• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4367-4375
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• 2016

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer and radio-sensitizing efficacy of a Withania somnifera extract/Gadolinium III oxide nanocomposite (WSGNC) in mice. WSGNC was injected to solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice via i.p. (227 mg/kg body weight) 3 times/week during 3 weeks. Irradiation was performed by whole body fractionated exposure to 6Gy, applied in 3 doses of 2 Gy/week over 3 weeks. Biochemical analyses as well as DNA fragmentation were performed. Treatment of solid Ehrlich carcinoma bearing mice with WSGNC combined with ${\gamma}$-radiation led to a significant decrease in the tumor size and weight associated with a significant decrease in mitochondrial enzyme activities, GSH content and SOD activity as well as a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in cancer tissues. Combined treatment of WSGNC and low dose of ${\gamma}$-radiation showed great amelioration in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (GSH content and SOD activity) in liver tissues in animals bearing tumors. It is concluded that WSGNC can be considered as a radio-sensitizer and anticancer modulator, suggesting a possible role in reducing the radiation exposure dose during radiotherapy.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.31-45
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• 2013

Objectives : Gokgisaeng (Korean mistletoe) is used for the treatment of inflammatory and cancer diseases in traditional Korean medicine and its major component lectins have been reported to induce nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and also induce apoptosis of various types of cancer cells, although its modulatory effects on cancer cell migration and macrophage activation is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to clarify molecular mechanisms of action responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antitumor migration potentials of Korean mistletoe extract (KME). Methods : We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of KME on NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and rat C6 glioma cells, and also evaluated inhibitory efficacy on glioma cell growth and migration. For assessment, XTT assay, nitrite assay, RT-PCR, scratch-wound and Boyden chamber assay, and western blot analysis were performed. Results : Previously reported, unlike the efficacy of Gokgisaeng lectin, KME inhibited NO production and iNOS expression, and suppressed pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, KME suppressed tumor cell growth and migration, and it also inhibited LPS-induced NO release and iNOS activation by down-regulating expression of protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphorylation of ERK in C6 glioma cells. Conclusions : Our research findings provide evidence that KME can play a significant role in blocking pro-inflammatory reaction and malignant progression of tumors through the suppression of NO/iNOS by down-regulating of inflammatory signaling pathways, PKC/ERK.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.414-419
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• 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that regulate cell-matrix composition and are also involved in processing various bioactive molecules such as cell-surface receptors, chemokines, and cytokines. Our group recently reported that MMP-3, -8, and -9 are upregulated during microglial activation and play a role as proinflammatory mediators (Lee et al., 2010, 2014). In particular, we demonstrated that MMP-8 has tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$)-converting enzyme (TACE) activity by cleaving the prodomain of TNF-${\alpha}$ and that inhibition of MMP-8 inhibits TACE activity. The present study was undertaken to compare the effect of MMP-8 inhibitor (M8I) with those of inhibitors of other MMPs, such as MMP-3 (NNGH) or MMP-9 (M9I), in their regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$ activity. We found that the MMP inhibitors suppressed TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells in an order of efficacy: M8I>NNGH>M9I. In addition, MMP inhibitors suppressed the activity of recombinant TACE protein in the same efficacy order as that of TNF-${\alpha}$ inhibition (M8I>NNGH>M9I), proving a direct correlation between TACE activity and TNF-${\alpha}$ secretion. A subsequent pro-TNF-${\alpha}$ cleavage assay revealed that both MMP-3 and MMP-9 cleave a prodomain of TNF-${\alpha}$, suggesting that MMP-3 and MMP-9 also have TACE activity. However, the number and position of cleavage sites varied between MMP-3, -8, and -9. Collectively, the concurrent inhibition of MMP and TACE by NNGH, M8I, or M9I may contribute to their strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4353-4356
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• 2015

Background: Levofloxacin is an effective medication for second line Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. However, limited studies have approved its use as an effective antibiotic in first line therapy. Dexlansoprazole is a new PPI and lacks of evidence in support of a role in H. pylori eradication. This study was designed to evaluate efficacy of levofloxacin-dexlansoprazole-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized control study was performed during June 2014 to December 2014. H. pylori infected gastritis patients were randomized to receive 7- or 14-day levofloxacin-dexlansoprazole based on quadruple therapy (levofloxacin 500 mg OD, dexlansoprazole 60 mg bid, clarithromycin MR 1000 mg OD, bismuth subsalicylate 1048 mg bid). CYP2C19 genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted for all patients. A 13C urea breath test was performed to confirm H. pylori eradication at least 4 weeks after treatment. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled, comprising 44 males and 56 females (mean age of 52.6 years). Eradication rate by PP analysis was 85.7% (42/49) with the 7-day regimen and 98% (48/49) with the 14-day regimen (85.7% vs 98%; p-value=0.059). ITT analysis was 84% and 96% with 7- and 14-day regimens, respectively (84% vs 96%; p-value=0.092). Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated 35.1% resistance to metronidazole, 18.3% to clarithromycin, and 13.5% to levofloxacin. CYP2C19 genotyping revealed 54.1% RM, 34.7% IM and 11.2% PM. The 14-day regimen provided 100% eradication in patients with clarithromycin or dual clarithromycin and metronidazole H. pylori resistant strains. Moreover, the eradication rate was 96.6% in patients with CYP2C19 genotype RM. Conclusions: The 14-day levofloxacin-dexlansoprazole based quadruple therapy provides high H. pylori eradication regardless of CYP2C19 genotype, clarithromycin or dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistant strains. This regimen could be use as an alternative first line therapy for H. pylori eradication in Thailand.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.65-79
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• 2011

Reactive oxygen species potentially cause damage to cellular components including lipids, protein and DNA; this oxidative damage plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and cancer. On the basis of the oxidative stress hypothesis, a number of studies have been performed to search for an efficient and safe antioxidant. Although in vitro studies have provided promising results, only a limited number of natural and synthetic antioxidants have been developed for clinical application due to their low efficacy and side-effects. Thus, the discovery of new antioxidants with marked efficacy and safety has attracted worldwide attention in recent decades. Since plants are recognized as important sources of natural antioxidants, our research has focused on the discovery of new naturally occurring antioxidants from medicinal plants. The purpose of this review is to open a new prospect in the field of search for natural antioxidants from medicinal plants by summarizing our recent findings. Using in vitro bioassay systems such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide radical scavenging tests and lipid peroxidation models, we have tested over than 350 species of medicinal plants for their antioxidant activity and selected several of them for further investigation. During the research on the discovery of effective natural antioxidants from the medicinal plants selected, we have isolated several new and known antioxidant compounds that include stilbene glycosides, phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, oligostilbenes, and coumarins. Our results suggest that the presence of antioxidant compounds in the medicinal plants might be associated with the traditional use to treat inflammation, cardiovascular disease and various chronic diseases.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.5160-5171
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to find out the explanatory power of the mother psychological characteristics (self-efficacy, self-esteem, depression, parenting stress), infant temperament, parenting look at how the variables affect the infant development. Study is an infant born in 2008, 1802 mothers name. Child Policy Research Institute Korea Children's Panel 3rd year data were used for the study. Analysis of the data was analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 correlation evaluate the direct and indirect effects between the path and the effect of each variable on infant development through Amos 16.0. The results were as follows. First, the mother significant indirect effect of mothers had a positive impact due to the influence of positive parenting Infant Development Psychological variables were mother and mediating role of parenting behavior was completely mediated in the path to infant development. Second, infant temperament and parenting mothers showed a complete mediating effect on the path to the Infant Development were significant indirect effects mediated by parenting mothers on infant development. Third, the direct effects on the mother parenting infant development showed a statistically significant result.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.76-82
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• 2003

Drug releasing porous poly($\varepsilon$-caprolactone) (PCL)-chitosan matrices were fabricated for bone regenerative therapy. Porous matrices made of biodegradable polymers have been playing a crucial role as bone substitutes and as tissue-engineered scaffolds in bone regenerative therapy. The matrices provided mechanical support for the developing tissue and enhanced tissue formation by releasing active agent in controlled manner. Chitosan was employed to enhance hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of the PCL matrices. PDGF-BB was incorporated into PCL-chitosan matrices to induce enhanced bone regeneration efficacy. PCL-chitosan matrices retained a porous structure with a 100-200 $\mu$m pore diameter that was suitable for cellular migration and osteoid ingrowth. $NaHCO_3$ as a porogen was incorporated 5% ratio to polymer weight to form highly porous scaffolds. PDGF-BB was released from PCL-chitosan matrices maintaining therapeutic concentration for 4 week. High osteoblasts attachment level and proliferation was observed from PCL-chitosan matrices. Scanning electron microscopic examination indicated that cultured osteoblasts showed round form and spread pseudopods after 1 day and showed broad cytoplasmic extension after 14 days. PCL-chitosan matrices promoted bone regeneration and PDGF-BB loaded matrices obtained enhanced bone formation in rat calvarial defect. These results suggested that the PDGF-BB releasing PCL-chitosan porous matrices may be potentially used as tissue engineering scaffolds or bone substitutes with high bone regenerative efficacy.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.333-342
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• 2020

In this study, an interview survey was conducted for three months by a counselor who had experience of retractation of turnover intention to find out what factors played an important role in retractation of turnover intention. The results found that task shift, motivation, self-efficacy, and emotion control were the major factors in the retractation of counselor's turnover intention, while superior support and colleague support did nop affect. Among them, emotion control and task shift had more influence on retractation of turnover intention than other factors. The results of this study are expected to maximize the stabilization of the organization by lowering the turnover rate of counselor in the customer center department becoming more important in the enterprise and to provide an important theoretical basis for studies related to retractation of customer center counselor's turnover intention.

• School Mathematics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.479-501
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• 2016

This study was conducted as a learning project for 20 pre-third graders in high school by means of math textbooks, G+, and sample questions from previous CSAT as learning tools for 9 weeks from Dec. 24, 2015. The purpose of the study was to develop 'math textbook project learning(MtPL)', a mixed learning method combined on-line with off-line, and analyze the effects of MtPL on the affective domain of high school students. As a result of the study, it was found that MtPL had positive effects on self-efficacy and self-confidence of students, while the collaborative learning using a textbook and teacher's role worked as instrumental motivation in mathematics learning. The result also implies that the perception of high school students, who think to resolve more difficult math problems to succeed in CSAT, about mathematics learning method has to be modified. Furthermore, it is shown that the preparation of CSAT by utilizing textbook and the use of textbook in math learning have been worked positively for the students.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.118-124
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• 2013

Vibrio parahaemolyticus in uncooked seafood causes acute gastroenteritis. The microorganism has two sets of type III secretion systems and two hemolysins. When it injects its effector proteins into a host cell via type III secretion system 1, one of the type III secretion systems induces secretion of interleukin (IL)-8, a proinflammatory chemokine, through the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK. Although probiotics have beneficial effects on hosts and can help control some infectious diseases, there is little research on the efficacy of probiotics in V. parahaemolyticus infection. Here we pretreated V. parahaemolyticus-infected human intestinal epithelial cells with heat-killed Lactobacillus brevis KB290, a probiotic isolated from fermented vegetables (traditional Japanese pickles) and utilized as an ingredient of beverages and supplementary foods, and demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing IL-8 secretion from V. parahaemolyticus-infected cells. Among the three heat-killed lactic acid bacterial strains we tested, L. brevis KB290 induced the highest level of IL-8 secretions in the infected cells. Relative to control cells (Caco-2 cells pretreated with PBS), V. parahaemolyticus-infected Caco-2 cells pretreated with heat-killed L. brevis KB290 secreted IL-8 earlier, although concentrations were similar 450min after infection. Heat-killed L. brevis KB290 pretreatment also induced earlier ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, greater p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and enhanced IL-8 mRNA expression. Heat-killed L. brevis KB290 accelerated IL-8 secretion, a host cell immune response, in V. parahaemolyticus-infected cells. We consider this to be beneficial because IL-8 plays an important defensive role against infection, and would contribute to the repair of injured epithelial cells.