• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.294-299
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data on the safety of Poria cocos, a major Korean herbal medicine, and to establish tolerance levels for hazardous substances. Residual pesticides (321 types), heavy metals (7 types), radioactivity (3 types), and ash content were analyzed in 10 Poria cocos products distributed in Korea (5 domestic and 5 in China). Of the residual pesticides, cypermethrin was detected at 0.03 mg/kg in one domestic sample and was below the standard value. Of the heavy metals, the levels of Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Hg, and Cr were below the standard values in all samples. Hg was not detected in any sample. Cd was detected at 0.011 mg/kg in one Chinese sample. The radioactivity concentration was also below the MDA value in all P. cocos samples. The ash content was less than the standard value of 1.0% in all P. cocos samples. The findings indicate that P. cocos distributed in Korea is safe. However, because P. cocos is always exposed to harmful substances because of the nature of its cultivation in the soil, it seems necessary to establish systematic management standards for the entire production stage, such as cultivation, storage, and distribution.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.16
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• 2023

Background: In vitro culture of preantral follicles is a promising technology for fertility preservation. Objectives: This study aims to investigate an optimized three-dimensional (3D) fetal bovine serum (FBS)-free preantral follicle culture system having a simple and easy operation. Methods: The isolated follicles from mouse ovaries were randomly divided in an ultra-low attachment 96-well plates supplement with FBS or bovine serum albumin (BSA) culture or encapsulated with an alginate supplement with FBS or BSA culture. Meanwhile, estradiol (E₂) concentration was assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of culture supernatants. The diameter of follicular growth was measured, and the lumen of the follicle was photographed. Spindle microtubules of oocytes were detected via immunofluorescence. The ability of oocytes to fertilize was assessed using in vitro fertilization. Results: The diameters were larger for the growing secondary follicles cultured in ultra-low attachment 96-well plates than in the alginate gel on days 6, 8, and 10 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the E2 concentration in the BSA-supplemented medium was significantly higher in the alginate gel than in the other three groups on days 6 and 8 (p < 0.05), and the oocytes in the FBS-free system could complete meiosis and fertilization in vitro. Conclusions: The present study furnishes insights into the mature oocytes obtained from the 3D culture of the preantral follicle by using ultra-low attachment 96-well plate with an FBS-free system in vitro and supports the clinical practices to achieve competent, mature oocytes for in vitro fertilization.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.332-339
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• 2023

Objective : The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of electrolyte imbalance in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who underwent craniotomy and its influence on prognosis. Methods : A total of 156 patients with moderate to severe TBI were prospectively collected from June 2019 to June 2021. All patients underwent craniotomy and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of electrolyte disturbance and to analyze the influence of electrolyte disturbance on prognosis. Results : A total of 156 patients with moderate and severe TBI were included. There were 57 cases of hypernatremia, accounting for 36.538%, with the average level of 155.788±7.686 mmol/L, which occurred 2.2±0.3 days after injury. There were 25 cases of hyponatremia, accounting for 16.026%, with the average level of 131.204±3.708 mmol/L, which occurred 10.2±3.3 days after injury. There were three cases of hyperkalemia, accounting for 1.923%, with the average level of 7.140±1.297 mmol/L, which occurred 5.3±0.2 days after injury. There were 75 cases of hypokalemia, accounting for 48.077%, with the average level of 3.071±0.302 mmol/L, which occurred 1.8±0.6 days after injury. There were 105 cases of hypocalcemia, accounting for 67.308%, with the average level of 1.846±0.104 mmol/L, which occurred 1.6±0.2 days after injury. There were 17 cases of hypermagnesemia, accounting for 10.897%, with the average level of 1.213±0.426 mmol/L, which occurred 1.8±0.5 days after injury. There were 99 cases of hypomagnesemia, accounting for 63.462%, with the average level of 0.652±0.061 mmol/L, which occurred 1.3±0.4 days after injury. Univariate regression analysis revealed that age, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission, pupil changes, ICP, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia combined with hypocalcemia, epilepsy, cerebral infarction, severe hypoproteinemia were statistically abnormal (p<0.05), while gender, hyponatremia, potassium, magnesium, intracranial infection, pneumonia, allogeneic blood transfusion, hypertension, diabetes, abnormal liver function, and abnormal renal function were not statistically significant (p>0.05). After adjusting gender, age, GCS, pupil changes, ICP, epilepsy, cerebral infarction, severe hypoproteinemia, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypernatremia or hypocalcemia was not statistically significant, while hypernatremia combined with hypocalcemia was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion : The incidence of hypocalcemia was the highest, followed by hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hyponatremia and hypermagnesemia. Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia generally occurred in the early post-TBI period, hypernatremia occurred in the peak period of ICP, and hyponatremia mostly occurred in the late period after decreased ICP. Hypernatremia combined with hypocalcemia was associated with prognosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.549-554
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• 2023

Korean ginseng has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an overall wellness supplement. Red ginseng (Ginseng Radix Rubra) is produced by steaming the roots, followed by drying. Soft red ginseng is produced using a new processing technology. This study investigated whether soft red ginseng differs from raw and hard red ginseng in its physicochemical composition. Results showed that the total phenol content of raw ginseng was 2.96 mg/g at 80℃ and 3.47 mg/g at 160 ℃. Meanwhile, the total phenols of hard and soft red ginseng were 4.12 mg/g and 4.18 mg/g at 160℃, respectively. The total phenol contents of raw, hard red, and soft red ginseng revealed a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The total flavonoid contents of raw, hard red, and soft red ginseng were 2.62 mg/g, 3.97 mg/g, and 3.83 mg/g at 160℃, respectively. Among the three samples, soft red ginseng had the highest total sugar content at 160℃. The acidic polysaccharide contents of both soft and hard red ginseng were much higher than that of raw ginseng (49%-58%). Significant differences were observed among raw, hard red, and soft red ginseng (p<0.001). Soft red ginseng exhibited higher phenol content (25%), total flavonoid content (49%), and total sugar content (45%) than raw ginseng.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.755-765
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• 2023

Background: Caveolin-1, the scaffolding protein of cholesterol-rich invaginations, plays an important role in store-operated Ca²⁺ influx and its phosphorylation at Tyr14 (p-caveolin-1) is vital to mobilize protection against myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. SOCE, comprising STIM1, ORAI1 and TRPC1, contributes to intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) accumulation in cardiomyocytes. The purified extract of steamed Panax ginseng (EPG) attenuated [Ca²⁺]_i overload against MI injury. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of EPG affecting p-caveolin-1 to further mediate SOCE/[Ca²⁺]_i against MI injury in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and a rat model. Methods: PP2, an inhibitor of p-caveolin-1, was used. Cell viability, [Ca²⁺]_i concentration were analyzed in cardiomyocytes. In rats, myocardial infarct size, pathological damages, apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis were evaluated, p-caveolin-1 and STIM1 were detected by immunofluorescence, and the levels of caveolin-1, STIM1, ORAI1 and TRPC1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. And, release of LDH, cTnI and BNP was measured. Results: EPG, ginsenosides accounting for 57.96%, suppressed release of LDH, cTnI and BNP, and protected cardiomyocytes by inhibiting Ca²⁺ influx. And, EPG significantly relieved myocardial infarct size, cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and ultrastructure abnormality. Moreover, EPG negatively regulated SOCE via increasing p-caveolin-1 protein, decreasing ORAI1 mRNA and protein levels of ORAI1, TRPC1 and STIM1. More importantly, inhibition of the p-caveolin-1 significantly suppressed all of the above cardioprotection of EPG. Conclusions: Caveolin-1 phosphorylation is involved in the protective effects of EPG against MI injury via increasing p-caveolin-1 to negatively regulate SOCE/[Ca²⁺]_i.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.627-637
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• 2023

Background: Damage to the healthy intestinal epithelial layer and regulation of the intestinal immune system, closely interrelated, are considered pivotal parts of the curative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Plant-based diets and phytochemicals can support the immune microenvironment in the intestinal epithelial barrier for a balanced immune system by improving the intestinal microecological balance and may have therapeutic potential in colitis. However, there have been only a few reports on the therapeutic potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) and the underlying mechanism in colitis. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of PENs from Panax ginseng, ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs), in a mouse model of IBD, with a focus on the intestinal immune microenvironment. Method: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of GENs on acute colitis, we treated GENs in Caco2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and analyzed the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we further examined bacterial DNA from feces and determined the alteration of gut microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice after administration of GENs through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Result: GENs with low toxicity showed a long-lasting intestinal retention effect for 48 h, which could lead to effective suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 production through inhibition of NF-κB in DSS-induced colitis. As a result, it showed longer colon length and suppressed thickening of the colon wall in the mice treated with GENs. Due to the amelioration of the progression of DSS-induced colitis with GENs treatment, the prolonged survival rate was observed for 17 days compared to 9 days in the PBS-treated group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota was decreased, which means GENs have therapeutic effectiveness against IBD. Ingesting GENs would be expected to slow colitis progression, strengthen the gut microbiota, and maintain gut homeostasis by preventing bacterial dysbiosis. Conclusion: GENs have a therapeutic effect on colitis through modulation of the intestinal microbiota and immune microenvironment. GENs not only ameliorate the inflammation in the damaged intestine by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines but also help balance the microbiota on the intestinal barrier and thereby improve the digestive system.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.1156-1163
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• 2015

The present study investigated the immunomodulatory properties of four different medicinal plants in a cyclophosphamide-treated Balb/c mouse model. One of the four plants, Ulmus macrocarpa, showed partial resistance against immune suppression induced by cyclophosphamide. The bark of U. macrocarpa, commonly known as the Chinese elm, has been used as a pharmaceutical material in Korean traditional medicine to treat bacterial inflammation and induce wound healing. In this study, water extract of U. macrocarpa, named DEU-7, was used for its immunomodulating functional activity. DEU-7 increased the weight of the spleen and the number of splenocytes but did not significantly affect the liver, kidney, and thymus in vivo. A splenocyte viability assay confirmed that DEU-7 influenced ex vivo splenocyte survival. DEU-7 also increased the levels of cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-4, and immunoglobulins, such as IgM, IgG, and IgA. These results indicated that DEU-7 is involved in the activation of T and B lymphocytes. In addition, DEU-7 was able to maintain the production of cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-12, and IFN-γ, in the condition of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression, suggesting that DEU-7 activated innate immune cells, even under immune suppression. We concluded that DEU-7 aids immunological homeostasis, thereby preventing immune suppression, and aids both innate and adaptive immune response by maintaining the levels of various cytokines and immunoglobulins. Consequently, it is worth investigating the potential of DEU-7 as a supplemental source for immune-enhancing agents.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.85-94
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• 1970

This is a study of 21 tuberculosis patients receiving medical treatment at the Public Health Center in Kyongi Do, Pu Chun Gun and at the General Hospital. The results cover the findings of the period from May, 1969 to November 1970. The information obtained is based on personal interviews with the patients, and symptomatic diagnosis made from observations. The following statistics when not equalling 100% contain only the responses of the two extremes in each case. The findings of the research are as follows: 1. 52.3% of the patients in the study are males and 47.7% are females. 28.6% of the subjects are between 20 and 29 years of age and an equal percent are between 30 and 39 years. 2. 47.5% of the subjects had graduated from primary school, while only 4.8% had graduated from high school. 3. 57.1% of the patients said they had no religions beliefs, while 4.8% professed to being Buddhists or believing in superstition. 4. 47.3% of the people said they were unemployed, while 4.8% classified themselves as labourers. 5. In response to how tuberculosis was first detected in their respective cases, 52.6% became aware of their disease through X-ray results, while 4.8% were discovered to have tuberculosis when being treated for other diseases at the hospital. 6. When asked how many of the patients knew anything about their disease when treated, 57.1% knew nothing about tuberculosis when they received treatment, while 42.9% had some knowledge of the disease. 7. Of those who knew something about tuberculosis, 61.9% learned about from doctors and nurses, while 4.8% learned from other people. 8. 57.1% of the patients knew that tuberculosis is a communicable disease, while 42.9% did not know. 9. 52.4% of the patients did not know the cause of tuberculosis while 4.9% believed the disease was caused by a curse. 10. When asked about the extent of treatment, 52.4% responded that they had undergone continuous treatment, while 4.8% had not received treatment. 11.The reasons given for not continuing treatment were the following: economic factors 55.6%; side reactions to the treatment, lack of knowledge of how to get treatment, of the need for treatment, or of the positive effects of treatment 11.1%. 12. 61.9% of the subjects usually took the medical treatment at home, 9.5% took it in the mountains or at the beach. 13. 42.9% of the patients received drugs for treatment at the local public health center, while 4.8% received them at the hospital 14. 33.3% of the patients received P.A.S＋I.N.H.＋S.M. for treatment of tuberculosis, while 4.8% received P.A.S.＋S.M.. and some secondary drug. 15. Of the patients who took some extra medicine for tuberculosis, 38.1% took a Chinese drug, while 9.5% took herb medicine. 16. 38.1% of the patients had continued treatment for three years, 4.8% had interrupted the treatment. 17. When asked about the development of the disease after treatment, the patients gave the following information: after one month, 90.5% thought the treatment helped, while 9.5% weren't sure; after one year, 55.6% thought it was good, while 5.5% thought it was not; after three years, 63.6% had a very bad condition. while 4.8% didn't know. 18. 61.9% of the patients were unconcerned about covering their mouths when they coughed, while 38.1% covered their mouths. 19. 57.2% were unconcerned they spit, while 23.8% spit into a waste basket. 20. 66.7% were unconcerned about sterilizing tableware, while 9.5% handled it separately. 21. 66.7% were unconcerned about ventilating their room, while 9.5% ventilated the room twice a week.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1151-1156
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• 2014

Traditional medicinal plants are widely used to treat many diseases, such as inflammation, infections, and even cancer. Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a Chinese elm species, is distributed in Korea, China, and Japan. The stem bark is widely employed in Korean traditional medicine to treat dermatitis, mastitis, and edema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether water extract of U. macrocarpa Hance bark (Ulmus cortex) has a immune-modulating function in a mouse model. Three different concentrations (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) of Ulmus cortex water extract (UCWE) were orally administered to mice for 14 days, and their immune responses were analyzed. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and IFN-${\gamma}$, increased in the blood of UCWE-fed groups when compared with a control group. In contrast, the IL-4 level did not change in any of the UCWE-fed groups Cell-mediated cytotoxicity was also assayed using lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK). LAK showed greater cytotoxicity in the UCWE-fed groups than LAK in the control group. Internal organ indices, such as liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus, were similar in all the groups, including the control group, indicating that UCWE may have been nontoxic in the experimental animals. These data suggest that UCWE has an immune-modulating function in a mouse model.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.295-306
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• 2018

In the present study, we compared the effects of 50% ethanolic extracts of Chinese and Korean Wolfiporia cocos (CPE and KPE) on in vitro lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and their anticancer activities in Sarcoma 180 cells. We further compared the anticancer activities and the 50% inhibitory concentrations ($IC_{50}$) of CPE with KPE with cultivated for one and two years in a landfill and a facility (LPE and FPE), respectively. In addition, the single oral dose toxicities of CPE and KPE were evaluated in mice. Lipid accumulation was inhibited after 48 hours, in CPE and KPE treated 3T3-L1 cells; however, no significant difference was observed between CPE and KPE in their lipid accumulation inhibitory activities. The anticancer activity of KPE was higher than that of CPE at $300{\mu}g/mL$ (p<0.05), revealing the possibility of an auxiliary biological means for origin identification. The anticancer activities of LPE and FPE were significantly stronger than that of CPE (p<0.05) but there was no difference between extracts from one- and two-year-old W. cocos, irrespective of the cultivation method. In single oral dose toxicity tests, CPE and KPE did not induce mortality during the 14-day observation. Thus, the 50% of lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) of CPE and KPE were estimated to be higher than 2,000 mg/kg. Taken together, our results indicate that the anticancer assay could be an auxiliary means of identifying the origin of W. cocos. In addition, artificial cultivation could be an alternative way to reduce the import of W. cocos. Lastly, 50% ethanolic W. cocos extracts could be potential candidates for obesity and cancer managements.