• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the differences in clinical features and laboratory findings between group D and non-group D non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) gastroenteritis in children. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with NTS confirmed by culture study was performed. The clinical features and laboratory findings of group D and non-group D NTS were compared. Results: From 2003 to 2012, 75 cases were diagnosed as NTS at our center. The number of group D and non-group D patients was 45 and 30, respectively. The mean age was higher in group D than in non-group D patients (5.1 years vs. 3.4 years, p=0.038). Headaches were more frequently observed (p=0.046) and hematochezia was less frequently observed (p=0.017) in group D than in non-group D NTS gastroenteritis patients. A positive Widal test result was observed in 53.3% of group D and 6.7% of non-group D NTS cases (O-titer, p=0.030; H-titer, p=0.039). There were no differences in white blood cell counts, level of C-reactive protein and rate of antimicrobial resistance between group D and non-group D cases. Conclusion: The more severe clinical features such as headache, fever, and higher Widal titers were found to be indicative of group D NTS gastroenteritis. Additionally, group D NTS gastroenteritis was more commonly found in older patients. Therefore, old age, fever, headache, and a positive Widal test are more indicative of group D NTS than non-group D NTS gastroenteritis. Pathophysiological mechanisms may differ across serologic groups.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2010

In this study, lactic acid bacteria with high angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor activity were isolated from Korean fermented food, such as kimchi and salted seafood. The strain HLJ59, isolated from salted shrimp showed the highest angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor activity in DeMan Rogosa Sharpe broth. Optimum growth temperature of Lactobacillus brevis HLJ59 was at $34^{\circ}C$. Acid treatment at pH 3.0 for 1.5 h decreased cell viability from $9.9{\times}10^8$ CFU/ml to $3.11{\times}10^4$ CFU/ml. The bile extract concentration of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.0% in MRS broth did not inhibit the growth of HLJ59. Isolated strain HLJ59 showed more sensibility to amikacin, gentamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, cefmetazole, cephalothin, ampicillin, ticarcillin, sulbactam+ampicillin, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (AMC), tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole+trime thoprim (SXT) as compare to other 7 different antibiotics. However, it showed more resistance to cefoxatin, ceftnaxone, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, lincomycin, and chloramphenicol.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.31-42
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity potential and mechanisms of action of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) herbal acupuncture in high fat diet- induced obese ICR mice. Methods : Sample solutions for herbal acupuncture were prepared from the Rhizoma Atractylodis water extract powder at concentration of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg with distilled water. Five week-old ICR mice acclimatized to the laboratory environment for 1 week were allocated into four groups: regular diet group (RD), high fat diet group(HFD), groups fed HFD with 150mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment (RAE 150) and with 300mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment(RAE 300). Herbal acupuncture groups were injected with either 150mg/kg or 300mg/kg of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) subcutaneously onto both Sinsu($BL_{23}$) alternately on the same time everyday for 30days. Body weight, gross appearance of epididymal fat area, blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, histological analysis of white adipose tissue, gene expression responsible for adipocyte differentiation and AMPK activation were analyzed. Results : RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the development of weight gain, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, increases of AST and ALT, and the enlargement of fat cell size induced by HFD. Also, RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the expression of PPAR-${\gamma}$, C/$EBP{\alpha}$, aP2, LPL, FAS, SCD-1 and enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Conclusions : The results of this study demonstrate that RA herbal acupuncture can exert the anti-obesity effect and it is partially mediated by activation of AMPK and inhibition of the gene expressions responsible for adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will be required to ascertain the nti-obesity effect and mechanisms of action of RA herbal acupuncture in animal models and human for aclinical application.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.19-31
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• 1994

The objective of this study is to conduct a thermal-hydraulic analysis on the spent fuel pool and to evaluate a parametric effect for the thermal-hydraulic analysis of spent fuel pool. The selected parameters are the Reynolds Number and the gap flow through the oater gap between fuel cell and fuel bundle. The simplified flow network for a path of fuel cells is used to analyze the natural circulation phenomenon. In the flow network analysis, the pressure drop for each assembly from the entrance of the fuel rack to the exit of the fuel assembly is balanced by the driving head due to the density difference between the pool fluid and the average fluid in each spent fuel assembly. The governing equations ore developed using this relation. But, since the parameters(flow rate, pressure loss coefficient, decay heat, density)are coupled each other, iteration method is used to obtain the solution. For the analysis of the YGN 3&4 spent fuel rack, 12 channels are considered and the inputs such as decay heat and pressure loss coefficient are determined conservatively. The results show the thermal-hydraulic characteristics(void fraction, density, boiling height)of the YGN 3&4 spent fuel rack. There occurs small amount of boiling in the cells. Fuel cladding temperature is lower than 343.3$^{\circ}C$. The evaluation of parametric effect indicates that flow resistances by geometric effect are very sensitive to Reynolds number in the transition region and the gap flow is negligible because of the larger flow resistance in the gap flow path than in the fuel bundle.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, anthocyanins have been reported to have various biological activities. Furthermore, anthocyanin-rich purple corn extract (PCE) ameliorated insulin resistance and reduced diabetes-associated mesanginal fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting that it may have benefits for the prevention of diabetes and diabetes complications. In this study, we determined the anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin component of PCE by HPLC-ESI-MS and investigated its anti-diabetic activity and mechanisms using C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into four groups: diabetic control group (DC), 10 or 50 mg/kg PCE (PCE 10 or PCE 50), or 10 mg/kg pinitol (pinitol 10) and treated with drugs once per day for 8 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured every week. At the end of treatment, we measured several diabetic parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the DC group, Fasting blood glucose levels were 68% lower in PCE 50 group and 51% lower in the pinitol 10 group. Furthermore, the PCE 50 group showed 2-fold increased C-peptide and adiponectin levels and 20% decreased HbA1c levels, than in the DC group. In pancreatic islets morphology, the PCE- or pinitol-treated mice showed significant prevention of pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell damage and higher insulin content. Microarray analyses results indicating that gene and protein expressions associated with glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism in liver and fat tissues. In addition, purple corn extract increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose 6-phosphatase (G6pase) genes in liver, and also increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expressions in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that PCE exerted anti-diabetic effects through protection of pancreatic ${\beta}$-cells, increase of insulin secretion and AMPK activation in the liver of C57BL/KsJ db/db mice.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2010

The roots and leaves of Angelica keiskei (AK) have been used for the treatment of various diseases including coronary heartdisease, hypertension, and cancer in the Korean folk medicine. However, the mechanism by which methylenechloride fraction (MF) from AK exerts anti-tumorigenic activity in human prostate cancer cells has not been fully understood. In the present study, we report the MF exerted the highest cytotoxicity against prostate cancer DU145 cells compared with other fractions. Especially, MF caused the accumulation of sub-G1 DNA contents of cell cycle and increased annexin V-positive apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation. MF down-regulated several proliferative (Cyclin D1) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, IAP-1/2, and survivin)gene products in these cells. Hence, MF induced apoptosis through the caspase-3 activation in DU145 cells. We further confirmed that caspase-3 plays an importance role in MF-induced apoptosis in DU145 cells by using caspase-3 inhibitor. Additionally, we observed that MF potentiated Dox-induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate the evidence that MF induces apoptosis depend on caspase-3 activation of and overcomes resistance to chemotherapy in human prostate cancer cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.8
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• pp.258-263
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• 2018

Purpose: Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is characterized by prolonged fever and radiological progression despite macrolide treatment. Few studies have examined serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in children with MPP. We aimed to investigate the association of acute inflammation markers including PCT with clinical parameters in children with MPP. Methods: A total of 147 children were recruited. The diagnosis of MPP relied on serial measurement of IgM antibody against mycoplasma and/or polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated the relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and clinical severity of the disease. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio for prolonged fever (>3 days after admission) and hospital stay (> 6 days), comparing quintiles 2-5 of the PCT levels with the lowest quintile. Results: The serum PCT and CRP levels were higher in children with fever and hospital stay than in those with fever lasting ${\leq}3days$ after admission and hospital stay ${\leq}6days$. CRP level was higher in segmental/lobar pneumonia than in bronchopneumonia. The LDH level and WBC counts were higher in children with fever lasting for >3 days before compared to those with fever lasting for ${\leq}3days$. The highest quintile of PCT levels was associated with a significantly higher risk of prolonged fever and/or hospital stay than the lowest quintile. Conclusion: Serum PCT and CRP levels on admission day were associated with persistent fever and longer hospitalization in children with MPP.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.1C
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• pp.29-38
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• 2011

The smaller diameter cone penetrometer has been widely used to estimate the characteristics of local area due to high vertical resolution. The half-bridge cirucits have been adopted to measure the mechnical strength of soil through the smaller diameter cone penetrometer due to the limitation of the areas for configuring the full-bridge circuit. The half-bridge circuit, however, is known as being easily affected to the temperature variation. The objective of this study suggests the temperature-compensated method in mini-cones. The diameter and length of the mini-cone is designed to 15mm and 56mm. The load cell of the mini-cone is extended about 54mm on the behind of the mini-cone to reflect the only temperature variation. The full-bridge circuit is installed to measure the temperature-compensated values in the mini-cone and the half-bridge circuit is also organized to compare the temperature compensated values with uncompensated values. The seasonal variation tests are performed to define the effect of temperature variation under summer and winter temperature condition. The densification tests are also carried out to investigate temperature effects during penetration. The measured mechanical resistances with temperature-compensated method show more reliable and reasonable values than those measured by thermal uncompensated system. This study suggests that the temperature-compensated method of the mini-cone may be a useful technique to obtain the more reliable resistances with minimizing the temperature effect.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2020

Solanum stoloniferum, one of the wild tetraploid Solanum species belonging to the Solanaceae family, is an excellent resource for potato breeding owing to its resistance to several important pathogens. However, the sexual hybridization of S. stoloniferum with S. tuberosum (potato) is hampered due to the sexual incompatibility between the two species. To overcome this and introgress the various novel traits of S. stoloniferum in cultivated potatoes, cell fusion can be performed. The identification of the fusion products is crucial and can be achieved with the aid of molecular markers. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequence of S. stoloniferum was obtained by next-generation sequencing technology, and compared with that of six other Solanum species to identify S. stoloniferum-specific molecular markers. The length of the complete chloroplast genome of S. stoloniferum was found to be 155,567 bp. The structural organization of the chloroplast genome of S. stoloniferum was similar to that of the six other Solanum species studied. Phylogenetic analysis of S. stoloniferum with nine other Solanaceae family members revealed that S. stoloniferum was most closely related to S. berthaultii. Additional comparison of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. stoloniferum with that of five Solanum species revealed the presence of six InDels and 39 SNPs specific to S. stoloniferum. Based on these InDels and SNPs, four PCR-based markers were developed to differentiate S. stoloniferum from other Solanum species. These markers will facilitate the selection of fusion products and accelerate potato breeding using S. stoloniferum.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2013

Background: Glutaraldehyde (GA) is a widely used cross-linking agent for improving mechanical properties and resistance to enzymatic degradation of collagenous tissue, but it has several drawbacks such as calcification and cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to find the alternative effective cross-linking methods to GA. Materials and Methods: Bovine pericardium was processed with GA with ethanol+octanol and glycine detoxification, and polyethylene glycol (PG) space filler, dimethyl 3,3'-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) treatment, and the physical fixation of ultraviolet irradiation were done. The biologic material properties of variously treated pericardial tissues were assessed by biochemical, mechanical and histological tests. Treated pericardial tissues were also implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the rabbit for 10 weeks to assess the xenoreactive antibody response of immunoglobulin G and M, their anti-calcification effect. Results: The biochemical and mechanical properties of EDC fixed pericardial tissues were comparable to the GA fixed tissue. The cytotoxicity was lowest in space filler treated GA fixed group. In rabbit subcutaneous or intramuscular implantation models, decellularization, space filler, EDC treatment group showed significantly lower calcium content than GA only and DTBP treatment group (p<0.05, analysis of variance). The titer of anti $Gal{\alpha}1-3Gal{\beta}1$-4GlcNAc-R antibodies did not change in the postimplantation serial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and von Kossa staining showed that decellularization, space filler, EDC, and ultraviolet treatment had less inflammatory cell infiltration and calcium deposits. Conclusion: The decellularization process, PG filler, and EDC treatments are good alternative cross-linking methods compared to GA only fixation and primary amine of DTBP treatment for cardiovascular xenograft preservation in terms of the collagen cross-linking stability and in vivo anti-calcification effects.