• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.331-342
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• 2020

The suppression of neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells can be considered a key target for improving the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Asparagus cochinchinensis has traditionally been used as a medicine to treat fever, cough, kidney disease, breast cancer, inflammatory diseases, and brain diseases. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of an aqueous extract from A. cochinchinensis root (AEAC), particularly its anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglial cells. BV-2 cells were treated with four different concentrations of AEAC. No significant toxicity was detected in BV-2 cells treated with AEAC. Nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels were 21% lower in the AEAC+LPS group than in the Vehicle+LPS group. Lower proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-10) levels were also detected in the AEAC+LPS group than in the Vehicle+LPS group, albeit at varying rates. Moreover, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) members after LPS treatment was significantly recovered in the AEAC-pretreated group compared to the Vehicle+LPS group, enhancement of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) members after LPS treatment was significantly recovered in the AEAC-pretreated group, while cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase caused by LPS treatment was less severe in the AEAC+LPS group. The increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by LPS treatment was also lower in the AEAC-pretreated group than in the Vehicle+LPS group. This is the first study to show that AEAC exerts anti-neuroinflammatory activity against LPS stimulation by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, the cell cycle, and ROS production.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.309-315
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• 2019

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant neoplasm in women worldwide. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection by the human papillomavirus. Molecular diagnostic methods have emerged to detect the HPV for sensitivity, specificity, and objectivity. In particular, real-time PCR has been introduced to acquire a more sensitive target DNA or RNA. RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis are proceeded before performing real-time PCR targeting RNA. To identify an adequate and sensitive cDNA synthesis kit, this study evaluated the two commonly used kits for cDNA synthesis. The results show that the $R^2$ and efficiency (%) of the two cDNA synthesis kits were similar in the cervical cancer cell lines. On the other hand, the Takara kit compared to Invitrogen kit showed P<0.001 in the $10^2$ and $10^3$ SiHa cell count. The Takara kit compared to the Invitrogen kit showed P<0.001 in the $10^1$ and $10^2$ HeLa cell count. Furthermore, 8, 4, 2, 1, and 0.5 ml of forty exfoliated cell samples were used to compare the cDNA synthesis kits. The Takara kit compared to the Invitrogen kit showed P<0.01 in 8, 4, and 1 ml and P<0.05 in 0.5 mL. The study was performed to identify the most appropriate cDNA synthesis kit and suggests that a cDNA synthesis kit could affect the real-time PCR results.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.317-338
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• 2022

Physicochemical characteristics and evaluation were studied by subdividing the concretes, bricks and earth pipes on the site of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty, known as modern architecture, into three periods. Concretes showed similar specific gravity and absorption ratio, and large amounts of aggregates, quartz, feldspar, calcite and portlandite were detected. Porosity of the 1907 bricks were higher than those of 1910 and 1950 bricks. All earthen pipe is similar, but the earlier one was found to be more dense. Bricks and earthen pipes are dark red to brown in color within many cracks and pores, but the matrix of the earthen pipe is relatively homogeneous. Quartz, feldspar and hematite are detected in bricks, and mullite is confirmed with quartz and feldspar in earthen pipes, so it is interpreted that the materials have a firing temperature about 1,000 to 1,100℃. Concretes showed similar CaO content, but brick and earthen pipe had low SiO₂ and high Al₂O₃ in the 1907 specimen. However, the materials have high genetic homogeneity based on similar geochemical behaviors. Ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness of the concrete foundation differed due to the residual state, but indicated relatively weak physical properties. Converting the unconfined compressive strength, the 1st extended area had the highest mean values of 45.30 and 46.33 kgf/cm², and the 2nd extended area showed the lowest mean values (20.05 and 24.76 kgf/cm²). In particular, the low CaO content and absorption ratio, the higher ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness. It seems that the concrete used in the constructions of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty had similar mixing characteristics and relatively constant specifications for each year. It is interpreted that the bricks and earthen pipes were through a similar manufacturing process using almost the same raw materials.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources Conference
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• 1998.10a
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• pp.83-106
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• 1998

This study was conducted to investigate the probiotics(acid and bile resistance, fermentation properties, viability, cholesterol assimilation, antimicrobial activity, antimutagenicity, and immunoactivation) of the strains of bifidobacteria isolated from healthy Koreans and to investigate the effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum A-2 on the fecal microflora, ${\beta}-glucuronidase$ activity, pH values, Ammonia concentration. The experimental results are summarized as follows: The probiotics were tested for 23 strains including three commer챠al strains as controls. Compared to other strains, strains of A-2 and A-9 showed more acid resistance whereas A-2, A-5, A-13, A-14, A-18 and A-22 showed excellent bile resistances. The properties of bifidobacteria during fermentation were tested. Strains of A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-6, and A-23 resulted in less than pH 4.5 and titratable acidity over 0.90 after 24 hr of fermentation. When the strains of A-2 was grown with glucose, maltose, and fructooligosaccharide, the acetic acid production were higher than with sorbitol and mannitol. The storage stability of the strains of A-2 and A-22 were tesed, indicating the strain A-2 was more stable over 10 days of storage at both $4^{\circ}C$ and $20^{\circ}C$ than A-22. The strains of A-8, A-10, A-11, A-12 and A-20 assimilated more than 30% of cholesterol included in the media. The strains of A-1 and A-2 showed antimicrobial activity against Sta. aureus. The antimutagenicity of the strains were also tested, showing that the mutation was suppressed more by three strains(A-2, A-12, and A-23). In addition, strain A-5 improved immunological activity(phagocytosis, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6) more than other strains. In the effects of oral administration of Bif. longum A-2, the number of fecal bifidobacteria was siginificantly increased(p<0.01) and the level of fecal ${\beta}-glucuronidase$ also was siginificantly reduced(p<0.05). However there were no siginificant differences in the level of Lαctobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium perfringens, pH and ammonia by the administration. The results suggested that Bif. longum A-2 may be met the criteria for probiotics culture.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.855-861
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• 1995

Background: Parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrp) was first identified as the cause of hypercalcemia in malignancy. Hypercalcemia can be found in malignancy, especially in the epidermoid carcinoma of the lung, even without extensive metastases to the bones. The application of sensitive assays for PTHrp may help in the early diagnosis of lung cancer, in the monitoring of treatment and in the detection of recurrence. Method: Serum PTHrp was measured by radioimmunoassay detecting the N-terminal 1~34 peptide of human PTHrp(PTHrp 1-34) in 63 histologically confirmed lung cancer patients and 22 healthy controls. Result: Serum PTHrp(mean$\pm$S.E.) was $312{\pm}68.9pg/ml$ in 63 lung cancer patients and $158{\pm}38.2pg/ml$ in 22 controls(p>0.05). PTHrp was $356{\pm}103.9pg/ml$ in 34 epidermoid carcinoma patients, $281{\pm}148.7pg/ml$ in 15 adenocarcinoma patients and $316{\pm}140.8pg/ml$ in 9 small cell carcinoma patients. In epidermoid carcinoma patients, PTHrp was $570{\pm}472.3pg/ml$ in stage II(n=3; p<0.05 vs controls), $166{\pm}22.4pg/ml$ in stage IIIa(n=9), $282{\pm}113.3pg/ml$ in stage IIIb(n=12) and $668{\pm}367.9pg/ml$ in stage IV(n=9; p<0.05 vs controls). PTHrp was significantly increased in 8 epidermoid carcinoma patients with bone metastases($1526{\pm}811.2\;pg/ml$; p<0.0005 vs controls). Hypercalcemia was observed in an epidermoid carcinoma patient whose PTHrp value was 244 pg/ml. Conclusion: The serum PTHrp was increased in advanced epidermoid carcinoma patients even without hypercalcemia. The measurement of PTHrp may be not helpful in the early diagnosis of lung cancer. But the lung cancer should be suspected in the marked elevation of PTHrp. It may be of value in detecting patients of advanced diseases with bone metastases or patients who might develop the malignancy associated hypercalcemia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2013

Since the early 2000s, demand for coastal dredging projects have been significantly increased, and the dredged sediments have showed the continuing marked increases through the multiple projects with other coastal development and constructions. As significant or potential degradation of marine environment has been mounting, we checked the current situation of marine environmental impact assessment through marine water and sediment qualities in relation with dredging projects of the sea area utilization consultation statements submitted in 2011. While analysis percentages of the general items were usually higher, harmful components such as metals revealed wide variation of analysis percentages. In the event of analysis of metals, the pre-treatment process (full digestion) and analysis method were not properly implemented in accordance with the guidelines for preparation of consultation statements. Although not specified in the guidelines, verification procedures (tests of recovery efficiency and detection limit) to secure the reliability were almost ignored. As a result, most of developers did conduct poor marine environmental impact assessment on coastal dredging and related projects. We suggested that the responsible government authority should establish new detailed guidelines on the sea area utilization consultation for more strict evaluation and diagnosis of marine environment and distinctly request the developer to obey the guidelines by complementing the system of the sea area utilization consultation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.161-171
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• 2017

This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the proximate composition, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Sageretia thea (Osbeck) M.C.Johnst (S. thea) fruit and blueberry. The calorific value, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and carbohydrate were higher in S. thea fruit than in blueberry. S. thea fruit and blueberry have different profile of free sugars, in which amounts of fructose, glucose, and maltose were much higher in S. thea fruit than in blueberry. The methanol extracts of S. thea fruit contain higher amounts of total polyphenol and anthocyanin compared to those of blueberry extracts. In additions, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), alkyl, and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities are greater in S. thea fruit extracts. Ethyl acetate fractions and n-butanol fractions of S. thea fruit and blueberry show the most potent scavenging activity in DPPH-, alkyl-, and ABTS-radical scavenging assay. The ethyl acetate fractions of S. thea fruit and blueberry are the richest fraction in polyphenol contents while the n-butanol fractions of those are the highest fraction in anthocyanin contents. Furthermore, both S. thea fruit and blueberry extracts protect human dermal fibroblast cells against a $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. The antiproliferative activities of n-hexane and chloroform fraction from S. thea fruit and blueberry were observed in AGS human gastric cancer and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, our results suggest for the first time that the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of S. thea fruit is comparable to that of blueberry and the nutritional value of the former is even superior to that of the latter.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2013

Purpose: High-energy radiotherapy with 10 MV or higher develops photoneutron through photonuclear reaction. Photoneutron has higher radiation weighting factor than X-ray, thus low dose can greatly affect the human body. An accurate dosimetric calculation and consultation are needed. This study compared and analyzed the dose change of photoneutron in terms of space according to the size of photon beam energy and treatment methods. Materials and Methods: To measure the dose change of photoneutron by the size of photon beam energy, patients with the same therapy area were recruited and conventional plans with 10 MV and 15 MV were each made. To measure the difference between the two treatment methods, 10 MV conventional plan and 10 MV IMRT plan was made. A detector was placed at the point which was 100 cm away from the photon beam isocenter, which was placed in the center of $^3He$ proportional counter, and the photoneutron dose was measured. $^3He$ proportional counter was placed 50 cm longitudinally superior to and inferior to the couch with the central point as the standard to measure the dose change by position changes. A commercial program was used for dose change analysis. Results: The average integral dose by energy size was $220.27{\mu}Sv$ and $526.61{\mu}Sv$ in 10 MV and 15 MV conventional RT, respectively. The average dose increased 2.39 times in 15 MV conventional RT. The average photoneutron integral dose in conventional RT and IMRT with the same energy was $220.27{\mu}Sv$ and $308.27{\mu}Sv$ each; the dose in IMRT increased 1.40 times. The average photoneutron integral dose by measurement location resulted significantly higher in point 2 than 3 in conventional RT, 7.1% higher in 10 MV, and 3.0% higher in 15 MV. Conclusion: When high energy radiotherapy, it should consider energy selection, treatment method and patient position to reduce unnecessary dose by photoneutron. Also, the dose data of photoneutron needs to be systematized to find methods to apply computerization programs. This is considered to decrease secondary cancer probabilities and side effects due to radiation therapy and to minimize unnecessary dose for the patients.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.51-55
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• 2005

Resveratrol is naturally occurring phytoalexin compounds produced by grape berries, peanuts, and their products in response to stress such as fungal infection, heavy metal ions or UV irradiation. The objective of this study was to develope a reliable high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitative determination of trans-resveratrol in mulberry fruit. Samples were extracted in 80% MeOH and filtered with $0.45{\mu}m$ syringe filter. The transresveratrol was separated Waters $C_{18}$ column, using a mobile phase containing 0.025% trifluroacetic acid in 5% acetonitril and 0.035% trifluroacetic acid in 50% acetonitril, detected by photodiode array detector (PDA) at 254 nm and the flow rate was 1ml/min. Under this analytical condition, the mean content of mulberry fruits (fifty varieties) was $777.3{\pm}585.9ppm$. Among the tested samples, 'Mansaengbaekpinosang (II)' was the highest level in 3450.6 ppm. However four accessions including 'Gukbu', 'Sabangso (I)', 'Simseol' and yield mulberry fruit were not able to detected. Eight suitable varieties selected for the production of fruit were 'Jeolgokchosaeng (Chungbuk)' 777.8 ppm, 'Dangsang 7' 771.1 ppm, 'Jangsosang' 133.9 ppm, 'Susungppong' 31.1 ppm, 'Suwonnosang' 639.7 ppm, 'Palcheongsipyung' 1475.9 ppm, 'Kangsun' 864.0 ppm, and 'Jukcheonchosaeng' 1458.5 ppm. 'Daesungppong' which was the first authorized variety for the production of mulberry fruit was 1236.7 ppm. In conclusion, these results suggest that mulberry including fruit and leaf may a good new resource for resveratrol production.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.101-114
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• 2011

The rock-carved Buddha statue at Dosolam (Korea Treasure No. 1200) of the Seonunsa temple in Gochang is unique style sculptured on natural rock cliff of 13.0m height. The Buddha statue is composed of volcanic complex with tuff, dacitic tuff breccia, tuff bereccia and lithic tuff. Especially, the Buddha statue is characterized by hydrothermal alteration and fragmentation on the upper and lower part. As a result of damage diagnosis, exfoliation and detachment of physical weathering are high of 11.3% and 9.3%, respectively. Infrared thermography analysis, exfoliation and micro-cracks occurred in the measuring parts that have not been confirmed by naked eyes. Chemical index of alteration and weathering potential index of host rock for the Buddha statue are 55.16 to 64.01 and 6.14 to 9.92 which are represented within highly weathering degree. In surface, dark black, reddish brown and white discoloration are observed prominently in the lower. Brown discoloration 6.9% is highest. According to the P-XRF measurements, high concentration of Fe in common, in part of dark black discoloration was Mn, white and brown discoloration in part of S and Ca content were higher. Biological weathering that yellowish brown and dark gray crustoes lichenes appeared by 20.8% and 13.3%, respectively. Therefore, comprehensive deterioration rate of Buddha statue show physical damage by 21.2%, discoloration for inorganic contaminants by 10.8% and biological damage by 39.4%. Ultrasonic velocity measurement carried out of Buddha statue on the surface by 555 points. Measured value of ultrasonic velocity was about 2,273m/s(1,067 to 3,215m/s, and weathering coefficient is 0.5(0.4 to 0.8) that progress on MW(moderately weathered) to HW(highly weathered) grade of rocks.