• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.18-26
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• 2021

Soil aggregation begins with flocculation of clay particles triggered by interfacial reactions of polyvalent cation such as Ca²⁺ and Fe³⁺, and they are also known as important elements to control the mobility of arsenic in soil environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of CMDS (coal mine drainage sludge) for soil loss reduction and stabilization of arsenic-contaminated soil in a 37% sloped farmland under rainfall simulation. The amount of soil loss decreased by 43% when CMDS was applied, and this result was not significantly different from the case of limestone application, which yielded 46% decrease of soil loss. However, the relative amount of dispersed clay particles in the sediment CMDS-applied soil was 10% lower than that of limestone-applied soil, suggesting CMDS is more effective than limestone in inducing soil aggregation. The concentrations of bioavailable arsenic in CMDS amended soil decreased by 46%~78%, which was lower than the amount in limestone amended soil. Therefore, CMDS can be used as an effective amendment material to reduce soil loss and stabilize arsenic in sloped farmland areas.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.125-131
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• 2019

Objective: To investigate serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) concentrations in women with endometriosis according to the severity of disease. Methods: Women with mild endometriosis (n = 9) and advanced endometriosis (n = 7), as well as healthy controls (n = 16), were enrolled in this observational study. Serum total 25(OH)D concentrations were analyzed using the Elecsys vitamin D total kit with the Cobas e602 module. Concentrations of bioavailable and free 25(OH)D were calculated. Concentrations of VDBP were measured using the Human Vitamin D BP Quantikine ELISA kit. Variables were tested for normality and homoscedasticity using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Leven F test, respectively. Correlation analysis was used to identify the variables related to total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels. To assess the effects of total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels in the three groups, multivariate generalized additive modeling (GAM) was performed. Results: Gravidity and parity were significantly different across the three groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CA-125 levels increased as a function of endometriosis severity, respectively (p= 0.051, p= 0.004). The correlation analysis showed that total 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with gravidity (r = 0.59, p< 0.001) and parity (r = 0.51, p< 0.003). Multivariate GAM showed no significant relationship of total 25(OH)D levels with EMT severity after adjusting for gravidity and ESR. However, the coefficient of total 25(OH)D levels with gravidity was significant (1.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-3.63; p= 0.040). Conclusion: These results indicate that vitamin D and VDBP levels were not associated with the severity of endometriosis.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.145-156
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to select candidate herbal medicines to be used in preclinical studies of cerebral infarction using the network pharmacology research method. Methods : Oral bioavailability (OB), drug likeness (DL), Caco-2, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were employed in this study's network pharmacology analysis method to choose compounds with potential efficacy. The following formulas were utilized for the values of each variable used in this study: OB ≥ 20%, DL ≥ 0.18, Caco-2 ≥ 0, and BBB ≥ -0.3. The relationships between target proteins and diseases that are assumed to be involved in the chosen bioavailable chemicals were built in a network manner using the aforementioned factors, and proteins thought to play a significant role were identified. Results : Sudan III was obtained as a result of selecting compounds related to ischemic stroke in consideration of pharmacokinetic characteristics such as digestion and absorption and practicality using the TCMSP database. Medicinal herbs Gardeniae Fructus (GF) contains sudan III, and it was confirmed that compounds in GF were highly related to brain diseases, and the mechanism involved through the KEGG pathway was confirmed. GF, which has sudan III related to ischemic stroke and is also involved in other neurological diseases, is expected to be used for ischemic stroke treatment. Conclusions : GF has been predicted to have potential for ischemic stroke treatment, and can be used for future preclinical studies.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.190-201
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• 2024

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2009

In this study, the selenium (Se) accumulations of soybean sprouts and mungbean sprouts treated with various concentrations of Se-solutions were evaluated, as part of a broader effort to produce Se-enriched variants of the plants. Four levels of sodium selenate ($Na_{2}SeO_{4}$)-dissolved solutions (i.e. 0, T0; 6, T1; 60, T2; and $600{\mu}g/mL$, T3) were prepared and sprayed onto the plants during cultivation. The effect of different spraying periods on Se accumulation was also assessed by watering plant groups once a day for periods of one, two, or three days. Se solution remaining on the surfaces of the plants was washed out by spraying with distilled water on the final day of cultivation. However, the increase of Se accumulation in the plants was found to depend on both Se-concentration and watering period, and the soybean sprouts were determined to accumulate Se more effectively than the mungbean sprouts. Additionally, with regard to Se accumulation in the plants, the period of application of Se solution was determined to be more important than the concentration of the Se solution applied. The averaged total levels of Se-enrichment in whole soybean sprouts at T0, T1, T2, and T3 were 0.26, 65.86, 179.62, and $525.12{\mu}g/dry$ matter (DM) g, respectively, and the relative equations relating Se enrichment in soybean sprouts (Y) against watering days (X) were Y=32.505X-36.17 (T1), Y=88.46X-92.04 (T2), and Y=251.11X-254.9(T3). The averaged total levels of Se-enrichment in the whole mungbean sprouts at T1, T2, and T3 group were 0.05, 3.64, and $101.43{\mu}g/DM$ g, respectively, and the relative equations relating Se enrichment (Y) to watering days (X) for mungbean sprouts were Y=1.67X-1.3467 at T1 and Y=48.035X-46.907 at T2. The results of this study suggest that soybean sprouts and mungbean sprouts enriched with bioavailable Se can be produced on a large scale by Se supplementation, allowing for the development of healthy functional foods such as Se-enriched mungbean sprout soups and salads, Se-enriched functional drink and food additives, and selenium tablets to promote health.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.1 s.115
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• pp.138-144
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• 2006

Algal growth potential test (AGPT) has been used as a tool for assessing biological productivity potential in the aquatic ecosystems. This study was conducted to compare the productivity potentials of large reservoirs (Lakes Andong, Hapchon and Jinyang, and Naktong estuarine dam) and river sites (Sangju, Koryung, and Samlangjin) located in the Naktong River watershed. AGPT was conducted in both non-monsoon and mosoon season (February, April, July and September) of 2003, using Microcystis aeruginosa as a test alga. The AGPs in the reservoirs were relatively much lower than those of river sites. The river AGPs increased towards upstream close to the influent streams, while it generally decreased towards downstream. Immediately after the abrupt increase in influent discharge in summer, the AGP became similar between midstream and downstream sites. The water quality of river and reservoirs deteriorated during the drought period in accordance with AGP: it was the highest during this period. The AGPs showed the closest correlation with the P concentration, leading to the conclusion that bioavailable P is highly influential to the algal growth in both lentic and lotic ecosystems in the Naktong River watershed. Based on the AGPs, the water quality of tested sites was likely eutrophic. Our results suggest that AGPT be a useful tool in evaluating the productivity potential and trophic state of the water body as well as determining the nutrients that limit the growth of algae.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.1167-1173
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• 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of providing fermented soy protein to weaned pigs on nitrogen balance and apparent fecal and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA. Four weaned ((Yorkshire${\times}$Landrace)${\times}$Duroc) barrows (BW = 6.58${\pm}$0.98 kg), surgically fitted with a simple T-cannula approximately 15 cm prior to the ileo-cecal junction, were fed four diets according to 4${\times}$4 Latin square design. Diets were a basal diet supplemented with one of the following: 3% SDPP (spray dried plasma protein), 5% RBP (soy protein fermented by Lactobacillus spp.), 5% PSP (soy protein fermented by Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis), and 2.5% RPP (2.5% RBP+2.5% PSP). No differences were observed in DM and N intakes among treatments. However, the level of urine excretion was greater in the RPP group than in the PSP group. Additionally, fecal DM excretion, fecal N concentration and fecal N excretion were increased in the RBP, PSP and RPP groups when compared with the SDPP group (p<0.05). Furthermore, total excretion was increased in the RPP group when compared with the PSP group (p<0.05). In addition, N absorption and the N absorption ratio were higher in the SDPP group than in the RPP group (p<0.05). Moreover, the DM and N digestibilities were lower in the RBP, PSP and RPP groups than in the SDPP group (p<0.05), and the ash and energy digestibilities were higher in the SDPP and RBP groups than in the PSP and RPP groups (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the DM, N, Ash, Ca, P or ileal digestibilities among treatments, although the energy digestibility was higher in the SDPP group than the RBP group (p<0.05). In addition, the apparent ileal digestibilities of essential amino acids (Arg, His, Iso, Leu, Lys, Phe, Thr, and Val) were significantly higher in the SDPP group than in the other groups (p<0.05), and the levels of Ala, Cys, Glu and Try were greater in the SDPP treatment group than the RBP, PSP and RPP groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the levels of Asp, Gly and Ser were higher in the SDPP group than the PSP and RPP groups, and the level of Pro was higher in the SDPP group than the RPP group (p<0.05). Finally, total non-essential amino acid and total amino acid digestibility were higher in the SDPP group than in the other treatments (p<0.05). Taken together, the results of this study indicate that animal protein is more bioavailable than plant protein. However, the N absorption ratio and ileal digestibility were found to be similar in the SDPP and RBP groups.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.266-270
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• 1998

The identification of soil P level that exceed crop requirement is a prerequisite in implementing sustainable management of fertilizer and manure P to prevent soil and freshwater from contamination. To investigate the relationship between 0.01M $CaCl_2$ soluble P, and available P and P sorption capacity of 40 soils, P content and P sorptivity were analyzed. Single linear relationship revealed the dependence of 0.01M $CaCl_2-P$ on available P($r^2=0.479$), bioavailable P($r^2=0.281$), P sorption($r^2=-0.465$) and P absorption coefficient($r^2=-0.056^{NS}$). Thus available P as $P_2O_5$(AVP) and P sorption (PS) were most important factors in determining the concentration of 0.01M $CaC1_2-P$($CaC1_2-P$). In multinomial equation related $CaC1_2-P$ with AVP and PS, the determination coefficient was improved to 0.745. The logarithm of $CaC1_2-P$ was linearly related to AVP/PS. Consequently, the equation, $0.01M\;CaCl_2-P=0.1284e^{0.3288AVP/PS}$ could be suggested to estimate the concentration of P in 20mL of 0.01M $CaCl_2$ solution containing 2g of soil shaken for 17 hours.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.984-991
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• 2006

Effects of spent composts of selenium-enriched mushroom (Se-SMC) on plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and selenium (Se) deposition in finishing Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers were investigated. Twenty-five Hanwoo steers (average body weight = 613 kg, average age = 22 months) were allotted to treatments in five groups of five steers per pen for 12 weeks preceding slaughter. Treatments were SMC alone (CON; 0.1 ppm Se), 0.3 ppm (0.3 Se-SMC), 0.6 ppm (0.6 Se-SMC), 0.9 ppm (0.9 Se-SMC), and 0.9 ppm (sodium selenite; SENI) Se. During the experimental period, blood samples were taken to analyze Se concentrations and GSH-Px activities. Muscle and liver samples were collected for analyses of Se contents after slaughter. Dry matter intake and body weight gain were not affected by Se-SMC or sodium selenite supplementation. Selenium concentration in the whole blood and GSH-Px activity in plasma were linearly increased (p<0.01) with increasing levels of Se-SMC. The whole blood Se concentration of SENI treatment was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of CON treatment from 4 weeks, whereas there was no significant difference in GSH-Px activities between both treatments at 8 and 12 weeks. Selenium content in the hind leg and liver increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of Se-SMC, but those of SENI treatments were not significantly different from CON treatments. These results suggested that Se in the Se-SMC was highly bioavailable to blood and tissues of ruminants, especially compared with Se in the sodium selenite. Therefore, Se-SMC might be used not only as an inexpensive way of providing Se for ruminants but also as another way of producing Se-fortified beef.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.293-299
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• 2012

BACKGROUND: Soil utilization pattern can be the main factor affecting soil physico-chemical properties, especially in soil phosphorus (P). Understanding the distribution and bioavailability of P is important for developing management to minimize P release from arable soils to environment. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential bioavailability of soil organic P by using phosphatase hydrolysis method. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four soils from onion-rice double cropping and 30 soils from plastic film house were selected from Changyeong and Daegok in Gyeongnam province, respectively. The P accumulation pattern (total P, inorganic P, organic P, residual P) and water soluble P were characterized. Commercial phosphatase enzymes were used to classify water-extractable molybdate unreactive P from arable soils into compounds that could be hydrolysed by (i) alkaline phosphomonoesterase (comprising labile orthophosphate monoesters), (ii) a combination of alkaline phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase (comprising labile orthophosphate monoesters and diesters), and (iii) phytase (including inositol hexakisphosphate). Available P was highly accumulated with 616 and 1,208 mg/kg in double cropping system and plastic film house, respectively. Dissolved reactive P (DRP) and dissolved unreactive P (DUP) had similar trends with available P, showing 24 and 109 mg/kg in double cropping and 37 and 159 mg/kg in plastic film house, respectively, indicating that important role of dissolved organic P in the environments had been underestimated. From the result of phosphatase hydrolysis, about 39% and 66% of DUP was evaluated as bioavailable in double cropping and plastic film house, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Orthophosphate monoester and orthophosphate diester accounted for high portion of dissolved organic P in arable soils, indicating that these organic P forms give important impacts on bioavailability of P released from P accumulated soils.