• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.618-626
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• 2019

Stem cell therapy is not expected to bestow any therapeutic benefit because of the low engraftment rates after transplantation.Various cell-carrying scaffolds have been developed in order to overcome this problem. When the scaffold is formed by 3-dimensional (3D) printing, it is possible to create various shapes of scaffolds for specific regions of injury. At the same time, scaffolds provide stem cells as therapeutic-agents and mechanically support an injured region. PCL is not only cost effective, but it is also a widely used material for 3D printing. Therefore, rapid and economical technology development can be achieved when PCL is printed and used as a cell carrier. Yet PCL materials do not perform well as cell carriers, and only a few cells survive on the PCL surface. In this study, we tried to determine the conditions that maximize the cell-loading capacity on the PCL surface to overcome this issue. By applying a plasma treated condition and then collagen coating known to improve the cell loading capacity, it was confirmed that the 3% collagen coating after plasma treatment showed the best cell engraftment capacity during 72 hours after cell loading. By applying the spheroid cell culture method and scaffold structure change, which can affect the cell loading ability, the spheroid cell culture methods vastly improved cell engraftment, and the scaffold structure did not affect the cell engraftment properties. We will conduct further experiments using PCL material as a cell carrier and as based the excellent results of this study.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.303-312
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• 2019

Oxidative stress in kidneys can precede the development of chronic renal injury. We investigated the antioxidative effect of membrane-free stem cell extract (MFSCE) from adipose tissue in LLC-$PK_1$ renal proximal tubule cells. Treatment of LLC-$PK_1$ cells with MFSCE showed the up-regulation of heme-oxygenase-1, thioredoxin reductase 1, and NADPH quinine oxidoreductase-1 protein expressions, which are proteins related with antioxidative activities. When oxidative stress was induced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), cell viability was decreased, indicating that LLC-$PK_1$ cells were damaged by SIN-1. However, MFSCE significantly elevated cell viability from 58.84% to 64.43% at the concentration of $2.5{\mu}g/mL$ in oxidative stress-induced LLC-$PK_1$ cells. Furthermore, MFSCE ameliorated inflammation and apoptosis in SIN-1-treated LLC-$PK_1$ cells by modulating protein expressions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expressions were down-regulated when LLC-$PK_1$ cells were treated with MFSCE. Apoptosis-related proteins, including B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma-2 ratio, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, were also down-regulated. It indicated that MFSCE protected apoptosis against oxidative stress in LLC-$PK_1$ cells. Taken together, these results suggested that MFSCE had a protective effect against SIN-1-induced oxidative stress in LLC-$PK_1$ cells. Therefore, MFSCE could be a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-induced renal injury.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.61-67
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• 2019

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the salt tolerance of the Miscanthus sinensis and to characterize the content of pigments in the leachate in relation to calcium chloride ($CaCl_2$) deicing salt. Miscanthus sinensis were cultured at five different concentrations of calcium chloride deicing salt, 0, 1, 2, 5, and $10g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ (referred to Cont. C1, C2, C5, and C10) for four months. The salt tolerance and leachate while growing Miscanthus sinensis on soil which was artificially contaminated by calcium chloride deicing salt. Soil chemical properties (pH, E.C., $Ca^{2+}$, $Na^+$, $K^+$, and $Mg^{2+}$) and plant growth parameters (plant height, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, an root dry weight) were evaluated. Soil pH decreased, while electrical conductivity significantly decreased ($p{\leq}0.05$) with a higher concentration of deicing salt $0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ (Cont.). The increase in the concentration of chloride-based exchangeable cations, along with the increase in the deicing salt treatments, were observed in $Ca^{2+}$ > $Na^+$ > $K^+$ > $Mg^{2+}$. Notably the $Ca^{2+}$ exchangeable cations were 83~90% higher than the others. The growth of Miscanthus sinensis significantly increased ($p{\leq}0.05$) with the concentration of deicing salt higher than $1g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ (C1) when compared to 0 g/L (Cont.), except for the $10g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ (C10) treatment. The results determined that the contamination of soil by deicing salt could negatively impact the soil and Miscanthus sinensis was a tolerant species for the deicing salts. Further research will be focused on soil improvement additives and the stable stimulated plant growth of Miscanthus sinensis and a formulation on that basis for the soil-plant continuum.

• Clean Technology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.129-139
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• 2019

Bamboo is an evergreen perennial plant, and it is known as one of the most productive and fastest-growing plants in the world. It grows quickly in moderate climates with only moderate water and fertilizer. Traditionally in Asia, bamboo is used for building materials, as a food source, and as versatile raw materials. Bamboo as a biomass feedstock can be transformed to prepare activated carbon using the thermal treatment of pyrolysis. The effect of process variables such as carbonization temperature, activation temperature, activation time, the amount of steam, and the mixing ratio of phosphoric acid and bamboo were systematically investigated to optimize the preparation conditions. Steam activation was proceeded after carbonization with a vapor flow rate of $0.8{\sim}1.8mL-H_2O\;g-char^{-1}\;h^{-1}$ and activation time of 1 ~ 3 h at $700{\sim}900^{\circ}C$. Carbon yield and surface area reached 2.04 ~ 20.59 wt% and $499.17{\sim}1074.04m^2\;g^{-1}$, respectively, with a steam flow rate of $1.4mL-H_2O\;g-char^{-1}\;h^{-1}$ for 2 h. Also, the carbon yield and surface area were 24.67 wt% and $1389.59m^2\;g^{-1}$, respectively, when the bamboo and phosphoric acid were mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio ($700^{\circ}C$, 2 h, $1.4mL-H_2O\;g-char^{-1}\;h^{-1}$). The adsorption of methylene blue into the bamboo activated carbon was studied based on pseudo first order and second order kinetics models. The adsorption kinetics were found to follow the pseudo second order model, which is governed by chemisorption.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1361-1368
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• 2018

Inflammation is the most common condition in the human body. Tissue damage triggers inflammation, together with vasodilation and increased blood flow at the inflamed site, resulting in edema. Inflammatory responses are also triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor Enterococcus faecalis, a gram-positive organism, has been reported to possess immunomodulatory and preventive activities; however, its use may present risks of sepsis and other systemic infections. Heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) has been reported to induce antitumor activity, but its effects on inflammation are not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EF-2001 on LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory responses. EF-2001 treatment reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, indicating suppression of inflammatory reactions. EF-2001 showed no cytotoxicity in macrophages. Further investigation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EF-2001 indicated that EF-2001 reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. EF-2001 also reduced f the LPS induction of several inflammatory molecules involved in the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, including ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation, in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, EF-2001 inhibited Akt phosphorylation and increased the expression of the inhibitory ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B$) protein, an inhibitor of $NF-{\kappa}B$. EF-2001 also inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65. These results suggest that EF-2001 has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.663-670
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• 2018

Objective: Radio-contrast abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (APCT) is considered the gold standard diagnostic tool for an acute abdomen in the emergency department. On the other hand, APCT has a risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Emergency physicians evaluate the creatinine (Cr) level prior to taking a APCT for the above reason but it takes time to evaluation the serum Cr level. This study hypothesized that Cr measured by a point-of-care test (POCT) can shorten the time to making clinically important decisions for patients with an acute abdomen. Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted between March 2017 and October 2017. The subjects were divided into two groups (Cr measured by laboratory vs. Cr measured by POCT). To analyze the clinical acceptability for creatinine, agreement was demonstrated graphically by Bland-Altman plots. This study compared the time to make a clinically important decision by physicians and the length of stay at the emergency department in both groups. Results: A total of 76 patients were eligible for the study, 38 patients were assigned to each group. There was no statistically significant difference in the time to the first medical examination (P=0.222) and emergency department stay time (P=0.802). On the other hand, the time to recognition of the Cr level (P<0.001), time to performing APCT (P<0.001), time to decision making (P<0.001), and time to initiation of treatment (P<0.001) were shortened significantly in the point-of-care creatinine group. Conclusion: In this study, the POCT for creatinine can allow rapid decision making by shortening the time to performing the radio-contrast APCT than the laboratory for patients with an acute abdomen.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1339-1346
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• 2018

In Korea, edible mushrooms are produced largely on commercial artificial media, so the annual production of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), as a by-product of the mushroom industry, is estimated at over 200 million tons. This SMS is assumed to contain abundant fungal mycelia and pre-fruiting bodies, as well as various nutritive and bioactive compounds that are presently discarded. This study examined the physico-chemical, nutritional, and enzymatic characteristics of uninoculated sterilized medium (USM) and SMS of shiitake mushrooms with the aim of developing a high-value added product from SMS. The contents of crude protein, crude lipid, and ash were higher after the third SMS harvest ($SMS-A-3^{rd}$) than in USM or $SMS-A-1^{st}$. The contents of Ca, Mg, and P in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ were 2.95, 2.35, and 2.1-fold higher compared than in USM. No As or Cd was detected in USM or SMS. The pH, Brix, and acidity were 4.6, 20.0, and 1.4, respectively in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$, but 5.6, 6.0, and 0.0, respectively, in USM. These results suggest a highly active production of soluble components and organic acids in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$. The distinct color differences noted for USM, $SMS-A-1^{st}$, and $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ could be used as a mycelial growth indicator. Enzyme activity assays using the APIZYM system showed that SMS is a potent source of hydrolysis-related enzymes, especially esterase (C4) and ${\beta}$-glucuronidase. Our results suggested that the SMS of shiitake has a high potential for use in environmental, agricultural, and stock-breeding industries, for example, as active ingredients for sewage treatment, waste-polymer degradation, and feed additives.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.248-329
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• 2019

Background: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. Methods: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors-primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. Results: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. Conclusion: Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2019

Purpose An examination guide is a useful medium to provide the patient with an overview, pre- and post-test preparation, and precautions of nuclear testing. The design and arrangement of existing written texts and announcements were evaluated to elucidate the comprehension of patients undergoing testing. Materials and Methods Informational material describing bone scanning and $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), as a secondary examination, which accounts for the largest portion of gamma imaging at Asan Hospital (Seoul, South Korea), was selected as an improvement target in consultation with a national innovation center. Existing informational material was dispensed to patients scheduled for bone scans from November 2016 to February 2017 and the revised material was issued from March 2017 to May 2017. A survey was conducted of 200 patients who underwent $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion SPECT before and after the revisions (n = 100 each time period) to assess the patients' understanding of the informational material. Results When comparing the use of the conventional vs. revised material, the number of patients who received treatment before bone scanning had decreased from 130 to 60, while the number of those who required additional imaging decreased from 53 to 14. Prior to the revision, 43% of patients underwent testing before preparation and 18% underwent additional testing. The decreased need for additional image acquisition after revision of the informational material resulted in a decrease in acquisition time of about 2 min, from 16.5 to 14.2 min. In the case of $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion SPECT, patient comprehension of all five items surveyed had increased, while the number of patients who had repeatedly asked about various facets of the procedure pre- and post-testing had decreased from 36% to 16% and 31% to 14%, respectively. Conclusion Lower patient comprehension is accompanied by a decrease in image quality due to non-compliance during pre-testing and may lead to repetitive questions from the patient, which may also negatively affect the fatigue and work efficiency of the examiner. Improved readability and visibility of informational material through visualization was correlated with greater patient comprehension as well as improved image quality and acquisition time.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.205-213
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• 2019

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary apparent metabolizable energy and protein concentrations on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of Korean native ducks. In $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement, 1-d-old Korean native ducks were completely randomized to experimental diets with 2,800 and 2,900 kcal of AMEn/kgofdiet, respectively, from 0 to 21 d of age. From 22 to 56 d of age, experimental diets 3,000 and 3,100 kcal of, and contained 16% and 17% CP, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. And BW gain were higher during 0 to 21 d (P<0.01) in AME 2,800 kcal/kg and CP 21% diet treatment than other treatments. As AME increased from 2,800 to 2,900 kcal/kg, feed intake was decreased (P<0.05) during 0 to 21 d. From 22 to 56 d of age, the, BW gain, feed intake and were not different among the treatments. Carcass ratio, relative weight per 100 of BW (wing, back, neck, breast, and leg), nutrient digestibility, meat color and nutrient composition in breast meat the treatments. In conclusion, diets with 2,800 kcal of AME/kg and 21% CP or with 3,000 kcal of AME/kg and 17% CP at 0 to 21 d and 22 to 56 d, respectively, were more efficient.