• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.179-191
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• 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) poses an increasing public health threat and has limited treatment options with high associated mortality. Genotypes of carbapenemase that threaten public health (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_IMP, and bla_VIM) and bla_OXA-48-like genes were detected by phenotypic and molecular diagnosis, and related gene distribution patterns were investigated. Phenotypic testing using the modified Hodge test confirmed positivity in all 41 strains examined, and carbapenemase inhibitory testing using meropenem+phenyl boronic acid or meropenem+EDTA confirmed positivity in 18 and 8 strains, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of amplification products in 28 strains of bla_KPC, 25 strains of bla_NDM, 5 strains of bla_IMP, 1 strain of bla_VIM, and 13 bla_OXA-48-like strains. In addition, 7 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM, 1 strain of bla_KPC+bla_IMP, 1 strain of bla_NDM+bla_OXA-48-like, 1 strain of bla_NDM+bla_VIM, 4 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM+bla_IMP, and 4 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM+bla_OXA-48-like were identified. Melting curve analysis using real-time PCR was wholly consistent with PCR results. The study shows genetic identification of highly specific CRE by real-time PCR could be used to provide early diagnoses and infection control, improve surveillance, and prevent the transmission of CRE.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2004

To develope of the inexpensive anti-stain chemicals, it was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effectiveness of mycelial growth and anti-mold effectiveness against test fungi causing surface mold of wood, iron corrosivity and hygroscopicity of six fluoride-based chemicals made from industrial by- product.Among the six chemicals. RNF-3 and RNF-4 were the most effective with respect to a mycelial growth control and anti-mold effectiveness. For the wood treatment with these chemicals, the optimum concentration was about 2% and there was no difference in the effectiveness of chemicals between wood species. The wood treated with synthesized chemicals showed a relatively high iron corrosion rate for corrosive F component whereas, in the treatment with RNF-3 and RNF-4, there was no difference from the untreated wood when the concentration was less than 2%. The hygroscopic property of wood was not effected by treatment of these chemicals. To prove the feasibility for practical using of RNF-3 and RNF-4 chemicals, it is necessary to test of anti-mold effectiveness in the sawmill by field test.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects water extract of fermented new korean medicinal mixture, combinations of Mori Folium, Adenophorae Radix, Phllostachyos Folium and Citri Pericarpium (F-MAPC), on adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and glucose uptake using undiffernentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myoblasts. Methods : Each herb and those mixture were respectively fermented and then extracted with water. We carried on MTT assay for check-up on cell toxicity, Oil Red O staining for determination of cell differentiation and intracelluar adipogenesis. Western blot analysis for measurement of pAMPK and pACC, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$ and Glut-4 protein expressions were performed. Results : F-MAPC showed significant inhibitory activity on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes without affecting cell toxicity as assessed by measuring fat accumulation, and this effect was 2 fold higher in 0.2 mg/ml F-MAPC than that of the same dose of each fermented herbal extract alone. In addition, these effects were associated with modulation of adipogenic transcription factors, such as $C/EBP{\alpha}$, $PPAR{\gamma}$, as well as stimulated phosphorylations of AMPK and ACC. Translocation of Glut-4 was significantly increased by 10.2% in L6 cells treated with 0.2 mg/ml F-MAPC compared with that of control. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that F-MAPC may be an ideal candidate for therapy of obesity and diabetes by disturbing the differentiation into adipocytes, as well as the inducement of intramuscular glucose uptake from blood.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.93-100
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of WSY-1075 composited with Corni Fructus, Angelica gigantis Radix, Lycii Fructus, Ginseng Radix, Cervi parvum Cornu and Cinnamomi Cortex in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) and scratching mouse model. Methods : WSY-1075 was prepared by extracting with 30% ethanol. In the present study, we investigated the effect of WSY-1075 on the production of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) and histamine in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187, and on the scratching behavior in mice treated with pruriogens. Results : WSY-1075 was not cytotoxic effect in used all concentration. PMA plus A23187 treatment significantly increased TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production compared with media control in RPMCs. However, TNF-${\alpha}$, $IL1{\beta}$ and IL-6 production increased by PMA plus A23187 treatment were significantly inhibited by WSY-1075 (200 ${\mu}g/mL$ and 400 ${\mu}g/mL$). WSY-1075 also inhibited the histamine release from RPMCs stimulated by compound 48/80, which promotes histamine release. Moreover, WSY-1075 administration had an inhibitory effects on the scratching behavior induced by pruritogen (compound 48/80, histamine, serotonin and substence P) in ICR mice. Conclusion : These results suggest that WSY-1075 administration (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg) has the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects on the activated rat peritoneal mast cell and mouse pruritus. WSY-1075 has a potential use as a composition of medicinal plants for treatment against inflammation- and pruritus-related disease.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2017

Objectives : Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) possess various nutrients, it has been widely used as traditional cosmetic material in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidant activity and the anti-melanogenic effect of Yambean (Pachyrhizus erosus) extract and its fractions. Methods : The anti-oxidant activity of yam bean extract assessed based on total polyphenol, flavonoid contents, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. To evaluate anti-melanogenic effects and cytotoxicity of Yambean extract and its fractions, B16F10 melanoma cell was used. Results : In results, total polyphenol content of yam bean water extract (YW) and Yambean 70% ethanol extract (YE) were $1.18{\pm}0.03mg/g$ (mg of gallic acid/g of sample), $1.16{\pm}0.01mg/g$. Total flavonoid contents of YW, YE were $3.55{\pm}0.06mg/g$ (mg of naringin/g of sample), $1.78{\pm}0.03mg/g$. Moreover, YE scavenged DPPH and ABTS effectively in $4mg/m{\ell}$ compared to YW. Cytotoxicity of YE and its fractions in B16F10 melanoma cell was measured using MTT assays. It had no cytotoxicity up to $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Melanin accumulation in B16F10 melanoma cell was induced using alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}-MSH$) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). B16F10 melanoma cell treated with $10-500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ YE and hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, $H_2O$ fractions for 24h. Non treated B16F10 melanoma cell (Control) markedly increased melanin contents. In contrast, YE ethylacetate fraction effectively suppressed melanin accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : In conclusion, these results suggest that Yambean extract has the potential as a cosmetic material which possess anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic activities.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.21-28
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• 2019

Objectives : In present study, we investigated a therapeutic effect and optimum dose of Socheongryong-Tang (SCT) on LPS-induced lung inflammation rats model. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats ($260{\pm}10g$) were divided into 12 groups : Group 1 included the normal rats, and Group 2-12 were administrated LPS by intranasal injection to induce experimental lung inflammation. After 1 day of LPS administration, Group 3-9 were treated with SCT ${\times}1/4$, ${\times}1/2$, ${\times}1$, ${\times}3$, ${\times}6$, ${\times}12$ or ${\times}18$, respectively. Group 10-12 (positive control) were treated with dexamethasone 1 mg/kg or acetylcystein 1.5 mg/kg or diclofenac sodium 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. After sacrifice, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was isolated. The levels of IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, mucin glycoprotein 5AC (MUG5AC) were measured in BALF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results : LPS injected rats exhibited outstanding lung inflammation manifestations, including increased amount of total cells and neutrophil, and upregulated inflammatory cytokines level in BALF. However, the administration of SCT ${\times}1/4$, ${\times}1/2$ and ${\times}1$ decreased total cells and neutrophil, and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines, including $IL-1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, and MUG5AC in BALF. Notably, inhibitory effect of SCT ${\times}1/2$ and ${\times}1$ on the level of TNF-${\alpha}$ was markedly better than that of positive controls, dexamethasone and acetylcystein. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that SCT ${\times}1/2$ and ${\times}1$ has therapeutic effects on LPS-induced lung inflammation rats model.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.89-93
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• 2022

Earthing, caused by direct skin contact with the Earth's surface, is used to reduce the symptoms of inflammation (fever, fever, swelling and pain). However, there is little evidence to support the anti-inflammatory effects of earthing mattresses. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate whether anti-inflammatory effect of earthing mattress using an in vivo animal model. The anti - inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring ear thickness and foot volume in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) - induced ear edema and carrageenan - induced paw edema model, respectively. Balb/c mouse in carrageenan paw edema model showed significant anti - inflammatory effect in the group treated with earthing mattress for 4 hours or 24 hours for 3 days. For females, the anti-inflammatory effect was greater when the earthing mattress was added to the mattress than the mattress alone treatment. From the above results, it was found that the female responds more to the effect of the earthing as well as the mattress effect. In addition, when the male and female Balb/c mice were exposed to mattresses and earthing mattresses for 24 h for 3 days, respectively, the mattress and earthing mattresses showed significant inhibition of IL (Interleukin)-1β levels compared to the control. In the TPA ear edema model, Balb/c mouse showed significant anti - inflammatory effect in the group treated with the earthing mattress for 4 hours or 24 hours for 3 days. Both males and females showed more anti-inflammatory effects when they were exposed to earthing mattresses with mattresses added to the mattresses. From the above results, it was found that both male and female respond to the effect of earthing as well as the mattress effect in the TPA ear edema model. In conclusion, in this study, we have verified that earthing mattress shows inhibitory effects on TPA and carrageenan-induced inflammation. From these results, it is suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect can be expected by applying the earthing mattress to patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. However, there is a need to pinpoint exactly how the earthing mattress relieves inflammation, and further research is needed to investigate the mechanism.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2022

Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a key role in chronic and acute brain disorders and neuronal damage associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) and other neurodegeneration symptoms. The neuroprotective effects of berberine and Berberis vulgaris (barberry) root extract against apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the human SH-SY5Y cell line were studied. Methods: The methanolic extraction of barberry root was performed using a maceration procedure. Oxidative stress was induced in SH-SY5Y cells by H₂O₂, and an MTT assay was applied to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of berberine and barberry root extract. The cells were pretreated with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of each compound (including berberine, barberry root extract, and H₂O₂), and the anti-apoptotic effects of all components were investigated using RT-PCR. Results: The SH-SY5Y cell viability increased in both groups exposed to 75 and 150 ppm barberry extract compared with that in the H₂O₂-treated group. The data showed that exposing SH-SY5Y cells to 30 ppm berberine significantly increased the cell viability compared with the H₂O₂-treated group; treatment with 150 and 300 ppm berberine and H₂O₂ significantly decreased the SH-SY5Y cell viability and was associated with berberine cytotoxicity. The mRNA levels of Bax decreased significantly under treatment with berberine at 30 ppm compared with the control group. A significant increase in Bcl-2 expression was observed only after treatment with the IC₅₀ of berberine. The expression level of Bcl-2 in cells exposed to both berberine and barberry extracts was also significantly higher than that in cells exposed to H₂O₂. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study suggest that treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with barberry extract and berberine could suppress apoptosis by regulating the actions of Bcl-2 family members.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.273-278
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• 2022

This study evaluates the improved effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) by subjecting pathogenic bacteria to a combination of 630 nm light-emitting diode (LED) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Bacterial suspensions of 1.5×10⁴ cells/mL were diluted and exposed to ALA concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mg/mL, incubated for 30 minutes, followed by irradiation with 630 nm LED (18 J/cm² ). The non-irradiated P. aeruginosa group and the group administered only LED light averaged 415 and 245 colonies, respectively. Conversely, the PDT group showed an average of 109, 225, 297, and 285 colonies at concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/mL of ALA. Evaluating the effect on E. faecalis revealed an average of 8,750 and 8,000 colonies in the group that did not receive the control photosensitizer and the group exposed to light alone, respectively. However, an average of 0, 2350, 4825, and 7475 colonies at concentrations of 5, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mg/mL ALA were determined for the PDT groups. In conclusion, better inhibitory effects were observed for E. faecalis than for P. aeruginosa. Moreover, our results validate the possibility of improved PDT efficacy using a combination of ALA and 630 nm LED.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.44.1-44.17
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• 2023

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern around the globe. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit broad-spectrum and efficient antibacterial activity with an added advantage of low drug resistance. The higher water content and 3D network structure of the hydrogels are beneficial for maintaining antimicrobial peptide activity and help to prevent degradation. The antimicrobial peptide released from hydrogels also hasten the local wound healing by promoting epithelial tissue regeneration and granulation tissue formation. Objective: This study aimed at developing sodium alginate based hydrogel loaded with a novel antimicrobial peptide Chol-37(F34-R) and to investigate the characteristics in vitro and in vivo as an alternative antibacterial wound dressing to treat infectious wounds. Methods: Hydrogels were developed and optimized by varying the concentrations of crosslinkers and subjected to various characterization tests like cross-sectional morphology, swelling index, percent water contents, water retention ratio, drug release and antibacterial activity in vitro, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wound mice model in vivo. Results: The results indicated that the hydrogel C proved superior in terms of cross-sectional morphology having uniformly sized interconnected pores, a good swelling index, with the capacity to retain a higher quantity of water. Furthermore, the optimized hydrogel has been found to exert a significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria and was also found to prevent bacterial infiltration into the wound site due to forming an impermeable barrier between the wound bed and external environment. The optimized hydrogel was found to significantly hasten skin regeneration in animal models when compared to other treatments in addition to strong inhibitory effect on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α). Conclusions: Our results suggest that sodium alginate -based hydrogels loaded with Chol-37(F34-R) hold the potential to be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating infectious skin wounds.