• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.1-18
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• 2023

The online shopping industry in China has experienced rapid growth, particularly in the infant goods sector, which is considered highly promising in terms of its growth potential. This growth can be attributed to the Chinese market's increasing economic power, the implementation of new policies concerning marriage and childbirth, changes in family structure, and evolving and diverse consumer demands for infant products. While the infant clothing industry has emerged as a significant player in the Chinese market, there is still a lack of sufficient academic research on the online shopping environment specific to China's infant clothing industry. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of online experiential marketing on brand loyalty and purchase intention among Chinese consumers of children's wear. The study findings indicated that the emotional experience, action experience, and relationship experience encountered by consumers during online interactions had a positive and significant impact on brand loyalty. Both perceptual experience and cognitive experience had a positive and significant influence on consumers' willingness to make a purchase. The study also revealed that brand loyalty had a positive and significant effect on consumers' purchase intention. The perception of online experiential marketing, brand loyalty, and purchase intention varied based on individual attributes, and gender was found to moderate the relationship between online experiential marketing and brand loyalty.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2023

This study aims to explore the impact of Rehmannioside D (RD) on ovarian functions of rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and its underlying mechanisms of action. A single injection of cyclophosphamide was performed to establish a DOR rat model, and fourteen days after the injection, the rats were intragastrically administrated with RD for two weeks. Rat estrus cycles were tested using vaginal smears. Ovarian tissues were histologically evaluated, the number of primordial, mature, and atretic follicles was calculated, and the apoptotic rate of granulosa cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E₂) levels were determined by ELISA assays. Protein levels of Forkhead Box O1 (FOXO1), KLOTHO, Bcl-2, and Bax were investigated in ovarian tissues of DOR rats. The binding between FOXO1 and KLOTHO was verified by ChIP assay. High-dose administration of RD into DOR rats improved their estrus cycles, increased ovarian index, enhanced the number of primordial and mature follicles, reduced the number of atretic follicle number, and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in addition to inhibiting FSH and LH levels and upregulating E₂ expression. FOXO1 and KLOTHO were significantly suppressed in DOR rats. FOXO1 knockdown partially suppressed the protective effects of RD on DOR rats, and KLOTHO overexpression could restore RD-induced blockade of DOR development despite knocking down FOXO1. FOXO1 antibody enriched KLOTHO promoter, and the binding between them was reduced in DOR group compared to that in sham group. RD improved ovarian functions in DOR rats and diminished granulosa cell apoptosis via the FOXO1/KLOTHO axis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.146-154
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the vegetable eating behaviors and preferences of elementary school students by stage of change for vegetable intake. The subjects consisted of 191 fourth and fifth grade elementary school students from Gyeonggi province. The stage of change for vegetable intake was categorized into three groups: precontemplation (PC, 18.4%), preparation (P, 43.5%), and action/maintenance (A&M, 48.2%). The trend to eat a variety of foods was more distinctive as the students went from the PC to the A&M stage. The stage of change for vegetable intake was closely related with the kimchi-eating pattern of the students. The A&M group ate more vegetables than the PC group because they liked vegetables and/or wanted to prevent disease. The PC group had a lower tendency to follow recommendations for vegetable eating than the P and A&M groups. The PC group also had an incorrect notion that low vegetable consumption over an extended time would not have a big impact on their health. The vegetables of high preference for the elementary school students were potato, sweet potato, lettuce, radish, perilla leaf, cucumber, and cabbage. The vegetables of low preference were spinach, onion, balloon flower, and green pepper. The PC group had lower preferences for most vegetables than the P and A&M groups. Therefore, careful nutrition education is necessary especially for students in the PC group in order to explain the positive effects of vegetable intake and negative effects of an unbalanced diet. It is also necessary to survey students' tastes consistently and to develop recipes that encourage them to consume more vegetables agreeably.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.155-168
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• 2013

This study describes consumers' movie choices in conjunction with other group members and attempts to reassess the effect of the online word of mouth (WOM) source in a joint decision context. The tendency of many people to go to movies in groups has been mentioned in previous literature but there is no modeling research that studies movie choice from the group decision perspective. We found that ignoring the group movie-going perspective can result in a misunderstanding, especially underestimation of genre preference and the impact of the WOM variables. Most of the studies to measure online WOM effects were done at the aggregate level, and the role of online WOM variables(volume vs valence) is mixed in the literature. We postulate that group-level analysis might offer insight to resolve these mixed understanding of WOM effects in the literature. We implemented the study via a random effect model with group-level heterogeneity. Romance, drama, and action were selected as genre variables; valence and volume were selected as online WOM variables. A choice-based conjoint survey was used for data collection and the models was estimated via Bayesian MCMC method. The empirical results show that (i) both genre and online WOM are important variables when consumers choose movies, especially as group, and (ii) the WOM valence effect are amplified more than the volume effect does as individuals are engaged in group decision. This research contributes to the literature in several ways. First, we investigate movie choice from a group movie-going perspective that is more realistic and consistent with the market behavior. Secondly, the study sheds new light on the WOM effect. At group-level, both valence and volume significantly affect movie choices, which adds to the understanding of the role of online WOM in consumers' movie choice.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.69.1-69.11
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• 2023

Background: Kalkitoxin (KT) is an active lipopeptide isolated from the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula found in the bed of the coral reef. Although KT suppresses cell division and inflammation, KT's mechanism of action in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is unidentified. Therefore, our main aim was to investigate the impact of KT on vascular calcification for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: Using diverse calcification media, we studied the effect of KT on VSMC calcification and the underlying mechanism of this effect. Methods: VSMC was isolated from the 6 weeks ICR mice. Then VSMCs were treated with different concentrations of KT to check the cell viability. Alizarin red and von Kossa staining were carried out to examine the calcium deposition on VSMC. Thoracic aorta of 6 weeks mice were taken and treated with different concentrations of KT, and H and E staining was performed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to examine KT's effect on VSMC mineralization. Calcium deposition on VSMC was examined with a calcium deposition quantification kit. Results: Calcium deposition, Alizarin red, and von Kossa staining revealed that KT reduced inorganic phosphate-induced calcification phenotypes. KT also reduced Ca⁺⁺-induced calcification by inhibiting genes that regulate osteoblast differentiation, such as runtrelated transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), SMAD family member 4, osterix, collagen 1α, and osteopontin. Also, KT repressed Ca²⁺-induced bone morphogenetic protein 2, RUNX-2, collagen 1α, osteoprotegerin, and smooth muscle actin protein expression. Likewise, Alizarin red and von Kossa staining showed that KT markedly decreased the calcification of ex vivo ring formation in the mouse thoracic aorta. Conclusions: This experiment demonstrated that KT decreases vascular calcification and may be developed as a new therapeutic treatment for vascular calcification and arteriosclerosis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1070-1083
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sanghuangporus sanghuang (SS) has various medicinal effects, including anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. Despite the extensive research on SS, its molecular mechanisms of action on lung cancer are unclear. This study examined the impact of an SS alcohol extract (SAE) on lung cancer using in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS/METHODS: Different concentrations of SAE were used to culture lung cancer cells (A549 and H1650). A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the survival ability of A549 and H1650 cells. A scratch assay and transwell cell invasion assay were used to detect the migration rate and invasive ability of SAE. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). Lung cancer xenograft mice were used to detect the inhibiting ability of SAE in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the effect of SAE on the structural changes to the tumor and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cyclin D1, CDK4, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in lung cancer xenograft mice. RESULTS: SAE could inhibit lung cancer proliferation significantly in vitro and in vivo without cytotoxicity. SAE suppressed the viability, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. The SAE treatment significantly decreased the proapoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio and the expression of pro-proliferative proteins Cyclin D1 and CDK4 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, SAE also inhibited STAT3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: SAE reduced the cell viability and suppressed cell migration and invasion in human lung cancer cells. Moreover, SAE also exhibited anti-proliferation effects in vivo. Therefore, SAE may have benefits in cancer therapy.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.149-162
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• 2024

Aiming at the current research on the dynamic response analysis of the vehicle-bridge system under earthquake, which fails to comprehensively consider the impact of seismic wave incidence angles, terrain effects and soil-structure dynamic interaction on the bridge structure, this paper proposes a multi-point excitation input method that can consider the oblique incidence seismic P Waves based on the viscous-spring artificial boundary theory, and verifies the accuracy and feasibility of the input method. An overall numerical model of vehicle-bridge-soil foundation system in valley terrain during oblique incidence of seismic P-wave is established, and the effects of seismic wave incidence characteristics, terrain effects, soil-structure dynamic interactions, and vehicle speeds on the dynamic response of the bridge are analyzed. The research results indicate that with an increase in P wave incident angle, the vertical dynamic response of the bridge structure decreased while the horizontal dynamic response increased significantly. Traditional design methods which neglect multi-point excitation would lead to an unsafe structure. The dynamic response of the bridge structure significantly increases at the ridge while weakening at the valley. The dynamic response of bridge structures under earthquake action does not always increase with increasing train speed, but reaches a maximum value at a certain speed. Ignoring soil-structure dynamic interaction would reduce the vertical dynamic response of the bridge piers. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the seismic design of vehicle-bridge systems in complex mountainous terrain under earthquake excitation.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.70-81
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• 2024

Objectives: Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, more than 200 promising drug candidates have failed in clinical trials. Herbal remedies are gaining interest as potential treatments for dementia due to their long history and safety, making them valuable for drug development. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms behind the effect of Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive function. Methods: This study focused primarily on the effects of Polygonum multiflorum and its chemical constituents on cognitive behavioral outcomes including the Morris water maze, the passive avoidance test, and the Y maze, as well as pathogenic targets of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) like amyloid deposition, amyloid precursor protein, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the mechanisms behind Polygonum multiflorum's impact on cognitive function was conducted. We reviewed the most recent data from preclinical research done on experimental models, particularly looking at Polygonum multiflorum's effects on cognitive decline and AD. Results: According to recent research, Poligonum multiflorum and its bioactive components, stilbene, and emodin, influence cognitive behavioral results and regulate the pathological target of cognitive impairment and AD. Their mechanisms of action include reducing oxidative and mitochondrial damage, regulating neuroinflammation, halting apoptosis, and promoting increased neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Conclusion: This review serves as a comprehensive compilation of current experiments on AD and other cognitive impairment models related to the therapeutic effects of Polygonum multiflorum. We believe that these findings can serve as a basis for future clinical trials and have potential applications in the treatment of human neurological disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2024

The challenging clinical outcomes associated with advanced cervical cancer underscore the need for a novel therapeutic approach. Monensin, a polyether antibiotic, has recently emerged as a promising candidate with anti-cancer properties. In line with these ongoing efforts, our study presents compelling evidence of monensin's potent efficacy in cervical cancer. Monensin exerts a pronounced inhibitory impact on proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Additionally, monensin significantly inhibited cervical cancer growth in vivo without causing any discernible toxicity in mice. Mechanism studies show that monensin's anti-cervical cancer activity can be attributed to its capacity to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, rather than inducing oxidative stress. Monensin effectively reduces both the levels and activity of β-catenin, and we identify Akt, rather than CK1, as the key player involved in monensin-mediated Wnt/β-catenin inhibition. Rescue studies using Wnt activator and β-catenin-overexpressing cells confirmed that β-catenin inhibition is the mechanism of monensin's action. As expected, cervical cancer cells exhibiting heightened Wnt/β-catenin activity display increased sensitivity to monensin treatment. In conclusion, our findings provide pre-clinical evidence that supports further exploration of monensin's potential for repurposing in cervical cancer therapy, particularly for patients exhibiting aberrant Wnt/β-catenin activation.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.161-166
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• 2024

The current generation of adolescents stands out as the most digitally interconnected in the annals of history, navigating an era characterized by unprecedented levels of technological connectivity. This study explored the impact of smartphone addiction on the quality of peer relationships among adolescents, with a focus on the mediating role of depression. Analyzing data from 2,288 responses of 14-year-old adolescents extracted from the 2022 cross-sectional data of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018, research questions were tested. The findings showed that smartphone addiction among adolescents exacerbates depression, consequently leading to a deterioration in the quality of peer relationships. The results contribute to expanding scholarly understanding of the intersection between digital technology and the mental and social well-being of adolescents. Furthermore, there is a call to action for parents, teachers, counselors, policy maker, and practitioner in education institutions to establish programs that monitor and intervene in cases of excessive smartphone use among adolescents.