• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.231-238
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• 2012

Menthae herba (MH) extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of MH extracts vary according to the cultivation regions. We performed a comparative analysis of MH extracts by evaluating the production of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells and HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. MH extracts obtained from different cultivation regions in Korea and China significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). No differences in these inhibitory activities were observed between MH extracts. In HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF-${\alpha}$ and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), MH extracts did not inhibit the production of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22), but most extracts reduced the production of the regulated on activation normal T-cell expression and secreted (RANTES/CCL5). We used clustering tree analysis of the MH extracts according to the chromatographic pattern and anti-inflammatory potency of MH extracts. We observed differences in the chromatographic pattern of MH extracts but no difference in anti-inflammatory potency. Our findings suggest that MH extracts from different regions do not show any differences in their pharmacological potency in that MH extracts are used as therapeutic agents to treat inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.136-150
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• 2002

In this study, we proposed a method to be standing customers as the supporting system for the improvement of fashion garment industry which was the marginal growth getting into full maturity of market. As for the customer creation method of Fashion garment company is developing a marketing program to be standing customer as customer scoring to estimate a existing customer‘s buying power, and figure out minimum fixed sales of company to use a future purchasing predict. This study was a result of data from total sixty thousands data to be created for the 11 months from september. 2000 to July. 2001. The data is part of which the company leading the Korean fashion garment industry has a lot of a customer purchasing history data. But this study used only 48,845 refined purchased data to discriminate from sixty thousands data and 21,496 customer case with the exception of overlapping purchased data among of those. The software used to handle sixty thousands data was SAS e-miner. As the analysis process is put in to operation the analysis of the purchasing customer’s profile firstly, and the second come into basket analysis to consider the buying associations for Association goods, the third estimate the customer grade of Customer loyalty by 3 ways of logit regression analysis, decision tree, Artificial Neural Network. The result suggested a method to be estimate the customer loyalty as 3 independent variables, 2 coefficients. The 3 independent variables are total purchasing amount, purchasing items per one purchase, payment amount by one purchasing item. The 2 coefficients are royal and normal for customer segmentation. The result was that this model use a logit regression analysis was valid as the method to be estimate the customer loyalty.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 1999

The object of this work was to study the pharmacokinetic differences and the cause of these differences in cirrhotic rats induced by biliary obstruction when aminophylline (8 mg/kg as theophylline, i.v.) was administered. The concentrations of theophylline and its major metabolite (1,3-dimethyluric acid) in plasma were determined by HPLC. In addition, formation of 1,3-dimethyluric acid from theophylline in microsomes and the changes in the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes, which are suggested to be involved in theophylline metabolism, were determined. In cirrhotic rats, the systemic clearance of theophylline was reduced to 30% of the control value while AUC (area under the palsma concentration-tie curve) and (t1/2)$\beta$ were increased 1.3 fold and3.5 fold, respectively. The formation of 1,3-dimethyluric acid was decreased to 30% of the control value in microsomes of cirrhotic rat liver. In cirrhotic rat liver, activities of aniline hydroxylase (CYP2E1 related), erythromycin-N-demethylase (CYP3A related), and methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase (CYP1A2 related), which were reported to be related with theophyline metabolism, were decreased to 67%, 53%, and 76% that of normal rat liver, respectively. From the results, it can be concluded that in cirrhotic rats induced by biliary obstruction, the total body clearance of theophylline is markedly reduced and it may be due to decreased activity of drug metabolizing enzymes in liver.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2006

The antitumor activity of crude saponin mixture obtained from Luffa tuberosa (Roxb.) (Fam; Cucurbitaceae) hairy roots (CSLT) in mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was investigated. The EAC-bearing mice receiving 150 and $300{\mu}g/kg$ body weight, (i.p) of CSLT have shown a dose dependent elevation in tumor-tree survival and a highest number of survivors were observed after administration of CSLT $(300{\mu}g/kg)$, which was considered as an optimum dose for its antineoplastic action. The mean survival time (MST) for this dose was approximately $47.1{\pm}0.74d$, when compared with $19.0{\pm}0.36d$ of untreated control. Administration of $300{\mu}g/kg$ CSLT resulted in 130% long-term increased survival time. The measurement of body weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable count indicated the efficacy of CSLT in tumor-bearing mice, there was a significant recovery in hematological profiles, and there was depletion in lipid peroxidation levels, and the antioxidant enzyme activities such as GSH, SOD and CAT were restored to near the normal levels. The CSLT was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when animals were intraperitoneally injected with 250, 500, 750 and $1000{\mu}g/kg$ bodyweight. The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only at a dose of $1500{\mu}g/kg$. Mortality of the animals was monitored up to 14 d post drug treatment, $1/7^{th}$ of the $LD_{50}$ dose has been considered for the optimal antineoplastic activity.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.61-67
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• 1979

Two pure saponin components, Panax saponin C (protopanaxatriol derivative, ginsenoside Re) and Panax saponin E (protopanaxadiol derivative, ginsenoside $Rb_l$) were isolated from Panax ginseng root and their acute toxicities in mice and antistress effects in rats were investigated. Average lethal doses $(LD_{50})$ of ginsenoside Re were 130mg/kg (i.v.), more than 1,000mg/kg (i.p.) and more than 1,500mg/kg (s.c.), respectively. Average lethal dose of ginsenoside $Rb_{1}$ was 243mg/kg intravenously. Adrenal ascorbic acid and cholesterol contents were significantly decreased when normal rats were exposed to heat $(40^{\circ}C)$ for 30 min. The reduction of the adrenal ascorbic acid and cholesterol contents in rats was partially prevented when the rats received the ginseng saponins prior to exposure to heat stress and most pronounced effects were observed in rats received ginsenoside Re. However, it was found that administration of ginseng alone, without stress, did not significantly change the ascorbic acid and cholesterol contents in adrenal glands. Eosinophil counts in the blood of the rats were elevated when the rats were exposed to the heat stress, and the elevation of the eosinophil counts were prevented with the ginseng saponins under the stress, but the changes were all insignificant statistically.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2007

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that BDNF has a role in plasticity and survival following spinal cord injury and treadmill exercise increases BDNF levels in the normal brain and spinal cord. We attempted to determine whether swimming exercise improve motor function following experimental contusive spinal cord injury and whether motor outcome is associated with BDNF expression. Methods: Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 250 to 300 g) were divided into control (n=18) and experimental swimming group (n=18). Spinal cord injury was produced using NYU-spinal impactor at the eleven thoracic levels in both groups. Swimming exercise started $7^{th}$ day from SCI operation, lasted 5 min per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks and then exercise times a day were increased in one number to each week. Motor functional recovery was determined by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, modified inclined board plane test, histological findings, H&E and BDNF expression observed at $1^{th}$, $3^{rd}$, $7^{th}$, $14^{th}$, $21^{st}$ and $28^{th}$day after injury. Results: 1. The BBB scores were higher in experimental group than control group at $14^{th}$, $21^{st}$ day (left hind limb) and at $21^{th}$ day (right hind limb) (p<0.05) after injury. 2. The inclined board plane test were significantly greater in experimental group than control group at $7^{th}$ day (p<0.05), $14^{th}$ and $28^{th}$ day (p<0.01) after injury. 3. The BDNF expression was severe revealed in experimental group than control group at $7^{th}$, $14^{th}$ and $28^{th}$ day after injury. Conclusion: This study suggests that swimming applied from the early phase after spinal cord injury be beneficial effects in motor functional recovery.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.463-475
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• 2015

The standard treatment of locally advanced type of mid-esophageal cancer is concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). We evaluated the feasibility of chemotherapy with adding docetaxel to the classical basic regimens of cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiotherapy up to 70.2 Gy using dose escalations for esophageal cancer. It was possible to escalate radiation treatment dose up to 70.2 Gy by the respiratory-gated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (gated-IMRT) based on the 4DCT-simulation, with improving target coverage and normal tissue (ex., lung, heart, and spinal cord) sparing. This study suggested that the definitive chemo-radiotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (i.e., DCF-R) and gating IMRT is tolerable and active in patients with locally advanced mid-esophageal cancer (AEC).

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.203-211
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• 2015

Trichloroacetonitrile is used as an intermediate in insecticides, pesticides, and dyes. In Korea alone, over 10 tons are used annually. Its oral and dermal toxicity is classified as category 3 according to the globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals, and it is designated a toxic substance by the Ministry of Environment in Korea. There are no available inhalation toxicity data on trichloroacetonitrile. Thus, the present study performed inhalation tests to provide data for hazard and risk assessments. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to trichloroacetonitrile at concentrations of 4, 16, or 64 ppm for 6 hour per day 5 days per week for 13 weeks in a repeated study. As a result, salivation, shortness of breath, and wheezing were observed, and their body weights decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the 16 and 64 ppm groups. All the rats in 64 ppm group were dead or moribund within 4 weeks of the exposure. Some significant changes were observed in blood hematology and serum biochemistry (e.g., prothrombin time, ratio of albumin and globulin, blood urea nitrogen, and triglycerides), but the values were within normal physiological ranges. The major target organs of trichloroacetonitrile were the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs. The rats exposed to 16 ppm showed moderate histopathological changes in the transitional epithelium and olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and respiratory epithelium were also changed. Respiratory lesions were common in the dead rats that had been exposed to the 64 ppm concentration. The dead animals also showed loss of cilia in the trachea, pneumonitis in the lung, and epithelial hyperplasia in the bronchi and bronchioles. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was estimated to be 4 ppm. The main target organs of trichloroacetonitrile were the nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2014

Objectives: The use of indium compounds, especially those of small size, for the production of semiconductors, liquid-crystal panels, etc., has increased recently. However, the role of particle size or the chemical composition of indium compounds in their toxicity and distribution in the body has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of particle size and the chemical composition of indium compounds on their toxicity and distribution. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to two different-sized indium oxides (average particle sizes under 4,000 nm [IO_4000] and 100 nm [IO_100]) and one nano-sized indium-tin oxide (ITO; average particle size less than 50 nm) by inhalation for 6 hr daily, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks at approximately $1mg/m^3$ of indium by mass concentration. Results: We observed differences in lung weights and histopathological findings, differential cell counts, and cell damage indicators in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between the normal control group and IO- or ITO-exposed groups. However, only ITO affected respiratory functions in exposed rats. Overall, the toxicity of ITO was much higher than that of IOs; the toxicity of IO_4000 was higher than that of IO_100. A 4-week recovery period was not sufficient to alleviate the toxic effects of IO and ITO exposure. Inhaled indium was mainly deposited in the lungs. ITO in the lungs was removed more slowly than IOs; IO_4000 was removed faster than IO_100. IOs were not distributed to other organs (i.e., the brain, liver, and spleen), whereas ITO was. Concentrations of indium in the blood and organ tissues were higher at 4 weeks after exposure. Conclusions: The effect of particle size on the toxicity of indium compounds was not clear, whereas chemical composition clearly affected toxicity; ITO showed much higher toxicity than that of IO.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.57-61
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• 2012

The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family is involved in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix during normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes such as pathological aging, arthritis, and metastasis. Oxidative conditions generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) (e.g., hydrogen peroxide [$H_2O_2$]) in cells, which subsequently induce the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). MMP-1, an interstitial collagenase, in turn stimulates an aging phenomenon. In this study, baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyfl avone) was investigated for its in vitro activity against $H_2O_2$-induced damage using a human skin keratinocyte model. Baicalein pretreatment signifi cantly inhibited $H_2O_2$-induced up-regulation of MMP-1 mRNA, MMP-1 protein expression and MMP-1 activity in cultured HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, baicalein decreased the transcriptional activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun, both components of the heterodimeric AP-1 transcription factor. Furthermore, baicalein reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which are upstream of the AP-1 transcription factor. The results of this study suggest that baicalein is involved in the inhibition of oxidative stress-induced expression of MMP-1 via inactivation of the ERK/JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway.