• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.273-278
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• 2018

Lithium-ion batteries have been considered the most important devices to power mobile or small-sized devices due to their high energy density. $LixCoO_2$ has been studied as a cathode material for the Li-ion battery. However, the limitation of its capacity impedes the development of high capacity cathode materials with Ni, Mn, etc. in them. The substitution of Mn and Ni for Co leads to the formation of solid solution phase $LiNi_xMn_yCo_{1-x-y}O_2$ (NMC, both x and y < 1), which shows better battery performance than unsubstituted $LiCoO_2$. However, despite a high discharge capacity in the Ni-rich compound (Ni > 0.8 in the metal site), poor cycle retention capability still remains to be overcome. In this study, aiming to improve the stability of the physical and chemical bonding, we investigate the stabilization effect of Ca in the Ni-rich layered compound $Li(Ni_{0.83}Co_{0.12}Mn_{0.05})O_2$, and then Ca is added to the modified secondary particles to lower the degree of cationic mixing of the final particles. For the optimization of the final grains added with Ca, the Ca content (x = 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 at.%) versus Li is analyzed.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.188-194
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• 2005

The Angelicae dahuricae radix (ADR) has been used a traditional medicine to treat acne, erythema, headache, toothache, sinusitis, colds, and flu in Korea, Japan and China. Here, we report the effect of ADR on compound 48/80-induced ear-swelling and the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in the human mast cell line, HMC-1. ADR dose-dependently inhibited the ear-swelling response induced by intradermal injection of compound 48/80, In vitro model, PMA plus A23187 significantly increased interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-8, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ secretion compared with media control. We also show that the increased cytokines $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-8, GM-CSF, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ level was significantly inhibited by treatment of ADR. In addition, ADR partially blocked PMA plus A23187-induced extracelluar signal-regulated kinases phosphorylation. These results suggest that ADR might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.449-455
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• 2001

Changes in pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, nitrogen compound and mineral of black bean chungkugjang(BBC)added with kiwi and radish during fermentation were investigated. During fermentation of BBC, pH was increased, while titratable acidity was decreased. The changes in pH and titratable acidity of all chungkugjangs other than BBC were very rapid after 24 hrs of fermentation. Reducing sugar content was highest in BBC and was increased by 24 hrs of fermentation and decreased thereafter. Amino-type nitrogen increased rapidly after 24 hrs of fermentation. The addition of kiwi and radish increased the content of amino-type nitrogen in BBC by enhancing proteolysis of black bean, being as much as in soybean chungkugjang. At 72 hrs of fermentation BBC was found to be lower in ammonia type nitrogen than soybean chungkugjang. Mineral content, in general, was higher in BBC than in soybean chungkugjang, showing highest in potassium followed by phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.173-183
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• 2010

Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo (PF) is a traditional Korean medicinal herb for allergic reaction regulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 30% ethanol extract powder of PF (EPPF) and rosmarinic acid (RA), the active compound of EPPF on various allergic reactions using in vivo and in vitro models. EPPF and RA significantly inhibited compound 48/48-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and histamine release (P < 0.05). In addition, EPPF and RA significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). These effects were stronger than those of disodium cromoglycate, the reference drug tested. EPPF and RA also significantly inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-a interleukin (IL)-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor on the PCA reaction and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, EPPF and RA showed an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-4 production from whole spleen cells. Finally, EPPF and RA significantly decreased IL-4-dependent IgE production by LPS-stimulated whole spleen cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that EPPF has potent anti-allergic activities.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.13-21
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• 2020

Objective : The genus Glycyrrhiza has been used in food and traditional herbal medicine. Many experimental studies reported that Glycyrrhiza species possess several pharmacological properties. Glycyrrhiza new varieties WONGAM and SINWONGAM have been developed by Korea Rural Development Administration doing research for registration on Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. During the evaluations about pharmacological effect of Glycyrrhiza new varieties WONGAM and SINWONGAM, we focused the anti-allergic effect in this study. Methods : We investigated the anti-allergic effect of WONGAM and SINWONGAM compared with Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer and G. glabra L. using anti-dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin E (IgE)/human serum albumin-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells and compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis mice model. We analyzed the effect on the expression of various cytokines, and IgE from mast cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms of WONGAM and SINWONGAM in presented models. Results : WONGAM and SINWONGAM showed the inhibitory effect on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells or human mast cells without cytotoxicity. WONGAM and SINWONGAM blocked anaphylactic shock and decreased the IgE production. Furthermore, WONGAM and SINWONGAM inhibited the productions of TNF-α and IL-6 in compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis mice model. Conclusion : These results indicated that WONGAM and SINWONGAM would have protect effect on allergic responses through the inhibition of allergic mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study may facilitate the development on Glycyrrhiza new varieties for allergy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.902-907
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• 2012

The worldwide prevalence and severity of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis and asthma has increased dramatically over the past decade, especially in developed countries. Mast cells are important effector cells in allergic reactions. The purpose of this study was undertaken to investigate the anti-allergic activities of the extract of Duchesnea chrysantha (DCE). DCE was prepared by extracting with 80% ethanol. In the present study, we investigate the effect of DCE on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, and histamine in the human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells) and on the scratching behavior in hairless mice. Various concentrations of DCE were treated before the activation of HMC-1 cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187. PMA plus A23187 significantly increased TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8 production compared with media control. We also show that the increased cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly inhibited by DCE in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DCE inhibited the histamine release from HMC-1 cells stimulated by compound 48/80, which promotes histamine release. Futhermore, the administration of DCE reduced the scratching behavior induced by pruritogen (compound 48/80 or histamine) in hairless mice. These results suggest that DCE has a potential use as a medicinal plant for treatment against allergy-related disease.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.851-861
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• 2019

In this study, we performed a sediment elution experiment to evaluate water quality in terms of phosphorus, as influenced by the dissolved oxygen consumed by sediments. Three separate model column treatments, namely, raw, calcined, and sonicated oyster shell powders, were used in this experiment. Essential phosphorus fractions were examined to verify their roles in nutrient release from sediment based on correlation analyses. When treated with calcined or sonicated oyster shell powder, the sediment-water interface became "less anaerobic," thereby producing conditions conducive to partial oxidation and activities of aerobic bacteria. Sediment Oxygen Demand (SOD) was found to be closely correlated with the growth of algae, which confirmed an intermittent input of organic biomass at the sediment surface. SOD was positively correlated with exchangeable and loosely adsorbed phosphorus and organic phosphorus, owing to the accumulation of unbound algal biomass-derived phosphates in sediment, whereas it was negatively correlated with ferric iron-bound phosphorus or calcium fluorapatite-bound phosphorus, which were present in the form of "insoluble" complexes, thereby facilitating the free migration of sulfate-reducing bacteria or limiting the release from complexes, depending on applied local conditions. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that iron-reducing bacteria were the dominant species in control and non-calcined oyster shell columns, whereas certain sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were identified in the column treated with calcined oyster powder.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.79-85
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• 2014

Objectives : In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of Careswell on human mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vitro and pruritogen-induced scratching behavior in vivo. Method : The Careswell was extract by distilled water. The anti-itching effects of Careswell were investigated on the compound 48/80 ($50{\mu}g/kg$) or histamine ($100{\mu}g/kg$) induced scratching behavior male ICR mice for 30 min by an observer blind. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control drug. The cell toxicity of Careswell was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The regulatory effect of Careswell on interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI) stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Also, we evaluated the effect of Careswell on PMACI induced the activation of Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) into nucleus by Western blot analysis. Result : The results revealed that the oral administration of Careswell (200 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behavior in mice. We showed that Careswell significantly reduced the PMACI-induced the production of IL-6 (0.5-1 mg/ml) and TNF-${\alpha}$ (0.1-1 mg/ml). Additionally, Careswell significantly inhibited the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1. Conclusion : Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with a novel insight into the pharmacological actions of Careswell as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.30-35
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• 2023

Bisphosphonates, estrogen, and calcium supplements are commonly used medications for postmenopausal osteoporosis, but they are associated with various side effects such as vaginal bleeding, deep vein thromembolism, and breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of a compound isolated from the roots of Oryza sativa L. to improve osteoporosis using an ovariectomized mouse model. We isolated and identified oryzativol A, a lignan compound, through chemical analysis of an ethanol extract using a bioassay-guided fractionation protocol. We also examined the metabolism, clearance, and CYP enzyme activity of oryzativol A, and found that it showed plasma stability of over 80% at all analysis times, and indicating a low likelihood of inactivation or excretion by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Our results showed that the high-dose group of oryzativol A exhibited a significant increase in bone mineral density compared to the control group. Although the ALP concentration did not differ significantly compared to the control group, it showed a tendency to increase in the high-dose group of oryzativol A. Furthermore, the abnormal ratio of serum Ca/P, caused by osteoporosis, was improved to a level closer to that of the normal group as the dosage of oryzativol A increased. Taken together, these findings suggest that oryzativol A is stable in vivo and has potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis, particularly when administered in high doses.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2004

Fluoxetine, a widely used anti-depressant compound, has several additional effects, including blockade of voltage-gated ion channels. We examined whether fluoxetine affects ATP-induced calcium signaling in PC12 cells by using fura-2-based digital calcium imaging and assay for $[^3H]-inositol$ phosphates (IPs). Treatment with ATP $(100\;{\mu}M)$ for 2 min induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases. The ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases were significantly decreased by removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and treatment with the inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase thapsigargin $(1\;{\mu}M)$. Treatment with fluoxetine for 5 min blocked the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase concentration-dependently. Treatment with fluoxetine $(30\;{\mu}M)$ for 5 min blocked the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase following removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and depletion of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ stores. While treatment with the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel antagonist nimodipine for 10 min inhibited the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases significantly, treatment with fluoxetine alone blocked the ATP-induced responses. Treatment with fluoxetine also inhibited the 50 mM $K^+-induced$ $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases completely. However, treatment with fluoxetine did not inhibit the ATP-induced $[^3H]-IPs$ formation. Collectively, we conclude that fluoxetine inhibits ATP-indueed $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases in PC12 cells by inhibiting both an influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and a release of $Ca^{2+}$ from intracellular stores without affecting IPs formation.