• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.31-38
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• 2012

Sophorae Radix (SR) plays a role in a number of physiologic and pharmacologic functions in many organs. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the potential role for transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels in SR-inhibited growth and survival of AGS and MCF-7 cells, the most common human gastric and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods: The AGS and the MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of SR. Analyses of the caspase-3 and - 9 activity, the mitochondrial depolarization and the poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage were conducted to determine if AGS and MCF-7 cell death occured by apoptosis. TRPM7 channel blockers ($Gd^{3+}$ or 2-APB) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used in this study to confirm the role of TRPM7 channels. Furthermore, TRPM7 channels were overexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to identify the role of TRPM7 channels in AGS and MCF-7 cell growth and survival. Results: The addition of SR to a culture medium inhibited AGS and MCF-7 cell growth and survival. Experimental results showed that the caspase-3 and -9 activity, the mitochondrial depolarization, and the degree of PARP cleavage was increased. TRPM7 channel blockade, either by $Gd^{3+}$ or 2-APB or by suppressing TRPM7 expression with small interfering RNA, blocked the SR-induced inhibition of cell growth and survival. Furthermore, TRPM7 channel overexpression in HEK 293 cells exacerbated SR-induced cell death. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SR inhibits the growth and survival of gastric and breast cancer cells due to a blockade of the TRPM7 channel activity. Therefore, TRPM7 channels may play an important role in the survival of patients with gastric and breast cancer.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.526-531
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• 2014

Human PARP family consists of 17 members of which PARP-1 is a prominent member and plays a key role in DNA repair pathways. It has an N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) encompassing the nuclear localisation signal (NLS), central automodification domain and C-terminal catalytic domain. PARP-1 accounts for majority of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymer synthesis that upon binding to numerous proteins including PARP itself modulates their activity. Reduced PARP-1 activity in ageing human samples and its deficiency leading to telomere shortening has been reported. Hence for cell survival, maintenance of genomic integrity and longevity presence of intact PARP-1 in the nucleus is paramount. Although localisation of full-length and truncated PARP-1 in PARP-1 proficient cells is well documented, subcellular distribution of PARP-1 fragments in the absence of endogenous PARP-1 is not known. Here we report the differential localisation of PARP-1 Nterminal fragment encompassing NLS in PARP-$1^{+/+}$ and PARP-$1^{-/-}$ mouse embryo fibroblasts by live imaging of cells transiently expressing EGFP tagged fragment. In PARP-$1^{+/+}$ cells the fragment localises to the nuclei presenting a granular pattern. Furthermore, it is densely packaged in the midsections of the nucleus. In contrast, the fragment localises exclusively to the cytoplasm in PARP-$1^{-/-}$ cells. Flourescence intensity analysis further confirmed this observation indicating that the N-terminal fragment requires endogenous PARP-1 for its nuclear transport. Our study illustrates the trafficking role of PARP-1 independently of its enzymatic activity and highlights the possibility that full-length PARP-1 may play a key role in the nuclear transport of its siblings and other molecules.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.101-118
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• 2002

This study focuses on the ideas that Chok-Du-Ri(족두리)ㆍHwa-Gwan(화관) are mentioned a substitute preventing abuses of luxury mood by Gache(가채) as the sharpest social problem at that time. First, the origin of Chok-Du-Ri(족두리) was introduced from Ko-Ko-Gwan(고고관) of Mongo(몽고) in Korea dynasty, then was linked to Chosun. That is, Ko-Ko(고고) started from headgear reflecting spiritual view of the northen people, its size was getting smaller passing through Ming(명) dynasty, its essential decoration changed and it carried out Jeon-Ja(전자) remaining decoration nature by real accessories, then it might be descended to Chosun. Second, Hwa-Gwan(화관) is very different from Nanaec(난액) of Chosun Dynasty Records, rather Jeonia, the original form of Chok-Du-Ri, is more similar to it. Third, its decoration like color, jewel, pattern etc influenced wishes of this life like sex, prosperity, glory, longevity, blessing, wealth and fame. Fourth, Chok-Du-Ri(족두리) was restored a substitute for Gache(가채), it was accessory for preventing luxury life, besides it was modeled from headgear in China, Chosun people had it. It is worthwhile as it was based on Chosun Sinocentrism(조선중화주의) in the latter period of Chosun and made it the fruit of that age. Moreover, in those days Qing(청) society accepted the advanced culture and institutional profit of Qing(청) actually, social mood is that home and overseas policy was corrected in many parts, Chok-Du-RiㆍHwa-Gwan were mentioned a substitute of Gache, symbol of luxury. It shows one part of Practical Thougth that abolishes vanity and affectation and makes useful profits in the latter period of Chosun.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.135-155
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• 2005

'Healthy Japan 21' is a new health policy that has been proposed for the 21st century: it embodies a totally new concept for its viewpoints and methods. To start with, for its goal, the focus is placed on the 'quality of life' or a life that is free of diseases, rather than mere prolongation of life. For its doctrine, the emphasis has shifted dramatically from improving the health of the entire population(the traditional approach for health improvement) to 'achieving an ideal health status for each individual. The ultimate aged society that arrives first in Japan is a society in its ultimate form for human being. Why did Japan become westernized, giving up her traditional culture? Why did she go through industrialization, sacrificing her nature? And why does she try so hard to industrialize the developing countries? These efforts are all preparation for the arrival of a ultimate aged society. During the 20th century, we believed in unlimited possibilities and expanded our social frontier. In the 21st century, on the other hand, a super-aged society(the ultimate society), a glimpse of which we have witnessed from time to time, will descend on us sooner or later. It is expected to arrive first in Japan. 'Healthy Japan 21' is intended to prepare for the arrival of the hitherto unheard of super-aged society by building the physiological basis of people. This policy is social experimentation on an immense social scale, in which questions are posed on the understanding of health, the relationship between individuals and society, the relationship between administration and citizens, the manner by which central and local governments operate, and the new relationship between prevention and therapy, 'Healthy Japan 21' may be summarized as an experiment on a huge scale directed to the ultimate form of human society, in which Japan and each of her citizens play a role and set an example for the rest of the world. Even just by considering various approaches newly suggested for this venture, one may be convinced that it is a policy with features suitable for a country that has already achieved the world's highest longevity.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.259-264
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• 2019

Social requirements are needed for living in an aging society and individual longevity. Among them, improved health and medical cares, appropriate for an aging society are strongly demanded. Human cord blood-derived plasma (hUCP) has recently emerged for its unique anti-aging effects. In this study, we investigated brain rejuvenation, particularly olfactory function, that could be achieved by a systemic administration of young blood and its underlying mechanisms. Older than 24-month-old mice were used as an aged group and administered with intravenous injection of hUCP repetitively, eight times. Anti-aging effect of hUCP on olfactory function was evaluated by buried food finding test. To investigate the mode of action of hUCP, brain, serum and spleen of mice were collected for further ex vivo analyses. Systemic injection of hUCP improved aging-associated olfactory deficits, reducing time for finding food. In the brain, although an infiltration of activated microglia and its expression of cathepsin S remarkably decreased, significant changes of proinflammatory factors were not detected. Conversely, peripheral immune balance distinctly switched from predominance of Type 1 helper T (Th1) cells to alternative regulatory T cells (Tregs). These findings indicate that systemic administration of hUCP attenuates age-related neuroinflammation and subsequent olfactory dysfunction by modulating peripheral immune balance toward Treg cells, suggesting another therapeutic function and mechanism of hUCP administration.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.455-476
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to develop Jiangxi Nuo masks using 3D digital fashion design technology and suggest various ways to utilize traditional culture based on the characteristics of Nuo masks, a traditional Chinese artifact of intangible cultural significance. The researchers conducted a literature review to gather information about Nuo culture and masks that could represent Jiangxi. Features of the masks were analyzed and classified. The result are as follows. First, the symbolic characteristics of Jiangxi's Nuo masks can be divided into those based on their origin and history, the user's social status, and the notions of primitive beliefs of the chosen people, such as naturism and totemism. Second, Nuo masks' splendid decorations convey meanings such as luck, the bixie, longevity, wealth, and peace in the family. Third, playfulness in mask-making is about dismantling the original form of the mask, re-creating it through application. Fourth, the masks express primitiveness mostly by conserving the wood's original color or material. The initial masks carved to represent images of figures aptly deliver the primitive forms and images of Nuo culture. In this study, Nuo masks were developed and produced using the 3D digital technology CLO 3D by adopting the expressive characteristics and applying design methods such as asymmetricity, exaggeration, and modification. The results of this study demonstrate the possibility of creating diverse as well as economical designs through the reduction of production.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.47-68
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• 2013

Objectives : This research aimed to develop a new etiologic classification for traditional Korean Medicine in order to respond to the social and environmental change. Methods : We reviewed the existing theories on etiological classification for East Asian Medicine thoroughly and discussed the problems and limitations. Based on the experts' consensus, we abstracted disease factors and etiologic items. Results : The disease factors are classified into three parts: the human body, the environment, and the interaction between the human body and the environment. We defined them as the inner factor, the external factor, and the interaction between the inner and the external factors. The inner factor is free from the influence of the environment, and it causes diseases solely from the components of the human body. It is divided into genetic factors. The external factor is defined as a case when a disease occurs due to a factor outside the human body and includes external injuries, environmental pollution, and natural disasters. The interaction between the inner and the external factors is a disease factor that causes diseases by the interaction of the human body and the environment and includes emotions, habits, and social environment. As a result of the analysis, it was possible to see the meanings at a single glance as the scattered and fractional meanings were integrated with focus on medicinal herbs, but the increasing number of analyzed medicinal herbs tended to more and more complicate their relationships, thus, requiring additional work like filtering. Conclusions : The new etiologic classification of Korean Medicine fully reflects the perspectives on life in Korean Medicine while embracing the changes in modem society. Also, by avoiding the usage of ambivalent terms and wrong classification methods, the new classification system constructs intuitive and concise etiology and improves usability in clinical medicine.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.766-783
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• 2006

This study describes philosophical background regarding '虛' in oriental medicine in an effort to understand the relationships among some of the Eastern philosophy in accordance with differentiated meanings in several resources by analyzing examples of '虛' in Huang Di Nei Jing. The various usages of '虛' used in Huang Di Nei Jing are as follows: naming; condition of pulse; emptiness; '太虛' which was referred universal space by Chinese ; insufficiency, lack or scarcity, deficiency ; and the description of vitality, mental faculties. 外丹修煉(training by external substances) had the attitude do that withdraw the death by taking external materials. The meaning of '虛'in 外丹修煉 is similar to that in oriental medicine in terms of deficiency. That is, both 外丹修煉 and the oriental medicine consider that the death and disease are caused by the deficiency of something. However, there also exists difference between 外丹修煉 and the oriental medicine. 外丹修煉 supplements through withdrawal prohibition due to the characteristic of unchangeability and stern or immortal while oriental medicine provides concrete object of deficiency. 精(essence of life), 氣(ki, functional activity), and fe(vitality) not only have been considered as basic component of human body, but they also have been an important subject of health preservation for longevity with health in Taoism and oriental medicine. In oriental medicine, 精 and 氣 have been perceived as physical basis of human body and 神 as controller. 內丹修煉(Training of internal active substances) 掠nds to return to '虛', the early state of life through individual training, and attempts to withdraw death through continuous recurrence. The oriental medicine and 內丹修煉 held great value of 神 among health preservation of 精, 氣, and 神. They seek theoretical basis from philosophical Taoism. However, '虛' in Taoism is different from that in training by internal substances and oriental medicine: '虛' in philosophical Taoism has metaphysical concept which refers overcome of life and death, but '虛' in 內丹修煉 and oriental medicine have empirical concept. '太虛' is considered as formless space where it is emp Dut filled with 氣. It is conceptualized with the premise of the relevant adaptation of human body to natural environment theory referring that the interaction between the heaven and the earth makes changes; all creation is originated , and human is affected by the interaction of the heaven and the earth. Furthermore, in $\ulcorner$運氣七篇$\lrcorner$ (Seven chapters described about the five circuit phases and the six atmospheric influences), the expression that the earth is in the center of '太虛' and huge amount of 氣 supports it proves that $\ulcorner$運氣七篇$\lrcorner$ adapts '渾天設'(Chaotic universe thee). In Taoism, '虛' is the grounds where all creation is generated in the optimal condition of Tao. As regards the aspect of mentality, it is the condition in which one can free from the dualistic concepts such as right and wrong, beauty and ugliness, life and death, and so on. Although the ultimate goal of oriental medicine, the achievement of longevity without sickness, might contrast with the Taoist belief that perceives life and death as the natural phenomena or the flowing of the 氣, and eliminates all international, the idea of Taoism that one should live substantial life with naivety, and make Harmony with the nature might be influential to the oriental medicine.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.926-936
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• 2003

Overexpression of human Bcl-2 protein in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells producing humanized antibody (SH2-0.32) considerably suppressed sodium butyrate (NaBu)-induced apoptosis during batch culture by using commercially available serum-free medium, which extended the culture longevity. Due to the extended culture longevity provided by the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 overexpression, the final antibody concentration of 14C6-bcl-2 culture (Bcl-2 high producer, $23\;\mu\textrm{g}\;ml^{-1}$) was 2 times higher than that of the $SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$ culture (cells transfected with bcl-2-deficient plasmid, $10.5\;\mu\textrm{g}\;ml^{-1}$) in the presence of NaBu. To determine the effect of NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression on the molecular integrity of protein products, antibodies purified from 14C6-bcl-2 and $SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$ cultures in the presence of NaBu were characterized by using various molecular assay systems. For comparison, antibody purified from the parental rCHO cell culture (SH2-0.32) in the absence of NaBu was also characterized. No significant changes in molecular weight of antibodies could be observed by SDS-PAGE. From GlycoSep-N column analysis, it was found that the core oligosaccharide structure ($GlcNAc_2Man_3GlcNAc_2$) was not affected by NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression, while the microheterogeneity of N-linked oligosaccharide structure was slightly affected. Compared with the antibody produced in the absence of NaBu, the proportion of neutral oligosaccharides was increased from 10% (14C6-bcl-2) to 16% ($SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$) in the presence of NaBu, which was accompanied by the reduced proportion of acidic oligosaccharides, especially of monosialylated and disialylated forms. The changes in microheterogeneous oligoformal structures of antibody in turn affected the mobility of antibody isoforms in isoelectric focusing (IEF), resulting in the occurrence of some more basic antibody isoforms produced in the presence of NaBu. However, the antigen-antibody binding properties were not changed by alteration of glycosylation pattern. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the antibody produced by NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression maintained its antigen-antibody binding properties with binding affinity of about $2.5{\times}10^9{\;}M^{-1}$. Taken together, no significant effects of NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression on the molecular integrity of antibodies, produced by using serum-free medium, could be observed by the molecular assay systems.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2009

Objectives: To determinate the optimal culture condition to maintain lifespan in human sperm, we evaluated the effect of different temperature on sperm motility and viability up to 5 days in normal specimens. Methods: Ejaculated semen samples with normal semen parameters were gently washed in HEPES buffered Tyrod's-Albumin-Lactate-Pyruvate (HTALP) media. Each 5 ml of HTALP + 0.3% albumin with $1{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml was incubated for 5 days in $37^{\circ}C$, $22^{\circ}C$, and $4^{\circ}C$. The sperm motility and kinematics were analyzed using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), membrane integrity was assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), and capacitation status was evaluated by chlorotetracycline (CTC) fluorescence pattern. Each parameter was measured on day 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Results: The motility, viability and live/uncapacitated pattern were demonstrated significantly in temperature- and time-dependent difference (p<0.05). While the sperm cultured for 1 day in each temperature was not significantly different, the sperm cell kept in $22^{\circ}C$ after 3 days were preserved sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, and F pattern better than in other culture temperatures. Conclusions: HTALP can be used a basic medium for culture and longevity preservation, and sperm cell kept at $22^{\circ}C$ is beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques.