• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.575-585
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• 2022

Due to its biofilm formation and colonization of the osteocyte-lacuno canalicular network (OLCN), Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) implant-associated bone infection (SIABI) is difficult to cure thoroughly, and may occur recurrently subsequently after a long period dormant. It is essential to explore an alternative therapeutic strategy that can eradicate the pathogens in the infected foci. To address this, the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement and Fe3O4 nanoparticles compound cylinder were developed as implants based on their size and mechanical properties for the alternative magnetic field (AMF) induced thermal ablation, The PMMA mixed with optimized 2% Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial efficacy in vitro. It was evaluated by the CFU, CT scan and histopathological staining on a rabbit 1-stage transtibial screw model. The results showed that on week 7, the CFU of infected soft tissue and implants, and the white blood cells (WBCs) of the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group decreased significantly from their controls (p<0.05). PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group did not observe bone resorption, periosteal reaction, and infectious reactive bone formation by CT images. Further histopathological H&E and Gram Staining confirmed there was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, neither pathogens residue nor noticeably burn damage around the infected screw channel in the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group. Further investigation of nanoparticle distributions in bone marrow medullary and vital organs of heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. There were no significantly extra Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were observed in the medullary cavity and all vital organs either. In the current study, PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF shows promising therapeutic potential for SIABI by providing excellent mechanical support, and promising efficacy of eradicating the residual pathogenic bacteria in bone infected lesions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.7-16
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• 2013

Objectives : Brassica campestris var narinosa (BCN), Canavalia gladiata DC semen (CGD) and their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) have been use to demonstrate to regulate hematopoiesis. In the current study, we investigated whether Brassica campestris var narinosa, Canavalia gladiata DC semen and their combinational prescription is related to hemato-potentiating function using Sca-$1^+$ hematopoietic stem cells (Sca-$1^+HSCs$) as a testing system. Methods : Sca-$1^+HSCs$ isolated from femur in C57bl/6 mice with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Then, Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression, ELISA and haematopoiesis-related gene (EPO, TPO, IL-3, SCF, c-kit, GM-CSF), the phosphorylation of JAK2, GATA-1 and STAT-5a/b were observed by western blot, and the numbers of $CD117^+/Sca-1^+$ cell and the number of granulocyte erythrocyte monocyte macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GEMM) and erythroid burst forming units (BFU-E), semisolid clonogenic assay was performed. Result : When Sca-$1^+HSCs$ were treated with Brassica campestris var narinosa, Canavalia gladiata DC semen and their combinational prescription with rIL-3/rSCF, the expression of haematopoiesis-related (EPO, TPO, IL-3, SCF, c-kit, and GM-CSF) were significantly increased at the levels of mRNA as well as production in Sca-$1^+HSCs$. Additionally, CGS enhanced phosphorylation of JAK2, GATA-1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-5a/b (STAT-5a/b) in Sca-$1^+HSCs$. Furthermore, their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) significantly enhanced the growth rate of granulocyte erythrocyte monocyte macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GEMM) and erythroid burst forming units (BFU-E) in vitro. Conclusion : These result suggest that Brassica campestris var narinosa (BCN) and Canavalia gladiata DC have hematopoietic enhancement via hematopoietic cytokine-mediated JAK2/GATA-1/STAT-5a/b pathway, and their combinational prescription (BCN+CGD) has superior hematopoietic enhancement to those of individual extracts.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.476-481
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• 2022

Ubiquitin signaling regulates virtually all aspects of eukaryotic biology and dynamic processes in which protein substrates are modified by ubiquitin. To regulate these processes, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) cleave ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins from these substrates. DUBs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, leading to the development of increasing numbers of small-molecule DUB inhibitors. On the other hand, recent studies have focused on the function of DUBs in metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver diseases. DUBs play a positive or negative role in the progression and development of metabolic diseases. Their involvement in cell pathology and regulation of major transcription factors in metabolic syndrome has been examined in vitro and in animal and human biopsies. UCH, USP7, and USP19 were linked to adipocyte differentiation, body weight gain, and insulin resistance in genetic or diet-induced obesity. CYLD, USP4, and USP18 were found to be closely associated with fatty liver diseases. In addition, these liver diseases were accompanied by body weight change in certain cases. Collectively, in this review, we discuss the current understanding of DUBs in metabolic diseases with a particular focus on obesity. We also provide basic knowledge and regulatory mechanisms of DUBs and suggest these enzymes as therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.368-374
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• 2022

In this study, the effects of UV irradiation-enhanced ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂) content containing Lentinula edodes extract on inflammation and allergic responses were investigated in vitro. The anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of the mushroom extract were tested by estimating the cytokine secretions, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-activated macrophages (RAW 264.7), or histamine release in PMA and A23187-activated mast cells (RBL-2H3). Under the condition of macrophage activation with LPS, mushroom extract significantly reduced the secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, and their mRNA expression also matched the observation. The current mushroom extract also significantly reduced the amount of mast cell degranulation-induced histamine secretion from PMA- and A23187-treated mast cells as well as the reduced secretion of IL-4. These results suggest that mushroom extract, which has increased ergocalciferol content by UV irradiation, inhibits the expression of cytokines in inflammation and allergic reactions; therefore, it can be used effectively for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2023

Background: The existing research results on the combined toxicity of these pollutants using mammals, such as rodents, are insufficient, especially in relation to changes in the immune system. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the cellular immune response to PE-MPs solely or when combined with Pb, which possess excellent adsorption capacity with PE-MPs and is commonly co-exposed in our daily lives. Methods: The study investigated the cellular immune function of 9-week ICR mice with 28 days exposure to PE-MPs (2 mg/mouse/day) and Pb (0.1 mM in distilled water) individually and in combination. PE-MPs were administered via gastric intubation while the lead intake was conducted via the oral drinking water route. Cellular immunity was evaluated by analyzing the production for T_H1 cytokines namely, TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 and T_H2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-6 in culture supernatants from polyclonally activated splenic mononuclear cells ex vivo. Results: Both the PE-MPs only and the PE-MPs+Pb exposure group revealed an increased T_H1 response with elevated TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 levels and downregulated T_H2 response with low IL-4, and IL-6 production levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, an increased IFN-𝛾/IL-4 ratio was found in the PE-MPs only and PE-MPs+Pb exposure groups, which indicated the skewedness to T_H1 response. Meanwhile, reduced blood hemoglobin levels and increased levels of IL-4, the dominant T_H2 cytokine in the Pb-only exposure group, were observed. Conclusions: Our current findings on the predominance of T_H1 immune response in the PE-MPs and PE-MPs+Pb groups suggest that PE-MPs could be responsible for the predominant induction of the cellular immune changes. This finding could be used as an important landmark in research related to T_H1 predominance, such as autoimmune diseases. It suggests that additional research on immune modulation using longer exposure durations or the same exposure route is required to elucidate stronger findings.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2008

It is interesting to note that distinct element method has been used extensively to model the response of micro and discontinuous behavior in geomechanics. Impressive advances related to response of distinct particles have been conducted and there were difficulties in considering fluid effect simultaneously. Current distinct element methods are progressively developed to solve particle-fluid coupling focused on fluid flow through soil, rock or porous medium. In this research, numerical simulations of fluid injection into particulate materials were conducted to observe cavity initiation and propagation using distinct element method. After generation of initial particles and wall elements, confining stress was applied by servo-control method. The fluid scheme solves the continuity and Navior-Stokes equations numerically, then derives pressure and velocity vectors for fixed grid by considering the existence of particles within the fluid cell. Fluid was injected as 7-step into the assembly in the x-direction from the inlet located at the center of the left boundary under confining stress condition, $0.1MP{\alpha}\;and\;0.5MP{\alpha}$, respectively. For each simulation, movement of particles, flow rate, fluid velocity, pressure history, wall stress including cavity initiation and propagation by interaction of flulid-paricles were analyzed.

• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.80-90
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• 2022

Currently, the domestic early warning system is issued differently for each disaster, and is operated independently by relevant organizations from central government to local governments. Representative domestic disaster warning systems include disaster broadcasting using CBS(Cell Broadcasting Service) and DMB(Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) Automatic Emergency Alert Service, DITS(Disaster Information Transform System) transmitted and displayed on TV screens, automatic response system, automated rainfall warning system, and disaster message board. However, due to the difference in the method of issuing each emergency alert at the site of an emergency disaster, the alerts are issued at different times for each media, and the delivered content is also not integrated. If these systems are integrated, it is expected that damage to people's property and lives will be minimized by sharing and integrated management of disaster information such as voice, video, and data to comprehensively judge and make decisions about disaster situations. Therefore, in this study, we present a plan for the integration of the disaster warning system along with the analysis of the operation status of the domestic early warning system.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.53-59
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• 2024

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of initial body weight and synbiotics supplementation in the diet on growth performance of weaned pigs. A total of 80 crossbred pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc, d 28±3, body weight 6.40±1.70 kg) were randomly distributed 4 treatments (4 replication, 5 pigs/replication). The treatments were 1) high initial body weight group (PC), 2) low initional body weight group (NC), 3) low initial body weight with 0.2% antibiotics (amoxicillin) supplementaion group (AB), 4) low initial body weight with 0.2% synbiotics (AllTech^® Bio-Mos 0.3%, 0.3%, Bacillus subtillis 0.1%, formic acid 0.1%) supplementation group (Syn). AllTech^® Bio-Mos is consist of at least 25% of glucomannanprotein extracted from the cell wall of Saccaromycess cerevisae. Growth performance was measured during 28 d. Average daily gain (ADG) of AB and Syn groups were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of NC group. However, final body weight at the end of experiment were not different among NC, AB, and Syn groups. Initial body weight and final body weight of PC group were statistically (p<0.001) higher compared to those of other groups. Additionally, PC showed the tendency of lower average daily feed intake and higher ADG, thereby lower feed conversion ratio compared with other groups. Therefore, the current results imply that supplementation of antibiotics and synbiotics in diets for weaned pigs could not catch up with significant differences in initial body weight.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.395-404
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, frequently-occurring disease and poses a major health concern. Unfortunately, there is current no effective treatment for COPD, particularly emphysema. Recently, experimental treatment of COPD using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) mainly focused on bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) have more advantages compared to BM-MSCs. However, studies on the role of hUC-MSCs in management of COPD are limited. This study sought to explore the role of hUC-MSCs and its action mechanisms in a rat model of VEGF receptor blocker SU5416-injured emphysema. Methods and Results: hUC-MSCs were characterized by immunophenotype and differentiation analysis. Rats were divided into four groups: Control, Control+MSC, SU5416 and SU5416+MSC. Rats in model group were administered with SU5416 for three weeks. At the end of the second week after SU5416 administration, model group were infused with 3×10⁶ hUC-MSCs through tail vein. After 14 days from hUC-MSCs transplantation, rats were euthanized and data were analyzed. HE staining and mean linear intercepts showed that SU5416-treated rats exhibited typical emphysema while emphysematous changes in model rats after hUC-MSCs transplantation disappeared completely and were restored to normal phenotype. Furthermore, hUC-MSCs inhibited apoptosis as shown by TUNEL and Western blotting. ELISA and Western blotting showed hUC-MSCs rescued VEGF-VEGFR2-AKT pathway in emphysematous lungs. Conclusions: The findings show that hUC-MSCs effectively repair the emphysema injury. This study provides the first evidence that hUC-MSCs inhibit apoptosis via rescuing VEGF- VEGFR2-AKT pathway in a rat model of emphysema.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.36-46
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• 2024

We investigated a hydrometallurgical process of nickel recovery from Inconel 713C scrap. The process proceeded with a series of i) comminution of pyrometallurgical treated scrap, ii) sulfuric acid leaching, iii) solvent extraction of unreacted acid, molybdenum, aluminum, and precipitation of chromium, iv) crystallization of nickel sulfate by vacuum evaporation, and v) nickel electrowinning. The nickel-aluminum intermetallic compound, Ni₂Al₃, was formed by the pyrometallurgical pretreatment readily grounded under 75 ㎛. Sulfuric acid leaching was done for 2 hours in 2 mol/L, 20 g/L solid/liquid ratio, and 80 ℃. It revealed that over 98 % of nickel and aluminum was dissolved, whereas 28 % of molybdenum was. A nickel sulfate solution with 2.34 g/L for the crystallization of nickel sulfate hydrate was prepared via solvent extraction and precipitation. Over 99 % of molybdenum and aluminum and 93 % of chromium was removed. Nickel metal with 99.9 % purity was obtained by electrowinning with the nickel sulfate monohydrate in the cell equipped with anion exchange membranes for catholyte pH control. The membrane did not work well, resulting in a low current efficiency of 73.3 %.