• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 1998

This study was performed to determine the effects of nitric oxide on human sperm cell function. Semen samples were obtained from normal healthy volunteers. Motile spermatozoas collected by swim-up method were incubated up to 24 hours in Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with a various concentration of sodium nitroprusside (nitric oxide releasing agent). Sperm motility, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction rate, and acrosin activity were determined. The results are as follows; 1. 1mM of SNP resulted in a significant decrease in sperm motility ($44.8%{\pm}8.9%:78.1%{\pm}6.3%$, and hyperactivation $(10.4%{\pm}6.4%:47.7%:{\pm}9.5%)$ after incubation for 3 hours compared with the control group (Ham's F-10 alone), but had no effect on acrosome reaction. 2. At $100{\mu}M$ SNP, sperm motility was reduced after incubation for 6 hours $(54.8%{\pm}3.2%)$ compared with that of the control group $(82.7%{\pm}8.9%)$, but hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were not affected. 3. However, a lower concentration (less than $10{\mu}M$) of SNP had no effect on sperm motility and hyperactivation for 8 hours of incubation but significantly decreased them when incubation periods were increased up to 24 hours compared with the control group. On the other hand, $1{\mu}M$ and $10{\mu}M$ SNP significantly increased the acrosome reaction rate in both acrosomal status ($17.3%{\pm}5.2%$, $23.5%{\pm}4.7%$, respectively) and acrosin activity ($34.3{\mu}IU{\pm}10.5{\mu}IU,\;45.6{\mu}IU{\pm}5.6{\mu}IU$, respectively) as compared with the control group $(7.0%{\pm}4.0%,\;9.5{\mu}IU{\pm}3.4{\mu}IU)$. These results indicate that SNP, NO releasing agent, has a dose-dependent effects on the sperm cell function. Therefore it may positively affect the fertilization by promoting acrosomal reaction at a lower concentration (less than $10{\mu}M$).

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.191-200
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• 2018

In this study, we conducted research to find anti-wrinkle skin care ingredients from natural sources via the measurement of procollagen type 1 levels in the medium of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) and found that a Nelumbo nucifera leave extract (NLE) was as the best effective ingredient. By the high performance liquid chromatography analysis, we confirmed isoquercitrin was one of the main compounds of NLE. Moreover, it also increased the procollagen type 1 production without cytotoxicity of NHDF. NLE and isoquercitrin exerted free radical scavenging activity. Especially, isoquercitrin exhibited strong intracellular antioxidant capacity in human skin-derived cells, HaCaT and NHDF. Finally, we performed clinical test for the inhibitory effect of NLE on skin wrinkle formation. A randomized study was conducted in 22 healthy female volunteers, aged between 30 and 65 yrs, with moderate to moderately severe facial wrinkles. Volunteer applied a 1.7% NLE cream (isoquercitrin 51 ppm) and a control cream at each facial side (left/right) twice daily for 8 weeks. The 1.7% NLE cream improved skin roughness through reducing the wrinkle of the craw's feet significantly without any skin side effect. Our results demonstrate that NLE and isoquercitrin can increase the collagen production and exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, we expect that the new non-toxic herbal extract, isoquercitrin-containing NLE will be interesting natural ingredient of cosmetics with anti-wrinkle efficacy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.360-368
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• 1998

Background: Endothelin(ET), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells and degraded predominantly in the pulmonary vasculature, have been implicated in the development of various organ dysfunctions. Plasma concentrations of ET-1 are reported to be elevated in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease(DILD). But, there is no study to establish the exact source and mechanisms involved in the increased plasma ET-1 concentrations in DILD patients. Methods: 12 patients with IPF, 2 patients with sarcoidosis, 2 patients with scleroderma, 1 patient with SLE and 11 healthy volunteers were studied. ET was detected by radioimmunoassay in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) as well as in 24-hr urine specimens. For each subjects, arterial/venous(A/V) ET ratio and renal ET clearance were calculated. Results: Elevated plasma, urine and BALF ET concentrations were found in patients with DILD compared with controls. But, no significant difference was observed in ET A/V ratio and ET renal clearance between patients with DILD and controls. Conclusion: We observed that plasma ET concentrations were elevated in patients with DILD, and that the main site of ET production may be lung parenchyme.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.461-471
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• 2006

In order to achieve a satisfactory esthetic result of periodontal surgery or implant in maxillary anterior area, periodontists must be aware of normal alveolar bone anatomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of alveolar bone morphology to tooth shape and form. 78(mean age : 25 yrs) periodontally healthy volunteers participated in this study. Two maxillary central incisor and one lateral incisor were selected to study. With minimal local anesthesia, gutta-percha cone inserted to labial gingival sulcus of selected teeth just after bone sounding with periodontal probe. Metal ball (4mm diameter) attached to palatal fossa of central incisor. Then, periapical radiograph was taken according to long cone paralleling technique. After film scan, labial alveolar bone profile reproduced along interproximal bone and apical ends of gutta-percha cones on computer screen. By utilizing computer program, the distance from height of interproximal bone to the labial bone crest in central incisor-central incisor and central incisor-lateral incisor area was measured and converted to real distance by using vertical length of metal ball on film. After measuring crown length & width of central incisor, the 10 individuals ranked lowest GW/L ratio (crown width/length ratio) and the 10 ranked highest were selected as having a long-narrow(group N), or a short-wide(group W) form of the central incisors. Means of the distance from height of interproximal bone to the labial bone crest of group N, W were calculated and compared by means of independent t-test. The results were as follows: 1. Mean distance from the height of the interproximal bone to the labial bone crest was $3.5{\pm}0.7mm$ between two central incisor, and $2.8{\pm}0.6mm$ between central and lateral incisor. 2. Mean GW/L ratio of group N was 0.57, and group W was 0.8. Mean distance from the height of the interproximal bone to the labial bone crest of group N was higher than group W in both measured area(measurements of group N, W were $3.9{\pm0.2mm$ and $3.5{\pm}0.2mm$ between two central incisor, $3.0{\pm}0.2mm$ and $2.8{\pm}0.2mm$ between central and lateral incisor), but there were no statistically significant differences when the groups were compared. Within the limits of the present study, there was a tendency that subjects with long-narrow teeth have more scalloped alveolar bone profile than subjects with short-wide teeth in upper anterior area, but no statistically significant differences were found.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1988.08a
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• pp.25-27
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• 1988

To assess the effect of Panax ginseng on the detoxification of ethanol. we examined its effect on blood ethanol clearance in both man and experimental animals and on the rate of ethanol oxidation to carbon dioxide in experimental animals. Fourteen healthy male volunteers were subject to studies. The blood alcohol level in the test group receiving ginseng extract (3g/kg b.w.) along with alcohol (70g/65kg b.w.) was about $35\%$ lower than their control levels at 40 min after ethanol intake. When the blood alcohol level was compared on individual bases. blood alcohol concentrations in 10 subjects ranged from 32 to $51\%$ lower than their control values. The remaining 4 subjects appeared to have a high tolerance level. In experimental animals. the blood alcohol clearance was also much faster in test animals receiving ginseng along with ethanol. The rate of ethanol elimination was determined by the amount of $^{14}CO_2$ in exhaled air following the administration of [$^{14}C$] ethanol. During the first 7 1/4 hr (Phase I) after the ethanol administration. the $CO_2$ output was greater in test animals receving ginseng along with ethanol. whereas from beyond 7 1/4 hr to the near end (Phase II). the $CO_2$ output in control animals was over twice that in test animals. The present studies clearly demonstrate that ginseng promotes the overall metabolism of ethanol. resulting in an enhanced blood alcohol clearance and alcohol elimination.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.7 s.80
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• pp.1174-1180
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• 2006

The present study was sought to clarify whether the combination of mental activity with subway noise affects hematological variables. Fifty-six healthy volunteers participated in this experiment and underwent a stress task consisting of combination_of mental activity (mental arithmetic) with subway noise for 50 min and 60min of recovery after the end of the stress task. Venous blood samples were collected for measuring CBC, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen concentration, D-dimer and high sensitive C-reactive protein (H-CRP) levels before (baseline), 50min of stress task (S-50m), and 60 min of recovery (R-60m). Total leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts significantly increased at R-60m compared with baselines. RBC count at S-50m was higher, while monocyte counts at S-50m and R-60m were lower than those of baselines. aPTTs shortened at S-50m and R-60m, but PT reduced at R-60m as compared with baselines. D-dimer and H-CRP levels at S-50m and R-60m were significantly higher than those of baselines. These findings imply that a combination of mental activity with subway noise nay cause leukocytosis, homo-concentration, shortened PT and aPTT, decreased ESR, and raised D-dimer and H-CRP levels, suggesting possible development of inflammation and prothrombogenic reaction attributable to a subway environment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.60-67
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• 2011

Ultrasonography (US) is a recent technique that has proven to be useful for assessing muscle thickness and guiding the rehabilitation decision-making of clinicians and researchers. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the US measurement of transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) thicknesses for different probe locations and measurement techniques. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Muscle thicknesses of the transversus TrA, IO, and EO were measured three times in the hook-lying position. The three different probe locations were as follows: 1) Probe location 1 (PL1) was below the rib cage in direct vertical alignment with the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). 2) Probe location 2 (PL2) was halfway between the ASIS and the ribcage along the mid-axillary line. 3) Probe location 3 (PL3) was halfway between the iliac crest and the inferior angle of the rib cage, with adjustment to ensure the medial edge of the TrA. The two different techniques of thickness measurement from the captured images were as follows: 1) Muscle thickness was measured in the middle of the muscle belly, which was centered within the captured image (technique A; TA). 2) Muscle thickness was measured along a horizontal reference line located 2 cm apart from the medial edge of the TrA in the captured image (technique B; TB). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [3,k]) was used to calculate the inter-rater reliability of the thickness measurement of TrA, IO and EO using the values from both the first and second examiner. In all three muscles, moderate to excellent reliability was found for all conditions (probe locations and measurement techniques) (ICC=.70~.97). In the PL1-TA condition, inter-rater reliability in the three muscle thicknesses was good to excellent (ICC=.85~.96). The reliability of all measurement conditions was excellent in IO (ICC=.95~.97). Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that TA can be applied to PL1 by clinicians and researchers in order to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.510-516
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• 1995

A multidisciplinary weight control program was conducted for obese women. The major components of the program included low calorie diet therapy, exercise, behavior modification and nutritional education and counseling. Sixteen healthy volunteers in excess of body fat, above 30%, were enrolled in the group support program. But 5 person were dropped out in the 2nd week of treatment. During the 1st week of group orientation, individual cause of obesity was assessed through a computer program including survey of dietary intake, activity, eating habits and life styles. During the 5 weeks of treatment, 4.8kg of average weight loss was accomplished using a following program ; low calorie diet(1200kcal/day with all essential nutrients), low impact aerobic exercise(50~60% of $VO_{2max}$, 1 hour/day in a group, 3~5 days/week), behavior modification of individual life styles and eating habits causing obesity and nutritional education concerning nutrition, role of exercise such as brisk walking, importance of slow eating in regular meal pattern and internal motivation for weight reduction, health risk of obesity and rapid weight loss, weight recycling and yo-yo syndrome, etc. Nutritional conseling was conducted 3 times per week with checking self-records of foods, activity, emotional state and tiredness. Before and immediately after 5 weeks of treatment, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride were measured and comparied with paired t-test. After 5 weeks of treatment, body weight, body mass index, body fat and circumferences of waist, upper arm and hip were significantly decreased. Also LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased after obesity treatment.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.241-245
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• 1999

Bioequivalence study of two cefpodoxime preparations, the test drug ($Banan^{\circledR}$: Hanil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and the reference drug ($Podox^{\circledR}$: Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), was conducted according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Sixteen healthy male volunteers, $23.8{\pm}2.13$ years old and $63.34{\pm}4.84kg$ of body weight in average, were divided randomly into two groups and administered the drug orally at the dose of 200 mg as cefpodoxime proxetil in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. Plasma concentrations of cefpodoxime were analysed by HPLC method for 12 hr after administration. The $AUC_{0-12hr}$ was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. The $C_{max}$, and $T_{max}$ were compiled directly from the plasma drug concentration-time data. Student's t-test indicated no significant differences between the formulations in these parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there were no differences in AUC, $C_{max}$, and $T_{max}$ between the formulations. The apparent differences between the formulations were far less than 20% (e.g., 4.31, 1.99 and 4.30% for AUC, $C_{max}$, and $T_{max}$, respectively). Minimum detectable differences (%) between the formulations at ${\alpha}=\;0.05$ and $1-{\beta}=\;0.8$ were less than 20% (e.g., 13.89, 13.88, and 16.97% for AUC, $C_{max}$, and $T_{max}$, respectively). The 90% confidence intervals for these parameters were also within ${\times}20%$ (e.g., $-5,58{\sim}14.20$, $-7.89{\sim}11.88$, and $-7.78{\sim}16.38%$ for AUC, $C_{max}$, and $T_{max}$, respectively). These results satisfied the bioequivalence criteria of KFDA guidelines, indicating that the two formulations of cefpodoxime were bioequivalent.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.319-325
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• 2004

A bioequivalence of $Etodol^{TM}$ tablets (Yuhan corporation) and $Kuhnillodine^{TM}$ tablets (Kuhnil Pharm. Co., Ltd.) was evaluated according to the guideline of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Single 200 mg dose of etodolac of each medicine was administered orally to 24 healthy male volunteers. This study was performed in a $2{\times}2$ crossover design. Concentrations of etodolac in human plasma were monitored by a high-performance liquid chromatography. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was performed using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for $Etodol^{TM}/Kuhnillodine^{TM}$ were 1.01-1.10 and 0.87-1.06, respectively. This study demonstrated a bioequivalence of $Etodol^{TM}$ and $Kuhnillodine^{TM}$ with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.