• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.839-844
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• 2009

This experiment was conducted to evaluate pollen viability of Nakdongbyeo, transgenic rice lines, an F$_1$ hybrid from a cross between Milyang weedy rice and ABC-promoter transgenic rice line containing basta-resistant (bar) gene and subsequent selfed progenies, F$_2$ and F$_3$. The reaction of pollen with 3-{4,5 dimethylthiazolyl-2}-2,5-diphenyl monotetrazolium bromide (MTT) as a staining chemical immediately after pollen shedding showed maximum pollen viability of 86% in Nakdongbeyo, 75% in ABC-promoter transgenic rice line, 62% in ubiquitin-promoter transgenic line, 68% in F$_1$, 79% in F$_2$ and 78% in F$_3$. Viability gradually declined during subsequent observations at 20-minute intervals. However, there was a drastic decline in pollen viability after 40 minutes of pollen shedding. The mean difference of pollen viability among rice lines and time was highly significant, indicating significantly different pollen viabilities at different time intervals. Maximum viability of 36.2% was observed in F$_3$ and minimum viability of 3.5% was found in F$_2$ at 90 min after pollen shedding. Results of this experiment on pollen viability and longevity elucidate potential risks of pollen-mediated flow of herbicide-resistant gene from transgenic rice lines and possible integration of it into the weedy rice population.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.988-994
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• 2014

The effluents of chemical and petroleum industries often contain non-biodegradable aromatic compounds, with phenol being one of the major organic pollutants present among a wide variety of highly toxic organic chemicals. Phenol is toxic upon ingestion, contact, or inhalation, and it is lethal to fish even at concentrations as low as 0.005 ppm. Phenol biodegradation has been studied in detail using bacterial strains. However, these microorganisms suffer from substrate inhibition at high concentrations of phenol, whereby growth is inhibited. A phenol-degrading bacterium, P21, was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. The phenotypic characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis indicated the close relationship of strain P21 to Rhodococcus pyridinovorans. Phenol biodegradation by strain P21 was studied under shaking condition. The optimal conditions for phenol biodegradation by strain P21 were 0.09% $KNO_3$, 0.1% $K_2HPO_4$, 0.3% $NaH_2PO_4$, 0.015% $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, 0.001% $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, initial pH 9, and $20-30^{\circ}C$, respectively. When 1,000 ppm of phenol was added to the optimal medium, the strain P21 completely degraded it within two days. Rhodococcus pyridinovorans P21 could grow in up to 1,500 ppm of phenol as the sole carbon source in a batch culture, but it could not grow in a medium containing above 2,000 ppm. Moreover, strain P21 could utilize toxic compounds, such as toluene, xylene, and hexane, as a sole carbon source. However, no growth was detected on chloroform.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.975-985
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• 2017

To investigate the beneficial effects of an agar gel mask (AGM) on UV-induced photoaging, SKH-1 hairless mice were treated with a topical application of AGM and an AGM dipped in essence (AGMdE). The mice were divided into an no radiation group, UV + AGM, UV + AGMdE, and UV + vehicle (PBS) treatment groups. Alterations in skin wrinkles, skin phenotype, histological structures, oxidative status, and toxicity were then evaluated during 4 weeks of exposure. The topical application of AGM and AGMdE inhibited wrinkle formation, suppressed the erythema index, prevented transepidermal water loss, and enhanced skin hydration. In addition, epidermal thickness recovered to a similar level as that in the no irradiation group in the UV + AGM and UV + AGMdE treatment groups compared with the UV + vehicle (distilled water) group. Furthermore, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tyrosinase were reduced in the UV + AGM and UV + AGMdE treatment groups, although the highest level varied. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly lower in the UV + AGM and UV + AGMdE treatment groups as compared with the UV + vehicle group. No significant alterations induced by most toxic compounds were measured in serum biochemical markers and liver and kidney histological features of the UV + AGM and UV + AGMdE treatment groups. These results suggest that AGM may protect against skin aging by regulating skin morphology, histopathological structures, and oxidative conditions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1445-1451
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• 2017

Mitochondria play a central role in energy generation by using electron transport coupled with oxidative phosphorylation. They also participate in other important cellular functions including metabolism, apoptosis, signaling, and reactive oxygen species production. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is known to contribute to a variety of human diseases. Furthermore, there are various inherited diseases of energy metabolism due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for these inherited mtDNA diseases are extremely limited. In this regard, mitochondrial replacement techniques are taking on increased importance in developing a clinical approach to inherited mtDNA diseases. In this study, green fluorescence protein (GFP)-tagged mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation from a mammalian cell line. Using microinjection technique, the isolated GFP-tagged mitochondria were then transferred to bovine oocytes that were triggered for early development. During the early developmental period from bovine oocytes to blastocysts, the transferred mitochondria were observed using fluorescent microscopy. The microinjected mitochondria were dispersed rapidly into the cytoplasm of oocytes and were passed down to subsequent cells of 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages. Together, these results demonstrate a successful in vitro transfer of isolated mitochondria to oocytes and provide a model for mitochondrial replacement implicated in inherited mtDNA diseases and animal cloning.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.106 no.1
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• pp.40-53
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of container types on physiological characteristics of Zelkova serrata, Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Quercus serrata in the container nursery stage. We used 16 container types [4 growing densities (100, 144, 196 and $256\;seedlings/m^2$)${\times}4$ cavity volumes (460, 380, 300 and $220cm^3/cavity$)] and performed two-way ANOVA to test the differences in photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency and chlorophyll content among container types. Also, multiple regression analysis was conducted to correlate container dimensions with photosynthetic rate. Container types had a strong influence on photosynthesis of three species seedlings. Growing densities and cavity volumes had a significant interaction effect on photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll contents except stomatal conductance of Q. serrata. In all three species, however, interactions between the two factors of container type were not found with regard to photochemical efficiency. Growing density was negatively correlated with photosynthetic rate of F rhynchophylla and Q. serrata, while cavity volumes positively affected on those of three species seedlings. The range of optimal container types was determined by multiple regression analysis based on photosynthetic rate. Consequently, optimal growing density and cavity volume of container by each tree species were found to be approximately $160{\sim}210\;seedlings/m^2$ and $430{\sim}460cm^3/cavity$ for Z. serrata, $130{\sim}150\;seedlings/m^2$ and $390{\sim}440cm^3/cavity$ for F. rhynchophylla and $130{\sim}170\;seedlings/m2$ and $420{\sim}460cm^3/cavity$ for Q. serrata, respectively. Application of adequate container will induce higher quality seedling production in nursery stage, which will also increase seedling growth in plantation stage.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.154-161
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• 2009

This clinical study evaluated the whitening effect and safety of polymer based-pen type BlancTis Forte (NIBEC) containing 8.3% carbamide peroxide. Twenty volunteers used the BlancTis Forte whitening agent for 2 hours twice a day for 4 weeks. As a control. Whitening Effect Pen (LG) containing 3% hydrogen peroxide was used by 20 volunteers using the same protocol. The change in shade (${\Delta}E^*$, color difference) was measured using $Shadepilot^{TM}$ (DeguDent) before, during, and after bleaching (2 weeks, 4 weeks, and post-bleaching 4 weeks). A clinical examination for any side effects (tooth hypersensitivity or soft tissue complications) was also performed at each check-up. The following results were obtained. 1. Both the experimental and control groups displayed a noticeable change in shade (${\Delta}E$) of over 2. No significant differences were found between the two groups (p > 0.05), implying that the two agents have a similar whitening effect.2. The whitening effect was mainly due to changes in a and b values rather than in L value (brightness). The experimental group showed a significantly higher change in b value, thus yellow shade, than the control (p < 0.05). 3. None of the participants complained of tooth hypersensitivity or soft tissue complications, confirming the safety of both whitening agents.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.306-312
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• 2011

Objectives: This clinical study evaluated the effect of light activation on the whitening efficacy and safety of in-office bleaching system containing 15% hydrogen peroxide gel. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three volunteers were randomly treated with (n = 17, experimental group) or without light activation (n = 16, control group), using Zoom2 white gel (15% $H_2O_2$, Discus Dental) for a total treatment time of 45 min. Visual and instrumental color measurements were obtained using Vitapan Classical shade guide and Shadepilot (DeguDent) at screening test, after bleaching, and 1 month and 3 month after bleaching. Data were analyzed using t-test, repeated measure ANOVA, and chi-squared test. Results: Zoom2 white gel produced significant shade changes in both experimental and control group when pre-treatment shade was compared with that after bleaching. However, shade difference between two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Tooth shade relapse was not detected at 3 months after bleaching. The incidence of transient tooth sensitivity was 39.4%, with being no differences between two groups. Conclusions: The application of light activation with Zoom2 white gel system neither achieved additional whitening effects nor showed more detrimental influences.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1758-1763
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• 2012

This study was conducted to compare fragrance and volatile chemicals of essential oils in Gom-chewi (Ligularia fischeri) and Handaeri Gom-chewi (Ligularia fischeri var. spicifoprmis). Essential oils were extracted by steam distillation of leaves of Gom-chewi (GC) and Handaeri Gom-chewi (HGC), after which samples were collected by solid-phase micro extraction and the compositions of the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The yields of the essential oils in GC and HGC were 0.12% and 0.04%, respectively, and the threshold levels of the essential oils in GC and HGC were 0.01% and 0.1%, respectively. There were 19 constituents of the essential oil of Gom-chewi: 14 carbohydrates, 4 alcohols, and 1 acetate, and the major constituents were L-${\beta}$-pinene (36.02%), D-limonene (25.64%), ${\alpha}$-pinene (24.85%) and ${\beta}$-phellandrene (5.39%). In the essential oil of HGC, 25 constituents were identified: 17 carbohydrates, 4 alcohols, 3 acetates, and 1 N-containing compound, and the major constituents of HGC were D-limonene (39.74%), L-${\beta}$-pinene (35.43%) and ${\alpha}$-pinene (11.94%). The minor constituents of HGC were ${\rho}$-cymene, ${\gamma}$-muurolene, ${\gamma}$-cadinene, germacrene D, ingol 12-acetate and butyl 9,12,15-octadecatriene and nimorazole were not identified in the GC essential oil. Overall, the results showed that the fragrance and chemical compositions of essential oils in GC and HGC differed, suggesting that both essential oils could be used for the development of perfumery products.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.93-98
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• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of Ecklonia cava (EC) and Eisenia bicyclis (EB) ethanol extract on histamine production in mackerel. Changes in viable cell counts, histamine contents, pH and VBN of mackerel fillet treated with ethanol extracts during 25 days at 4 were measured. Treatments of EC and EB ethanol extract had reduced growth of viable cells by 2 log cycles during storage. Production of histamine was decreased by EC and EB extracts (115 and 96 ppm) when compared to the control at 5 days (384 ppm). The pH of mackerels treated with EC and EB extracts were no different, while the pH of the control increased during storage. Furthermore, the VBN of mackerels treated with EC and EB extracts were significantly decreased when compared to the control. In conclusion, EC and EB extract may reduce scombroid fish poisoning by decreasing histamine production in mackerel during refrigerated storage.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.74-84
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• 2017

Purpose: In this study, factors of metabolic syndrome and nutritional status were examined according to gender and occupations using the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: This study was conducted on 1,750 workers (male : 892, female : 858) aged between 30 and 64, who participated in a health survey, health examination, and nutrition survey using the 6th 2013 KNHANES. Occupations were classified into white collar and blue collar workers, and nutrient intake was analyzed using a food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of complex sample design data through SPSS 19.0 was used for analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome among blue collar (35.1%) was higher than that among white collar workers (26.8%) in male subjects (p < 0.05) as well as in blue collar (24.8%) compared to white collar workers (8.9%) in female subjects (p < 0.001). Intake frequency per week, considering one portion by food category, showed significant differences in cooked rice (p < 0.05) and bakeries and confectioneries (p < 0.05) in make workers as well as stew and casserole (p < 0.01) and fruits (p < 0.05) in female workers. With regard to nutrient intake by occupation and gender, white collar workers consumed a greater amount of nutrients (not including total energy intake) compared to blue collar workers in both male and female workers. With regard to nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) according to gender and occupation, white collar workers showed higher numbers than blue collar workers in both male and female subjects. Conclusions: This study examined the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and nutrient intake according to gender and occupation. In both male and female subjects, blue collar workers showed higher prevalence rates compared to white collar workers, and their diet quality was worse than white collar workers' diet quality. Considering this result, customized nutrition education according to gender and occupation should be provided to workers to prevent diseases.