• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.123-139
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• 2023

Purpose: This study was conducted to establish whether an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves (LLE) and an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves from which chlorophyll has been removed, denoted as LLE(Ch^-), have a protective effect against hepatic fat accumulation. Methods: The inhibitory effects of LLE and LLE(Ch^-) on liver fat accumulation were examined in C57BL/6 mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by an methionine and choline deficient diet and in HepG2 cells with palmitic acid-induced fat accumulation. Results: The plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in the LLE(Ch^-) group, whereas the plasma ALT activity decreased significantly in the LLE group. In both the LLE and the LLE(Ch^-) groups, the triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the hepatic tissue were significantly reduced. A greater inhibitory effect on tissue fat accumulation was observed in the LLE(Ch^-) group than in the LLE group. In HepG2 cells, LLE and LLE(Ch^-) were non-toxic up to a concentration of 1,000 ㎍/mL. Compared to the control group, intracellular fat accumulation in the LLE and LLE(Ch^-) groups were significantly reduced at concentrations of 200 ㎍/mL and 500 ㎍/mL, respectively. The expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase in both LLE groups increased at the concentrations of 100 ㎍/mL and 500 ㎍/mL. The fatty acid synthase expression was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner at 10 ㎍/mL. Conclusion: The examined two ethanol extracts of LLE inhibit hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD. This effect was more pronounced in the LLE(Ch^-) group. Therefore, these 2 extracts have an anti-steatosis effect and can be used for NAFLD treatment.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.805-825
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• 2023

This experiment aims to investigate the impact of probiotic feed on growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipid biochemical parameters, intramuscular fat and triglyceride content, fatty acid composition, mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, and the activity of the enzyme in Sunit sheep. In this experiment, 12 of 96 randomly selected Sunit sheep were assigned to receive the basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with probiotics. The results showed that supplementation with probiotics significantly increased the loin eye area, and decreased plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids, increasing the content of intramuscular fat and triglycerides in the muscle and improving the composition of the fatty acids. The inclusion of probiotics in the diet reduced the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha 2 (AMPKα2) mRNA and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) mRNA, while increasing the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) mRNA, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA, fatty acid synthase mRNA, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 mRNA. The results of this study indicate that supplementation with probiotics can regulate fat deposition and improves the composition of fatty acids in Sunit sheep through the signaling pathways AMPK-ACC-CPT1B and AMPK-SREBP-1c. This regulatory mechanism leads to an increase in intramuscular fat content, a restructuring of muscle composition of the fatty acids, and an enhancement of the nutritional value of meat. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the food science of animal resources and provide valuable references for the production of meat of higher nutritional value.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.215-221
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• 2022

Considering their similar mass densities, an attempt was made to optimize the mix design of micro-concrete that used barite sand as an aggregate by substituting marble powder (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 70%), clay brick powder (30%, 50%, 70%), and fly ash (30%, 50%, 70%) for the concrete (by mass) to form specimens for shaking table tests. The test results showed that for these three groups of materials, the substitutions had little effect on the density. The barite sand played a decisive role in the density, and the overall density of the specimens reached approximately 2.9 g/cm³. The compressive strength and elastic modulus decreased with an increase in the substitution rates for the three types of materials. Among them, the 28 day compressive strength values of the 40% and 50% marble powder groups were 11.73 MPa and 8.33 MPa, respectively, which were 58.7% and 70.7% lower than the control group, respectively. Their elastic modulus values were 1.33×10⁴ MPa and 1.42×10⁴ MPa, respectively, which were 39.1% and 35% lower than those of the control group, respectively. The 28 day compressive strength values of the 50% and 70% clay brick powder groups were 13.13 MPa and 5.8 MPa, respectively, which were 53.8% and 79.6% lower than the control group, respectively. Their elastic modulus values were 1.54×10⁴ MPa and 1.19×10⁴ MPa, respectively, which were 29.7% and 45.4% lower than those of the control group, respectively. The 28 day compressive strength values of the 50% and 70% fly ash groups were 13.5 MPa and 7.1 MPa, respectively, which were 52.5% and 75% lower than those of the control group, respectively. Their elastic modulus values were 1.36×10⁴ MPa and 0.95×10⁴ MPa, respectively, which were 37.9% and 56.6% lower than those of the control group, respectively. There was a linear relationship between the 28 day compressive strength and elastic modulus, with the correlation coefficient reaching a value higher than 0.88. The test results showed that the model materials met the high density, low compressive strength, and low elastic modulus requirements for shaking table tests, and the test data of the three groups of different alternative materials were compared and analyzed to provide references and assistance for relevant model testers.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives : Although the anti-obesity effect of Schizandrae Fructus water extract has been demonstrated, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Schizandrae Fructus water extract through the p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), sirtuin1 (Sirt1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) signaling in 60% high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. The Normal group was fed a normal diet and the obese groups were fed 60% HFD. Except for the Control group, the GG group was supplemented with 0.5% Garcinia gummigutta and the SCW group was supplemented with 0.5% Schizandrae Fructus water extract. After 6 weeks, obesity-related biomarkers in serum were measured and the expressions of protein for lipid-related factors in liver tissue were analyzed by western blot. Results : Treatment with SCW significantly down-regulated body weight compared to the Control group. SCW down-regulated levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in serum and significantly increased p-AMPK, Sirt1, and PGC-1α in liver tissue. In addition, the expressions of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT-1A), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) were significantly up-regulated. However, fatty acid synthesis-related proteins including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (p-ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly down-regulated. Conclusions : Taken together, SCW treatment showed anti-obesity effect by regulating both fatty acid oxidation-related and fatty acid synthesis-related proteins through AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling in 60% HFD-induced obese mice.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.51-61
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• 2024

Objectives : This study induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by treating them with AA+iron and investigated the effects of forsythia suspensa extract on this stress, as well as elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying its hepatoprotective effects. Methods : To confirm the antioxidative effects of FSE, HepG2 cells were induced with AA+iron to induce oxidative stress, followed by MTT assay. Additionally, the effect of FSE in reducing the increased ROS levels and mitochondrial damage induced by AA+iron in HepG2 cells was confirmed using FACS. Furthermore, western blot analysis were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of FSE. Results : FSE increased the decreased cell viability induced by AA+iron. Additionally, FSE normalized the expression of apoptosis-related proteins induced by AA+iron. The elevated ROS levels in HepG2 cells induced by AA+iron were reduced by FSE, and the increase in Rh123-negative cells induced by AA+iron was attenuated by FSE. Moreover, FSE activated the protein expression of AMPK and its related phosphorylating enzymes, LKB1 and ACC. Furthermore, FSE activated YAP and its upstream phosphorylating enzyme, LATS1. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that FSE has an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress induced by AA+iron and may have potential hepatoprotective effects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2024

Objectives : Obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and consumption due to overeating and lack of exercise, and if it persists, it increases non-infectious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we tried to investigate the possibility of using Chamaeneron angustifolia (CA) as a material for anti-obesity by confirming the effect of inhibiting lipid differentiation. Methods : We measured the effects of CA extract on oil-red-o staining, cell cytotoxicity evaluation activity using 3T3-L1 cells. Additionally, we assessed fat decomposition and metabolism-related protein expression through Western blot analysis. Results : In this study, the anti-obesity effects of CA extract were experimentally assessed. Results showed significant inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and accumulation at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/ml of oil-red-o staining, with reductions of 80% or more. CA notably increased the phosphorylation of AMPK protein expression compared to the control group across all concentrations. Additionally, phosphorylation of ACC significantly increased at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml compared to the control. PPAR-γ, which regulates adipogenesis, exhibited a significant decrease compared to the control, while protein expression of CPT-1, involved in fatty acid oxidation, showed a concentration-dependent increase across all groups. Therefore, CA extract demonstrates potential as a functional material for anti-obesity by increasing the expression of proteins related to fat decomposition and synthesis while decreasing others. Conclusions : These results suggest that CA may also be useful as an anti-obesity functional substance.

• Lingua Humanitatis
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• v.7
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• pp.271-289
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• 2005

Dans cet article, nous discutons de certains $probl{\grave{e}}mes$ syntaxiques en ayant recours $\grave{a}$ la $th{\acute{e}}orie$ linguistique de Milner. Nous remettons en question $l'ind{\acute{e}}pendance$ et $l'identit{\acute{e}}$ de la structure syntaxique, la relation entre le plan syntaxique et le plan lexical, le $caract{\grave{e}}re$ de la $g{\acute{e}}om{\acute{e}}trie$ de la syntaxe, etc.. La discussion est non seulement linguistique mais aussi interdisciplinaire et ${\acute{e}}pist{\acute{e}}mologique$, dans la mesure $o{\grave{u}}$ nous examinons la nature de $l'entit{\acute{e}}$ syntaxique et la $m{\acute{e}}thode$ "scientifique" de la syntaxe qui donne $acc{\grave{e}}s$ $\grave{a}$ $l'entit{\acute{e}}$ syntaxique. Selon Milner, il faut distinguer la place du terme lexical avec la position syntaxique qui est $l'entit{\acute{e}}$ syntaxique. La $premi{\grave{e}}re$ n'est pas syntaxique $\grave{a}$ strictement parler, mais elle, observable contrairement $\grave{a}$ la seconde, sert $\grave{a}$ conjecturer la dimension syntaxique, $c'est-\grave{a}-dire$ le $syst{\grave{e}}me$ positionnel. Le dispositif $th{\acute{e}}orique$ dans la $th{\acute{e}}orie$ linguistique de Milner n'est rien d'autre que l'ensemble des propositions qui permet, en absence d'observatoire, de conjecturer le $syst{\grave{e}}me$ positionnel sur la base du $syst{\grave{e}}me$ des places. Dire $l'ind{\acute{e}}pendance$ de la structure syntaxique revient $\grave{a}$ dire qu'il y a une coupure entre le $syst{\grave{e}}me$ positionnel et le $syst{\grave{e}}me$ des places. Autrement dit, sans cette coupure, on ne peut parler de $l'ind{\acute{e}}pendance$ de la structure syntaxique. Ainsi $distingu{\acute{e}}s$, les deux $syst{\grave{e}}mes$ en cause se mettent en relation soit naturels soit non naturels ou par distorsion $d'apr{\grave{e}}s$ Milner. La relation naturelle est une relation lexico-syntaxique $n{\acute{e}}e$ au moment $o{\grave{u}}$ un terme lexical occupe une position syntaxique dont la $cat{\acute{e}}gorie$ est identique $\grave{a}$ celle de son occupant. A la $diff{\acute{e}}rence$ de cette relation d'occupation naturelle $suppos{\acute{e}}e$ chez Milner comme une tendance du langage naturel, la relation d'occupation non naturelle est "paradoxale" dans le sens $o{\grave{u}}$ elle est produite dans la rencontre plus ou moins "anomale" entre l'occupant lexical et $l'occup{\acute{e}}$ syntaxique. Le $degr{\acute{e}}$ de l'anomalie qu'une langue autorise peut ${\hat{e}}tre$ $mesur{\acute{e}}$ empiriquement et doit ${\hat{e}}tre$ $vari{\acute{e}}$ en fonction de la langue $concern{\acute{e}}e$. Le $caract{\grave{e}re$ $g{\acute{e}}om{\acute{e}}trique$ de la syntaxe $am{\grave{e}}ne$ ${\grave{a}}$ remettre en cause, entre autres, $l'empiricit{\acute{e}}$ et la $mat{\acute{e}}rialit{\acute{e}}$ de la $g{\acute{e}}om{\acute{e}}trie$ syntaxique. En ce qui concerne ces sujets, nos $th{\grave{e}}ses$ sont les suivantes : la nature de la $g{\acute{e}}om{\acute{e}}trie$ syntaxique n'est pas a priori mais empirique ; la $g{\acute{e}}om{\acute{e}}trie$ de la syntaxe peut et doit ${\hat{e}}tre$ construite $\grave{a}$ l'aide de la logique "empirique".

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.423-428
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• 2009

Selenium was investigated using human origin preadipocytes to see whether it possesses preventive or therapeutic effects for obesity. Unveiling the potential of selenium in the reduction of adipogenesis can help predict the therapeutic capabilities of selenium in obesity. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of adipogenesis by selenium was explored to unravel the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase. There is emerging evidence that AMPK, a sensor of cellular energy status, is a possible molecular target of controlling adipocyte differentiation on the basis of discovery that AMPK is responsible for the major metabolic responses to exercise, and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals to modulate feeding behavior or energy expenditure in the hypothalamus. Treatment of selenium resulted in inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation process and induction of mature apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We hypothesized that selenium may exert anti-adipogenic potential though modulating AMPK. We have found that selenium significantly activated AMPK and phosphorylated its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase ($ACC-serine^{79}$) during the inhibitory process of adipocytes. Also, the inhibition process of adipocyte differentiation by selenium was comparable to either reveratrol or a synthetic AMPK activator, AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-${\beta}$-D-ribofuranoside). To evaluate the involvement of AMPK in anti-lipogensis, we applied AICAR and Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, to 3T3-L1-adipocytes and found that AMPK is required for the adipocyte differentiation blocking process. These results suggest that selenium has a potential to control adipogenesis and that this effect is mediated by AMPK, an essential kinase for both inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.619-626
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• 2010

Background: The indications and the optimal time of surgery of infective endocarditis are controversial. We report the surgical results of our hospital during the last 10 years with literature review. Material and Method: Between January 2000 and December 2009, we enrolled 23 infective endocarditis patients who underwent surgery, and analyzed retrospectively. In the preoperative blood culture, 8 cases (34.8%) were positive. The average preoperative antibiotics treatment period was $20.78{\pm}16.00$ days. There were 12 (52.2%) urgent operations. The average follow up period was $49.26{\pm}33.21$ months. Result: 20 mechanical valve replacements were performed, 9 in aortic position, 8 in mitral position and 3 in the both positions. The other procedures were one mitral valvuloplasty, one infected myxoma extirpation, and one infected pacemaker lead removal with debridement. The average period of postoperative intravenous antibiotic treatment was $24.39{\pm}15.98$ days. There were 5 complications, including 2 cases of postoperative bleeding, one postcardiotomy syndrome, one cerebral ischemia, and a low cardiac output syndrome. There were statistically significant postoperative improvement in NYHA class, left ventricle end diastolic/end systolic volume, and left atrium size (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: We could obtain the satisfactory results without any moftalities by using sufficient preoperative antibiotics in hemodynamically stable patients, and by prompt surgery in unstable patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.768-773
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• 2004

Failure of mitral valve repair sometimes may be ascribed to severe or progressive alteration of the subvalvar apparatus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of new chordae formation on mitral repair. Material and Method: From March 1997 to february 1999, 26 patients underwent mitral valve repairs with new chordae formation, we compared the symptoms and echocardiographic findings checked at preoperative state, and intraoperative period, discharge, and their last OPD visit. There were 45 male, and 11 female patients, and their mean age was 51.2$\pm$43.4 years. Etiology of the lesions was degenerative (18), rheumatic (6), infective (1) and ischemic (1). Chordal lesions were caused by rupture (18), elongation (6), and a combination of two causes (2). Associated lesions included atrial septal defect (2), tricuspid insufficiency (7), aortic insufficiency(4), and a combination of previous two factors (2). The number of mean artificial chordae was 3.6$\pm$1.6. Annuloplasty was per-formed in all cases. The CPB time was 182,1$\pm$63.7 minutes and the ACC time was 133.1$\pm$45.6 minutes. Aver-age follow up period was 49.2$\pm$7.1 months. Result: There was no early death. Early reoperation was performed in bud patients, one patient received mitral valve replacement because of an abnormality of annuloplasty and ano-ther received pericardiostomy due to postoperative pericardial effusion. During the follow up of 49.2$\pm$7.1 moths, there was no late mortality. Postoperative NYHA functional class checked at last OPD visit was class I in 22 patients (88%), class II in 2 (8%), and class III in 1 (4%). Regarding the late echocardiogram MR was absent in 20 patients (78%), 1 in 4 (15%), and II in 1 (4%). The postrepair mitral valve area was 2.2$\pm$0.35 $\textrm{cm}^2$ Conclusion: This study suggests that mitral valve repair using new chordae formation provides good early and mid term survivals and functional improvement. We think that the artificial chorda formation with polytetrafluoroethylene suture might be safe and effective technique for mitral valve repair.