• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.721-728
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• 2022

This study investigated the diversity of intestinal microbial communities isolated from the intestine of topshell (Turbo cornutus) from the coast of Jeju Island (Beobhwan, Seogwipo city). Pure cultivation using the standard marine agar (MA) medium showed the most significant number of clusters. Aerobic and anaerobic culture allowed isolation of strains of 1.8×10⁵ CFU·g^-1 and 0.4×10 CFU·g^-1 on average, respectively. The microbial population in the topshell intestine was classified into 4 phyla, 12 families, 26 genera, and 67 species. The microbes in the topshell intestine were detected by homology with 93~100% with standard strains. The microbes in the topshell intestine consisted of Proteobacteria 39%, Firmicutes 34%, Actinobacteria 21%, and Bacteroidets 6%. The identified families were Alteromonadaceae (1), Shewanellaceae (4), Vibrionaceae (12), Phyllobacteriaeceae (1), Rhodobacteraceae (8), Bacillaceae (21), Paenibacillaceae (2), Cellulomonadaceae (1), Mycobacteriaceae (6), Nocardiaceae (4), Streptomycetaceae (3) and Flavobacteriaceae (4). Bacillus sp. and Vibrio sp. accounted for the greatest portion of the separated strains. Among the isolated microorganisms, some strains had probiotic functions.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.87-96
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• 2023

There are a lot of difference between the surface settlement and the differential settlement measured at the Busan New Port, where the dredged and reclaimed clay layer exists and below the clay is originally thickly distributed. To find the cause and solution of this, the actual conditions of each differential settlement used for the soft ground improvement, characteristics, installation method, measurement frequency, measurement data management, and data analysis of each type were considered. In the deep soft ground improvement work where large deformation occurs, the bending deformation of the screw-type differential settlement gauge is less than that of other types of measuring instruments, so there is less risk of loss, and the reliability of data is relatively high as the instruments are installed by drilling for each stratum. Since the greater the amount of high-precision settlement measurement data, the higher the settlement analysis precision. It is necessary to manage with higher criteria than the measurement frequency suggested in the standard specification. For the data management of the differential settlement gauge, it is desirable to create graphs of the settlement and embankment height of the relevant section over time, such as surface, differential, and settlement of pore water pressure gauge for each point. In the case of multi-layered ground with different compression characteristics, it is more appropriate to perform settlement analysis by calculating the consolidation characteristics of each stratum using a differential settlement data.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2023

In this study, Crocus chrysanthus (Herb.) Herb. bulb extracts were extracted by purified water and ethanol, and their antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity were measured to see the possibility as a cosmetic material. The yield of the extracts was 1.8% to 6.0%, and the yield decreased as the ethanol concentration increased. DPPH free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity was high at 91.97% at 625 ㎍/mL of 70% ethanol extract. The total phenol content was also measured at 447 mg/g, higher than other extraction methods. The whitening effect was confirmed through in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity. As the ethanol concentration of the extracts increased, the tyrosinase inhibitory activity increased, and 70% and 94.5% ethanol extracts showed high inhibitory activity. Therefore, the Crocus chrysanthus (Herb.) Herb. bulb extracts confirmed its potential as a cosmetic material through antioxidant and whitening effects.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

This study focused on the development of a vegetable recombinated oil to mimic the animal-derived mink oil. Various vegetable oils and fatty acid substrates were mixed and an immobilized enzyme was utilized in the reaction to synthesize a plant-derived mink oil through deacidification and purification processes. The chemical composition and thermal properties of the recombined oil were confirmed using gas chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. Our results show a high similarity between mink oil and our synthesized plant-derived mink oil, revealing the potential of utilizing vegetable alternatives for the substitution of animal raw materials, which have been gradually discontinued as cosmetic ingredients.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2023

In this study, we would like to study the stabilization of the high content of ceramide formulation by containing cyclodextrin. Ceramide, which constitutes the intercellular lipid, a human skin barrier, is a very important ingredient in moisturizing maintenance by protecting moisture in the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. However, since ceramide is poorly soluble, even if it is included in the cosmetic formulation, it has a problem that it is slowly gelled or crystallized and deposited over time, making it difficult to containing a high amount of ceramide. Cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide connected with glucose molecules and has a cylindrical structure with hydrophilic outer surface and hydrophobic inner surface, which is known to improve the physicochemical properties of drugs such as improving solubility and absorption of poorly soluble drugs. We demonstrated the stability of the formulation containing high amount of ceramide by measuring hardness and observing emulsion drops with polarized microscope. This study also demonstrated that the high-content ceramide formulation containing cyclodextrin has the effect of preventing gelation or crystallization of ceramide, thus having excellent environmental conditions stability and skin moisturization.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1071-1082
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatment with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. Case presentation: We used Korean medicine treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) to treat a hospitalized patient with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The degree of cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet was also evaluated using evaluation paper. The generic health status was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. The 31-year-old female underwent 13 days of inpatient treatment. Her pattern identification was that both hands and feet are cold (BiYangHeo) types. The treatments were herbal medicine and acupuncture. She took Gyejigabuja-tang for 13 days. She also received acupuncture for 20 minutes twice a day at LI11 (曲池), L14 (合谷), TE5 (外關) on her hands, LR3 (太衝), SP6 (三陰交), SP9 (陰陵泉) ST36 (足三里), GB41 (足臨泣) on Feet, GV4 (命門), GV3 (腰陽關), BL23 (腎兪), BL24 (氣海兪), BL25 (大腸兪), and BL26 (關元兪) on the low back. After 2 weeks of treatment, the NRS scale of her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet symptoms dropped from NRS 7 to NRS 3, and her low back pain dropped from NRS 6 to NRS 3. Her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet evaluation paper score decreased from 64 to 32, and her EQ-5D increased from 0.487 to 0.681. After the end of treatment, continued symptom improvements and no significant side effects were confirmed. Results: These findings suggest that Korean medical treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) may be effective for treating cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. The NRS, evaluation paper, and EQ-5D scores improved after treatment, with no side effects.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.155-164
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• 2024

Background: Exercise capacity is associated with lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but a discrepancy between exercise capacity and airflow limitation exists. This study aimed to explore factors contributing to this discrepancy in COPD patients. Methods: Data for this prospective study were obtained from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study. The exercise capacity and airflow limitation were assessed using the 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD; m) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁). Participants were divided into four groups: FEV₁ >50%+6-MWD >350, FEV₁ >50%+6-MWD ≤350, FEV₁ ≤50%+6-MWD >350, and FEV₁ ≤50%+6-MWD ≤350 and their clinical characteristics were compared. Results: A total of 883 patients (male:female, 822:61; mean age, 68.3±7.97 years) were enrolled. Among 591 patients with FEV₁ >50%, 242 were in the 6-MWD ≤350 group, and among 292 patients with FEV₁ ≤50%, 185 were in the 6-MWD >350 group. The multiple regression analyses revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 8.779; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.539 to 50.087; p=0.014), current smoking status (OR, 0.355; 95% CI, 0.178 to 0.709; p=0.003), and hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.332; 95% CI, 1.077 to 1.648; p=0.008) were significantly associated with discrepancies in exercise capacity and airflow limitation in patients with FEV₁ >50%. Meanwhile, in patients with FEV₁ ≤50%, diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (OR, 0.945; 95% CI, 0.912 to 0.979; p=0.002) was significantly associated with discrepancies between exercise capacity and airflow limitation. Conclusion: The exercise capacity of COPD patients may be influenced by factors other than airflow limitation, so these aspects should be considered when assessing and treating patients.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.187-192
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• 2013

Purpose: We investigate the results of changed heart volume and heart dose in the left breast cancer patients while considering the movements of respiration. Materials and Methods: During the months of March and May in 2012, we designated the 10 patients who had tangential irradiation with left breast cancer in the department of radiation Oncology. With acquired images of free breathing pattern through 3D and 4D CT, we had planed enough treatment filed for covered up the whole left breast. It compares the results of the exposed dose and the volume of heart by DVH (Dose Volume histogram). Although total dose was 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/28 fraction), reirradiated 9 Gy (1.8 Gy/5 Fraction) with PTV (Planning Target Volume) if necessary. Results: It compares the results of heart volume and heart dose with the free breathing in 3D CT and 4D CT. It represents the maximum difference volume of heart is 40.5%. In addition, it indicated the difference volume of maximum and minimum, average are 8.8% and 27.9%, 37.4% in total absorbed dose of heart. Conclusion: In case of tangential irradiation (opposite beam) in left breast cancer patients, it is necessary to consider the changed heart volume by the respiration of patient and the heartbeat of patient.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.81-94
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• 2006

The water quality impacts of forest fragmentation at the Doam-dam watershed were evaluated in this study. For this ends, the watershed scale model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was utilized. To exclude the effects of different magnitude and patterns in weather, the same weather data of 1985 was used because of significant differences in precipitation in year 1985 and 2000. The water quality impacts of forest fragmentation were analyzed temporarily and spatially because of its nature. The flow rates for Winter and Spring has increased with forest fragmentations by $8,366m^3/month$ and $72,763m^3/month$ in the S1 subwatershed, experiencing the most forest fragmentation within the Doam-dam watershed. For Summer and Fall, the flow rate has increased by $149,901m^3/month$ and $107,109m^3/month$, respectively. It is believed that increased flow rates contributed significant amounts of soil erosion and diffused nonpoint source pollutants into the receiving water bodies. With the forest fragmentation in the S1 watershed, the average sediment concentration values for Winter and Spring increased by 5.448mg/L and 13.354mg/L, respectively. It is believed that the agricultural area, which were forest before the forest fragmentation, are responsible for increased soil erosion and sediment yield during the spring thaw and snow melts. For Spring and Fall, the sediment concentration values increased by 20.680mg/L and 24.680mg/L, respectively. Compared with Winter and Spring, the increased precipitation during Summer and Fall contributed more soil erosion and increased sediment concentration value in the stream. Based on the results obtained from the analysis performed in this study, the stream flow and sediment concentration values has increased with forest fragmentation within the S1 subwatershed. These increased flow and soil erosion could contribute the eutrophication in the receiving water bodies. This results show that natural functionalities of the forest, such as flood control, soil erosion protection, and water quality improvement, can be easily lost with on-going forest fragmentation within the watershed. Thus, the minimize the negative impacts of forest fragmentation, comprehensive land use planning at watershed scale needs to be developed and implemented based on the results obtained in this research.