• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1914-1922
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• 2019

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density and alphalipoic acid (ALA) on the growth performance, feed utilization, carcass traits, antioxidative ability and immune response of broilers. Methods: A total of 1,530 22-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) with comparable body weights ($731.92{\pm}5.26$) were placed into 18 cages ($2.46{\times}2.02m$) in groups of 75 birds ($15birds/m^2$, $37.5kg/m^2$; low stocking density [LD]), 90 birds ($18birds/m^2$, $45.0kg/m^2$; high stocking density [HD]) and 90 birds with 300 mg/kg ALA added to the basal diet ($18birds/m^2$, $45.0kg/m^2$; HD+ALA, high stocking density+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid); each treatment was represented by 6 replicates. The experimental period was 3 weeks. Results: The results showed that the high stocking density regimen resulted in a decreased growth, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, thigh yield and bursa weight relative to body weight (p<0.05) on d 42. The abdominal fat yield in the HD+ALA group was lower (p = 0.031) than that of the LD group at 42 d. The superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum were increased, and malondialdehyde content decreased after adding ALA product (p<0.05) on d 42. Additionally, the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG were decreased (p<0.05) and the level of diamine oxidase was higher (p<0.01) in the HD group on d 42. Conclusion: The high stocking density significantly decreased broiler growth performance, feed utilization and carcass traits, increased physiological and oxidative stress and induced intestinal mucosal injury. The supplementation of ALA product in broiler diet at 300 mg/kg may reduce the adverse effects of high stocking density-mediated stress by maintaining the antioxidant system and humoral immune system.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.4 s.54
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• pp.305-310
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• 2005

To obtain effective and safe depigmenting agents, we investigated the effects of Scirpi rhizoma, a medicine among Chinese herbs, on melanogenesis. Dried S. rhizoma was refluxed with 70% aqueous ethanol and the extract was evaporated to dryness. To determine the effects as a whitening agent, various in vitro tests were performed such as free radical scavenging activity, melanin formation assay, tyrosinase activity and expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2(western blot and RT-PCR) in B16 melanoma cells. S. rhizoma showed scavenging activities of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the $IC_{50}\;of\;638{\mu}g/mL$ against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and $21.7{\mu}g/mL$ against superoxide radicals in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, respectively. S. rhizoma significantly inhibited melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. S. rhizoma treatment(48 h) suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin up to 27% at 100{\mu}g/mL$ and reduced tyrosinase activity up to 31% at $100{\mu}g/mL$ in B16 melanoma cells. S. rhizoma was also able to significantly inhibit tyrosinase and TRP-1 expression in protein and mRNA level. These results suggest that S. rhizoma inhibited melanin biosynthesis by regulating tyrosinase activity and expression in B16 melanoma cells. Therefore, S. rhizoma may be useful as a new antioxidant and whitening agent to inhibit melanogenesis.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.31 no.4 s.54
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• pp.323-327
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• 2005

Although many studies have been performed to elucidate the molecular consequence of ultraviolet irradiation on an aging, little is known about the effect of natural products. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) we known to play an important role in (a) photoaging. Hete we investigated the effect of $1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-{\beta}-{_D}-gluco- pyranose (1)$ and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (2) on the expression of MMP-1 in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (products), (on the) activity of MMP-1, and (on the) scavenging activities of free radicals. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from Melothria heterophylla (Cucurbitaceae). These compounds were found to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and were measured to have the $SC_{50}$ values of $3.9{\mu}M\;and\;13.3{\mu}M$ against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and $4.3{\mu}M\;and\; 4.0{\mu}M$ against superoxide radicals in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the e):pression and activity of MMP-1 in the UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Therefore, we concluded that compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited MMP-1 expression at the protein level. Also, these compounds were determined to have a potent antioxidant activity. From these results, we suggest that these compounds nay be used as (a) new anti-aging agents for the photo-damaged skin.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.499-505
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• 2009

Quality changes in fresh-cut potatoes during storage at $4^{\circ}C$ after treatment with low-temperature blanching and antibrowning agents were studied. Fresh-cut potatoes were treated by dipping for 1.5 min in a browning inhibitor solution containing 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid, 0.5% (w/v) citric acid, 0.5% (w/v) sodium chloride, 0.1% (w/v) trehalose, and 0.005% (w/v) biotin, at $60^{\circ}C$, with subsequent cooling for 1.5 min and storage at $4^{\circ}C$. The browning properties of fresh-cut potatoes were examined by measurement of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and total phenolic content. Changes in quality attributes over a 14-day period were assessed in terms of titratable acidity, pH, water-soluble solid level, and gas analysis at $4^{\circ}C$. During storage, PPO activity increased, with the lowest activity seen after about 7 days of storage. Treatment with antibrowning solution at $4^{\circ}C$ increased visual sensory attributes during storage. Low-temperature blanching in distilled water more effectively inhibited browning compared with exposure to browning inhibitor solution, as assessed after 7 days of storage. Fresh-cut potatoes respired aerobically after different treatments during storage at $4^{\circ}C$.

• Genes and Genomics
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• v.40 no.11
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• pp.1213-1223
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• 2018

Pelagic larval dispersal habits influence the population genetic structure of marine mollusk organisms via gene flow. The genetic information of the clam Gomphina aequilatera (short larval stage, 10 days) which is ecologically and economically important in the China coast is unknown. To determine the influence of planktonic larval duration on the genetic structure of G. aequilatera. Mitochondrial markers, cytochrome oxidase subunit i (COI) and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA), were used to investigate the population structure of wild G. aequilatera specimens from four China Sea coastal locations (Zhoushan, Nanji Island, Zhangpu and Beihai). Partial COI (685 bp) and 12S rRNA (350 bp) sequences were determined. High level and significant $F_{ST}$ values were obtained among the different localities, based on either COI ($F_{ST}=0.100-0.444$, P<0.05) or 12S rRNA ($F_{ST}=0.193-0.742$, P<0.05), indicating a high degree of genetic differentiation among the populations. The pairwise $N_m$ between Beihai and Zhoushan for COI was 0.626 and the other four pairwise $N_m$ values were >1, indicating extensive gene flow among them. The 12S rRNA showed the same pattern. AMOVA test results for COI and 12S rRNA indicated major genetic variation within the populations: 77.96% within and 22.04% among the populations for COI, 55.73% within and 44.27% among the populations for 12S rRNA. A median-joining network suggested obvious genetic differentiation between the Zhoushan and Beihai populations. This study revealed the extant population genetic structure of G. aequilatera and showed a strong population structure in a species with a short planktonic larval stage.

• Korean Journal of Ornithology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2018

Bird electrocution on contact with electricity lines is well reported and is quite common in Mongolian open areas. We visited 15-kV electricity distribution pole lines in a Southern Mongolian semi-desert region three times in 2017, in April, July, and September, to assess their risks to birds. The carcasses of 45 electrocuted birds representing 12 species were identified from 250 poles (overall mortality rate of 1.12% every 10 km). The majority of these electrocuted birds were endangered Saker Falcon (n=11) and common Black Kite (n=11). The lacks of roosting or perching sites in our study sites (indeed other open areas in Mongolia) may resulted for such high rate bird electrocution. A 751-base pair (bp) cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified for DNA sequence-based identification of carcasses that were difficult to identify directly. Our findings revealed the high electrocution risk for birds in Mongolian open areas, especially for the birds of prey, with relatively low-efficiency electrocution mitigation approaches. The findings also indicate that there is a need for better understanding of the risk of bird electrocution, particularly in the open areas. This will contribute to the conservation of endangered species.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.352-358
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• 2018

This study aimed to develop a species identification method for the egg and fry of the three Korean bitterling fishes (Pisces: Acheilognathinae), including Acheilognathus signifer, Acheilognathus yamatsutae and Rhodeus uyekii based on the PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) markers. We conducted a field survey on the Deokchicheon River from the North Han River basin, where the three Acheilognathinae species co-occur, and also analyzed the existing sequence dataset available from the GenBank. We found coexistence of the three species at the study site. The egg and fry were obtained from the host mussels (Unio douglasiae sinuolatus) by hand from May to June 2015 and in May 2017. To develop PCR-based RFLP markers for species identification of the three Acheilognathinae fish species, restriction enzymes pinpointing species-specific single nucleotide variation (SNV) sites in mitochondrial DNA COI (cytochrome oxidase I) and cyt b (cytochrome b) genes were determined. Genomic DNA was extracted from the egg and fry and RFLP experiments were carried out using restriction enzymes Apal I, Stu I and EcoR V for A. signifer, A. yamatsutae and R. uyekii, respectively. Consequently, unambiguous discrimination of the three species was possible, as could be seen in DNA band patterns from gel electrophoresis. Our developed PCR-based RFLP markers will be useful for the determination of the three species for the young and would assist in studying the spawning patterns and reproductive ecology of Acheilognathinae fishes. Furthermore, we believe the obtained information will be of importance for future maintenance, management and conservation of these natural and endangered species.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.391-402
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• 2021

Earthworms play an important role in soil fertilization, interacting continually with microorganisms. This study aims to demonstrate the existence of beneficial microorganisms living in the earthworm's immune system, the coelomic fluid. To achieve this goal, a molecular identification technique was performed, using cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding to identify abundant endogenic earthworms inhabiting the temperate zone of Rabat, Morocco. Then, 16S rDNA and ITS sequencing techniques were adopted for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Biochemical analysis, showed the ability of bacteria to produce characteristic enzymes and utilize substrates. Qualitative screening of plant growth-promoting traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production, was also performed. The result of mitochondrial COI barcoding allowed the identification of the earthworm species Aporrectodea molleri. Phenotypic and genotypic studies of the sixteen isolated bacteria and the two isolated fungi showed that they belong to the Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Buttiauxella, Enterobacter, Pantoea, and Raoultella, and the Penicillium genera, respectively. Most of the isolated bacteria in the coelomic fluid showed the ability to produce β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, Glutamyl-β-naphthylamidase, and aminopeptidase enzymes, utilizing substrates like aliphatic thiol, sorbitol, and fatty acid ester. Furthermore, three bacteria were able to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and potassium, and produce IAA. This initial study demonstrated that despite the immune property of earthworms' coelomic fluid, it harbors beneficial microorganisms. Thus, the presence of resistant microorganisms in the earthworm's immune system highlights a possible selection process at the coelomic fluid level.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.52-61
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• 2021

Decay fungi can decompose plant debris to recycle carbon in the ecosystem. Still, they can also be fungal pathogens, which can damage living trees and/or wood material and cause a large amount of timber loss. We isolated and identified basidiomycetous fungi from the decayed bark of Mongolian oak wrapped with sticky roll traps. The degrading enzyme activities were then tested for all fungal isolates. The decay ability of selected isolates was assessed based on the weight loss of wood discs after inoculating with culture suspension of decay fungi under the different humidity levels. A total of 46 basidiomycetous fungal isolates belonged to 12 species, and 10 genera were obtained from Jong Myo (16 isolates), Chang Kyung palace (7 isolates), Cheong Gye (10 isolates), and Gun Po (13 isolates). Gymnopus luxurians was the most dominant fungus in the present study, and this species distributed in all survey sites with 9 isolates in Jong Myo, followed by 3 isolates in Chang Kyung palace, while Cheong Gye and Gun Po had only 1 isolate each. Among 46 isolates, 44 isolates secreted at least one enzyme, while 25 isolates produced both cellulase and phenol oxidase enzymes, and 2 isolates produced neither. The assessment of decay ability by artificial inoculation indicated that the weight loss of wood discs was significantly influenced by humidity conditions when inoculated with bark decay fungi. The percent weight losses by G. luxurians inoculation in RH of 90-100% and RH of 65-75% were 4.61% and 2.45%, respectively. The weight loss caused by Abortiporus biennis were 6.67% and 0.46% in RH of 90-100% and RH of 45-55%, respectively. The humidity reduction approach should be applied for further studies to control the growth and spread of bark decay fungi on the trunks wrapped with sticky roll traps.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.653-660
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• 2020

Spirometra tapeworms (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) collected from carnivorous mammals in Tanzania were identified by the DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and by morphological characteristics. A total of 15 adult worms were collected from stool samples and carcasses of Panthera leo, Panthera pardus, and Crocuta crocuta in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania. Three Spirometra species: S. theileri, S. ranarum and S. erinaceieuropaei were identified based on morphological features. Partial cox1 sequences (400 bp) of 10 specimens were revealed. Eight specimens showed 99.5% similarity with Spirometra theileri (MK955901), 1 specimen showed 99.5% similarity with the Korean S. erinaceieuropaei and 1 specimen had 99.5% similarity with Myanmar S. ranarum. Sequence homology estimates for the ITS1 region of S. theileri were 89.8% with S. erinaceieuropaei, 82.5% with S. decipiens, and 78.3% with S. ranarum; and 94.4% homology was observed between S. decipiens and S. ranarum. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with 4 species of Spirometra and 2 species of Dibothriocephalus (=Diphyllobothrium). By both ML and BI methods, cox1 and ITS1 gave well supported, congruent trees topology of S. erinaceieuropaei and S. theileri with S. decipiens and S. ranarum forming a clade. The Dibothriocephalus species were sisters of each other and collectively forming successive outgroups. Our findings confirmed that 3 Spirometra species (S. theileri, S. ranarum, and S. erinaceieuropaei) are distributed in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania.