• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.1-16
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Kamibojoongikkitang (KBT) on the immune cells in C57BL/6 mice. Methods : KBT (500mg/kg) was administerd p.o. once a day for 7 days. Results : KBT decreased the cell viability of thymocytes in vivo and in vitro system and decreased the cell viability of splenocytes in vivo, but increased the viability of splenocytes in vitro system. In addition, KBT did not affect the population of helper T (Th) cells and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells in thymocytes and decreased the population of T- and B-lymphocytes and the population of Th and Tc cells in splenocytes. Furthermore, KBT did not affect the production of ${\gamma}%-interferon and interleukin-4 in splenocytes. KBT increased the production of nitric oxide in vivo but decreased the production of nitric oxide in vitro system. KBT enhanced the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages in vivo, but decreased the phagocytic activity in vitro. Conclusion : KBT has an inhibitory action on the specific immune response via decrease of the cell viability of thymocytes and splenocytes and has a potent action on the non-specific immunity via increase of phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Pathology Conference
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• 한국식물병리학회 2003년도 정기총회 및 추계학술발표회
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• pp.76.1-76
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• 2003

The coat protein (CP) of Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) is organized into 3 distinct domains, R domain (RNA-binding) connected by an arm, 5 domain and P domain. We have previously shown that the CP of TCV strongly suppresses RNA silencing, and have mapped N-terminal R domain of which is also the elicitor of resistance response in the Arabidopsis ecotype Di-17 carrying the HRT resistance gene. In order to map the region in the TCV CP that is responsible for silencing suppression, a series of CP mutants were constructed, transformed into Agrobacterium, coinfiltrated either with HC-Pro (the helper component proteinase of tobacco etch potyvirus) known as a suppressor of PTGS or GFP constructs into leaves of Nicotiana benthmiana expressing GFP transgenically. In the presence of HC-Pro, all CP mutants were well protected, accumulating mutant CP mRNAs and their proteins even 5 days post-infiltration (DPI). In the presence of GFP, some mutant constructs which showed the accumulation of CP mutants and GFP mRNAs at early stage but eventually degraded at 5 DPI. Only a mutant which carrying 4 amino acid deletion of R domain was tolerable to maintain suppressing activity, suggesting that the suppressing activity is not directly related with the eliciting activity. A transient assay also revealed that the mutants synthesized their proteins, suggesting that a full length of CP sequences and its intact structure are required to stabilize CP, which suppresses the RNA silencing.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제2권3호
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• pp.126-130
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• 2004

T helper-type 2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, may play a central role in allergic diseases. The protein known as signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a key transcription factor involved in both IL-4- and -13-mediated biological responses. Two polymorphisms of the STAT 6 gene (exon 1 and G2964A variant) have been found. We investigated whether these STAT6 gene polymorph isms were associated with allergic rhinitis. Blood samples for genetic analysis were obtained from 285 individuals with allergic rhinitis and from 271 healthy subjects without atopic disease. The G2964A variant of the STAT6 gene was genotyped using PCR-RFLP analysis. The GT repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the STAT6 gene was genotyped by fragment analysis. There was no association between the 2964A variant and GT repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the STAT6 and allergic rhinitis in a Korean population (both p > 0.05). Our results suggest that a combination of STAT6 gene polymorphisms is not a useful marker for predicting allergic rhinitis.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.149-158
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• 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology that encompasses immunologic responses. AD is frequently associated with elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and common environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Several recent studies have documented the role of specific lactic acid bacteria in the treatment and prevention of AD in humans and mice. In this study, the efficacy of Duolac ATP, a probiotic preparation, was determined in a mouse model with AD-like skin lesions. Alterations in the cytokine levels and histological staining suggested the alleviation of AD. The in vivo test showed that T helper (Th)2 cytokines, IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5, were significantly downregulated, whereas Th1 cytokines, IL-12p40 and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$, were upregulated in all groups of mice treated with Duolac ATP compared to that observed in the group of mice treated with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) alone. Moreover, the scratch score decreased in all mice treated with Duolac ATP. Staining of the dorsal area of the mice in each group with hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue further confirmed the alleviation of AD in mice orally treated with Duolac ATP. These results suggest that Duolac ATP inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the Th2 cell response and increasing the Th1 cell response. Thus, Duolac ATP is beneficial and effective for the treatment of AD-like skin lesions.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.451-464
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• 2009

Background and Objective : Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. The present study was designated to evaluate the direct effects of CR on helper T cell activities and on Th1/Th2 lineage development in vitro. Materials and Methods : Spleen cells from 8 week BALB/c mice were cultured in CR extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA expression levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, T-bet and GATA-3 by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 by ELISA. Results : The results demonstrated that CR had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4+ T cells, but augmented CD4+ T-cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies in a dose-dependent manner. CR treatment significantly increased CD4+ T cell population and the IFN-$\gamma$ expression was significantly enhanced, while IL-4 expression was significantly decreased. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that CR enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ secretion in Th1 cells, but reduced the IL-4 in Th2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that CR treatment could be a desirable alternative therapy for the prevention or correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders, such as allergy and asthma.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.179-191
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• 2009

Background: The present study examines a hypothesis that short allergen-derived peptides may shift an Aspergillus fumigatus (Afu-) specific TH2 response towards a protective TH1. Five overlapping peptides (P1-P5) derived from Asp f1, a major allergen/antigen of Afu, were evaluated for prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy in BALB/c mice. Methods: To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy, peptides were intranasally administered to naive mice and challenged with Afu-allergens/antigens. For evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, the mice were sensitized with Afu-allergens/antigens followed by intranasal administration of peptides. The groups were compared for the levels of Afu-specific antibodies in sera and splenic cytokines evaluated by ELISA. Eosinophil peroxidase activity was examined in the lung cell suspensions and lung inflammation was assessed by histopathogy. Results: Peptides P1-, P2- and P3 decreased Afu-specific IgE (84.5~98.9%) and IgG antibodies (45.7~71.6%) in comparison with Afu-sensitized mice prophylactically. P1- and P2-treated ABPA mice showed decline in Afu-specific IgE (76.4~88%) and IgG antibodies (15~54%). Increased IgG2a/IgG1 and IFN-${\gamma}$/IL-4 ratios were observed. P1-P3 prophylactically and P1 therapeutically decreased IL-5 levels and eosinophil peroxidase activity. P1 decreased inflammatory cells' infiltration in lung tissue comparable to non-challenged control. Conclusion: Asp f1-derived peptide P1, prophylactically and therapeutically administered to Balb/c mice, is effective in regulating allergic response to allergens/antigens of Afu, and may be explored for immunotherapy of allergic aspergillosis in humans.

• Korean Parent-Child Health Journal
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.133-143
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare mother's caring-confidence, between primipara perception of the newborn, and child-rearing attitude and multipara. Method: The data was collected from 159 married mothers of newborns in the post-partum care center using self-rating questionnaires from November, 2003 to March, 2004. Data was analyzed using SPSS/Win program by t-test and Pearson Correlation coefficient. Result: 1) The mean score of mother's perception of the newborn, the newborn caring-confidence, and child-rearing attitude were .26, 3.13, and 3.43. 2) The score of the newborn caring-confidence of multipara was greater significantly than the one of primapara. 3) The score of mother's perception of tile newborn and child-rearing attitude of primapara were greater than the one of multipara but there were no significant differences. 4) There was a positive correlation between mother's perception of the newborn and child-rearing attitude and significant correlation between caring-confidence and child-rearing attitude. 5) The score of mother's perception of the newborn was significantly different according to the level of education type of family and delivery planned. 6) The score of caring-confidence was significantly different according to the helper, the history of delivery. 7) The score of child-rearing attitude was significantly difference according to the level of education and the birth weight of newborn. Conclusion: When the newborn care giver in the postpartum care setting is teaching the method of infant care to mother, there should be in consideration of the rearing experience of mothers. Mother's perception of the newborn, caring-confidence, and child-rearing attitude should be considered to develop the effective education program for mothers who have newborn. And its educational contents must be focused on the promotion of trust between infant and mother.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.331-338
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to measure the workload of home visit care activities and their relative values. This study examined also factors that affect the workload of home visit care activities. Methods : The participants of this study were 126 home-helpers of 50 home visit care agencies at the 2nd Long-term Care Insurance Demonstration Project. The workload of home visit care activities was divided into total work and four dimensions ; physical efforts, mental efforts, stress and time. Home visit care activities consisted of four categories with 24 items. We used magnitude estimation method to measure their relative values of the four dimensions. The participants answered the relative values of each activities based on the reference service. We used the activity for supporting their elderly's evacuation as the reference service. Results : Most of the respondents were over 40 years old female. They consumed most their time supporting elderly's going out. They consumed their highest physical, mental efforts, and stress for activities of coping with emergency situation. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed significant relationships between workload and each dimensions. This study showed that all four dimensions are statistically significant predictors of workload of home visit care activities. Also, we found that the home-helper's career affects the workload of home visit care activities. Conclusions : The workload of home visit care activities could be explained by physical efforts, mental efforts, stress and time.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.463-495
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to obtain a fundamental data for developing a policy concerning women and child rearing and a parent education program for young parents who are around their childbirth, a period crucially important both for the parents in terms of the role adjustment, career management, and family finance, and for the infants in terms of its physical and psychological well-being. The subjects were 509 mothers before and after childbirth currently living in the Metropolitan City of Daejeon. Data were obtained through questionnaires and interviews in two major areas of pregnancy-delivery-childcare and parent education. Data were analyzed using SAS, mostly through frequency analysis, percentiles, t-tests, and F-tests. Results of descriptive analyses were organized along the following areas and issues: Pregnancy(family planning, regular check-ups, difficulties, prenatal education, costs, etc.); delivery(type of delivery, delivery related experience, costs, clinic/medical institute of choice, worries/problems, help/supports, etc.); postpartum care(place, kinds of help and helper, costs, postpartum care facilities, etc.); childcare circumstances(place, carer, time schedules, childcare centers or facilities feeding and weaning, etc.); husband's attitudes and involvement in the overall process; working mothers(maternity leave, temporary retirement for child rearing, etc.); and, parent education(family planning, pregnancy, delivery, postpartum care, child rearing, areas or issues needing parent education, facilitative and hindering factors to ideal parenting, etc.). Differences between groups of pregnant mothers and postpartum mothers, working- and non-working mothers, groups of different income levels, mothers and fathers of different educational levels, mothers of first pregnancy(or childbirth) and experienced mothers were also analyzed. Several conclusions with suggestions were drawn in relation to the need for strong implementation as well as developing of policies on women and childcare and for developing a new parent education program for parents before and after childbirth.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.681-693
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• 2007

Background and Objective : Atractylodes japonica (AJ) is a commonly-used herbal medicine in Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. The present study was designated to evaluate the direct effects of AJ on helper T cell activities and on Th1/Th2 lineage development in vitro. Materials and Methods : Spleen cells from 8-week BALB/c mice were cultured in CR extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA expression levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, T-bet and GATA-3 by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 by ELISA. Results : The results demonstrated that AJ had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4+ T cells, but augmented CD4+T-cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies in a dose-dependent manner. AJ treatment significantly increased CD4+ T cell population and IFN-$\gamma$ expression was significantly enhanced, while IL-4 expression significantly decreased. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that AJ enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ secretion in Th1 cells, but reduced the IL-4 in Th2 cells in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that AJ treatment could be a desirable alternative therapy for the prevention or correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders, such as allergy and asthma.