• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2021

Objective : Citrus unshiu peel (Citri Unshius Pericarpium) has been prescribed to suppress coughing and phlegm in Korean medicine. In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Citrus unshiu peel (CEE) on apoptosis was investigated using cadmium chloride (CdCl2) treated HepG2 cells. Methods : CEE was prepared by extracting 300 g of Citri Unshius Pericarpium in 3 L of ethanol for 72 h. Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored using the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye Rh123. The expression level of each protein was monitored by Western blot analysis. Results : CEE protected HepG2 cells from apoptosis as determined by the TUNEL assay. A decrease in MMP was observed in cells exposed to cadmium, indicating that mitochondria are involved in the induction of apoptosis. However, CEE recovered the reduction in MMP caused by cadmium. In addition, decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), procaspase, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by cadmium was increased by CEE. The anti-apoptotic effect of CEE was found to be associated with inhibition of JNK and p38 phosphorylation when examining the expression of phosphorylated MAPK by Western blot. Conclusion : This study showed that CEE exerted anti-apoptotic effects in cadmium-induced HepG2 cells by inhibiting the reduction of MMP and changes in the expression level of apoptotic proteins. These results suggest the potential for CEE to be used for heavy metal-induced liver damage.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.125-131
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• 2018

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in the storability of kimchi cabbage at cold storage condition was investigated. Kimchi cabbage (Brassica campestris L. cv Ryouckgwang) was divided four groups, forced air cooling (FAC), FAC + 0.03 mm linear low density polyethylene liner (Liner), $FAC+2{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}$ 1-MCP (1-MCP), and FAC + 1-MCP + Liner. After each treatment kimchi cabbage was stored at $2^{\circ}C$, 95% RH. Quality parameters were weight loss, soluble solids content (SSC), firmness, and color ($CIE\;L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$, chroma, hue angle). Weight loss during storage was showed significant difference by Liner treatment. In particular FAC + 1-MCP + Liner treatment showed 12.5% reduction after 6 weeks of storage period and minimized the weight loss rate compared to other treatments. SSC of kimchi cabbage was $2.5^{\circ}Brix$ at harvest and FAC + 1-MCP + Liner treatment maintained the SSC until 3 weeks, while in other treatments gradually were increased. The firmness of kimchi cabbage was 24.0 N immediately after harvest and the firmness at harvest time tended to be maintained at 22.6 N after 6 weeks of storage in FAC + 1-MCP + Liner treatment. During the storage period, the color change of the kimchi cabbage leaf can be confirmed by $CIE\;a^*$ and hue angle value. 1-MCP treatment alone did not affect the color change, however 1-MCP + Liner treatment was able to maintain the chromaticity at harvest time while minimizing the change of $CIE\;a^*$ and hue angle. These results suggest that 1-MCP treatment is not effective for the storage of kimchi cabbage but can be maintained for up to 6 weeks when treated with Liner.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.182-187
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• 2013

In closed plant production system like plant factory, changes in environmental factors should be identified for conducting efficient environmental control as well as predicting energy consumption. Since high relative humidity (RH) is essential for crop production in the plant factory, transpiration is closely related with RH and should be quantified. In this study, four varieties of lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) were grown in a plant factory, and the leaf areas and transpiration rates of the plants according to DAT (day after transplanting) were measured. The coefficients of the simplified Penman-Monteith equation were calibrated in order to calculate the transpiration rate in the plant factory and the total amount of transpiration during cultivation period was predicted by simulation. The following model was used: $E_d=a*(1-e^{-k*LAI})*RAD_{in}+b*LAI*VPD_d$ (at daytime) and $E_n=b*LAI*VPD_n$ (at nighttime) for estimating transpiration of the lettuce in the plant factory. Leaf area and transpiration rate increased with DAT as exponential growth. Proportional relationship was obtained between leaf area and transpiration rate. Total amounts of transpiration of lettuces grown in plant factory could be obtained by the models with high $r^2$ values. The results indicated the simplified Penman-Monteith equation could be used to predict water requirements as well as heating and cooling loads required in plant factory system.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.207-215
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• 2009

Numerous factors can affect the activities of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) hormonal axis, resulting in alteration of reproductive capacity or status such as onset of puberty and menopause. Soon after the finding of leptin, a multifunctional hormone secreted from adipocytes, a close relationship between reproduction and body energy balance have been manifested. Ghrelin, another multifunctional hormone from gastrointestinal tract, is an endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), and is thought to be a counterpart of leptin in the regulation of energy homeostasis. As expected, ghrelin can also modulate the reproductive capacity through the modulation of activities of HPG axis. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the discovery, gene structures, tissue distribution and roles of ghrelin and GHSRs in mammalian reproduction in particular modulation of reproductive hormone secretion in HPG axis. Like POMC gene expression in pituitary gland, preproghrelin gene can generate a complex repertoire of transcripts which further undergo alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. Concerning the roles of preproghrelin gene products in the control of body physiology except energy homeostasis, limited knowledge is available so far. Several lines of evidence, however, show the interplay of ghrelin between metabolism and reproduction. In rat and human, the distribution of ghrelin receptor GHSRs (GHSR1a and GHSR1b) has been confirmed not only in the hypothalamus and pituitary which were originally postulated as target of ghrelin but also in the testis and ovary. Expression of the preproghrelin gene in the brain and gonads was also verified, suggesting the local role (s) of ghrelin in HPG axis. Ghrelin might play a negative modulator in the secretions of hypothalamic GnRH, pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal steroids though the action on pituitary is still questionable. Recent studies suggest the involvement of ghrelin in regulation of puberty onset and possibly of menopause entry. It is now evident that ghrelin is a crucial hormomal component in 'brain-gut' axis, and is a strong candidate links between metabolism and reproduction. Opposite to that for leptin, ghrelin signaling is likely representing the 'hunger' state of body energy balance and is necessary to avoid the energy investment into reproduction which has not a top priority in maintaining homeostasis. Further researches are needed to gain a deep insight into the more precise action mechanism and role of ghrelin in reproduction, and to guarantee the successful biomedical applications.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.346-353
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• 2012

This study was carried out in order to investigate the relationship of antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid oxidation, and aroma pattern of Hanwoo (Korean cattle) beef for 8 d at $15^{\circ}C/RH$ 100% under 0% $O_2$/20% $CO_2/80%\;N_2$, 25% $O_2$/20% $CO_2/55%\;N_2$, 50% $O_2$/20% $CO_2/30%\;N_2$, and 75% $O_2$/20% $CO_2/5%\;N_2$-conditions. The reduction of $O_2$ and the induction of $CO_2$ were shown in the 25-75% $O_2$-groups during storage and total change rates of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ were followed in order: 25%>50%>75%. Catalase activity was not significantly different among all groups. During storage, glutathione peroxidase activity decreased by increasing the $O_2$ concentration and was followed at 8 d in order: 0%>25%>50%>75% (p<0.05). From 2 d of storage, TBARS content had significant (p<0.05) differences in order: 0%>25%>50%>75%. The CIE $L^*$ value was higher (p<0.05) in the 25-75% $O_2$-groups, compared with the 0% $O_2$-group. During the first time, the CIE $a^*$ value was higher (p<0.05) in order: 0%<25%<50%<75% but was lower (p<0.05) in the 25-75% $O_2$-groups from 2 d of storage than in the 0% $O_2$-group. The CIE $b^*$ value was higher (p<0.05) in the 25-75% $O_2$-groups than in the 0% $O_2$-group and had significant (p<0.05) differences at 0 and 8 d in order: 0%<25%<50%<75%. Aroma patterns with the electronic nose were clearly discriminated between the 0% $O_2$-groups and the 25-75% $O_2$-groups at 8 d of storage. Therefore, high oxygen reduced stabilities of antioxidant enzymes, lipid oxidation, and color in Hanwoo beef. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid oxidation could affect aroma patterns.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.437-446
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• 2018

To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork on the market in Korea, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tissue fluid (CAU-tf-ELISA) was developed using a soluble extract of T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. As the standard positive controls, the piglets were experimentally infected with T. gondii: Group A (1,000 cysts-containing bradyzoites), Group B (500 cysts-containing bradyzoites) and Group C ($1.0{\times}10^3$ or $1.0{\times}10^4$ tachyzoites). The CAU-tf-ELISA demonstrated infection intensity-dependent positivity toward tissue fluids with average cut-off value 0.15: 100% for Group A, 93.8% for Group B and 40.6% for Group C. When tissue-specific cut-off values 0.066-0.199 were applied, CAU-tf-ELISA showed 96.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive and 90.0% negative predictive values. When compared with the same tissue fluids, performance of CAU-tf-ELISA was better than that of a commercial ELISA kit. Of the 583 Korea domestic pork samples tested, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected from 9.1% of whole samples and 37.9% from skirt meat highest among pork parts. In the 386 imported frozen pork samples, 1.8% (skirt meat and shoulder blade) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. In Korea, prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the pork on retail markets appeared high, suggesting that regulations on pig farming and facilities are necessary to supply safe pork on the tables.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2017

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are major methods to treat cancer. However, current cancer treatments report severe side effects and high recurrences. Recent studies about engineering nanoparticles as a drug carrier suggest possibilities in terms of specific targeting and spatiotemporal release of drugs. While many nanoparticles demonstrate lower toxicity and better targeting results than free drugs, they still need to improve their performance dramatically in terms of targeting accuracy, immune responses, and non-specific accumulation at organs. One possible way to overcome the challenges is to make precisely controlled nanoparticles with respect to size, shape, surface properties, and mechanical stiffness. Here, we demonstrate $500{\times}200nm$ discoidal polymeric nanoconstructs (DPNs) as a drug delivery carrier. DPNs were prepared by using a top-down fabrication method that we previously reported to control shape as well as size. Moreover, DPNs have multiple payloads, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), lipid-Rhodamine B dye (RhB) and Salinomycin. In this study, we demonstrated a potential of DPNs as a drug carrier to treat cancer.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.543-547
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• 2006

Milled rice was subjected to check the eating quality of rice at various conditions of packaging with haft paper(packaging material made of paper), PE and yellow loess in the ambient conditions($18{\sim}25^{\circ}C$, $18{\sim}34%RH$. Rice packed with yellow loess was shown higher eating quality and less changes in the content of moisture loss and free fatty acid than control(kraft paper, PE). Eventually, yellow loess packaging showed a better performance in the rice storage than kraft paper and PE.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1280-1285
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• 2006

The presoaking conditions of soybeans in various solution for decreasing microbial contamination and improving germination were investigated. Soybeans were treated with presoaking solutions (sterilized water, 0.1% grape fruit extract, 0.1% vitamin $B_1$ derivate solution AS5 and vitagen) at $25^{\circ}C,\;35^{\circ}C,\;45^{\circ}C\;and\;55^{\circ}C$ for $3\sim12$ hr and germinate at $25^{\circ}C$, 95%RH for 3 days. Total bacterial count and coliform count of soybeans were $6.0\times10^5CFU/g$ and $3.0\times10^5CFU/g$, respectively, and the most of presoaking treatments decreased the microbial contamination. The increase of presoaking time induces low germination ratio compared with unsoaked soybeans and the germination of soybeans was not detected at $55^{\circ}C$. The germination of soybeans was effected by presoaking solutions, temperature, and time. The optimal presoaking condition for decreasing microbial contamination and promoting initial germination was using grape fruit extract at $35^{\circ}C$ for 6 hr.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.77-84
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• 2021

This study attempted to find a way to maintain the quality of mixing baby wild leaf vegetables with existing baby leaf vegetables in various ratios. The crops for mixing baby leaf vegetables were Peucedanum japoincum Thunberg and Ligularia stenocephala, as wild vegetables, and red romaine, which is widely used in young leafy vegetables. The mixing ratio of red romaine and wild vegetables was red romaine 0: mantilla oil 5: L. stenocephala ratio 5 (R0: P5: L5), red romaine 3.3: P. japoincum 3.3: L. stenocephala ratio 3.3 (R3.3: P3.3: L3.3), red romaine 5: P. japoincum 2.5: L. stenocephala 2.5 (R5: P2.5: L2.5), red romaine 8: P. japoincum 1: L. stenocephala 1 (R8: P1: L1), red romaine 10: P. japoincum 0: L. stenocephala 0 (R10: P0: L0). All treatments were packaged in OTR (oxygen transmittance) 10,000 cc m-2·day-1·atm-1 film and stored for 27 days at 2℃/85% RH conditions. Fresh weight, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and ethylene concentrations of the baby leaf packages were examined approximately every 3 days, and visual quality, chlorophyll content, and chromaticity were examined on the 27th day of storage. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration in the packages were affected by the respiration rate of the crop. As the mixing ratio of lettuce, which had a low respiration rate, increased, the oxygen concentration in the packages was higher and the carbon dioxide concentration was lower. Oxygen concentration decreased significantly after 15 days, but was remained above 16%, and on the contrary, carbon dioxide concentration was kept at 1-4% until the 15th, and then gradually increased to 2-5% on the 27th day. The concentration of ethylene was maintained at 3-6 µL·L-1 until the end of storage (27th day). Visual quality score measured at the end of storage was slightly less than 3.0, which is the limit of marketability of all treatments. Although there was no significant difference, the chlorophyll content (SPAD) of red romaine and P. japoincum were most similar with an initial value in R8:P1:1 treatment, and L. stenocephala was higher value in R8:P1:L1 and R5:P2.5:L2.5 treatments at the end of storage. The leaf color (L∗, a∗, b∗, chroma) of the three crops at end of storage compared with the heat map showed the least change in the R5:P2.5:L2.5 and R8:P1:L1 treatments at the end of storage. Among them, R8:P1:L1 treatment maintained the highest chlorophyll content, the second lowest ethylene concentration, and adequate carbon dioxide concentration of 2-3%. Therefore, it is judged that the mixed ratio of red romaine 8: P. japoincum 1: L. stenocephala 1 (R8: P1: L1) is most suitable for the mixed package of baby leaf vegetables of these three crops.