• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 1997

Complete denervation after severe brachial plexus injury make significant muscle atrophy with loss of proper function. It is much helpful to reconstruct the essential function of the elbow flexion movement in patient with total loss of elbow flexion motion after brachial plexus lesion which was not recovered with nerve surgery or long term conservative treatment from onset. In whole arm type brachial plexus injury, if there were no response to neurotization or neglected from injury, the volume of the denervated muscle is significantely reduced month by month. About 18 months most of the muscle fibers change to fibrous tissues and markedly atrophied irreversibly, further waiting is no more meaningful from that period. Authors performed 14 cases of functioning gracilis muscle transfer from 1981 to 1995 with microneurovascular technique, neuromusculocutaneous free flaps were performed for reconstruction of lost elbow flexion function. Average follow-up period was 5 years and 6 months. We used couple of intercostal nerves as a recipient nerve which were anastomosed to muscular nerve from obturator nerve in all cases. Recipient vessels were three deep brachial artery and eleven brachial artery which were anastomosed to medial femoral circumflex artery with end to end or end to side fashion. Average resting length of the transplanted gracilis were 24 cm. We can get average 54 degree flexion range of elbow with fair muscle power from flail elbow. There were one case of muscle necrosis with lately developed thrombosis of microvascular anastomosed site which comes from insufficient recipient arterial condition, 3 cases of partial marginal necrosis of distal skin of the transplanted part which were not significant problem with spontaneously solved with time goes by gracilis muscle has constant neurovascular pattern with relatively easy harvesting donor with minimal donor morbidity. Especially it has similar length and shape with biceps brachii muscle of upper arm and longer nerve pedicle which can neurorrhaphy with intercostal nerve without nerve graft if sufficient mobilization of the nerves from both sides of gracilis and intercostal region. Authors can propose gracilis muscle transplantation with intercostal nerves neurotization is helpful method with minimal donor morbidity for neglected brachial plexus palsy patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1298-1303
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• 2015

Machilus thunbergii (Lauraceae) is an evergreen tree cultivated in Korea and Japan. M. thunbergii has long been used as a traditional medicine in Korea, China, and Japan to treat various diseases, including edema, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension. In this study, dried stem bark of M. thunbergii extracted in methanol and extract was partitioned into n-hexane, CHCl₃, and BuOH. The CHCl₃-soluble extracts chromatographed on silica gel column using a CHCl₃/acetone and n-hexane/EtOAc mixture to afford Compound 1 and 2. Two dibenzylbutane lignans, macelignan (1) and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2), were isolated from the CHCl₃-soluble extract of M. thunbergii stem bark. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic data analyses and a comparison with literature data. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated. Among these compounds, Compound 2 strongly inhibited the monophenolase (IC₅₀=10.2 μM) activity of tyrosinase. A kinetic analysis showed that Compound 2 was a competitive inhibitor. The apparent inhibition constant (K_i) for Compound 2 binding to free enzyme was 4.8 μM. Based on these results, it can be concluded that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (2) is a potential candidate for the treatment of melanin biosynthesis-related skin diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.684-690
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• 2006

Eriobotrya japonica has been used as a folk medicine for treatment of skin diseases, inflammation, coughing, phlegm, and ulcers in Korea and other Asian countries. In a search for possible bioactive agents from natural sources, we found that the methanolic extracts from various parts of E. japonica showed moderate antioxidative and antimicrobial activities in several in vitro bioassay systems. Additionally, the respective parts of E. japonica were irradiated at 20 kGy to investigate the effects of irradiation. Gamma irradiation of E. japonica extracts removed the deep greenish color without affecting its natural biological activities such as its antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. Based on these findings, the methanolic extracts of this plant source may be not affected by gamma irradiation as its bioactive constituents may be insensitive to this irradiation. Moreover, the methanolic extract of E. japonica may serve as a good natural resource for beneficial functions in food and other related industries.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.224-234
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• 2006

We employed human SK-MEL-28 cells as a model system to identify cellular proteins that accompany N-(4-methyl)phenyl-O-(4-methoxy)phenyl-thionocarbamate (MMTC)-induced apoptosis based on a proteomic approach. Cell viability tests revealed that SK-MEL-28 skin cancer cells underwent more cell death than normal HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with MMTC. Two-dimensional electrophoresis in conjunction with matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis or computer matching with a protein database further revealed that the MMTC-induced apoptosis is accompanied by increased levels of caspase-1, checkpoint suppressor-1, caspase-4, NF-kB inhibitor, AP-2, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, melanoma inhibitor, granzyme K, G1/S specific cyclin D3, cystein rich protein, Ras-related protein Rab-37 or Ras-related protein Rab-13, and reduced levels of EMS (oncogene), ATP synthase, tyrosine-phosphatase, Cdc25c, 14-3-3 protein or specific structure of nuclear receptor. The migration suppressing effect of MMTC on SK-MEL-28 cell was tested. MMTC suppressed the metastasis of SK-MEL-8 cells. It was also identified that MMTC had little angiogenic effect because it did not suppress the proliferation of HUVEC cell line. These results suggest that MMTC is a novel chemotherapeutic and metastatic agents against the SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell line.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.120-128
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• 1991

Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus presents a tremendous surgical challenge to the Head and Neck Surgeon. Because life expectancy of patients with advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx, and cervical esophagus is limited, treatment must be aimed at palliation. A variety of techiques have been proposed over the years with none proving entirely satisfactory. These techiques include prosthesis; skin graft; cervical flaps; tubed cutaneous and myocutaneous chest flaps; visceral reconstruction with stomach, colon. and jejunum; and jejunal free autografts. Many factors dictate the best method of reconstruction in any given clinical situation. The goal of the surgery is a one-stage reconstruction of swallowing function with minimal morbidity to allow as short a hospital stay as posible. Nine patients underwent the free jejunal autograft reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus after the ablative surgery for the advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. Postoperative complications included one perioperative death, two abdominal wound dehiscences, two neck hematomas, one carotid rupture, one funtional dysphagia, one late strictures. There were no graft failure, no immediate stenosis and no fistula. An oral diet was started between days 8 and 16, with an average of 9 days and median of 8 days. Patients left the hospital between days 9 and days 38, with an average of 23.4 days and median of 23 days. This method of reconstruction is advocated as reliable palliative procedure with short-term follow-up. In conclusion, we at Korea Cancer Center Hospital are of the opinion that the free jejunal autograft offers an excellent, safe and relative easy method of the pharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction with significant advantages over other techiques.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.198-205
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• 2017

In this study, graviola leaf extracts (GLE) was investigated for the effect of antioxidant, antibacterial, whitening, anti-wrinkle. The antioxidant effect of GLE was measured by an electron donating ability assay. As a result, GLE increased the electron donating ability in a concentration-dependent manner. The antibacterial effect of GLE was found to show the higher antibacterial effect in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CCARM3115 compared with that of ampicillin by a paper disc method. The whitening effect of GLE was also measured by tyrosinase inhibition assay, and it was found that the tyrosinase activity of GLE decreased as the concentration increased. The inhibition activity of tyrosinase involved in hydroxylation reaction which is related to converting L-tyrosine to (DOPA) was higher than that of arbutin's at the concentration ranging from 125 to $250{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, GLE reduced melanin contents of B16-F10 melanoma cells in a dose-dependant manner and decreased to about 76.7% at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$ Regarding wrinkling formation of GLE, an elastase inhibition assay was performed. As a result, GLE and ursolic acid were 10.5% and 56.5%, respectively under the identical concentration. These results suggest that GLE has significant antioxidant and whitening activities, and also may be potentially used as a therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation treatment as an ingredient of whitening cosmetics.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.243-250
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• 2013

Pyracantha is a genus of thorny evergreen large shrubs in the family of Rosaceae, with common names Firethorn or Pyracantha. It's extract has also been used in cosmetics as a skin-whitening agent and functioning through tyrosinase inhibition. Recent studies have shown that pyracantha extract possesses antioxidant activities and may significantly improve lipoprotein metabolism in rats. Although the mode of action of Pyracantha extract is not fully understood, a strong relationship was observed between antioxidant and apoptosis in some types of cells. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluated the effect of pyracantha extract on blastocysts formation and their quality of the porcine parthenogenetic embryos. After parthenogenetic activation by chemicals, presumptive porcine parthenogenetic embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium supplemented with extracts of pyracantha leaf, stalk and root for 6 day (1, 5 and $10{\mu}g/ml$, respectively). In our results, the frequency of blastocyst formation in pyracantha root extract ($5{\mu}g/ml$) treated group had increased that of other groups. Furthermore, blastocysts derived from pyracantha root extract ($5{\mu}g/ml$) treated group had increased the total cell numbers and reduced apoptotic index. Blastocyst development was significantly improved in the pyracantha root extract ($5{\mu}g/ml$) treated group when compared with the $H_2O_2$ treated group (p<0.05). Subsequent evaluation of the intracellular levels of ROS in pyracantha root extract ($5{\mu}g/ml$) treated groups under $H_2O_2$ induced oxidative stress were decreased (p<0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that treatment of pyracantha root extract may improve in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos through its antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.257-262
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• 2011

Purpose: In neurofibromatosis patients, complete surgical excision of the mass is almost impossible and surgical treatment usually consists of multiple serial excisions that only result in a debulking effect. Remnant tumor mass has a gravitational effect on facial soft tissues that leads to sagging of skin and soft tissue, and eventually, facial disfigurement and asymmetry. The purpose of our surgical method is to perform soft tissue lifting with longer lasting effect with less surgical risk of damaging facial nerve and vessels. With external fixation using K-wire or surgical screw, the procedure only called for a short incision length and had additional adhesive properties that enabled anchoring of soft tissue in a lifted position for a longer postoperative period. Methods: A total of 5 neurofibromatosis patients (NF-1) visited our clinic for mass reduction and face lifting. The age of patients ranged from 13 to 42 (mean 28.8 years), and most patients had a long history of multiple excisions in the past. Face lifting was performed in 2 different areas, the periorbital area in 3 patients, and the midface in 2 patients. The materials used in fixation of retaining ligament were K-wire (n=3) and titanium screw (n=2). Results: Follow up period was from 5 month to 3 years and 1 month (mean=2 years and 1 month). All patients conveyed satisfaction with the results and no major complications were reported. The lifting effect lasted for as long as 3 years, and there were no complaints of relapse of soft tissue depression or sagging within the operated area. 1 patient (M/13) needed secondary k-wire insertion and additional mass excision in 1 year and 10 months postoperatively due to tumor growth. In two patients with K-wire fixation, mild dimpling and tenderness were observed in the follow up period, but in about 2 months postoperatively, dimpling was relieved and there was no need for removal of fixating material. Conclusion: Surgical lifting in neurofibromatosis patients can be challenging, for mass excision cannot be done completely and gravitational effect by residual mass can be persistent. External fixation of the retaining ligament in patients with neurofibromatosis can give satisfactory results-for incision length is relatively shorter, and the lifting effect can last longer compared to other various face lifting techniques.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1-12
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high voltage pulsed current stimulation (HVPCS) on the healing rate of a dermal wound in a rat. We also determined the mechanism of promoting healing by HVPCS. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two group; HVPCS group (n=10) and control group (n=10). The HVPCS rats received electrical stimulation with a current intensity of 50 V at 100 pps for a duration of 30 minutes, while the control group was given the same treatment without electricity for a week. The biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and stained with Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The fibroblasts and collagen density were counted using a light microscope and computerized image analysis system and calculated as the density and the percent. A Student t-test showed a significantly higher wound healing rate of the HVPCS group than control (t=-4.161, p<0.001). The fibroblasts in the HVPCS group were higher than in the control group (t=-4.921, p<0.001). The density of collagen in the HVPCS group was also higher than in the control group (t=-4.367, p<0.001). These results indicate that the HVPCS accelerated the rate of healing in dermal wound, and increased fibroblasts and collagen density in the regenerative dermis. These findings suggest that the HVPCS may activate fibroblasts by alteration of the electrical environment, and it may increase collagen synthesis in the regenerative dermal wound.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 2004

Because cleaning products are part of our everyday lives, it is essential that they should not present significant risks to health. However, many petrochemicals in most soaps and detergents can be absorbed through the scalp and skin and, over time, accumulate in the organs and tissues. This accumulation may result in brain, nerve, and liver damage. Therefore, it is interested in developing non-harmful detergent. According to Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, GC-100X may be non-harmful and non-corrosive alkaline ionic water (pH 12). It is composed of hydroxyl radicals and supplemented with xylitol. To evaluate influence of GC-100X on rats and beagles, GC-100X was diluted with distilled water (25%, 50%, and 100% solution respectively). Each of diluted GC-100X was daily treated per oral. In body weight analysis, urinary analysis, ophthalmological test and autopsy, we did not find any significance, but in serum biochemical analysis and hematological analysis, we found some significances in middle dose group compared with control group. These significances in serum biochemical analysis and hematological analysis may be not induced by GC-100X, because it was not found to be significant from control group in histopathological examination. Thus, it is concluded that NOEL(No Observed Effect Level) of GC-100X may be higher than all treatment doses used in this study, and GC-100X may be a non-toxic detergent.