• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.47-57
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• 2001

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, and its pathology is characterized by the presence of numerous numbers of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Several genetic and transgenic studies have indicated that excess amount of $\beta$-amyloid protein (A$\beta$) is produced by mutations of $\beta$TEX>$\beta$-amyloid precursor protein and causes learning impairment. Moreover, $A\beta$ has a toxic effect on cultured nerve cells. To prepare AD model animals, we have examined continuous (2 weeks) infusion of $A\beta$ into the cerebral ventricle of rats. Continuous infusion of $A\beta$ induces learning impairment in water maze and passive avoidance tasks, and decreases choline acetyltransferase activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed diffuse depositions of $A\beta$ in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus around the ventricle. Furthermore, the nicotine-evoked release of acetylcholine and dopamine in the frontal cortex/hippocampus and striatum, respectively, is decreased in the $A\beta$-infused group. Perfusion of nicotine (50 $\mu\textrm{M}$) reduced the amplitude of electrically evoked population spikes in the CA1 pyramidal cells of the control group, but not in those of the $A\beta$-infused group, suggesting the impairment of nicotinic signaling in the $A\beta$-infused group. In fact, Kd, but not Bmax, values for ［$^3H$］ cytisine binding in the hippocampus significantly increased in the $A\beta$-infused rats. suggesting the decrease in affinity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by tetanic stimulations in CA1 pyramidal cells, which is thought to be an essential mechanism underlying learning and memory, was readily observed in the control group, whereas it was impaired in the $A\beta$-infused group. Taken together, these results suggest that $A\beta$ infusion impairs the signal transduction mechanisms via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This dysfunction may be responsible, at least in part, for the impairment of LTP induction and may lead to learning and memory impairment. We also found the reduction of glutathione- and Mn-superoxide dismutase-like immunoreactivity in the brains of $A\beta$-infused rats. Administration of antioxidants or nootropics alleviated learning and memory impairment induced by $A\beta$ infusion. We believe that investigation of currently available transgenic and non-transgenic animal models for AD will help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms and allow assessment of new therapeutic strategies.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 1974

Blood is one of the most important clinical specimens for the isolation of bacteria. A rapid isolation and a high isolation rate of bacteria are very important in blood culture because bacteremic patients are mostly in grave condition. Various blood culture media which support growth of most fastidious bacteria are available commercially. However, growth of bacteria are frequently delayed because of antibacterial activity of blood. Sodium polyanethol sulfonate(Liquoid) has been reported to inactivate the antibacterial substance and disrupt phagocytic cells. The beneficial effect of SPS is well recognized in the isolation of gram-positive bacteria. However, the effect does not seem to be prominent for gram-negative bacilli isolation mainly due to the rapidity of their growth. It has been experienced with Sal. typhi that the growth is much slower than that of other gram-negative bacilli. For the rapid growth of the organism, use of bile broth has been recommended. Although Sal. typhi is the most frequently isolated organism at present, about one half of total isolates are other organisms and, in case bile broth is used, other media which support growth of these organisms should be used together. Fluid thioglycollate medium(FTM) which is always used in blood culture to isolate anaerobes is inferior to brain heart infusion(BHI) for the isolation of aerobes. This study was done to determine the effect of SPS on the isolation of Sal. typhi from blood. During the Sep. 1973 to Sep. 1974 study period, 2460 blood cultures were made from the Severance hospital patients: BHI and FTM sets 1431 specimens, BHI with SPS(0.05%) and FTM sets 396 specimens, BHI and FTM with SPS sets 359 specimens, BHI and BHI with SPS sets 274 specimens. Mean incubation time required for the macroscopic detection of growth of Sal. typhi were 3.5 days on BHI and 2.7 days on BHI with SPS. The 0.8 day difference was statistically significant. On FTM the mean incubation time was 3.8 days while it was 2.9 days on FTM with SPS. The 0.9 day difference was statistically significant. The result on BHI with and without SPS sets showed faster growth on BRI with SPS in 7 specimens and slower growth in one specimen and the remaining 12 showed growth at the same time. These specimens had mean incubation time of 3.2 days on BHI and 2.3 days on BHI with SPS. The 0.9 day difference was statistically significant. This study indicates beneficial effect of SPS for the rapid isolation of Sal. typhi from clinical blood specimens.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.543-548
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• 2018

The current study examined antioxidant and neuronal cell protective effects of the crude polysaccharide fraction in Cudrania tricuspidata fruits (CTP). The radical scavenging activities of (1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and reducing power and FRAP of CTP were increased dose-dependently. In addition, the expression of neuroprotective effect of CTP was tested in HT22 mouse hippocampal cells. CTP treatment exhibited non cytotoxicity at dose levels below $500{\mu}g/mL$. Within this optimal concentration range, CTP treatment significantly increased cell viability in $H_2O_2-treated$ HT22 cells. Furthermore, CTP treatment increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in HT22 cells. Therefore, these results indicate that the crude polysaccharide fraction from Cudrania tricuspidata fruits (CTP) possesses antioxidant activities and displays therapeutic potential as a useful source material in the development of brain disorder treatments targeting oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.124-133
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• 2018

We tried to investigate the changes in cortical activities according to emotional valence states during watching video clips. We examined the neural basis of two emotional states (positive and negative) using spectral power analysis and brain functional connectivity analysis of cortical current density time-series reconstructed from high-density electroencephalograms (EEGs). Fifteen healthy participants viewed a series of thirty-two 2 min emotional video clips. Sixty-four channel EEGs were recorded. Distributed cortical sources were reconstructed using weighted minimum norm estimation. The temporal and spatial characteristics of spectral source powers showing significant differences between positive and negative emotion were examined. Also, correlations between gamma-band activities and affective valence ratings were determined. We observed the changes of cortical current density time-series according to emotional states modulated by video clip. Gamma-band activities showed significant difference between emotional states for thirty seconds at the middle and the latter half of the video clip, mainly in prefrontal area. It was also significantly anti-correlated with the self-ratings of emotional valence. In addition, the gamma-band activities in frontal and temporal areas were strongly phase-synchronized, more strongly for negative emotional states. Cortical activities in frontal and temporal areas showed high spectral power and inter-regional phase synchronization in gamma-band during negative emotional states. It is inferred that the higher amygdala activation induced by negative stimuli resulted in strong emotional effects and caused strong local and global synchronization of neural activities in gamma-band in frontal and temporal areas.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.343-349
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• 1994

A number of neurological syndromes(e.g. tardive dyskinesia) are developed as a consequence of chronic treatment with neuroleptics or antipsychotic agents. Despite the long and succesful use of phenothiazine derivatives and related agents in the treatment of certain states of mental disease, the mechanisms of these drugs are still poorly understood. One current hypothesis from extensive reviews is that these compounds might significantly interfere with the cyclic nucleotide system in brain (Levin and Weiss, 1977; Nowicki et al., 1991; Haley et al., 1992). Nitric oxide (NO), one of an interesting messenger molecule and aberrant transmitter, is believed to play a important role in biological functions of cyclic nucleotides in nervous system. It has been reported that calcium-dependent NO synthesis in endothelial cytosol is mediated by calmodulin which is supposed to be tightly related to pharmacological actions of antipsychotic agents. In the present study, the effect of several antipsychotic agents on the activity of NO synthesis and formation of cyclic GMP were investigated. These agents inhibited both the formation of $[^3H]L-citrulline$ and that of $[^3H]cyclic$ GMP by concentration-dependent manner, and their inhibiting patterns are so similar to that of calmodulin antagonist.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.790-798
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• 2020

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IκB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 2020

Background: Although a number of Panax ginseng cultivars have been developed by Korean researchers in recent years, there has been insufficient analysis of their beneficial properties. In this study, we sought to identify useful ginseng varieties as functional materials. Methods and Results: We evaluated effects of root extracts of 10 ginseng cultivars (Cheongsun; CS, Chunpoong; CP, Gopoong; GP, Gumpoong; GMP, K1, Sunhyang; SH, Sunone; SO, Sunpoong; SP, Sunun; SU and Yunpoong; YP) against the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mouse brain microglial BV2 cells, as well as the binding of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a marker related to memory. Ginsenosides, such as 20 (S)-protopanaxadiols (PPDs), including ginsenoside-Rb1, -Rb2, -Rb3, -Rc, -Rd, and - Rg3 and 20 (S)-protopanaxatriols (PPTs) including -Re, -Rg1, and -Rg2 were analyzed by HPLC. We observed that the cultivar GMP showed the highest inhibitory effect (60.8%) against NO production at 20 ㎍/㎖. Those cultivars showing the significantly highest inhibition effects against ROS at 20 ㎍/㎖ were K1 (57.3%), SP (54.5%), YP (53.1%), CP (51.7%), CS (50.9%) and SH (49.6%). At 50 ㎍/㎖, K1 showed the most potent inhibitory effect (51.2%) on NMDAR binding. The total phenol content of SH (1.89 mg/g) and K1 (1.73 mg/g) were higher than those of the other cultivars, whereas in terms of PD/PT ratios, the values of CP (0.98), K1 (1.05) and SO (1.05) were lower than those of the other cultivars. On the basis of correlation coefficient (0.7064) between NMDAR inhibition and ONOO^- scavenging activity. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the cultivars K1 and SH could be useful ginseng resources as functional materials with favorable cognition-improving and antioxidative properties.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological function of ODAM and its signal transduction pathway in the steps of ameloblast differentiation and enamel mineralization. An ODAM recombinant protein was produced and stable ODAM transgenic cell lines were also established using ameloblast-lineage cells (ALCs). To verify the ODAM signal transduction pathway, BAMBI recombinant protein, an inhibitor of BMP2 and BMP receptor 1B (BMPR-1B), was treated and BMPR-1B siRNA was used to silence expression of BMPR-1B. Mineralization was augmented by the ALCs treated with the ODAM recombinant protein and the sense ODAM overexpressing cells. The ALP activity was also increased markedly in the sense ODAM overexpressing cells and the ALCs treated with ODAM recombinant protein. The inactivation of ODAM in the ALCs down-regulated the expression of BMPR-1B, whereas its expression was up-regulated markedly when ODAM was overexpressed. These results provide deeper insights into the process of ameloblast maturation and in enamel mineralization. It also suggested that ODAM augmented enamel mineralization.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2007

Biological characteristics of Philasteridies dicentrarchi (Ciliophora:Scuticociliate) isolated from the cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was determined out by culture, growth conditions, and in vitro relief effect of chemical compounds. The scuticociliate has an active propagation ability by utilizing organic matters obtained from cell strain, bacteria, assorted feed, brain tissue and rotifer tissue. The ciliate achieved population growth activity under the conditions of $5{\sim}45\;ppt$ in salinity and pH 6-9. The ciliate had survived and propagated under the water temperature ranging $10{\sim}30^{\circ}C$, but active growth was observed in the temperature ranges of $10{\sim}25^{\circ}C$. Therapeutic trials were performed with formalin and hydrogen peroxide. The extermination time of the parasites with formalin was in 30 minutes both at 300 and 400 ppm, 60 minutes at 200 ppm, 90 minutes at 100 ppm, and 120 minutes at 50 ppm, respectively. In hydrogen peroxide treatments extermination time was 60 minutes in 300 ppm, 90 minutes in 200 ppm, and 150 minutes at 150 ppm and 100 ppm concentrations.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.80-91
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• 2003

Mutans streptococci, especially S. mutans and S. sobrinus strongly implicated in pathogenesis of dental caries, the major cause of tooth loss in children. Use of an antibacterial agent controlling dental caries has been rationalized. The present study was performed to observe the antibacterial effect of inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 were grown in brain-heart infusion broth with or without polyP. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of polyP for S. mutans GS5 was determined to be 0.08% and that for S. sobrius 6715 was 0.17%. PolyP 15 added to the growing culture of S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 at their exponential phase was as effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans GS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 as polyP added at the very beginning of the culture. More than 85% of the cells lost their viability determined by viable cell count when polyP 15 was added to the culture of growing S. mutans GS5 at MIC, suggesting that polyP 15 has bacterial effect on the bacterium. And more than 99.9% of the cells lost their viability determined by viable cell count when polyP 15 was added to the culture of growing S. sobrinus 6715 at MIC, suggesting that polyP 15 has bacterial effect on the bacterium. Intracellular nucleotide release from S. mutans CS5 and S. sobrinus 6715 was increased in the presence of polyP 15 for 5h but was not really reversed by the addition of divalent cations like $Ca^{++}\;and\;Mg^{++}$. The majority of the cells appeared to be atypical in their shape, demonstrating accumulation of highly electron-dense granules and ghost cells. The overall results suggest that polyP have a strong bactericidal activity against S. mutans and S. sobrinus in which lysis in relation to chelation may not play the major role but unknown mechanism that possibly affects the viability of the bacterium may be involved. PolyP may be used as an agent for prevention of dental caries.