• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2009

Purpose: To assess the value of first-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), nuchal translucency (NT) and second-trimester alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin-A in predicting pregnancy complications other than fetal aneuploidy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study in 3,121 singleton pregnancies with integrated testing was performed at Kangnam CHA hospital between January 2005 and December 2006. Baseline characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and serum marker levels were obtained by review of the medical records. We analyzed the data to identify associations between the integrated screening markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS program. Results: In preterm labor and preeclampsia, high AFP, hCG, and inhibin-A levels and low PAPP-A and NT levels were found to be significantly correlated (P<0.05). Elevated second-trimester inhibin-A levels were associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio 2.843), low birth weight (odds ratio 1.446), and preterm labor (odds ratio 1.287), and while decreased first-trimester PAPP-A levels were associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio 0.51) and preterm labor (odds ratio 0.75). Conclusion: First- and second-trimester maternal serum markers screening can be used for predicting high-risk pregnancies.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.24-40
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• 2007

Background : Accumulating evidence shows that interleukin(IL)-1 plays a critical role in inflammation and connective tissue destruction observed in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. IL-1 induces gene expression related to cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases by activation of many different transcription factors. Materials and Methods : The chondrosarcoma cell line, SW1353, is known to be a valuable in vitro system for investigating catabolic gene regulation by IL-$1{\beta}$ in chondrocytic cells. To explore and analyze the changes in gene expression by IL-1 responsible for arthritis, SW1353 was treated with IL-1 for 1, 6 and 24 h and then total RNAs were purified for each time. The changes in gene expression were analyzed with 17k human cDNA microarrays and validated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results : Greater than a two-fold change was observed in 1,200 genes including metallothioneins, matrix metalloproteinases, extracellular matrix proteins, antioxidant proteins, cytoskeleton proteins, cell cycle regulatory proteins, proteins for cell growth and apoptosis, signaling proteins and transcription factors. These changes appeared to be correlate with the pathophysiological changes observed in early osteoarthritis. Conclusion : cDNA microarray analysis revealed a marked variability in gene expression, and provided insight into the overall molecular changes. The result of this study provide initial information for further studies to identify therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis pathogenesis.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.143-154
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• 2000

Most eggs initiated the fertilization processes but arrested at specific stages. The stages included failure of the oocyte to exit from the meiotic metaphase-II with or without sperm penetration, failure of appropriate sperm aster formation, inability to form proper male and female pronuclei, failure of suitable pronuclear apposition, and failure to form proper number of either male or female pronuclei. Various images of defective microtubule organization and chromatin configuration during IVF and ICSI procedures were observed. We discussed the data with previous research results during normal fertilization in humans and other mammals. In conclusion, various aberrant patterns in microtubule assembly and chromatin configuration, which were assessed in the present study, could be used as criteria to improve assisted reproductive technology in clinics. However, further cellular and molecular characterization is needed to clarify these aberrant patterns of cytoskeletal assembly.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Salt marsh is an important transitional zone among terrestrial, riverine, and marine ecosystems and is a productive habitat that interacts extensively with adjacent landscape elements of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Nowadays, in addition to various human activities, a variety of natural processes induce changes in salt marshes. This study aims to provide background information to restore disturbed salt marshes and to propose their ecological restoration using seed banks. The study area is a prepared area for the Gwangyang Container Port located in the southern Korea. This area was formed by accumulating mud soils dredged from the bottom of the forward sea. This land was created in a serial process of preparing the Gwangyang container port and the salt marsh was passively restored by seeds buried in mud soil dredged from seabed. As a result of stand ordination based on vegetation data collected from the land, stands were arranged according to tolerance to salinity in the order of $Suaeda$ $maritima$, $Salicornia$ $europaea$, and $Phragmites$ $communis$ communities on the Axis 1. Landscape structure of the projected area was analyzed as well. Edges of the projected area were divided from the marginal waterway by the dike. Four types of vegetation appeared on the dike: $Alnus$ $firma$ plantation, $Robinia$ $pseudoacacia$ plantation, $Lespedeza$ $cyrtobotrya$ plantation, and grassland. In the more internal areas, two types of vegetation sequences appeared: $Aster$ $tripolium$ community-$Suaeda$ $glauca$ community-$Salicornia$ $europaea$ community sequence and $Aster$ $tripolium$ community-$Suaeda$ $maritima$ community-$S.$ $europaea$ community sequence. Mixed community showed the highest species diversity (H' = 0.86) and $S.$ $europaea$ community showed the lowest (H' = 0.0). Evenness is the highest in Mixed community (J' = 2.26) and the lowest in $S.$ $maritime-S.$ $europaea$ community (J' = 0.0). Several plant communities were successfully established on the land created by mud soil dredged from the bottom of Gwangyang Bay. Moreover, community diversity in this area approached a similar level with those from other studies involving natural salt marshes. Therefore, restoration effect based on community diversity obtained in our study can be evaluated as a successful achievement. In this respect, although most salt marshes in Korea and other places worldwide have been destroyed or disturbed by excessive land use, feasibility of seed bank as a restoration tool is greatly expected.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.523-532
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• 2017

A field survey studying intestinal parasites in humans and microbial pathogen contamination at environment was performed in a Laotian rural village to identify potential risks for disease outbreaks. A parasitological investigation was conducted in Ban Lak Sip village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR involving fecal samples from 305 inhabitants as well as water samples taken from 3 sites of the local stream. Water analysis indicated the presence of several enteric pathogens, i.e., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., E. coli H7, E. coli O157: H7, verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), Shigella spp., and enteric adenovirus. The level of microbial pathogens contamination was associated with human activity, with greater levels of contamination found at the downstream site compared to the site at the village and upstream, respectively. Regarding intestinal parasites, the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections were 68.9% and 27.2%, respectively. Eight helminth taxa were identified in fecal samples, i.e., 2 tapeworm species (Taenia sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta), 1 trematode (Opisthorchis sp.), and 5 nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, trichostrongylids, and hookworms). Six species of intestinal protists were identified, i.e., Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora spp., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia. Questionnaires and interviews were also conducted to determine risk factors of infection. These analyses together with a prevailing infection level suggested that most of villagers were exposed to parasites in a similar degree due to limited socio-economic differences and sharing of similar practices. Limited access to effective public health facilities is also a significant contributing factor.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2045-2049
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of down-regulation of Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression on the apoptosis of human Burkitt lymphoma cells (Daudi cells) and potential mechanisms. Methods: Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting SENP1 was designed and synthesized and then cloned into a lentiviral vector. A lentiviral packaging plasmid was used to transfect Daudi cells (sh-SENP1-Daudi group). Daudi cells without transfection (Daudi group) and Daudi cells transfected with blank plasmid (sh-NC-Daudi group) served as control groups. Flow cytometry was performed to screen GFP positive cells and semiquantitative PCR and Western blot assays were employed to detect the inference efficiency. The morphology of cells was observed under a microscope before and after transfection. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis related molecules (caspase-3, 8 and 9). After treatment with $COCl_2$ for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor -$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) was determined. Results: Sequencing showed the expression vectors of shRNA targeting SENP1 to be successfully constructed. Following screening of GFP positive cells by FCM, semiqualitative PCR showed the interference efficiency was $79.2{\pm}0.026%$. At 48 h after transfection, the Daudi cells became shrunken, had irregular edges and presented apoptotic bodies. Western blot assay revealed increase in expression of caspase-3, 8 and 9 with prolongation of transfection (P<0.05). Following hypoxia treatment, mRNA expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged in three groups (P>0.05) but the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ markedly increased (P<0.05). However, in the sh-SENP1-Daudi group, the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged Conclusion: SENP1-shRNA can efficiently inhibit SENP1 expression in Daudi cells. SENP1 inhibition may promote cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that SENP1 may serve as an important target in the gene therapy of Burkitts lymphoma.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.320-327
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• 2020

In current study, we aimed to investigate whether the gentiopicroside (GPS) derived from Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa could block the progression of alcoholic hepatic steatosis to fibrosis induced by chronic ethanol intake. C57BL/6 mice were fed an ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli diet for 4 weeks. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were treated with GPS 1 h prior to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulation, and murine hepatocyte AML12 cells were pretreated by GPS 1 h prior to ethanol treatment. GPS inhibited the expression of type I collagen (collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 in ethanol-fed mouse livers with mild fibrosis. In addition, the imbalanced lipid metabolism induced by chronic ethanol-feeding was ameliorated by GPS pretreatment, characterized by the modulation of lipid accumulation. Consistently, GPS inhibited the expression of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β. Inhibition of lipid synthesis and promotion of oxidation by GPS were also confirmed in ethanol-treated AML12 cells. GPS could prevent hepatic steatosis advancing to the inception of a mild fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol exposure, suggesting GPS might be a promising therapy for targeting the early stage of alcoholic liver disease.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.33 no.1 s.96
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• pp.51-61
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a self-etching primer on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets and on the failure pattern of bracket-adhesive interfaces in dry or wet condition. Brackets were bonded to extracted human teeth according to one of three experimental protocols. In the Group P, teeth were etched with $37\%$ phosphoric acid. After the Transbond XT Primer was applied onto the etched surfaces, the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT(3M, Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and light cured for 40 seconds. In the Group SD, a self-etching primer(3M, Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) was placed on the enamel for 3 seconds and gently evaporated with air, as suggested by the manufacturer. The brackets were then bonded with Transbond XT as in the Group P In the Group SW, artificial saliva was applied to the enamel surface for 10 seconds to allow complete hydration of the surface before application self-etching primer The brackets were then bonded following the procedures of Group SD. Each group was divided into 2 sub-groups(0.5h, 24h) according to debonding time. Shear bond strengths were measured by Instron universal testing machine. After debonding, the teeth and brackets were examined under scanning electron microscope and assessed with the adhesive remnant index. The result obtained were summarized as follows ; 1. The shear bond strengths were high enough to use clinically in all testing groups, but the shear bond strengths of Group SD and SW were significantly lower than Group P(p<0.05). 2. With respect to comparison of debonding time, 24h debonding samples exhibited heigher shear bond strength than 0.5h debonding samples in Group P, SD and SW(p<0.05). 3. In the self etching primer groups(Group SD and Group SW), there was no significant difference in mean shear bond strength between under dry and wet state(p>0.05). 4. There was a greater frequency of ARI score of 0 and 1 with the Group P. On the other hand, there was a higher frequency of ARI scores of 2 and 3 with Group SD and Group SW(p<0.05).

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.18-30
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• 2022

Background: It was to develop an air purification system (APS) using an underground air purification layer to verify the effect of basalt forest's underground air (sumgol) on a volcanic Jeju. Finally, it is necessary to analyze these purified air components and their usefulness to the human body in an air experience center. Purpose: It was to collect basalt forest air, analyze its composition, and explore its effect on the human body. Methods: We APS devices installed at four points in the Papaville area of Jeju. The air discharged from the APS was collected and analyzed the recycling components. An installed experience room filled with negative ions is about 5,000 ions/m³. After allowing the participants to stay for 60 to 120 minutes, we investigated the state of blood vessels. Results: In the analysis of the underground air, the O₂ concentration was 21.18%, which was higher than the average oxygen concentration of 20.94% in the atmosphere. However, Formaldehyde was not detected, and the CO₂ was 419 ppm, which was lower than that of indoor air. The PM2.5 concentration was less than 24 ㎍/m³ and detected anions over 5.000 /m³. The experiencer's vascular states improved, and the increase in pulse rate and stress relief were high. Conclusions: The valuable ingredients identified by analyzing the air were precious for natural healing. The experience results showed that it effectively improved the pulse rate, blood vessels, and stress. These conditions may be highly beneficial as a new area for expanding the basalt lava forest in the Jeju area into the natural healing and wellness industry.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.364-369
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• 1995

Anticarcinogenic activity of Moutan radix for mouse ascites cancer induced by mouse Sarcoma 180 (S-180) cells was investigated. Methanol extract of Moutan radix including other folk medicinal plants (Taxus cuspidata, Curcuma longa, Artemisia capillaris, Ligrstri fructus, and Liriope platyphylla) used to remedy or cure many chronic human diseases like cancer was fractionated into hexane, chloroform ($CHCl_3$), ethylacetate (EtOAc), and butanol (BuOH) fractions. Anticarcinogenic activity of the fractions, exhibited a strong cytotoxicity for L1210 and S-180 cells, was examined for mouse ascites cancer induced by S-180 cells. Male ICR mice (7 mice/treatment, $5{\sim}6$ weeks of age, $23{\pm}1\;g$ were injected i.p. with S-180 cells ($1{\times}10^{7}\;cell/1\;ml$ PBS). One day later, each mouse was given 0.1 ml of 10% DMSO containing sample ($30\;{\mu}g/g$ body weight) every day for 10 consecutive days. Control mice were only given 0.1ml S-180 cells and 0.1 ml 10% DMSO. Mice treated with EtOAc fraction of Moutan radix showed 28.7 days of life, which is 167% of control mice's life. Based on the dose-dependant experiment mice treated with $30\;{\mu}g$ showed longer life relative to mice treated with ootherr doses (5, 15, $60\;{\mu}g$), and mice treated with $60\;{\mu}g$ exhibited toxic symptoms. Body weight of mice treated with Moutan radix was significantly reduced relative to that of control mice (p<0.05). GC-MS analysis in conjunction with silica-gel column chromatography revealed that the EtOAc fraction contained 2-methoxylphenol, benzoic acid, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethanone, 8-methyl-2,4(1H,3H)pteridinedione and 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic dimethyl ester as regards to the anticarcinogenic property of the EtOAc fraction. These results suggest that Moutan radix might be included as an anticarcinogenic medicinal plant for treatment of ascites cancer.