• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2012

Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is an important tool for preclinical vascular imaging, with micron-level resolution. This non-destructive means of imaging allows for rapid collection of 2D and 3D reconstructions to visualize specimens prior to destructive analysis such as pathological analysis. Objectives. The aim of this study was to suggest a method for ex vivo, postmortem examination of stented arterial segments with microCT. And ex vivo evaluation of stents such as bare metal or drug eluting stents on in-stent restenosis (ISR) in rabbit model was performed. The bare metal stent (BMS) and drug eluting stent (DES, paclitaxel) were implanted in the left or right iliac arteries alternatively in eight New Zealand white rabbits. After 4 weeks of post-implantation, the part of iliac arteries surrounding the stent were removed carefully and processed for microCT. Prior to microCT analysis, a contrast medium was loaded to lumen of stents. All samples were subjected to an X-ray source operating at 50 kV and 200 ${\mu}A$ by using a 3D isotropic resolution. The region of interest was traced and measured by CTAN analytical software. Objects being exposed to radiation had different Hounsfield unit each other with values of approximately 1.2 at stent area, 0.12 ~ 0.17 at a contrast medium and 0 ~ 0.06 at outer area of stent. Based on above, further analyses were performed. As a result, the difference of lengths and volumes between expanded stents, which may relate to injury score in pathological analysis, was not different significantly. Moreover, ISR area of BMS was 1.6 times higher than that of DES, indicating that paclitaxel has inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and prevent infiltration of restenosis into lumen of stent. And ISR area of BMS was higher ($1.52{\pm}0.48mm^2$) than that of DES ($0.94{\pm}0.42mm^2$), indicating that paclitaxel has inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and prevent infiltration of restenosis into lumen of stent. Though it was not statistically significant, it showed that the extent of neointema of mid-region of stents was relatively higher than that of anterior and posterior region in parts of BMS as showing cross-sectional 2-D image. suggest that microCT can be utilized as an accessorial tool for pathological analysis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Fisheries Technology Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.137-138
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• 2002

최근 세균을 이용한 적조 방제연구가 활발히 진행되면서 해양에서 다수의 미세조류 저해균이 분리되고 있다. 전보에서 저자들은 규조류 Chaetoceros spp.의 생육을 저해하는 해양세균 Shewanella sp. SR-14를 분리하였으며, 이 균은 대사산물을 생성하여 그 생육을 저해하는 것으로 보고한 바 있다. 그런데 Shewanella sp. SR-14에 의한 Chaetoceros calcitrans의 생육저해는 대사산물(배양여액)만을 사용한 경우보다 세균이 공존하는 경우에 그 활성이 휠씬 강하여 세균이 생성하는 저해물질에 의한 것으로만 이해하기 어려웠으며, 다른 미지의 기구가 관여하고 있을 가능성이 시사되었다. (중략)

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.134-141
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• 2015

The focus of this study was to observe the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Botryococcus braunii under mixotrophic conditions (i.e., added acorn) with the aim of increasing biomass and triacylglycerols (TAGs) content. The result of investigation indicated that the acorn contains a lot of carbonate (87.29%) and glucose (97.99 mg%). A significant growth of biomass was obtained when grown in acorn rich environment comparing to autotrophic conditions. 3 g/L acorn yielded the highest biomass concentration for these strains. Thus, the biomass productivity with 3 g/L acorn was obtained 2.31 times and 2.10 times higher than that of authotrophic conditions for Chlorella vulgaris and Botryococcus braunii, respectively. The maximum amount of TAGs was reached 14.35% and 18.41% for Chlorella vulgaris and Botryococcus braunii, respectively, in the growth medium with 5 g/L acorn. The effect of acorn could enhance the investigated microalgae growth, biomass productivity and TAGs content. This provides a feasible way to reduce the cost of bioenergy production from microalgae.

• Journal of the KSME
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.34-39
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• 2015

이 글에서는 나노스케일의 직경을 갖는 섬유를 빠른 생산속도로 제작할 수 있는 전기방사공정(electrospinning process)에 대한 개요와 조직공학용 지지체(tissue engineering scaffold)로의 응용을 위한 제조방법에 대해 소개하고자 한다. 세포의 증식, 분화 등의 생물학적 활동에 기반한 조직공학 및 조직재생 분야에서는 일시적 또는 영구적으로 세포가 부착하여 생장할 수 있는 지지체(scaffold)의 활용이 필수적이다. 세포가 이상적으로 성장할 수 있는 지지체를 제작하기 위해서는 세포의 부착 특성, 화학적/물리적/구조적 성장 환경 등이 고려되어야 한다. 따라서 이상적인 세포 성장 환경을 구현하기 위해 실제 세포 주변의 미세환경(microenvironmenr)조건을 모사하는 연구가 많이 이루어지고 있다. 세포외기질(extracellular matrix)이라고 하는 나노크기의 직경을 갖는 섬유기반의 세포 주변 환경을 모사하는 방법의 하나로 전기방사 공정이 '90년대에 들어 활용되기 시작하였다. 현재까지도 전기방사를 이용하여 제작되는 나노섬유는 공정조건 및 재료를 다양하게 응용하여 조직의 물리 화학적 특성을 잘 반영할 수 있는 장점이 있어 조직공학용 지지체로서 광범위하게 활용되고 있다.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.271-277
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to investigate the seasonal variation of picoplankton community in Lake Juam depending on the change of physico-chemical factors such as rainfall, water depth, DO and pH. The concentration of chlorophyll-a was most high as 18.03 mg/$m^3$ in July when the rainfall and water temperature were highest. The concentration was gradually decreased in October, April and that of January was decreased most low as 1.86 mg/$m^3$. The highest concentration of the Chl-a was shown at 2 and 5 m of water depth than surface, and the concentration was gradually decreased when the water depth becomes deep. Overall, microplankton was the highest rate as 33.9~54.2%, nanoplankton was 24.3~30.5% and picoplankton was 21.6~41.2%. Picoplankton was included as considerable concentration in the water of Juam lake. Therefore it is necessary to remove thoroughly the picoplankton in the water treatment processes such coagulation·sedimentation and sand filtration. The protoplasm released from destruction of picoplankton by chlorine has high possibility to cause regrowth of bacteria and pathogenic microorganism in the distribution system by playing the role of the assimilable organic carbon.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.279-285
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• 2024

The zonula occludens (ZO) protein serves as a scaffolding protein, providing structural support at the junctions between cells and the cytoplasmic surface. It acts as a bridge between integral membrane proteins and the cytoskeleton. Besides its structural role, it also participates in regulating cell growth and proliferation. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of ZO protein in various diseases, including cancer. Specifically, research has indicated that ZO protein influences the cancer microenvironment surrounding cancer cells, thereby facilitating their growth and development. ZO proteins exert diverse functions in the cancer microenvironment, impacting processes such as angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and interactions with mesenchymal stem cells. The specific mechanisms vary depending on the type of cancer and environmental conditions. Recent research unveiled several signaling pathways involving ZO protein, which could potentially impede cancer progression in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, these insights open avenues for novel treatment strategies. While the numerous physiological, structural, and morphological roles of ZO protein have been observed at the cellular and in vivo levels, understanding the signaling mechanisms it operates in vivo and how these mechanisms influence the cancer microenvironment remains a challenge. In this review, we delineate the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of ZO protein in the context of the cancer microenvironment. Additionally, we propose leveraging the properties of ZO protein to devise defense mechanisms within the cancer cell environment and provide an overview of its in vivo role.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.768-775
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• 2012

Alginate, obtained from the seaweeds, is a widely used biomaterial for cell transplantation, since its positive effect on viability of capsulized cells and its easier encapsulation capability of living cells. Demineralized bone powder (DBP), derived from the natural bone tissue, is widely applied for clinical trials for its low rate of reaction and antigenicity. A chondrocyte was seeded into an alginate with DBP of different contents, and a microcapsule was produced. The adhesion and proliferation of cells was observed through the MTT analysis, and the PCR was applied to estimate the content of the glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen, and confirm the specific genetic pattern of the chondrocytes. Also, the alginate microcapsule where the chondrocyte is seeded was extracted after transplantation under the skin of a nude mouse, and was immunochemically stained. The experimental result confirmed that the alginate microcapsule containing 1% of DBP not only showed the highest proliferation of cell but had a positive effect of chondrocytes by the interaction between the alginates and the growth factor in DBP. It can be expected that the microcapsule with application of the alginates and DBP might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2005

Purpose : To determine the histological findings and treatment outcome in cases of child hood nephrotic syndrome which required renal biopsy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, laboratory, pathologic findings and therapeutic outcomes of 159 nephrotic children who received a renal biopsy at the Department of Pediatrics, Kyunghee Medical University Hospital, Seoul from 1984 to 2004 over a period of 21 years. The renal biopsy was performed in nephrotic children who showed atypical features at presentation, or needed cytotoxic therapy because of frequent-relapsing, steroid-dependent, or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS). Results : Minimal change disease(MCD) was found in 52.1$\%$ of the patients, followed by diffuse mesangial proliferation(33.1$\%$), focal segmental gomerulosclerosis(5.3$\%$), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(2.4$\%$), membranous nephropathy(2.4$\%$), and IgA nephropathy(1.8$\%$). In MCD children, 14.8$\%$ had hematuria, 22.7$\%$ had hypertension, 5.7$\%$ showed decreased renal function, and no patient was found to have an abnormal complement level. Among patients diagnosed with diseases other than MCD, 43.2$\%$ had hematuria, 21.0$\%$ was found to be hypertensive, 7.4$\%$ of children showed decreased renal function and only 3(3.7$\%$) had decreased complement level; the rates of hematuria and SRNS were found to be significantly higher than MCD patients. Among 37 SRNS patients, 30(81.0$\%$) showed a final remission state with long-term steroid therapy, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, over 4 months, with or without cytotoxic therapy. Conclusion : Almost half of the cases of childhood nephrotic syndrome requiring renal biopsy were not diagnosed with MCD. Among atypical features, hematuria and steroid-resistance would be the most probable indicators for a diagnosis other than MCD. Even in patients with SRNS, long-term methylprednisolone pulse therapy may result in a good remission rate. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:149-158)

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2004

The development and proliferation of the mandibular condyle can be altered by changes in the biomechanical environment of the temporomandibular joint. The biomechanical loads were varied by feeding diets of different consistencies. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether changes of masticatory forces by feeding a soft diet can alter the trabecular bone morphology of the growing mouse mandibular condyle, by means of micro-computed tomography. Thirty-six female, 21 days old, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups. Mice in the hard-diet control group were fed standard hard rodent pellets for 8 weeks. The soft-diet group mice were given soft ground diets for 8 weeks and their lower incisors were shortened by cutting with a wire cutter twice a week to reduce incision. After 8 weeks all animals were killed after they were weighed. Following sacrifice, the right mandibular condyle was removed. High spatial resolution tomography was done with a Skyscan Micro-CT 1072. Cross-sections were scanned and three-dimensional images were reconstructed from 2D sections. Morphometric and nonmetric parameters such as bone volume(BV), bone surface(BS), total volume(TV), bone volume fraction(BV/TV), surface to volume ratio(BS/BV), trabecular thickness(Tb. Th.), structure model index(SMI) and degree of anisotropy(DA) were directly determined by means of the software package at the micro-CT system. From directly determined indices the trabecular number(Tb. N.) and trabecular separation(Tb. Sp.) were calculated according to parallel plate model of Parfitt et al.. After micro-tomographic imaging, the samples were decalcified, dehydrated, embedded and sectioned for histological observation. The results were as follow: 1. The bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness(Tb. Th.) and trabecular number(Tb. N.) were significantly decreased in the soft-diet group compared with that of the control group (p<0.05). 2. The trabecular separation(Tb. Sp.) was significantly increased in the soft-diet group(p<0.05). 3. There was no significant differences in the surface to volume ratio(BS/BV), structure model index(SMI) and degree of anisotropy(DA) between the soft-diet group and hard-diet control group (p>0.05). 4. Histological sections showed that the thickness of the proliferative layer and total cartilage thickness were significantly reduced in the soft-diet group.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.519-527
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• 2010

Paclitaxel is known as a potent inhibitor of microtubule depolymerization. It leads to mitotic arrest and cell death by stabilizing the spindle in various cell types. Here, we investigated the effects of paclitaxel on the proliferation and cell death of rabbit articular chondrocytes. Paclitaxel inhibited proliferation in a dose- and time- dependent manner, determined by MTT assay in rabbit articular chondrocytes. We also established paclitaxel-induced G2/M arrest by fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Paclitaxel increased expression of cyclin B, p53 and p21, while reducing expression of cdc2 and cdc25C in chondrocytes, as detected by Western blot analysis. Interestingly, paclitaxel showed the mitotic catastrophe that leads to abnormal nucleus division and cell death without DNA fragmentation through activation of caspase. Cell death by mitotic catastrophe in cells treated with paclitaxel was suppressed by inhibiting G1/S arrest with 2 mM thymidine. These results demonstrate that paclitaxel induces cell death via mitotic catastrophe without activation of casepase in rabbit articular chondrocytes.