• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 1985

Effects of butachlor [N-(butoxymethyl)-2-chloro-2', 6'-diethyl acetanilide] and 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (NA) on post-germination growth, mesocotyl and root anatomy and root-cell membrane permeability of rice (Orvza saliva L.) were investigated. Lengths of mesocotyl and radicle were markedly decreased as the application rates of butachlor increased from 0.1 to 100 ppmW and NA from 1 to 100 ppmW, but there was no effect on coleoptile elongation. Application of butachlor-NA resulted in increase in coleoptile elongation, but decrease in mesocotyl elongation. Partial breakdown of cortical cells in root and mesocotyl was caused by either trutachlor or NA treatments, resulting in increase in intercellular air space. Further increase in the intercellular air space of root and mesocotyl was obtained when butachlor was applied in combination with NA. Increase in root-cell membrane permeability occurred when either butachlor or NA was applied. However, butachlor-NA treatments resulted in reduction in the permeability.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1497-1501
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• 2006

The therapeutic anti-diabetic effect of Nelumbo Folium and a poly herbal formula (NOC) was evaluated in the streptozotocin (STZ 60 mg/kg, I.p.) induced diabetic rats. For this study, test articles were orally administrated once a day from 7 d after STZ-injection for 3 weeks. The fasting blood glucose, body weight, pancreas weight changes, oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin Alc (Hb A1c) level changes and the histopathological changes were observed. WNL-treated rat had lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to control group and NOC-treated rat had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels, compared to control group (p < 0.05). After 21 days of extract treatment, body weight in control was reduced (p < 0.001). WNL and NOC groups were also reduced compared to control group but insignificantly. Pancreas weight of control group was reduced (p < 0.001), but the weight of NOC group were increased (P< 0.05). During the 2 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), WNL group were improved compared to control group (P < 0.05). NOC group were improved compared to control group but insignificantly. WNL and NOC groups had lower Hb Alc level compared to control group. In addition, atrophy of islet and decrease of insulin-producing cells were detected in STZ induced diabetes rats. However, these diabetic changes were decreased in WNL and NOC groups. These results suggest that N. Folium and NOC have favorable effects to inhibit the changes on the fasting blood glucose levels, pancreas weight, glucose tolerance, hemoglobin Alc and the histopathological changes of pancreas in STZ-induced diabetes.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1636-1648
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• 2006

There are detailed descriptions of the clinical experiences and prescriptions of asthma in traditional Korean medicine. Zedoariae rhizoma is one of the Korean herbal medicines used to treat bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis for centuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of this medication are still far from clear, In this study, a house-dust-mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [Der p])-sensitized murine model of asthma was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Zedoariae rhizoma on the allergen-induced airway inflammation in asthma. Three different protocols were designed to evaluate the treatment and/or long-term prophylacitic effect of Zedoariae rhizoma in Der p-sensitized mice. Cellular infiltration and T-cell subsets in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)of allergen-challenged mice were analyzed. Intrapulmonary lymphocytes were also isolated to evaluate their response to allergen stimulation. When Zedoariae rhizoma was administered to the sensitized mice before AC (groups A and C), it suppressed airway inflammation by decreasing the number of total cells and eosinophil infiltration in the BALF, and downregulated the allergen- or mitogen-induced intrapulmonary lymphocyte response of sensitized mice as compared to those of controls. This immunomodulatory effect of Zedoariae rhizoma may be exerted through the regulation of T-cell subsets by elevation or activation of the CD8+ and double-negative T-cell population in the lung. However, the administration of Zedoariae rhizoma to sensitized mice 24 h after AC (group B) did not have the same inhibitory effect on the airway inflammation as Zedoariae rhizoma given before AC. Thus, the administration of Zedoariae rhizoma before AC has the immunomodulatory effect of reducing bronchial inflammation in the allergen-sensitized mice. On the other hand, to determine the potentiality of prophylactic and/or therapeutic approaches using a traditional herbal medicine, Zedoariae rhizoma, for the control of allergic disease, we examined the effects of oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma on a murine model of asthma allergic responses. When oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma was begun at the induction phase immediately after OVA sensitization, eosinophilia and Th2-type cytokine production in the airway were reduced in OVA-sensitized mice following OVA inhalation. These results suggest that the oral administration of Zedoariae rhizoma dichotomously modulates allergic inflammation in murine model for asthma, thus offering a different approach for the treatment of allergic disorders.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.700-704
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• 2007

In the recent, increased concern has been focused on the pharmacology and clinical utility of herbal extracts and derivatives as a drug or adjunct to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here we investigated the role of the extract of Anethi Fructus in the expression of inflammatory mediators, surface molecule, and related receptors in vitro. In murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6N mice, water extract of Anethi Fructus increased the production of secretary tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and Nitric oxide (NO), and the expression level of CD14, LPS co-receptor and CD86, co-stimulatory molecule compared to negative natural extract ex vivo. The water extract of Anethi Fructus increased the production of interferon (IFN)-g from splenocytes. Also, water extract of Anethi Fructus increased ConA-induced cell proliferation. These results suggest that water extract of Anethi Fructus may enhance the immune response through immune modulation of macrophage and lymphocytes.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2019

Portulaca oleracea L. (PL) has been used in traditional medicine herb for treatment of various diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and skin inflammation. Previous studies have shown that the PL regulates the inflammation by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although PL might have improvement effects of intestinal function and bioactive effects, there are not enough studies to demonstrate. This study investigated the effects of KDC16-2 on the improvement of intestinal function and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. The improvement effect of intestinal function was measured fecal amount, water content and intestinal transit rate in KDC16-2 treated ICR mice. As results, compared with the control group, the KDC16-2 group showed a significant increase in wet fecal weight, dry fecal weight and fecal water content. The intestinal transit rate of KDC16-2 group was significantly increased. Based on the results, KDC16-2 is considered to have effects on improving intestinal function. The effect of anti-inflammatory demonstrated by using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. The mice were administered 3% DSS along with KDC16-2 (100, 300 mg/kg) for 14 days. DSS-induced colitis mice were significantly ameliorated in KDC16-2 treated group, including body weight loss, colon length shortening, tight junction protein of colon and histological colon injury. The levels of inflammatory mediators (IgG2a, IgA, C-reactive protein and Myeloperoxidase) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, Interleukin (IL)-6) which are involved in inflammatory responses were increased in the DSS-treated group as compared to those in the control group, and the levels were significantly decreased in the KDC16-2 groups. In addition, we investigated the impact of KDC16-2 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in J774A.1 cells. KDC16-2 inhibited production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggested that the KDC16-2 could effectively alleviate the dysfunction of intestinal and inflammatory mediators. Thus, these KDC16-2 can be potentially used as health functional food of intestinal.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 2021

Purpose: A near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is a promising tool for cancer-specific image guided surgery. Human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the candidate markers for gastric cancer. In this study, we aimed to synthesize HER2-specific NIR fluorescence probes and evaluate their applicability in cancer-specific image-guided surgeries using an animal model. Materials and Methods: An NIR dye emitting light at 800 nm (IRDye800CW; Li-COR) was conjugated to trastuzumab and an HER2-specific affibody using a click mechanism. HER2 affinity was assessed using surface plasmon resonance. Gastric cancer cell lines (NCI-N87 and SNU-601) were subcutaneously implanted into female BALB/c nu (6-8 weeks old) mice. After intravenous injection of the probes, biodistribution and fluorescence signal intensity were measured using Lumina II (Perkin Elmer) and a laparoscopic NIR camera (InTheSmart). Results: Trastuzumab-IRDye800CW exhibited high affinity for HER2 (K_D=2.093(3) pM). Fluorescence signals in the liver and spleen were the highest at 24 hours post injection, while the signal in HER2-positive tumor cells increased until 72 hours, as assessed using the Lumina II system. The signal corresponding to the tumor was visually identified and clearly differentiated from the liver after 72 hours using a laparoscopic NIR camera. Affibody-IRDye800CW also exhibited high affinity for HER2 (K_D=4.71 nM); however, the signal was not identified in the tumor, probably owing to rapid renal clearance. Conclusions: Trastuzumab-IRDye800CW may be used as a potential NIR probe that can be injected 2-3 days before surgery to obtain high HER2-specific signal and contrast. Affibody-based NIR probes may require modifications to enhance mobilization to the tumor site.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.259-268
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• 2023

Rhodococcus sp. 3-2 strain has been reported to degrade benzimidazole-based pesticides, such as benomyl and carbendazim. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize culture medium composition and culture conditions to achieve cost-effective and efficient large-scale production of the Rhodococcus sp. 3-2 strain. The study identified that the optimal media composition for mass culture comprised 0.5% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.15% NaCl, 0.5% K₂HPO₄, 0.5% sodium succinate, and 0.1% MgSO₄. Additionally, a microbial agent was developed using a 1.5-ton fermenter, with skim milk (20%), monosodium glutamate (15%), and vitamin C (2%) as key components. The storage stability of the microbial agent has been confirmed, with advantages of low temperature conservation, which helps to sustain efficacy for at least six months. We also assessed the benomyl degradation activity of the microbial agent within field soil. The results revealed an over 90% degradation rate when the concentration of viable cells exceeded 2.65 × 10⁶ CFU/g after a minimum of five weeks had elapsed. Based on these findings, Rhodococcus sp. 3-2 strain can be considered a cost-effective microbial agent with diverse agricultural applications.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.271-279
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• 2022

Objective: To compare the clinical and radiologic findings between perforated and non-perforated choledochal cysts in children. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 1.7 ± 1.2 years) with perforated choledochal cysts (perforated group) and 204 patients (3.6 ± 3.8 years) with non-perforated choledochal cysts (non-perforated group) were included between 2000 and 2019. All patients underwent choledochal cyst excision after ultrasound, CT, or MR cholangiopancreatography. Relevant data including demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging findings, and outcomes were analyzed. Statistical differences were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Choledochal cyst perforation occurred only in children under the age of 4 years. Acute symptoms, including fever (p < 0.001), were more common in the perforated group than in the non-perforated group. High levels of white blood cells (p = 0.004), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), and serum amylase (p = 0.002), and low levels of albumin (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the perforated group. All 14 patients with perforated choledochal cysts had ascites, whereas only 16% (33/204) of patients in the non-perforated group had ascites (p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients who had ascites, a large amount of ascites (p = 0.001), increase in the amount of ascites in a short time (p < 0.001), complex ascites (p < 0.001), and perihepatic pseudocysts (p < 0.001) were more common in the perforated group than in the non-perforated group. Conclusion: Children with perforated choledochal cysts have characteristic clinical and radiologic findings compared to those with non-perforated choledochal cysts. In young children with choledochal cysts, perforation should be differentiated in cases with acute symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, and characteristic ascites findings.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.34.1-34.16
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• 2021

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes. The glandular dysfunction in SS involves not only T cell-mediated destruction of the glands but also autoantibodies against the type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor or aquaporin 5 (AQP5) that interfere with the secretion process. Studies on the breakage of tolerance and induction of autoantibodies to these autoantigens could benefit SS patients. To break tolerance, we utilized a PmE-L peptide derived from the AQP5-homologous aquaporin of Prevotella melaninogenica (PmAqp) that contained both a B cell "E" epitope and a T cell epitope. Repeated subcutaneous immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the PmE-L peptide efficiently induced the production of Abs against the "E" epitope of mouse/human AQP5 (AQP5E), and we aimed to characterize the antigen specificity, the sequences of AQP5E-specific B cell receptors, and salivary gland phenotypes of these mice. Sera containing anti-AQP5E IgG not only stained mouse Aqp5 expressed in the submandibular glands but also detected PmApq and PmE-L by immunoblotting, suggesting molecular mimicry. Characterization of the AQP5E-specific autoantibodies selected from the screening of phage display Ab libraries and mapping of the B cell receptor repertoires revealed that the AQP5E-specific B cells acquired the ability to bind to the Ag through cumulative somatic hypermutation. Importantly, animals with anti-AQP5E Abs had decreased salivary flow rates without immune cell infiltration into the salivary glands. This model will be useful for investigating the role of anti-AQP5 autoantibodies in glandular dysfunction in SS and testing new therapeutics targeting autoantibody production.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.333-344
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• 2024

Objective : Markers of neuroinflammation during ischemic stroke are well characterized, but additional markers of neural damage are lacking. The study identified associations of behavioral disorders after stroke with histologic neural damage and molecular biological change. Methods : Eight-week-old, 25 g male mice of the C57BL/6J strain were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to induce ischemic stroke. The control group was a healthy wild type (WT), and the experimental group were designed as a low severity MCAO1 and a high severity MCAO2 based on post-stroke neurological scoring. All groups underwent behavioral tests, realtime polymerase chain reaction, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze statistical significance between groups. Results : In TTC staining, MCAO1 showed 29.02% and MCAO2 showed 38.94% infarct volume (p<0.0001). The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (WT 0.44 vs. MCAO1 2.69 vs. MCAO2 5.02, p<0.0001). From the distance to target in the Barnes maze test, WT had a distance of 178 cm, MCAO1 had a distance of 276 cm, and MCAO2 had a distance of 1051 (p=0.0015). The latency to target was 13.3 seconds for WT, 27.9 seconds for MCAO1, and 87.9 seconds for MCAO2 (p=0.0007). Prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p=0.0004). Doublecortin (Dcx) was most highly expressed in MCAO2 (p<0.0001). Conclusion : The study demonstrated that histological damage to neural cells and changes in brain mRNA expression were associated with behavioral impairment after ischemic stroke. Prox1 and Dcx may be biomarkers of neural damage associated with long-term cognitive decline, and increased expression at the mRNA level was consistent with neural damage and long-term cognitive dysfunction.