• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.201-205
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• 2014

Smilacina japonica is a localized common rhizomatous flowering plant, This plant is often used in Korean traditional systems of medicine as a remedy for migrain, diplegia, physical impurity, blood circulation, abscess and contusion. Generally drugs that are used for arthritis have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of S. japonica using the ethanolic extract and its subfractions. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects, we examined the inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our results indicated that hexane fraction significantly inhibited the LPS induced NO and $PGE_2$ production in the cells. The hexane fractions inhibitory activity for NO tests with $IC_{50}$ values showed in $53.3{\mu}g/ml$ and $PGE_2$ tests with $IC_{50}$ values showed at $32.5{\mu}g/ml$. Theseis result suggest a potential role of hexane fraction from S. japonica as source of anti-inflammatory agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1448-1454
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• 2018

Insects have been investigated as a novel source of food and biomaterial in several recent studies. However, their osteoblastogenic cell activity has not been sufficiently researched and so, to investigate the potential of this natural material for promoting osteoblastogenesis, we studied the activity of Locusta migratoria ethanol extract (LME) on MG-63 pre-osteoblast cells. The cytotoxicity and proliferation effects of LME on MG-63 cells were measured by MTS assay, and there was no cytotoxicity up to $1,000{\mu}g/ml$. With LME treatment of 500 and $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ for 48 hr, cell proliferation increased to 105% and 116% versus control, respectively. The osteoblastogenic activity of the LME was measured through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining at three and five days. As a result, both 500 and $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ LME concentrations were seen to increase ALP activity by more than three times compared with control at three and five days. In addition, the expression level of the osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was markedly increased after LME treatment. These results demonstrate that Locusta migratoria ethanol extract promotes osteoblastogenesis as evidenced by the increased osteogenic markers and suggest that LME may be a potential agent for bone formation and osteoporosis prevention.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.189-196
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• 2022

Plasma refers to an ionized gas that is often referred to as "the fourth phase of matter", following solid, liquid, and gas. Plasma has traditionally been utilized for industrial applications such as welding and neon signs, but its promise in biomedical fields such as cancer treatment and dermatology has lately been recognized. Indeed, due to its beneficial effects in promoting collagen production, improving skin tone, and eliminating harmful bacteria in the skin, plasma treatment constitutes an important target for dermatological research. In this study, a plasma device for cosmetic manufacturing based on nitrogen, the main component of the atmosphere, was designed and assembled. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) was selected since is easier to follow and evaluate than other nitrogen plasma active species, and its contents were measured to perform a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of plasma. First, an injection method, using different proximities labeled "sinking" and "non sinking" treatments, was performed to test the most efficient plasma treatment method. As a result, it was observed that the formulation obtained by a non sinking treatment was more effective. Furthermore, toner and ampoule were selected as cosmetics formulations, and the characteristics of the formulation and changes in the injected plasma state were observed. In both formulations, the successful injection of NO plasma was 2 times higher in toner formulation than ampoule formulation, and it gradually decreased with time, having dissipated after a week. It was confirmed that the nitrogen plasma used did not affect the stability of the toner and ampoule formulations at low temperature (4 ℃), room temperature (25 ℃), and high temperature (37 ℃ and 50 ℃) conditions. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of plasma cosmetics and highlight the importance of securing the stability of the injected plasma.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.121-135
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• 2024

This study examined the influence of near-surface atmospheric warming in the Arctic-East Asia region during spring (March-May) from 1991 to 2020 on the synoptic-scale meteorology of dust storm-induced dust days in Seoul, Korea, in response to the Arctic Oscillation. Increased springtime warming in the Arctic-East Asia region correlated with a reduction of six days in the occurrence of dust storm-induced dust days in Seoul, Korea, along with a decline in the intensity of these days by -1.6 ㎍ m^-3yr^-1 in PM₁₀ mass concentration. The declining number of dust storm-induced dust days in Korea during the 2010s was the result of synoptic-scale meteorological analysis, which showed increased high-pressure activity as indicated by the negative potential vorticity unit. Moreover, a distinct pattern emerged in the distribution of dust storm-induced dust days in Korea based on the Arctic Oscillation Index (AOI), showing an increase in negative AOI and a decrease in positive AOI. Although the northward shift of the polar jet weakened the southerly low-pressure system activity over Mongolia and northern China, a reinforced high-pressure system formed over the Chinese continent during dust-storm-induced dust days with a negative AOI. This resulted in both a decrease in the frequency of dust-storm-induced dust days and reduction in wind speeds, facilitating their transport from source regions to Korea. Conversely, on days with positive AOIs, an extensive warm and stagnant high-pressure system dominated mainland China, accompanied by further cooling of the northern segment of the polar jet. A notable decline in wind speed in the lower troposphere across the Mongolia-northern China-Korea region diminished the occurrence of dust storm-induced dust days and also weakened their long-range transport.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.219-225
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• 2014

Azadirachta indica extract (AIE) has been regarded as a promising source of environment-friendly organic materials owing to their low mammalian toxicity. However, quite a bit of research has been reported that AIE may cause clastogens in human lymphocytes. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the antimutagenic and genotoxicity of two samples of AIE. Antimutagenic test was experimented by using bacterial reverse mutation test. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, five strains Salmonella Typhimurim of two samples of AIE in order to evaluate its mutagenic potential. Bacterial reverse mutation test was also performed on positive control and negative control groups in the presence of the metabolic activation system (S-9 mix) and metabolic non-activation system. In the chromosome aberration test, Chinese hamster lung cells were exposed to AIE for 6 or 24 h with BPS, or for 6 h with S-9 mix. Negative and positive control groups were experimented for chromosome aberration test. As a result, the number of mutated colonies induced by 4-NQO were reduced by AIE treatment in all strains, indicating that AIE may have antimutagenic effects. Bacterial reverse mutation and chromosomal aberration were not shown at all concentration of AIE, regardless of activation of the metabolic system. we concluded that two AIE samples used in this study have no genotoxic effects to human, according to the genotoxicity battery system suggested by ICH (International Conference on Harmonization).

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.275-280
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• 2015

Among the naturally occurring antioxidants, polyphenols are widely distributed in various fruits, vegetables, wines, juices, and plant-based dietary sources and divided into several subclasses that included phenolic acid, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. As part of our continuing search for bioactive food ingredients, the antioxidant and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the aqueous ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of Ainsliaea acerifolia were investigated in vitro. The antioxidant properties were evaluated via radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ($ABTS^+$) radicals. In addition, the anti-diabetic effect of A. acerifolia extracts was tested via ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory assay. Furthermore, the total phenolic contents were determined using a spectrophotometric method. All the tested samples showed dose-dependent radical scavenging and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In particularly, the ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory and radical scavenging properties of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble portion from the aerial parts of the A. acerifolia were higher than those of the other solvent-soluble portions. These results suggest that A. acerifolia could be considered a new potential source of natural antioxidants and antidiabetic ingredients. More systematic investigation of the aerial parts of A. acerifolia will be performed for the further development of anti-oxidative and antidiabetic drugs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.540-548
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• 2015

This study examined the cultural characteristics and biological activities of fermented rice and amaranth with Bacillus subtilis KMKW4. These samples were made with various amounts of rice and amaranth [100:0 (R100), 90:10 (R90), 80:20 (R80), and 70:30 (R70)]. B. subtilis KMKW4 was used as starter for the fermentation, and its cultures at the lated logarithmic growth were inoculated for final concentration of 2% (v/v). Number of viable cells of fermented R80 (7.67 log CFU/mL) was greater than those of R100, R90, and R70 (7.48 log CFU/mL, 7.38 log CFU/mL, and 7.09 CFU/mL, respectively) during the fermentation period (120 h). Amylase activities of fermented R80 and R100 were 57.77 U/mL and 19.91 U/mL, respectively. Furthermore, amylase activities of fermented freeze-dried powders of R100 and R80 were 24.31 U/g and 9.12 U/g, respectively. Free sugar contents of R100 and R80 increased after fermentation, and that of R80 (5,454.15 mg/100 g) significantly increased compared to that of R100 (4,274.85 mg/100 g). The free amino acid content of R80 was higher than that of R100. DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging activities of 5 mg/mL of fermented freeze-dried powder (R80) were 44.21% and 89.76%, respectively. ACE inhibition rates and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities were significantly higher in R80 than R100. This study suggested that fermentation of R80 might be a new potential source of antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive agents applicable to grain enzyme-containing foods.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.329-334
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• 2008

The antioxidant activity and the qualitative analysis of Acanthopanax sessiliflorum Seeman were studied by partially purified extract using various methods: extraction by using ethanol solutions and temperatures, and absorption to Diaion HP20 column chromatography using 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% ethanol solutions. Major constituents, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, eleutheroside E, was determinated by HPLC method in Acanthopanax sessiliflorum S. 10% and 20% ethanol solutions contain chlorogenic acid (3.020$\pm$0.080%, 20.500$\pm$1.150%, respectively). 40% ethanol solution contains caffeic acid and eleutheroside E (12.270$\pm$0.360%, 1.670$\pm$0.140%, respectively). Diaion HP20 fractions (10%, 20%, 40%, 60% ethanol solutions) showed the scavenging activity of radicals and reactive oxygen species with the $IC_{50}$ values of $81.534{\pm}0.992{\mu}g/ml$, $1.748{\pm}0.098{\mu}g/ml$, $11.487{\pm}1.768{\mu}g/ml$, $21.960{\pm}0.547{\mu}g/ml$ against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazly radical and $1713.548{\pm}34.565{\mu}g/ml$, $131.419{\pm}2.235{\mu}g/ml$, $200.681{\pm}2.444{\mu}g/ml$, $757.897{\pm}6.868{\mu}g/ml$ against superoxide radicals in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, respectively. Especially, 20% and 40% ethanol fractions showed more antioxidant activity than dl-$\alpha$-tocopherol. These results suggest that Acanthopanax sessiliflorum S. extract and Diaion HP20 fractions may be useful as a potential source of nutraceutical and cosmetic products.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.291-300
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• 2013

The potential mineral resources in North Korea are magnesite, limestone, coal, graphite, iron, gold, silver, lead, and zinc. North Korea is mainly exporting coal and iron to China(70%) and EU countries. Gold ore reserves(or resources) in North Korea are about 2,000 tons and annual production is 2 tons based on metal. Major gold mines are Sooan, Holdong, and Daeyoodong mines and six smelters are operating. Fe ore reserves (or resources) are 4.3 billion tons and annual production is about 5 million tons based on 63.5% Fe. Major iron mines are Moosan, Leewon, Eunryul, Shinwon, and Jaeryong and 7 smelters are operating. Pb and Zn ore reserves(or resources) are Pb 470,000 tons and Zn 15 million tons, and annual productions are about Pb 26,000 tons and Zn 50,000 tons based on metal respectively. Major Pb-Zn mines are Gumdock and Seongcheon mines. Magnesite ore reserves(or resources) are 2.8 billion tons (95% MgO) and annual production is about 150,000 tons. Major magnesite mines are Ryongyang, Daeheung Youth and Ssangryong mines, and 5 magnesium refractory factories are operating. Apatite ore reserves(or resources) are 340 million tons(30% $P_2O_5$) and annual production is about 300,000 tons(crude ore). Major apatite mines are Daedaeri, Dongam and Poongnyen mines. Coal is established as an important strategic fuel mineral resources and is a major energy source in North Korea. Coal ore reserves(or resources) are 18.6 billion tons and annual production is about 20 million tons. The main coal fields is located in southern Pyongan and the Jigdong mine is the biggest in North Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.8
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• pp.1165-1171
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• 2015

In this study, we examined the effects of cultivation adaptability and product quality of aronia (fruit of Aronia melanocarpa) cultivated in various domestic regions. Extracts of aronia cultivated in various domestic regions and Poland were measured for their total sugar contents, acidities, total polyphenol contents, anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Our results showed that aronia extracts from the two countries had similar sugar contents, acidities, and anthocyanin contents. Anthocyanin is an important functional component of Aronia melanocarpa. Extracts of aronia from the two countries contained cyanidin-3-galactoside (65.5~69.1%) as the major anthocyanin compound. Aronia cultivated in C region showed higher polyphenol content (121.5%) than Poland aronia and we measured of antioxidant activities by DPPH ($IC_{50}$) and FRAP assay. Aronia cultivated in C region showed the highest antioxidant activity and polyphenol contents. Cultivation conditions of C region had sufficient sunshine and soil with pH of 6.5. From the above results, Korean aronia had similar activities with Poland aronia, which suggests that it can be a new potential development source and high technological foods.