• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.394-401
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• 2016

Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, a genome editing technology, was shown to be versatile in treating several antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the present study, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to kill extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. ESBL bacteria are mostly multidrug resistant (MDR), and have plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes that can be easily transferred to other members of the bacterial community by horizontal gene transfer. To restore sensitivity to antibiotics in these bacteria, we searched for a CRISPR/Cas9 target sequence that was conserved among >1,000 ESBL mutants. There was only one target sequence for each TEM- and SHV-type ESBL, with each of these sequences found in ~200 ESBL strains of each type. Furthermore, we showed that these target sequences can be exploited to re-sensitize MDR cells in which resistance is mediated by genes that are not the target of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, but by genes that are present on the same plasmid as target genes. We believe our Re-Sensitization to Antibiotics from Resistance (ReSAFR) technology, which enhances the practical value of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, will be an effective method of treatment against plasmid-carrying MDR bacteria.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.55-67
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• 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hwangryunhaedok-tang, its major component Coptidis Rhizoma, and the major component of Coptidis Rhizoma, berberine, on the expression of behavioral sensitization induced by the repeated administration of nicotine. Methods: Experimental ratswere divided into 3 groups and each group treated with saline, nicotine, and Hwangryunhaedok-tang. Experiments were performed on 4 further groups, each group treated with saline, nicotine, Coptidis Rhizoma, and berberine. To obtain rats addicted todrugs, nicotine was injected repeatedly. After 3 days of withdrawal phase, on the 11th day, rats were re-exposed to nicotine and thus able to induce the expression of the activity sensitization phenomenon successfully. To examine the change of c-Fos in the brain of experimental rats with the nicotine-induced activity sensitization, their neurological activation rate was assessed by c-Fos staining with Fos-like immunihistochemistry of the dopamine releasing area, the striatum and the nucleus accumbens. Results: The result demonstrate that Hwangryunhaedok-tang, its major component Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine,the major component of Coptidis Rhizoma, significantly reduced the walking activity rate in the drug addict models induced by nicotine administration, and Coptidis Rhizoma and its major component berberine reduce the marker of the neurological activation c-Fos, and thus revealed an effect of suppressing drug addiction. Conclusions: These results suggest the possibility of Hwangryunhaedok-tang, its major component Coptidis Rhizoma and the major component of Coptidis Rhizoma, berberine,as therapeutic for nicotine addiction.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.47-64
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• 2020

The study investigated the role of libraries in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Six research objectives were raised to guide the conduct of the study. The survey type of the descriptive research design was employed. The population of the study comprised of 139 selected librarians in Nigeria. The complete enumerative sampling technique was adopted to study the entire 139 librarians. The instrument for data collection was an online survey questionnaire designed by the researchers using SurveyMonkey and administered to the respondents via the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) WhatsApp group and the NLA Google group. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that among the services delivered by Nigerian libraries amidst the global pandemic are COVID-19 awareness and sensitization creation, provision of digital contents to patron, organizing online streaming programs and connecting patrons/citizens to accurate and reliable data on COVID-19 cases around the world. The study further revealed that these services are delivered frequently despite the low level of Nigerian libraries' preparedness for global pandemic. The study concluded that, Nigerian libraries, through their services, are potent weapon for promoting positive change, development, orientation, and re-orientation in the society. By creating COVID-19 awareness/sensitization (especially in rural areas), libraries are able to contribute significantly to the fight against the pandemic.

• Laser Solutions
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 1998

A Study on microstructural changes of sensitized Alloy 600 which was rapidly solidified by a $CO_2$ laser beam was conducted using microscopic equipments such as SEM and TEM. Dissolution of Cr-rich carbides and resultant Cr recovery on the grain boundaries occurred in the heat affected zone (HZA). The microstructure of the laser melted zone (LMZ) having epitaxially solidified from the HAZ was mainly celluar-dendritic with the 〈100〉 crystallographic direction of growth. The Cr concentration was observed to increase along the cell bondaries, and tiny particles were distributed along the cell walls with tangled dislocations around them. Cr-rich carbides had been completely melted by the high density of a laser beam, and were not re-precipitated during the matrix solidification due to a fast cooling rate in the LMZ.

• Proceedings of the Korean Nuclear Society Conference
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• 1997.05b
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• pp.80-85
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• 1997

Studies on particles formed in the laser melted zone (LMZ) of sensitized Ni base Alloy 600 have been carried out using microscopic equipments. Most of them were identified as TiN type and MgS type particles were also found in the cell boundaries. All of the particles were located in the cellular solidification region, but no particle was formed in the plane front solidification regions of the LMZ. Cr carbides which had formed during sensitization treatment were completely melted during laser surface melting and hardly re-precipitated during the matrix solidification.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 1987

This experiment was performed on mice to investigate the effects of an immunopotentiator, picibanil(PC), on the immune responses such as phagocytic activity of reticuloen-dothelial(RE) system, E rosette formation rate of splenic lmphocytes and morphological changes of lymph node tissue. Groups of mice were treated with a single(1KE/kg BW) or sequential(0.1, 0.25 and 0.5KE/kg BW for successive 3 days) intravenous injections of PC. PC treated and untreated control mice were sensitized with 50% sheep erythrocyte suspension(0.2ml/mouse) at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after PC treatment. Functional and morphological examinations were carried out 5 days after sensitization. The following results were obtained: The phagocytic activity of RE system and the weight of liver and spleen were increased significantly at 3rd, 5th and 7th day. The peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocyte and percent of lymphocyte and monocyte were slightly increased. The rates of E rosette formation of splenic lymphotytes, sequential PC treated groups were more increased at 3rd and 5th day in sequential PC treated groups than in single treated groups. Thereafter it returned gradually to the control level by the time of 10th day. Microscopically primary lymph follicles with indistinct germinal center (GC) were partially disrupted and the parafollicular areas were consisted of the pyroninophilic cells in control group. In PC treated group, the parafollicular areas were markedly proliferated and developments of secondary lymph follicles with enlarged and prominent GC were more pronounced in the sequential injected groups compared to single injected groups. These results indicate that PC affected not only parafollicular area of the T-cell area, but also GC of the B-cell area. It suggests that PC may potentiate both cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.163-178
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• 2011

Objective : This study is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of ethanol extracts of 4 mixed herbs(CP001 or CP002) on mouse model of atopic dermatitis induced by ovalbumin. Methods : Female BALB/c mice were internally sensitized with ovalbumin($20{\mu}g$) plus aluminum hydroxide hydrate(4mg) once per week. After 3 weeks, they were dermally challenged with patches containing ovalbumin ($100{\mu}g$) plus aluminum hydroxide hydrate(20mg) every other day for 3 weeks. After induction of atopic dermatitis, mice back skin were gently rubbed with CP001 or CP002(200mg/$m{\ell}$, $100{\mu}{\ell}$) for two weeks(every 2 days). Results : In CP001 or CP002 treated group, there was a remarkable reduction in infiltration of eosinophils on the skin areas and diminution of mast cells and total T cells in blood samples as compared with control group. Cutaneous expressions of interleukin-13, 17 were also decreased by CP001 or CP002. Moreover, blood immunoglobulin E level was decreased by drug administration while there was no decrease in OVA sensitization group. Conclusion : In summary, our result shows that herbal extracts(CP001 and CP002) could be potential candidates for the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.458-464
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• 2011

Purpose: Metacarpal fractures are common hand injury that may require operative intervention to ensure adequate reduction and stabilization. Traditionally, titanium miniplate was used for rigid fixation of bone fractures. However, the use of permanent plate lends itself to multiple complications such as infection, exposure of the hardware, tendon adhesions, tendon rupture, prolonged pain, bony atrophy and osteoporosis (stress shielding), metal sensitization, and palpation under the skin. This study evaluated the usefulness and stability of biodegradable plates and screws for treatment of metacarpal bone fractures. Methods: There was 17 patients who had surgery for metacarpal bone fracture from April 2007 to June 2010. All patients had open reduction and internal fixation. We used absorbable plates and screws (Inion CPS$^{(R)}$) for internal fixation. Postoperative results were assessed with x-ray. Stability of plates and screws, healing process and its complications were observed by clinical and radiographic assessment. Results: All patients were successfully reduced of bone fracture, and fixations with absorbable plates and screws were stable. The mean follow up period was 7.1 months. 2 patients complained postoperative pain, but they were relieved with analgesics. All patients experienced transient stiffness, but they were relieved with active assistive range of motion after removal of splint. No patients suffered complications which could be occurred by using metallic plate. Conclusion: There was no critical complications such as re-fracture or nonunion among patients. No patients suffered side effects related with metallic implants. Biodegradable implants can offer clinically stable and attractive alternative to metallic implants to stabilize metacarpal bone fractures in the hand.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.325-335
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: The number of sensitized heart failure patients on waiting lists for heart transplantation (HTx) is increasing. Using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY), a nationwide multicenter database, we investigated the prevalence and clinical impact of calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA) in patients undergoing HTx. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 813 patients who underwent HTx between 2014 and 2021. Patients were grouped according to peak PRA level as group A: patients with cPRA ≤10% (n= 492); group B: patients with cPRA >10%, <50% (n=160); group C patients with cPRA ≥50% (n=161). Post-HTx outcomes were freedom from antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), acute cellular rejection, coronary allograft vasculopathy, and all-cause mortality. Results: The median follow-up duration was 44 (19-72) months. Female sex, re-transplantation, and pre-HTx renal replacement therapy were independently associated with an increased risk of sensitization (cPRA ≥50%). Group C patients were more likely to have longer hospital stays and to use anti-thymocyte globulin as an induction agent compared to groups A and B. Significantly more patients in group C had positive flow cytometric crossmatch and had a higher incidence of preformed donor-specific antibody (DSA) compared to groups A and B. During follow-up, group C had a significantly higher rate of AMR, but the overall survival rate was comparable to that of groups A and B. In a subgroup analysis of group C, post-transplant survival was comparable despite higher preformed DSA in a desensitized group compared to the non-desensitized group. Conclusions: Patients with cPRA ≥50% had significantly higher incidence of preformed DSA and lower freedom from AMR, but post-HTx survival rates were similar to those with cPRA <50%. Our findings suggest that sensitized patients can attain comparable post-transplant survival to non-sensitized patients when treated with optimal desensitization treatment and therapeutic intervention.