• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.553-559
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• 2018

Investigations into the development of new therapeutic agents for lung inflammatory disorders have led to the discovery of plant-based alternatives. The rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides have a long history of use against lung inflammatory disorders in traditional herbal medicine. However, the therapeutic potential of this plant material in animal models of lung inflammation has yet to be evaluated. In the present study, we prepared the alcoholic extract and derived the saponin-enriched fraction from the rhizomes of A. asphodeloides and isolated timosaponin A-III, a major constituent. Lung inflammation was induced by intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mice, representing an animal model of acute lung injury (ALI). The alcoholic extract (50-200 mg/kg) inhibited the development of ALI. Especially, the oral administration of the saponin-enriched fraction (10-50 mg/kg) potently inhibited the lung inflammatory index. It reduced the total number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological changes in alveolar wall thickness and the number of infiltrated cells of the lung tissue also indicated that the saponin-enriched fraction strongly inhibited lung inflammation. Most importantly, the oral administration of timosaponin A-III at 25-50 mg/kg significantly inhibited the inflammatory markers observed in LPS-induced ALI mice. All these findings, for the first time, provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of A. asphodeloides and its major constituent, timosaponin A-III, in alleviating lung inflammation.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.81-86
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• 2007

Human activities have enhanced the influx of heavy metals to aquatic ecosystem and hanged the abiotic environment such as the sediments supporting benthic organisms. The levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the benthic gastropod Oxyloma hirasei and the sediments around their habitat were investigated to examine heavy metal levels and the potential of the gastropod as a bioindicator. We detected different levels of heavy metals in the sediments of two wetland areas, Upo and Mokpo, in the relatively well-conserved Upo wetland, Ramsar Convention Area. Oxyloma hirasei had higher concentrations of heavy metals except Cr and Ni in their soft tissues than in their shells (Cd: $2.10{\sim}3.16$, Cu: $19.73{\sim}28.66$, Pb: $0.67{\sim}1.17$, Zn: $216.1{\sim}285.7\;{\mu}g/g$ dry weight in the soft tissues; Cr: $1.19{\sim}2.58$, Ni: $0.47{\sim}1.16\;{\mu}g/g$ dry weight in the shells). Differences in the Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in O. hirasei soft tissues reflected differences in heavy metal concentrations in the sediments at the sampling sites. The coefficients of variation for Cd, Cu and Pb were lower than those for other metals in the soft tissues. Levels of Cd in the tissues of O. hirasei were the highest among the metals examined in this study. Therefore, the soft tissue of O. hirasei appears to be a promising bioindicator particularly for Cd.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.235-241
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• 2020

This is the first study to establish a complete protocol for micropropagation of Rehmannia glutinosa from root segments. The study involved investigating the effect of plant growth regulators on in vitro shoot regeneration and rooting and identifying substrates supporting survival and growth performance of ex vitro seedlings. A Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 30 g/L sucrose for shoot induction and 0.2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 1 g/L polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for shoot multiplication resulted in the highest number of shoots per explant and shoot height. Applying a medium containing 0.5 mg/L IAA and 1 g/L PVP yielded optimal rooting of the shoots grown in vitro. Compost enriched with microbial inoculants and perlite enhanced seedling growth better than that with organic biofertilizer-free substrates (soil and sand). We recommend the continuous production of micropropagated R. glutinosa seedlings from root segments under the aforementioned conditions as a possible propagation technique for crops of this species.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.178-186
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• 2014

Many recent studies have focused on maintaining a healthy life by preventing and/or postponing the aging process. Numerous studies have reported that continuous exposure to reactive oxygen species can stimulate skin aging and that excessive accumulation of fat can cause an impaired skin barrier and tissue structure alterations. Thus, the maintenance of antioxidant homeostasis and the suppression of adipose accumulation are important strategies for skin anti-aging. Here, we prepared three types of extracts [whole juice, acetone-perchloric acid (PCA), and ethanol] from 20 fruits and medicinal herbs native to the Gyeongnam area of Korea. The total phenolic content of each extract was analyzed, and we observed higher total phenolic contents in the medicinal herbs. Consistent with this, the results of the oxygen radical absorbance activity capacity assay indicated that the in vitro antioxidant activities of the medicinal herb extracts were stronger than those of the fruit extracts. The fruits and medicinal herbs had strong effects on cell-based systems, including $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes and 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation. Nishimura Wase persimmon, Taishu persimmon, wrinkled giant hyssop, sweet wormwood, Chinese cedar, red perilla, tan shen, hiyodori-jogo, and cramp bark may be natural anti-aging materials with effective antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities. Taken together, our findings may provide scientific evidence supporting the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals from fruits and medicinal herbs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1553-1558
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• 2015

Background: COX-2 has been shown to play an important role in the development of breast cancer and increased expression has been mooted as a poor prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between COX-2 immunohistochemical expression and known predictive and prognostic factors in breast cancer in a routine diagnostic histopathology setting. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue of 144 no special type (NST) invasive breast carcinomas histologically diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2012 in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah were immunostained with COX-2 antibody. COX-2 overexpression was analysed against demographic data, hormone receptor status, HER2-neu overexpression, histological grade, tumour size and lymph node status. Results: COX-2 was overexpressed in 108/144 (75%) tumours and was significantly more prevalent (87%) in hormone receptor-positive tumours. There was no correlation between COX-2 overexpression and HER2/neu status. Triple negative cancers had the lowest prevalence (46%) (p<0.05). A rising trend of COX-2 overexpression with increasing age was observed. There was a significant inverse relationship with tumour grade (p<0.05), prevalences being 94%, 83% and 66% in grades 1, 2 and 3 tumours, respectively. A higher prevalence of COX-2 overexpression in smaller size tumours was observed but this did not reach statistical significance. There was no relationship between COX-2 expression and lymph node status. Conclusions: This study did not support the generally held notion that COX-2 overexpression is linked to poor prognosis, rather supporting a role in tumorigenesis. Larger scale studies with outcome data and basic studies on cancer pathogenetic pathways will be required to cast further light on whether COX-2 inhibitors would have clinical utility in cancer prevention or blockage of cancer progression. In either setting, the pathological assessment for COX-2 overexpression in breast cancers would have an important role in the selection of cancer patients for personalized therapy with COX-2 inhibitors.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2013

Background To minimize the inflammatory reaction and improve healing, a new modified dermal substitute composed of an atelocollagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and amniotic membrane (AM) was applied to full-thickness skin defects in a pig. Atelocollagen was extracted from bovine skin, and two modified dermal substitutes were generated according to the cross-linking type. Methods The AM-collagen dermal substitutes were characterized and compared with currently used dermal substitutes in a pig skin defect model. There were five experimental groups: dehydrothermal (DHT) cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT), DHT and chemical cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT/chemical), Terudermis, Integra, and AlloDerm. After $3{\times}3cm$ full-thickness skin defects on the back of a pig were created, each dermal substitutes dermal substitutes was randomly grafted on the defects. Two weeks after grafting, autologous partial-thickness skin was over-grafted on the neodermis. The take rate of the dermal substitutes, skin, and histological sections were all assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Results More rapid healing and a higher take rate were evident in the AM-DHT and Terudermis groups. Histological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and more fibroblast hyperplasia in these two groups. Four weeks after surgery, the amount of newly formed collagen was significantly more appropriate in the AM-DHT group. Conclusions These observations provide supporting evidence that a newly developed amniotic-collagen dermal substitute may inhibit inflammatory reactions and promote wound healing.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2007

Purpose : Shoulder subluxation is a very common problem in patients with hemiplegia with stroke. Prevention of the low tone subluxed shoulder has been an issue for physical therapists working with neurological patients for many years. Methods : This study reviewed the literature to definite the management and a cause of shoulder subluxation with hemiplegia patients after stroke. Various modalities have been suggested for realigning the glenohumeral joint, but their use is controversial. The purpose of this paper is to review critically the evidence base in order to inform the clinical decision-making process for physiotherapists working in neurology. Results : Literature has identified supports, strapping and functional electrical stimulation(FES) in the management of low tone shoulders. Following review of this evidence it is suggested that there is a lack of reliable and valid research evidence on which to base conclusions. The modalities with the best supporting evidence for realigning the low tone subluxed glenohumeral joint are the triangular sling, Harris hemi sling and the Rolyan humeral cuff used in a standing position and the lap board and arm trough while the patient is sitting. However, due to soft tissue adaptation with associated lack of movement, over-correction and the need for careful patient positioning these supports need to be evaluated for each patient and should be used only in appropriate situations. Conclusion : Similarly, there is a lack of evidence on the effects of long-term use to this equipment. Electrical stimulation is also thought to have potential in the treatment to subluxed low tone shoulders but additional research is required to clarify the parameters for use and the long-term effects of these forms of management.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.133-150
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• 1991

To study the mechanical behavior depended on the restoration method and alveolar bone height at endodontically treated teeth. a finite element model was made which was applied by four types of restoration methods and alveolar bone height on upper central incisor and then 1 Kg force was applied on each model as follows; 1) $45^{\circ}$ diagonal load on incisal edge. 2) $26^{\circ}$ diagonal load on lingual surface. and 3) horizontal load on labial surface. The author analyzed the displacement and stress of teeth and their supporting tissue by finite element method according to three type of loading conditions. The results were as follows : 1. The displacement by restoration method and the stress in dentin was found greater in restoration without a post than in that with a post. 2. The displacement and stress was found about the same when compared : A) in Resin model and PFM model applied by restoration method without a post and B) in PRC model and CPC model applied by restoration method with a post. 3. The lower alveolar bone height was. the greater was the displacement and stress. 4. The lower alveolar bone height was. the greater slightly was the stress of restoration without a post than in that with a post. 5. The stress in loading condition was the greatest in P1 in dentin and post. and was greatest in P3 in alveolar hone. 6. In the restoration method without a post. stress concentration in labial dentin was distributed to a figure of long belt in adjacent part to periodontal ligament. while in restoration method with a post. it was distributed in adjacent part to post side. And in all types of restoration method stress concentration in alveolar bone was distributed along the compact bone of labial and lingual surface.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.289-298
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• 2005

Bone morphogenetic protein-7(BMP-7), a member of the transforming growth factor superfamily, stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. There are lots of evidences supporting a direct participation of periodontal ligament(PDL) cells on periodontal tissue regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant human(rh) BMP-7 on primary rat PDL cells in vitro, with special focus on the ability of bone formation. The PDL cells were cultured with rhBMP-7 at the concentration of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200ng/ml for MTT assay. We evaluated the alkaline phosphatase activity at 3 and 5 days of incubation and the ability to produce mineralized nodules of rat PDL cells at 14 days of cell culture in concentration of 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100ng/ml. The cell activity was not reduced in cells treated with BMP-7 at $10{\sim}100ng/ml$, whereas the cell activity was reduced in the concentration of 200ng/ml than the control at day 1 and 3(p<0.01). At 3 and 5 day, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly increased in cells treated with BMP-7 at 50ng/ml and 100ng/ml(p<0.05). The area of mineralized bone nodule was greater in cells treated with BMP-7 at 50 and 100 ng/ml than the control(p<0.01). These results suggest that rhBMP-7 stimulate rat PDL cells to differentiate toward osteoblast phenotype and secretion of the extracellular matrix of rat PDL cells.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.429-436
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• 2008

Purpose: The goal of periodontal regenerative therapy is to replace bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament on a previously diseased root surface, which has suffered the loss of these supporting structures. To accomplish the regeneration, a number of surgical procedures have been advocated throughout the years. There seems to be a potential for some spontaneous periodontal tissue regeneration in the bottom of periodontal defect following open flap debridement alone. The aim of this study was to analyse the radiographic bone changes over 2-year after flap operation. Material and Methods: Patients attending the department of periodontics of Kyungpook National University Hospital were studied. Patients had clinical and radiographic evidence of infrabony defect(s). forty two sites of 33 patients aged 26 to 65 (mean age 45.5) were treated by flap operation with or without osseous surgery. Baseline and over 2-year follow-up radiographs were collected and evaluated for this study. Radiographic assessment includes a bone fill, bone crest change, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Pre- and post-treatment differences between variables (maxilla and mandible, gender, defect depth, defect angle) using the paired t-test were examined. Result: We observed 0.74 mm of bone fill, 0.66 mm of crestal resorption, 1.40 mm of defect resolution, and 27% of percentage of defect resolution. Mandible, women, deeper initial defect depth, narrower initial defect angle showed greater bone fill, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of flap operation did enhance the outcome in terms of radiographically detectable bone fill. Both treatment resulted in some loss of crestal bone height.