• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.109-117
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• 2024

Background: Dental fear and anxiety are significant challenges in managing behavior in children. Oral administration of sucrose or sweet-tasting solutions has shown effectiveness in reducing procedural pain in infants and neonates. This study aimed to investigate whether pre-application of sucrose solution had an effect on minimizing pain perception during injection and to assess the potential impact of the child's age and sweet preference. Methods: A randomized control clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged 3-9 years requiring buccal infiltration injections. Following parental consent, demographic data of the children were recorded. Sweet preferences was assessed using a modified forced-choice test. Children were equally and randomly allocated into study (sucrose) and control groups using a lottery method. Sucrose solution or distilled water, respectively, was applied to the lateral surface of the tongue for 2 min. Topical anesthetic was applied at the site of injection, followed by local anesthesia administration. The children rinsed their mouths thrice with water immediately after anesthetic injection. A video was recorded during injection which was then scored by three blinded examiners on the Sound Eye Motor (SEM) scale. The children also self-evaluated using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS). Results: The mean SEM scores and WBFPS scores were analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test. The mean SEM score in the study group was 1.37 ± 0.61, compared to 3.17 ± 0.87 in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Mean pain scores assessed by WBFPS in the study group were 0.60 ± 1.4, while in the control group, they were 6.27 ± 2.33, also showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Children with a sweet preference demonstrated a subjective reduction in pain perception. Conclusion: Application of sucrose before dental injections in children helps to minimize pain upon injection across all age groups.

• Journal of Web Engineering
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• v.14 no.17
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• pp.3604-3622
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• 2022

The fruit of Hippophae rhamnoides has been widely used for medicinal purposes because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet, and antimicrobial effects. Since there are no clear reports on the therapeutic efficacy of H. rhamnoides in osteoporosis, this study aimed to confirm the potential use of H. rhamnoides for the treatment of osteoporosis through its osteogenic differentiation-promoting effect in ovariectomized mice. Through an in vitro study, we compared the effects of the EtOH extract of H. rhamnoides fruits (EHRF) on the differentiation of C3H10T1/2, a mouse mesenchymal stem cell line, into osteoblasts based on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and the relative expression of osteogenesis-related mRNAs. The EHRF significantly stimulated the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and showed 7.5 times (^* p < 0.05) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated control. A solvent fractionation process of EHRF showed that the hexane-soluble fraction (HRH) showed 10.4 times (^** p < 0.01) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated control. Among the subfractions derived from the active HRH by preparative HPLC fractionation, HRHF4 showed 7.5 times (^* p < 0.05) higher osteogenesis than in the untreated naïve cells, and HRH and HRHF4 fractions showed 22.6 times (^*** p < 0.001) stronger osteogenesis activity than in the negative control. Osteoporosis was induced by excision of both ovaries in 9-week-old female ICR mice for in vivo analysis, and two active fractions, HRH and HRHF4, were administered orally for three months. During the oral administration period, body weight was measured weekly, and bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat density were measured simultaneously using a DEXA machine once a month. In particular, during the in vivo study, the average BMD of the ovariectomized group decreased by 0.0009 g/cm², whereas the average BMD of the HRH intake group increased by 0.0033 g/cm² (^* p < 0.05) and that of the HRHF4 intake group increased by 0.0059 g/cm² (^** p < 0.01). The HRH and HRHF4 intake groups significantly recovered the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic genes, including ALP, Osteopontin, Runx2, and Osterix, in the osteoporosis mouse tibia. These findings suggest that the active fractions of H. rhamnoides fruit significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and increased osteogenic gene expression, resulting in an improvement in bone mineral density in the osteoporosis mouse model. Taken together, H. rhamnoides fruits are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.540-547
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• 2024

The continuous use of polymer materials has exacerbated waste and environmental challenges, spurring a growing interest in eco-friendly polymers, especially biodegradable polymers. These polymers are gaining attention for their potential as antimicrobial agents, particularly in fields like food packaging a need further underscored by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the development of an antibacterial polymer by combining poly-butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) with zinc pyrithione (ZnPt). The antibacterial properties were assessed through turbidity analysis, the shaking flask method, and the film adhesion method. The antibacterial activities of the composites with varying ZnPt% (w/w) contents (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Results revealed that even at a low concentration of 0.1% (w/w), the composites demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli). Composites with ZnPt concentrations of 0.3% (w/w) or higher achieved over 99.999% antibacterial efficacy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis of the fracture surfaces of the composites confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnPt particles, ranging from 1-4 ㎛. Further FE-SEM analysis of bacterial suspensions exposed to the composite surfaces showed clear evidence of cell wall destruction in both E. coli and S. aureus. As an antimicrobial biodegradable polymer, PBAT-ZnPt composites show great promise for applications in various sectors, including food packaging.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.788-797
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• 2024

Objective: To investigate the potential association among preoperative breast MRI features, axillary nodal burden (ANB), and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 297 patients with early-stage breast cancer (cT1-2N0M0) who underwent preoperative MRI between December 2016 and December 2018. Based on the number of positive axillary lymph nodes (LNs) determined by postoperative pathology, the patients were divided into high nodal burden (HNB; ≥3 positive LNs) and non-HNB (<3 positive LNs) groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with ANB. Predictive efficacy was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to determine preoperative features associated with DFS. Results: We included 47 and 250 patients in the HNB and non-HNB groups, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that multifocality/multicentricity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.905, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.685-9.051, P = 0.001) and peritumoral edema (adjusted OR = 3.734, 95% CI: 1.644-8.479, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for HNB. Combined peritumoral edema and ultifocality/multicentricity achieved an AUC of 0.760 (95% CI: 0.707-0.807) for predicting HNB, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.0% and 63.2%, respectively. During the median follow-up period of 45 months (range, 5-61 months), 26 cases (8.75%) of breast cancer recurrence were observed. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 3.166, 95% CI: 1.200-8.352, P = 0.021), larger tumor size (adjusted HR = 4.370, 95% CI: 1.671-11.428, P = 0.002), and multifocality/multicentricity (adjusted HR = 5.059, 95% CI: 2.166-11.818, P < 0.001) were independently associated with DFS. Conclusion: Preoperative breast MRI features may be associated with ANB and DFS in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.801-809
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• 2015

Homotypic cell adhesion (homotypic aggregation) in activated monocytes plays a central role in physiological and pathological processes including inflammatory responses, differentiation and migration. The extract of the Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. fruit (Maesil) has potential benefits to human health; such as anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities. Indeed, Maesil extract may modulate inflammatory responses via interference with homotypic aggregation in monocytes. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic efficacy of Maesil extract in inflammatory diseases were investigated. It was found that Maesil extract inhibited homotypic aggregation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated monocytes. This was mediated by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production, partly via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was confirmed that NO inhibition is a key mechanism in Maesil induced blockade of monocyte aggregation through identification of reversal of this inhibitory effect by the NO-producing agent S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP). In addition, Maesil extract significantly attenuated LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. In conclusion, Maesil extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of homotypic aggregation of LPS-activated monocytes through mechanisms involving the suppression of NO production and NF-κB activity, suggesting Maesil extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.568-573
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• 2015

Arabis glabra is a localized common rhizomatous flowering plant, This plant is often used in Korean traditional systems of medicine as a remedy for blood cleaning, detoxification, abscess, gastrospasm, arthritis, contraction and diarrhea. Generally drugs that are used for arthritis have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of A. glabra using the ethanolic extract and its sub-fractions. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects, we examined the inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) on RAW 264.7macrophages. Our results indicated that hexane and chloroform fraction significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO and PGE₂ production in the cells. The hexane fraction inhibitory activity for NO tests with IC₅₀ values showed in 21.0 ㎍/㎖. The chloroform fraction inhibitory activity for PGE₂ tests with IC₅₀ values showed in 18.0 ㎍/㎖. These efficacy are expected to be able to present the potential for the development of health functional food for the prevention inflammatory diseases because it has sufficient preventive medical possibilities. Further, it is determined that it is necessary to further study the mechanism of cytokine and protein expression associated with inflammation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.818-826
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• 2021

5-Aminolevulinic acid phosphate (5-ALA-p) is a substance obtained by eluting 5-ALA (a natural delta amino acid) with aqueous ammonia, adding phosphoric acid to the eluate, and then adding acetone to confer properties suitable for use in photodynamic therapy applications. However, its pharmacological efficacy, including potential mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reactions, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-ALA-p on oxidative and inflammatory stresses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Our data showed that 5-ALA-p significantly inhibited excessive phagocytic activity via LPS and attenuated oxidative stress in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, 5-ALA-p improved mitochondrial biogenesis reduced by LPS, suggesting that 5-ALA-p restores mitochondrial damage caused by LPS. Additionally, 5-ALA-p significantly suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, which are associated with the inhibition of inducible NO synthase and respective cytokine expression. Furthermore, 5-ALA-p reduced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-ALA-p is mediated through the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Based on these results, 5-ALA-p may serve as a potential candidate to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2021

Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. is traditionally used as an edible and medicinal plant in many countries in East Asia. Previous studies have shown the pharmacological potential of extracts and components of C. officinalis, but comparative analysis of the composition of the leaf, stem, and fruit extracts has been insufficient to date. In the present study, the content of active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients was verified in different C. officinalis parts (under-ripe sansuyu, ripe sansuyu, seed, leaf, stem, and dried sansuyu). One active component, morroniside, was high in fruit (under-ripe and ripe sansuyu), while loganin was high in fruit (under-ripe sansuyu) and cornin was high in seeds. Total polyphenol contents were highest in fruit (ripe sansuyu) and flavonoids were highest in leaves. DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in leaves, followed by seeds and then ripe sansuyu extract. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of leaf extracts of C. officinalis (LCO) was further investigated by measuring their effects on levels of nitric oxide (NO) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of LCO effectively decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible NO synthase, resulting in decreased NO production. LCO also significantly suppressed LPS-induced production and expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Taken together, the present findings suggest that C. officinalis leaves have potential as natural materials for the development of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.603-608
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• 2021

The purpose of this perspective research is to discuss the potential role of exercise-interventions in COVID-19, terms of prevention and prognosis in the periods of the COVID-19 vaccine. SARCO-CoV-2. COVID-19 was detected as a new virus causing severe cardiovascular and respiratory complications. It emerged as a global public health emergency and national pandemic. It caused more than 1 million deaths in the first 6 months of the pandemic and resulted in huge social and economic fluctuations internationally. Unprecedented stressful situations, such as COVID-19 blue and COVID-19 red impact on many health problems. In healthy individuals, COVID-19 infection may induced no symptoms (i.e., asymptomatic), whereas others may experience flu-like symptoms, such as ARDS, pneumonia, and death. Poor health status, such as obesity and cardiovascular and respiratory complications, are high risk factors for COVID-19 prevention, occurrence, and prognosis. Several COVID-19 vaccines are currently in human trials. However, the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including potential side effects, such as anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) and rare blood clots, still need to be investigated. On the basis of direct and indirect evidence, it seems that regular and moderate physical exercise can be recommended as a nonpharmacological, efficient, and safe way to cope with COVID-19. Physical inactivity and metabolic abnormalities are directly associated with reduced immune responses, including reduced innate, CMI, and AMI responses. Due to prolonged viral shedding, quarantine in inactive, obese and disease people should likely be longer than physical active people. Multicomponent and systemic exercise should be considered for the obese, disease, and elderly people. More mechanism research is needed in this area.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.219-229
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• 2003

Background : The management of thoracic empyema and complicated parapneumonic effusion requires adequate antibiotics use and prompt drainage of infected pleural space. Tube thoracostomy for loculated empyema has low success rate and is also an invasive procedure with potential morbidity. Complications include hemothorax, perforation of intra-abdominal or intra-thoracic organs, diaphragmatic laceration, empyema, pulmonary edema, and Horner's syndrome. Given the potential morbidity of traditional chest tube insertion, use of the image-guided pigtail catheter drainage(PCD) of empyema has been employed. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with empyema or complicated parapneumonic effusion to determine the efficacy of percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage. Materials and Methods : 45 patients with complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema were treated at Gil medical center from January 1998 to June, 1999. All were initially given PCD procedure and the following data were collected: clinical symptoms at the time of diagnosis, alcohol and smoking history, the characteristics of pleural effusion, radiologic findings (at the time of catheter insertion, removal and 1 month after catheter removal), the amount of effusion drained for initial 24 hours, the time from catheter insertion to removal and the use of surgical approach. Results : Male gender was more frequent (42 men vs. 3 women), the mean age of the study population was 52(range: 21~74) years. Empyema was found in 23 patients, complicated parapneumonic effusion in 22 patients. Four patients(three, parapneumonic effusion and one, with empyema) with PCD only treated, were cast off. Among the available patients, 36(80%) patients were treated with PCD only or PCD with urokinase. Among the 23 patients with empyema, surgical approach was required in five patients(27.1%, one required decortication, four open thoracostomy), one patient, treated with surgical procedure, died of sepsis. There was no significant difference of the duration of catheter insertion, the duration of hospital admission after catheter insertion and the mean amount of effusion drained for initial 24 hours between the patients with only PCD treated and the patients treated with PCD and urokinase. The duration of catheter insertion($9.4{\pm}5.25days$ vs. $19.2{\pm}9.42days$, p<0.05) and the duration of hospital admission after catheter insertion($15.9{\pm}10.45days$ vs. $38.6{\pm}11.46days$, p<0.01) of the patients with only PCD treated were more longer than those of the patients treated with surgical procedure after PCD. They were same between the patients treated with urokinase after PCD and the patients treated with surgical procedure after PCD($11.1{\pm}7.35days$ vs. $19.2{\pm}9.42days$, p<0.05, $17.5{\pm}9.17days$ vs. $38.6{\pm}11.46days$, p<0.01). In 16 patients(44.4%) with only PCD treated or PCD and urokinase treated, the amount of effusion at the time of catheter removal was decreased more than 75% and in 17 patients(47.2%) effusion decreased 50~75%. .In one patient effusion decreased 25~50%, in two patients effusion decreased less than 25%. One month after catheter removal, in 35 patients(97.2%, four patients were cast off), the amount of pleural effusion was successfully decreased more than 50%. There were no complications related to pigtail catheter insertion. Conclusion : In this study, PCD seemed to be an early efficacious procedure in treating the patients with complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema without any serious procedure related complication.