• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2013

20S-dihydroprotopanaxadiol (2H-PPD) is a derivative of protopanaxadiol, a glycone of ginsenosides prepared from Panax ginseng. Although ginsenosides and acidic polysaccharides are known to be major active ingredients in ginseng, the immunopharmacological activities of their metabolites and derivatives have not been fully explored. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory action of 2H-PPD on the function of monocytes and macrophages in innate immune responses. 2H-PPD was able to boost the phagocytic uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran in macrophages and enhance the generation of radicals (reactive oxygen species) in sodium nitroprusside-treated RAW264.7 cells. The surface levels of the costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 were also increased during 2H-PPD treatment. In addition, this compound boosted U937 cell-cell aggregation induced by CD29 and CD43 antibodies, but not by cell-extracellular matrix (fibronectin) adhesion. Similarly, the surface levels of CD29 and CD43 were increased by 2H-PPD exposure. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that 2H-PPD has the pharmacological capability to upregulate the functional role of macrophages/monocytes in innate immunity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2563-2566
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• 2013

Background: Interleukin-33 (IL-33) has recently been implicated in tumor immunity. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical role of serum IL-33 in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Sera collected from 250 healthy volunteers (HV), 256 patients with benign lung diseases (BLD) and 262 NSCLC cases were subjected to IL-33 ELISA and relationships between serum IL-33 and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Results: Circulating IL-33 levels were higher in the NSCLC group in comparison with the HV and BLD groups (p<0.001). Using a cut-off level 68 pg/ml (95% specificity in the HV group), IL-33 showed a good diagnostic performance for NSCLC. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that serum IL-33 was an independent prognostic factor in the entire NSCLC group [hazards ratio (HR) = 0.64 for low versus high IL-33 levels, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.82; p<0.001] and in 165 selected patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease receiving chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94; p=0.013). Conclusions: IL-33 is a promising potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in NSCLC, independent of the therapeutic intervention.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.797-807
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• 2013

In this paper, an input receiver with a hysteresis characteristic that can work at voltage levels between 0.9 V and 5 V is proposed. The input receiver can be used as a wide voltage range Schmitt trigger also. At the same time, reliable circuit operation is ensured. According to the research findings, this is the first time a wide voltage range Schmitt trigger is being reported. The proposed circuit is compared with previously reported input receivers, and it is shown that the circuit has better noise immunity. The proposed input receiver ends the need for a separate Schmitt trigger and input buffer. The frequency of operation is also higher than that of the previously reported receiver. The circuit is simulated using HSPICE at 0.35-${\mu}m$ standard thin oxide technology. Monte Carlo analysis is conducted at different process conditions, showing that the proposed circuit works well for different process conditions at different voltage levels of operation. A noise impulse of ($V_{CC}/2$) magnitude is added to the input voltage to show that the receiver receives the correct logic level even in the presence of noise. Here, $V_{CC}$ is the fixed voltage supply of 3.3 V.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.285-293
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• 2011

Purpose: In this study, the effects of laughter therapy on levels of depression, quality of life, resilience and immune responses in breast cancer survivors were examined. Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=37) included breast cancer survivors who finished chemotheraphy and radiation therapy: 16 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. Data were collected from August to November 2009. The experimental group participated in laughter therapy eight times, twice a week for 60 min per session. Questionnaires were used to me-asure pretest and posttest levels of depression, quality of life and resilience. A blood test was used to analyze changes in Total T cell, T helper, T suppressor, Th/Ts ratio, Total B cell, T cell/B cell ratio and NK cell for immune responses. Results: The results showed that laughter therapy was effective in increasing the quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors. but depression and immune responses did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that laughter therapy may be an effective nursing intervention to improve quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.164-164
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• 2017

High throughput transcriptome investigations of immunity in plants highlight the complexity of gene networks leading to incompatible interaction. To identify genes crucial to resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae, functional genetic analysis of selected differentially expressed genes from our microarray data set was carried out. A total of 13 overexpression vector constructs were made using 35S CaMV promoter which drive constitutive expression in rice. Most of the genes are developmentally expressed especially during maximum tillering stage and are commonly highly expressed in the leaves. When screened against Xoo strain K2, the transgenic plants displayed shorter lesion length compared with wild type Dongjin which indicates partial resistance. The levels of ROS continuously magnified after inoculation which indicates robust cellular sensing necessary to initiate cell death. Elevated transcripts levels of several defense-related genes at the downstream of defense signal network also corroborate the phenotype reaction of the transgenic plants. Moreover, expression assays revealed regulation of these genes by cross-communicating signal-transductions pathways mediated by salicylic and jasmonic acid. These collective findings revealed the key immune signaling conduits critical to mount full defense against Xoo.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.1585-1591
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• 2010

A comprehensive study on the production of inflammatory mediators in the lungs of BALB/c mice following infection with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was conducted. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), and interleukin-1${\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$) were raised in the lungs of infected mice compared with control. The production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was slightly delayed. Its peak level was on the $2^{nd}$ day, whereas the peak of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed on day 1 after intranasal challenge. This was accompanied by a rise in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) on day 1. The increase in MPO levels matched with histopathological observations, as neutrophils infiltration was detected on the first day. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained from infected animals showed a higher rate of uptake and killing when exposed to bacteria in vitro, compared with similar experiments conducted with AMs from normal mice (control). This suggests that AMs were more efficient in cleaning the bacteria. The nitric oxide (NO) production however started early during infection but reached its maximum on the $3^{rd}$ day. No mortality was observed among the infected animals, and infection was resolved by the $5^{th}$ day post infection. No drastic changes in the lung tissue were observed on histopathological examination.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.84-95
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• 2003

Objective : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Kamisopunghwalhyeol-tang (Jiaweishujenghuoxie-tang; Kami-SPHHT) on the immunity responses of the Synoviocytes isolated from the patients on rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : Cells were stimulated by $Interleukin-1{\beta}$ and Tumor Necrosis $Factor-{\alpha}$ in the presence or absence of Kami-SPHHT, and then induced cytokine mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR and real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Results : Levels of $IL-1{\beta},{\;}IL-6,{\;}TNF-{\alpha}$, COX-2, and NOS II mRNA expressions significantly decreased in Kami-SPHHT treated cells compared to non-treated control cells. Also, DNA-binding activity of $NF-{\kappa}B$ and AP-l decreased in Kami- SPHHT treated hFLSs. Conclusion : These results suggest that Kami-SPHHT may be involved in anti-inflammatory reactions by inducing cytokine gene expression in synoviocytes, and further in vivo examination on its efficacy can provide potential application for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.714-719
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• 2018

We investigated the effects of water temperature on physiological parameters in the chicken grunt Parapristipoma trilineatum. At high temperature, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were increased, suggesting that high temperature induced hepatic damage. In addition, total protein (TP) was high at high water temperatures, which were considered stressful in the breeding environment. At high water temperatures, triglycerides (TG) were low due to increased metabolic activity, which decreased the blood TG levels as TG were used as an energy source. There was no significant difference in the plasma osmolality or the blood ion concentrations with water temperature. In generally, lysozyme, a factor in innate immunity, increased with water temperature. However, lysozyme activity tended to decrease with increasing water temperature, but the difference was not significant. These results suggested that the decrease of biophylaxis at high temperature was affect the growth or survival of the population.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.166-170
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• 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was developed to provide immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was first reported in 2019. The vaccine has proven to be effective in reducing severity and mortality and preventing infection. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an autoimmune vasculitis (immunoglobulin A vasculitis). Historically, vaccines have been administered primarily to children, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura has often been reported in children following vaccination. However, since the start of COVID-19 vaccination, an increasing number of cases have been reported in adults. Here, we report a case of a patient who developed hematuria and proteinuria after receiving the messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine. A 22-year-old man presented to the hospital with a lower extremity rash, bilateral ankle pain, and abdominal pain 18 days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The man had no significant medical history and was not taking any medications. Laboratory tests showed normal platelet counts but elevated white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels. He was treated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pheniramine and prednisolone. At 40 days after starting treatment, C-reactive protein levels were within normal limits, and no hematuria was observed. Treatment was terminated when the purpura disappeared. This report is intended to highlight the need for further research to be proactive and carefully monitor for conditions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.278-281
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• 2017

Since 2006, type 1 diabetes in Finland has plateaued and then decreased after the authorities' decision to fortify dietary milk products with cholecalciferol. The role of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity is critical. A statistical error in the estimation of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D was recently discovered; in a correct analysis of the data used by the Institute of Medicine, it was found that 8895 IU/d was needed for 97.5% of individuals to achieve values ${\geq}50nmol/L$. Another study confirmed that 6201 IU/d was needed to achieve 75 nmol/L and 9122 IU/d was needed to reach 100 nmol/L. The largest meta-analysis ever conducted of studies published between 1966 and 2013 showed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <75 nmol/L may be too low for safety and associated with higher all-cause mortality, demolishing the previously presumed U-shape curve of mortality associated with vitamin D levels. Since all-disease mortality is reduced to 1.0 with serum vitamin D levels ${\geq}100nmol/L$, we call public health authorities to consider designating as the RDA at least three-fourths of the levels proposed by the Endocrine Society Expert Committee as safe upper tolerable daily intake doses. This could lead to a recommendation of 1000 IU for children <1 year on enriched formula and 1500 IU for breastfed children older than 6 months, 3000 IU for children >1 year of age, and around 8000 IU for young adults and thereafter. Actions are urgently needed to protect the global population from vitamin D deficiency.