• 한국군사과학기술학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.218-224
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• 2013

Organophosphorus compounds are irreversible inhibitors of cholinesterase enzyme. Exposure causes a progression of toxic signs, including hypersecretion, tremor, convulsion, respiratory distress, epileptiform seizure, brain injuries and death. To protect brain injuries, administration of diazepam as a neuroprotectant is now considered essential for severely exposed nerve agent casualties. However, studies have shown diazepam to provide less than total protection against the neuropathological consequences of nerve agent exposure. In this context, extensive studies have been carried out to find out effective alternative drugs to protect brain from epileptiform seizures induced by organophosphate compounds intoxication. It has been reported that a combination of carbamate and anticholinergic or antiglutamatergic can be a very effective medical countermeasure in dealing with the threat of organophosphorous poisoning. In this study, experimental animals including rats and guinea pigs were implanted with microelectrodes on their brain sculls, and treated with various centrally acting drugs such as physostigmine and procyclidine prior to soman challenge, and then its electroencephalography(ECoG) was monitored to see anticonvulsant effects of the drugs. It was found that seizure activities in ECoG were not always in proportion to clinical signs induced by soman intoxication, and that combinative pretreatment with physostigmine plus procyclidine effectively stopped the seizures induced by organophosphorous poisoning.

• 한국운동역학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

In volleyball, the most common injuries are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. For this reason, volleyball players frequently use knee brace as prophylactic and rehabilitation measures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knee brace on anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors during spike take off in female volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players were recruited and performed randomly spike take off with and without knee brace. Kinematics and ground reaction data were collected to estimate the anterior cruciate ligament injuries risk factors. The ACL risk factors are knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle, shank maximum external rotation angle, knee maximum extension moment and knee maximum abduction moment. Data were analyzed with paired samples t-test with Bonfferoni collection. Female volleyball players with knee brace had no significant results in knee maximum flexion angle, thigh maximum adduction angle, thigh maximum internal rotation angle, shank maximum abduction angle and shank maximum external rotation angle compare to without knee brace. Female volleyball players, however, with knee brace showed more reduced knee maximum extension moment and knee maximal abduction moment than without knee brace. In conclusion, Female volleyball players with knee brace reduced anterior cruciate ligament stress.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.264-270
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• 2001

The effects of leaf extracts of 14 different non-host plant species on in vitro conidial germination of Phaeoisariopsis personata, the causal organism of late leaf spot(LLS) of groundnut were evaluated. Aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Datura metel, Lawsonia inermis and aqueous leaf extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus at 25%(w/v) concentration completely inhibited the conidial germination of P. personata both at 24h and 48h after incubation. Aqueous leaf extracts of Blumea bifoliata, Eucalyptus globules, Ocimum sanctum and Pongamia pinnata, and ethanol leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and S. indicus inhibited the conidial germination by >90%. Aqueous and ethanol leaf extract of L. inermis and S. indicus were highly inhibitory to conidial germination up to 1% concentration. Aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of D. metel and ethanol leaf extract of A. indica were highly inhibitory to P. personata even at 0.01% (100 ppm) concentration. Ethanol leaf extract of A. indica up to $80^{\circ}$, aqueous leaf extracts of D. metel and S. indicus up to $100^{\circ}$, and L. inermis up to $60^{\circ}$, were highly stable and retained their fungitoxic effects. Extract of D. metel was antifungal even after 180 days when it was stored both at room temperature and $4^{\circ}$. Aqueous leaf extract of D. metel at 2% concentration effectively reduced the development of LLS by >60%, under greenhouse conditions both in prophylactic and simultaneous applications. Extracts of D. metel could be a potential economical and an eco-frendly alternative for control of late leaf spot, and its efficacy under field conditions is further being evaluated.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.147-154
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• 2013

To control coccidiosis without using prophylactic medications, a DNA vaccine targeting the gametophyte antigen Gam56 from Eimeria maxima in chickens was constructed, and the immunogenicity and protective effects were evaluated. The ORF of Gam56 gene was cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(zeo)+. Expression of Gam56 protein in COS-7 cells transfected with recombinant plasmid pcDNA-Gam56 was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The DNA vaccine was injected intramuscularly to yellow feathered broilers of 1-week old at 3 dosages (25, 50, and $100{\mu}g/chick$). Injection was repeated once 1 week later. One week after the second injection, birds were challenged orally with $5{\times}10^4$ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima, then weighed and killed at day 8 post challenge. Blood samples were collected and examined for specific peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation activity and serum antibody levels. Compared with control groups, the administration of pcDNA-Gam56 vaccine markedly increased the lymphocyte proliferation activity (P<0.05) at day 7 and 14 after the first immunization. The level of lymphocyte proliferation started to decrease on day 21 after the first immunization. A similar trend was seen in specific antibody levels. Among the 3 pcDNA-Gam56 immunized groups, the median dosage group displayed the highest lymphocyte proliferation and antibody levels (P<0.05). The median dosage group had the greatest relative body weight gain (89.7%), and the greatest oocyst shedding reduction (53.7%). These results indicate that median dosage of DNA vaccine had good immunogenicity and immune protection effects, and may be used in field applications for coccidiosis control.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.155-160
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• 2020

Objective: The genes Bcl-2 and Bax play important roles in apoptosis. Many studies have shown that formalin has a strong deleterious effect on male fertility and can induce apoptosis. L-carnitine has been reported to potentially reverse the negative effects of formalin, leading to improved spermatogenesis. In this study, we examined the levels of expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in mice treated with formalin and L-carnitine. Methods: Thirty adult BALB/c mice were categorized into three groups. The mice in the control group (n = 10) were not injected with any substance. The mice in the second group (n = 10) received 10 mg/kg of formalin daily via an intraperitoneal injection, while those in the final group (n = 10) were intraperitoneally injected daily with a dose of 10 mg/kg of formalin and 100 mg/kg of L-carnitine. All mice were kept in isolated cages for 31 days. Results: The expression of Bax was significantly higher in the formalin-treated mice than in the mice of the control group, while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly lower in the formalin-treated mice than in the control mice. Additionally, relative to control mice, Bcl-2 expression increased and Bax expression decreased in the mice administered both formalin and L-carnitine. Conclusion: In this study, L-carnitine was shown to augment Bcl-2 expression and to reduce Bax expression, indicating that this compound may inhibit apoptosis. Due to its positive effects, L-carnitine can be used as a prophylactic treatment for people who routinely come into direct contact with formalin as an occupational hazard.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.93-98
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• 2009

Objective: Although prophylactic antiepileptic drug (AED) use in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common practice, lack of uniform definitions and guidelines for seizures and AEDs rendered this prescription more habitual instead of evidence-based manner. We herein evaluated the incidence and predictive factors of seizure and complications about AED use. Methods: From July 1999 to June 2007, data of a total of 547 patients with aneurysmal SAH who underwent operative treatments were reviewed. For these, the incidence and risk factors of seizures and epilepsy were assessed, in addition to complications of AEDs. Results: Eighty-three patients (15.2%) had at least one seizure following SAH. Forty-three patients (79%) had onset seizures, 34 (6.2%) had perioperative seizures, and 17 (3.1%) had late epilepsy. Younger age (< 40 years), poor clinical grade, thick hemorrhage, acute hydrocephalus, and rebleeding were related to the occurrence of onset seizures. Cortical infarction and thick hemorrhage were independent risk factors for the occurrence of late epilepsy. Onset seizures were not predictive of late epilepsy. Moreover, adverse drug effects were identified in 128 patients (23.4%) with AEDs. Conclusion: Perioperative seizures are not significant predictors for late epilepsy. Instead, initial amount of SAH and surgery-induced cortical damage should be seriously considered as risk factors for late epilepsy. Because AEDs can not prevent early postoperative seizures (< 1 week) and potentially cause unexpected side effects, long-term use should be readjusted in high-risk patients.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.167-174
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• 2011

Acute ischemic stroke results from sudden decrease or loss of blood supply to an area of the brain, resulting in a coinciding loss of neurological function. The antioxidant action of melatonin is an important mechanism among its known effects to protective activity during ischemic/reperfusion injury. The focus of this research, therapeutic efficacy of melatonin on recovery of neurological function following long term treatment in ischemic brain injured rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40; 8 weeks old) were divided into the control group, and MCAo groups (Vehicle, MT7 : MCAo+ melatonin injection at 7:00, MT19 : MCAo+melatonin injection at 19:00, and MT7,19 : MCAo+melatonin injection at 7:00 and 19:00). Rat body weight and neurological function were measured every week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the rats were anesthetized with a mixture of zoletil (40 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) and sacrificed for further analysis. Tissues were then collected for RNA isolation from brain tissue. Also, brain tissues were analyzed by histological procedures. We elucidated that melatonin was not toxic in vital organs. MT7,19 was the most rapidly got back to mild symptom on test of neurological parameter. Also, exogenous melatonin induces both the down-regulation of detrimental genes, such as NOSs and the up-regulation of beneficial gene, including BDNF during long term administration after focal cerebral ischemia. Melatonin treatment reduced the loss of primary motor cortex. Therefore, we suggest that melatonin could be act as prophylactic as well as therapeutic agent for neurorehabilitative intervention.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.11-17
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• 2004

Earlier studies have demonstrated that chromium (Cr) Ⅵ compounds have been shown to be more toxic and carcinogenic than other chromium compounds. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of red ginseng against chromium Ⅵ-induced toxicity and free radical generation. Sixty adult male rats were divided into six equal groups include: control group, group received Cr Ⅵ alone (50 mg/kg b.w.), group treated with Korean ginseng (K. ginseng) alone (20 mg/kg b.w), group treated with Cr Ⅵ for 15 days then received K. ginseng for other 15 days, group treated with Cr Ⅵ and K. ginseng at the same time for 15 days, and group treated with K. ginseng for 15 days then Cr Ⅵ for other 15 days. The results revealed that Cr Ⅵ caused significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, G-GT, urea, creatinine, and acid phosphatase. Whereas, it caused significant decrease in TP, albumin, testosterone, GPX, and SOD indicating a stress for liver, kidney and testes. K. ginseng alone caused significant increase in GPX and SOD activities in healthy animals and this result suggests a prophylactic role for this herb in protection against the damaging impact induced by free radical species. Furthermore, the other biochemical parameters measured after K. ginseng administration were comparable to the control values. Treatment with Cr Ⅵ followed by K. ginseng, Cr Ⅵ and K. ginseng or K. ginseng followed by Cr Ⅵ resulted in significant improvement in all tested parameters towards the normal values of the controls. However, this improvement was pronounced in the group pre-treated with K. ginseng for 15 days before Cr Ⅵ administration. It could be concluded that K. ginseng exhibited a protective action against the toxic effects of Cr Ⅵ and it had the ability to scavenge free radicals resulted from Cr Ⅵ intoxication.

• 고려인삼학회:학술대회논문집
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• 고려인삼학회 2002년도 학술대회지
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• pp.351-365
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• 2002

Earlier studies have demonstrated that chromium (Cr) VI compounds have been shown to be more toxic and carcinogenic than other chromium compounds. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of red ginseng against chromium VI -induced toxicity and free radical generation. Sixty adult male rats were divided into six equal groups include: control group, group received Cr VI alone (50 mg/kg b.w.), group treated with Korean ginseng (K. ginseng) alone (20 mg/kg b.w), group treated with Cr VI for 15 days then received K. ginseng for other 15 days, group treated with Cr VI and K. ginseng at the same time for 15 days, and group treated with K. ginseng for 15 days then Cr VI for other 15 days. The results revealed that Cr VI caused significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, G-GT, urea, creatinine, and acid phosphatase. Whereas, it caused significant decrease in TP, albumin, testosterone, GPX, and SOD indicating a stress for liver, kidney and testes. K. ginseng alone caused significant increase in GPX and SOD activities in healthy animals and this result suggests a prophylactic role for this herb in protection against the damaging impact induced by free radical species. Furthermore, the other biochemical parameters measured after K. ginseng administration were comparable to the control values. Treatment with Cr VI followed by K. ginseng, Cr VI and K. ginseng or K. ginseng followed by Cr VI resulted in significant improvement in all tested parameters towards the normal values of the controls. However, this improvement was pronounced in the group pre-treated with K. ginseng for 15 days before Cr VI administration. It could be concluded that K. ginseng exhibited a protective action against the toxic effects of Cr VI and it had the ability to scavenge free radicals resulted from Cr VI intoxication.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제29권9호
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• pp.1444-1452
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• 2019

The conventional prophylactic vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) efficiently prevent infection with high-risk HPV types, but they do not promote therapeutic effects against cervical cancer. Previously, we developed HPV16 E7-expressing Lactobacillus casei (L. casei-E7) as a therapeutic vaccine candidate for cervical cancer, which induces antitumor therapeutic effects in a TC-1 murine cancer model. To improve the therapeutic effect of L. casei-E7, we performed co-treatment with poly-gamma-glutamic acid (${\gamma}-PGA$), a safe and edible biomaterial naturally secreted by Bacillus subtilis. We investigated their synergistic effect to improve antitumor efficacy in a murine cancer model. The treatment with ${\gamma}-PGA$ did not show in vitro cytotoxicity against TC-1 tumor cells; however, an enhanced innate immune response including activation of dendritic cells was observed. Mice co-administered with ${\gamma}-PGA$ and L. casei-E7 showed significantly suppressed growth of TC-1 tumor cells and an increased survival rate in TC-1 mouse models compared to those of mice vaccinated with L. casei-E7 alone. The administration of ${\gamma}-PGA$ markedly enhanced the activation of natural killer (NK) cells but did not increase the E7-specific cytolytic activity of $CD8^+$ T lymphocytes in mice vaccinated with L. casei-E7. Overall, our results suggest that oral administration of ${\gamma}-PGA$ induces a synergistic antitumor effect in combination with L. casei-E7.