• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2018

Objectives: This research is part of a study to be conducted over five years starting from 2017 by the Ministry of Environment on the development of technologies to evaluate the impact of chemical accidents on the human body. Methods: For this research, a five-stage specific study method was developed. Results: In brief, the developed health risk assessment method can be summarized as follows. First, a health risk assessment system was built based on the guidelines set forth by the USA NRC/NAS. Second, based on the disease manifestation theory, the health risk assessment method was divided into 1) a carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on all carcinogens except non-genotoxic carcinogens and 2) a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on noncarcinogens including non-genotoxic carcinogens. Third, the detailed contents of the health risk assessment method were developed in four stages(hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk determination) through theoretical consideration of the assessment of the level of health risk related to chemical exposure. Finally, a health risk assessment methodology, classified into stages to address acute, subacute/subchronic, and chronic conditions was developed after considering the physicochemical behavior of hazardous chemicals upon implementation of countermeasures after a chemical accident. Conclusions: A method to evaluate the health risks related to toxic chemicals generated by chemical accidents was developed. This study was performed with the purpose of developing a mathematical health risk assessment method to evaluate the health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals upon implementation of emergency countermeasures after chemical accidents.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.664-676
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• 2006

Objective : Although chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is a common disease, it is very difficult to treat effectively. Lygodium japonicum has been traditionally used in treatment of urinary tract inflammation and voiding disturbance. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Lygodium japonicum in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods : Five-month-old rats were treated with 17$\beta$-estradiol after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Lygodium japonicum and testosterone were administered as an experimental specimen and a positive control. respectively. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage. PCNA labeling index for cyto-proliferation and a TUNEL(deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end-labeling) assay for cell apoptosis. Results : While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Lygodium japonicum showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in the Lygodium japonicum group over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelio-stromal ratio was lower in the Lygodiutn japonicum group when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). Although there was no difference in PCNA and TUNEL positive cells of the glandular epithelia. we found an decreased number of PCNA positive cell and concurrent increase of TUNEL positive cells in the stroma of Lygodium japonicum treated rats (P<0.01). Conclusions : These findings suggest that Lygodium japonicum may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with suppression of cyto-proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. We concluded that Lygodium japonicum could be a useful remedy agents for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.532-539
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• 2014

Peripheral neuropathy induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy is not only difficult to distinguish in clinical practice, but also difficult to relieve the pain symptoms by analgesics because of the severity of the disease at the later stage. Hence, to explore the mechanisms of HIV-related neuropathy and find new therapeutic options are particularly important for relieving neuropathic pain symptoms of the patients. In the present study, primary cultured embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were used to determine the neurotoxic effects of HIV-gp120 protein and/or antiretroviral drug dideoxycytidine (ddC) and the therapeutic actions of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on gp120- or ddC-induced neurotoxicity. DRG neurons were exposed to gp120 (500 pmol/L), ddC ($50{\mu}mol/L$), gp120 (500 pmol/L) plus ddC ($50{\mu}mol/L$), gp120 (500 pmol/L) plus IGF-1 (20 nmol/L), ddC ($50{\mu}mol/L$) plus IGF-1 (20 nmol/L), gp120 (500 pmol/L) plus ddC ($50{\mu}mol/L$) plus IGF-1 (20 nmol/L), respectively, for 72 hours. The results showed that gp120 and/or ddC caused neurotoxicity of primary cultured DRG neurons. Interestingly, the severity of neurotoxicity induced by gp120 and ddC was different in different subpopulation of DRG neurons. gp120 mainly affected large diameter DRG neurons (> $25{\mu}m$), whereas ddC mainly affected small diameter DRG neurons (${\leq}25{\mu}m$). IGF-1 could reverse the neurotoxicity induced by gp120 and/or ddC on small, but not large, DRG neurons. These data provide new insights in elucidating the pathogenesis of HIV infection- or antiretroviral therapy-related peripheral neuropathy and facilitating the development of novel treatment strategies.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.437-442
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• 2020

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is critical for host defense as well as the progression of inflammatory diseases through the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which is cleaved by active caspase-1. It has been reported that overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the development and pathology of acne vulgaris. Therefore, inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may provide a new therapeutic strategy for acne vulgaris. In this study, we investigated whether auranofin, an anti-rheumatoid arthritis agent, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby effectively treating acne vulgaris. Auranofin suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by Propionibacterium acnes, reducing the production of IL-1β in primary mouse macrophages and human sebocytes. In a P. acnes-induced acne mouse model, injection of P. acnes into the ears of mice induced acne symptoms such as redness, swelling, and neutrophil infiltration. Topical application of auranofin (0.5 or 1%) to mouse ears significantly reduced the inflammatory symptoms of acne vulgaris induced by P. acnes injection. Topical application of auranofin led to the downregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome activated by P. acnes in mouse ear skin. These results show that auranofin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, the activation of which is associated with acne symptoms. The results further suggest that topical application of auranofin could be a new therapeutic strategy for treating acne vulgaris by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 1999

Purpose: Proliferation of bile duct-like structures and fibrosis is a hepatic cellular reaction observed in most forms of human liver disease and in a variety of experimental conditions associated with liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the activation of Ito cells and bile duct proliferation in the rat after common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Methods: Hepatic morphological abnormalities were examined in rats whose bile ducts had been irreversibly ligated for 15, 21, 24 and 28 days. The liver was examined by immunohistochemical staining for ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin, the known marker of activated Ito cells, and light and electron microscopes. Results: After CBDL, the bile canalicular proliferation and interstitial fibrosis were gradually increased in the periportal areas extended to hepatic sinusoids. Ito cells positive for ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin were frequently observed in the periductular space and in perisinusoidal space of Disse. Ito cells and myofibroblasts were gradually increased in the interstitial fibrosis until the 28th day after CBDL. Ito cells and myofibroblasts had microfilaments with dense body at the periphery of the cell. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Ito cells may be fibroblastic or myogenic. It has also been postulated that during the development of hepatic fibrosis, Ito cells become myofibroblasts or fibroblast like cells.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.122-126
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• 2013

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by impaired transport of cystine and dibasic amino acids in the proximal renal tubule, resulting in the formation of cystine stones. It is believed to account for about 1% of all kidney stones and up to 10% of pediatric stones. Here we report a case of cystinuria with multiple renal stones confirmed by genetic mutational analysis. An 8-month-old girl was admitted to AMC with persistent fever and multiple renal stones. A renal sonogram showed multiple stones at the right renal pelvis, right distal ureter, and left renal medullary portion. An approximately 1 cm renal stone was extracted spontaneously, and stone analysis revealed it to be composed entirely of cystine. Cystinuria was confirmed by increased urine dibasic amino acid levels, including cysteine, and genetic mutational analysis showed the patient to be a homozygote for the pathogenic c. 1820del (p.L607fs) of SLC3A1. Despite treatment with oral hydration and urinary alkalinization, and restricted intake of animal protein, the stones increased in size and number. The patient has since been treated with tiopronin.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.265-274
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• 2016

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous genetic modules that are evolutionally conserved in bacteria and archaea. TA systems composed of an intracellular toxin and its antidote (antitoxin) are currently classified into five types. Commonly, activation of toxins under stress conditions inhibits diverse cellular processes and consequently induces cell death or reversible growth inhibition. These effects of toxins play various physiological roles in such as regulation of gene expression, growth control (stress response), programmed cell arrest, persister cells, programmed cell death, phage protection, stabilization of mobile genetic elements or postsegregational killing of plasmid-free cells. Accordingly, bacterial TA systems are commonly considered as stress-responsive genetic modules. However, molecule screening for activation of toxin in TA system is available as development of antimicrobial agents. In addition, cytotoxic effect induced by toxin is used as effective cloning method with antitoxic effect of antitoxin; consequently cells containing cloning vector inserted a target gene can survive and false-positive transformants are removed. Also, TA system is applicable to efficient single protein production in biotechnology industry because toxins that are site-specific ribonuclease inhibit protein synthesis except for target protein. Furthermore, some TA systems that induce apoptosis in eukaryotic cells such as cancer cells or virus-infected cells would have a wide range of applications in eukaryotes, and it will lead to new ways of treating human disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on bacterial TA systems and their applications.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.57-66
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• 2010

The antioxidant and neuronal cell protective effects of water extract from purple sweet potato were investigated. The total phenolics and monomeric anthocyanin contents of purple sweet potato extract were 44.25 mg/g and 2,394 mg/L, respectively. The antioxidant activities of purple sweet potato extract were evaluated using various antioxidant tests, including 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino- bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power. In these assays, the extract of purple sweet potato presented significant radical scavenging activities, FRAP, and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. MTT {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyl- tetrazoliumbromide} reduction assay showed significantly increase in cell viability when PC12 cells were pretreated with purple sweet potato extract. Because oxidative stress is also known to increase neuronal cell membrane breakdown, we further investigated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neutral red uptake assay. Purple sweet potato extract inhibited oxidative stress-induced membrane damage in neuronal cells. Therefore, these data results demonstrated that water extract of purple sweet potato have antioxidant activity and neuronal cell protective effect thus it has great potential as a natural source for human health.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.25-34
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• 2002

To understand characteristic of preservation of health in Sasang constitutional medicine, 1 first study preservation of health In ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Bogam${\lrcorner}$, and then study preservation of health in the ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Soose Bowon Sasang Chobongyun${\lrcorner}$ particularly Inherent vitality(命脈實數) and Regimen in ordinary life(生息充補之道) which shows early thought of Lee Je-ma. I acquire relation and difference between ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Bogam${\lrcorner}$ and Dongyi Soose Bowon Sasang Chobongyun${\lrcorner}$, and conclude as follows. 1. In preservation of health ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Bogam${\lrcorner}$ says Ups and downs of Qi according to degree, tells congenital health and acquired care of health, grades Jin-In, Ji-In, Seong-In, Hyeon-In according to degree of moral culture, and especially emphasizes managing mind which is based on Taoism. 2. In ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Soose Bowon Sasang Chobongyun${\lrcorner}$ Dongmu divides human being to Sasangin(Taeyangin, Taeumin, Soyangin, Soeumin) according to Large & small of viscera, and regards as determine lift span and rendition of disease & health according to Inherent vitality which is degree of Small viscera. 3. Inherent vitality of Sasangin is supplemented by Regimen in ordinary life. Because Regimen in ordinary life decreases according to age, Dongmu emphasizes managing mind through an autonomic Knowledge Deed to maintain Regimen in ordinary life. 4. In the way of managing mind ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Bogam${\lrcorner}$ says Taoist moral culture, but Dongmu emphasized control of knowledge and Deed by Confucian moral culture and the mind of control others through confucian self-control.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.1041-1047
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• 2021

In this study, the effective dose for frequently general radiography among the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for examinations provided by the government in Korea was evaluated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) simulation tool. We were selected to evaluate for a total of 5 examination sites which included head anterior-posterior, chest (posterior-anterior, lateral), abdomen anterior-posterior and pelvis anterior-posterior. Physical conditions such as tube voltage and tube current used in MCNPX simulation were used in domestic conditions of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). To evaluate domestic medical radiation exposure, we used the HDRK-Man computerized human phantom manufactured based on the international standard ICRP 103 that was applied to the MCNPX simulation. The phantom could represent the standard body shape of Koreans. As a results, the effective dose corresponding to the DRL based on adult males of head anterior-posterior position was 0.086 mSv, chest posterior-anterior position was 0.05 mSv, chest lateral was 0.354 mSv, abdomen anterior-posterior position was 0.548 mSv, and pelvis anterior-posterior position was 0.451 mSv.