook-Ja-Geul' (六字訣) first time. 5. There is a new development of Chi-Kung therapy in Soo-Tang-Odae (隋唐五代) pefiods, especially So-Won-Bang (巢元方), the author of 'Jey-Byung-Won-Hwu-Ron' (諸病源候論) collected aimost all of the Chi-Kung method, for curing the disease formed before soo (隋) period. From that fact, we supposed that Chi-Kung was utilized more widely in curing the disease. 6. 'So-Ju-Cheon-Hwa-Hu-Peob' (小周天火候法) was adopted as the best orthodox approach under the influence of Nae-Tan-Taoist (道敎內丹學派) in Song-Keum-Won (宋金元) periods, especially in the song dynasty, 'Pal-Dan-Geum' (八段錦) was appeared and assignment of six-Chi (六氣) for bowel and viscera in the 'Yook-Ja-Geul' (六字訣) was decided firmly, that is to say Lung-Si (肺-呬), Heart-Kha (心-呵), Spleen-Hoa (脾-呼), Liver-Hoe (肝-噓), Kidneychui (賢-吹), Three-Burner-shi (三焦-嘻). 7. In Myung-Cheong (明淸) periods, The general practitioner applied the principle of 'Byun-Jeng-Ron-Chi' (辨證論治) to the Chi-Kung field, and after Myeong dynasty the style of doing 'Yook-Ja-Gyel' (六字訣) was developed to the moving style. 8. Today, in china, the study on the Chi-Kung is being progressed constantly under the positive assistance of government, Chi-Kung-Hak (氣功學) has taking its place as a branch of study step by step. It is considered that the establishment of Chi-Kung-Hak Classroom (氣功學教室) and Medical Chi-Kung Center (氣功療法室) for special and systematic research are needed, at the same time the settlement of institutional system for training the Chi-Kung technician (氣功師) is also needed.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.6
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• pp.89-107
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• 2005

The purposes of this study were to investigate the recognition and the needs and problems of in-service education for school nurse, and to suggest the desirable guidelines, for supples the basic data of in-service education for school nurse to upgraded the quality as school nurse's professional specialist. The subjects of this study were 376 school nurses who were working in Jollanamdo. The research instruments used in this study was 'Needs of In-service Education questionnaire'. 305 collected Data were analyzed with the frequency analysis, $x^2$-test. The conclusions were as follows; First of all, the most important motives for the school nurses to participate in-service education are the enhancement of their specialties on teaching profession, self-realizations as educators, and improvement of health teaching skill. However, the motives to obtain the skill for school management or to obtain a high rank qualification and promotion are quite low. School nurses are generally satisfied with duration, time, place of in-service education, But they are not satisfied with contents of in-service education, professional specialist and understanding of real educational situation of the instructors. On the urgent problem of school nurses, promotion of health teaching skill was highest in the rank, and establishment of firm educational philosophy and a sense of teaching profession, proceed to university and graduate school ranked next, respectively. Second, the need of a school nurses on in-service education direction ranked the application of teachers' character and need, practicable and concrete educational programs, planning of school health development, reinforcement of health education, expansion of practical knowledge and on reflection thought, respectively. The need of a school nurses on in-service education contents(major part) ranked health education, health promoting program of student, knowledge and practice of practical medicine and oriental medicine, consultation process, health education of advanced country, respectively. The need of in-service education supervisory organization, the need for a cities provinces educational office was highest in the rank. The need of in-service education type, duty training ranked high, and abroad training, qualification training, general training ranked next. the need for specialist for lecturer of in-serve education ranked among the highest, along with school nurses and university professor. The need of school nurses on education method(duplication answer), need for conference and discussion teaching was highest in the rank. The need on evaluation method, evaluation through a examination ranked the highest. On the needs of in-service education times, need for vacation during the winter and summer was the highest. As for the duration, 31 to 60 hours in duration of in-service education was need most, and most school nurses need cities and provinces in-service training institute as the location of in-service education. On the organization size, need for 21 to 30 people was the highest, where as need for 41 people was relatively low. Lastly, on the problem of in-service education for school nurses, lack of opportunity of in-service education for school nurses was highest in the rank, and improperness of in-service education contents and method, lack of incentive ranked next, respectively.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.173-179
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat a wide range of neurological disorders (e.g., paralysis and stroke) and skin problems (e.g., atopic dermatitis and eczema) in oriental medicine. This study was designed to investigate whether GEB extract inhibits melanogenesis activity in murine B16F10 melanoma. MATERIALS/METHOD: Murine B16F10 cells were treated with 0-5 mg/mL of GEB extract or $400{\mu}g/mL$ arbutin (a positive control) for 72 h after treatment with/without 200 nM alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) for 24 h. Melanin concentration, tyrosinase activity, mRNA levels, and protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (Trp)1, and Trp2 were analyzed in ${\alpha}$-MSH-untreated and ${\alpha}$-MSH-treated B16F10 cells. RESULTS: Treatment with 200 nM ${\alpha}$-MSH induced almost 2-fold melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity along with increased mRNA levels and protein expression of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1 and Trp2. Irrespective of ${\alpha}$-MSH stimulation, GEB extract at doses of 0.5-5 mg/mL inhibited all these markers for skin whitening in a dose-dependent manner. While lower doses (0.5-1 mg/mL) of GEB extract generally had a tendency to decrease melanogenesis, tyrosinase activity, and mRNA levels and protein expression of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1, and Trp2, higher doses (2-5 mg/mL) significantly inhibited all these markers in ${\alpha}$-MSH-treated B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects of the GEB extract at higher concentrations were similar to those of $400{\mu}g/mL$ arbutin, a well-known depigmenting agent. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that GEB displays dose-dependent inhibition of melanin synthesis through the suppression of tyrosinase activity as well as molecular levels of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1, and Trp2 in murine B16F10 melanoma. Therefore, GEB may be an effective and natural skin-whitening agent for application in the cosmetic industry.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In Oriental medicine, certain foods may be beneficial or detrimental based on an individual's constitution; however, the scientific basis for this theory is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of body constitution, based on the Sasang type of Korean traditional medical classification system, on the bioavailability of soy isoflavones of Cheonggukjang, a quick-fermented soybean paste. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A pilot study was conducted on 48 healthy Korean men to evaluate the bioavailability of isoflavone after ingestion of food based on constitution types classified by the Sasang typology. The participants were classified into the Taeeumin (TE; n = 15), Soyangin (SY; n = 15), and Soeumin (SE; n = 18) groups. Each participant ingested 50 g of Cheonggukjang per 60 kg body weight. Thereafter, blood was collected, and the soy isoflavone metabolites were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Ntrikinetic analysis of individual isoflavone-derived metabolites was performed. RESULTS: Our nutrikinetic analysis identified 21 metabolites derived from isoflavones in the blood samples from 48 healthy Korean men (age range, 21-29 years). Significant differences were observed in the time to maximum concentration (T_max) and elimination half-life (t_1/2) for nine metabolites among the three groups. The T_max and t_1/2 of the nine metabolites were higher in the SE group than in the other groups. Moreover, the absorption rates, as determined by the area under the plasma-level curve (AUC) values of intact isoflavone, were 5.3 and 9.4 times higher in the TE group than in the SY and SE groups, respectively. Additionally, the highest AUC values for phase I and II metabolites were observed in the TE group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that isoflavone bioavailability, following Cheonggukjang insgestion, is high in individuals with the TE constitution, and relatively lower in those with the SE and SY constitutions.

• Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.40-94
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• 2004

Recently, meditation, Zen meditation and Qigong became popular in western. For that reason, Value of Korea traditional methods for health promotion have been evaluated but theoretical evidence about that is insufficient. ${\ll}$The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic${\gg}$ (黃帝內經). So, I reviewed history of Korea Qigong according to period, in order to produce theoretical evidence of Korea medical Qigong and investigated ${\ulcorner}$Han${\lrcorner}$ thought (${\ulcorner}$한${\lrcorner}$ 思想) as theoretical evidence of Korea Qigong. I have obtained following results by comparing meaning of god, a view of human body and practice method of the ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) with ${\ll}$The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic${\gg}$ (黃帝內經). Sinsundo(神仙道) of native to race became active during the period of the Three Kingdoms but more disappeared due to under the influence of Taoism. So only has been remained in existence since the period of the unity silla. There could accept positively the foreign ideas belonging to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have been brought since the period of the Three Kingdoms because ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥), one of three the scriptures as the origin of ${\ulcorner}$Han${\lrcorner}$ thought(${\ulcorner}$한${\lrcorner}$ 思想) included the original form of three religion belonging to Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism. Three common results as theoretical evidence of Qigong were found out by comparing ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) with ${\ll}$The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic${\gg}$ (黃帝內經). First, in meaning of god, there is not only different from the gods of heaven and the gods of human but also keep understanding with each other and there was common feature of logical structure that function of god was divided into three. Second, In a view of human body, there were in common with ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) as theory of only as energy(氣一元論), theory of bisection as truth false(眞妄二分論), theory of trisection as spirit(性) destiny(命) nature(精) and mind(心) energy(氣) body(身)(性 命 精, 心 氣 身의 三分論) and ${\ll}$The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic${\gg}$ (黃帝內經) as theory of only as energy(氣一元論), theory of bisection as shape and god(形神二分論), theory of trisection as nature(精) energy(氣) god(神) or shape(形) energy(氣) god(神)(精 氣 神, 形 氣 神의 三分論) according to formal part. Also, spirit(性) destiny(命) nature(精) as truths of three(三眞) were understand as nature(精) energy(氣) god(神) as treasure of three(三寶) by part of reason and mind(心) energy(氣) body(身) as false of three(三妄) were understand as nature(精) energy(氣) god(神) as treasure of three(三寶) by part of function. Third, In practice method, pause of thinking(止感) modulation of breath(調息). prohibition of sensibility(禁觸) mentioned in ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) as practice method each were understand regulation of an etiological cause as an internal cause, an external cause and not internal and external cause in oriental medicine. Namely, pause of thinking(止感) was understand as regulation method of emotion, mind and nature. modulation of breath(調息) was not only as modulation of energy from the inner parts of the body but also that from the internal and external parts of the body, prohibition of sensibility(禁觸) was understand as regulation method of ear, eye, mouth, and nose and posture, life style. These results suggest that ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) is worth meaning of Korea medical Qigong because meaning of god, a view of human body, practice method of mentioned in ${\ll}$Samilshingo${\gg}$ (三一神誥) is common with that of ${\ll}$The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic${\gg}$ (黃帝內經) as theoretical evidence of Qigong.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.2 s.17
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• pp.107-107
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• 2000

1. Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory was first developed from observation of astronomical phenomena. Natural phenomena were explained and incorporated into the concepts of Yukki(六氣), and Ohaeng(五行, the concept that all matter in the world are comprised of five fundamental elements), during Chon-guk(戰國) and Han(漢) periods. In that period. Kanji(干支, the method to present time with ten and twelve different kinds of symbol's combinations) was used to record Ounyukki(五運六氣). Theoretical study of Un-gi(運氣, the abbreviation of Ounyukki) was almost completed in Un-gichilpyon(運氣七篇) of Naekyong(內經). Un-gi(運氣) theory was further studied and considered to be very important socially, as well as medically, in Tang(唐), Song(宋), Kum(金), and Won(元) periods. Hagan(河間) published various studies based on Un-gi(運氣) theory in Kum won(金元) periods. 2. Hagan(河間) realized the limitation of a remedy method, of Sanghan(傷寒) theory. Therefore, he made an assumption that the prevalence of diseases in his period are closely related to Hwayol(火熱, a fire and a super-heat; two things out of Yukki(六氣)). His new theory was a result of the study on Kyongjon(經典, bibles of the oriental medicine) and the phenomena of nature. 3. Hagan(河間) used a combination of two basic theories of Pimuripsang(比物立象) and Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) to make understood Hwayol(火熱) theory, Pimuripsang(比物立象) theory explains a method to appreciate the essence of things by comparing Sang(象, an expression of how something appears on the outside) and then making another Sang(象) from the comparison. Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) is a theory to emphasize the importance of a balance of Yukki(六氣). It is that, if one of the elements is exceeded, other thing in the other five elements dominate the exceeded thing to control it for the balance between Yukki(六氣). In addition, he articulated P'yobon(標本. inside and outside of a thing) theory to differentiate the disease symptoms. These theories will help to distinguish real and fake symptoms of diseases, on which Hagan(河間) emphasized its importance. 4. Hagan(河間) published a new theory to explain Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory based on the observation of the nature and the experience from medical practice. And he added Chobyonggi(燥病機, course and rule causing disease in dry conditions) to Pyonggishipkujo(病機十九條, nineteen course and rule causing disease), it strengthened Pyonggi(病機, course and rule causing disease) theories. Moreover. he utilized Un-gi (運氣) theory in a real life situation by applying Un-giron(運氣論) to diagnosis like Maekchin(脈診, a method to diagnose by taking the pulse) and to prescription. 5. Modern society is an era in which it is hard to appreciate the principles of the changes due to the various unusual weather. Therefore, it is necessary to make a new paradigm using Un-gi(運氣) theory, like Hagan(河間) did in Kumwon(金元) period. 6. Unusual weather changes and the geriatric diseases such as cancer and diabetes, may have Sang(象) of Hwayol(火熱) theory at the other side. These diseases have been and will create more serious problems in modern society. As a method to solve these problems. it seems to be very important to understand and apply Hagan's(河間) Hawyol(火熱) theory to modern society.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.2 s.17
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• pp.108-145
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• 2000

1. Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory was first developed from observation of astronomical phenomena. Natural phenomena were explained and incorporated into the concepts of Yukki(六氣), and Ohaeng(五行, the concept that all matter in the world are comprised of five fundamental elements), during Chon-guk(戰國) and Han(漢) periods. In that period. Kanji(干支, the method to present time with ten and twelve different kinds of symbol's combinations) was used to record Ounyukki(五運六氣). Theoretical study of Un-gi(運氣, the abbreviation of Ounyukki) was almost completed in Un-gichilpyon(運氣七篇) of Naekyong(內經). Un-gi(運氣) theory was further studied and considered to be very important socially, as well as medically, in Tang(唐), Song(宋), Kum(金), and Won(元) periods. Hagan(河間) published various studies based on Un-gi(運氣) theory in Kum won(金元) periods. 2. Hagan(河間) realized the limitation of a remedy method, of Sanghan(傷寒) theory. Therefore, he made an assumption that the prevalence of diseases in his period are closely related to Hwayol(火熱, a fire and a super-heat; two things out of Yukki(六氣)). His new theory was a result of the study on Kyongjon(經典, bibles of the oriental medicine) and the phenomena of nature. 3. Hagan(河間) used a combination of two basic theories of Pimuripsang(比物立象) and Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) to make understood Hwayol(火熱) theory, Pimuripsang(比物立象) theory explains a method to appreciate the essence of things by comparing Sang(象, an expression of how something appears on the outside) and then making another Sang(象) from the comparison. Hanhaesungjeron(亢害承制論) is a theory to emphasize the importance of a balance of Yukki(六氣). It is that, if one of the elements is exceeded, other thing in the other five elements dominate the exceeded thing to control it for the balance between Yukki(六氣). In addition, he articulated P'yobon(標本. inside and outside of a thing) theory to differentiate the disease symptoms. These theories will help to distinguish real and fake symptoms of diseases, on which Hagan(河間) emphasized its importance. 4. Hagan(河間) published a new theory to explain Ounyukki(五運六氣) theory based on the observation of the nature and the experience from medical practice. And he added Chobyonggi(燥病機, course and rule causing disease in dry conditions) to Pyonggishipkujo(病機十九條, nineteen course and rule causing disease), it strengthened Pyonggi(病機, course and rule causing disease) theories. Moreover. he utilized Un-gi (運氣) theory in a real life situation by applying Un-giron(運氣論) to diagnosis like Maekchin(脈診, a method to diagnose by taking the pulse) and to prescription. 5. Modern society is an era in which it is hard to appreciate the principles of the changes due to the various unusual weather. Therefore, it is necessary to make a new paradigm using Un-gi(運氣) theory, like Hagan(河間) did in Kumwon(金元) period. 6. Unusual weather changes and the geriatric diseases such as cancer and diabetes, may have Sang(象) of Hwayol(火熱) theory at the other side. These diseases have been and will create more serious problems in modern society. As a method to solve these problems. it seems to be very important to understand and apply Hagan's(河間) Hawyol(火熱) theory to modern society.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.190-197
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gallus gallus domesticus (GD) is a natural mutant breed of chicken in Korea with an atypical characterization of melanin in its tissue. This study investigated the effects of melanin extracts of GD on osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast formation. MATERIALS/METHODS: The effects of the melanin extract of GD on human osteoblast MG-63 cell differentiation were examined by evaluating cell viability, osteoblast differentiation, and expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors such as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), small mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 5 (SMAD5), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and type 1 collagen (COL-1) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. We investigated the inhibitory effect of melanin on the osteoclasts formation through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and TRAP stains in Raw 264.7 cell. RESULTS: The melanin extract of GD was not cytotoxic to MG-63 cells at concentrations of $50-250{\mu}g/mL$. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone mineralization of melanin extract-treated cells increased in a dose-dependent manner from 50 to $250{\mu}g/mL$ and were 149% and 129% at $250{\mu}g/mL$ concentration, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of BMP-2, osteocalcin, and COL-1 gene expression were significantly upregulated by 1.72-, 4.44-, and 2.12-fold in melanin-treated cells than in the control cells (P < 0.05). The levels of RUNX2 and SMAD5 proteins were higher in melanin-treated cells than in control vehicle-treated cells. The melanin extract attenuated the formation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced TRAP-positive multinucleated RAW 264.7 cells by 22%, and was 77% cytotoxic to RAW 264.7 macrophages at a concentration of $500{\mu}g/mL$. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the melanin extract promoted osteoblast differentiation by activating BMP/SMADs/RUNX2 signaling and regulating transcription of osteogenic genes such as ALP, type I collagen, and osteocalcin. These results suggest that the effective osteoblastic differentiation induced by melanin extract from GD makes it potentially useful in maintaining bone health.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.58-72
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• 2001

A Cerebrovascular accident(CVA), or Stroke is a medical emergency that occurred when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or blocked. The stroke causes physical function disorder due to hemiparalysis and emotional disorder. Also the stroke patients experience helplessness, powerlessness, sense of alienation and loss of hope. These feelings make the rehabilitation difficult because they lose the will of life. The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between perceived social support and hope of stroke survivors. The subjects for this study were 100 out-patients with stroke in one general hospital and oriental medicine hospital located in Mokpo. The data were analysed by frequency, t-test, ANOVA. Duncan test, Pearson's correlation, using the SPSS WIN 9.0 program. Data were collected from July 11 to September 9, 2000, using a structured questionnaire. The instruments used for this study : The social support scale developed by Park, Ji-won(1985) and the hope scale developed by Miller(1988). The results were as follows. 1. It was found that the higher the degree of perceived social support, the higher the degree of hope(r=.726, p=.000). Therefore hypothesis was supported. 2. The mean score of perceived social support was 77.8(SD=21.0) with a score range from 27.0 to 104.0. 3. The mean score of perceived hope was 117.0(SD=25.7) with a score range from 57.0 to 160.0. 4. The level of social support depending on general characteristics were significantly different in variables such as marital status(t=3.131, p=.010). degree of income satisfaction(F=16.027, p=.000). 5. The level of hope depending on general characteristics were significantly different in variables such as marital status(t=2.681, p=.040). current job(t=-2.055, p=.043) degree of income, satisfaction(F=11.363, p=.000). For these subjects, there was a significant relationship between social support and hope. The stroke survivors need social support to inspire their hope. Nurses should plan interventions to enhance social support for patients with stroke. The above results may be used as the basic data to seek more efficient way of elevating nursing practice and rehabilitation for the patients with stroke.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.509-515
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The root of Vitis amurensis Ruprecht, a sort of wild-growing grape, has been used in oriental medicine for treatment of skin ailments; however, its dermatological activity is not sufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to investigate tyrosinase inhibitory and anti-melanogenic activities of V. amurensis Ruprecht root methanol extract (VARM) in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and to attempt to isolate and identify the active compound issued from VARM. MATERIALS/METHODS: Anti-melanogenic activity of VARM was analyzed in ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)-stimulated B16F10 cells through evaluation of antioxidative activity as well as inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin contents compared with those of kojic acid and arbutin. After anti-melanogenic analysis of VARM, serial fractionation, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and thin layer chromatorgraphy (TLC) were applied for identification of active compounds contained in VARM. RESULTS: VARM significantly inhibited oxidative stress and tyrosinase activity and attenuated ${\alpha}$-MSH-induced melanin production in B16F10 cells. For isolation of active compounds, VARM was fractionated using a series of organic solvents, including dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol (n-BuOH). Among fractions showing anti-melanogenic activity, the CH2Cl2 fraction induced the most potent attenuation of melanogenesis without cytotoxicity and the major compound in the $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction was identified as betulinic acid. Betulinic acid isolated from the $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction of VARM significantly attenuated ${\alpha}$-MSH-induced melanogenesis in a dose dependent manner, which was stronger than that of arbutin used as a positive control. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that VARM inhibits oxidative stress, tyrosinase activity, and ${\alpha}$-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, due primarily to the active compound, betulinic acid, in the $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction.