• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.295-303
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• 2023

Background: The use of Adriamycin (ADR), also known as doxorubicin, as a chemotherapy agent is limited by its detrimental adverse effects, especially cardiotoxicity. Recent studies have emphasized the crucial role of angiotensin II (Ang-II) in the development of ADR-induced cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to explore the potential cardioprotective effects of losartan in a rat model of ADR-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (group C), an ADR-treated group (ADR 5 mg/kg/wk for 3 weeks via intraperitoneal injections; group A), and co-treatment of ADR with losartan group (same dose of ADR and losartan; 10 mg/kg/day per oral for 3 weeks; group L). Western blot analysis was conducted to demonstrate changes in brain natriuretic peptide, collagen 1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and caspase-3 protein expression levels in left ventricular (LV) tissues from each group. Results: Losartan administration reduced LV hypertrophy, collagen content, and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and MMP-2 in LV tissue. In addition, losartan led to a decrease in the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 and an increase in the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, losartan treatment induced a reduction in the apoptotic area compared to group A. Conclusion: In an ADR-induced cardiomyopathy rat model, co-administration of ADR with losartan presented cardioprotective effects by attenuating LV hypertrophy, pro-inflammatory factors, and apoptosis in LV tissue.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.749-755
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• 2009

We investigated the chemical components of red onion powder dried using the low temperature vacuum method and the inhibitory effects of solvent extracts of the dried red onion powder on the growth of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma and HT-29 human colon cancer cells and $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. The moisture content of the dried red onion powder was 17.95%, while the vitamin C content was 96 mg/100 g and the total phenols content was 39.1 mg/mL. The inhibitory effects of acetone with methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the red onion powder on the growth of HT-1080 and HT-29 cancer cells increased in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was greater on the growth of HT-29 cells, while the A+M extracts had a higher inhibitory effect than the MeOH extracts. Treatment with the hexane, 85% aq. methanol, butanol and water fractions of the extract led to significant inhibition of the growth of both cancer cell lines (p<0.05). Among the fractions, the hexane and 85% aq. methanol fractions showed a greater inhibitory effect. To determine the protective effect on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress, a DCFH-DA (dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate) assay was conducted. All fractions, including the crude extracts of dried red onion, appeared to lead to a significant reduction in the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and these reductions occurred in a dose dependent fashion (p<0.05). Among the fractions, the 85% methanol fraction showed the greatest protective effect on the production of lipid peroxides.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.307-318
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• 2023

Objectives: Bacterial biofilm is regarded as a significant threat to the production of safe food and the arise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the quorum sensing inhibitory effect of Nepeta curviflora methanolic extract. Methods: The effectiveness of the leaves at sub-inhibitory concentrations of 2.5, 1.25, and 0.6 mg/mL on the virulence factors and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa was evaluated. The effect of N. curviflora methanolic extract on the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, including pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and chitinase, was evaluated. Other tests including the crystal violet assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swarming motility, aggregation ability, hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharide production were conducted to assess the effect of the extract on the formation of biofilm. Insight into the mode of antiquorum sensing action was evaluated by examining the effect of the extract on the activity of N-Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) and the expression of pslA and pelA genes. Results: The results showed a significant attenuation in the production of pyocyanin and rhamnolipid and in the activities of protease and chitinase enzymes at 2.5 and 1.25 mg/mL. In addition, N. curviflora methanolic extract significantly inhibited the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilm by decreasing aggregation, hydrophobicity, and swarming motility as well as the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS). A significant reduction in AHL secretion and pslA gene expression was observed, indicating that the extract inhibited quorum sensing by disrupting the quorum-sensing systems. The quorum-sensing inhibitory effect of N. curviflora extract appears to be attributed to the presence of kaempferol, quercetin, salicylic acid, rutin, and rosmarinic acid, as indicated by LCMS analysis. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide insight into the potential of developing anti-quorum sensing agents using the extract and the identified compounds to treat infections resulting from quorum sensing-mediated bacterial pathogenesis.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2024

In this study, the pump and fertilize (PAF) was applied to reduce nitrogen infiltration into groundwater at three corn cultivation sites over a three-year period, and its effectiveness was evaluated. PAF involves pumping nitrate-contaminated groundwater and using it for irrigation, thereby replacing the need for chemical fertilizers. This method not only substitutes chemical fertilization, but also reduces nitrogen infiltration into groundwater through root zone consumption. To confirm PAF's effectiveness, an equal amount of nitrogen was applied in each cultivation plot, either through chemical fertilizer or irrigation with nitrate-contaminated groundwater. Regular monitoring of infiltrating pore water and groundwater was conducted in each cultivation plot. The linear regression slope for nitrate concentration in the pore water after repeated application of PAF ranged from -3.527 to -8.3485 mg-N/L/yr, confirming that PAF can reduce nitrate concentration in the pore water. With an increasing proportion of PAF, the infiltrating nitrate mass in pore water was reduced by 42% compared to plots fertilized with chemical fertilizer. Additionally, the linear regression slope of nitrate concentration in groundwater was calculated as -2.2999 and -9.2456 mg-N/L/yr. Therefore, continuous application of PAF in rural areas is expected to significantly contribute to reducing nitrate concentration in groundwater.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.558-563
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Bispectral index (BIS) monitors process and display electroencephalographic data are used to assess the depth of anesthesia. This study retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of BIS monitoring during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Methods: This study included 725 consecutive patients who underwent EUS under sedation with propofol. BIS monitoring was used in 364 patients and was not used in 361. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) median dose of propofol; (2) respiratory and circulatory depression; (3) occurrence of body movements; (4) awakening score >8 at the time; and (5) awakening score 2 hours after leaving the endoscopy room. Results: The BIS group received a significantly lower median dose of propofol than the non-BIS group (159.2 mg vs. 167.5 mg; p=0.015) in all age groups. For patients aged ≥75 years, the reduction in heart rate was significantly lower in the BIS group than in the non-BIS group (1.2% vs. 9.1%; p=0.023). Moreover, the occurrence of body movements was markedly lower in the BIS group than in the non-BIS group (8.5% vs. 39.4%; p<0.001). Conclusions: During EUS examination, BIS monitoring is useful for maintaining a constant depth of anesthesia, especially in patients 75 years of age or older.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.120-132
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• 2022

Numerous clinical trials have examined the beneficial effects of Juglans regia leaf extract (JRLE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the results of these studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of JRLE on glycemic control and lipid profile in T2DM patients. We searched online databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled clinical trials that examined the effect of JRLE on glycemic and lipid indices in T2DM patients. Data were pooled using both fixed and random-effect models and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Of the total records, 4 eligible studies, with a total sample size of 195 subjects, were included. The meta-analysis revealed that JRLE supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (WMD, -18.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -32.88 mg/dL, -3.21 mg/dL; p = 0.017) and significantly increases fasting insulin level (WMD, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.40 U/L, 3.45 U/L; p = 0.014). Although the overall effect of JRLE supplementation on hemoglobin A1c was not significant, a significant reduction was seen in studies with an intervention duration of > 8 weeks (WMD, -0.64; 95% CI, -1.16%, -0.11%; p = 0.018). Moreover, we also found no significant change in lipid parameters. Our findings revealed a beneficial effect of JRLE supplementation on glycemic indices in T2DM patients, but no significant improvement was found for lipid profile parameters.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1898-1911
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• 2024

Phylloporia lonicerae is an annual fungus that specifically parasitizes living Lonicera plants, offering significant potential for developing new resource food and medicine. However, wild resources and mycelium production of this fungus is limited, and its anti-tumor active ingredients and mechanisms remain unclear, hampering the development of this fungus. Thus, we optimized the fermentation medium of P. lonicerae and studied the anti-tumor activity of its mycelium. The results indicated that the optimum fermentation medium consisted of 2% sucrose, 0.2% peptone, 0.1% KH₂PO₄, 0.05% MgSO₄·7H₂O, 0.16% Lonicera japonica petals, 0.18% P fungal elicitor, and 0.21% L. japonica stem. The biomass reached 7.82 ± 0.41 g/l after 15 days of cultivation in the optimized medium, a 142% increase compared with the potato dextrose broth medium, with a 64% reduction in cultivation time. The intracellular alcohol extract had a higher inhibitory effect on A549 and Eca-109 cells than the intracellular water extract, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 2.42 and 2.92 mg/ml, respectively. Graded extraction of the alcohol extract yielded petroleum ether phase, chloroform phase, ethyl acetate phase, and n-butanol phase. Among them, the petroleum ether phase exhibited a better effect than the positive control, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 113.3 ㎍/ml. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that petroleum ether components could induce apoptosis of Eca-109 cells, suggesting that this extracted component can be utilized as an anticancer agent in functional foods. This study offers valuable technical support and a theoretical foundation for promoting the comprehensive development and efficient utilization of P. lonicerae.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.317-327
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• 2013

Air pollution and artificial heat of urban areas have caused the urban heat island in which asphalt pavements absorb solar heat during the daytime and release the heat at night. Hence, in order to improve the environment of urban areas, it is necessary to examine cooling pavements that can reduce heat on road pavements in urban areas. The application of temperature insulation paints on road pavements require to reduce black brightness for visibility, to increase the reflection rate of infrared light and minimize the reflection rate of visible light. In the study, one part of Acrylic-emulsion was used as a main binder, and the changes in black brightness and the changes of addition ratio (0%, 15%, 30%) of hollow ceramics, as well as kinds of paints (carbon black pigment, mixed mineral pigment) were selected as the main experimental factors. The performance of temperature reduction of cooling pavements was analyzed through the reflection rate of spectrum, the reflection rate of solar heat, and the lamp test. Abrasion resistance, UV accelerated weather resistance, and sliding resistance were tested in real situations. In addition, the performance of heat reduction of testing pavements covered with high-reflection paints was analyzed by using an infrared camera. As the test results, when using mixed mineral paints and hollow ceramic of 30%, the reflection rate of spectrum was 43% in the area of near-infrared ray and 17% in the area of visible light at black brightness of $L^*$=42.89 and the reflection rate of solar heat was 27.5%. Total color difference was ${\Delta}E$=0.27 in the test of UV Accelerated Weather Resistance, indicating almost no changes in color. BPN was more than 53 when scattering #2 and #4 silica sand of more than $0.12kg/m^2$. In Taber's abrasion resistance test, abrasion loss was up to 86.4mg at 500 rotations. The performance of heat reduction was evaluated using an infrared camera at the test section applying high-reflection paints to asphalt pavements, in which the results showed that the temperature was reduced by $12.7^{\circ}C$ on CI-30-40 cooling pavements ($L^*$=38.76) and by $14.2^{\circ}C$ on CI-30-60 cooling pavements ($L^*$=57.12).

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.131-140
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• 2000

Compostable household wastes(mainly food residues) were composted in a small bin for 30 days, in which compostable household wastes were fed every day and mixed thoroughly under aerobic conditions. Three small bins were employed. In the first bin only recycled compost was composted, in the second, compostable household wastes with recycled compost, and in the third compostable household wastes with recycled compost and vermiculture. The correct decomposition rate of each composting material was calculated during composting. Total reduced rate of the weight after 30 days was 57.32% when composting the compostable household wastes with recycled compost, and 64.71% when composting them with recycled compost and vermiculite. In the case of composting the compostable household wastes with the recycled compost, the total weight reduction rate for a day was 6.81% and the total decomposition rate 6.81%. Their difference was not great. But in the case calculated with only compostable household wastes the total weight reduction rate was 56.34% and the decomposition 6.79%. When compostable household wastes were composted with the recycled compost and vermiculite, the total weight reduction rate was 64.99% and the decomposition rate 1.48%, but the total weight reduction 4.36% and the decomposition rate 35.46% when calculated with only compostable household wastes. MgO, $K_2O$ and Cr concentrations in the composting mixture during the early composting time were higher when composted with vermiculite than without it, but organic matter, CaO, NaCl, and $P_2O_5$ concentrations were contrarily diluted because of their lower concentration of vermiculite when compostable household wastes were composted with vermiculite.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1701-1707
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• 2016

The present study investigated the anti-obesity effect of pine cone (PC, Pinus koraiensis) supercritical extract in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with HFD, HFD+catechin, and HFD+PC [two different doses, 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) and 100 mg/kg b.w.] in each AIN93G supplement for 8 weeks. Treatment of HFD mice with both low and high doses of PC significantly reduced body weight gain compared to HFD mice. Liver weight of mice was reduced in both the low and high dose PC-supplemented groups (24.19% and 19.83%, respectively). Total adipose tissue weight of mice was reduced in both the low and high dose PC-supplemented groups (45.54% and 62.66%, respectively). Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol were reduced in the low and high dose PC-supplemented groups, and ratios of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol increased by 94.55% in the high dose PC-supplemented group. Serum leptin was significantly reduced in the low and high dose PC-supplemented groups (28.14% and 62.72%, respectively). These results were supported by genetic expression of protein and enzymes related to lipid metabolism assessed by real-time PCR. There was significant reduction of lipid regulatory transcription factors such as $PPAR-{\gamma}$, C/EBP, and SREBP and lipid enzymes such as fatty acid synthesis and lipoprotein lipase in the low and high dose PC-supplemented groups. However, there was no statistical difference between low and high dose PC treatments. These results suggest that pine cone supercritical extract supplementation is able to regulate serum lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels, followed by regulation of expression of lipid metabolic factors, resulting in reduction of weight gain in HFD-induced obese mice.