• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.224-229
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• 2005

Ginseng radix, the root of Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer (Araliaceae), has traditionally been used for the treatment of various disorders including cerebrovascular accident (CVA). In the present study, the effect of Ginseng radix on c-Fos expression and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region of gerbils following transient global ischemia was investigated via immunohistochemistry for c-Fos and caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Enhanced c-Fos-, TUNEL-, and caspase-3-positivities were detected in the hippocampal CA1 region in ischemic gerbils. Administration of the aqueous extract of Ginseng radix suppressed this ischemia-induced increment in the numbers of c-Fos-, TUNEL-, and caspase-3-positive cells. These results suggest that Ginseng radix has an inhibitive effect on the induction of c-Fos expression and apoptosis seen following transient global ischemia.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.135-142
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• 1997

Random sequencing of expressed sequence tags in roots of Chinese cabbage led to isolation of a partial cDNA clone, BR77, which encoded a putative protein kinase. Using the BR77 cDNA as a probe, we isolated a full-length cDNA encoding the Brassica campestris protein kinase 1 (Bcpk1). The Bcpt1 cDNA contained one open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 439 amino acids. The putative polypeptide consisted of a short N-terminal region and a protein kinase catalytic domain. The catalytic domain of Bcpkl showed a high homology to cAMP- and calcium- phospholipid-dependent subfamilies of serine/threonine protein kineses. Eleven major catalytic domains in protein kineses were well conserved in Bcpk1. However, Bcpk1 contained a unique nonhomologous intervening sequence between subdomains VII and VIII, which was not found in protein kineses of animals and lower eukaryotes. Genomic DNA gel blot analysis showed that Bcpt1 genes might be present as three copies in the Chinese cabbage genome. These imply that Bcpk1 belongs to a plant-specific serine/threonine protein kinase subfamily.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.607-617
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• 2006

A novel calcium-dependent protein kinase gene (designated as IiCPK2) was cloned from tetraploid Isatis indigotica. The full-length cDNA of IiCPK2 was 2585 bp long with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1878 bp encoding a polypeptide of 625 amino acid residues. The predicted IiCPK2 polypeptide included three domains: a kinase domain, a junction domain (or autoinhibitory region), and a C-terminal calmodulin-like domain (or calcium-binding domain), which presented a typical structure of plant CDPKs. Further analysis of IiCPK2 genomic DNA revealed that it contained 7 exons, 6 introns and the length of most exons was highly conserved. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the expression of IiCPK2 in root, stem and leaf were much higher in tetraploid sample than that in diploid progenitor. Further expression analysis revealed that gibberellin ($GA_3$), NaCl and cold treatments could up-regulate the IiCPK2 transcription. All our findings suggest that IiCPK2 might participate in the cold, high salinity and GA3 responsive pathways.

• Journal of Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.67-81
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• 1990

Effectiveness of physical exercise in reducing work-related musculoskeletal stress was investigated. This was compared to the stress alleviation accomplished by using ergonomically designed work station. Tasks chosen for the study were data entry and file maintenance on the video display terminal (VDT). Three different measures, namely root-mean-square (RMS) values of electromyogram (EMG), subjective rating and task performance were used for the evaluation. Electromyograms were recorded from the neck, the left and right trapezius muscles in the shoulder region, and L2/L3 region of the back. Subjects rated discomfort levels for the same parts of their body. Task performance was measured by recording typing speed and errors. Each of the five subjects was tested for two days (8 hours/day) in two different work stations. These were the ergonomically designed adjustable work station and the fixed work station of traditional design with no adjustable features. Assigned physical exercises were performed for four minutes, every two hours during the breaks, by the subjects while working in the fixed work station. It was concluded that the physical exercise could be helpful in reducing musculoskeletal stress as effectively as the ergonomic design of the VDT work station.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.97-101
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• 2019

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is ulnar neuropathy at or around elbow and commonly evaluated in the electromyography laboratory. However, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow due to neurofibroma is rare. Neurofibromas are tumors that arise within nerve fasciculi and anywhere along a nerve from dorsal root ganglion to the terminal nerve branch. We report one case of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow due to neurofibroma. Patient had paresthesia on the left 5th finger and there had been left hypothenar atrophy since 2 months ago. Tinel's sign was positive at left elbow. As a result of electromyography, there were suggestive of right ulnar neuropathy at or around elbow, referred to as tardy ulnar nerve palsy. Ultrasonography showed a diffuse tortuous thickening with multiple neurofibromas arising from individual fascicles of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel area. Surgery was then performed to release cubital tunnel of left elbow, then the patient's symptoms improved.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng (i.e., ginseng) root is extensively used in traditional oriental medicine. It is a modern pharmaceutical reagent for preventing various human diseases such as cancer. Ginsenosidesd-the major active components of ginsengd-exhibit immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanism and function underlying such effects are not fully elucidated, especially in human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods: We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng root on $CD14^+$ monocytes purified from human adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and on their differentiation into DCs that affect $CD4^+$ T cell activity. Results: After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, monocyte levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 increased through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). After treatment with ginsenoside fractions, TNF-${\alpha}$ production and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized monocytes.We confirmed that DCs derived from $CD14^+$ monocytes in the presence of ginsenoside fractions (Gin-DCs) contained decreased levels of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. The expression of these costimulatory molecules decreased in LPS-treated DCs exposed to ginsenoside fractions, compared to their expression in LPS-treated DCs in the absence of ginsenoside fractions. Furthermore, LPS-treated Gin-DCs could not induce proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) production by $CD4^+$ T cells with the coculture of Gin-DCs with $CD4^+$ T cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenoside fractions from the ginseng root suppress cytokine production and maturation of LPS-treated DCs and downregulate $CD4^+$ T cells.

• Journal of Korean Port Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.93-110
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• 1992

The most change in this century is supposed to be declination of ideology, and block of world economy. Addition to down full of cold war atmosphere around Northeast Asia, not only economic and social mood in this region is dramatically changed, but also it gave birth to the block of Northeast economy that accerlated new hub of world economy. According to dramatic change of economic surroundings the dynamic potential of growth in this region will be guided to enlarge inter-regional trade and increase volume of trade, thus suggests to grow steadily transportation. cargos in this region will have to arrange the system of delivery and inner transportation, accessary facilities, inter-regional harbors if North America and EC has connected easily. As have accerlated GATT and UR represented multilateralism and regionalism, it has regulated to increase trades of region due to relief of the trade barrier through specific areas has agreed with separately. The flow of regionalism of world economy has appeared to realize EC and NAFTA centered U.S.A, and also has presented to free trade region or one-size market agreement in Asia as APEC, EAEG in Malaysia, and etc. In defense to this block and internationalism of world economy, Pusan has to come forward to the hub of Northeast others has proposed a project to dominate the Northeast, Economy Association Agreement as Far East comprehensive development project in USSR, Hunchun development project in NK, and East Sea development project in PRC, Niigate regional development in Japan, Duman River development project in NK, and East Sea development project in Korea. As this exercise has proceed, Pusan also have arranged development strategy definitely and prepared provisions systematically. Engaging to participate center of delivery system is meant to be completed complex functions, namely the transfer storage processing & assembly function of international commodity. Pusan has ability to be terminal point of TSR. it had been connected to EC as the biggest economy block and TKR as complex transportation root to Far East, it would be the center of inground and seabase delivery terminal to Rotterdom as the biggest container pier and major piers to North-East and South East Asia. In order to provide a Role of 21 century's internationalization, Pusan has appealed to participate in management information research and development connected to Pohang-Ulsan-Changwon-Masan, and has utilized efficiently the resources such as man, material, money and information.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.255-264
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• 1996

This studies were carried out to identify the characteristics of the tongue of Korean native goat(Capra hircus) by macroscopy, microscopy and scanning microscopy. Korean native goat had torus linguae, median lingual sulcus, lingual fossa and ventral median fissure but did not have glossoepiglottic fold and terminal sulcus in the tongue. The whole length of tongue was $11.51{\pm}0.76cm$. The length of tongue apex, tongue body, tongue root and the torus linguae were $2.62{\pm}0.28$, $7.39{\pm}0.27$, $1.56{\pm}0.26$ and $6.37{\pm}0.29cm$, respectively. The width of tongue apex, torus linguae and tongue root were $3.41{\pm}0.24$, $3.74{\pm}0.29$ and $3.68{\pm}0.11$, respectively. The thickness of tongue apex was $1.60{\pm}0.10$, and the height of torus linguae was $1.52{\pm}0.15cm$. Filiform papillae were present at the tongue apex and the tongue body rostral to torus linguae. Fungiform papillae were scattered from tongue apex to rostral portion of torus linguae, being in abundance at the tongue apex. Vallate papillae were showed at the lateral portion of torus linguae, while lentiform papillae were present at its central portion. Conical papillae were located between vallate and lentiform papillae. The numbers of filiform, fungiform, conical, vallate and lentiform papillae were $46,980{\pm}1070.98$, $446.8{\pm}36.97$, $818.4{\pm}43.99$, $34.8{\pm}2.77$, and $255.6{\pm}39.30$, respectively. The average numbers of taste bud were $8.3{\pm}2.04$ in a fungiform papilla and $247.3{\pm}37.44$ in a vallate papilla. The filiform papilla had secondary and tertiary papillae. The height of filiform papilla was about $150{\mu}m$ and the diameter was $100{\mu}m$. The diameters of fungiform papillae were 350 to $550{\mu}m$. The long and short diameters of maximum-sized lentiform papilla were 4000 and $3000{\mu}m$, respectively, while those of minimum-sized papilla were 700 and $600{\mu}m$, respectively. The height of conical papillae was 450 to $600{\mu}m$ and diameter was 250 to $450{\mu}m$. The vallate papilla was round or oval in shape and its diameter was 500 to $850{\mu}m$. It had well-developed papillary groove around itself. The modified conical papillae were not observed in the tongue of Korean native goat.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.101-117
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• 1999

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neuromuscular disease of unknown etiology in which the upper and lower motor neurons are progressively destroyed. Recent evidences support the role of autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ALS. This study investigated the effects of sera from ALS patients on neuromuscular transmission in phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations and on calcium currents of single isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells in mice. Mice were injected with either control sera from healthy adults or ALS sera from 18 patients with ALS of sporadic form, for three days. Miniature end plate potential (MEPP) and nerve-evoked end plate potential (EPP) were measured using intracellular recording technique and the quantal content was determined. Single isolated DRG cells were voltage-clamped with the whole-cell configuration and membrane currents were recorded. Sera from 14 of 18 ALS patients caused a significant increase in MEPP frequency in normal Ringer's solution $(4.62{\pm}0.14\;Hz)$ compared with the control $(2.18{\pm}0.15\;Hz).$ In a high $Mg^{2+}/low\;Ca^{2+}$ solution, sera from 13 of 18 ALS patients caused a significant increase in MEPP frequency, from $2.18{\pm}0.31$ Hz to $6.09{\pm}0.38$ Hz. Sera from 11 of 18 patients produced a significant increase of nerve-evoked EPP amplitude, from $0.92{\pm}0.05$ mV to $1.30{\pm}0.04$ mV, while the other seven ALS sera did not alter EPP amplitude. In the ALS group, EPP quantal content was also elevated by the sera of 14 patients (from $1.49{\pm}0.07$ to $2.35{\pm}0.07).$ MEPP frequency and amplitude in wobbler mouse were $4.03{\pm}0.53$ Hz and $1.37{\pm}0.18$ mV, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of wobbler controls (wobblers without the symptoms of wobbler). Sera from ALS patients significantly reduced HVA calcium currents of DRG cells to 42.7% at -10 mV. Furthermore, the inactivation curve shifted to more negative potentials with its half-inactivation potential changed by 6.98 mV. There were, however, significant changes neither in the reversal potential of $I_{Ca}$ nor in the I-V curve. From these results it was concluded that: 1) The serum factors of sporadic ALS patients increase neuromuscular transmission and can alter motor nerve terminal presynaptic function. This suggests that ALS serum factors may play an important role in the early stage of ALS, and 2) Calcium currents in DRG cells were reduced and rapidly inactivated by ALS sera, suggesting that in these cells, ALS serum factors may exert interaction with the calcium channel.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.243-249
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• 2011

Korean red ginseng (KRG), the steamed root of Panax ginseng Meyer, has a variety of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Aflatoxin $B_1$ ($AFB_1$) produced by the Aspergillus spp. causes acute hepatotoxicity by lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage, and induces liver carcinoma in humans and laboratory animals. This study was performed to examine the protective effects of KRG against hepatotoxicity induced by $AFB_1$ using liver-specific serum marker analysis, histopathology, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. In addition, to elucidate the possible mechanism of hepatoprotective effects, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were analyzed. Rats were treated with 250 mg/kg of KRG (KRG group) or saline ($AFB_1$ group) for 4 weeks and then received 150 ${\mu}g/kg$ of $AFB_1$ intraperitoneally for 3 days. Rats were sacrificed at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, or 1 wk after $AFB_1$ treatment. In the KRG pre-treatment group, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels were low, but superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were high as compared to the $AFB_1$ alone group. Histopathologically, $AFB_1$ treatment induced necrosis and apoptosis in hepatocytes, and led to inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver. KRG pre-treatment ameliorated these changes. These results indicate that KRG may have protective effects against hepatotoxicity induced by $AFB_1$ that involve the antioxidant properties of KRG.