• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.333-348
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• 2023

Fast infrastructure development boosts the demand for shotcrete. Despite sand and stone being the most common coarse and fine aggregates for shotcrete, excessive exploration of these materials challenges the ecological environment. This study utilized an industrial solid waste, high-titanium heavy slag, blended with steel fibers to form Wet Shotcrete of Steel Fiber-reinforced High-Titanium Heavy Slag (WSSFHTHS). It investigated its workability, shotcrete performance and mechanical properties under different water-to-cement ratios, fly ash content, superplasticizer dosage, and steel fiber content. The tunnel excavation and support were investigated by conducting finite element numerical simulation analysis and was used in 3 tunnel lining pipes in Zhonggouwan tailing pond. The major findings are as follows: (1) The water-to-cement ratio (w/c ratio) significantly impacted the compressive strength of WSSFHTHS. The highest 28-day compressive strength of 60 MPa was achieved when the w/c ratio was 0.38; (2) Adding fly ash improved the workability and shotcrete performance and strength development of WSSFHTHS. The best anti-permeability performance was achieved when the fly ash constituted 15%, with the lowest permeability coefficient of 4.596 × 10-11 cm/s; (3) The optimum superplasticizer dosage for WSSFHTHS is 0.8%. It provided the best workability and shotcrete performance. Excessive dosage resulted in water bleeding and poor aggregate encapsulation, while insufficient dosage decreased flowability and adversely affected shotcrete performance; (4) The dosage of steel fibers significantly impacted the flexural and tensile strength of WSSFHTHS. When the steel fiber dosage was 45 kg/m³, the 28-day flexural and tensile strengths were 8.95 MPa and 6.15 MPa, respectively; (5) By integrating existing shotcrete techniques, the optimal lining thickness was 80 mm for WSSFHTHS per simulation. The results revealed that after using WSSFHTHS, the displacement of the tunnel surrounding the rock significantly improved, with no cracks or hollows, similar to the simulation results.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.40.1-40.14
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• 2023

Glucocorticoids suppress the vascular inflammation that occurs under hypercholesterolemia, as demonstrated in an animal model fed a high-cholesterol diet. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects remain poorly understood. Because cholesterol is oxidized to form cholesterol oxides (oxysterols) that are capable of inducing inflammation, we investigated whether glucocorticoids affect the immune responses evoked by 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHChol). The treatment of human THP-1 monocytic cells with dexamethasone (Dex) and prednisolone (Pdn) downregulated the expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as TLR6 and CD14, and diminished 7αOHChol-enhanced response to FSL-1, a TLR2/6 ligand, and lipopolysaccharide, which interacts with CD14 to initiate immune responses, as determined by the reduced secretion of IL-23 and CCL2, respectively. Glucocorticoids weakened the 7αOHChol-induced production of CCL2 and CCR5 ligands, which was accompanied by decreased migration of monocytic cells and CCR5-expressing Jurkat T cells. Treatment with Dex or Pdn also reduced the phosphorylation of the Akt-1 Src, ERK1/2, and p65 subunits. These results indicate that both Dex and Pdn impair the expression of PRRs and their downstream products, chemokine production, and phosphorylation of signaling molecules. Collectively, glucocorticoids suppress the innate immune response and activation of monocytic cells to an inflammatory phenotype enhanced or induced by 7αOHChol, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects in hypercholesterolemic conditions.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.223-242
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• 2023

In contrast to chemical medicines, biopharmaceuticals exhibit reduced side effects and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Antibody therapies have significantly advanced since the first monoclonal antibody's approval in 1986, now dominating the pharmaceutical market with seven out of the top 10 biopharmaceuticals. The bispecific antibody has a distinct capability to bind to two antigens simultaneously, unlike conventional monoclonal antibodies that target just one antigen. The notion of bispecific antibodies was initially introduced in 1960, and by 1997, the first symmetrical form of bispecific antibody was successfully produced. Subsequently, extensive research has been conducted on bispecific antibodies, leading to a significant milestone in 2014 when blinatumomab became the first FDA-approved drug to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. Despite having a relatively shorter history compared to monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies have proven their potential by targeting two antigens simultaneously, thereby rendering them highly effective as anti-cancer drugs. As of 2023, there are a total of 11 globally approved bispecific antibodies, with six of them receiving approval from FDA. In light of the rapidly expanding market for bispecific antibodies, this review article comprehensively explores the attributes, historical background, applications, and market status of bispecific antibodies. Additionally, it sheds light on the present trends in bispecific antibody development, drawing insights from 96 research articles and 105 clinical studies. Excitingly, we anticipate further progress in the development of bispecific antibodies and clinical trials on a global scale, with the aspiration of utilizing them not only in cancer treatment but also for addressing diverse medical conditions.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.873-884
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• 2024

Flunixin is a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent whose residues have been investigated in their original form within tissues such as muscle and liver. However, flunixin remains in milk as a metabolite, and 5-hydroxy flunixin has been used as the primary marker for its surveillance. This study aimed to develop a quantitative method for detecting flunixin and 5-hydroxy flunixin in milk and to strengthen the monitoring system by applying to other livestock and fishery products. Two different methods were compared, and the target compounds were extracted from milk using an organic solvent, purified with C₁₈, concentrated, and reconstituted using a methanol-based solvent. Following filtering, the final sample was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Method 1 is environmentally friendly due to the low use of reagents and is based on a multi-residue, multi-class analysis method approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The accuracy and precision of both methods were 84.6%-115% and 0.7%-9.3%, respectively. Owing to the low matrix effect in milk and its convenience, Method 1 was evaluated for other matrices (beef, chicken, egg, flatfish, and shrimp) and its recovery and coefficient of variation are sufficient according to the Codex criteria (CAC/GL 71-2009). The limits of detection and quantification were 2-8 and 5-27 ㎍/kg for flunixin and 2-10 and 6-33 ㎍/kg for 5-hydroxy flunixin, respectively. This study can be used as a monitoring method for a positive list system that regulates veterinary drug residues for all livestock and fisheries products.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.270-276
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• 2023

Objective: This study investigated the clinical and laboratory factors associated with the presence of dysmorphic oocytes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Methods: The study involved 200 ICSI cycles, performed from 2020 to 2021, that yielded at least one mature oocyte. Clinical characteristics and ovarian stimulation methods were compared between 68 cycles with at least one dysmorphic oocyte (the dysmorphic group) and 132 cycles with normal-form oocytes only (the non-dysmorphic group). Dysmorphic oocytes were characterized by dark cytoplasm, cytoplasmic granularity, cytoplasmic vacuoles, refractile bodies in the cytoplasm, smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm, an oval shape, an abnormal zona pellucida, a large perivitelline space, debris in the perivitelline space, or an abnormal polar body. Results: The ages of the women, indications for in vitro fertilization, serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and rates of current ovarian endometrioma were similar between the dysmorphic and non-dysmorphic groups. In both groups, the three ovarian stimulation regimens, two types of pituitary suppression, and total gonadotropin dose were employed similarly. However, the dual-trigger method was used more frequently in the dysmorphic group (67.6% vs. 50%, p=0.024). The dysmorphic group contained significantly more immature oocytes and exhibited significantly lower oocyte maturity (50% vs. 66.7%, p=0.001) than the non-dysmorphic cycles. Within the dysmorphic group, significantly lower oocyte maturity was found in the cycles using a dual-trigger, but not in those with a human chorionic gonadotropin trigger. Conclusion: ICSI cycles with dysmorphic oocytes are closely associated with reduced oocyte maturity. This association was observed exclusively in dual-trigger cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.285-291
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• 2023

Objective: Infertility can result from a diminished ovarian reserve, but a potential remedy exists in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration. This treatment involves both biological factors and tissue trauma mechanisms, which stimulate folliculogenesis, making it a promising and effective strategy. We assessed the impact of direct PRP injections into the ovaries on the fertility outcomes of women classified as poor responders. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, focusing on patients classified as POSEIDON grade 3 or 4. PRP injections were administered into both ovaries. After 3 months, data were collected on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the numbers of oocytes, mature oocytes, and good-quality embryos following ovarian stimulation. We then compared the data from before and after PRP injection. Results: This study included 50 women, with a mean of 39 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35 to 43) and 4 years (IQR, 2 to 6) for age and infertility duration, respectively. FSH levels decreased after treatment, while AMH levels and the numbers of oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and high-quality embryos increased. However, only the increase in high-quality embryos was significant. The pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy rates were 20% and 14%, respectively. Notably, women with secondary infertility exhibited a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those with primary infertility. Conclusion: Ample evidence suggests that PRP can enhance ovarian function. However, further studies are needed to identify the appropriate candidates for this procedure, establish the optimal PRP preparation method, and standardize the procedure for its adjuvant use in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.135-143
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• 2024

Purpose: Hip fractures are associated with increased mortality. The identification of risk factors of mortality could improve patient care. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of mortality after surgery for a hip fracture and construct a mortality model. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted on patients with hip fractures at two institutions. Five hundred and ninety-seven patients with hip fractures that were treated in the tertiary hospital, and another 147 patients that were treated in a secondary hospital. The perioperative data were collected from medical charts and interviews. Functional Assessment Measure score, Short Form-12 and mortality were recorded at 12 months. Patients and surgery variables that were associated with increased mortality were used to develop a mortality model. Results: Mortality for the whole cohort was 19.4% at one year. From the variables tested only age >80 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists category, time to surgery (>48 hours), Charlson comorbidity index, sex, use of anti-coagulants, and body mass index <25 kg/m² were associated with increased mortality and used to construct the mortality model. The area under the curve for the prediction model was 0.814. Functional outcome at one year was similar to preoperative status, even though their level of physical function dropped after the hip surgery and slowly recovered. Conclusion: The mortality prediction model that was developed in this study calculates the risk of death at one year for patients with hip fractures, is simple, and could detect high risk patients that need special management.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Abexol is a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols purified from beeswax (Apis mellifera), that produces anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects, as well as it is safe and well tolerated. To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of Abexol (suspension versus tablets) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: Monocentric study, open-label, randomized design, with two parallel groups receiving Abexol tablets (150 mg/d) or Abexol suspension (75 mg/d) for 8 weeks. Primary efficacy variable (significant improvement in the total score of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [GSRS]). Significant reduction in the intensity of the gastrointestinal-symptoms and the reduction in the consumption of antacids are considered secondary efficacy variable. Short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire was evaluated as collateral variable. Data were analyzed as per intention to treat. Results: A significantly decrease in the overall score of the survey was observed with respect to the baseline level (p < 0.001) of 81.4% in the Abexol suspension group and 77.9% in the Abexol tablets group. At the end of the trial, most gastrointestinal-symptoms disappeared or reduced significantly. The frequency of consumption of neutralizing antacids was low. The significantly improvement in the perception of the state of health obtained in the Abexol is in correspondence with the improvement achieved in some of the components evaluate in the SF-36 questionnaire. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Abexol suspension showed efficacy and safety similar to Abexol tablets in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, but using half the dose.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.261-272
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• 2023

Calla lily is one of the most iconic and widely recognized ornamental plants. This study compared the extracts of 11 cultivars of domestic calla lily bred by the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science for their total polyphenol and antioxidant activities. Eleven cultivars were evaluated for their growth and flowering characteristics as per the Manual for Agricultural Investigation Rural Development Administration (RDA) form. The antioxidant activities were measured using 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbebzothiazoloine-6-sulfonic acid)-diammounium salt (ABTS⁺) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect. The plants have an average height of 63.80 ± 5.4 cm, average flower diameter of 7.2 ± 1.1 cm, and width of 12.4 ± 1.7 cm. On average, the diameter and width of leaves were 33.7 ± 3.5 cm and 20.0 ± 1.4 cm, respectively. Extracts of flowers and leaves in the 11 cultivars of white calla lily were compared for their antioxidant activities and total polyphenol contents. ABTS⁺ and DPPH radical scavenging, which are indicative of antioxidant activity, were higher in flowers than in leaves. When comparing by cultivar, we found that 'White Egg' showed the highest antioxidant activity in both the flowers and the leaves. Additionally, we found that by part, the content of total polyphenols was highest in flowers, and by cultivar, it was highest in the 'Swan' and 'White Egg' cultivars. Furthermore, the days to flowering showed correlations with ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). Our results indicate that calla lily can be used as breeding material material according to its growth characteristics and as a natural antioxidant source.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.142-150
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• 2005

Background : Continuous growth stimulation by various factors, as well as chronic oxidative stress, may co-exist in many solid tumors, such as lung cancer. A new family of antioxidant proteins, the peroxiredoxins (Prxs), have been implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, a real pathophysiological significance of Prx proteins, especially in lung disease, has not been sufficiently defined. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the distribution and expression of various Prx isoforms in lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions. Method : Patients diagnosed with lung cancer, and who underwent surgery at the Ajou Medical Center, were enrolled. The expressions of Prxs, Thioredoxin (Trx) and Thioredoxin reductase (TR) were analyzed using proteomic techniques and the subcellular localization of Prx proteins was studied using immunohistochemistry on normal mouse lung tissue. Result : Immunohistochemical staining has shown the isoforms of Prx I, II, III and V are predominantly expressed in bronchial and alveolar lining epithelia, as well as in the alveolar macrophages of the normal mouse lung. The isoforms of Prx I and III, and thioredoxin were also found to be over-expressed in the lung cancer tissues compared to their paired normal lung controls. There was also an increased amount of the oxidized form of Prx I, as well as a putative truncated form of Prx III, in the lung cancer samples when analyzed using 2-dimensional electrophoresis. In addition, a 43 kDa intermediate molecular weight protein band, and other high molecular weight bands of over 20 kDa, recognized by the anti-Prx I antibody, were present in the tissue extracts of lung cancer patients on 1-Dimensional electrophoresis, which require further investigation. Conclusion : The over-expressions of Prx I and III, and Trx in human lung cancer tissue, as well as their possible chaperoning function, may represent an attempt by tumor cells to adjust to their microenvironment in a manner advantageous to their survival and proliferation, while maintaining their malignant potential.