• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.241-246
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• 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the ameliorating effect of black ginseng on the growth of the HepG2 cell transplanted tumor in BALB/c nude mice. 27 male BALB/c nude mice (all six weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the first treatment group (HepG2300RG, using 300 mg/kg red ginseng), and the second treatment group (HepG2300BG, using 300 mg/kg black ginseng). The HepG2300BG in the HePG2 cells showed increased mean survival time than that of red ginseng group. The size and volume of the tumor in the 300BG group showed significant reduction compared to those of the HepG2300RG group (p<0.05). The body weight and liver weight of the HepG2300RG group was not significantly different with control and HepG2300BG group. The serum levels of ALT and AST in the HepG2300RG and HepG2300BG group were significantly lower than those of the control group. In conclusion, these results suggest that the black ginseng may have possible anti-tumor activities.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.326-331
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• 2015

High salinity and sodicity of soils play a negative role in producing crops in reclaimed tidal lands. To evaluate the effects of soil ameliorants on salt removal in a highly saline and sodic soil of reclaimed tidal land, we conducted a column experiment with treating gypsum, compost, and phosphate at 0-2 cm depth and measured the salt concentration of leachate and soil. Electrical conductivity of leachate was $45-48dSm^{-1}$ at 1 pore volume (PV) of water and decreased to less than $3dSm^{-1}$ at 3 PV of water. Gypsum significantly decreased SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) of leachate below 3 at 3 PV of water and soil ESP (exchangeable sodium percentage) below 3% for the whole profile of soil column. Compost significantly decreased ESP of soil at 0-5 cm depth to 5% compared with the control (20%). However, compost affected little the composition of cations below a depth of 5 cm and in leachate compared with control treatment. It was concluded that gypsum was effective in ameliorating reclaimed tidal lands at and below a soil layer receiving gypsum while compost worked only at a soil layer where compost was treated.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.94-103
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• 2021

The lack of an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) stems primarily from incomplete understanding of AD's causes. A rapidly growing number of scientific reports highlight important roles played by peripheral infections and intestinal bacterial flora in pathological and physiological functions involving the microbiome-intestine-brain axis. The microbiome controls basic aspects of the central nervous system (CNS), immunity, and behavior, in health and disease. Changes in the density and composition of the microbiome have been linked to disorders of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, including mood changes, depression, increased susceptibility to stressors, and autistic behaviors. There is no doubt that in patients with AD, restoration of the intestinal microbiome to a composition reminiscent of that found in healthy adult humans will significantly slow the progression of neurodegeneration, by ameliorating inflammatory reactions and/or amyloidogenesis. In the near future, better understanding of bidirectional communication between the brain and microbiota will allow the development of functional diets using specific probiotic bacteria.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.161-168
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• 2021

The chemical investigation of the 90% EtOH extract from Cicadidae Periostracum led to the isolation and identification of seven known N-acetyldopamine dimers (1-7). These compounds were identified by comparing mass spectrometry data and NMR spectroscopic data with those previously reported. In this study, complete interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR data of 1 and 2 were reported for the first time. In addition, compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this material for the first time. All isolates were obtained as racemic mixtures, as confirmed by chiral HPLC. Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of compounds 1-7 and found that compounds 1, 5, and 6 significantly attenuated rotenone-induced death of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells at a concentration of 100 μM. Parallel to this result, compounds 3 and 6 displayed antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm, as determined by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence intensity, while compounds 1 and 5 showed antioxidant effects in the mitochondria, as assessed by MitoSox fluorescence intensity. Overall, these results suggest that some of these compounds protect neuroblastoma cells by ameliorating the release of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.630-636
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• 2021

Glabridin, a compound of the flavonoid, has shown outstanding skin-whitening and anti-aging properties, but its water insolubility limits its wide application. Therefore, glabridin liposome (GL) has been developed to improve its poor bioavailability, while there are few studies to evaluate its amelioration of UVB- induced photoaging. This study is performed to investigate the amelioration of GL against UVB- induced cutaneous photoaging. The prepared GL has a spheroidal morphology with an average diameter of 200 nm. The GL shows lower cytotoxicity than glabridin, but it has a more effective role in inhibition of melanin. Moreover, the application of GL can effectively relieve UV radiation induced erythema and leathery skin, associated with the down-regulated expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10). Taken together, these results demonstrate that GL has potentials as topical therapeutic agents against UVB radiation induced skin damage through inhibiting inflammation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.334-345
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• 2018

Spore-forming Bacillus species are commercially available probiotic formulations for application in humans. They have health benefits and help prevent disease in hosts by combating entero-pathogens and ameliorating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these benefits remain unclear. Here, we report the draft genome of a potential probiotic strain of Bacillus clausii B106. We mapped and compared the probiotic profile of B106 with other reference genomes. The draft genome analysis of B106 revealed the presence of ADI pathway genes, indicating its ability to tolerate acidic pH and bile salts. Genes encoding fibronectin binding proteins, enolase, as well as a gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides underscored the potential of B106 to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and colonize the human gut. Genes encoding bacteriocins were also detected, indicating the antimicrobial ability of this isolate. The presence of genes encoding vitamins, including Riboflavin, Folate, and Biotin, also indicated the health-promoting ability of B106. Resistance of B106 to multiple antibiotics was evident from the presence of genes encoding resistance to chloramphenicol, ${\beta}$-lactams, Vancomycin, Tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. The findings indicate the significance of B. clausii B106 administration during antibiotic treatment and its potential value as a probiotic strain to replenish the health-promoting and disease-preventing gut flora following antibiotic treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.102-111
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the case of a presbycusis patient whose hearing had improved. Methods : A 81-year-old male diagnosed with presbycusis were treated with Korean medical interventions (acupuncture combined with electromagnetic stimulation and pharmacoacupuncture) and Threshold sound conditioning(TSC) for 3 months. Pure tone audiometry(PTA) was performed for the evaluation. Results : The patient's hearing was improved from moderate to mild level according to the Classification of Hearing Loss(International Organization for Standardization, 1969). The average hearing were improved from 40.5 dB to 32.7dB on the left side, 46.9dB to 34.1dB on the right side. Conclusions : We observed an improvement in a presbycusis patient's hearing and hereby suggest the possibility of Korean medical treatment and TSC's ameliorating effect on sensorineural hearing loss as well as prebyscusis.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.211-220
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• 2011

To improve the low ductility and high strain-rate sensitivity in Sn-Bi based solder alloys, the influences of the minor additions of alloying elements (Ag, Mn, In) were investigated. The strain-stress curves of various Sn-40Bi(-X) alloys, including a pre-suggested Sn-40Bi-0.1Cu composition were measured using a tensile testing machine. As a result, the elongation and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values were compared. The small addition (0.5 wt.%) of Ag significantly enhanced the ductility and high strain-rate sensitivity of the alloys at strain rates of $10^{-4}$ to $10^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ mainly due to the increase and refinement of eutectic lamellar structures. The microstructure change increased the area of grain boundaries, thus ameliorating the grain boundary sliding mode. It was also found that Mn is an effective element in enhancing the ductility, especially at the strain rates of $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ The enhancement is likely attributed to the fine and homogeneous microstructure in the alloys containing Mn.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.310-316
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• 2020

Kyung-Ok-Go (KOK) is a traditional prescription used for debilitating natural aging and post-illness debilitation. KOK has been used in a variety of ways because it strengthens immunity, prevents illness, and helps recovery in case of illness. In particular, recent research has revealed that KOK helps improve memory and cognition. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether KOK was effective in improving memory decline and depression-state observed during menopause. In the present study, we employed ovariectomized mouse as an animal model for measuring menopausal syndrome. The administration of KOK for 8 weeks, the object recognition memory and working memory were improved in novel object recognition test and Y-maze test. And in the forced swimming test, the immobility time were decreased. Additionally, the expression level of mature brain derived neurotropic factor (mBDNF) was increased by KOK administration in ovariectomized mouse hippocampus. These results suggested that KOK could improve cognitive decline and depression during menopausal period, and it might be come from enhancing expression level of mBDNF in hippocampus.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.397-414
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• 2021

As the agricultural population continues to age, the shortage of labor is worsening. To respond to this, Machinery Operators, those who work on behalf of farmers, are on demand. This study examines the cases in Imsil, Sunchang, and Namwon in Jeollabuk-do, where such agencies are in action, and analyzes the elements of their success and customer satisfaction. A survey was circulated among the farmers who used these agricultural agencies, and a total of 180 responses were submitted. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to prove our thesis. The study shows that the agricultural assistance provided by the Machinery Operators did help in ameliorating the shortage of labor, and resulted in high customer satisfaction. In particular, it was analyzed that Assurance and responsiveness had a significant positive effect on satisfaction. In addition, satisfaction was analyzed to fully mediate between service quality and intention to reuse. This study provides further support for the need to expand the institution of Machinery Operators and to encourage agricultural agencies in order to address the shortage of labor in rural areas due to aging.