• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1501-1507
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• 2021

Lagerstroemia ovalifolia Teijsm. & Binn. (LO) (crape myrtle) has reportedly been used as traditional herbal medicine (THM) in Java, Indonesia. Our previous study revealed that the LO leaf extract (LOLE) exerted anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Based on this finding, the current study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of LOLE in a mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). The results showed that treatment with LPS enhanced the inflammatory cell influx into the lungs and increased the number of macrophages and the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. However, these effects were notably abrogated with LOLE pretreatment. Furthermore, the increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in the lung tissues of mice with ALI was also reversed by LOLE. In addition, LOLE significantly suppressed the LPS-induced activation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and led to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in the lungs. Additionally, in vitro experiments showed that LOLE enhanced the expression of HO-1 in RAW264.7 macrophages. The aforementioned findings collectively indicate that LOLE exerts an ameliorative effect on inflammatory response in the airway of ALI mice.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of zinc deficiency on fecal protein, electrolyte, and short-chain fatty acid levels in both heat-stable (ST) and heat-labile (LT) enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced diarrhea in rats. Methods: Albino rats, weighing 100 to 150 g, were divided into 2 groups, with 15 animals each: non-zinc and zinc-deficient. These two groups were sub-divided into three sub-groups with five rats each: control (saline); LT-ETEC; and ST-ETEC. Sodium phytate (30 mmol/L) was added to the animals' water to induce zinc deficiency, while diarrhea was induced using 5×10⁹ ETEC cells/mL. Fecal protein levels were estimated using the Bradford method, while sodium and potassium levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Short-chain fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the non-zinc and zinc-deficient groups, there were significant increases (p=0.04), (p=0.03) in fecal protein concentrations (mg/mL) in the LT-ETEC- (4.50±0.33), (6.50±0.26) and ST-ETEC- (3.85±0.19), (5.98±0.32) induced groups compared to the control groups (2.60±0.52), (3.50±0.11) respectively. Fecal sodium and potassium levels (mg/L) were significantly (p=0.029) increased in non-zinc-deficient rats induced with LT-ETEC (9.35±0.95, 1.05±0.48), and ST-ETEC (9.96±1.02, 1.21±0.45) compared with the control group (8.07±0.44, 0.47±0.17) but the increase were not statistically significant (p=0.059) in the zinc deficient rat groups. Fecal acetate and propionate levels (mg/g) significantly (p=0.032) increased when induced with LT-ETEC and ST-ETEC in non-zinc and zinc-deficient groups compared with the control groups. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency among rats with ETEC-induced diarrhea elevated fecal protein loss but may not have an effect on fecal sodium, potassium and short-chain fatty acid levels.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.305-316
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• 2021

This study relates to the development of a new gel sheet mask that finally does not require support based on the reactivity and acid/base reaction experiments of Tamarindus indica seed gum (TG), ethanol, and polyols. When TG and a specific alcohol was mixed at a certain mixing ratio, a transparent gel is formed by reaction with each component, and thus a gel sheet mask without support might be obtained using the mixture. In order to maximize skin tone improvement, a carbonation system of acid and base reactions was introduced, and skin brightness and moisturizing power were evaluated using a spectrophotometer and a moisture measuring device. Through this study, it is expected that the gelation reaction by hydrogen bonding of TG, ethanol, and polyols can be developed into various types, and the gel sheet mask formulation introduced in this study is expected to help develop new products in the future.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.303-311
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• 2022

Recently the telemedicine platform firms which have been temporarily permitted since COVID-19 outbreak have increasingly provided online prescription drugs delivery, causing concerns among incumbent providers of medicine, some of whom began to take aggressive actions again them. In this study, using game theoretic market entry - deterrence model, we show that although the incumbent medicine provider can effectively deter entry by the telemedicine platform firms by its preemptive action, accommodation could be a optimal action when telemedicine platform firms already have penetrated the market with their being permitted to do business due to the COVID-19. However, for the incumbent to cooperate for the successful change in the retail market for medicines, policies like placing a ceiling on the maximum number of taking prescriptions by the pharmacists a day in the telemedince platform network, providing favorable exposure of community pharmacists on the telemedicine platform user interface, and allowing community pharmacies to participate as shareholders of the telemedicine platform firms in its initial public opening of capital, are suggested.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.87-95
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• 2022

This study is about the development of transparent cleansing water with one of the beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), salicylic acid, and capryloyl salicylic acid, which is one of the lipo-hydroxy acids (LHA). Transparent appearance was stabilized by increasing the solubility of lipophilic salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid in water using ethanol, polyol, and sodium hydroxide, and supplementing suspension and deposition using a double micelle structure of two types of PEG surfactants. Cleansing water applied with this technology was developed, and makeup removing ability and skin texture improvement ability were confirmed using an optical camera and an image analyzer. This solubilization technology is proposed as a new approach of LHA, which has been difficult to apply due to its low solubility in water, and is expected to help in the development of new chemical peeling products.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.13-27
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• 2022

Objectives This study investigated the trends in domestic and international clinical research in craniosacral therapy, classified as a type of Chuna manual therapy, and suggested further directions in Korean medicine. Methods This scoping review was performed using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and preferred reporting items as per the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. Eight electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], KMBASE, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], ScienceON) were searched to identify articles with the search terms "craniosacral therapy" and "cranial osteopathy" until December 2021. Results Forty-five studies were eligible as per our inclusion criteria. Most research studies (n=44) were conducted in the field of medicine and pharmacy, especially in rehabilitation medicine (n=16). As a result of the study design, randomized controlled trials (n=20) were the most common, and chronic pain (n=9) was the most frequently targeted disease, followed by headache (n=7). Thirty-two studies suggested interventions and 20 studies used Upledger's 10-step protocol. The average duration of craniosacral therapy was 41 min per session, administered 1.4 times per week. Outcome measurements were analyzed and categorized with the examination procedure for the patient. Conclusions This is the first scoping review of craniosacral therapy in Korea, and we believe that our findings could support its utility as Chuna. In the future, more studies should be conducted to establish the evidence of clinical efficacy of craniosacral therapy and develop standard techniques in Korean medicine.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.550-560
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• 2022

Background: The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of G-Rh2 on OVA-induced asthmatic mice and on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. Methods: Asthma model was established for evaluating airway changes and ear allergy. RPMCs and RBL-2H3 were used for in vitro experiments. Calcium uptake, histamine release and degranulation were detected. ELISA and Western blot measured cytokine and protein levels, respectively. Results: G-Rh2 inhibited OVA-induced airway remodeling, the production of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-8, IL-1β and the degranulation of mast cells of asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited the activation of Syk and Lyn in lung tissue of OVA-induced asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited serum IgE production in OVA induced asthmatic mice. Furthermore, G-Rh2 reduced the ear allergy in IgE-sensitized mice. G-Rh2 decreased the ear thickness. In vitro experiments G-Rh2 significantly reduced calcium uptake and inhibited histamine release and degranulation in RPMCs. In addition, G-Rh2 reduced the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Interestingly, G-Rh2 was involved in the FcεRI pathway activation of mast cells and the transduction of the Lyn/Syk signaling pathway. G-Rh2 inhibited PI3K activity in a dose-dependent manner. By blocking the antigen-induced phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, PLCγ2, PI3K ERK1/2 and Raf-1 expression, G-Rh2 inhibited the NF-κB, AKT-Nrf2, and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. However, G-Rh2 up-regulated Keap-1 expression. Meanwhile, G-Rh2 reduced the levels of p-AKT, p38MAPK and Nrf2 in RBL-2H3 sensitized IgE cells and inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation by activating the AKT-Nrf2 and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. Conclusion: G-Rh2 inhibits mast cell-induced allergic inflammation, which might be mediated by the AKT-Nrf2/NF-kB and p38MAPK-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.665-675
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), an active ingredient in ginseng, may be a potential agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the protective effect of Rg1 on neurodegeneration in AD and its mechanism of action are still incompletely understood. Methods: Wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 AD mice, from 6 to 9 months old, were used in the experiment. The open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM) were used to detect behavioral changes. Neuronal damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were used to examine postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) expression, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, Tau and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and NAPDH oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression. Results: Rg1 treatment for 12 weeks significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments and neuronal damage and decreased the p-Tau level, amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression, and Aβ generation in APP/PS1 mice. Meanwhile, Rg1 treatment significantly decreased the ROS level and NOX2 expression in the hippocampus and cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions: Rg1 alleviates cognitive impairments, neuronal damage, and reduce Aβ deposition by inhibiting NOX2 activation in APP/PS1 mice.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.59-88
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• 2021

The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea recently enacted laws to fortify sanctions about data manipulation of pharmaceutical companies. The medicine approval system is the result of legislative efforts to prevent accidents that caused damages to patients' life and health. The medicine approval system is based on the trust that the data submitted by pharmaceutical companies is not manipulated. The Supreme Court of Korea clarified that strict standard shoud be required to secure the medicine safety in Supreme Court Decision 2008Du8628 decided November 13, 2008. We agree. This paper suggest legislation to weaken the economic incentives for pharmaceutical companies to choose data manipulation by minimizing the expected profit. In addition to revoking the marketing authorization of the medicine, the 'unfair' profits the pharmaceutical company has earned must be recovered. In addition, in order to increase the possibility to discover data manipulation, it is necessary to strengthen the review capacity and to activate the whistle-blowing.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.263-268
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• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.