• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare serum amyloid A (SAA) protein levels with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels as markers of systemic inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis. The association of serum titers of antibodies to periodontal microbiota and SAA/hs-CRP levels in periodontitis patients was also studied. Methods: A total of 110 individuals were included in this study. Patients were assessed for levels of hs-CRP and SAA. Nonfasting blood samples were collected from participants at the time of clinical examination. The diagnosis of adipose tissue disorders was made according to previously defined criteria. To determine SAA levels, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized. Paper points were transferred to a sterile tube to obtain a pool of samples for polymerase chain reaction processing and the identification of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia. The serum level of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and T. forsythia was also determined. Results: SAA and hs-CRP levels were higher in periodontitis patients than in controls (P<0.05). In bivariate analysis, high levels of hs-CRP (>3 mg/L) and SAA (>10 mg/L) were significantly associated with chronic periodontitis (P=0.004). The Spearman correlation analysis between acute-phase proteins showed that SAA positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.218, P=0.02). In the adjusted model, chronic periodontitis was associated with high levels of SAA (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-18.2; P=0.005) and elevated hs-CRP levels (OR, 6.1, 95% CI, 1.6-23.6; P=0.008). Increased levels of serum IgG2 antibodies to P. gingivalis were associated with high levels of SAA (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-8.5; P=0.005) and high concentrations of hs-CRP (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-9.8; P<0.001). Conclusions: SAA and hs-CRP concentrations in patients with chronic periodontitis are comparably elevated. High serum titers of antibodies to P. gingivalis and the presence of periodontal disease are independently related to high SAA and hs-CRP levels.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.489-495
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• 2015

Image availability evaluated by the degree of agreement and sensitive using the process improve visualization according to the Algorithm modification in Image Post-Processing. Reliability measured by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. 172 patients visit same period divided by BI-RADS, category five stages, and contents of breast parenchyma into Calcification, Nodule and Mass. Evaluated the TE/PV image reliability, visualization sensitive, agreement of diagnosis. Convergence analysis was an in various fields. According to the result of this research, PV has higher sensitive and accuracy about lesions than TE visual and there is a difference insensitive by contents of breast parenchyma. Therefore, practical use of Algorithm Modification(Tissue Equalization: TE, Premium View: PV) is expected to improve more accurate, useful diagnosis, which has not been easy until now.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.401-406
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• 2012

When viewed using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, invasive materials inside the human body, in many cases, severely distort the MR image of human tissues. The degree of the MR image distortion increases in proportion not only to the difference in the susceptibility between the invasive material and the human tissue, but also to the intensity of the magnetic field induced by the MRI system. In this study, by blending paramagnetic Ti particles with diamagnetic graphite, we synthesized $Ti_{100-x}C_x$ composites that can reduce the artifact in the MR image under the high-strength magnetic field. Of the developed composites, $Ti_{70}C_{30}$ showed the magnetic susceptibility of ${\chi}=67.6{\times}10^{-6}$, which corresponds to 30% of those of commercially available Ti alloys, the lowest reported in the literature. The level of the MR image distortion in the vicinity of the $Ti_{70}C_{30}$ composite insert was nearly negligible even under the high magnetic field of 4.7 T. In this paper, we reported on a methodology of designing new structural materials for bio-applications, their synthesis, experimental confirmation and measurement of MR images.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1134-1143
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• 2021

In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and live E. faecalis on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The BPH rat model was established by administering male rats with testosterone propionate (TP, 5 mg/kg, in corn oil) via subcutaneous injections daily for four weeks after castration. The rats were divided into five groups: Con, corn oil-injected (s.c.) + DW administration; BPH, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + DW administration; BPH+K_EF, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + heat-killed E. faecalis (7.5 × 10¹² CFU/g, 2.21 mg/kg) administration; BPH+L_EF, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + live E. faecalis (1 × 10¹¹ CFU/g, 166 mg/kg) administration; BPH+Fi, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + finasteride (1 mg/kg) administration. In both of BPH+K_EF and BPH+L_EF groups, the prostate weight decreased and histological changes due to TP treatment recovered to the level of the Con group. Both of these groups also showed regulation of androgen-signaling factors, growth factors, and apoptosis-related factors in prostate tissue. E. faecalis exhibited an inhibitory effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia, and even heat-killed E. faecalis showed similar efficacy on the live cells in the BPH rat model. As the first investigation into the effect of heat-killed and live E. faecalis on BPH, our study suggests that heat-killed E. faecalis might be a food additive candidate for use in various foods, regardless of heat processing.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2019

This study was aimed to examine the synergetic effects of photochemopreventive external agents composed of inorganic ZnO and esculetin. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used in sunblocks because of its excellent biostability and little toxicity. Esculetin derived from Citrus Peel has an anti-oxidative effect. We made the hollow-shaped ZnO microsphere (MS), soaked it with esculetin (EZnO). We used SKH-1 mice to measure the photodamaging effects of UVB. The mice were divided into five groups as follows; UVB nontreated group (N), vehicle (C), esculetin (E), ZnO MS (ZnO), esculetin + ZnO MS(EZno) group. Each group of samples was topically applied to the dorsal skins before the UVB irradiation. The changes of collagen fibers in the skin tissues were observed by H & E staining and Van Gieson staining. The expression of mast cells in skin tissue was observed by immunohistochemical staining of tryptase present in the mast cell granules. Expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and MMP-9, which plays an essential role in wrinkle formation, was measured by RT-PCR. Interestingly, the composition of collagen fibers was better in the EZnO applied group than in the E or ZnO group. Moreover, mast cell expression and the expression of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and MMP-9 mRNA were markedly suppressed in the EZnO group, indicating that the synergetic effects of esculetin and ZnO were excellent.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.12-26
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• 2017

Processing steps such as washing and cutting, involved in preparing fresh-cut produce causes tissue damage, leading to rapid quality deterioration. Major defects of fresh-cut produce are discoloration, softening, off-odor development, and microbial growth. Packaging of fresh-cut produce has been changed to reduce these quality problems. Flexible packaging film is widely used to pack fresh-cut produce. Vacuum packaging was the popular packaging method in the beginning of fresh-cut industry in Korea. Vacuum packaging creates high $CO_2$ and low $O_2$ levels to control browning of fresh-cut produce. However, these conditions induce some visual defects and off-odor development. Discoloration problem was also found when fresh-cut produce was packaged with conventional packaging film or plastic tray. Modified atmosphere (MA) packaging is effective for prolonging shelf-life of fresh-cut produce by decreasing $O_2$ and increasing $CO_2$ concentration in the package. Retail MA packaging using different oxygen transmission rate (OTR) film and micro-perforated film has started to be applied to fresh-cut produce in Korea. Proper MA package design that provides optimum range of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ partial pressures is one of the major challenges in the industry. An initial package flushing with $N_2$ or an low $O_2$/high $CO_2$ atmosphere is also used to more rapidly establish steady-state MA condition. Film OTR and $O_2$ flushing affects the fermentative volatile production, off-odor development, electrolyte leakage, discoloration, $CO_2$ injury, microbial population of fresh-cut produce. There is also a demand for convenient packaging to attract consumers. Rigid fresh-cut produce container for retail market has increased since the packaging provides excellent protection from physical damage during transport. Rigid tray used as actual serving vessel for the consumer is increasing in Korea. The tray with flexible lid to wrap or seal fresh-cut produce is more and more gaining popularity. Further practical technology to control quality change and microbial growth for each fresh-cut product has been studied since various fresh-cut items were required. The fresh-cut industry also focuses on searching for more convenient and environmentally friendly packaging.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was carried out to evaluate the quality of different drying methods and different roots(primary root and lateral root) of Angelica gigas Nakai. Methods : The experimental method was performed according to the Korea Pharmacopoea Eleventh edition (KP11). Loss on drying, ash, acid insoluble ash, ethanol extract, nodakenin and total decursin contents were tested to evaluate the quality of root tissue of Angelica gigas Nakai. In addition, the treatment of different root parts were prepared in two groups of washing dry process and natural dry process. Results : In comparison of dry processing methods, total contents of nodakenin and total decursin in the primary root and lateral root through washing dry process were ranged from 3.55 to 4.09% and from 5.18 to 6.13%, respectively. And also, those of roots from the natural dry process were from 4.36 to 6.22% and from 6.28 to 8.34%, respectively. In the washing dry process and natural dry process methods, 47.9% and 22.3% higher amount of nodakenin and total decursin were measured in lateral root compared to primary root. In common, lateral roots accumulated higher contents of nodakenin and total decursin compared to primary roots, and samples drying processed with natural dry process compared to washing dry process method contained higher amount of compounds. Conclusions : We sincerely hope that this study will be contributed to the standardization and quality control of Angelica Gigas Root.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.1167-1179
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• 2023

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endoproteases produced by various tissues and cells and play important roles in angiogenesis, tissue repair, immune response, and endometrial remodeling. However, the expression and function of MMPs in the pig endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy have not been fully elucidated. Thus, we determined the expression, localization, and regulation of MMP2, MMP8, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP13 in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and at the maternal-conceptus interface during pregnancy in pigs. Methods: Endometrial tissues during the estrous cycle and pregnancy and conceptus and chorioallantoic tissues during pregnancy were obtained and the expression of MMPs was analyzed. The effects of steroid hormones and cytokines on the expression of MMPs were determined in endometrial explant cultures. Results: Expression levels of MMP12 and MMP13 changed during the estrous cycle, while expression of MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP13 changed during pregnancy. Expression of MMP2, MMP8, and MMP13 mRNAs was cell type-specific at the maternal-conceptus interface. Gelatin zymography showed that enzymatically active MMP2 was present in endometrial tissues. In endometrial explant cultures, estradiol-17β induced the expression of MMP8 and MMP12, progesterone decreased the expression of MMP12, interleukin-1β increased the expression of MMP2, MMP8, MMP9, and MMP13, and interferon-γ increased the expression of MMP2. Conclusion: These results suggest that MMPs expressed in response to steroids and cytokines play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by regulating endometrial remodeling and processing bioactive molecules in pigs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.49-49
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• 2022

One of the major problems with sweetpotato (Ipomoea batats Lam.) is the tough thread tissue that occurs in the storage root, which has a negative impact on the sales of sweet potato because it impairs the texture during cooking and the processing quality. The fiber contents in storage roots of sweetpotato is affected by cultivation conditions and environment. To investigate the effect of fiber generation at different levels of irrigation, the sweetpoatoto "Hogammi" was transplanted in greenhouse. Sweetpotato was grown in styrofoam beds(W1605*D330*H300mm) to block moisture flowing from the outside. The irrigation was carried out as 3 levels (5,10, and 20 mm through drip irrigation facilities) at 20-day intervals. Five plants were harvested per plot at 90, 100 and 120 days after transplanting (DAT). The size of the storage root was large in the order of irrigation conditions 10mm>20mm>5mm treatment. And the longer cultivation period, the larger size of the storage root was observed. As a result of the analysis of the fiber content, it showed a tendency to decrease as the cultivation period increased (90days→120days). In addition, the fiber contents of sweetpotato harvested at 90, 100 and 120 DAT in the level of 5 mm irrigation plot were 351, 324 and 207 mg/100g, respectively, which were higher than those of other irrigation level plots. During all cultivation periods, the 10mm treatment group showed the lowest fiber content of 280, 228 and 127 mg/100g. At 20 mm irrigation level, the fiber content was less than that of 5mm irrigation level, but showed a tendency to increase compared to that of 10 mm irrigation level. These results suggested that drought stress or excessive-irrigation increases the fiber content of sweetpotato, which reduces their commercial value.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.23.1-23.17
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• 2023

Inflammation is a series of host defense processes in response to microbial infection and tissue injury. Inflammatory processes frequently cause extracellular acidification in the inflamed region through increased glycolysis and lactate secretion. Therefore, the immune cells infiltrating the inflamed region encounter an acidic microenvironment. Extracellular acidosis can modulate the innate immune response of macrophages; however, its role for inflammasome signaling still remains elusive. In the present study, we demonstrated that macrophages exposed to an acidic microenvironment exhibited enhanced caspase-1 processing and IL-1β secretion compared with those under physiological pH. Moreover, exposure to an acidic pH increased the ability of macrophages to assemble the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in response to an NLRP3 agonist. This acidosis-mediated augmentation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation occurred in bone marrow-derived macrophages but not in bone marrow-derived neutrophils. Notably, exposure to an acidic environment caused a reduction in the intracellular pH of macrophages but not neutrophils. Concordantly, macrophages, but not neutrophils, exhibited NLRP3 agonist-mediated translocation of chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1) into their plasma membranes under an acidic microenvironment. Collectively, our results demonstrate that extracellular acidosis during inflammation can increase the sensitivity of NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation in a CLIC1-dependent manner. Thus, CLIC1 may be a potential therapeutic target for NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pathological conditions.