• 대한본초학회지
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.47-51
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• 2013

Objectives : The Illicii Veri Fructus was not only traditional medicine but also food in Asia. The aim of this study was selection of optimum solvent in the fruit of Illicii Veri Fructus because an appropriate solvent affect a medicinal effect. Methods : Illicii Veri Fructus was carried out ultrasonic-assisted extraction as various solvents. Two main compounds, p-anisaldehyde and anethole, were successfully analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and carried out method validation according to ICH guideline. The optimum solvent selected by comparing with yields of two main ingredients. Results : The p-anisaldehyde and anethole were detected at approximately 8.0 min and 19.8 min, respectively. It was all below 5.0% that RSD of retention time and peak area for two main peaks. Calibration curves of two compounds were good linearity as $R^2$ >0.9999. All of the precisions and accuracy were good intra-day and inter-day as below 5.0% RSD. Limited of detection (LOD) of p-anisaldehyde and anethole were analyzed as $0.134{\mu}g/mL$ and $4.286{\mu}g$, respectively. Limited of quantification (LOQ) of two compounds were $0.407{\mu}g$ and $12.989{\mu}g$, respectively. As a result of this study, p-anisladehyde was detected as 0.209 ~ 0.467%, however anethole was not detected in the distilled water. Conclusions : Anethole was main component as 5.329 ~ 6.815% except for water extraction. Methanol extraction among various solvents was detected the highest contents of p-anisaldehyde and anethole as 0.467(${\pm}0.008$)% and 6.815(${\pm}0.220$)%, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.43-53
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• 2022

Objectives : Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (PLP) have been reported to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. However, it is not yet known whether PLP extract has anti-inflammatory effect on HaCaT cells, human keratinocyte. Methods : To confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of PLP on keratinocyte, TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells were used. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with PLP for 1h before stimulation with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾. Then HaCaT cells were stimulated with TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾 for 24 h, the cells and media were harvested to measure the inflammatory cytokines levels. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1𝛽), and TNF-𝛼 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokines (TARC), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also investigated the inhibitory mechanism of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including ERK, JNK, and p38 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-𝜅B) by PLP using western blot. Results : PLP did not show cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. In TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated HaCaT cells, PLP significantly inhibited the expression of GM-CSF, MCP-1 IL-1𝛽, TNF-𝛼, TARC and IL-6. PLP inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and translocation of NF-𝜅B into the nucleus. Conclusions : These results indicate that PLP could ameliorate the TNF-𝛼/IFN-𝛾-stimulated inflammatory response through inhibition of MAPK and NF-kB signal pathway. This suggests that PLP could be used beneficial agent to improve skin inflammation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권5호
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• pp.751-757
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• 2022

Objective : Tumours of the brain are a rare occurrence accounting for approximately 2% of all neoplasms in adults. Few studies have been done in Nigeria on the profile of brain tumours. The aim of this study is to determine the profile of brain tumours in general and determine the change in Kanofsky Performance Score (KPS) after treatment. Methods : This is a prospective hospital-based study in Kaduna. All consecutive patients over 18 years of age with diagnosis of brain tumours from January 2016 to December 2019 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data was collected using a proforma during the study. Patients who received treatment were followed up for 12 months. The primary outcome data was the difference in the quality of life as measured by KPS at the point of first contact and at 1-month after treatment and at 12-month follow up. Data obtained was analysed with SPSS version 25.0 for Windows. Descriptive statistics was done to determine the profile. Paired t-test at 95% confidence interval was done to check for significant correlation between the mean KPS. Results : A total of 39 consecutive patients were included in the study. There was a slight male preponderance with a M : F of 1.17 : 1. Meningioma and metastasis were more common in females while gliomas and pituitary tumours were more common in males. The mean age of patients was 49.8 years and standard deviation of 11.8 years. Pituitary tumours were the most common tumours. The most common location of the tumour was frontal lobe followed by the pituitary gland. The mean duration of symptoms before neurosurgical consultation was 38 weeks. The most common presenting symptoms of patient with brain tumour was headache. The quality of life improve compare to the baseline in 81% of patient at discharge and at 1 year follow up. The overall mortality rate was 25.6%. Conclusion : The most common brain tumour in our study is pituitary tumour. Most patients present late. The most common presenting symptoms is headache. There is significant improvement in the KPS of patients following treatment. The overall mortality rate at 1-year post treatment is 25.6%.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.303-309
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• 2022

섬바디(Dystaenia takesimana)는 대한민국 울릉도 등지에만 분포하는 우리나라 특산 식물의 하나로, 잎은 식용 및 사료로, 뿌리는 약용으로 이용되고 있다. 현재까지 섬바디 뿌리의 항균, 항염증, 항산화 및 α-glucosidase 저해활성이 보고된 바 있으나, 섬바디의 항혈전 활성에 대한 연구는 이루어진 바 없다. 본 연구에서는 울릉도산 섬바디의 잎(DT-L), 줄기(DT-S) 및 뿌리(DT-R)를 구분하여 각각 70% 에탄올 추출물을 조제하고 이들의 혈액응고 저해, 혈소판 응집저해, 항산화 활성 및 적혈구 용혈활성을 평가하였다. 그 결과, DT-L 추출물은 2.5 mg/ml 농도까지 혈액응고에는 영향을 미치지 않았으나 0.25 mg/ml 농도에서 aspirin과 비교할 만한 강력한 혈소판 응집저해활성을 보였으며, 우수한 활성 라디컬 소거능(DPPH anion, ABTS cation 및 nitrite)과 환원력을 나타내었다. 또한 DT-L 추출물은 적혈구 용혈활성도 나타나지 않아 신규의 항혈전제 소재로 개발 가능함을 확인하였다. 반면, DT-S 추출물은 혈액응고 저해, 혈소판 응집저해 및 항산화 활성이 미약하였으며, DT-R 추출물은 트롬빈 저해 및 혈액응고인자 저해에 의한 혈액응고 저해활성이 우수한 반면 혈소판 응집 촉진활성도 강력하였으며 적혈구 용혈활성도 강력하여 항혈전 용도로 이용은 제한되었다. 본 연구는 섬바디의 항혈전 활성에 대한 최초 보고이며, 전 세계적으로 희귀한 섬바디를 이용한 고부가가치 생물소재 개발이 가능함을 제시하고 있다.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.281-289
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria from Taiwanese ropy fermented milk (TRFM) for developing a clean label low-fat fermented milk. Methods: Potential isolates from TRFM were selected based on the Gram staining test and observation of turbid suspension in the culture broth. Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and API CHL 50 test were used for strain identification. After evaluation of EPS concentration, target strains were introduced to low-fat milk fermentation for 24 h. Fermentation characters were checked: pH value, acidity, viable count, syneresis, and viscosity. Sensory evaluation of fermented products was carried out by 30 volunteers, while the storage test was performed for 21 days at 4℃. Results: Two EPS-producing strains (APL15 and APL16) were isolated from TRFM and identified as Lactococcus (Lc.) lactis subsp. cremoris. Their EPS concentrations in glucose and lactose media were higher than other published strains of Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris. Low-fat fermented milk separately prepared with APL15 and APL16 reached pH 4.3 and acidity 0.8% with a viable count of 9 log colony-forming units/mL. The physical properties of both products were superior to the control yogurt, showing significant improvements in syneresis and viscosity (p<0.05). Our low-fat products had appropriate sensory scores in appearance and texture according to sensory evaluation. Although decreasing viable cells of strains during the 21-day storage test, low-fat fermented milk made by APL15 exhibited stable physicochemical properties, including pH value, acidity, syneresis and sufficient viable cells throughout the storage period. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris APL15 isolated from TRFM had good fermentation abilities to produce low-fat fermented milk. These data indicate that EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria have great potential to act as natural food stabilizers for low-fat fermented milk.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.233-241
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• 2022

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic disease, and the demand for herbal medicines in this field has increased in recent years. The new findings highlight the role of the gut-lung axis in the pathophysiology of asthma. Hence, this study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Glasthma syrup, an herbal formula based on Persian medicine, in improving asthma and regulating intestinal permeability. The formula consists of five herbal ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract, also known as gut tonics. Methods: The study will be conducted as a placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomized trial. It will consist of a 4-week intervention followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The target sample size is 20 patients with moderate asthma aged 18 to 60 years. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group in equal numbers. Patients in the experimental group will take Glasthma syrup (7.5 mL, twice a day), while patients in the control group will take a matching placebo. Both groups will receive a 4-week combination of a long-acting beta2 agonist and a leukotriene modulator as standard of care. Inhaled corticosteroids can be used as rescue medication as needed. Results: The primary outcomes are asthma symptom scale, lung function, and intestinal permeability. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom recurrence rates, and blood tests. A safety assessment will also be conducted during the trial. Conclusion: In this trial, the effects of Glasthma syrup in patients with moderate asthma will be examined. The study will also assess the effects of the formulation on the gut-lung axis by simultaneously monitoring the gut permeability index, asthma symptoms, and lung function.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.163-179
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• 2022

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation. The pediatric consultants agreed that pediatricians should pay attention to any alarming signs (red flags) found during history taking or physical examinations. They also agreed that the Rome IV criteria are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric FC. Different therapeutic options are available for pediatric patients with FC. Dietary treatment is recommended for infants with constipation for up to six months of age. When non-pharmacological interventions fail to improve FC symptoms, pharmacological treatment with laxatives is indicated. First, the treatment is aimed at disimpaction to remove fecal masses. This is achieved by administering a high dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for a few days. Subsequently, maintenance therapy with PEG should be initiated to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. In addition to PEG, several other options may be used, such as Mg-rich formulas or stimulant laxatives. However, rectal enemas and suppositories are usually reserved for cases that require acute pain relief. In contrast, infant formulas that contain prebiotics or probiotics have not been shown to be effective in infant constipation, while the use of partially hydrolyzed formula is inconclusive. These clinical practice recommendations are intended to be adopted by pediatricians and primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.299-304
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• 2022

This study uses the 'S-align' function to present a reference value of the X-ray tube angle for the realization of an image similar to that of the chest PA image during chest AP radiography. This study targeted dummy phantom and used a 17"×17" DR image receptor. The irradiation conditions were 110 kVp, 160 mA, 50 ms, and the distance between the central X-ray and the image receptor was set to 180 cm and 110 cm, respectively. The end of the catheter was placed at the 11th thoracic height to indicate the nasogastric tube. In the case of lung apex length measurement, the mean value of measurement was 30.53±0.47 in PA. T 0°, TCA 5~25°, TCE 5~15° were 21.07±0.29, 27.60±0.21, 34.13±0.44, 39.86±0.31, 45.96±0.61 mm, 54.13±0.37 mm, 16.16±0.46 mm, 9.81±0.35 mm, 2.75±0.30 mm, respectively. For the depth of the catheter end, the average value measured at PA was 6.70±0.31 mm. T 0°, TCA 5~25°, TCE 5~15° were 15.72±0.38 mm, 24.10±0.50 mm, 29.24±0.86 mm, 34.35±0.35 mm, 41.06±1.08 mm, 48.07±0.38 mm, 12.85±0.25 mm, 7.92±0.36 mm, 3.01±0.39 mm, respectively. The length of the lung apex was similar to that of chest PA when the angle of incidence was adjusted from 5° to 10° in the leg direction, and the depth of the catheter tip was most similar when the X-ray tube angle was incident at 10° in the head direction. Therefore, To change the X-ray tube angle according to the purpose of the examination during the chest AP radiography using 'S-align' function is considered necessary.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.399-409
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• 2022

Objective: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is the central hormone involved in mammalian reproduction, maturation at puberty, and gamete production that mediates its function by control of follicle growth and function. The present study investigated the mutations involved in the regulation of FSH receptor (FSHR) activation. Methods: We analyzed seven naturally-occurring mutations that were previously reported in human FSHR (hFSHR), in the context of equine FSHR (eFSHR); these include one constitutively activation variant, one allelic variant, and five inactivating variants. These mutations were introduced into wild-type eFSHR (eFSHR-wt) sequence to generate mutants that were designated as eFSHR-D566G, -A306T, -A189V, -N191I, -R572C, -A574V, and -R633H. Mutants were transfected into PathHunter EA-parental CHO-K1 cells expressing β-arrestin. The biological function of mutants was analyzed by quantitating cAMP accumulation in cells incubated with increasing concentrations of FSH. Results: Cells expressing eFSHR-D566G exhibited an 8.6-fold increase in basal cAMP response, as compared to that in eFSHR-wt. The allelic variation mutant eFSHR-A306T was not found to affect the basal cAMP response or half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) levels. On the other hand, eFSHR-D566G and eFSHR-A306T displayed a 1.5- and 1.4-fold increase in the maximal response, respectively. Signal transduction was found to be completely impaired in case of the inactivating mutants eFSHR-A189V, -R572C, and -A574V. When compared with eFSHR-wt, eFSHR-N191I displayed a 5.4-fold decrease in the EC₅₀ levels (3,910 ng/mL) and a 2.3-fold decrease in the maximal response. In contrast, cells expressing eFSHR-R633H displayed in a similar manner to that of the cells expressing the eFSHR-wt on signal transduction and maximal response. Conclusion: The activating mutant eFSHR-D566G greatly enhanced the signal transduction in response to FSH, in the absence of agonist treatment. We suggest that the state of activation of the eFSHR can modulate its basal cAMP accumulation.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제35권12호
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• pp.1850-1859
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• 2022

Objective: The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most accurate and reliable technique for analysis of gene expression. Endogenous reference genes (RGs) have been used to normalize qPCR data, although their expression may vary in different tissues and experimental conditions. Verification of the stability of RGs in selected samples is a prerequisite for reliable results. Therefore, we attempted to identify the most stable RGs in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in sows. Methods: The cycle threshold values of nine commonly used RGs (18S, HPRT1, GAPDH, RPL4, PPIA, B2M, YWHAZ, ACTB, and SDHA) from HPG axis-related tissues in the domestic sows in the different stages of estrus cycle were analyzed using two RG-finding programs, geNorm and Normfinder, to rank the stability of the pool of RGs. In addition, the effect of the most and least stable RGs was examined by normalization of the target gene, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in the hypothalamus. Results: PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ were the most stable RGs in the HPG axis-related tissues in sows regardless of the stages of estrus cycle. In contrast, traditional RGs, including 18S and ACTB, were found to be the least stable under these experimental conditions. In particular, in the normalization of GnRH expression in the hypothalamus against several stable RGs, PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ, could generate significant (p<0.05) elevation of GnRH in the preovulatory phase compared to the luteal phase, but the traditional RGs with the least stability (18S and ACTB) did not show a significant difference between groups. Conclusion: These results indicate the importance of verifying RG stability prior to commencing research and may contribute to experimental design in the field of animal reproductive physiology as reference data.