• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.363-376
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• 2023

According to the COVID-19, development of various medical software based on IoT(Internet of Things) was accelerated. Especially, interest in a central software system that can remotely monitor and control ventilators is increasing to solve problems related to the continuous increase in severe COVID-19 patients. Since medical device software is closely related to human life, this study aims to develop central monitoring system that can remotely monitor and control multiple ventilators in compliance with medical device software development standards and to verify performance of system. In addition, to ensure the safety and reliability of this central monitoring system, this study also specifies risk management requirements that can identify hazardous situations and evaluate potential hazards and confirms the implementation of cybersecurity to protect against potential cyber threats, which can have serious consequences for patient safety. As a result, we obtained medical device software manufacturing certificates from MFDS(Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) through technical documents about performance verification, risk management and cybersecurity application.The purpose of this study is to conduct a usability assessment to ensure that ergonomic design has been applied so that the ventilator central monitoring system can improve user satisfaction, efficiency, and safety. The rapid spread of COVID-19, which began in 2019, caused significant damage global medical system. In this situation, the need for a system to monitor multiple patients with ventilators was highlighted as a solution for various problems. Since medical device software is closely related to human life, ensuring their safety and satisfaction is important before their actual deployment in the field. In this study, a total of 21 participants consisting of respiratory staffs conducted usability test according to the use scenarios in the simulated use environment. Nine use scenarios were conducted to derive an average task success rate and opinions on user interface were collected through five-point Likert scale satisfaction evaluation and questionnaire. Participants conducted a total of nine use scenario tasks with an average success rate of 93% and five-point Likert scale satisfaction survey showed a high satisfaction result of 4.7 points on average. Users evaluated that the device would be useful for effectively managing multiple patients with ventilators. However, improvements are required for interfaces associated with task that do not exceed the threshold for task success rate. In addition, even medical devices with sufficient safety and efficiency cannot guarantee absolute safety, so it is suggested to continuously evaluate user feedback even after introducing them to the actual site.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.404-413
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• 2023

In this research, we studied the development of a SUS304 microneedle array based on microfabrication technology and the applicability of Parylene-C thin film, a medical polymer material. First of all, four materials commonly used in the field of medical engineering (SUS304, Ti, PMMA, and PEEK) were selected and a 5 ㎛ Parylene-C thin film was deposited. The applicability of Parylene-C coating to each material was confirmed through SEM analysis, contact angle measurement, surface roughness(Ra) measurement, and adhesion test according to ASTM standards for each specimen. Parylene-C thin film was deposited based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and a 5 ㎛ Parylene-C deposition process was established through trial and error. Through characteristic experiments to confirm the applicability of Parylene-C, SUS304 material, which is the easiest to apply Parylene-C coating without pretreatment was selected to develop a microneedle array based on CNC micromachining technology. The CNC micromachining process was divided into a total of 5 steps, and a microneedle array consisting of 19 needles with an inner diameter of 200 ㎛, an outer diameter of 400 ㎛, and a height of 1.4 mm was designed and manufactured. Finally, a 5 ㎛ Parylene-C coated microneedle array was developed, which presented future research directions in the field of microneedle-based drug delivery systems.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.670-673
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• 2023

The biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite (HAP) has led to its application in various fields. To accomplish practical biological applications, such as drug/gene delivery, the colloidal stability of HAP in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is particularly important. In this study, we prepared a glycerol incorporated-HAP (Gly-HAP) by heating HAP in a glycerol environment at 200 ℃. To compare morphology and colloidal stability, HAP prepared at room temperature (RT-HAP) was thermally treated in water at 200 ℃ (H₂O-HAP). The heat treatment of HAP in both water and glycerol solutions results in an increase in the crystallinity of HAPs. Due to the low solubility of HAP in glycerol and the adsorption of glycerol on the HAP surface, crystal growth is limited. However, the heat-treated HAP under water increased in size by approximately four times compared to the initial crystallites. Compared to RT-HAP and H₂O-HAP, Gly-HAP shows improved colloidal stability in PBS, which originates from the adsorption of glycerol on the HAP surface that inhibits the agglomeration of individual HAP precipitates.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.767-775
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• 2023

Sulfasalazine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic abiotic agent. It is a derivative of aminosalicylic acid and has been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, since it was first synthesized in 1941 and approved as a medicine in the United States in 1950. However, its mechanism of action has not yet been clearly identified. In this study, the effects of sulfasalazine on cell survival, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression in macrophages, which are major immune cells that regulate inflammatory responses, were investigated using mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Sulfasalazine inhibited the viability of RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, starting at a concentration of 0.25 mM. Annexin-V staining was used to confirm that the decrease in cell viability was due to apoptosis, and the number of Annexin-V-positive cells increased significantly at a concentration of 0.25 mM or higher. The effect of sulfasalazine on the expression of key proteins that regulate the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle was also investigated. Sulfasalazine treatment significantly increased the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 in RAW 264.7 cells. Although sulfasalazine is frequently used as a control drug in studies on inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, studies on its effect on macrophages are very limited. Therefore, the results of this study are expected to provide vital information on the use of sulfasalazine as a disease treatment.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.85-95
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to provide evidences throught scoping review of education intervention studies for post kidney transplantation management in the kidney transplant patients in Korea. Through the search engines RISS, KISS, DB pia and Pubmed, 13 articles were selected by searching for theses and academic journals published prior to the search date of May 21, 2023. According to the study result, relevant studies were 13, and the education programs provided to kidney transplant patients were classified into 1) overall health management after transplantation, 2) self-efficacy promotion exercise program, 3) exercise therapy, 4) drug education, and 5) stress coping. Knowledge, implementation, self-efficacy, anxiety, uncertainty, stress, and quality of life were confirmed as effects of the intervention. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop integrated educational materials and systematic self-management programs that can manage various health problems that may occur after kidney transplantation, and it is suggeste that research on educational interventions for kidney transplant patients in nursing.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.338-347
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• 2023

Objectives: Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoleaceae) is cultivated to produce "yerba mate". Due to its nutritional, energizing, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects, it is used in the elaboration of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The oxidative stress related to protein glycation and production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to the development of several diseases. The objective of this work was to compare the antioxidant and anti-AGEs activity of a decoction of fruits (F) and leaves (L). Methods: The antioxidant activity was assayed by the DPPH assay and the inhibition of egg yolk lipid peroxidation (ILP), and anti-AGEs activity, through the inhibition of the formation of fructosamine (IF), β-amyloid (Iβ), protein carbonylation (IC) and AGEs (IA). Polyphenols were quantified by HPLC. Results: Maximum response ± SEM: For F 0.01 ㎍/mL: IF = 42 ± 4%, IC = 17 ± 2% and for 10 ㎍/mL: IA = 38 ± 4%, Iβ = 67 ± 7%. For L 0.1 ㎍/mL: IF = 35 ± 2%, IC = 19 ± 2% and for 100 ㎍/mL: IA = 26 ± 3%, Iβ = 63.04 ± 2%. The DPPH IC₅₀ = 134.8 ± 14 ㎍/mL for F and 34.67 ± 3 ㎍/mL for L. The ILP IC₅₀ = 512.86 ± 50 ㎍/mL for F and 154.8 ± 15 ㎍/mL for L. By HPLC L presented the highest amounts of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. F and L showed strong anti-AGEs activity, affecting the early stages of glycation at low concentrations and the late stages of glycation at high concentrations. The highest activity for both F and L was seen in the IF and Iβ. F presented the highest anti-AGEs potency. L presented the highest antioxidant potency, which was related to the highest content of polyphenols. Conclusion: The fruits of I. paraguariensis could be a source of antioxidant and anti-AGEs compounds to be used with medicinal purposes or as functional food.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.408-417
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• 2024

It was confirmed whether PB-81, a 50% ethanol extract of Daphne genkwa (Siebold & Zucc), had an inhibitory effect on virus proliferation in bovine rotavirus and a therapeutic effect on bovine diarrhea disease. The results showed that PB-81 induced the interferon beta in A549 cells, an epithelial cell line and interferon gamma in NK92 cells, a blood cell line. Furthermore, to confirm the viral proliferation inhibitory effect of PB-81, PB-81 was administered to MBDK cell line before, during, and after infection. Result shows that the virus was suppressed in all cases where PB-81 was administered, and the best virus suppression effect was achieved when PB-81 was administered before virus infection. In the toxicity test in mice, no side effects due to toxicity were observed, even at a maximum dose of 20 mg/mL. To verify the therapeutic effect on 16 cattle with bovine rotavirus diarrhea and 4 cattle in the control group, PB-81 was administered at a dose of 20 mg/5 mL, and No fatality was observed during the treatment. The average recovery duration from the initial administration of PB-81 was 2.25 days in the PB-81 administration group and 6.5 days in the control group without PB-81 administration. No side effects were observed from the tested cattle with rotavirus diarrhea.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.133-151
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the core values of Donghwa Pharmaceutical, which has been in the pharmaceutical industry in South Korea for 126 years, and examine the core competencies that have consistently enabled it to maintain a competitive advantage. When applying the VRIO Framework, various general pharmaceuticals, including Donghwa Pharmaceutical's 'Hwalmyeongsoo,' which has maintained the top position in the liquid digestive medicine market for 126 years, are identified as powerful resources (Value) that generate 'sustained competitive advantage.' The principles of ethical management based on the Donghwa spirit, the long-standing principles of trust and belief, and the entrepreneurial spirit possess rarity. Having won four Guinness World Records and holding numerous new drug patents, Donghwa Pharmaceutical has consistently secured the top position in the digestive medicine category of the Korean Industrial Brand Power for 19 consecutive years. The company has been designated as a 'Golden Brand,' and its products have high levels of awareness, making them highly difficult to imitate. Lastly, the organization is structured to efficiently utilize resources such as a transparent hierarchical system, fair personnel management, diverse training programs, and high employee welfare and salaries. This study systematically analyzes the core values of Donghwa Pharmaceutical from a managerial perspective and proposes directions for the company to evolve into a long-lasting enterprise. The research outcomes will provide valuable insights for formulating long-term management strategies.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.77-88
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• 2024

Background: Lung inflammation occurs in many lung diseases, but has limited effective therapeutics. Ginseng and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory effects, but their unstable physicochemical and metabolic properties hinder their application in the treatment. Panaxadiol (PD) is a stable saponin among ginsenosides. Inhalation administration may solve these issues, and the specific mechanism of action needs to be studied. Methods: A mouse model of lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an in vitro macrophage inflammation model, and a coculture model of epithelial cells and macrophages were used to study the effects and mechanisms of inhalation delivery of PD. Pathology and molecular assessments were used to evaluate efficacy. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen the mechanism and target. Finally, the efficacy and mechanism were verified in a human BALF cell model. Results: Inhaled PD reduced LPS-induced lung inflammation in mice in a dose-dependent manner, including inflammatory cell infiltration, lung tissue pathology, and inflammatory factor expression. Meanwhile, the dose of inhalation was much lower than that of intragastric administration under the same therapeutic effect, which may be related to its higher bioavailability and superior pharmacokinetic parameters. Using transcriptome analysis and verification by a coculture model of macrophage and epithelial cells, we found that PD may act by inhibiting TNFA/TNFAR and IL7/IL7R signaling to reduce macrophage inflammatory factor-induced epithelial apoptosis and promote proliferation. Conclusion: PD inhalation alleviates lung inflammation and pathology by inhibiting TNFA/TNFAR and IL7/IL7R signaling between macrophages and epithelial cells. PD may be a novel drug for the clinical treatment of lung inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

We investigated the functional properties and in vitro bioactivity of protein isolates (RPIs) recovered from olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus roes by isoelectric solubilization/precipitation process, according to pH-shift treatments. The buffer capacity of RPIs was shown to be stronger in alkaline pH than in acidic pH. Water holding capacity of RPIs was in range of 4.5-5.2 g/g protein with no significant differences (P>0.05). The foaming capacity and emulsifying activity index of RPIs did not show any significant differences between RPI-1 (pH 11/4.5) and 3 (pH 12/4.5), however they were superior to RPI-2 (pH 11/5.5) and 4 (pH 12/5.5). The 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity of RPI-3 (2.5 mg protein/mL) was 102.4 ㎍/mL, and the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activity was 30.8%. Among the RPIs, RPI-3 was relatively superior in protein functional properties such as buffer capacity, foaming capacity, emulsification, and anti-oxidative activity. Therefore, we suggest that RPI prepared from olive flounder roes could serve as a potential food resource.