• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.107-114
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• 2024

Objective : Cicadae Periostracum (CP), which is the discarded shell of the Cryptotympana atrata (Fabricius, 1775), is a recognized component of oriental medicine for treatment sore throat, itching, shock, sedation, edema. However, the safety and toxicity of CP have not yet been established. It has been reported that symptoms of addiction or side effects may occur in patients who take high doses of CP or who are hypersensitive to it. Therefore, we investigated the acute toxicity of an CP extracts in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods : To study acute toxicity, five SD rats of each sex per group were treated with CP extracts at single doses of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg administrated by oral gavage, and body weight, clinical signs, and mortality were observed after dosing. At the end of 14-day observation period, all animals were sacrificed and complete hematological and macroscopic examinations were performed. Results : There were no dead animal and test article-related effects on body weight change or the gross finding. No toxicologically significant results were observed between control and treated groups in hematology. Although salivation related to stress at the highest dose was observed in clinical signs immediately after administration, it is considered to have no toxicological significance. Conclusion : As the results, we did not find any adverse effect at the dose levels of 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg in rats. The minimal lethal dose was considered to be over 2000 mg/kg body weight in rats.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.275-284
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• 2024

Monitoring crop growth changes and water content is crucial in the agricultural sector. This study utilized drones equipped with Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) sensors, sensitive to moisture changes, to observe soybeans' growth and water content variations. We confirmed that as soybeans grow more vigorously, their water content increases and differences in irrigation levels lead to decreases in vegetation and moisture indices. This suggests that waterlogging slows down soybean growth and reduces water content, highlighting the importance of detailed monitoring of vegetation and moisture indices at different growth stages to enhance crop productivity and minimize damage from waterlogging. Such monitoring could also preemptively detect and prevent the adverse effects of moisture changes, such as droughts, on crop growth. By demonstrating the potential for early diagnosis of moisture stress using drone-based SWIR sensors, this research suggests improvements in the efficiency of large-scale crop management and increases in yield, contributing to agricultural production.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.386-399
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• 2023

Microplastics and nanoplastics (NMPs) are considered one of hazardous contaminants in marine ecosystems due to their toxic effects, such as reproduction disorder and oxidative stress, on marine organisms. Although water temperature is rising due to global climate change, little information on the toxicological interaction between NMPs and temperature is available. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed the toxicity of NMPs (polystyrene [PS] beads; 0.05- and 6-㎛) on brackish water fleas (Diaphanosoma celebensis) depending on increased temperature (30℃ and 35℃) at individual and molecular levels. In the chronic toxicity test, the group exposed to high temperatures showed an earlier first reproduction time compared to the normal temperatures group, but it was delayed by co-exposure to NMPs at 35℃. Notably, the total reproduction decreased significantly only after 0.05-㎛ PS beads exposure at 30℃. Interaction analysis showed that first reproduction time, modulation of the antioxidant-related gene (GSTS1), heat shock gene (Hsp70), and ecdysteroid pathway-related genes (EcR_A, EcR_B, and CYP314A1) were closely related to temperature and PS beads size. These results indicate that microplastics have size-dependent toxicity, and their toxicity can be enhanced at high temperatures. In addition, higher temperatures and PS beads exposure may have negative effects on reproduction. This study suggests that various factors such as water temperature should be considered when evaluating the toxicity of microplastics in marine ecosystems, and provides an understanding of the complex toxic interaction between water temperature and microplastics for marine zooplankton.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.163-178
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrative medical service model applied to breast cancer patients and their caregivers, exploring its feasibility and challenges within the context of South Korean healthcare system. Methods : A case study approach was chosen to assess the integrative medical service model's efficacy, involving one breast cancer patient and her primary caregiver from W University Hospital. The patient had completed reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy and was undergoing radiotherapy. The model included standard treatments alongside psychological counseling, aromatherapy, axillary rehabilitation exercise, make-up program, art therapy, laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and yoga programs, and meditation programs delivered over eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys, psychological tests, and feedback assessments. Results : The integrative medical service model demonstrated notable improvements in the quality of life for both breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Participants reported enhanced emotional well-being, reduced stress levels, and improved coping mechanisms throughout the treatment journey. Qualitative feedback highlighted the positive impact of holistic interventions in alleviating psychological distress and fostering resilience. Quantitative data corroborated these findings, showing statistically significant improvements in various psychosocial parameters assessed. Conclusions : Our findings underscore the benefits of integrative medical service model with standard medical treatments in the care of breast cancer patients and their caregivers. The holistic approach not only addresses physical symptoms but also enhances overall well-being and quality of life. However, the implementation of such models faces challenges within the South Korean healthcare system, including fragmented service networks and financial constraints. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial for the widespread adoption and sustainability of integrative care models in oncology practice. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies to further validate these findings and inform policy decisions aimed at optimizing cancer care delivery.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.633-638
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• 2009

We investigated the inhibitory effects of solvent extracts from dried tuna on the growth of cancer cell lines (HT1080 human fibrosarcoma and HT-29 human colon cancer cells) and $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. Inhibitory effects of acetone with methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH) extracts on the growth of HT1080 and HT-29 cancer cells increased in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was more significant on the growth of HT1080 cells, and A+M extracts had a higher inhibitory effect compared to MeOH extracts. The treatments of hexane, 85% aq. methanol, butanol and water fractions significantly inhibited the growth of both cancer cells (p<0.05). Among the fractions, hexane and 85% aq. methanol fractions showed higher inhibitory effects. In order to determine the protective effect on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress, a DCHF-DA (dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate) assay was conducted. All fractions, including crude extracts of dried tuna, appeared to significantly reduce the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with dose responses (p<0.05). Among the fractions, BuOH and 85% methanol fractions showed a higher protective effect on the production of lipid peroxides. These results indicate that the consumption of tuna may be recommended as a potent functional food for preventing cellular oxidation and cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.835-840
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• 2018

Quantitative determination of the protein expression levels is one of the most important parts in assessment of the safety of foods derived from genetically modified (GM) crops. Overexpression of AtCYP78A7, a gene encoding cytochrome P450 protein, has been reported to improve tolerance to abiotic stress, such as drought and salt stress, in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.). In the present study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for diagnosing AtCYP78A7 protein including AtCYP78A7-specific monoclonal antibody was developed. GST-AtCYP78A7 recombinant protein was induced and purified by affinity column. Four monoclonal antibodies (mAb 6A7, mAb 4C2, mAb 11H6, and mAb 7E8) against recombinant protein were also produced and biotinylated with avidin-HRP. After pairing test using GST-AtCYP78A7 protein and lysate of rice samples, mAb 4C2 and mAb 7E8 were selected as a capture antibody and a detecting antibody, respectively, for ELISA kit. Product test using rice samples indicated that percentages of detected protein in total protein were greater than 0.1% in AtCYP78A7-overexpressing transgenic rice (Line 10B-5 and 18A-4), whereas those in negative control non-transgenic rice (Ilpum and Hwayoung) were less than 0.1%. The ELISA kit developed in this study can be useful for the rapid detection and safety assessment of transgenic rice overexpressing AtCYP78A7.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.95-118
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• 2020

Objectives: The objective of this in vivo study is to observe the analgesic effects or improvements of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts (GJBRHe) on the Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) in rats as compared to those of Indomethacin (IND). Methods: The rats were administered with estradiol benzoate for 10 days and oxytocin 1 hour after the last 10th administration of estradiol benzoate to make the primary dysmenorrhea rat model. Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg were orally administrated, for 10 days once a day. Then the changes on the body weights and gains during experimental periods, uterine weights and gross inspections, abdominal writhing response for analgesic activities, uterus lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) levels), antioxidant defense system - glutathione (GSH) contents, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA expressions, were monitored with uterus histopathology and immunohistochemistry for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts were compared to those of Indomethacin adminstered rats. Results: As results of estradiol benzoate and oxytocin treatment, noticeable decreases of body weights and gains, uterus GSH contents, SOD and CAT activities, increases of abdominal writhing responses, uterus lipid peroxidation (MDA level), uterus weights, NF-κB and COX-2 mRNA expressions were observed with increases of TNF-α and iNOS immunolabeled cells, inflammatory cell infiltrations, congestion and enlargement of the uterus at gross and histopathological inspections. These means classic inflammatory and oxidative stress mediated primary dysmenorrhea are relatively well induced. However, these signs were favorably and dose-dependently inhibited by administration of three different dosages of Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts, but lesser than those of Indomethacin. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study suggest that Gyejibokryeong-hwan aqueous extracts has favorable analgesic and refinement activities dose-dependently on the estradiol benzoate and oxytocin treatment-induced primary dysmenorrhea signs.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.90-95
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise through an in-hospital rehabilitation program on the enhanced immunity of immune cells and on the reduction of serum Cortisol, an indicator of physiological stress responses, among stroke patients. The 25 subjects were put to the program for two years from March 2, 2013 to February 28, 2015. The experimental group included 13 stroke patients from S and C Hospital in Gwangju, and the control group was composed of 12 common people. The findings were as follows: there were no significant differences in T cells between the experimental group with $69.18{\pm}11.78%$ and the control group with $70.75{\pm}6.33%$; there were significant differences in B cells between the experimental group ($12.95{\pm}3.74%$) and the control group ($16.27{\pm}3.49%$). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant increases of NK cells between the experimental group ($21.98{\pm}8.98%$) and the control group ($15.72{\pm}5.07%$) with p<0.05, though the values for the experimental group did rise. While there was elevated Cortisol before exercise in the experimental group (p<0.05), which recorded $13.65{\pm}6.85%$ before and $9.90{\pm}4.66%$ after, there were no differences in the control group, which recorded $11.635{\pm}4.02%$ before and $12.64{\pm}2.30%$ after exercise. The present study also found continued exercise through an in-hospital rehabilitation exercise program increased differences in NK and T cells before and after exercise in the experimental group and thus had effects on enhanced immunity. Meanwhile, differences in Cortisol before and after exercise in the experimental group decreased, which indicates that the continued exercise was effective in reducing stress.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.708-717
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• 2018

The antioxidant activity and protective effects of a hot water extract from the Stauntonia hexaphylla fruit (WESHF) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of WESHF were $16.13{\pm}0.27mg$ gallic acid equivalent/g and $4.7{\pm}0.80mg$ catechin equivalent/g, respectively. In addition, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$) and the Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity of WESHF were $63.62{\pm}4.10{\mu}g/ml$ and $90.63{\pm}5.29{\mu}M$ trolox equivalent/g, respectively. The hepatoprotective effect of WESHF against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage was investigated. $H_2O_2$-induced liver damage on HepG2 cells was prevented by $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF. Furthermore, to investigate the protection mechanism of WESHF on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, pre-treatment with $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF significantly attenuated a decrease in the activities of CAT, SOD, GR, and GPx. The hepatoprotective activity of WESHF was evaluated in an experimental model of hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased in the livers of mice treated with 200 mg/kg of WESHF compared to the APAP-treated group. The lipid peroxidation level, which increased after APAP administration, was significantly reduced in the WESHF group. In addition, histological examinations of the liver showed the same protective effect of WESHF treatment. Based on these findings, it is suggested that WESHF has potent hepatoprotective effects, and the mechanism that causes this type of protection could be related to antioxidant pathways.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.818-823
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• 2009

Purpose : We aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of minor clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean children to aid the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Methods : From April 2007 to December 2007, we enrolled 106 children (aged 1 month [infants] to 15 years) diagnosed with AD at the Pediatric Allergy Respiratory Center in Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Clinical manifestations were examined and laboratory findings (total and specific immunoglobulin E [IgE] levels and peripheral blood eosinophil count) were analyzed and compared. Results : Minor symptoms, in order of frequency, included xerosis (78.3%), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (43.4%), lichenification (35.8%), orbital darkening (34.0%), periauricular eczema (33.0%), and cutaneous infection (31.1%). Older children (${\geq}2$ years) showed more orbital darkening (P=0.01), horizontal crease (P=0.01), and lichenification (P=0.001) than infants. Patients with severe AD (scoring atopic dermatitis [SCORAD] score, ${\geq}40$) showed higher frequencies of xerosis (P= 0.04), cutaneous infection (P=0.03), ichthyosis (P=0.18), keratosis pilaris (P=0.02), pityriasis alba (P=0.07), recurrent conjunctivitis (P=0.02), orbital darkening (P=0.001), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (P=0.05), facial eczema (P=0.001), lichenification (P=0.001), and hand/foot eczema (P=0.04) than those with mild-to-moderate AD. Children with atopic eczema showed more facial eczema (P=0.01) and lichenification (P=0.04) than those with non-atopic eczema. Conclusion : The clinical manifestations of AD were similar to those established by Hanifin and Rajka. However, we need to develop our own diagnostic criteria for AD, because the frequencies shown by our subjects differed from those observed in other countries.