• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2019

Objective: For knee osteoarthritis (OA), there is a demand for alternative modalities in order to delay surgery and to avoid the side effects of medications. This study compared the effects of applying seaweed pack and mudpack for the treatment of knee OA. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-five patients with knee OA who satisfied the criteria were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment method: mudpack (n=12) and seaweed pack (n=13). The two groups were treated for 20 minutes, twice a day for five continuous days at the Ocean Healing Center at Wando Island, South Korea. Participants were assessed by clinical scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey) and lab results (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1], tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ [$TNF-{\alpha}$]) during the follow-up period. Results: For the most part, clinical scores improved after therapy and maintained improvements for four weeks in both groups (p<0.05). In the seaweed group, $TNF-{\alpha}$ was significantly decreased at two weeks post-therapy (p<0.05). In both groups, IGF-1 was significantly increased immediately post-therapy (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences after therapy between the groups in clinical scores and labs. Conclusions: Seaweed packs and mudpacks had similar positive effects for knee OA. Additionally, the seaweed pack group showed decreased levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ at two weeks post-treatment, which may explain the reduced inflammatory reaction. For rehabilitation therapy, use of seaweed packs may serve as an alternative modality for the treatment of knee OA.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.698-702
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• 2021

Yellow head virus (YHV) is a rod-shaped positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, classified into the genus Okavirus, family Roniviridae, and order Nidovirales. In this study, 200 fleshy prawns (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) collected from the vicinity of Narodo in Goheung-gun, Korea, were screened for the presence of yellow head complex viruses and related genotype such as YHV genotype 8. The detection rate of YHV genotype 8 among the 200 fleshy prawns, determined using nested RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reation), was 39.0%. Phylogenetic analysis of the ORF1b gene of YHV showed that eight distinct genetic lineages were detected. The four strains of YHV genotype 8 obtained in this study formed a robust clade with the YHV genotype 8 group that was first isolated from fleshy prawns in China suspected to have acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1115-1122
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• 2021

Rotavirus (RV), as the main cause of diarrhea in children under 5 years, contributes to various childhood diseases. Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a traditional Chinese herb and possesses antiviral effects. In this study we investigated the potential mechanisms of V. jatamansi Jones in RV-induced diarrhea. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation and the diarrhea mice model was constructed using SA11 infection. Mice were administered V. jatamansi Jones and ribavirin. Diarrhea score was used to evaluate the treatment effect. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the level of cytokines. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR were used to determine protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to detect the pathological change of the small intestine. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was conducted to determine the apoptosis rate. The results showed V. jatamansi Jones promoted MA104 proliferation. V. jatamansi Jones downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in protein level, which was consistent with the immunohistochemistry results. Moreover, V. jatamansi Jones combined with ribavirin regulated interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon γ, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-10, and suppressed secretory immunoglobulin A secretion to remove viruses and inhibit dehydration. V. jatamansi Jones + ribavirin facilitated the apoptosis of small intestine cells. In conclusion, V. jatamansi Jones may inhibit RV-induced diarrhea through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and could therefore be a potential therapy for diarrhea.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.243-250
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• 2021

Background: Endodontic sealers or their toxic components may become inflamed and lead to delayed wound healing when in direct contact with periapical tissues over an extended period. Moreover, an overfilled sealer can directly interact with adjacent tissues and may cause immediate necrosis or further resorption. Therefore, the treatment outcome conceivably depends on the endodontic sealer's biocompatibility and osteogenic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the cell viability and osteogenic effects of four different sealers in osteoblastic cells. Methods: AH Plus (resin-based sealer), Pulp Canal Sealer EWT (zinc oxide-eugenol sealer), BioRoot RCS (calcium silicate-based sealer), and Well-Root ST (MTA-based calcium silicate sealer) were mixed strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, and dilutions of sealer extracts (1/2, 1/5 and 1/10) were determined. Cell viability was measured using the water-soluble tetrazolium-8 (WST-8) assay. Differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation by Alizarin Red S staining. Results: The cell viability of the extracts derived from the sealers excluding Well-Root ST was concentration dependent, with sealer extracts having the least viability at a 1/2 dilution. At sealer extract dilution of 1/10, the test groups showed the same survival rate as that control group, with the exception of BioRoot RCS. Among all experimental groups, BioRoot RCS showed the highest cell viability after 48 hours. The ALP activity was significantly higher in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthemore, all four materials promoted ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation compared to the control at 1/10 dilutions. Conclusion: This is the first study to highlight the differences in biological activity of these four materials. These results suggest that the composition of root canal sealers appears to alter the form of biocompatibility and osteoblastic differentiation.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.461-472
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• 2022

Purpose: Golimumab (GLM) is an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody preparation known to be less immunogenic than infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab. Few reports on GLM in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are available. This study aimed to review the long-term durability and safety of GLM in a pediatric center. Methods: The medical records of 17 pediatric patients (eight boys and nine girls) who received GLM at the National Center for Child Health and Development were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The median age at GLM initiation was 13.9 (interquartile range 12.0-16.3) years. Fourteen patients had pancolitis, and 11 had severe disease (pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index ≥65). Ten patients were biologic-naive, and 50% achieved corticosteroid-free remission at week 54. Two patients discontinued prior anti-TNF-α agents because of adverse events during remission. Both showed responses to GLM without unfavorable events through week 54. However, the efficacy of GLM in patients who showed primary nonresponse or loss of response to IFX was limited. Four of the five patients showed non-response at week 54. Patients with severe disease had significantly lower corticosteroid-free remission rate at week 54 than those without severe disease. No severe adverse events were observed during the study period. Conclusion: GLM appears to be safe and useful for pediatric patients with UC. Patients with mild to moderate disease who responded to but had some adverse events with prior biologics may be good candidates for GLM. Its safety and low immunogenicity profile serve as favorable options for selected children with UC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2022

Background: Spread through air spaces (STAS) has recently emerged as a prognostic factor in lung adenocarcinoma, but little is known about the association of STAS and its grade with recurrence in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study investigated the prognostic effect of STAS grade in NETs after curative resection. Methods: Seventy-seven patients were retrospectively reviewed, including 9 with typical carcinoid (TC), 6 with atypical carcinoid (AC), 26 with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), and 36 with small cell carcinoma (SCC). STAS was defined as the presence of floating tumor cells within air spaces in the lung parenchyma beyond the edge of the main tumor. STAS was classified as grade 1 or 2 depending on whether it was found within or beyond one ×10 objective lens field away from the main tumor margin, respectively. Results: Fifty-four patients (70%) had STAS, including 22% with TC, 50% with AC, 69% with LCNEC, and 86% with SCC. Patients with STAS had more nodal metastasis, lymphatic and vascular invasion, tumor necrosis, and tumor subtypes other than TC. Among STAS cases, grade 2 STAS was present in 33% of AC, 78% of LCNEC, and 87% of SCC. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 81%, 63%, and 35% in patients with no STAS, grade 1, and grade 2 STAS, respectively. Multivariate analysis found that grade 2 STAS was an independent negative prognostic factor for RFS. Conclusion: Although STAS itself was not associated with a poor prognosis, grade 2 STAS was an independent negative prognostic factor for RFS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.45-53
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of the study is to test the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of BPH, which is composed of Pini Densiflorae Nodi Lignum and Querci Acutissimae Fructus, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Angelicae Tenuissimae Radix. Method : Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of BPH on Propionibacterium acnes, one of anaerobic bacteria species were evaluated by measuring the levels of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) elimination and lipid peroxidation. Result : When BPH was applied to CCD-986sk (Human normal fibroblast) to confirm the level of cytokine(tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8), its level increased in proportion to that of BPH's concentration, which indicated dose-dependent relationship. Using the Disk diffusion to measure the bacterial growth inhibition zone varying BPH concentration, it was found that the antibacterial effect of BPH was less than that of erythromycin, the control group, but was higher than that of saline, and it increased with higher concentrations. In a liquid culture medium containing BPH, the growth rate of Propionibacterium acnes was decreased by more than 10% at 25% BPH. After adding P. acnes to THP-1 monocyte, and treated it with BPH, and measuring the concentration of TNF-a and IL-8, it was observed that the amount of TNF-alpha and IL-8 significantly decreased depending on the level of BPH concentration. The ability to eliminate DPPH increased with higher BPH concentration. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was increased by BHT treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : Using Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic bacteria, we confirmed that BPH has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.55-60
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• 2013

Objectives : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by eczematous inflammtion of the skin. The chestnut inner shell extracts (CI) has been used as a cosmetic material for a long time in Korea. However, the precise anti-allergy effects of CI have yet to be clearly elucidated. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effect of CI on mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation. Methods : To find the anti-allergy and inflammatory effect of CI, we investigated the inhibitory effect of CI on the production of inflammatory mediators using by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore (A23187) stimulated-human mast cell (HMC-1). Results : In this study, we found that CI did not show cytotoxic effect at up to 10 ug/ml on HMC-1. CI inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in stimulated HMC-1. Maximal rate of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8 inhibition by CI (10 ug/ml) were about 47.6%, 44.1% and 22.5% respectively. In addition, we showed that Fr.3 isolated from n-Butyl alcohol layer of CI attenuated the production of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8 in HMC-1. Conclusion : Taken together, the findings of this study provide us with a novel insight action of CI as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.42-55
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• 2021

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of marine phytoplankton supplementation (Oceanix®, Tetraselmis chuii) on 1) maximal isometric strength and immune function in healthy humans following a oneweek high-intensity resistance-training program and 2) the proinflammatory cytokine response to exercise in a rat model. [Methods] In the human trial, 22 healthy male and female participants were randomly divided into marine phytoplankton and placebo groups. Following baseline testing, participants underwent a 14-day supplement loading phase before completing five consecutive days of intense resistance training. In the rat model, rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=7 per condition): (i) control, (ii) exercise, (iii) exercise + marine phytoplankton (2.55 mg/kg/day), or (iv) exercise + marine phytoplankton (5.1 mg/kg/day). Rats in the exercising groups performed treadmill exercise 5 days per week for 6 weeks. [Results] In the human model, marine phytoplankton prevented significant declines in the isometric peak rate of force development compared to placebo. Additionally, salivary immunoglobulin A concentration was significantly lower following the resistance training protocol in the placebo group but not in the marine phytoplankton group. Marine phytoplankton in exercising rats decreased intramuscular levels and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and intramuscular concentrations of malondialdehyde. [Conclusion] Marine phytoplankton prevented decrements in indices of functional exercise recovery and immune function. Mechanistically, these outcomes could be prompted by modulating the oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine response to exercise.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2022

Myocardial infarction promotes cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis, thus leading to cardiac dysfunction or heart failure. Peiminine has been regarded as a traditional anti-fibrotic Chinese medicine in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of peiminine in myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis remained elusive. Firstly, rat model of myocardial infarction was established using ligation of the left coronary artery, which were then intraperitoneally injected with 2 or 5 mg/kg peiminine once a day for 4 weeks. Echocardiography and haemodynamic evaluation results showed that peiminine treatment reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and enhanced maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricle pressure (± dP/dt max) and left ventricular systolic pressure, which ameliorate the cardiac function. Secondly, myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and infarct size were also attenuated by peiminine. Moreover, peiminine inhibited myocardial infarction-induced increase of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production, as well as the myocardial cell apoptosis, in the rats. Thirdly, peiminine also decreased the myocardial fibrosis related protein expression including collagen I and collagen III. Lastly, peiminine reduced the expression of p38 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in rat model of myocardial infarction. In conclusion, peiminine has a cardioprotective effect against myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis, which can be attributed to the inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.