• Carbon letters
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• v.18
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• pp.49-55
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• 2016

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) produced using municipal solid waste was pyrolyzed to produce RDF char. For the first time, the RDF char was used to remove aqueous copper, a representative heavy metal water pollutant. Activation of the RDF char using steam and KOH treatments was performed to change the specific surface area, pore volume, and the metal cation quantity of the char. N₂ sorption, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the char. The optimum pH for copper removal was shown to be 5.5, and the steam-treated char displayed the best copper removal capability. Ion exchange between copper ions and alkali/alkaline metal cations was the most important mechanism of copper removal by RDF char, followed by adsorption on functional groups existing on the char surface. The copper adsorption behavior was represented well by a pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum copper removal capacity was determined to be 38.17 mg/g, which is larger than those of other low-cost char adsorbents reported previously.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.97-110
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• 2010

The wound healing process can be categorized as follows : inflammation, fibroplasia, neovascularization, collagen deposition, epithelialization, and wound contraction. During the healing process, various growth factors are secreted to accelerate wound healing. Previous studies have demonstrated that endogenous growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) are the important regulatory polypeptides for coordinating the healing process. They are released from macrophages, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes at the site of injury and participate in the regulation of reepithelization, granulation tissue formation, collagen synthesis and neovascularization. Onchung-Um has been used clinically to treat various skin diseases. In addition, Onchung-Um has been also used for congestive inflammations. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Onchung-Um on wound healing process and wound size reduction in rats. Full-thickness skin wounds ($15mm\;{\times}\;15mm$) were created on the back of rats. Rats were then divided into 2 groups : The Onchung-Um treated group that was orally administered with a dose of 193.9mg/100g of Onchung-Um extract per day for 15 days and Control group without Onchung-Um administration. Moreover, the histological changes and VEGF immunoexpressions of two groups were estimated. In results, wound closures were significantly accelerated by oral administration of Onchung-Um extract. Furthermore, in Onchung-Um treated group, there were significant increases in fibroblast migration, epithelialization compared with the Control group. VEGF expressions were also increased in Onchung-Um treated group. This study has therefore demonstrated the Onchung-Um can significantly improve the quality of wound healing and scar formation and the oral administration of Onchung-Um extract may increase early tissue angiogenesis in the incisional wound of an experimental animal model.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.86-87
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• 2015

Objectives: Condurango is widely used in various systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) against oesophageal and stomach ailments including certain types of cancer. However, until now no systematic study has been conducted to verify its efficacy and dose with proper experimental support. Therefore, we examined if ethanolic extract of Condurango could ameliorate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in rats in vivo to validate its use as a traditional medicine. Methods: After one month of scheduled BaP feeding (50 mg/kg body-weight), lung cancer developed after four months. BaP-intoxicated rats were then treated with Condurango (0.06 mL) twice daily starting at the end of the four months for an additional one, two and three months, respectively. Effects of Condurango were evaluated by analyzing lung histology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant biomarkers, DNA-fragmentation, RT-PCR (Reverese Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and western blot of several apoptotic signalling markers and comparing the results against those obtained for controls. Results: A histological study revealed gradual progress in lung tissue-repair activity in Condurango-fed cancer-bearing rats, showing gradual tissue recovery after three months of drug administration. Condurango has the capacity to generate ROS, which may contribute to a reduction in anti-oxidative activity and to an induction of oxidative stress-mediated cancer-cell death. Condurango-activated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, cytochrome-c, apaf-1, ICAD and PARP) and down-regulated antiapoptotic-Bcl-2 expression were noted both at mRNA and protein levels. Studies on caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage by western blot analysis revealed that Condurango induced apoptosis through a caspase-3-dependent pathway. Conclusions: The anticancer efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Condurango for treating BaP-induced lung cancer in rats lends support for its use in various traditional systems of medicine.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.54-59
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• 2007

Background: Selective transforaminal epidural block (STEB) has showen effectiveness as a diagnostic and therapeutic option for the management of patients with low back pain or sciatica. This study was carried out in order to determine the short-term effects and prognostic factors associated with STEB in patients with low back pain or sciatica. Methods: Ninety-seven patients were selectedfor participation in this study. Their diagnosis were based werewason the clinical symptoms and MRI findings. We performed STEB under fluoroscopic guidance and injected 3 ml of radio opaque dye in order to confirm the technical success of the procedure. We then injected 20 mg of triamcinolone mixed into 3 ml of 0.5% mepivacaine. One month later, we classified the patient outcomes as excellent, good, moderate or poor, according to the degree of reduction in VAS score from baseline. The independent variables assessed included symptom duration, block level, number of blocks, primary diagnosis, prior caudal block, anterior epidural space filling of dye, medication history, demographic data, radiating pain, back surgery and spondylolisthesis. Results: At a mean follow-up period of 1 month after STEB, excellent results were noted in the patients diagnosed with herniated lumbar disc (70%), non-specific spondylosis (54%), spinal stenosis (44%), and failed back syndrome (28%). The patients with epidural adhesion and combined spondylolisthesis were associated with poorer outcomes. Combined caudal block, symptom duration and the extent of epidural spread of the drug were not related to the effectiveness of the treatment. Conclusions: Selective transforaminal epidural block is effective in treating patients with radiculopathy, such as herniated lumbar disc, but it isrelatively ineffective in treating patients with structural deformities, such as failed back syndrome and spondylolisthesis.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.771-778
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• 2006

Previous studies have suggested that delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) phenotype differently affect mineral metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 6-month iron supplementation as syrup of NaFeEDTA in improvement of iron status according to ALAD genotype. One hundred thirty adult women living in rural areas of Asan were provided NaFeEDTA syrup once a week for 6 months at the dose of 64mg Fe/week. Three hundred control subjects were observed during the study period. Fasting blood was obtained for analyzing hemoglobin (Hb) and zinc protophorphyrin (ZPP) and serum was analyzed for ferritin, iron and total iron capacity (TIBC) levels before and after iron supplementation. Ninety percent of ALAD 1-1 (ALAD1) and 10% of ALAD 1-2 (ALAD2) genotype were observed in the control group. However in the intervention group, 98% showed ALAD1 while only 2% was ALAD2, which is significantly lower proportions of ALAD2 compared to the control group (p<0.01). The iron status of Intervention group significantly improved except for ferritin and TIBC regardless or ALAD genotype, while the control group did not show any changes in iron status except for ZPP. ZPP concentration of the control group significantly increased in both ALAD1 and 2 while the intervention group showed significantly decreased ZPP after supplementation in ALAD1. Iron supplementation in the form of NaFeEDTA seems to be effective in reduction of ZPP levels although ALAD2 did not show significant changes due to the small number. However, it is difficult to make a conclusion from these results, and more specified further investigation is needed with more participants.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.1278-1285
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• 2008

The intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) layer of the intestinal tract makes direct contact with a number of microbiota communities, including bacteria known to have deleterious health effects. IECs possess innate protective strategies against pathogenic challenge, which primarily involve the formation of a physicochemical barrier. Intestinal tract mucins are principal components of the mucus layer on epithelial surfaces, and perform a protective function against microbial damage. However, little is currently known regarding the interactions between probiotics/pathogens and epithelial cell mucins. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of Lactobacillus on the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and the subsequent inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 attachment to epithelial cells. In the current study, the attachment of E. coli O157:H7 to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells was inhibited significantly by L. acidophilus A4 and its cell extracts. It is also important to note that the expression of MUC2 mucin was increased as the result of the addition of L. acidophilus A4 cell extracts (10.0 mg/ml), which also induced a significant reduction in the degree to which E. coli O157:H7 attached to epithelial cells. In addition, the mRNA levels of IL-8, IL-1$\beta$, and TNF-$\alpha$ in HT-29 cells were significantly induced by treatment with L. acidophilus A4 extracts. These results indicate that MUC2 mucin and cytokines are important regulatory factors in the immune systems of the gut, and that selected lactobacilli may be able to induce the upregulation of MUC2 mucin and specific cytokines, thereby inhibiting the attachment of E. coli O157:H7.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.255-261
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• 2006

Melittin-induced nociceptive responses are mediated by selective activation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent fibers and are modulated by excitatory amino acid receptor, cyclooxygenase, protein kinase C and serotonin receptor. The present study was undertaken to investigate the peripheral and spinal actions of voltage-gated calcium channel antagonists on melittin-induced nociceptive responses. Changes in mechanical threshold and number of flinchings were measured after intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of melittin $(30\;{\mu}g/paw)$ into mid-plantar area of hindpaw. L-type calcium channel antagonists, verapamil [intrathecal (i.t.), 6 or $12\;{\mu}g$; i.pl.,100 & $200\;{\mu}g$; i.p., 10 or 30 mg], N-type calcium channel blocker, ${\omega}-conotoxin$ GVIA (i.t., 0.1 or $0.5\;{\mu}g$; i.pl., $5\;{\mu}g$) and P-type calcium channel antagonist, ${\omega}-agatoxin$ IVA (i.t., $0.5\;{\mu}g$; i.pl., $5\;{\mu}g$) were administered 20 min before or 60 min after i.pl. injection of melittin. Intraplantar pre-treatment and i.t. pre- or post-treatment of verapamil and ${\omega}-conotoxin$ GVIA dose-dependently attenuated the reduction of mechanical threshold, and melittin-induced flinchings were inhibited by i.pl. or i.t. pre-treatment of both antagonists. P-type calcium channel blocker, ${\omega}-agatoxin$ IVA, had significant inhibitory action on flinching behaviors, but had a limited effect on melittin-induced decrease in mechanical threshold. These experimental findings suggest that verapamil and ${\omega}-conotoxin$ GVIA can inhibit the development and maintenance of melittin-induced nociceptive responses.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.527-537
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• 1995

The effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and electrical stimulation of the tooth on the intradental nerve activtiy (INA) was investigated in anesthetized cats. The INA was recorded from single pulp nerve units dissected from the inferior alveolar nerve under stereomicroscope. The INA elicited by 3 minute application of 4M NaCl in deep dentinal cavity was compared before and after stimulation at 10 minute intervals. The magnitude of INA was calculated as the total number of nerve impulses produced in given period, and the changes of INA are expressed as % of control INA. The results obtained were as follows. 1. 16 single pulp nerve units were classified as 14 $A{\delta}$-fibers (3.4~19.4m/sec) and 2-fibers (1.5~1.7m/sec) according to the conduction velocity. 2. 4M NaCl evoked an irregular bursts of spikes which continued until washing out. Isotonic saline did not affect INA to subsequent applications of the hypertonic NaCl solution (P>0.05). 3. Local application of CGRP ($200{\mu}g$/ml) in deep dentinal cavity reduced the INA induced by 4M NaCl in $A{\delta}$-fiber units (P<0.01) and some units of those responded to CGRP during application. 4. Local application of SP ($100{\mu}g$/ml) in deep dentinal cavity reduced the INA induced by 4M NaCl in AS-fiber units (p<0.05), but increased the INA in C-fiber unit coincided with large reduction of the INA of $A{\delta}$-fiber units. 5. Monopolar electrical stimulation applied to the crown at intensities high enough to excite C-fibers (12V, 5ms, 10Hz, 10~30min) decreased the INA in $A{\delta}$-fiber units (P<0.01) and systemic pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine (3mg/kg, i.v.) enhanced this inhibitory effect (P<0.01). On the contrary, electrical stimulation increased the INA in C-fiber unit.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2016

Hair is a dermal adjunctive organ that protects the body from external physical and chemical stimuli; hair undergoes anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, with hair-loss occurring during the telogen phase. Alopecia is a condition wherein a person undergoes hair-loss far exceeding the normal amount, owing to diverse external factors. Wild beans are rich in isoflavone and amino acids known to prevent hair-loss; compared to cultivated beans, many wild bean species have higher protein content. This study aimed to develop a hair growth promoting solution, with superior hair growth promoting effects and fewer side effects, using naturally obtained Glycine soja Siebold et Zucc (GSSZ) extracts. Seven-week-old C57BL/6N male mice were classified into different experimental groups. Hair growth was observed in GSSZ-treated mice, and compared against that seen in 3 % minoxidil (MXD, positive control)-treated mice. Visual observations revealed a greater reduction in hair-loss in MXD and GSSZ application groups, compared to that in TXN group (hair loss induction using 1 % testosterone). Evaluation using an image analysis software revealed that compared to the positive control, TXN + GSSZ group showed the highest hair growth. TXN + MXD and control groups exhibited similar follicular cell growth, while the hair growth promotion patterns were similar in the negative control (normal), TXN + GSSZ, and TXN groups, as observed via histological analysis. GSSZ did not induce cytotoxicity (even at 2 mg/mL) in keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells; alternately, dermal papilla cell proliferation was activated in a (GSSZ) concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, the GSSZ extract promoted hair growth and increased hair growth-related cell activity, and could therefore be utilized in alopecia treatment.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.1016-1022
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• 2010

An Experimental study of cleaning solution has been performed on a high capacity steam boiler burning heavy fuel oil to on-line cleaning of deposit. The deposit is mixture of soot, slag, ash, metal oxide and clinker. The traditional technology of deposit cleaning was carried hand-crafted. The conventional technology of boiler cleaning method is mechanical removal by the worker while the boiler shut down operation. In this experiment, the deposit of mixture of soot, slag, ash, metal oxide and clinker has been removed by the cleaning agents without shut down of boiler burning. This study found out the optimum cleaning solution composition. The best results have been obtained when the mixture of ammonium nitrate and $MgNO_3$ were used in cleaning solution. The various transition metal effect was investigated for optimum mixing condition. In this research, the metal compound additive of the clean solution compoition was obtained. The combustion efficiency was improved by on-line cleaning with derived clean solution compoition. On-line cleaning method prevents the fouling and corrosion in the boiler and heat exchanger.