• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.414-422
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• 2020

Fangchinoline (FAN) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid that is widely known for its anti-tumor properties. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of FAN on arthritis and the possible pathways it acts on. Human fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS), carrageenan/kaolin arthritis rat model (C/K), and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model were used to establish the efficiency of FAN in arthritis. Human FLS cells were treated with FAN (1, 2.5, 5, 10 µM) 1 h before IL-1β (10 ng/mL) stimulation. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species measurement, and western blot analysis of inflammatory mediators and the MAPK and NF-κB pathways were performed. In the animal models, after induction of arthritis, the rodents were given 10 and 30 mg/kg of FAN orally 1 h before conducting behavioral experiments such as weight distribution ratio, knee thickness measurement, squeaking score, body weight measurement, paw volume measurement, and arthritis index measurement. Rodent knee joints were also analyzed histologically through H&E staining and safranin staining. FAN decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines and ROS in human FLS cells as well as the phosphorylation of the MAPK pathway and NF-κB pathway in human FLS cells. The behavioral parameters in the C/K rat model and CIA mouse model and inflammatory signs in the histological analysis were found to be ameliorated in FAN-treated groups. Cartilage degradation in CIA mice knee joints were shown to have been suppressed by FAN. These findings suggest that fangchinoline has the potential to be a therapeutic source for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.288-294
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• 2019

Gardenia jasminoides is an herbal medicine that treats obesity and dampness-phlegm. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Gardenia jasminoides on insulin resistance induced by Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were divided into three groups: control group (Ctrl), high-fat diet group (HFF), and high fat diet with Gardenia jasminoides extract administration group (GJT). Each 10 mice was allocated to each group (a total of 30 mice). All mice were allowed to eat fat-rich diet freely throughout the experiment. To examine the effect of Gardenia jasminoides, we observed weight changes, lipid blot distributions, PPAR-${\gamma}$, p-IkB, p-JNK in liver tissue, total cholesterol, and glucose levels in serum. Comparing of body weight measurements between 3 groups, in the GJT group, weight gain was significantly suppressed compared to the HFF group. The distribution of lipid blots and positive reaction of PPAR-${\gamma}$ were significantly lower in GJT group. The expression levels of p-$I{\kappa}B$ and p-JNK that plays critical roles in the development of insulin resistance were significantly decreased by GJ treatment. Total cholesterol and glucose levels in serum were also significantly lower in GJT group. Gardenia jasminoides has the effect of improving non - alcoholic fatty liver induced insulin resistance through the regulation of lipid metabolism.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2005

A simple but efficient grid generation technique by using the modified compressible form of stream function has been formulated. Transformation of a physical plane to a streamline plane, the Von Mises Transformation, has been widely used to solve the differential equations governing flow phenomena, however, limitation arises in low velocity region of boundary layer, mixing layer and wake region where the relatively large grid spacing is inevitable. Modified Von Mises Transformation with simple mathematical adjustment for the stream function is suggested and applied to solve the confined coaxial turbulent jet mixing with simple $\kappa-\epsilon$ turbulence model. Comparison with several experimental data of axial mean velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds shear stress distribution shows quite good agreement in the mixing layer except in the centerline where the turbulent kinetic energy distributions were somewhat under estimated. This formulation is strongly suggested to be utilized specially for free turbulent mixing layers in axisymmetric flow conditions such as the investigation of mixing behavior, jet noise production and reduction for Turbofan engines.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.575-582
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• 2021

Background: In ginseng, there exists a glycolipoprotein complex with a special form of lipid LPAs called Gintonin. The purpose of this study is to show that Gintonin has a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through LPA2 receptors. Methods: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with Gintonin and stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. The antioxidant effect of Gintonin was measured using MitoSOX and H₂DCFDA experiments. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Gintonin was examined by analyzing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 into the nucleus through western blot. Next, after treatment with LPAR2 antagonist, western blot analysis was performed to measure inflammatory mediator expression levels, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Carrageenan/kaolin-induced arthritis rat model was used. Rats were orally administered with Gintonin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) every day for 6 days. The knee joint thickness, squeaking score, and weight distribution ratio (WDR) were measured as the behavioral parameters. After sacrifice, H&E staining was performed for histological analysis. Results: Gintonin significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2. Gintonin prevented NF-κB/p65 from moving into the nucleus through the JNK and ERK MAPK phosphorylation in FLS cells. However, pretreatment with an LPA2 antagonist significantly reversed these effects of Gintonin. In the arthritis rat model, Gintonin suppressed all parameters that were measured. Conclusion: This study suggests that LPA2 receptor plays a key role in mediating the anti-arthritic effects of Gintonin by modulating inflammatory mediators, the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.39.1-39.12
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• 2022

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of external cervical resorption (ECR) regarding sex, age, tooth, stages of progression, and portal of entry, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: CBCT scans of 1,313 patients from a Brazilian subpopulation comprising 883 female and 430 male patients (mean age, 55.2 years), acquired using a PreXion 3D CBCT unit, were evaluated. All permanent teeth included in the scans were evaluated for the presence of ECR according to the 3-dimensional classification and the portal of entry. The association between the presence of ECR and the factors studied was assessed using the χ² test. Intra-observer agreement was analyzed with the kappa test (α = 0.05). Results: In total, 6,240 teeth were analyzed, of which 84 (1.35%) were affected by ECR. A significant association was found between the presence of ECR and sex, with a higher prevalence in male patients (p = 0.002). The most frequently affected teeth were the mandibular and maxillary central incisors. The most common height was the mid-third of the root. For the portal of entry, 44% of cases were on the proximal surfaces, 40.5% on the lingual/palatal surface and 15.5% on the buccal surface. Intra-observer agreement was excellent. Conclusions: The prevalence of ECR was 1.35%, with a higher prevalence in male patients and a wide age distribution. The mandibular and maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth, and cases of ECR most frequently showed a height into the mid-third of the root and proximal entry.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 1991

A clinical review of 31 cases of multiple myeloma which were diagnosed by criteria of the SWOG between May 1983 and February 1990 at Yeungnam University Hospital was done. The results were as followings : 1. The peak incidence was in 7th decade and male to female ratio was 1.8 : 1. 2. The most common presenting symptom at first diagnosis was bone pain (58%), but fever, dyspnea, dizziness and palpable mass were also noted. 3. The distribution of laboratory findings as following diagnostic criteria of Southwest oncology group(SWOG) : plasmacytoma on tissue biopsy was noted 6 cases, bone marrow plasmacytosis with more than 10% plasma cells was 22 cases, monoclonal globulin spike on serum electrophoresis was 24 cases, lytic bone lesions was observed 22 cases. 4. Initial clinical stages were classified as 2 cases in stage I, 3 cases in stage II, 26 cases in stage III(84%) 5. Immunoelectrophoresis revealed the distribution of IgG 64%, light chain 22%, IgA 10%. Kappa to Lambda ratio of 1.1 : 1. 6. Hematologic & biochemical fingins revealed anemia with <8.5% of hemoglobulin in 42%, hypercalcemia with < 10.6mg% of serum calcium in 22%, azotemia >2.0mg% of serum creatinine in 19%. 7. The multiple punched out lesion of bone x-ray examination were noticed skull(65%), rib(42%), L-spine(35%), pelvis(23%), T-spine(19%). The initial skeletal roentgenographic findings showed osteoporosis, osteolytic lesion and fracture in 55%, only osteolytic lesion in 23%, only osteoporosis in 10%. 8. Complications of multiple myeoloma, such as 10 cases of renal impairment, 8 cases of infection, 16 cases of compression fracture of spine were observed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2020

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. Inflammation is a recognized and important factor of OA progression. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Corni Fructus water extract (CFW) on a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model of OA. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA (50 µL; 80 mg/mL) into the knee joint cavity of rats. After an adaptation period for seven days, the rats were divided into 4 groups (n=8/group): normal, control, indomethacin-treated (5 mg/kg), and CFW-treated (200 mg/kg) groups. The rats were treated orally for 14 days. Pain was evaluated by determining hind paw weight distribution. For biochemical analyses, we measured the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) in the knee joint. The presence of anti-oxidant proteins and inflammatory proteins was determined by western blotting. Results: The administration of CFW significantly improved the hind paw weight distribution. The ROS and ONOO^- levels of knee joint were significantly decreased in the CFW group. CFW inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-1β, via the NF-κB signaling pathway. The expression of anti-oxidant enzymes, such as catalase and GPx-1/2 also increased significantly. Conclusions: The findings indicate that CFW has a therapeutic and protective effect on OA by suppression of inflammation. Therefore, CFW could represent a potential and effective candidate for OA treatment.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.67-87
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• 1984

The earliest memories and dreams have been investigated in many aspects; biological, psychological, statistical, and psychotherapeutic, in psychiatric field. The approach methods to these psychic contents are innumerable according to the schools, the collector's attitudes to these materials, the collecting methods and the variable factors of the reporter. In this study the author attempted to compare the distribution of the aggression and dependency themes in these psychic contents among groups of different sexes and clinical diagnoses. In this purpose the author devised new scales, the Aggression and the Dependency Scales for the earliest memories and dreams which are composed of 12-theme classes, according to 3 aspects of the ego attitudes and 4 degrees of the intensity of drives. The scales were tested on a series of the earliest memories and dreams from 100 male medical students by two raters. The interrater reliabilities, measured by kappa method, were all significant at better than the .001 level. The author collected the reports of the earliest memories and dreams from 293 schizophrenics (161 males and 132 females) and 301 neurotics (164 males and 137 females) who were either outpatients or inpatients of 5 general hospitals and 2 private neurospychiatric clinics and from 310 controls (169 males and 141 females) who were either students, housewives or employees in Taegu area during the periods from March to August, 1980 and from April to August, 1983. The author compared the contents of the earliest memories and dreams from these 3 clinical groups on the newly devised scales and the results could be summarized as follows: In general, the contents of the earliest memories showed more differences among diagnostically different groups, while the contents of dreams showed more differences among sexually different groups. The dependency themes were more frequent than the aggression thems in all groups. The aggression themes were more frequent in dreams than in the earliest memories. Of the earliest memory themes, the distribution of the aggression themes was different among clinical groups, i.e., most frequent in schizophrenics, next in neurotics, and least in controls. The distribution of the dependency themes was in reverse order. Attitudes of being attacked were more frequent in schizophrenics. Observing attitudes of dependency need were more frequent in neurotics while gratifying attitudes were more frequent in controls. Highest degrees of aggression and delpendency were more frequent in neurotics. In the distribution of the dream themes, there were some differences among male and female schizophrenics. Aggression themes, especially active and the highest degree of aggression, were more frequent in male sclizophrenics, while dependency themes, especially frustrated themes, were more frequent in female schizophrenics. Among 3 clinical groups, observing attitudes of dependency need were more frequent in female groups, while gratifying attitudes were more frequent in male groups.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.358-365
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• 1998

To offer the basic information for sustainable production of forest resources and conservation of the global environment, change in potential natural vegetation (PNV) associated with climate change due to doubling atmospheric carbon dioxide ($2{\times}CO_2$) was estimated with the global natural vegetation mapping system based an K${\ddot{o}}$ppen scheme. The system interpolates climate data spherically to each grid cell, determines the vegetation types onto the grid cell, and produces potential vegetation map and area on the globe and continents. The climate data consist of the current, ($1{\times}CO_2$) climate prior to AD 1958 observed at some 2,000 stations and the doubling ($2{\times}CO_2$) climate estimated from Meteorological Research Institute of Japan. The vegetation zone under the $2{\times}CO_2$ climate scenario expanded mainly toward the poles due to the rise in temperature. The changed PNV area on the globe amounts to 1/3 (4.91 billion (G) ha) of the total land area (15.04 Gha). Kappa statistic for judging agreement between the patterns of vegetation distribution under $1{\times}CO_2$ climate and $2{\times}CO_2$ climates shows good agreement (0.63) for the globe as a whole. The most stable areas are desert and ice. The potential forest area (PFA) was estimated at 6.82 Gha of the land area in $2{\times}CO_2$ climate scenario. In terms of continental changes in PFA, North America and Asis are increased under the $2{\times}CO_2$ climate. However, the potential forest arms of the other continents are decreased by the climate. Europe has no change in the PFA. Especially, the expansion of desert area in Oceania would be accelerated by the $2{\times}CO_2$ climate.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.655-666
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• 2017

We constructed a large $na{\ddot{i}}ve$ human Fab library ($3{\times}10^{10}$ colonies) from the lymphocytes of 809 human donors, assessed available diversities of the heavy-chain variable (VH) and ${\kappa}$ light-chain variable (VK) domain repertoires, and validated the library by selecting Fabs against 10 therapeutically relevant antigens by phage display. We obtained a database of unique 7,373 VH and 41,804 VK sequences by 454 pyrosequencing, and analyzed the repertoires. The distribution of VH and VK subfamilies and germline genes in our antibody repertoires slightly differed from those in earlier published natural antibody libraries. The frequency of somatic hypermutations (SHMs) in heavy-chain complementarity determining region (HCDR)1 and HCDR2 are higher compared with the natural IgM repertoire. Analysis of position-specific SHMs in CDRs indicates that asparagine, threonine, arginine, aspartate and phenylalanine are the most frequent non-germline residues on the antibody-antigen interface and are converted mostly from the germline residues, which are highly represented in germline SHM hotspots. The amino acid composition and length-dependent changes in amino acid frequencies of HCDR3 are similar to those in previous reports, except that frequencies of aspartate and phenylalanine are a little higher in our repertoire. Taken together, the results show that this antibody library shares common features of natural antibody repertoires and also has unique features. The antibody library will be useful in the generation of human antibodies against diverse antigens, and the information about the diversity of natural antibody repertoires will be valuable in the future design of synthetic human antibody libraries with high functional diversity.