• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.179-190
• /
• 2024

Cannabis sativa is a plant widely cultivated worldwide and has been used as a material for food, medicine, building materials and cosmetics. In this study, we assessed the functional effects of C. sativa stem and root extracts using network pharmacology and confirmed their novel functions. The components in stem and root ethanol extracts were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and networks between the components and proteins were constructed using the STICHI database. Functional annotation of the proteins was performed using the KEGG pathway. The effects of the extracts were confirmed in lysophosphatidylcholine-induced THP-1 cells using real-time PCR. A total of 21 and 32 components were identified in stem and root extracts, respectively, and 147 and 184 proteins were linked to stem and root components, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 69 pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway, were commonly affected by the extracts. Further investigation using pathway networks revealed that terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was likely affected by the extracts, and the expression of the MVK and MVD genes, key proteins in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, was decreased in LPC-induced THP-1 cells. Therefore, this study determined the diverse function of C. sativa extracts, providing information for predicting and researching the effects of C. sativa.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.58-64
• /
• 2024

Approximately 250 marine oil spill accidents have occurred in Korea, with profound impact on local communities and the environment. The restoration process necessitates significant resources and costs to return affected areas to their pre-accident state. In accordance with the polluter pays principle, compensation is demanded from polluter, as stipulated in both international conventions and national laws. Consequently, investigations are conducted to determine civil and criminal liability. As the importance of investigation actors in oil spill accidents increases, standards such as CEN 15522-2 and ASTM D 3248 are employed to determine the similarity between the spilled oil and the oil of the suspected ship. Among these standards, CEN 15522-2, the most actively used European standard, underwent its third revision and is now known as EN 15522-2, as of 2023. This study used EN 15522-2 to analyze samples from marine oil spill accidents that occurred in Korea. The results indicated that, considering the characteristics of domestic spills where light fuel oil spills account for more than 40%, the application of EN 15522-2, which includes low-boiling point substances such as Adamantanes, was confirmed to be highly effective.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.36-42
• /
• 2024

Background: The use of scented candles and incense sticks, both of which are household products that are burned for indoor deodorization and calming effects, is increasing. Fine dust has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air pollution and can cause diseases. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect on indoor air quality by measuring PM_2.5 and VOCs generated when burning scented candles and incense sticks. Methods: Scented candles and incense sticks were selected as household products to burn. As for the target sample, top-selling products (five types of scented candles, five types of incense sticks) were purchased online. The PM_2.5 concentration according to time was measured immediately next to the sample and three meters away from each other in an enclosed space using a real-time aerosol photometer. VOCs were collected as samples under the same conditions using Tenax tubes and were quantitatively analyzed by TD-GC/MS. Results: In the case of scented candles, the concentration of PM_2.5 did not increase during combustion and after being extinguished by placing a cover on the candle. For the incense sticks, the concentration of PM_2.5 averaged 1,901.27 ㎍/m³. After burning scented candles and incense sticks, some VOCs concentrations were increased such as ethyl acetate and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene). Conclusions: Therefore, when using scented candles, extinguishment by placing a cover on the candle can be expected to reduce PM_2.5. It is advisable to avoid using incense sticks because PM_2.5 concentration increases from the start of combustion.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.115-123
• /
• 2024

In this paper, we propose a vibration notification system that combines navigation information and wearable bands to ensure safe driving for the transportation vulnerable. This system transmits navigation driving information to a linked application, converts it into a vibration signal, and provides notifications through a wearable band. Existing navigation systems focus on providing route guidance and location information, so the driver's concentration is dispersed, and safety and convenience are deteriorated, especially for those with mobility impairments, due to standard vision and delayed recognition of stimuli, resulting in an increasingly high traffic accident rate. To solve this problem, navigation driving information is converted into vibration signals through a linked application, and vibration notifications for events, left turns, right turns, and speeding are provided through a wearable band to ensure driver safety and convenience. In the future, we will use cameras and vehicle sensors to increase awareness of safety inside and outside the vehicle by adding a function that provides notifications with vibration and LED when the vehicle approaches or recognizes an object, and we will continue to conduct research to build a safer driving environment. plan.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.279-286
• /
• 2001

Objective: To elucidate 1) whether there are any differences in the urine concentrations of steroid hormone metabolites between patients with leiomyoma and normal controls 2) the correlation between urinary profiles of steroid hormones and leiomyomas of the uterus according to their type, location, volume, and weight. Materials of Methods : The study population consisted of 37 premenopausal patients with uterine leiomyoma and the control group consisted of 25 premenopausal normal volunteer women without uterine leiomyoma. Confirmation of the existence of uterine leiomyoma was done by ultrasonography and histopathological examination after surgery. The volume of the leiomyoma was estimated by trans-abdominal and/or trans-vaginal ultrasonography. The Leiomyomas were divided into 3 types (subserosal, intramural and submucosal). Seventeen patients had subserosal type of leiomyoma, 10 with the intramural type and 10 with the submucosal type. The locations of the leiomyoma were also divided into 3 groups (fundus, body and isthmus). Seventeen patients showed a fundus location, 10 in body, and 10 in isthmus. We compared urinary profiles of the endogenous steroids between patients with leiomyomas and normal controls, and also investigated the relationship between urinary profiles of the endogenous steroids and leiomyomas according to their type, location, volume and weight by using highly sensitive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Results: The mean ages of the patients with leiomyomas and the control group were $43.1{\pm}5.6$ and $40.6{\pm}7.2$ years, the weights were $63.4{\pm}7.3$ and $59.4{\pm}8.1\;kg$, and their heights were $155.4{\pm}4.8$ and $159.3{\pm}4.8\;cm$ respectively. Seventeen patients had subserosal, 10 had intramural, and 10 had submucosal leiomyomas. There were 17 patients with leiomyoma located in fundus, 10 in body and 10 in isthmus. $17{\beta}$-estradiol, 5-AT, 11-keto ET, $11{\beta}$-hydroxy An, $11{\beta}$-hydroxy Et, THS, THA, THE, a-cortolone, a-cortol, $\beta$-cortol, $11{\beta}$-OH Et/$11{\beta}$-OH An and E2/E1 were significantly increased in patients with leiomyoma than in the control group. $17{\beta}$-estradiol was significantly increased in the intramural and the submucosal types than in the subserosal type. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of urinary steroids according to the locations of leiomyomas. There was no significant relationship between the concentration of urinary steroids and the volume of the leiomyomas. $17{\beta}$-estradiol significantly decreased as the weight of uterus increased (r=-0.322, p=0.04). Conclusion: The concentrations of steroid hormone metabolites were generally increased in patients with leiomyoma but were not significantly related to the volume and weight of the leiomyomas. Our study suggests that steroid hormones may be involved in the initiation of leiomyomas but may not be involved in their progression. In addition, the concentrations of steroid hormone metabolites are not related to the leiomyoma type and location.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.206-211
• /
• 2009

In order to investigate the effects of elicitors on the growth and ginsenoside biosynthesis of ginseng hairy roots, we treated Panax ginseng hairy root with various concentrations of Haliotidis concha according to different time course. Haliotidis concha supplement increased the biomass and ginsenoside accumulation at 10 mg/L concentration. The growth rate of hairy root under a lighter concentration was greater than hairy root treated with a denser concentration. The highest content and productivity of ginsenosides appeared at 2 weeks after the treatment of 10 mg/L Haliotidis concha. The gene expression of squalene synthase, squalene epoxidase, dammarenediol synthase, cycloartenol synthase, $\beta$-amyrin synthase in hairy roots of ginseng were examined by RT-PCR. The Haliotidis concha treatment resulted in the obvious accumulation of the mRNA of triterpene biosynthesis in Panax ginseng hairy root as compared with the control. In this study, Haliotidis concha acts as a kind of elicitor for the production of ginsenosides.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.395-401
• /
• 2010

This research was carried out as a survey on the contents of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in 5 type agricultural products unestablished safety guideline in Korea. The average levels of Pb: onion 0.010 mg/kg, cucumber 0.018 mg/kg, garlic 0.012 mg/kg, green pepper 0.027 mg/kg, sesame 0.029 mg/kg. The average levels of Cd: onion 0.006 mg/kg, cucumber 0.002 mg/kg, garlic 0.008 mg/kg, green pepper 0.011 mg/kg, sesame 0.024 mg/kg. The present result of this study showed that Pb and Cd contents in the whole samples were less than the maximum residual levels of the codex standard. The levels of exposure assessment for Pb and Cd by intake from vegetables and sesame were merely at $1.3{\times}10^{-4}$(mean) ~ $5.1{\times}10^{-4}$($95^{th}$ percentiles) ${\mu}$g/kg bw/day for Pb, $7.5{\times}10^{-5}$(mean) ~ $3.6{\times}10^{-4}$($95^{th}$ percentiles) ${\mu$}g/kg bw/day for Cd. The data from this research will be valuable source for database construction for science-based safety control and management for the trace metal contamination in food including agricultural products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.375-387
• /
• 2012

The objective of this study is investigation of contamination levels and assessment of health risk effects of heavy metals in herbal pills. 31 Items and 93 samples were obtained for this investigation from major herbal medicine producing areas, herbal markets and on-line supermarkets from Jan to Jun in 2010. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method was conducted for the quantitative analysis of Pb, Cd and As. In addition, the mercury analyzer system was conducted for that of Hg without sample digestion. The average contents of heavy metals in samples were as follows : 0.87 mg/kg for Pb, 0.08 mg/kg for Cd, 2.87 mg/kg for As and 0.16 mg/kg for Hg, respectively. In addition, the average contents of heavy metals in different parts of plants, including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were 0.63 mg/kg, 3.94 mg/kg, 1.42 mg/kg, 1.05 mg/kg, 0.16 mg/kg, 22.31 mg/kg and 10.17 mg/kg, respectively. After the estimations of dietary exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the average daily dose (ADD), the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the relative hazard of heavy metals were evaluated. As the results, the relative hazards compared to PTWI in samples were below the recommended standard of JECFA as Pb 3.1%, Cd 0.9%, Hg 0.5%. Cancer risks through slope factor (SF) by Ministry of Environment Republic Korea and Environmental Protection Agency was $4.24{\times}10^{-7}$ for Pb and $3.38{\times}10^{-4}$ for As (assuming that the total arsenic content was equal to the inorganic arsenic). Based on our results, possible Pb-induced cancer risks in herbal pills according to parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were $1.95{\times}10^{-7}$, $1.45{\times}10^{-6}$, $2.14{\times}10^{-7}$, $6.27{\times}10^{-7}$, $1.99{\times}10^{-8}$, $3.61{\times}10^{-7}$ and $9.64{\times}10^{-8}$, respectively. Possible As-induced cancer risks in herbal pills by parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were $1.54{\times}10^{-5}$, $7.24{\times}10^{-5}$, $1.23{\times}10^{-4}$, $2.02{\times}10^{-5}$, $3.25{\times}10^{-6}$, $2.18{\times}10^{-3}$ and $5.67{\times}10^{-6}$ respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that the majority of samples except for some samples with relative high contents of heavy metals were safe.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.430-436
• /
• 2010

In this study, the effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene on seed germination were investigated in pepper. Four $C_{18}$ dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans - schisandrin (1143.7 mg), schisandrin C (317.3 mg), gomisin A (261.4 mg) and gomisin N (213.4 mg) - were isolated from hexane extracts of the fruits of Schisandra chinensis. The molecular structures of the four lignans were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses including 1D NMR experiments, and bi comparing their spectroscopic data with those of previous literatures. Seeds were immersed in $10^{-5}\;M$ schisandrin, $10^{-6}\;M$ schisandrin C and $10^{-7}\;M$ gomisin A and gomisin N for 1 hr and incubated at $25^{\circ}C$ in the dark for germination. Compared to untreated control, treatment with schisandrin C and gomisin A suppressed seed germination at 48 hrs after incubation, whereas treatment with gomisin N increased germination rate at 48 hrs after incubation. The results of the germination activity of the lignans from S. chinensis confirm their potential plant growth role, and the relative natural abundances of these metabolites suggest their potential use as natural plant growth regulators.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.102-109
• /
• 2018

In the present study, a variety of polylactide (PLA) articles (n = 211) were tested for migration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) into the food simulant (4% v/v acetic acid). Pb, Cd, and As were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Migration tests were performed at $70^{\circ}C$ and $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. The amounts of Pb, Cd, and As increased at $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 min compared with levels at $70^{\circ}C$. However, the migration at both conditions was very low. The maximum level of Pb at $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 min corresponded to 1% of the migration limit. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) based on safety evaluation ranged from $2.5{\times}10^{-5}$ to $2.0{\times}10^{-3}{\mu}g/kg\;bw/day$ for Pb, Cd, and As. The EDI calculated from migration of Pb at $100^{\circ}C$ for 30 min in PLA was the maximum value, $2.0{\times}10^{-3}{\mu}g/kg\;bw/day$, which corresponded to 0.055% of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI, $25{\mu}g/kg\;bw/week$). The data from this study represent a valuable source for science-based safety control and management of hazardous heavy metals migrating from polylactide food contact materials.