• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권9호
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• pp.1179-1188
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• 2023

Escherichia coli, particularly multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, is a serious cause of healthcare-associated infections. Development of novel antimicrobial agents or restoration of drug efficiency is required to treat MDR bacteria, and the use of natural products to solve this problem is promising. We investigated the antimicrobial activity of dried green coffee (DGC) beans, coffee pulp (CP), and arabica leaf (AL) crude extracts against 28 isolated MDR E. coli strains and restoration of ampicillin (AMP) efficiency with a combination test. DGC, CP, and AL extracts were effective against all 28 strains, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5-50 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration of 25-100 mg/ml. The CP-AMP combination was more effective than CP or AMP alone, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index value of 0.01. In the combination, the MIC of CP was 0.2 mg/ml (compared to 25 mg/ml of CP alone) and that of AMP was 0.1 mg/ml (compared to 50 mg/ml of AMP alone), or a 125-fold and 500-fold reduction, respectively, against 13-drug resistant MDR E. coli strains. Time-kill kinetics showed that the bactericidal effect of the CP-AMP combination occurred within 3 h through disruption of membrane permeability and biofilm eradication, as verified by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first report indicating that CP-AMP combination therapy could be employed to treat MDR E. coli by repurposing AMP.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.82-90
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• 2024

Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in nondiabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

• 한국사회복지학
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• 제59권4호
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• pp.35-61
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• 2007

본 연구는 중앙고용정보원의 청년패널 자료(2003-2005)를 이용하여 신규대졸자의 취업 및 임금수준에 영향을 미치는 요인을 분석해 본 후, 신규대졸자 실업완화 및 임금격차 해소에 도움이 될 수 있는 방안을 탐색해보았다. 분석결과, 첫째 취업여부 결정요인의 경우 학교소재지에서 경기 인천지역, 학교성적이 좋을수록, 취득자격증의 전공 및 취업관련 정도가 높을수록 취업가능성을 높이도록, 학교군에서 비수도권 사립대는 취업가능성을 낮추도록 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째 취업형태 분석결과 (1) 정규직 결정요인의 경우 학교소재지에서 경기 인천지역, 학교성적이 좋을수록, 취득자격증의 전공 및 취업관련 정도가 높을수록, 의약간호보건계열 사범계열은 취업가능성을 높이도록, 학교군에서 비수도권 사립대, 수도권 전문대, 비수도권 전문대는 취업가능성을 낮추도록 영향을 미치며, (2) 비정규직 결정요인의 경우 학력에서 전문대, 학교군에서 수도권 전문대, 비수도권 전문대는 취업가능성을 높이도록, 비수도권 사립대는 취업가능성을 낮추도록 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째 임금수준 결정요인의 경우 남자가, 연령이 많을수록, 의약간호보건계열, 사범계열은 임금수준을 높이도록, 비정규직, 학교소재에서 경기 인천지역, 전라지역은 임금수준을 낮추도록 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 신규대졸자 실업완화 및 임금격차 해소를 위한 시사점으로는, 첫째 대학교육을 전문인력 양성 및 산업현장의 요구에 부응하도록 개선해야 하고, 둘째 노동시장에서 성차별을 완화할 수 있는 대안이 마련되어야 되어야 하며, 셋째 자격증이 실질적으로 업무수행능력 및 생산성 향상과 연결될 수 있도록 자격증 취득과정을 개선해야 하고, 넷째 산업의 지방분산을 통한 지역균형발전정책이 이루어져야 하며, 다섯째 신규대졸자 취업을 촉진하기 위한 체계적 종합적인 지원 프로그램이 마련되어야 한다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.363-369
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• 2014

Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) such as the JWH series have caused social problems concerning their abuse liability. Because the JWH series produces euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, they have been distributed illegally under street names such as "Spice" and "Smoke". Many countries including Korea have started to schedule some of the JWH series compounds as controlled substances, but there are a number of JWH series chemicals that remain uncontrolled by law. In this study, three synthetic CBs with different binding affinities to the $CB_1$ receptor (JWH-073, 081, and 210) and ${\Delta}^9$-tetrahydrocannabinol (${\Delta}^9$-THC) were evaluated for their potential for psychological dependence. The conditioned place preference test (unbiased method) and self-administration test (fixed ratio of 1) using rodents were conducted. $K_i$ values of the three synthetic cannabinoids were calculated as supplementary data using a receptor binding assay and overexpressed $CB_1$ protein membranes to compare dependence potential with $CB_1$ receptor binding affinity. All mice administered JWH-073, 081, or 210 showed significantly increased time spent at unpreferred space in a dose-dependence manner in the conditioned place preference test. In contrast, all tested substances except ${\Delta}^9$-THC showed aversion phenomenon at high doses in the conditioned place preference test. The order of affinity to the $CB_1$ receptor in the receptor binding assay was JWH-210 > JWH-081 >> JWH-073, which was in agreement with the results from the conditioned place preference test. However, no change in self-administration was observed. These findings suggest the possibility to predict dependence potential of synthetic CBs through a receptor binding assay at the screening level.

• 한국응용과학기술학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.323-329
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• 2012

참기름은 고소한 고유의 향미와 우수한 산화안정성으로 인하여 예로부터 우리 민족이 즐겨온 식용유 및 조미료의 일종으로 인식되어 왔다. 그러나 참기름은 다른 식용유지와 달리 화학적 정제공정을 거치지 않는 압착식용유로 이의 제조공정 중 볶음-압착공정에서 발암물질인 benzo(a)pyrene[B(a)P]이 다량 생성되는 것으로 알려져 사회적인 문제를 야기 시키고 있는 실정이다. 참기름에서 B(a)P가 검출되는 이유는 원료 참깨에 근본적으로 소량이 함유되어 있었으며, 볶음공정에서 가장 많은 양이 생성되었고, 압착공정에서도 일부 생성되었다. 이에 본 연구에서는 참깨를 볶는 과정에서 기존의 볶음기를 이용한 방법에 비해 가정용 전자레인지를 이용한 microwaving 볶음을 적용해 본 결과 확연한 차이를 발견 하였다. 상대적으로 microwaving 볶음은 5~10분이 적합하였으며, 참기름 제품에서의 B(a)P 함량은 0.53~0.79 ${\mu}g/kg$으로 볶음기를 이용한 직화법에 비하여 그 함유량이 1/2 이하의 수준을 나타내었다. 이상에서 살펴 본 바와 같이 참깨의 볶음조건에 따라 참기름에서의 B(a)P 함량은 약 2배 이상의 차이를 나타내어 microwaving을 이용한 참깨의 볶음-착유공정이 참기름에서의 B(a)P 생성량 극소화에 절대적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 파악되었다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제55권5호
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• pp.523-532
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• 2017

A field survey studying intestinal parasites in humans and microbial pathogen contamination at environment was performed in a Laotian rural village to identify potential risks for disease outbreaks. A parasitological investigation was conducted in Ban Lak Sip village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR involving fecal samples from 305 inhabitants as well as water samples taken from 3 sites of the local stream. Water analysis indicated the presence of several enteric pathogens, i.e., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., E. coli H7, E. coli O157: H7, verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), Shigella spp., and enteric adenovirus. The level of microbial pathogens contamination was associated with human activity, with greater levels of contamination found at the downstream site compared to the site at the village and upstream, respectively. Regarding intestinal parasites, the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections were 68.9% and 27.2%, respectively. Eight helminth taxa were identified in fecal samples, i.e., 2 tapeworm species (Taenia sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta), 1 trematode (Opisthorchis sp.), and 5 nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, trichostrongylids, and hookworms). Six species of intestinal protists were identified, i.e., Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora spp., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia. Questionnaires and interviews were also conducted to determine risk factors of infection. These analyses together with a prevailing infection level suggested that most of villagers were exposed to parasites in a similar degree due to limited socio-economic differences and sharing of similar practices. Limited access to effective public health facilities is also a significant contributing factor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.168-177
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• 2020

Background: Ginseng has been widely used as a health-promoting tonic. Gintonin present in ginseng acts as a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand that activates six LPA receptor subtypes. The LPA6 subtype plays a key role in normal hair growth, and mutations in the LPA6 receptor impair normal human hair growth. Currently, human hair loss and alopecia are concerning issues that affect peoples' social and day-to-day lives. Objective: We investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of a gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) on mouse hair growth. Methods: Human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. The mice were divided into the four groups: control, 1% minoxidil, 0.75% GEF, and 1.5% GEF. The dorsal hair was removed to synchronize the telogen phase. Each group was treated topically, once a day, for 15 days. We analyzed hair growth activity and histological changes. Results: GEF induced transient [Ca²⁺]_i, which stimulated HFDPC proliferation and caused 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner. GEF-mediated HFDPC proliferation was blocked by the LPA receptor antagonist and Ca²⁺ chelator. HFDPC treatment with GEF stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor release. Topical application of GEF and minoxidil promoted hair growth in a dose-dependent manner. Histological analysis showed that GEF and minoxidil increased the number of hair follicles and hair weight. Conclusion: Topical application of GEF promotes mouse hair growth through HFDPC proliferation. GEF could be one of the main components of ginseng that promote hair growth and could be used to treat human alopecia.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.64-72
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• 2004

목적: 본 연구는 3차 의료기관에서 진행암 및 말기암 환자와 가족을 대상으로 집단 교육을 실시하여 그 효과성을 보고자 하였다. 방법: 집단교육에 참석한 환자와 가족을 대상으로 설문지를 실시했다. 응답한 설문지를 SAS 분석하고 CHISQ를 통해 유의성 검증을 하였다. 설문지 조사내용은 1) 참석자의 일반적인 특성, 2) 환자의 일반적인 특성, 3) 환자를 돌보는 어려움, 4) 교육에 대한 평가였다. 결과: 교육에 참석한 환자와 가족은 211명이었고, 이 중 응답한 설문지는 89명이었다. 응답한 설문지 결과를 보만 참석자 중 환자가 37.5%, 가족이 56.2% 참석했다. 참석자의 나이는 60대, 50대, 40대, 30대 순이었고, 가족관계는 배우자가 가장 많고, 부모, 자녀, 형제 순으로 참석했다. 환자의 진단은 위암, 폐암, 유방암, 대장암 순이었고, 진행암 환자가 48.8%, 말기가 17.4%를 차지했다. 환자와 가족이 호소하는 주된 어려움은 치료와 관련된 문제가 대부분이었고, 정서적인 문제, 식사문제, 증상관리, 통증조절, 의료문제의 어려움을 호소했다. 교육에 대한 평가는 95%가 도움이 되었다고 하였다. 특히 식사, 의료문제에 대한 교육 만족도가 높았다. 주목할 점은 환자와 가족은 치료와 관련된 문제뿐만 아니라 호스피스와 관련된 구체적인 정보를 알고 싶어했다. 결론: 이 프로그램은 진행암 및 말기암 환자와 가족을 대상으로 집단 교육을 실시하여 필요한 정보를 제공함으로써 교육이 도움이 되었다는 결과를 얻었다. 향후 프로그램은 환자와 가족이 필요로 하는 구체적인 정보와 충분한 교육시간의 확보와 보다 많은 교육의 기회의 제공이 요구된다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.263-268
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• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.44-54
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• 1986

This study was aimed at investigating the health seeking behaviors of patients; For the purpose of analyzing the research theme we classified the study into two phase. First, the types of patients' health seeking behavior were categorized into a scheme according to what medical care resources were utilized in patients' coping process. Second, from patients' first visits to third visits to medical resources, we analyzed variations of factors which noted as crucial elements in constituting the patients' sickness career. To grasp the generalized characteristics from complicated empirical data, we limited the scope of our analysis to third stage of health seeking. A total of 121 persons who had beer suffering from chronic diseases more than 3 months was sampled among the residents of Banwol-Eup, the target Area of Korea University Health Project. The findings are as follows ; 1) In the course of visiting medical care resources, 34 different types of health seeking Behavior were found. From this result we inferred the idea that patients in Banwol-Eup had not any stable norms to cope with their pains. Clinics, hospital, pharmacy, Herb-doctors', folkways (self-treatment) were accessed by patients in orders. But more than half of patients who had utilized clinics or hospitals from their first to third visits, changed medical care resources to others, for example herb doctors or folkways, which had fundamentally different treatment models. Upon these two facts, the diversified types and capricious patterns in the health seeking behavior of Banwol patients, we observed a typical Shopping-Around phenomenon. 2) Factors which influenced patients' to their sickness career were changed along the courses of health seeking, from first to third visits as follows ; $\cdot$ Perceived seriousness of diseases were tended to decrease. $\cdot$ Professional medical personnel tended to be influencial in the patients' sickness career, (5.0%, 25.0% and 65.7%). The influence of the primary interaction groups such as parents, friends, neighbours, tended to decrease ; (90.9%, 71.2% and 30.0%). $\cdot$ The subjective reasons why to choose such a medical care resource were related to economic affordability and disease-itself as main motives. Credibility of health resources tended to increase 14.9%, 24.0% and 31.4 sequently. $\cdot$ Geographic accessibility factors did not change significantly. Most of patients had utilized health resources in Banwol and Anyang area. 3) Cultural inclination in the shopping-around phenomenon has shown difference among age groups. The age group' over 50 years' preferred traditional health resources to modern health resources. 4) Consistency of health seeking behavior on the shopping around phenomenon has shown difference according to the degrees of patients' economic affordability and those of psychological satisfaction toward modern health services. However, there were some restrictions in this thesis ; a) the study was limited to the 3rd health seeking career so it did not allow us to collect more informations after that, b) the study was not able to carry out causal analysis on patients health behavior determinated by explanatory model of health resources, and c) the study was not able to take into consideration of factors connected with social structural circumstances. Despite of restrictions described above, we are sure that this thesis would promote health providers' understanding toward patients' inclinations, through which they could provide efficient and accurate medical service.