• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2002

Experiments for the characterization of inactivation were performed in a series of batch processes with the total coliform used as a general indicator organism based on the chlorine residuals as a disinfectant. The water samples were taken from the outlet of a settling basin in a conventional surface water treat- ment system that is provided with the raw water drawn from the mid-stream of the Han River, The inactivation of total coliform was experimentally analysed for the dose of disinfectants contact time, filtration and mixing intensity. The curves obtained from a series of batch processes were shaped with a general tailing-off and biphasic mode of inactivation, i.e. a sharp loss of bacterial viability within 15 min followed by an extended phase. In order to observe the effect of carry-over suspended solids on chlorine consumption and disinfection efficiency, the water samples were filtered, prior to inoculation with coliforms, with membranes of both 2.5$\mu$m and 11.0 $\mu$m pore size, and with a sand tilter of 1.0 mm in effective size and of 1.4 in uniformity coefficient. As far as the disinfection efficiency is concerned, there were no significant differences. The parameters estimated by the models of Chick-Wat-son, Hom and Selleck from our experimental data obtained within 120 min are: log(N/N$\_$0/)=-0.16CT with n=1, leg(N/N$\_$0/)=-0.71C$\^$0.87/ with n 1 for the Chick-Watson model, log (N/N$\_$0/)=-1.87C$\^$0.47/ T$\^$0.36/ for the Hom model, log (MHo)=-2.13log (1+CT/0.11) for the Selleck model. It is notable that among the models reviewed with regard to the experimental data obtained, the Selleck model appeared to most closely resemble the total coliform survival curve.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.967-972
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• 2007

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease and is characterized by diminished bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. We investigated the effects of the extract from Acyranthes Radix on the progress of bone loss in ovariectomized rats for 6 weeks. Female Sprague-Dawley 40 rats of 3-4 weeks, weight 200 ${\pm}$ 10g were divided into two groups including the sham operation group(8 rats) and ovariectomy group(32 rats). The dose-dependent effect of Acyranthes Radix extract on bone mineral density and biochemical testing was assessed in ovariectomized rat. Body weights were increased in all groups was higher in experimental group than sham operation group. The level of bone mineral density, GPT, and serum P concentration, ALP were increased experimental group, but a little increase in sham operation group at same period. This longitudinal study result made conclusion that Acyranthes Radix extract treatment appeared to improve the osteoporosis delaying the progression to the osteoporotic process in rats.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.368-375
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• 2011

Background: Recent clinical observation reported that there was a significant correlation between change in circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the occurrence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the action mechanisms of VEGF in GVHD have not been demonstrated. Methods: This study investigated whether or not blockade of VEGF has an effect on acute GVHD in a lethally irradiated murine allo-HSCT model of $B6\;(H-2^b)\;{\rightarrow}B6D2F1\;(H-2^{b/d})$. Syngeneic or allogeneic recipient mice were injected subcutaneously with anti-VEGF peptides, dRK6 ($50{\mu}g/dose$) or control diluent every other day for 2 weeks (total 7 doses). Results: Administration of the dRK6 peptide after allo-HSCT significantly reduced survival with greaterclinical GVHD scores and body weight loss. Allogeneic recipients injected with the dRK6 peptide exhibited significantly increased circulating levels of VEGF and expansion of donor $CD3^+$ T cells on day +7 compared to control treated animals. The donor $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ T-cell subsets have differential expansion caused by the dRK6 injection. The circulating VEGF levels were reduced on day +14 regardless of blockade of VEGF. Conclusion: Together these findings demonstrate that the allo-reactive responses after allo-HSCT are exaggerated by the blockade of VEGF. VEGF seems to be consumed during the progression of acute GVHD in this murine allo-HSCT model.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.44-48
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• 1997

For the efficient management of the diagnostic x-ray equipment, a nation-wide inspection of hospitals was performed by an inspection institute in Taejon in the first half of 1997. Among those hospitals inspected, 28 equipments(machines) which were over 500 mA were randomly selected according to their characteristics : 7 condenser type x-ray equipments, 7 three control phase of full wave rectification of type remote control x-ray equipments, 7 single phase of full wave rectification type for general radiography equipments, and 7 single phase of full wave rectification type of R/F equipments. We obtained the following results by conducting the experiment based on the efficiency of the equipments mentioned above. 1) When the equipments are analyzed, 2 out of 7 single phase of full wave rectification type of general radiography equipments(28.6%), 3 out of 7 single phase of full wave rectification type of R/F equipments(42.9%), 5 out of 7 three phase of full wave rectification type remote of control x-ray equipments(71.4%), and 4 out of 7 condenser type of x-ray equipments(57.1%) showed suitability. It proves the superiority of the three phase of full wave rectification type of remote control x-ray equipments. 2) From the overall analysis, only about 50% of the equipments(suitability of 14 out of 28) maintain the efficient management. Therefore, maintenance management of equipments is more necessary. If the efficiency of the x-ray equipment is uniformly maintained and managed to prevent the breakdown(trouble) beforehand especially through the continuous inspection of tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, and collimator, the financial loss and exposure dose to the patient, as well as the workers engaged in radiation, can be reduced for better medical service.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.29-44
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• 2005

To address the ability of Herba Portulacae(HP) to induce cell death, we investigated the effect of HP on cell viability. Twenty-four hours later, loss of viability occurred following HP exposure in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of HP, a commonly used herb formulation in Korea, Japan and China, caused a decrease in cell viability. HP also resulted in apoptotic morphology a brightly blue-fluorescent condensed nuclei by Hoechst 33258-staining, and reduction of cell volume. Our results show that 2mg/ml HP induces mitochondria membrane potential collapse. Immunoblotting data also shows that the expression of Bcl-2, antiaoptotic protein, decrease by the addition of HP. This GFP-Bax overexpression system shows that an important pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-family protein, Bax is translocated to mitochondria by the addition of 2mg/ml HP. Inerestingly, MAPK inhibitor study shows that p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 inhibits HP-induced cell death and caspase-3 activation in HP-treated HeLa cells. Furthermore, HP transiently but significantly induces p38 activation. But P38 MAPK inhibitor does not have any effect on the translocation of Bax. Considering these results, HP induces apoptosis via p38 MAPK activation. But the pathway does not involve the translocation of Bax.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.83-93
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• 1998

The purposes of the present study were to evaluate the effect of estrone on the prevention of implantation and pregnancy and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone or sodium and potassium in the plasma or uterine fluid of pregnant rats injected a single dose of 0, 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg on days 5, 9, or 13 of pregnancy. The body weight gains of pregnant rats were significantly decreased in administering estrone on day 5 of pregnancyi no effect obtained on days 9 or 13. Numbers of viable fetuses were significantly decreased and pre- and post-implantation loss increased by administering estrone 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg and numbers of implantation sites significantly increased by administering estrone 0.1 mg but significantly decreased or not occurred by 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively, but no effect obtained on days 9 or 13. Plasma estradiol concentrations of pregnant rats were significantly increased on 1, 2 or 18 days after treatment with estrone (1.4 or 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.4 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. But plasma progesterone concentrations had no effect on the treatment with estrone. Plasma sodium contents were significantly increased on 1 day after treatment with estrone 0.1 or 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.1 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively, except potassium content were no detectable change. Sodium contents in uterine fluid were significantly increased on 1 day after treatment with estrone 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. And potassium contents were significantly increased on 1 or 2 days after treatments with estrone 0.1 mg but significantly decreased on 3 days after 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. It is suggested that the prevention of implantation and failure of pregnancy could be induced by treatment with estrone 0.4 mg on day 5 of pregnancy and might be interrelated with changes of plasma estradiol concentration and sodium and potassium contents in uterine fluid.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2015

Bone destruction is a pathological symptom of some chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Inflammation-induced bone loss of these diseases results from increased number and activity of osteoclasts. Paeoniae Radix Alba has been used in korean traditional medicine to treat disease including inflammation, gynecopathy and various pain. However, these effects have not been tested on osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells that regulate bone metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba ethanol extract (PRAE) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation and formation. Osteoclast differentiation and formation were measured by tartrate resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and TRAP solution assay. The treatment of PRAE on bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs), which is known as osteoclast precursor cells, inhibited osteoclast differentiation and formation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes was suppressed by PRAE treatment. This inhibitory effect of PRAE resulted from significant repression of c-Fos expression, and subsequent reduction of NFATc1 expression which was previously reported as a master transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that PRAE negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation and formation and suggest that PRAE can be used as a potent preventive or therapeutic candidate for various bone diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2009

Phellinus gilvus (PG) is a widely used mushroom for health promotion. We studied the hepatoprotective effect of the polysaccharide aqueous extract of PG (PGP) against carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: Normal control, $CCl_4$ control, PGP 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg + $CCl_4$. The levels of serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid peroxide and antioxidant enzymes, and histological appearances were evaluated. The $CCl_4$-induced increments of alanine aminotransferase, asparate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels in serum were significantly decreased by PGP-pretreatments. The PGP dose-dependently decreased hepatic malondialdehyde formations in $CCl_4$-treatment groups. Hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were elevated by PGP in $CCl_4$-treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation of liver showed that the loss of hepatocytes, fatty changes, swelling and extensive necrosis of hepatocytes in centrilobular regions of the $CCl_4$-treated rats were ameliorated by PGP pretreatment. The PGP has hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects in $CCl_4$-induced liver injury of rat.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.329-336
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• 2017

Adipogenesis in murine preadipocyte 3T3L-1 has been used as a model system to study anti-obese bioactive molecules. During adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, we found that capsanthin inhibited adipogenesis ($IC_{50}$; $2.5{\mu}M$) and also showed lipolytic activity in differentiated adipocytes from the preadipocytes ($ED_{50}$; 872 nM). We identified that the pharmacological activity of capsanthin on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 was mainly due to its adrenoceptor-${\beta}_2$-agonistic activity. In high-fat diet animal model study, capsanthin significantly enhanced spontaneous locomotive activities together with progressive weight-loss. The capsanthin-induced activation of kinetic behavior in mice was associated with the excessive production of ATP initiated by both the enhanced lipolytic activity together with accelerated oxidation of fatty acids due to the adrenoceptor ${\beta}_2$-agonistic activity of capsanthin. Capsanthin also dose-dependently increased adiponectin and p-AMPK activity in high fat diet animals, suggesting that capsanthin has both anti-obesity and insulin sensitizing activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1173-1180
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• 1997

Hepatotoxicity of caffeine and acetaminophen was investigated in this study. Special attention was paid to the effect of vitamins on the reduction of hepatotoxicity caused by the chemicals. Rat hepaocytes isolated by two-step perfusion method were cultured in two differents methods-suspension, monolayer cultures-, and exposed to caffeine and/or acetaminophen for 24hrs. Caffeine or acetaminophen exhibited no significant hepatotoxicity in terms of intracellular glutathione(GSH) level and lipid peroxidation(MDA), but GSH level was significantly decreased after administrated acetaminophen, and the toxicity caused by the chemicals showed a dose-dependent manner. The synergistic effect of caffeine and acetaminophen was observed when both caffeine and acetaminophen were supplemented to culture medium. At the concentration 1mM, caffeine enhanced the intracellular GSH depletion and MDA formation by 63% and 64%, respectively, compared to single supplementation of 10mM acetaminophen in culture medium. This hepatotoxicity induced membrane integrity loss was observed by lightmicroscope on the simultaneous administration of caffeine and acetaminophen in monolayer cultured hepatocytes. Co-supplementation of vitamins with caffeine/acetaminophen to culture medium results in the protection of hepatocytes from hepatotoxic attach by caffeine/acetaminophen. Especially, vitamin E was superior to vitamin C and $\beta$-carotene from the standpoints of GSH depletion and MDA formation. From this results, it has been speculated that vitamin E may play a role of antioxidant scavenging radicals produced from acetaminophen. Taken all together, in vitro culture system like monolayer culture of hepatocytes may be a useful tool for the evaluation of hepatotoxicity or protection ability of food ingredients.