• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.162-168
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• 2012

In proton therapy, in vivo dose verification is one of the most important parts to fully utilize characteristics of proton dose distribution concentrating high dose with steep gradient and guarantee the patient safety. Currently, in order to image the proton dose distribution, a prompt gamma distribution detection system, which consists of an array of multiple CsI(Tl) scintillation detectors in the vertical direction, a collimator, and a multi-channel DAQ system is under development. In the present study, the optimal design of prompt gamma distribution detection system was studied by Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNPX code. For effective measurement of high-energy prompt gammas with enough imaging resolution, the dimensions of the CsI(Tl) scintillator was determined to be $6{\times}6{\times}50mm^3$. In order to maximize the detection efficiency for prompt gammas while minimizing the contribution of background gammas generated by neutron captures, the hole size and the length of the collimator were optimized as $6{\times}6mm^2$ and 150 mm, respectively. Finally, the performance of the detection system optimized in the present study was predicted by Monte Carlo simulations for a 150 MeV proton beam. Our result shows that the detection system in the optimal dimensions can effectively measure the 2D prompt gamma distribution and determine the beam range within 1 mm errors for 150 MeV proton beam.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2007

Analysis of genetic characteristics of Flammulina velutipes showed that strains have a range of 85% in genetic distribution diagram. According to this result, we divided these strains into five groups. In experiment of determinating the optimum media and condition in cultivating F. velutipes, we found the optimum temperature and pH range for hypha growth were $25^{\circ}C$ and 6.0 to 7.0, respectively. in addition, the best media for growth of that in plate was MCM (Mushroom Complete Media) which have a growth length from 68 to 83 mm. In vivo test, we observed that fast growth and good density of hyphae in mixture media of douglas fir sawdust, cotton seed meal and beet pulp (6:2:2 V/V). Also when we cultivated F. velutipes in this media, we harvested high yield of fruiting body.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.16
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• pp.6949-6954
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• 2014

Background: Recent studies have indicated that microRNA-15a (miR-15a) is dysregulated in breast cancer (BC). We aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-15a in BC tissues and corresponding para-carcinoma tissues. We also focused on effects of miR-15a on cellular behavior of MDA-MB-231 and expression of its target gene synuclein-${\gamma}$ (SNCG). Materials and Methods: The expression levels of miR-15a were analysed in BC formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues by microarray and quantitative real-time PCR. CCK-8 assays, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were used to explore the potential functions of miR-15a in MDA-MB-231 human BC cells. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed direct targets. Results: Downregulation of miR-15a was detected in most primary BCs. Ectopic expression of miR-15a promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in vivo. Further studies indicated that miR-15a may directly interact with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of SNCG mRNA, downregulating its mRNA and protein expression levels. SNCG expression was negatively correlated with miR-15a expression. Conclusions: MiR-15a has a critical role in mediating cell cycle arrest and promoting cell apoptosis of BC, probably by directly targeting SNCG. Thus, it may be involved in development and progression of BC.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.417-425
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to examine improving effect of Platycodon extracts (PE) and/or Platycodon extracts jelly (PEJ) on cognitive impairment in vitro and in vivo. PC12 (Pheochromocytoma) cells were pretreated with PE for 1hr and than incubated with $50{\mu}M$ amyloid ${\beta}(A{\beta})_{25-35}$ for additional 48hr. Cell viability was assessed by WST-1. Animals for Morris water test and passive avoidance test were divided into normal, control and two Platycodon extracts treated groups that were named Normal (n=7), Control (0 mg/kg, n=7), PE (300 mg/kg, n=7), PEJ (10 g/kg, n=7). Cognitive impairment was induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg/body weight, i.p.) in the three experimental groups but not the normal group. Pretretment of PE (0.01-1 mg/mL) were not induced cytotoxicity but observed in high dose-treated group (5 and 10 mg/mL) in PC12 cells. Protective effects of PE against $A{\beta}$-induced cytotoxicity were increased in dose dependent manner in PC12 cells. Administration of PE and PEJ were significantly reduced escape latency time on Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test in copolamine-induced cognitive impairment animal model. These results suggest that Platycodon extracts and its related product available to ameliorative purpose for cognitive ability impairments.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.450-455
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• 2017

Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) has been widely used in traditional medicine and is considered to have medicinal properties to treat diseases and symptoms such as bronchitis, coughs, spasm, edema, hepatitis, colitis, and lung injury. In order to investigate whether native Codonopsis lanceolata extract alleviates ashmatic symptoms in vivo, we first carried out various antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. The antioxidant activities were increased by adding Codonopsis lanceolata extract in a concentration-dependent manner which compared to ascorbic acid as a positive control. Histological studies using an ovalbumin-induced animal model exhibited potent anti-inflammatory potential by decreasing immuno-responsive cells in the lung by the extract by confirming H&E and PAS staining. It is revelaed that further immunihistochemical analysis showed anti-ashmatic capabilities by assessing histamine, IL-31, and MMP-9 expressions. The level of IL-13 expression in Codonopsis lanceolata extract-treated group was decreased upto 73.7% compared to control, whereas that of total cells and eosinophil counting in Codonopsis lanceolata extract-treated group was diminished to 73.5% and 80.9%, respectively. These results collectively indicate that the C. lanceolata extract ameliorates asthmatic symptoms effectively in an ovalbumin-challenged mice model, in that the extract can be used for the development of an anti-asthmatic food ingredient.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.324-331
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• 2011

Although the dissolution test can serve as an effective tool for quality control and predictor of in vivo performance, there are a number of drugs with no established dissolution specifications in Korean Pharmaceutical Codex (KPC). Among those commercially available, Piracetam Tablets and Fenoterol hydrobromide Tablets were selected to develop the dissolution testing method. The dissolution condition was determined based on the "Guidelines on Specifications of Dissolution tests for Oral dosage forms" of Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA). The dissolution test for Piracetam Tablets was carried out under sink condition with distilled water as dissolution medium, paddle rotation speed at 50 rpm and medium volume of 900 ml. More than 80% of its label claim was released within 30 min. In case of Fenoterol hydrobromide Tablets, distilled water was also found to be suitable to ensure sink condition. The rotation speed of 50 rpm and 900 ml of dissolution medium were used to evaluate the dissolution profile. The dissolution rate of fenoterol hydrobromide was over 90% in 15 min. The HPLC analysis methods were validated in terms of accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, quantitation limit and range. The results suggested that the analytical methods used are simple and suitable to measure the dissolution rate of piracetam and fenoterol hydrobromide. Therefore, the analysis methods could be utilized in setting dissolution specifications of Piracetam Tablets and Fenoterol hydrobromide Tablets in the revised version of KPC.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.844-852
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• 2011

In this study, various antioxidant propertieswere evaluated by analyzing the proximate composition and free-sugar and DNJ contents of the Bombyx mori L., Mori fructus, Morus ramulus, Mori folium, Dioscoreae rhizome and Inonotus obliquus extracts, and the antidiabetic effect was evaluated through an in-vivo experiment. Product evaluation was conducted after preparing a beverage for the easy use of the mixed extract for biological activity, as a functional resource. The biochemical composition of the extracts was 0.31% crude protein, 0.114 g/100 mL free sugar and 161.02 mg/gdw DNJ, all of which showed excellent results in all the antioxidant ability and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition ability experiments. The beverage showed the following functionalities. The total-polyphenol content was 71.93%, but the electron-donating ability was highest in the 5% extract concentration. Moreover, when the TBARS values were experimented on, KO2 showed an especially high scavenging ability. During the five-week beverage supply after inducing diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ), the change in the blood sugar was measured, and the STZ-induced diabetes+oral-beverage group (C) showed a lower blood sugar level than the diabetes comparative group (B) in the second week. In the STZ-induced diabetes+free-diet/beverage group (D), the blood glucose level also slowly decreased in the second week. The lowest blood glucose level among the STZ-induced diabetes groups was shown in the fifth week.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.433-442
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• 2021

The fermented red ginseng by microorganism is known to increase pharmacological activity in vivo. To evaluate the bioavailablity of red ginseng fermented by probiotics, we conducted the pharmacokinetic study of ginsenoside Rb1, Rd and total ginsenosides (TG, ginsenosides Rb1 + Rd + Rg1 + F2 + Rg3 + compound K) in BALB/C mice. The AUC value of ginsenoside Rb1 in mice serum administered with 600mg/kg drugs showed 21.93 ± 14.68 ng·h/mL (RGw, water extract), 275.211 ± 110.04 ng·h/mL (RGe, 50% ethanol extract) and 404.91 ± 162.57 ng·h/mL (fRGe, fermented red ginseng extract). Analysis of ginsenoside Rd also showed a higher ACU value in fRGe than in RGw or RGe. And the AUC value of total ginsenosides in mice serum treated with 600 mg/kg were observed 42.12 ± 23.44 ng·h/mL (RGw), 321.44 ± 133.5 ng·h/mL (RGe) and 537.33 ± 229.01 ng·h/mL (fRGe), respectively. C_max value of ginsenoside Rb1 in mice administered with 600mg/kg were observed 3.67 ± 3.34 ng/mL (RGw), 23.27 ± 8.81 ng/mL (RGe) and 25.52 ± 7.29 ng/mL (fRGe). These results can be considered that the fermented red ginseng has more bioavailability than that of unfermented red ginseng. In quantitative analysis of the inflammation-related cytokines IL-1β and TNF, no significant difference was found between the fermented red ginseng (fRGe) and the red ginseng (RGe).

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.187-192
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of herbal medicine complex (HMC) containing Camellia sinensis L., Duchoesna chrysantha, Houttuynia cordata Thunberg, Poncirus trifoliata Rafinesque on skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. First, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of HMC in TNF-α induced human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell). Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-8) mRNA and protein. Four-weeks old male NC/Nga mice were treated with 1% 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) solution and used as an atopic dermatitis mice model. And, HMC (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) was administered directly into the stomach of mice for 4 weeks, and blood or serum analysis, tissue staining were performed after oral gavage. As a result HMC inhibited the mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-8, which had been increased by TNF-α in HaCaT cells. In addition, the protein expression was also significantly suppressed in the same way as the mRNA expression results. The in vivo experiment results showed that, HMC administration reduced thickening of the epidermis and infiltration of eosinophil into the skin stratum basale compared to DNCB treatment. In addition, HMC administration significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13) production and immunocyte (white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil) count compared to DNCB treatment. Moreover, the serum IgE and histamine level was decreased by HMC administration. These results suggest that HMC can be used as effective herbal medicine extract for skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. And this study may contribute to the development of the herbal medicine-based drug for the treatment of skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2000

Membrane type matrix metalloproteinases(MT-MMPs) have been suggested to play an important role during structural remodeling of various tissue. Expression patterns of MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP mRNAs were investigated in oocytes, embryos, ovary and oviduct of mouse during their differentiation or periovulatory period using RT-PCR technique. Both cDNA products of MT1- and MT2-MMP of immature oocytes were barely discernable with a minimum amount but the expressions were distinct in mature oocytes regardless that they were matured in vivo or in vitro. MT2-MMP was not expressed by 2-cell embryos but was expressed by 4-cell stage embryos. From the morula stage untill hatched blastocyst stage, embyos showed intesnse expression of MT2-MMP with a sudden increase at blastocyst stage. While mouse ovarian tissues showed both expression of MT1- and MT2-MMP, there was no stage-specific difference throughout the estrous cycle. Mouse oviducts also exhibit constant amount of both MT1- and MT2-MMP expressions throughout periovulatory period, i.e., before or after ovulation. These observations lead to suggest that the differential expressions of maternal MT1- and MT2-MMP during meiotic resumption of mouse oocytes and embryonic expression of MT2-MMP particularly at blastocyst stage might play a role in the differentiation of mouse oocytes and／or embryos. The precise function of MT1- and MT2-MMP with regards to their participation in the remodeling of ovarian and oviductal tissues remains in a question.