• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2013

The AML1 gene is an essential transcription factor regulating the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into mature blood cells. Though at least 12 different alternatively spliced AML1 mRNAs are generated, three splice variants (AML1a, AML1b and AML1c) have been characterized. Here, using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with outward-facing primers, we identified a novel non-polyadenylated transcript from the AML1 gene, with exons 5 and 6 scrambled. The novel transcript resisted RNase R digestion, indicating it is a circular RNA structure that may originate from products of mRNA alternative splicing. The expression of the novel transcript in different cells or cell lines of human and a number of other species matched those of the canonical transcripts. The discovery provides additional evidence that circular RNA could stably exist in vivo in human, and may also help to understand the mechanism of the regulation of the AML1 gene transcription.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.203-208
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• 2019

Medical color graphic research will serve as the basis for globally expanding and disseminating the design quality of the company's products through the era of production of medical robots. This study was based on technologies and contents suitable for the era of medical robot bed expansion, universal medical color application, ergonomic color, etc. In addition, the medical bed robot's color research direction was presented from the perspective of universal design. Accordingly, a universal color design was proposed, taking the functions of a medical robot under development by a domestic company as an example. The characteristics of this robot bed can be divided into three types of functions: first, treatment characteristics for prevention of pressure ulcers with curative, second, automatic seat exchange with cleanliness for medical environment, and third, Convenient, which can implement patient transport. The main idea is to present a combination of functional colors appropriate for this. The resulting color analysis and universal color design techniques could be a useful methodology for illustrating the appearance and function of a modern medical robot bed.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.294-300
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• 2005

Uncaria Tomentosa and Maytenus are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoidal effects after either a single application or application over a short-term period. We applied these natural products to Wister rats every day for two weeks and investigated the effects of this long-term application on inflammation. This was done by measuring footpad edema, which was induced by a locally injected carrageenan. There was a dramatic reduction in edema in both U. Tomentosa- and Maytenus-treated rats; furthermore, the reduction lasted as long as three days for rats treated with U. Tomentosa. When the Balb/C mice underwent similar treatment for one month, the level of IgM in the blood of U. Tomentosa-treated mice decreased while the level of IgG in Maytenus-treated mice increased. This suggests that the long lasting effects of U. Tomentosa may be related to a low level of IgM and the subclass switch from IgM to IgG. Since the anti-inflammatory effects of U. Tomentosa lasts for three days, it may prove useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis when applied for an extended period of time, especially since this product is known to have minimal side effects.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2013

Background: Medical doctors who perform C-arm fluoroscopy-guided procedures are exposed to X-ray radiation. Therefore, radiation-protective shields are recommended to protect these doctors from radiation. For the past several years, these protective shields have sometimes been used without regular inspection. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of damage to radiation-protective shields in the operating room. Methods: This study investigated 98 radiation-protective shields in the operation rooms of Konkuk University Medical Center and Jeju National University Hospital. We examined whether these shields were damaged or not with the unaided eye and by fluoroscopy. Results: There were seventy-one aprons and twenty-seven thyroid protectors in the two university hospitals. Fourteen aprons (19.7%) were damaged, whereas no thyroid protectors (0%) were. Of the twenty-six aprons, which have been used since 2005, eleven (42.3%) were damaged. Of the ten aprons, which have been used since 2008, none (0%) was damaged. Of the twenty-three aprons that have been used since 2009, two (8.7%) of them were damaged. Of the eight aprons used since 2010, one (12.3%) was damaged. Of the four aprons used since 2011, none (0%) of them were damaged. The most common site of damage to the radiation-protective shields was at the waist of the aprons (51%). Conclusions: As a result, aprons that have been used for a long period of time can have a higher risk of damage. Radiation-protective shields should be inspected regularly and exchanged for new products for the safety of medical workers.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.167-174
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• 2022

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), one of the main active metabolites of ginseng, performs a broad spectrum of anti-tumor effects. Our aims are to search out new strategies to enhance anti-tumor effects of natural products, including 20(S)-PPD. In recent years, fasting has been shown to be multi-functional on tumor progression. Here, the effects of fasting combined with 20(S)-PPD on hepatocellular carcinoma growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cell cycle were explored. Methods: CCK-8 assay, trypan blue dye exclusion test, imagings photographed by HoloMonitorTM M4, transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were performed for functional analyses on cell proliferation, morphology, migration, invasion, apoptosis, necrosis and cell cycle. The expressions of genes on protein levels were tested by western blot. Tumor-bearing mice were used to evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting combined with 20(S)-PPD. Results: We firstly confirmed that fasting-mimicking increased the anti-proliferation effect of 20(S)-PPD in human HepG2 cells in vitro. In fasting-mimicking culturing medium, the apoptosis and necrosis induced by 20(S)-PPD increased and more cells were arrested at G0-G1 phase. Meanwhile, invasion and migration of cells were decreased by down-regulating the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in fasting-mimicking medium. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that intermittent fasting enhanced the tumor growth inhibition of 20(S)-PPD in H22 tumor-bearing mice without obvious side effects. Conclusion: Fasting significantly sensitized HCC cells to 20(S)-PPD in vivo and in vitro. These data indicated that dietary restriction can be one of the potential strategies of chinese medicine or its active metabolites against hepatocellular carcinoma.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7535-7540
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• 2015

Background: Early initiation of smoking and chewing of diverse forms of tobacco among youth in India is a significant driver for tobacco epidemic in India. Several socio-demographic factors are predictors of tobacco use in populations, especially among youth. Interventions which address these socio-demographic factors can help policy makers to curb new initiations and avert morbidity and mortality due to tobacco use. Objective: To study the various sociodemographic variables associated with tobacco use among youth in India. Materials and Methods: Secondary analysis of data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-India 2009-10 for the age group of 15-24 years was performed and predictors of smoking and smokeless tobacco were analyzed using data on occupation, education, and other sociodemographic factors. Results: In India there are a total of 51.3 million (22.1%) youth (15-24 years) tobacco users. Of these 35.1 million consumes chewable tobacco (15.1%), 16.2 million smoke (7%) and 1.6 million are dual users (3.1%). Males, urban, less educated, un-employed and those belonging to middle class preferred smoking over chewing; whereas, females, rural, students and those belonging to low socio-economic class are predictors of smokeless tobacco use. The major determinants of dual users are male sex, poor socio-economic strata and student class. The overall tobacco use was higher among males, rural populations, lower socioeconomic strata and un-employed class. Conclusions: India's youth is more susceptible to the tobacco addiction, especially of smokeless tobacco. Youth from rural India especially students, girls and those from poor socio-economic strata prefer to use smokeless tobacco products whereas urban, male and those less educated prefer smoking tobacco products. More population-based and region-focused research is needed to understand initiation patterns into tobacco use among youth so as to inform policymakers to devise new policy measures to curb the growing epidemic.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.42-46
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• 2018

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is essential for cell culture and is used in the determination of infectivity titer and propagation of viruses. To clarify the effects of FBS on the propagation of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), which is a causative agent of mass mortalities of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in Korea, VHSV was inoculated into an EPC (epithelioma papulosum cyprinid) cell line supplemented with MEMs (minimal essential medium) with FBS concentrations of 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10% (MEM0, MEM2, MEM5, and MEM10), respectively, and infectivity titers were compared. Cytopathic effects were observed in all experimental groups at 2 days post virus inoculation (dpi) and all cells were detached from cell culture flasks at 7 dpi. Infectivity titers increased to 3 dpi, persisted to 7 dpi, and decreased when cells were detached. The titer of VHSV in EPC cells in MEM0 was the lowest while those in the other experimental groups showed similar levels. In conclusion, 2% (v/v) of FBS was sufficient to propagate VHSV in EPC cells and the withdrawal of VHSV from cell culture flasks should be performed before cell detachment.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.51-60
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• 2016

Consumers who use mobile applications for their skin care are increasing due to increasing interest in skin care and smart phone use. A survey was conducted to select popular skin care mobile applications to be installed in the smart phone targeting 1,000 men and women in South Korea who are interested in their skin care. Questioned items included skin care awareness and recognition, skin care type, and the intention of using skin health care mobile services. The respondents thought the best skin as 'Flawless skin (52.3%)'. Also, 'Skin trouble' and 'Skin aging' were their major concerns. 47.1% of the respondents used mobile skin care applications, and 56.6% intended to try new mobile skin care services. The results on interesting field of skin care showed significant difference depending on gender, marital status, and annual average household income. Moreover, the results on effort made for skin care showed significant difference depending on age, gender, and marital status. They wanted the functions such as 'Review on cosmetic products by brand (23.8%)', 'Self skincare method (16.8%)', 'Continuous monitoring service (16.2%)', 'Information on cosmetic products (13.4%)'. The result of this study would be reliable as basic material for skincare mobile service area. Further studies could be focused on developing application in accordance with needs and how it should be applied.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.396-407
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• 2021

Objectives: We examined the common allergenic foods, symptoms and management of food allergies in children attending the facilities registered at Center for Children's Foodservice Management in Gangdong-gu, Korea. Methods: The survey was conducted among the directors or head teachers of 186 children's food service facilities with 7,591 children in 2019. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, including general information about food service facilities, information related to food allergies and allergenic foods and symptoms in individual children. Results: The number of children with food allergy was 271 (3.6%), and the proportion decreased with the increase of age. There were 91 children (33.6%) with a medical certificate, and these children had a significantly higher number of allergenic foods and symptoms than those without a medical certificate. Allergenic food groups included meat, fish, eggs and legumes (59.1%), fruits (12.4%), milk and dairy products (8.9%), cereals (7.8%), vegetables (6.2%), processed foods (3.8%) and oils and sugars (1.9%). Eggs accounted for 22.1%, followed by peanut and tree nuts (18.6%), fruits (12.4%), milk and dairy products (8.9%), shellfish (8.6%), vegetables (6.2%), fish (5.7%), cereals (4.3%) and meat (1.1%). The common allergenic foods were eggs, peanuts, walnuts, kiwi, shrimp, milk, tomatoes, mackerel, blue-green fish, peaches, shellfish (clams and abalone), buckwheat, wheat and soybeans. The most common allergic symptoms were skin and mucous membrane symptoms, such as hives, rash, itching and oral angioedema. Meal management for children with food allergies showed different trends depending on the causative food. Conclusions: The objective diagnosis by an allergist should be done for food allergy management in children's catering facilities. A system for systematic meal management of causative foods should be prepared.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and Candida albicans are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) and galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. Methods: Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria and their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days. Results: Q. infectoria gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of S. striata extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability. Conclusion: Extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.