Background: Stroke patients have multiple disorders, but most have problems with balance and gait. Post-stroke rehabilitation exercise has been shown to be very important for functional recovery. Objectives: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of sling exercise (SE) on patients with stroke in studies published in Korea. Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Five databases, namely, RISS, KISS, NDSL, DBpia and Earticle, were used to collect articles on vibration. Keywords such as “Stroke,” “Hemiplegia,” “Sling,” and “Sling Exercise” were used in the search for published articles. Interventions and comparisons were SE and other exercise (OE). Outcome measures were berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up and go (TUG). Consequently, eight studies were selected in the second screening using meta-analyses. Results: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, SE was effective for BBS in the comparison of SE and OE [2.71, 95% CI (1.42, 4.01)]. It was effective for TUG in the comparison of SE and OE [-1.89, 95% CI (-3.01, -0.77)]. Conclusion: Based on eight limited studies, SE improved BBS and TUG over OE, suggesting improved stroke balance and gait. Therefore, more studies and large-scale sample randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical application.

Background: Various treatments have been proposed for chronic low back pain (CLBP), but recent guidelines and reviews recommend regular physical exercise. However, some other studies have reported opposite results that sling exercise (SE) and other exercises (OE) did not differ in improving CLBP. Objectives: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of SE on CLBP in studies published in Korea. Design: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing SE with OE and modality therapy (MT), published up to June 2020, were identified by electronic searches. Primary outcomes were pain and disability. The weighted mean difference (WMD), stand mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, SE was effective for pain in the comparison of SE and MT [short-term: WMD=-1.64, 95% CI (-3.06, - 0.22); long-term: WMD=-0.34, 95% CI (-0.42, -0.26)]. It was effective for pain in the comparison of SE and OE [short-term: WMD=-1.18, 95% CI (-2.15, - 0.20); long-term: WMD=-0.66, 95% CI (-0.89, -0.43)]. It was also effective for disability in the comparison of SE and MT [short-term: SMD=-15.82, 95% CI (- 23.10, -8.54)]. We found no clinically relevant differences in disability between SE and OE. Heterogeneity was high in the comparison of SE and overall variables. Conclusion: If SE is applied to physical therapy to improve the main symptoms of CLBP patients, it may contribute to their recovery. More high-quality randomized studies on the topic are warranted.

Background: Adults with forward head posture (FHP) often suffer from thoracic hyperkyphosis and thoracic dysfunction, and including reduction of the craniovertebral angle (CV angle) and tightening of the superficial neck muscles. In order to treat thoracic dysfunction, interventions aimed at improving thoracic mobility are necessary. Objectives: To examine the effects of maitland manual mobilization therapy on the thoracic spine in adults with FHP. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with FHP who met the selection criteria were randomized to the thoracic multiple joint mobilization (TMJM; n=15) group and the thoracic general joint mobilization (TGJM; n=15) group. Joint mobilizations were performed for 23 minutes a day for 4 weeks continuously, two times per week. Outcome measures were ImageJ, BTS FREE EMG 1000, neck disability Index (NDI). Results: Although changes in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and NDI scores over time between the two groups differed, other variables were noted only changes observed over time. Muscle activity in the right sternocleidomastoid increased again in the TGJM group post-intervention and 2 weeks after the end of the experiment, but changes in other variables were retained or improved, confirming the lasting effects of thoracic joint mobilization. Conclusion: Thoracic multiple joint mobilization may be recommended as a more effective intervention for adults with FHP.

Background: Patients with stroke have core muscle weakness and limited rib cage movement, resulting in restrictive lung disease. Objectives: To examine the comparison of effects of rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on the pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise group) and control group (diaphragmatic breathing exercise group). Patients in the experimental group underwent rib cage joint mobilization for 15 min and diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 15 min. The control group underwent diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 30 min. Both groups underwent exercise thrice a week for 4 weeks. The pulmonary function and chest circumference were measured using the MicroLab spirometer and a tape measure, respectively. Results: After the intervention, the pulmonary function and chest circumference significantly improved in both groups. These improvements were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group. Conclusion: Rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise improves pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke.

The root of Codonopsis lanceolata has been used in traditional medicine. This study was conducted to confirm the comparative effect of ethanol solvent extraction (CLE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (CLS) of C. lanceolata roots. CLS had higher antioxidant than CLE. For supercritical co-solvent modified carbon dioxide extraction (CLS), it were extracted at 250 bar 50℃ 150 min at a flow rate of ethyl alcohol 3 mL/min for 90min. In addition, CLS inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. When treated with the extract at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway reporter luciferase activity of HEK 293-TOP cells increased approximately by 3-folds compared to that of the untreated control group. Also, the treatment by CLS (50 μg/mL) showed a significant increase of involucrin expression. These results indicate that supercritical carbon dioxide extract of C. lanceolatamay serve as a cosmeceutical agent for improving skin barrier function and the treatment of obesity.

Tomb No. 1 (Donghachong) of the Buyeo Neungsan-ri Tomb complex (listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a royal tomb of the Baekje Sabi Period. One wooden coffin unearthed there is an important relic of the funerary culture of the Baekje. This study examines the production techniques of gilt-bronze objects attached to the wooden coffin excavated from Donghachong. The base metal of the gilt-bronze object is pure copper, with single α phase crystals in a heterogeneous form containing annealing twins; Au and Hg are detected in the gilt layer. We suggest that the surface of the forging copperplate is gilded using a mercury amalgam technique; it is thought that the annealing twins of the base material formed during the heat treatment process for the sheet metal. The gilt layer is three to five times thicker for the gilt-bronze objects found near the foot of the coffin than those near the head. We estimate the plating process is carried out at least three times because three layers are identified on the plate near the head. Therefore, it is likely that the materials and methods used to construct the giltbronze objects found in different parts of the coffin are the same, but the number of platings is different. This research confirms the metal crafting techniques used in Baekje by the examination of production techniques of these gilt-bronze objects. Further, our paper presents an important example of restoration and reconstruction for a museum exhibition, through effective use of scientific analysis and investigation.

Synthesizing nanostructured thin films of oxide semiconductors is a promising approach to fabricate highly efficient photoelectrodes for hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this work, we investigate the feasibility as an efficient photoanode for PEC water oxidation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured thin films synthesized via a simple method combined with sputtering Zn metallic films on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate and subsequent thermal oxidation of the sputtered Zn metallic films in dry air. Characterization of the structural, optical, and PEC properties of the ZnO nanostructured thin film synthesized at varying Zn sputtering powers reveals that we can obtain an optimum ZnO nanostructured thin film as PEC photoanode at a sputtering power of 40 W. The photocurrent density and optimal photocurrent conversion efficiency for the optimum ZnO nanostructured thin film photoanode are found to be 0.1 mA/cm2 and 0.51 %, respectively, at a potential of 0.72 V vs. RHE. Our results illustrate that the ZnO nanostructured thin film has promising potential as an efficient photoanode for PEC water splitting.

Nine fish and one clam species were collected from freshwater environments in Korea, including four lakes, two streams, and the Nakdong River, to investigate the host-associated bacteria. Hundreds of bacterial strains were isolated from the samples using a cell sorter and a dilution plating method. After identification of the bacterial strains using 16S rRNA gene sequences, 42 strains with greater than 98.7% sequence similarity with validly published species were determined to be unrecorded bacterial species in Korea. These strains were phylogenetically diverse and assigned to four phyla, six classes, 17 orders, 27 families, and 32 genera. At the genus level, the unrecorded species were classified as Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium, Gordonia, Williamsia, Modestobacter, Brachybacterium, Sanquibacter, Arthrobacter, and Mycolicibacterium of the class Actinobacteria; Empedobacter, and Flavobacterium of the class Flavobacteriia; Fictibacillus, Psychrobacillus, Cohnella, Paenibacillus, Rummeliibacillus, Enterococcus, and Vagococcus of the class Bacilli; Aquamicrobium, Paracoccus, and Sphingomonas of the class Alphaproteobacteria; Achromobacter, Delftia, and Deefgea of the class Betaproteobacteria; and Aeromonas, Providencia, Yersinia, Marinomonas, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas of the class Gammaproteobacteria. The 42 unrecorded species were subjected to further taxonomic characterization using gram staining, cellular and colony morphological determination, biochemical analyses, and phylogenetic analyses. This paper provides detailed descriptions of the 42 previously unrecorded bacterial species.

Many parrots are considered endangered species due to threats from human activities. Gender determination is of great importance for biological studies and the conservation of endangered parrots. However, like other birds, gender determination in parrots is hindered due to the lack of external dimorphism between males and females. A molecular approach using the chromo-helicase-DNA binding protein 1 (CHD1) gene is commonly used for sexing birds. This study aimed to determine the gender of parrots from Korean zoos based on amplification and visualization of the partial CHD1 gene. The samples of 13 parrot species were collected from three different zoos in Korea and the extracted DNA templates were amplified using CHD1 gene primers. The gender of 27 samples of 13 species was determined by visualizing the PCR products on an agarose gel. While male parrots were indicated by a single band, female parrots were indicated by double bands. The findings provide additional information, which might be helpful for the management and care of parrots in Korean zoos.

목적 : 한국인을 대상으로 30대 이상에서 비구면도의 분포를 알아보고 연령과 성별에 따른 각막 비구면도의 변 화를 알아보고자 하였다. 방법 : 총 317명(317안)의 데이터를 후향적으로 분석하였다. 굴절 이상은 자동굴절검사기기를 이용하여 측정 된 수치를 분석하였으며, 비구면도와 각막곡률측정치는 회전 샤임플러그 카메라를 이용하여 중심부 6 mm에서 측 정된 수치를 분석하였다. 결과 : 각막 전면의 비구면도는 –0.17±0.18(–0.84∼0.72)이었고, 후면의 비구면도는 –0.11±0.29(범위 –0.89 ∼1.27)이었다. 연령대가 증가함에 따라 각막 전면 비구면도는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았지만(p=0.359), 각막 후면 비구면도는 30대, 40대, 50대, 60대, 70대, 80대 이상까지 각각 0.01±0.18, 0.10±0.29, -0.12±0.22, -0.20±0.25, -0.27±0.20, –0.33±0.31로 유의한 차이를 보였다(p＜0.001). 상관분석 결과 각막 후면의 비구 면도는 통계적으로 유의한 음의 상관관계(r=-0.480, p＜0.001)를 보였다. 결론 : 각막 전면의 비구면도는 성별과 연령에 따른 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았으나, 후면의 비구면도는 연령 이 증가함에 따라 편원형에서 편장형으로 변화하였다.

목적 : 조절력이 충분한 20대 성인이 단일 및 다중 전면 비구면 기능성 콘택트렌즈 착용 후 시각의 질 및 조절 기능의 차이를 비교하고자 하였다. 방법 : 13명(21.38±0.65세)의 대상자들을 두 종류의 콘택트렌즈를 각각 착용 후 시력, 대비감도, 스트레이라 이트, 총 고위수차, 구면수차, 코마수차, 조절반응, 양안조절용이성, 조절근점을 평가하였다. 결과 : 시력, 대비감도, 스트레이라이트, 총 고위수차, 구면수차, 양안조절용이성은 유의한 차이가 없었고 코마수차 는 4, 5 mm 동공크기에서 다중 전면 비구면 기능성 콘택트렌즈를 착용 시 경미하게 증가하였다(p=0.037). 조절반 응(p=0.006)과 조절근점(p=0.005)은 다중 전면 비구면 기능성 콘택트렌즈를 착용 시 유의하게 더 감소하고 짧아졌다. 결론 : 다중 전면 비구면 기능성 콘택트렌즈 착용 시 단일 전면 비구면 콘택트렌즈 착용 시와 비교하여 시각의 질 은 차이가 없었지만 조절부담을 감소시켜주는 효과가 있으므로 젊은 성인의 기능성 렌즈로서 유용할 것으로 사료된다.

목적 : 본 연구는 프리즘이 적용된 안경이 편측공간무시를 가진 뇌졸중 환자의 편측무시 감소에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 확인하였다. 방법 : 본 연구는 2019년 5월부터 2020년 2월까지 서울에 위치한 M병원에서 실시하였으며, 뇌졸중 환자 중 연구 선정 기준에 부합되는 환자 10명을 대상으로 하였다. 대상자들에게는 10 △과 15 △ 프리즘 안경을 적용하였 으며, 편측공간무시는 알버트 검사, 별지우기 검사, ‘ㄹ’지우기 검사를 통해 측정하였다. 결과 : 대상자가 10 △과 15 △이 적용된 프리즘 안경을 착용하였을 때, 알버트 검사에서는 19.00±3.94점에서 15.70±5.68점과 11.60±6.17점으로 감소하는 것으로 나타났다(p<0.050). 별지우기 검사에서는 32.68±9.19점 에서 46.07±10.64점과 54.64±12.91점으로 각각 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며(p<0.050), ‘ㄹ’지우기 검사에서도 18.30±5.14점에서 23.50±7.58점과 27.0±5.76점으로 각각 증가하는 것으로 나타났다(p<0.050). 프리즘이 적 용된 안경 착용하였을 때 모든 검사에서 편측공간무시가 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 프리즘이 적용된 안경은 편측공간무시 감소에 효과가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 편측공간무시가 있는 뇌졸중 환자에게 프리즘 안경을 적용하면 편측공간무시를 감소시키는데 유용하게 사용될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

목적 : 원거리에서 심한 복시 증상을 가지고 있는 눈벌림 부족형 내사시를 대상으로 성공적인 시기능훈련의 사 례를 보고하고자 하였다. 방법 : 연구대상자는 만19세 여성으로 복시 증상으로 인해 일상적인 불편함까지 동반된 상태였다.처음 방문시 양안시검사를 실시한 결과 원거리에서 복시를 동반한 눈벌림 부족형 간헐내사시였다. 시기능훈련은 음성융합버전스를 개선시키는 협응훈련과 초점조절훈련, 안구운동성훈련 등을 중심으로 시행하였다. 시기능 평가로는 굴절검사를 포함하여 프리즘 가림검사, 융합능력, 버전스용이성, 눈모음근점, Bagolini striated glasses test, W4D 그리 고 입체시 검사 등을 포함하였다. 결과 : 시기능훈련 전에 원거리 편위량은 내사시 16 △에서 9개월 후 내사위 3 △으로 향상되었다. 근거리 편위 량도 시기능훈련 후에 내사시 7 △에서 내사위 1 △으로 변화가 있었다. 융합능력은 원거리 BI X/4/1에서 훈련 후 에 BI X/4/3로, 근거리는 훈련 전 BI X/8/2에서 훈련 후 BI X/16/14로 모두 변화가 있었다. Bagolini test에서 시기능훈련 전에 나타났던 동측성 복시는 훈련 후 모든 거리에서 단일시로 개선되었다. 처음 방문 시 심하게 호소했 던 원거리에서의 복시 증상은 9개월간의 훈련과정에서 점차 개선되어 안정적인 양안 단일시 상태를 나타내었다. 결론 : 원거리에서 심한 복시 증상을 호소한 눈벌림 부족형 내사시에서 9개월간의 시기능훈련 후에 양안시기능 과 시각적 증상은 모두 효과적으로 개선되었다.

Amniotic membrane stem cells are considered as a good alternative to embryonic stem cells, but their use in clinical studies is still not common. Here, exosomes from canine amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells (cAmMSCexo) were used for dog sperm cryopreservation. Upon cryopreserved straws using cryoprotectant containing 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 μg/mL of cAmMSC-exo were thawed, motility and membrane integrity were analyzed. However, results showed no significant differences between the groups. We concluded that cAmMSC-exo with lower than 2 µg/mL have no effects on sperm cryopreservation, and further studies to get higher concentrations of cAmMSC-exo should be conducted for clinical application.