• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2018

Chamaecyparis obtusa (CO) has recently been attracting attention because of its beneficial effects on skin allergies, atopic dermatitis, and skin diseases, such as acne and eczema. In the present study, the extract from CO leaf grown in Jangseong gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea was evaluated for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects in vitro. The total polyphenol content of the CO leaf extract was $25.89{\pm}0.31mg$ gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of six compounds in the CO leaf extract: ${\alpha}-terpinene$ (3.03 mg/g), ${\alpha}-terpineol$ (9.48 mg/g), limonene (5.96 mg/g), borneol (59.78 mg/g), myrcene (4.85 mg/g), and sabinene (11.31 mg/g). The $RC_{50}$ values of the CO leaf extract for $H_2O_2$ and ABTS radical were $5.47{\pm}0.13mg/mL$ and $4.00{\pm}0.01mg/mL$, respectively. In addition, the CO leaf extract showed significant inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells and IgE-induced release of ${\beta}-hexosaminidase$ (degranulation) in mast-cell like RBL-2H3 cells. The cell viability assay showed that the CO leaf extract ($100{\sim}800{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect the viability of human normal skin fibroblast CCD-986sk cells significantly. Overall, these results suggest that the CO leaf extract is a potential functional cosmetic ingredient that can exert anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.599-604
• /
• 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore methods for efficient management of the quality and safety of simple processed agricultural products in Busan. We tested 258 samples of simple processed agricultural products for distribution of aerobic bacteria and coliforms, and identified food-borne pathogens. The average aerobic bacterial and coliforms counts were 7.1 and 4.1 log CFU/g in simple processed vegetables, 6.8 and 3.5 log CFU/g in dried vegetables, and 6.2 and 2.9 log CFU/g in simple processed fruits. Additionally Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni/coli and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in any samples. However, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens and E. coli were detected in 41 samples (16.3%), 2 samples (0.8%), and 4 samples (1.6%), respectively. This analysis revealed that none of C. perfringens and E. coli isolates harbored pathogenic toxic genes. However, all of B. cereus isolates carried at least 1 toxin gene.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.95-103
• /
• 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate feasibility of semi-dry anaerobic digestion using dairy cattle manure and to evaluate solidified fuel value of semi-dry anaerobic digestate. To evaluate semi-dry anaerobic digestion using dairy cattle manure, 950 mL bottle type anaerobic reactor was set in the constant temperature room maintained at $35^{\circ}C$. To produce anaerobic digestate for making solidified fuel, acrylic cylindrical anaerobic digester(1,000 mm width ${\times}$ 450 mm height) was set in the constant room temperature to carry out batch test of semi-dry anaerobic digestion using same dairy cattle manure. Moisture content of dairy cattle manure and inoculum solution for anaerobic digestion were 80.64% and 96.83%, respectively. The dairy cattle manure and the inoculum solution was mixed by 1:1 ratio(v/v) for anaerobic digestion. Water content and VS/TS(Volatile Solids/Total Solids) of mixture of substrate and inoculum were 89.74% and 83.35%, respectively. In case of non-inoculated anaerobic digester, the biogas was not produced. By the semi-dry anaerobic digestion, the calorific value of the digestate was reduced by 20% compare to fresh dairy cattle manure. In other hand, ash content increased from 15% to 18.4%. The contents of Cr, Pb, Cd and S of pellet produced from anaerobically digested dairy cattle manure were not against the standard regulation for livestock manure solidified fuel. Therefore, it can be used as fuel that anaerobic digestate produced after semi-dry anaerobic digestion using dairy cattle manure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.29 no.12
• /
• pp.1360-1365
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study is to present the basic data for nonpoint pollutant loads from bridge road drainage sediments using the results to analyze organic matter and heavy metals from the four bridge drainage sampling sites with sediments of different particle size ranges. The sediment sample was collected from the bridge road drainage and the masses of nine sediments fractions were obtained after drying the separated sediment in an over at $85^{\circ}C:>2,000{\mu}m$, $1,000\sim2,000{\mu}m$, $850\sim1,000{\mu}m$, $425\sim850{\mu}m$, $212\sim425{\mu}m$, $125\sim212{\mu}m$, $90\sim125{\mu}m$, $75\sim90{\mu}m$, $<75{\mu}m$. The sediment extract was analyzed water quality constituents, including chemical oxygen demand(COD), total nitrogen(T-N), total phosphorus(T-P), heavy metals and particle size distribution. The results indicate that most of particle size ranges of the bridge road sediments was $125\sim425{\mu}m$, and portion of $<75{\mu}m$ was low. But most of the pollutants are associated with the finer fractions of the load sediments. As the results of analysis, the range and average values of COD, T-N, T-P, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were $177\sim198.8$ mg/kg(77.6 mg/kg), $23\sim200$ mg/kg(83 mg/kg), T-P $18\sim215$ mg/kg(129 mg/kg), and $1,508\sim5,612$ mg/kg(3,835 mg/kg), $9.2\sim69.3$ mg/kg(49 mg/kg), $19.1\sim662.2$ mg/kg(214 mg/kg), and $28.4\sim251.4$ mg/kg(114 mg/kg), respectively. The relationship between sediment size and pollutants concentration have an inverse proportion. The removal of road sediments with frequently could be reduced the significant nonpoint pollutant load, because of the bridge road sediment contains considerable micro-particles and heavy metals.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.250-256
• /
• 2009

A 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Kugija (Lycium chinense) on the growth and immunological response in juvenile Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli). Six experimental diets were supplemented with Kugija at 0, 0.1, 0.5 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0% ($K_0,\;K_{0.1},\;Ko_{0.5},\;K_{1.0},\;K_{3.0},\;K_{5.0}$) on a dry-matter basis. After 2 weeks, triplicate groups of 30 fish initially averaging 3.36$\pm$0.2 g (mean$\pm$SD) were randomly distributed into the aquarium and were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 weeks. By the end of the 8-week feeding trial, fish fed the $K_{0.5}$ and $K_{1.0}$ diets exhibited a higher weight gain and specific growth rate than fish fed $K_0$ and $K_{0.1}$ diets (P<0.05). Feed efficiency of fish fed the $K_{0.5}$ diet showed significant higher value than that of fish fed the $K_0$, $K_{3.0}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets (P<0.05). Hepatosomatic index of fish fed the $K_{0.5}$ diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the $K_{0.1}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets (P<0.05). Hematocrit of fish fed the $K_{0.5},\;K_{1.0}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets was significantly higher than that of fish fed the $K_0$ diet (P<0.05). Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase of fish fed the $K_{0.5},\;K_{1.0},\;K_{3.0}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets was significantly lower than in fish fed the other diets (P<0.05). Glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity of fish fed the $K_{3.0}$ diet was significantly lower than those of fish fed the $K_0$ and $K_{0.1}$ diets (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the activity of the transaminase in fish fed the $K_{0.5}\;K_{1.0},\;K_{3.0}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets. Lysozyme activity of fish fed the $K_{0.5}$ and $K_{1.0}$ diets was significantly higher than that in fish fed the $K_0$ and $K_{0.1}$ diets (P<0.05). Respiratory burst activity of fish fed the $K_{3.0}$ diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the $K_0$ and $K_{0.1}$ diets (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in respiratory burst activity of fish fed the $K_{0.5}\;K_{1.0},\;K_{3.0}$ and $K_{5.0}$ diets. Fish fed Kugija showed lower early mortality than fish fed a Kugija-free diet upon challenge with Vibrio ordalii. The results suggest that feeding of Kugija (Lycium chinense) enhances growth, non-specific immunity and disease resistance in juvenile Korean rockfish.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.30 no.7
• /
• pp.721-728
• /
• 2008

DBPs(Disinfection By-Products) are most formed through the reactions between chlorine and NOM(Natural Organic Matter) in water treatment. In this study, occurrence of DBPs including THMs(Trihalomethanes) is evaluated. Also, influencing factors by the seasons and raw water quality were investigated for correlation among them and the characteristics of THMs formation by prechlorination process. This study investigated the operation condition for THMs removal depending on raw water quality. Water treatment plant from intake station to gauging well flows for about 10 hours in Y Water Supply Office. It is limited to control of THMs formation because of excessive reaction time between chlorine and THMs precursors in the intake station. Therefore, as multi-points prechlorination from intake station to gauging well, THMs formation was decreased in the water treatment, and it was willing to prevent overdosage of chlorine. The concentration of THMs was 0.021 mg/L in the summer, 0.015 mg/L in the winter, respectively. Also, THMs formation showed that 0.013 mg/L in the water of gauging well after prechlorination, 0.014 mg/L in the flocculation/sedimentation/filtration, 0.016 mg/L in the water after postchlorination, respectively. THMFP(Trihalomethane Formation Potential) removed 42.7% and 50% through the flocculation/sedimentation and filtration, respectively, and it is similar TOC removal efficiency. In this study, multi-points prechlorination from intake station to gauging well decreases in contact time and concencrations of NOM and chlorine. Also, it decreases in THMs and amount of chlorine uesd. In the result of multi-points prechlorination in the summer, the concentration of THMs was 0.013mg/L in the treated water. In view of these facts, THMs formation can be decreased approximately 50%.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.401-409
• /
• 2006

Purpose : Human metapneumovirus(hMPV) is a respiratory viral pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of illnesses, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. The virus has been identified world widely, but so far it has not been published in Korea. Methods : We obtained clinical samples by nasopharyngeal aspiration from 218 children hospitalized due to acute lower respiratory tract infections at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Cheonan from October, 2004 to April, 2005. We designed specific primers from conserved region of fusion glycoprotein of hMPV. Total RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed, and single specific 423 bp product was obtained. The PCR product was confirmed to be fusion glycoprotein RNA by sequencing. Results : We detected hMPV in 15(6.9 percent) of the 218 hospitalized children. The infected children comprised nine boys and six girls; their mean age was 2.8 years(5 mo-12 yrs) and they were diagnosed with pneumonia(60 percent), bronchiolitis(33.3 percent), croup(6.6 percent). The number of cases of detected hMPV in Korea increased dramatically during the period from March to May 2005. Conclusion : hMPV is circulating in Korean children and is associated with respiratory tract infection. Additional studies are required to define the epidemiology and the extent of diseases in the general population caused by hMPV.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.10
• /
• pp.1121-1125
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Rotavirus is the main cause of infantile diarrheal disease worldwide, especially in patients 3-24 months of age. Infants younger than 3 months of age are relatively protected by transplacental antibody. So the purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical features and severity of neonatal rotaviral gastroenteritis less than 1 month of age. Methods : A retrospective chart review was established of 62 neonates less than 1 month of age and with a diagnosis of rotaviral gastroenteritis who had been admitted to Pochon CHA University between June 2002 through July 2004. The rotavirus was examined by stool latex agglutination. Results : During 2 years, the total number of admitted patients for rotaviral gastroenteritis was 688 and among these, less than 1 month of age accounted for 9%(62). The occurrence was generally even distribution from January to July($7.14{\pm}1.0$) but since then decreased($2.4{\pm}1.8$). The most common chief complaint was mild fever(46%) when admitted which subsided within 1 hospital day in most patients. 4 patients had seizure and cyanosis with no typical symptoms of rotaviral gastroenteritis. During admission, all the patients had diarrhea. 17% of the patients had leukocytosis and positive C-reactive protein. In one patient, stool occult blood test was positive but there was no necrotizing gastroenteritis evidence. The mean period of hospital day was $5.8{\pm}2.5$ and breast-milk feeding was 62.9%. Conclusion : Neonatal rotaviral gastroenteritis is not a rare disease. Most patients have fever and diarrhea and improve through conservative therapy but a few patients may have severe complications so we must be more cautious about the hygiene for prevention.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.259-272
• /
• 1987

This was study carried out to investigate the effect of calcium on spontaneous contraction and electrical activity induced by ethanol in gastric smooth muscle. After peeling off the mucous membrane from the isolated whole stomach of 102 cats, two kinds of small muscle preparations $(2.0{\times}0.2\;cm)$, one longitudinal and the other circular, were excised from the fundus, the corpus and the antrum portion of each whole stomach specimen. The isometric contraction of the small muscle preparation was measured in a cylinder-shaped chamber filled with Krebs-Ringer-dextrose solution (pH 7.4, temperature $36{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$) bubbling with 5% $CO_2$ in $O_2$. A large muscle preparation $(5.0{\times}1.2\;cm)$ was excised from the anterior wall of the corpus-antrum portion of the same specimen in 72 of 102 cats. The gastric electrical activity (slow wave and spike potential) was monopolarly recorded by four capillary electrodes (Ag-AgCl), of which two were placed on the corpus and two on the antrum, in a muscle chamber filled with the same solution as described above. Changes in the amplitude of the contraction, frequency of the gastric slow wave and the production of the spike potential were observed after adding ethanol and/or under the treatments with verapamil, $CaCl_2$ and Ca-free Krebs-Ringer-dextrose solution. The results were as follows: 1) After adding ethanol, the spontaneous phasic contraction of the corpus was reduced dose-dependently (0.125-2.0%), which was totally abolished by higher concentrations (2.0-8.0%) of ethanol. 2) The corporal phasic contraction was also completely abolished by verapamil $(3{\times}10^{-5}\;M)$ or Ca-free Krebs-Ringer-dextrose solution. The contraction was increased by $CaCl_2\;(1.8{\times}10^{-3}\;M)$, but the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the contraction persisted even under the treatment with $CaCl_2$. 3) At higher concentrations, ethanol caused tonic contraction of both preparations from the fundus, the corpus and the antrum in a dose-dependent manner. The tonic contraction of the fundus produced by ethanol was not influenced by $CaCl_2$ or verapamil, whereas the tonic contraction was not produced by ethanol in tile Ca-free solution. 4) Frequency of gastric slow wave was decreased dose-dependently by the addition of ethanol (0.25-1.0%), and tile slow wave was not produced by higher concentration of ethanol (2.0%). 5) The frequency of slow wave was significantly reduced by verapamil only and the inhibitory influence of ethanol on the slow wave frequency was reinforced by verapamil. 6) The treatment of $CaCl_2$ increased significantly the slow wave frequency, and attenuated the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the frequency. It is therefore suggested that ethanol regulates the phasic contraction and the production of slow wave by interfering with the transport of calcium in the stomach muscle of the cat.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.53 no.5
• /
• pp.452-463
• /
• 2020

Purpose: Aster tataricus (AT) is one of the Asteraceae perennial herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb contains various bioactive substances, such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and phenolic compounds in the roots, and exhibits a range of effects including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study compared the immunomodulatory effects of ethanol and water extracts of whole AT, except the roots, and analyzed the molecular mechanisms for the regulatory effects on cytokine secretion from THP-1 cells. Methods: The effects of AT extract on the cell viability and proliferation of THP-1 cells were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant of the AT-treated THP-1 cells were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in the cell lysates were determined by western blotting. Results: The water extract and the ethanol extract of AT did not affect the cell viability, and increased the proliferation of THP-1 cells significantly compared to the vehicle. The water extract increased the secretion of IL-1β from THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the ethanol extract had no effect. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS protein and the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt were induced in AT-treated cells. In addition, IκBα was degraded by AT in a concentration-dependent manner. IL-1β secretion by AT was reduced by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors, while TNF-α secretion was decreased by inhibitors of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Interestingly, the p38 MAPK inhibitor increased the production of IL-1β by AT further. Conclusion: The water extract of the above-ground parts of AT contains immunomodulatory bioactive substances that stimulate immune cells through the MAPK signaling pathway.