• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.818-826
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• 2021

5-Aminolevulinic acid phosphate (5-ALA-p) is a substance obtained by eluting 5-ALA (a natural delta amino acid) with aqueous ammonia, adding phosphoric acid to the eluate, and then adding acetone to confer properties suitable for use in photodynamic therapy applications. However, its pharmacological efficacy, including potential mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reactions, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-ALA-p on oxidative and inflammatory stresses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Our data showed that 5-ALA-p significantly inhibited excessive phagocytic activity via LPS and attenuated oxidative stress in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, 5-ALA-p improved mitochondrial biogenesis reduced by LPS, suggesting that 5-ALA-p restores mitochondrial damage caused by LPS. Additionally, 5-ALA-p significantly suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, which are associated with the inhibition of inducible NO synthase and respective cytokine expression. Furthermore, 5-ALA-p reduced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-ALA-p is mediated through the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Based on these results, 5-ALA-p may serve as a potential candidate to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2021

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), the multiwalled clay mineral with the composition of Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O, have been highlighted as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. Although a powder of halloysite presents a high specific surface area, forming media are significantly considered due to sludge-clogging induced by the water-bound agglomeration. However, higher firing temperature to achieve the structural durability of the media and lower utilization rate due to longer penetration depth into the media act as hurdles to increase the dye-adsorption capacity. In this work, the retention of the adsorption capacity of halloysite was evaluated with methylene blue solution after the heat treatment at 750 ℃. In order to improve the utilization rate, tubular media were fabricated by extrusion. The images taken by transmission electron microscopy show that HNTs present excellent structural stability under heat treatment. The HNTs also provide superb capacity retention for MB adsorption (93%, 18.5 mg g^-1), while the diatomite and Magnesol^® XL show 22% (7.65 mg g^-1) and 6% (11.7 mg g^-1), respectively. Additionally, compositing with lignin enhances adsorption capacity, and the heat treatment under the hydrogen atmosphere accelerates the adsorption in the early stage. Compared to the rod-type, the tubular halloysite media rapidly increases methylene blue adsorption capacity.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1487-1495
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated collagen production and hyaluronic acid production effects for wrinkle improvement test on 50 kinds of land plants and 10 kinds of marine plants native to Jeju Island as a part of developing customized cosmetic materials. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are recognized as major factors affecting skin aging. Cerastium holosteoides var. hallaisanense Mizushima extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen in the extracts of 50 kinds of land plants. Vicia angustifolia var. segetilis K. Koch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 160% of collagen. Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Euonymus japonica Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Elaeagnus umbelellata Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Sedum oryzifolium Makino extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Vicia unijuga A. Br. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Brassica juncea var. integrifolia Sinsk. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Sargassum macrocarpum C. Agardh extract ($50{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen, and Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production. Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed the effect of producing hyaluronic acid more than 140%, and Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($20{\mu}g/mL$) and Wistaria floribunda A.P. DC extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 130% hyalunonic acid production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Peyssonnelia capensis Montagne extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) was the most effective. Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 120% hyalunonic acid production. Jeju resources, which have good collagen and hyaluronic acid production, showed the potential to be applied to solve the skin troubles of customized cosmetics in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.20-25
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• 2019

Very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency (OMIM#201475) is an autosomal recessively inherited metabolic disorder of mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation. The clinical features of VLCAD deficiency is classified by three clinical forms according to the severity. Here, we report a case of later-onset episodic myopathic form of VLCAD deficiency whose diagnosis was confirmed by plasma acylcarnitine analysis and" multigene panel multigene panel sequencing. A 34-year old female patient visited genetics clinic for genetic evaluation for history of recurrent myopathy with intermittent rhabdomyolysis. She suffered first episode of rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis at twelve years old. After then, she suffered several times of recurrent rhabdomyolysis provoked by prolonged exercise or fasting. Physical and neurologic exam was normal. Serum AST/ALT and creatinine kinase (CK) levels were mildly elevated. However, according to her previous medical records, her AST/ALT, CK were highly elevated when she had rhabdomyolysis. In suspicion of fatty acid oxidation disorder, multigene panel sequencing and plasma acylcarnitine analysis were performed in non-fasting, asymptomatic condition for the differential diagnosis. Plasma acylcarnitine analysis revealed elevated levels of C14:1 ($1.453{\mu}mol/L$; reference, 0.044-0.285), and C14:2 ($0.323{\mu}mol/L$; 0.032-0.301) and upper normal level of C14 ($0.841{\mu}mol/L$; 0.065 -0.920). Two heterozygous mutation in ACADVL were detected by multigene panel sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing: c.[1202G>A(;) 1349G>A] (p.[(Ser 401Asn)(;)(Arg450His)]). Diagnosis of VLCAD deficiency was confirmed and frequent meal with low-fat diet was educated for preventing acute metabolic derangement. Fatty acid oxidation disorders have diagnostic challenges due to their intermittent clinical and laboratorial presentations, especially in milder late-onset forms. We suggest that multigene panel sequencing could be a useful diagnostic tool for the genetically and clinically heterogeneous fatty acid oxidation disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.600-605
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• 2019

Background: The leaves and roots of Panax ginseng are rich in ginsenosides. However, the chemical compositions of the leaves and roots of P. ginseng differ, resulting in different medicinal functions. In recent years, the aerial parts of members of the Panax genus have received great attention from natural product chemists as producers of bioactive ginsenosides. The aim of this study was the isolation and structural elucidation of novel, minor ginsenosides in the leaves of P. ginseng and evaluation of their antiinflammatory activity in vitro. Methods: Various chromatographic techniques were applied to obtain pure individual compounds, and their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods. The antiinflammatory effect of the new compounds was evaluated on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results and conclusions: Two novel, minor triterpenoid saponins, ginsenoside $LS_1$ (1) and 5,6-didehydroginsenoside $Rg_3$ (2), were isolated from the leaves of P. ginseng. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and Compound 2 showed a significant inhibitory effect with $IC_{50}$ of $37.38{\mu}M$ compared with that of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine ($IC_{50}=90.76{\mu}M$). Moreover, Compound 2 significantly decreased secretion of cytokines such as prostaglandin $E_2$ and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. In addition, Compound 2 significantly suppressed protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. These results suggested that Compound 2 could be used as a valuable candidate for medicinal use or functional food, and the mechanism is warranted for further exploration.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.565-582
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• 2018

We investigated the hydrochemical properties of ChusanYongchulso Spring located in Buk-myeon, Ulleung Island, focusing on the formation and characteristics of aquifers in and around the Nari caldera. Abundant pumice with high permeability and numerous fractures (including faults and joints) that formed as a result of caldera subsidence are widely distributed in the subsurface, favoring the formation of aquifers. Because of the presence of porous pyroclastic rocks with a high internal surface area, the water type of the springs is characterized by $NaHCO_3$, with upper stream waters and the upper spring being characterized by $NaHCO_3$ and NaCl, respectively. Components with a high coefficient of determination with EC are $HCO_3$, Na, F, Ca, Mg, Cl, $SiO_2$, and $SO_4$. The high concentrations of Na and Cl might be attributable to the main lithologies in the area, given that alkaline volcanic rocks are distributed extensively across Ulleung Island. Eh and pH, which are considered to be important indicators of water-rock interaction, are unrelated to most components. According to the results obtained from factor analysis, the variance explained by factor 1 is 54% and by factor 2 is 25.8%. Components with a high loading on factor 1 are F, Na, EC, Cl, $HCO_3$, $SO_4$, $SiO_2$, Ca, $NO_3$, and Mg, whereas components with a high loading on factor 2 are Mg and Ca, along with K, $NO_3$, and DO with negative loadings. It is suggested that the high concentrations of Na, Cl, F, and $SO_4$ are closely related to the presence of fine-grained alkaline pyroclastic rocks with high permeability and porosity, which favorintensewater-rock interaction. However, a wide-ranging investigation that encompasses methods such as geophysical prospecting and geochemical analysis (including isotope, trace-element, and tracer techniques) will be necessary to gain a better understanding of the groundwater chemistry, aquifer distribution, and water cycling of Ulleung Island.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.555-563
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• 2019

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract of Elaeagnus umbellata leaves (EUL-EE) on skin-related biological activities. Previously, we have reported that gallic acid was the major phenolic compound in EUL-EE through quantitative analysis and that EUL-EE had an inhibitory effect against the proliferation of liver cancer HepG2 cells. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of EUL-EE on melanin production and tyrosinase activity in ${\alpha}$-melanocyte-stimulated hormone-stimulated B16-F0 cells were determined to assess the effects of EUL-EE on skin whitening. The anti-wrinkle effect using UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk cells was examined by the expression of type I procollagen and metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 release. The EUL-EE significantly decreased intracellular melanin production (33.0% inhibition at $100{\mu}g/ml$) when compared with untreated B16-F0 cells. Tyrosinase activities in the stimulated B16-F0 cells were also decreased by EUL-EE (47.8% inhibition at $100{\mu}g/ml$). The EUL-EE also dose-dependently increased the production of type I procollagen (up to 1.74-fold at $250{\mu}g/ml$) in CCD-986sk cells when compared with UVB-irradiated controls. EUL-EE showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to $500{\mu}g/ml$. In addition, EUL-EE at $10-500{\mu}g/ml$ inhibited the release of MMP-1 to the medium from UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk cells. Taken together, these observations indicate that EUL-EE has high potential for use as inner beauty and cosmetic materials due to its whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.337-349
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• 2021

This study aimed to isolate wild yeasts from water and soil sample of the Nonsan stream and Sapgyoho (lake) in Chungcheonnam-do, Korea, and to further characterize previously unrecorded wild yeast strains. In total, 102 strains, representing 55 different species of wild yeast were isolated from 95 samples collected from the Jangseoncheon and Ipchoncheon of Nonsan stream in Jellabuk-do and Chungcheonnam-do. Among these, 33 strains were isolated from alkalophilic yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) medium (pH 9.0), and 9 strains were isolated concurrently on general YPD medium (pH 6.5) and alkalophilic medium. Seventeen strains of Cryptococcus laurentii were predominantly isolated. Additionally, 65 strains, representing 27 different species of wild yeast were isolated from 58 samples obtained from Sapgyoho (lake). Among the 82 isolated wild yeast strains, 8 strains, including Candida fructus JSC 72-1(JSL-GGU 015), had not previously been recorded. All 8 previously unrecorded yeasts were oval in shape except C. fructus JSC72-1(JSL-GGU-015), and only the Filobasidium chernovii JSC39-1(JSL-GGU-013) strain formed spores. All strains except Pseudosydowia eucalypti JSC23-6(JSL-GGU-012) grew well in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) and yeast extract-malt extract media and grew in vitamin-free medium. Four strains, including P.eucalypti JSC23-6(JSL-GGU-012) grew well in 15% NaCl-containing YPD medium. F.chernovii JSC39-1(JSL-GGU-013) and Sirobasidium intermedium JSC7-3(JSL-GGU-014) assimilated lactose, and five strains, including F. chernovii JSC39-1(JSL-GGU-013) also assimilated starch. All strains were resistant to 800 ppm of Ca, Cu, Li, and Mg ions.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.23-43
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• 2021

In this study, we selected two essential oils, Citrus unshiu and Cinnamomum cassia with superior antioxidant effects from the essential oils of 7 wild plants in South Korea and examined their antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, which causes dermatitis to identify the antimicrobial components in the essential oils. As a result of measuring DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, SC50 value of the Citrus unshiu essential oil was 0.010 mg/mL, while for the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil, SC50 value was 0.09 mg/mL. In addition, when ABTS (2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity was measured, SC50 value of the Citrus unshiu essential oil was 0.09 mg/mL, while for the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil, it was 0.06 mg/mL, exhibiting high antioxidant activity. For the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the essential oil of Cinnamomum cassia was 1.25 mg/mL and that of Citrus unshiu was 5 mg/mL, demonstrating a high antimicrobial activity of the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil. Through the thin layer chromatography (TLC) bioassay, we assessed the antimicrobial activity against C. albicans according to the fraction components of the two essential oils. Also, by using preparative TLC (prep. TLC), we obtained the active fractions, and by performing GC/MS analysis of the components with the same Rf value, we identified the antimicrobial-active components. As a result, the main components having antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were cinnamyl acetate, eucalyptol, linalool, and citral of the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil and linalool from the Citrus unshiu essential oil. Also, based on the analysis of the fractional components that showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in both of the two essential oils, it was found that linalool has antioxidant activity, while cinnamyl acetate, eucalyptol, citral, and geranyl acetate have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.67-83
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• 2022

Biochar is a carbon material produced through the pyrolysis of agricultural biomass with limited oxygen condition. It has been suggested to enhance the carbon sequestration and mineralization of soil carbon. Objective of this study was to investigate soil potential carbon mineralization and carbon dioxide(CO₂) emissions in different soils cooperated with barely straw and livestock manure biochars in the closed chamber. The incubation was conducted during 49 days using a closed chamber. The treatments consisted of 2 different biochars that were originated from barley straw and livestock manure, and application amounts were 0, 5, 10 and 20 ton ha^-1 with different soils as upland, protected cultivation, converted and reclaimed. The results indicated that the TC increased significantly in all soils after biochar application. Mineralization of soil carbon was well fitted for Kinetic first-order exponential rate model equation (P<0.001). Potential mineralization rate ranged from 8.7 to 15.5% and 8.2 to 16.5% in the barely straw biochar and livestock manure biochar treatments, respectively. The highest CO₂ emission was 81.94 mg kg^-1 in the upland soil, and it was more emitted CO₂ for barely straw biochar application than its livestock biochar regardless of their application rates. Soil amendment of biochar is suitable for barely straw biochar regardless of application rates for mitigation of CO₂ emission in the cropland.