• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.631-641
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• 2021

Background: Main bioactive constituents and pharmacological functions of ripened red ginseng berry (Panax ginseng Meyer) have been frequently reported. Yet, the research gap targeting the beneficial activities of transformed green ginseng berries has not reported elsewhere. Methods: Ginsenosides of new green berry cultivar K-1 (GK-1) were identified by HPLC-QTOF/MS. Ginsenosides bioconversion in GK-1 by bgp1 enzyme was confirmed with HPLC and TLC. Then, mechanisms of GK-1 and β-glucosidase (bgp1) biotransformed GK-1 (BGK-1) were determined by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot. Results: GK-1 possesses highest ginsenosides especially ginsenoside-Re amongst seven ginseng cultivars including (Chunpoong, Huangsuk, Kumpoong, K-1, Honkaejong, Gopoong, and Yunpoong). Ginseng root's biomass is not affected with the harvest of GK-1 at 3 weeks after flowering period. Then, Re is bioconverted into a promising pharmaceutical effect of Rg2 via bgp1. According to the results of cell assays, BGK-1 shows decrease of tyrosinase and melanin content in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone challenged-murine melanoma B16 cells. BGK-1 which is comparatively more effective than GK-1 extract shows significant suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and inflammatory target genes, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: These results reported effective whitening and anti-inflammatory of BGK-1 as compared to GK-1.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.428-435
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• 2022

Objectives: The Indonesian Ministry of Health launched isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in 2016, with general practitioners (GPs) at the frontline of this program. However, the extent to which GPs have internalized this program remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and attitudes of GPs towards the IPT program in Indonesia. Methods: This study used an online, self-administered questionnaire distributed via e-mail and social messaging services. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the explanatory variables influencing the level of knowledge and attitudes toward IPT among GPs in Indonesia. An empirical analysis was conducted separately for each response variable (knowledge and attitudes). Results: Of the 418 respondents, 128 (30.6%) had a good knowledge of IPT. Working at a public hospital was the only variable associated with good knowledge, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 2.81). Furthermore, 279 respondents (66.7%) had favorable attitudes toward IPT. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, good knowledge (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.89), 1-5 years of work experience (aOR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.60), and having experienced IPT training (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.93), were significantly associated with favorable attitudes. Conclusions: In general, GPs in Indonesia had favorable attitudes toward IPT. However, their knowledge of IPT was limited. GPs are an essential element of the IPT program in the country, and therefore, adequate information dissemination to improve their understanding is critical for the long-term viability and quality of the IPT program in Indonesia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.373-390
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• 2022

Science museums are platforms of PUS (public understanding of science). The purpose of this study was to explore the science communicators' competencies critical in interacting with visitors from the comparison of their training and professional development programs nationally and internationally. The managers running science communicators' programs and communicators themselves from six different national science museums and those from five different international ones participated in the structured survey. The data from surveys were compared among respondents to draw common and specific descriptions for communicators' competencies. In addition, the experienced exemplary science communicator, Ms. Park, participated in this study and the data from her observation field notes, her own developed science communicators' manual, and interviews were used to support the result. The contextual model of learning in science museums (Falk, 2006) was used to illustrate science communicators' expertise. National managers and science communicators showed difference in their perception about science communicators' roles, difficulties, and improvement for their competencies. Internationally, the managers and science communicators showed similar perception about communicators' competencies in terms of the contextual model of learning. It is highly suggested that practice-based science communicators' training and professional development programs must be offered on the basis of interaction between experienced and novice communicators as mentors and mentees systems.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.4
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• pp.490-501
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• 2022

In this study, the isoprene and terpene emissions from 32 major urban tree species were investigated. We conducted sampling using a dynamic enclosure system between June and July 2021. Seedlings aged < three years were enclosed in a chamber consisting of a 400 L transparent Tedlar bag. The air flow from the outlet of the chamber was sampled using Tenax-filled sorbent tubes under standard conditions (temperature: 30°C; PAR: 1,000 μmol/m²/sec). A thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system was used to analyze the following 38 biogenic volatile organic compounds: isoprene, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Isoprene emitters included Quercus mongolica, Salix koreensis, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Salix chaenomeloides. Monoterpene emitters included Pinus strobus, Cedrela sinensis, and Cercis chinensis. The monoterpene emission profiles were dominated by á-pinene, myrcene, camphene, and limonene. The predominant oxygenated monoterpene and oxygenated sesquiterpene were eucalyptol and caryophyllene oxide, respectively. For all species, the contributions of sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were relatively low.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.57-62
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• 2019

Objective : Gastritis is a major complication of gastrointestinal disease. Lonicera japonica is used in folk medicine to treat different diseases such as exopathogenic wind-heat, epidemic febrile diseases, sores, carbuncles and some infectious diseases. Therefore, this study examined the effects of Lonicera japonica water extract (LJE) on HCl/ethano-linduced acute gastric ulceration and anti-oxidants properties. Methods : LC-ESI-IT-TOF MS was employed for rapid identification of major compound from LJE. The antioxidant activities were evaluated through total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and radical scavenging assays and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. SD rats were randomly divided into five different groups including the normal group, ulcer group, positive group (20 kg/mg of omeprazole, ip), and experimental groups (100 kg/mg and 500 kg/mg of LJE, ip). Results : 4,5-Dicaffeoyl quinic acid, loganic acid, secologanic acid, sweroside, loganin, vogeloside were identified based on the detection of the molecular ion with those of literature data. The LJE was possessed free radical scavenging activities such as DPPH (IC₅₀=189.7 ㎍/㎖), ABTS (IC₅₀=164.5 ㎍/㎖), and SOD-like activity (IC₅₀=405.02 ㎍/㎖). Macroscopic and histological analyses showed LJE treated group were significantly reduced to an extent that it allowed leukocytes penetration of the gastric walls compared with the ulcer group. In addition, an ulcer inhibition rate and prostaglandin E₂ levels were increased in rats treated with LJE. Conclusion : The present study has demonstrated the antioxidantive and gastroprotective effect of LJE, these findings suggested that LJE has the potential for use in treatment of gastric disorders.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.124-132
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• 2022

Through scientific analysis, this study identified the material characteristics of metal foil decorating the border line and knotting of the National Folklore Cultural Heritage 'Pouch for the Sutra Embroidered with a Sun and Moon Design'. Through Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy results, it was estimated that silver (Ag) and sulfur (S) were present in the metal foil, and silver leaf was also attached to the medium. S may discolor Ag from yellow to black depending on its concsentration and contact time. Yellow color could not be identified in metal foil at present. But there existed an example of the preparation of a gold-colored flat silver thread; therefore, further research is needed to estimate the original color. The lamella was reddish brown on the back. Aluminum, silicon, and iron were also detected and were the main components found in red soil. This is believed to be the red adhesive in traditional flat gold thread and is considered to be an adhesive-related component of the metal foil. From the gas chromatography mass spectrometry results, the adhesive component was confirmed to be animal glue.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.203-213
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• 2022

Abeliophyllum distichum (A. distichum, Korean endemic plant) is one genus and one species in the Oleaceae family. According to the color variation of petals and calyx, A. distichum is classified as A. distichum (white flower), A. distichum for. lilacinum (pink flowers), A. distichum for. eburneum (ivory flowers), and Okhwang 1 (golden flowers). In previous studies, bioactivities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer) of A. distichum have been reported. We conducted a comparison of the differences in bioactive compounds and the anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages among four flowers of A. distichum (FAD). The identification and quantification of glycosides were analyzed by HPLC/PDA and LCMS. These results were shown FAD has rutin, hirsutrin, and acteoside. Antioxidant activity of FAD significantly decreased reactive oxygen species. In addition, FAD reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, iNOS, and COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. For further study, we investigated the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In conclusion, FAD may exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing inflammatory mediators via regulations of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, these findings suggest that FAD is a potential resource as a preventative or therapeutic agent for inflammation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.750-758
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• 2022

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional condition between normality and dementia. Ginseng is known to have effects on attenuating cognitive deficits in neurogenerative diseases. Ginsenosides are the main bioactive component of ginseng, and their protein targets have not been fully understood. Furthermore, no thorough analysis is reported in ginsenoside-related protein targets in MCI. Methods: The candidate protein targets of ginsenosides in brain tissues were identified by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) coupled with label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Network pharmacology approach was used to collect the therapeutic targets for MCI. Based on the above-mentioned overlapping targets, we built up a proteineprotein interaction (PPI) network in STRING database and conducted gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Finally, we assessed the effects of ginseng total saponins (GTS) and different ginsenosides on mitochondrial function by measuring the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and performing molecular docking. Results: We screened 2526 MCI-related protein targets by databases and 349 ginsenoside-related protein targets by DARTS. On the basis of these 81 overlapping genes, enrichment analysis showed the mitochondria played an important role in GTS-mediated MCI pharmacological process. Mitochondrial function analysis showed GTS, protopanaxatriol (PPT), and Rd increased the activities of complex I in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking also predicted the docking pockets between PPT or Rd and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Conclusion: This study indicated that ginsenosides might alleviate MCI by targeting respiratory chain complex I and regulating mitochondrial function, supporting ginseng's therapeutic application in cognitive deficits.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.207-215
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• 2022

The intensity of fishy odor in eggs, which differs depending on the poultry type and individual perception, can be due to many factors including trimethylamine (TMA) which has been identified as the main. Notably, riboflavin can increase the activity of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3, the enzyme responsible for converting TMA into odorless trimethylamine-N-oxide. This study aimed to analyze the TMA content in egg yolk, evaluate its contribution to fishy odor, and develop a method to prevent this undesired odor. Solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to detect and quantify volatile compounds in egg yolk from hens fed a standard TMA-rich diet and hens fed a riboflavin-supplemented diet. To compare the relative content of volatile substances between eggs, a correlation study was performed using an electronic nose. Higher concentration of TMA (1.06 ± 0.12 mg/kg) was detected in egg yolks obtained from hens fed a normal diet than those fed a riboflavin-supplemented diet. Overall, this study suggests that riboflavin affects the quantity and quality of volatile substances, including TMA, present in eggs and we expect these findings to improve the quality and reduce the fishy odor of eggs.