• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2009

Angiogenesis is essential for solid tumor growth and progression. Among the pro-angiogenetic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, is the most important as a mitogen for vascular endothelium. The VEGF family of molecules currently consists of six growth factors, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E, and placenta growth factor(PlGF). Over-expression of PlGF is associated with angiogenesis under pathological conditions such as ischemia, inflammation, and cancer. Hence, the goal of this study is to identify the correlation of clinicopathlogical factors and the up-regulation of PlGF expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. We studied the immunohistochemical staining of PlGF, PlGF gene expression and a real time quantitative RT-PCR in 20 specimens of 20 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The results were as follows. 1. In the immunohistochemical study of poorly differentiated and invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma, the high level staining of PlGF was observed. And the correlation between immunohistopathological PlGF expression and histological differentiation of specimens was significant (Pearson correlation analysis, significance [r] >0.6, P < .05). 2. In the PlGF gene RT-PCR analysis, PlGF expression was more in tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissue. Paired-samples analysis determined the difference of PlGF mRNA expression level between the cancer tissue and the normal tissue (Student's t - test, P < .05) These findings suggest that up-regulation of the PlGF gene may play a role in progression and local metastasis in invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma.

• Journal of Advanced Navigation Technology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.710-717
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• 2010

Even though there are 256 possible 1-qudit(1-variable quantum digit) functions in quaternary logic, the most useful functions are 4!=24 ones capable of representing in QGFSOP expressions by possible permuting of 0,1,2, and 3. In this paper, we propose a permutational literal(PL) representation and a QPL(Quaternary PL) gate which use the operands of a multiplicand A and an augend D in $Ax^C$+D(GF4) operation as a control variable of multi-cascaded PLs. And we also present new PL synthesis algorithms to synthesize QGFSOP expressed 24 (1-qudit) functions by applying three PL operators as ab(mutual permutation), + D(addition), and XA (multiplication). Finally architectures, circuits, and a CMOS implementation to realize proposed PL synthesis algorithms for $Ax^C$+D(GF4) functions are presented.

• Proceedings of the Polymer Society of Korea Conference
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• 2006.10a
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• pp.179-179
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• 2006

PLGA/HA composite scaffold fabricated by GF/PL method showed enhanced mechanical property, hydrophilicity and osteoconductivity compared with the SC/PL scaffolds, and this enhancement was most likely due to a higher extent of exposure of HA particles to the scaffold surface. The biodegradable polymer/bioceramic composite scaffolds fabricated by the GF/PL method could enhance bone regeneration efficacy for the treatment of bone defects compared with conventional composite scaffolds.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10.1-10.17
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• 2024

In this review, we will explore the intricate roles of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors in autoimmune diseases (ADs), with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). AD is characterized by self-destructive immune responses due to auto-reactive T lymphocytes and Abs. Among various types of ADs, RA and MS possess inflammation as a central role but in different sites of the patients. Other common aspects among these two ADs are their chronicity and relapsing-remitting symptoms requiring continuous management. First factor inducing these ADs are cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, which play significant roles in the pathogenesis by contributing to inflammation, immune cell activation, and tissue damage. Secondly, vascular endothelial growth factors, including VEGF and angiopoietins, are crucial in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation in these two ADs. Finally, placental growth factor (PlGF), an emerging factor with bi-directional roles in angiogenesis and T cell differentiation, as we introduce as an "angio-lymphokine" is another key factor in ADs. Thus, while angiogenesis recruits more inflammatory cells into the peripheral sites, cytokines secreted by effector cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ADs. Various therapeutic interventions targeting these soluble molecules have shown promise in managing autoimmune pathogenic conditions. However, delicate interplay between cytokines, angiogenic factors, and PlGF has more to be studied when considering their complementary role in actual pathogenic conditions. Understanding the complex interactions among these factors provides valuable insights for the development of innovative therapies for RA and MS, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.138-144
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• 2010

Purpose: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which mediates neovascularization of uterine endometrium may be involved in the neovascularization in the utero-placental circulation. Low numbers of endothelial progenitor colony-forming unit (CFU) in culture are predictive biomarker of vascular disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the number of CFU in preeclampsia differed from that in normal pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Women with singleton normal (n=26) or preeclamptic (n=20) pregnancies were studied during the third trimester. The number of EPCs was quantified by CFU methodology. Plasma levels of angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: CFU numbers were significantly decreased in the preeclamptic patients compared with the controls (median, 3; range 1-12 vs. 31; 3-81 CFU/well, P<0.001). A majority of the cells comprising individual colonies were positive for endothelial characteristics (Ulex europaeus lectin staining and acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake). Plasma levels of the sFlt-1 were highly elevated (P<0.001) in patient with preeclampsia compared to controls, whereas PlGF were highly reduced (P=0.004), but these factors did not associate with CFU numbers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that reduced numbers of CFU obtained from maternal peripheral blood may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.175-188
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• 2022

Relaxin has been demonstrated to have regulatory functions on both the smooth muscle and extracellular matrix (ECM) of blood vessels and fibrotic organs. The diverse mechanisms by which relaxin acts on small resistance arteries and fibrotic organs, including the bladder, are reviewed here. Relaxin induces vasodilation by inhibiting the contractility of vascular smooth muscles and by increasing the passive compliance of vessel walls through the reduction of ECM components, such as collagen. The primary cellular mechanism whereby relaxin induces arterial vasodilation is mediated by the endothelium-dependent production of nitric oxide (NO) through the activation of RXFP1/PI3K, Akt phosphorylation, and eNOS. In addition, relaxin triggers different alternative pathways to enhance the vasodilation of renal and mesenteric arteries. In small renal arteries, relaxin stimulates the activation of the endothelial MMPs and EtB receptors and the production of VEGF and PlGF to inhibit myogenic contractility and collagen deposition, thereby bringing about vasodilation. Conversely, in small mesenteric arteries, relaxin augments bradykinin (BK)-evoked relaxation in a time-dependent manner. Whereas the rapid enhancement of the BK-mediated relaxation is dependent on IK_Ca channels and subsequent EDH induction, the sustained relaxation due to BK depends on COX activation and PGI₂. The anti-fibrotic effects of relaxin are mediated by inhibiting the invasion of inflammatory immune cells, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and the differentiation and activation of myofibroblasts. Relaxin also activates the NOS/NO/cGMP/PKG-1 pathways in myofibroblasts to suppress the TGF-β1-induced activation of ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling and deposition of ECM collagen.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.986-993
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• 2002

Mushroom mycelia-cultured traditional meju (MTM) was prepared by inoculating 10% submerged-liquid culture of mushroom strains to five holes (1$\times$3 cm) per side of the traditionally-fermented meiu (10$\times$10$\times$10cm), followed by incubating additional 4 weeks at $25^{\circ}C$. Mushroom strains used were Neutari (Pleurotus ostreatus, PO), Yeongji (Ganoderma lucidum, GL), Synryeong (Agaricus blazei, AB), Ypsae (Grifola frondosa, GF), Pyogo(Lentinus edodes, PE), Dongchunghacho (Paecilomyces japonicus, PJ) and Sanghwang (Phellinus linteus PL). All MTMs showed an enhanced anticarcinogenicity against S-180 cell-induced mouse ascites cancer antimutagenicity against aflatoxin B$_1$ (AFB$_1$) and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), and sensory qualities, relative to control meju. Such positive effects of MTM prepared with Sanghwang, Yeongji, or Synryeong were superior to those of MTM with Ypsae, Pyogo, Dongchunghacho, or Neutari.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.54-59
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• 2021

In this work, narrow-band green-emitting CsPbBr3 particles are embedded in commercialized glass composites by a facile dry process. By optimizing the method through sintering in glass frit (GF) composites including CsBr and PbBr2, used as precursors, the encapsulation of CsPbBr3 particles made them waterproof with green fluorescence. To improve the fluorescent properties by reducing aggregation of CsPbBr3, fumed silica (FS) is additionally used to help particles avoid bulking up in the glass matrix. The CsPbBr3 perovskite/glass composites are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) maps, which support the existence of CsPbBr3 particles in the glass matrix. The photoluminescence (PL) properties demonstrate that the emission spectrum peak, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) values are 519 nm, 17 nm, and 17.7 %. We also confirm the water-resistant properties. To enhance water/moisture stability, the composite sample is put directly into water, with its PLQY monitored periodically under UV light.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.121-128
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• 2003

This study was carried out to identify the phylogenetic relationship of Phellinus species and to know its distribution by comparing the DNA sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions(ITS1 and IST2) and 5.8S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit. The Phellinus species had their specific sequences in IST1 and 2 regions depending on suedes. The comparison of the ITS sequences of standard strains indicated that the sequences of ITS1 were more variable than those of ITS2. Nine strains of the commercial products of Phellinus species used in this study were identified as P. lintues, P. baumii, P. igniarius, and P. pini. Most of commercial species were P. pini and P. baumii, and P. gilvus was not found. Also, P. linteus was only found in form of mycelial culture rather than fruiting body. Moreover, the species-specific primers were designed based on ITS sequence data. Each species-specific primers were bound in P. lintues(ITSF-PL2R), P. baumii(PB1F-ITS4R), P. igniarius(IF1-IR3), P. pini(PF1-PR3), and P. gilvus(GF2-GR4), respectively. These primer sets would be useful fer the detection of specific-species among unidentified Phellinus species rapidly.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.397-408
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• 2011

Objectives: This study investigated changes in gene expressions concerning of differentiation, proliferation, mineralization and inflammation using Human-8 expression bead arrays when white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and calcium hydroxide-containing cement were applied in vitro to human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Materials and Methods: wMTA (white ProRoot MTA, Dentsply) and Dycal (Dentsply Caulk) in a Teflon tube (inner diameter 10 mm, height 1 mm) were applied to HDPCs. Empty tube-applied HDPCs were used as negative control. Total RNA was extracted at 3, 6, 9 and 24 hr after wMTA and Dycal application. The results of microarray were confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Out of the 24,546 genes, 43 genes (e.g., BMP2, FOSB, THBS1, EDN1, IL11, COL10A1, TUFT1, HMOX1) were up-regulated greater than two-fold and 25 genes (e.g., SMAD6, TIMP2, DCN, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199) were down-regulated below 50% by wMTA. Two hundred thirty nine genes (e.g., BMP2, BMP6, SMAD6, IL11, FOS, VEGFA, PlGF, HMOX1, SOCS2, CEBPD, KIAA1199) were up-regulated greater than two-fold and 358 genes (e.g., EDN1, FGF) were down-regulated below 50% by Dycal. Conclusions: Both wMTA and Dycal induced changes in gene expressions related with differentiation and proliferation of pulp cells. wMTA induced changes in gene expressions related with mineralization, and Dycal induced those related with angiogenesis. The genes related with inflammation were more expressed by Dycal than by wMTA. It was confirmed that both wMTA and Dycal were able to induce gene expression changes concerned with the pulp repair in different ways.