• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2002

Improvement of density profile and sound absorption capability of particleboard was attempted. Three types of hot pressing methods examined ; flat-platen pressing method (A-type pressing), hot pressing in forming box (B-type pressing), and hot pressing set up jagged caul in forming box (C-type pressing). The raw materials were larch(Larix leptolepis (S, et. Z.) Gorden) shavings, phenol formaldehyde resin, and the particleboard perforated with stair type. The physical and mechanical properties such as specific gravity, bending strength (MOR), internal bonding strength (IB) and sound absorption coefficients were examined. The results are summarized as follows : 1) The MOR and internal bonding strength of the board pressed in forming box were higher than those of flat-platen pressed board. 2) The minimum density to average density ratio in thickness direction which pressed in forming box showed about 923%, in the case of 35 mm commercial particleboard and 50 mm flat-platen pressed board, its values showed about 66.4% and 865% respectively. 3) Sound absorption coefficients of the particleboard perforated with stair type were higher than those of flat-plated pressed board and commercial particleboard.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.163-179
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• 2022

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation. The pediatric consultants agreed that pediatricians should pay attention to any alarming signs (red flags) found during history taking or physical examinations. They also agreed that the Rome IV criteria are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric FC. Different therapeutic options are available for pediatric patients with FC. Dietary treatment is recommended for infants with constipation for up to six months of age. When non-pharmacological interventions fail to improve FC symptoms, pharmacological treatment with laxatives is indicated. First, the treatment is aimed at disimpaction to remove fecal masses. This is achieved by administering a high dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for a few days. Subsequently, maintenance therapy with PEG should be initiated to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. In addition to PEG, several other options may be used, such as Mg-rich formulas or stimulant laxatives. However, rectal enemas and suppositories are usually reserved for cases that require acute pain relief. In contrast, infant formulas that contain prebiotics or probiotics have not been shown to be effective in infant constipation, while the use of partially hydrolyzed formula is inconclusive. These clinical practice recommendations are intended to be adopted by pediatricians and primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.330-343
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zanthoxylum schinifolium is traditionally used as a spice for cooking in East Asian countries. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of ethanol extracts of Z. schinifolium leaves (EEZS) against human bladder cancer T24 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Subsequent to measuring the cytotoxicity of EEZS, the anti-cancer activity was measured by assessing apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, we determined the underlying mechanism of EEZS-induced apoptosis through various assays, including Western blot analysis. RESULTS: EEZS treatment concentration-dependently inhibited T24 cell survival, which is associated with apoptosis induction. Exposure to EEZS induced the expression of Fas and Fas-ligand, activated caspases, and subsequently resulted to cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. EEZS also enhanced the expression of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm by suppressing MMP, following increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and truncation of Bid. However, EEZS-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly diminished by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Moreover, EEZS inhibited activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and the apoptosis-inducing potential of EEZS was promoted in the presence of PI3K/Akt inhibitor. In addition, EEZS enhanced the production of ROS, whereas N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, markedly suppressed growth inhibition and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by EEZS. Furthermore, NAC significantly attenuated the EEZS-induced apoptosis and reduction of cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results indicate that exposure to EEZS exhibits anti-cancer activity in T24 bladder cancer cells through ROS-dependent induction of apoptosis and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.570-583
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• 2023

Objective: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play critical roles in embryo development, and immune responses to infectious diseases. In this study, to investigate the roles of FGFs, we performed genome-wide identification, expression, and functional analyses of FGF family members in chickens. Methods: Chicken FGFs genes were identified and analyzed by using bioinformatics approach. Expression profiles and Hierarchical cluster analysis of the FGFs genes in different chicken tissues were obtained from the genome-wide RNA-seq. Results: A total of 20 FGF genes were identified in the chicken genome, which were classified into seven distinct groups (A-F) in the phylogenetic tree. Gene structure analysis revealed that members of the same clade had the same or similar exon-intron structure. Chromosome mapping suggested that FGF genes were widely dispersed across the chicken genome and were located on chromosomes 1, 4-6, 9-10, 13, 15, 28, and Z. In addition, the interactions among FGF proteins and between FGFs and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins are limited, indicating that the remaining functions of FGF proteins should be further investigated in chickens. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis showed that FGF gene interacts with MAPK genes and are involved in stimulating signaling pathway and regulating immune responses. Furthermore, this study identified 15 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in 21 different growth stages during early chicken embryo development. RNA-sequencing data identified the DEG of FGFs on 1- and 3-days post infection in two indigenous Ri chicken lines infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAIV). Finally, all the genes examined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and RNA-Seq analyses showed similar responses to HPAIV infection in indigenous Ri chicken lines (R² = 0.92-0.95, p<0.01). Conclusion: This study provides significant insights into the potential functions of FGFs in chickens, including the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways and the immune response of chickens to HPAIV infections.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.446-455
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• 2023

The mechanistic functions of 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), a chalcone compound known to have many pharmacological effects on lung cancer, have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identified the comprehensive anti-cancer mechanism of 3-DSC, which targets EGFR and MET kinase in drug-resistant lung cancer cells. 3-DSC directly targets both EGFR and MET, thereby inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, 3-DSC induced cell cycle arrest by modulating cell cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin B1, cdc2, and p27. In addition, concomitant EGFR downstream signaling proteins such as MET, AKT, and ERK were affected by 3-DSC and contributed to the inhibition of cancer cell growth. Furthermore, our results show that 3-DSC increased redox homeostasis disruption, ER stress, mitochondrial depolarization, and caspase activation in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells, thereby abrogating cancer cell growth. 3-DSC induced apoptotic cell death which is regulated by Mcl-1, Bax, Apaf-1, and PARP in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells. 3-DSC also initiated the activation of caspases, and the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, abrogated 3-DSC induced-apoptosis in lung cancer cells. These data imply that 3-DSC mainly increased mitochondria-associated intrinsic apoptosis in lung cancer cells to reduce lung cancer cell growth. Overall, 3-DSC inhibited the growth of drug-resistant lung cancer cells by simultaneously targeting EGFR and MET, which exerted anti-cancer effects through cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial homeostasis collapse, and increased ROS generation, eventually triggering anti-cancer mechanisms. 3-DSC could potentially be used as an effective anti-cancer strategy to overcome EGFR and MET target drug-resistant lung cancer.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.155-170
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• 2023

PURPOSE. This study aims to clinically compare the fitness and trueness of zirconia crowns fabricated by different combinations of open CAD-CAM systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study, and 9 different zirconia crowns were prepared per patient. Each crown was made through the cross-application of 3 different design software (EZIS VR, 3Shape Dental System, Exocad) with 3 different processing devices (Aegis HM, Trione Z, Motion 2). The marginal gap, absolute marginal discrepancy, internal gap(axial, line angle, occlusal) by a silicone replica technique were measured to compare the fit of the crown. The scanned inner and outer surfaces of the crowns were compared to CAD data using 3D metrology software to evaluate trueness. RESULTS. There were significant differences in the marginal gap, absolute marginal discrepancy, axial and line angle internal gap among the groups (P < .05) in the comparison of fit. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of occlusal internal gap. The trueness ranged from 36.19 to 43.78 ㎛ but there was no statistically significant difference within the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION. All 9 groups showed clinically acceptable level of marginal gaps ranging from 74.26 to 112.20 ㎛ in terms of fit comparison. In the comparison of trueness, no significant difference within each group was spotted. Within the limitation of this study, open CAD-CAM systems used in this study can be assembled properly to fabricate zirconia crown.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.6
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• pp.609-621
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• 2024

Objective : This study analyzed the influence of p120-catenin (catenin [cadherin-associated protein], delta 1 [CTNND1]) on the malignant characteristics of glioma and elucidated the potential underlying mechanism. Methods : The p120 expression level was assessed in the brain tissues of 42 glioma patients and 10 patients with epilepsy by using the immunohistochemical method. Meanwhile, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QT-PCR) technology was employed to assess the expression of p120 in the brain tissues of 71 glioma patients and 13 epilepsy patients. LN229, U251, and U87 glioma cells were used for in vitro analysis and categorized into four treatment groups : siRNA-blank control (BC) group (no RNA sequence was transfected), siRNA-negative control (NC) group (transfected control RNA sequences with no effect), and siRNA-1 and siRNA-2 groups (two p120-specific interfering RNA transfection). p120 expression in these treatment groups was quantified by western blotting assay. The migratory and invasive capabilities of glioma cells were studied by wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively, under different treatment conditions. MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide) assay and cell cycle and apoptosis assay were used to determine glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Enzyme-labeled assay was performed to measure intracellular calcium ion concentration. Immunofluorescence assay was performed for determining microtubule formation and glioma cell distribution. Results : Brain tissues of the glioma group exhibited a remarkable increase in the p120 expression level as compared to brain tissues of the nontumor group (p<0.05). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was noted between the malignancy degree in glioma brain tissues and p120 expression in Western blotting (r=0.906, p<0.0001) and QT-PCR (F=830.6, p<0.01). Compared to the BC and NC groups, the siRNA transfection groups showed a significant suppression in p120 expression in glioma cells (p<0.05), with a marked attenuation in the invasive, migratory, and proliferative capabilities of glioma cells as well as an increase in apoptotic potential (p<0.05). Enzyme-labeled assay showed a remarkable increase in calcium concentration in glioma cells after siRNA treatment. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that the microtubule formation ability of glioma cells reduced after siRNA treatment. Conclusion : p120 has a pivotal involvement in facilitating glioma cell invasion and proliferation by potentially modulating these processes through its involvement in microtubule formation and regulation of intracellular calcium ion levels.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.125-130
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• 1997

Separating the patient from hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) before achieving adequate rewarming often results in afterdrop, which can predispose to electrolyte disturbances, arrhythmia, hemodynamic alterations, and shivering-induced increase of oxygen consumption. In an attempt to find an adequate end point temperature of rewarming after hypothermic CPB, 50 pediatric cardiac surgical patients were r ndomly assigned for end point temperature of rewarming of 35.5$^{\circ}C$ (Group 1) or 37t (Group 2), rectal temperature. Thereafter the rectal temperature was measured half, one, four, eight, and 16 hour after arrival to the intensive care unit(ICU), with heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally the rectal temperature was compared with esophageal temperature during CPB, and axillary temperature luring stay in the ICU. Nonpulsatile perfusion with a roller pump was used in all patients and a membrane or bubble oxygenator was used for oxygenation. Both groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, body surface area, total bypass time, and rewarming time. There was no afterdrop in both groups, and there were no statistical differences in the rectal temperatures between two groups. There were also no statistical dilyerences with respect to the heart rate and blood pressure between two groups. At the end of rewarming the esophageal temperature was higher than the rectal temperature. The axil ary temperature measured in ICU was always lower than the rectal temperature. No shivering was noted in all patients. In conclusion, with restoration of rectal temperature above 35.5$^{\circ}C$ at the end of CPB in pediatric patients, we did not observe an afterdrop.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.9
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• pp.97-104
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• 1968

A survey of the free amino acids and free sugars in the juice of fourteen citrus varieties was made by means of paper chromatography and the pectin content in the rind was detected The results of the survey are summarized as follows. 1) Sixteen aminoacids detecteu in fourteen varieties under the condition of this study were distributed with. different frequency as follow. Proline, gamma-amino-butyric acid, alanine, valine, serine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid (in 14 varieties), lysine(12), leucine threonine(11), isoleucine(10), arginine(9), glycine(6) ${\beta}-alanine$(4) asparagine(3) unknown(2). 2) Proline, gamma-amino-butyric acid were mostly abundant in all varieties and alanine was next in the amount. 3) The varieties in the decreasing order of number of amino acids container were C. grandis madow C. leiocarpa (14 acids), C. sulcata, C. hassaku. native citron, Fortunella japonica(13) C. grandis heiko, C. Tamurana iyo, C. nobilis(12) C. reticulata C. junos(11) C. natsudaidai(10) C. miyakawa unshiu, C. ohali unshiu(9). 4) The varieties which appear to contain all essential amino acids(6 acids)detected were C. grandis madow C. grandis heiko, C. sulcata, C. Tamurana iyo, C. hassaku and native citron, and C. natsudaidai, C. unshiu were the least (1-3 acids). 5) Glucose fructose, sucrose and maltose were detected in all varieties. 6) The pectin content in the rind ranged from 8.64% F.W.(C. junos) up to 17.0% for C, grandis madow and the mean was $11.63{\pm}2.69%$.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.203-207
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• 2004

The transgenic mice carrying human Interleukin-10 (hIL-10) gene in conjunction with bovine (3 -casein promoter express hIL-10 in milk during lactation. In this study, stability of germ line transmission and expression of hIL-10 transgene integrated into host chromosome were monitored up to generation F8 of transgenic mice. When male mouse of generation F8 was crossbred with normal females, approximately half of offspring (50.9±5.8%) were identified as transgenic mice. Generation F9 to F15 mice also showed similar transmission rates (66.0±20.1%, 61.5±16.7%, 41.1±8.4%, 40.7±20.3%, 61.3±10.8%, 49.2±18.8% and 43.8±25.9%, respectively), implying that hIL-10 transgene can be transmitted stably up to long term generation in the transgenic mice. Expression levels of human IL-10 from milk of generation F9 to F14 mice were 3.6± 1.2 mg/ml, 4.2±0.9 mg/ml, 5.7±1.5 mg/ml, 6.3±3.5 mg/ml, 6.8±4.5 mg/ml and 6.8±3.1 mg/ml, respectively, which was showed high-level expression compared with that of generation F1 (1.6 mg/ml) mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that transgenic mice can be continuously passed their transgenes to the progeny through the breeding program with the same productivity of human IL-10 protein in their milk.