• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.134-148
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• 2021

Background: Lung cancer has a high incidence worldwide, and most lung cancer-associated deaths are attributable to cancer metastasis. Although several medicinal properties of Panax ginseng Meyer have been reported, the effect of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and self-renewal in A549 cells is relatively unknown. Methods: We treated TGF-β1 or alternatively Rk1 and Rg5 in A549 cells. We used western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assay, and anoikis assays to determine the effect of Rk1 and Rg5 on TGF-mediated EMT in lung cancer cell. In addition, we performed tumorsphere formation assays and real-time PCR to evaluate the stem-like properties. Results: EMT is induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells causing the development of cancer stem-like features. Expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, decreased and an increase in vimentin expression was noted. Cell mobility, invasiveness, and anoikis resistance were enhanced with TGF-β1 treatment. In addition, the expression of stem cell markers, CD44, and CD133, was also increased. Treatment with Rk1 and Rg5 suppressed EMT by TGF-β1 and the development of stemness in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Rk1 and Rg5 markedly suppressed TGF-β1-induced metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP2/9) activity, and activation of Smad2/3 and nuclear factor kappa B/extra-cellular signal regulated kinases (NF-kB/ERK) pathways in lung cancer cells. Conclusions: Rk1 and Rg5 regulate the EMT inducing TGF-β1 by suppressing the Smad and NF-κB/ERK pathways (non-Smad pathway).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.491-498
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• 2021

In this study, the effective dose was measured using the PCXMC v2.0 program by examining the conditions used to set the diagnostic reference level for intraoral imaging recommended by the government, and the effect of the Al additive filter was confirmed. In oral imaging, the largest effective dose was calculated from the oral mucosa among 11 organs. The effect of the Al additive filter showed an excellent radiation reduction effect at 2mm rather than 1mm. In the case of children aged 5 years, the overall effective dose was calculated to be high in all 11 organs because they are more sensitive to radiation than adults. And as a result of evaluating the image quality according to the use of an additional filter during intraoral imaging, there was no significant difference in SNR and CNR changes compared to before the additional filter was used. Based on this study, it is thought that additional filter settings can be recommended for intraoral imaging.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2022

Purpose: Natural medicinal plant extracts have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and potential therapeutic agents for prevention of various diseases. This study was undertaken to measure the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol-water fraction obtained from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora, a wild-growing plant in Korea. The final fraction used in this study was the H₂O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60), which had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined in previous studies. Methods: The amounts of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to SP60. Western blot was performed to measure the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Results: SP60 exerted no cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 125 ㎍/mL. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were significantly decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells exposed to SP60. In addition, the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylated p65 showed a concentration-dependent decrease subsequent to SP60 treatment. These results indicate that SP60 inhibits the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2, by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which is responsible for the expression of inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: The results presented in this study indicate that the H₂O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60) extracted from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora has the potential to be developed as a medicine or healthcare food and functional material possessing anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is necessary to first confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of SP60 in in vivo models.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2023

PET is used effectively for biochemical or pathological phenomena, disease diagnosis, prognosis determination after treatment, and treatment planning because it can quantify physiological indicators in the human body by imaging the distribution of various biochemical substances. However, since respiratory motion artifacts may occur due to the movement of the diaphragm due to breathing, we would like to evaluate the practical effect by using the a device-less data-driven gated (DDG) technique called MotionFree with the phase-based gating correction method called Q.static scan mode. In this study, images of changes in moving distance (0 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm) are acquired using a breathing-simulated moving phantom. The diameters of the six spheres in the phantom are 10 mm, 13 mm, 17 mm, 22 mm, 28 mm, and 37 mm, respectively. According to maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) measurements, when DDG was applied based on the moving distance, the average SUVmax of the correction effect by the moving distance was improved by 1.92, 2.48, 3.23 and 3.00, respectively. When DDG was applied based on the diameter of the phantom spheres, the average SUVmax of the correction effect by the moving distance was improved by 2.37, 2.02, 1.44, 1.20, 0.42 and 0.52 respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.889-896
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• 2022

This study attempted to evaluate the usefulness of the air mattress by analyzing the subjective comfort of the patient due to the application of the air mattress to the table of computed tomography through a questionnaire and analyzing the change in image quality through quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the patient's clinical images. The subjects who participated in the study were 221 men and 229 women, and the age range was from 18 to 86. To evaluate the change in image quality, a total of 150 patients, 50 patients per group, were selected for quantitative evaluation, and 20 patients per group, a total of 60 patients were selected for qualitative evaluation. As a result of this study, the subjective comfort of patients increased due to air mattresses, and there was no difference in image quality as a result of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of clinical images. From the above results, it is believed that the air mattress can be usefully applied in a way that can increase the subjective comfort of the patient without any harm to the diagnostic image.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.99-106
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• 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to manufacture a patient-specific gel phantom combining three-dimensional (3D) printing and polymer gel and evaluate the radiation dose and dose profile using gel dosimetry. Methods: The patient-specific head phantom was manufactured based on the patient's computed tomography (CT) scan data to create an anatomically replicated phantom; this was then produced using a ColorJet 3D printer. A 3D polymer gel dosimeter called RTgel-100 is contained inside the 3D printing head phantom, and irradiation was performed using a 6 MV LINAC (Varian Clinac) X-ray beam, a linear accelerator for treatment. The irradiated phantom was scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (Siemens) with a magnetic field of 3 Tesla (3T) of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Medicine, and then compared the irradiated head phantom with the dose calculated by the patient's treatment planning system (TPS). Results: The comparison between the Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the CT image of the patient and those of the phantom revealed that they were almost similar. The electron density value of the patient's bone and brain was 996±167 HU and 58±15 HU, respectively, and that of the head phantom bone and brain material was 986±25 HU and 45±17 HU, respectively. The comparison of the data of TPS and 3D gel revealed that the difference in gamma index was 2%/2 mm and the passing rate was within 95%. Conclusions: 3D printing allows us to manufacture variable density phantoms for patient-specific dosimetric quality assurance (DQA), develop a customized body phantom of the patient in the future, and perform a patient-specific dosimetry with film, ion chamber, gel, and so on.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.549-564
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between harmful free radicals and antioxidants. Long-term oxidative stress can lead to an "exhausted" status of antioxidant defense system triggering development of metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. Green perilla (Perilla frutescens) is commonly used in Asian cuisines and traditional medicine in southeast Asia. Green perilla possesses numerous beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. To investigate the potentials of green perilla leaf extract (PE) on oxidative stress, we induced oxidative stress by high-fat diet (HFD) in aging mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6J male mice were fed HFD continuously for 53 weeks. Then, mice were divided into three groups for 12 weeks: a normal diet fed reference group (NDcon), high-fat diet fed group (HDcon), and high-fat diet PE treated group (HDPE, 400 mg/kg of body weight). Biochemical analyses of serum and liver tissues were performed to assess metabolic and inflammatory damage and oxidative status. Hepatic gene expression of oxidative stress and inflammation related enzymes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: PE improved hepatopathology. PE also improved the lipid profiles and antioxidant enzymes, including hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver. Hepatic gene expressions of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory related enzymes, such as SOD-1, CAT, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) were significantly enhanced by PE. PE also reduced the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and liver; moreover, PE suppressed hepatic gene expression involved in pro-inflammatory response; Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). CONCLUSIONS: This research opens opportunities for further investigations of PE as a functional food and possible anti-aging agent due to its attenuative effects against oxidative stress, resulting from HFD and aging in the future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2023

Background: As a result of analyzing the components of wild Conyza canadensis, it contains physiologically active ingredients, so it is necessary to identify the compound. Purposes: It was to study the compound's molecular structure; a previous study showed that C. canadensis contains antioxidant substances. Methods: The ultrasonic pulverized lysate of C. canadensis stem and leaves was first extracted with 90% methanol and then five organic solvents. Next, the extracts was fractionated by HPLC, LC/MS chromatography, and NMR analyzers identified the molecular structure. Results: 100 g of dry C. canadensis was sonicated in 90% methanol and concentrated under reduced pressure to 11.96 g of a crude extract. Then, this crude was extracted with five types of solvents to obtain 123.8 mg of n-hexane, 448.2 mg of dichloromethane, 1047.7 mg of ethyl acetate (EA), 2563.8 mg of butanol, and 7.04 g of water. The EA extracts were fractionated by LC-MS and then re-fractionated to obtain F1 to F20. Next, the F15 was further fractionated to obtain nine fine fractions. Finally, the F17 fraction was re-fractionated to obtain ten fine fractions. As a result of LC-MS and NMR spectrometer analysis of the F15-7, the structure of this compound was confirmed as 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. As a result of examining the structures of the F17-4 and F17-5 fractions, Quercetin-3-o-β-galactose was identified. In addition, the form of the F17-10 was confirmed to be 1,3,4-tri-caffeoylquinic acid. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that C. canadensis contained phenolic antioxidants, and its utilization may be expected.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.411-416
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the utilization of major learning tools among radiology science students and assess the accuracy of a conversational artificial intelligence service program, specifically a chatbot, in the context of the national radiologic technologist licensing exam. The survey revealed that 84.3% of radiology science students actively utilize electronic devices during their learning process. In addition, 104 out of 140 respondents said they use search engines as a top priority for efficient data collection while studying. When asked about their awareness of chatbots, 80% of participants responded affirmatively, and 22.9% reported having used chatbots for academic purposes at least once. From 2018 to 2022, exam questions from the first and second periods were presented to the chatbot for answers. The results showed that ChatGPT's accuracy in answering first period questions increased from 48.28% to 60%, while for second period questions, it increased from 50% to 62.22%. Bing's accuracy in answering first period questions improved from 55% to 64.55%, and for second period questions, it increased from 48% to 52.22%. The study confirmed the general trend of radiology science students utilizing electronic devices for learning and obtaining information through the internet. However, conversational artificial intelligence service programs in the field of radiation science face challenges related to accuracy and reliability, and providing perfect solutions remains difficult, highlighting the need for continuous development and improvement.