• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.295-304
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• 2021

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematopoietic malignancy driven by promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor A (PML-RARA) fusion gene. The therapeutic drugs currently used to treat APL have adverse effects. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is an anticancer medicine with high effectiveness and low toxicity. However, the underlying anticancer mechanisms of GRh2-induced PML-RARA degradation and apoptosis in human APL cell line (NB4 cells) remain unclear. Methods: Apoptosis-related indicators and PML-RARA expression were determined to investigate the effect of GRh2 on NB4 cells. Z-VAD-FMK, LY294002, and C 87, as inhibitors of caspase, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pathways were used to clarify the relationship between GRh2-induced apoptosis and PML-RARA degradation. Results: GRh2 dose- and time-dependently decreased NB4 cell viability. GRh2-induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and caspase3, caspase8, and caspase9 activation in NB4 cells after a 12-hour treatment. GRh2-induced apoptosis in NB4 cells was accompanied by massive production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial damage and upregulated Bax/Bcl-2 expression. GRh2 also induced PML/PML-RARA degradation, PML nuclear bodies formation, and activation of the downstream p53 pathway in NB4 cells. Z-VAD-FMK inhibited caspase activation and significantly reversed GRh2-induced apoptosis and PML-RARA degradation. GRh2 also upregulated TNF-α expression and inhibited Akt phosphorylation. LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K pathway, enhanced the antitumor effects of GRh2, and C 87, an inhibitor of the TNF-α pathway, reversed NB4 cell viability, and GRh2-mediated apoptosis in a caspase-8-dependent manner. Conclusion: GRh2 induced caspase-dependent PML-RARA degradation and apoptosis in NB4 cells via the Akt/Bax/caspase9 and TNF-α/caspase8 pathways.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 2021

Far-infrared rays (FIR) are known to have various effects on atoms and molecular structures within cells owing to their radiation and vibration frequencies. The present study examined the effects of FIR on gene expression related to glucose transport through microarray analysis in rat skeletal muscle cells, as well as on mitochondrial biogenesis, at high and low glucose conditions. FIR were emitted from a bio-active material coated fabric (BMCF). L6 cells were treated with 30% BMCF for 24 h in medium containing 25 or 5.5 mM glucose, and changes in the expression of glucose transporter genes were determined. The expression of GLUT3 (Slc2a3) increased 2.0-fold (p < 0.05) under 5.5 mM glucose and 30% BMCF. In addition, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and membrane potential (ΔΨm) increased 1.5- and 3.4-fold (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), respectively, but no significant change in expression of Pgc-1a, a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, was observed in 24 h. To analyze the relationship between GLUT3 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis under FIR, GLUT3 was down-modulated by siRNA for 72 h. As a result, the ΔΨm of the GLUT3 siRNA-treated cells increased 3.0-fold (p < 0.001), whereas that of the control group increased 4.6-fold (p < 0.001). Moreover, Pgc-1a expression increased upon 30% BMCF treatment for 72 h; an effect that was more pronounced in the presence of GLUT3. These results suggest that FIR may hold therapeutic potential for improving glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in metabolic diseases associated with insufficient glucose supply, such as type 2 diabetes.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.15-26
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• 2020

Objective : Due to the rapid aging of the country, the elderly population is increasing and the ratio of face-to-face meetings with the elderly in major areas of occupational therapy is high. The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall perception of the elderly and the status of communication with the elderly. Methods : This survey was conducted From April to June 2020. Occupational therapists who provide interventions for the elderly in hospitals and public health centers across the country were collected using online questionnaires. A total of 91 questionnaires were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, of which 82 were used for data analysis, excluding 9 with insufficient responses. Results : Occupational therapists generally had a lot of negative perceptions of the elderly. In addition, as factors that hindered communication with the elderly, they responded in order of hearing-related, language understanding related, and articulation related. Lastly, occupational therapists were found to induce smooth communication with the elderly in the order of conversation response management, emotional expression, understanding enhancement, and relationship control. Conclusions : Occupational therapists are health care professionals who play a major role in improving the subjects' social participation and quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide professional therapeutic interventions and related education using improved communication skills along with an understanding of the elderly's communication skills and their level of communication.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.229-242
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is an empirical case study that focuses on bring about changes in clients through narrative therapy using scaffolding. Through this, the purpose was to find the preferred values and hopes of the future among the stories that the client's has lived in. As the research method, we proceed through unstructured interview and loose structures in qualitative research. On this premise, the counselor did not diagnose or explain the 'decentralized but influential' attitudes and problem. And there was no order in the conversation, and I didn't decide in advance how to react to it before the client made any expressions. This study has the following significance on a practical and academic level: First of all, counseling through scaffolding further enrich the curiosity, temperament, and wishes of the client. Second, the scaffolding provides a concrete picture of the relationship between a counselor and a client in narrative therapy. Third, the scaffolding made in therapeutic dialogue presents a 'learning tasks'. Fourth, counseling through scaffolding has an active meaning that it can develop the higher mental function of clients in charge. Finally, we presented an application of narrative therapy in Vygotsky's theory through analysis of empirical cases. Based on this information, this study did not simply intend to position the client as a research object in narrative therapy. It is meaningful that they have identified the factors necessary to become the subject of narrative therapy and the role of the counselor in the process. In addition, this study has implications in that it contributed to the expansion and substantialization of the research scope of narrative therapy in that it utilized the concept of scaffolding, which has not received much attention in the domestic research.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.63-76
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• 2022

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship with employment of the disabled considering the severity and the type of disability. Methods : Data from the 4th data of the 2nd wave Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) by Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities (KEAD) were used. The odds ratio of employment in disability types according to severity of disability was calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results : When the related variables were adjusted, the employment of internal disability type was significantly lower than that of external disability type by 0.413(95% CI:0.271-0.629) times in the group with severe disability. On the other hand, in the group with less severe disability, internal disability was 0.475(95% CI:0.327-0.690) times lower than that of external disability (p=<.001). Conclusions : Employment may vary depending on the type of disability, even if the disability severity level is the same. It is necessary to prepare judgment criteria that can reduce the variation in employment by considering both the type and severity of the disability.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.239-253
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• 2022

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be involved in airway remodeling and fibrosis of bronchial asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to EMT have yet to be fully clarified. The current study was designed to reveal the potential mechanism of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) affecting EMT through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE cells) were transfected with miR-21 mimics/inhibitors and PARP-1 plasmid/small interfering RNA (siRNA). A dual luciferase reporter assay and biotin-labeled RNA pull-down experiments were conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-21 mimics and PARP-1. The migration ability of 16HBE cells was evaluated by Transwell assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting experiments were applied to determine the expression of Snail, ZEB1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and PARP-1. The effects of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 on the migration of 16HBE cells and EMT were investigated. Overexpression of miR-21 mimics induced migration and EMT of 16HBE cells, which was significantly inhibited by overexpression of PARP-1. Our findings showed that PARP-1 was a direct target of miR-21, and that miR-21 targeted PARP-1 to promote migration and EMT of 16HBE cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Using LY294002 to block PI3K/AKT signaling pathway resulted in a significant reduction in the migration and EMT of 16HBE cells. These results suggest that miR-21 promotes EMT and migration of HBE cells by targeting PARP-1. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might be involved in this mechanism, which could indicate its usefulness as a therapeutic target for asthma.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.234-239
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• 2023

Thioredoxin-like protein 1 (TXNL1), one of the thioredoxin superfamily known as redox-regulator, plays an essential in maintaining cell survival via various antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It is well known that relationship between ischemia and oxidative stress, however, the role of TXNL1 protein in ischemic damage has not been fully investigated. In the present study, we aimed to determine the protective role of TXNL1 against on ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo using cell permeable Tat-TXNL1 fusion protein. Transduced Tat-TXNL1 inhibited ROS production and cell death in H₂O₂-exposed hippocampal neuronal (HT-22) cells and modulated MAPKs and Akt activation, and pro-apoptotic protein expression levels in the cells. In an ischemia animal model, Tat-TXNL1 markedly decreased hippocampal neuronal cell death and the activation of astrocytes and microglia. These findings indicate that cell permeable Tat-TXNL1 protects against oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo ischemic animal model. Therefore, we suggest Tat-TXNL1 can be a potential therapeutic protein for ischemic injury.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.618-631
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• 2023

The brain houses vital hormonal regulatory structures such as the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which may confer unique susceptibilities to critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in patients with neurological disorders. In addition, the frequent use of steroids for therapeutic purposes in various neurological conditions may lead to the development of steroid insufficiency. This abstract aims to highlight the significance of understanding these relationships in the context of patient care and management for physicians. Neurological disorders may predispose patients to CIRCI due to the role of the brain in hormonal regulation. Early recognition of CIRCI in the context of neurological diseases is essential to ensure prompt and appropriate intervention. Moreover, the frequent use of steroids for treating neurological conditions can contribute to the development of steroid insufficiency, further complicating the clinical picture. Physicians must be aware of these unique interactions and be prepared to evaluate and manage patients with CIRCI and steroid insufficiency in the context of neurological disorders. This includes timely diagnosis, appropriate steroid administration, and careful monitoring for potential adverse effects. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between neurological disease, CIRCI, and steroid insufficiency is critical for optimizing patient care and outcomes in this complex patient population.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Proton therapy is known for its superior treatment method due to Bragg peak. To enhance the therapeutic effects of protons, research has been conducted on distributing gold nanoparticles within tumors to increase the absorbed dose. While previous studies focused on handling gold nanoparticles at micrometer and nonometer scale, this study proposes a method to computationally estimate the effect of gold nanoparticles at the millimeter scale. The Geant4 toolkit was applied to computational modeling. Assuming a uniform distribution of water, similar to the human body, and gold nanoparticles, the concentration of gold nanoparticles was adjusted using density ratios. When the density ratio was 5%, the gain in absorbed energy due to gold nanoparticles was nearly twice that of the pure water phantom at the Bragg peak. As the density ratio increased, the gain in absorbed energy linearly increased. When gold nanoparticles were distributed in only one voxel at the Bragg peak, the energy of the protons affected only the neighboring voxels. However, in cases where gold nanoparticles were distributed over a wide area, the volume showing 95% of the maximum absorbed energy (9.46 keV) for the pure water phantom (9.95 keV) exhibited an improvement in absorbed energy over a region 16 times larger, and this region increased as the density ratio increased. Further research is needed to quantify the relationship between the density ratio of gold nanoparticles and the relative biological effect (RBE) in the millimeter scale.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2024

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional disability and work ability in workers affected by low back pain (LBP) through an analysis of correlations between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The role of personal and work factors on functional disability/work ability levels has also been studied. LBP is the most common musculoskeletal problem and a major disabling health problem worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial. Multidisciplinary approaches may help reduce the burden of pain and disability and improve job continuity and reintegration at work. Methods: A cohort of 264 patients affected by LBP from an Italian outpatient clinic were included in a clinical diagnostic/therapeutic trial aiming at rehabilitation and return to work through an integrated investigation protocol. Data were collected during the first medical examination using anamnestic and clinical tools. The final sample is composed of 252 patients, 57.1% man, 44.0 % blue collars, 46.4% with the high school degree, 45.6% married. Results: WAI and ODI reported a negative and fair correlation (r = -0.454; p = .000). Workers with acute LBP symptoms have a higher probability of severe disability than those with chronic LBP symptoms. White collars without depressive symptoms reported higher work ability - even in chronic disability conditions-than those with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that ODI and WAI have a convergent validity and this suggests that the two tools measure capture distinctive aspects of disability related to personal, environmental, and occupational characteristics. The most important and modifiable prognostic factors found for ODI and WAI were depressive symptoms, workday absence, and intensity of back pain. The study also found a mild association between age and ODI. The study's findings highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to manage and prevent disability due to LBP.