• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.8
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• pp.261-265
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• 2017

Purpose: Studies on cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunocompetent children are lacking, and minimal information is available in the medical literature on hepatic manifestations and complications of CMV. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and prognosis of children with CMV hepatitis, and to investigate its prevalence at a single medical center in Korea over a 10-year period. Methods: One hundred thirty-two children diagnosed with CMV infection based on specific markers (anti-CMV IgM, CMV polymerase chain reaction in blood and urine, or CMV culture of urine) were included in the study. Clinical and biochemical characteristics, immunological markers, and outcomes of hepatic CMV infection were determined. Results: The median age of patients (n=132) was 8.5 months (range, 14 days-11.3 years). Peak total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels in serum ranged from 0.11-21.97 mg/dL, and 5-1,517 IU/L, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase remained elevated from 2-48 weeks. Jaundice was the most common clinical feature of hepatic CMV infection during infancy. The hematologic findings revealed anemia, leukocytosis, and monocytosis in CMV-infected patients. All participants recovered without administration of ganciclovir. Conclusion: In children with CMV hepatitis, fever was the most common symptom at presentation, and jaundice was the most common clinical feature of hepatic CMV infection in infants younger than 3 months of age. Hepatic CMV infection in immunocompetent children is often a self-limited illness that does not require antiviral therapy, as most patients in this study had favorable outcomes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.132-141
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• 2015

Objectives: With recent advances in nanoparticle manufacturing and applications, potential exposure to nanoparticles in various settings is becoming increasing likely. No investigation has yet been performed to assess whether respiratory tract exposure to cerium oxide ($CeO_2$) nanoparticles is associated with alterations in protein signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis in rat lungs. Methods: Specific-pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled with either vehicle (saline) or $CeO_2$ nanoparticles at a dosage of 7.0 mg/kg and euthanized 1, 3, 14, 28, 56, or 90 days after exposure. Lung tissues were collected and evaluated for the expression of proteins associated with inflammation and cellular apoptosis. Results: No change in lung weight was detected over the course of the study; however, cerium accumulation in the lungs, gross histological changes, an increased Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, elevated cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and diminished phosphorylation of ERK-1/2-MAPK were detected after $CeO_2$ instillation (p<0.05). Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that high-dose respiratory exposure to $CeO_2$ nanoparticles is associated with lung inflammation, the activation of signaling protein kinases, and cellular apoptosis, which may be indicative of a long-term localized inflammatory response.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.640-646
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• 2017

In this study, we elucidated anti-cancer activity and potential molecular mechanism of 70% ethanol extracts from Taxilli Ramulus (Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser) (TR-E70) against human colorectal cancer cells. Anti-cell proliferative effect of TR-E70 was evaluated by MTT assay. The effect of TR-E70 on the expression of cyclin D1 in the protein and mRNA level was evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. TR-E70 suppressed the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. Although TR-E70 decreased cyclin D1 expression in protein and mRNA level, decreased level of cyclin D1 protein by TR-E70 more dramatically occurred than that of cyclin D1 mRNA. Cyclin D1 downregulation by TR-E70 was attenuated in presence of MG132. In addition, TR-E70 phosphorylated threonine-286 (T286) of cyclin D1. TR-E70-mediated cyclin D1 degradation was blocked in presence of LiCl as an inhibitor $GSK3{\beta}$ but not PD98059 as an ERK1/2 inhibitor and SB203580 as a p38 inhibitor. Our results suggest that TR-E70 may downregulate cyclin D1 as one of the potential anti-cancer targets through $GSK3{\beta}$-dependent cyclin D1 degradation. From these findings, TR-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for human colorectal cancer.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.126-132
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• 2001

Methanol extracts form four kinds of kimchi, which were differently prepared in kinds and levels of sub-ingredients, were given to Balb/c mice for 3 weeks (0.5 mg/kg/day). Peritoneal macrophages isolated from mice treated with kimchi extracts and saline were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). K3 and K4 kimchis, containing more red pepper powder, garlic, Chinese pepper powder, mustard leaf and organically cultivated Korean cabbage, significantly increased NO production by the activated macrophages (p<0.05). K1, K2, K3 and K4 kimchi extracts (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$) significantly reduced the increased TGF-$\beta$1 production of H.pylori lysate (0.01 $\mu\textrm{g}$)-activated human epithelial RPMI 2650 cells (5$\times$10$^{4}$ cells/mL) at 24 and 48 hrs of treatment (p<0.01). However, the decreased TGF-$\beta$1 $\alpha$ production of RPMI 2650 cells by H. pylori lysate increased by treatment with kimchi extract for 72 hrs. Especially, K4 kimchi (containing organically cultivated Korean cabbage and more ingredients, modulated TGF-$\beta$1 production of H. pylori lysate-activated RPMI 2650 cells to the normal level (control) by treatment for 48 hrs. The treatment of K1 and K4 kimchi enhanced the LPS (0.01 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL)-induced IL-6 production of splenocytes. The results suggest that kimchi might have an beneficial effect on cancer prevention due in part to the function enhancing NO production of activated macrophages. Our data suggest that kimchi could modulate TGF-$\beta$1 production by cancer cells and IL-6 production of splenocytes, thereby possibly contributing to control carcinogenesis and the immune system.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.129-132
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• 2006

The purpose of this paper was to compare the clinical efficacy of iopamidol and iopromide, iohexol nonionic contrast media in terms of their image quality in Beagle dogs with hepatic CT angiography and their application in veterinary clinics. With 9 Beagle dogs, contrast media of iopamidol (pamiray-$300^(R)$) and iopromide (ultravist-$300^(R)$, iohexol (omnipaque-$300^(R)$) were induced intravenously (600 mg I/kg, BW) and CT angiography was done under general anesthesia. CT scan included scout, pre-contrast and cine examinations. During CT angiography, peak HU (Hounsfield unit) and peak time were examined on each site (ROI; region of interest) of the aorta, caudal vena cava, potral vein and liver parenchyma. Any side effects were also examined. After experiments, it was found that there were no significant changes of HU and maximal enhancing time of each ROIs of aorta, caudal vena cava, portal vein and liver parenchyma between these contrast media. And any side effects were not noted. So it is concluded that iopamidol has similiar contrast enhancement like as iopromide and iohexol in hepatic angiography and and it is thought to be useful for evaluation of the abdominal organs by CT scan in veterinary clinics.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.44-47
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• 2002

The effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on masculine copulatory behaviour were studied in the middle aged male Sprague-Dawley rats, 9 months old and retired breeders after dosing them with 500 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days prior to test. The test lasted for 30 minutes after a 20 minute adaptation period, was carried out on the 11th day during the dark phase of the light-dark cycle (2000-0700 hours) and in subdued light, using a modified copulation cage but with the presence of a piece of mirror of appropriate size to facilitate observation. Results showed that the mean values of EL-1, EL-2 and EL-3 of the control middle aged male rats were 103.20 sec, 91.21 sec and 80.00 sec but were significantly (p<0.05) increased to 118.40-120.20 sec, 101.24-171.28 sec and 100.42-110.21 sec respectively in the methanol-chloroform, methanol-butanol-water and methanol-butanol treated middle aged male rats. However, further results also showed that PEI-1 and PEI-2 of the control middle aged male rats were 182.30 sec and 257.2 sec but were significantly (p<0.05) decreased to 100.42-121.31 sec and 40.21-132.31 sec respectively in the methanol-chloroform-butanol-water and methanol-butanol treated middle aged male rats. In conclusion, this study showed that although E. longifolia Jack continued to enhance the sexual activity of the middle aged male rats by extending the duration of coitus and decreasing the refractory period between the different series of copulation, but to a smaller degree as compared to sexually active, adult male rats (Ang and Sim, 1997).

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.297-304
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• 2016

The seed of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) has been reported to suppress human cancer cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms by which safflower seed inhibits cancer cell proliferation have remained nuclear. In this study, the inhibitory effect of the safflower seed (SS) on the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells and the potential mechanism of action were examined. SS inhibited markedly the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116, SW480, LoVo and HT-29). In addition, SS suppressed the proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). SS treatment decreased cyclin D1 protein level in human colorectal cancer cells and breast cancer cells. But, SS-mediated downregulated mRNA level of cyclin D1 was not observed. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 attenuated cyclin D1 downregulation by SS and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in SS-treated cells. In addition, SS increased cyclin D1 phosphorylation at threonine-286 and a point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated SS-mediated cyclin D1 degradation. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 suppressed cyclin D1 phosphorylation and downregulation of cyclin D1 by SS. In conclusion, SS has anti-proliferative activity by inducing cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation through ERK1/2-dependent threonine-286 phosphorylation of cyclin D1. These findings suggest that possibly its extract could be used for treating colorectal cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.132-140
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• 1998

This study aimed to verify the nutritional and curative effects of protein hydroysate and optimal ratio between protein and protein hydroysate as nitrogen source in rats with cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. Duodenal ulcer rat model was established by intraperitoneal injections of cysteamine. Sprague-Dawley, female rats weighing approximately 200g were intrapertionealy injected twice cysteamine(13mg/100g BW) at intervals of 3hours per day. This procedure was repeated 3 times at intervals of 3 days. Animals fed on 10% casein diet for injection periods. After last injection, 5 kinds of kiets (the ratio of casein and casein hydrolysate was 100 : 0(C100), 75 : 25(CH 25), 50 : 50(CH 50), 25 : 75(CH 75), 0 : 100(CH 100)) were given. The rate were sacrificed after feeding diet, 1, 3, 5 days. Ulcer index, hexosamine content of stomach and duodeum, gastric motility, trypsin activity, blood glutathione, plasma total protein, albumin, amino-N, urinalry urea nitrogen, creatinine, hydroxyproline and retention rate of nitrogen were analyzed for nutritional effects of diet treatments. There were no differences among diet groups in the view of the growth and diet treatments. There difference of ulcer curation by diet was appeared after 3 days. The ulcer indexes of C100 and CH 25 of 3, 5 days were significantly higher than those of CH 50, CH 75 and CH 100. This result was the same as hexosamine content of stomach, plasma protein, albumin concentration and nitrogen retention rate. The more casein hydrolysate diet had, the lower trypsin activity was. The more casein gydroysate diet had, the higher excretion of hydroxyproline was. These results show that protein hydrolysate can be applied in diet therapy for the patients with gastronitestinal ulcer. It suggests that it has curative effect of diet when nitogen sources include at least over than 50% of protein hydrolysate.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.111-122
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• 2001

Objectives ; This study was undertaken to determine if Salviae Radix herb-acupuncture (SRA) exerts protective effect against alterations in membrane transport function in rabbits with mercury chloride (Hg)-induced acute renal failure. Methods and Results ; The administration of Hg at a subcutaneous single dose of 10mg/kg caused a reduction in GFR to 9.4% of the basal value and an increase in fractional Na+ excretion to 10-fold, indicating generation of acute renal failure. When animals were acupunctured with $0.5m{\ell}$ of SRA extract (0.1%) in both sides of Shinsu(BL23) for 7 days prod to Hg administration, such changes were significantly attenuated. The fractional excretion of glucose and phosphate was increased to approximately 132-fold and 7-fold, respectively, in rabbits treated with Hg alone, but the fractional excretion of glucose was increased to 26-fold and that of phosphate was not different from the basal value in SRA-pretreated rabbits. Uptakes of glucose and phosphate in purified isolated brush-border membrane and $Na^+-K^+$-ATPase activity in microsomal fraction were inhibited in rabbits treated with Hg alone, suggesting that impairment in proximal reabsorption of glucose and phosphate is resulted from a direct damage of membrane transport carriers and disruption of the normal $Na^+$ gradient. Conclusions ; Such changes were prevented by SRA. Uptakes of organic ions, PAH and TEA, in renal cortical slices were inhibited by the administration of Hg, which was prevented by SRA. Pretreatment of an antioxidant DPPD attenuated the increase in the fractional excretion of glucose and phosphate induced by the administration of Hg.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.279-284
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• 2011

This study was carried out to estimate the heavy metal contents (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn) in avian eggs sold in Seoul area, Korea from August to December, 2010. The contents of lead, cadmium, chrome, copper, manganese were estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals (mean${\pm}$standard deviation, mg/kg) in the avian eggs were as follows: Pb $0.010{\pm}0.018$, Cd $0.000{\pm}0.001$, Cr $0.018{\pm}0.022$, Cu $0.637{\pm}0.163$, Mn $0.397{\pm}0.132$. The contents of lead and cadmium in the eggs were lower than that in meat and other foods of previously reported results. Whereas the contents of copper, manganese were similar to the previously previous results. The average daily intakes of lead and cadmium in the avian eggs were 0.1 and 0.8% respectively, as compared with PTWI (Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes) established by FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Safety Evaluation.