• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.135-140
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• 2005

Objectives : There have been several studies about the quality of acupuncture needle tip recently. We have investigated the condition of the tip of the acupuncture needles in the last studies. In the former studies, we discovered the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the acupuncture needle tips under the microscope. But, no information was available on those foreign materials' identity. Methods : We have selected 200 needles of 1000 pieces from several companies by randomized methods. And we observed the tip of the 6 needles selected finally at ${\times}1000\;or\;{\times}3000$ magnification and analyzed the components of the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips with a SEM-EDX analyser. Results : We found that the identity of the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips were metallic materials and silicon. For example, A point was composed of Fe(69.78%), Cr(17.71%), Ni(8.11%), Zn(2.04%), Si(1.23%), Mn(1.12%), and B point was composed of Si(66.40%), Fe(26.76%), Cr(6.84%). Conclusion : The results of this study confirm that there is a real possibility of the remaining of metallic materials and silicon in body of patient, after acupuncture treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify our efforts to make needles of good quality and to concentrate on manufacturing process of acupuncture needles completely to be free from danger in acupuncture treatment.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.273-288
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• 2001

Objectives : In order to study the effect of oral administration of Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang against the asthma. Method : Asthma was induced to Balb/c mouse with ovalbumin by using method of Hatfield et al. It was observed the changes numbers and morphology of the mast cells in the trachea, numbers of mucous secretory cell in the bronchus, morphology of the bronchus, ultramicroscopical appearance of surface of trachea and number of cilia and mucous secretory cells by scanning electron microscope. Result : 1. Degranulation and decreasing of the numbers of mast cells were significantly decreased in the Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang extract group as compared with control group. 2. Hypertrophy of mucous membrane of bronchus In the lung, infiltration of inflammatory cells, increasing of mucous secretory cells in the bronchus were significantly decreased in the Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang extract group as compared with control group. 3. Shedding, decreasing of cilia cells and increasing of mucous secretory cells in the surface of the trachea were significantly decreased in the Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang extract group as compared with control group. Conclusion : It is considered that Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang has somewhat favorable effects on the asthma because the asthma specific series of abnormalities in respiratory system were decreased after oral administration of Jungcheonhwadamgangki-tang in this study. In future, it is needed that the toxicological and dosage specific study of Jungcheonwhadamgangki-tang to use against bronchial asthma with safe.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.34-40
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• 2012

Objectives: The aim was to confirm the stem cell-like properties of the dental pulp stromal cells and to evaluate the morphologic changes during in vitro chondrogenesis. Materials and Methods: Stromal cells were outgrown from the dental pulp tissue of the premolars. Surface markers were investigated and cell proliferation rate was compared to other mesenchymal stem cells. Multipotency of the pulp cells was confirmed by inducing osteogenesis, adipogenesis and chondrogenesis. The morphologic changes in the chondrogenic pellet during the 21 day of induction were evaluated under light microscope and transmission electron microscope. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate apoptosis within the chondrogenic pellets. Results: Pulp cells were CD90, 105 positive and CD31, 34 negative. They showed similar proliferation rate to other stem cells. Pulp cells differentiated to osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic tissues. During chondrogenesis, 3-dimensional pellet was created with multi-layers, hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells and cartilage-like extracellular matrix. However, cell morphology became irregular and apoptotic cells were increased after 7 day of chondrogenic induction. Conclusions: Pulp cells indicated mesenchymal stem cell-like characteristics. During the in vitro chondrogenesis, cellular activity was superior during the earlier phase (within 7 day) of differentiation.

• 대한치과의사협회지
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.206-216
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• 2016

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of xanthorrhizol (XTZ) on E. faecalis, compared with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). Materials and Methods Normal physiological state (NS), starvation state (SS), and alkalization state (AS) of E. faecalis were used. A solution containing 1% XTZ in 30% ethanol, 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 100 mg/ml sodium methyl cocoyl taurate was used and is referred to as Xan in this study. To determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Xan and CHX, $500{\mu}l$ of E. faecalis (NS and two stress states) was added to a microtube containing $500{\mu}l$ of serial 2-fold dilutions of 1% Xan and 2% CHX (1:2-1:128). The MBC of each antimicrobial was determined by the plate count method. Results The antibacterial effect of Xan was more effective on E. faecalis in AS than in the other states (NS, SS) at 0.125% Xan and 0.03325% Xan (P<0.05). In contrast, the antibacterial effect of CHX was more effective against E. faecalis in SS than the other states (NS, AS) at 0.0625% CHX (P<0.05). In SS, the antibacterial effect of CHX was more effective than that of Xan at 0.125% and 0.0625% (P<0.05). However, in AS, the antibacterial effect of Xan was more effective than that of CHX at 0.0625% and 0.03325% (P<0.05). Conclusions In endodontic retreatment cases in which it is important to effectively remove E. faecalis from the infected root canal, Xan may be more suitable when combined with NaOCl than CHX.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.111-117
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• 2017

Objectives: Periapical lesions, including periapical cyst (PC), periapical granuloma (PG), and periapical abscess (PA), are frequently affected by chemical/physical damage during root canal treatment or severe bacterial infection, and thus, the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions may be difficult due to the presence of severe inflammatory reaction. The aim of this study was to make differential diagnosis among PC, PG, and PA under polarizing microscope. Materials and Methods: The collagen birefringence patterns of 319 cases of PC (n = 122), PG (n = 158), and PA (n = 39) obtained using a polarizing microscope were compared. In addition, 6 cases of periodontal fibroma (PF) were used as positive controls. Results: Collagen birefringence was condensed with a thick, linear band-like pattern in PC, but was short and irregularly scattered in PG, and scarce or absent in PA. PF showed intense collagen birefringence with a short, palisading pattern but no continuous band-like pattern. The linear band-like birefringence in PC was ascribed to pre-existing expansile tensile stress of the cyst wall. Conclusions: In this study all PCs (n = 122) were distinguishable from PGs and PAs by their characteristic birefringence, despite the absence of lining epithelium (n = 20). Therefore, the authors suggest that the presence of linear band-like collagen birefringence of the cyst wall aids the diagnostic differentiation of PC from PG and PA.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.149-154
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• 2015

Objectives: This study evaluated the penetration depth of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) into root dentinal tubules and the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Twenty freshly extracted anterior teeth were decoronated and instrumented using Mtwo rotary files up to size 40, 4% taper. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10), that is, conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) and PUI. CHX was mixed with Rhodamine B dye and was used as the final irrigant. The teeth were sectioned at coronal, middle and apical levels and viewed under CLSM to record the penetration depth of CHX. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The mean penetration depths of 2% CHX in coronal, middle and apical thirds were $138{\mu}m$, $80{\mu}m$ and $44{\mu}m$ in CSI group, respectively, whereas the mean penetration depths were $209{\mu}m$, $138{\mu}m$ and $72{\mu}m$ respectively in PUI group. Statistically significant difference was present between CSI group and PUI group at all three levels (p < 0.01 for coronal third and p < 0.001 for middle and apical thirds). On intragroup analysis, both groups showed statistically significant difference among three levels (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Penetration depth of 2% CHX into root dentinal tubules is deeper in coronal third when compared to middle and apical third. PUI aided in deeper penetration of 2% CHX into dentinal tubules when compared to conventional syringe irrigation at all three levels.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.119-127
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• 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify concentration characteristics of indoor and outdoor airborne total fiber particles and asbestos in Gyeongnam Provinces. Methods: This study investigated concentration characteristics of indoor fiber particles from 748 schools and 38 public facilities as well as outdoor particles from 11 sites through PCM (phase contrast microscope). SEM/EDX (scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive using X-ray analysis) was used to obtain physicochemical information of asbestos fiber particles. The study identified asbestos rate in the 15 samples from indoor and outdoor airborne total fiber particles. Results: 1. The average indoor airborne concentrations of total fiber particles were $0.0011{\pm}0007$ f/cc in schools and $0.0015{\pm}0007$ f/cc in public facilities by PCM. Over 90% of the fiber particles were identified as single fibers. 2. The average outdoor airborne concentrations of total fiber particles were $0.0007{\pm}0002$ f/cc, and they were lower than those of indoor airborne concentrations. 3. The results showed that the form of asbestiform was diverse as skein of thread like form and long needle, which was relatively narrower than that of glass fiber and rock wool. 4. The results of SEM/EDX analysis of 15 areas where total fiber particle was relatively high showed that the form was rather similar to that of asbestos, but chemical composition was proven to be non-asbestos. Conclusions: The concentration of indoor and outdoor airborne total fiber particles of Gyeongnam Provinces satisfied the IAQ (Indoor air quality) level of 0.01 f/cc and asbestos was not found in most of the samples by SEM/EDX.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.224-234
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• 2012

Objectives: To assess the hazard of Korea chrysotile and anthophylite, fibers were analyzed for their physicochemical properties by transmission electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDS). Methods: To evaluate the biopersistence of 2 domestic asbestos, Sprague-Dawely rats were exposed to 2 mg asbestos by intratracheal instillation. Each asbestos (chrysotile ; $8,814,244{\times}10^6$ fibers/mg, average size $0.08{\mu}m{\times}4.39{\mu}m$, anthophyllite ; $5,182{\times}10^6$ fibers/mg, average size $0.95{\mu}m{\times}7.29{\mu}m$) were evaluated after a single intratracheal instillation. At times from 1 week to 4 weeks after exposure, the numbers of asbestos fivers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in the lung were calculated. Results: Anthophyllite fivers continuously have retained for 4 weeks but chrysotile fivers were rarely found at 4 weeks after exposure in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Chrysotile fivers at 4 weeks after treatment were not observed but anthophyllite was easily observed in the lung with phase contrast microscopy. According to electron microscopic observation of asbestos in the lung, within 1 week after the administration of chrysotile fivers were decreased rapidly but anthophyllite fivers were very little change for 4 weeks. When chrysotile fivers have been lost Fe in 1 week, there were no significant changes in anthophyllite fivers in the lung. Conclusions: These findings indicate that after a long time exposure to chrysotile, asbestos bodies can not be found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.26-32
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It has been shown that vitamin A supplementation has different effects on skeletal health and the antioxidant system. Deficiency or excess of this vitamin can lead to health problems. Vitamin A can work as either an antioxidant or prooxidant depending on its concentration. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different doses of vitamin A supplementation on the antioxidant system in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Forty Spargue-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups according to the dose of vitamin A received: 0 (A0), 4,000 (A1), 8,000 (A2), and 20,000 (A3) IU retinyl palmitate/kg diet. After a feeding period of 4 wks, lipid peroxide levels, glutathione concentration, antioxidant enzyme activities, and vitamins A and E concentrations were measured. Histopathological changes were observed in rat liver tissue using an optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Lipid peroxide levels in plasma were significantly decreased in the A1 and A2 groups compared to the A0 rats. Erythrocyte catalase and hepatic superoxide dismutase activities of the A2 group were significantly higher than those of the A0 group. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in the A3 group compared to the other groups. Total glutathione concentrations were significantly higher in the A1 and A2 groups than in the A0 group. Histological examination of liver tissue showed that excessive supplementation of vitamin A might lead to lipid droplet accumulation and nuclear membrane deformation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that appropriate supplementation of vitamin A might have a beneficial effect on the antioxidant system in rats.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2018

Objectives : The roots of Dipsacus asper had been used as the herbal medicine "Cheon-Sokdan" in Korea. Moreover, the roots of Phlomoides umbrosa were used as "Han-Sokdan." In the present study, a comparative anatomical comparison of Cheon-Sokdan, Han-Sokdan, and Ilbon-Sokdan were conducted, because Ilbon-Sokdan, the roots of Dipsacus japonicus, was regarded as substitute of Cheon-Sokdan. Methods : For this study, permanent preparations were made using a paraffin embedding method. Anatomical features of these three Sokdans were observed using a light microscope. Results : The starch grains of parenchyma cells and the amounts of calcium oxalate crystals hardly differed among the three plants. Particularly, the longitudinally-sectioned vessels of the three plants showed a wide variety depending on the focal depth of the light microscope. Therefore, these features could not be considered as obligate criteria for distinguishing these plants. The shape of the xylem was linear in Cheon-Sokdan and Ilbon-Sokdan, whereas that in Han-Sokdan was wedge-shaped. The phloem of Cheon-Sokdan and Ilbon-Sokdan were rhomboid, whereas that of Han-Sokdan was thimble-like. Therefore, the shape of xylem and phloem appeared as good criteria for distinguishing Han-Sokdan from the other plants studied. Cheon-Sokdan and Ilbon-Sokdan showed characteristics similar in many parts. However, in the xylem of Ilbon-Sokdan, fiber bundles were more developed than those of Cheon-Sokdan. Therefore, the development of fiber bundles in xylem was considered suitable for distinguishing between Cheon-Sokdan and Ilbon-Sokdan. Conclusions : The identification-keys established in this study would be helpful for identifying microscopic features among the three Sokdans.