• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.783-790
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• 2023

Modern people have an increased incidence of metabolic diseases due to changed eating habits, and diabetes is considered the most significant metabolic disease. Given that existing diabetes treatments are accompanied by side effects, the aim of this study was to identify traditional natural products that have anti-diabetic activity. The potential anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities of natural products were examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, α-glucosidase assay, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition assay. Methanol extracts of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Acer tegmentosum branches, Nelumbo nucifera seeds, and Carthamus tinctorius seeds were found to have high anti-diabetic activity and further fractionated with solvents using ethyl acetate and butanol. Consequently, the ethyl acetate fraction of C. tinctorius seeds (MG-11-E) with high α-glucosidase and PTP1B inhibitory activity was selected. MG-11-E was subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography, and fraction #6 showed high α-glucosidase and PTP1B inhibitory activity. Fraction #6 was analyzed and fractionated via high performance liquid chromatography with 50% methanol as the mobile phase, and anti-diabetic activity was observed in the sample that eluted after 4 min as a single peak. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity exhibited by this sample seemed to be greater than the PTP1B inhibitory activity; thus, it was concluded that a greater anti-diabetic therapeutic effect may be achieved by combining this agent with natural products that inhibit PTP1B activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.923-935
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• 2023

Rubus crataegifolius (RC), Ulmus macrocarpa (UM), and Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) are well-known folk medicines in Asia used to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances. The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effect of LS-RUG-com, a mixture of commercially prepared powders of RC, UM, and GJ with a ratio of 3:1:2(w/w/w) against HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis, indomethacin-induced ulcers, and esophageal reflux-induced esophageal mucosal damage and Helicobacter pylori infections. In addition, TNF-α and IL-1β expressions were also determined and measured in esophageal tissue. As to HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis, the LS-RUG-com treatment at a dose of 150 mg/kg showed a remarkable anti-gastritis effect. Regarding indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers, the LS-RUG-com treatment had a significant anti-gastric ulcer effect. Furthermore, in the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) model experiment, the LS-RUG-com treatment resulted in the histological recovery of stomach damage and mucosal injuries. Furthermore, the LS-RUG-com treatment led to an increase in gastric content pH, an increase in mucus protection, and a decrease in gastric pepsin output with a significant decrease in TNF-α and IL-1β. As to the Helicobacter pylori infected animal model, LS-RUG-com had a notable inhibitory effect on Helicobacter growth. The use of RC, UM, or GJ in isolation or the LS-RUG-com treatment as whole had good effects in terms of anti-oxidation, anti-neutralization, gastric acid secretion inhibition, and anti-lipid peroxidation, which supported the use of natural products as systemic gastric protective agents. Our results suggest that the LS-RUG-com might be a significant systemic gastroprotective agent that could be utilized for the treatment and/or protection from gastric disturbances and related damage.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.315-323
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• 2023

This study is to quantify α-quartz, cristobalite and kaolinite using by FTIR in respirable dust generated in the mining workplace. Various minerals in mines can interfere with peaks when quantifying respirable crystalline silica by FTIR. Therefore, for accurate quantification, it is necessary to remove interfering substances or correct the peaks that cause interference. To confirm the peaks occurring in α-quartz, cristobalite and kaolinite, each standard material was diluted with KBr and scanned in the range of 400 cm^-1 to 4000 cm^-1 using by FTIR. As a result of scanning the analytes, it was decided to use the peaks of 797.66 cm^-1 and 695.25 cm^-1 for α-quartz, 621.58 cm^-1 for cristobalite, and 3696.47 cm^-1 for kaolinite. When the above materials are mixed, interference occurs at the peak for quantification, which is corrected by the calculation formula. The analysis of the mixture of α-quartz and cristobalite shows the average bias (%) of 2.64 (corrected) at α-quartz (797.66 cm^-1), 5.61 (uncorrected) at α-quartz (695.25 cm^-1) and 1.51 (uncorrected) at cristobalite (621.58 cm^-1). The analysis of the mixture of α-quartz and kaolinite shows the average bias(%) of 1.79(corrected) at α-quartz (797.66 cm^-1), 3.92 (corrected) at α-quartz (695.25 cm^-1) and 2.58 (uncorrected) at kaolinite (3696.47 cm^-1). The analysis of the mixture of cristobalite and kaolinite shows the average bias (%) of 2.15 (corrected) at cristobalite (621.58 cm^-1), 4.32 (uncorrected) at kaolinite (3696.47 cm^-1). The analysis of the mixture of αquartz and cristobalite and kaolinite shows the average bias (%) of 1.93(corrected) at α-quartz (797.66 cm^-1), 6.47 (corrected) at α-quartz (695.25 cm^-1) and 1.77 (corrected) at cristobalite (621.58 cm^-1) and 2.61 (uncorrected) at kaolinite (3696.47 cm^-1). The experimental results showed that the deviation caused by peak interference by two or three substances could be corrected to less than 6 % of the average deviation. This study showed the possibility of correcting and quantifying when various interfering substances that are difficult to remove are mixed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.828-834
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• 2023

The cDNA that encodes transmembrane protein 258 (Tmem258) was cloned from Gryllus bimaculatus and named GbTmem258. This protein comprises 80 amino acids, has no N-glycosylation site, and contains five potential phosphorylation sites at two serines, two threonines, and one tyrosine. The predicted molecular mass of GbTmem258 is 9.06 kDa, and its theoretical isoelectric point is 5.5. The tertiary structure of GbTmem258 was predicted using the available secondary structure information, which suggests the presence of alpha helices (52.5%), random coils (22.5%), extended strands (16.25%), and beta turns (8.75%). Homology analysis revealed that GbTmem258 exhibits high similarity at the amino-acid level to Tmem258 found in other species. The effect of starvation and refeeding on GbTmem258 mRNA expression was also examined in this study. It was found that GbTmem258 mRNA expression in the hindgut progressively increased throughout the starvation period, peaking at almost 1.5 times the control level after six days of starvation. However, refeeding for one to two days after the six-day starvation period restored GbTmem258 mRNA expression to the control level. In fat body, GbTmem258 mRNA expression was almost 3-fold higher during starvation compared to the control level. Refeeding for one to two days after the six-day fast resulted in a decline in the expression to about a 2.5-fold increase over the control level. Throughout the starving and refeeding periods, no other tissues showed any discernible alterations in GbTmem258 mRNA expression.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1036-1045
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• 2023

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the insidious loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, represents a significant and growing healthcare challenge, impacting the mobility and quality of life of aging populations worldwide. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of soybean leaf extract (SL) for dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in an in vivo model. In vitro experiments showed that SL significantly alleviated Dexa-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotube cells, as evidenced by preserved myotube morphology, density, and size. Moreover, SL treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), key factors regulating muscle atrophy. In a Dexa-induced atrophy mouse model, SL administration significantly inhibited Dexa-induced weight loss and muscle wasting, preserving the mass of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. Furthermore, mice treated with SL exhibited significant improvements in muscle function compared to their counterparts suffering from Dexa-induced muscle atrophy, as evidenced by a notable increase in grip strength and extended endurance on treadmill tests. Moreover, SL suppressed the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins in skeletal muscle, highlighting its protective role against Dexa-induced muscle atrophy. These results suggest that SL has potential as a natural treatment for muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2023

Purpose: A mismatched size in the post and post space is a common problem during post-fixation. Since this discordance affects the bonding strength of the fiber-reinforced composite resin post (FRC Post), a corresponding luting agent is required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bonding strength of the FRC post according to the fitness of the fiber post and the type of luting agent. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular premolar were endodontic-treated and assigned to two groups according to their prepared post space: Fitting (F) and Mismatching (M). These groups were further classified into three subgroups according to their luting agent: RelyX Unicem (ReX), Luxacore dual (Lux), and Duolink (Duo). A push-out test was performed to measure the push-out bond strengths. The fractured surfaces of each cross-section were then examined, and the fracture modes were classified. Results: In the ReX and Duo subgroups, the F group had a higher mean bond strength; however, the Lux subgroup had no significant difference between the F and M groups. In the analysis of the failure modes, the ReX subgroup had only adhesive failures between the cement and dentin. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the bond strength of an FRC post was influenced by the type of luting agent and the mismatch between the diameter of the prepared post space and that of the post.

• Bulletin of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.16-29
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• 2024

2014년 4월 18일 오전 8시 48분경 전라남도 병풍도 인근 해역에서 세월호는 전복된 후 침몰하였다. 사고 당시 이 배에는 승객 443명과 선원 및 승무원 33명 모두 476명이 타고 있었고, 이 중 미수습자 5명을 포함하여304명이 생명을 잃었다. 그 동안 공식적인 사고원인 규명활동이 꾸준히 진행되어 이 사고의 원인을 규명하기 위한 조사가 네 차례 있었다. 하지만 아직까지 사고 원인이 무엇인지 명쾌하게 밝혀지지 않고 있다. 이 글에서는 먼저 그동안 있었던 네 차례의 공식적인 세월호 사고원인 규명활동을 정리하였다. 가장 먼저 사고원인 규명활동을 전개한 해양안전심판원 특별조사부는 2014년 사고 직후부터 그해 12월까지 활동하였다. 특별조사부 최종보고서에는 화물의 과적과 평형수 적재 부족으로 인한 선박복원성 기준 미달, 타각의 대각도 조타와 장시간 유지로 인한 부적절한 조타, 화물의 부실한 고박으로 인한 화물의 이동, 수밀문의 관리 부실로 인한 조기 침수와 비상대피장소(muster station)로의 승객대피 조치 미이행을 사고의 원인으로 들고 있다. 2015년 3월부터 2016년 6월까지 활동한 4·16세월호참사 특별조사위원회(특조위)는 '4·16 세월호 참사 특별 조사위원회 청산 백서'만을 간행하고 최종보고서를 제출하지 못한 채 활동을 종료하였다. 세월호 선체조사위원회(선조위)는 2017년 4월부터 2018년 8월까지 활동하였다. 선조위는 세월호 사고원인 규명을 위한 다른 기구에 비해 위원의 구성도 균형이 있었고, 직권사건 위주의 조사방법도 적절하였다. 또한 조타기와 조타 과실 여부, 급선회 항적 및 횡경사와 핀안정기의 물리적 손상에 관한 용역을 국내 여러 기관에 발주하였다. 뿐만 아니라 다양한 해양사고 원인규명 용역에 참여한 실적이 있는 영국의 기술용역회사인 Brookes Bell에 급선회와 빠른 침몰의 원인 조사를 요청하였다. 아울러 세계에서 가장 활발히 수조실험을 수행하고 있는 상업 연구소인 네덜란드의 MARIN에 수조시험과 시뮬레이션도 의뢰하였다. 하지만 아쉽게도 선조위는 서로 다른 사고 원인을 주장하는 두 권의 종합보고서를 간행하였다. 종합보고서로 '내인설' 종합보고서[6]는 타기 솔레노이드 밸브의 고착으로 시작된 급선회를 사고의 직접 원인으로 지목하고 있다. 하지만 '열린안' 종합보고서[7]에서는 수중체와의 충돌을 직접적인 사고 원인으로 밝히고 있다. 마지막으로 가습기살균제 사건과 4·16세월호 참사 특별조사위원회(사참위)가 2019년 3월부터 2022년 9월까지 활동하였다. 사참위는 위원으로 조선해양공학과 항해학 전문가가 포함되어 있지 않아 세월호의 사고원인 규명활동을 효과적으로 수행하기에는 적절하지 못하였다. 사참위는 주로 조타장치 고장에 따른 세월호 전타 선회현상 검증, 세월호 변형 손상부의 확인 및 원인 조사와 세월호 횡경사 원인과 침수과정 분석을 직권 과제로 추진하였다. 또한 네덜란드 MARIN에 자유항주시험을 추가로 의뢰하였으며, 핀란드의 NAPA group에도 복원성 계산과 침수해석을 의뢰하였다. 사참위는 선조위의 두 가지 사고원인에 대해 '내인설'의 솔레노이드 밸브 고착은 사고원인일 가능성이 매우 낮고, '열린안'의 수중체와의 충돌 시나리오는 근거가 부족함을 확인하였다. 이상에서 정리한 바와 같이 규명활동이 진행됨에 따라 사고원인이 수렴되어야 함에도 불구하고 아직까지 원인을 시원하게 밝히지 못하고 있다. 이 글에서는 사고원인 규명활동을 수행한 네 개 기구의 구성과 활동 내용을 비교하고, 사고조사 위원회의 바람직한 구성과 위원회의 운영 방법을 제시하고 있다. 또한 Brookes Bell 보고서에 수록된 출항 당시의 흘수에 근거한 배수량과 선미 램프의 폐쇄 전후의 횡경사각으로부터 도출한 GoM도 소개하고 있다. 아울러 출항 당시의 GoM값으로 추정한 사고 당시의 GoM값도 소개하고 있고, 수중체와의 충돌 시나리오를 후보 사고 시나리오에서 제외시켜야 할 이유도 열거하고 있다. 끝으로 해양사고 원인규명 활동이 보다 과학적으로 그리고 보다 합리적으로 이루어질 수 있기 위해 그리고 우리 사회의 안전문화 제고를 위한 몇 가지의 방안을 제시하고 있다. 또한 세월호 사고로 치른, 아직도 치르고 있는 희생을 딛고 해양안전문화가 한 걸음 더 나아가기 위해서는 세월호 사고의 원인을 반드시 규명해야 한다는 말씀으로 글을 마무리하고 있다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.48-58
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• 2024

Salmonella is a common food-borne intracellular bacterial pathogen that has triggered significant public health concerns. Salmonella hosts' genetic factors play a pivotal role in determining their susceptibility to the pathogen. Cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1), a member of LIM/double zinc finger protein family, is widely expressed in humans, such as in the lungs, spleen, and especially the gut. Recently, CRIP1 has been reported as a key marker of several immune disorders; however, the effect of CRIP1 on bacterial infection remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between Salmonella infection and CRIP1 gene deficiency, as Salmonella spp. is known to invade the Peyer's patches of the small intestine, where CRIP1 is highly expressed. We found that CRIP1-deficient conditions could not alter the characteristics of bone marrow-derived myeloid cells in terms of phagocytosis on macrophages and the activation of costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells using ex vivo differentiation. Moreover, flow cytometry data showed comparable levels of MHCII⁺CD11b⁺CD11c⁺ dendritic cells and MHCII⁺F4/80⁺CD11b⁺ macrophages between WT and CRIP1 knockout (KO) mice. Interestingly, the basal population of monocytes in the spleen and neutrophils in MLNs is more abundant in a steady state of CRIP1 KO mice than WT mice. Here, we demonstrated that the CRIP1 genetic factor plays dispensable roles in host susceptibility to Salmonella Typhimurium infections and the activation of myeloid cells. In addition, differential immune cell populations without antigen exposure in CRIP1 KO mice suggest that the regulation of CRIP1 expression may be a novel immunotherapeutic approach to various infectious diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.160-169
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• 2024

In this study, Abies nephrolepis MAX. was divided into A. nephrolepis MAX. stem (AS) extract and A. nephrolepis MAX. leaf (AL) extract. Their anti-inflammatory abilities and applicability as cosmetic materials were determined. Tests of the cell survival rate measured using RAW 264.7 cells and extracts of AS and AL showed 97.8% and 95.6% cell viability at a 500 ㎍/ml concentration. To determine anti-inflammatory activity, we examined the inhibitory effects on the production of LPS-induced NO in RAW 264.7 cells by Griess assay. The results showed that the AS and AL extracts presented a concentration-dependent inhibition of NO production. The protein expression inhibitory effects of AS and AL extracts were measured by western blot at 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/ml concentrations. β-actin was used as a positive control. The results of western blot of extracts from AS showed that the expression inhibition rate of the iNOS protein was decreased by 50.1% at the 100 ㎍/ml concentration. Additionally, the results of western blot of AL extracts showed that the expression inhibition rate of COX-2 and iNOS protein was decreased by 66% and 8.2% at the 100 ㎍/ml concentration. The mRNA inhibitory effect was measured by RT-PCR at 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/ml concentrations. GAPDH was used as a positive control. Consequently, the iNOS mRNA expression effect by RT-PCR of AS extract demonstrated by RT-PCR decreased by 27.9% at the 100 ㎍/ml concentration, and the iNOS and IL-6 mRNA expression effect of AL extract measured by RT-PCR decreased by 48.6% and 48.7% at the 100 ㎍/ml concentration.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.199-231
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• 1975

It is well known fact that antibiotic residues in milk of cows create significant problem for the fermented dairy industry and public health because of inhibition of starter activity and of creation of allergic disease. It can be assumed that antibiotic residues in milk of other aniimals also can create some problems for their infants as in the case of humen. For the above mentioned reasons, present studies were undertaken to determine concentration and duration of antibiotic residues in milk of cows, goats and dogs following intramuscular or intravenous injection and intramammary infusion of penicillin, streptomycin and oxytetracycline at usual dosage. The cylinder-plate method was used for their assay. The results obtained were summerized as follows: 1) Following the intramuscular injection of penicillin, the antibiotic was detected in milk of cows up to 72 hours, in milk of goats 48 hours and in milk of dogs 60 hours of postinjection. The mean peak concentrations were recorded at 12 hours as 0.136 I.U./ml in cows. 6 hours as 0.773 I.U./ml in goats and 3 hours as 1.192 I.U./ml in dogs. 2) Following the intramuscular injection of streptomycin, the antibiotic was detected in milk of cows and goats up to 36 hours and in milk of dogs 24 hours of post-injection. The mean peak concentration were recorded at 6 hours as $0.26{\mu}g/ml$ in cows and at 3 hours in goats and dogs $0.45{\mu}g/ml$ and $0.36{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. 3) Following the intra venous injection of oxytetracycline, the antibiotic was detectable in milk of all the test animals up to 48 hours of postinjection. The mean peak concentrations were recorded at 6 hours as $3.5{\mu}g/ml$ in cows $2.4{\mu}g/ml$ in goats and $2.0{\mu}g/ml$ in dogs respectively. 4) Following intrarnammary infusion of penicillin in amounts of 100,000 I.U. for cows, 20.000 I.U. for goats and 10,000 I.U. for dogs, the penicillin residues in milk of the infused quarter perssisted to 72 hours in cows and 84 hours in goats and dogs. 5) Following intramammary infusion of streptomycin in amount of 500mg for cows, 100mg for goats and 25mg for dogs, the streptomycin residues in milk of the infused quarter persisted to 72 hours in cows and goats and 60 hours in dogs. 6) Following intramammary infusion of oxytetracycline in amount of 500mg for cows, 100mg for goats and 25mg for dogs, the oxytetracycline residues in milk of the infused quarter persisted to 72 hours in cows and 60 hours in goats and dogs. 7) A corelation between the residual antibiotic concentration and milk yield in cows and goats was observed; That is, the lower in the milk production showed a higher the concentration of an antibiotic residues and a longer the time in persistance. 8) Intramammary transfer of the antibiotic from an infused to non infused quarters, in dogs, was observed following the intramammary infusion of penicillin. streptomycin and oxytetracyclne in amounts of 10.000 I.U. 25mg and 25mg respectively. However, no transfer by 100.000 I.U. or 20.000 I.U. of penicillin. 500mg of streptomycin and 100mg of oxytetracyline was observed in cows and goats. 9) In dogs, minimum dosage of antibiotics for transfer fro in treated to untreated quarters following intramammary infusion were 2,500 I.U. of penicillin and 5mg each of streptomycin and oxytetracycline.