• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.197-217
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• 2022

As the number of households that raise dogs and cats is increasing, there is growing interest in animal health. The gut plays an important role in animal health. In particular, the microbiome in the gut is known to affect both the absorption and metabolism of nutrients and the protective functions of the host. Using probiotics on pets has beneficial effects, such as modulating the immune system, helping to reduce stress, protecting against pathogenic bacteria and developing growth performance. The goals of this review are to summarize the relationship between probiotics/the gut microbiome and animal health, to feature technology used for identifying the diversity of microbiota composition of canine and feline microbiota, and to discuss recent reports on probiotics in canines and felines and the safety issues associated with probiotics and the gut microbiome in companion animals.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.248-254
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• 2022

Background: Zinc homeostasis is essential for human health and is regulated by several zinc transporters including ZIP and ZnT. ZIP4 is expressed in the small intestine and is important for zinc absorption from the diet. We investigated in the present study the effects of Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) extract on modulating Zip4 expression and cellular zinc levels in mouse Hepa cells. Methods: Hepa cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid that contains metal-responsive elements, incubated with P. ginseng extract, and luciferase activity was measured. Using ⁶⁵ZnCl₂, zinc uptake in P. ginseng-treated cells was measured. The expression of Zip4 mRNA and protein in Hepa cells was also investigated. Finally, using a luciferase reporter assay system, the effects of several ginsenosides were monitored. Results: The luciferase activity in cells incubated with P. ginseng extract was significantly higher than that of control cells cultured in normal medium. Hepa cells treated with P. ginseng extract exhibited higher zinc uptake. P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 mRNA expression, which resulted in an enhancement of Zip4 protein expression. Furthermore, some ginsenosides, such as ginsenoside Rc and Re, enhanced luciferase activity driven by intracellular zinc levels. Conclusion: P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 expression at the mRNA and protein level and resulted in higher zinc uptake in Hepa cells. Some ginsenosides facilitated zinc influx. On the basis of these results, we suggest a novel effect of P. ginseng on Zip4-mediated zinc influx, which may provide a new strategy for preventing zinc deficiency.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.46.1-46.1
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• 2021

Hydrated asteroids get widespread attention for the evolution of water in the Solar System, especially thanks to the recent successes of the Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx space missions. The target asteroids of these missions are believed to be fragments that have experienced aqueous alteration in their parent bodies [3]. Although hydrated asteroids have been studied well via spectroscopy, focusing on the 0.7 um or the 2.7 um absorption bands [2, 3, 4], polarimetric properties of these asteroids have rarely been investigated. In this study, we conducted a polarimetric observation of 18 C-complex main-belt asteroids with the 1.6-m Pirka telescope at the Nayoro Observatory of Hokkaido University, Japan. We used a polarimetric imaging mode of the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI) with the standard Rc-band filter (the central wavelength at 0.64 um) [5]. As a result, we found that all of these hydrated asteroids indicate deep negative branches of their polarimetric profiles. Accordingly, the hydrated asteroids have the polarization minima (Pmin), whose values are significantly lower than any other taxonomic types of asteroids (including C-group asteroids). Because Pmin depends on albedo, particle size, and porosity of the surface materials [1], we suspect that hydrated asteroids are distinctive from other asteroids in terms of these physical properties. In this presentation, we introduce our polarimetric observation and findings. We discuss why hydrated asteroids indicate such low Pmin values, comparing Pmin with spectral features at 0.7 um and 2.7 um based on the observation results.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.21-30
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• 2023

Solar cells, converting abundant solar energy into electrical energy, are considered crucial for sustainable energy generation. Recent advancements focus on nanoparticle-enhanced solar cells to overcome limitations and improve efficiency. These cells offer two potential efficiency enhancements. Firstly, plasmonic effects through nanoparticles can improve optical performance by enhancing absorption. Secondly, nanoparticles can improve charge transport and reduce recombination losses, enhancing electrical performance. However, factors like nanoparticle size, placement, and solar cell structure influence the overall performance. This study evaluates the performance of silver nanoparticles incorporated in a p-i-n structure of perovskite solar cells, generated via aerosol state by the evaporation and condensation system. The silver nanoparticles deposited between the hole transport layer and transparent electrode form nanoparticle embedded transport layer (NETL). The evaluation of the optoelectronic properties of perovskite devices using NETL demonstrates their potential for improving efficiency. The findings highlight the possibility of nanoparticle incorporation in perovskite solar cells, providing insights for sustainable energy generation.

• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.5-9
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• 2023

The effect of La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ (LSMO) addition on the superconducting property of Bi_1.6Pb_0.4Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+δ ((Bi, Pb)-2223) polycrystalline samples was studied. LSMO (0.3 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%) added (Bi, Pb)-2223 samples were prepared by using a solid-state reaction method. The XRD analyses show that as the LSMO addition increases, the volume fraction of the Bi-2223 phase is gradually decreased. The critical temperature (T_c) exhibits a gradual decrease with a single transition as the LSMO amount increases up to 1.0 wt.%, but a further addition of LSMO induces an abrupt decrease of T_c with a dual transition. The analyses on the local structure of the CuO₂ plane from the X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements showed that for the samples with low concentration of LSMO up to 1.0 wt.%, the Cu-O bond length and the CuO₂ plane ordering do not degrade from the values of pure (Bi, Pb)-2223, while they get worsen with a further increase of LSMO addition. These results open up the possibility of LSMO as artificial pinning centers of the (Bi, Pb)-2223 system for power application.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.207-215
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• 2024

The gut microbiota, an intricate community of bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal system, assumes a pivotal role in various physiological processes. Beyond its function in food breakdown and nutrient absorption, gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune and metabolic modulation by producing diverse gut microbiota-generated metabolites (GMGMs). These small molecules hold potential to impact host health via multiple pathways, which exhibit remarkable diversity, and have gained increasing attention in recent studies. Here, we elucidate the intricate implications and significant impacts of four specific metabolites, Urolithin A (UA), equol, Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and imidazole propionate, in shaping human health. Meanwhile, we also look into the advanced research on GMGMs, which demonstrate promising curative effects and hold great potential for further clinical therapies. Notably, the emergence of positive outcomes from clinical trials involving GMGMs, typified by UA, emphasizes their promising prospects in the pursuit of improved health and longevity. Collectively, the multifaceted impacts of GMGMs present intriguing avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.1705-1710
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• 2024

Plastic waste has emerged as a major environmental concern in recent years. As plastic waste discharged into the marine environment, it undergoes a breakdown process, eventually accumulating in aquatic organisms in the form of microplastics (MPs). To date, reduced food intake, nutritional absorption, and impaired immune system are known adverse effects of MPs-exposed aquatic organisms. This study aims to investigate whether MP exposure accelerated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) via laboratory tests. Briefly, experimental shrimp were divided into four groups; WSSV (group 1); MP (group 2); WSSV + MP (group 3); and Control (group 4). No mortality was observed in group 2, group 4, and even in group 1. However, group 3 showed a cumulative mortality of 50% during the experimental period. The PCR assay results showed no WSSV in the other three groups (groups 1, 2, and 4), but the dead and alive shrimp collected from group 3 were confirmed to be infected with the virus. Histopathological examination revealed normal structures in the hepatopancreas, gill, and muscle tissues of group 4, whereas numerous abnormally shaped nuclei were detected in the gill tissue of group 2. Moreover, group 1 showed minor WSSV-related lesions with few basophilic inclusion bodies in the gills, interestingly, group 3 exhibited severe lesions with numerous basophilic inclusion bodies in the gills. In conclusion, this study confirmed the correlation between the viral disease of shrimp and MPs, which can cause significant economic losses to the shrimp aquaculture industry.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 1997

A simple and precise method of $^{14}C$ was developed to analyze $^{14}C$ in the environment samples using a commercially available $^{14}CO_2$ absorbent and a liquid scintillation counter. An air sampler and a combustion system were developed to collect HTO and $^{14}CO_2$ in the air and the biological samples simultaneously. The collection yield of $^{14}CO_2$ by the air sampler was in the range of 73-89% . The yield of the combustion system was 97%. In preparing samples for counting, the optimum ratio of $CO_2$ absorbent to the scintillator for mixing was 1:1. No variation of the specific activity of $^{14}C$ in the counting sample was observed up to 70 days after preparation of the samples. The detection limit for$^{14}C$ was 0.025 Bq/gC, which is the level applicable to the natural level of $^{14}C$. The analytical result of $^{14}C$ obtained by the present method were within ${\pm}6%$ of the relative error from the one by the benzene synthesis. The specific activity of $^{14}C$ in the air collected at Taejon during the period of October 1996 ranged from 0.26 to 0.27 Bq/gC. The specific activity of $^{14}C$ in the air collected at 1km from the Wolsong nuclear power plant a 679 MWe PHWR, was $0.54{\pm}0.03$ Bq/gC. The ranges of specific activities of $^{14}C$ in the pine needles and the vegetations from the areas around the Wolsong nuclear power plant were 0.56-0.67 Bq/gC and 0.23-1.41 Bq/gC, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2006

Objectives of this experiment were to select of the optimum water plant and to investigate the removal efficiency of the major nutrients in the constructed wetland by natural purification method for municipal sewage treatment in the farming and fishing village. For the experiment we used "constructed wetland" which was consisted of aerobic (vertical filter system) and anaerobic systems (horizontal filter system). Both systems were filled with gravel and filter media, and grew water plants on top of them. And then, we investigated several items such as sewage treatment efficiency, growth status of water plants and the absorbed amount of inorganic element in water plants with periodical periods. In aerobic area, removal efficiencies of BOD, COD, T-N and T-P were over 92%, 74%, 25% and 57%, respectively, and then when the water is passed through anaerobic area, the efficiency was over 96%, 84%, 44% and 71%, respectively, which was increased more treatment efficiency than that of aerobic area. Absorption amount of nitrogen and phosphorous in Miscanthus sacchariflorus BENTH were the highest in the water plants as 17.7 and 2.41 g/plant in the aerobic area, respectively. Absorption amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous in Scirpus tabernaemontani GMEL were the highest in the water plants as 8.7 and 1.13 g/plant in the anaerobic area, respectively. For the selection of optimum water plants in the constructed wetland by natural purification method for municipal sewage treatment, it were observed that there were Miscanthus sacchariflorus BENTH, Phragmites japonica STEUD and Phragmites communis TRINIUS in the aerobic area and were Zizania latifolia TURCZ, Scirpus tabernaemontani GMEL, Typha orientalis PRESL, Iris pseudoacorus L and Cares dispalata BOOTT in the anaerobic area.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2011

Purpose: This study is designed to investigate radiotherapic valuation of Paraffin Wax, which is newly formed for this study and generally utilized in dentistry, and Mouth Piece and Putty impression, which are commonly used in radiotherapy, for oral cavity as a compensator. Materials and Methods: Each compensator was formed by $10{\times}10{\times}1cm$ and measured radiation dose attenuation ratio with reference of water phantom which is made of tissue-equivalent materials. Two patients with oral cancer underwent DRR (Digitally Reconstructed Radiogrph) of Offline Review Program of Aria System and Portal vision for 5 times for each material to evaluate reproducibility by each filling materials. Moreover, MU (monitor unit) changes by dose absorption were considered in the case of inevitable implication of an filling materials in the range for radiotherapy. Results: Radiation dose attenuation ratios were shown -0.7~+3.7% for Mouth Piece, +0.21~+0.39% for Paraffin Wax and -2.71~-1.76% for Putty impression. Error ranges of reproducibility of positions were measured ${\pm}3mm$ for Mouth Piece, ${\pm}2mm$ for Paraffin Wax and ${\pm}2mm$ mm for Putty impression. Difference of prescription MU from dose absorption with an filling material increased +7.8% (250 MU) in Putty impression and -0.9% (230 MU) in Paraffin Wax as converted into a percentage from the standard phantom, Water 232 MU. Conclusion: Dose reduction of boundary between cavity and tissue was observed for Mouth Piece. Mouth Piece also had low reproducibility of positions as it had no reflection of anatomy of oral cavity even though it was a proper material to separate Maxilla and Mandible during therapy. On the other hand, Putty impression was a suitable material to correctly re-position oral cavity as before. However, it risked normal tissues getting unnecessary over irradiation and it caused radiation dose decrease by -2.5% for 1cm volume in comparison of it of water phantom. Dose reduction in Paraffin Wax, Fat Tissue-Equivalent Material, was smaller than other impressions and position reproducibility of it was remarkable as it was possible to make an anatomy reflected impression. It was also well fitted to oral cavity to transfer radiation dose planned in radiotherapy. Thus, Paraffin Wax will be an ideal material in radiotherapy for patients with oral cancer.