• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-120
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was investigated the improvement effects of Gangjihwan (DF) and combination of Gangjihwan and Gamisochehwan (GSH) on obesity in a high fat diet-fed obese mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and DF and DF+GSH groups given a high fat diet with DF (40 mg/kg), and DF+GSH (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio, blood lipid markers, fat weight and histology were examined. Results : 1. Body weight gain and fat mass were significantly decreased in DF and DF+GSH groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF+GSH group. 2. Feeding efficiency ratio and circulating concentration of leptin were decreased in DF and DF+GSH groups compared with control. These decreases were significant in DF+GSH group. 3. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain and fat mass, circulating concentrations of triglyceride, glucose and insulin were decreased in DF and DF+GSH groups compared with control. 4. The size of adipocytes was decreased by DF and DF+GSH compared with control, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was increased by them, suggesting that DF and DF+GSH decreased the number of large adipocytes. 5. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, liver fibrosis was also improved in DF and DF+GSH groups compared with control. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that DF and DF+GSH groups decrease feeding efficiency ratio, plasma leptin concentration, blood anti-obesity biomarkers and fat mass, improves body weight gain contributing to the inhibition of liver fibrosis. In addition, these effects were more effective in DF+GSH combination group than in DF-only group.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.361-366
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• 2014

In this study, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts, with their countries of origin as Korea (Jecheon), Uzbekistan and China, were prepared under various extraction conditions. There were 8 extraction conditions which the licorice were subjected to, and all conditions had different extraction solvents, temperatures and times. Antimicrobial activity on skin flora was evaluated comparatively by a disc diffusion assay, broth macrodilution assay, and kill time curve assay. Based on the antimicrobial activity of their extract confirmed by disc diffusion assay, we established optimal extraction conditions. The Korean licorice extract (85% ethanol, $40^{\circ}C$, 12 h) showed the best activity amongst the samples examined. In particular, its antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes was the highest. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the licorice extracts revealed that the Korean licorice ($156{\mu}g/ml$ and $1,250{\mu}g/ml$) had better antimicrobial activity than that of the Uzbekistani licorice ($625{\mu}g/ml$ and $2,500{\mu}g/ml$) and the Chinese licorice ($625{\mu}g/ml$ and $5,000{\mu}g/ml$). Taken together, it was shown that Korean licorice extracted in group F (85% ethanol, $40^{\circ}C$, 12 h) had the highest antimicrobial activity amongst the licorices from the other countries of origin. These results also suggest that the optimal extraction conditions are 85% ethanol, $40^{\circ}C$, 12 h, and that licorice has a potential application as a natural preservative in cosmetics products, thereby replacing synthetic preservatives.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.599-606
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• 2017

The effects of microbubble-oxygen physicochemical method for the removal of organic pollutants, nitrogen, and phosphorus contained in animal manure were investigated using a laboratory scale single reactor. The characteristics of used livestock manure were $36,894{\pm}5,024mg\;TCOD/L$, $22,031{\pm}2,018mg\;SCOD/L$, $4,150{\pm}35mg\;NH_4-N/L$, and $659{\pm}113mg\;PO_4-P/L$. It was confirmed that the amount of organic pollutants, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal was increased by the use of oxygen rather than air as the gas supplied with the microbubble, and by input of larger oxygen amount. When the oxygen was fed with 600 mL flow rate per minute, TCOD and phosphorus removal were 2.5 times and 5.6 times higher than those of air supplied. As the microbubble-oxygen reaction time was longer, the removal rate of nutrients increased gradually. The removal rates of ammonium and phosphorus reach to $41.03{\pm}0.20%$ and $65.49{\pm}1.39%$, respectively, after 24 hours. When the coagulation treatment method was applied to increase phosphorus removal rate from the effluent of microbubble-oxygen treatment, the phosphorus was removed up to 92.7%. However, the removal rate of organic pollutants (TCOD) was as small as $28.7{\pm}0.2%$ within the first 6 hours, and then the negligible removal of TCOD was recorded. This study suggests that microbubble-oxygen can be applied not only livestock manure but also aeration tank of various wastewater treatment plant, which can reduce the load on the associated unit process and produce stable high-quality effluent.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.418-428
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance exercise(RE) on beta-amyloid(Aβ) metabolism, neuronal cell death, and cognitive function in the transgenic mice model of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Fourteen transgenic(tg) mice and fourteen non-transgenic(non-tg) mice were divided into four groups: (1)non-tg-control(NTC, n=7) (2)non-tg-RE(NTRE, n=7) (3)tg-control(TC, n=7), and (4)tg-RE(TRE, n=7). The groups with RE were performed to progressive RE on ladder equipment for 8 weeks. The groups with RE were performed to progressive RE on ladder equipment for 8 weeks. After then, the cognitive function was measured by using the water maze test, and Aβ metabolism-related proteins, neuronal cell death, and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway were also measured. Here, we found escape latency and time were significantly increased in the TC compared to the NTC group, but it was significantly reduced in the TRE group, indicating RE may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Next, we found an increased in Aβ protein of TC compared to NTC, but it was significantly reduced in the TRE group following RE. In neuronal cell death, Bcl-2 was also significantly decreased and Bax was significantly increased in the TC compared to the NTC group, but RE can increase Bcl-2 and reduce Bax, which may elevate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. We further found a decrease in the level of ADAM10 and RARβ protein was significantly increased whereas increased in ROCK1 and BACE1 expression level was significantly reduced following RE in the TRE compared to the TC group. In addition, the level of SIRT1/PGC-1α proteins was decreased in the TC group compared to NTC group, but, these markers were significantly increased in the TRE group following RE. Therefore, our finding indicated that RE may ameliorate cognitive deficits by reducing Aβ protein and neuronal cell death via regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α, amyloidogenic pathway, and non-amyloidogenic pathway, which may play a role in an effective strategy for AD.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.37-44
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• 2012

In this paper, we investigate several factors that affect the locational decision of discount stores by using previous studies on the marketing area and the location of commercial facilities. We selected 21 primary variables that are expected to influence the decision of store location and, by factor analysis, grouped them into five underlying factors. Among these, the demographic factor, which shows the potential purchasing power level, had the greatest impact on the locational decision for the store. However, we found individual stores positioned according to unique locational characteristics in addition to the demographic factor. It means that we have to additionally consider if the vicinity of the market is based on any physical properties. Many previous studies proposed four decision factors for store location: the economic factor, the demographic factor, the land utilization factor, and traffic factor. However, the fivefold factors-our distinctive contribution-are more concrete and persuasive according to Korean reality. We show that location preference is based on the following criteria: (1) the area is densely populated, (2) houses stand close together, (3) residents have a high income level, (4) road traffic is developed and easy to access, and (5) public transportation is well developed. The demographic factor has the greatest impact on the location of a discount store. The number of households has a greater relevance to the demographic factor than does the individual consumer. Second, discount stores relatively prefer places where houses are located close together because such places offer easy access to the market. Third, a place whose residents have a high income level will be preferred, with its large cars and excellent traffic conditions. Fourth, a location would be highly rated if the roads around commercial facilities are well developed and their accessibility is good. Finally, discount stores must be located close to bus stops because female consumers, including housewives-the most important customers-evaluate stores based on distance. In this research, the variable of consumer attitude and preference was excluded, and the location factors of discount stores were analyzed according to a microscopic view through physical spatial data. In the future, the opening of new discount stores based on the five factors indicated above will require a comparatively shorter time from the first project feasibility analysis. In addition, the result of our study can be applied to the field of public policy for constructing and attracting large-scale distribution facilities.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.247-255
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin type A on masseter muscle atrophy and the extent of masseter muscle affected from the injection site in relation to injection dose, with and without occlusal splint therapy through computed tomographic measurement. 32 volunteers were divided into four groups - group 25U (injection dose of 25 unit), group 25Us (injection dose of 25 unit with occlusal splint), group 35U (injection dose of 35 unit), group 35Us (injection dose of 35 unit with occlusal splint). Each group consisted of 8 people. 3 positions (position 1, 2, 3 - 10mm, 20mm and 40mm from the inferior border of the mandible, respectively) were selected for the evaluation of the masseter muscle change. The following results were obtained. 1. The thickness and the cross-sectional area of the masseter muscle had reduced in all groups except for the right side thickness at position 3 of group 25U and group 25Us, and the right side thickness as well as the left side cross-sectional area at position 3 of group 35Us. In group 35Us, the thickness and the cross-sectional area of the masseter muscle had reduced significantly in all positions (P < 0.05). 2. There was no significant difference in the masseter muscle change between the injection dose of 25unit and that of 35unit. 3. The groups with occlusal splint showed greater reduction of the masseter muscle thickness than the other groups (P < 0.05). From the above results, botulinum toxin type A injection together with occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of masseter muscle hypertrophy would be clinically effective.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.554-562
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• 2003

Xylitol has been used as sugar substitute to prevent dental caries. It is not fermented by most dental plaque bacteria and interferes with the growth of mutans streptococci. Therefore the production of acidic metabolites and the growth of mutans streptococci are inhibited. S. mutans strains which are inhibited to grow under the presence of xylitol are referred as xylitol-sensitive ($X^S$) strains. However, experimental and clinical studies have shown that there were mutated groups of S. mutans strains that are not affected by xylitol. They are referred as xylitol-resistant($X^R$) strains. The aim of the present study was to investigate that emergence of $X^R$ strain would effect on the anticariogenecity of xylitol by comparing the growth rate, the extracellular pH, hydroxyapatite adhesion and the agglutination of the $X^R/X^S$ strains. Overall we came out with following results : 1. No difference in the growth rate and the extracellular pH was found between the $X^S$ strain and the $X^R$ strain. 2. No difference in adhesion to hydroxyapatite surface was found between the $X^R$ strain and the $X^S$ strain (p>0.05) and adhesion of the $X^S$ strain was greater than that of $X^R$ strain in the sucrose-dependent adhesion to hydroxyapatite (p<0.05). 3. The $X^R$ strain was agglutinated in the lower concentration of saliva than that of $X^S$ strains.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.207-218
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct inhibitory effect of calcium hydroxide materials on differentiation and activation of osteoclast. we used the osteoclast progenitor cells isolated from bone marrow cell of chick embryo tibia and four experimental materials [$Ca(OH)_2$ powder, Metapaste$^{(R)}$, Vitapex$^{(R)}$, Pulpdent$^{(R)}$] diluted at 0.1, 0.01, $0.05{\mu}g/ml$. There were measured both the number of differentiated osteoclast and the area of resorption lacunae. Also, we conducted MTT assay on U2OS osteoblast to examine of cytotoxic effect and obtained following result. 1. Considering the result of the inhibitory effects upon osteoclast differentiation, There were shown a significant difference increased in the following order: Metapaste$^{(R)}$, $Ca(OH)_2$ powder, Vitapex$^{(R)}$. But no significant difference was found in pulpdent group that the number of differentiated osteoclast was increased at all concentrations(p<0.05). 2. Among the three experimental groups, that is, $Ca(OH)_2$ powder, Metapaste$^{(R)}$, Vitapex$^{(R)}$ at $0.1{\mu}g/ml$ dilution that were statistically significant in reduction of the number of differentiated osteoclast. Vitapex group showed significant cytotoxic effect compared to control and another two groups exhibited no significant difference. Also, 0.2% DMSO group was shown statistically siginificant cytotoxicity (p<0.05). 3. Examining pattern and measured area of resorption lacunae in the control and the three experimental groups ,that is, $Ca(OH)_2$ powder, Metapaste$^{(R)}$, Vitapex$^{(R)}$ at $0.1{\mu}g/ml$ dilution, except $Ca(OH)_2$ powder group, statistically significant differences were found between experimental groups and control group. Also, DMSO group showed statistically significant decrease (p<0.05). From these results, we think that calcium hydroxide is responsible for suppression of hard tissue resorption by a direct inhibition of dfferentiation and activation of osteoclast.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.327-337
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• 1999

Background: Reactive oxygen species are involved in multi-stage process of carcinogenesis. The moot of cancer cell lines and cancer cells in tumor tissue produce reactive oxygen species and on the other hand, the activities of catalase, Mn- and CuZn-superoxide dismutase in tumor cells are usually low. These persistent oxidative stress in tumor tissue facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis. 12-kDa thioredoxin, which regulates the intracellular redox potential with glutathione and glutaredoxin is involved in cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and redox-mediated apoptosis. It is also purified as 14-kDa and 10-kDa eooinophilic cytotoxic enhancing factor(ECEF) from human histiocytic cell(U937) and 10-kDa ECEF has more than 20 times eosinophilic stimulation activity than 14-kDa ECEF. It has been reported that adult T-cell leukemia, squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix, and hepatocellular carcinoma show increased amounts of human thioredoxin and thioredoxin mRNA is increased in lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression of conventional antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, CuZn-SOD, and glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin in lung cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal lung tissue and the induction of thioredoxin in macrophage cells after treatment of oxidative stress and endotoxin Methods: We measured the amount of conventional antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, CuZn-SOD, and glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin in lung cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal lung tissue by immunoblot analysis and the induction of thioredoxin in mouse monocyte-macrophage cells(RAW 264.7) by treatment of 5 ${\mu}M$ menadione and 1 ${\mu}g/ml$ endotoxin Results: On immunoblot analysis, the expression of 12-kDa thioredoxin was increased in lung cancer tissue compared to paired normal lung tissue. but the expression of catalase and CuZn-SOD were decreased in lung cancer tissue compared to paired normal tissue and the expression of glutathione peroxidase in lung cancer was variable. The expression of truncated thioredoxin was also increased in lung cancer. When mouse monocyte-macrophage cells were treated with 5 ${\mu}M$ menadione and 1 ${\mu}g/ml$ endotoxin, the expression of thioredoxin was peaked at 12 hrs and sustained to 48 hrs. Conclusion: In contrast with other conventional antioxidants, the expression of 12-kDa and truncated thioredoxin in lung cancer were increased and it is closely associated with persistent oxidative stress in tumor microenvironment. Considering especially the biological functions of truncated thioredoxin, the increased amount of truncated thioredoxin has significant role in tumor growth through cell proliferation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2007

Background: Bronchial anthracofibrosis, which is defined as bronchial narrowing with black pigmentation of the overlying bronchial mucosa, is frequently associated with tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between bronchial anthrocofibrosis and to identify the clinical and radiological characteristics of non-tuberculous bronchial anthracofibrosis. Methods: All patients who showed bronchial anthracofibrosis in more than one segment on a bronchoscopic examination from January 2003 to July 2006 at Kangnam St. Mary's hospital were enrolled in this study. The underlying diseases, baseline clinical characteristics, characteristic findings on a computed tomogram (CT) of the chest, pathologic findings of the bronchial mucosa, and the clinical response to steroid therapy were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total 54 patients (19 males, 35 females) were enrolled with a mean age of 75 years. The most common presenting symptoms were cough, sputum and dyspnea. The predominant X-ray findings were peribronchial soft tissue attenuation with or without calcification, mediastinal lymphadenopathy with or without calcification and atelectasis. Fourteen non-tuberculous anthracofibrosis patients were treated with steroid. Nine patients were improved clinically, and 6 patients were improved radiologically. Conclusion: Bronchial anthracofibrosis is frequently associated with various pulmonary diseases not only tuberculosis but also COPD pneumonia etc.