• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
• /
• 2023.11a
• /
• pp.23-26
• /
• 2023

In the past, in observing the sea fog on the major sea route and providing real-time information for the safe operation of ships, a visibility sensor or a fog detector with similar operating principles was installed to observe local fog near the place where it was installed. However, it was somewhat unreasonable to immediately provide sea fog observation information to ships and users because the reliability of real-time observation information was somewhat low due to pollution caused by dust, salt, and pollen, or malfunctions of detection sensors by organisms such as spider webs. From 2019 to 2022, the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries collaborated to build a more reliable real-time image-based sea fog observation system in 100 regions of the Lighthouse on major sea routes across the country to collect reliable sea fog observation information every 10 minutes and perform real-time public service(webpage).

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.219-227
• /
• 2024

Bladder cancer remains the 10th most common cancer worldwide. In recent years, metformin has been found to have potential anti-bladder cancer activity while high concentration of IC₅₀ at millimolar level is needed, which could not be reached by regular oral administration route. Thus, higher efficient agent is urgently demanded for clinically treating bladder cancer. Here, by conjugating artesunate to metformin, a novel artesunate-metformin dimer triazine derivative AM2 was designed and synthesized. The inhibitory effect of AM2 on bladder cancer cell line T24 and the mechanism underlying was determined. Anti-tumor activity of AM2 was assessed by MTT, cloning formation and wound healing assays. Decreasing effect of AM2 on lipogenesis was determined by oil red O staining. The protein expressions of Clusterin, SREBP1 and FASN in T24 cells were evaluated by Western blotting. The results show that AM2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration at micromolar level, much higher than parental metformin. AM2 reduced lipogenesis and down-regulated the expressions of Clusterin, SREBP1 and FASN. These results suggest that AM2 inhibits the growth of bladder cancer cells T24 by inhibiting cellular lipogenesis associated with the Clusterin/SREBP1/FASN signaling pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.1276-1286
• /
• 2024

The environment has been identified as an origin, reservoir, and transmission route of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Among diverse environments, freshwater environments have been recognized as pivotal in the transmission of ARGs between opportunistic pathogens and autochthonous bacteria such as Aeromonas spp. In this study, five environmental strains of Aeromonas spp. exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR) were selected for whole-genome sequencing to ascertain their taxonomic assignment at the species-level and to delineate their ARG repertoires. Analyses of their genomes revealed the presence of one protein almost identical to AhQnr (A. hydrophila Qnr protein) and four novel proteins similar to AhQnr. To scrutinize the classification and taxonomic distribution of these proteins, all Aeromonas genomes deposited in the NCBI RefSeq genome database (1,222 genomes) were investigated. This revealed that these Aeromonas Qnr (AQnr) proteins are conserved intrinsic resistance determinants of the genus, exhibiting species-specific diversity. Additionally, structure prediction and analysis of contribution to quinolone resistance by AQnr proteins of the isolates, confirmed their functionality as quinolone resistance determinants. Given the origin of mobile qnr genes from aquatic bacteria and the crucial role of Aeromonas spp. in ARG dissemination in aquatic environments, a thorough understanding and strict surveillance of AQnr families prior to the clinical emergence are imperative. In this study, using comparative genome analyses and functional characterization of AQnr proteins in the genus Aeromonas, novel Aeromonas ARGs requiring surveillance has suggested.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.29-40
• /
• 1975

1. Sites of the cardioaccelerating action of nicotine, DMPP, McN-A-343, AHR-602, tyramine, angiotensin and neostigmine were investigated in spinal rabbits. 2. The cardioaccelerating action of the above substances was substantially weak in reserpine-pretreated rabbits. The accelerating action was scarcely observed after propranolol administration. 3. Tetrodotoxin and guanethidine did not affect the cardioacceleration due to nicotine, DMPP, tyramine and isoproterenol, but they markedly weakened that due to McN-A-343, AHR-602, angiotensin and neostigmine. 4. Chlorisondamine blocked the cardioacceleration by nicotine and DMPP; atropine that by McN-A-343 and AHR-602. 5. Appropriate doses of isoproterenol, nicotine, DMPP, McN-A-343, tyramine, angiotensin and neostigmine, when administered into the right auricle, produced almost the same degree of cadia acceleration as when they were given to the right ear vein. AHR-602 did not produce significant cardioacceleration through this route. 6. Nicotine, DMPP and neostigmine when injected into the right auricle produced marked cardioacceleration, whereas they produced little action when injected into the left ventricle. Isoproterenol and tyramine produced more marked effect by the intraauricular route than the intraventricular one. 7. McN-A-343, AHR-602 and angiotensin produced more marked cardioacceleration by the intraventricular administration than the intraauricular one. The intraventricular AHR-602 produced marked cardioacceleration. 8. It is inferred that the sites of cardioaccelerating action of nicotine, DMPP, and tyramine will be either the terminals of the adrenergic nerves or the extraneuronal stores of norepinephrine and that of McN-A-343, AHR-602, angiotensin and neostigmine will be the adrenergic neurons in the heart. The sites on which nicotine, DMPP, tyramine and neostigmine will act are chiefly distributed in the auricular tissues and those on which McN-A-343, AHR-602, and angiotensin act chiefly in the ventricular tissues.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.16-22
• /
• 2017

Objectives: Bisphosphonate is the primary cause of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Bisphosphonates are eliminated from the human body by the kidneys. It is anticipated that bisphosphonate levels in the body will increase if the kidney is in a weak state or if there is systemic disease that affects kidney function. The aim of this study was to analyze the relevance of renal function in the severity of BRONJ. Materials and Methods: Ninety-three patients diagnosed with BRONJ in Pusan National University Dental Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014 were included in this study. All patients underwent a clinical exam, radiographs, and serologic lab test, including urine analysis. The patient's medical history was also taken, including the type of bisphosphonate drug, the duration of administration and drug holiday, route of administration, and other systemic diseases. In accordance with the guidelines of the 2009 position paper of American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the BRONJ stage was divided into 4 groups, from stage 0 to 3, according to the severity of disease. IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0 (IBM Co., USA) was used to perform regression analysis with a 0.05% significance level. Results: BRONJ stage and renal factor (estimated glomerular filtration rate) showed a moderate statistically significant correlation. In the group with higher BRONJ stage, the creatinine level was higher, but the increase was not statistically significant. Other factors showed no significant correlation with BRONJ stage. There was a high statistically significant correlation between BRONJ stage and 'responder group' and 'non-responder group,' but there was no significant difference with the 'worsened group.' In addition, the age of the patients was a relative factor with BRONJ stage. Conclusion: With older age and lower renal function, BRONJ is more severe, and there may be a decrease in patient response to treatment.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.11 no.6
• /
• pp.31-40
• /
• 2013

Purpose - The Northeast Asian Logistic Hub strategy was established to create a national competitive advantage in northeast Asia. Countries in this region are competing fiercely to become the central base distribution port as the volume of container shipping continues to increase due to the northeast Asian (especially Chinese) economic growth. The primary method by which shippers are improving their customer service and distribution is enhancing profits by minimizing call ports on the key route through strategic affiliations and the use of large vessels. Each nation is planning large-scale investments in the construction of sea ports that can accommodate large vessels. This paper proposes ways by which the logistical strategies of domestic corporations can keep pace with changes in government policy concerning the Northeast Asian Business Hub policy. It examines the logistics system in the Northeast Asian region, analyzes the government's Northeast Asian Business Hub policy, and suggests logistical strategies for domestic corporations through an analysis based on a questionnaire designed to grasp domestic firms' needs and goals. Research design, data and methodology - The purpose of this study is to determine how shipping companies establish partnerships with third-party logistics providers and draws out the implications of the results. The survey methods used were personal interviews and questionnaires distributed to a sample population through e-mail, fax, mail, and telephone. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, of which 165 were returned. Among these, ten were excluded due to insufficient content; ultimately, 155 were used for the sample. The statistical data collection process was analyzed through data coating and a statistical package program. Results - This study argues that greater flexibility in policies, administration, and systems will be needed to significantly improve established business practices. In this dissertation, we primarily identify that in order to become a center of northeast Asian logistics, Korea must adopt a new paradigm and abandon the existing systems that are based on the economic and social systems that have stemmed from bureaucracy, inflexibility, chauvinism, and equalitarianism. Flexible policies, administration, and systems will be necessary to improve business practices. Domestic corporations must establish a strategic logistics hub and related network while simultaneously pursuing value-added logistics businesses by increasing their manpower and building a logistics information system. This will strengthen their competitive edge and lead to system improvements. Conclusions - Domestic corporations must adopt a new paradigm and use more reasonable business laws, systems, and policies that are based on market-driven flexibility and transparency. Moreover, social norms and regulations should be established to help ensure political and social security. Korea must also develop a culture of tolerance for foreign companies. Finally, the paradigm defining the policy governing the development of the capital city and its satellite cities in this context must be changed.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.195-203
• /
• 2004

4-Tert-Octylphenol (OP) is a surfactant additive widely used in the manufacture of a variety of detergents and plastic products. OP can disrupt endocrine function in humans and animals. This study was carried out to obtain toxicokinetic parameters of OP in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Male rats were administered with OP by single oral application of 200 mg/kg body weight. Blood, urine and tissues samples were taken at several time intervals after administration. Analysis of samples for OP was performed by column-switching high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, we exam-ined tissue distribution and accumulation of OP after single oral application of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, single intravenous injection of 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg or daily application of 50 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. After single oral administration of 200 mg/kg, Cmax of 213 $\pm$ 123 ng/ml was reached within the first 1.3 hr (Tmax) in the plasma. AUC was calculated for 1,333$\pm$484 ngㆍhr/ml. The final elimination half-life of plasma was longer than that of urine, but urinary clearance was lower than oral. A very small fraction of OP (Fe < 0.0017%) was excreted in urine within 24 hr. These results indicated that the major excretion route of OP was not urine. The mean maximal tissue distribution of OP was obserbed at 6 hr after treatment and slowly decreased time-dependently. High OP concentrations were detected in fat at 24 hr. The OP in fat was slowly released with longer elimination half-life and lower clearance than that of other tissues. OP was not accumulated in the liver following single oral application but 14-day oral treatments resulted in two-fold accumulation. It was probably due to the saturation of detoxification pathways. On the other hand, the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 isoforms except CYP2C11 was not affected by OP at any dose. The expression of CYP2C11 mRNA decreased in a dose-dependent manner. This result suggests that OP changes expression of the male-specific cytochrome P450 isoforms in rat liver, and these changes are closely related to the toxic and estrogenic effect of OP.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.259-266
• /
• 2013

Purpose : To investigate the blood pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution of DTPA-bis-amide (L3) Gd(III) complexes. Materials and Methods: The pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution of Gd $(L3)(H_2O){\cdot}nH_2O$ were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats after intravenous administration at a dose of 0.1 mmol Gd/kg. The Gd content in the blood, various tissues, and organs was determined by ICP-AES. Blood pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a two-compartment model. Results: The half-lives of ${\alpha}$ phase and ${\beta}$ phase Gd $(L3)(H_2O){\cdot}nH_2O$ were $2.286{\pm}0.11$ min and $146.1{\pm}7.5$ min, respectively. The bio-distribution properties reveal that the complex is mainly excreted by the renal pathway, and possibly excreted by the hepatobiliary route. The concentration ratio of Gd (III) was significantly higher in the liver and spleen than in other organs, and small amounts of Gd (III) ion were detected in the blood or other tissues of rats only after 7 days of intravenous administration. Conclusion: The MRI contrast agent Gd $(L3)(H_2O){\cdot}nH_2O$ provides prolonged blood pool retention in the circulation and then clears rapidly with minimal accumulation of Gd(III) ions. The synthesis of gadolinium complexes with well-balanced lipophilicity and hydrophilicity shows promise for their further development as blood pool MRI contrast agents.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.1200-1203
• /
• 2005

Kami-Okchun-San(OCS) is known as an effective herbal medicine on Type 2 diabetes. We peformed to investigate acute toxicity of OCS on ICR mice. ICR mice in acute toxicity experiment were administered orally with dosages of 3,200mg/kg (low dosage group), 4,000mg/kg (middle dosage group), 5,000mg/kg (high dosage group) per single time, respectively. Body weights, clinical signs, motalities and histopathological finding were observed daily for 14 days according to the Regulation of Korean Food and Drug Administration(1999. 12. 22). Single oral administration of OCS with different dosages, no animals died of the test drug. Autopsy of animal revealed no abnormal gross findings. Therefore, LD50 value of OCS for ICR mice was more than 5,000mg/kg on oral route. Normally increasing changes were observed in body weight, drinking water and food intake in every dosage group. Hematological parameters were also observed normally in all animals. No histopathological lesions were observed in both control and treated animals. Above data suggest that no toxic dose level of OCS in ICR mice is considered to be more than 5,000mg/kg. Therefore, it was concluded that OCS have no effect on acute toxicity and side effect in ICR mice.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.265-271
• /
• 2001

In order to elucidate the influence of intestinal and hepatic first-pass effect on the pharmacokinetics of triflusal, the biotransformation of triflusal in the gastrointestinal tract and liver was designed. Moreover, we tried to establish an HPLC method applicable for bioassay and available to pharmacokinetics, not only with the simultaneous determination of triflusal and its active metabolite, 2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (HTB), but also with improving sensitivity. After the administration of triflusal (10 mg/kg) and HTB (10 mg/kg) into femoral vein, portal vein (only triflusal) and oral route (only triflusal), pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated from the plasma concentration-time profiles of triflusal and HTB in rats. An HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of triflusal and HTB in rat plasma, urine and bile. The HPLC analysis was carried out using a C18 column and acetonitrile-methanol-water (25:10:65, v/v/v) as the mobile phase and UV detection at 234 nm. Furosemide was used as the internal standard. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range $0.05-5.0\;{\mu}g/ml$ for triflusal and $0.2-200.0\;{\mu}g/ml$ for HTB with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 and with intra-day or inter-day coefficients of variation not exceeding 10.0%. This assay procedure was applied to the study of metabolite pharmacokinetics of triflusal and HTB in rats. It was supposed that triflusal was almost metabolized in vivo because urinary and biliary excreted amounts of triflusal could be ignored as it was lower than 1.2% of the administered dose. According to the gastrointestinal and hepatic biotransformation pathways of triflusal, it was found that triflusal was hydrolyzed by about 5% in intestine and metabolized by about 53% in liver, and that the bioavailability of triflusal after oral administration of triflusal was 0.44, and also that the fraction of total elimination rate of triflusal which formed HTB in liver $(F_{mi},\;%)$ was about 98%. These results showed that triflusal was almost metabolized in liver, and the total elimination of triflusal in the body was dependent to the formation rate of HTB from triflusal in liver.