• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.87-96
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• 2019

Background: This study was performed in order to examine the effect of intrathecal sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG), an extract from the root of the Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., on incisional pain in a rat model. Methods: The intrathecal catheter was inserted in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 55). The postoperative pain model was made and paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were evaluated. Rats were randomly treated with a vehicle (70% dimethyl sulfoxide) and SOG ($10{\mu}g$, $30{\mu}g$, $100{\mu}g$, and $300{\mu}g$) intrathecally, and PWT was observed for four hours. Dose-responsiveness and ED50 values were calculated. Naloxone was administered 10 min prior to treatment of SOG $300{\mu}g$ in order to assess the involvement of SOG with an opioid receptor. The protein levels of the ${\delta}$-opioid receptor, ${\kappa}$-opioid receptor, and ${\mu}$-opioid receptor (MOR) were analyzed by Western blotting of the spinal cord. Results: Intrathecal SOG significantly increased PWT in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum effects were achieved at a dose of $300{\mu}g$ at 60 min after SOG administration, and the maximal possible effect was 85.35% at that time. The medial effective dose of intrathecal SOG was $191.3{\mu}g$ (95% confidence interval, 102.3-357.8). The antinociceptive effects of SOG ($300{\mu}g$) were significantly reverted until 60 min by naloxone. The protein levels of MOR were decreased by administration of SOG. Conclusions: Intrathecal SOG showed a significant antinociceptive effect on the postoperative pain model and reverted by naloxone. The expression of MOR were changed by SOG. The effects of SOG seem to involve the MOR.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the effect of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring on patients who had been poisoned and presented in the emergency department with decreased consciousness. Methods: The data of patients over 18 years old presenting with poisoning from 2016 to 2020 was collected from the emergency department. We retrospectively analyzed their medical records, and defined patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 9 or less as having decreased consciousness. We divided the patients into two groups, one with ETCO2 monitoring and the other without, and the difference between the two groups was compared. Results: 168 patients participated in this study and 83 (49.4%) of them belonged to the ETCO2 monitoring group. In this group, the interval between arterial blood tests was statistically significantly longer and the rate of intubation was lower. In addition, in the monitoring group, the incidence of pneumonia and the rate of poor prognosis was not significantly higher. Conclusion: Although ETCO2 monitoring does not directly affect the prognosis of poisoned patients with decreased consciousness, it should be actively done as it can help to adequately treat patients while avoiding invasive techniques or unnecessary intubation.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.93-104
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• 2021

Cutaneous melanoma is a fatal disease for patients with distant metastasis. Metformin is the most widely used anti-diabetic drug, and proved to suppress cell proliferation and metastasis in diverse cancers including melanoma. We previously reported that MEK inhibitor trametinib increases the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators and melanoma cell motility, which are suppressed by addition of metformin in A375 melanoma cells. To confirm our findings further, we first evaluated the effect of metformin in combination with another MEK inhibitor binimetinib on cell viability in G361 melanoma cells. We then investigated whether binimetinib affects the expression of EMT regulators and cell motility. We finally monitored the effect of metformin on binimetinib-induced cell migration. Cell viability assay showed that combination index (CI) value at ED₅₀ is 0.80, suggesting synergy for the combination of metformin with binimetinib. Our results also revealed that binimetinib increased the expression of EMT regulators such as integrin αV, fibronectin and slug, which correlate well with the enhanced cell migration in wound healing assay. Metformin, on the contrary, suppressed the expression of sparc, integrin αV, fibronectin and N-cadherin with the reduced cell motility. The combination treatment showed that metformin counteracts the binimetinib-induced increase of cell motility. Overall, these results suggest that metformin with binimetinib might be useful as a potential therapeutic adjuvant against cell survival and metastatic activity in melanoma patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2023

Spinal nerve injury causes mechanical allodynia and structural imbalance of neurotransmission, which were typically associated with calcium overload. Storeoperated calcium entry (SOCE) is considered crucial elements-mediating intracellular calcium homeostasis, ion channel activity, and synaptic plasticity. However, the underlying mechanism of SOCE in mediating neuronal transmitter release and synaptic transmission remains ambiguous in neuropathic pain. Neuropathic rats were operated by spinal nerve ligations. Neurotransmissions were assessed by whole-cell recording in substantia gelatinosa. Immunofluorescence staining of STIM1 with neuronal and glial biomarkers in the spinal dorsal horn. The endoplasmic reticulum stress level was estimated from qRT-PCR. Intrathecal injection of SOCE antagonist SKF96365 dose-dependently alleviated mechanical allodynia in ipsilateral hind paws of neuropathic rats with ED₅₀ of 18 ㎍. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that STIM1 was specifically and significantly expressed in neurons but not astrocytes and microglia in the spinal dorsal horn. Bath application of SKF96365 inhibited enhanced miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in a dosage-dependent manner without affecting miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Mal-adaption of SOCE was commonly related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the central nervous system. SKF96365 markedly suppressed ER stress levels by alleviating mRNA expression of C/ EBP homologous protein and heat shock protein 70 in neuropathic rats. Our findings suggested that nerve injury might promote SOCE-mediated calcium levels, resulting in long-term imbalance of spinal synaptic transmission and behavioral sensitization, SKF96365 produces antinociception by alleviating glutamatergic transmission and ER stress. This work demonstrated the involvement of SOCE in neuropathic pain, implying that SOCE might be a potential target for pain management.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2010

The present study was conducted with four ruminally fistulated cattle to examine the fermentation characteristics and effective degradability (ED) in the rumen, and whole tract digestibility and TDN values of various silages (whole crop rye, RS; whole crop barley, BS; Italian ryegrass, IRGS and sudangrass, SGS) which were produced in Korea. The pH of rumen fluid were not greatly affected by silage at most times after feeding but SGS decreased (p<0.049) the ruminal ammonia-N concentration as 7.28 mg/100 ml at 3h after feeding compared to other silages. An acetate proportion from SGS feeding was higher at 1h (p<0.018), 3h (p<0.004) and 6h (p<0.019) after feeding than those from other silages. The propionate ($C_2$) proportion, however, was greater (p<0.001~p<0.042) for the RS and BS than the corresponding values of other silages up to 6h after feeding while the lowest $C_2$ proportion was observed from SGS. The butyrate proportion was lowest (p<0.007~p<0.027) in the cattle fed BS at 1~6h after feeding among silages. An ED of dry matter (DM) in the rumen was highest (P<0.048) for RS as 59.64%, and was reduced in the order of BS (56.12%), IRGS (55.64%) and SGS (54.02%). Similar tendency was observed in the EDs of crude protein (p<0.014) and organic matter (OM, p<0.039). The whole tract digestibility of DM (p<0.032), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, p<0.034) and OM (p<0.041) of SGS was greatly reduced. The TDN value based on whole tract digestibility of silages was highest for RS as 61.1%, and TDN values of BS, IRGS and SGS were 57.1%, 57.9% and 50.7%, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the present study, components in various whole crop silages produced in Korea might affect the ruminal VFA proportion, and especially, NDF content could greatly influence on the TDN value of silage calculated based on the NDF content.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1254-1260
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• 2010

Microorganisms near the plant rhizosphere usually inhabit the surface or the inside of the plant roots and have a direct effect on plant growth by secreting plant growth promoters or antagonistic materials which protect the root zone system from various pathogens. This study was carried out to identify and isolate the antagonistic materials after isolation of microorganisms showing high antagonistic activities, in hopes of contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture and the preservation of agricultural environments. A number of antagonistic bacteria were isolated from paddy soil. Among isolates, RRj 228 showed plant growth promotion and antagonistic activity. RRj 228 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. according to the results of physiological properties and genetic methods. On the basis of the results of anti-fungal spectrum against several pathogens by RRj 228, the antagonistic effect of the isolate against Botrytis cinerea, Pythium ultimum, Phytopthola capsici, and Rhizoctonia solani, especially against red-pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, was remarkable. The experiment evaluating the biological control effect by RRj 228 revealed that the $ED_{50}$ value by the RRj 228 culture against C. acutatum, R. solani and P. ultimum were 0.14 mg/ml, 0.16 mg/ml and 0.29 mg/ml, respectively. An antagonistic substance was isolated and purified by several chromatographies from the RRj 228 culture. The $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ assignment of the antagonistic substance was achieved from two-dimensional $^1H-^1H$ COSY, HMQC, and HMBC. Finally, the antagonistic substance was identified as Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid ($C_{13}H_8N_2O_2$, M.W.=224).

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.117-125
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• 2020

This study was conducted to investigate differences in self-efficacy, self-esteem, and vitality related to physical exercise and health consciousness. A descriptive research design, x² test, and t test were used. Data were collected from May 1 to June 30, 2019, at K city. Participants were 220 nursing students of mean age 23.7 years; 187 (85.5%) were women, 99 (45.0%) exercised regularly; 138 (62.7%) were positive about their health Ed. Note: Please confirm that these edits convey your intended meaning. The scores Ed. Note: This is not clear. Here, do you mean "mean scores of all participants"? of self-efficacy of health and body were 2.93±0.35 and 3.16±0.37, respectively; self-esteem, 2.94±0.43; and vitality, 3.78±0.52. There were significant differences in self-efficacy of health (t=3.68, p=<.001), motor function (t=5.39, p<.001), psychological function (t=2.10, p=.037), nutritional function (t=2.50, p=.013), efficacy of health management (t=2.37, p=.019), and vitality (t=12.63, p=<.001) related to physical exercise. Self-efficacy of health (t=3.73, p=<.001), motor function (t=3.29, p=.001), psychological function (t=4.01, p<.001), nutritional function (t=2.62, p=.009), efficacy of health management (t=2.51, p=.013), self-efficacy of body (t=2.59, p=.010), self-esteem (t=3.91, p=<.001), and vitality (t=2.92, p=.004) were related to health consciousness. Physical exercise and previous experience of body weight loss contributed to enhanced self-efficacy of health and vitality and health consciousness contributed to enhanced self-efficacy of health and body, self-esteem, and vitality.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.252-265
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• 2017

This study aims to analyze the landscape ecological characteristics of green spaces within built up area of high density and evaluate the potential applicability of green patches, thereby introducing urban garden for generating green networks in residence areas. To this end, Yeoksam-Dong was selected as the site area since it is classified as both green initiative zone and alienated area of park service in Seoul. First, the current condition of green spaces in Yeoksam-Dong was identified by five categories: Street trees, private garden, public pocket garden, rooftop garden, and park. Then, the landscape index analysis through FRAGSTATS and connectivity assessment via multi-buffer zone analysis were carried out for analyzing the green networks and evaluating the potential value of green space. The results showed that the degree to which green areas in the site were distributed is arranged in the order of street tree, private garden, public pocket garden, park, and rooftop garden. In case of the street trees whose total core area (TCA, $1,618m^2$) is as high as the park's ($1,128m^2$). Private garden has potential for green network in built up area of high density by gardening since the shape of the patches are irregular (ED = 78.1m/ha) and the average distance among the patches is close (ENN=33.9m). Public pocket garden has also potential for gardening according to the result that it was found to be distributed evenly (LPI=5.7%, SHEI=0.9) with exposing external disturbance ($TCA=66m^2$). For the green network, 84% of all the study site is covered by small green network in 50m butter range of connected green area. The effect of green network was expected through gardening in public pocket garden (27%) and street tree (26%). Accordingly, it is encouraged to actively utilize street tree, private gardens, and rooftop gardens and to establish the urban gardens like local-based community gardens in public pocket garden where a variety of activities can be carried out near residential areas. By doing so, green networks can effectively be established in built up area with high density. The results of this study can contribute positively to fostering the creation of various types of urban gardens.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2016

In searching for novel agents for skin anti-aging from natural resources, we found that the extract of the fruiting bodies of Ramaria formosa (R. formosa) had significant antioxidant and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) inhibitory activities. R. formosa extract exhibited a considerable DPPH radical scavenging activity with an antioxidant content of 117.0mg/mL (ascorbic acid equivalents) at the concentration of $500{\mu}g/mL$. The capacity of R. formosa extract to scavenge peroxy radicals measured by ORAC assay also showed dose-dependent antioxidant effect with $ORAC_{Roo}$ (trolox equivalents, $1{\mu}M$) values of 0.8, 5.2, and 7.8 at the concentrations of 1, 10, and $20{\mu}g/mL$. The cellular antioxidant capacity of R. formosa extract was investigated by assaying the cellular fluorescence intensity using dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF). The cellular oxidative stress induced by AAPH, $Cu^{2+}$ or $H_2O_2$ in HepG2 cells was significantly attenuated by more than 30% at $20{\mu}g/mL$ of R. formosa extract. HNE activity was reduced by treatment with R. formosa extract in a dose-dependent manner, and the $ED_{50}$ value for the ethanol extract of R. formosa was $42.9{\mu}g/mL$. R. formosa extract did not exhibited antimicrobial activity against four microorganisms including Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Candida albicans (C. albicans), Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae). Furthermore, the extract did not affect the inflammatory cytokine production of interleukin-10 and interferon-${\gamma}$ in NK92 cells. From the above results, we found that R. formosa extract has considerable antioxidant and elastase inhibitory effects, and does not stimulate immune cells. These findings suggest that R. formosa extract may be used as a bioactive component in cosmetic composition.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.81-100
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• 2014

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of six single aqueous herbal extracts-Quisqualis Fructus (QuF), Meliae Cortex (MeC), Arecae Semen (ArS), Crassirhizomae Rhizoma (CrR), Ulmi Pasta Semen(UlS), Torreyae Semen(ToS)- against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated Raw 264.7 cells. Methods: Anti-bacterial activities against S. aureus of aqueous extracts of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the cell viability, prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 productions of LPS activated Raw 264.7 cells were detected. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were respectively compared with lincomycin and piroxicam. Results: Minimal Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of aqueous extracts of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS against S. aureus was respectively detected $5.625{\pm}4.075$ (3.125~12.500), $0.332{\pm}0.273$ (0.098~0.782), $1.094{\pm}0.428$ (0.782~1.563), $2.969{\pm}2.096$ (0.782~6.250), $9.375{\pm}4.419$ (3.125~12.500)>25 mg/ml. MIC of lincomycin was detected as $0.469{\pm}0.297$ (0.195~0.782) ${\mu}g/ml$ at same conditions. In addition, $ED_{50}$ against LPS-induced cell viabilities and cytokine releases of QuF, MeC, ArS, CrR, UlS and ToS was as follows - Cell viability: 66.370, 2.908, 1.747, 259.553, 18.150 and 34.160 mg/ml; NO production: 389.486, 0.294, 0.138, 523.060, 45.363 and 49.327 mg/ml; $PGE_2$ production: 114.271, 0.223, 0.046, 243.078, 8.829 and 28.947 mg/ml; TNF-${\alpha}$ production: 406.288, 0.343, 0.123, 9404.227, 125.406 and 140.775 mg/ml; IL-$1{\beta}$ production: 117.178, 0.135, 0.019, 237.451, 7.923 and 19.418 mg/ml; IL-6 production: 31.261, 0.105, 0.055, 128.434, 2.290 and 3.745 mg/ml. ED50 of piroxicam against LPS-induced cell viabilities, NO, $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were detected as 35.179, 6.552, 1.162, 7.273, 7.101 and $5.044{\mu}g/ml$, respectively at same conditions. Conclusions: All six single aqueous herbal extracts showed anti-bacterial effects against S. aureus, in the order of MeC, ArS, CrR, QuF and UlS aqueous extracts except for ToS; they did not showed any anti-bacterial effects (MIC>25 mg/ml). They also showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells in the order of ArS, MeC, UlS, ToS, QuF and CrR aqueous extracts. It means that the ArS and MeC will be showed favorable potent anti-bacterial and related anti-inflammatory effects.