• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.796-804
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• 2011

Microglia are central nervous system (CNS)-resident professional macrophages that function as the principal immune cells responding to pathological stimulations in the CNS. Activation of microglia, induced by various pathogens, protects neurons and maintains homeostasis in the CNS, but severe activation causes inflammatory responses secreting various neurotoxic molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Allium fistulosum, a member of the onion family, is mainly cultivated for consumption, as well as medicinal use in Oriental medicine. It has been reported that A. fistulosum has various biological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-fungus and anti-cholesterol synthesis, however there has been no research about the anti-inflammatory effects of A. fistulosum extracts. In this study, it was undertaken to explore the functions of A. fistulosum as a suppressor of neuronal inflammation by using BV2 microglia cells. As a result, it was found that four kinds of extracts of A. fistulosum effectively reduced the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both mRNA and protein levels, and also attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at the mRNA level in BV2 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, the extracts of A. fistulosum attenuated the release of NO markedly, as well as resulting in slight decreases of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 production, the effects of which were most significant when treated with ethyl alcohol extract from the whole A. fistulosum. In conclusion, the data indicated that the anti-inflammatory actions of A. fistulosum against BV2 microglia cells is through the down-regulation of iNOS, COX2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6, and these effects are expected to help in the protection of nerve tissues by suppressions of neuronal inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats. Methods : Twenty rats were divided into four groups consisting of 5 rats: rats receiving no injection(normal), rats injected with monosodium Iodoacetate(MIA, control), rats injected with MIA and normal saline(N-S), and rats injected with MIA and Curculiginis Rhizoma (CRPA). N-S and CRPA were administered once a day at $ST_{36}$ during 21 days. After that we examined the weight-bearing ability of hind paws, liver and kidney function, immunocell, cytokines, proteins, and gene expression of cytokines. Injury of synovial tissue was measured by H & E, Safranin O immunofluorescence. Results : The weight-bearing ability of the hind paws, Serum TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, PGE2, LTB4, DPD, Osteocalcin, Protein COX-2 of CRPA decreased significantly. Protein Arachidonate 5 lipoxygenase of CRPA was decreased, but not significantly. Expression of gene COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, NOS2 of CRPA decreased. In histological observations, CRPA was improved, compared with other control groups. Conclusions : It can be suggested that Curculiginis Rhizoma pharmaco-acupuncture at $ST_{36}$ has anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.670-677
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• 2007

We analyzed antioxidant and physiological activities to investigate the functional effects of ethanol extracts of Anomala albopilosa imago and A. albopilosa larva. In order to effectively screen for anti-inflammatory agents, we first investigated the antioxidant activities such as DPPH radical scavenging capacity, superoxide radical scavenging capacity, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, and nitric oxide scavenging capacity of the A. albopilosa extracts. By the screening system, we found that A. albopilosa extracts had antioxidant activity which increased with increments of the extract concentration. Moreover, we examined the inhibitory effect of the A. albopilosa extracts on the production of anti-inflammatory factors that the nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ production activated with LPS ($1{\mu}g/mL$) in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. A. albopilosa extracts potentially inhibited the iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of iNOS activity was correlated with the decrease in nitrite levels. Additionally, the $PEG_2$ production is markedly inhibited after a treatment with the A. albopilosa extracts.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.262-269
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• 2018

Sparassis crispa (Wulf.) is an edible/medicinal mushroom and has been reported to biological activities such as antitumor, anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant and wound healing. However, there have not been many researches on osteoarthritis of S. crispa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of S. crispa extract on rats with osteoarthritis induced by MIA. Osteoarthritis is a gradually developmental disease that early stage, causes joint stiffness and complains of joint pain. In addition, it gives rise to edema and hypo-function. The results of this study, S. crispa extract effectively inhibited ROS production, increased the production of antioxidant protein SOD and catalase in knee joint cartilage tissue. In addition, S. crispa extract inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as NOX4 and $P47^{phox}$, which are involved in the expression of COX-2, iNOS and the production of ROS. Also, S. crispa extract inhibited the destruction of synovial tissue, cartilage tissue and proteoglycans in articular cartilage in rats.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2013

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Dokhwalgisaengtang-gami water extract(DGG) on osteoporosis. Methods: The osteoclastogenesis and gene expression were determined in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. And osteoblastogenesis was also determined in rat calvarial cell. Results: The results were summarized as followes. 1. DGG decreased the number of TRAP positive cell in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. 2. DGG inhibited TRAP activity in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. 3. DGG decreased the expression of NAFTc1, MITF in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. 4. DGG increased the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6 in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. 5. DGG decreased the expression of cathepsin K, MMP-9, TRAP in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. 6. DGG increased cell proliferation of rat calvarial cell. 7. DGG increased ALP activity in rat calvarial cell 8. DGG increased bone matrix protein, collagen synthesis and nodule formation in rat calvarial cell. Conclusions: It is concluded that DGG might decrease the bone resorption resulted from decrease of osteoclast differentiation and it's related gene expression. And DGG might increase the bone formation resulted from increase of osteoblast function.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.170-178
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• 2014

Purpose: Delirium is a common and serious neuropsychiatric complication among terminally ill cancer patients. We investigated risk factors related to the development of delirium among hospice care patients. Methods: Between May 2011 and September 2012, we included patients who were mentally alert and had no psychiatric disease or drug addiction at the hospice ward of two local hospitals. Among them, participants who had been diagnosed with delirium by two doctors according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition) criteria were grouped as Delirium Group. We analyzed results of psychometric and other laboratory tests performed at the time of patient's admission - psychometric tests included cognitive function (mini-mental status examination, MMSE), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), anxiety, and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI). Logistic regression analysis was used to compare delirium and the related factors. Cox's proportional hazard model was performed using significant factors of logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 96 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 41 (42.7%) developed delirium. According to the logistic regression analysis, primary cancer site, cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24), depression ($BDI{\geq}16$), and insomnia ($ISI{\geq}15$) were significant factors related to delirium. Among the four factors, depression (OR 5.130; 95% CI, 2.009~13.097) and cognitive impairment (OR 5.130; 95% CI, 2.009~13.097) were found significant using Cox's proportional hazard model. Conclusion: The development of delirium was significantly related to depression and cognitive impairment among patients receiving hospice care. It is necessary to carefully monitor depression and cognitive function in hospice care.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.1383-1392
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• 2021

It has been reported that emodin, a major pharmacologically active ingredient of herbal medicines such as Polygonum cuspidatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Rheum palmatum, and Aloe vera, is effective in antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and liver protection. In this study, to investigate the potential of emodin to be used as a skin disease and functional material, the activity related to the improvement of inflammation and skin barrier function was confirmed. To observe the anti-inflammatory effect on HaCaT cells, which are human keratinocytes, cytokine inhibition was confirmed by ELISA kit and protein expression by western blot. In HaCaT cells activated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL)/IFN-γ (10 ng/mL), emodin was treated with each concentration (5, 10, 20, 40) µM. As a result, It was confirmed that the production amount of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 decreased as the concentration of emodin increased. In the experimental results on the expression levels of inflammation-related proteins iNOS and COX-2, it was confirmed that 48% of iNOS and 29% of COX-2 were inhibited compared to control at a concentration of 20 µM of emodin. As an indicator of skin barrier function improvement, the mRNA expression level of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricirn and the production amount of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricirn were confirmed. and excellent results were obtained with an emodin concentration-dependent increase. In particular, filaggrin, which was produced twice as much as the control at a concentration of 20 µM, is a protein involved in the formation of NMF, a natural moisturizing factor, and is known to play an important role in moisturizing the stratum corneum. In conclusion, it was confirmed that emodin can be used as a material for improving inflammation and improving skin barrier function, which is part of the potential for use as a skin disease and functional material. It is believed that if additional research is performed in the future, the scope of its application can be further expanded.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.630-642
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to examine the mortality risk associated with cognitive impairment among the rural elderly. The subjective of study was 558 of 'A Study on the Depression and Cognitive Impairment in the Rural Elderly' of Jung Ae Rhee and Hyang Gyun Jung's study(1993). Cognitive impairment and other social and health factors were assessed in 558 elderly rural community residents. For this study, a Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSEK) was used as a global indicator of cognitive functioning. And mortality risk factors for each cognitive impairment subgroup were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. At baseline 22.6% of the sample were mildly impaired and 14.2% were severely impaired. As the age increased, the cognitive function was more impaired. Sexual difference was existed in the cognitive function level. Also the variables such as smoking habits, physical disorders had the significant relationship with cognitive function impairment. Across a 3-year observation period the mortality rate was 8.5% for the cognitively unimpaired, 11.1% for the mildly impaired, and 16.5% for the severly impaired respendents. And the survival probability was .92 for the cognitively unimpaired, .90 for the mildly impaired, and .86 for the severly impaired respondents. Compared to survival curve for the cognitively unimpaired group, each survival curve for the mildly and the severely impaired group was not significantly different. When adjustments models were not made for the effects of other health and social covariates, each hazard ratio of death of mildly and severely impaired persons was not significantly different as compared with the cognitively unimpaired. But, as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death decreased. Employing Cox univariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, smoking habits, physical disorders. Also when adjustments were made for the effects of other health and social covariates, there was no difference in hazard ratio of death between those with severe or mild impairment and unimpaired persons. And as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death did not decrease. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, physical disorders. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model by sex, at men and women statistically significant variable was only age. For both men and women, also cognitive impairment was not a significant risk factor. Other investigators have found that cognitive impairment is a significant predictor of mortality. But we didn't find that it is a significant predictor of mortality. Even though the conclusions of our study were not related to cognitive impairment and mortality, early detection of impaired cognition and attention to associated health problems could improve the quality of life of these older adults and perhaps extend their survival.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SP
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2012

This paper proposes an improved image steganalysis scheme to raise the detection rate of stego images out of cover images. To improve the detection rate of stego image in the steganalysis, tiny variation caused by data hiding should be amplified. For this, we extract feature vectors of cover image and stego image by two steps. First, we separate image into upper 4 bit subimage and lower 4 bit subimage. As a result, stego noise is expanded more than two times. We decompose separated subimages into twelve subbands by applying 3-level Haar wavelet transform and calculate co-occurrence probabilities of two different subbands in the same scale. Since co-occurrence probability of the two wavelet subbands is affected by data hiding, it can be used as a feature to differentiate cover images and stego images. The extracted feature vectors are used as the input to the multilayer perceptron(MLP) classifier to distinguish between cover and stego images. We test the performance of the proposed scheme over various embedding rates by the LSB, S-tool, COX's SS, and F5 embedding method. The proposed scheme outperforms the previous schemes in detection rate to existence of hidden message as well as exactness of discrimination.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.377-387
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• 1998

A Markov Chain Monte Carlo method with data augmentation is developed to compute the features of the posterior distribution. For each observed failure epoch, we introduced latent variables that indicates with component of the Superposition model. This data augmentation approach facilitates specification of the transitional measure in the Markov Chain. Metropolis algorithms along with Gibbs steps are proposed to preform the Bayesian inference of such models. for model determination, we explored the Pre-quential conditional predictive Ordinate(PCPO) criterion that selects the best model with the largest posterior likelihood among models using all possible subsets of the component intensity functions. To relax the monotonic intensity function assumptions, we consider in this paper Superposition of Musa-Okumoto and Erlang(2) models. A numerical example with simulated dataset is given.