• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1106-1115
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• 2009

Mori Ramulus has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine prescription because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage activities. Yet, no studies on the anti-arthritic activity of EMR (extract of Mori Ramulus) have been reported in vitro and in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Because collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is similar to RA in pathological symptoms and immune reactions, there have been several reports concerning RA using CIA mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of Mori Ramulus on RA using CIA mice. The importance of CD4+ Th1 cells in RA progress was previously indicated and studies further showed that Th17 cells play a prime role in severity of disease. Accordingly, the present study was focused on CIA associated with CD4+ Th1 cells and Th1 7 cells. DBA/1OlaHsd mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII). After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with EMR once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the paw joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), draining lymph node (DLN) and paw joints, cytokine production and gene expression were assessed from CIA mouse using ELISA, FACS and real-time PCR analysis. Administration of EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with EMR. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was mediated by the decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-17 and collagen II-specific antibody in the serum. EMR suppressed Th17 cells and reduced level of IL-6 via B cell suppression, and thus, the levels of autoantibodies produced from B cells were decreased. Furthermore, EMR suppressed NKT cells which directly stimulate B cells and develop imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell. Oral administration of EMR (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg) used as a positive control. We are currently studying the mechanism underlying the therapeutic role for EMR in CIA mice.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.173-178
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze the clinical manifestation and natural course of benign transient hyperphosphatasemia (BTH) in children. Methods: A total of 17 children diagnosed with BTH between June 2006 and July 2007, were included in this study. Clinical records and laboratory tests were analyzed retrospectively for all children. Results: The mean age of the patients was $26.9{\pm}13.8$ months (range: 9 to 49 months). Nine of the 17 BTH cases (52.9%) occurred in patients that had previously suffered from infectious diseases. While the patients were suffering from BTH, the mean serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was $2,500.2{\pm}1,165.1$ U/L, however, these elevated serum ALP levels normalized within 7 weeks of recovery in all cases. In addition, a seasonal peak in the onset of BTH was observed from September to December. Further, the measurement of ALP isoenzymes in 7 of the patients with BTH, revealed a marked elevation of bone fraction. Conclusion: It is important for pediatricians to understand the clinical manifestation and benign course of BTH to avoid unnecessary diagnostic evaluation in children showing a transient increase in ALP activities.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.457-465
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• 2017

The Taiwanese liquid crystal display (LCD) industry has traditionally produced a huge amount of waste glass that is placed in landfills. Waste glass recycling can reduce the material costs of concrete and promote sustainable environmental protection activities. Concrete is always utilized as structural material; thus, the concrete compressive strength with a variety of mixtures must be studied using predictive models to achieve more precise results. To create an efficient waste LCD glass concrete (WLGC) design proportion, the related studies utilized a multivariable regression analysis to develop a compressive strength waste LCD glass concrete equation. The mix design proportion for waste LCD glass and the compressive strength relationship is complex and nonlinear. This results in a prediction weakness for the multivariable regression model during the initial growing phase of the compressive strength of waste LCD glass concrete. Thus, the R ratio for the predictive multivariable regression model is 0.96. Neural networks (NN) have a superior ability to handle nonlinear relationships between multiple variables by incorporating supervised learning. This study developed a multivariable prediction model for the determination of waste LCD glass concrete compressive strength by analyzing a series of laboratory test results and utilizing a neural network algorithm that was obtained in a related prior study. The current study also trained the prediction model for the compressive strength of waste LCD glass by calculating the effects of several types of factor combinations, such as the different number of input variables and the relevant filter for input variables. These types of factor combinations have been adjusted to enhance the predictive ability based on the training mechanism of the NN and the characteristics of waste LCD glass concrete. The selection priority of the input variable strategy is that evaluating relevance is better than adding dimensions for the NN prediction of the compressive strength of WLGC. The prediction ability of the model is examined using test results from the same data pool. The R ratio was determined to be approximately 0.996. Using the appropriate input variables from neural networks, the model validation results indicated that the model prediction attains greater accuracy than the multivariable regression model during the initial growing phase of compressive strength. Therefore, the neural-based predictive model for compressive strength promotes the application of waste LCD glass concrete.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.78-86
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• 1992

The induction of hepatic cytochromes P450 and metabolic effects have been examined in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats following treatment with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. Hepatic cytochrome P450 levels were higher in males than in females by ~40%. Treatment of male and female rats with phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene resulted in an ~1.6 and 2-fold increase, respectively, in heptic microsomal cytochrome P450 levels in both sexes, relative to untreated animals. Immunoblot analyses were performed to compare sex-related changes in P450 levels. Hepatic P45IIB1 levels in males were greater than those in females following phenobarbital treatment. 3-Methylcholanthrene-induced male hepatic microsomes exhibited greater levels of P450 females failed to exhibit a band. Mab PCN 2-13-1 against P-45-IIIA recognized an intense in uninduced microsomes from female rats. The levels of P450IIIA in males were increased 2 to 3-fold following treatment with phenobarbital, while the increase of IIIA levels in females by phenobarbital was minimal, as monitored by immunoblot analysis. Solid phase radiommunoassay using monoclonal antibodies supported the results of immunoblot analysis. Phenobarbital treatment caused a 6.5-fold increase in the monoclonal iantibody binding to IIBI in males, whereas treatment of females with phenobarbital resulted of IA levels by 3-methylcholanthrene was also greater in females than in males (10-vs. 8-fold) although the levels of induced IA were comparable inboth sexes, as assessed by radiommunoassay. Radioimmunoassay also showed that hepatic IIEI level was 1.5-fold higher in males than in females and that either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene treatment caused 80% to 40% decrease in IIEL levels, relative to control, in both sexes. Sex-related metabolic activities were examined in hepatic microsomes. Hexobarbital hydroxylase activity was 2-to 3-fold higher in uninduced microsomes from males than that from females. This hydroxylase activity was increased 2-and 3-fold in males and females, respectively, following phenobarbital treatment, as compared to controls. Addition females produced 64% and 84% inhibition of hexobarbital oxidation, respectively. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was increased -12 and 26-fold in males and females respectively. Following phenobarbital treatment, as compared to controls. Addition of anti-P450IIB1 antibody to phenobarbital-induced hepatic microsomes from males and females produced 64% and 84% inhibition of hexobarbital oxidation, respectively. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was increased -12 and 26 fold in males and females, respectively, following 3-methylcholanthrene treatment relative to controls. The anti-P-450IA antibody inhibitable rate of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was comparable in both sexes following 3-methylcholanthrene treatment relative to controls. The anti-P450LA antibody inhibitable rate of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was comparable in both sexes following 3-methylcholanthrene treatment (-70%). These results demonstrate that levels of hepatic P450IIB1 or P450IA are greater in male than in female for untreated, phenobarbital-or-3-methylcholanthrene treated rats. In addition, the relative for untreated phenobarbital-or 3-methylcholanthrene treated rats. In addition, the relative increase of phenobarbital-or 3-methylcholanthrene treated rats. In addition, the relative increase of phenobarbital-or 3-methylcholanthrene treated rats. In addition, the relative increase of P450IIB1 or IA phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene is more significant in females.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.192-202
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• 2007

Objectives: The objectives of this research are to examine the missions, organization, and programs of the environmental, health and safety(EHS) offices of the major research universities in the U.S.A., particularly the case of Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) EHS Office, and to suggest ways to address the EHS issues of the universities and research institutes in South Korea. Methods: The top 30 research universities in the U.S.A. were selected by the total amounts of research funds they annually received. The web sites of the 30 universities were searched to identify the names of the departments that address environment, health, and/or safety related issues, the missions of those departments, the major programs of those departments, and the number of staff in those departments. Also, a case study was conducted for the Environment Health and Safety Management System and the Environment, Health and Safety Office of the MIT, using literature and web searches and a meeting with the Director of the MIT Environment, Health and Safety Office. Results: All the top 30 research universities in the U.S.A. had designated departments that dealt with EHS issues. Most of them were by the name of or similar to environmental, health and safety. The mission statements of those departments were mostly about improving the safety and health of their community members, improving the environment, and complying to EHS regulations. Most of those departments had an environmental management program, industrial hygiene program, radiation protection program, safety program, and biosafety program as their major programs. The components of the environment, health and safety management system(EHS-MS) of the MIT were examined in detail. In contrast, not many universities in South Korea had designated departments that dealt specifically with EHS issues. Also, the number of fulltime staff for EHS was only 1-2 in most of the Korean universities and their work duties included only general safety, while neglecting other health/environment related issues. Conclusions: Well organized and functioning environmental, health and safety offices were present in all of the top 30 research universities in the U.S.A., whereas similar organizations of the universities in South Korea were virtually non-existent and/or had very limited EHS activities. Therefore, in order to reduce potential risks of accidents and health problems in the Korean universities and research institutions, well established and functioning EHS-MSs and EHS offices are warranted. The case of the EHS-MS and EHS Office in the MIT demonstrate a successful case to follow.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2011

Atherosclerosis and post-angiography restenosis are associated with intimal thickening and concomitant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Obovatol, a major biphenolic component isolated from the Magnolia obovata leaf, is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. The goal of the present study was to enhance the inhibitory effects of obovatol to improve its potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent in atherosclerosis and restenosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) was examined in the presence or absence of a newly synthesized obovatol derivative, OD78. The observed anti-proliferative effect of OD78 was further investigated by cell counting and [$^3H$]-thymidine incorporation assays. Treatment with 1-4 ${\mu}M$ OD78 dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation and DNA synthesis of 25 ng/ml PDGF-BB-stimulated RASMCs. Accordingly, OD78 blocked PDGF-BB-induced progression from the $G_0/G_1$ to S phase of the cell cycle in synchronized cells. OD78 decreased the expression levels of CDK4, cyclin E, and cyclin D1 proteins, as well as the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen; however, it did not change the CDK2 expression level. In addition, OD78 inhibited downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) $p27^{kip1}$. However, OD78 did not affect the CKI $p21^{cip1}$ or phosphorylation of early PDGF signaling pathway. These results suggest that OD78 may inhibit PDGF-BB-induced RASMC proliferation by perturbing cell cycle progression, potentially through $p27^{kip1}$ pathway activation. Consequently, OD78 may be developed as a potential anti-proliferative agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and angioplasty restenosis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.386-391
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• 2005

This study was done to produce a mutated protein inactivated cytotoxicity of Shigatoxin 2e (Stx2e) of E.coli O139 isolates by deletional mutagenesis of Stx2e A subunit gene encoding active-site cleft of enzymatic domain in ST2e holotoxin. Cytotoxicity of the toxoid expressed from the mutant Stx2e gene was compared with wild type Stx2e for development of vaccine candidate. A recombinant plasmid pED18 containing Stx2e gene ot E.coli O139 isolates was used to generate mutation plasmid. Deletion mutagenesis was conducted for Stx2e A subunit gene encoding enzymatically active domain by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ot designed primer to induce deletional mutation. DNA sequence analysis was confirmed that the pentamer (Typ 202- Ser 206) that lies within the proposed active-site cleft in the second region was completely deleted. A DNA fragment of 1.1 kb that encode the new mutant Stx2eA gene was inserted into plasmid pRSET vector digested with EcoRV-Hind III and named pEDSET The PEDSET was transformed in E. coli for expression of mutant protein and the protein was confirmed by SDS-PACE and Western-blotting. The protein expressed by the mutant was tested to confirm the reduction of cytotoxic activities on Vero cell using microcytotoxicity assay compared with wild type Stx2e, the cytotoxicity of deletional mutant protein was at least reduced by 3,000-fold on Vero cell.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.260-267
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• 2020

Phellinus baumii, a white-rot fungus, has been used for centuries as folk medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-diabetic, and anti-cholinesterase, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the fruiting bodies of P. baumii. The methanol (ME) and hot water (HE) extracts (2.0 mg/mL) of P. baumii fruiting bodies suppressed α-amylase activity, exactly 61.33%, and 65.00%, respectively; of note, acarbose, the positive control, inhibited 93.33% of the α-amylase activity. Moreover, the ME and HE (2.0 mg/mL) inhibited 89.67% and 91.00%, respectively, of the activity of α-glucosidase activity, whereas the same concentration of acarbose suppressed 84.67% of the α-glucosidase activity. The ME and HE (1.0 mg/mL) also inhibited 96.05% and 94.58%, respectively, of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; galanthamine, the positive control, led to an inhibition of 81.12%. The butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity was also inhibited by ME and HE (1.0 mg/mL; 91.05% and 82.27%, respectively); of note, the same concentration of galanthamine suppressed 81.12% of the BChE activity. The production of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages was significantly suppressed by both ME and HE treatments. Importantly, the carrageenan-activated rat hind-paw edema was significantly reduced 2-6 h after ME administration (50 mg/mL). Taken together, the results suggest that the fruiting bodies of P. baumii have α-amylase, α-glucosidase, α-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory activities, and, therefore, may be good natural sources for the promotion of human health.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.551-556
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• 1992

To develop natural antioxidant from spices and control thermal oxidation of edible soybean oil, the available antioxidative compounds of various spices were extracted with edible soybean oil. The storage stability of the oil mixed with purified sardine oil and soybean oil containing that extracts at $37^{\circ}C$ were investigated. Furthermore the antioxidative activity of petroleum ether soluble fractions(PESF) obtained from rosemary on the thermal oxidation of edible soybean oil during heating at $180^{\circ}C$ were also investigated. By mixing with refined sardine oil and soybean oil extracts of rosemary, sage of herb spices and mace of seed spices, the oxidative stabilities were remarkably increased. The thermal oxidation of edible soybean oil was also supressed by the addition of 1.0%(w/w) of PESF obtained from rosemary. Rosemary extract exhibited higher antioxidative activity on thermal oxidation of edible soybean oil than butylated hydroxytoluene.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.237-244
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• 2000

It has been reported that plasma membrane activity of the spermatozoa may be susceptible to be influenced by extracellular osmolality and such membranous changes involve infracellular molecular changes, special regard to the structure of membranous lipids, and the accompanying ion-channel of which are closely related with their fluidity of $Ca^{2+}$ and HCO$^{-}_{3}$. It is of common recognition that a certain kind of sterol acceptor player an important to induce lipid fluctuation of the sperm plasma membrane which have been influenced by BSA administration and came in effect to outflow of cholesterol from the spermatozoa and resulted in changes of ionic fluidity to facilitate adenylyl cyclase, and to induce protein tyrosine phosphorylation by increase of cAMP and activation of PKA. Thus it seems likely that an augmentation of the acrosomal reaction is closely related with protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The following experimental results were obtained in the present study; Under the high osmolality conditions, the spermatozoa motility declined significantly and the structural change of the plasma membrane diminished to confirm that the response degrees to the osmolality depended upon the water transfer volume through the plasma membrane and the changes of cellular volume. Those experimental results suggest that a physiological parameter such as low temperature condition played an important role for presentation of spermatozoa and that inducement of spermatozoa activation for reinforcement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. On the other hand, it seemed likely that the BSA administration as one of sterol accepters might represent a key role also under the high osmolality condition and their result also suggests that osmolality change, special regard to high osmolality condition may play an important role also in the processes of signal transmission.