• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.131-142
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• 2023

Background: This study has mainly focused on finding pharmacological effects of ginsenosides that can reduce the unwanted side effects of the cytotoxic anticancer drugs and are highly effective on prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, hormone-dependent breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and brain cancer (neuroblastoma). Methods: Minor and rare ginsenosides (GS) of Rh2 which have a high absorption ability and excellent pharmacological actions were treated with the 6 different types of cancer cell lines and their anticancer activities were investigated by analyzing gene expressions associated with various cancers through qPCR and other relevant methods. Results: In cancer cells exposed to Rh2, cell viability and cell migration were reduced, and apoptosis was induced. Each cancer cell was divided into three groups according to the cell proliferation response by Rh2; 1) A group in which the cell viability decreases inversely to an increase in Rh2 treatment concentration; 2) A group in which the cell viability rapidly decreases in Rh2 treatment above a certain level of concentration; 3) A group in which the cell viability was not suppressed below 20-30% even with 100 μL of Rh2, the highest concentration used in this study. Conclusions: It was shown that Rh2 has a significant effect on inhibiting the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.167-176
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• 2023

Background: A breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide and among different types of breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis. Methods: We investigated the potential of ginsenoside compound K (CK), an active ingredient in the bio-transformed ginsenoside, to be used as a therapeutic ingredient by examining the effects of CK on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer-related gene expressions in breast cancer cells. Results: From the results of treating MCF-7, an ER and PR-positive breast cancer cells, and MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) with CK at a concentration of 0-100 µM, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values for each cell were 52.17 µM and 29.88 µM, respectively. And also, it was confirmed that cell migration was inhibited above the IC50 concentration. In addition, fluorescence analysis of Apoptosis/Necrosis showed that CK induced apoptosis rather than necrosis of breast cancer cells. Through qPCR, it was confirmed that the expression of genes related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest was increased in CK-treated breast cancer cells, and it acted more effectively on TNBC. However, the expression of genes related to tumor invasion and metastasis is also increased, so it is necessary to consider the timing of application of CK as a potential therapeutic anticancer compound. Conclusions: CK showed a stronger inhibitory effect in TNBC with poor prognosis but considering the high tumor invasion and metastasis-related gene expression, the timing of application of CK should be considered.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.455-462
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• 2023

Since 2015, countries in the Sahel region have implemented large-scale seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). However, the mass use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine impacts the genetic diversity of malaria parasites and their sensitivity to antimalarials. This study aimed to describe and compare the genetic diversity and SP resistance of Plasmodium falciparum strains in Mali and Niger. We collected 400 blood samples in Mali and Niger from children aged 3-59 months suspected of malaria. Of them, 201 tested positive (Niger, 111, 55.2%; Mali, 90, 44.8%). Polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) genetic marker showed 201 allotypes. The frequency of the RO33 allotype was significantly higher in Niger (63.6%) than in Mali (39.3%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the K1 and MAD20 allotypes between the 2 countries. The multiplicity of infection was 2 allotypes per patient in Mali and one allotype per patient in Niger. The prevalence of strains with the triple mutants Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H and Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps437G was 18.1% and 30.2%, respectively, and 7.7% carried the quadruple mutant Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H/Pfdhps437G. Despite the significant genetic diversity of parasite populations, the level of SP resistance was comparable between Mali and Niger. The frequency of mutations conferring resistance to SP still allows its effective use in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and in SMC.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-17
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• 2023

The focus of this research is the practice of journalism in relation to the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship (JFPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Journalists and curators who are participants in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship received fundings from the state. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship is a unique model because it is the only one in the world in journalism practice that involves state's financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fundings from the state for the media lead to dilemmas and controversies. This research uses a qualitative approach and a single holistic case study method. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship was held from May to December 2021, involving 7,276 journalists from 857 media (print, television, radio, and online media) and 26 curators. This study found that during the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship, journalism experienced a crisis and lost its function as a control overpower. Giving cash to journalists and curators during the fellowship makes journalism lose its independence and objectivity. The Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship has degraded or eliminated the function of the press as a watchdog. Incentives for journalists while participating in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship is a long-term investment by the government to co-opt Indonesian media and journalists in the future. On the other hand, the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship raises another aspect; the crisis of journalism. Journalism work produced in the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship does not reflect the values and principles of journalism. Journalism values, such as independence and impartiality, are absent from the Behavioural Change Journalism Fellowship product.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.18-34
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• 2024

In what was labeled the "nut rage" incident, the vice president of Korean Air, Hyun-Ah Cho (Heather Cho), demonstrated behavior that exemplifies corporate transgression and deviation from societal moral standards toward a flight attendant aboard a flight. Such behavior instigated the public to express negative sentiment on various social media platforms. This study investigates word-of-mouth network on YouTube in response to the crisis, patterns of co-commenting activities across selected YouTube videos, as well as public responses to the incident by employing social and semantic network analysis. A total of 512 YouTube videos featuring the crisis from December 8, 2014 through November 11, 2018, and 52,772 public comments to the videos were collected. The central videos in the network successfully attracted the public's attention and engagements. The results suggest that the video network was decentralized, with multiple videos acting as hubs in the network. The public commented on various videos instead of focusing on a few. The contents of influential videos uploaded by popular news organizations revealed not only Cho's behaviors related to the nut rage crisis but also unrelated illegal behaviors and the moral violations committed by the family members of Korean Air. The public attached derogatory remarks to Cho and her family, and the comments also addressed ethical concerns, management issues of the company, and boycott intentions. The results imply that adverse public reaction was related to the long-standing problem caused by family ownership and governance in large Korean corporations. This Korean Air scandal illustrates backlash toward a leadership breakdown by the family business conglomerate prevalent in the Korean society. This study provides insights for effective handling of similar crises.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.44-51
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) play an important role in regulating DNA methylation during early developmental processes and cellular differentiation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Dnmts in neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and in maintenance of the resulting neural stem cells (NSCs). Methods and Results: We used three types of Dnmt knockout (KO) ESCs, including Dnmt1 KO, Dnmt3a/3b double KO (Dnmt3 DKO), and Dnmt1/3a/3b triple KO (Dnmt TKO), to investigate the role of Dnmts in neural differentiation of ESCs. All three types of Dnmt KO ESCs could form neural rosette and differentiate into NSCs in vitro. Interestingly, however, after passage three, Dnmt KO ESC-derived NSCs could not maintain their self-renewal and differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Conclusions: Taken together, the data suggested that, although deficiency of Dnmts had no effect on the differentiation of ESCs into NSCs, the latter had defective maintenance, thereby indicating that Dnmts are crucial for self-renewal of NSCs.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.285-295
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• 2024

Background: In human dentition, the most commonly impacted teeth are the mandibular third molars (M3M). The removal or extraction of these teeth often causes anxiety in patients due to the perceived pain involved in the process. Therefore, pain must be effectively managed using anesthesia. The use of newer local anesthetic drugs can help minimize side effects and drug interactions. Traditionally, adrenaline is used as a vasoconstrictor along with lignocaine. When combined with lignocaine, the alpha agonists dexmedetomidine and clonidine can extend the duration of anesthesia, thereby reducing the need for additional pain-relieving medications. Methods: This study used a randomized, triple-blind, parallel-arm design. Sixty patients were screened, and 45 systemically healthy patients requiring unilateral surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars with similar difficulty (moderate-to-difficult according to the Modified Pederson's Index) were included in the study. Patients were allocated into three groups as follows: Group A: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 1:100,000 Adrenaline, Group C: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 15 ㎍/mL Clonidine, and Group D: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 1 ㎍/mL Dexmedetomidine. The evaluated parameters were the time of onset of anesthesia, depth of anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters, and duration of postoperative analgesia. Results: Group D had a faster onset of action and prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia compared with Groups A and C. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups in terms of the depth of anesthesia and hemodynamic parameters. Conclusion: Group D exhibited a significantly more rapid onset of anesthesia than Groups A and C, and the postoperative analgesic effect in Group D was significantly prolonged (7.22 hours) compared with that in Groups A (4.54 hours) and C (2.1 hours). Patients receiving the Group D solution experienced an extended period of comfort without the need for analgesics for up to 7.22 hours post-procedure.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.205-216
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• 2024

Although Aster yomena has recently attracted attention for its potential anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting effects, there are concerns about residual pesticides because they are consumed in salad-like forms. This study investigated residual characteristics and human dietary risks of the imidazole fungicide prochloraz applied to the herbal medicine Aster yomena with different spray frequency and timing. Residual analysis of prochloraz and its three main metabolites (BTS44595, BTS44596, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol) in Aster yomena samples was performed using the QuEChERS method and LC-MS/MS. Mean recovery rates of the fungicide and its metabolites were satisfactory in the range of 80.1 ± 1.2% to 108.2 ± 3.8%. The residual concentration of the fungicide calculated as the sum of prochloraz and its metabolites was the highest (4.14 mg·kg^-1) in the Aster yomena sample applied three times at weekly intervals with the fungicide until immediately before harvest. The fungicide residue concentration in the Aster yomena was below the method-limit of quantification (MLOQ) when it was applied twice at the interval of 9 day until 21 days before harvest. The theoretical maximum daily intake of prochloraz, calculated based on the daily intake of Aster yomena, mean adult body weight, and the highest residue level analyzed in the this study, was safe at < 80% of the acceptable daily intake of the fungicide (0.01 mg^-1·kg·bw^-1·day). In conclusion, the triple application method with prochloraz at weekly intervals until the harvest day is recommended to produce safe Aster yomena from the fungicide residues and risks to humans.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.5
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• pp.200-251
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• 1992

As concerned the life and the medical idea of Choo, Tan-Kye(朱丹溪), which it can be summarized as follows by studying. 1. Tan-Kye(丹溪) lived in the end of the won dynasty(元代末期), When the people starved and suffered from a flood-disaster and drought. etc, also the social conditions were in disorder on account of the corrupt ion of politics. And Cheol Kang seong(浙江省), located in the south region of China, has sterile soil and the climate condition humid and heatful. So the south district peoples have very weak constitution. So We can found that his medical idea reflected the phases of the periods and the regional enviornmental situations. 2. For that reason, Tan-Kye(丹溪) rejected the prescription of the "WHa Che Gook Bang(和劑局方)" which was prevalent at that time, in which the the pungent-dried herbs were widly used ; So he persisted in the "Sang Wha Lon(相火論)" and the "Positivity is usually excedeed while the negativity deficient(陽有餘陰不足論)". Then he treated with the drugs to nourish the negativity for the prime object to be applied in the clinic. 3. Tan-Kye(丹溪) refined the follows from the natural law; Heaven is to the positivity(陽) and the Earth is defined the negativity(陰), so the heaven is to the Macro(大) and the earth, micro(小):So the Sun is to the Positivity(陽), the Moon, the Negativity(陰): as to the Sun is always full while the moon always defected too. Therefore the "positivity is always excedeed for that the negativity is deficientalways(陽有餘陰不足)". In Human body, "the negativity energy (陰精) "is hard formed-easily defected(難成易虧)". And the heat(相火) in the body can be moved easily and let the negative energy to leak out. Therefore the more the positivity excedeed, the more the negativity deficient"(陽當有餘陰常不足). 4. He made it expanded the contents of the "Heat(相火)" in the Chapter Woon Chi of the Nae Kyeong(內徑) and discribed, the Life-string of the human body is originated from the movement of the "Heat with unique energy(相火一氣)". And more in human body, it is specifically regulated by the two visceras, Liver and Kidney, and is distributed in the 'Pericardium(心包絡)' 'Tripie Warmer(三焦)' 'Gallbladder(膽)' etc. In the point of his assertion of heat(相火), it is concluded both the physiological and the pathological heat of all. 5. Tan-Kye(丹溪) grew up in the family or the Confucianism. He was instructed the Confucianism(性理學) from Heo-Kyeom(許謙), the fourth diciple of Chu-Ja(朱子), and was received the Yoo Chang Ri(劉 張 李)'s triple doctrine from the La Tae Moo(羅太無), the second disciple of Yoo Wan So(劉完素). So there are much of content of Confucianism(性理學) in his medical thedry, and his theory has succeeded the achievements of the triple study. 6. About the theory of the "positivity is usually excedeed while the negativity deficient"(陽常有餘陰常不足論) of Tan-Kye, it was asserted that the positivity is never sufficient for the vital mainspring, by Chang, Kye-Pin(張介賓) and Lee, Kyoo-Zoon(李奎晙) etc. And for the Heat theory(相火論), eventhough the scholars of postorior generations criicized all of that, there are defect of the content and unification between them. 7. The father of the "Cha Eum Pa(滋陰派), Tan-Kye(丹溪) contributed considerably to the development of the oriental medicine and to the general therapy for the various diseases(一般雜病施治). 8. there are handed down and remained twenty or more of volumes of list of his writings. Among them, except "Kyeok Chi Yeo Ron"(格致餘論), "Kuk Pang Pal Hyeu"(局方發揮), they are reorganized by posteriority. There are Cho, Do-Chin(趙道震). Cho, Ee-Teok(趙以德), Tae, Sa-Gong(戴思恭), Wang Ri(王履) and Yoo, Suk-Yeon(劉淑淵) etc as disciples of his. And Wang Ryoon(王論) and Woo Pak(虞搏) as the admirer of him.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.57-79
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• 1993

Chuncheon nephrite, which was formed by the polymetasomatic alteration of dolomitic marble, can be classified into pale green, green, dark green, and grey types on the basis of their occurrence, mineralogical and textural characteristics. The nephrites consist obiefly of fibrous or hairlike(length/width ratio>10) cryptocrystalline(crystal width < $2{\mu}m$) tremolite, and include less amounts of micro-crystalline diopside, calcite, clinochlore, and sphene as impurities. The oriented and rather curved crystal aggregate, of nephritic tremolite are densely interwoven, resulting in a massive-fibrous texture which may explain the characteristic toughness of nephritic jade. The characteristic greenish color of the nephrite may be preferably related to Fe rather than Cr and Ni. However, the variation of color and tint in the Chuncheon nephrite also depends on the mineralogical and textural differences such as crystallinity, texture, and impurities. The chemical composition of the nephritic tremolite is not stoichiometric and rather dispersed especially in the abundances of Al, Mg, and Ca. Al content and Mg/Ca ratio for the nephritic tremolite are slightly increased with deepening in greenish color of the nephrite. Fe content in the nephritic tremolite is generally very low, but comparatively richer in the dark green nephrite. In nephritic tremolite, wide-chain pyriboles are irregularly intervened between normal double chains, forming a chain-width disorder. Most nephritic tremolites in the Chuncheon nephrite show various type of chain-width defects such as triple chain(jimthompsonite), quintuple chain (chesterite), or sometimes quadruple chain in HRTEM observations. The degree of chain-width disorder in the nephritic tremolite tends to increase with deepening in greenish color. Triple chain is the most common type, and quadruple chain is rarely observed only in the grey nephrite. The presence of pyribole structure in the nephritic tremolite is closely related to the increase of Al content and Mg/Ca ratio, a rather dispersive chemical composition, a decrease of relative intensity in (001) XRD reflection, and an increase in b axis dimension of unit cell. In addition, the degree and variation of chain-width disorder with nephrite types may support that an increase of metastability was formed by a rapid diffusion of Mg-rich fluid during the nephrite formation.