• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2009

Quantum Dot (QD) nanoparticles are used in various industrial applications, such as diagnostic, drug delivery, and imaging agents of biomedicine. Although QDs are extensively used in many medical science, several studies have been demonstrated the potential toxicity of nanoparticles. The first objective of this study was to investigate the nanotoxicity of QDs in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line by focusing on gene expression pattern. In order to evaluate the effect of QDs on gene expression profile in HaCaT cells, we analyzed the differential genes which related to oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms by using human cDNA microarray and PCR array. A human cDNA microarray was clone set, which was sorted for a list of genes correlated with cell mechanisms. We tried to confirm results of cDNA microarray by using PCR array, which is pathway-focused gene expression profiling technology using Real-Time PCR. Although we could not find the exactly same genes in both methods, we have screened the effects of QDs on global gene expression profiles in human skin cells. In addition, our results show that QD treatment somehow regulates cellular pathways of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Therefore, we suggest that this study can enlarge our knowledge of the transcriptional profile and identify new candidate biomarker genes to evaluate the toxicity of nanotoxicology.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2018

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been one of the most common parasitic diseases in Saudi Arabia. This study exhibits the clinical features, diagnosis, cytokine profile and treatment of CL patients in Al-Taif province. Ninety CL suspects at a tertiary care general hospital were enrolled in one-year study. Patients were interviewed, clinically-examined, and subjected to laboratory tests: skin scraping smear microscopy, OligoC-TesT commercial PCR (Coris BioConcept) and kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) PCR for Leishmania diagnosis. Interferon-gamma (RayBio; Human $IFN-{\gamma}$ ) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients' sera were evaluated before treatment with sodium stibogluconate (pentostam) with 20-day intramuscular drug regimen. Positive rates of microscopy, commercial PCR and kDNA PCR were 74.4%, 95.5% and 100%, respectively. Patients came to hospital mostly in winter (45.0%). CL was frequently exhibited in Saudi patients (78.8%), male gender (70.7%), age <20 years (50.0%), rural-dwellers (75.5%) and patients with travel history (86.6%). Lesion was mostly single ulcer (93.3%), occurred in the face (67.7%). Upon pentostam treatment, 85.1% of ulcers showed rapid healing signs. Levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$ and NO were significantly higher in the healing than the non-healing cases (P<0.001). The kDNA PCR proved more sensitive than microscopy and OligoC-TesT commercial PCR. Our results open perspectives for $IFN-{\gamma}$ use as a biomarker predicting treatment response.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.253-258
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• 2016

Objectives: The goals of this research were to evaluate acute (single-dose) and sub-acute (repeated-dose) toxicity profiles of methanolic extract of Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart ex Brandis (PI) for Wistar rats and to assess the safety profile of PI by observing physiological changes, mortality, changes in body weight, the histopathology of body organs, the hematology and the biochemistry of the animals. Methods: The toxicity profile of PI was evaluated using Wistar rats of both sexes. Animals were divided into four groups: Group 1; control group (normal saline), Group 2; PI-1 (250 mg/kg), Group 3; PI-2 (500 mg/kg), Group 4; PL-3 (1,000 mg/kg). An acute-toxicity study in which animals received a single dose of PI extract (2,000 mg/kg) and were then observed for 14 days for changes in skin, fur, eye color, mucous membrane secretions and excretions, gait, posture, and tonic or clonic movements was performed according to guideline 425 of the Organization of Economic and Corporation Development (OECD). In the repeated-dose toxicity study (OECD - 407) animals received a daily dose of PI extract for 28 days (4 weeks). The parameters observed in this study include body weight, hematology and biochemistry of the animals. Results: In the acute toxicity study, no mortalities or changes in behavior were noted in the animals. The repeated-dose toxicity study was also devoid of any toxicity in the animals during the 28 days of testing with PI extract. The extract did not alter- the body weight, hematology or biochemistry of the animals. The methanolic extract of PI was to be found safe to the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for the single-dose and repeated-dose toxicity tests in rats. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of PI was devoid of toxicity; hence, it can be used for various ayurvedic preparations and treatments of diseases.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.790-804
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• 2024

This study compared the physicochemical properties of edible insect oils from silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupa (SP), sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larva (PW), and bamboo caterpillar (Omphisa fuscidentalis; BC) to oils from chicken skin (CK), beef back fat (BF), pork back fat (PF), salmon belly (SB), sea bass belly (BB), coconut (C), and peanut (P). The fatty acid profiles and thermal behaviors (crystallization and melting) of the extracted oils were evaluated. PW and BC oils had more saturated fatty acids (SFAs) than CK, PF, SB, BB, and P oils. SP oil had equivalent SFA content to CK and BB oils. Insect oils exhibited similar monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations in all samples, except C oils. PW and BC oils exhibited a higher content of palmitoleic acid than the other oils. SP oils contained polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to those in SB and BB oils, which were higher than those in PW, BC, CK, BF, and PF oils. SP oil also exhibited the highest concentration of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3). Arachidonic acid (0.01-0.02 g/100 g) in all insect oils was lower level compared to CK, BF, PF, SB, and BB oils. SP oil (0.03 g/100 g) exhibited a slightly higher level of eicosapentaenoic acid compared to PW (0.01 g/100 g) and BC (0.01 g/100 g) oils. The insect oils were liquid at ambient temperature, solid below -15℃, and required less energy (∆H_m-max) for melting than other samples. This study indicated that insects, particularly SP, could serve as an alternative source of fat to meet its growing demand.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.178-186
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the skin-whitening effect of okyong-san and to develop new drug delivery carrier The extracts of okyong-san were found to have the whitening effect and Eudragit$\^$ⓡ/ L 100-55 (EUD) coated solid lipid nanoparticle (E-SLN) was prepared by solvent evaporation method and melt dispersion technique. As a result, E-SLN have a 144-170 nm of particle size, spherical shape, and 33-41% encapsulation efficiency, After release test in vitro, release profile of E-SLN depended on pH and temperature. Lastly, closed patch test and skin-whitening test was peformed clinically. In conclusion, test sample had non-stimulation and high % whiteness. The results suggest that okyong-san and E-SLN is useful as cosmeceuticals for whitening cosmetics.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.91-100
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• 2010

The objective of this work is to study transdermal delivery of donepezil hydrochloride (DH) using iontophoresis and to evaluate various factors which affect the transdermal transport. After the flux study using 4 kinds of hydrogel, hydrogel containing 8% poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was chosen as the hydrogel for further studies. Under experimental condition, DH was stable. We have studied the effect of polarity, current density, drug concentration and current profile on transdermal flux and compared the results. In vitro flux study was performed at $33^{\circ}C$, using side-by-side diffusion cell and full thickness hairless mouse skin. DH is positively charged at pH 7.4, and anodal delivery was much larger than cathodal and passive delivery at all current densities studied (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mA/$cm^2$). Cathodal delivery showed higher flux than passive flux. Flux increased as the concentration of DH in hydrogel increased. Pulsatile application of current showed smaller flux value than the application of continuous current. Based on these results, we have evaluated the possibility of delivering enough amount of DH to reach the therapeutic level. The maximum cumulative amount of DH transported for 12 hours was 455 ${\mu}g/cm^2{\cdot}hr$ when the amount of DH in the hydrogel was 3 mg/mL and the current density was 0.4 mA/$cm^2$. If the patch size is 10 $cm^2$, then we can deliver 4.6 mg for 12 hours. Because the daily dosage of DH is 5 mg, it seems possible to deliver clinically effective amount of DH using iontophoresis. This study also provides some information about the role of electrorepulsion and electroosmosis during the transport through skin.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.47.1-47.10
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• 2021

Background: Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is extremely useful for biological drug testing after subcutaneous administration. Knowledge of the differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have a significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biological drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of administration site on pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab in pigs. Drug concentrations in blood plasma were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed based on raw data using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software and ThothPro v 4.1. Methods: The study included 12 healthy, female, large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given as a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal part of the inguinal fold or the external part of the inguinal fold. Results: The differences in absorption rate between the internal and external parts of the inguinal fold were not significant. However, the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p > 0.05). The relative bioavailability after administration of ustekinumab into the external part of the inguinal fold was 40.36% lower than after administration of ustekinumab into the internal part of the inguinal fold. Conclusions: Healthy breeding pigs are a relevant model to study the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.189-199
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• 2024

In forensic genetics, when it is not possible to confirm an individual's identity through STR profile analysis, additional information about the individual can be obtained using DNA-based phenotypic traits estimation. Recently, various researches have been conducted on methods to determine externally visible characteristics (EVC) such as eyes, hair, and skin color. However, relying solely on such phenotypic traits information has limitations for application in East Asian regions, including Korea. In this study, in order to utilize EVC related to an individual's appearance as investigative information, SNPs related to eye shape, hair thickness, skin color, as well as baldness, body type, high myopia, facial shape, acne, and behavioral habits were explored. A total of 50 SNPs were selected, and a targeted amplicon NGS panel capable of amplifying them all at once was developed. Experimental results confirmed the allelic types and frequencies of the 50 SNPs in 14 samples. We plan to use this panel to investigate the correlation between genotype and phenotype using various samples, and to develop methods for interpreting the results.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find a optimal beam spoiler condition on the dose distribution near the surface, when treating a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and a lymphatic region with 10 MV photon beam. The use of a optimal spoiler allows elivering high dose to a superficial tumor volume, while maintaining the skin-sparing effect in the area between the surface to the depth of 0.4 cm. Materials and Methods: The lucite beam spoiler, which were a tissue equivalent, were made and placed between the surface and the photon collimators of linear accelerator. The surface-dose, the dose at the depth of 0.4 cm, and the maximum dose at the dmax were measured with a parallel-plate ionization chamber for $5{\times}5cm\;to\;30{\times}30cm^2$ field sizes using lucite spoilers with different thicknesses at varying skin-to-spoiler separation (SSS). In the same condition, the dose was measured with bolus and compared with beam spoiler. Results: The spoiler increased the surface and build-up dose and shifted the depth of maximum dose toward the surface. With a 10 MV x-ray beam and a optimal beam spoiler when treating a patient, a similer build-up dose with a 6 MV photon beam could be achieved, while maintaining a certain amount of skin spring. But it was provided higher surface dose under SSS of less than 5 cm, the spoiler thickness of more than 1.8 cm or more, and larger field size than $20{\times}20cm^2$ provided higher surface dose like bolus and obliterated the spin-sparing effect. the effects of the beam spoiler on beam profile was reduced with increasing depths. Conclusion: The lucite spoiler allowed using of a 10 MV photon beam for the radiation treatment of head and neck caner by yielding secondary scattered electron on the surface. The dose at superficial depth was increased and the depth of maximum dose was moved to near the skin surface. Spoiling the 10 MV x-ray beam resulted in treatment plans that maintained dose homogeneity without the consequence of increased skin reaction or treat volume underdose for regions near the skin surface. In this, the optimal spoiler thickeness of 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm were found at SSS of 7 cm for $10{\times}10cm^2$ field. The surface doses were measured 60% and 64% respectively. In addition, It showed so optimal that 94% and 94% at the depth of 0.4 cm and dmax respectively.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.327-337
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in anthropometric, hematologic, and lipidologic data between normocholesterolemia and hypercholesterolemia and influencing factors in hypercholesterolemia in middle-aged men in Kwang-ju. 179 middle-aged men were involved. Anthropometric data(body weight, height, body circumferences and skinfold thickness) and hematologic data(blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, albumin and hemoglobin) were measured. Bleed lipid profile(total cholesterol, tr- iglyceride, phospholipid, HDI-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol) were analyzed. To determined using questionnaire. The subjects were classified as hypercholesterolemic based on The Guideline for Korean Hyperlipidemia. body mass index, systolic blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, and triceps, subcostal, abdomen, subscapular and suprailliac skinfold thicknesses of the hypercholesterolemic group were significantly higher than in the normocholesterolemic group. The concentrat- ion of cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipod. HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL -cholesterol of the hypercholesterolemic group were significantly higher than normocholesterolemic group. The concentration of cholesterol has a significantly positive correlation with body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, waist/thigh ratio and skinfold thickness(triceps, subcostal, abdomen, and supraillic skin- fold thickness). The general tendency of socioeconomec status, frequencyu of meat intake, smoking amounts and duration and duration and drinking frequencies and amount were higher in the hypercholesteolemic group but not significant. In conclusion, hypercholesterolemia in middle-aged men was closely correlated with upper body fat obesity and most of them had an accompanied high triglyceride level tendency.