• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2023

As a protective defensive mechanism against ultraviolet (UV) light exposure in skin tissue, melanocytes produce the pigment melanin. Tyrosinase plays a key role in melanin production in melanocytes. However, the overproduction of melanin can lead to lesions, such as freckles and dark spots. Thus, it is clinically important to find a modulating molecule to control melanogenesis by regulating tyrosinase expression and/or activity. It is known that catechin, a plant flavonoid, can reduce melano- genesis through the downregulation of tyrosinase expression. Here, we tested whether catechin derivatives isolated from the stem bark of Ulmus parvifolia have an effect on melanin production by regulating tyrosinase in mouse melanoma cells and in vitro mushroom tyrosinase. The catechin derivatives used in this study included C5A, C7A, C7G, and C7X. Treatments using these catechin derivatives reduced melanin production in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells in which melanogenesis was stimulated by α-MSH. Notably, the anti-melanogenic effects of catechin derivatives were similar to those of kojic acid, a well-known anti-melanogenic molecule. Both C5A and C7A directly inhibited the activity of tyrosinase isolated from mushrooms in vitro. Furthermore, our in silico computational simulation showed that these two compounds were expected to bind to the active site of tyrosinase, which is similar to kojic acid. In addition, all four catechin derivatives reduced tyrosinase protein expression. In summary, our results showed that catechin derivatives can reduce melanogenesis by regulating tyrosinase activity or expression. Thus, this study suggests that catechin derivatives isolated from U. parvifolia can be novel modulators of melanin production.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.71-82
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• 2006

One of the most popular pre-reinforcement methods of tunnel heading in cohesionless soils would be the fore-polling of grouted pipes, known as RPUM (reinforced protective umbrella method) or UAM (umbrella arch method). This technique allows safe excavation even in poor ground conditions by creating longitudinal arch parallel to the tunnel axis as the tunnel advances. Some previous studies on the reinforcing effects have been performed using numerical methods and/or laboratory-based small scale model tests. The complexity of boundary conditions imposes difficulties in representing the tunnelling procedure in laboratory tests and theoretical approaches. Full-scale study to identify reinforcing effects of the tunnel heading has rarely been carried out so far. In this study, a large scale model testing for a tunnel in granular soils was performed. Reinforcing patterns considered are four cases, Non-Reinforced, Crown-Reinforced, Crown & Face-Reinforced, and Face-Reinforced. The behavior of ground and pipes as reinforcing member were fully measured as the surcharge pressure applied. The influences of reinforcing pattern, pipe length, and face reinforcement were investigated in terms of stress and displacement. It is revealed that only the Face-Reinforced has decreased sufficiently both vertical settlement in tunnel heading and horizontal displacement on the face. Vertical stresses along the tunnel axis were concentrated in tunnel heading from the test results, so the heading should be reinforced before tunnel advancing. Most of maximum axial forces and bending moments for Crown-reinforced were measured at 0.75D from the face. Also it should be recommended that the minimum length of the pipe is more than l.0D for crown reinforcement.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.34
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• pp.51-60
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose is to evaluate dosimetric performance and delivery efficiency of VMAT with Halcyon LINAC for double target spine SBRT Materials and Methods: 12 patients with spine oligometastases were retrospectively studied. Single-isocenter spine SBRT plans was established using Halcyon® with Dual Layer MLC and Truebeam® with High Definition MLC. All patients' plans were created in Eclipse TPS through the identical conditions and optimization. C.I, H.I, G.I (Gradient Index), maximal and volumetric doses to spinal cord and low dose area were evaluated for comparison of both plans. Also, total MU and BOT(Beam On Time) were evaluated. Results: Halcyon plans was no Statistical differences in C.I and H.I. However, the average of G.I was 4.64 for Halcyon, which decreased to 5.5% compared to Truebeam (P<0.001). Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced G.I. The average of 50% and 25% isodose volume was 487.56 cc (-3.82%, P<0.001), 1859.45 cc (-4.75%, P<0.001) in Halcyon, respectively. Significantly reduced low dose spill were observed in Halcyon plans. In the evaluation of the spinal cord, the average of Dmean and V10 of Halcyon plans in the sample group with an overlap volume of less than 1 cc was 6.802 Gy (-3.504%, P=0.067), 5.766±1.683 cc (-8.199%, P=0.002), respectively. Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced D_mean and V10. For delivery efficiency, MU and BOT(maximum dose rate for each machine), on average, increased in Halcyon plans. However, the average of BOT(800MU/min for each machine) was 648.33 sec for Halcyon (-1.74%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Halcyon plan for double-target spine SBRT demonstrated advantages in the low dose area with a steep dose gradient, while having dosimetrically equivalent target dose distribution and spinal cord protective effect. As a result, Halcyon LINAC produced a dosimetrically improved plan for double-target spine SBRT.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.899-909
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• 2023

In this study, the material scientific characteristics of Hobun pigments used as white inorganic pigment for traditional cultural heritage were identified according to the type of shell and calcination and evaluated the stability of the preservation environment. For the purpose of this, we collected 2 different types of Hobun pigments made by oyster and clam shell and its calcined products(at 1,150℃). Hobun pigments before calcined identified calcium carbonate such as calcite, aragonite but calcination derived changing main composition to portlandite and calcite. Results of FE-SEM showed characteristics microstructure for each shell but pigments after calcined observed porous structure. Porous granule highly caused oil adsorption according to increase specific surface area of pigments. In addition, the whiteness improved after calcined pigments compared to non-calcined pigments, and the color improvement rate of Hobun pigment (CS) which made of clam shell was higher. As a result of the accelerated weathering test, the Hobun pigment-colored specimen had a color difference value of less than 2 after the test, which was difficult to recognize with the naked eye. In particular, the color stability has improved as the color difference value of the Hobun pigment is smaller after calcined compared to before non-calcined pigment. However, it was confirmed that the stability of the painting layer was lower in the specimen after calcined pigment. For antifungal activity test, Aspergillus niger, Tyromyces palustris and Trametes versicolor were used as test fungi, and all pigments were found to have preventive and protective effects against fungi. Especially, the antifungal effect of the calcined pigment was excellent, which is due to the stronger basicity of the pigment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.632-643
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• 2004

Background: The Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution has been shown to provide the excellent myocardial protection as a cardioplegia. The HTK solution has relatively low potassium as an arresting agent of myocardium, and low sodium content, and high. concentration of histidine biological buffer which confer a buffering capacity superior to that of blood.. Since HTK solution has an excellent myocardial protective ability, it is reported to protect myocardium from ischemia for a considerable time (120 minutes) with the single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of HTK solution on myocardium when the ischemia is. exceeding 120 minutes at two different temperature (10 to 12$^{\circ}C$, 22 to 24$^{\circ}C$) using the Langendorff apparatus, Material and Method: Hearts from Sprague-Dawley rat, weighing 300 to 340 g, were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at a perfusion pressure of 100 cm $H_2O$. After the stabilization, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and coronary flow were measured. Single dose of HTK solution was infused into the ascending aorta of isolated rat heart and hearts were preserved at four different conditions. In group 1 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia (10∼12$^{\circ}C$) for 2 hours, in group 2 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia (22∼24$^{\circ}C$) for 2 hours, in group 3 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia for 3 hours, and in group 4 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia for 3 hours. After the completion of the preservation, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure, and coronary flow were measured at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes after the initiation of reperfusion to assess the cardiac function. Biopsies were also done and mitochondrial scores were counted in two cases of each group for ultrastructural assessment. Result: The present study showed that the change of heart rate was not different between group 1 and group 2, and group 1 and group 3. The heart rate was significantly decreased at 15 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p<0.05 by ANCOVA). The heart rate was recovered at 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 with no significant difference compared to that of group 1. The decrease of LVDP was significant at 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p < 0.001 by ANCOVA). Coronary flow was significantly decreased at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p < 0.001 by ANCOVA). In ultrastructural assessment, the mean myocardial mitochondrial scores in group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 were 1.02$\pm$0.29, 1.52$\pm$0.26, 1.56$\pm$0.45, 2.22$\pm$0.44 respectively. Conclusion: The HTK solution provided excellent myocardial protection regardless of myocardial temperature for 2 hours. But, when ischemic time exceeded 2 hours, the myocardial hemodynamic function and ultrastructural changes were significantly deteriorated at moderate hypotherma (22∼ 24$^{\circ}C$). This indicates that it is recommended to decrease myocardial temperature when myocardial ischemic time exceeds 2 hours with single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.423-429
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• 2007

Background: Alveolar recruitment (RM) is one of the primary goals of respiratory care for an acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The purposes of alveolar recruitment are an improvement in pulmonary gas exchange and the protection of atelectrauma. This study examined the effect and safety of the alveolar RM using pressure control ventilation (PCV) in early ALI and ARDS patients. Methods: Sixteen patients with early ALI and ARDS who underwent alveolar RM using PCV were enrolled in this study. The patients data were recorded at the baseline, and 20 minutes, and 60 minutes after alveolar RM, and on the next day after the maneuver. Alveolar RM was performed with an inspiratory pressure of $30cmH_2O$ and a PEEP of $20cmH_2O$ in a 2-minute PCV mode. The venous $O_2$ saturation, central venous pressure, blood pressure, pulse rate, $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio, PEEP, and chest X-ray findings were obtained before and after alveolar RM. Results: Of the 16 patients, 3 had extra-pulmonary ALI/ARDS and the remaining 13 had pulmonary ALI/ARDS. The mean PEEP was 11.3 mmHg, and the mean $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio was 130.3 before RM. The $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio increased by 45% after alveolar RM. The $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio reached a peak 60 minutes after alveolar RM. The Pa$CO_2$ increased by 51.9 mmHg after alveolar RM. The mean blood pressure was not affected by alveolar RM. There were no complications due to pressure injuries such as a pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema. Conclusion: In this study, alveolar RM using PCV improved the level of oxygenation in patients with an acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Moreover, there were no significant complications due to hemodynamic changes and pressure injuries. Therefore, alveolar RM using PCV can be applied easily and safely in clinical practice with lung protective strategy in early ALI and ARDS patients.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.263-278
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• 2004

Ursolic acid (UA) and Oleanolic acid (ONA), known as urson, micromerol and malol, are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds which naturally occur in a large number of vegetarian foods, medicinal herbs, and plants. They may occur in their free acid form or as aglycones for triterpenoid saponins, which are comprised of a triterpenoid aglycone, linked to one or more sugar moieties. Therefore UA and ONA are similar in pharmacological activity. Lately scientific research, which led to the identification of UA and ONA, revealed that several pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperlipidemic could be attributed to UA and ONA. Here, we introduced the effect of UA and ONA on acutely barrier disrupted and normal hairless mouse skin. To evaluate the effects of UA and ONA on epidermal permeability barrier recovery, both flanks of 8-12 week-old hairless mice were topically treated with either 0.01-0.1mg/mL UA or 0.1-1mg/mL ONA after tape stripping, and TEWL (transepidermal water loss) was measured. The recovery rate increased in those UA or ONA treated groups (0.1mg/mL UA and 0.5mg/mL ONA) at 6h more than 20% compared to vehicle treated group (p < 0.05). Here, we introduced the effects of UA and ONA on acute barrier disruption and normal epidermal permeability barrier function. For verifying the effects of UA and ONA on normal epidermal barrier, hydration and TEWL were measured for 1 and 3 weeks after UA and ONA applications (2mg/mL per day). We also investigated the features of epidermis and dermis using electron microscopy (EM) and light microscopy (LM). Both samples increased hydration compared to vehicle group from 1 week without TEWL alteration (p < 0.005). EM examination using RuO4 and OsO4 fixation revealed that secretion and numbers of lamellar bodies and complete formation of lipid bilayers were most prominent (ONA=UA > vehicle). LM finding showed that thickness of stratum corneum (SC) was slightly increased and especially epidermal thickening and flattening was observed (UA > ONA > vehicle). We also observed that UA and ONA stimulate epidermal keratinocyte differentiation via PPAR Protein expression of involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin increased at least 2 and 3 fold in HaCaT cells treated with either ONA (10${\mu}$M) or UA (10${\mu}$M) for 24 h respectively. This result suggested that the UA and ONA can improve epidermal permeability barrier function and induce the epidermal keratinocyte differentiation via PPAR Using Masson-trichrome and elastic fiber staining, we observed collagen thickening and elastic fiber elongation by UA and ONA treatments. In vitro results of collagen and elastin synthesis and elastase inhibitory activity measurements were also confirmed in vivo findings. These data suggested that the effects of UA and ONA related to not only epidermal permeability barrier functions but also dermal collagen and elastic fiber synthesis. Taken together, UA and ONA can be relevant candidates to improve epidermal and dermal functions and pertinent agents for cosmeseutical applications.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 1997

Insulin resistance is a prominent feature of diabetic state and has heterogeneous nature. However, the pathogenetic sequence of events leading to the emergence of the defect in insulin action remains controversial. It is well-known that prolonged hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are one of the causes of development of insulin resistance, but both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia stimulate glucose uptake in peripheral tissue. Therefore, it is hypothesized that insulin resistance may be generated by a kind of protective mechanism preventing cellular hypertrophy. In this study, to evaluate whether the acutely increased glucose uptake inhibits further glucose transport stimulated by insulin, insulin sensitivity was measured after preloaded glucose infusion for 2 hours at various conditions in rats. And also, to evaluate the mechanism of decreased insulin sensitivity, insulin receptor binding affinity and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein of plasma membrane of gastrocnemius muscle were assayed after hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies. Experimental animals were divided into five groups according to conditions of preloaded glucose infusion: group I, basal insulin ($14{\pm}1.9{\mu}U/ml$) and basal glucose ($75{\pm}0.7mg/dl$), by normal saline infusion; group II, normal insulin ($33{\pm}3.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($207{\pm}6.3mg/dl$), by somatostatin and glucose infusion; group III, hyperinsulinemia ($134{\pm}34.8{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($204{\pm}4.6mg/dl$), by glucose infusion; group IV, supramaximal insulin ($5006{\pm}396.1{\mu}U/ml$) and euglycemia ($l00{\pm}2.2mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion; group V, supramaximal insulin ($4813{\pm}687.9{\mu}U/ml$) and hyperglycemia ($233{\pm}3.1mg/dl$), by insulin and glucose infusion. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. The amounts of preloaded glucose infusion(gm/kg) were $1.88{\pm}0.151$ in group II, $2.69{\pm}0.239$ in group III, $3.54{\pm}0.198$ in group IV, and $4.32{\pm}0.621$ in group V. Disappearance rates of glucose (Rd, mg/kg/min) at steady state of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies were $16.9{\pm}3.88$ in group I, $13.5{\pm}1.05$ in group II, $11.2{\pm}1.17$ in group III, $13.2{\pm}2.05$ in group IV, and $10.4{\pm}1.01$ in group V. A negative correlation was observed between amount of preloaded glucose and Rd (r=-0.701, p<0.001) when all studies were combined. Insulin receptor binding affinity and content of GLUT4 were not significantly different in all experimental groups. These results suggest that increased glucose uptake may inhibit further glucose transport and lead to decreased insulin sensitivity.