• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.915-921
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• 2012

Artemisiae Asiaticae Herba (AAH) has been used to remedy of symptoms such as bleeding, dysmenorrhea, eczema and itchy skin in Oriental Medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of AAH on allergic response. The effect of AAH was analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine as markers of degranulation, production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$, and gene expression of HDC2, cytokines and $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit. We found that AAH suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. AAH also significantly decreased cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$, and GM-CSF, and increased cytokine mRNA expressions of IL-10 in RBL-2H3. In addition, AAH suppressed mRNA expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit on cell surface. Our results indicate that AAH protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and expression of $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ ${\alpha}{\beta}{\gamma}$ subunit.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2001

N- or O-doped STS304 stainless films were synthesized by an unbalanced magnetron sputtering process with various argon and reactive gas ($N_2$, $O_2$) mixtures. These films were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and Knoop microhardness tester. The Results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that a STS304 stainless steel film synthesized without reactive gas using a bulk STS304 stainless steel target had a ferrite bcc structure ($\alpha$ phase), while the N-doped STS304 stainless film was consisted of a nitrogen supersaturated fcc structure, which hsa a strong ${\gamma}$(200) phase. In the O-doped films, oxide Phases ($Fe_2$$O_3$ and $Cr_2$$O_3$) were observed from the films synthesized under an excess $O_2$ flow rate of 9sccm. AES analysis showed that nitrogen content in N-doped films increased as the nitrogen flow rate increased. Approximately 43 at.%N in the N-doped film was measured using a nitrogen flow rate of 8sccm. In O-doped film, approximately 15 at.%O was detected using a $O_2$ flow rate of 12sccm. the Knoop microhardness value of N-doped film using a nitrogen flow rate of 8 sccm was measured to be approximately $H_{ k}$ 1200 and this high value could be attributed to the fine grain size and increased residual stress in the N-doped film.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.290-296
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• 2019

Objective: Pigs share many physiological, anatomical and genomic similarities with humans, which make them suitable models for biomedical researches. Understanding the genetic status of Yucatan miniature pigs (YMPs) and their association with human diseases will help to assess their potential as biomedical model animals. This study was performed to identify non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in selective sweep regions of the genome of YMPs and present the genetic nsSNP distributions that are potentially associated with disease occurrence in humans. Methods: nsSNPs in whole genome resequencing data from 12 YMPs were identified and annotated to predict their possible effects on protein function. Sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) and polymorphism phenotyping v2 analyses were used, and gene ontology (GO) network and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. Results: The results showed that 8,462 genes, encompassing 72,067 nsSNPs were identified, and 118 nsSNPs in 46 genes were predicted as deleterious. GO network analysis classified 13 genes into 5 GO terms (p<0.05) that were associated with kidney development and metabolic processes. Seven genes encompassing nsSNPs were classified into the term associated with Alzheimer's disease by referencing the genetic association database. The KEGG pathway analysis identified only one significantly enriched pathway (p<0.05), hsa04080: Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, among the transcripts. Conclusion: The number of deleterious nsSNPs in YMPs was identified and then these variants-containing genes in YMPs data were adopted as the putative human diseases-related genes. The results revealed that many genes encompassing nsSNPs in YMPs were related to the various human genes which are potentially associated with kidney development and metabolic processes as well as human disease occurrence.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.385-394
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the status of regional variations in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment and investigate the association between the presence of a thrombectomy-capable stroke center (TSC) and the case fatality rate (CFR) of AIS within hospital service areas (HSAs). Methods: This observational cross-sectional study analyzed acute stroke quality assessment program data from 262 hospitals between 2013 and 2016. TSCs were defined according to the criteria of the Joint Commission. In total, 64 HSAs were identified based on the addresses of hospitals. We analyzed the effects of structure factors, process factors, and the presence of a TSC on the CFR of AIS using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 262 hospitals, 31 hospitals met the definition of a TSC. Of the 64 HSAs, only 20 had a TSC. At hospitals, the presence of a stroke unit, the presence of stroke specialists, and the rate of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment were associated with reductions in the CFR. In HSAs, the rate of EVT treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 0.99) and the presence of a TSC (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.99) significantly reduced the CFR of AIS. Conclusions: The presence of a TSC within an HSA, corresponding to structure and process factors related to the quality of care, contributed significantly to lowering the CFR of AIS. The CFR also declined as the rate of treatment increased. This study highlights the importance of TSCs in the development of an acute stroke care system in Korea.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.26.1-26.19
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• 2022

Diabetes and its related complications are associated with long term damage and failure of various organ systems. The microvascular complications of diabetes considered in this study are diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The aim is to identify the weighted co-expressed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), major pathways, and their miRNA, transcription factors (TFs) and drugs interacting in all the three conditions. The primary goal is to identify vital DEGs in all the three conditions. The overlapped five genes (AKT1, NFKB1, MAPK3, PDPK1, and TNF) from the DEGs and the co-expressed genes were defined as key genes, which differentially expressed in all the three cases. Then the protein-protein interaction network and gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) of key genes was performed. GSLA, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment analysis of the key genes elucidates nine major pathways in diabetes. Subsequently, we constructed the miRNA-gene and transcription factor-gene regulatory network of the five gene of interest in the nine major pathways were studied. hsa-mir-34a-5p, a major miRNA that interacted with all the five genes. RELA, FOXO3, PDX1, and SREBF1 were the TFs interacting with the major five gene of interest. Finally, drug-gene interaction network elucidates five potential drugs to treat the genes of interest. This research reveals biomarker genes, miRNA, TFs, and therapeutic drugs in the key signaling pathways, which may help us, understand the processes of all three secondary microvascular problems and aid in disease detection and management.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.64-80
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• 1991

The SKINTEX Method is based on a two-compartment physico-chemical model which includes a Biomembrane Barrier in compartment one and an organized macromolecular matrix in compartment two. Test samples absorb onto or permeate through the keratin/collagen Biomembrane Barrier and then can interact with the organized macromolecular matrix. Changes in the integrity of the barrier release a dye indicator: Changes in the matrix can alter its transparency. The sum of these two responses is read spectrophotometrically at 470nm. An early investigation of 950 chemicals and formulations in the SKINTEX System produced results which were 89% concordance to in vivo Draize dermal irritation results obtained with 24-hour occluded application of test samples with-out abrasion and standard scoring. Alkaline materials were analyzed in a specialized SKINTEX AMA Protocol. In this early study, the model did not distinguish nonirritant test materials and formulation with PDII(Primary Dermal Irritation Index)in the range from 0 to 1.2, A High Sensitivity Assay Protocol(HSA)was developed to amplify the changes in both compartments of this model and provide more accurate calibration of these changes. A study of 60 low irritation test samples including cosmetics, household products, chemicals and petro-chemicals distinguished nonirritants with PDII $\leq$ 0.7 for 26 of 30 nonirritants. A second protocol was developed to evaluate the SKINTEX model predictability with respect to human irritation. The Human Response Assay (HRA )has been optimized based on differences in penetration and irritation responses in humans and rabbits. An additional 32 test materials with different mechanisms and degrees of dermal toxicity were evaluated by the HRA. These in vitro results were 86% concordant to human patch test results. In order to further evaluate this model, a Standard Chemical Labelling (SCL) Protocol was developed to optimize this system to predict Draize dermal irritation results after a 4-hour application of the test material. In a study of 52 chemicals including acids, bases, solvents, salts, surfactants and preservatives, the SCL results demonstrated 85% concordance to Draize results for a 4-hour application of test samples on non-abraded rabbit skin. The SKINTEX System, including three specialized protocols, provided results which demonstrated good correlation to the endpoint of dermal irritation in man and rabbits at different application times.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.29-41
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• 2022

This study was conducted to verify the availability of immature persimmon ethanol extract (IPEE) as a natural and functional ingredient in protecting inflammation and allergy of skin based on the mechanism. The major content analysis, antioxidant activities, anti-allergic activity, anti-inflammatory effect, and safety related to irritation of IPEE were evaluated. The gallic acid content per 10 mg/mL of IPEE was 0.522% (5.22 mg/g). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 428.3 mg/g and 31.1 mg/g, respectively. In ABTS+ activity, DPPH ability and SOD-like activity, it showed a concentration-dependent increase, which indicated IPEE has excellent antioxidant activities. As for the anti-allergy test in RBL-2H3 cells, the IPEE showed a decrease in β-hexosaminidase secretion as the concentration increases, and IPEE tended to decrease IL-4 secretion in all RBL-2H3 cells compared to the IgE + HSA group. IPEE showed good anti-inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 cells by decrease of NO production and inflammation cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Also IPEE showed non-irritant in BCOP assay. By the results of this study, the IPEE containing high tannins, had good antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory effects, which indicated that the immature persimmon is considered to be a useful for the development of related functional ingredients.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.10
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• 2023

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are drugs that are widely used in treating estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients. Drug resistance is a major obstacle to aromatase inhibition therapy. There are diverse reasons behind acquired AI resistance. This study aims at identifying the plausible cause of acquired AI resistance in patients administered with non-steroidal AIs (anastrozole and letrozole). We used genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, and mutation data of breast invasive carcinoma from The Cancer Genomic Atlas database. The data was then separated into sensitive and resistant sets based on patients' responsiveness to the non-steroidal AIs. A sensitive set of 150 patients and a resistant set of 172 patients were included for the study. These data were collectively analyzed to probe into the factors that might be responsible for AI resistance. We identified 17 differentially regulated genes (DEGs) among the two groups. Then, methylation, mutation, miRNA, copy number variation, and pathway analyses were performed for these DEGs. The top mutated genes (FGFR3, CDKN2A, RNF208, MAPK4, MAPK15, HSD3B1, CRYBB2, CDC20B, TP53TG5, and MAPK8IP3) were predicted. We also identified a key miRNA - hsa-mir-1264 regulating the expression of CDC20B. Pathway analysis revealed HSD3B1 to be involved in estrogen biosynthesis. This study reveals the involvement of key genes that might be associated with the development of AI resistance in ER-positive breast cancers and hence may act as a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for these patients.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.315-325
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• 2023

Objectives : Recently, research has been actively conducted on the efficacy of complexes based on oriental medicine prescriptions for improving immune activity and allergies. In this study, In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Angelica gigas Nakai and Corni fructus extract (AC), medicinal herbs, among candidate drugs derived through preliminary experiments with various components of oriental medicine prescriptions for allergies, on allergies in RBL-2H3 cells. Methods : We evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Ulmus on the allergic inflammatory response in anti-DNP-IgE activated DNP-HSA in RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by WST-1 assay and the markers of degranulation such as beta-hexosaminidase, histamine, TNF-α and IL-6 production of inflammatory mediators and FcεRI-mediated expression. Results : The results showed that treatment with AC extract (20, 40 and 80㎍/㎖) noncytotoxic levels and significantly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, histamine and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in RBL-2H3 by the antigen stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that AC extract exhibits anti-allergic activity through inhibition of degranulation and inhibition of inflammatory mediators and cytokine release. These findings suggest that AC extract may have potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1649-1659
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• 2012

Crosses between Korean and Landrace pigs have revealed a large quantitative trait loci (QTL) region for fat deposition in a region (89 cM) of porcine chromosome 4 (SSC4). To more finely map this QTL region and identify candidate genes for this trait, comparative mapping of pig and human chromosomes was performed in the present study. A region in the human genome that corresponds to the porcine QTL region was identified in HSA1q21. Furthermore, the LMNA gene, which is tightly associated with fat augmentation in humans, was localized to this region. Radiation hybrid (RH) mapping using a Sus scrofa RH panel localized LMNA to a region of 90.3 cM in the porcine genome, distinct from microsatellite marker S0214 (87.3 cM). Two-point analysis showed that LMNA was linked to S0214, SW1996, and S0073 on SSC4 with logarithm (base 10) of odds scores of 20.98, 17.78, and 16.73, respectively. To clone the porcine LMNA gene and to delineate the genomic structure and sequences, including the 3'untranslated region (UTR), rapid amplification of cDNA ends was performed. The coding sequence of porcine LMNA consisted of 1,719 bp, flanked by a 5'UTR and a 3'UTR. Two synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in exons 3 and 7. Association tests showed that the SNP located in exon 3 (A193A) was significantly associated with weight at 30 wks (p<0.01) and crude fat content (p<0.05). This association suggests that SNPs located in LMNA could be used for marker-assisted selection in pigs.