• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.208-217
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• 2016

Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. (P. densiflora) contains several phenolic compounds that exhibit biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antihypertensive effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of P. densiflora on skin has rarely been reported. Malassezia furfur (M. furfur) is a commensal microbe that induces skin inflammation and is associated with several chronic disorders, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, papillomatosis, and sepsis. The aim of our study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of P. densiflora needle extracts on skin health subjected to M. furfur-induced inflammation. The methanolic extract of the pine needles was partitioned into n-hexane, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and water layers. We measured the anti-inflammatory effects (in macrophages) as well as the antioxidant, antifungal, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of each of these layers. The antioxidant activity of the individual layers was in the order EtOAc layer > n-BuOH layer > water layer. Only the n-BuOH, EtOAc, and n-hexane layers showed antifungal activity. Additionally, all the layers possessed tyrosinase inhibition activity similar to that of ascorbic acid, which is used as a commercial control. The EtOAc layer was not cytotoxic toward the RAW 264.7 cell line. Interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression levels in M. furfur-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells treated with the EtOAc layer were decreased markedly compared to those in cells treated with the other layers. Taken together, we believe that the needle extracts of P. densiflora have potential application as alternative anti-inflammatory agents or cosmetic material for skin health improvement.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.161-170
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• 2018

The epidemic of disorders associated with synthetic stimulants, such as methamphetamine (MA) and amphetamine (AP), is a health, social, legal, and financial problem. Owing to the high potential of their abuse and addiction, reliable analytical methods are required to detect and identify MA, AP, and their metabolites in biological samples. Thus, a dilute-and-shoot liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for simultaneous determination of MA, 4-hydroxymethamphetamine (4HMA), AP, and 4-hydroxyamphetamine (4HA) in urine. Urine sample ($100{\mu}L$) was mixed with $50{\mu}L$ of mobile phase consisting of 0.4 % formic acid and methanol and $50{\mu}L$ of working internal-standard solution. Aliquots of $8{\mu}L$ diluted urine was injected into the LC-MS/MS system. For all analytes, chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 reversed-phase column with gradient elution and a total run time of 5 min. The identification and quantification were performed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Linear least-squares regression was conducted to generate a calibration curve, with $1/x^2$ as the weighting factor. The linear ranges were 2.0-200, 1.0-800, and 10-2500 ng/mL for 4HA and 4HMA, AP, and MA, respectively. The inter- and intraday precisions were within 6.6 %, whereas the inter- and intraday accuracies ranged from -14.9 to 11.3 %. The low limits of quantification were 2.0 ng/mL (4HA and 4HMA), 1.0 ng/mL (AP), and 10 ng/mL (MA). The proposed method exhibited satisfactory selectivity, dilution integrity, matrix effect, and stability, which are required for validation. Moreover, the purification efficiency of high-speed centrifugation was clearly higher than 6-15 % for QC samples (n=5), which was higher than that of the membrane-filtration method. The applicability of the proposed method was tested by forensic analysis of urine samples from drug abusers.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.171-182
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• 2004

This study investigates the biomechanical efficacies of vertebroplasty which is used to treat vertebral body fracture with bone cement augmentation for osteoporotic patients using image and finite element analysis. Simulated models were divided into two groups: (a) a vertebral body, (b) a functional spinal unit(FSU). For a vertebral body model, the maximum axial displacement was investigated under axial compression to evaluate the effect of structural integrity. The stiffness of each FE model simulated was normalized by the stiffness of intact model. In the case of FSU model, 3 types of compression fractures were formulated to assess the influence on spinal curvature changes. The FSU models were loaded under compressive pressure to calculate the change of spinal curvature. The results according to the various factors suggest that vertebroplasty has the biomechanical efficacy of the increment of structural reinforcement in a patient who has relatively high level of BMD and a patient with the amount of 15％, PMMA injection of the cancellous bone volume. The spinal curvatures after compression fracture simulation vary from 9$^{\circ}$ to 17$^{\circ}$ of kyphosis compared to that the spinal curvature of normal model was -2.8$^{\circ}$ of lordosis. These spinal curvature changes cause the severe spinal deformity under the same loading. As the degree of compressive fracture increases the spinal deformity also increases. The results indicate that vertebroplasty has the increasing effect of the structural integrity regardless of the amount of PMMA or BMD and the restoration of decreased vertebral body height may be an important factor when the compressive fracture caused the significant height loss of vertebral body.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.445-455
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• 2005

Purpose: We developed an animal SPECT system using clinical Philips ARGUS scintillation camera and pinhole collimator with specially manufactured small apertures. In this study, we evaluated the physical characteristics of this system and biological feasibility for animal experiments. Materials and Methods: Rotating station for small animals using a step motor and operating software were developed. Pinhole inserts with small apertures (diameter of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm) were manufactured and physical parameters including planar spatial resolution and sensitivity and reconstructed resolution were measured for some apertures. In order to measure the size of the usable field of view according to the distance from the focal point, manufactured multiple line sources separated with the same distance were scanned and numbers of lines within the field of view were counted. Using a Tc-99m line source with 0.5 mm diameter and 12 mm length placed in the exact center of field of view, planar spatial resolution according to the distance was measured. Calibration factor to obtain FWHM values in 'mm' unit was calculated from the planar image of two separated line sources. Te-99m point source with i mm diameter was used for the measurement of system sensitivity. In addition, SPECT data of micro phantom with cold and hot line inserts and rat brain after intravenous injection of [I-123]FP-CIT were acquired and reconstructed using filtered back protection reconstruction algorithm for pinhole collimator. Results: Size of usable field of view was proportional to the distance from the focal point and their relationship could be fitted into a linear equation (y=1.4x+0.5, x: distance). System sensitivity and planar spatial resolution at 3 cm measured using 1.0 mm aperture was 71 cps/MBq and 1.24 mm, respectively. In the SPECT image of rat brain with [I-123]FP-CIT acquired using 1.0 mm aperture, the distribution of dopamine transporter in the striatum was well identified in each hemisphere. Conclusion: We verified that this new animal SPECT system with the Phlilps ARGUS scanner and small apertures had sufficient performance for small animal imaging.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.111-119
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• 2007

Differentiation of cells can be induced through modulation of endogenous regulators using exogenous factors. Useful transfection systems to transport a specific exogenous regulator into cell have been tried but still there are many obstacles to overcome. In this study, we examined the transfection efficiency of cell permeable peptides (CPPs) in mouse embryonic stem cell under the various conditions. To identify the CPP-mediated translocation of a protein, we employed recombinant CPP-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Viability of R1 cells was different between experimental groups depending on the kind of CPP and the concentration of CPP-EGFP. Translocation of CPP-EGFPs into the R1 cells was not detected until 30 min after CPP-EGFPs treatment in all groups. After 1 hr, translocation of pEP-1-EGFP-N was detected, but it could not be detected in the other group. Transfection of pEP-1EGFP-N was independent on its concentration. The time course did not show saturation even after 24 hr in pEP-1-EGFP-N. These results showed that the permeability depended on the kind of CPP and the location of His-tag in the case of examined CPPs, and did not need biological energy. On summary, the efficiency of transfection of CPP-EGFP depends on the CPP sequences but the culture time is not a key factor in transfection for the mouse embryonic stem cell. For the future studies to improve the efficiency of translocation of protein into embryonic stem cells, it is needed to develop modified CPP or mediator. The studies would be very useful to induce the differentiation of embryonic stem cells.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.14-30
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trophic conditions of various Korean reservoirs using Trophic State Index (TSI) and predict the reservoir conditions by empirical models. The water quality dataset (2000, 2001) used here were obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea. The water quality, based on multi-parameters of dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), suspended solid (SS), Secchi depth (SD), chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ (CHL), and conductivity largely varied depending on the sampling watersheds and seasons. In general, trophic conditions declined along the longitudinal axis of headwater-to-the dam and the largest seasonal variations occurred during the summer monsoon of July-August. Major inputs of TP occurred during the monsoon (r=0.656, p=0.002) and this pattern was similar to solid dynamics of SS (r=0.678, p<0.001). Trophic parameters including CHL, TP, SD, and TN were employed to evaluate how the water systems varies with season. Trophic State Index (TSI, Carlson, 1977), based on TSI (CHL), TSI (TP), and TSI (SD), ranged from mesotrophic to eutrophic. However, the trophic state, based on TSI (TN), indicated eutrophic-hypereutrophic conditions in the entire reservoirs, regardless of the seasons, indicating a N-rich system. Overall, nutrient data showed that phosphorus was a primary factor regulating the trophic state. The relationships between CHL (eutrophication index) vs. trophic parameters (TN, TP, and SD) were analysed to develop empirical models which can predict the trophic status. Regression analyses of log-transformed seasonal CHL against TP showed that the value of $R^2$ was 0.31 (p=0.017) in the premonsoon but was 0.69 (p<0.001) during the postmonsoon, indicating a greater algal response to the phosphorus during the postmonsoon. In contrast, SD had reverse relation with TP, CHL during all season. TN had weak relations with CHL during all seasons. Overall, data suggest that TP seems to be a good predictor for algal biomass, estimated by CHL, as shown in the empirical models.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2017

Zerumbone is a major component of the essential oil from Zingiber zerumbet Smith, which is a kind of wild ginger. In addition, various biological functions, such as liver protection, pain relief, atherosclerosis, and antimicrobial activity have been reported. It is also known to be effective in the proliferation of immune cells and the expression of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effects of zerumbone on monocyte activation. First, it was confirmed that the proliferation of THP-1 cells was increased by zerumbone. The strongest increase in THP-1 proliferation after lipopolysaccharide treatment was observed at $5{\mu}M$ zerumbone treatment, and the increase of cell proliferation without lipopolysaccharide was the highest at $10{\mu}M$. Conversely, when treated with $50{\mu}M$ zerumbone, a rapid decrease of proliferation was observed regardless of the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The phosphorylation of signaling protein, Erk, induced by LPS was also increased by zerumbone. The strongest increase in phosphorylation was observed when treated with $50{\mu}M$ of zerumbone with reduced proliferation. The activity of transcription factor $NF-{\kappa}B$ was not significantly altered by zerumbone alone, but increased when treated with lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the transcription of the inflammatory cytokines $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-8, which are regulated by $NF-{\kappa}B$, is also increased by zerumbone. These results suggest that zerumbone can enhance the proliferation and activity of monocytes. Furthermore, it is believed that zerumbone can enhance rthe immune responses through increased monocyte activity in bacterial infections with LPS, thereby helping to treat effective bacteria.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.189-199
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• 2006

Purpose of study: Partial thickness skin graft is the golden standard regimen for full-thickness skin defect caused by burn or trauma. However, in case of extensive burns of more than 50% of total body surface area, the donor site is not sufficient to cover all defects. As a second choice, allograft, xenograft and synthetic materials have been used to treat skin defect. Among them the amniotic membrane(AM) was used as a biological dressing for centuries because of its potential for wound healing. In this study, quantification of EGF in AM and effect of AM-collagen complex on full thickness skin defects was examined. Materials & Methods: The concentration of EGF in fresh, deep frozen and freeze-dried AM was evaluated by ELISA. EGF-R immunostaining was performed in freeze-dried AM. SD rats weighing 250${\sim}$300g was used for wound healing experiment. Three full thickness skin defects(28mm diameter) were made on dorsal surface of SD rat. The control group was covered by Vaselin gauze and AM-collagen complex and $Terudermis^{(R)}$. was grafted in two other defects. Healing area, Cinamon's score were evaluated before biopsy. Grafted sites were retrieved at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after operation. H & E and Factor VIII immunohistochemical stain was performed to evaluate the microscopic adhesion and structural integrity and microvessel formation. Results: 1. EGF concentration of fresh, deep frozen and freeze-dried AM showed similar level and EGF-R was stained in epithelial layer of freeze-dried AM. 2. At 4 weeks after grafting, the healing area of AM-collagen and Terudermis group was 99.29${\pm}$0.71% and 99.19${\pm}$0.77 of original size. However, that of control group was 24.88${\pm}$2.90. 3. The Cinamon's score of AM-Collagen and $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group at 4 weeks was 15.6${\pm}$1.26 and 14.6${\pm}$3.13 and that of control group was 3.7${\pm}$0.95. Significant difference was observed among control and experimental groups(p<0.05). 4. Histologic examination revealed that AM protected leukocyte infiltration and epithelial migration was nearly completed at 4 weeks. $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group showed mild neutrophil infiltration until 2 weeks and completion of epithelization at 4 weeks. Control group showed massive leukocyte infiltration until 4 weeks. 5. Microvessels were increased sharply at 1 week and control group at 1 and 4 week showed significant differences with $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group of same interval(p<0.05) but no differences were found with AM group(p<0.05). Conclusion: EGF and EGF-R were well preserved in freeze-dried AM. AM attached to collagen acted as excellent biologic dressing which had similar effect with $Terudermis^{(R)}$. AM showed anti-inflammatory action and healing was completed at 4 weeks after full-thickness skin defect.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.77-93
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• 2000

Field survey on the spatio-temporal distribution of water quality and chlorophyll a concentration, and the environmental factors on the variation of phytoplankton biomass were carried out at the 23 stations for four seasons in the Shiahae, southwestern coast of Korean Peninsula from February to October in 1995. I made an analysis on biological factor as chlorophyll a concentration as well as environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity and nutrients; ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, N/P ratio, silicate and Si/P ratio. The waters in the Shiahae were not stratified due to the tidal mixing and high velocity of tidal current. And the high productivity in photic layer were supported by high nutrients concentration from freshwater on lands and bottom waters The low depth of transparency in the Shiahae had a bad influence upon primary production and marine biology. In Shiahae had a sufficient nutrients for primary production during a year. Especially dissolved inorganic nitrogen and silicate were high, the other side, phosphate was low. The source of nutrients in summer and silicate supply depend on input of freshwater from lands, the other side, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate were depend on rather supplied from bottom layer by the mixing and input of seawater from outside than input of freshwater from lands. Phosphate seemed to become a limiting nutrient for the primary production at all area of Shiahae in winter and at the northern parts in other seasons. However, dissolved inorganic nitrogen seemed to do it at the southern parts in other seasons except winter. Silicate didn't become a limiting nutrient for diatoms in Shiahae. Phytoplankton biomass as measured by chlorophyll a concentration was very high all the year round, it was controlled by the combination of the several environmental factors, especially of nitrogen, phosphorus and the physical factors such as light intensity. [Spatio-temporal distribution, Seasonal fluctuation, Nnutrients, Chlorophyll a, Environmental factors, Nutrient source, Limiting Nutrient, Light, Shiahae] .

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.500-506
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• 2008

Enhanced phytoremediation with EDTA or PSM(Phosphate solubilizing microorganism) was studied using green foxtail (Setaria viridis) in columns packed with 1,200 mgPb/kg contaminated soil to investigate the effects of EDTA or PSM on the plant uptake and vertical migration of Pb. EDTA, equimolar amount of total Pb in the column soil, was administered in two methods: the one was treated with 1/6 aliquots of the equimolar EDTA every week for 6 weeks and the other was treated with single dose of the equimolar EDTA before 14 days of harvest. The results showed that higher concentrations of Pb accumulated in the biomass of green fowtail after the chemical or biological treatment. The plant-root Pb concentration in PSM treatment(M), EDTA aliquot treatment(ES), and single dose treatment(E) was 2.6, 3.0, and 3.3 times higher, respectively, than that in the plant-root of control(164.7 mg/kg). The plant-stem Pb concentration in the M, ES and E treatment was 27, 37, and 40 times higher than that in the stem of control(8.1 mg/kg). The translocation factor, the ratio of shoot/root Pb concentration, was 0.6 in the two EDTA treatment, 0.5 in the M treatment, and 0.05 in the control, respectively. The largest amount of Pb was phyto-extracted in the E treatment whereas vertical migration of EDTA was significant in the ES treatment. This result showed that a single large dose of EDTA before harvest serves better for enhanced phytoremediation of Pb. Although, treatment with PSM showed less Pb phytoextraction by the plant but enhanced both the growth of plants in the column and microbial dehydrogenase activity in the soils. Therefore, enhanced phytoextraction of Pb with PSM treatment can be an alternative option for EDTA treatment, which is toxic to plants and soil ecosystem.