• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2023

This study reports on the preparation of sodium caseinate-cardanol (CasNa/CL)-based papers coated with different amounts of bentonite (BN) for use as a sustainable packaging material. Their chemical and morphological structures, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, surface properties, and antioxidant activity of coated papers was assessed as a function of the BN content. The drying of the CasNa/CL coated papers led to the formation of pinholes on their surfaces owing to the presence of trapped water resulting from the difference in the drying rate between the external surface and the inside of the coated layers. Increasing the BN content reduced the pinholes on surface of CasNa/CL/BN coated papers and highly decreased the water vapor transmittance rate of the papers from 387.3±1.9 g/m²·day to 269.25±4.5 g/m²·day. Free radical scavenging assays indicated the addition of CL to the CasNa exhibited the antioxidant activity and antioxidant activity of CasNa/CL/BN did not changed as increase of BN contents. The improved water vapor barrier property and antioxidant activity of CasNa/CL/BN coated papers can be promised for various packaging applications.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.616-630
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tryptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/or 72 h with IPA or its precursors - indole, tryptophan, and propionate - at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tryptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preserve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.69-81
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• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to develop a Yonsei dual task cognitive screening test (Y-DuCog) for the elderly. Methods : The reliability and validity test of Y-DuCog (Yonsei Dual Task Cognitive Screening Test) was developed by 229 elderly people aged over 60 years from community organizations at Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong-do from May 2019 to August 2019. In addition, the criteria for classifying elderly with cognitive impairment were presented. Results : The correlation analysis between MMSE-K, MoCA-K and Y-DuCog were a correlation between the DTE and CRR of Y-DuCog. As a result of internal consistency, Cronbach's-α values of DTE and CRR showed .848 (p<.01) and .916 (p<.01), respectively. The test-retest reliability was high. The screening point showed 88.7% sensitivity and 83.5% specificity at 31.76 seconds in total DTE, and 84.5% sensitivity and 76.6% specificity at 0.38 in total dual-task CRR. Conclusion : This study verified the reliability and validity of Y-DuCog. It was found that the level of education was not a barrier to the undertaking of this test. Furthermore, the test could be performed easily and quickly. It is also expected to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive function assessment and intervention methods in the elderly.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1386-1395
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• 2018

Over recent years, it has become evident that the central nervous system bidirectionally interacts with the gastrointestinal tract along the gut-brain axis. A series of preclinical studies indicate that the gut microbiota can modulate central nervous system function through a multitude of physiological functions. Polyphenols are ubiquitous plant chemicals included in foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee and wine, and their consumption is directly responsible for beneficial health effects due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anticancer, vasodilating, and prebiotic-like effects. There is increasing evidence that dietary polyphenol can contribute to beneficial effects in neuronal protection acting against oxidative stress and inflammatory injury as well as in cognitive functions. In this paper, we overview the neuroprotective role of dietary polyphenols especially focusing on the neuroinflammation and neurovascular function by interaction with the gut microbiome. Polyphenol metabolites could directly act as neurotransmitters crossing the blood-brain barrier and modulating the cerebrovascular system or indirectly modulating gut microbiota. In addition, evidence suggests that dietary polyphenols are effective in preventing and managing neurological disorders, such as age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, through a multitude of physiological functions. Dietary polyphenols are increasingly envisaged as a potential nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, because they possess the ability to reduce neuroinflammation, to improve memory and cognitive function and to modulate the gut microbiota.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.277-289
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• 1998

To establish a system for sperm swim-up separation through sucrose layer, indiscreet sperm migration should sufficiently to block but movement of sperm shouldn't inhibit. Thus, the effects of sucrose levels in sucrose layer, incubation times and types of sucrose layer on sperm separation were examined. And the results obtained were as follows; 1. Layer of 10mM sucrose inhibited sperm swim-up migration through sucrose layer. 2. Incubation for 25 minutes without sucrose layer significantly increased sperm swim-up migration. However, incubation for 10 minutes to induce swim-up through sucrose layer significantly stimulated sperm migration and maintained sperm movement. 3. There was no significant difference between Type I and Type II in barrier effect of sucrose layer. However, sucrose layer of Type II with shorter distance of barrier was efficient for sampling. To elucidate a function of follicular fluid on sperm chemotaxis using in vitro system of sucrose layer of Type II and incubation for 10 minutes, the effects of dilution, heat treatment, and protein and lipid extracts of follicular fluid on sperm swim-up separation were examined. And the results obtained were as follows; 4. Follicular fluid stimulated sperm migration and movement, and significantly-attracted capacitated-sperm at 10% level. 5. Follicular fluid heated at 55$^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes maintained the effect of follicular fluid stimulating sperm migration and movement. 6. Follicular protein stimulated sperm movement that was reduced by filtration of the protein. 7. Follicular lipid didn't significantly stimulate sperm migration and movement. 8. Both of follicular protein and lipid reduced the effect of follicular fluid stimulating sperm migration and movement. In conclusion, sucrose layer could be used for a barrier against indiscreet sperm migration by swim-up. And follicular fluid stimulated migration and movement of sperm and attracted capacitated-sperm through sucrose layer. Especially, heat-resistant protein of follicular fluid stimulated sperm migration.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.522-532
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• 2010

The aims of the present study were to characterize the effect of glucocorticosteroids (GCs) on the normal canine skin and to evaluate the effect of a lipid mixture (LM), containing cholesterol, pseudoceramide, and free fatty acid, on the steroid-induced damaged skin of dogs. Five beagles were involved and the skin of the back of each dog was topically applied with four kinds of GCs twice daily for 28 days. LM was applied after that period of GCs application. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and skin pH were assessed during experimental periods and histopathological evaluation was performed. TEWL was significantly increased, with a maximum increase obtained on day 28 (p < 0.01). Skin pH was significantly decreased, with a maximum decrease obtained on day 28 (p < 0.01). Skin surface hydration was significantly increased on day 3, but values of skin hydration were progressively decreased and finally reached those of baseline. In histology, as results of steroid application, losses of keratin layers in the stratum corneum and edematous changes in the upper parts of dermis, and consequently, thickness of the epidermis and the stratum corneum were decreased. In addition, the numbers of hair follicles were markedly decreased in steroid control as compared to intact control. However, these skin atrophic changes were markedly inhibited by treatment of LM as compared with steroid control in the present study. Moreover, all biophysical parameters were reached to the baseline after LM treatment. These results showed that the topically applied GCs induced skin barrier impairment and a LM should be effective on repair of disturbed skin barrier function in dogs. Therefore, it is concluded that a LM tested in the present study is expected to treat the steroid-induced skin damages.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.21-31
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• 1968

The appearance rates of antipyrine and urea into cerebrospinal fluid from blood were studied in the rabbits which were in the state of hypotension and of high permeability in the capillary beds following injection of histamine. The alteration in the distribution of electrolytes among various compartments of the brain and the permeability characteristics in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier were also observed. Adult male rabbits, weighing around 2 kg, were used. Twenty four rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Besides the control group, histamine treated rabbits were categorized into 2 groups. $H_1$ consisted of the rabbits showing moderate responses to histamine and ranging from 62 to 80 mmHg in their mean anterial blood pressure. The animals which belong to $H_2-group$ showed severe responses to histamine and the mean anterial blood pressures dropped to 30-50 mmHg. Animals were anesthetized with nembutal, 30mg/kg i.v. The mean arterial blood pressure was read by means of the mercury manometer connected to the femoral artery. The animals, treated with histamine, were kept in hypotensive state at least for 40 minutes before the administration of the test-substances. The test-substances, 300 mg of urea and 200 mg of antipyrine, were dissolved in 3 ml of distilled water and were injected into the ear vein of the rabbit. After 10 minutes elapsed arterial blood sample was taken from the femoral artery and cerebrospinal fluid from the cisterna magna. Brain tissues were also analysed with respect to electrolytes in order to observe the disturbances in the electrolytes balance as well as in the function of the central nervous system. The results obtained were as follow: 1. The ratio of antipyrine concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to that of arterial blood plasma, that was the distribution ratio, was close to unity, revealing a well established equilibrium between the compartments of blood and cerebrospinal fluid in 10 minutes. In other words, there was no diffusion barrier with regard to antipyrine. The ratios over unity which were frequently seen in the histamine treated animals were attributable to the early penetration of the substance into the cerebrospinal fluid. 2. The appearance rates of urea into the cerebrospinal fluid in the histamine treated rabbits were higher in comparison with those of in the control animals. The increasing tendency in the rates was particularly remarkable in the $H_2-group$, showing the enhanced penetration of urea across the boondary. 3. In the htisamine treated $H_2-group$ the concentration of potassium in the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid well exceeded the control values and showed 8.5 and 9.0 mEq/l in average, respectively. Simultaneous drops in the brain tissue water were noticed, suggesting the leakage of intracellular potassium. 4. There was a coincidence in the rising pattern of potassium in the blood plasma and in the cerebrospinal fluid of $H_2-group$ and at least partial removal of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier with respect to potassium was suggested in these animals. 5. The concentration of sodium in the blood plasma or in the cerebrospinal fluid showed no significant changes following histamine injection. However, sodium in the brain tissue revealed slight elevation in the histamine treated groups. 6. The ratios of the concentrations of potassium to those of sodium, [K]/[Na] in the brain tissues, were 1.92 in the control 1.82 in the $H_1$ and 1.52 in the $H_2-group$, respectively. The marked drop in the $H_2-group$ might represent neural dysfunction in the extremely hypotensive rabbits.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Emotion and Sensibility Conference
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• 2009.11a
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• pp.183-185
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• 2009

As imaging technology develops, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have contributed to the understanding of brain function by providing anatomical structure of the brain and functional imaging related to information processing. Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) techniques can provide useful information about functions of the nervous system. However, systematic studies regarding information processing of pain have not been conducted. The purpose of this study was to detect brain activation during painful electrical stimulation using MEMRI with high spatial resolution. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were divided into 3 groups: normal control, sham stimulation, and electric stimulation. Rats were anesthetized with 2.5% isoflurane for surgery. Polyethylene catheter (PE-10) was placed in the external carotid artery to administrate mannitol and MnCl2. The blood brain barrier (BBB) was broken by 20% D-mannitol under anesthesia mixed with urethane and a-chloralose. The hind limb was electrically stimulated with a 2Hz (10V) frequency while MnCl2 was infused. Brain activation induced by electrical stimulation was detected using a 4.7 T MRI. Remarkable signal enhancement was observed in the primary sensory that corresponds to sensory tactile stimulation at the hind limb region. These results suggest that signal enhancement is related to functional activation following electrical stimulation of the peripheral receptive field.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.14-20
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• 2016

One of the most powerful health management practices is the use of antibiotics, but their use is being restricted because of health safety issues. The swine industry has been looking for various alternatives to antibiotics and increasingly considers the use of dietary factors like feed ingredients, feed additives, feed formulation practices, or feeding methods, instead of using antibiotics to improve pig health and performance. Among other alternatives to antibiotics, spray-dried plasma may be a candidate. Spray-dried plasma is a blood product that provides bioavailable nutrients and physiologically active components such as immunoglobulins, glycoproteins, growth factors, peptides, etc. It is an excellent protein source with balanced and highly digestible amino acids. Several beneficial physiological activities depend on components of spray-dried plasma, such as immune competence (antibacterial activity), modulation of microbiota and/or immune system, integrity of intestinal barrier function, etc. These beneficial effects can contribute to improvement of pig performance and health by modulation of microbiota in the digestive tract and/or immune system. Therefore, it is suggested that spray-dried plasma has great potential as an antibiotics alternative.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.359-368
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• 2014

The aim of our research was to apply experimental design methodology in the optimization of N, N-Dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline (RNO, which is indictor of OH radical formation) degradation using gas mixing-circulation plasma process. The reaction was mathematically described as a function of four independent variables [voltage ($X_1$), gas flow rate ($X_2$), liquid flow rate ($X_3$) and time ($X_4$)] being modeled by the use of the central composite design (CCD). RNO removal efficiency was evaluated using a second-order polynomial multiple regression model. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination ($R^2$) value of 0.9111, thus ensuring a satisfactory adjustment of the second-order polynomial multiple regression model with the experimental data. The application of response surface methodology (RSM) yielded the following regression equation, which is an empirical relationship between the RNO removal efficiency and independent variables in a coded unit: RNO removal efficiency (%) = $77.71+10.04X_1+10.72X_2+1.78X_3+17.66X_4+5.91X_1X_2+3.64X_2X_3-8.72X_2X_4-7.80X{_1}^2-6.49X{_2}^2-5.67X{_4}^2$. Maximum RNO removal efficiency was predicted and experimentally validated. The optimum voltage, air flow rate, liquid flow rate and time were obtained for the highest desirability at 117.99 V, 4.88 L/min, 6.27 L/min and 24.65 min, respectively. Under optimal value of process parameters, high removal(> 97 %) was obtained for RNO.