• 해양환경안전학회지
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.628-638
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• 2017

최근 국내 일부 항해사들은 해운산업의 어려운 취업환경을 극복하고, 직업선택의 저변을 확대하기 위하여 승선경력을 기반으로 국내외 교육기관에서 DP운항사 교육을 이수하여 직종을 전환하고자 노력하고 있다. 그러나 아직까지 국내에서는 해양플랜트 서비스 산업이 활성화 되어있지 않기 때문에 동 분야로 진출하고자 하는 항해사들은 어렵게 자격취득을 위한 실습을 마치고 대부분 해외선사로 진출하고 있다. 그럼에도 불구하고 DP운항사로 취업을 희망하는 항해사들은 경력을 중시하는 해외 해양플랜트 기업의 보수적인 채용 절차, 비영어권 출신자의 언어사용의 한계, 다문화 승선생활의 어려움, 필수 직무요건에 대한 체계적인 정보 부족 등의 이유로 구직 단계에서 부터 어려움을 겪고 있다. 따라서 이 연구는 DP운항사가 갖추어야 할 직무능력 및 자격 요건을 분석하여 국가에서 요구하는 최소한의 능력 수준을 제시하고 있는 NCS 표준 개발을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고, DP운항사 전문인력양성을 활성화하기 위한 방안을 제시하는 데 목적을 두고 있다. 본 연구의 결과로서, DP운항사의 직무 분류, 직무능력표준 및 경력개발경로를 제시하였고, DP운항사 양성 활성화 방안으로서 DP 실습선박의 공동 활용, DP 전문 교원 양성 및 정부주도 NCS 수출모델을 제안하였다.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.686-702
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Schisandrae Fructus, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill., has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of various diseases, and has proven its various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Schisandrae Fructus ethanol extract (SF) on inflammatory and oxidative stress in particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS/METHODS: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of SF in PM2.5-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the levels of pro-inflammatory mediator such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the effect of SF, the expression of genes involved in the generation of inflammatory factors was also investigated. We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of SF against PM2.5 in the zebrafish model. RESULTS: The results indicated that SF treatment significantly inhibited the PM2.5-induced release of NO and PGE₂, which was associated with decreased inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. SF also attenuated the PM2.5-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, reducing their extracellular secretion. Moreover, SF suppressed the PM2.5-mediated translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) from the cytosol into nuclei and the degradation of inhibitor IκB-α, indicating that SF exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, SF abolished PM2.5-induced generation of ROS, similar to the pretreatment of a ROS scavenger, but not by an inhibitor of NF-κB activity. Furthermore, SF showed strong protective effects against NO and ROS production in PM2.5-treated zebrafish larvae. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SF exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against PM2.5 through ROS-dependent down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, and that SF can be a potential functional substance to prevent PM2.5-mediated inflammatory and oxidative damage.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.11-24
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• 2021

Objective: Chronic reflux esophagitis (CRE), characterized by esophageal mucosa ulcer, is caused by continuous backflow of gastric acid and consequent inflammation due to unstable gastroesophageal sphincter. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of an Arecae Semen and Coptidis Rhizoma mixture (AC-mix) on CRE. Methods: CRE was surgically induced in SD rats with three experimental groups used: normal; CRE control; and CRE treatment (200 mg/kg AC-mix). Blood and esophageal tissue were collected after two weeks of drug administration. The anti-oxidant activity of the AC-mix was measured by total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents as well as by radical scavenging activity with protein levels evaluated using western blotting. Results: CRE damage to the esophageal mucosa was significantly reduced in the AC-mix group as compared with the controls, and administration of the AC-mix was seen to inhibit NF-κBp65 activity. Consequently, the inactivation of NF-κBp65 significantly inhibited inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and iNOS. Moreover, the anti-oxidant enzyme HO-1 significantly increased through activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which can break down collagen from the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, was decreased following AC-mix treatment, and elevated levels of MMP-2 were regulated by its tissue inhibitor. Conclusions: These results show that AC-mix can alleviate esophageal mucosa ulcer though inhibition of the NF-κBp65 inflammatory pathway and enhancement of the anti-oxidant Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.327-335
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• 2019

As the elderly population is increasing, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a global issue and many clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate treatments for AD. As these clinical trials have been conducted and have failed, the development of new theraphies for AD with fewer adverse effects remains a challenge. In this study, we examined the effects of Theracurmin on cognitive decline using 5XFAD mice, an AD mouse model. Theracurmin is more bioavailable form of curcumin, generated with submicron colloidal dispersion. Mice were treated with Theracurmin (100, 300 and 1,000 mg/kg) for 12 weeks and were subjected to the novel object recognition test and the Barnes maze test. Theracurmin-treated mice showed significant amelioration in recognition and spatial memories compared those of the vehicle-treated controls. In addition, the antioxidant activities of Theracurmin were investigated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels. The increased MDA level and decreased SOD and GSH levels in the vehicle-treated 5XFAD mice were significantly reversed by the administration of Theracurmin. Moreover, we observed that Theracurmin administration elevated the expression levels of synaptic components, including synaptophysin and post synaptic density protein 95, and decreased the expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), a marker of activated microglia. These results suggest that Theracurmin ameliorates cognitive function by increasing the expression of synaptic components and by preventing neuronal cell damage from oxidative stress or from the activation of microglia. Thus, Theracurmin would be useful for treating the cognitive dysfunctions observed in AD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.196-208
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• 2019

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the chronic inflammatory liver diseases and a leading cause of advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The main purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of GBCK25 fermented by Saccharomyces servazzii GB-07 and pectinase, on NASH severity in mice. Methods: Six-wk-old male mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or a Western diet (WD) for 12 wks to induce NASH. Each group was orally administered with vehicle or GBCK25 once daily at a dose of 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, or 400 mg/kg during that time. The effects of GBCK25 on cellular damage and inflammation were determined by in vitro experiments. Results: Histopathologic analysis and hepatic/serum biochemical levels revealed that WD-fed mice showed severe steatosis and liver injury compared to ND-fed mice. Such lesions were significantly decreased in the livers of WD-fed mice with GBCK25 administration. Consistently, mRNA expression levels of NASH-related inflammatory-, fibrogenic-, and lipid metabolism-related genes were decreased in the livers of WD-fed mice administered with GBCK25 compared to WD-fed mice. Western blot analysis revealed decreased protein levels of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) with concomitantly reduced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the livers of WD-fed mice administered with GBCK25. Also, decreased cellular damage and inflammation were observed in alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells and RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Conclusion: Administration of GBCK25 ameliorates NASH severity through the modulation of CYP2E1 and its associated JNK-mediated cellular damage. GBCK25 could be a potentially effective prophylactic strategy to prevent metabolic diseases including NASH.

• 청정기술
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.198-205
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• 2019

야자계 입상활성탄에 대한 Brilliant Green의 흡착 평형과 동역학 및 열역학 파라미터들을 다양한 초기농도($300{\sim}500mg\;L^{-1}$), 접촉시간(1 ~ 12 h) 및 흡착온도(303 ~ 323 K)를 변수로 하여 회분식 실험을 통하여 연구하였다. 흡착평형 값들은 Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkins-Jura 및 Elovich 식으로 해석하였다. 그 결과는 Langmuir 식에 가장 잘 맞았으며, 평가된 Langmuir 무차원 분리계수 값($R_L=0.018{\sim}0.040$)과 Freundlich 상수값(1/n = 0.176 ~ 0.206)은 활성탄에 의한 Brilliant Green의 흡착이 효과적인 공정임을 보여주었다. Temkin 식에 의해 평가된 흡착열 관련상수($B=12.43{\sim}17.15J\;mol^{-1}$)는 물리흡착에 해당하였다. Harkins-Jura 식에 의한 등온선 매개변수($A_{HJ}$)는 온도가 증가할수록 이종 기공 분포도 증가함을 나타내었고, Elovich 식에 의한 최대흡착용량은 실험값보다 매우 적은 것으로 나타났다. 흡착공정은 유사이차반응속도식에 더 잘 맞았으며, 흡착과정은 입자내 확산이 율속단계였다. 입자내 확산속도 상수는 초기 농도가 커질수록 염료의 운동이 활발해졌기 때문에 증가하였다. 그리고 초기농도가 커질수록 경계층의 영향이 커졌다. Gibbs 자유에너지($-3.46{\sim}-11.35kJ\;mol^{-1}$), 엔탈피($18.63kJ\;mol^{-1}$) 및 활성화에너지($26.28kJ\;mol^{-1}$)는 흡착공정이 자발적이고, 흡열 및 물리흡착임을 나타냈다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.414-422
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• 2019

There is accumulating evidence that microRNAs are emerging as pivotal regulators in the development and progression of neuropathic pain. MicroRNA-15a/16 (miR-15a/16) have been reported to play an important role in various diseases and inflammation response processes. However, whether miR-15a/16 participates in the regulation of neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain development remains unknown. In this study, we established a mouse model of neuropathic pain by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerves. Our results showed that both miR-15a and miR-16 expression was significantly upregulated in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Downregulation of the expression of miR-15a and miR-16 by intrathecal injection of a specific inhibitor significantly attenuated the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia of CCI rats. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-15a and miR-16 downregulated the expression of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumor-necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), an important regulator in neuropathic pain and inflammation, was a potential target gene of miR-15a and miR-16. Inhibition of miR-15a and miR-16 markedly increased the expression of GRK2 while downregulating the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and $NF-{\kappa}B$ in CCI rats. Notably, the silencing of GRK2 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-15a/16 inhibition in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our results suggest that inhibition of miR-15a/16 expression alleviates neuropathic pain development by targeting GRK2. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and suggest potential therapeutic targets for preventing neuropathic pain development.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권7호
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• pp.933-941
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• 2021

Ginsenoside Rg4 is a rare ginsenoside that is naturally found in ginseng, and exhibits a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in several cell types. The purpose of this study was to use an in vivo model of hair follicle (HF)-mimic based on a human dermal papilla (DP) spheroid system prepared by three-dimensional (3D) culture and to investigate the effect of Rg4 on the hair-inductive properties of DP cells. Treatment of the DP spheroids with Rg4 (20 to 50 ㎍/ml) significantly increased the viability and size of the DP spheres in a dose-dependent manner. Rg4 also increased the mRNA and protein expression of DP signature genes that are related to hair growth including ALP, BMP2, and VCAN in the DP spheres. Analysis of the signaling molecules and luciferase reporter assays further revealed that Rg4 induces the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β, which activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results correlated with not only the increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin following the treatment of the DP spheres with Rg4 but also the significant elevation of mRNA expression of the downstream target genes of the WNT/β-catenin pathway including WNT5A, β-catenin, and LEF1. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg4 promotes the hair-inductive properties of DP cells by activating the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in DP spheres, suggesting that Rg4 could be a potential natural therapy for hair growth.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제19권8호
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• pp.101-111
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• 2021

최근 다양한 사회경제적 이슈 및 갈등을 야기하고 있는 비정규직은 대체로 고용에 대한 불안감으로 인해 조직에 대한 충성도나 직무만족도가 낮을 수밖에 없는데, 이를 개선하기 위한 방안으로 본 연구는 비정규직의 조직커뮤니케이션 만족도가 직무만족과 조직몰입에 미치는 영향을 분석하고자 하였다. 제 7차 인적자본기업 패널조사 자료 중 비정규직 설문데이터를 구조방정식 모형분석 등을 활용하여 분석하는 방식으로 연구를 진행하였으며, 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 비정규직이 인식한 조직커뮤니케이션은 직무만족과 조직몰입에 정(+)의 영향을 미치는 것으로 분석되었다. 둘째, 비정규직의 직무만족은 조직몰입에 정(+)의 영향을 미치는 것으로 분석되었다. 셋째, 비정규직의 커뮤니케이션 만족과 조직몰입의 관계에 있어서 직무만족이 매개작용을 하고 있는 것으로 분석되었다. 본 연구는 기존의 서비스업 위주의 연구에서 연구대상을 비정규직으로 확대하였으며, 보다 다양한 업종을 아울렀다는데 의의가 있다. 본 연구의 결과는 비정규직의 조직유효성 향상을 위해 미션 및 비젼 공유, 커뮤니케이션 활성화 제도가 필요함을 시사하고 있다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권8호
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• pp.745-754
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• 2021

면역 기능의 저하는 각종 감염에 대한 저항력의 부족을 초래하여 다양한 질병 유발에 기여하며, 면역 억제제의 부작용을 감소시키거나 면역력을 높이기 위해 면역 조절 생체 물질이 사용되고 있다. 침향은 침향나무의 방향족수지 부분이며 전통적으로 다양한 질병을 치료하기 위한 목적으로 사용되어왔다. 비록 선행 연구들에 의하여 침향이 신체의 면역력을 향상시킬 수 있다는 사실이 밝혀졌지만 이에 대한 근거는 여전히 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 인도네시아에서 구입한 A. malaccensisd 침향 메탄올 추출물의 면역 자극 효과를 RAW 264.7 대식세포 모델에서 평가하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면 침향 추출물은 세포 독성이 없는 조건에서 식작용을 현저하게 향상시켰으며다. 또한 침향 추출물 처리된 RAW 264.7 세포는 활성화된 대식세포의 전형적인 형태를 보였으며, iNOS 발현 증가에 따른 NO 생성의 생성을 크게 증가시켰다. 아울러 TNF-α, IL-1β 및 IL-6과 같은 cytokine의 발현과 분비를 증가시켰으며, MAPKs 신호 전달 경로를 활성화시켰다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과는 고대 서적을 기반으로 침향의 효과를 확인하는 데 중요한 의미가 있으며, 침향이 잠재적인 면역 강화 효과가 있다는 근거를 제시하는 것이다.