• 한국환경복원기술학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.71-84
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• 2021

Restoration of DMZ has come up with the discussion on the peaceful use of the DMZ and the conservation plan of the army. In this study, we aim to identify soil characteristics of 108 sites to figure out environmental conditions around the iron fence of DMZ where vegetation has been removed repeatedly. Based on the soil characteristics and climate variables, hierarchy clustering was performed to categorize sites. As a result, we categorized 108 sites into 4 types: middle elevation region, lowland, East coast lowland, other areas. Group of 'other area' is only high in nutrient and clay proportion. Others are in igneous rock and metamorphic rocks with a high proportion of sand and lower nutrients than the optimum range of growth in Korean forest soil. The middle elevation region has a high altitude, low temperature. The east coast lowland has a high temperature in January and low precipitation. The lowland has a low altitude and high temperature. This category provides the environmental condition around the DMZ fence and can be used to select plants for restoration. The restoration project around the DMZ iron fence should satisfy the security of military plans, which means that functional restoration is prior to ecological restoration such as vegetation management under a power line. Additionally, improvement of soil quality and surface stability through restoration projects is required to enhance the resilience of the ecosystem in DMZ.

• 한국약용작물학회지
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.464-470
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• 2018

Background: Ginseng produced by hydroponics can be cultivated without using agricultural chemicals; thus, it can be used as a raw materials for functional foods, medicines, and cosmetics. This study aimed to determine the optimal harvesting time to obtain the highest levels of ginsenoside and ginseng, as this was not previously unknown. Methods and Results: One-year-old organic ginseng seedlings were transplanted and cultivated using hydroponics for 150 days in a venlo-type greenhouse, using ginseng nursery bed soil and a nutrient solution ($NO_3{^-}-N$; 6.165, P; 3.525, K; 5.625, Ca; 4.365, Mg; 5.085, S; $5.31mEq/{\ell}$). Ginsenoside content and fresh and dry weights were higher at 120 days after transplanting than at 30, 60, 90, and 150 days. Total ginsenoside content was 11.86 times higher in the leaf and stem than in the root at 120 days after transplanting. Ginsenosides F1, F2, F3, and F5 were detected in ginseng leaves and stems. These chemical compounds are known to be effective in altering skin properties, including whitening, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging. Conclusions: Optimal harvesting time for ginseng cultivated using hydroponics was 120 days after transplanting when the biomass and ginsenoside content were highest.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.6.1-6.10
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• 2019

Background: This study is aimed at identifying the anti-inflammatory properties of 70% ethanol extract produced from an edible brown seaweed Sargassum horneri (SJB-SHE) with industrial-scale production by Seojin Biotech Co. Ltd. S. horneri is a rich source of nutrient and abundantly growing along the shores of Jeju, South Korea. Methods: Here, we investigated the effect of SJB-SHE on LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cytotoxicity and NO production of SJB-SHE were evaluated using MTT and Griess assays, respectively. Additionally, protein expression and gene expression levels were quantified using ELISA, Western blots, and RT-qPCR. Results: Our results indicated that pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with SJB-SHE significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO and $PGE_2$ production. SJB-SHE downregulated the proteins and genes expression of LPS-induced iNOS and COX2. Additionally, SJB-SHE downregulated LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-$1{\beta}$). Furthermore, SJB-SHE inhibited nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activation and translocation to the nucleus. SJB-SHE also suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/2 and JNK). Conclusions: Collectively, our results demonstrated that SJB-SHE has a potential anti-inflammatory property to use as a functional food ingredient in the future.

• 한국산업융합학회 논문집
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.11-19
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• 2022

This study provided basic data for the commercialization of healthy functional beverages by examining the physicochemical characteristics, nutrient content, and microbiological safety of onion peel beverage. The total acid of onion peel beverage was 0.12 mg/g and the pH was 6.07. According to the storage period, the total acid decreased and the pH increased in all temperature ranges(25℃, 35℃, and 45℃). After 30 days of storage, it showed 0.06 mg/g in all temperature sections and maintained the pH 7 range. The total phenol content, which is a nutritional component of onion peel beverage, was 0.93 mg/g, flavonoid content was 0.25 mg/g, and quercetin content was 0.17 mg/g. The flavonoid content decreased according to the storage period, and in the case of storage temperature of 25℃, it contained 50% content up to 120 days of storage, but in the case of 35℃ and 45℃, it had a flavonoid content up to 90 days and 30 days, respectively. In the case of quercetin, a residual rate of about 50% was shown for 150 days of storage at 25℃ and 35℃. In the case of 45℃, it decreased to 35% at 30 days of storage. On the other hand, onion peel beverage maintained a viable cell count of less than 5 CFU/mL for 150 days of storage, and no coliform group was detected. As a result of analyzing the quality characteristics of onion peel beverage according to storage period, quality stability was confirmed in physicochemical characteristics and microbiological safety. Research on changes in biological activity according to low-temperature distribution or storage period is necessary.

• 한국환경농학회지
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.185-190
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: Most of the bottom ash(BA) from wood pellet-based thermal power plants that is not recycled is placed into landfill. BA has a function and structure similar to biochar. Hence, BA is classified as waste, but, it is predicted that BA can be used agricultural utilization. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate the effect of BA application on lettuce, growth characteristics and Pb contents were examined with BA application levels(0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g/L), respectively, in hydroponic cultivation with Pb solution. Irrespective with BA application levels, the length, leaf number and fresh weight of lettuce in BA treatments were increased by 84.3~120, 36.2~39.0, and 215~322%, respectively, compared to the BA-0 treatment. The groups with BA treatments, Pb in the nutrient solution was adsorbed to the BA due to the surface area and functional groups of the BA, and the lettuce growth was maintained more smoothly than in the BA-0 treatment. BA application is considered to have created a favorable environment for lettuce growth in hydroponic cultivation with Pb solution. CONCLUSION(S): Although direct comparing the removal effect of heavy metal between BA and biochar is not present, the BA application in contaminated area suggested a significant meaning on the recycling waste, and increasing potential crop productivity by immobilizing heavy metal.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.61-71
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• 2023

Purpose : Energy bars are increasingly popular among active individuals, yet their timing and nutrient combinations' impact on exercise adaptation remains unclear. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating whether the combination of pre- and post-workout supplementation can synergistically enhance fitness and alleviate fatigue in trained CrossFit participants. Investigate if combining pre- and post-workout supplements can enhance fitness and blood lactate management in trained CrossFit participants, potentially improving exercise performance for this group. Methods : In a randomized crossover study, 20 trained CrossFit individuals (11 males, 9 females) completed thrice-weekly 60-minute CrossFit sessions for 3 weeks, with a one-week washout period. Participants were randomly assigned to either a chocolate bar group (CH, 45 g, 225 kcal) or an energy bar group (ES, 48 g, 238 kcal, with protein, caffeine, taurine, and BCAAs). For one week, participants consumed two bars of their assigned supplement five minutes before and after workouts. After a washout period, they switched supplements. Blood lactate levels and a visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-workout. Fitness tests (hand grip, broad jump, sit-ups) were conducted at baseline and 30 minutes post-final workout. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (p<.05), 95 % confidence intervals, and magnitude inferences. Results : Hand grip strength (t=-5.60, p=.000), broad jump (t=-3.43, p=.003) and sit up (t=-3.94, p=.001) were significantly increased in the ES group. Compared to CH group, there was a significant time and group interactions for blood lactate level (F=5.51, p=.008) and VAS(F=31.67, p=.000) in the ES group. Conclusion : Pre- and post-workout energy bar supplementation may have a beneficial effect on blood lactate clearance and fitness in trained CrossFit individual. The combination of proprietary supplements taken may provide benefits for removing the blood lactate during high-intensity functional exercise.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.247-261
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• 2023

Kimchi cabbage is widely consumed in Korea, with the popularity of this pickled vegetable dish growing internationally due to its health benefits. In this study, the physical (size, color), functional (antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, and flavonoid content), and nutritional (water- and fat-soluble vitamins) characteristics of two new kimchi cabbage varieties, namely red and gold kimchi cabbages (RKC and GKC, respectively), were analyzed and compared with those of the common kimchi cabbage (CKC). There were no significant differences in the thickness or length of the three kimchi cabbages, although RKC had the narrowest outer leaves among the three varieties (11.94 cm). Regarding chromaticity, yellowness was highest in GKC (29.86), whereas redness was highest in RKC (9.31). Furthermore, RKC had the highest recorded vitamin B₆ and B₉ (1,288.5 ㎍/100 g and 776.7 ㎍ dietary folate equivalent/100 g, respectively). On the other hand, the fat-soluble vitamins vitamin A (β-carotene) and K (Phylloquinone) were both highest in GKC (907.1 ㎍/100 g and 712.2 ㎍/100 g, respectively). Generally, all kimchi cabbage samples contained high levels of vitamin E (1.8-4.9 mg α-tocopherol equivalent/100 g). RKC attained the highest antioxidant activity and total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents among the three kimchi cabbages. These results show that gold and red kimchi cabbage can be used as raw materials in the food-processing industry.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.185-195
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• 2024

Purpose: The carbohydrate-restricted diet has been recognized to be effective into preventing and alleviating lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The rare sugar ᴅ-allulose is a functional monosaccharide with anti-obesity effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of dietary ᴅ-allulose on body fat accumulation in rats fed severely carbohydrate-restricted diets containing high concentrations of different fats, beef tallow, or soybean oil. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 35, 3-week-old) were divided into 5 groups: One chow-fed control (C) group, and four carbohydrate-restricted groups, namely, beef tallow (B), beef tallow + ᴅ-allulose (BA), soybean oil (S), and soybean oil + ᴅ-allulose (SA), with free access to the diet and water for 8 weeks. The B and BA diets contained 23% beef tallow and 2% soybean oil, whereas the S and SA diets contained 25% soybean oil. Furthermore, the BA and SA diets contained 5% ᴅ-allulose. Results: The final body weight, weight gain, and food intake were significantly higher, and food efficiency was significantly lower in the control group compared to the other carbohydrate-restricted groups. Intra-abdominal adipose tissue, carcass fat, and total body fat weights were not influenced by dietary fat type or ᴅ-allulose supplementation, except for the epididymal adipose tissue weight. In contrast, carbohydrate restriction suppressed body weight gain in rats, but remarkably increased body fat accumulation. Conclusion: Under carbohydrate-restricted conditions, no anti-obesity effects of dietary ᴅ-allulose were observed, regardless of the dietary fat type. The causes of these effects are unknown. However, they may be influenced by a very low carbohydrate and high protein diet. Further research is required to elucidate the effects of ᴅ-allulose under various nutrient compositions with different fat, carbohydrate, and protein energy ratios.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권4_spc호
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• pp.719-729
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• 2024

Global pig production has increased by 140% since the 1960s. The increase in global population, coupled with improving socioeconomic conditions of many countries has led to an increased consumption of meat globally, including pork. To keep up with demand and capitalize on economic opportunities, the countries of China, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) have become the top 3 pork producers globally. China is of particular interest, as it is the both the largest country in pork production and pig numbers, as well as being the largest importer of pork from other countries. Globally, the efficiency of pork production has improved, in relation to the integration of pig production and the dramatic increase in research efforts in pig nutrition and production. Through integration, large producers can consolidate resources and maximize profits and efficiency. The increased research interest and efforts in pig production have given scientists and producers the opportunity to collaborate to adapt to challenges and identify possible solutions to issues brought on by a volatile global market. Intestinal health (23%), general nutrition and growth (23%), and amino acid nutrition (15%) were the top 3 areas (61%) leading research trends in pig nutrition and production. Major dietary interventions with feed additives evaluated include functional amino acids, feed enzymes, pre-/pro-/post-biotics, and phytobiotics with a common goal to improve the growth efficiency by enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health. With increasing global issues with environment, pig producers and the supporting scientists should continue their efforts to improve the production efficiency and to reduce the environmental footprint from pig production.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.838-845
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• 2024

Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative consequences on health, including addiction, liver damage, and other long-term effects. The causes of hangovers include dehydration, alcohol and alcohol metabolite toxicity, and nutrient deficiency due to absorption disorders. Additionally, alcohol consumption can slow reaction times, making it more difficult to rapidly respond to situations that require quick thinking. Exposure to a large amount of ethanol can also negatively affect a person's righting reflex and balance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to alleviate alcohol-induced effects and behavioral responses. Two LAB strains isolated from kimchi, Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172, were selected for their ethanol tolerance and potential to alleviate hangover symptoms. Enzyme activity assays for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were then conducted to evaluate the role of these bacteria in alcohol metabolism. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, these strains were assessed for their ability to reduce blood alcohol concentrations and protect against alcohol-induced liver damage. The results indicated that these LAB strains possess significant ethanol tolerance and elevate ADH and ALDH activities. LAB administration remarkably reduced blood alcohol levels in rats after excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, the LAB strains showed hepatoprotective effects and enhanced behavioral outcomes, highlighting their potential as probiotics for counteracting the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. These findings support the development of functional foods incorporating LAB strains that can mediate behavioral improvements following alcohol intake.