• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.148-164
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• 1996

The effect of circumvaginal muscle(CVM) exercises to improve sexual function in married women has not been investigated by currently acceptable research methods, nor have appropriate instruments and techniques to carry out such investigation been available. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of CVM exercise on sexual function, and of measuring CVM function after CVM exercises. The research tools used were a modified Derogates Sexual Function Inventory questionnaire and a pressure sensitive intravaginal balloon device. This research was conducted in Kwangju-city and Chonnam province, Korea from July, 1994 to July, 1995. The research used a non-equivalent control pre-post test quasi-experimental design. Forty-five healthy married female volunteers, aged 30-58, and were randomly assigned by age using the matching fixed-length blocks to two groups. The experimental group consisted of 21 women who were assigned a 25-minute per day CVM home exercise program for six weeks. The control group of 24 women did not do the CVM home exercises. The CVM home exercise was developed by Dougherty(1989a) and adopted to Korea by Lee (1993). Data were analyzed by $x^{2-}$test, Paired t-test, Spearman product-moment correlation using SAS /P $C^+. The results are summarized as follows : 1. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of the subjects between the experimental and control groups before the CVM home exercises. 2. Hypothesis 1 that married women who participated in CVM home exercises would have higher mean scores on the sexual function(SF) than in those who did not participate in home exercise was supported. 3. Hypothesis 2 that married women who participated in CVM home exercises would have higher vaginal pressure on SF than in those who did not participate in home exercises was supported (mean maximum pressure, t＝－7.338, P＜.0001, peak maximum pressure, t＝－11.164, P＜.0001). 4. Hypothesis 3 that the more often(number of days) and the more frequent (numbers of time per day) that married women do CVM home exercise, the higher their mean scores on SF and vaginal pressures was supported（r＝0.233, P＜.01 ; r＝0.352, P＜.05）. A six week CVM home exercise program using a tape recording showed that SF can be improved. Results of this study showed that married women who exercise on a regular basis for six weeks improve their sexual function and increase the mean vaginal pressure and peak maximum pressure (tested by electronic monitor). In conclusion, CVM exercise is effective in increasing SF.SF.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.275-279
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• 2000

Purpose: Radiation damage is produced and viable cell number is reduced. We need to know the type of cell death by the ionizing radiation and the amount and duration of cell cycle arrest. In this study, we want to identified the main cause of the cellular damage in the oral cancer cells and normal keratinocytes with clinically useful radiation dosage. Materials and Methods: Human gingival tissue specimens obtained from healthy volunteers were used for primary culture of the normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOK). Primary NHOK were prepared from separated epithelial tissue and maintained in keratinocyte growth medium containing 0.15 mM calcium and a supplementary growth factor bullet kit. Fadu and Hep-2 cell lines were obtained from KCLB. Cells were irradiated in a /sup 137/Cs γ-irradiator at the dose of 10 Gy. The dose rate was 5.38 Gy/min. The necrotic cell death was examined with Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium. Every 4 day after irradiation, LDH activities were read and compared control group. Cell cycle phase distribution and preG1-incidence after radiation were analyzed by flow cytometry using Propidium Iodine staining. Cell cycle analysis were carried out with a FAC Star plus flowcytometry (FACS, Becton Dickinson, USA) and DNA histograms were processed with CELLFIT software (Becton Dickinson, USA). Results: LDH activity increased in all of the experimental cells by the times. This pattern could be seen in the non-irradiated cells, and there was no difference between the non-irradiated cells and irradiated cells. We detected an induction of apoptosis after irradiation with a single dose of 10 Gy. The maximal rate of apoptosis ranged from 4.0% to 8.0% 4 days after irradiation. In all experimental cells, we detected G2/M arrest after irradiation with a single dose of 10 Gy. Yet there were differences in the number of G2/M arrested cells. The maximal rate of the G2/M ranges from 60.0% to 80.0% 24h after irradiation. There is no significant changes on the rate of the G0/G1 phase. Conclusion: Radiation sensitivity was not related with necrosis but cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These data suggested that more arrested cell is correlated with more apoptosis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.205-214
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• 2005

Background: We examined global gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (DC), and tested whether the identified genes with the altered expression might be associated with susceptibility to UC. Methods: PBMCs from 8 UC and 8 normal healthy (NH) volunteers were collected, and total RNAs were subjected to the human 8.0K cDNA chip for the micro array analysis. Real time-PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to verify the results of micro array. One hundred forty UC patients and 300 NH controls were recruited for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Results: Twenty-five immune function-related genes with over 2-fold expression were identified. Of these genes, two chemokines, namely, CXCL1 and CCL20, were selected because of their potential importance in the evocation of host innate and adaptive immunity. Four SNPs were identified in the promoter and coding regions of CXCL1, while there was no significant difference between all patients with UC and controls in their polymorphisms, except minor association at g.57A>G (rs2071425, p=0.02). On the other hand, among three novel and one known SNPs identified in the promoter region of CCL20, g. -1,706 G>A (p=0.000000055), g. -1,458 G>A (p=0.0048), and g. -962C>A (p=0.0006) were found to be significantly associated with the susceptibility of Uc. Conclusion: Altered gene expression in mononuclear cells may contribute to IBD pathogenesis. Although the findings need to be confirmed in other populations with larger numbers of patients, the current results demonstrated that polymorphisms in the promoter region of CCL20 are positively associated with the development of Uc.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.235-241
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• 2010

Bambuterol hydrochloride, dimethylcarbamic acid 5-[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino-1-hydroxyethyl]-1,3-phenylene ester hydrochloride, is the prodrug of active ${\beta}_2$-adrenergic metabolite terbutaline. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two bambuterol hydrochloride tablets, $Bambec^{(R)}$ tablet 10 mg (Yuhan Co., Ltd.) and Bambucol tablet 10 mg (Sam Chun Dang Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). In vitro release of bambuterol from two bambuterol hydrochloride formulations was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media. Twenty eight healthy male Korean volunteers, $23.86{\pm}1.65$ years in age and $68.98{\pm}9.58$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After two tablets containing 10 mg as bambuterol hydrochloride were orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals, and the concentrations of bambuterol in serum were determined using column switching HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated, and ANOVA test with K-BE Test 2002 was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Bambec^{(R)}$, were -8.10%, -3.82% and 12.65% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (i.e., log 0.8093~log 1.0302 and log 0.8564~log 1.1280 for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Bambucol tablet 10 mg was bioequivalent to $Bambec^{(R)}$ tablet 10 mg.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.286-294
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• 2010

This study was performed to identify the cerebral network associated with sensation through the tickling stimulation, which is distinctive from the rest of other networks processing normal stimulation and to investigate the difference of laughing mechanism which is closely related to tickling using functional MRI(fMRI). A 16 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.9) on a 3.0T MR scanner during two sensation conditions. Counterbalanced stimulus were presented across the participants, and the stimulation was used block design. Acquired data was analyzed by the statistical parametric mapping (SPM 99). Subject and group analysis was performed. Individual analysis showed the activation of somatic sensation area in both tasks and the tickling sensation test showed more activated area in the Wernicke's area(BA40) compared to the normal sensation. The group analysis result shows that under normal stimulations, both sides of somatosensory cortices(BA 1,2 and 3) were activated and under tickling stimulation, not only the cortices but also those huge activation on thalamus, cingulate gyrus and insular lobe were detected. When the tickling was stopped, significant activations were shown in right cingulate gyrus, left MFG area and left insular lobe. A cerebral area responsible for recognizing tickling sensation was examined and the primitive stimulation such as tickling is much closely related to laugh, which is an important factor for various social activities.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.87-101
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this experiment was to investigate the influences of Autonomic Nervous System and EEG by conducting Reinforcement-Reduction(補瀉) acupuncture stimulation to compare the changes in acupoints on the body before and after treatment of acupuncture at Xingjian(LR2) being referred as Fire-point(火穴) and Ququan(LR8) being referred as Water-point(水穴) of Yin Liver Meridian(足厥陰肝經). Methods : This study was carried out on 30 healthy female volunteers in their 20's. There were four tests conducted throughout and the period for each test was between 2 to 5days. HRV and EEG were measured for 5 minutes before acupuncture stimulation was conducted on LR2-Reinforcement, LR2-Reduction, LR8-Reinforcement and LR8-Reduction at random. During the 20 minutes of acupuncture treatment, same subjects were measured simultaneously to observe any significant changes in acupoints. Again, the same subjects were measured for 5 minutes after removing the acupuncture in order to perform a comparative analysis. Results : The measurement of HRV showed that LF, LFnorm and LF/HF ratio increased significantly(p<0.05) while HF, HF norm decreased significantly in case of LR2-Reinforcement & LR8-Reduction. Both LR2-Reduction and LR8-Reinforcement induced a significant increase in HFnorm. EEG measurement indicated low $\alpha$ wave decreased and high $\beta$ wave increased significantly at LR2-Reinforcement during post-acupuncture period compared with acupuncture stimulation period. Both LR2-Reduction and LR8-Reinforcement developed significantly low $\alpha$ wave and high $\alpha$ wave. High $\beta$ wave increased significantly at LR8-Reduction during the acupuncture stimulation in comparison with pre-acupuncture period. Conclusions : The manipulation of acupuncture stimulation at LR2-Reinforcement and LR8-Reduction enhanced the activity of sympathetic nerves and the state of arousal while that of para sympathetic nerves declined. On the other hand, LR2-Reduction and LR8-Reinforcement developed the levels of para sympathetic nerves and relaxation.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.61-74
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• 1967

In order to confirm whether acquired immunity or resistance can be developed by the repeated hookworm infections, the 150 mature actively moving filariform ancylostoma duodenale larvae obtained from the severe hookworm anemia patients were orally given to 8 healthy volunteers in three divided doses, 50 in each, at 5 day interval. Also the hematological changes as well as several ferrokinetics using $^{59}Fe$ were done and were compared with 10 controls. The clinical symptoms and signs were checked every day for the first 3 weeks and then twice weekly until the end of the experiment. The appearance of the ova in the stool was examined by the formalin ether method and the ova was counted by the Stoll's method. The following laboratory tests were done: 1) Red blood cell count, venous blood hematocrit(micromethod), hemoglobin count (cyanomethemoglobin method) were checked every 5 to 7 day interval. 2) Plasma iron concentration (Barkan's modified method) was determined every 2 to 3 week interval. 3) Radioisotope studies: a) Ferrokinetics: Huff et al and Bothwell's method were applied. Erythropoietic Index (% of normal)=$\frac{Subject's\;turnover/100ml\;whole\;blood{\times}100}{Average\;normal\;turnover/100ml\;whole\;blood}$ of the gastrointestinal absorption of iron: Radioiron($^{59}Fe$) balance b) Quantitative measurement method was applied. c) Determination of the plasma erythropoietin activity: Fried's method was applied. Following were the results: 1) The serum iron level was lower. The red cell volume was decreased, but with relative increase of plasma volume. 2) The plasma iron disappearance time was accelerated and the plasma iron turnover rate was decreased. The red cell iron turnover rate was markedly increased, while all of the red cell iron concentration, circulating red cell iron. plasma iron pool were decreased. The daily iron pool turnover and red cell renewal rate were increased. 3) The erythropoietic index, erythropoietin activity and intestinal absorption of iron($^{59}Fe$) were markedly increased. 4) The infectivity was $9.8{\pm}1.31%$ which was lower than that observed in the single infection. 5) From these observations, it is concluded that the hookworm anemia is essentially iron deficieny in its origin and some immunity acquisition is possible with repeated infections.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1127-1133
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• 2011

Exercise has been shown to positively influence quality of life for elderly men with a wide variety of medical illnesses. Tai chi exercise, a slow and graceful form of exercise and meditation, has especially been offered as the ideal exercise for elderly men with diverse conditions, such as people suffering from chronic heart failure or breast cancer survivors. In one recent study, Tai Chi was found to improve exercise capacity, sleep stability, and quality of life in heart failure patients including elderly men. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of 16 weeks of Tai Chi exercise (3 times/week, 60 min/trial, 40-50% HRR) on physical and physiological changes. Sixty four healthy volunteers without any particular disease between the ages of 65 and 79 years participated in the study. The results were as follows; Significant changes of cardiac endurance, strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and balance were observed following 16 weeks of Tai Chi exercise (p<0.05). In addition, significant changes of diastolic blood pressure, body fat and fat-free mass were observed following 16 weeks of Tai Chi exercise (p<0.05). These findings suggest that a brief period of Tai Chi exercise is beneficial, particularly to elderly men. It is especially beneficial for body composition, and physical fitness factors such as cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle endurance, flexibility, and balance. Further study is needed in this area for specific disease patients.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.981-986
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• 1996

We have conducted this study to examine effect of kimchi intake on the composition of human large intestinal bacteria. Two hundred grams of kimchi were administered to 10 healthy young volunteers (20-30 years old) every day for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of non-intake period. The non-intake-intake cycle was repeated for 10 weeks. Except antibiotics and materials which contain live bacteria, subjects were allowed to eat ad libitum. The composition of intestinal microflora (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Staphylococcus, Clostridium perfringens) was examined a1 the last day of each period. $\beta-Glucosidase$ and $\beta-glucuronidase$ activities, pH and moisture content of the fecal samples were also measured. During the administration of kimchi, the cell counts of Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc increased significantly (p<0.05), whereas those of other bacteria did not change significantly. The enzyme level of $\beta-glucosidase$ and $\beta-glucuronidase$ decreased during kimchi intake (p<0.05). Results indicate that a portion of lactic acid bacteria present in kimchi can pass human stomach and reside in the large intestinal tract.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7213-7218
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• 2014

Background: Egypt has one of the highest prevalences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. Although the IL28B gene polymorphism has been shown to modify the course of chronic HCV infection, this has not been properly assessed in the Egyptian population. Materials and Methods: The IL28B rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was therefore examined in 256 HCV-infected Egyptian patients (group II) at different stages of disease progression and in 48 healthy volunteers (group I). Group II was subdivided into GII-A (chronic hepatitis patients, n=119), GII-B (post hepatitis cirrhosis, n=66) and GII-C (HCC on top of cirrhosis, n=71). Results: The C/T genotype was the commonest in all groups. It was more frequent in GI (52%) than in GII (48%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of C/T and C/C or T/T genotypes between groups and subgroups (p=0.82). Within the subgroups; the C/C genotype was more common in GII-B while C/T and T/T genotypes were more common in GII-C, though with no significant difference (p=0.59 and p=0.80). There was no significant association between IL28B rs12979860 SNP and viral load, ALT, AFP level, METAVIR scores for necro-inflammation and fibrosis, and Child-Pugh classification. Conclusions: 1) IL28Brs12979860 C/T genotype is the commonest genotype in HCV-associated CH and HCC in Egypt. 2) IL28Brs12979860 polymorphisms are not associated with disease progression or aggression (histological staging, severity of fibrosis in CH or the incidence of post-HCV HCC). 3) Differences in IL28Brs12979860 genotypes could be a consequence of environmental or ethnic variation.