• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제52권1호
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• pp.81-86
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• 2019

The common hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), is the presence of chronic neuroinflammation, which contributes to the loss of neuronal structure and function. This study investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Sargassum serratifolium (SSE) in a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced murine neuroinflammation model. Mice were administered SSE (100 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle for 5 days by oral gavage, and then treated with LPS or saline by intraperitoneal injection. Thereafter, the brain tissues were collected, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. There was a marked increase in the spleen weight index in the LPS-treated groups, which indicated the induction of acute systemic inflammation. Based on significant increases in the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 expression, the induction of neuroinflammation was also evident in the cortex and hippocampus of the LPS-treated groups. The overall expression of IL-1 and IL-6 was decreased slightly by SSE administration, compared with the LPS group, and a marked change in IL-1 was observed in the cortex of the SSE-treated (SSE/LPS) group. These results suggest that SSE has potential as an anti-neuroinflammatory nutraceutical.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권4호
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• pp.467-475
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• 2019

Objective : There is a lack of knowledge regarding whether decompression is necessary in treating patients with epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) grade 2. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) without decompression and conventional open surgery (palliative laminectomy) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) spinal metastasis of ESCC grade 2. Methods : Patients with HCC spinal metastasis requiring surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with ESCC grade 2, medically intractable mechanical back pain, a Nurick grade better than 3, 3-6 months of life expectancy, Tomita score ${\geq}5$, and Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score ${\geq}7$ were included. Patients with neurological deficits, other systemic illnesses and less than 1 month of life expectancy were excluded. Thirty patients were included in the study, including 17 in the open surgery group (until 2008) and 13 in the MIS group (since 2009). Results : The MIS group had a significantly shorter operative time ($94.2{\pm}48.2minutes$ vs. $162.9{\pm}52.3minutes$, p=0.001), less blood loss ($140.0{\pm}182.9mL$ vs. $1534.4{\pm}1484.2mL$, p=0.002), and less post-operative intensive care unit transfer (one patient vs. eight patients, p=0.042) than the open surgery group. The visual analogue scale for back pain at 3 months post-operation was significantly improved in the MIS group than in the open surgery group ($3.0{\pm}1.2$ vs. $4.3{\pm}1.2$, p=0.042). The MIS group had longer ambulation time ($183{\pm}33days$ vs. $166{\pm}36days$) and survival time ($216{\pm}38days$ vs. $204{\pm}43days$) than the open surgery group without significant difference (p=0.814 and 0.959, respectively). Conclusion : MIS without decompression would be a good choice for patients with HCC spinal metastasis of ESCC grade 2, especially those with limited prognosis, mechanical instability and no neurologic deficit.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.483-491
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• 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8), neutrophil collagenase, is a functional player in the progressive pathology of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we administered an MMP-8 inhibitor (MMP-8i) in Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S transgenic mice, to determine the effects of MMP-8i on PD pathology. We observed a significant increase of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-positive activated microglia in the striatum of LRRK2 G2019S mice compared to normal control mice, indicating enhanced neuro-inflammatory responses. The increased number of Iba1-positive activated microglia in LRRK2 G2019S PD mice was down-regulated by systemic administration of MMP-8i. Interestingly, this LRRK2 G2019S PD mice showed significantly reduced size of cell body area of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in SN region and MMP-8i significantly recovered cellular atrophy shown in PD model indicating distinct neuro-protective effects of MMP-8i. Furthermore, MMP-8i administration markedly improved behavioral abnormalities of motor balancing coordination in rota-rod test in LRRK2 G2019S mice. These data suggest that MMP-8i attenuates the pathological symptoms of PD through anti-inflammatory processes.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.334-344
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• 2022

Bacterial wilt is a re-emerging disease on dry bean and can affect many other crop species within the Fabaceae. The causal agent, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (CFF), is a small, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is seed-transmitted. Infections in the host become systemic, leading to wilting and economic loss. Clean seed programs and bactericidal seed treatments are two critical management tools. This study characterizes the efficacies of five bactericidal chemicals against CFF. It was hypothesized that this bacterium was capable of forming biofilms, and that the cells within biofilms would be more tolerant to bactericidal treatments. The minimum biocide eradication concentration assay protocol was used to grow CFF biofilms, expose the biofilms to bactericides, and enumerate survivors compared to a non-treated control (water). Streptomycin and oxysilver bisulfate had EC95 values at the lowest concentrations and are likely the best candidates for seed treatment products for controlling seed-borne bacterial wilt of bean. The results showed that CFF formed biofilms during at least two phases of the bacterial wilt disease cycle, and the biofilms were much more difficult to eradicate than their planktonic counterparts. Overall, biofilm formation by CFF is an important part of the bacterial wilt disease cycle in dry edible bean and antibiofilm bactericides such as streptomycin and oxysilver bisulfate may be best suited for use in disease management.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.302-311
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• 2023

Background: Oral health is an important element of well aging. And oral health also affects overall health, mental health, and quality of life. In this study, we sought to identify oral health influencing factors and research trends for well-aging through text analysis of research on well-aging and oral health over the past 12 years. Methods: The research data was analyzed based on English literature published in PubMed from 2012 to 2023. Aging well and oral health were used as search terms, and 115 final papers were selected. Network text analysis included keyword frequency analysis, centrality analysis, and cohesion structure analysis using the Net-Miner 4.0 program. Results: Excluding general characteristics, the most frequent keywords in 115 articles, 520 keywords (Mesh terms) were psychology, dental prosthesis and Alzheimer's disease, Dental caries, cognition, cognitive dysfunction, and bacteria. Research keywords with high degree centrality were Dental caries (0.864), Quality of life (0.833), Tooth loss (0.818), Health status (0.727), and Life expectancy (0.712). As a result of community analysis, it consisted of 4 groups. Group 1 consisted of chewing and nutrition, Group 2 consisted oral diseases, systemic diseases and management, Group 3 consisted oral health and mental health, Group 4 consisted oral frailty symptoms and quality of life. Conclusion: In an aging society, oral dysfunction affects mental health and quality of life. Preventing oral diseases for well-aging can have a positive impact on mental health and quality of life. Therefore, efforts are needed to prevent oral frailty in a super-aging society by developing and educating systematic oral care programs for each life cycle.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.41.1-41.16
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• 2022

The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has chemotactic and modulatory activities in various immune cells, including dendritic cells. Because of its characteristics, LL-37 can be considered an adjuvant for vaccine development. In this study, we confirmed the possible adjuvant activity of LL-37 in mucosal vaccine development against Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) by means of intranasal immunization in C57BL/6 and human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4)-transgenic (hDPP4-Tg) mice. Intranasal immunization using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of MERS-CoV spike protein (S-RBD) recombined with LL-37 (S-RBD-LL-37) induced an efficient mucosal IgA and systemic IgG response with virus-neutralizing activity, compared with S-RBD. Ag-specific CTL stimulation was also efficiently induced in the lungs of mice that had been intranasally immunized with S-RBD-LL-37, compared with S-RBD. Importantly, intranasal immunization of hDPP4-Tg mice with S-RBD-LL-37 led to reduced immune cell infiltration into the lungs after infection with MERS-CoV. Finally, intranasal immunization of hDPP4-Tg mice with S-RBD-LL-37 led to enhanced protective efficacy, with increased survival and reduced body weight loss after challenge infection with MERS-CoV. Collectively, these results suggest that S-RBD-LL-37 is an effective intranasal vaccine candidate molecule against MERS-CoV infection.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.4.1-4.14
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• 2024

Background: Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of proliferative enteropathy and is associated with several outbreaks, causing substantial economic loss to the porcine industry. Objectives: In this study, we focused on demonstrating the protective effect in the mouse model through the immunological bases of two vaccine strains against porcine proliferative enteritis. Methods: We used live-attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) secreting two selected immunogenic LI antigens (Lawsonia autotransporter A epitopes and flagellin [FliC]-peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein-FliC) as the vaccine carrier. The constructs were cloned into a Salmonella expression vector (pJHL65) and transformed into the ST strain (JOL912). The expression of immunogenic proteins within Salmonella was evaluated via immunoblotting. Results: Immunizing BALB/c mice orally and subcutaneously induced high levels of LI-specific systemic immunoglobulin G and mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A. In immunized mice, there was significant upregulation of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 cytokine mRNA and an increase in the subpopulations of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4⁺ and CD 8⁺ T lymphocytes upon splenocytes re-stimulation with LI antigens. We observed significant protection in C57BL/6 mice against challenge with 10^6.9 times the median tissue culture infectious dose of LI or 2 × 10⁹ colony-forming units of the virulent ST strain. Immunizing mice with either individual vaccine strains or co-mixture inhibited bacterial proliferation, with a marked reduction in the percentage of mice shedding Lawsonia in their feces. Conclusions: Salmonella-mediated LI gene delivery induces robust humoral and cellular immune reactions, leading to significant protection against LI and salmonellosis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.45-47
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• 2024

Peripheral nerves may be affected or injured for several reasons. Peripheral nerve damage can result from trauma, surgery, anatomical abnormalities, entrapment, systemic diseases, or iatrogenic injuries. Trauma and iatrogenic injuries are the most common causes. The ulnar, median, and radial nerves are the most injured nerves in the upper extremities, while the sciatic and peroneal nerves are the most injured nerves in the lower extremities. The clinical symptoms of peripheral nerve damage include pain, weakness, numbness/ tingling, and paresthesia. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of peripheral nerve injuries are crucial. If a peripheral nerve injury is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and significant morbidity. The sciatic nerve is one of the most affected nerves. This nerve is generally injured by trauma and iatrogenic causes. Children are more susceptible to trauma than adults. Therefore, sciatic nerve injuries are observed in pediatric patients. When the sciatic nerve is damaged, pain, weakness, sensory loss, and gait disturbances can occur. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of sciatic nerve injuries are important to avoid unexpected consequences. Ultrasound can play an important role in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injury and the follow-up of patients. The aim of this case report is twofold. First, we aimed to emphasize the critical role of ultrasonographic evaluation in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injuries and pathologies. Second, we aimed to present this case, which has distinguishing features, such as the existence of periostitis ossificans progressiva with sciatic neurotmesis due to a traumatic glass injury.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.379-388
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• 2002

연구배경 : 폐암 중 80%를 차지하는 비소세포폐암은 발견 당시부터 전이성 병변이 있는 IV기로 진단되는 경우가 적지 않다. 그러나 그동안 IV병기 비소세포폐암의 예후인자에 대한 조사는 충분하지 않았었다. 이에 저자들은 IV병기 비소세포폐암으로 진단을 받은 환자들을 대상으로 생존기간에 영향을 미치는 예후인자의 분석과 M1으로 평가되는 전이 장기에 따른 생존기간의 차이를 조사하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 1997년 1월부터 2000년 12월까지 충남대학교병원에 내원해서 병리조직학적으로 IV병기 비소세포폐 암으로 진단을 받은 151명을 대상으로 하였고, 의무기록을 통한 후향적인 방법으로 분석하였다. 결 과 : 1) 생존기간에 대한 단변수 분석 결과 연령, 신체 활동도, 혈청 알부민 농도, 체중감소, $FEV_1$, 전신 항암화학요법 유무, 전이 장기 개수는 생존기간에 매우 유의한 (p<0.01) 예후인자들이었으며, 혈청 LDH 농도 역시 유의한 예후인자이었다 (p<0.05). 2) 전이 장기에 따른 생존율의 단변수 분석에서 뇌전이, 간전이가 있는 경우가 그 외에 다른 장기에 전이가 있는 경우보다 생존율이 낮았다 (p<0.05). 3) 단독으로 전이된 장기에 따른 생존율의 분석에서 폐전이만 있는 경우가 폐와 다른 장기의 전이가 동시에 있는 경우나 폐 이외의 장기에 전이가 있는 경우보다 생존율이 높았다 (p=0.000). 4) 생존기간에 대한 다변수 분석 결과 ECOG (상대위험도=2.700, p=0.000), 전신 항암화학요법 유무 (상대위험도=1.944, p=0.010), 혈청 LDH 농도(상대위험도=1.819, p=0.021) 그리고 $FEV_1$ (상대위험도=1.774, p=0.022)이 생존기간에 영향을 미치는 유의한 독립적인 예후인자였다. 결 론 : 본 연구에서 IV병기 비소세포폐암 중 폐에 단독으로 전이가 있는 경우가 다른 장기에 전이가 있는 경우보다 비교적 생존율이 높았고, 뇌전이, 간전이가 있는 경우 생존율이 낮았다. 따라서 원격전이로 동일하게 평가되고 있는 M1 병기라도 전이 장기의 종류에 따라 생존기간의 차이가 있을 수 있으므로 M1 병기 시스템에서 생존율에 대하여 재해석이 고려되어야겠다. 그러나 이번 연구는 후향적 분석이며 대상환자수가 많지 않아서 이 결과에 대한 확인을 위해서 이후에 많은 수의 환자를 대상으로 전향적인 연구가 필요하다고 생각된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.327-332
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• 2005

저자들은 내원 1개월 전부터 시작된 잦은 마른기침, 운동 시 호흡곤란, 8 kg의 급속한 체중 감소가 주 증상인 8세 남아에서 특발성 간질성 폐렴으로 진단하고, 경구용 프레드니손으로 치료한 후 1년 이상 추적 관찰하여 현재 학교에서 가벼운 체육활동을 할 수 있을 정도의 임상적 호전을 보인 1례를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.