• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-258
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• 2000

Somatic embryogenesis has become a major tool in the study of plant embryology, as it is possible in culture to manipulate cells of many plant species to produce somatic embryos in a process that is remarkably similar to zygotic embryogenesis. Traditionally, the process has been studied by an examination of the ex vitro factors which influence embryo formation. Later structural, physiological and biochemical approaches have been applied. Host recently, molecular tools are being used. Together, these various approaches are giving valuable information on the process. This article gives an overview of somatic embryogenesis by reviewing information on the morphogenesis, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of the process. Topics covered include a brief description of the factors involved in the production of embryogenic cells. Carrot cell suspension is most commonly used, and the development of a high frequency and synchronous system is outlined. At the physiological and biochemical lev-els various topics, including the reactivation of the cell cycle, changes in endogenous growth regulators, amino acid, polyamine, DNA, RNA and protein metabolism, and embryogenic factors in conditioned medium are all discussed. Lastly, recent information on genes and molecular markers of the embryogenic process are outlined. Somatic embryogenesis, the best example of totipotency in plant cells, is not only an important tool in studies in basic biology, but is potentially of equal significance in the micropropagation of economically important plants.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.415-418
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• 2015

Right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery is a rare anomaly. The incidence of bilateral ductus arteriosus is sporadic, and a right aortic arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus is therefore extremely rare. Since the symptoms and signs of isolation of the left subclavian artery can include the absence or underdevelopment of the left arm, subclavian steal syndrome, or pulmonary artery steal syndrome, the proper therapeutic approach is controversial. We report a case in which surgical reconstruction was used to treat isolation of the left subclavian artery with right aortic arch in association with bilateral ductus arteriosus and a ventricular septal defect.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.107-115
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• 2014

Phellinus linteus has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries and is known to have anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities. However, the protective effects of P. linteus against experimental asthma have not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to determine whether P. linteus ethanol extract (PLE) suppresses inflammatory response in an OVA-induced asthma model. As expected, the oral administration of PLE significantly inhibited eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-challenged BALB/c mice. Supporting these data, the augmentation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), eotaxin, and adhesion molecules in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after OVA inhalation was markedly attenuated by PLE. Furthermore, PLE reduced OVA-induced activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and p38 MAPK in lung tissues. Therefore, our results suggest the potential of P. linteus as a therapeutic agent for asthma.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2001

Congenital anomalies of the head and neck region such as preauricular sinus and skin tag, thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial anomaly, cystic hygroma and dermoid cyst are common in pediatric population. It is important for pediatricians and pediatric surgeons to be familiar with the embryology and the anatomical characteristic of these lesions in order to diagnose and treat them properly. Three hundred and nineteen patients with congenital head and neck anomalies treated at Hanyang University Hospital between 1980 and 1999 were reviewed to determine the relative frequency of the anomalies and to analyze the method of management. Eight-four (25.1 %) of 335 lesions were preauricular sinus and skin tag, 81 (24.2 %) were thyroglossal duct cyst, 81 (24.2 %) branchial anomaly, 58 (17.3 %) cystic hygroma and 31 were (9.2 %) dermoid cyst. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. Thyroglossal duct cyst most commonly present at 3-5years, however branchial anomalies commonly are diagnosed in children younger than 1 year. Preauricular sinus showed familial tendency in three patients and was bilateral is 33.8 %. Most head and neck anomalies in children have specific clinical and anatomical characterics. A careful history and physical examination is very useful for diagnosis and proper management. Experienced pediatric surgeons should do the initial surgery since the recurrence rate after incomplete surgical excision can be high.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.31.1-31.7
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• 2012

Curcuma longa belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is widely used in Asiatic countries, especially India and South East Asia where it is cultivated commercially as a condiment. Its rhizomes exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-bacterial, antioxidant effects, nematocidal activities, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities and are of pharmaceutical importance. Another relevant medicinal property exhibited by it is antidiabetic property which is reviewed here. Studies on the efficacy of crude C.longa extracts against type 2 diabetes in murine models reveal that it demonstrates a hypoglycemic effect by lowering the blood glucose levels under in vivo conditions. Clinical studies have revealed the safety of curucmin (major principle component exhibiting pharmaceutical properties from C.longa) on humans but with very low bioavailability. In view of its effective hypoglycemic effect and its low bioavailability, further studies are needed for the characterization of the bioactive principles and formulating the development of C.longa extracts as a novel anti-diabetic therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.147-151
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• 2015

Objective : Neuroblastoma is one of common childhood tumors. Although its mortality is very high, there is no effective treatment yet. The aim of this project is to evaluate cytotoxic effects of melatonin (MLT) an endogen hormone and 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) also named as isotretinoin an analogue of vitamin A on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Methods : In this study, SH-SY5Y cell line was used. After cell culture, the cells were exposed to different doses of MLT and 13-cis-RA. 24 and 48 hours later. While the viabilities was estimated with MTT cell viability assay test, apoptotic indexes were calculated after staining with TUNEL based apoptosis kit. Results : It was observed that MLT has very effective cytotoxic potential than 13-cis-RA on neuroblastoma cell line. At the same time, when MLT and 13-cis-RA were combined, this effect was potentiated. On the other hand, it was found that the effect of 13-cis-RA individually on neuroblastoma cells was very slight. Conclusion : We suggest that in the treatment of patient with neuroblastoma, MLT is very effective and also this effect can be augmented by combination with 13-cis-RA.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.307-311
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• 2000

Objective: To report the successful delivery in a patient of recurrent spontaneous abortion caused by chromosomal abnormality. Material and Method: Case report. Results: Twelve oocytes were obtained by in vitro fertilization. Of eleven oocytes fertilized, two embryos turned out to be normal by using fluorescent in situ hybridization on blastomere biopsy. The patient succeeded in pregnancy and the result of amniocentesis was found to be normal. She delivered the healthy female baby by cesarean section. Conclusions: The successful delivery is possible in recurrent spontaneous abortion related with reciprocal translocation by using preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.402-406
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• 2000

The term 'craniovertebral junction' refers to the occipital bone that surrounds the foramen magnum and the atlas and the axis vertebrae. A wide variety of congenital, developmental, and acquired anomalies exist at the craniovertebral junction. The authors present a rare case of the congenital anomaly of the craniovertebral junction consisting of atlantal hypoplasia, atlantal assimilation, and basilar invagination in a 58-year-old male. An occiput-C2 arthrodesis was performed. The clinical and imaging features are described, and the embryology and etiology of this anomaly are discussed.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.233-239
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• 2019

Nerium oleander (N. oleander) is a well-known poisonous shrub that is frequently grown in gardens and public areas and contains numerous toxic compounds. The major toxic components are the cardiac glycosides oleandrin and neriin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the toxic effects of an ethanolic N. oleander leaf extract on haematological, cardiac, inflammatory, and serum biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological changes in the heart. N. oleander extract was orally administered for 14 and 30 consecutive days at doses of 100 and 200 mg of dried extract/kg of body weight in 0.5 mL of saline. The results showed significant increases in mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha, C reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and creatine kinase MB, especially at high doses. Marked pathological changes were perceived in the heart tissue. Thus, it can be concluded that exposure to N. oleander leaf extract adversely affects the heart and liver.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.175-184
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• 2019

Mast cells are crucial as effector cells in the immediate-type allergic reaction. Lentinus edodes has been the popular edible mushroom in oriental countries and reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-atherogenic, anti-viral, and anti-allergic activities. However, the roles of L. edodes in mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction have not been fully elucidated. In this research, we have demonstrated the effects of the methanol extract of L. edodes (MELE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis-like and anaphylactic reactions. MELE suppressed systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction, plasma histamine levels, and ear swelling response in mice treated with compound 48/80. MELE also suppressed passive systemic and cutaneous anaphylaxis mediated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE. In accordance with these findings, MELE dose-dependently decreased histamine release from RPMC evoked by compound 48/80 or the antigen-antibody reaction. To clarify the mechanism of degranulation system, intracellular cAMP levels as well as calcium influx in RPMC was evaluated. In compound 48/80-treated RPMC, MELE blocked calcium uptake into the cells. In addition, MELE elevated the intracellular cAMP content and significantly attenuated compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. Taken together, we propose the clinical use of MELE in mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic diseases.