• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2014

Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation includes induction of inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are mediated by oxidant-sensitive transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$. High levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and increased activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a biomarker of neutrophil infiltration, are observed in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa. Panax ginseng Meyer, a Korean herb medicine, is widely used in Asian countries for its biological activities including anti-inflammatory efficacy. The present study aims to investigate whether Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) inhibits H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation in Mongolian gerbils. One wk after intragastric inoculation with H. pylori, Mongolian gerbils were fed with either the control diet or the diet containing RGE (200 mg RGE/gerbil) for 6 wk. The following were determined in gastric mucosa: the number of viable H. pylori in stomach; MPO activity; LPO level; mRNA and protein levels of keratinocyte chemoattractant factor (KC, a rodent IL-8 homolog), IL-$1{\beta}$, and iNOS; protein level of phospho-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$(which reflects the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$); and histology. As a result, RGE suppressed H. pylori-induced mRNA and protein levels of KC, IL-$1{\beta}$, and iNOS in gastric mucosa. RGE also inhibited H. pylori-induced phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and increases in LPO level and MPO activity of gastric mucosa. RGE did not affect viable H. pylori colonization in the stomach, but improved the histological grade of infiltration of poly-morphonuclear neutrophils, intestinal metaplasia, and hyperplasia. In conclusion, RGE inhibits H. pyloriinduced gastric inflammation by suppressing induction of inflammatory mediators (KC, IL-$1{\beta}$, iNOS), MPO activity, and LPO level in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1239-1245
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to research the biological activity of ethanol extract from Smilax china L. which is a vine shrub belonging to the lily family. For antiwrinkle effects, elastase inhibition effect of ethanol and water extracts from S. china L. showed 41.1% and 16.3% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The collagenase inhibition effect of ethanol and water extracts from S. china L. showed more than 96.6% and 60.0% at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. As a result of having fibroblast measured cell viability on fibroblast cell of ethanol extract from S. china L., it showed 71.7% with cell viability at $100{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. At $50{\mu}g/ml$ concentration, the procollagen biosynthesis effect of ethanol extract from S. china L. was 139.86%. At the same concentration, the matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1 inhibition effect of the ethanol extract was 74.9%. According to the results of Western blot of ethanol extract from S. china L., the expression of the MMP-1 protein was decreased by 35% at $50{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ethanol extract from S. china L. showed that the expression of MMP-1 mRNA was decreased by 45% at $50{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. The findings suggest that 70% ethanol extract from S. china L. (SC) has great potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient with antiwrinkle effects.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.559-567
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• 2010

In this study, the antioxidative effect, cellular protective effect and inhibitory effect on tyrosinase of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($11.48\;{\mu}g$/mL) showed more excellent free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, DPPH) scavenging activity (FSC50) than those of leaf and stem extracts ($17.45\;{\mu}g$/mL). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity (OSC50) of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/H2O2 system were investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($0.56\;{\mu}g$/mL) showed 3 times more excellent ROS scavenging activity than L-ascorbic acid ($1.50\;{\mu}g$/mL). The protective effects of the ethyl acetate fractions of extracts from different parts of Cosmos bipinnatus on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The ethyl acetate fractions of leaf and stem extract and flower extracts suppressed photohemolysis in a concentration dependent manner ($10\sim50\;{\mu}g$/mL). The inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract ($62.75\;{\mu}g$/mL) on tyrosinase was investigated to assess the whitening efficacy. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cosmos bipinnatus flower extract showed 3.5 times higher tyrosinase inhibitory effect than arbutin ($226.88\;{\mu}g$/mL) known as an effective whitening agent. These results indicate that fractions of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts can function as antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Fractions of Cosmos bipinnatus extracts can be applicable to new functional cosmetics for antioxidant and whitening.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.136-145
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• 2013

Currently many studies aimed at enhancing efficacy of medicinal food on biological activity using bioconversion technology including fermentation process. In this study, the quality characteristics and antioxidative activity of fermented Crataegi fructus was investigated. The antioxidant activity of fermented Crataegi Fructus was assessed by various radical scavenging assays using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power), Reducing power and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)). Moisture content of fermented Crataegi Fructus was $39.3{\pm}0.06%$. Contents of crude ash, crude protein, and crude fat were $0.20{\pm}0.01$, $1.77{\pm}0.04$, and $1.40{\pm}0.59%$, respectively. Moreover, the hunter's color values of fermented Crataegi Fructus were 79.24 (lightnees), 1.58 (redness), and 31.25 (yellowness), respectively. Total phenolic contents of fermented Crataegi Fructus were $3,015{\pm}250$ GAE ${\mu}g/g$. The antioxidative activities of fermented Crataegi Fructus significantly increased in a dose dependent manner. In addition, fermented Crataegi Fructus slightly (10.4%) inhibited ${\alpha}$-glucosidase activity; however, there was no inhibitory activity against ${\alpha}$-amylase. In terms of proteolytic activity, fermented Crataegi Fructus showed a strong activity than pancreatin (used as a positive control). These results indicate that fermented Crataegi Fructus can be used as a natural resource for material aiding digestion.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2013

To investigate the efficacy of enzymatic extract of Ecklonia cava and its polyphenol extract (AG-DK) as cosmetic ingredients, the anti-oxidative effect, anti-glycation effect, anti-melanogenic effect, and anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts were evaluated in vitro. The enzymatic extract of E. cava ($SC_{50}$ 42.9 ppm) and AG-DK ($SC_{50}$ 6.4 ppm) showed a strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The anti-glycation ability of the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK was tested using bovine serum albumin (BSA), which inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the BSA/glucose system. The enzymatic extract of E. cava ($IC_{50}$ 97.2 ppm) and AG-DK ($IC_{50}$ 7 ppm) had inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity. Moreover, the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK had an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of nitricoxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$). These findings suggest that the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK can be applied to skin-care products as cosmetic ingredients.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.335-343
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• 2006

Five strains of Korean entomopathogenic nematodes(EPN), steinernematids and heterorhabditids(Steinernama carpocapsae GSN1, Steinernema sp. GSNUS-10, Steinernama sp. GSNUS-14, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Hamyang, Heterorhabditis sp. GSNUH-1) were evaluated and tried in petri dish, pot, and vegetable greenhouses for environmentally friendly control of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. $LC_{50}$ values of five EPN strains against beet armyworm was different depending on nematode strain and beet armyworm instar. $LC_{50}$ value of Steinernema carpocapse GSN1(GSN1) was 3.8-5.1 infective juveniles(Ijs) in 2nd to 4th instars of beet armyworm. Pathogenicity of five EPN strains against beet armyworm different in nematode strain, concentration, application times, and vegetable species in pot and greenhouse. Steinernema spp. was more effective than Heterorhabditis spp. against beet armyworm. Two or three times of applications of EPN were found to be effective regardless of nematode strain and concentration in pot and greenhouse. ENP showed different reactions on vegetable species. Efficacy of EPN was higher on Chinese cabbage than that on cabbage and kale. GSN1 was one of the most effective nematodes and 100,000 infective juveniles per $m^2$(720,000 Ijs/$7.2m^2=1{\times}10^9$Ijs/ha) resulted in higher mortality in greenhouse.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.111-125
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• 2016

Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) is recognized as a highly invasive plant in estuaries throughout the world because of remarkable versatility and resiliency, significant reproduction, strong adaptability, rapid spreading, and vigorous growth. In this review, therefore, to provide insights on the effective management practices, the previous research works were summarized and discussed. Spartina spp. is a perennial halophyte, warm-season (C4) grass that reproduces both sexually through seeds and asexually by rhizomes. Management strategies for cordgrass have included various physical, biological, and chemical controls. Herbicides are usually the most cost-effective means of control. Currently, glyphosate, imazapyr, fluazifop and haloxyfop have been practically used. To improve the control efficacy, a combination of two more than methods (example, mowing-spraying) is needed to be applied consistently every year for at least 3 to 4 years and to be sprayed with enough dry time (>4-6 hr) at an early growth stage (before flowering). Consistently repeated application of same herbicide have to be avoided to prevent an unexpected emergence of herbicide-resistant lines. On the other hand, Spartina spp. have many positive functions for agricultural and eco-engineering purposes. Thus, we have to give more intensive research for effectively managing advantages and disadvantages of Spartina plantations.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.476-483
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• 2010

Total bacterial populations were cultured from the Hydroball cultivation media in the rhizospheres of 9 different plants including $Hedera$ $helix$ L. and $Dracaena$ $deremensis$ cv. Warneckii Compacta, etc. These cultured bacterial populations were studied to test if the bacterial populations in the plant growing pots may play a role on removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene in the air. To meet this objective, first, we tested the possibility of removal of VOCs by the cultured total bacteria alone. The residual rates of benzene by the inoculation of total bacterial populations from the different plant growth media were significantly different, ranging from 0.741-1.000 of $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$ 'Regal', $Pachira$ $aquatica$, $Ficus$ $elastica$, $Dieffenbachia$ sp. 'Marrianne' Hort., $Chamaedorea$ $elegans$, compared to the control with residual rate of 0.596 (LSD, $P$=0.05). This trend was also similar with toluene, depending on different plants. Based on these results, we inoculated the bacterial population cultured from $P.$ $aquatica$ into the plant-growing pots of $P.$ $aquatica$, $F.$ $elastica$, and $S.$ $podophyllum$ inside the chamber followed by the VOCs injection. The inoculated bacteria had significant effect on the removal of benzene and toluene, compared to the removal efficacy by the plants without inoculation, indicating that microbes in the rhizosphere could play a significant role on the removal of VOCs along with plants.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.116-122
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• 2018

In Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) disaster, integrated and optimized equipment package including stretcher, isolation unit, patient monitoring and treatment equipment is essential to achieve proper treatment and prevent secondary contamination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and ease of use of integrated CBRN disaster equipment package for disaster medical response. This study was a randomized crossover study using a manikin simulation for emergency medical technitian (EMT). All participants used the existing devices and prototype of integrated CBRN disaster equipment package alternately. Efficiency was measured by time from vital sign change to detection or treatment application. Ease was use was measured by questionnaires for each patient monitor, stretcher care and isolation unit. 12 EMTs were enrolled. hypoxia-detection time of integrated equipment group was significantly shorter than existing equipment group (4.9 s (3.8-3.9) vs 3.5 s (2.5-3.9), p < 0.05). There was decreasing tendency of ECG change detection and facial mask oxygen supply but no statistical significance was observed. Overall satisfaction of patient monitoring device in integrated equipment group was significantly higher than existing devices (4(3.5-5) vs 3(3-3), p < 0.05). The use of integrated CBRN disaster equipment package shortened the hypoxia detection time and improved usability of vital sign monitor compared to existing devices.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.686-702
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Schisandrae Fructus, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill., has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of various diseases, and has proven its various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Schisandrae Fructus ethanol extract (SF) on inflammatory and oxidative stress in particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS/METHODS: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of SF in PM2.5-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the levels of pro-inflammatory mediator such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the effect of SF, the expression of genes involved in the generation of inflammatory factors was also investigated. We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of SF against PM2.5 in the zebrafish model. RESULTS: The results indicated that SF treatment significantly inhibited the PM2.5-induced release of NO and PGE₂, which was associated with decreased inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. SF also attenuated the PM2.5-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, reducing their extracellular secretion. Moreover, SF suppressed the PM2.5-mediated translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) from the cytosol into nuclei and the degradation of inhibitor IκB-α, indicating that SF exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, SF abolished PM2.5-induced generation of ROS, similar to the pretreatment of a ROS scavenger, but not by an inhibitor of NF-κB activity. Furthermore, SF showed strong protective effects against NO and ROS production in PM2.5-treated zebrafish larvae. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SF exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against PM2.5 through ROS-dependent down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, and that SF can be a potential functional substance to prevent PM2.5-mediated inflammatory and oxidative damage.