• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.261-264
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• 2005

In the current study, we examined the quality of surface water in ponds at two golf courses, located in southern (Country Club P) and eastern (Country Club B) areas of Korea respectively. Seasonal measurements were made of following physical parameters;pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chloride, alkalinity, hardness, and nitrogen compounds [$NH_3$-N, $NO_2$-N, $NO_3$-N] and the concentrations of four heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) throughout the courses. The pH values were within the alkaline range (7.3 to 9.0), and the biological oxygen demand was generally between 0.5 and 3.1 mg/L. The alkalinity and hardness ranged from 19.1 to 68.5mg/L and 16.1 to 63.6 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogen as ammonium $(NH_3-N)$ was detected in all samples, and the samples had low concentrations of $NO_2-N$ and $NO_3-N$. Cd concentrations were relatively high (to 22.44 mg/L); the highest Cd concentration was observed in the pond in Country Club P. Other metal concentrations were low compared to the Quebec guidelines.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.126-135
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• 2018

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible airflow. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GHX02 in a COPD-induced mouse model. Methods: The COPD mouse model was established by exposure to cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide which were administered by intratracheal injection three times with a 7 day interval. GHX02 (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and all other drugs were orally administrated for 14 days from Day 7 to Day 21. Results: GHX02 significantly decreased the neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the number of $CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD69^+$, and $CD11b^+/GR1^+$ cells in BALF and lung cells. GHX02 also suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL-1) in BALF and ameliorated the lung pathological changes. Conclusions: Thus, GHX02 effectively inhibited airway inflammation by inhibiting migration of inflammatory cells and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, GHX02 may be a promising therapeutic agent for COPD.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.160-170
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• 2019

The lactic acid bacteria species Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) has been used extensively for vaccine delivery. Considering to the critical role of dendritic cells in stimulating host immune response, in this study, we constructed a novel CD11c-targeting L. plantarum strain with surface-displayed variable fragments of anti-CD11c, single-chain antibody (scFv-CD11c). The newly designed L. plantarum strain, named 409-aCD11c, could adhere and invade more efficiently to bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro due to the specific interaction between scFv-CD11c and CD11c located on the surface of BMDCs. After incubation with BMDCs, the 409-aCD11c strain harboring a eukaryotic vector pValac-GFP could lead to more efficient expression of GFP compared with wild-type strains shown by flow cytometry analysis, indicating the enhanced translocation of pValac-GFP from L. plantarum to BMDCs. Similar results were also observed in an in vivo study, which showed that oral administration resulted in efficient expression of GFP in both Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) within 7 days after the last administration. In addition, the CD11c-targeting strain significantly promoted the differentiation and maturation of DCs, the differentiation of $IL-4^+$ and $IL-17A^+$ T helper (Th) cells in MLNs, as well as production of $B220^+$ $IgA^+$ B cells in the PP. In conclusion, this study developed a novel DC-targeting L. plantarum strain which could increase the ability to deliver eukaryotic expression plasmid to host cells, indicating a promising approach for vaccine study.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1022-1029
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• 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious health issue around the word. Adenovirus (Ad)-based vaccine and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)-based vaccine have emerged as two of the most promising immunization candidates over the past few years. However, the performance of the homologous and heterologous prime-boost immunization regimens of these two viral vector-based vaccines remains unclear. In the present study, we constructed recombinant Ad and MVA expressing an Ag85B-TB10.4 fusion protein (AdH4 and MVAH4) and evaluated the impact of their different immunization regimens on the humoral and cellular immune responses. We found that the viral vector-based vaccines could generate significantly higher levels of antigen-specific antibodies, $IFN-{\gamma}$-producing splenocytes, $CD69^+CD8^+$ T cells, and $IFN-{\gamma}$ secretion when compared with bacillus Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ (BCG) in a mouse model. AdH4-containing immunization regimens (AdH4-AdH4, AdH4-MVAH4, and MVAH4-AdH4) induced significantly stronger antibody responses, much more $IFN-{\gamma}$-producing splenocytes and $CD69^+CD8^+$ T cells, and higher levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$ secretion when compared with the MVAH4-MVAH4 immunization regimen. The number of $IFN-{\gamma}$-producing splenocytes sensitive to $CD8^+$ T-cell restricted peptides of Ag85B (9-1p and 9-2p) and Th1-related cytokines ($IFN-{\gamma}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$) in the AdH4-MVAH4 heterologous prime-boost regimen immunization group was significantly higher than that in the other viral vector-based vaccine- and BCG-immunized groups, respectively. These results indicate that an immunization regimen involving AdH4 may have a higher capacity to induce humoral and cellular immune responses against TB in mice than that by regimens containing BCG or MVAH4 alone, and the AdH4-MVAH4 prime-boost regimen may generate an ideal protective effect.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.188-197
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• 2010

Background: Lichen-derived glucans have been known to stimulate the functions of immune cells. However, immunostimulatory activity of glucan obtained from edible lichen, Umbilicaria esculenta, has not been reported. Thus we evaluated the phenotype and functional maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) following treatment of extracted glucan (PUE). Methods: The phenotypic and functional maturation of PUE-treated DCs was assessed by flow cytometric analysis and cytokine production, respectively. PUE-treated DCs was also used for mixed leukocyte reaction to evaluate T cell-priming capacity. Finally we detected the activation of MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ by immunoblot. Results: Phenotypic maturation of DCs was shown by the elevated expressions of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II molecules. Functional activation of DCs was proved by increased cytokine production of IL-12, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\alpha}/{\beta}$, decreased endocytosis, and enhanced proliferation of allogenic T cells. Polymyxin B, specific inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), did not affect PUE activity, which suggested that PUE was free of LPS contamination. As a mechanism of action, PUE increased phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs, and enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p50/p65 in DCs. Conclusion: These results indicate that PUE induced DC maturation via MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathways.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.79-80
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• 2006

A stoichiometric mixture of evaporating materials for $CdIn_2S_4$ single crystal thin films was prepared from horizontal electric furnace. To obtain the single crystal thin films, $CdIn_2S_4$ mixed crystal was deposited on thoroughly etched semi-Insulating GaAs(100) substrate by the Hot Wall Epitaxy (HWE) system. The temperature dependence of the energy band gap of the $CdIn_2S_4$ obtained from the absorption spectra was well described by the Varshni's relation. $E_g(T)=2.7116 eV-(7.74{\times}10^{-4} eV)T^2/(T+434)$. The crystal field and the spin-orbit splitting energies for the valence band of the $CdIn_2S_4$ have been estimated to be 0.1291 eV and 0.0248 eV, respectively, by means of the photocurrent spectra and the Hopfield quasicubic model. These results indicate that the splitting of the ${\Delta}so$ definitely exists in the ${\Gamma}_5$ states of the valence band of the $AgInS_2$/GaAs epilayer. The three photocurrent peaks observed at 10K are ascribed to the $A_1-$, $B_1-$, and C1-exciton peaks for n = 1.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and current therapeutic strategies are limited in their effectiveness. The expressions of Rab5 and the M2 tumor-associated macrophage marker CD163 in tissues were detected by Western blot. The migration and invasion of cells were determined using a Transwell assay. The expressions of the exosome markers were evaluated by Western blot. The polarization of human macrophages (THP-1) was determined by incubation of THP-1 cells with conditioned medium or exosomes collected from MDA-MB-231 cells with indicated transfections or by a coculture system of THP-1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The M1 and M2 macrophage markers were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The expression of Rab5 in TNBC was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissue. Rab5 expressions in triple-negative and luminal A breast cancer were higher than those in other molecular subtypes. Higher CD163 expression was observed in triple-negative breast cancer and in triple-negative and luminal B subtypes. Rab5 knockdown suppressed but Rab5 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells. The levels of CD63 and CD9 in the medium of Rab5 knockdown cells were lower than those in control cells, whereas higher levels of CD63 and CD9 were observed in Rab5 overexpression cells. Rab5 knockdown decreased the excretion but did not alter the diameter of the exosomes. Knockdown of Rab5 facilitated the anti-tumor polarization of macrophages, which was partially reversed by Rab5 overexpression. Therefore, Rab5 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer.

• BMB Reports
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.415-420
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• 1997

Although $CD4^+$ T cell responses to protein-derived antigen have well been understood, the epitopes recognized by hapten-specific $CD4^+$ T cells have not been fully defined. In this study, we characterized the response of a T cell hybridoma (5Di0.1B8) which is specific for a hapten. N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidobenzoate (HSAB) restricted by MHC class II $I-A^d$. Using three different antigen presenting cells (APCs) expressing $I-A^d$, the role of class II MHC proteins in haptenic antigen presentation and subsequent activation of 5D10.1B8 has been examined. Activation of 5D10.1B8 T cells by HSAB analogs was also performed. Our results show that each APC activated T cells differentially and that interleukin-2 (IL-2) augmented antigen-presenting ability of all the APCs, suggesting that increased expression of class II MHC protein by IL-2 played an important role in HSAB presentation and T cell activation. Finally, early T cell receptor-dependent signals induced by HSAB or its analogs were examined by phosphotyrosine immunoblot analysis, and showed that tyrosine phosphorylation level of a 18-20 kD protein increased upon stimulation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1193-1203
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• 2000

In this study, in order to remove Cd(II) from aqueous solutions, strongly acidic cation exchange resin(SK1B) by Diaion Co. was employed as an adsorbent. Experiments were mainly performed in two parts at room temperature($25{\pm}5^{\circ}C$) : batch tests and adsorption kinetics tests. In batch tests adsorption equilibrium time, pH effects, temperature effects, several adsorption isotherms, and finally desorption tests were examined. In differential bed tests, an optimum flow rate and an overall adsorption rate were obtained. In the batch experiment, adsorption capability increased with pH and became constant above pH 6 and adsorption quantity increased with temperature. Batch experimental data found that Freundlich and Sips adsorption isotherms were more favorable than Langmuir adsorption isotherm over the range of concentration (5~15ppm). The desorbent used in the desorption test was hydrochloric acid solution with different concentrations(0.01~2N). The degree of regeneration increased with concentration of desorbent and decreased slightly with the number of regeneration. In the continuous flow process using a differential bed reactor, the optimum flow rate was $564m{\ell}/min$ above which the film diffusion resistance was minimized. The overall adsorption rate for the removal of Cd(II) by cation exchange resin was found as follows ; $r=1.3785C_{fc}^{1.2421}-2.0907{\times}10^{0.0746C_i}\;q_e^{0.0121C_i-0.0301}$

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2006

Background : Recently, so many people are suffered from the allergic or auto-immune disease, and the representative disease is just Allergic Asthma. It is because human immune function has been decreased. Many treatments were done to treat this disease, and many methods were studied to increase immune function and to suppress the asthma. But, the effect of asthma-suppression and improvement of immune response of EH-HA(Ephedrae Herba Herbal Acupuncture) has not been studied in detail. To study the effects of EH-HA, we injected EH-HA at Joksamni(ST36) of C57BL/6 mice. Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of asthma-suppression and improvement of immune response of EH-HA(Ephedrae Herba Herbal Acupuncture). EH-HA was done at Joksamni(ST36) of the mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks. Two experimental groups were treated with different concentrations(1%, 0.1%) of EH-HA at Joksamni(ST36) for the later 8 weeks(3times/week). Results : 1. The lung weight of the group treated with EH-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group. 2. The total cells in lung, total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the group treated with EH-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 3. Eosinophils in BALF of the group treated with EH-HA in photomicrographs decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 4. The concentrations of IL-13, IgE, IL-4 in serum and IL-4 in BALF of the group treated with EH-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 5. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+\;cells,\;CD3e^-/CCR3^+\;cells,\;CD4^+\;cells,\;CD8^+\;cells,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+\;cells\;and\;IgE^+/B220^+\;cells$ in lung of the group treated with EH-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 6. In RT-PCR, the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in the group treated with EH-HA decreased compared with those of control group. Conclusion : These results suggested that EH-HA at Joksamni(ST36) in C57BL/6mice may be effective to OVA-induced asthma of C57BL/6 mice.