• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.83-99
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• 2020

Objectives : Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with frequent relapses. This study was to investigate the effects of Gammakdaejo-tang(GMD) in DNCB induced atopic dermatitis mice. Methods : The study was divided into five comparion groups. 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB) solution was applied to Nc/Nga mice to induce atopic dermatitis, followed by normal group, negative control group with distilled water, positive control group with Dexamethasione and GMD 200mg/kg or 400mg/kg. The control group was orally administered 200㎕ once daily for 4 weeks. Visual skin condition, Immunoglobulin E, Histamine, Cytokine, Immune cells, Tissue biomarkers were observed. Results : As a result of the dermatitis score evaluation, it was confirmed that the GMD-administered group improved symptoms compared to the negative control group. As a result of measuring IgE, the GMD-administered group significantly decreased compared to the negative control group. As a result of measuring Histamine, GMD group except 200mg/kg of GMD significantly decreased compared to negative control group. As a result of measuring cytokine, GMD 200mg/kg significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to the negative control. 400mg/kg significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and significantly increased IL-2, IFNγ. As a result of confirming the immune cells, all experimental groups showed no difference in basophil, GMD group significantly reduced monocyte and eosinophil compared to negative control group, and GMD 400mg/kg group significantly reduced white blood cell and neutrophil. And significantly increased lymphocytes. As a result of measuring the gene expression level, all GMD group significantly increased TGF-β1 compared with the negative control group, and filaggrin, VEGF and EGF were significantly increased in GMD 400mg/kg group. Epidermis, dermis thickness, and eosinophil infiltration were found to be decreased in all GMD groups compared with the negative control group. Conclusions : GMD is effective in atopic dermatitis by reducing imbalance of immune response of T cells (Th1 / Th2) and reducing skin tissue damage and inflammatory response.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.293-300
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• 2009

The rate of fetus with abnormal chromosomes increase with maternal age. Nondisjunction of aging oocyte chromosome is a major reason for the increased rate of abnormalities. Telomeres are the ends of eukaryotic chromosome, which are essential for chromosome stability and are related in cell senescence. This study was carried out to analyze the chromosome aberration rate and amount of telomeric DNA in chick embryo along with maternal age. Fertilized eggs and blood were sampled from White Leghorn layers starting at 20 weeks through to 70 weeks age at 10 weeks interval. Chromosome aberration rate was analyzed by karyotyping. The amounts of telomeric DNA in embryonic cells and lymphocytes were quantified by Quantitative Fluorescence in situ Hybridization method. The chromosome aberration rate in chick embryos significantly differed with maternal age. The chromosome aberration rate increased at early laying period and beyond 70 weeks of maternal age. Therefore, chromosome aberration rate was affected by maternal age due to ovulated oocytes state. However, the amount of telomeric DNA on embryonic cells did not differ significantly with maternal age. Thus, maternal age does not affects telomere quantity in their embryos due to cellular reprograming at early embryonic stage after fertilization.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the differences in clinical features and laboratory findings between group D and non-group D non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) gastroenteritis in children. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with NTS confirmed by culture study was performed. The clinical features and laboratory findings of group D and non-group D NTS were compared. Results: From 2003 to 2012, 75 cases were diagnosed as NTS at our center. The number of group D and non-group D patients was 45 and 30, respectively. The mean age was higher in group D than in non-group D patients (5.1 years vs. 3.4 years, p=0.038). Headaches were more frequently observed (p=0.046) and hematochezia was less frequently observed (p=0.017) in group D than in non-group D NTS gastroenteritis patients. A positive Widal test result was observed in 53.3% of group D and 6.7% of non-group D NTS cases (O-titer, p=0.030; H-titer, p=0.039). There were no differences in white blood cell counts, level of C-reactive protein and rate of antimicrobial resistance between group D and non-group D cases. Conclusion: The more severe clinical features such as headache, fever, and higher Widal titers were found to be indicative of group D NTS gastroenteritis. Additionally, group D NTS gastroenteritis was more commonly found in older patients. Therefore, old age, fever, headache, and a positive Widal test are more indicative of group D NTS than non-group D NTS gastroenteritis. Pathophysiological mechanisms may differ across serologic groups.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2005

Purpose : We investigated the clinical manifestations, radiographic and laboratory findings of children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia(MP) according to their age. Methods : A total of 75 children with MP who admitted to The Catholic University, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital from July 2003 to February 2004, were classified into the three age groups : the ${\leq}2$ years of age(16 children), the children between 3 and 5 years of age(35 children), and the ${\geq}6$ years and older(24 patients). The diagnosis of MP was depended on the titers of anti-mycoplasma antibody that were measured 2 times, at admission and at discharge. Results : The total duration of the fever and the length of hospitalization were not different among the age groups. Although the white blood cell(WBC) value and differential was significantly different between the groups(P<0.01), a similar number in the WBC and reduced lymphocyte proportion was observed in all age groups compared to age-matched references. The patterns of pneumonia were significantly different according to age, i.e. segmental or lobar patterns were observed in 5 cases(31.3%) in the ${\leq}2$ years old group, but 16 cases(66.6%) in the >6 years old group(P<0.01). Conclusion : Although there was no difference in clinical findings according to age in MP, the radiographic finding was more severe in older children.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2011

Purpose: Choukroun's platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) is composed of platelets, white blood cells and fibrin matrix. It does not induce enough bone formation by itself but it can improve bone formation with calcium. Silk fibroin does not cause inflammatory reactions because it is bio-compatible and degradable. The purpose of this study was to exam the bone formation when a combination of Choukroun's PRF and silk fibroin was used. Methods: In this study, cell reactions to silk powder with differing molecular weights was first tested to select the appropriate silk powder. Then we applied these bone graft materials on defects of skull and in a peri-implant bony defect model in New Zealand rabbits. The results between the experimental and control s (non-grafted) group were analyzed. Results: The small sized silk fibroin powder showed increased cellular proliferation for bone-regeneration. There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group at 6 weeks, but more new bone formation was observed in the combination graft group at 12 weeks (P<0.05). And in the dental implant model, the combination bone graft group showed much improved torque test results, which was statistically significant. Histomorphometric analysis showed more regenerated cortical bone and a higher mean bone to implant in the experimental group. Both were statistically significant. Conclusion: The combination graft of Choukroun's platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) and silk fibroin powder can successfully restore the bony defects in a skull defected model and a peri-implant bony defects model.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.31-42
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity potential and mechanisms of action of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) herbal acupuncture in high fat diet- induced obese ICR mice. Methods : Sample solutions for herbal acupuncture were prepared from the Rhizoma Atractylodis water extract powder at concentration of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg with distilled water. Five week-old ICR mice acclimatized to the laboratory environment for 1 week were allocated into four groups: regular diet group (RD), high fat diet group(HFD), groups fed HFD with 150mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment (RAE 150) and with 300mg/kg RA herbal acupuncture treatment(RAE 300). Herbal acupuncture groups were injected with either 150mg/kg or 300mg/kg of Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA) subcutaneously onto both Sinsu($BL_{23}$) alternately on the same time everyday for 30days. Body weight, gross appearance of epididymal fat area, blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, histological analysis of white adipose tissue, gene expression responsible for adipocyte differentiation and AMPK activation were analyzed. Results : RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the development of weight gain, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, increases of AST and ALT, and the enlargement of fat cell size induced by HFD. Also, RA herbal acupuncture inhibited the expression of PPAR-${\gamma}$, C/$EBP{\alpha}$, aP2, LPL, FAS, SCD-1 and enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Conclusions : The results of this study demonstrate that RA herbal acupuncture can exert the anti-obesity effect and it is partially mediated by activation of AMPK and inhibition of the gene expressions responsible for adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will be required to ascertain the nti-obesity effect and mechanisms of action of RA herbal acupuncture in animal models and human for aclinical application.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.710-713
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• 2003

Purpose : Although chloramphenicol and doxycycline have been used for the treatment of tsutsugamuchi disease, a difficulty exists in determining which drugs to use in treating children because of potential complications such as aplastic anemia or teeth discoloration. We evaluated the effect of roxithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, on tsutsugamushi disease in children. Methods : A retrospective analysis was conducted on 39 children with tsutsugamuchi disease(scrub typhus) who were treated with doxycycline(DC), chloramphenicol(CM), or roxythromycin(RM) between 1991 and 2000. We divided the patients into a DC-treated group(DC group; 16 children), a CM-treated group(CM group; 14 children), and RM-treated group(RM group; 9 children) and compared these groups. Results : Most cases(97%) developed in October and November. Fever and rash were observed in all 39 cases and an eschar was noted in 36 cases(92%). No statistical differences could be found between the three groups in mean age, duration of fever before admission, white blood cell(WBC) count, and complications including abnormal liver enzymes. In most cases defervescence after treatment was within 24 hours(34 cases, 87%), and during 24-48 hours in two cases in the DC group, one in the CM group, and two in the RM group(no statistical difference). Conclusion : Roxythromycin was as effective as conventional doxycycline or chloramphenicol, in children with scrub typhus and may be safer to use.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.8
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• pp.258-263
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• 2018

Purpose: Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is characterized by prolonged fever and radiological progression despite macrolide treatment. Few studies have examined serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in children with MPP. We aimed to investigate the association of acute inflammation markers including PCT with clinical parameters in children with MPP. Methods: A total of 147 children were recruited. The diagnosis of MPP relied on serial measurement of IgM antibody against mycoplasma and/or polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated the relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and clinical severity of the disease. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio for prolonged fever (>3 days after admission) and hospital stay (> 6 days), comparing quintiles 2-5 of the PCT levels with the lowest quintile. Results: The serum PCT and CRP levels were higher in children with fever and hospital stay than in those with fever lasting ${\leq}3days$ after admission and hospital stay ${\leq}6days$. CRP level was higher in segmental/lobar pneumonia than in bronchopneumonia. The LDH level and WBC counts were higher in children with fever lasting for >3 days before compared to those with fever lasting for ${\leq}3days$. The highest quintile of PCT levels was associated with a significantly higher risk of prolonged fever and/or hospital stay than the lowest quintile. Conclusion: Serum PCT and CRP levels on admission day were associated with persistent fever and longer hospitalization in children with MPP.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.69-73
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory features of infants with roseola infantum due to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) infection and those with urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children who were hospitalized at Cheil General Hospital and Women's Health Care Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, and diagnosed as having HHV6 infection or UTI. Results: Among the infants admitted between September 2014 and May 2016, 92 (male, 45 and female, 47) were included in the study and divided into a HHV6 infection group (n=50) and a UTI group (n=42). The relative risk of UTI compared with that of HHV6 infection increased with pyuria (P<0.001), increased with leukocytosis (mean white blood cell [WBC] count, $15,048{\pm}5,756/mm^3$ vs $87,916{\pm}54,056/mm^3$; P<0.001), increased with C-reactive protein (CRP) level ($4.89{\pm}4.85 mg/dL$ vs $1.04{\pm}1.76mg/dL$; P<0.001), and younger age ($6.3{\pm}3.2months$ vs $18.3{\pm}12.6months$; P<0.001). The relative risk of HHV6 infection compared with that of UTI increased with fever duration ($4.3{\pm}1.7days$ vs $2.8{\pm}1.7days$; P<0.001) and decreased with platelet (PLT) count ($373{\pm}94{\times}10^3/mm^3$ vs $229{\pm}90{\times}10^3/mm^3$; P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the HHV6 groups according to the presence or absence of pyuria. Conclusion: Pyuria, age, fever duration, WBC count, CRP level, and PLT count were the differentiating factors of HHV6 infection from UTI. However, sterile pyuria can occur in children with HHV6 infection. In the presence of pyuria, CRP level and PLT count were the strong predictors of UTI compared with HHV6.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.707-717
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• 2018

Leukocytes are reportedly the first line of the innate immune defense and essential for the control of common bacterial infections. Therefore, in this work, the antibacterial activity of crocodile leukocyte extract against Propionibacterium acnes was evaluated, and we also characterized the related activity of skin infection. The leukocyte extract showed the minimum inhibitory concentration to be $100{\mu}g/ml$ to P. acnes. SEM imaging demonstrated that the leukocyte extract adversely affected P. acnes cell permeability in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the crocodile leukocyte extract could significantly reduce proinflammatory markers and decrease inflammatory signs in infected mouse ears. The crude leukocyte extract was further purified using FPLC and RP-HPLC. The resulting fraction F5 was indicated as the anti-acne peptide-containing fraction. The molecular mass of the peptide contained in F5 was calculated to be 4,790.5 Da. N-Terminal sequencing revealed the amino acid sequence as GPEPVPAIYQ, which displays similarities to immunoglobulin A and leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein. This is the first reported amino acid sequence of a crocodile leukocyte extract that possesses anti-acne activity. To attempt to use it in a prototype cosmetic, an anti-acne gel containing crude crocodile leukocyte extract was formulated, resulting in seven gel formulations (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, and G7). The formulations G5, G6, and G7 exhibited 2-fold higher anti-acne activity than G1-G4. Investigation of accelerating stability studies of anti-acne gel formulations G5, G6, and G7 demonstrated that a low storage temperature ($4^{\circ}C$) is suitable for maintaining the physical properties and biological activity of the anti-acne gel products.