• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.465-469
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• 2015

Background: Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (A. Berger) is commonly used as a folk remedy for cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms of its anti-cancer activity are poorly investigated in human cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether flavonoids extracted from Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (FEOJ) might have anticancer effects in human leukemia cells, focusing on cell death mechanisms. Materials and Methods: U937 human leukemic cancer cells were used. Results: FEOJ induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in human U937 cancer cells. Flow cytometry revealed significant accumulation of cells with sub-G1 DNA content at the concentrations of $200{\mu}g/mL$ and $400{\mu}g/mL$. FEOJ-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) in human U937 cancer cells, which might be associated with suppression of Bcl-2 and XIAP proteins. FEOJ induced the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, playing at least in part an important role in FEOJ-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: This study suggested that FEOJ may induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human leukemic cells by regulating MMP (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$) through suppressing Bcl-2 and X-IAP. In addition, the results indicated that upstream p38 MAPK signaling regulates the apoptotic effect of FEOJ. This study provides evidence that FEOJ might have anti-cancer potential for human leukemic cells.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.78-90
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate whether peptide produced from wheat protein by enzyme hydrolysis can be used as a natural antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial peptide was obtained from wheat protein by protease of 7 species. The produced antimicrobial peptide was purified through ultrafiltration, membrane filtration and HPLC, and molecular weight and amino acid sequence of the purified antimicrobial peptide were determined. Among hydrolysate produced from wheat protein by protease of 7 species, antimicrobial activity was observed for the peptide obtained from Asp. saito protease. The Asp. saito protease did production antimicrobial hydrolysate showing the highest antimicrobial activity at reaction condition of $37^{\circ}C$ and pH 6.0, but not at reaction condition above $50^{\circ}C$. Wheat protein hydrolysate was fractionated by membrane filtration and showed antimicrobial activity between molecular weight 1,000 - 3,000. The antimicrobial activity fraction obtained by membrane filtration was separated through HPLC and showed antimicrobial activity in the peak of retention time 31.1 - 31.8 min. Since after wheat protein protease hydrolysate was heated during 15 min at $121^{\circ}C$, antimicrobial activity was maintained, we could be conviction as heat-stable peptide. Molecular weight of antimicrobial peptide identified by MALDI-mass was 1,633. Amino acid sequence of antimicrobial peptide was cysteine, glycine, prolin, prolin, prolin, valine, valine, alanine, alanine and arginine.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.378-383
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• 2009

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation procedure for the phalaenopsis orchid, established by using Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs), was aimed at the introduction of target genes into individuals with divergent genetic backgrounds. PLBs obtained from the axillary bud of a peduncle were maintained on a hyponex medium supplemented with 1 g/l of activated charcoal, 30 g/l of sucrose and 0.1 mg/l thiamine. The multiplication rate of PLBs was about 90% in case of subculture PLBs to be cut transversely into 1/3 part from top position. The PLBs were inoculated with Agrobacterium strain EHA105 harboring both $\beta$-glucuronidase (GUS) and hygromycin-resistant genes for 20 minutes after dipping treatment. Transformation efficiency was the highest with a Agrobacterium culture medium and dipping treatment of O.D. 0.8. Newly induced PLBs were put on selection medium containing 1 mg/l hygromycin for 2 months. Hygromycin-resistant phalaenopsis plants that regenerated after the selection culture of PLBs showed histochemical blue staining due to GUS. Transgene integration of the hygromycin-resistant plants was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot using GUS specific primers and probe.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1249-1253
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• 2010

Sericin is a type of high molecular weight water-soluble glycoprotein surrounding fibroin (silk protein) that has been used as a cell culture supplement and accelerates cell proliferation in various serum-free media. The purpose of this study was to investigate the enhancing effect of thyroglobulin (Tg) secretion by sericin in thyrocytes, FRTL-5 cells. While Tg-mRNA expression was not enhanced, a secreted form of Tg was obviously increased by sericin. In this status, expression of both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperones (Bip & calreticulin) and ER membrane proteins (IRE1, PERK & ATF6) was enhanced. The proximal step of IRE1, XBP1 mRNA splicing was slightly detected however, the proximal step of PERK, phosphorylation of $eIF2{\alpha}$, was changeless. In addition, sericin enhanced cell viability by the MTT assay. The above results showing the ability of sericin to promote protein production demonstrated its potential usefulness as a new biomaterial.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.410-418
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• 2017

Amelogenesis imperfecta characterized as abnormally formed enamel is caused by a defect of unique group of genes. Patients affected by this disease might have difficulties in social and psychological aspects due to non-esthetic teeth as well as functional problems caused by enamel detachment and tooth wear from their early ages. Adult patients with amelogenesis imperfecta can be treated with full-mouth restorations, which make functional and esthetic rehabilitations of severely worn tooth. However, the anterior open bite and lack of occlusal clearance for posterior teeth restorations due to compensatory extrusion are the intervening factors in the prosthetic treatment. Therefore, the determination of anterior tooth lengths, vertical dimension, and anterior guidance should be set carefully. Recently, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques help systematic approaches and enable dentists to reduce time-consuming procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of full-mouth rehabilitation. This case report demonstrates the successful full mouth rehabilitation using a CAD/CAM system in a young adult patient with amelogenesis imperfecta and anterior open bite.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.4
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• pp.271-277
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• 2011

Background: A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) has recently been developed as a short and simple method for assessing the quality of life in COPD patients. The object of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Korean version of the CAT for assessing COPD patients in an outpatient clinic. Methods: The study included 60 COPD patients in a stable state from an outpatient clinic. The authors investigated the frequency of acute exacerbation during aprevious year through reviewing medical records. We evaluated the spirometry test, a 6-min walk distance test, and obtained the MMRC dyspnea scale, the Korean version of the CAT, and the BODE index at the time of visit. To assess the usefulness of the CAT, correlations between the CAT and other methods were evaluated. Results: The mean age of patients was $68.3{\pm}8.6$ years and 95% of patients were male. There was a significant correlation between the CAT score and $FEV_1%$ (r=-0.323, p=0.012), the frequency of acute exacerbation (r=0.292, p=0.024), the MMRC dyspnea scale (r=0.554, p<0.001), the BODE index (r=0.380, p=0.003), and 6 MWD (r=-0.372, p=0.004). The mean CAT score increased according to the GOLD stage (stage 1, $10.7{\pm}4.5$; stage 2, $13.1{\pm}7.9$; stage 3, $16.3{\pm}6.2$; stage 4, $16.5{\pm}14.8$; p=0.746). Conclusion: The CAT was shown to be useful for the assessment of COPD severity. Therefore, the CAT is an easily applied and simple method for assessing COPD severity in an outpatient clinic.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.78-86
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• 2014

In this paper, a novel intensity-based fiber optic vibration sensor using a mass-spring structure, which consists of four serpentine flexure springs and a rectangular aperture within a proof mass, is proposed and its feasibility test is given by the simulation and experiment. An optical collimator is used to broaden the beam which is modulated by the displacement of the rectangular aperture within the proof mass. The proposed fiber optic vibration sensor has been analyzed and designed in terms of the optical and mechanical parts. A mechanical structure has been designed using theoretical analysis, mathematical modeling, and 3D FEM (Finite Element Method) simulation. The relative aperture displacement according to the base vibration is given using FEM simulation, while the output beam power according to the relative displacement is measured by experiment. The simulated sensor sensitivity of $15.731{\mu}W/G$ and detection range of ${\pm}6.087G$ are given. By using reference signal, the output signal with 0.75% relative error shows a good stability. The proposed vibration sensor structure has the advantages of a simple structure, low cost, and multi-point sensing characteristic. It also has the potential to be made by MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) technology.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.659-681
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• 2001

Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) has been known to increase the rate and degree of bone formation by virtue of growth factors in concentrated platelets. Although its great healing effect on bone defect or pre-implantation site preparation in conjunction with bone substitute has been reported, the effect associated with implant is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP on rapid osseointegration of endosseous dental implants in the rabbit tibiae. Twenty two adult female New Zealand white rabbits, weighing approximately 2.7-3.3kg, were used for this study. Twelve of the 22 animals were used for histomorphometric analysis and ten of the 22 were for removal torque test. Each animal received two implants in each tibia (two treated with PRP and two as control) and was given fluorochrome intramuscularly. For histomorphometric analysis, rabbits were divided into four groups according to the healing period. At 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks postoperatively, each three animals were sacrificed serially and the amount and rate of bone formation around dental implant were examined on the undecalcified sections under fluorescent microscope, polarized microscope and light microscope connected to a personal computer equipped with image analysis system. For removal torque test, rabbits were divided into two groups and removal torque tests were performed at 4 weeks, 10 weeks after implant placement. In total, 88 screw shaped, commercially pure titanium implants (Neoplant, Neobiotech, Seoul, Korea) were used in this study. Labeling pattern reflected differences of two groups in bone formation rate at each period. Histomorphometrically, PRP group showed significantly higher bone volume within threads compared to control group at 2 weeks ($70.30{\pm}4.96%$ vs. $50.68{\pm}6.33%$; P < .01) and 4 weeks ($82.59{\pm}5.94%$ vs. $72.94{\pm}4.57%$; P < .05 ). PRP group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks revealed similar degree of bone volume formation comparable to control group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. On the other hand, while PRP group showed higher bone-implant contact ($47.37{\pm}8.09%$) than control group ($33.16{\pm}13.47%$) at 2 weeks, there were no significant differences between PRP group and control group for any experimental period. Removal torque values also showed no significant differences between PRP group and control group at any experimental period (P > .05). These findings imply that PRP could induce rapid, more bone formation around implant during early healing period and get faster secondary stability for reducing healing period, though it has not induced bone maturation enough to resist functional loading.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.93-99
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• 2012

Purpose: This study compared outcomes in children with acute leukemia who underwent transplantations with umbilical cord blood (UCB), bone marrow, or peripheral blood stem cells from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related donor (MRD) or an unrelated donor (URD). Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive acute leukemia patients who underwent their first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at Samsung Medical Center between 2005 and 2010. Patients received stem cells from MRD (n=33), URD (n=46), or UCB (n=41). Results: Neutrophil and platelet recovery were significantly longer after HSCT with UCB than with MRD or URD ($p$ <0.01 for both). In multivariate analysis using the MRD group as a reference, the URD group had a significantly higher risk of grade III to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD; relative risk [RR], 15.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 186.2; $p$=0.03) and extensive chronic GVHD (RR, 6.9; 95% CI, 1.9 to 25.2; $p$ <0.01). For all 3 donor types, 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were similar. Extensive chronic GVHD was associated with fewer relapses (RR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.6; $p$ <0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that lower EFS was associated with advanced disease at transplantation (RR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 7.8; $p$ <0.01) and total body irradiation (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3; $p$=0.04). Conclusion: Survival after UCB transplantation was similar to survival after MRD and URD transplantation. For patients lacking an HLA matched donor, the use of UCB is a suitable alternative.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.550-555
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• 2013

Extrinsic skin aging is characterized by the loss of skin tone and resilience, irregular pigmentation, and deep wrinkles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ehwa Makgeolli containing oriental herbs (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Lycium chinense MILL., Morus alba L., and Saururus chinensis Baill) on skin whitening and wrinkling in human skin cells. We prepared Makgeolli extracts (HEE) with 70% ethanol. HEE significantly inhibited in vitro mushroom tyrosinase activity and reduced the cellular and secreted melanin content of mouse melanoma melanocytes (B16F1 cells). HEE down-regulated the protein expression of tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1/-2, a key player in melanogenesis. Treatment with HEE in human keratinoctyes (HaCaT cells) inhibited the proteolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 in a dose-dependent manner and dramatically reduced the expression of MMP-2/-9. In addition, HEE attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). These results indicate that HEE may be a great cosmeceutical ingredient for its whitening, anti-wrinkle, and anti-inflammatory effects.