• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.45-63
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• 2019

In view of the growing industrial use of Bacterial cellulose (BC), and taking into account that it might become airborne and be inhaled after industrial processing, assessing its potential pulmonary toxic effects assumes high relevance. In this work, the murine model was used to assess the effects of exposure to respirable BC nanofibrils (nBC), obtained by disintegration of BC produced by Komagataeibacter hansenii. Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages ($BMM{\Phi}$) were treated with different doses of nBC (0.02 and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively 1 and $10{\mu}g$ of fibrils) in absence or presence of 0.2% Carboxymethyl Cellulose (nBCMC). Furthermore, mice were instilled intratracheally with nBC or nBCMC at different concentrations and at different time-points and analyzed up to 6 months after treatments. Microcrystaline $Avicel-plus^{(R)}$ CM 2159, a plant-derived cellulose, was used for comparison. Markers of cellular damage (lactate dehydrogenase release and total protein) and oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxidase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase activity) as well presence of inflammatory cells were evaluated in brochoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. Histological analysis of lungs, heart and liver tissues was also performed. BAL analysis showed that exposure to nBCMC or CMC did not induce major alterations in the assessed markers of cell damage, oxidative stress or inflammatory cell numbers in BAL fluid over time, even following cumulative treatments. $Avicel-plus^{(R)}$ CM 2159 significantly increased LDH release, detected 3 months after 4 weekly administrations. However, histological results revealed a chronic inflammatory response and tissue alterations, being hypertrophy of pulmonary arteries (observed 3 months after nBCMC treatment) of particular concern. These histological alterations remained after 6 months in animals treated with nBC, possibly due to foreign body reaction and the organism's inability to remove the fibers. Overall, despite being a safe and biocompatible biomaterial, BC-derived nanofibrils inhalation may lead to lung pathology and pose significant health risks.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.160-170
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• 2019

The lactic acid bacteria species Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) has been used extensively for vaccine delivery. Considering to the critical role of dendritic cells in stimulating host immune response, in this study, we constructed a novel CD11c-targeting L. plantarum strain with surface-displayed variable fragments of anti-CD11c, single-chain antibody (scFv-CD11c). The newly designed L. plantarum strain, named 409-aCD11c, could adhere and invade more efficiently to bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro due to the specific interaction between scFv-CD11c and CD11c located on the surface of BMDCs. After incubation with BMDCs, the 409-aCD11c strain harboring a eukaryotic vector pValac-GFP could lead to more efficient expression of GFP compared with wild-type strains shown by flow cytometry analysis, indicating the enhanced translocation of pValac-GFP from L. plantarum to BMDCs. Similar results were also observed in an in vivo study, which showed that oral administration resulted in efficient expression of GFP in both Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) within 7 days after the last administration. In addition, the CD11c-targeting strain significantly promoted the differentiation and maturation of DCs, the differentiation of $IL-4^+$ and $IL-17A^+$ T helper (Th) cells in MLNs, as well as production of $B220^+$ $IgA^+$ B cells in the PP. In conclusion, this study developed a novel DC-targeting L. plantarum strain which could increase the ability to deliver eukaryotic expression plasmid to host cells, indicating a promising approach for vaccine study.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.575-584
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• 2021

Objective : Cervical expansive laminoplasty is an effective surgical method to address multilevel cervical spinal stenosis. During surgery, the spinous processes of C2 and C7 are usually preserved to keep the insertion points of the cervical musculature and nuchal ligament intact. In this regard, dome-like laminectomy (undercutting of C7 lamina) instead of laminoplasty is performed on C7 in selected cases. However, resection of the lamina can weaken the C7 lamina, and stress fractures may occur, but this complication has not been characterized in the literature. The objective of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for C7 laminar fracture after C7 dome-like laminectomy and its impact on clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods : Patients who underwent cervical open-door laminoplasty combined with C7 dome-like laminectomy (n=123) were classified according to the presence of C7 laminar fracture. Clinical parameters (neck/arm pain score and neck disability index) and radiologic parameters (C2-7 angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, and C7-T1 angle) were compared between the groups preoperatively and at postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Risk factors for complications were evaluated, and a formula estimating C7 fracture risk was suggested. Results : C7 lamina fracture occurred in 32/123 (26%) patients and occurred at the bilateral isthmus in 29 patients and at the spinolaminar junction in three patients. All fractures appeared on X-ray within 3 months postoperatively, but patients did not present any neurological deterioration. The fracture spontaneously healed in 27/32 (84%) patients at 1 year and in 29/32 (91%) at 2 years. During follow-up, clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. However, patients with C7 fractures showed a more lordotic C2-7 angle and kyphotic C7-T1 angle than patients without C7 fractures. C7 fracture was significantly associated with the extent of bone removal. By incorporating significant factors, the probability of C7 laminar fracture could be assessed with the formula 'Risk score = 1.08 × depth (%) + 1.03 × length (%, of the posterior height of C7 vertebral body)', and a cut-off value of 167.9% demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 65.1% (area under the curve, 0.81). Conclusion : C7 laminar fracture can occur after C7 dome-like laminectomy when a substantial amount of lamina is resected. Although C7 fractures may not cause deleterious clinical outcomes, they can lead to an unharmonized cervical curvature. The chance of C7 fracture should be discussed in the shared decision-making process.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.315-323
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• 2023

Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is commonly employed in the field of forensic pathology. PMCT was mainly performed using a whole-body scan with a wide field of view (FOV), which lead to a decrease in spatial resolution due to the increased pixel size. This study aims to evaluate the potential for developing a super-resolution model based on conditional generative adversarial networks (CGAN) to enhance the image quality of CT. 1761 low-resolution images were obtained using a whole-body scan with a wide FOV of the head phantom, and 341 high-resolution images were obtained using the appropriate FOV for the head phantom. Of the 150 paired images in the total dataset, which were divided into training set (96 paired images) and validation set (54 paired images). Data augmentation was perform to improve the effectiveness of training by implementing rotations and flips. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, we used the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) and Deep Image Structure and Texture Similarity (DISTS). Obtained the PSNR, SSIM, and DISTS values of the entire image and the Medial orbital wall, the zygomatic arch, and the temporal bone, where fractures often occur during head trauma. The proposed method demonstrated improvements in values of PSNR by 13.14%, SSIM by 13.10% and DISTS by 45.45% when compared to low-resolution images. The image quality of the three areas where fractures commonly occur during head trauma has also improved compared to low-resolution images.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.1460-1467
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• 2023

A robust approach was conducted to determining the absolute oral bioavailable (f_ab) fractions of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th in rats exposed to contaminated soil along with their hematotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The soil sample is the International Atomic Energy Agency-312 (IAEA-312) certified reference material, whereas blood, bones, and kidneys of in vivo female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats estimate ²³⁸U- and ²³²Th-f_ab fractions post-exposure. We predict the bioavailable concentration (C_ab) and f_ab values of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th after acute soil ingestion. The blood ²³⁸U (0.750%) and ²³²Th (0.028%) reach their maximum f_ab values after 48 h. The ²³⁸U (f_ab: 0.169-0.652%) accumulates mostly in the kidney, whereas the ²³²Th (f_ab: 0.004-0.021%) accumulates primarily in the bone. Additionally, ²³⁸U is more bioavailable than ²³²Th. Post 48 h acute ingestion demonstrates noticeable histopathological and hematological alterations, implying that intake of ²³⁸U in co-contaminated soil can lead to erythrocytes and proximal tubules damage, whereas, ²³²Th intake can harm erythrocytes. Our study provides new directions for future research into the health implications of acute oral exposures to ²³⁸U and ²³²Th in co-contaminated soils. The findings offer significant insight into the utilization of in vivo SD rat testing to estimate ²³⁸U and ²³²Th bioavailability and toxicity in exposure assessment.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.57-65
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• 2023

There are differing opinions among scholars as to whether "chuseo" (ugly writing) should be considered as one of the schools in modern calligraphy. Those who do not recognize "chuseo" argue that it lacks traditional rules for stroke formation and therefore loses its distinctiveness. However, the existence and development of "chuseo" are closely related to the constant exploration and reform of modern calligraphy, as well as the increasing aesthetic awareness and changing aesthetic standards of calligraphers with changing times. As a result, there are now more people who recognize "chuseo" as a legitimate form of calligraphy. Calligraphers who lead the times learn and accumulate experiences by adhering to traditional calligraphic principles. However, there are calligraphers who discard the traditional Confucian concept of "chungyong" (中庸) and display "ugliness" in their works. Ok Heung-hwa and Jeung Sang are two such calligraphers who created their own style by incorporating ancient oracle bone inscriptions as their main focus and folk calligraphy as their bloodline. This paper aims to explore and study the definition and formation process of "chuseo" by analyzing the works of Ok Heung-hwa and Jeung Sang. At the same time, it aims to summarize the characteristics and aesthetic beauty of "chuseo".

• 대한상한금궤의학회지
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-26
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• 2022

Objectives: We aimed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the decoction of Sibjo-tang, which is a powder type purgative. In addition, we checked whether the '發作' of 『Shanghanlun』 can be interpreted to have the same meaning as "seizure" in English. By confirming these objectives, we intend to lead the progress in the application of Sibjo-tang and to expand the clinical application of the 152nd provision and Sibjo-tang. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients who visited Apgujeongjeongin Oriental Clinic and Almyeon Oriental Clinic for seizures. We confirmed side effects in patients who took Sibjo-tang for a long time. Sibjo-tang was prepared as a hot water extract by using 5 g each of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix, Eurphobiae Kansui Radix, and Genkwae Flos and 15 g of Zizyphi Fructus. The "seizure" recorded in the 152nd provision was interpreted through the shape analysis of Oracle bone scripts. The seizure frequency of patients diagnosed with epilepsy after taking Sibjo-tang was compared, and we analyzed other symptoms and psychosocial conditions associated with seizures at the first episode. Results: No side effects were found in 7 patients who took Sibjo-tang for 16.57 ± 14.10 months. Seizures were eliminated in 6 cases while taking Sibjo-tang and significantly decreased in 1 case. Frequent indigestion (in 7 cases), mild exhaustion (in 5 cases), and inferiority complex (in 5 cases) were identified as accompanying pathogenic conditions. The "seizure" in the 152nd provision was interpreted as "a state of being stabbed by a sharp substance in clothes", confirming a deep connection with epileptic seizures. Conclusions: The results suggest that using a decoction of Sibjo-tang is safe and efficacious. In addition, the necessity of conducting an advanced study on epileptic seizures accompanied by frequent indigestion using Sibjo-tang was confirmed.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.284-294
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• 2006

Objective: Activating mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) have been shown to cause syndromic craniosynostosis such as Apert and Crouzon syndromes. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the resultant phenotypes induced by the two distinctive bone-targeted gene constructs of FGFR2, Pro253Arg and Cys278Phe, corresponding to human Apert and Crouzon syndromes respectively. Methods: Wild type and a transgenic mouse model with normal FGFR2 were used as controls to examine the validity of the microinjection. Micro-CT and morphometric analysis on the skull revealed the following results. Results: Both Apert and Crouzon mutants of FGFR2 induced fusion of calvarial sutures and anteroposteriorly constricted facial dimension, with anterior crossbite present only in Apert mice. Apert mice differed from Crouzon mice and transgenic mice with normal FGFR2 in the anterior cranial base flexure and calvarial flexure angle which implies a possible difference in the pathogenesis of the two mutations. In contrast, the transgenic mice with normal FGFR2 displayed normal craniofacial phenotype. Conclusion: Apert and Crouzon mutations appear to lead to genotype-specific phenotypes, possibly causing the distinctive sites and sequence of synostosis in the calvaria and cranial base. The exact function of the altered FGFR2 at each suture needs further investigation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2009

Background: Vascular injuries to the extremities are potentially devastating and they can lead to limb loss and mortality if they are not appropriately managed. The vascular trauma caused by traffic and industrial accidents has recently increased according to the developing industry and transport system in Korea. Early recognition and treatment of these injuries are mandatory to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Material and Method: We retrospective reviewed 43 patients with vascular injuries that were due to blunt and penetrating trauma and they underwent emergency operations from January of 1998 to December of 2006. Result: There were 38 men and 5 women patients with a mean age of $42.0{\pm}16.8$ years (range: 17~77). The cause of vascular injuries were 28 traffic accidents (65%), 6 industrial accidents (14%), 6 glass injuries (14%) and 3 knife injuries (7%). The average time from admission to the operating room was $319.0{\pm}482.2$ minutes (range: 27~2,400 minutes). The average time from admission to discharge was $53.1{\pm}56.0$ days (range: 2~265 days). The anatomic injuries included the femoral artery in 16 cases (37%), the popliteal artery in 8 cases (19%), the brachial artery in 8 cases (19%), and the subclavian and axillary arteries in 7 cases (16%). The associated injuries were 23 bone fractures (53%), 18 muscle injuries (42%) 5 nerve injuries (12%) and 11 vein injuries (26%). The operation methods were 20 end to end anastomoses (46%), 16 interposition grafts (36%), 2 repairs with using patches (5%) and 5 others (12%). The number of amputations and cases of mortality were 3 cases (7%) and 4 cases (9%), respectively. Conclusion: Minimizing ischemia is an important factor for maximizing salvage of extremities. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the amputation and mortality rates.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.23-34
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• 2009

Objectives: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) comprise a promising tool for cellular therapy. It is known that long-term in vitro culture of human bone marrow and adipose tissue derived-MSCs lead to a reduction of life span and a change of stem-like characters. The aim of our study was to examine whether stem cell properties of human umbilical cord-derived stem cells (HUC) could be affected by in vitro expansion. Methods: HUC were isolated from human umbilical cord and cultured for 10 passages in vitro. Morphology and population doubling time (PDT) were investigated, and changes of stem cell properties were examined using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry during serial subcultures. Results: Morphology and PDT of HUC began to change slightly from the 7th passage (p7). Expression level of nestin and vimentin mRNAs increased along with the culture period from p4 until p10. In contrast, expression level of SCF mRNA decreased during the same culture period. Expression level of Oct-4 and HNF-4${\alpha}$ mRNAs was not significantly changed throughout the culture period until p10. Expression level of BMP-4, FGF-5, NCAM and HLA-ABC mRNAs appeared to increase as the culture continued, however, the difference was not significant. Immunocytochemical studies showed that HUC at p3, p6 and p9 positively were stained with antibodies against SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 proteins. Interestingly, staining intensity of HUC for ICAM-1 and HLA-ABC gradually increased throughout the culture period. Intensity against thy-1 and fibronectin antibodies increased at p9 while that against TRA-1-60 and VCAM-1 antibodies began to decrease at p6 until p9. Conclusions: These results suggest that HUC change some of their stem cell characteristics during in vitro culture. Development of culture system might be needed for the maintenance of characteristics.