• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.203-211
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• 2022

Melanogenesis is the production of melanin from tyrosine by a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, in which tyrosinase and DOPA oxidase play key roles. The melanin content in the skin determines skin pigmentation. Abnormalities in skin pigmentation lead to various skin pigmentation disorders. Recent research has shown that the expression of EMP2 is much lower in melanoma than in normal melanocytes, but its role in melanogenesis has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the role of EMP2 in the melanogenesis of MNT1 human melanoma cells. We examined TRP-1, TRP-2, and TYR expression levels during melanogenesis in MNT1 melanoma cells by gene silencing of EMP2. Western blot and RT-PCR results confirmed that the expression levels of TYR and TRP-2 were decreased when EMP2 expression was knocked down by EMP2 siRNA in MNT1 cells, and these changes were reversed when EMP2 was overexpressed. We verified the EMP2 gene was knocked out of the cell line (EMP2 CRISPR/Cas9) by using a CRISPR/Cas9 system and found that the expression levels of TRP-2 and TYR were significantly lower in the EMP2 CRISPR/Cas9 cell lines. Loss of EMP2 also reduced migration and invasion of MNT1 melanoma cells. In addition, the melanosome transfer from the melanocytes to keratinocytes in the EMP2 KO cells cocultured with keratinocytes was reduced compared to the cells in the control coculture group. In conclusion, these results suggest that EMP2 is involved in melanogenesis via the regulation of TRP-2 expression.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.188-196
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• 2023

Among marine accidents caused by bad weather, visibility restrictions caused by sea fog occurrence cause accidents such as ship strand and ship bottom damage, and at the same time involve casualties caused by accidents, which continue to occur every year. In addition, low visibility at sea is emerging as a social problem such as causing considerable inconvenience to islanders in using transportation as passenger ships are collectively delayed and controlled even if there are local differences between regions. Moreover, such measures are becoming more problematic as they cannot objectively quantify them due to regional deviations or different criteria for judging observations from person to person. Currently, the VTS of each port controls the operation of the ship if the visibility distance is less than 1km, and in this case, there is a limit to the evaluation of objective data collection to the extent that the visibility of sea fog depends on the visibility meter or visual observation. The government is building a marine weather signal sign and sea fog observation networks for sea fog detection and prediction as part of solving these obstacles to marine traffic safety, but the system for observing locally occurring sea fog is in a very insufficient practical situation. Accordingly, this paper examines domestic and foreign policy trends to solve social problems caused by low visibility at sea and provides basic data on the need for government support to ensure maritime traffic safety due to sea fog by factually investigating and analyzing social problems. Also, this aims to establish a more stable maritime traffic operation system by blocking marine safety risks that may ultimately arise from sea fog in advance.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.223-232
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• 2023

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various skin conditions, resulting in cellular and tissue damage that can contribute to the development of skin tone unevenness, roughness and wrinkles. In this study, we found that Trifolium pratense L. extract (TE) attenuated oxidative-induced damage in HaCaT cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. Our finding demonstrated that TE effectively protected HaCaT cells against H₂O₂-induced cell death by inhibiting caspase-3 activation, downregulating Bax and upregulating Bcl-2, and attenuating the activation of three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Our results suggest that TE has remarkable cytoprotective properties against oxidative damage in HaCaT cells and could serve as a complementary or alternative approach to prevent and treat skin damage.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.21-29
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• 2023

In this study, the stress characteristics of temporary fixed steel rods were analyzed in the "temporary fixing system using internal prestressing tension", which is mainly applied to the construction of superstructures by FCM. It was difficult to confirm the changes in initial tensile force in this system because the steel rod was internally connected to the pier and the PSC BOX. Therefore, measurement was performed before and after the completion of each segment using an FBG sensor to measure the change in the micro length of the steel rod. The results of the analysis showed that 75% to 90% of the maximum vertical contraction of the steel rod that occurred until the completion of the cantilever segment occurred in the fixing ~ 1segment, and the maximum loss of initial prestressing force was 39%. Such excessive loss of tension force to 1 segment means that tension is needed to improve the precision of construction during the fixation, and re-tension is needed to secure stability for conduction of cantilever segments after the completion of 1segment. In the 2 ~ last segment, the stress of the steel rod decreased gradually, and in the summer, the decrease in stress tended to partially recover due to the increase in the length of the steel rod corresponding to the increase in the vertical volume of PSC BOX. The dominant factor in the stress change in 2~ last segment in this phenomenon is judged to be the change in the length of the steel rod according to the temperature. Unlike the change in length, the relaxation was 1.2-2.7%, which was mostly offset by the opposite stress corresponding to the temperature stress. Therefore, a plan was proposed to improve the internal stress, such as adjusting the fixation time.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2022

Mushroom waste medium refers to the waste biomass generated after mushroom cultivating. And, the burden of treatment on mushroom farmhouse is increasing due to the absence of appropriate treatment method and increase of treatment costs of the mushroom waste medium. In this study, in order to assess the energy value of mushroom waste medium by an anaerobic digestion, methane potential and anaerobic organic matter decomposition characteristics were investigated. The theoretical methane potential(B_th) of mushroom medium(MM) was 0.481 Nm³-CH₄/kg-VS_added, and the B_th of mushroom waste medium(MWM) was 0.451 Nm³-CH₄/kg-VS_added. The biochemical methane potential(B_u-exp) of MWM was increased by 18% from 0.155 for MM to 0.183 Nm³-CH₄/kg-VS_added for MWM. In the reaction kinetics analysis by the Modified Gompertz model, the maximum methane production rate(R_m) was increased from 4.59 for MM to 7.21 mL/day for MWM and the lag growth phase time(λ) was decreased from 2.78 for MM to 1.96 days for MWM. In the reaction kinetics analysis by the parallel first order kinetics model, the easily degradable organic matter(VS_e) content was increased by 5.89% and the persistently degradable organic matter(VS_p) content was 2.03% in MWM, and the non-degradable organic matter(VS_NB) content was decreased by 7.85%. Therefore, it was evaluated that the anaerobic digestion efficiency of MWM was increased. The anaerobic digestion efficiency of MWM was assessed to be more improved than that of MM.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2019

Purpose: The clinical and radiological results of patients with type 3 talar neck fractures treated with the anteromedial approach using medial malleolar osteotomy and large distractor were analyzed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: From March 2009 to August 2016, 12 patients with a type 3 talar neck fracture, who underwent the anteromedial approach using a medial malleolar osteotomy and large distractor and who could be followed-up for more than 12 months after the operation, were examined. The patients were examined for the presence of Hawkins signs by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and osteonecrosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the postoperative 3 months. Subsequently, every 3 months, radiographic union was assessed by a simple radiograph and clinical symptoms. Twelve months postoperatively, posttraumatic arthritis was assessed and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was analyzed. Results: In 7 cases, osteonecrosis was found on MRI performed 3 months after surgery. On the other hand, at the 12 months follow-up, all of them obtained AOFAS scores of 83.86±4.53 without surgical treatment. Radiographic union was achieved in all cases. The mean union period was 5.3 months. In 10 cases, traumatic arthritis was found after the radiographical and clinical evaluation. In addition, all of them could carry on everyday life by conservative treatment. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was measured to be 85.17 on average. Other complications included superficial wound infection in 2 cases. Conclusion: An anteromedial approach using a medial malleolar osteotomy and a large distractor in the surgical treatment of patients with type 3 talar neck fractures can achieve anatomical reduction of the displaced fragment without a lateral dissection. This is considered to be another good surgical option.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.411-417
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• 2019

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of single injection adductor canal block (SACB), continuous adductor canal block (CACB), and the concomitant use of transdermal buprenorphine after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: A total of 125 patients who underwent TKA were divided into three groups and the clinical results were retrospecitively compared. Group I was comprised of patients with pain controlled by SACB (n=41). Group II consisted of patients with pain controlled by both SACB and transdermal buprenorphine (10 ㎍/h) (n=44). Group III contained patients with pain controlled by CACB (n=40). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used as the pain control indicator and the patients were measured on a VAS for resting on the bed (VAS-Rest) at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery. The VAS while doing continuous passive motion (VAS-CPM) on the first and second postoperative day was also measured. In addition, the total amount of medications used (Butopahn, Tridol, and Ketorac) for the intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) was counted for 48 hours after surgery. As the indicator of the functional recovery outcome, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was observed for 48 hours after surgery. The maximum knee joint flexion range and maximum walking distance on the first and second postoperative day, and the total length of stay at the hospital were compared. Results: The VAS-Rest was similar in the three groups at 12 hours after surgery, but at 24 hours and 48 hours after surgery, group II and III a lower VAS-CPM and total amount of medications used for PCA than group I (p<0.05). The three groups showed a low incidence of nausea and vomiting, maximum knee joint flexion range, and similar walking distance and total length of stay at the hospital. Conclusion: The combination of SACB and transdermal buprenorphine has great pain control effect initially. On the other hand, it is not associated with catheter complications and it is convenient to use and safety toward the renal function. Therefore, the concomitant use of SACB and transdermal buprenorphine can be an effective pain control method after TKA.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.547-556
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• 2019

Purpose: This study evaluated the results of surgical treatment for residual or recurrent deformity after the conservative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one cases (32 patients), who were followed up to skeletal maturity, were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age at the last follow-up was 18.7 years. The surgical options included selective or comprehensive soft tissue release, tendon lengthening and transfer, and various types of osteotomy. The radiology measurements included the talocalcaneal angle and talo-first metatarsal angle in the anteroposterior (AP) view, and the talocalcaneal angle and calcaneal pitch in the lateral view. The radiology measurements were compared with the normal values for adults. The clinical evaluations were made using the ankle-hindfoot score and the midfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS): excellent (>85), good (71-85), pair (56-70), and poor (<56). Results: At the last follow-up, the percentages of the 51 cases, whose parameter values fell within the normal ranges were as follows: in the AP view, 41.2% (talocalcaneal angle); and 90.2% (talo-first metatarsal angle). In the lateral view, the percentage was 84.3% (talocalcaneal angle). For the calcaneal pitch, the percentages were 61%. The mean AOFAS score was 88.1±10.7 on the ankle-hindfoot score and 86.7±11.5 on the midfoot score. Conclusion: The long-term outcome of patients with idiopathic clubfoot, who underwent surgical treatment after conservative treatment, was found to be 43%-90% of the normal range of radiographic indices. Clinically, the mean AOFAS scores were "excellent". Therefore, a satisfactory result can be obtained by analyzing the elements of deformity more accurately and then using the selective operation method, even if the non-surgical correction method fails.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.141-149
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• 2019

Purpose: To compare the results of two different instruments made of stainless steel and titanium alloy for correction of single thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using pedicle screw instrumentation. Materials and Methods: A total of 141 patients with single thoracic AIS treated with pedicle screw instrumentation and selective thoracic fusion were retrospectively reviewed after a follow-up of 2 years. The patients had a main thoracic curve of 40° to 75° and were divided into two groups based on instrument materials; S group (stainless steel, n=90) and T group (titanium alloy, n=51). The diameter of the stainless steel rod used was 7.0 mm while that of the titanium alloy rod was 6.35 mm or 6.0 mm. Standing long-cassette radiographic measurements including various coronal and sagittal parameters for the preoperative, early postoperative and 2-year postoperative followup were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the preoperative curve characteristics between the two groups. Results: In the S group, the preoperative main thoracic curve of 51.3°±8.4° was improved to 19.0°±7.6° (63.1% correction) and the lumbar curve of 32.3°±8.4° spontaneously decreased to 12.7°±8.2° (62.9% correction) at 2 years postoperatively. In the T group, the preoperative main thoracic curve of 49.5°±8.4° and the lumbar curve of 30.3°±8.9° was improved to 18.8°±7.4° (62.2% correction) and 11.3°±5.4° (63.3% correction), respectively. The corrections of coronal curves were not statistically different between the two groups (p>0.05). The thoracic kyphosis was changed from 16.8°±8.5° to 24.3°±6.1° in the S group and from 19.6°±11.2° to 26.6°±8.5° in the T group. There were no significant differences in the changes of sagittal curves, coronal and sagittal balances at the 2-year follow-up and the number of fused segments and used screws between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: When conducting surgery for single thoracic AIS using pedicles screw instrumentation, two different instruments made of stainless steel and titanium alloy showed similar corrections for coronal and sagittal curves.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if preoperative temporary discontinuation of antiplatelet medication (aspirin, clopidogrel, or cilostazol) is a safe procedure that does not increase early postoperative bleeding and allogenic blood transfusion after a total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among consecutive patients who underwent navigation assisted primary total knee arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon, from January 2013 to December 2016. A total of 369 patients enrolled in this study were divided into two groups, 271 patients with no history of antiplatelet therapy and 98 patients who underwent 7 days of temporary withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy. Comparative analysis between the two groups, on the variation of hemoglobin and hematocrit during the first and second postoperative days, was conducted to determine the amount of early postoperative bleeding and the frequency of allogenic blood transfusion during hospitalization. Results: The variation of hemoglobin, hematocrit during the first and second postoperative days and the frequency of allogenic blood transfusion between no history of antiplatelet medication and discontinuation antiplatelet medication before 7 days from surgery were similar in both groups. Of the 369 patients, 149 patients received a blood transfusion during their hospitalization. Compared to patients who did not receive a blood transfusion, those who did received blood transfusion were significantly older in age, smaller in height, lighter in weight, and showed significantly lower preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values. No statistically significant differences in sex, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and the history of antiplatelet medication until 7 days prior to surgery were observed between the two groups according to blood transfusion. Conclusion: Compared to patients with no history of antiplatelet medication, the temporary discontinuation of antiplatelet medication 7 days prior to surgery in patients undergoing antiplatelet medication did not increase the amount of postoperative bleeding or the need for allogenic blood transfusion.