• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.282-289
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• 2019

Gastritis is an inflammatory disease involving the stomach and is caused by several factors, including stress, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, liquor, and Helicobacter pylori. In Korea, Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn (LJW) has been used as traditional medicine for vaginal bleeding, hematuria, and bruise. Previous studies have reported that LJW exhibited hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-hyperlipidemic effect. However, the effect of the water extract of LJW on gastritis was not elucidated. Thus, we evaluated the anti-gastric effect and genotoxicity of LJW. LJW effectively prevented the degeneration of surface mucous cells and glandular epithelial cells and vascular congestion induced by HCl/EtOH. Micronucleus assay indicated that the rate of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes/polychromatic erythrocytes was not significantly different compared that of the control. Further experiments are required to determine the role of LJW in the gastric injury process such as cyclooxygenase signaling pathway and the secretion of mucus in the stomach.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.354-362
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to test the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between nurses' character and burnout. Participants were 118 clinical nurses in general hospitals located in J province. From August 1st to 31st, 2020, a questionnaire scale was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, linear regression, and the Sobel test. The study revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between character and resilience (r=.63, p<.001) and a negative correlation with burnout (r=-.48, p<.001). Also, resilience had a partial mediating effect on character and burnout. These findings indicate that it will be more effective to develop and apply programs that promote character and resilience to reduce burnout among clinical nurses. The conclusion that resilience affects the burnout of nurses can be used for formulating personal and organizational Human Resource Management strategies and can lead to positive protective results at the intra-personal and environmental levels.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive-behavioral intervention for college students at high risk for mental health and to investigate its effect on mental health outcomes. Methods : The program was developed to reduce depressive symptoms and adverse outcomes while promoting resilience and positive effects. It consisted of eight sessions in a small group format for eight weeks. Thirty subjects at high risk for mental health participated in the program. Outcomes on the depressive symptoms, resilience, satisfaction with life, negative affect, and positive affect were evaluated at pre-and post-intervention. Results : Depressive symptom scores reduced significantly post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (t=3.51, p=0.002). Resilience scores (t=-3.65, p=0.001) and satisfaction with life scores (t=-3.00, p=0.006) increased after intervention than pre-intervention. Positive affect scores decreased post-intervention (t=2.28, p=0.031). There was no significant difference between pre-and post-intervention negative affect scores (t=-0.94, p=0.356). Conclusions : Present study demonstrated that group-based cognitive-behavioral intervention could be helpful for college students at high risk for mental health to reduce mental health symptoms and improve healthy protective factors.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.38 no.11
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• pp.107-118
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• 2022

The social need for stable hydrogen storage technologies that respond to the increasing demand for hydrogen energy is increasing. Among them, underground hydrogen storage is recognized as the most economical and reasonable storage method because of its vast hydrogen storage capacity. In Korea, low-depth hydrogen storage using artificial protective structures is being considered. Further, establishing corresponding safety standards and ground stability evaluation is becoming essential. This study evaluated the hydro-mechanical behavior of the ground during a hydrogen gas leak from a low-depth underground hydrogen storage facility through the HM coupled analysis model. The predictive reliability of the simulation model was verified through benchmark experiments. A parameter study was performed using a metamodel to analyze the sensitivity of factors affecting the surface uplift caused by the upward infiltration of high-pressure hydrogen gas. Accordingly, it was confirmed that the elastic modulus of the ground was the largest. The simulation results are considered to be valuable primary data for evaluating the complex analysis of hydrogen gas explosions as well as hydrogen gas leaks in the future.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2017

Objective : Nelumbo nucifera, its rhizome and semen have been used as a traditional medicine which was studied on antioxidant, hepatoprotective effect, anti-obesity and the others. However, Nelumbinis Flos have not studied. We investigated protective effects on oxidative DNA damage and anti-inflammatory effects of Nelumbinis Flos. Methods : The antioxidant activity was conducted by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2, 2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Total phenolic content was analyzed. Also, phenolic compounds were detected by HPLC/UV. The inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage was determined using ${\Phi}X-174$ RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of Nelumbinis Flos was measured by the amount of nitric-oxide (NO) produced and protein levels of iNOS, and COX-2 in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results : The results of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of extraction were $97.02{\pm}0.88%$ and $96.42{\pm}0.25%$. Reducing power (fold of L-ascorbic acid as control) was $100.14{\pm}0.31$ at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Total phenol content was $8.70{\pm}0.02mg/g$. Chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin were found by HPLC. Nelumbinis Flos has inhibitory effect in dose-manner against oxidative DNA damage. In addition, it showed the anti-inflammatory effect by suppression of NO production as well as protein levels of iNOS, and COX-2. Conclusion : This study suggested that Nelumbinis Flos showed potential antioxidant and suppression activities of various factors were related in NO produced. Therefore, Nelumbinis Flos as natural plant resources that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate DNA damage.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.370-378
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting infection control practice by dental hygienist students in Jeju during clinical training amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Online survey was conducted on 112 students and the results were statistically analyzed with frequency analysis, Student's T-test, one-way ANOVA, and regression analysis using SPSS 20.0. In the 'awareness and practice of infection control by year in college' section, 2nd year students scored significantly higher in 'cleaning and surface disinfection,' 'medical waste disposal,' and 'COVID-19 preventive measure' compared to 3rd year students. In the 'type of training institution' section, hospital setting scored significantly higher in 'cleaning and surface disinfection,' 'instrument disinfection and sterilization,' 'personal and patient protection,' and 'COVID-19 preventive measure' compared to dental clinic setting. In the 'location of institution' section, Seoul metropolitan region scored higher in 'medical waste disposal' compared to Jeju region. According to regression analysis, year in college (2nd year), type of training institution (hospital setting), location of training institution (Seoul metropolitan region), and difficulty using protective gear (no difficulty) were associated with better COVID-19 preventive measure This first study in Jeju provides an insight on the awareness and practice of infection control measures by dental hygienist students in Jeju during clinical training. Further investigation for improvement of clinical training manual is warranted.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.671-696
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of individual difference variables on emotional change after indirect trauma among elderly. After Sewolho Accident in South Korea, we invested emotion of the elderly and collected the same variables from the same sample two months after the accident. In study, we examined how social support, depression, future time perspective, and active aging affect emotion of elderly and which emotions are affected by these four variables. As a result, when compared to the counterpart, those with lower perceived social support, future time perspective, and active aging and higher depression level experienced lower levels of positive emotion and higher level of negative emotion after indirect disaster experience. Overall, we could certify that social support, future time perspective, and active aging functioned as protective factors, whereas depression functioned as a risk factor. Implications and limitations for our findings were discussed.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.675-695
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• 2023

The tracksite of dinosaurs and pterosaurs in Sanbuk-dong of Gunsan is the largest early Cretaceous dinosaur footprint fossil site in Korea, and all the footprints are important evidence indicating that large ornithopod and theropod dinosaurs inhabited the Korean peninsula during the early Cretaceous. The Sanbuk-dong site was covered with waterproof sheet in an outdoor environment until the installation of a protective enclosure in 2021. As a result, various factors such as shear force, load reduction, temperature and humidity fluctuations, acid rain, salinity and microorganisms have complexly interacted in the substrate of fossils, exacerbating the damage to footprints. For 159 footprints in 12 trackways among the footprints found in the site, the damage types were classified in detail and the level of each damage was assessed. The damages were classified into 6 types through the classification of deterioration degree of individual footprints. As a result of ultrasonic physical property evaluation on the surface of the fossil site, most of these footprints are in the completely weathered (CW) stage. Furthermore, various weathering patterns were observed in the study area, and surface contaminants were analyzed along the stratigraphy. Although the patterns of freshness and contaminants varied at different points within the fossil site, the chemical compositions were similar. Based on the results, an efficient conservation management system for dinosaur footprint fossils was established, and a conservation treatment type for each footprint was proposed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.978-986
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• 2023

Inflammation by the innate immune system is a protective mechanism of the organism against infection-mediated environmental factors. It is also responsible for the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including the progression of cancer. Lichens are receiving increasing attention as a source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Additionally, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of lichen and its secondary metabolites have been widely reported. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, to investigate molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activity in the Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, methanol extract of Usnea aurantiaco-atra (MEUS) was used in vitro assays in RAW 264.7 macrophages cell and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Based on our data, MEUS had the anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of main inflammatory indicators such as COX-2, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that MEUS had cytotoxic activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to a significantly reduced proliferation of the cancer cells through apoptotic induction by activating caspase-3. Taken together, this work firstly reported the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of an Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and MEUS may provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying a link between inflammation and cancer.