• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2023

The biocompatibility and durability of implant fixtures are major concerns for dentists and patients. Mechanical complications of the implant include abutment screw loosening, screw fracture, loss of implant prostheses, and implant fracture. This case report aims to describe management of a case of fixture damage that occurred after screw fracture in a tissue level, internal connection implant and microscopic evaluation of the fractured fixture. A trephine bur was used to remove the fixture, and the socket was grafted using allogeneic bone material. The failed implant was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which revealed a fractured fixture with both normal and irregular bone patterns. The SEM and EDS results give an enlightenment of the failed fixture surface micromorphology with microfracture and contaminated chemical compositions. Noticeably, the significantly high level of gold (Au) on the implant surface and the trace amounts of Au and titanium (Ti) in the bone tissue were recorded, which might have resulted from instability and micro-movement of the implant-abutment connection over an extended period of time. Further study with larger number of patient and different types of implants is needed for further conclusion.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2024

Background: Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that cause tissue damage and alveolar bone destruction resulting in the loss of teeth and implants. Due to the biological differences in the tissues surrounding the implants, peri-implantitis progresses more rapidly and intensely than periodontitis, underscoring the importance of understanding the characteristics and interactions of pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the pathogenic microorganisms associated with periodontitis and peri-implantitis in Korean patients and evaluate the correlation between these bacteria. Methods: A total of 98 (52 males and 46 females) were randomly selected and classified into three groups (healthy group [HG]=25; periodontitis group [PG]=31; and peri-implantitis group [PIG]=42). The relative expression levels of 11 pathogenic microorganisms collected from the gingival sulcus fluid were determined using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella nigrescens were highly prevalent in the HG, PG, and PIG patients. The results of the relative quantitative analysis of microorganisms showed that all bacteria belonging to the green, orange, and red complexes were significantly more abundant in the PG and PIG than in the HG (p<0.05). Porphyromonas gingivalis in the red complex showed a positive correlation with all microorganisms in the orange complex (p<0.05). Campylobacter rectus in the orange complex showed a significant positive correlation with all microorganisms in the red complex, and with F. nucleatum, P. nigrescens, Prevotella intermedia, and Eubacterium nodatum (p<0.05). Conclusion: P. gingivalis, C. rectus, and F. nucleatum exhibit strong interactions. Removing these bacteria can block complex formation and enhance the prevention and treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2008

The problems caused by new biological organisms in Ogasawara Island of Japan include : (1) loss of native species' habitats and extinction of native species due to the multiplication of invasive species; (2) reduction of native species and confusion in the food chain in result of invasive species' predation; (3) confusion in genes due to hybridization of new and native plants; and (4) destruction of ecosystem and erosion of earth due to rapid increase of invasive species. The natural ecosystem of preserved areas in Korea is constantly confused and destroyed by new animals and plants, but Korea does not has any solutions because new animals and plants rarely affect human lives. Invasive species are manually introduced by humans and are considered disasters caused by humans. Korea is in desperate need of campaigns as the general public does not understand the seriousness of the destruction and confusion of natural ecosystem caused by new biological organisms and their indirect/direct influences on humans. It is necessary to evaluate the biological characteristics, ecological influence, and harms of invasive species in preserved areas to establish a system to manage invasive species and plan the priority removal of species that are highly harmful and locally distributed. Manual removal and suppression of new biological organisms that cause problems is effective, but it takes cost, effort, and time. Therefore, we would need to research and develop the most efficient and effective techniques and measures to manage invasive species in our ecosystem.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.523-530
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• 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, leading to motor and non-motor dysfunctions, such as depression, olfactory dysfunction, and memory impairment. Although levodopa (L-dopa) has been the gold standard PD treatment for decades, it only relieves motor symptoms and has no effect on non-motor symptoms or disease progression. Prior studies have reported that 6-shogaol, the active ingredient in ginger, exerts a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons by suppressing neuroinflammation in PD mice. This study investigated whether cotreatment with 6-shogaol and L-dopa could attenuate both motor and non-motor symptoms and dopaminergic neuronal damage. Both 6-shogaol (20 mg/kg) and L-dopa (80 mg/kg) were orally administered to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid-induced PD model mice for 26 days. The experimental results showed that L-dopa alleviated motor symptoms, but had no significant effect on non-motor symptoms, loss of dopaminergic neuron, or neuroinflammation. However, when mice were treated with 6-shogaol alone or in combination with L-dopa, an amelioration in both motor and non-motor symptoms such as depression-like behavior, olfactory dysfunction and memory impairment was observed. Moreover, 6-shogaol-only or co-treatment of 6-shogaol with L-dopa protected dopaminergic neurons in the striatum and reduced neuroinflammation in the striatum and substantia nigra. Overall, these results suggest that 6-shogaol can effectively complement L-dopa by improving non-motor dysfunction and restoring dopaminergic neurons via suppressing neuroinflammation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.638-643
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable containing several ingredients. We investigated the protective activity of methanol extract of kimchi under different fermentation stages against oxidative damage. MATERIALS/METHODS: Fresh kimchi (Fresh), optimally ripened kimchi (OptR), and over ripened kimchi (OvR) were fermented until the pH reached pH 5.6, pH 4.3, and pH 3.8, respectively. The radical scavenging activity and protective activity from oxidative stress of kimchi during fermentation were investigated under in vitro and cellular systems using LLC-$PK_1$ cells. RESULTS: Kimchi exhibited strong radical scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical. In addition, the free radical generators led to loss of cell viability and elevated lipid peroxidation, while treatment with kimchi resulted in significantly increased cell viability and decreased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the protective effect against oxidative stress was related to regulation of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ p65, and $I{\kappa}B$ expression. In particular, OvR showed the strongest protective effect from cellular oxidative stress among other kimchi. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated that kimchi, particularly OptR and OvR, played a protective role against free radical-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that kimchi is a promising functional food with an antioxidative effect and fermentation of kimchi led to elevation of antioxidative activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2000

In world trade, the vessel traffic in major routes has been congested due to the rapid increase of cargoes and shipping tonnages. The patterns of vessel traffic have also been complicated and diversified. Therefore it was necessary that the Vessel Traffic Service(VTS) should be established in order to enhance the safety of navigation, to prevent the loss of life and damage to the environment. The first advanced radar surveillance system(LevelIII-VTS) was introduced in Pohang, Korea in 1993 and in 13 other ports later. While the hardware of Korea VTS is equal to that of an advanced country, the software, specially the operation manual, the recruitment and education of VTS operator, and the VTS service area is behind that of Russia, USA, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore and others. After researching and investigating. the VTS equipment and service area of many countries, and analyzing the IMO regulations relevant to VTS and the traffic pattern and accident of Pohang port, the most efficient VTS service area should be established in Pohang. According to the analysis of the preceding studies and research on VTS, the worldwide VTS areas are recognized under the following conditions: First, the service area should be extended over at least radar coverage taking into account of traffic flow, traffic density, the degree of danger to navigation and harbour condition in order to provide all possible services. Second, the established service area should be subdivided and systematized to render reliable VTS services, such as the allocation of VHF frequency and reporting procedure in each area. In conclusion, the VTS service area of Pohang must be established and operated over 10 miles from shore(radar site) covering the radar coverage, so as to include the area of traffic congestion and high density traffic flow.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.330-338
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• 2017

Purpose: The smartphone is actively being used in many research fields, primarily in medical and diagnostic applications. However, there are cases in which smartphone-based systems have been developed for agriculture, environment, and food applications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research cases using smartphone cameras in agriculture, environment, and food. Methods: This review introduces seventeen research cases which used smartphone cameras in agriculture, food, water, and soil applications. These were classified as systems involving "smartphone-camera-alone" and "smartphone camera with optical accessories". Results: Detecting food-borne pathogens, analyzing the quality of foods, monitoring water quality and safety, gathering information regarding plant growth or damage, identifying weeds, and measuring soil loss after rain were presented for the smartphone-camera-alone system. Measuring food and water quality and safety, phenotyping seeds, and soil classifications were presented for the smartphone camera with optical accessories. Conclusions: Smartphone cameras were applied in various areas for several purposes. The use of smartphone cameras has advantages regarding high-resolution imaging, manual or auto exposure and focus control, ease of use, portability, image storage, and most importantly, programmability. The studies discussed were achieved by sensitivity improvements of CCDs (charge-coupled devices) and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) on smartphone cameras and improved computing power of the smartphone, respectively. A smartphone camera-based system can be used with ease, low cost, in near-real-time, and on-site. This review article presents the applications and potential of the smartphone and the smartphone camera used for various purposes in agriculture, environment, and food.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.04a
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• pp.52-52
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• 2018

Apple (Malus domestica) is one of the most economically important fruits in Korea. But virus infection has decreased sustainable production of apple and caused the serious problems such as yield loss and poor fruit quality. Virus or viroid infection including Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and Apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd) has been also reported in Korea, furthermore, its damages and economic losses have increased constantly. In our research, we tried to survey virus infection for commercial nursery trees of major apple cultivars, especially dwarfing rootstocks 'M.9' and 'M.26' as well as scions. Trees were collected from 11 locations which have produced a great amount of apple nursery stocks in Korea. Infection degree was investigated in apple cultivars, 'Hongro' and 'Fuji' using RT-PCR method. In the scion of cultivar 'Hongro', infection ratio of ACLSV, ASPV and ASGV were 100%, 81.8% and 100% respectively. In the rootstock of cultivar 'Hongro', infection ratio of ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV and ApMV were 90.9%, 81.8%, 100% and 9.1% respectively. In the scion of cultivar 'Fuji', infection ratio of ACLSV, ASPV and ASGV were 81.8%, 90.9% and 100% respectively. In the rootstock of cultivar 'Fuji', infection ratio of ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV and ApMV were 81.8%, 90.9%, 100% and 9.1% respectively. Infection of ASSVd was not detected in both cultivars. From our results, it was found that most of apple rootstocks and scions had multiple infections by apple viruses which have caused economic damage in fruit production.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.313-322
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• 2022

Seed-borne pathogens in crops reduce the seed germination rate and hamper seedling growth, leading to significant yield loss. Due to the growing concerns about environmental damage and the development of resistance to agrochemicals among pathogen populations, there is a strong demand for eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals in agriculture. It has been well established during the last few decades that plant seeds harbor diverse microbes, some of which are vertically transmitted and important for plant health and productivity. In this study, we isolated culturable endophytic bacteria and fungi from soybean seeds and evaluated their antagonistic activities against common bacterial and fungal seed-borne pathogens of soybean. A total of 87 bacterial isolates and 66 fungal isolates were obtained. Sequencing of 16S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer amplicon showed that these isolates correspond to 30 and 15 different species of bacteria and fungi, respectively. Our antibacterial and antifungal activity assay showed that four fungal species and nine bacterial species have the potential to suppress the growth of at least one seed-borne pathogen tested in the study. Among them, Pseudomonas koreensis appears to have strong antagonistic activities across all the pathogens. Our collection of soybean seed endophytes would be a valuable resource not only for studying biology and ecology of seed endophytes but also for practical deployment of seed endophytes toward crop protection.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2011

Considering that the world population is expected to total 9 billion by 2050, it will clearly be necessary to sustain and even accelerate the rate of improvement in crop productivity. In the 21st century, we now face another, perhaps more devastating, environmental threat, namely climate change, which could cause irreversible damage to agricultural ecosystem and loss of production potential. Enhancing intrinsic yield, plant abiotic stress tolerance, and pest and pathogen resistance through agricultural biotechnology will be a critical part of feeding, clothing, and providing energy for the human population, and overcoming climate change. Development and commercialization of genetically engineered crops have significantly contributed to increase of crop yield and farmer's income, decrease of environmental impact associated with herbicide and insecticide, and to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from this cropping area. Advances in plant genomics, proteomics and system biology have offered an unprecedented opportunities to identify genes, pathways and networks that control agricultural important traits. Because such advances will provide further details and complete understanding of interaction of plant systems and environmental variables, biotechnology is likely to be the most prominent part of the next generation of successful agricultural industry. In this article, we review the prospects for modification of agricultural target traits by genetic engineering, including enhancement of photosynthesis, abiotic stress tolerance, and pest and pathogen resistance associated with such opportunities and challenges under climate change.