• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.162-170
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• 2013

Dedicated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems based on pixelated semiconductors are being developed for studying small animal models of human disease. To clarify the possibility of using a SPECT system with CdTe for a high resolution low-dose small animal imaging, we compared the quality of reconstructed images from pixelated CdTe detector to those from a small SPECT system with NaI(Tl). The CdTe detector was $44.8{\times}44.8$ mm and the pixels were $0.35{\times}0.35{\times}5$ mm. The intrinsic resolution of the detector was 0.35 mm, which is equal to the pixel size. GATE simulations were performed to assess the image quality of both SPECT systems. The spatial resolutions and sensitivities for both systems were evaluated using a 10 MBq $^{99m}Tc$ point source. The quantitative comparison with different injected dose was performed using a voxelized MOBY phantom, and the absorbed doses for each organ were evaluated. The spatial resolution of the SPECT with NaI(Tl) was about 1.54 mm FWHM, while that of the SPECT with a CdTe detector was about 1.32 mm FWHM at 30 mm. The sensitivity of NaI(Tl) based SPECT was 83 cps/MBq, while that of the CdTe detector based SPECT was 116 cps/MBq at 30 mm. The image statistics were evaluated by calculating the CNR of the image from both systems. When the injected activity for the striatum in the mouse brain was 160 Bq/voxel, the CNR of CdTe based SPECT was 2.30 while that of NaI(Tl) based SPECT was 1.85. The CNR of SPECT with CdTe was overall higher than that of the NaI(Tl) based SPECT. In addition, the absorbed dose was higher from SPECT with CdTe than those from NaI(Tl) based SPECT to acquire the same quantitative values. Our simulation results indicated that the SPECT with CdTe detector showed overall high performance compared to the SPECT with NaI(Tl). Even though the validation study is needed, the SPECT system with CdTe detector appeared to be feasible for high resolution low-dose small animal imaging.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess bra in activation and difference by LI11 or ST36 acupuncture stimulation using functional MRI (fMRI). Methods: A total of 10 healthy right-handed volunteers were studied. LI11 acupuncture and ST36 acupuncture stimulations were applied in order on the left. The block design paradigm of RARARA was used for the task, with R representing rest and A representing stimulation, and each period lasted 30 seconds. fMRI data were analyzed using SPM2. Results: The left LI11 acupuncture stimulation activated both sides of the inferior parietal lobule, the left side of the extra-nuclear, culmen and inferior semi-lunar lobules. On the right side, the nodule and midbrain regions were activated by the left LI11 acupuncture stimulation. The left ST36 acupuncture stimulation activated the right side of the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, inferior semi-lunar lobule and pyramis. On the left side, the sub-gyral, middle temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, extra-nuclear, cingulate gyrus and fastigium regions were activated by the left ST36 acupuncture stimulation. Besides, both sides of the paracentral lobule, inferior parietal lobule, culmen, cerebellar tonsil and midbrain regions were activated. Conclusions: In conclusion, brain signal activation patterns according to acupoints were observed to differ, and ST36 acupuncture stimulation activated more regions than LI11. It is supposed that LI11 and ST36 acupuncture stimulations have an influence on motor function and sensory aphasia, and these stimulations thus represent potential for ocular motor dysfunction, discriminative touch or position sense disorder. Moreover, ST36 acupuncture stimulation activated the cingulate gyrus of the limbic system, so it seems to have an influence over autonomic functions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.703-708
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• 2015

Hox genes encode a highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors controlling vertebrate pattern formation along the anteroposterior body axis during embryogenesis. Retinoic acid (RA) is a key morphogen in embryogenesis and a critical regulator of both adult and embryonic cellular activity. Specifically, RA regulates Hox gene expression in mouse- or human-derived embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells. Histone modification has been reported to play a pivotal role in the process of RA-induced gene expression and cell differentiation. As histone modification is thought to play an essential role in RA-induced Hox gene expression, we examined RA-induced initiation of collinear expression of Hox genes and the corresponding histone modifications in F9 murine embryonic teratocarcinoma (EC) cells. Hox expression patterns and histone modifications were analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, RNA-sequencing, and chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP)-PCR analyses. The Hoxc4 gene (D0) was initiated earlier than the Hoxc5 to –c10 genes (D3) upon RA treatment (day 0 [D0], day 1 [D1], and day 3 [D3]). The Hox nonexpressing D0 sample had a strong repressive marker, H3K27me3, than the D1 and D3 samples. In the D1 and D3 samples, reduced enrichment of the H3K27me3 marker was observed in the whole cluster. The active H3K4me3 marker was closely associated with the collinear expression of Hoxc genes. Thus, the Hoxc4 gene (D1) and all Hoxc genes (D3) expressed H3K4me3 upon transcription activation. In conclusion, these data indicated that removing H3K27me3 and acquiring H3K4me3 regulated RA-induced Hoxc gene collinearity in F9 cells.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2005

Objectives: REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), characterized by excessive motor activity during REM sleep, is associated with loss of muscle atonia. In recent years, it has been reported that RBD has high co-morbidity with CNS disorders (especially, Parkinson's disease, dementia, multiple system atrophy, etc.). We aimed to assess differences in clinical and polysomnographic findings among RBD patients, depending on the presence or absence of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Methods: The medical records and polysomnographic data of 81 patients who had been diagnosed as having RBD were reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups: associated RBD (aRBD, i.e., with a clinical history and/or brain MRI evidence of CNS disorder) and idiopathic RBD (iRBD, i.e., without a clinical history and/or brain MRI evidence of CNS disorder) groups. Twenty-one patients (25.9%) belonged to the aRBD group and 60 patients (74.1%) belonged to the iRBD group. The clinical characteristics and polysomnographic findings of the two groups were compared. Results: Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), i.e., PLMI (periodic limb movement index)>5, was observed more frequently in the aRBD group than in the iRBD group (p<0.001, Fisher's exact test). Also, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), i.e., RDI (respiratory disturbance index)>5, was found more frequently in the aRBD group (p=0.0042, Fisher's exact test). The percentages for slow wave sleep and sleep efficiency were significantly lower in the aRBD group than in the iRBD group. Conclusion: We found that 1 out of 4 RBD patients had associated CNS disorders, warranting more careful neurological evaluation and follow-up in this category of RBD. In this category of RBD patients, we also found more frequent PLMD and OSAS. These patients were also found to have lower slow wave sleep and sleep efficiency. In summary, RBD patients with associated CNS disorders suffer from more disturbed sleep than those without them.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2021

To evaluate the protective effect of Codium fragile on fine dust (PM2.5)-induced cytotoxicity, we investigated its antioxidant activity and cell protective effect on PM2.5-exposed cells. The 40% ethanolic extract of C. fragile showed the highest total phenolic content, whereas the water extract of C. fragile showed the highest total polysaccharide content. The protective effect of the extracts on PM2.5-induced oxidative damage in nasal cavity (RPMI2650), lung (A549), brain (MC-IXC), hippocampus (HT-22), and microglia (BV-2) cells was evaluated by measuring the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and cell viability. The results showed that the 40% ethanolic extract more efficiently inhibited ROS production than the water extract. In contrast, PM2.5-exposed cells treated with the water extract showed higher viability than those treated with the 40% ethanolic extract.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.284-292
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• 2018

The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), a cyclic hypothalamic peptide composed of 17 amino acids, was initially identified in chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) as a regulator of pigmentation. Mammalian MCHs are cyclic hypothalamic peptides composed of 19 amino acids that regulate food intake and energy homeostasis. The present study examined not only MCH expression of different tissues but also the melanohore aggregation and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx of fMCH and the other MCH. Real-time qPCR showed that MCH expressed specially in the brain, gonad, and ovary, and expression of MCH was observed during the developmental stages. In the application of synthetic fMCH and both types of synthetic fMCH, dN-fMCH and dC-fMCH, scale melanophore induced significant changes in aggregation activity with various concentrations of MCH. Also, compared to hMCH and sMCH, fMCH exhibited a 36~99.85% increase in relative potency (%), whereas aggregation of dN-fMCH and dC-fMCH remained in a high concentration. However, dispersion was induced rapidly according to be low concentration of dN-fMCH and dC-fMCH. We show that fMCH and its derivates were bound human MCHR1 and rat MCHR expressed in HEK293T cells with nano-molar affinity and are likely to be ligand-induced to mobilize intracellular $Ca^{2+}$. These results may provide new ligands for binding assay with MCHew ligands, as a structure similar to the mammalian MCH structure was discovered in fish. Once the fMCH receptor system is in place, it can be compared to the MCH system of mammals in terms of MCH function.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2017

Cis-(1S,4S)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tertrahydro-N-methyl-1-naphthalenamine (sertraline) hydrochloride from among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is a treatment of major depression. For the differential diagnosis by metabolizing serotonin in a patient with neurological disorders, the radiolabeled $^{11}C$-sertraline was developed for non-invasive positron emission tomography in living brain and use the evaluation of new drug for SSRIs. We release the results of a fast and easy radiolabeling method applied a one-step loop method with $[^{11}C]CH_3OTf$ for routine clinical applications of $^{11}C$-sertraline. 1 mg of a precursor for $^{11}C$-sertraline in 0.1 mL DMF and $5{\mu}L$ of 1N NaOH, were injected into the loop of semi-prep high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). $[^{11}C]CH_3OTf$ was passed through the loop at room temperature (RT). The $^{11}C$-sertraline was separated by the semi-preparative HPLC. $^{11}C$-sertraline was eluted at 28.0 min was collected and evaluated by analytical HPLC and mass spectrometer. The total radiolabeling efficiency of $^{11}C$-sertraline was $30.7{\pm}8.7%$. The specific activity was $64.8{\pm}51.4GBq/{\mu}mol$. The radiochemical and chemical purities were higher than 99%. The mass spectrum of the product showed m/z peaks at 307.1 (M+1), indicating the mass of sertraline. By the one-step loop method with $[^{11}C]CH_3OTf$, $^{11}C$-sertraline could be quickly and easily prepared for clinical application.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.63-78
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• 2015

Objectives: Pinelliae Rhizoma has traditionally been used as an anti-depressant in oriental medicine. This study is to investigate the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma extract (PRe) on psychological stress in genome wild expression of mice. Methods: After giving physical stress to mice, PRe was orally administered with 100 mg/kg/day for five days. After extracting whole brain tissue from the mice, their genome changes were observed by micorarray analysis method. The genome changes were analyzed by IMAGENE 4.0, TREEVIEW, FatiGo algorithems, BOND database, cytoscape program, etc. Results: 1. PRe administered group were remained at normal level; 60% of increase was shown in expressed genes by physical stress, and 65% of decrease was shown in expressed genes by psychological stress. 2. Genes with increased expression in control group that remained at a normal state in PRe administered group were involved with the gene of a cellular metabolic process on biological process, protein binding on molecular function, and cell part on cell composition. The pathway was found to be cytokin-cytokin receptor interaction. 3. Genes with decreased expression in control group that remained at a normal state in PRe administered group were involved with the gene of a cellular metabolic process on biologiacl detail and coupled ATPaes activity on molecular function. This gene related path was Ubiquintin mediated proteolysis etc. 4. Core node genes analyzed by protein interaction network were Vinculin, Cell sdivision cycle 42 homolog (S. cerevisiae) etc. They played an important role in maintaining cytoskeleton and controlling cell cycle. Conclusions: Several genes were up-regulated and down-regulated in response to psychological stress. The expression of most of the genes that were altered in response to psychological stress was restored to normal levels in PRe treated mice. When the interaction network information was analyzed, the recovery of the core node genes in PRe treated mice indicates that this final set of genes may be the effective target of PRe.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.261-267
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• 2018

In the present study, we assessed the effecs of fruit and vegetable bark resources rich in beneficial substances on the learning ability and memory improvement. It functions to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase in brain tissue and improve cognitive functions in a simulation model of cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine. Hence, it can promote memory and learning ability. The formulation of the fruit and vegetable bark uses the extract of fruit and vegetable peels, which has long been used without causing toxicity in a wide range of food applications. Therefore, it can be used safely without a risk of side effects, even in the case of a long-term administration for the preventive purpose. Furthermore, the present study is a very beneficial study in the environment-friendly aspect in association with recycling of resources as it is based on the novel efficacies of fruit and vegetable barks which have been conventionally disposed as a refuse of fruits due to their poor sensory qualities despite the content of beneficial substances.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.632-643
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was two-fold. First was to evaluate whether the molecular sieving model was appropriate for ionic dissociation experiment. Second was to compare the dissociation of calcium and hydroxyl ions from five types of calcium hydroxide pastes (Pure calcium hydroxide paste, DT temporary $dressing^{\circledR},{\;}Metapaste^{\circledR},{\;}Chidopex^{\circledR},{\;}Metapex^{\circledR}$) in three vehicles (aqueous, viscous and oily) and the antibacterial effect. Each calcium hydroxide pastes was placed into 0.65ml tube with cap and then 15% polyacrylamide gel was placed onto calcium hydroxide pastes. After the gel was hardened, the tubes were filled with tridistilled water (pH 7.14) and closed with cap. The tubes were stored in $37^{\circ}C$ 100% incubator The pH reading and the concentration of calcium ions were taken at 1, 4, 7. 10, and 14 days. The brain heart infusion agar plates with S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans were used far antibacterial activity test. Middle of agar plate was filled with the calcium hydroxide pastes. The plates were incubated at $37^{\circ}C$ and observations were made to detect the zones of inhibition. These data were evaluated statistically by use of the analysis of variance and duncan test. The results were as follows. 1. In fresh mixing state, the pH of five types of calcium hydroxide pastes were measured between 12.5 and 12.8. 2. The pH was increased in all five types of calcium hydroxide pastes compared with control group. In 14 days, Pure calcium hydroxide paste (11.45) and DT temporary $dressing^{\circledR}$ (11.33) showed highest pH, followed by $Metapaste^{\circledR}$ (9.49), $Chidopex^{\circledR}$ (8.37) and $Metapex^{\circledR}$ (7.59) 3. Calcium was higher in all five types of calcium hydroxide pastes compared with control group. In 14 days, Pure calcium hydroxide paste (137.29 mg%) and DT temporary $dressing^{\circledR}$ (124.6 mg%) showed highest value, followed by $Metapaste^{\circledR}$ (116.74 mg%), $Chidopex^{\circledR}$ (111.84 mg%) and $Metapex^{\circledR}$ (60.22 mg%). 4. The zones of bacterial inhibition were seen around all five types of calcium hydroxide pastes. $Chidopex^{\circledR}{\;}and{\;}Metapex^{\circledR}$ groups which include iodoform were observed significantly larger zone of inhibition in A. actinomycetemcomitans compared with the other calcium hydroxide groups (p<0.05) However, $Metapex^{\circledR}$ showed the least antibacterial effect on S. mutans compared with other groups (p<0.05). The molecular sieving model was found to be acceptable in dissociation experiment of hydroxyl and calcium ions when compared with the previous tooth model study. But this model was not appropriate for the antibacterial test.