• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.333-344
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• 2019

Various genetic and environmental factors are known to be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We identified COPD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using 189 samples accompanying either adenocarcinoma (AC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SC), comprising 91 normal and 98 COPD samples. DEGs were obtained from the intersection of two DEG sets separately identified for AC and SC to exclude the influence of different cancer backgrounds co-occurring with COPD. We also measured patient samples named group 'I', which were unable to be determined as normal or COPD based on alterations in gene expression. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes categorized with the 'cell adhesion', 'inflammatory response', and 'mitochondrial functions', i.e., well-known functions related to COPD, in samples from patients with COPD. Multi-omics data were subsequently integrated to decipher the upstream regulatory changes linked to the gene expression alterations in COPD. COPD-associated expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) were located at the upstream regulatory regions of 96 DEGs. Additionally, 45 previously identified COPD-related miRNAs were predicted to target 66 of the DEGs. The eQTLs and miRNAs might affect the expression of 'respiratory electron transport chain' genes and 'cell proliferation' genes, respectively, while both eQTLs and miRNAs might affect the expression of 'apoptosis' genes. We think that our present study will contribute to our understanding of the molecular etiology of COPD accompanying lung cancer.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2021

Microtubules (MTs) are the main part of the cytoskeleton in living eukaryotic cells. In this article, a mechanical model of MT buckling, considering the modified strain gradient theory, is analytically examined. The MT is assumed as a cylindrical beam and a new single variable trigonometric beam theory is developed in conjunction with a modified strain gradient model. The main benefit of the present formulation is shown in its new kinematic where we found only one unknown as the Euler-Bernoulli beam model, which is even less than the Timoshenko beam model. The governing equations are deduced by considering virtual work principle. The effectiveness of the present method is checked by comparing the obtained results with those reported by other higher shear deformation beam theory involving a higher number of unknowns. It is shown that microstructure-dependent response is more important when material length scale parameters are closer to the outer diameter of MTs. Also, it can be confirmed that influences of shear deformation become more considerable for smaller shear modulus and aspect ratios.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.11.1-11.20
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• 2022

Vibrio harveyi belongs to the Vibrio genus that causes vibriosis in marine and aquatic fish species through double-stranded DNA virus replication. In humans, around 12 Vibrio species can cause gastroenteritis (gastrointestinal illness). A large amount of virus particles can be found in the cytoplasm of infected cells, which may cause death. Despite these devastating complications, there is still no cure or vaccine for the virus. As a result, we used an immunoinformatics approach to develop a multi-epitope vaccine against most pathogenic hemolysin gene of V. harveyi. The immunodominant T- and B-cell epitopes were identified using the hemolysin protein. We developed a vaccine employing three possible epitopes: cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper T-lymphocytes, and linear B-lymphocyte epitopes, after thorough testing. The vaccine was developed to be antigenic, immunogenic, and non-allergenic, as well as having a better solubility. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed significant structural stiffness and binding stability. In addition, the immunological simulation generated by computer revealed that the vaccination might elicit immune reactions in the actual life after injection. Finally, using Escherichia coli K12 as a model, codon optimization yielded ideal GC content and a higher codon adaptation index value, which was then included in the cloning vector pET2+ (a). Altogether, our experiment implies that the proposed peptide vaccine might be a good option for vibriosis prophylaxis.

• Journal of Appropriate Technology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.146-150
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• 2020

Assistive technologies for people with disabilities are often marginalized in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this paper, we intend to present the possibility of acquiring tactile information through the tactile display adapting an electromagnetic actuator. The multi-layered display designed for tactile communication has innovatively narrowed the size and spacing of cells in order to express pictures, maps, and graphics. This display has enabled the visually impaired to touch two-dimensional information combining with other assistive technologies so that. It would also provide a technical source of access to STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) so that students will perform better and be better prepared for advanced education. Moreover, it can be applied to public infrastructure and transportation in smart-city projects on the globe. Hence, this paper introduces the principle of Electromagnetic-actuator and how it can be utilized in many diverse areas.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.351-366
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• 2023

Along with the development of immunosuppressive drugs, major advances on xenotransplantation were achieved by understanding the immunobiology of xenograft rejection. Most importantly, three predominant carbohydrate antigens on porcine endothelial cells were key elements provoking hyperacute rejection: α1,3-galactose, SDa blood group antigen, and N-glycolylneuraminic acid. Preformed antibodies binding to the porcine major xenoantigen causes complement activation and endothelial cell activation, leading to xenograft injury and intravascular thrombosis. Recent advances in genetic engineering enabled knock-outs of these major xenoantigens, thus producing xenografts with less hyperacute rejection rates. Another milestone in the history of xenotransplantation was the development of co-stimulation blockaded strategy. Unlike allotransplantation, xenotransplantation requires blockade of CD40-CD40L pathway to prevent T-cell dependent B-cell activation and antibody production. In 2010s, advanced genetic engineering of xenograft by inducing the expression of multiple human transgenes became available. So-called 'multi-gene' xenografts expressing human transgenes such as thrombomodulin and endothelial protein C receptor were introduced, which resulted in the reduction of thrombotic events and improvement of xenograft survival. Still, there are many limitations to clinical translation of cardiac xenotransplantation. Along with technical challenges, zoonotic infection and physiological discordances are major obstacles. Social barriers including healthcare costs also need to be addressed. Although there are several remaining obstacles to overcome, xenotransplantation would surely become the novel option for millions of patients with end-stage heart failure who have limited options to traditional therapeutics.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.152-162
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• 2024

The microbial starter used to produce kefir beverages, kefir grain, contains a microbial exopolysaccharide called kefiran. Kefir grain consisting of water-insoluble polysaccharides, proteins, and fats, which can be applied as a multi-functional biopolymer. The mass of kefir grain can increase in the fermentation process of Kefir, but it is considered very slow. The purpose of this research is to study the impact of ammonium sulfate supplementation and yeast extract on reconstituted skim milk to increase the mass kefir grain and physical properties of kefiran. Results showed that the ammonium sulfate-supplemented substrate increased the mass of kefir grain by 547% in 14 days, with the condition that the substrate must be renewed every 2 days. Refreshing the substrate is considered one of the important factors. Supplementation on substrate did not appear to affect the viability of bacterial and yeast cells. Kefir grain produced from supplemented substrate also yields better thermal stability properties and has more functional groups than without supplementation. Two Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (RAL27 and RAL43) and one Limosilactobacillus fermentum (RAL29) were found to produce EPS. The three isolates also showed good skim milk fermentation ability after purification from kefir grain. The kefir grain produced in this study has the potential for wider application. This study also showed that kefir grain can be adjusted in quantity and quality through fermentation substrate engineering.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.53-60
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• 2024

We developed a coin cell battery using high-strength carbon fiber and glass fiber, taking a preliminary step toward creating a battery that supports structural loads and stores energy, with potential applications in satellite structures. High-strength fiber-based electrodes and electrolytes were fabricated and applied to coin cells to evaluate their electrochemical performance. Consequently, the discharge capacities under continuous charge/discharge cycles and high discharge rates of 2 C-rate were determined to be 122.9 and 103.5 mAh/g, respectively, indicating that high-strength fibers can replace conventional battery components. Although current performance is lower than that of commercial batteries, this research has demonstrated significant potential as foundational work for multi-functional energy storage devices and is expected to contribute to the development of structural batteries for satellite applications.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.177-196
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• 2004

Objective : Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that pathogenesis is not fully understood and one of the most intractable musculoskeletal diseases. The concern in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis has been increased since 1980's and many immunotherapeutic agents including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were developed and became the mainstay of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the cure of the disease has hardly been achieved. In oriental medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is related to Bi-Zheng(痺證), that presents pain, swelling, andlor loss of joint function as major clinical manifestations, and also known to be deeply involved in suppression of immune function related to weakness of Jung-Ki(正氣). The herbal medicine, empirically used, could be a potential resource of development of new immunotherapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We developed a search strategy using terms to include "rheumatoid arthritis and herbal medicine" combined with "Chinese medicine" and/or "Oriental medicine". The search was focused on experimental studies of herbal medicine (January 1999 to May 2004), which is known to have effects on immune function of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Computerized search used Internet databases including KISS and RISS4U (Korea), CNKI (China), MOMJ (Main Oriental Medicine Journal, Japan), and PubMed. The articles were selected from journals of universities or major research institutes. Results : The literature search for experimental studies on effects of herbal medicine on immunity of rheumatoid arthritis retrieved a total of 21 articles (Korea; 8, China ; 12, Japan ; 1). Of 21 articles, 10 were related to single-drug formula, 2 to drug interaction, and 9 to multi-drug formula. Single-drug formula was mainly used for aqua-acupuncture and researches on active components. Studies of drug interaction emphasized harmony of Ki-Hyul(氣血) and balance of Han-Yeul(寒熱). Multi-drug regimen was mainly found among formulas for Bo-Ki-Hyul(補氣血) and Bo-Sin(補腎). Conclusion : Studies on rheumatoid arthritis were performed both in vitro and in vivo in vitro study, LPS-stimulated splenocytes and synoviocytes were treated with herbal medicine, resulting in proliferation and activation of immune cells and suppression of cytokine activities in vivo study CIA animal model demonstrated that herbal medicine decreased antibody production and improved function of immune cells. In cellular and molecular study herbal medicine showed profound effects on the level of mRNA expression of certain cytokines related to immune function. This study revealed that herbal medicine has significant immune modulatory action and could be used for recovery of immune dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2002

To develop a new method of conjugation and to determine the distribution of R plasimds, we isolated multi-drug resistant strains from fish pathogenic bacteria in the farms of south and east seacoasts of Korea. Out of the 134 isolates examined, 10 showed resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, colistin, nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid and kanamycin. One out of 10 multi-drug resistance bacteria, Vibfio damsela JE1 (V. damsela JE1), contained transferable R plasmid of chlorarnphenicol- tetracycline resistance genes and other nucleic acids encoding ampicillin and kanamycin resistance. The presence of the R plasmid was confirmed by conjugation using the chromocult medium (CC) as a selective and differential medium for transconiugants with identification based on the growth or colors of the colonies. The frequency of R plasmid transfer with filter mating method was come out much higher than that of broth mating method and appeared to be dependent upon the mating time and temperature. The optimum conditions for filter mating method were found to be 30$^{\circ}C$ and 24hrs as mating temperature and period, respectively, Moreover, donor cells with R plasmid, both isolate and standard bacteria, were shown to have an ability to transfer the plasmid against Escherichia coli K-12 HB101 (E. coli HB101) and Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) RE14 at fairly high frequencies, finally, we isolated 3 isolates of Sphingomonas sp., carrying R plasmid from 12 multi-drug resistant bacteria in normal microflora of the flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) group used for the isolation of V emsela JE1 four months before. The same size and gene transfer chayateristics of R plasimds with those of V damsela JE1 confirmed that normal microflora have the reservoir activity for R plasmid in natural aquatic environment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.470-478
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• 1997

Background : Phagocytosis is probably the first step for mycobacteria to be virulent in host because virulent strains are more readily phagocytosed by macrophage than attenuated strains. According to the traditional concept, multi-drug resistant strains have been regarded as less virulent. However, this concept has been challenged, since recent studies(reported) showed that the degree of virulence and drug-resistance is not related. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the phagocytic activity of M.tuberculosis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) is different according to drug-resistance or host factor. To evaluate this, we estimated the difference of phagocytic activity of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive M.tuberculosis and also estimated the phagocytic activity of PBMC from intractable tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. Methods : PBMC from ten intractable tuberculosis patients and twelve healthy control, and three different strains of heat-killed M.tuberculosis, ie, ADS(all drug sensitive), MDR(multi-drug resistant), and ADR(all drug resistant) were used. After incubation of various strains of M.tuberculosis with PBMC, the phagocytic activity was evaluated by estimating proportion of PBMC which have phagocytosed M.tuberculosis. Results : Drug-resistant strains of M.tuberculosis were phagocytosed easily than drug sensitive strains(Percentage of PBMC phagocytosed M.tuberculosis in healthy control : ADS : $32.3{\pm}2.9%$, ADR : $49.6{\pm}3.4%$, p = 0.0022, Percentage of PBMC phagocytosed M.tuberculosis in intractable tuberculosis patients : ADS : $34.9{\pm}3.6%$, ADR : $50.7{\pm}4.5%$, p = 0.0069). However, there was no difference in phagocytic activity of PBMC from healthy control and intractable tuberculosis patients. Conclusion : Drug-resistant strains of M.tuberculosis were phagocytosed easily than drug sensitive strains and host factors does not seems to influence the phagocytosis of M.tuberculosis.