• SUVANNABHUMI
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.107-135
• /
• 2014

Cham identities which are socially constructed and multilayered, display their markers in a variety of elements, including homeland attachment to the former Kingdom of Champa, religion, language and cultural traditions, to mention a few. However, unlike other contemporary diasporic experience which binds the homeland and the host country, the Cham diaspora in Cambodia has a unique pattern as it seems to have no voice in the political and economic spheres in Vietnam, its homeland. The relations between the Cham in Cambodia and Vietnam seem to be limited to cultural heritages such as Cham musical traditions, traditional clothing, and the architectural heritage. Many Cham people have established networks outside Cambodia with areas of the Muslim world, like Malaysia, Indonesia, southern Thailand and the Middle Eastern countries. Pursuing education or training in Islam as well as working in those countries, especially Malaysia has become a way for the Cham to widen their networks and increase their knowledge of particularly, Islam. Returning to Cambodia, these people become religious teachers or ustadz (Islamic teachers in the pondok [Islamic boarding school]). This has developed slowly, side by side with the formation of their identity as Cham Muslims. Among certain Cham, the absence of an ancient cultural heritage as an identity marker has been replaced by the Islamic culture as the important element of identity. However, being Cham is not a single identity, it is fluid and contested. Many scholars argue that the Cham in Cambodia constitute three groups: the Cham Chvea, Cham, and Cham Bani (Cham Jahed). The so-called Cham Jahed has a unique practice of Islam. Unlike other Cham who pray five times a day, Cham Jahed people pray, once a week, on Fridays. They also have a different ritual for the wedding ceremony which they regard as the authentic tradition of the Cham. Indeed, they consider themselves pure descendants of the Cham in Vietnam; retaining Cham traditions and tending to maintain their relationship with their fellow Cham in Central Vietnam. In terms of language, another marker of identity, the Cham and the Cham Jahed share the same language, but Cham Jahed preserve the written Cham script more often than the Cham. Besides, the Cham Jahed teaches the language to the young generation intensively. This paper, based on fieldwork in Cambodia in 2010 and 2011 will focus on the process of the formation of the Cham identity, especially of those called Cham and Cham Jahed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.57 no.4
• /
• pp.389-402
• /
• 2024

Propose: This study examined the antioxidant and anti-gastritis properties of a mixture comprising Ipomoea batatas (IB) extract and Dioscorea japonica (DJ) extract. Methods: The mixture of IB and DJ extracts was analyzed for its total flavonoid content (TFC), total polyphenol content (TPC), and radical scavenging activities. Gastric lesions were induced by treating rats with 1 mL of a solution containing 60% ethanol and 150 mM HCl. The rats were then divided into 5 groups: CON (normal control), HEC (treated with 150 mM HCl-60% ethanol and distilled water), IBE (treated with 150 mM HCl-60% ethanol and IB extract at 350 mg/kg body weight [BW]), ID30 (treated with 150 mM HCl-60% ethanol and a mixture of IB and DJ extracts in a 7:3 ratio at 350 mg/kg BW), and DJE (treated with 150 mM HCl-60% ethanol and DJ extract at 350 mg/kg BW). Results: The ID30 group exhibited significantly higher TFC, TPC, and radical scavenging activities than the groups treated with single extracts. This group also showed a notable decrease in the formation of gastric lesions and preservation of gastric wall mucus. In addition, the serum levels of the inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were significantly lower in the ID30 group than in the HEC group. Conclusion: The antioxidants present in the ID30 mixture effectively reduced oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species, mitigating gastric mucosal irritation induced by alcohol and acid. Furthermore, the mixture inhibited gastric acid secretion and inflammatory marker expression, such as TNF-α, preventing tissue damage. These findings suggest that the ID30 mixture is a potential preventative treatment for gastritis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.37-42
• /
• 2012

Objectives : Angelica Gigantis Radix is prescribed as the root of different Angelica species on the pharmacopoeia in Korea, Japan and China. Chemical components and their biological activities were also different according to their species. A study for the development of simple method to compare Angelica roots was needed. In order to classify them, the methods such as DNA sequencing analysis and taste sensor were applied to three Angelica species like Angelica gigas, Angelica acutiloba and Angelica sinensis. Methods : PCR amplification of intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region was performed using ITS1 and ITS4 primer from nine Angelica roots, and then nucleotide sequence was determined. Taste pattern of samples were measured using the taste-sensing system SA402B equipped with a sensing unit, which consists of artificial lipid membrane sensor probes of anionic bitterness, astringency, saltiness, umami, and cationic bitterness (C00, AE1, CT0, AAE, and AN0, respectively). Results : As a result of comparing the similarity of the ITS region sequences, A. sinensis was discriminated from the others (A. gigas and A. acutiloba). Equally this genetic result, A. gigas and A. acutiloba showed similar taste pattern as compared to A. sinensis. Sourness, bitterness, aftertaste of bitterness, astringency, and aftertaste of astringency of A. sinensis were significantly high as compared with A. gigas and A. acutiloba. In contrast, richness was significantly low. Conclusions : These taste pattern can be used as a way of comparison of Angelica species and this technic could be applied to establish a taste pattern marker for standardization of herbs in various purposes.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.851-858
• /
• 2023

Unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (UCMA) is an extrahepatic vitamin K-dependent protein rich in γ-carboxylated (Gla) residues. UCMA has been recognized for its ability to promote osteoblast differentiation and enhance bone formation; however, its impact on osteoblasts under hyperglycemic stress remains unknown. In this paper, we investigated the effect of UCMA on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells under hyperglycemic conditions. After exposure to high glucose, the MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with recombinant UCMA proteins. CellROX and MitoSOX staining showed that the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which initially increased under high-glucose conditions in MC3T3-E1 cells, decreased after UCMA treatment. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed increased expression of antioxidant genes, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and superoxide dismutase 1, in the MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to both high glucose and UCMA. UCMA treatment downregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1, which reduced its translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Moreover, the expression of dynamin-related protein 1, a mitochondrial fission marker, was upregulated, and AKT signaling was inhibited after UCMA treatment. Overall, UCMA appears to mitigate ROS production, increase antioxidant gene expression, impact mitochondrial dynamics, and modulate AKT signaling in osteoblasts exposed to high-glucose conditions. This study advances our understanding of the cellular mechanism of UCMA and suggests its potential use as a novel therapeutic agent for bone complications related to metabolic disorders.

• The Journal of Society for e-Business Studies
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.137-152
• /
• 2017

The decline in the price of IT devices and the development of the Internet have created a new field called Internet of Things (IoT). IoT, which creates new services by connecting all the objects that are in everyday life to the Internet, is pioneering new forms of business that have not been seen before in combination with Big Data. The prospect of IoT can be said to be unlimited in its utilization. In addition, studies of standardization organizations for smooth connection of these IoT devices are also active. However, there is a part of this study that we overlook. In order to control IoT equipment or acquire information, it is necessary to separately develop interworking issues (IP address, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) and related application software or apps. In order to solve these problems, existing research methods have been conducted on augmented reality using GPS or markers. However, there is a disadvantage in that a separate marker is required and the marker is recognized only in the vicinity. In addition, in the case of a study using a GPS address using a 2D-based camera, it was difficult to implement an active interface because the distance to the target device could not be recognized. In this study, we use 3D Depth recognition camera to be installed on smartphone and calculate the space coordinates automatically by linking the distance measurement and the sensor information of the mobile phone without a separate marker. Coordination inquiry finds equipment of IoT and enables information acquisition and control of corresponding IoT equipment. Therefore, from the user's point of view, it is possible to reduce the burden on the problem of interworking of the IoT equipment and the installation of the app. Furthermore, if this technology is used in the field of public services and smart glasses, it will reduce duplication of investment in software development and increase in public services.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) allows for the rapid prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies. The main advantages of this assay are its low cost, speed, and automation, allowing for large-scale application. However, despite these advantages, it is not a routine method for prenatal aneuploidy screening in Korea. Our objective in the present study was to validate the performance of QF-PCR using short tandem repeat (STR) markers in a Korean population as a means for rapid prenatal diagnosis. Material and Methods: A QF-PCR assay using an Elucigene kit (Gen-Probe, Abingdon, UK), containing 20 STR markers located on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y, was performed on 847 amniotic fluid (AF) samples for prenatal aneuploidy screening referred for prenatal aneuploidy screening from 2007 to 2009. The results were then compared to those obtained using conventional cytogenetic analysis. To evaluate the informativity of STR markers, the heterozygosity index of each marker was determined in all the samples. Results: Three autosomes (13, 18, and 21) and X and Y chromosome aneuploidies were detected in 19 cases (2.2%, 19/847) after QF-PCR analysis of the 847 AF samples. Their results are identical to those of conventional cytogenetic analysis, with 100% positive predictive value. However, after cytogenetic analysis, 7 cases (0.8%, 7/847) were found to have 5 balanced and 2 unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities that were not detected by QF-PCR. The STR markers had a slightly low heterozygosity index (average: 0.76) compared to those reported in Caucasians (average: 0.80). Submicroscopic duplication of D13S634 marker, which might be a unique finding in Koreans, was detected in 1.4% (12/847) of the samples in the present study. Conclusion: A QF-PCR assay for prenatal aneuploidy screening was validated in our institution and proved to be efficient and reliable. However, we suggest that each laboratory must perform an independent validation test for each STR marker in order to develop interpretation guidelines of the results and must integrate QF-PCR into the routine cytogenetic laboratory workflow.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.55 no.2
• /
• pp.177-188
• /
• 2016

The alpha-proteobacterium Wolbachia is one of the most important intracellular symbionts of arthropods. This Gram-negative bacterium is involved in many biological processes and is currently considered as a potential tool for biological control. Wolbachia is a cytoplasmic bacterium, maternally transferred through generations, and to facilitate its success, it has evolved several strategies that manipulate its host reproductive system to increase the number of infected individuals in the host population. The variety of Wolbachia was first recognized using genes wsp, 16S rRNA, ftsZ, gltA and groEL as molecular markers while strain genotypes of Wolbachia are determined of Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and sequence of amino acid in region, hyper variable regions (HVRs) in protein WSP. Possible uses of the bacteria and their predominant phenotypes in control programs for agricultural pests and human disease vectors have been considered. Phenotypes are known to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis induction (PI), feminization (F) and male killing (MK). Finally, applications of the bacterium in control programs of agricultural and medical insect pests have been discussed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.2099-2102
• /
• 2015

Objective: To explore the expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) tissues and its influence on tumor invasion and metastasis. Materials and Methods: Paraffin embedding samples of cancer, para-cancer, lymph node metastatic and hepatic metastatic tissues from 79 patients undergoing EHCC resection were collected. Expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ was detected by immunohistochemistry and its relationship with clinical pathological characteristics and the prognosis of EHCC patients were analyzed. Results: $Laminin{\gamma}2$ showed negative staining in para-cancer tissues, but demonstrated a 51.9% (41/79) positive expression rate in extracellular matrix (ECM) or cytoplasm of EHCC tissues. In lymph node metastatic and distant metastatic nidi, expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ was significantly higher than in the primary nidi (${\chi}^2=7.4173$, P=0.0065; ${\chi}^2=4.0077$, P=0.0453). The expression was in obvious association with lymph node metastasis (P<0.01), but had no relevance with age, gender, tumor location, tumor stage, differentiation and distant metastasis in ECM (P>0.05), whereas it was in marked connection with lymph node and distant metastasis (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but had no relationship with age, gender, tumor location, tumor stage and differentiation in cytoplasm (P>0.05). However, the median survival time and median recurrent period of patients with positive expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ in both cytoplasm and ECM of tumor cells, only in ECM and only in cytoplasm, were evidently lower than with negative expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ in RCM and cytoplasm (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Further Cox regression analysis showed that the positive expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ and the tumor differentiation were independent risk factors influencing the prognosis of EHCC patients. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of $laminin{\gamma}2$ may be closely associated with invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, and thus a potential molecular marker for prognosis of EHCC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.12
• /
• pp.7635-7638
• /
• 2013

Background: Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) has been recently proposed as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of several human tumors, including ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Its clinical value remains to be clarified for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, we investigated the utility of serum SPAG9 levels in diagnosis of EC and its association with important clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary women's referral center in Ankara, Turkey. Preoperative serum samples were collected from patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer between June 2012-April 2013. Similar aged women with a biopsy proven benign endometrium were used as controls. Serum SPAG9 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed for links with clinicopathological factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess power of SPAG9 levels for EC prediction. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 women with EC and 27 with benign endometrium were included in the study. Mean age in the EC group was $58.7{\pm}1.1$. Median SPAG9 levels in the EC and control groups were 18.3 (range, 12.7-53.8) and 14.1 (range, 4.3-65.3), respectively (p<0.001). A cut-off value of 17 ng/ml for SPAG9 predicted presence of malignant endometrium with 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity [Area under curve (AUC)=0.82, p<0.001]. SPAG9 levels did not demonstrate any significant association with histological type, FIGO stage, tumor grade, size, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, peritoneal cytology or lymph node status (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Testing for SPAG9 may be useful for early detection of EC in asymptomatic high-risk women. Its role in post-treatment follow-up and early detection of recurrence should be assessed in future trials.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.41-52
• /
• 2012

Purpose: Triangulation is the process of determining the location of a point by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a fixed baseline. This point can be fixed as the third point of a triangle with one known side and two known angles. The aim of this study was to find a clinically adaptable method for applying an optical tracking navigation system to orthognathic surgery and to estimate its accuracy of measuring the bone displacement by use of triangulation methods. Methods: In orthognathic surgery, the head position is not fixed as in neurosurgery, so that a head tracker is needed to establish the reference point on the head surface byusing an optical tracking system. However, the operation field is interfered by its bulkiness that makes its clinical use difficult. To solve this problem, we designed a method using an Aquaplast splinting material and a mini-screw in applying a head tracker on a patient's forehead. After that, we estimated the accuracy of measuring displacements of the ball marker by an optical tracking system with a conventional head tracker (Group A) and with a newly designed head tracker (Group B). Measured values of ball markers' displacements by each optical tracking system were compared with values obtained from fusion CT images for an estimation of accuracy. Results: The accuracy of the optical tracking system with a conventional head tracker (Group A) is not suitable for clinical usage. Measured and predictable errors are larger than 10 mm. The optical tracking system with a newly designed head tracker (Group B) shows 1.59 mm, 6.34 mm, and 9.52 mm errorsin threeclinical cases. Conclusion: Most errors were brought on mainly from a lack of reproducibility of the head tracker position. The accuracy of the optical tracking system with a newly designed head tracker can be a useful method in further orthognathic navigation surgery even though the average error is higher than 2.0 mm.