• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.341-357
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• 2019

Acanthamoeba, one of free-living amoebae (FLA), remains a high risk of direct contact with this protozoan parasite which is ubiquitous in nature and man-made environment. This pathogenic FLA can cause sight-threatening amoebic keratitis (AK) and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) though these cases may not commonly be reported in our clinical settings. Acanthamoeba has been detected from different environmental sources namely; soil, water, hotspring, swimming pool, air-conditioner, or contact lens storage cases. The identification of Acanthamoeba is based on morphological appearance and molecular techniques using PCR and DNA sequencing for clinico-epidemiological purposes. Recent treatments have long been ineffective against Acanthamoeba cyst, novel anti-Acanthamoeba agents have therefore been extensively investigated. There are efforts to utilize synthetic chemicals, lead compounds from medicinal plant extracts, and animal products to combat Acanthamoeba infection. Applied nanotechnology, an advanced technology, has shown to enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activity in the encapsulated nanoparticles leading to new therapeutic options. This review attempts to provide an overview of the available data and studies on the occurrence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members with the aim of identifying some potential contributing factors such as distribution, demographic profile of the patients, possible source of the parasite, mode of transmission and treatment. Further, this review attempts to provide future direction for prevention and control of the Acanthamoeba infection.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.67-78
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• 2019

This study is to study Jung's analytical psychology and to study counseling process and counseling techniques based on the counseling theory derived from it. Jung divides the counseling process into four stages based on analytical psychology. The first stage is confession, and the prototype of analysis therapy is confession. The first step in the treatment process is to share secrets and reveal suppressed emotions. The second stage is elucidation, a process that clarifies by shedding light on the contents induced by the transfer. The third stage is the level of education. Explanation makes my counselors intelligent, but leaves them still in an incompetent state. At this stage, treatment goes beyond insight to train as a responsible client. The fourth stage is transformation. In the transformation phase with inner counselors, not only the debaters, but also the therapist is in the "in-analysis." Jung's counseling technique uses six things: dream analysis, use of symbols, word link test, symptom analysis, case history and MBTI. In conclusion, analytical psychology counseling has enabled, first, a more in-depth approach and understanding of the human mind, especially the unconscious world. Second, analytical psychology counseling has enabled us to recognize that all humans are human communities with a common mental structure through the concept of unconsciousness and archetypes. Third, analytical psychology counseling has allowed you to look at the meaning and purpose of life from a new perspective. Therefore, Jung emphasized that he should not be seen as having a pathological problem with patients, but as an omnipotent human being who wants to realize its fullness on his own.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.249-256
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• 2021

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. There are many factors including genetic and environmental factors that influence asthma. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is involved in maintaining the T helper cells 1 and 2 (Th1/Th2) balance and plays an important role in the development of asthma. In this study, the correlation between the NDFIP2 gene that regulates the MAPK pathway and asthma was analyzed. The genetic polymorphism of the NDFIP2 gene was analyzed between 193 asthma patients and 3,228 healthy controls in Korea. As a result, 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed a significant correlation (P<0.05) and high relative risk with asthma. Among them, rs2783122 of NDFIP2 showed a statistically significant association with asthma (P-value=9.76×10^-6, odds ratio (OR)=1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.33~2.10). In the SNP imputation on the NDFIP2, 16 SNPs were discovered, and all of them showed significant correlation with asthma and high odds ratio. The genotype-based mRNA expression analysis revealed that the group of minor alleles of rs1408049 showed increased mRNA expression. Increased NDFIP2 expression causes the activation of the MAPK pathway, and this may influence the development of asthma. In conclusion, the polymorphisms of NDFIP2 are associated with asthma development and this can provide the basis for new guidelines for the management of asthma in the Korean population.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.390-397
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• 2022

Parylene-C which was mainly used for industries such as electronics, machinery and semiconductors has recently been in the spotlight in the medical field due to its properties such as corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. In this study we intend to derive a plan to improve the bonding strength of Parylene-C coating with the SUS304 base material for medical use which can be applied to various medical fields such as needles, micro needles and in vitro diagnostic device sensors. Through plasma pretreatment the bonding strength between Parylene-C and metal materials was improved. It was confirmed that the coated surface was hydrophobic by measuring the contact angle and the improvement of the surface roughness of the sample manufactured through CNC machining was confirmed by measuring the surface roughness with SEM. Through the above results, it is thought that it will be effective in increasing usability and reducing pain in patients by minimizing friction when inserting medical devices and in contact with skin. In addition it can be applied to various application fields such as human implantable stents and catheters, and is expected to improve the performance and lifespan of medical parts.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1096-1106
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• 2018

Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth most common cause of death in the United States. MicroRNAs have been identified as vital players in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. microRNA-128 (miR-128) has been shown to be dysregulated in AD. This study aimed to explore the roles and molecular mechanisms of miR-128 in AD progression. Materials and Methods: Expression patterns of miR-128 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR-{\gamma}$) messenger RNA in clinical samples and cells were measured using RT-qPCR assay. $PPAR-{\gamma}$ protein levels were determined by Western blot assay. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry via double-staining of Annexin V-FITC/PI. Caspase 3 and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity was determined by a Caspase 3 Activity Assay Kit or $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 Transcription Factor Assay Kit, respectively. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay were used to investigate interactions between miR-128 and $PPAR-{\gamma}$ 3'UTR. Results: MiR-128 expression was upregulated and $PPAR-{\gamma}$ expression was downregulated in plasma from AD patients and $amyloid-{\beta}$ $(A{\beta})-treated$ primary mouse cortical neurons (MCN) and Neuro2a (N2a) cells. Inhibition of miR-128 decreased $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity through inactivation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells. Moreover, $PPAR-{\gamma}$ was a target of miR-128. $PPAR-{\gamma}$ upregulation attenuated $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity by inactivating $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells. Furthermore, $PPAR-{\gamma}$ downregulation was able to abolish the effect of anti-miR-128 on cytotoxicity and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity in MCN and N2a cells. Conclusion: MiR-128 inhibitor decreased $A{\beta}-mediated$ cytotoxicity by upregulating $PPAR-{\gamma}$ via inactivation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ in MCN and N2a cells, providing a new potential target in AD treatment.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.186-198
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• 2021

As the increased certainty of osseointegration, new parameters are now being used to assess implant success. Accordingly, patients' and clinicians' high demands and expectation for esthetics have expanded and implant-supported restorations show better esthetic outcomes. The pre-implant treatment planning process, the implant surgical steps and the post-surgery prosthetic process can affect all esthetic outcomes. Prevention of esthetic implant failures can be achieved by appropriate treatment at each stage, considering the 3 factors of alveolar bone, soft tissue, and implants. It is necessary to achieve the esthetic implant prostheses followings: minimal invasive surgery, bone augmentation, ideal 3-dimensional implant position, peri-implant soft tissue management, and provisional restorations to optimize peri-implant soft tissue architecture.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.251-263
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• 2022

Phase I clinical trial is called 'Dose finding study'. It is first step of experimenting on humans with new drugs developed through animal experiments or vitro experiments. The important area of interest in designing Phase I clinical trial is determining the dose that acceptable level to the patients and provides the greatest efficacy. In this paper, we explain about methods to determine the maximum tolerated dose using various stopping rules. The SM3, NM, Rim, J3, BSM methods are compared through simulation. And we consider how the methods might be reformed. As a result of the simulation, BSM estimated the MTD closest to the target toxicity probability. J3 method required the least number of subjects. These results are due to the feature of the stopping rules of both methods. The BSM adds 2 or 1 subject at the same dose level when there is a toxic reaction. In addition, the J3 method has a smaller number of subjects than the other methods. If the methods are improved by combining these features, MTD can be estimated more efficiently. If the total number of subjects can be reduced while using the stopping rule of the BSM, accurate estimation is possible for a small number of subjects.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.476-483
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• 2021

Traumatic bone cyst (TBC) is an asymptomatic lesion seen most in adolescents. TBC is found incidentally on routine panoramic examinations and appears as a relatively well-demarcated unilocular radiolucency with scalloped margins. Histological examination reveals a vacant cavity of cancellous bone usually unlined or very occasionally lined with a thin connective tissue layer. The lack of lining epithelial membrane is common histological feature. The most affected site is between the mandibular canine and third molar. The involvement of the mandibular symphysis is rare. The etiopathogenesis of the TBC is unclear. TBC is treated with surgical exploration and curettage; new bone is formed in place of the lesion within 6 - 12 months of surgery. Diagnosis of TBC prior to surgical intervention has limitations in most of the cases. Both of our patients were diagnosed through radiological examination and biopsy. Neither patient had a history of trauma. After surgery, the panoramic radiograph and CBCT were used to confirm bone healing.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.550-566
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• 2022

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and long-term physical and cognitive disabilities worldwide, affecting an estimated 15 million people annually. The pathophysiological process of stroke is complicated by multiple and coordinated events. The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in people with stroke can significantly contribute to the development of ischemic brain injury. Therefore, BBB disruption is recognized as a hallmark of stroke; thus, it is important to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can protect against BBB dysfunction in ischemic stroke. Traditional medicines are composed of natural products, which represent a promising source of new ingredients for the development of conventional medicines. Indeed, several studies have shown the effectiveness of Korean medicine on stroke, highlighting the value of Korean medicinal treatment for ischemic stroke. This review summarizes the current information and underlying mechanisms regarding the ameliorating effects of the formula, decoction, herbs, and active components of traditional Korean medicine on cerebral ischemia-induced BBB disruption. These traditional medicines were shown to have protective effects on the BBB in many cellular and animal ischemia models of stroke, and experiments in various animal species, such as mice and rats. In addition, they showed brain-protective effects by protecting the BBB through the regulation of tight junction proteins and matrix metalloproteinase-9, reducing edema, neuroinflammation, and neuronal cell death. We hope that this review will help promote further investigation into the neuroprotective effects of traditional Korean medicines and stimulate the performance of clinical trials on Korean herbal medicine-derived drugs in patients with stroke.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.529-539
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• 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial immune-mediated disease, the pathogenesis of which involves different cell types. T-cell activation plays an important role in RA. Therefore, inhibiting T-cell activation is one of the current therapeutic strategies. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig), also known as abatacept, reduces cytokine secretion by inhibiting T-cell activation. To achieve a homeostatic therapeutic effect, CTLA4-Ig has to be administered repeatedly over several weeks, which limits its applicability in RA treatment. To overcome this limitation, we increased the number of sialic acid-capped antennas by genetically engineering the CTLA4 region to increase the therapeutic effect of CTLA4-Ig. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT) and α2,6-sialyltransferase (α2,6-ST) were co-overexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to generate a highly sialylated CTLA4-Ig fusion protein, named ST6. The therapeutic and immunogenic effects of ST6 and CTLA4-Ig were compared. ST6 dose-dependently decreased paw edema in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis and reduced cytokine levels in a co-culture cell assay in a similar manner to CTLA4-Ig. ST6- and CTLA4-Ig-induced T cell-derived cytokines were examined in CD4 T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells after cell killing through irradiation followed by flow- and magnetic-bead-assisted separation. Interestingly, compared to CTLA4-Ig, ST6 was substantially less immunogenic and more stable and durable. Our data suggest that ST6 can serve as a novel, less immunogenic therapeutic strategy for patients with RA.