Background: Visual and somatosensory integration processing is needed to reduce pusher behavior (PB) and improve postural control in hemiplegic patients with acute stroke. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of game-based postural vertical training (GPVT) on PB, postural control, and activity daily living (ADL) in acute stroke patients. Methods: Fourteen participants with acute stroke (<2 months post-stroke) who had PB according to the Burke lateropulsion scale (BLS) (score>2) were randomly divided into the GPVT group (n1=7) and conventional postural vertical training (CPVT) group (n2=7). The GPVT group performed game-based postural vertical training using a whole-body tilt apparatus. while the CPVT group performed conventional postural vertical training to reduce PB (30 minutes/session, 2 times/day, 5 days/week for 3 consecutive weeks). The BLS was evaluated to assess the severity of PB. And each subject’s postural control ability and ADL level were assessed using the postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), balance posture ratio (BPR), and Korean-modified Barthel index (K-MBI). Outcomes were measured preand post-intervention. Results: Comparison of the pre- and post-intervention assessment results showed that both interventions led to the following significant changes: decreased severity of PB scores and increased PASS, BPR, and K-MBI scores (p<.05). In particular, statistical analysis between the two groups, the BLS score was significantly decreased in the GPVT group (p<.05). And PASS, BPR, and K-MBI scores were significantly improved in the GPVT group than in the CPVT group (p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that GPVT lessened PB severity and improved postural control ability and ADL levels in acute stroke patients.

This study investigated the fumigant activity of phosphine (PH3) on 2 kinds of mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus and P. orchidicola (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)) adults and nymphs. All of the two mealybugs adults showed higher LCT99 values than nymphs, and P. longispinus showed higher tolerance than P. orchidicola in a 12 L desiccator. The absorption of phosphine on 13 nursery plants showed 12.2~41.5% difference depending on the plant. All of the mealybugs treated with phosphine 2 mg/L in 0.5 m3 fumigation chamber for 4 h showed 100% fumigant activity, except P. longispinus adult (approximately 90% at bottom part). However, when the exposure time was increased to 24 h, all of them showed 100% mortality. In the treatment of 10 m3 container, the 24 h treatment of phosphine showed 100% mortality to P. longispinus and P. orchidicola adults and nymphs. In all the experiments, no phytotoxicity of phosphine observed on 13 plants until 1 month after treatment.

목적 : 본 연구는 급성기 뇌졸중 환자에서 동작관찰 체간훈련이 체간조절능력, 균형, 일상생활수행능력에 미치는 효과를 알아보고자 실시하였다. 연구방법 : 2017년 7월 3일부터 2018년 4월 30일까지 전북 익산 소재의 W 대학병원에 입원한 급성기 뇌졸중 환자 14명을 실험군과 대조군으로 무작위 할당하였다. 두 군 모두 일반적인 물리·작업치료를 실시하였다. 추가적으로 실험군에는 동작관찰 체간훈련을, 대조군은 풍경관찰 체간훈련을 각 1일 1회 30 분, 주 5회, 총 3주간 실시하였다. 치료 중재 전·후 체간조절능력을 측정하기 위해 체간 손상 척도 (Trunk Impairment Scale; TIS), 균형능력을 측정하기 위해 수정된 기능적 팔 뻗기 검사(Modified Functional Reach Test; M-FRT)와 버그균형척도(Berg Balance Scale; BBS)를 사용하였고, 일상생활활동 수행능력을 평가하기 위해 한국판 수정된 바델 지수(Korean version of Modified Barthel Index; K-MBI)을 사용하였다. 결과 : 3주 중재 후, 두 그룹에서 중재 전·후 체간조절능력, 균형, 일상생활수행능력에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며 (p<.05), 중재 후 두 그룹 간 변화량의 차이는 TIS와 M-FRT에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다(p<.05). 결론 : 본 연구 결과 동작관찰 체간훈련이 급성기 뇌줄중 환자의 체간조절능력, 균형, 일상생활수행능력을 향상시킬 수 있는 중재 방법으로 나타났다. 따라서 기립 훈련기에서 동작관찰 체간훈련은 급성기 뇌졸중 환자에게 능동적이고 동적인 체간훈련을 제공할 수 있는 새로운 중재 방법으로 사용될 수 있을 것이다.

The release profiles of nisin from nisin-incorporating gel foods and the antimicrobial activities of the gels on the growth of Brochothrix thermosphacta in an aqueous system containing the gels have been investigated. A linear regression model was applied to determine the diffusion coefficient (D) for the diffusion of nisin in the gel. The antimicrobial activities of nisin released from 1, 2 and 3% (w/v) agar gels on the growth of B. thermosphacta in a broth medium with and without nisin were investigated. The D decreased from 1.2×10 -2 to 8.2×10 -3 and 6.4×10 -3 cm 2 /s as the agar concentration in the gel increased from 1 to 2 and 3% (w/v), demonstrating the diffusion rate in the gels can be controlled by the agar concentration in gel. The agar gel incorporating nisin inhibited the B. thermosphacta growth in the broth medium by prolonging the lag phase. The growth inhibition was enhanced by the addition of nisin in the medium. The results of this study exhibited that the gel food is a feasible nisin delivery system with a controlled release achieved by the adjustment of agar concentration in the system, demonstrating the potential of nisin-incorporating gel for preserving particulate-containing drinks.

Benzylideneacetone (BZA) is a compound derived from culture broth of an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila (Xn). Its immunosuppressive activity is caused by its inhibitory activity against eicosanoid biosynthesis. This BZA is being developed as an additive to enhancc control efficacy of other commercial microbial insecticides. This study was focused on the enhancement of the immunosuppressive activity of BZA by generating its chemical derivatives toward decrease of its hydrophobicity. Two hydroxylated BZA and one sugar-conjugated BZA were chemically synthesized. All derivatives had the inhibitory activities of BZA against phospholipase A<SUB>2</SUB> (PLA<SUB>2</SUB>) and phenoloxidase (PO) of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, but BZA was the most potent. Mixtures of any BZA derivative with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) significantly increased pathogenicity of Bt. BZA also inhibited colony growth of four plant pathogenic fungi. However, BZA derivatives (especially the sugar-conjugated BZA) lost the antifungal activity. These results indicated that BZA and its derivatives inhibited catalytic activities of two immune-associated enzymes (PLA2 and PO) of P. xylostella and enhanced Bt pathogenicity. We suggest its use to control plant pathogenic fungi.

We attempted to control the maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity and investigated the subsequent reprogramming of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Serum‐starved adult skin fibroblasts were fused to enucleated oocytes treated with 2.5 mM caffeine or 150 μM roscovitine. The MPF activity, nuclear remodeling patterns, chromosome constitutions and development of SCNT embryos were evaluated. Methylated DNA of embryos was detected at various developmental stages. The MPF activity was increased by caffeine treatment or reduced by roscovitine treatment (p<0.05). Blastocyst development was higher in the caffeine‐treated groups (27.6%) than that of the roscovitine‐treated group (8.3%, p<0.05). There was no difference in the apoptotic cell index among the three groups. However, the mean cell number of blastocysts was increased in the caffeine‐treated group (p<0.05). Higher methylation levels were observed in the Day 3 embryos of the roscovitine‐treated group (50.8%), whereas lower methylation levels were noted at Day 5 in the caffeine‐treated group (12.5%, p<0.05). These results reveal that the increase in MPF activity via a caffeine‐treatment creates a more suitable condition for nuclear reprogramming after SCNT.

The purpose of this study was to suppose basis data the influence of different chair type and pelvic control on quadriceps muscle activity and strength during knee joint extension isometric exercise in hemiplegic patients. This research were investigated in ten healthy adults and tens hemipelgic patients. Surface electromyography (EMG) and Biodex system were used to collect kinematic data and muscle activity, respectively. Independent t-test, paired t-test and one-way repeated ANOVA were used to determine a statistical significance. The results showed as follows: (1) Posterior pelvic angles in healthy group and hemiplegic group were significantly different on isokinetic equipment (p<.05). (2) Different chair type and pelvic control on quadriceps muscle activity and strength were significantly different in hemiplegic patients (p<.05). From the result of this research, posterior pelvic angle control during knee joint extension isometric exercise in hemiplegic patients on isokinetic equipment is necessary to increase quadriceps muscle strength in hemiplegic patients.

목적 : 본 연구에서 뇌졸중 환자의 체간 조절(PASS, TCT)과 균형(BBS, FM-B) 및 일상생활동작(MBI)과의 관련성과 각 변수들과의 영향력을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 뇌졸중으로 인한 편마비 진단을 받은 환자 43명을 대상으로 체간 조절 평가(Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke : PASS, Trunk Control Test : TCT), 균형 평가(Berg Balance Test : BBS, Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Balance : FM-B), 일상생활동작 평가(Modified Barthel Index : MBI)등을 이용하였고, 자료 분석은 피어슨 상관 분석(pearson correlation coefficient)과 단계적 다중 회귀분석(stepwise multiple regression)을 이용하였다. 결과 : PASS 자세 유지, 자세 변환, 총합은 TCT와 r=.78～.96(p<.01)으로 체간 조절 평가 도구간에 매우 유의한 상관관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. PASS, TCT는 BBS, FM-B(r=.65～.82), MBI(r=.75～.79)에서 유의한 상관관계가 있었으며(p<.01), BBS, FM-B는 MBI(r=.77～.78)와 유의한 상관관계가 있었다(p<.01). FM-B와 BBS는 r=.84(p<.01)로 유의한 상관관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다. MBI의 보행 항목이 PASS 자세유지, 자세변환, 총합, FM-B(p<.001), TCT, BBS에 가장 영향력을 주는 것으로 나타났으며(p<.01), PASS의 지지없이 서기 항목이 MBI, FM-B, TCT, BBS에 가장 영향력을 주는 것으로 나타났다(p<.001). PASS 총합은 MBI에 가장 영향력을 주는 것으로 나타났다(p<.01). PASS 세부 항목 중 개인 위생, 목욕하기, 화장실 사용, 계단 오르기, 보행, 의자․침상 이동은 지지 없이 서기가 가장 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났으며(p<.001), 식사하기는 누운자세에서 테이블 가장자리에 앉기(p<.001), 옷입기는 환측으로 돌아눕기(p<.01)가 가장 영향력을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : PASS, TCT, BBS, FM-B, MBI간에 유의한 관련성을 보였으며 변수들과의 인과관계 분석을 통하여 예측 가능한 변수들을 제시 하였다. 또한 환자의 기능적 회복과 재활 치료 후 결과를 예측하거나 영향을 줄 수 있는 변수를 찾아내어 그에 대한 집중적인 치료의 병행이 환자의 성공적인 재활 치료를 위한 전략이 될 수 있을 것이다. 추후 임상적인 평가도구로서 적극적인 활용과 그 유용성에 대한 연구가 필요하다.

We attempted to control the maturation promoting factors (MPF) activity and nuclear remodeling of somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) bovine embryos. Bovine ear skin fibroblasts were fused to enucleated oocytes treated with either 5 mM caffeine for 2.5 h or 0.5 mM vanadate for 0.5 h and activated. The nuclear remodeling type of the reconstituted embryos was evaluated 1.5 h after activation. MPF activity was assessed in enucleated and chemical treated oocytes before the injection of a donor cell. Effect of chemicals on the embryonic development was evaluated with parthenogenetic embryos. MPF activity increased significantly by caffeine treatment, but decreased by vanadate treatment (p<0.05). Caffeine or vanadate had no deleterious effect on the parthenogenetic embryo development. In caffeine treated group, premature chromosome condensation (PCC) was occurred in 72.2% of NT embryos (p<0.05). In contrast, vanadate induced the formation of a pronucleus-like structure (PN) in a high frequency (68.9%, p<0.05) without PCC (NPCC). Blastocyst development of NT embryos increased by treating with caffeine (30.3%), whereas decreased by treating with vanadate (11.4%) compared to control (22.1%, p<0.05). The results indicate that caffeine or vanadate can control of MPF activity and remodeling type of NT embryos, resulting in the increased or decreased in vitro development.

ASKl(apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1) is an important mediator of a poptotic s ignaling initi ated by a variety of death stimuli, including tumor necrosis factor ‘ Fas activat ion, oxidative st ress, and DNA damage. It was originally discovered as a mitogen -activated protein kinase kinase kinase(MAP3K) with proapoptotic activ ity Wben the A8Kl is stimulated, it activates both the MKK4/MKK7-JNK pathway and the M와(3/MKK6- p38 ki nase pathway‘ leading to stress responses or apoptosis. Owing to its critical role in promoting apoptosis. ASKl activity is highly control led in cells by multiple mechanisrns, includ ing phos ph이 ylation ， oligomeri zation, and protein protein inte ractions. Phosphorylation of A8Kl at Thr-845 has been correlated with its acti vation . while phos phorylation at 8er-83 by Akt/protein kinase B attenuates A8Kl activity . It has also been demonst rated that in tramol ecular interaction, probably between the NH2• terminal and COOH-terminal domains of ASKl, may be required to maintain A8Kl in its inactive state, whereas oligomeri zation of its COOH- terminal domains is correlated with ASKl activation. The most commonly observed means of ASKl regulation, however, is thrO\땅h protein-protein in teractions. Numerous proteins have been shown to bind ASKl to exert theiJ‘ reg버atory function. For example. binding of TRAF2 0 1' Daxx promotes ASK1 funct ion, whereas the kinase and proapoptotic activities of A8Kl a re inhibited by many other associated proteins, including reduced t hi oredoxin, glutaredoxin, Cdc25A‘ Hsp 72, A8Kl - in teracting protein 1. and 14-3-3 proteins. A novel mechan ism of the anti-apoptotic action of Raf-l via phys ical interaction with ASKl wi ll be described. Furthermore, signifi cance of phosphorylati on s ite of 8er-1034 in the C-terminal regula tory domain of A8Klin the apoptotic activity wil l be discussed

Background: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a serious problem in diabetes. Hyperglycemia induces the generation of free radicals which disrupts insulin signaling and result in insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potentials of LBO-1 mixture. Methods and Results: To evaluate antioxidant effect of LBO-1 mixture, DPPH, ABTS and reducing power were performed. LBO-1 mixture scavenged DPPH free radicals and ABTS radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The total phenolic contents of LBO-1 mixture was determined by a regression equation using a calibration curve by gallic acid equivalents. The obtained total phenolic contents were 65.90 ± 0.52 ㎎/g. Phenolic components of plant extracts that can scavenge free radicals. In addition, we evaluated effects of LBO-1 mixture on glucose production in high glucose-induced HepG2 hepatocytes. LBO-1 mixture decreased glucose levels in cultured medium and it down regulated Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels which is an enzyme used in the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: These results indicate that the LBO-1 mixture can be used as hypoglycemic agent.