• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2015

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a constituent of turmeric powder derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been shown to inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, a need exists to design more effective analogs because of curcumin's poor intestinal absorption. EF-24 (diphenyl difluoroketone), the monoketone analog of curcumin, has shown good efficacy in anticancer screens. However, the effects of curcumin and EF-24 on salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells are not clearly established. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin and EF-24 on cell growth and induction of apoptosis in human salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells. Our studies showed that curcumin and EF-24 inhibited the growth of HTB-41 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the potency of EF-24 was > 34-fold that of curcumin. Treatment with curcumin or EF-24 resulted in nuclear condensation and fragmentation in HTB-41 cells, whereas the control HTB-41 cell nuclei retained their normal regular and oval shape. Curcumin and EF-24 promoted proteolytic cleavages of procaspase-3/-7/-9, resulting in an increase in the amount of cleaved caspase-3/-7/-9 in the HTB-41 cells. Caspase-3 and -7 activities were detected in viable HTB-41 cells treated with curcumin or EF-24. These results suggest that the curcumin and EF-24 inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in HTB-41 human salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells, and that they may have potential properties as an anti-cancer drug therapy.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.125-131
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• 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of porcine epididymal fluid (pEF) on in vitro-maturation and subsequent fertilization of porcine follicular oocytes. Porcine cumulus-oocytes complexes retrieved from antral follicles were cultured in tissue culture medium (TCM)-l99 supplemented with pEF of different concentrations. At 48 h after culture, development of oocytes to germinal vesicle (GV) breakdown, metaphase I, anaphase-telophase I, and metaphase II were examined Significant (p<0.05) increase in the proportion of oocytes developed to MII stage was observed in oocytes cultured in pEF-containing TCM-l99 than in oocytes cultured in pEF-free TCM-199 (46.2% vs 16.7%), which was a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, the proportion of monospermic fertilization were significantly (p<0.05) increased in oocytes cultured in the TCM supplemented with pEF than those cultured in pEF-free TCM-199 (51.0% vs 24.1%). In the second series of experiment, the percentage of MII oocytes was significantly (p<0.05) increased after exposure of oocytes to pEF during the first 22 h period of culture than after exposure of oocytes to pEF during the next 24 h of culture, while no significant difference in the percentage of monospermy was observed. The results of this study demonstrate that pEF contains at least enhancing component(s) for nuclear maturation.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.231-237
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• 2016

Eryngium foetidum Linn. leaves (EF) are widely used in Thailand and many countries throughout Asia as a culinary seasoning and a traditional medicine. However, adverse effect of high dose consumption in long duration has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate chronic toxicity of EF in mice. Thirty-two ICR male mice were divided into 4 groups of 8 mice each. The mice were fed AIN-76 rodent diet, or AIN-76 rodent diet supplemented with ground freeze-dried EF at 0.8%, 1.6% and 3.2% that is equivalent to approximately 35, 73 and 155 times that of human consumption, respectively, at 97.5 percentile for a period of 24 weeks. At the end of experiment, the mice were euthanized and blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical evaluations. Necropsy was performed while visceral organs such as lung, liver, kidneys, spleen etc. were collected, weighed and histopathologically examined. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) results of mice in 1.6% and 3.2% EF diet groups were significantly higher than the BUN of control group. No significant difference was noted in other biochemical and hematological properties between the treatment groups and control; all results were within normal range. Histopathology of almost all visceral organs showed no significant changes. However, tubulonephrosis and chronic interstitial nephritis were observed in the groups treated with 1.6% and 3.2% EF diet. Body weight was reduced significantly at week 12 to week 20 when compared to the control group while relative kidney weights were significantly increased. In conclusion, the consumption of EF in diet at high doses illustrated the adverse effect on some biochemical parameters and histopathology in mice. Our findings suggested that EF daily consumption for 24 weeks, at higher doses than the 0.8% EF diet (35 times of human consumption), might cause adverse effect on kidney function in mice.

• 한국물환경학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.340-344
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• 2008

Electro-flotation (EF) was applied to a sequencing batch reactor process (SBR) in order to enhance solids-liquid separation. Solids-liquid separation was good enough in the SBR coupled with EF (EF-SBR) and it was possible to maintain the concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) high in the EF-SBR. Under moderate organic loading condition (COD loading rate: 6 g/day), control SBR (C-SBR) showed similar treatment efficiencies with the EF-SBR. Under high organic loading condition (COD loading rate: 9.6 g/day), the solids-liquid separation in the C-SBR was deteriorated due to proliferation of filamentous bulking organisms at high F/M ratio. However, the EF-SBR was operated stably and with the high MLSS concentration (above 4,000 mg/L) regardless of the organic loading conditions during overall operating period leading to the satisfactory effluent quality. Gas production rate of the electrodes was gradually decreased because of anodic corrosion and scale build-up at the surface of cathode. However it could be partially overcome by use of corrosion-proof electrode material (SUS-316 L) and by periodic current switching between the electrodes.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제24권5호
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• pp.443-456
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• 2021

Structural design of the vertical displacements and shear strains in the earth fill (EF) dams has great importance in the structural engineering problems. Moreover, far fault earthquakes have significant seismic effects on seismic damage performance of EF dams like the near fault earthquakes. For this reason, three dimensional (3D) earthquake damage performance of Oroville dam is assessed considering different far-fault ground motions in this study. Oroville Dam was built in United States of America-California and its height is 234.7 m (770 ft.). 3D model of Oroville dam is modelled using FLAC3D software based on finite difference approach. In order to represent interaction condition between discrete surfaces, special interface elements are used between dam body and foundation. Non-reflecting seismic boundary conditions (free field and quiet) are defined to the main surfaces of the dam for the nonlinear seismic analyses. 6 different far-fault ground motions are taken into account for the full reservoir condition of Oroville dam. According to nonlinear seismic analysis results, the effects of far-fault ground motions on the nonlinear seismic settlement and shear strain behaviour of Oroville EF dam are determined and evaluated in detail. It is clearly seen that far-fault earthquakes have very significant seismic effects on the settlement-shear strain behaviour of EF dams and these earthquakes create vital important seismic damages on the swelling behaviour of dam body surface. Moreover, it is proposed that far-fault ground motions should not be ignored while modelling EF dams.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제30권9호
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• pp.885-890
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• 1997

.저자들은 1994년 7월부터 1996년 6월까지 관상동맥우회 술을 시행한 환자 103명을 심실구축력 40%를 기준 으로 심실기능저하군 24명과 심실기능정상군 79명으로 분류하여 환자의 술전,수술변수 18개를 분석하였다. 분석결과 환자의 특성과 수술사망에 영향을 미치는 위험인자에 대해 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 술전 변수중 심비대(p=0.0012), 혈청 크레아티닌 이상(p=0.0166), IABP 실시(p=0.0096)는 기능저하군이 기능 정상군보다 유의하게 높은 빈도를 보였다 2. 수술변수중 기능저하군은 수술적응증에 있어서 심근경색후 협심증의 빈도가 많았고(p=0.00003), 내흉동맥 의 사용은 유의하게 적었다(p=0.00416). 3. 조기사망률은 기능저하군이 기능정상군보다 약간 높았으나 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(기능저하군 8.3%, 기능정상군 5.1%, p=0.5492). 4. 합병증발생률은 기능저하군 50%(12/24), 기능정상군 33%(79/25)로 두군간에 유의한 차이는 없었다(p=0.1007). 5. 심실기능정상군에서는 연령(고령)(p=0.041)이 수술후 조기사망에 유의한 위험인자로, 심실기능저하군에서 는 연령(p=0.018)외에도 술전 IAaP 실시(p=0.0036), 고콜레스테롤혈증(p=0.00 7), 응급수술(p=0.0036)이 유의 한 위험인자로 작용하였다. 이상의 결과를 통해 심실기능이 저하된 관상동맥질환 환자는 심실기능이 정상인 환자에 비해 많은 술후 조기사망의 위험인자를 갖고있으나.술후 조기사망률과 합병증 발생률은 두 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이지 않 음으로써 심실기능이 저하된 환자에 있어서도 증상의 개선과 장기생존률의 향상을 얻기 위하여 좀더 적극적인 관상동맥우회 술의 실시가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.301-305
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate whether addition of porcine epididymal fluid (pEF) into culture medium during in vitro maturation influences the nuclear maturation of porcine germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from follicles were cultured in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM 199) containing pEF. After 48hr of culture, oocytes were examined for evidence of GV breakdown, metaphase I, anaphase-telophase I, and metaphase II. The proportion of oocytes reaching at metaphase II (M II) stage was significantly (p<0.05) increased in oocytes cultured in the media supplemented with 10% pEF during in vitro maturation than in those without pEF regardless of cumulus presence or absence (54.6% vs 22.5%, 51.7% vs 24.2%). The supplementation of pEF during maturation of oocyte enhanced oocytes maturation in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Also significant differences (p<0.05) in the percentage of MII oocytes were observed according to exposure period in pEF. Present study suggests that pEF contains a enhancing component(s) for nuclear maturation of porcine immature oocytes in vitro.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제66권1호
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• pp.204-218
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• 2024

Elsholtzia fruticosa (EF) is present in tropical regions throughout South Asian countries as well as the Himalayas. Although it has been used as a traditional medicine to treat digestive, respiratory, and inflammatory issues, its effect on preadipocyte differentiation is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of a methanol extract prepared from EF on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Cell differentiation was assessed by microscopic observation and oil-red O staining. The expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, including PPARγ and C/EBPα, was measured by western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), to provide insight into adipogenesis and lipogenesis mechanisms. The results indicated that EF promotes the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, with elevated lipid accumulation occurring in a concentration-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity. EF enhances the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, including PPARγ, FABP4, adiponectin, and FAS, at the mRNA and protein levels. The effect of EF was more pronounced during the early and middle stages of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. Treatment with EF decreased C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA and protein levels, while increasing C/EBPα and PPARγ expression. Treatment with EF resulted in the upregulation of cyclin E and CDK2 gene expression within 24 h, followed by a decrease at 48 h, demonstrating the early-stage impact of EF. A concomitant increase in cyclin-D1 levels was observed compared with untreated cells, indicating that EF modulates lipogenic and adipogenic genes through intricate mechanisms involving CHOP and cell cycle pathways. In summary, EF induces the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by increasing the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, possibly through CHOP and cell cycle-dependent mechanisms.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권7호
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• pp.3343-3347
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticlastogenicity as well as the clastogenicity of Eryngium foetidum leaf (EF) using the in vivo mouse peripheral blood erythrocyte micronucleus assay. Eighty ICR male mice were fed AIN-76 diet supplemented with ground freeze-dried EF at 0.0%, 0.8%, 1.6% and 3.2% for 2 weeks prior to the administration of both direct-acting, mitomycin C (MMC), and indirect-acting, 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) clastogens. Peripheral blood samples were collected from mice just before administration of clastogen and at 24 and 48 h thereafter for MMC. Blood samples were collected at the same times and after 72 h for DMBA. Then, reticulocytes in blood samples were counted using fluorescent microscopy. The results indicated that EF had no clastogenic effect in mice. All doses of diets supplemented with EF decreased the number of micronucleated peripheral reticulocytes in all the MMC-treated groups in a dose dependent manner, but significant reduction was found only at 1.6% and 3.2% EF in the DMBA-treated groups. It can be concluded that EF has no clastogenicity, but possesses anticlastogenic potential against both direct- and indirect-acting types of clastogen in mice.

• 생약학회지
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.341-346
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• 2008

The effects of the ethanol extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP extracts) on body weights, grip strengths, endurances and catecholamine levels after electric footshock (EF) stress in mice and rats were investigated. The animals were treated with GP extracts (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 21 days before exposure to EF (duration and interval 10 sec for 3 min, 2 mA) once a day. The increases in body weights were delayed by 13.1% of the control levels by EF-induced stress in mice, which were recovered to 24.1% of the control levels in GP extract-treated groups. The grip strengths were significantly decreased by EF stress in mice and the EF-stressed groups treated with GP extracts increased grip strengths to 115.2% compared to control levels. The endurance times by forced swimming, which reduced significantly by EF stress, were also maintained similar to control levels by GP extracts in rats. In addition, the levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine in serum and brain, and dopamine in brain were significantly increased to 17.5-95.0% of the control levels after exposure of EF stress in mice. However, EF stressinduced increases in norepinephrine and epinephrine in serum were reduced to 17.1-17.3% of the control levels by treatments of GP extracts, and those in dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine in brain were also reduced to 5.0-19.5%. These results suggest that GP extracts showed the protective effects on EF stress-induced physiological functions and can be developed as the promising anti-stress agents.