• BMB Reports
• /
• v.55 no.6
• /
• pp.275-280
• /
• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.21.1-21.9
• /
• 2021

Background: Unani System of Medicine (USM) has its origin to Greece. To ensure and develop the quality, authenticity of Unani drugs, standardization on modern analytical parameter is essential requirement for drugs. Objectives: The aimed of the present study was to develop a standard profile of "Qurṣ-e-Mafasil" by systematic study through authenticated ingredients, pharmacognostic identification followed by physicochemical, TLC, HPTLC fingerprinting analysis as per standard protocol. Material and Methods: In this study three batches of "Qurṣ-e-Mafasil" QM were prepared by standard method as per UPI had been followed by organoleptic properties of formulation such as appearance, color, odor, taste. Powder Microscopy and physicochemical studies were carried out such as Uniformity of weight, Friability, Disintegration time, hardness, LOD, ash vales and extractive values in like aqueous, alcohol & hexane. Further qualitative tests such as Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) studies were also carried out to develop fingerprint pattern of the alcoholic solvent extract of QM. Phytochemical screening was carried out in different solvent extracts such as alcoholic, aqueous and chloroform extracts to detect the presence phytoconstituents in the formulation QM. Heavy metals, Microbial Load Contamination and pesticidal residues were also determined. Results: Qurṣ-e-Mafasil showed tablet-like appearance, light brown colour, mild pungent odour and acrid taste. Uniformity of weight (mg), friability (rpm), and hardness (kg/cm) and disintegration time was ranged between (500 to 503), (0.0340 to 0.038), (8.40 to 8.67) and (4-5 minutes) respectively for the three batches. Loss in weight on drying at 105℃ was ranged between (8.3425 to 8.7346). Extracted values were calculated in distilled water ranged between (30.9091 to 31.4358), hexane (1.1419 to 1.4281), and alcohol (3.3352 to 3.3962). The ash values recorded were ranged between (3.7336 to 3.8378), and acid insoluble ash (0.5859 to 0.6112).

• Membrane Journal
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.486-495
• /
• 2022

This study presents the improved recovery efficiency of rare metal ions through the modified separation membrane wettability and hydrogen ion permeation in the anion exchange membrane (AEM) under the recovery process of combined electrodialysis and solvent extraction. Specifically, the wettability of the separator was enhanced by hydrophilic modification on one separator surface through polydopamine (PDA) and lipophilic modification on the other surface through SiO₂ or graphene oxide (GO). In addition, the modified surface of AEM with polyethyleneimine (PEI), PDA, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), etc. reduces the water uptake and modify the pore structure for proton ions generation. The suppressed transport resulted in the reduced hydrogen ion permeation. In the characterization, the surface morphology, chemical properties and composition of membrane or AEM were analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Based on the analyses, improved extraction and stripping and hydrogen ion transport inhibition were demonstrated for the copper ion recovery system.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.160-165
• /
• 2023

This study describes the light microscopical cell types and histochemical characteristics as a preliminary study for the research on integument of the walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus in accordance with the physiological and environmental changes. The lateral line of the integument surface showed a curve in the anterior part and was straight from the middle to the posterior part. Integument is composed of outer epidermis and inner dermis. The epidermis is a stratified layer composed of epithelial cells, mucous cells, and club cells. Epithelial cells are classified into squamous superficial cell, cuboidal intermediated cell and columnar basal cell. The thickness of epidermis was 122.9 ㎛, and the ratio of epidermis thickness to body length was 0.03%. The mucous cell and club cell of unicellular gland were mainly distributed in the apical and middle layer of epidermis. The mucous cell contained mucosal materials of acidic glycoprotein. The proportion of mucous cells and club cells were 21.3 (± 7.0)% and 4.0 (± 1.0)% of epidermal area, respectively. The dermis was dense connective tissue layer and composed of mainly collagen fibers. It also contained fibrocytes, blood vessels, melanophores and scales.

• Research in Plant Disease
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.405-413
• /
• 2023

Bacterial blight of carrot caused by Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae (Xhc) is one of the serious diseases of carrot, of which control measures has not been still established in the domestic farm. In this study, in order to select effective sterilizer for bacterial blight of carrots, three antibiotics such as streptomycin, oxolinic acid, kasugamycin, two copper compounds like copper hydroxide and copper sulfate basic and three rhizobacteria Burkholderia gladioli MRL408-3, Pseudomonas fluorescens TRH415-2 and Bacillus cereus KRY505-3 were selected to investigate their direct antibacterial effects using artificial media, aiming to identify effective pesticides against Xhc. Among them, treated medium with antibiotics such as streptomycin, oxolinic acid, and the antagonistic rhizobacteria MRL408-3 were formed inhibition zone. The agrochemicals and the rhizobacteria MRL408-3, which showed antibacterial effects on carrot leaves, pre-treated on the carrot leaves and then inoculated with Xhc. High control effects were shown on the carrot leaves pre-treated with both streptomycin and oxolinic acid. Scanning electron microscopy images of the carrot leaf surfaces showed that the population of bacteria decreased significantly on leaves pre-treated with streptomycin and oxolinic acid. From these results, it can be inferred that antibiotics like streptomycin and oxolinic acid exhibit superior control effects compared to other agents. This study provides valuable insights towards establishing an effective control system for bacterial blight of carrot.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.323-329
• /
• 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the retrievability of Resilon as a root canal filling material Twenty-seven human single-rooted extracted teeth were instrumented utilizing a crown down technique with Gates-Glidden burs and ProFile system. In group1 (n = 12) canals were obturated with gutta percha and AH-26 plus sealer using a continuous wave technique and backfilled. In group 2 (n = 15) Resilon was used as a filling material. Then teeth were sealed and kept in $37^{\circ}C$ and 100% humidity for 7 days. For retreatment, the samples were re-accessed and filling material was removed using Gates-Glidden burs and ProFiles. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally to compare the general cleanliness and amount of debris $({\times}\;75)$ using SEM. Chi-square test was used $({\alpha}\;=\;0.05)$ to analyze the data. The total time required for removal of filling materials was expressed as mean ${\pm}SD$ (min) and analyzed by the Student t-test $({\alpha}\;=\;0.05)$, Required time for retreatment was $3.25\;{\pm}\;0.32$ minutes for gutta percha/ AH 26 plus sealer and $3.05\;{\pm}\;0.34$ minutes for Resilon. There was no statistically significant difference between the two experimental groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the cleanliness of the root canal wall. This study showed that Resilon was effectively removed by Gates-Glidden burs and ProFiles.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
• /
• v.40 no.10
• /
• pp.769-781
• /
• 2007

Factor analysis has been usually employed in reducing quantity of data and summarizing information on a system or phenomenon. In this analysis methodology, variables are grouped into several factors by consideration of statistic characteristics, and the results are used for dropping variables which have lower weight than others. In this study, factor analysis was applied for extracting primary factors influencing multi-dam system operation in the Han River basin, where there are two multi-purpose dams such as Soyanggang Dam and Chungju Dam, and water has been supplied by integrating two dams in water use season. In order to fulfill factor analysis, first the variables related to two dams operation were gathered and divided into five groups (Soyanggang Dam: inflow, hydropower product, storage management, storage, and operation results of the past; Chungju Dam: inflow, hydropower product, water demand, storage, and operation results of the past). And then, considering statistic properties, in the gathered variables, some variables were chosen and grouped into five factors; hydrological condition, dam operation of the past, dam operation at normal season, water demand, and downstream dam operation. In order to check the appropriateness and applicability of factors, a multiple regression equation was newly constructed using factors as description variables, and those factors were compared with terms of objective function used in operation water resources optimally in a river basin. Reviewing the results through two check processes, it was revealed that the suggested approach provided satisfactory results. And, it was expected for extracted primary factors to be useful for making dam operation schedule considering the future situation and previous results.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.658-665
• /
• 2013

In this study, we measured particulate matter(PM) which emerged as the hot issue from the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the exhaust emission using HANBADA, the training ship of Korea Maritime University. In particular, the PM was obtained with TEM grid. PM structure was observed by electron microscopy. And exhaust gases such as NOx, $CO_2$, and CO were measured using the combustion gas analyzer(PG-250A, HORIBA). The results of this study are as follows. 1) When the ship departed from the port, the maximum difference in PM emissions were up to 30 % due to the Bunker Change. 2) Under the steady navigation, emission of PM was $1.34mg/m^3$ when Bunker-A is changing L.R.F.O(3 %). And, at the fixed L.R.F.O (3 %), emission of PM was $1.19mg/m^3$. When the main engine RPM increased up to 20 % with fixed L.R.F.O(3 %), emission of PM was $1.40mg/m^3$. When we changed to low quality oil(L.R.F.O(3 %)), CO concentration from main engine increased about 16 %. On the other hand, when the main engine RPM is rising up to 20 %, CO concentration is increased more than 152 percent. These results imply that the changes of RPM is a dominant factor in exhaust emission although fuel oil type is an important factor. 3) The diameter of PM obtained with TEM grid is about $4{\sim}10{\mu}m$ and its structure shows porous aggregate.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.461-469
• /
• 2001

The combinatorial approach has been applied to discover and optimize the composition of the novel or enhanced materials. In this study, we screened the optimum composition of the system SrO-Gd$_2$O$_3$-Al$_2$O$_3$ doped with $Tb^{3+}$ by a polymerized-complex combinatorial chemistry method. Mixtures with compositions of Sr, Gd and Al component that is in the range from 0 to 1 in about 0.05 increments could be tested. The sample powders were synthesized by a polymerized complex method. To prepare appropriately polymeric precursors, we used the metallic nitrates, citric acid and ethylene glycol. The luminescence properties of the synthesized powders are investigated using the UV and VUV (Vacuum-UV: 147 nm) photoluminescence spectrometer. In addition, the crystallinity and morphology of powder were monitored by X-ray diffraction spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. In result of VUV PL works, there are good luminescent samples with the composition of 0.595 < x < 0.733 and 0.016 < y < 0.017 in Gd1-x-yAlxTbyO$\delta$ and 0.049 < x < 0.064 and 0.02 < y < 0.039 in $Sr_xAl_{1-x-y}Tb_yO_$\delta$$, their materials can be applicable to plasma display panels as the green phosphor.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
• /
• v.38 no.10
• /
• pp.908-913
• /
• 2001

Paper sludge Ash (PA) and Fly Ash (FA) wastes are usually land-filled for reclamation or substituted for cements as a resource. It could also offer some advantages when they are substituted for clay to preserve the environment. To recycle those wastes, the sintered specimen made of PA-FA-Clay system were examined to find the microstructure and physical properties. The ratio of clay to wastes was fixed as 30:70 by wt%, while PA to FA within waste portion were varied in the range of $1:6{\sim}7:0$. Those specimens were fired in $1150{\sim}1350^{\circ}C$. It was found that the relative density of sintered specimen was increased with amount of PA added at low sintering temperature (i.e, $1150{\sim}1200^{\circ}C$). This is due to increased amount of liquid during sintering. It is shown, however that at high sintering temperature ($1250{\sim}1350^{\circ}C$), the relative density of specimens was decreased with amount of PA added. This is because of overfiring phenomenon which may be able to induce an inhomogeneous microstructure and increased porosity. The mechanical properties of sintered specimen were depended upon the homogeneity of microstructure in accordance with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and pore size distribution analysis. For example, the compressive strength of 10PA-60FA-30Clay specimen sintered at $1225^{\circ}C$ was twice higher than that of 70PA-30Clay specimen even thought the relative density of those specimen was similar. This decreased strength of 70PA-30Clay specimen appears to be an inhomogeneity of microstructure due to overfiring.