• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the physiological role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) associated with odontogenic differentiation during tooth development in mice. Mouse dental papilla cell-23 (MDPC-23) cells cultured in differentiation media were stimulated with the specific NAMPT inhibitor, FK866, and Visfatin (NAMPT) for up to 10 days. The cells were evaluated after 0, 4, 7, and 10 days. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The mineralization assay was performed by staining MDPC-23 cells with Alizarin Red S solution. After cultivation, MDPC-23 cells were harvested for quantitative PCR or Western blotting. Analysis of variance was performed using StatView 5.0 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The expression of NAMPT increased during the differentiation of murine odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Furthermore, the up-regulation of NAMPT promoted odontogenic differentiation and accelerated mineralization through an increase in representative odontoblastic biomarkers, such as dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein-1, and alkaline phosphatase in MDPC-23 cells. However, treatment of the cells with the NAMPT inhibitor, FK866, attenuated odontogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the suppression of odontoblastic biomarkers. These data indicate that NAMPT regulated odontoblastic differentiation through the regulation of odontoblastic biomarkers. The increase in NAMPT expression in odontoblasts was closely related to the formation of the extracellular matrix and dentin via the Runx signaling pathway. Therefore, these data suggest that NAMPT is a critical regulator of odontoblast differentiation during tooth development.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.16.1-16.14
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• 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus epidemic, which was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. The World Health Organization has recorded around 43.3 billion cases and 59.4 million casualties to date, posing a severe threat to global health. Severe COVID-19 indicates viral pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infections, which can induce fatal consequences, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The purpose of this research is to better understand the COVID-19 and ARDS pathways, as well as to find targeted single nucleotide polymorphism. To accomplish this, we retrieved over 100 patients' samples from the Sequence Read Archive, National Center for Biotechnology Information. These sequences were processed through the Galaxy server next generation sequencing pipeline for variant analysis and then visualized in the Integrative Genomics Viewer, and performed statistical analysis using t-tests and Bonferroni correction, where six major genes were identified as DNAH7, CLUAP1, PPA2, PAPSS1, TLR4, and IFITM3. Furthermore, a complete understanding of the genomes of COVID-19-related ARDS will aid in the early identification and treatment of target proteins. Finally, the discovery of novel therapeutics based on discovered proteins can assist to slow the progression of ARDS and lower fatality rates.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.95-101
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• 2020

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that is accompanied by hyper proliferation of the epidermis, erythema of various sizes, and ulceration. However, the mechanism of the development of psoriasis dermatitis is unclear. Recently, it is known that the inflammatory cytokines and Th17 cells as well as chemokine (CC motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) are involved in the process of keratinocytes hyper-differentiation, which is common in psoriasis dermatitis. Therefore, we studied the effects of yakuchinone-A, an active ingredient of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel known for its anti-inflammatory activity, to improve psoriasis dermatitis. First, cytotoxicity of yakuchinone-A was observed in cell counting kit-8 assay and not observed in 10 ㎍/mL concentration on the human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Yakuchinone-A in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on HaCaT cells inhibited mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by up to 61.4±7.5, 23.6±1.5, 46.0±4.8%. CCL20, a chemokine that attracts immune cells such Th17 cells to the inflammation location, was also significantly suppressed by yakuchinone-A. In addition, IκB and STAT3 phosphorylation involved in the CCL20 expression was inhibited by yakuchinone-A in a concentration-dependent manner up to the level of 79.1±5.0, 80.8±2.3%. Furthermore, yakuchinone-A downregulated CCL20 mRNA expression level on IL-17A-activated HaCaT cells as a concentration-dependent manner. Based on these results, yakuchinone-A is expected to be developed as a new material for improving psoriasis dermatitis in the future.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.82-82
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• 2002

Catalase(CAT)는 주요한 활성산소(ROS)의 일종인 과산화수소($H_2O$$_2$)가 Hydroxyl 유리기 생성에 관여하지 못하도록 $H_2O$$_2$를 $H_2O$ 및 $O_2$로 대사시켜 주는 효소계 항산화제의 한 종류이다. 따라서 본 실험에서는 CAT가 5% $O_2$및 20% $O_2$조건하에서 1-세포기 돼지체외수정란의 배발달에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 돼지난포란을 10% PFF, 0.1mg/ml cysteine, 10IU/m1 PMSG, 10IU/m1 hCG 및 10ng/m1 EGF가 첨가된 NCSU23 배양액에서 22시간 동안 배양을 실시하고, 성선자극호르몬이 배제된 배양액에서 추가로 22시간을 배양하여 체외성숙을 유도하였다. 체외성숙이 유기된 난자는 난구세포를 제거하고, 2.5mM caffeine과 0.1% BSA가 첨가된 mTBM 배양액에 정자를 1.25 $\times$ $10^{5}$cells/ml의 농도로 5-6시 동안 공동배양을 실시하여 체외수정을 유도하였다. 체외수정후 1-세포기의 수정란을 0.4mg/ml BSA가 첨가된 NCSU23 배양액에 CAT를 각각 0, 100, 500 및1,000uni1 첨가하여 30 embryos/ 50u1 소적으로하여 38.8$^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$및 5%$CO_2$, 5% $O_2$90% $N_2$조건하의 배양기에서 각각 7일간 배양을 실시하였다. 조사된 결과는 SAS/STAT 6.03 Package를 이용하여 통계분석을 실시하였다. 체외배양 48시간에 난할률을 조사하였을 때, 대조구와 처리구간 차이가 인정되지 않았으나, 배양 7일째 배반포형성률에 있어서는 각각 22.7$\pm$2.7, 22.1$\pm$3.9, 18.7$\pm$4.9, 및 15.1$\pm$2.5%로서 처리구가 대조구보다 유의적으로 낮은 결과를 나타냈다. 그리고 산소농도에 따른 배반포형성률은 5% $O_2$ 조건(22.1$\pm$2.4%)이 20% $O_2$조건(17.2$\pm$2%)보다 유의적(P<0.05)으로 높은 것으로 나타났다. 총세포수에 있어서는 각각 44.4$\pm$4.0, 43.3$\pm$36, 25.4$\pm$2.4 및 13.4$\pm$1.5로서 처리구가 대조구보다 세포수가 적은 것으로 나타났으며, 산소농도에 따른 차이는 인정되지 않았다. 따라서, 체외생산된 돼지초기수정란을 배양할 때, CAT의 첨가는 효과가 없는 것으로 나타났다.다.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.331-344
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify a support method for the introduction of metaverse-based classes (MBC) in home economics (HE) education. This was achieved by diagnosing the stages of concern and levels of use exhibited by HE teachers applying the concerns-based adoption model (CBAM). Questionnaires were sent to a convenience sample of middle- and high-school HE teachers using the KSDC (Korea Social Science Data Center). Overall, 271 responses were received, and the data were analyzed using KSDC E-STAT 3.0 and SPSS 28.0.1.1. The results were as follows: First, regarding the level of knowledge of MBC, the introductory level was the most common (139 respondents, 51.3%,), followed by the beginner level (81, 29.9%), the intermediate level (28, 10.3%,), the advanced level (12, 4.4%), and the master level (11, 4.1%). Average responses on a 5-point Likert scale to questions about the use of metaverse in HE classes were as follows: possibility (4.02), necessity (3.82), and usefulness (3.90). Second, HE teachers' stages of concern in MBC were as follows (in descending order): unconcerned - stage 0, and information - stage 1 (86.9), personal - stage 2 (85.6), management - stage 3 (80.9), collaboration - stage 5 (57.5), consequence - stage 4 (57.4), and refocusing - stage 6 (55.2). Third, the use of MBC was highest for orientation - level 1 (173 respondents, 63.8%), followed by non-use - level 0 (34, 12.5%), preparation - level 2 (29, 10.7%), mechanical - level 3 (15, 5.5%), refinement - level 5 (8, 3.0%), renewal - level 7 (8, 3.0%), routine - level 4 (3, 1.1%), and integration - level 6 (1, 0.4%). Many HE teachers had heard about MBC but were in the introductory level of not knowing what it is, and at the stage of being unconcerned or wanting to know about MBC. Of the 271 respondents, only 35 used metaverse in classes. Therefore, it is necessary to provide teacher training opportunities that provide basic information on the significance and implementation of MBC for HE teachers. Also, an MBC guideline book should be developed and distributed to HE teachers. Finally, a teacher community meeting is needed to share the expertise of teachers with substantial experience in using MBC.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.612-621
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to compare the histomorphological change of curved root canal preparation using GT rotary File, Profile .04 taper and stainless steel K-file. 45 mesial canals(over 20 degree) of extracted human mandibular first molars were mounted in resin using a modified Bramante muffle system and divided into three groups. The roots were cross-sectioned at 2.5mm 5mm and 8mm levels from apical foramen. Tracings of the canals were made from preinstrumentation pictures of the cross section. The canals were prepared using a step-back technique with stainless steel K file(group 1), Profile .04 taper rotary file(group 2) and GT rotary file(group 3). Tracings of the prepared canals were made from postinstrumentation picture. Canal centring ratio. amount of transportation, area of dentin removed and shape of canal were measured and statistically were evaluated with Student-Newman-Keuls test using Sigma Stat(Jandel Scientific Software, USA). The results were as followings : 1 Amount of transportation of group 2 was the lowest at apical part, but there was no statistical difference. The direction of transportation was the outside of curvature at apical part. 2. Centering ratio at the apical part of group 1 was the highest, and there was statistical differences between apical and middle part, apical and coronal part(p＜0.05). Centering ratio at the middle part of group 3 was the lowest, and there was statistical difference between apical and middle part(p＜0.05). Centering ratio of group 2 was the lowest at apical part, but there was no statistical difference. 3. Amount of dentin removed of group 1 was the highest at coronal, middle and apical part among three groups, and there was statistical difference(p＜0.05). 4. The majority of the cross-sectioned canal shape after instrumentation were irregular at coronal, middle and apical part. But there are more number of round shaped canals at group 3 than other group.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2009

Background and Objectives: Sinusitis, referring to an inflammatory disease that occurs on the mucus membrane inside the sinus, is one of the most common diseases in the otorhinolaryngology area. In oriental clinic, Sunbanghwalmyungeum (SHE) has been used as a primary prescription to treat inflammatory diseases and intumescence and to treat sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of SHE on acute sinusitis induced mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: the normal group, the group inoculated with S. pneumoniae which caused them allergic rhinitis (control group), and the group treated with the SHE extract after it was treated the same as the control group (sample group). We investigated the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation by SHE and the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Results: NF-${\kappa}B$ activation was suppressed, and iNOS & COX-2 production were inhibited by SHE in acute sinusitis. IL-4 and STAT 6 also appeared to be suppressed. The number of eosinophils in the sample group noticeably decreased when compared to the control group. In the general morphologic change, the increase of damaged respiratory ciliated epithelium & eosinophil's infiltration were decreased in the sample group. Goblet cells were maintained in the sample group. MIP-2 and HSP-70 decreased in the sample group. Apocrine secretion decreased in the sample group. Conclusion: The results suggest that SHE is significantly effective in the treatment of inflammation caused by acute sinusitis through the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.312-320
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• 2007

The screening of anti-cancer activity for the MeOH extracts of 163 natural sources, which were registered as edible plants by Korea Food & Drug Administration, exhibited 9 extracts to have significant inhibitory effects on farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3). In order to confirm the inhibitory activity of these active extracts, the activity assay was repeated for some fractions obtained from the active extracts using Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC). Some fractions of Carya illinoensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Panicum miliaceum, Perilla frutescens, Rosmarinus officinalis showed over 50% inhibitory activity on FPTase as well as those of Capsella bursa-pastoris, C. illinoensis, C. vulgaris, Coix lacrymajobi, Myristica fragrans, P. miliaceum, R. officinalis did over 50% inhibitory activity on PRL-3.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2011

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease that is associated with Th2 cell-mediated allergy. The process that leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells into an AD lesion is remarkably dependent on various chemokines, especially TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17) and MDC (macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22). Serum levels of these chemokines are over-expressed in AD patients. Citrus unshiu, which is known as Satsuma mandarin, has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-microviral activity. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EtOH extract of premature C. unshiu on AD. We did this using a DNCB-induced AD mouse model. We also tried to confirm an inhibitory effect for premature C. unshiu on the expression of inflammatory chemokines in IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ stimulated HaCaT human keratinocytes. We found that extract of premature C. unshiu reduced DNCB-induced symptoms such as hyperkeratosis, increased skin thickness, and infiltrated mast cells, in our AD-like animal model. The extract decreased levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 in ConA-stimulated splenocytes isolated from DNCB-treated mice. Also, extract of premature C. unshiu inhibited mRNA expression and protein production of TARC and MDC through the inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation. These results suggest that C. unshiu has anti-atopic activity by regulating inflammatory chemokines such as TARC and MDC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.5031-5035
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• 2016

Docetaxel, recognized as a stabilizing microtubule agent, is frequently administrated as a first line treatment for prostate cancers. Due to high side effects of monotherapy, however, combinations with novel adjuvants have emerged as an alternative strategy in cancer therapy protocols. Here, we investigated the combined effects of stattic and docetaxel on the DU145 prostate cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. To understand molecular mechanisms of stattic action, apoptotic related genes including Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Survivin and Bax were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Alteration in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were investigated via the $2^{{\Delta}{\Delta}CT}$ method. The $IC_{50}$ values for docetaxel and stattic were $3.7{\pm}0.9nM$ and $4.6{\pm}0.8{\mu}M$, respectively. Evaluation of key gene expression levels revealed a noticeable decrease in antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 along with an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA levels (p<0.05). Our results suggest that combination of a STAT3 inhibitor with doctaxel can be considered as a potent strategy for induction of apoptosis via increasing Bax mRNA expression.