• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.131-135
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• 2014

Objective : With the growing interests of bacteria as a targeting vector for cancer treatment, diverse genetically engineered Salmonella has been reported to be capable of targeting primary or metastatic tumor regions after intravenous injection into mouse tumor models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the capability of the genetically engineered Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) to access the glioma xenograft, which was monitored in mouse brain tumor models using optical bioluminescence imaging technique. Methods : U87 malignant glioma cells (U87-MG) stably transfected with firefly luciferase (Fluc) were implanted into BALB/cAnN nude mice by stereotactic injection into the striatum. After tumor formation, attenuated S. typhimurium expressing bacterial luciferase (Lux) was injected into the tail vein. Bioluminescence signals from transfected cells or bacteria were monitored using a cooled charge-coupled device camera to identify the tumor location or to trace the bacterial migration. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed in frozen sections of mouse glioma xenograft. Results : The injected S. typhimurium exclusively localized in the glioma xenograft region of U87-MG-bearing mouse. Immunofluorescence staining also demonstrated the accumulation of S. typhimurium in the brain tumors. Conclusion : The present study demonstrated that S. typhimurium can target glioma xenograft, and may provide a potentially therapeutic probe for glioma.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.265-279
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• 2022

Digital health is rapidly growing worldwide and its area is expanding from wellness to treatment due to digital therapeutics (DTx). This study compared DTx in the Korean context with other countries to better understand its political and practical implications. DTx is generally the same internationally, often categorized as software as a medical device. It provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions for medical disabilities and diseases. Abroad, DTx support entailed state subsidies and fundraising and national health insurance coverage. In the case of national health insurance coverage, most cases were applied to mental diseases. Moreover, in Japan, DTx related to hypertension will possibly be under discussion for national health insurance coverage in 2022. In overseas countries, coverage was decided only when the clinical effects were equivalent to those provided by existing technology, and in the UK, real usage data for DTx and associated evaluations were reflected by national health coverage determination. Prices were either determined through closed negotiations with health insurance operating agencies and manufacturers or established based on existing technology. Concerning the current situation, DTx dealing with various diseases including hypertension are expected to be developed near in the future, and the demand for use and compensation will likely increase. Therefore, it is urgent to define and prepare for DTx, relevant support systems, and health insurance coverage listings. Several support systems must be considered, including government subsidies, science/technology funds, and health insurance.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.209-218
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• 2022

Individuals often report significant relief from pain and stress even after a single session of massage therapy; however, no previous studies have provided objective evidence supporting the effectiveness of a solitary massage therapy session. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of one-time treatment with a spinal thermal massage device reported to exert the same therapeutic effects as massage therapy in terms of pain reduction and stress relief. A man with chronic low back pain (LBP) underwent two rounds of experiments involving spinal massage treatment and bed rest, respectively. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, and heart rate variability (HRV) was measured in real-time to examine autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Blood samples were obtained at five points during each round of the experiment to examine changes in cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Spinal massage significantly reduced pain and enhanced parasympathetic activity when compared with the bed rest condition. In addition, both epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were lower following spinal massage than following bed rest. These results are consistent with the reported effects of conventional massage therapy and support the effectiveness of one-time treatment using a spinal thermal massage device.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.169-174
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and action mechanism of quercetin on penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (PCCSM). PCCSM precontracted with phenylephrine (Phe) was treated with four different concentrations of quercetin ($10^{-7}$, $10^{-6}$, $10^{-5}$ and $10^{-4}M$). PCCSM were preincubated with N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) to block nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, respectively. The changes in PCCSM tension were recorded, and cyclic nucleotides in the perfusate were measured by radioimmunoassay. The interactions of quercetin with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) such as sildenafil, udenafil and mirodenafil, were also evaluated. PCCSM relaxation induced by quercetin occurred in a concentrationdependent manner. The application of quercetin to PCCSM pre-treated with L-NAME and ODQ significantly inhibited the relaxation. Quercetin significantly increased cGMP in the perfusate. Furthermore, quercetin enhanced PDE5-Is-induced relaxation of PCCSM. Quercetin relaxed the PCCSM by activating the NO-cGMP signaling pathway, and it may be a therapeutic candidate or an alternative treatment for patients with erectile dysfunction who do not completely respond to PDE5-Is.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.693-702
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• 2015

Blocking new blood-vessel formation (angiogenesis) is now recognized as a useful approach to the therapeutic treatment of many solid tumors. The best validated approach to date is to target the vascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF) pathway, a key regulator of angiogenesis. Many natural products and extracts that contain a variety of chemopreventive compounds have been shown to suppress the development of malignancies through their anti-angiogenic properties. Phellodendron amurense, which is widely used in Korean traditional medicine, has been shown to possess antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. The present study investigated the effects of P. amurense hot-water extract (PAHWE) on angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. To investigate PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties, this study’s authors performed an analysis of angiogenesis and endothelial-cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation, as well as zymogram assays and the rat aortic ring-sprouting assay. PAHWE inhibited cell growth, mobility, and vessel formation in response to VEGF in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, it reduced VEGF-induced intracellular signaling events, such as the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and -9. These results indicate that PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties might lead to the development of potential drugs for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases such as cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.159-173
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• 2000

Objectives : First, to restore reliability of oriental prescriptions that are effective against incurable diseases, Second, in the short term, to secure the validity of traditional remedies with the help of accumulated data and in the long term, develop new therapeutic methods and prescriptions in order to broaden its aspect in the field of medicine. Third, to maintain predominance on oriental therapeutic methods and put it into practical use based upon the results obtained by this paper. Methods : In the primary sub-thesis(herbalogical analytic methods applied on unknown oriental prescriptions), models of analytic method and in gathering information that could be put into practice are being revised In the secondary sub-thesis(method in gathering and analysing in dealing with oriental prescription), several statistical approaches and analysis on data that has been gathered are being revised. In the tertiary sub-thesis(research on legal guarantee of the offerer rights), an alternative scheme that covers the limitations of the legislative content in dealing with offerer rights is being revised Results : This research has revealed several problems, including those which were foreseen, in proceeding with the project. The prospect of the involvement of the medical personnel engaging in the field of oriental medicine was remarkably bright. Given the condition that the project will proceed as it follows, unknown oriental prescriptions and remedies which have been particularly ignored will eventually play an important role in clinical practice. Conclusions : It is clear to everyone that these oriental remedies will remain ignored by the public unless they gain popularity. Strict verifications on these oriental remedies are definitely needed in order to overcome this limitation. Finally, it should provide a momentum in the field of medicine in gaining popularity to the public.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.573-581
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• 2023

Objective : Due to the implementation of vaccinations and the development of therapeutic agents, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that started at the end of 2019 has entered a new phase. As a result, neurosurgeons should reconsider the way they treat their patients. As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, the change in neurosurgical emergency patients according to the number of confirmed cases is no longer clear. Outpatient treatment by telephone was permitted according to government policy. In addition, visits to caregivers in the intensive care unit were limited. Methods : The electronic medical records of patients who had been treated over the phone for a month (during April 2020, while the hospital was closing) were reviewed. Meanwhile, according to the limited visits to the intensive care unit, a video meeting was held with the caregivers. After the video meeting, satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Results : During April 2020, 1021 patients received non-face-to-face care over the telephone. Among the patients, no critical medical problem occurred due to non-face-to-face care. From July 2021 to December 2021, 321 patients were admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit and 107 patients (33.3%) including their caregivers agreed to video visits. Twice a week, advance notice was given that access would be made through a mobile device and the nurse explained to caregivers how to use the mobile device. The time for the video meeting was approximately 20 minutes per patient. Based on the questionnaire, 81 respondents (75.7%) answered that they agreed, and 26 respondents (24.3%) answered that they strongly agreed that was easy to communicate through video meetings. Fifty-two (48.6%) agreed and 55 (51.4%) strongly agreed that they were easy to understand the doctor's explanation. For overall satisfaction with this video meeting, three respondents (2.8%) gave 4/5 points and 95 respondents (88.8%) gave 5/5 points, and nine (8.4%) gave 3/5 points. Their reason was that there was not enough time. Conclusion : In situations where patient visits are limited, video meetings through a mobile device can provide sufficient satisfaction to caregivers. Telemedicine will likely become common in the near future. Health care professionals should prepare and respond to these needs and changes. Therefore, establishing a system with institutional support is necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.37-42
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• 2011

Purpose: The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the power output of ultrasound in Korean clinics and compare the value with Korean and global standards. Methods: A total of 69 units were measured for ultrasound power output. The normal range of power output level was ${\pm}30%$ of the output set according to KFDA standards. Device model, manufacturer, ERA, and BNR were obtained via simple questionnaires. A portable ultrasound power meter was used for output measurement. Results: 37 machines, with reported ERA values, were assessed for power output per unit area. Of these machines, 13 (37.14%) were considered to be compliant with US FDA standards at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, $20W/cm^2$ and 18 (51.43%) were considered within KFDA standards. The remainder of the machines were outside the standard error and evidenced irregular output levels, even though most of them were the same model. Conclusion: Appropriate ultrasound intensity is incredibly important for safety and effective use. Therefore, the KFDA standards regarding ultrasound may require revision in light of global standards, including BNR and ERA additionally, attention should be paid to regular calibration for safe use in clinical practice.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.309-316
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• 2024

The treatment of obesity and its comorbidities ranges from clinical management involving lifestyle changes and medications to bariatric and metabolic surgery. Various endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies recently emerged to address an important therapeutic gap by offering a less invasive alternative to surgery that is more effective than conservative therapies. This article comprehensively reviews the technical aspects, mechanism of action, outcomes, and future perspectives of one of the most promising endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies, named duodenojejunal bypass liner. The duodenojejunal bypass liner mimics the mechanism of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass by preventing food contact with the duodenum and proximal jejunum, thereby initiating a series of hormonal changes that lead to delayed gastric emptying and malabsorptive effects. These physiological changes result in significant weight loss and improved metabolic control, leading to better glycemic levels, preventing dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and mitigating cardiovascular risk. However, concern exists regarding the safety profile of this device due to the reported high rates of severe adverse events, particularly liver abscesses. Ongoing technical changes aiming to reduce adverse events are being evaluated in clinical trials and may provide more reliable data to support its routine use in clinical practice.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.69 -78
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• 2024

The advancement of high-throughput omics technologies and systems biology is essential for understanding complex biological mechanisms and diseases. The integration of proteomics and metabolomics provides comprehensive insights into cellular functions and disease pathology, driven by developments in mass spectrometry (MS) technologies, including electrospray ionization (ESI). These advancements are crucial for interpreting biological systems effectively. However, integrating these technologies poses challenges. Compared to genomic, proteomics and metabolomics have limitations in throughput, and data integration. This review examines developments in MS equipped electrospray ionization (ESI), and their importance in the effective interpretation of biological mechanisms. The review also discusses developments in sample preparation, such as Simultaneous Metabolite, Protein, Lipid Extraction (SIMPLEX), analytical techniques, and data analysis, highlighting the application of these technologies in the study of cancer or Huntington's disease, underscoring the potential for personalized medicine and diagnostic accuracy. Efforts by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) and integrative data analysis methods such as O2PLS and OnPLS extract statistical similarities between metabolomic and proteomic data. System modeling techniques that mathematically explain and predict system responses are also covered. This practical application also shows significant improvements in cancer research, diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic targeting for diseases like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and Huntington's disease. These approaches enable researchers to develop standardized protocols, and interoperable software and databases, expanding multi-omics research application in clinical practice.