• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.173-184
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• 2023

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been challenging the healthcare service, i.e., the vitalization of the point of care accompanying self-testing in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs). This study aims to suggest priority criteria to classify self-testing IVDs using the analytic hierarchy process technique. Methods: Two dimensions of the characteristics embedded in the IVDs and the diseases to be diagnosed with self-testing IVDs were parallelly considered and independently investigated. In addition, three expert panels consisting of laboratory medical doctors (n=11), clinicians (n=10), and citizens (n=11) who have an interest in the selection of self-testing IVDs were asked to answer to questionnaires. Priorities were derived and compared among each expert panel. Results: First of all, ease of specimen collection (0.241), urgency of the situation (0.224), and simplicity of device operation (0.214) were found to be the most important criteria in light of the functional characteristics of self-testing IVDs. Medical doctors valued the ease of specimen collection, but the citizen's panel valued self-management of the disease more. Second, considering the characteristics of the diseases, the priority criteria were shown in the order of prevalence of diseases (0.421), fatality of disease (0.378), and disease with stigma (0.201). Third, medical doctors responded that self-testing IVDs were more than twice as suitable for non-communicable diseases as compared to communicable diseases (0.688 vs. 0.312), but the citizen's group responded that self-testing IVDs were slightly more suitable for infectious diseases (0.511 vs. 0.489). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that self-testing IVDs could be primarily classified as the items for diagnosis of non-communicable diseases for the purpose of self-management with easy specimen collection and simple operation of devices, taking into account the urgency of the situation as well as prevalence and fatality of the disease.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.97-113
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• 2023

Objectives This study examined the trends in domestic and international research on the treatment of sarcopenia and analyzed the effectiveness of the treatment. Based on the results, we suggest directions for future Korean medicine research on sarcopenia. Methods The study was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. It included three international databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and five domestic databases (Korean studies Information Service System, Korean Medical database, Oriental Medicine Advanced Search Integrated System, Research Information Sharing Service, ScienceON) were used. Literatures published until April 30, 2023, including the contents of 'sarcopenia' and Korean Medicine treatment', were searched. Results A total of 45 studies were included in the analysis. The number of studies on Korean medicine treatments for sarcopenia is steadily increasing, with the majority of studies coming from Asian countries. Of the 45 studies, 30 were conducted in the field of medicine, and the study design was analyzed into 10 clinical studies and 35 non-clinical studies. Among the 10 clinical studies, the most common treatment interventions were herbs (n=4), followed by Daoist exercises (n=3). The most common diagnostic criteria used in clinical studies were those published by the Asian working group for sarcopenia, and various physical examinations and laboratory tests were used as outcome measures. Conclusions The future direction of Korean medicine research on sarcopenia should be to expand the number of clinical studies applying Korean medicine treatment interventions.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.222-228
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• 2008

On living skin the chances of a successfully developing latent fingerprint are very limited. This is due to the fact that continual perspiration and rapid absorption diffuse into the lipophillic layer on skin. A study was conducted to investigate effectively developing method of latent fingerprints on human skin surfaces and pig skin likely corpse's skin. We used commercial fingerprint powder, black powders, black magnetic powder, fluorescence magnetic powder, Cyanoacrylate fuming (CA) and direct lifting methods (lifting paper, glasses and photo glossy paper). Developing of fresh fingerprints on living skin was achieved with S-powderblack, CA fuming and CA fuming following S-powder, fluorescence powder. The other powder tends to overwhelm the latent print and the background. But, latent fingerprint residue was disappeared with time after deposit on a living surface. In case of pig skin likely corpse's skin, latent fingerprint detection was achieved with CA fuming following S-powder and deposited print during 6 hr at $25^{\circ}C$, 40% relative moisture yielded excellent fingerprints with clear ridge details using 1 min CA fuming. And enhancement of fingerprint detection image using forensic light source was achieved.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.284-295
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• 2008

For plastics samples, a method using combustion ion chromatography was selected as a method for rapid low-cost analysis to test whether hazardous substances are contained or not. Using combustion ion chromatography, a verification test for F, Cl and Br compounds generated a linear calibration curve with a correlation coefficient of $r^2$ = 0.999~1.000 in the calibration range from 0.5 to 4.0 mg/kg. The detection limits were found to be 0.005~0.024 mg/kg and quantitative limits were found to be 0.014~0.073 mg/kg. The recoveries of combustion ion chromatography using certified reference material (CRM) were found to be 95.5~104.9%. Based on these results, a proficiency test was conducted together with several laboratories in and out of the country, to make comparative analysis of the results from each laboratory. As a result, the data supported the use of combustion ion chromatography as an effective analysis method to deal with regulations for halogen-free electronic products and for other hazardous substances in the electronic products.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.73-82
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• 2023

Purpose : Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, has widely spread around the world and its essential oil is usually applied in food, perfume, and other industrial purposes. In addition, C. citratus has also been used for the treatment of inflammation, digestive disorders, and diabetes in traditional medicine. In this study, the antioxidative activity of C. citratus ethanol extract (CCEE) was analyzed in RAW 264.7 cells through the induction of one of phase II enzymes, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 by nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf)2, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt. Methods : The antioxidative activity of CCEE against oxidative stress and its underlying molecular mechanisms were analyzed by the cell viability assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation assay, and Western blot analysis in RAW 264.7 cells. Results : The results exhibited that CCEE potently attenuated tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced intracellular ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. CCEE treatment significantly induced the expression of HO-1 which is known for its antioxidative capacity. In addition, CCEE treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, a corresponding transcription factor for the regulation of antioxidative enzymes, which was in accordance with the HO-1 overexpression. MAPK and PI3K/Akt were also evaluated for their important roles in the regulation of cellular redox homeostasis against oxidative damage. As a result, the potent HO-1 expression was mediated by not extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK), p38, but phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation. To confirm the antioxidative activity of CCEE-induced HO-1 expression, oxidative damage was initiated by t-BHP and attenuated by CCEE treatment, which was identified by HO-1 selective inhibitor and inducer. Conclusion : Consequently, CCEE potently induced the HO-1-mediated antioxidative potential through the modulation of Nrf2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that CCEE could be a promising strategy for the mitigation against cellular oxidative damage.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.125-133
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• 2023

Purpose : This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of Liriope platyphylla ethanol extract (LPEE) against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and to validate its potential for the prevention and treatment of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Methods : To verify the antibacterial effect of L. pulsatilla ethanolic extract (LPEE) against S. mutans and P. gingivalis, the disk diffusion method was used to determine the inhibition zones at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/㎖. To determine the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), the final dose of LPEE was .2, .4, .8, 1.6, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/㎖, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on the MIC results. To confirm the growth inhibitory effect of LPEE on both pathogens, the absorbance was measured at 600 nm after each incubation for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr at concentrations of .8, 1.6, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/㎖. Results : The cytotoxicity of LPEE was evaluated and the cell viability was more than 70 % at 400 mg/㎖. Therefore, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/㎖ were used in this study. The antimicrobial effect against S. mutans was seen at 100 mg/㎖ and grew in a concentration-dependent manner, while P. gingivalis was effective at 50 mg/㎖ with the dose dependency. The MIC was .8 mg/㎖ for both strains, and the MBC was 1.6 mg/㎖ with the same results. The growth inhibitory effect of LPEE on S. mutans and P. gingivalis was observed, even at low concentrations. Conclusion : The antibacterial effect of LPEE was evaluated through the analysis of MIC, MBC, and growth inhibition effect on S. mutans and P. gingivalis, which suggests LPEE might have the possibility of utilization as a preventive and therapeutic composition for oral diseases.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.339-347
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• 2023

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a key component in the biogeochemical cycling in freshwater ecosystem. However, it has been rarely explored, particularly complex river watershed dominated by natural and anthropogenic sources, such as various effluent facility and livestock. The current research developed a new analytical method for TOC/TN (Total Organic Carbon/Total Nitrogen) stable isotope ratio, and distinguish DOM source using stable isotope value (δ¹³C-DOC) and spectroscopic indices (fluorescence index [FI] and biological index [BIX]). The TOC/TN-IR/MS analytical system was optimized and precision and accuracy were secured using two international standards (IAEA-600 Caffein, IAEA-CH-6 Sucrose). As a result of controlling the instrumental conditions to enable TOC stable isotope analysis even in low-concentration environmental samples (<1 mgC L^-1), the minimum detection limit was improved. The 12 potential DOM source were collected from watershed, which includes top-soils, groundwater, plant group (fallen leaves, riparian plants, suspended algae) and effluent group (pig and cow livestock, agricultural land, urban, industry facility, swine facility and wastewater treatment facilities). As a result of comparing characteristics between 12 sources using spectroscopic indices and δ¹³C-DOC values, it were divided into four groups according to their characteristics as a respective DOM sources. The current study established the TOC/TN stable isotope analyses system for the first time in Korea, and found that spectroscopic indices and δ¹³C-DOC are very useful tool to trace the origin of organic matter in the aquatic environments through library database.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.527-539
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• 2023

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable and spice crop that has been cultivated worldwide. Pepper fruits have unique taste and aroma, providing a variety of antioxidants and compounds important for human health, which makes a high economic value. In addition, there is a high demand for new pepper varieties, according to consumer's preference. However, pepper is a recalcitrant plant for in vitro tissue and organ differentiation and plant regeneration, which makes it difficult to develop demanded varieties using newly developed technologies such as genetic engineering and gene editing. In this study, tissue culture and regeneration conditions were investigated using seven pepper varieties that were obtained from the core-collection of Seoul National University. We observed callus and bud induction and shoot formation using several media composition composed of different cytokinins and auxin concentrations. As a result, it was found that there were differences in callus induction and shoot formation of each variety depending on the hormone composition, and the highest regeneration was shown when the medium containing Zeatin Riboside and the petioles of seedlings were used. In particular, out of seven pepper varieties, CMV980 exhibited a higher regeneration efficiency (approximately 48%) than other varieties, followed by Yuwolcho. Therefore, this study provides CMV980 and Yuwolcho as good candidates that can be used for pepper transformation, which might contribute to the development of various varieties through gene editing technology in the future.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.611-626
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• 2023

Overseas examples of the characterization stage of site selection proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency were reviewed to highlight the factors necessary for consideration in the deep disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Studies in Sweden, Finland, the USA, and Canada were considered. Site investigations in Sweden and Finland commonly covered the fields of geology, hydrogeology, and hydrogeochemistry using similar field investigation techniques. The USA considered survey groups and factors under pre- and post-lockdown guidelines, as well as those for desaturated and saturated surveys. involving geophysical, hydrological, hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, mechanical/physical, and thermal-characterization investigations. Canada provided a list of investigative methods for both preliminary and detailed site assessments including geological, physical, boring, hydrological, laboratory testing, and chemical analysis studies. Results of this study should elucidate site-selection investigation factors and survey methods applicable to Korea.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.726-734
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• 2023

Background: Skeletal muscles play a key role in physical activity and energy metabolism. The loss of skeletal muscle mass can cause problems related to metabolism and physical activity. Studies are being conducted to prevent such diseases by increasing the mass and regeneration capacity of muscles. Ginsenoside Rg5 has been reported to exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities. However, studies on the effects of Rg5 on muscle differentiation and growth are scarce. Methods: To investigate the effects of Rg5 on myogenesis, C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate with Rg5, followed by immunoblotting, immunostaining, and qRT-PCR for myogenic markers and promyogenic signaling (p38MAPK). Immunoprecipitation confirmed that Rg5 increased the interaction between MyoD and E2A via p38MAPK. To investigate the effects of Rg5 on prevention of muscle mass loss, C2C12 myotubes were treated with dexamethasone to induce muscle atrophy. Immunoblotting, immunostaining, and qRT-PCR were performed for myogenic markers, Akt/mTOR signaling for protein synthesis, and atrophy-related genes (Atrogin-1 and MuRF1). Results: Rg5 promoted C2C12 myoblast differentiation through phosphorylation of p38MAPK and MyoD/E2A heterodimerization. Furthermore, Rg5 stimulated C2C12 myotube hypertrophy via phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR. Phosphorylation of Akt induces FoxO3a phosphorylation, which reduces the expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1. Conclusion: This study provides an understanding of how Rg5 promotes myogenesis and hypertrophy and prevents dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. The study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to show that Rg5 promotes muscle regeneration and to suggest that Rg5 can be used for therapeutic intervention of muscle weakness and atrophy, including cancer cachexia.