• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the neurototoxicity of the environmental pollutant lead acetate(LA) and the protective effect of the D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid(APV), N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor antagonist on LA-induced cytotoxicity in cultured C6 glioma cells. Materials and Methods: For this study, cell viability in cultured C6 glioma cells was assessed by XTT assay and antioxidative effect, such as lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity, by LDH detection kit. Results: LA significantly decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and the XTT50 value was determined to be 33.3 uM of LA. The cytotoxicity of LA was deemed highly toxic according to Borenfreund and Puerner's toxic criteria. The vitamin E antioxidant significantly increased cell viability damaged by LA-induced cytotoxicity in these cultures. For the protective effect of APV on LA-induced cytotoxicity, APV significantly increased not only cell viability, but also inhibition of LDH activity. From these results, it is suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the neurotoxicity of LA, and APV effectively protected against LA-induced cytotoxicity via an antioxidative effect as an inhibotory activity of LDH. Conclusions: Natural resources like APV may be putative therapeutic agents for the toxic diminution of environmental pollutants such as LA correlated with oxidative stress.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.998-1003
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• 2014

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST; E.C. 2.6.1.1), a vitamin B6-dependent enzyme, preferentially promotes the mutual transformation of aspartate and ${\alpha}$-ketoglutarate to oxaloacetate and glutamate. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism and has been widely recommended as a biomarker of liver and heart damage. Our study aimed to evaluate the extensive preparation of AST and its application in quality control in clinical laboratories. We describe a scheme to express and purify the 6His-AST fusion protein. An optimized sequence coding AST was synthesized and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain for protein expression. Ideally, the fusion protein has a volumetric productivity achieving 900 mg/l cultures. After affinity chromatography, the enzyme activity of purified AST reached 150,000 U/L. Commutability assessment between the engineered AST and standard AST from Roche suggested that the engineered AST was the better candidate for the reference material. Moreover, the AST showed high stability during long-term storage at $-20^{\circ}C$. In conclusion, the highly soluble 6His-tagged AST can become a convenient tool for supplying a much better and cheaper standard or reference material for the clinical laboratory.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.227-233
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• 1999

The effects of 2-bromo-3-(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxylphenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione(TPN2), a synthetic vitamin K derivative, on platelet aggregation and its action mechanisms were investigated in rat platelet. TPN2 inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by collagen($10\mu\textrm{g}$/ml), thrombin(0.1 U/ml), A23187($10\mu\textrm{M}$) and arachidonic acid($100\mu\textrm{M}$) in concentration-dependent manner with $IC_{50}$ values of 6.5$\pm$1.3, 59.3$\pm$4.5, 13.0$\pm$2.37 and 2.9$\pm$$1.0\mu\textrm{M}$, respectively. Collagen-induced serotonin release was significantly reduced by TPN2. The elevation of intracellular free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([$Ca^{2+}$]i) by collagen stimulation was greatly decreased by the pretreatment of TPN2, which was due to the inhibition of calcium release from intracellular store and influx from outside of the cell. TPN2 also significantly reduced the thromboxane $A_2$($TXA_2$) formation in a concentration-dependent manner. The collagen-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in [$^3H$]-AA incorporated platelet, an indicative of the phospholipase $A_2$ activity, was decreased by TPN2 pretreatment. TPN2 significantly inhibited the activity of thromboxane synthase, but did not affect the cyclooxygenase activity. From these results. it is suggested that TPN2 exert its antiplatelet activity through the inhibition of the intra-cellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization and the decrease of the $TXA_2$ synthesis.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.161-169
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Fractional microneedle radiofrequency systems are popular options to increase elasticity in aging skin. Laser-assisted drug delivery is a promising method for the epidermal injection of topically applied drugs and cosmetic ingredients. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of topical delivery of L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment for reducing photodamage. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single-center, split-face, controlled pilot study, six women (mean age, 48.0 years; range, 35-57 years; Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) exhibiting mild to moderate photodamage, underwent a single session of fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment. The patients were instructed to apply the antioxidant formulation to only one side of the face. Patients were evaluated 3 days, 7 days, and 4 weeks thereafter, using three-dimensional imaging and ultrasound. Ex vivo, the full-thickness human skin was used for molecular and histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was achieved by applying t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and one-way analyses of variance. Results Compared to the untreated side, the antioxidant-treated side exhibited a significant increase in dermal thickness (10.32% vs. 17.54%, p < 0.05), but not in skin elasticity (4.76% vs. 4.69%, p > 0.05). The difference in erythema between the sides was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). In the ex vivo model, expression of FGF2 in the skin was significantly increased after application of the antioxidant formulation, as compared to results obtained subsequent to fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment only (p < 0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates that for the treatment of photodamaged skin, laser-assisted delivery of the antioxidant formulation is a safe and effective adjuvant modality following fractional microneedle radiofrequency.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.328-333
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• 2006

Many plant extracts are known to have antioxidative effects. However, their activities can be reduced or disappeared during mass production process. The purpose of this study is to compare antioxidative effects of edible plant extracts distributed in Korea. forty three kinds of edible plant extracts commercially available in Korea were selected and investigated for their total phenolics contents and antioxidative potentials(DPPH radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities). In contents of total phenolics, the commercial plant extracts from Artemisia annua(whole plant), Ilex paraguariensis(leaf, Silybum marianum(fruit and leaf, Ulmus pumila(bark), Coliolus versicolor(fruit), and Curcuma longa(root and stem) contained over 70 mg/g of powder, DPPH radical scavenging activities($SC_{50}$, 50% scavenging concentration) of A. annua, I. paraguariensis, Pinus densiflora(leaf),S. marianum, U. pumila, and C. longa were $53.96{\pm}0.81\;ppm,\;24.61{\pm}2.12\;ppm,\;35.96{\pm}1.11\;ppm,\;57.46{\pm}2.13\;ppm,\;55.25{\pm}1.65\;ppm\;and\;12.99{\pm}1.67ppm$, respectively, while that of positive control(vitamin C) was $3.86{\pm}0.81\;ppm$. $SC_{50}$ values against superoxide anion radical of A. annua, Cinnamomum zeylanicum(bark), I. paraguariensis, Rubus coreanus(fruit and leaf), Morus alba(leaf), P. densiflora, S. marianum, U. pumila, C. versicolor, C. longa, Perilla frutescens var. acuta(leaf), and H. sabdariffa(leaf and newer) were $53.21{\pm}1.83ppm,\;50.12{\pm}2.12ppm,\;5.59{\pm}0.84ppm,\;41.60{\pm}8.93ppm,\;20.19{\pm}0.97ppm,\;15.19{\pm}1.66ppm,\;21.20{\pm}1.88ppm,\;15.71{\pm}0.91ppm,\;55.48{\pm}2.42ppm,\;52.12{\pm}2.44ppm,\;23.80{\pm}1.98ppm\;and\;11.14{\pm}0.51ppm$, respectively($SC_{50}$ value of vitamin C: $9.61{\pm}0.93ppm$). In particular, both 1 paraguariensis and P. densiflora had high content of phenolics as well as high scavenging activities of DPPH radical and superoxide anion radical. Consequently, above two commercial extracts may be useful as a source of antioxidative nutraceutics.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 2007

An evaluation of the influence of nutritional health camp for in obese elementary students was assessed. Anthropometric measurement, 24-hour recall of dietary intake, MMTIC(Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children) and questionnaire response(nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitude, and self-satisfaction) was documented in 43 obese elementary students(29 boys and 14 girls). The mean age of the elementary students was 11.2 years. The mean height, body weight and obesity index was 144.7 cm, 55.4 kg and 41.0% in boys, and 136.1 cm, 45.2 kg, 40.0% in girls. The mean energy intake was 1,522.4 kcal in boys and 1,494.9 kcal in girls. The subjects taking less than estimated average requirement(EAR) for vitamin ${B_2}$, folate, vitamin C and calcium was over 70%. A considerable number of students(65.1%) showed U band(undetermined character). The students demonstrated a propensity towards increased average nutritional knowledge and self-satisfaction after attending the nutritional health camp. In addition, a significant increase in average nutritional attitude was observed(p<0.001). The results of this study suggest that nutritional health camp positively influenced the nutritional attitude of elementary students.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.511-524
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of increased physical activity (PA) regarding health-related quality of life (QOL) and nutrition intake in hemodialysis patients. Methods: The research was quasi-experimental using pre-test and posttest design. The participants were 60 patients, 30 each in the experimental and control group. The program was up to eight weeks long and involved two kinds of aerobic exercises: intradialytic aerobic exercise to be performed thrice a week and walking for up to seven days a week. The 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease underwent assessment of International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), 24-hour diet recall and a 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12; physical component summary score(PCS) and mental component summary score(MCS)) before and after the exercise program. Nutrition intake was assessed using CAN-2.0. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, 𝑥2 test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: In the experimental group, PA post-test scores were also significantly higher than the pre-test scores and the levels of physical component summary score (PCS) in QOL were significantly improved post-test, but the scores on nutrient intake did not improve. The levels of PCS were significant correlations animal protein, manganese, selenium, and Vitamin C. Although there was no group effect, total calorie of nutrition intake was higher than the comparison group. Conclusion: Combined intradialytic exercise and walking was found to be effective on PA, and PCS in QOL. Therefore, the findings of the current study may provide an appropriate guidance for encouraging exercise by hemodialysis patient.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.210-214
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• 2005

The characteristics of sesame oil containing one of natural antioxidant, ' $\gamma$-tocopherol', were studied with the supercritical $CO_2$ extraction. Although $\gamma$-tocopherol has a lower vitamin E value in biological systems than $\alpha$-tocopherol, it is a more potent antioxidant with in oils. For the research of various factors influence to the $\gamma$-tocopherol contents increment, we have checked roasting time and temperature, as well as pressure, temperature and flow rate of supercritical fluid. As a result, we found that the $\gamma$-tocopherol content was maintained constant under the condition of roasting temperature over $200^{\circ}C$. With the longer roasting time, $\gamma$-tocopherol content was increased. Except 250 bar, the $\gamma$-tocopherol content was maintained constant under the condition of the various pressure of supercritical fluid. But $\gamma$-tocopherol content was increased with lower flow rate of supercritical fluid from 1 $m{\ell}$/L to 3 $m{\ell}$/L. When the extraction performance with the supercritical fluid was compared to the conventional compressed extraction, $\gamma$-tocopherol content was increased up to 1.6 times.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.258-267
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that body composition, nutrient intake, and biochemical indices have on skin status, as well as their associations with skin health status, by assessing 44 female university students. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to skin sensitivity: sensitive skin (n=11), slightly sensitive skin (n=24), and normal skin (n=9). The study included anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses, dietary intake evaluations, blood chemical analyses, and skin health status assessments. Based on % body fat, the results indicated the subjects were moderately obese (29.6%). Obesity indices were not different among the groups, but the sensitive skin group tended to have higher skinfold thickness. Dry skin was determined as the skin type of all subjects. In the sensitive skin groups, U-zone and T-zone sebum were significantly lower (p<0.05), and spots were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the normal skin group. In terms of nutrient intakes, the sensitive skin groups consumed significantly lower amounts of P and vitamins A and E (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in serum lipid fractions or total antioxidant status among the groups. In correlation coefficients analysis, skin elasticity had significant negative correlations with subscapular and midaxillary skinfold thickness, body protein, and body minerals (p<0.05). Wrinkling had positive correlations with triceps and thigh skinfold thickness (p<0.05). Skin evenness had negative correlations with energy intake, vitamins A, $B_1,\;B_2$, C, E, niacin, and zinc (p<0.05), as well as folate and P (p<0.01) and vitamin $B_6$ (p<0.001). A similar correlation tendency was observed for spots and nutrient intake, showing negative correlations with vitamins A, $B_6$, and E, as well as folate, Fe, and P. U-zone sebum showed significant positive correlations with serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. From these findings, skin health status appears to be affected by both nutrient intake and body composition. Therefore, having a proper balance between dietary intake and body composition may influence skin health status in females with sensitive skin.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.34-40
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• 2021

Purpose If a new test is introduced or reagents are changed in the laboratory of a medical institution, the characteristics of the test should be analyzed according to the procedure and the assessment of reagents should be made. However, several necessary conditions must be met to perform all required comparative evaluations, first enough samples should be prepared for each test, and secondly, various reagents applicable to the comparative evaluations must be supplied. Even if enough comparative evaluations have been done, there is a limit to the fact that the data variation for the new reagent represents the overall patient data variation, The fact puts a burden on the laboratory to the change the reagent. Due to these various difficulties, reagent changes in the laboratory are limited. In order to introduce a competitive bid, the institute conducted a full investigation of Radioimmunoassay(RIA) reagents for each test and established the range of reagents available in the laboratory through comparative evaluations. We wanted to share this process. Materials and Methods There are 20 items of tests conducted in our laboratory except for consignment tests. For each test, RIA reagents that can be used were fully investigated with the reference to external quality control report. and the manuals for each reagent were obtained. Each reagent was checked for the manual to check the test method, Incubation time, sample volume needed for the test. After that, the primary selection was made according to whether it was available in this laboratory. The primary selected reagents were supplied with 2kits based on 100tests, and the data correlation test, sensitivity measurement, recovery rate measurement, and dilution test were conducted. The secondary selection was performed according to the results of the comparative evaluation. The reagents that passed the primary and secondary selections were submitted to the competitive bidding list. In the case of reagent is designated as a singular, we submitted a explanatory statement with the data obtained during the primary and secondary selection processes. Results Excluded from the primary selection was the case where TAT was expected to be delayed at the moment, and it was impossible to apply to our equipment due to the large volume of reagents used during the test. In the primary selection, there were five items which only one reagent was available.(squamous cell carcinoma Ag(SCC Ag), β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-HCG), vitamin B12, folate, free testosterone), two reagents were available(CA19-9, CA125, CA72-4, ferritin, thyroglobulin antibody(TG Ab), microsomal antibody(Mic Ab), thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor-antibody(TSH-R-Ab), calcitonin), three reagents were available (triiodothyronine(T3), Tree T3, Free T4, TSH, intact parathyroid hormone(intact PTH)) and four reagents were available are carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), TG. In the secondary selection, there were eight items which only one reagent was available.(ferritin, TG, CA19-9, SCC, β-HCG, vitaminB12, folate, free testosterone), two reagents were available(TG Ab, Mic Ab, TSH-R-Ab, CA125, CA72-4, intact PTH, calcitonin), three reagents were available(T3, Tree T3, Free T4, TSH, CEA). Reasons excluded from the secondary selection were the lack of reagent supply for comparative evaluations, the problems with data reproducibility, and the inability to accept data variations. The most problematic part of comparative evaluations was sample collection. It didn't matter if the number of samples requested was large and the capacity needed for the test was small. It was difficult to collect various concentration samples in the case of a small number of tests(100 cases per month or less), and it was difficult to conduct a recovery rate test in the case of a relatively large volume of samples required for a single test(more than 100 uL). In addition, the lack of dilution solution or standard zero material for sensitivity measurement or dilution tests was one of the problems. Conclusion Comparative evaluation for changing test reagents require appropriate preparation time to collect diverse and sufficient samples. In addition, setting the total sample volume and reagent volume range required for comparative evaluations, depending on the sample volume and reagent volume required for one test, will reduce the burden of sample collection and planning for each comparative evaluation.