• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.221-231
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• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics and anti-obesity effects of a newly isolated bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum K6. L. plantarum K6 showed good ${\alpha}-amylase$ inhibitory activity ($96.78{\pm}3.29%$), ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activity ($92.55{\pm}9.62%$), and lipase inhibitory activity ($85.17{\pm}0.79%$), and the strain inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells ($27.4{\pm}1.4%$) when present at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$. L. plantarum K6 was isolated from kimchi and its physiological characteristics were investigated. A comparison of the sensitivity of the isolate to 15 different antibiotics showed that L. plantarum K6 is highly sensitive to erythromycin and highly resistant to vancomycin, ampicillin, and polymyxin B. This strain also showed high arylamidase and ${\beta}-galactosidase$ activities. Moreover, it was relatively tolerant to bile acid and low pH, and displayed resistance to Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, with rates of 51.8%, 42.4%, 61.6%, and 54.9%, respectively. No bio genic amines were produced. L. plantarum K6 also showed high adhesion activity to HT-29 cells compared to L. rhamnosus GG. These results demonstrate that Lactobacillus plantarum K6 has potential as a probiotic with anti-obesity effects.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.401-409
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• 2013

Smilax china L., a native plant found in Asian countries, has several medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Although the root of the plant is commonly used as traditional herbal medicine in Korea and China, the medicinal properties of the leaves have not gained the same attention. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant activity, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory effect and lipid accumulation inhibition effect of Smilax china L. leaf water extract (SCLE) and its solvent fractions. SCLE was fractionated by using a series of organic solvents, including ethylacetate (EA) and n-butanol (BuOH). The EA fraction had the highest total polyphenol content ($440.20{\pm}12.67$ mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content ($215.14{\pm}24.83$ mg QE/g). The radical scavenging activity $IC_{50}$ values of the EA fraction for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were 0.022 mg/mL and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Further, SOD-like activity and reducing power values of the EA fraction were higher than those of the other fractions. However, both the ${\alpha}$-glucosidase and lipid accumulation inhibition assays showed that the BuOH fraction ($83.35{\pm}4.18%$ at 1 mg/mL) and water extract ($11.27{\pm}2.67%$) were more effective than the EA fraction ($64.13{\pm}6.35%$, and $45.66{\pm}7.20%$). These results provide new insights into the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of Smilax china L. leaf.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1590-1599
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigates the expression patterns of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and intracellular mediators in horse muscle cells after exercise, and the relationship between TLRS expression in stressed horse muscle cells and immune cell migration toward them. Methods: The expression patterns of the TLRs (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR8) and downstream signaling pathway-related genes (myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MYD88]; activating transcription factor 3 [ATF3]) are examined in horse tissues, and horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and muscles in response to exercise, using the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of chemokine receptor genes, i.e., C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are studied in PBMCs and PMNs. A horse muscle cell line is developed by transfecting SV-T antigen into fetal muscle cells, followed by examination of muscle-specific genes. Horse muscle cells are treated with stressors, i.e., cortisol, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and heat, to mimic stress conditions in vitro, and the expression of TLR4 and TLR8 are examined in stressed muscle cells, in addition to migration activity of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Results: The qPCR revealed that TLR4 message was expressed in cerebrum, cerebellum, thymus, lung, liver, kidney, and muscle, whereas TLR8 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney, while TLR2 expressed in thymus, lung, and kidney. Expressions of TLRs, i.e., TLR4 and TLR8, and mediators, i.e., MYD88 and ATF3, were upregulated in muscle, PBMCs and PMNs in response to exercise. Expressions of CXCR2 and CCR5 were also upregulated in PBMCs and PMNs after exercise. In the muscle cell line, TLR4 and TLR8 expressions were upregulated when cells were treated with stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat. Migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells was increased by exercise and oxidative stresses, and combinations of these. Treatment with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an antioxidant on stressed muscle cells, reduced migration of PBMCs toward stressed muscle cells. Conclusion: In this study, we have successfully cultured horse skeletal muscle cells, isolated horse PBMCs, and established an in vitro system for studying stress-related gene expressions and function. Expression of TLR4, TLR8, CXCR2, and CCR5 in horse muscle cells was higher in response to stressors such as cortisol, H₂O₂, and heat, or combinations of these. In addition, migration of PBMCs toward muscle cells was increased when muscle cells were under stress, but inhibition of reactive oxygen species by MSM modulated migratory activity of PBMCs to stressed muscle cells. Further study is necessary to investigate the biological function(s) of the TLR gene family in horse muscle cells.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.479-490
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• 2018

Red pepper is seriously damaged by thrips (Thrips palmi) and anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum throughout its development. Because of biotic constraints, producers often depend on chemicals that are expensive and have adverse effects on the environment, operator, and beneficial insects. In addition, resistance is developed because of the repeated use of chemicals. In recent decades, the use of microorganisms in crop protection has become a credible alternative because it is eco-friendly. In this study, we aimed to select isolates with insecticidal and fungicidal activities against the pathogens that cause anthracnose and thrips. We treated T. palmi adults and juveniles with 13 strains of entomopathogenic fungi (isolated from the soil by using the insect-bait method), and 6 strains showed excellent insecticidal activity (70-100%) 5 days after the treatment. The selected isolates were cultured with C. acutatum to screen for the strain with excellent anti-fungal activities, among which an isolate FT333 showed more than 95% control efficacy against C. acutatum in vitro. The isolate was identified as Isaria javanica through its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS and ${\beta}-tubulin$ nucleotide sequences. The Isaria javanica FT333 isolate could be used effectively for dual bio-control of thrips and anthracnose during red pepper cultivation.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.587-593
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• 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of roasted rice bran (RRB) on the rheological properties of bread dough. According to farinograph analysis, the consistency of the control sample was greatest. There were no significant differences in water absorption (p<0.05). Lower values of development time, stability, and time to breakdown, which were affected, by the addition of RRB, were observed for RRB-containing dough samples, compared to the control dough sample. Addition of RRB significantly increased the mixing tolerance index (MTI). According to rheofermentometer analysis, the values of H'm, $T^{\prime}_1$, and retention volume decreased with increase in the amount of RRB added. According to the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) analysis, peak viscosity, holding strength, and setback values were greater in the control than in the RRB-containing samples. The addition of RRB to the flour influenced rheological properties like fermentation volume and acidity. The total acidity increased with the increase in the amount of RRB added. The present study has indicated that there was no significant difference between the rheological properties of the control and 5% RRB-containing dough samples. Therefore, the addition of 5% RRB could be an effective way to produce functional flour bread without affecting its desirable physical properties.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.243-246
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• 2018

This study was carried out to identify the effect of the rate of botanical composition, dry matter yield and liveweight gain of horse by renewing low productive pasture. According to the first survey (5.11) before grazing, No.64 was the highest at 81%, followed by No.39 71%t and No.44 65%. For the second and third surveys, the rate of pasture was relatively low, except for No.64. Annual total DM production was the highest at No.44 13,459 kg/ha, then with No.64 and No.39, productivity was 13,232kg/ha and 12,042kg/ha, respectively. No.44 and No.39, the confluence of orchardgrass and perennial ryegrass, showed a sharp decline because of summer depression after the second survey. The livestock growth rate per 10,000 square meters was 70kg, compared with 47.5kg and 36.2kg, respectively. The daily livestock gains in No.39, No.44, and No.66 was 1.09 kg, 1.08 kg and 1.03 kg, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2019

This study aimed to investigate the improvement effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on the lipid component, protein and electrolyte concentration in dyslipidemic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (24 male) were divided into four groups, namely the ND (normal-nondyslipidemic diet), NT (normal-nondyslipidemic diet+5% turmeric), DD (control-dyslipidemic diet), and DT groups (dyslipidemic diet+5% turmeric). Rats were sacrificed at the end of 5 weeks after experiment diet. In this study, turmeric diet (NT, DT) groups in lipid composition as evidenced from the significantly reduction of serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), atherosclerotic index (AI), cardiac risk factor (CRF), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, blood glucose and non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and elevation of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) (p<0.05). The serum globulin concentration was significantly decreased (p<0.05), and the albumin concentrations were increased in turmeric diet than dyslipidemic rats. Concentrations of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in sera were lower in the DT group than DD group. Concentrations of total calcium (T-Ca), phosphorus (Pi) and potassium (K) in sera were higher in the ND, NT and DT groups than DD group. Therefore, it was concluded that the 5% turmeric diet used in the condition of this study had a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.219-230
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Biochar is a solid material converted from agricultural biomass such as crop residues and pruning branch through pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply. Biochar consists of non-degradable carbon (C) double bonds and aromatic ring that are not readily broken down by microbial degradation in the soils. Due to the recalcitrancy of C in biochar, biochar application to the soils is of help in enhancing soil carbon sequestration in arable lands that might be a strategy of agricultural sector to mitigate climate change. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were collected from studies on the effect of biochar application on soil C content conducted in East Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea under different experimental conditions (incubation, column, pot, and field). The magnitude of soil C storage was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with biochar application rate under field conditions, reflecting accumulation of recalcitrant black C in the biochar. However, The changes in soil C contents per C input from biochar (% per t/ha) were 6.80 in field condition, and 12.58 in laboratory condition. The magnitude of increment of soil C was lower in field than in laboratory conditions due to potential loss of C through weathering of biochar under field conditions. Biochar production condition also affected soil C increment; more C increment was found with biochar produced at a high temperature (over 450℃). CONCLUSION: This review suggests that biochar application is a potential measures of C sequestration in agricultural soils. However, as the increment of soil C biochar was affected by biochar types, further studies are necessary to find better biochar types for enhanced soil C storage.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2021

Purpose: The Pedisole is a newly developed shoe-mounted wearable assessment system for analyzing balance and gait. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the parameters provided by the system for static balance and gait analysis of healthy adults. Methods: This study included 38 healthy adults (22.4±1.9 years) with no history of injury in the lower limbs. All participants were asked to perform balance and gait tasks for undertaking measurements. For analysis of balance, both the smart Pedisole and Pedoscan systems were concurrently used to analyze the path length of the center of pressure (COP) and the weight ratio of the left and right for 10 s. Gait was measured using the smart Pedisole and GaitRite walkway systems simultaneously. The participants walked at a self-selected preferred gait speed. The cadence, stance time, swing time, and step time were used to analyze gait characteristics. Using the paired t-test, the intra-class coefficient correlation (ICC) was calculated for reliability. The Spearman correlation was used to assess the validity of the measurements. In total, data for balance from 36 participants and the gait profiles of 37 participants were evaluated. Results: There were significant differences between the COP path lengths (p<.050) derived from the two systems, and a significant correlation was found for COP path length (r=.382~.523) for static balance. The ICC for COP path length and weight ratio was found to be greater than .687, indicating moderate agreement in balance parameters. The ICC of gait parameters was found to be greater than .697 except for stance time, and there was significant correlation (r=.678~.922) with the GaitRite system. Conclusion: The newly developed smart insole-type Pedisole system and the related application are useful, reliable, and valid tools for balance and gait analysis compared to the gold standard Pedoscan and the GaitRite systems in healthy individuals.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.64-77
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• 2021

Objective: Biological monitoring of trace elements in human blood samples has become an important indicator of the health environment. The purpose of this study was to detect and evaluate multiple metal items in blood samples based on ICP-MS, to perform comparative evaluation with the existing analysis method, and to develop and verify a new method. Methods: 100 μL of whole blood from 80 healthy subjects was used to analyze ten metals (Sb, tAs, Cd, Pb, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Tl) using ICP-MS. Verification of the analysis method included calculation of linearity, accuracy, precision and detection limits. In addition, a comparative test with the conventional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) method was performed. In the case of Pb, Cd, and Hg in whole blood, cross-analysis between Pb, Cd, and Hg analysis methods was performed to confirm the difference between the existing method and the new method (ICP-MS). Results: The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.999 or higher in seven items and 0.995 or higher in three items. The Pb result showed that Pearson's correlation coefficient was very high at 0.983, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.966. The Cd result showed that Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.917 between the existing method and the new analysis concentration value. Its intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.960, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Hg had a low correlation at 0.687, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.761, which was lower than that of Pb and Cd. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy of Pd and Cd were satisfactory, but Hg did not meet the criteria for both accuracy and precision when compared with the conventional analysis method. Conclusion: This study can be meaningful in that it proposes a more efficient and feasible analysis method by verifying a blood heavy metal concentration experiment using multiple simultaneous analyses. All samples were processed and analyzed using the new ICP-MS. It was confirmed that the agreement between the two methods was very high, with the agreement between the current and new methods being 0.769 to 0.998. This study proposes an efficient simultaneous methodology capable of analyzing multiple elements with small samples. In the future, studies of various applications and the reliability of ICP-MS analysis methods are required, and research on the verification of accurate, precise, and continuous analysis methods is required.