• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2013

The selective targeting of an integrin ${\alpha}_v{\beta}_3$ receptor using radioligands may enable the assessment of angiogenesis and integrin ${\alpha}_v{\beta}_3$ receptor status in tumors. The aim of this research was to label a peptidomimetic integrin ${\alpha}_v{\beta}_3$ antagonist (PIA) with $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$ and to test its receptor targeting properties in nude mice bearing receptor-positive tumors. PIA was reacted with tris-succinimidyl aminotriacetate (TSAT) (20 mM) as a PIA per TSAT. The product, PIA-aminodiacetic acid (ADA), was radiolabeled with $[^{99m}Tc(CO)_3(H_2O)_3]^{+1}$, and purified sequentially on a Sep-Pak C-18 cartridge followed by a Sep-Pak QMA anion exchange cartridge. Using gradient C-18 reverse-phase HPLC, the radiochemical purity of $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$-ADA-PIA (retention time, 10.5 min) was confirmed to be > 95%. Biodistribution analysis was performed in nude mice (n = 5 per time point) bearing receptor-positive M21 human melanoma xenografts. The mice were administered $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$-ADA-PIA intravenously. The animals were euthanized at 0.33, 1, and 2 hr after injection for the biodistribution study. A separate group of mice were also co-injected with 200 ${\mu}g$ of PIA and euthanized at 1 hr to quantify tumor uptake. $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$-ADA-PIA was stable in phosphate buffer for 21 hr, but at 3 and 6 hr, 7.9 and 11.5% of the radioactivity was lost as histidine, respectively. In tumor bearing mice, $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$-ADA-PIA accumulated rapidly in a receptor-positive tumor with a peak uptake at 20 min, and rapid clearance from blood occurring primarily through the hepatobiliary system. At 20 min, the tumor-to-blood ratio was 1.8. At 1 hr, the tumor uptake was 0.47% injected dose (ID)/g, but decreased to 0.12% ID/g when co-injected with an excess amount of PIA, indicating that accumulation was receptor mediated. These results demonstrate successful $^{99m}TC$ labeling of a peptidomimetic integrin antagonist that accumulated in a tumor via receptor-specific binding. However, tumor uptake was very low because of low blood concentrations that likely resulted from rapid uptake of the agent into the hepatobiliary system. This study suggests that for $^{99m}Tc(CO)_3$-ADA-PIA to be useful as a tumor detection agent, it will be necessary to improve receptor binding affinity and increase the hydrophilicity of the product to minimize rapid hepatobiliary uptake.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.318-322
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• 2008

Obesity is an increasing worldwide health problem that is strongly related to the imbalance of food intake and energy metabolism. It was well-known that several substances in the hypothalamus regulate food intake and energy metabolism. We planned an integrative study to elucidate the mechanism of the development of obesity. Firstly, to find candidate genes with the marvelous effect, the different expression in the hypothalamus between ob/ob and 48-h fasting mice was investigated by using DNA microarray technology. As a result, we found 3 genes [peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a), calmodulin 1 (Calm1), and complexin 2 (Cplx2)] showing the different hypothalamic expression between ob/ob and 48-h fasting mice. Secondly, a genetic approach on PPARGC1A gene was performed, because PPARGC1A acts as a transcriptional coactivator and a metabolic regulator. Two hundred forty three obese female patients with body mass index (BMI)${\geq}$25 and 285 control female subjects with BMI 18 to<23 were recruited according to the Classification of Korean Society for the Study of Obesity. Among the coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) of PPARGC1A, 2 missense SNPs (rs8192678, Gly482Ser; rs3736265, Thr612Met) and 1 synonymous SNP (rs3755863, Thr528Thr) were selected, and analyzed by PCR-RFLP and pyrosequencing. For the analysis of genetic data, chi-square ($X^2$) test and EH program were used. The rs8192678 was significantly associated with obese women (P<0.0006; odds ratio, 1.5327; 95% confidence interval, 1.2006-1.9568). Haplotypes also showed significant association with obese women ($X^2$=33.28, P<0.0008). These results suggest that PPARGC1A might be related to the development of obesity.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2003

The antioxidative activity of Portulaca oleracea was tested using in vitro experimental models. Antioxidative activities were determined by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxide using 2-thiobarbituric and (TBA). The crude extract was sequentially partitioned with n-hexane, 15% aq. MeOH, EtOAc, n-BuOH, $H_2O$. A remarkable antioxidative effect was observed in the EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions. The DPPH radical scavenging effect ($IC_{50}$=17.90 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) of the n-BuOH soluble fraction was comparable with that of the natural antioxidant, $\alpha$-tocopherol ($IC_{50}$=6.99 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) and the inhibition effect of lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenate was similar to that of the natural antioxidant, L-ascorbic acid at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.123-128
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• 1998

Implantation rates remain low following human in vitro fertilization (IVF). Suboptimal culture conditions may limit the ability of embryos to hatch as blastocysts, and artificial opening of the zona pellucida has been proposed as a means to promote subsequent hatching (assisted hatching). In this study, assisted hatching (AH) by zona drilling using acidic Tyrode's solution was performed in 320 patients, due to their age of more than 38 years (group A), the thick zona pellucida (group Z; $ZP\geq0.18{\mu}m$), and failures in implantation more than 3 times in previous IVF-ET trial (group P). This study was designed firstly, to study the effects of AH on the outcomes of IVF-ET according to the indications and secondly, to verify the appropriate application of AH. The results were as follows; 1. There was no difference in pregnancy rate between AH group (26.6%) and non-AH group (26.5%). 2. Assisted hatching (AH) showed significantly higher pregnancy rate of the patients with thick zona pellucid a than those of the patients with age factor and with the history of repeated implantation failure. But in the patients with age factor only, AH resulted in higher pregnancy rate. 3. Interestingly, the patients with complex factors including zona factor (Z: 33.9%; ZA: 30.4%; ZP: 31.6%; ZAP: 21.4%) showed higher pregnancy rates than other complex factors excluding zona factor (A: 24.4%, P: 0%; AP: 10.8%). From these results, AH is more helpful to the patients with thick zona pellucida rather than patients with older age and/or previous repeated implantation failure.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.130-138
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• 1976

In order to utilize the agricultural waste products, two strains of mold producing powerful cellulolytic enzyme were sereened from various soils, composts, rotten wood and others. The optimum condition of cellulase production was studied. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. Two strains of mold which showed remarkably high cellulolytic activity were identified as Aspergillus niger-SM 6 and Trichoderma viride-SM 10. 2. The highest cellulase production was obtained at pH 5.0-6.0 in 5 days. 3. Cellulase production in strain Aspergillus niger-SM 6 increased with the addition of C.M.C., $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, C.S.L., orange peel powder and rice hull. The rice hull, treated with 3N NaOH at $120^{\circ}C$ for 15 min. and neutralized with various acids, was used. Up to 50% of wheat bran could be substituted by the treated rice hull without any decrease of cellulase activity. 4. In the strain of Trichoderma viride-SM 10, cellulase production increased with the addition of C.M.C., $NH_4NO_3$, Vitamin-free casamino acid and orange peel powder, while the other carbon, nitrogen, phosphate sources, natural nutrients and organic substances gave no remarkable effect.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2010

This study was carried out to analyze physico-chemical properties and to determine stability of the 19 commercially available horticultural substrates in Korea by European standard methods (EN methods). The average pH, EC, T-N, $P_2O_5$ were 5.44, 0.62$dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, 0.98% and 10.54$mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$, respectively. Dry bulk density and particle density were in the range of 124.47~243.16$kg/m^3$ and 2073.94~2249.99$kg/m^3$, respectively. Seventeen out of 19 horticultural substrates used in this study were 'very stable'. The other2 substrates were classified as 'stable'. Korea's own criteria of stability for the organic materials such as growing substrates and compost need to be developed so that farmers can use the optimum organic materials without anxiety.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 1997

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of limited nutrient supply during 21 days before and after pollination stage on the growth, fruit quality and nutrient uptake of muskmelon in rockwool culture. Muskmelon, cv. Earl's Favorite seeds sowed on rockwool cube and transplanted on rockwool slab($90\times15\times7.5cm$) when 2 to 3 true leaf appeared on Sep. 6, 1991. Three kinds of nutrient composition recommended by Shizuoka university, combinated with the composition of Otsuka house A and composition Shizuoka III. One half of calcium nitrate(Ca(NO$_3$)$_2$.4$H_2O$) for limiting nitrogen supply during 21 days was treated and then fertigated the nutrient composition recommended by Shizuoka university up to harvest time. Trickling nozzles(Netafim Co. Israel) were used for fertigation of nutrient solution and noncirculating system was employed. Temperature was maintained $18^{\circ}C$ in night but 23 to $25^{\circ}C$ for 10 days after pollination for softening the fruit. The drainage ratio of nutrient solution was adjusted 20 to 30 percent. Fertigated and drained amount, and the pH and EC of nutrient solution were recorded. The concentrations of mineral elements including N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were analyzed and compared among treatments. In both autumn and winter cultivation, the limitation of nutrient supply by adjustment of nutrient composition(NO$_3$-N : 8meㆍ$\ell^{-1}$) caused the nutrient deficiency in muskmelon plant due to the limited nutrient supply. After pollination nutrient limitation by the lowering the nitrate retarded the over thickening of upper leaves of muskmelon but plant height and fresh weight of fruit were higher in the plot of nonlimited nutrient supply. The phenomena were attributed to the differences of the amount of nutrient uptake due to the limited time of nutrient solution, duration of nutrient supply and concentration of nutrient solution. These results suggested that increasing nutrient supply in the pollination stage was favorable for better appearance of fruit and improving fruit quality. Further trials would be required for the incre-ment of sugar degree of muskmelon grown in rockwool.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.285-295
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a three-wheel riding cultivator for improving the performance of the current four-wheel riding cultivators in the market. Methods: A prototype three-wheel riding cultivator with the rated power of 15.5-kW, a primary hydrostatic and a two-speed selective gear transmission shifts, front/rear three-wheel drive, a hydraulic wheel tread adjustment, and the mid-section attachment of the major implements was designed and constructed. Its specifications and basic performance are investigated. Results: The maximum speeds of the prototype at the low and high stages were measured to be approximately 7.31, and 11.29 km/h in forward travel, respectively, and approximately 3.60, and 6.37 km/h in rearward travel, respectively. The minimum ground clearance is shown to be 670 mm. The rotating speeds of the power takeoff (PTO) shaft at the low and high stages are shown to be approximately 795 and 1,140 rpm, respectively. The tread of the rear wheels, the minimum radius of turning, and the maximum lifting height of the parallel link device are measured to be within 1,320-1,720 mm, 2.80 m, and 390 mm, respectively. Approximately 25.3% and 74.7% of the total weight of the prototype are distributed in the front and rear wheels on flat ground, respectively. When the tread of rear wheels increased from 1,320 to 1,720 mm, the left and right static lateral overturning angles increased from $33.4^{\circ}$ to $39.1^{\circ}$ and from $29.0^{\circ}$ to $36.1^{\circ}$, respectively. Conclusions: The prototype three-wheel riding cultivator showed a wide range of travel and PTO speeds, high minimum ground clearance, small minimum radius of turning, and easy control of the rear wheel tread. Further, the easy observation of cultivating operations by mid-mounting the implements can improve quality of work. Therefore, the prototype is expected to contribute to the riding mechanization of cultivating operations for various upland crops in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.284-291
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• 2019

Background: Ginseng root rot disease, caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani is a major cause of replant failure in continuous cropping ginseng. Methods and Results: To control replant injury in soil infected with C. destructans and F. solani, biosolarization was performed by covering the plot with transparent polyethylene film after adding green manure of maize and sunflower for the summer season. Per 10 a, fresh and dry weight of maize was 10.1 and 2.5 tons, respectively, and that of sunflower was 8.1 tons and 1.2 tons, respectively. Mean maximum temperature at 20 cm depth was $33.2^{\circ}C$, $41.5^{\circ}C$ and $41.8^{\circ}C$ in the control, maize-incorporated and sunflower-incorporated plots, respectively. The elapsed time over $40^{\circ}C$ was 36.4 h in the maize-incorporated plot and 77.3 h in the sunflower-incorporated plot. Biosolarization increased $NO_3$ content in soil, while content of organic matter, Ca, and Mg was decreased. Electrical conductivity, $NO_3$ and $P_2O_5$ in soil significantly increased after two years of biosolarization. The number of spores of C. destructans in soil was significantly decreased by biosolarization, and sunflower treatment was more effective than maize treatment in decreasing the number of spores. Root yield of 3-year-old ginseng was significantly increased by biosolarization, however, there was no significant difference between maize and sunflower treatments. Rate of root rot in 3-year-old ginseng decreased to 16.5% with the incorporation maize and 5.0% with the incorporation of sunflower, while that in control 25.6%. Conclusions: Biosolarization was effective in inhibiting ginseng root rot by decreasing the density of root rot disease and improving soil chemical properties.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2022

Background: Postoperative analgesia (POA) is an important determinant of successful treatment. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has recently gained attention as a promising adjuvant to local anesthetics (LA). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levobupivacaine (LB) as an adjuvant during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in the extraction of lower impacted third molars (LITM). Methods: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind, parallel-arm, and clinical study was performed on 50 systemically healthy participants who required removal of an asymptomatic LITM. Using a 1:1 distribution, the participants were randomized into two groups (n = 25). Group L (control group) received 1.8 mL of 0.5% LB and 0.2 mL normal saline (placebo) and Group D (study group) received a blend of 1.8 mL of 0.5% LB and 0.2 mL (20 ㎍) DEX. The primary outcome variable was the duration of POA and hemodynamic stability, and the secondary variable was the total number of analgesics required postoperatively for up to 72 h. The participants were requested to record the time of rescue analgesic use and the total number of rescue analgesics taken. The area under the curve was plotted for the total number of analgesics administered. The pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale. Data analysis was performed using paired students and unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The latency, profoundness of anesthesia, and duration of POA were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences between mean pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were found to be significant (each P = 0.0001). Fewer analgesics were required by participants in group D (2.12 ± 0.33) than in L (4.04 ± 0.67), with a significant difference (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Perineurally administered LA with DEX is a safe, effective, and therapeutic approach for improving latency, providing profound POA, and reducing the need for postoperative analgesia.