• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.189-199
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• 1996

Myocardial ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptors$ have been shown to mediate a biphaslc inotropic response that was characterized by a transient decline followed by a sustained increasing phase in guinea pig ventricular muscle. Recently one group reported that an ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptors-induced$ intracellular $Na^+$ decrease is linked to fast $Na^+$ channel inhibition and another group reported that it is linked to $Na^+$-$K^+$ pump activation by ${\alpha}_{1b}-adrenoceptors$. But until now, its mechanism is not clear. Therefore, to see whether the $Na^+$channel or $Na^+-K^+$ pump is related to a decrease in intracellular $Na^+$ activity and/or the negative inotropic response, and which ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ subtype was involved in the decrease in intracellular $Na^+$activity by phenylephrine, we used conventional and sodium selective microelectrodes, and tension transducer to determine the effects of ${\alpha}_1-adrenergic$ stimulation on membrane potential, intracellular $Na^+$ activity, and twitch force in guinea pig ventricular muscles. $10^{-5}$ M Phenylephrine produced a slight hyperpolarization of the diastolic membrane potential, a decrease or increase in $a_N^i_a$, and a biphasic inotropic response. The negative inotropic response accompanied by a decrease in intracellular $Na^+$activity, whereas in muscles showing a remarkable positive inotropic response without initial negative inotropic effect was accompanied by an increase in intracellular $Na^+$ activity. The decrease in intracellular $Na^+$ activity was apparently inhibited by WB4101, an antagonist of the ${\alpha}_{1a}-adrenoceptors$. The decrease in intracellular $Na^+$ activity caused by phenylephrine was not abolished or reduced by a block of the fast $Na^+$ channels. $V_{max}$ also was not affected by phenylephrine. Phenylephrine produced an increase in intracellular $Na^+$ activity in the presence of a high concentration of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ (in quiescent muscle) or phorbol dibutyrate, a protein kinase C activator(in beating muscle). These suggest that the ${\alpha}_{1a}-adrenoceptors-mediated$ decrease in intracellular $Na^+$ activity may be related to the protein kinase C.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.112-117
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• 2012

With the development of nanotechnology, nano-consumer products have been popularized. For the past 10 years, potential risk of nanomaterials to human and environment have been raised carefully. Especially, workers, who directly handle nanomaterials in laboratories and manfacturers, will lead to direct exposure of nanomaterials. Therefore, direct exposure assessment and field monitoring of nanomaterials are required to assess and manage the nanomaterial exposure to human and environment. In this work, two nano-manufacturing companies, which had plasma and sol-gel processes, were selected to analyze the main exposure source and process with in-situ SMPS (scanning mobility particle sizer) and ex-situ TEM (transmission electron microscopy). The results showed that the colloidal nanoparticle in liquid phase was easily evaporated and monitored by SMPS. Most serious thing is that the workers does not know about the potential risk of nanomaterials, and thus they are not taking proper protection activities, such as PPE (personal protective equipment). Therefore, exposure assessment for nanomaterial handling facilities should be additionally carried out, and nano-safety management protocols are also provided.

• Atmosphere
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.173-188
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• 2014

The KMA has cooperated with the Oklahoma University in USA to develop a Polarimetric Radar Data (PRD) simulator to improve the microphysical processes in Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System (KLAPS), which is critical for the utilization of PRD into Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) field. The simulator is like a tool to convert NWP data into PRD, so it enables us to compare NWP data with PRD directly. The simulator can simulate polarimetric radar variables such as reflectivity (Z), differential reflectivity ($Z_{DR}$), specific differential phase ($K_{DP}$), and cross-correlation coefficient (${\rho}_{hv}$) with input of the Drop Size Distribution (DSD) and scattering calculation of the hydrometeors. However, the simulator is being developed based on the foreign observation data, therefore the PRD simulator development reflecting rainfall characteristics of Korea is needed. This study analyzed a potential application of the 2-Dimension Video Disdrometer (2DVD) data by calculating the raindrop axis ratio according to the rain-types to reflect Korea's rainfall characteristics into scattering module in the simulator. The 2DVD instrument measures the precipitation DSD including the fall velocity and the shape of individual raindrops. We calculated raindrop axis ratio for stratiform, convective and mixed rainfall cases after checking the accuracy of 2DVD data, which usually represent the scattering characteristics of precipitation. The raindrop axis ratio obtained from 2DVD data are compared with those from foreign database in the simulator. The calculated the dual-polarimetric radar variables from the simulator using the obtained raindrop axis ratio are also compared with in situ dual-polarimetric observation data at Bislsan (BSL). 2DVD observation data show high accuracies in the range of 0.7~4.8% compared with in situ rain gauge data which represents 2DVD data are sufficient for the use to simulator. There are small differences of axis ratio in the diameter below 1~2 mm and above 4~5 mm, which are more obvious for bigger raindrops especially for a strong convective rainfall case. These differences of raindrop axis ratio between domestic and foreign rainfall data base suggest that the potential use of disdrometer observation can develop of a PRD simulated suitable to the Korea precipitation system.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.8
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• pp.567-576
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• 2017

The $Na^+/H^+$ exchanger is responsible for maintaining the acidic tumor microenvironment through its promotion of the reabsorption of extracellular $Na^+$ and the extrusion of intracellular $H^+$. The resultant increase in the extracellular acidity contributes to the chemoresistance of malignant tumors. In this study, the chemosensitizing effects of cariporide, a potent $Na^+/H^+-exchange$ inhibitor, were evaluated in human malignant mesothelioma H-2452 cells preadapted with lactic acid. A higher basal level of phosphorylated (p)-AKT protein was found in the acid-tolerable H-2452AcT cells compared with their parental acid-sensitive H-2452 cells. When introduced in H-2452AcT cells with a concentration that shows only a slight toxicity in H-2452 cells, cariporide exhibited growth-suppressive and apoptosis-promoting activities, as demonstrated by an increase in the cells with pyknotic and fragmented nuclei, annexin V-PE(+) staining, a $sub-G_0/G_1$ peak, and a $G_2/M$ phase-transition delay in the cell cycle. Preceding these changes, a cariporide-induced p-AKT down-regulation, a p53 up-regulation, an ROS accumulation, and the depolarization of the mitochondrial-membrane potential were observed. A pretreatment with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 markedly augmented the DNA damage caused by the cariporide, as indicated by a much greater extent of comet tails and a tail moment with increased levels of the p-histone H2A.X, $p-ATM^{Ser1981}$, $p-ATR^{Ser428}$, $p-CHK1^{Ser345}$, and $p-CHK2^{Thr68}$, as well as a series of pro-apoptotic events. The data suggest that an inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling is necessary to enhance the cytotoxicity toward the acidtolerable H-2452AcT cells, and it underlines the significance of proton-pump targeting as a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome the acidic-microenvironment-associated chemotherapeutic resistance.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.521-528
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• 2012

In this study, we analyzed the physical properties of an ethylene oxide adducted amphoteric surfactant such as critical micelle concentration, surface tension, interfacial tension, contact angle, viscosity and phase behavior. The dual function characteristics of an amphoteric surfactant were investigated by determining an isoelectric point, which were attained using zeta potential measurements and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) experiments. The isoelectric points of DE3-OSA82-AO, DE5-OSA82-AO and DE9-OSA82-AO surfactant systems determined by zeta potential measurements were 6.97, 6.93 and 7.10 respectively and they are in good agreement with the isoelectric point values measured by QCM experiments. The frictional property measured using an automated mildness tester showed that the DE-OSA82-AO surfactant could provide a good softening effect at neutral condition.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.308-313
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different kettlebell mass (30%, 40%, and 50% of the body mass) on kinematics and kinetic variables of kettlebell swing. Method: Total of 16 healthy male who had at least 1 year of kettlebell training experience were participated in this study (age: 31.69 ± 3.46 yrd., height: 173.38 ± 4.84 cm, body mass: 74.53 ± 6.45 kg). In this study, a 13-segments whole-body model (upper trunk, lower trunk, pelvis, both side of forearm, upperarm, thigh, and shank) was used and 26 reflective markers were attached to the body to identify the segments during the movement. A 3-dimensional motion analysis with 8 infrared cameras and 4 channeled EMG was performed to find the effect of kettlebell mass on its swing. To verify the kettlebell mass effect, a one-way ANOVA with a repeated measure was used and the statistical significance level was set at 𝛼=.05. Results: Firstly, in all lower extremity joints and thoracic vertebrae, a statistically significant change in angle was shown according to an increase in kettlebell mass during kettlebell swing (p<.05). Secondly, in both the up-swing and down-swing phases, the knee joint and ankle joint ROM showed a statistically significant increase as the kettlebell mass increased (p<.05) but no statistically significant difference was found in the hip joint and thoracic spine (p>.05). Lastly, the hamstrings muscle activity was statistically significantly increased as the kettlebell mass increased during up-swing phases (p<.05). Also, as the kettlebell mass increased in P4 of the down swing phase, the gluteus maximus showed a statistically significantly increased muscle activation, whereas the rectus femoris showed a statistically significantly decreased muscle activation (p <.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, hip extension decreased and knee extension increased at 40% and 50% of body mass, and the spine also failed to maintain neutrality and increased flexion. Also, when kettlebell swings are performed with 50% of body mass, synergistic muscle dominance appears over 30% and 40% of body mass, which is judged to have a risk of potential injury. Therefore, it is thought that for beginners who start kettlebell exercise, swing practice should be performed with 30% of body mass. In addition, even in the case of experienced seniors, as the weight increases, the potential injury risk may increase, so it is thought that caution should be exercised when performing swings with 40% and 50% of body mass. In conclusion, it is thought that increasing the weight after sufficiently training with 30% of the weight of all subjects performing kettlebell swing is a way to maximize the exercise effect as well as prevent injury.

• Investigative and Clinical Urology
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.357-362
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• 2018

Purpose: Classic angiomyolipoma (AML) is common benign kidney tumor. However, some studies have claimed that epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) has malignant potential. We compared the patient characteristics and prognosis of EAML and classic AML to demonstrate predicting factors and poorer prognosis of EAML. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 231 patients who were diagnosed with EAML (n=27, 11.7%) or classic AML (n=204, 88.3%), were reviewed. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans before operation or needle biopsy. We assessed the age, sex, tumor size, body mass index, comorbidities, and Hounsfield unit (HU) according to each CT phase. We defined the unfavorable group as patients with recurrence, metastasis and death due to tumor progression. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict EAML. Results: EAML patients were younger (41.2 years vs. 49.1 years, p=0.001), predominantly male (55.6% vs. 28.4%, p=0.005), and had a larger tumor (7.5 cm vs. 4.2 cm, p<0.001). The median pre-contrast HU was not significantly different between EAML and classic AML ($29.9{\pm}23.7$ vs. $14.7{\pm}41.0$, p=0.071). In multivariable analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; p=0.032), male sex (OR, 3.33; p=0.013), and tumor larger than 4 cm (OR, 3.8; p=0.009) were significant predictive factors. Five patients (18.5%) had unfavorable outcomes, two patients had lymph node metastasis, and three patients had lung metastasis. Conclusions: Patient and tumor characteristics can be helpful in determining the type of AML preoperatively. Younger age, male sex, and larger tumor mass may increase the possibility of diagnosing EAML. EAML has malignant potential and requires careful follow-up.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.993-1005
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• 2021

Objective: Zearalenone (ZEA) has estrogen-like effects. Our previous study has shown that ZEA (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg) could induce abnormal uterine proliferation through transforming growth factor signaling pathway. To further study the other regulatory networks of uterine hypertrophy caused by ZEA, the potential mechanism of ZEA on porcine endometrial epithelial cells (PECs) was explored by the Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing system. Methods: The PECs were treated with ZEA at 0 (ZEA0), 5 (ZEA5), 20 (ZEA20), and 80 (ZEA80) µmol/L for 24 h. The collected cells were subjected to cell cycle, RNA-seq, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis. Results: The proportion of cells in the S and G2 phases decreased (p<0.05), but the proportion of cells in the G1 phase increased (p<0.05) in the ZEA80 treatment. Data analysis revealed that the expression of Wnt pathway-related genes, estrogen-related genes, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway-related genes increased (p<0.05), but the expression of genetic stability genes decreased (p<0.05) with increasing ZEA concentrations. The relative mRNA and protein expression of WNT1, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) were increased (p<0.05) with ZEA increasing, while the relative mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) was decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, our immunofluorescence results indicate that β-catenin accumulated around the nucleus from the cell membrane and cytoplasm with increasing ZEA concentrations. Conclusion: In summary, ZEA can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by up-regulating WNT1 and β-catenin expression, to promote the proliferation and development of PECs. At the same time, the up-regulation of GSK-3β and down-regulation of CCND1, as well as the mRNA expression of other pathway related genes indicated that other potential effects of ZEA on the uterine development need further study.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.502-510
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to develop a novel ticagrelor-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with an enhanced solubility and dissolution rate. Numerous oils and surfactants were screened, then medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and the surfactants polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and Labrafil M1944CS were selected for the preparation of the ticagrelor-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed to detect the nanoemulsion region. Of the various formulations tested, the liquid SNEDDS, composed of MCT (oil), Tween 80 (surfactant), and Labrafil M1944CS (cosurfactant) at a weight ratio of 20/70/10 produced the smallest emulsion droplet size (around 20.56±0.70 nm). Then, particle size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were measured using drugs containing liquid SNEDDS. The selected ticagrelor-loaded liquid SNEDDS was spray-dried to convert it into a ticagrelor-loaded solid SNEDDS with a suitable inert carrier, such as silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, or magnesium aluminometasilicate. The solid SNEDDS was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and in vitro dissolution studies. SEM, PXRD, and DSC results suggested that amorphous ticagrelor was present in the solid SNEDDS. Also, the solid SNEDDS significantly increased the dissolution rate of ticagrelor. In particular, the emulsion particle size and the polydispersity index of the solid SNEDDS using silicon dioxide (SS1) as a carrier was the smallest among the evaluated solid SNEDDS, and the flowability and compressibility result of the SS1 was the most suitable for the manufacturing of solid dosage forms. Therefore, solid SNEDDS using silicon dioxide (SS1) could be a potential nano-sized drug delivery system for the poorly water-soluble drug ticagrelor.

• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2021

Antibiotics are compounds broadly used to treat patients with infectious diseases and to enhance productivity in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries. However, due to the overuse of antibiotics and their low biodegradability, a substantial amount of antibiotics is leaking into the sewer, subsequently resulting in pollution and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study explores biodegradable serum albumin's potential as an adsorbent to remove antibiotics from water. Serum albumin is a natural blood protein that transports various metabolites and hormones to all tissues' extravascular spaces. While serum albumin is highly water-soluble, it has intrinsic binding sites which readily accommodate ionic, hydrophilic, or hydrophobic molecules, rendering it a good building block for a nano-adsorbent. To induce coacervation, a desolvating agent, ethanol, was added dropwise into the aqueous albumin solution, resulting in dehydration and liquid-liquid phase separation of albumins into albumin nanoparticles within a size range of 150 ~ 170 nm. The addition of glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker improved the size stability and homogeneity of albumin nanoparticles. Adsorption of amoxicillin antibiotics on albumin nanoparticles was dependent upon glutaraldehyde concentration used in desolvation and pH during adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity measured by spectrophotometry was found to be 12.4 micrograms of amoxicillin per milligram of albumin nanoparticle. These results demonstrate serum albumin's potential as a building block for fabricating a natural nano-adsorbent to remove antibiotics from water.