• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권12호
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• pp.4871-4876
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• 2014

Background: We sought to evaluate the role of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) on the promotion of coal tar pitch extract (CTPE)-induced tumorigenesis of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and tumor metastasis in nude mice, and related mechanisms. Materials and Methods: BEAS-2B cells were first treated with 2.4 mg/mL CTPE for 72 hours. After removal of CTPE, the cells were continuously cultured and passaged using trypsin-EDTA. THP-1 cells were used as macrophage-like cells. BEAS-2B cells under different conditions (n=6/group) were injected into the back necks of nude mice, and alterations of tumor xenograft growth, indicative of tumorigenicity, and tumor metastasis were determined. Pathological changes (tumor nests and microvascular lesions) of HE-stained tumor tissues were also evaluated. The expression of AP-1(c-Jun) in xenografts and metastatic tumors was determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: Tumor size and weight in nude mice transplanted with the mixture of CTPE-induced passage 30 BEAS-2B and THP-1 cells (2:1) were increased compared to those from the CTPE-treated BEAS-2B cells at passage 30 alone at different observation time points. Tumor metastasis to lymph nodes and liver was only detected after transplantation of a mixture the two kinds of cells. The numbers of tumor nests and microvascular lesions, and the expression levels of AP-1 (c-Jun) in tumors from the mixture of two kinds of cells were increased apparently in contrast to those in tumor from the CTPE-treated BEAS-2B cells of passage 30 alone. In addition, there was positive correlation between AP-1 (c-Jun) expression level and the number of microvascular lesions, or between AP-1 (c-Jun) expression level and tumor metastasis in these two groups. Conclusions: TAMs not only facilitate tumorigenesis transformation of CTPE-induced BEAS-2B cells, but also promote tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in nude mice in vivo, which may be mediated by AP-1.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권12호
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• pp.4929-4932
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• 2014

Objective: To compare the mammogarphic appearance between breast cancer patients aged <40 and ${\geq}40$ years. Methods: Needle localization and biopsy of suspicious mammographic lesions identified 1,959 breast carcinomas in a single institution from Jun 2012 to Apr 2013. According to the age, we divided patients into two groups: <40 and ${\geq}40$ years old, and analyzed mammographic appearance separately. Results: Young patients had 44.2% foci with calcification, but old patients only had 39.4% (P<0.001). In younger group, the ratios of cases according to mass density were 41.8% or higher, 58.2% equivalent and lower. In older group, the ratios were 55.5 % and 44.5%, respectively. There were statistical differences between high density and others (P<0.05). The ratios of cases according to mass margin were 13.9% circumscribed and microlobulated, 86.1% indistinct and spiculated in the younger group, as compared to 6.5% and 93.5%, respectively, in the older group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Mammographic findings differ between young and old patients with breast cancer, for example regarding mass density, mass margin and microcalcification ratios.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7529-7536
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• 2013

Background and Aims: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is reported to be overexpressed and to contribute to proliferation, apoptosis and gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). The aims of this study were to explore regulation of miR-21 expression by epigenetic change and its impact on chemoresistance and malignant properties of of pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods: We retrospectively collected 41 cases of advanced pancreatic cancer patients who were sensitive or resistant to gemcitabine and assessed levels of serum circulating miR-21 for correlation with cytotoxic activity. Histone acetylation in the miR-21 promoter was also studied in gemcitabine-sensitive and gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells. Gemcitabine-resistant HPAC and PANC-1 cells were transfected with pre-miR-21 precursors (pre-miR-21) and antisense oligonucleotides (anti-miR-21), and were treated with TSA. Finally, invasion and metastasis assays were performed and alteration in mir-21, PTEN, AKT and pAKT level was evaluated in these cells. Results: Serum miR-21 levels were increased in gemcitabine-resistant PDAC patients compared with gemcitabine-sensitive subjects. The miR-21 levels were increased in 6 PDAC cells treated with gemcitabine significantly, associated with 50% inhibitory concentrations ($IC_{50}s$). Histone acetylation levels at miR-21 promoter were increased in PDAC cells after treatment with gemcitabine. Enhanced invasion and metastasis, increased miR-21 expression, decreased PTEN, elevated pAKT level were demonstrated in gemcitabine-resistant HPAC and PANC-1 cells. Pre-miR-21 transfection or TSA treatment further increased invasion and metastasis ability, decreased PTEN, and elevated pAKT levels in these two lines. In contrast, anti-miR-21 transfection could reverse invasion and metastasis, and PTEN and pAKT expressions induced by gemcitabine. Conclusions: MiR-21 upregulation induced by histone acetylation in the promoter zone is associated with chemoresistance to gemcitabine and enhanced malignant potential in pancreatic cancer cells.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.34-43
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• 2017

Background: We sought to determine the association between chronic pain and participating in routine health screening in a low socioeconomic-status (SES) rental-flat community in Singapore. In Singapore, ${\geq}85%$ own homes; public rental flats are reserved for those with low-income. Methods: Chronic pain was defined as pain ${\geq}3$ months. From 2009-2014, residents aged 40-60 years in five public rental-flat enclaves were surveyed for chronic pain; participation in health screening was also measured. We compared them to residents staying in adjacent owner-occupied public housing. We also conducted a qualitative study to better understand the relationship between chronic pain and health screening participation amongst residents in these low-SES enclaves. Results: In the rental-flat population, chronic pain was associated with higher participation in screening for diabetes (aOR = 2.11, CI = 1.36-3.27, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (aOR = 2.06, CI = 1.25-3.39, P = 0.005), colorectal cancer (aOR = 2.28, CI = 1.18-4.40, P = 0.014), cervical cancer (aOR = 2.65, CI = 1.34-5.23, P = 0.005) and breast cancer (aOR = 3.52, CI = 1.94-6.41, P < 0.001); this association was not present in the owner-occupied population. Three main themes emerged from our qualitative analysis of the link between chronic pain and screening participation: pain as an association of "major illness"; screening as a search for answers to pain; and labelling pain as an end in itself. Conclusions: Chronic pain was associated with higher cardiovascular and cancer screening participation in the low-SES population. In low-SES populations with limited access to pain management services, chronic pain issues may surface during routine health screening.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.730-738
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• 2016

est19 is a gene from Bacillus sp. K91 that encodes a new esterase. A comparison of the amino acid sequence showed that Est19 has typical Ser-Gly-Asn-His (SGNH) family motifs and could be grouped into the SGNH hydrolase family. The Est19 protein was functionally cloned, and expressed and purified from Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The enzyme activity was optimal at 60℃ and pH 9.0, and displayed esterase activity towards esters with short-chain acyl esters (C₂-C₆). A structural model of Est19 was constructed using phospholipase A1 from Streptomyces albidoflavus NA297 as a template. The structure showed an α/β-hydrolase fold and indicated the presence of the typical catalytic triad Ser49-Asp227-His230, which were further investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. To the best of our knowledge, Est19 is a new member of the SGNH hydrolase family identified from thermophiles, which may be applicable in the industrial production of semisynthetic β-lactam antibiotics after modification.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.715-719
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• 2009

본 연구에서는 DNA 정보를 상변화 물질의 전기저항 변화특성으로 검출할 수 있는 상변화 전극 기판을 개발하였다. 이를 위해 반도체 공정에서 사용하는 Al을 사용하여 전극 기판을 제작하였다. 하지만 주사전자현미경을 이용하여 Al 전극의 단면 상태를 확인해 본 결과 PETEOS(plasma enhanced tetraethyoxysilane) 내에서 보이드(void)가 발생하여 후속공정인 에치백과 세정공정 분위기에 과도하게 노출되어 심하게 손상되어 전극과 PETEOS 사이에 홀(hole)로 변형된다. 이 문제점을 해결하기 위하여 에치백 및 세정 공정을 진행하지 않으면서 $Ge_2Sb_2Te_5$(GST) 박막의 단차피복성(stepcoverage)을 좋게 할 수 있고, 열역학적으로 GST 박막과의 반응성을 고려했을 때 안정적이면서 비저항이 낮은 TiN 재료를 사용하여 상변화 전극 기판을 제작하였다. 주사전자현미경을 통하여 전극의 단면의 상태를 관찰하였으며 TiN 전극과 GST 박막이 정상적으로 연결되어 있는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 저항측정 장비를 사용하여 TiN 상변화 전극 기판 위에 증착된 GST의 비정질과 결정질의 저항을 측정하였고, GST의 비정질과 결정질저항의 차이는 약 1,000배 정도로 신호를 검출하는데 충분함을 확인하였다.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.709-715
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of atropine on peripheral vasodilation and the mechanisms involved. The isometric tension of rat mesenteric artery rings was recorded in vitro on a myograph. The results showed that atropine, at concentrations greater than 1$\mu$M, relaxed the noradrenalin (NA)-precontracted rat mesenteric artery in a concentration-dependent manner. Atropine-induced vasodilatation was mediated, in part, by an endothelium-dependent mechanism, to which endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor may contribute. Atropine was able to shift the NA-induced concentration-response curve to the right, in a non-parallel manner, suggesting the mechanism of atropine was not mediated via the ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoreceptor. The $\beta$-adrenoreceptor and ATP sensitive potassium channel, a voltage dependent calcium channel, were not involved in the vasodilatation. However, atropine inhibited the contraction derived from NA and $CaCl_2$ in $Ca^{2+}$-free medium, in a concentration dependent manner, indicating the vasodilatation was related to the inhibition of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx through the receptor-operated calcium channels and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release from the $Ca^{2+}$ store. Atropine had no effect on the caffeine-induced contraction in the artery segments, indicating the inhibition of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release as a result of atropine most likely occurs via the IP3 pathway rather than the ryanodine receptors. Our results suggest that atropine-induced vasodilatation is mainly from artery smooth muscle cells due to inhibition of the receptor-mediated $Ca^{2+}$-influx and $Ca^{2+}$-release, and partly from the endothelium mediated by EDHF.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.770-774
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• 2020

Background: Fermentation has been shown to improve the biological properties of plants and herbs. Specifically, fermentation causes decomposition and/or biotransformation of active metabolites into high-value products. Polyacetylenes are a class of polyketides with a pleiotropic profile of bioactivity. Methods: Column chromatography was used to isolate compounds, and extensive NMR experiments were used to determine their structures. The transformation of polyacetylene in red ginseng (RG) and the production of cazaldehyde B induced by the extract of RG were identified by TLC and HPLC analyses. Results: A new metabolite was isolated from RG fermented by Chaetomium globosum, and this new metabolite can be obtained by the biotransformation of polyacetylene in RG. Panaxytriol was found to exhibit the highest antifungal activity against C. globosum compared with other major ingredients in RG. The fungus C. globosum cultured in RG extract can metabolize panaxytriol to Metabolite A to survive, with no antifungal activity against itself. Metabolites A and B showed obvious inhibition against NO production, with ratios of 42.75 ± 1.60 and 63.95 ± 1.45% at 50 µM, respectively. A higher inhibitory rate on NO production was observed for Metabolite B than for a positive drug. Conclusion: Metabolite A is a rare example of natural polyacetylene biotransformation by microbial fermentation. This biotransformation only occurred in fermented RG. The extract of RG also stimulated the production of a new natural product, cazaldehyde B, from C. globosum. The lactone in Metabolite A can decrease the cytotoxicity, which was deemed to be the intrinsic activity of polyacetylene in ginseng.

• 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
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• 한국균학회 2009년도 추계학술대회 및 정기총회
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• pp.3-13
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• 2009

90 wild Agaricus strains from China, including 44 Agaricus bisporus strains identified preliminarily by isozyme electrophoresis, were studied by the techniques of SRAP and ISSR. 18 special SRAP bands and 12 special ISSR bands were analyzed, the strains were clustered and a demdrogram was obtained. The results showed that the strains were divided into 2 groups, wild A. bisporus group and the other Agaricus group. It is similar to the result of isozyme electrophoresis. 41 wild A. bisporus strains from Sichuan and Tibet were divided into 4 groups based on their growing places, suggesting the regionally difference of the strains to be quite obvious. Some white wild A. bisporus strains from Xinjiang and Tibet had special patterns, resulting in lower coefficient values with other wild A. bisporus strains. The biological characteristics of three wild A. bisporus strains were analyzed, and the results showed: 1. The wild strains grew slowly on PDA medium with weak appressed mycelia, and grew normally in kernel or fermented cottonseed shell substrate. 2. They grew faster than control strain As2796 under lower temperature of $16^{\circ}C$, and higher temperature of $32^{\circ}C$, with optimum growing temperature of $20-24^{\circ}C$, which was $4^{\circ}C$ lower than that of control strain. 3. In the cultivation with manure compost via twice fermentation, the mycelia grew normally in compost and quite slowly in casing soil, and the fruitbodies occurred less and late with easily opening and low production. 4. The fruitbody was off-white with flat and scaled cap, long stipe and dark gill. The bisporus basidia occupied 70-80% and trisporus basidia 20-30% of the total basidia. 5. Heterokaryotic monospore isolates could fruit in cultivation, and the homokaryotic isolates could cross with those derived from overseas wild A.bisporus strains. 6. The electrophoresis phenotype of isozymes such as esterase etc. belonged to high production type (H type). 7. The RAPD patterns made much difference from those of high production, good quality or hybrid strains, which indicated that the wild strains produce a new kind of RAPD type.

• 폴리머
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.315-320
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• 2012

아크릴 공중합체의 구조와 다관능성 단량체의 관능성 및 함량을 조절하여 반도체 제조공정에 적합한 자외선 경화형 점착제를 제조하였다. 아크릴 공중합체는 점착력을 부여하는 기본수지로 사용되었고 다관능성 단량체는 광가교 특성으로 인하여 3차원 가교구조와 가교밀도를 변화시키기 위해 사용하였다. 아크릴 공중합체는 단량체 조성에서 2-ethylhexyl acrylate의 함량이 감소할수록 자외선 조사 후의 박리 점착력이 감소하였다. 광경화 특성을 갖는 다관능성 단량체의 탄소 이중결합 관능성이 증가할수록 자외선 조사 후 가교밀도가 증가하여 박리 점착력이 감소하였고 박리 후 웨이퍼 표면에 남게 되는 점착제 잔사물도 크게 감소하였다. 6관능성 단량체를 20 phr 포함하는 광가교형 감압점착제가 자외선 조사 전 점착력이 높고, 자외선 조사 후 박리 점착력이 낮고, 박리 후 웨이퍼 표면에 남게 되는 점착제 잔사물이 가장 적었다.