Inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rh3 on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression in UV-B-irradiated murine SP-1 keratinocytes.

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) goes through the epidermis and promotes release of inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), one of the keratinocyte-derived cytokines, regulates proliferation and differentiation of melanocytes. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways regulate expression of GM-CSF.

Remarkable improvement in a very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder patient after use of noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilator: A case report.

Rational: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impairs lung function and induces systemic effects, resulting in impaired quality of life. Skeletal muscle dysfunction-characteristic of advanced COPD patients-limits a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). In addition, dysphagia is commonly observed in COPD patients.

Effect of gel seat cushion on chronic low back pain in occupational drivers: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is an exceedingly common medical condition that results in significant medical and social burden. Sitting for a long period is a common aggravating factor for LBP. Although seat cushion is known to promote comfort, relieve pressure, and correct posture, its effect on chronic LBP has not yet been investigated.

Effects of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Patients With Acute Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of real repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) treatment compared to sham rPMS treatment on pain reduction and functional recovery of patients with acute low back pain.

Methods: A total of 26 patients with acute low back pain were randomly allocated to the real rPMS group and the sham rPMS group. Subjects were then administered a total of 10 treatment sessions.

Acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in hantavirus and hepatitis B virus coinfection: A case report.

Introduction: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder with progressive weakness. Acute-onset CIDP resembles Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rapidly progressive disorder, and follows a chronic course. To our knowledge, no case of acute-onset CIDP in hantavirus and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection has been reported previously.

Comparison of Effects of Botulinum Toxin Injection Between Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of botulinum toxin injection between subacute and chronic stroke patients. Eighteen stroke patients (9 subacute and 9 chronic) with spasticity of 1+ or higher in the hemiplegic elbow or wrist joint, based on the modified Ashworth scale were recruited. Modified Ashworth scale, modified Tardieu scale, manual muscle testing, passive range of motion, Brunnstrom stage, modified Barthel index, and Fugl-Meyer scale evaluations of the hemiplegic upper extremity were performed just before the injection and 4 weeks later.

Effects of Indoor Rowing Exercise on the Body Composition and the Scoliosis of Visually Impaired People: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of rowing exercise on body composition, laboratory data, fitness and scoliosis in visually impaired people. The majority of visually impaired people do not participate in active sports due to efficiency and safety issues. Rowing is a safe whole-body exercise with aerobic and anaerobic components.

Inhibitory effect of Korean Red Ginseng on melanocyte proliferation and its possible implication in GM-CSF mediated signaling.

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been reported to exert anticancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there has been no report on the effect of KRG on skin pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of KRG on melanocyte proliferation.