• The Journal of Information Systems
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.1-27
• /
• 2013

The advancement of information and communication technology have brought the increase and the diversification of the digitalized information, which can be shared at any time from any place. Especially, with the recent spread of smartphone usage, the amount and the diversity of information have increased to amounts that are difficult to quantify. Within such an era of accelerated accumulation and diversification of digitalized information, the informatization of universities is becoming a critical factor for institutional advancement. Thus, universities are developing smartphone applications to provide easily accessible administration services, and support the information needs of each administration process by keeping a relationship with students from admission to post-graduation. This research systematically defines a university smartphone application, distinguishes its system quality factors, and studies the effects they have on satisfaction, intention of reuse, and intention of electronic word-of-mouth. The results showed that the security factor of system quality did not have a significant effect on satisfaction. The responsiveness and the empathy factors of service quality did not show a significant effect on satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that a higher user satisfaction for smartphone applications has a significant influence on intention of reuse and on the intention of electronic word-of-mouth.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.269-276
• /
• 2020

Fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. The fibrotic process ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and failure in chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, advanced kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common form of progressive and chronic interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. Pathophysiologically, the parenchyma of the lung alveoli, interstitium, and capillary endothelium becomes scarred and stiff, which makes breathing difficult because the lungs have to work harder to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveolar space and bloodstream. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and scarring of the lung tissue. Recent clinical trials focused on the development of pharmacological agents that either directly or indirectly target kinases for the treatment of IPF. Therefore, to develop therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis, it is essential to understand the key factors involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and the underlying signaling pathway. The objective of this review is to discuss the role of kinase signaling cascades in the regulation of either TGF-β-dependent or other signaling pathways, including Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase pathways, and potential therapeutic targets in IPF.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.109-118
• /
• 1983

Near future dynamics of water qualities (nutrient concentration) of the Han River was predicted, based on a mathematical model representing the relationship between the nutrient concentration in th river wagter and environmental factors (population density, land-use types, rock compositions and nutrient accumulation) in the basin. The population density and land-use types were forecasted to change distinctly in the downstream area, especially in Seoul City area in 1985~1990 whereas any environmental factor was not expected to change its level significantly in both upstream and middle reaches areas. It was indicated by the model that the nutrients concentration in the up- and mid-streams would keep its level in future as it was, but it would increase drastially in the downstream area. For the preservation of the water qualities in the downstream at least to keep its level as it was in 1980, practical countermeasures were proposed, based on the assessment of the contribution of each environmental factor to the water qualities.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.31-37
• /
• 2017

Glutamate-induced oxidative stress results in neuro-degenerative disorders in many central nervous system (CNS) such as Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Our study was performed to investigate neuroprotective effects of Allium hookeri extracts (leaf, root, and whole) on glutamate-induced HT22 cells. In this study, ethanol extract of A. hookeri showed the outstanding neuroprotective effect in HT22 cells. In addition, we found that ethanol extract of A. hookeri root increased heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in HT22 cells. Moreover, ethanol extract of A. hookeri root also upregulated nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in HT22 cells. These results demonstrate that ethanol extract of A. hookeri root contributes neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells, via Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression. Our study suggests that ethanol extract of A. hookeri root could be the potential agent for the treatment of many neuro-degenerative diseases.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.179-185
• /
• 2009

In our previous report, we showed that $PPAR{\gamma}$ does not influence adipogenesis in females with functioning ovaries, indicating that $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity on adipogenesis is associated with sex-related factors. Among the sex-related factors, estrogen has been recognized as a major factor in inhibiting adiposgenesis in females. Thus, we hypothensized that $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E) inhibits 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis by preventing $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity. E decreased triglyceirde accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells compared with control group. E also decreased the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$ mRNA as well as $PPAR{\gamma}$ dependent adipocyte-specific genes, such as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$. In addition, E not only decreased luciferase reporter activity by $PPAR{\gamma}$, but also transfection of estrogen receptor $\alpha$ ($ER{\alpha}$) or $ER{\beta}$ led to decreases in $PPAR{\gamma}$ reporter gene activation. Moreover, E-activated ERs significantly decreased the luciferase reporter gene activation induced by $PPAR{\gamma}$ transfection, suggesting that estrogen-activated ERs inhibit $PPAR{\gamma}$-dependent transactivation. Accordingly, our results demonstrate that E inhibits the action of $PPAR{\gamma}$ on adipogenesis through E activated ER, providing evidence that lack of estrogen may potentiate $PPAR{\gamma}$ action on adipogenesis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
• /
• 2003.11a
• /
• pp.76-76
• /
• 2003

Mast cells accumulation can be causally related with several allergic inflammations. Previous work has demonstrated that glucocorticoids decreased tissue mast cell number and stem cell factor (SCF)-induced migration of mast cells required p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone on SCF-induced migration of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). SCF significantly induced migration of RPMCs at 4 h. Dexamethasone dose-dependently inhibited SCF-induced migration of RPMCs (about 90.1% at 100 nM, P<0.05). MAPK p38 inhibitor, SB203580 (20 ${\mu}$M) also inhibited the SCF-induced migration. The ability of SCF to enhance morphological alteration and F -actin formation was also abolished by treatment of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone inhibited SCF-induced p38 MAPK activation to near basal level and induced the MKP-1 expression. In addition, SCF-induced inflammatory cytokine production was significantly inhibited by treatment of dexamethasone or SB203580 (p<0.01). Our results show that dexamethasone potently regulates SCF -induced migration, p38 MAPK activation and inflammatory cytokine production through expression of MKP-l protein in RPMCs. Such modulation may have functional consequences during dexamethasone treatment, especially mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation disorders.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.9
• /
• pp.4391-4394
• /
• 2016

Background: Platinum-based regimens are effective treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the five-year survival rate is still less than 20%. One possible factor appears to be resistance involving polymorphisms in the CTR1 gene which plays an importance role in accumulation of platinum in the cytoplasm. Purpose: To establish both prevalence of CTR1 polymorphism and its impact on treatment related toxicity in Thai advanced NSCLC patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two advanced NSCLC participants received carboplatin and gemcitabine during January to June 2016 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) were recruited for analysis of the CTR1 rs12686377 genotype. These participants were planning to be treated with platinum-based chemotherapy for at least two cycles. Results: Allele frequency of CTR1 polymorphism $G{\rightarrow}T$ was found to be 25%. The results showed that genetic polymorphism at CTR1 rs12686377 was associated with emesis side effects (P = 0.020) and neuropathic symptoms (P = 0.010). In addition, hematologic side effects in terms of anemia also tended to be related to this polymorphism. Conclusions: This is the first study suggesting that polymorphism at CTR1 rs12686377 may be associated with toxicity from platinum-based regimens. Therefore, it could be a factor to aid in treatment decision-making.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.57-68
• /
• 2018

Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) plays an important role in redox metabolism and antioxidant defense. Under normal conditions, NRF2 proteins are maintained at very low levels because of their ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via binding to the kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. However, oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses disrupt the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction, which leads to the accumulation and transactivation of NRF2. During recent decades, a growing body of evidence suggests that NRF2 is frequently activated in many types of cancer by multiple mechanisms, including the genetic mutations in the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway. This suggested that NRF2 inhibition is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Recently, several NRF2 inhibitors have been reported with anti-tumor efficacy. Here, we review the mechanisms whereby NRF2 is dysregulated in cancer and its contribution to the tumor development and radiochemoresistance. In addition, among the NRF2 inhibitors reported so far, we summarize and discuss repurposed NRF2 inhibitors with their potential mechanisms and provide new insights to develop selective NRF2 inhibitors.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.134-138
• /
• 2012

In treatment of dentigerous cyst, complete enucleation, histopathologic examination and postoperative care are important to prevent the potential complications (mural ameloblastoma, squamous cell carcinoma). On the other hand, a maxillary impacted supernumerary anterior tooth are removed surgically, owing to the possibility of the cyst formation in future. After the cyst enucleation and extraction of the involved tooth, the wound area sutured and removable resin plate is then applied. In this operation, the postoperative bleeding and infection is likely to occur owing to postoperative accumulation of hematoma & seroma, psychologic stress and other contaminated factor. So, the authors established the immediate rubber & iodoform gauze drainage into the sutured wound of cyst enucleation & tooth extraction for the prevention of postoperative bleeding and infection. The removable resin splint are not used because of the poor cooperation and economic factor. The results were more favorable without the postoperative bleeding & wound infection in a cerebral palsy patient.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.17 no.2 s.32
• /
• pp.227-236
• /
• 1996

The effect of Ligustrum Lucidum(LL) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide by murine peritoneal macrophages were investigated. Stimulation of the cells with LL in the presence or absence of interferon-r(IFN-r) resulted in the increased accumulation of nitrite in the medium. To further examine the mechanism of LL induced. NO Synthesis, we evaluated the secretion of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ by LL in murine macrophages. Treatment of LL increased the secretion of bioactive $TNF-{\alpha}$ in cultured medium. In addition, LL induced NO production was decreased by the treatment of anti-murine $TNF-{\alpha}$. neutralizing antibodies, indicating that LL induced superoxide production was decreased by the treatment of anti-murine $TNF-{\alpha}$ neutralizing antibodies. These data suggested that LL induced superoxide production was related to $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion. In conclusion, our results indicates that LL may enhance innate immune response and be applied as a immunoregulating drug improving phagocytosis.