• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.437-442
• /
• 2015

This study, examined Chilocorus kuwanae for biological control of Saissetia coffeae. We measured basic developmental characteristics of C. kuwanae and its capability to prey on the second-instar larvae of S. coffeae by indoor breeding under the following conditions: $25^{\circ}C{\pm}2^{\circ}C$, humidity $70%{\pm}5%$, and day length 16L : 8D. The average daily consumption of the second-instar larvae of S. coffeae by C. kuwanae adults was approximately 77.5 larvae/day, which was significantly 2.8 and 2.9 times higher than consumption by Chrysoperla carnea and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, respectively. During the nymphal period, C. kuwanae consumed a total of 659.0 second-instar larvae of S. coffeae. The interaction between C. kuwanae and the second-instar larvae of S. coffeae varied according to their densities, with the increase in C. kuwanae consumption rate noted to decelerate and gradually level off at the maximum, rsembling Holling's Type II functional response. Duration of egg to adult development varied from 21.1 days to nearly 27.9 days at temperatures of $25^{\circ}C{\pm}2^{\circ}C$. Hatchability, pupation rate, and adult emergence were greater than 72.3%, 77.8% and 83.3%, respectively.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.329-334
• /
• 2020

Inflammasomes are cytosolic, multiprotein complexes that act at the frontline of the immune responses by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns or abnormal host molecules. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to possess multipotency to differentiate into various cell types and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional regulation of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs). hUCB-MSCs expressed inflammasome components that are necessary for its complex assembly. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation suppressed the differentiation of hUCB-MSCs into osteoblasts, which was restored when the expression of adaptor proteins for inflammasome assembly was inhibited. Moreover, the suppressive effects of MSCs on T cell responses and the macrophage activation were augmented in response to NLRP3 activation. In vivo studies using colitic mice revealed that the protective abilities of hUCB-MSCs increased after NLRP3 stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome components are expressed in hUCB-MSCs and its activation can regulate the differentiation capability and the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.228-236
• /
• 2004

Retinal ganglion cells transmit visual scene as an action potential to visual cortex through optic nerve. Conventional recording method using single intra- or extra-cellular electrode enables us to understand the response of specific neuron on specific time. Therefore, it is not possible to determine how the nerve impulses in the population of retinal ganglion cells collectively encode the visual stimulus with conventional recording. This requires recording the simultaneous electrical signals of many neurons. Recent advances in multi-electrode recording have brought us closer to understanding how visual information is encoded by population of retinal ganglion cells. We examined how ganglion cells act together to encode a visual scene with multi-electrode array (MEA). With light stimulation (on duration: 2 sec, off duration: 5 sec) generated on a color monitor driven by custom-made software, we isolated three functional types of ganglion cell activities; ON (35.0$\pm$4.4%), OFF (31.4$\pm$1.9%), and ON/OFF cells (34.6$\pm$5.3%) (Total number of retinal pieces = 8). We observed that nearby neurons often fire action potential near synchrony (< 1 ms). And this narrow correlation is seen among cells within a cluster which is made of 6～8 cells. As there are many more synchronized firing patterns than ganglion cells, such a distributed code might allow the retina to compress a large number of distinct visual messages into a small number of ganglion cells.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.547-553
• /
• 2003

To develop the health and functional food material from oats, this study was conducted to determine the biologiral activities(antibacterial, antioxidative and mtltmor effects) of oat bran's soluble ${\beta}$-glucans obtained from oat bran concentrate(OBC) by central composite experimental design. The antibacterial effect of oat's ${\beta}$-glucans in the concentration of 250, 500$\mu\textrm{g}$/disc was not detected by paper disc method, and no antioxidative effect of them in the concentration of 5％ by electron donating ability. The growth inhibition on tumor cell lines of oat's soluble ${\beta}$ -glucans was significantly higher in the experimental fraction of No. 7(temperature 45$^{\circ}C$, ethanol 15%, pH 6) than the other fractions(p<0.05). The maximal values of growth inhibitions on AGS, Hep3B and A549 cell lines in the cancentration of 1mg/ml are 59%, 58% and 54% respectively. In addition, the inhibition effect on three tumor cell lines of No. 1(temperature 5$^{\circ}C$, ethanol 5%, pH 6) was relatively high. From the results of response surface methodology, as the values of independent variables changed, they influenced the growth inhibition effect on this cell lines. With this on work further research is required to clarify antitumor effects.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.71-81
• /
• 2005

Objective : Dear antler (Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe) used for traditional immunosuppressive and immuno-activating action. The effect of deer antler herbal-acupuncture(DAH) solution, prepared by water extract method, on cathepsin activities in bone tissues (cartilage and synovial) cells from mouse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model was studied. The cysteine endoprotease cathepsin mediates degradation of the MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) in human and mouse antigen-presenting cells. The studies described here examine the functional significance of cathepsin inhibition on autoantigen presentation and organ-specific autoimmune diseases in a murine model for RA. Methods : An animal model for RA in BALB/c mice thymectomized 3 days after birth (3d-Tx) was constructed All 3d-Tx BALB/c mice developed autoimmune lesions in the bone tissue cells, starting at 3 weeks of age, and the disease mediated by CD4+ T cells was chronic and progressive. Significant inhibitory effects of DAH solution on cathepsin S and L were observed in each organ in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed that cathepsin S and L activity in each organ were clearly inhibited by DAB solution. When we examined the inhibitory effects of DAH solution against autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro, in regional lymph node cells, but not in spleens, from model mice, a significant inhibitory effect of DAB solution was observed in a dose-dependent manner. DAH solution do not block T cell proliferation to Con A, indicated that the dose of DAB solution 10 to $20\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ was sufficient to inactivate the autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. In vivo therapeutic effects of DAB solution were examined in a murine model for RA, autoantigen-specific (C-II-specific) T cell response were significantly inhibited in LNCs from DAH solution-treated mice. Results : Iinhibition of cathepsin S and L in vivo alters autoantigen presentation and development of organ-specific autoimmunity in RA model. Conclusion : These data identify selective inhibition of cysteine protease cathepsin S and L as a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune disease process such RA. Thus, DAH solution will served as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents for treatment of human RA.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.300-318
• /
• 2003

Statement of problem: The success of implants depends on intimate and direct contact of implant material on bone tissue and on functional relationship with soft tissue contact. Creation and maintenance of osseointegration depend on the understanding of the tissue's healing, repairing, and remodeling capacity and these capacities rely on cellular behavior. Altering the surface properties can modify cellular responses such as cell adhesion, cell motility, bone deposition, Therefore, various implant surface treatment methods are being developed for the improved bone cell responses. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of osteoblast-like cells to surface-modified titanium. Materials and Methods: The experiment was composed of four groups. Group 1 represented the electropolished surface. Group 2 surfaces were machined surface. Group 3 and Group 4 were anodized surfaces. Group 3 had low roughness and Group 4 had high roughness. Physicochemical properties and microstructures of the discs were examined and the responses of osteoblast-like cells to the discs were investigated. The microtopography was observed by SEM. The roughness was measured by three-dimension roughness measuring system. The microstructure was analyzed by XRD, AES. To evaluate cell responses to modified titanium surfaces, osteoblasts isolated from calvaria of neonatal rat were cultured. Cell count, morphology, total protein measurement and alkaline phosphatase activities of the cultures were examined. Results and Conclusion: The results were as follows 1. The four groups showed specific microtopography respectively. Anodized group showed grain structure with micropores. 2. Surface roughness values were, from the lowest to the highest, electropolished group, machined group, low roughness anodized group, and high roughness anodized group. 3. Highly roughened anodized group was found to have increased surface oxide thickness and surface crystallinity. 4. The morphology of cells, flattened or spherical, were different from each other. In the electropolished group and machined group, the cells were almost flattened. In two anodized groups, some cells were spherical and other cells were flattened. And the 14 day culture cells of all of the groups were nearly flattened due to confluency. 5. The number of attached cells was highest in low roughness anodized group. And the machined group had significantly lower cell count than any other groups(P<.05). 6. Total protein contents showed no difference among groups. 7. The level of alkaline phosphatase activities was higher in the anodized groups than electropolished and machined groups(P<.05).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.130-142
• /
• 2014

The Korean government is considering implementation of the marine ecosystem restoration technology program (MERTP) to analyze the current status of the marine ecosystems and causes for the ecosystem deterioration as well as to eventually establish a master strategic plan for restoring ecosystem functions and preventing ecosystem functional loss. In order to determine likelihood of successful implementation, it is essential to perform an analysis of the economic feasibility of the program. The present study assessed economic feasibility of the MERTP. To this end, the dichotomous choice contingent valuation (CV) method is used. In particular, dichotomous choice (DC) format is employed as a method of eliciting willingness-to-pay (WTP) response to incentive-compatible mechanisms. The study also employed the spike model to deal with zero WTP responses from the DC CV survey. This survey of 1,000 randomly selected households in accordance with the guidelines provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) was carried out nationwide in 2013. And, the respondents were asked in person-to-person interviews about their WTP for implementing the MERTP. The results showed that the annual mean WTP was estimated to be 5,414 won per household. Consequently, the annual benefit from the MERTP would be about 98.6 billion won for the next five years. Economic feasibility assessment utilizing the MERTP investment cost and expansion cost of the value provided that net present value, benefit/cost ratio, and internal rate of return are 337.8 billion won, 5.20, and 65.9 %, respectively, which are bigger than 0, 1.0, and 5.5 %, and that the MERTP passes the cost-benefit analysis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.43-51
• /
• 2017

Background: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. Methods: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Results: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-${\beta}$ and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) kinase ($IKK{\beta}$), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway by blocking $IKK{\beta}$ and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/$IKK{\beta}$/TBK1 overexpression strategy. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of $IKK{\beta}$ and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.66-72
• /
• 2018

Corn stover is known as a good candidate for a functional food ingredient when the main lignocellulosic material, lignin, is used as bioactive materials as form of polyphenolic compounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the microwave extraction conditions under which total phenolic compounds (TPC) and flavonoid contents of corn stover were maximized. Microwave-assisted extracts using sulfuric acid ranging from 0 to 1.0 mol with extraction time between 40 and 240 sec were conducted by using response surface methodology (RSM). Microwave power showed significant effects (p<0.05) and the concentrations of TPC and flavonoids increased with increased level of microwave power and extraction time. The optimum conditions for corn stover extraction were determined as 698.6 W, 240 sec, and 0 mol sulfuric acid, and the predicted value of TPC and flavonoid is 82.4 mg GAE/g DM and 18.1 mg/g DM, respectively. Microwave extraction was evaluated as an economic process with low energy consumption, short extraction and high extraction yield of bioactive including TPC and flavonoids compared to conventional extractions.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.410-417
• /
• 2014

Berries and green tea are underutilized in the food industry despite their great potential as a functional food ingredients. The purpose of this study was to determine the extraction conditions under which total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of berry and green tea extracts are maximized. Extracts produced using 0-80% ethanol and temperatures ranging from $5-65^{\circ}C$ were evaluated for total phenolic content (TP), as well as for DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities by using response surface methodology. Both ethanol and temperature had significant effects (p<0.05). Ogaja extract produced at $67^{\circ}C$ by using 33% ethanol yielded maximum TP, ABTS, and DPPH values of 23.74 mg GAE/g, 19.77, and 25.04 mg VCE/g, respectively. Optimum conditions for mulberry and raspberry extraction were found to be $65^{\circ}C$ by using 69% and 40% ethanol, respectively. Mulberry and raspberry extracts had TP, DPPH, and ABTS values of 20.74 mg GAE/g, 23.55, and 35.44 mg VCE/g, and 26.08 mg GAE/g, 39.93, and 55.60 mg VCE/g, respectively. Green tea extraction at $57^{\circ}C$ by using 43% ethanol was found to be optimal, yielding TP, ABTS, and DPPH values of 101.15 mg GAE/g, 171.38, and 177.56 mg VCE/g, respectively.