• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.671-678
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• 2018

Objective: This study examined the predictive factors for prolonged length of stays of adult patients with acute appendicitis (AA) in an emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a retrospectively clinical study including patients in an ED. All patients were diagnosed from the clinical symptoms and a typical physical examination, and had undergone a computed tomography (CT) evaluation on the ED visiting date. All data were collected from the electrical medical records. The clinical parameters analyzed were the laboratory data, including the white blood cell count with differential values, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, initial vital signs, duration of admission, coexisting perforation of the appendix in the CT findings. The relationship between the clinical parameters and length of stay was assessed. Results: A total of 547 patients with AA were enrolled in this study. Among them, there were 270 male patients with a mean age of $40.7{\pm}15.8years$. The baseline characteristics, initial clinical features, laboratory, and imaging studies results of 129 patients in the prolonged length of stay (pLOS) group, and 418 patients of the non-pLOS group in AA were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the predictive factors related to pLOS in AA to be as follows: age 40 years or older, body temperature over $37.3^{\circ}C$, CRP level greater than 5.0 mg/dL, and evidence of perforation in CT findings (P<0.001). Conclusion: If we check age, fever, CRP level and find evidence of perforation, it might be helpful for predicting the increasing period of length of hospital stay for patients with AA in ED.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the necessary mechanical properties of conductive multifilament yarns for fabricating the electrodes of biosignal measurement pressure and stretch textile sensors using embroidery. When electrodes and circuits for smart wearable products are produced through the embroidery process using conductive multifilament yarns, unnecessary material loss is minimized, and complex electrode shapes or circuit designs can be produced without additional processes using a computer embroidering machine. However, because ordinary missionary threads cannot overcome the stress in the embroidery process and yarn cutting occurs, herein, we analyzed the S-S curve, thickness, and twist structure, which are three types of silver-coated multifilament yarns, and measured the stress in the thread of the embroidery simultaneously. Thus, the required mechanical properties of the yarns in the embroidery process were analyzed. In the actual sample production, cutting occurred in silver-coated multifilament rather than silver-coated polyamide/polyester, which showed the lowest S-S curve. In the embroidery process, the twist was unwound through repetitive vertical movement. Further, we fabricated a piezoresistive pressure/tension sensor to measure gauge factor, which is an index for measuring biological signals. We confirmed that the sensor can be applied to the fabrication of embroidery electrodes, which is an important process in the mass production of smart wearable products.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.522-529
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• 2019

M1/M2 polarization of immune cells including microglia has been well characterized. It mediates detrimental or beneficial roles in neuroinflammatory disorders including cerebral ischemia. We have previously found that sphingosine 1-phospate receptor subtype 1 ($S1P_1$) in post-ischemic brain following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) can trigger microglial activation, leading to brain damage. Although the link between $S1P_1$ and microglial activation as a pathogenesis in cerebral ischemia had been clearly demonstrated, whether the pathogenic role of $S1P_1$ is associated with its regulation of M1/M2 polarization remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether $S1P_1$ was associated with regulation of M1/M2 polarization in post-ischemic brain. Suppressing $S1P_1$ activity with its functional antagonist, AUY954 (5 mg/kg, p.o.), attenuated mRNA upregulation of M1 polarization markers in post-ischemic brain at 1 day and 3 days after tMCAO challenge. Similarly, suppressing $S1P_1$ activity with AUY954 administration inhibited M1-polarizatioin-relevant $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in post-ischemic brain. Particularly, $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation was observed in activated microglia of post-ischemic brain and markedly attenuated by AUY954, indicating that M1 polarization through $S1P_1$ in post-ischemic brain mainly occurred in activated microglia. Suppressing $S1P_1$ activity with AUY954 also increased mRNA expression levels of M2 polarization markers in post-ischemic brain, further indicating that $S1P_1$ could also influence M2 polarization in post-ischemic brain. Finally, suppressing $S1P_1$ activity decreased phosphorylation of M1-relevant ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPKs, but increased phosphorylation of M2-relevant Akt, all of which were downstream pathways following $S1P_1$ activation. Overall, these results revealed $S1P_1$-regulated M1/M2 polarization toward brain damage as a pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.92-92
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• 2019

Excessive or chronic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Hibiscus syriacus L. has been used as a medicinal plant in many Asian countries, even though its anti-inflammatory activity has been unclear. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of anthocyanin fractions from the H. syriacus L. varieties Pulsae (PS) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages. PS suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) secretion concomitant with downregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Furthermore, PS inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further study showed that PS significantly decreased LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) subunits, p65 and p50. Molecular docking data showed that many anthocyanins from PS fit into the hydrophobic pocket of MD2 and bound to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), indicating that PS inhibits the TLR4-MD2-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway. Especially, apigenin-7-O-glucoside most powerfully bound to MD2 and TLR4 through LYS122, LYS122, and SER127 at a distance of $2.205{\AA}$, $3.098{\AA}$, and $2.844{\AA}$ and SER441 at a distance of $2.873{\AA}$ (docking score: -8.4) through hydrogen bonding, respectively. Additionally, PS inhibited LPS-induced TLR4 dimerization/expression on the cell surface, which consequently decreased MyD88 recruitment and IRAK4 phosphorylation. PS completely blocked LPS-mediated mortality in zebrafish larvae by diminishing the recruitment of neutrophil and macrophages accompanied by low levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our results indicate that PS attenuates LPS-mediated inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo by blocking the TLR4/MD2-MyD88/IRAK4-$NF-{\kappa}B$ axis. Therefore, PS might be used as a novel modulatory candidate for effective treatment of LPS-mediated inflammatory diseases.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.104-108
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• 2011

In the non-conductive adhesives (NCAs) for adhesion of micro electro mechanical system (MEMS), there are some problems such as delamination and cracking resulting from the large differences of coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between NCAs and substrates. So, the addition of inorganic particles such as silica and nano clay to the CTEs composit have been applied to reduce the CTEs of the adhesives. Additions of the flexibilizers such as siloxanes have also been performed to improve the flexibility of epoxy composite. Amino modified siloxane (AMSs) were used to improve compatibility between epoxy and siloxane. In this study, glass transition temperatures (Tg) and moduli of those composites were measured to confirm the effects of AMS with two different equivalents on thermal/mechanical properties of AMS/epoxy composites. Tg of KF-8010/epoxy composites decreased from 148 to $122^{\circ}C$ and those of X-22-161A/epoxy composites decreased from 148 to $121^{\circ}C$. Moduli of KF-8010/epoxy composites decreased from 2648 to 2143 MPa by adding KF-8010 and moduli of X-22-161A/epoxy composites decreased from 2648 to 2014 MPa. In short, using long Si-O chain AMS leads to a greater decrease in moduli. However, haven't showed significant differences in Tg's.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.35
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• pp.189-214
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• 2009

The followings are the characteristics of Kyunghakkwan of Youngjae Oh Yunsang. First, he delves into Soju (小注: Small notes or commentaries) of Saseo-Jibju-Daejeon (四書集註大全: Compendium of the Commentaries of Four Confucius Canons). Frequently adding, "thinking," "thinking again," he enumerates his own theories critical of various scholars who left commentaries in Daehak-Janggu-Daejeon (大學章句大全: Compendium of the sentences and phrases in Daehak, one of the canon) and Jungyong-Janggu-Daejeon (中庸章句大全: Compendium of the sentences and phrases in Jungyong, another canon). Secondly, he quotes theories of Korean confucius scholars. Besides Lee Yulgok, he introduces mainly theories of Nongam Kim Changhyub and Namdang Han Wonjin. Thirdly, he researches into various canons. He diverts from the general trend of Chosun confucius studies which focuses on Saseo and explores Seokyung (書經: One of Five canons of Chinese Confucius Studies and the oldest history book). Fourthly, his Kyungseol, especially that of Jungyong, was recognized and accepted by his contemporary Giho School scholars. Finally, he shows skepticism even on Confucius's own ideas and begs to differ.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.655-660
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• 2020

High amylose corn starch and dextrin (acid-treated at 30, 40 and 50℃ denominated as Dextrin30, Dextrin40 and Dextrin50) were added to non-fried instant noodles. X-ray diffraction pattern, water absorption, cooking loss, microstructure, and textural properties of non-fried instant noodles were investigated. The addition of high amylose corn starch/dextrin induced a slight peak intensity at 20o in the X-ray pattern indicating the insignificant formation of amylose-lipid complex. Non-fried instant noodles including high amylose corn starch/dextrin showed lower water absorption than the control. Dense microstructure in transverse section of noodles was observed in non-fried instant noodles including high amylose corn starch/dextrin except Dextrin50. Also, the addition of high amylose corn starch/dextrin induced low tensile strength, high firmness, and high stickiness. However, non-fried instant noodles containing Dextrin50 showed a loose microstructure and high cooking loss (3.98%), which might be associated with the textural properties such as the lowest tensile strength (0.17 N), lowest increase in firmness (46.77 N) and highest stickiness (18.43 N).

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.390-400
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• 2021

Background: We recently showed that gintonin, an active ginseng ingredient, exhibits antibrain neurodegenerative disease effects including multiple target mechanisms such as antioxidative stress and antiinflammation via the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a spinal disease characterized by neurodegenerative changes in motor neurons with subsequent skeletal muscle paralysis and death. However, pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS are still elusive, and therapeutic drugs have not yet been developed. We investigate the putative alleviating effects of gintonin in ALS. Methods: The G93A-SOD1 transgenic mouse ALS model was used. Gintonin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administration started from week seven. We performed histological analyses, immunoblot assays, and behavioral tests. Results: Gintonin extended mouse survival and relieved motor dysfunctions. Histological analyses of spinal cords revealed that gintonin increased the survival of motor neurons, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, choline acetyltransferase, NeuN, and Nissl bodies compared with the vehicle control. Gintonin attenuated elevated spinal NAD(P) quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression and decreased oxidative stress-related ferritin, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-immunoreactive microglia, S100β-immunoreactive astrocyte, and Olig2-immunoreactive oligodendrocytes compared with the control vehicle. Interestingly, we found that the spinal LPA1 receptor level was decreased, whereas gintonin treatment restored decreased LPA1 receptor expression levels in the G93A-SOD1 transgenic mouse, thereby attenuating neurological symptoms and histological deficits. Conclusion: Gintonin-mediated symptomatic improvements of ALS might be associated with the attenuations of neuronal loss and oxidative stress via the spinal LPA1 receptor regulations. The present results suggest that the spinal LPA1 receptor is engaged in ALS, and gintonin may be useful for relieving ALS symptoms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.31-46
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• 2021

In South Korea, there is a growing domestic need for a biotope map which contains ecological and environmental geographic information of a city. After the production of a Urban Ecological Maps(biotope map) by the Seoul metropolitan government in 2000, Natural Environment Conservation Act was revised in 2017 to make it mandatory for a local government to draw up its own urban ecological map. The aim of the present study was to find out ways to utilize an urban ecological map as a mean of communication between natural environment planning and urban planning sectors in a preliminary stage before introducing a big framework of 'environmental and ecological planning.' The northern area of Incheon metropolitan city was selected as the target area for this study. The major research content includes a comparative analysis of special-purpose zones, urban planning zones, restricted development zones, and conservation forests with focus on biotope types and Grades 1 of 'Biotope Type Assessment.' Farmland biotopes and forest biotopes within an area designated as an urban zone (residential, commercial and industrial zones) need to be redesignated as a zone which can conserve them. Especially considering a high possibility of damage to a large scale of natural green areas, these areas need to be readjusted immediately. If the entire area designated as an urban planning zone is to be developed, it is likely to cause serious damage to natural biotopes in the area (56.2%), including farmland biotope (30.4%), forest biotope (15.0%) and grassland biotope (10.8%), and thus, readjustment is needed. In case of a conservation forest, as it can possibly be damaged by the designation of special-purpose zones, it is necessary to match the designation of conservation forests or a special-purpose zones with their biotope types. In conclusion, we present a variety of thematic maps for utilization of an urban ecological map and propose a phase-specific environmental and ecological plan. Phase 1 is the establishment of a urban plan in consideration of ecological status; Phase 2 is the independent establishment of an environmental and ecological plan by an environment department; Phase 3 is an integrated management of ecological planning system and urban planning system.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was based on the Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey and aimed to report the current trends in the management of syndesmotic injuries over the last few decades. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 36 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. The questions were mainly related to the preferred techniques and clinical experiences in the treatment of patients with syndesmotic injuries. Answers with a prevalence ≥50% of respondents were considered a tendency. Results: Seventy-six (13.8%) of the 550 members responded to the survey. The results showed that the most preferred method to diagnose a syndesmotic injury was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intraoperatively, the external rotation stress test and the Cotton test were most frequently used to confirm syndesmotic diastasis. The reduction was usually done by a reduction clamp. One 3.5-mm screw was used most frequently over three cortices at 2~4 cm above the ankle joint. The preferred ankle position during fixation was 0° dorsiflexion. Removal of the syndesmotic screw was routinely done by most surgeons, mainly because of the limitation of movement and risk of screw breakage. Factors that affect suture button selection included non-rigid fixation which enables adequate fixation, early weight-bearing, and an infrequent need to remove the hardware. Inadequate reduction was considered the main factor that affects poor prognosis. Conclusion: This study proposes updated information about the current trends in the management of syndesmotic injuries in Korea. Consensuses in both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with syndesmotic injury were identified in this survey study. This study may raise the awareness of the various possible approaches toward the injury and should be used to further establish a standard protocol for the management of syndesmotic injuries.