• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.78.1-78.13
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• 2022

Background: Florfenicol might be ineffective for treating Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants (SCVs) mastitis. Objectives: In this study, florfenicol-loaded chitosan (CS)-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) composite nanogels were prepared to allow targeted delivery to SCV infected sites. Methods: The formulation screening, the characteristics, in vitro release, antibacterial activity, therapeutic efficacy, and biosafety of the florfenicol composite nanogels were studied. Results: The optimized formulation was obtained when the CS and TPP were 10 and 5 mg/mL, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the optimized florfenicol composite nanogels were 87.3% ± 2.7%, 5.8% ± 1.4%, 280.3 ± 1.5 nm, 0.15 ± 0.03, and 36.3 ± 1.4 mv, respectively. Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that spherical particles with a relatively uniform distribution and drugs might be incorporated in cross-linked polymeric networks. The in vitro release study showed that the florfenicol composite nanogels exhibited a biphasic pattern with the sustained release of 72.2% ± 1.8% at 48 h in pH 5.5 phosphate-buffered saline. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of commercial florfenicol solution and florfenicol composite nanogels against SCVs were 1 and 0.25 ㎍/mL, respectively. The time-killing curves and live-dead bacterial staining showed that the florfenicol composite nanogels were concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the florfenicol composite nanogels displayed good therapeutic efficacy against SCVs mastitis. Biological safety studies showed that the florfenicol composite nanogels might be a biocompatible preparation because of their non-toxic effects on the renal tissue and liver. Conclusions: Florfenicol composite nanogels might improve the treatment of SCV infections.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.801-808
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• 2022

Background: Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) is a harmful kind of particulate matter known to exacerbate pre-existing respiratory diseases. Although their adverse effects on airway pathologies have been widely studied, the mechanistic analysis of signaling pathways and potential targets in reducing DEP-induced mucin secretion and pro-inflammatory cytokine production remain elusive. We, for the first time, investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extracts on mucin overproduction and airway inflammation induced by DEP. Methods: The effects of KRG and saponin on DEP-induced expression of MUC5AC and interleukin (IL)-6/8 were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells. We conducted Western blotting analysis to analyze the associated signaling pathways. To evaluate the effects of saponin treatment on DEP-induced MUC5AC expression and inflammatory cell infiltrations in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and real-time PCR were implemented. Results: The KRG extracts markedly attenuated DEP-induced MUC5AC expression in vitro by inhibiting the TLR4/TRIF/NF-𝛋B pathway. Furthermore, KRG and saponin inhibited DEP-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6/8 production. The in vivo study revealed that saponin blocked DEP-induced inflammation, mucin production and MUC5AC expression. Conclusion: Our study revealed that KRG extracts have inhibitory effects on DEP-induced expression of MUC5AC and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanism by which saponin alleviates diesel-susceptible airway inflammation, elucidating its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for inflammatory pathologies of airway.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.99-120
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• 2022

Objectives : To analyze symptoms of olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 from a Korean Medical Perspective. Methods : Previous studies dealing with olfactory dysfunction accompanying COVID-19 were studied and analyzed for general characterization. Physiology and pathology of olfactory functions within the classical texts of Korean Medicine were collected and analyzed, through which symptoms of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 were examined. Results : Olfactory dysfunction manifested in high ratios in the early stages of confirmed COVID-19 cases, at times independent of other nasal symptoms such as blockage or discharge. There was a high chance of loss of taste being accompanied, while mental problems such as a tendency to have difficulty concentrating were present as well. In most cases, recovery took one to two weeks. From a Korean Medical perspective, physiology of olfactory function is closely linked to the Lungs, Ancetral Qi[宗氣], and the Heart, while its dysfunction could be explained by pathological factors such as Wind-Cold, Fire stagnation, Qi deficiency, Wind stroke, etc. Conclusions : In the context of external contraction disease[外感病], olfactory dysfunction could be caused by problems in the Lungs and Stomach that are responsible for breathing, or the Heart which is involved in recognizing and differentiating scent. General characteristics of COVID-19 imply it to be closely related to the Heart. In clinical application, overall symptoms need to be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning, after which further approaches could made to determine the problem to be of the Lung and Stomach, or of the Heart.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2022

As the mechanism underlying glucose metabolism regulation by oxymatrine is unclear, this study investigated the effects of oxymatrine on pyroptosis in INS-1 cells. Flow cytometry was employed to examine cell pyroptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cell pyroptosis was also investigated via transmission electron microscopy and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Protein levels were detected using western blotting and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The caspase-1 activity and DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 protein (Nrf2) were also assessed. In the high glucose and high fat-treated INS-1 cells (HG + PA), the caspase-1 activity and LDH content, as well as Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3, Gsdmd-N, caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels were increased. Moreover, P65 protein levels increased in the nucleus but decreased in the cytoplasm. Oxymatrine attenuated these effects and suppressed high glucose and high fat-induced ROS production. The increased levels of nuclear Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the HG + PA cells were further elevated after oxymatrine treatment, whereas cytoplasmic Nrf2 and Keleh-like ECH-associated protein levels decreased. Additionally, the elevated transcriptional activity of p65 in HG + PA cells was reduced by oxymatrine, whereas that of Nrf2 increased. The results indicate that the inhibition of pyroptosis in INS-1 cells by oxymatrine, a key factor in its glucose metabolism regulation, involves the suppression of the NF-κB pathway and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.164-173
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia is a major cause of diabetes and diabetesrelated diseases. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short-chain fatty acid derivative that produces dietary fiber by anaerobic bacterial fermentation in the large intestine and occurs in foods, such as Parmesan cheese and butter. Butyrate has been shown to prevent obesity, improve insulin sensitivity, and ameliorate dyslipidemia in diet-induced obese mice. Therefore, this study examined the effects and mechanism of NaB on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines induced by high glucose (HG) in THP-1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: THP-1 cells were used as an in vitro model for HG-induced inflammation. The cells were cultured under normal glycemic or hyperglycemic conditions with or without NaB (0-25 μM). Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, acetylated p65, acetyl CREB-binding protein/p300 (CBP/p300), and p300 using THP-1 cells. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion activity were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HG significantly upregulated histone acetylation, acetylation levels of p300, NF-κB activation, and inflammatory cytokine release in THP-1 cells. Conversely, the NaB treatment reduced cytokine release and NF-κB activation in HG-treated cells. It also significantly reduced p65 acetylation, CBP/p300 HAT activity, and CBP/p300 gene expression. In addition, NaB decreased the interaction of p300 in acetylated NF-κB and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NaB suppresses HG-induced inflammatory cytokine production through HAT/HDAC regulation in monocytes. NaB has the potential for preventing and treating diabetes and its related complications.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.94-99
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• 2022

Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a rare X-linked recessive inherited purine metabolic disorder that accompanies neurodevelopmental problems. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a relatively common autosomal dominant inherited genetic disorder characterized by tumors in various systems. Some children with NF1 also accompanies neurodevelopmental problems. Here, we describe a 5-year-old boy with a maternally inherited pathogenic variant in NF1 and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). He was referred for severe neurodevelopmental impairment and hyperuricemia. His mother was diagnosed with NF1 and the patient was also suspected of having NF1 because of cafe au lait macules. He had dystonia, rigidity, cognitive deficit, and speech/language impairment. Serum and urine uric acid concentrations were elevated. He had more severe neurodevelopmental delay than patients with only NF1, so his clinical symptoms could not be fully understood by the disease alone. To find the cause of his neurologic symptoms and hyperuricemia, the patient and his mother underwent a whole-exome sequencing test. As a result, the pathogenic variant c.151C>T (p.Arg51Ter) in HPRT1 was identified as hemizygote in the patient and heterozygote in his mother. The pathogenic variant c.7682C>G (p.Ser2561Ter) in NF-1 was identified as heterozygotes in both of them. Although the clinical symptoms of both diseases were overlapping and complicated, genetic testing was helpful for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, we suggest to consider preemptive genetic evaluation if there are symptoms not sufficiently explained by known existing diseases. And it is considered valuable to review this rare case to understand the clinical course and possible synergic effects of these diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.396-403
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• 2022

Objectives: Gout is an inflammatory arthritis of the joints and soft tissues occurring due to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, which are caused by persistent hyperuricemia. Soyeom pharmacopuncture is one treatment method that has been traditionally used for pain management in Oriental medicine. However, studies on its effect in reducing gout pain have been insufficient. Therefore, we selected Soyeom pharmacopuncture among natural products used in Korea as the new target of our study. Methods: The effects of Soyeom pharmacopuncture were examined in mouse models of acute gout induced by injection of MSU crystals into footpads. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α production were examined by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as hallmarks of NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokine activation. Results: Soyeom pharmacopuncture reduced foot edema in gout-induced mice, as well as IL-1β, nitrite, IL-6, and TNF-α production. Moreover, Soyeom pharmacopuncture also reduced MSU-induced gout inflammatory gene expressions, specifically those in the NF-kB pathway. Conclusion: Pharmacopuncture may serve as a new solution for other inflammatory diseases as well. Through active follow-up studies, we could thoroughly understand the clinical value of Soyeom pharmacopuncture.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.257-264
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• 2023

Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate anti-arthritic activity of Ajmodadi Churna (AC) and its effect on Complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. Methods: Arthritis was induced by injecting 0.2 mL CFA into sub plantar surface of left hind paw. Test sample AC-1 and AC-2, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively was given to the animals for 21 consecutive days. The increase in swelling was observed after induction of arthritis. The paw edema was measured on 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 day using Vernier caliper after the induction of arthritis. The collected blood samples further used for the estimation of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and hemoglobin (Hb), using hematology analyzer. Serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α were also measured using rat ELISA kits. Results: Results showed that a significant reduction in paw edema was observed in AC-2 treated rats. The paw edema was restored on day 21 was 4.48 mm for AC-2, which is near to the control group. The arthritis score in treated rats was found to be considerably lower than in the control group i.e. 0.83 for AC-2 and 1.50 for AC-1. A decrease in levels of RBC and hemoglobin were observed in arthritic rats. Inflammation was significantly reduced and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were lowered after treatment with the test drug. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that AC possess significant anti-arthritic activity. Furthermore, this condition was linked to a reduction in abnormal humoral immune responses.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.477-483
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data that would inform the direction of oral rehabilitation and how to expand of the role of dental hygienists in Japan. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the role of dental hygienists in the field of oral rehabilitation in Japan. Results: Japan has been making academic and practical developments in the field of oral rehabilitation for over 30 years, and has been gradually implementing a fee support policy since the 1990s. In addition, Japan has been operating a dental hygienist system specializing in oral rehabilitation since 2006. The related work was being carried out with the dental hygienist's expertise in the field of rehabilitation medical treatment secured. Dental hygienists work full-time at long-term care facilities for the elderly in addition to conducting oral care activities under the local comprehensive care system, in the areas of convalescence and acute rehabilitation, as well as in the field of visiting rehabilitation. It can be seen that, in the field of nursing care, they are specialized in oral care tasks for the elderly. Conclusions: In the future, a policy and related fee system should be gradually prepared to expand the role of dental hygienists in the field of oral rehabilitation that can contribute to improving oral health linked to systemic diseases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.449-456
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• 2022

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of sphenoid wing meningioma with periorbital invasion (PI) after operation. Methods : Sixty one patients with sphenoid wing meningioma were enrolled in this study. Their clinical conditions were monitored after the operation and followed up more than 5 years at the outpatient clinic of a single institution. Clinical and radiologic information of the patients were all recorded including the following parameters : presence of PI, presence of peri-tumor structure invasion, pathologic grade, extents of resection, presence of hyperostosis, exophthalmos index (EI), and surgical complications. We compared the above clinical parameters of the patients with sphenoid wing meningioma in the presence or absence of PI (non-PI), then linked the analyzed data with the clinical outcome of the patients. Results : Of 61 cases, there were 14 PI and 47 non-PI patients. PI group showed a significantly higher score of EI (1.37±0.24 vs. 1.00±0.01, p<0.001), more frequent presence of hyperostosis (85.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and lower rate of gross total resection (GTR) (35.7% vs. 68.1%, p=0.032). The lower score of pre-operative EI, the absence of both PI and hyperostosis, smaller tumor size, and the performance of GTR were associated with lower recurrence rates in the univariate analysis. However, in the multivariate analysis, the performance of GTR was the only significant factor to determine the recurrence rate (p=0.043). The incidences of surgical complications were not statistically different between the subtotal resection (STR) and GTR groups, but it was strongly associated tumor size (p=0.017). Conclusion : The GTR group showed lower recurrence rate than the STR group without differences in the surgical complications. Therefore, the GTR is strongly recommended to treat sphenoid wing meningioma with PI for the better clinical outcome.