• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.7-11
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• 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the dimensional standard of several nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary files and verify the size conformity. Materials and Methods: ProFile (Dentsply Maillefer), RaCe (FKG Dentaire), and TF file (SybronEndo) #25 with a 0.04 and 0.06 taper were investigated, with 10 in each group for a total of 60 files. Digital images of Ni-Ti files were captured under light microscope (SZX16, Olympus) at $32{\times}$. Taper and diameter at $D_1$ to $D_{16}$ of each files were calculated digitally with AnalySIS TS Materials (OLYMPUS Soft Imaging Solutions). Differences in taper, the diameter of each level ($D_1$ to $D_{16}$) at 1 mm interval from (ANSI/ADA) specification No. 101 were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's post-hoc test at 95% confidence level. Results: TF was the only group not conform to the nominal taper in both tapers (p < 0.05). All groups except 0.06 taper ProFile showed significant difference from the nominal diameter (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Actual size of Ni-Ti file, especially TF, was different from the manufacturer's statements.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권7호
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• pp.385-390
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• 2020

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is caused by an acute or chronic dysfunction of the mucosal inflammatory system in the intestinal tract. In line with the results of our previous study, wherein we found that the PKCα-LSD1-NF-κB signaling plays a critical role in the prolonged activation of the inflammatory response, we aimed to investigate the effect of signaling on colitis in the present study. Lsd1 S112A knock-in (Lsd1^SA/SA) mice, harboring a deficiency in phosphorylation by PKCα, exhibited less severe colitis symptoms and a relatively intact colonic epithelial lining in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis models. Additionally, a reduction in pro-inflammatory gene expression and immune cell recruitment into damaged colon tissues in Lsd1^SA/SA mice was observed upon DSS administration. Furthermore, LSD1 inhibition alleviated colitis symptoms and reduced colonic inflammatory responses. Both LSD1 phosphorylation and its activity jointly play a role in the progression of DSS-induced colitis. Therefore, the inhibition of LSD1 activity could potentially protect against the colonic inflammatory response.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.173-182
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of visual feedback exercise (VFE), sandal exercise (SE), and thera-band exercise (TE) on people with functional ankle instability. Methods: The 45 study participants were divided into three groups of 15. In the VFE group, participants performed short-foot exercises using visual feedback; the SE group performed sandal exercises, and the TE group performed thera-band exercises. Over a period of 8 consecutive weeks, the experimental groups exercised for 15 minutes per session, four times per week. Balance was measured using the Biodex Balance System for dynamic balance ability (overall balance index [OBI], mediolateral balance index [MBI], and anterioposterior balance index [ABI]). Vibration threshold sense (VTS) was assessed using a vibratory sensory analyzer. Ankle muscular strength was measured using the Biodex 4 Pro. The main outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Results: Significant improvements in dynamic balance were noted in all three groups (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in VTS and muscular strength were also noted in the VFE and TE groups but not in the SE group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Appropriate environmental and situational mediation may be of great clinical significance for patients suffering from chronic ankle instability. It is hoped that the findings will inform a program for prevention of ankle instability.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.3-10
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Previously, Sasa quelpaertensis leaves have been shown to mediate anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects, although it remains unclear whether Sasa leaves are able to attenuate inflammation-related intestinal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract (SQE) using an in vitro co-culture model of the intestinal epithelial environment. MATERIALS/METHODS: An in vitro co-culture system was established that consisted of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation. RESULTS: Treatment with SQE significantly suppressed the secretion of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), IL-6, and IL-$1{\beta}$ in co-cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ were down-regulated in response to inhibition of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation by SQE. Compared with two bioactive compounds that have previously been identified in SQE, tricin and P-coumaric acid, SQE exhibited the most effective anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSIONS: SQE exhibited intestinal anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting various inflammatory mediators mediated through nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-kB) activation. Thus, SQE has the potential to ameliorate inflammation-related diseases, including IBD, by limiting excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

• 대한화장품학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한화장품학회 2003년도 IFSCC Conference Proceeding Book I
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• pp.387-412
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• 2003

Influence of gelatinase on basement membrane (BM) structure was investigated by using a skin equivalent (SE) model. The results showed that (1) gelatinase produced by cells degraded the BM and (2) the addition of matrix metalloproteinase-specific inhibitor to the SE medium accelerated the formation of BM structure, indicating that gelatinase is involved in BM impairment. The activity of gelatinase was also studied in healthy human facial skin tissues. The result of in situ zymography revealed gelatinase activity around the basal layer of the epidermis, where BM integrity was severely compromised. Therefore, this enzyme was suggested to be associated with BM decomposition in human facial skin. To assess the behavior of gelatinase in stratum corneum (SC) non-invasively, an immunological study was performed. Since positive immunostaining of pro-gelatinase B was observed in SC stripped from sun-exposed skin, whereas no positive staining detected in SC of non-irradiated skin, gelatinase in the epidermis could be non-invasively detected by measuring gelatinase in SC. Gelatinase in SC of healthy female volunteers was monitored using a special film that sensitively and conveniently detects gelatinase. Ninetr percent of SC from facial skin (l00 women, 40's-50's) was gelatinase-positive. On the other hand, SC from non-irradiated skin was negative. These results strongly suggest that (1) gelatinase is constantly produced in the facial epidermis of most middle-aged woman during their daily life, and (2) the enzyme might be involved in the aging-related degeneration of both BM and the matrix fibers of the upper layer of the dermis, acting as a very important aging factor. Strong inhibitory activity against gelatinase was found in turmeric extract and identified curcumin as the major ingredient. Topical application of cream containing turmeric extract significantly decreased the number of gelatinase-positive SC clusters in human facial skins. These results indicated that turmeric is an effective ingredient to prevent skin from photo aging by suppressing chlonically upregulated gelatinase activity by UV and to improve skin condition.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권12호
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• pp.1431-1437
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• 2016

본 연구에서는 수수 에탄올 추출물(ethanol extract of Sorghum bicolor L., SE)을 이용하여 RC-58T/h/SA#4 primary 인체 전립선 암세포에 대한 apoptosis 유도효과 및 RAW 264.7 마우스 대식세포에 대한 면역활성 증진효능에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. SE의 처리는 RC-58T/h/SA#4 세포의 증식을 억제하였으며 세포수축을 통한 형태학적 변화를 유발하였다. 또한 apoptosis 관련 지표현상인 apoptotic body 및 핵의 형태변화를 관찰할 수 있었다. RC-58T/h/SA#4 세포에 SE를 처리하였을 때 caspase-8, -9, -3 단백질 활성을 증가시켰으며 pro-apoptotic 단백질인 Bax, p53, 분절된 PARP 및 세포질의 cytochrome c 단백질은 증가시킨 반면, anti-apoptotic 단백질인 Bcl-2 단백질은 감소시켰다. 이는 z-VAD-fmk로 caspase 활성을 억제시켰을 때 SE에 의한 세포증식 억제효과가 감소되었으며 이를 통해 SE에 의한 세포증식 억제효과는 caspase 의존적임을 확인할 수 있었다. 면역반응에서 nitric oxide(NO)의 증가는 면역활성 지표로 여겨지며, 본 연구에서 SE를 처리하였을 때 RAW 264.7 세포에서 NO 생성능이 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구의 결과들은 SE가 primary 전립선 암세포에서 caspase 의존형 apoptosis를 유도하며 대식세포의 면역활성을 증가시킨다는 것을 나타낸다. 따라서 수수를 전립선 암 예방 및 면역활성을 증진효능이 있는 기능성 식품 소재로 활용할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• BMB Reports
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.217-222
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• 2009

Controlled gene expression in specific cells is a valuable tool for gene therapy. We attempted to determine whether the lentivirus-mediated Tet-On inducible system could be applied to cancer gene therapy. In order to select the genes that induce cancer cell death, we compared the ability of the known pro-apoptotreic genes, Bax and tBid, and a cell cycle inhibitor, p21cip1/waf1, and determined that Bax was the most effective. For the cancer cell-specific expression of $rtTA2^S$-M2, we tested the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) promoter and determined that it is highly expressed in cancer cell lines, including SNU475 cells. The co-transduction of two lentiviruses that contain sequences for TRE-Bax and $rtTA2^S$-M2, the expression of which is controlled by the MMP-2 promoter, resulted in the specific cell death of SNU475, whereas other cells with low MMP-2 expression did not evidence significant cell death. Our data indicate that the lentivirus-mediated Tet-On system using the cancer-specific promoter is applicable for cancer gene therapy.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.390-396
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• 2009

이 실험의 목적은 $EndoVac^{(R)}$과 $EndoActivator^{(R)}$를 이용한 근관세척시 근관 내 접종된 Enterococcus faecalis의 제거 효율을 기존의 irrigation needle을 이용한 방법과 비교 평가하고자 함이다. 발거된 70개의 단근치를 사용하였으며 .04 taper ProFile #40까지 근관형성 후 치아를 멸균하고 근관에 E. faecalis를 접종하고 배양하였다. 치아는 근관세척 방법에 따라 20개씩 3개의 실험군과 2개의 대조군으로 나누었다. 2.5% 치아염소산나트륨을 사용하여 근관세척 시행 후 일차 표본을 채취하였고, 다시 근관 내에 배양액을 채우고 24시간 동안 배양 후 이차 표본을 채취하였다. 표본은 colony forming units (CFU) 값을 얻기 위해 BHI agar plate에 배양하였다. 일차 표본 결과에서는 모든 실험치아 중 기존의 근관세척 방법을 이용한 하나의 근관에서 양성 배양을 보였다. 이차 표본 결과에서는 $EndoVac^{(R)}$ 실험군에서 가장 적은 양성 배양을 보였으며, 기존의 근관세척 방법과 비교시 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보였다. 실험 결과에 따르면 $EndoVac^{(R)}$은 근관 내 접종된 E. faecalis의 제거에 있어 기존의 근관세척 방법보다 더 좋은 효율을 보였다.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• 제25권8호
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• pp.1-24
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• 2021

Purpose - This study categorizes factors that influence the utilization of preferential tariffs based on the characteristics of rules of origin (RoO) and identifies and analyzes the influence of these characteristics on the utilization of preferential tariffs and the trade performance of companies. Design/methodology - In this study, we categorized factors that have an influence on the utilization of preferential tariffs based on the characteristics of RoO and investigated and tested the influence of these characteristics on the utilization of preferential tariffs and the trade performance of companies. For empirical analysis, we categorized the characteristics of RoO into restrictiveness, complexity, and uncertainty. We then developed a research model and formulated hypotheses based on previous studies, and tested the hypotheses using statistical software-(SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 18.0.) Findings - Previous studies suggested that each characteristic of RoO is determined by unique features of a Regional Trade Agreement (RTA). This study conducted an empirical analysis on the influence of the characteristics of RoO on the utilization of preferential tariffs and trade performance. The results confirmed that, overall, the characteristics of preferential rules of origin (PRoO) are related to and influence Korean companies' utilization of preferential tariffs and trade performance. As for the degree of the influence, the characteristics were in the order of uncertainty> restrictiveness> complexity. Nevertheless, complexity turned out not to have an influence large enough to change a company's decision on the utilization of preferential tariffs. Based on these results, this study identified unique features of PRoO and related problems for Korean companies that want to utilize preferential tariffs and suggested countermeasures for their effective utilization of preferential tariffs in the future. Originality/value - Companies that want to use preferential tariffs in international trade have to satisfy PRoO. The issue of origin can be regarded as an essential part of an RTA and RoO, are a crucial criterion in using preferential tariffs. The rules are requirements to claim benefits of preferential trade agreements and are the primary reasons companies have trouble in utilizing preferential tariffs. In this sense, this study categorized the characteristics of RoO, which are a key part of an RTA, and surveyed working-level professionals in charge of international trade at Korean companies to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and the utilizations of preferential tariffs and trade performance of the companies.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권12호
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• pp.1062-1073
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• 2023

우울증은 개인과 사회에 부정적인 영향을 미치는 흔한 정신질환이지만 그 원인은 아직 명확히 밝혀져 있지 않다. 스트레스는 우울증의 주요 위험인자이며, 염증을 유발하여 우울증에 대한 취약성을 증가시키는 것으로 알려져 있다. 수많은 연구는 우울증과 염증의 강한 연관성을 제안하고 있다. 우울증 환자 혈액에서는 IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α 및 IFN-γ와 같은 친염증성 사이토카인이 증가하였으며, IL-4, IL-10 및 TGF-β와 같은 항염증성 사이토카인이 감소하였다. 설치류에 친염증성 사이토카인을 투여하면 우울 유사 행동이 관찰되는 반면, 항염증제를 투여하면 우울 증상이 완화된다. 이러한 연구들은 우울증의 병인에 염증의 중요성을 강조하고 있다. 우울증에서 염증이 활성화되는 기전에 관한 다양한 연구들이 진행되고 있다. 최근 연구에서는 스트레스로 유발되는 무균 염증의 중요성을 밝히고 있다. 병원균의 감염이 없는 상태에서 신체 및 심리적 스트레스로 인해 염증 과정이 활성화되는 것을 무균 염증이라 한다. 스트레스는 무균 염증을 활성화하기 위해 DAMPs (damage-associated molecular patterns)로 알려진 내인성 인자의 방출을 촉진시키며, 방출된 DAMPs는 해당 수용체인 PRRs (pattern recognition receptors)에 결합함으로서 신호전달을 통해 친염증성 사이토카인 생성을 증가시킨다. 본 종설에서 무균 염증의 조절 장애에 대한 전임상 및 임상 증거를 바탕으로 우울증에서 DAMP의 역할을 검토하고자 한다.