• Toxicological Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.215-221
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• 2007

Although sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, possesses anti-cancer properties against several cancer cell lines, the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis have not been clearly understood. In order to further explore the critical events leading to apoptosis in sanguinarine-treated MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells, the following effects of sanguinarine on components of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were examined: generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the expression changes of Bcl-2 family proteins. We show that sanguinarine-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the generation of intracellular ROS and disruption of MMP as well as an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax expression and a decrease of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. The quenching of ROS generation with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, the ROS scavenger, protected the sanguinarine-elicited ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, and apoptosis. Based on these results, we propose that the cellular ROS generation plays a pivotal role in the initiation of sanguinarine-triggered apoptotic death.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.375-387
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• 2024

This study investigated the ecological characteristics of Fraxinus chiisanensis Nakai, one of the endemic and rare plant species in Korea, based on its distribution status, characteristics of the growth environment, and species composition. A vegetation survey that analyzed the correlation between species distribution patterns and environmental variables, along with the traits of the emergent plant species, was performed according to the explanation of environmental growth conditions and phytosociological method for the location where F. chiisanensis is found. A total of 19 dominant locations and 9 non-dominant locations of F. chiisanensis were observed in 28 study sites in 12 regions, and a total of 155 taxa were observed. According to the vegetation climate of Korea, the growth environment of the study site where F. chiisanensis is located is characterized as cold and is primarily situated within the northern temperate deciduous broadleaf forest zone. The average elevation was 859m above sea level, with an average rock exposure of 60.4%, soil exposure of 24.7%, and an average slope of 18.7°. The taxa belonging to the top P-NCD(Percentage of Net Contribution Degree) among the emergent species were mostly designated as the taxa emerging in valley vegetation. The correlation analysis of environmental variables revealed that altitude had the strongest correlation, with rock exposure showing the second highest correlation. The ongoing dynamics of the F. chiisanensis forest are anticipated to persist due to the high P-NCD values exhibited by the F. chiisanensis within the shrub and herbaceous layers among the taxa associated with tree species. Most F. chiisanensis habitats are currently situated within protected regions such as national parks, provincial parks, and county parks, where there are relatively minimal human-induced disturbances. However, there is potential for damage in areas not designated as protected, such as forest tending operation sites or new hiking trails. Concerns about declining habitat quality have prompted suggestions for management strategies such as establishing Forest Genetic Resource Reserves in these locations. In addition, follow-up and further research should be conducted to identify possible sites for distribution and establish candidate conservation areas based on various environmental conditions of F. chiisanensis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.11-22
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• 2011

This study was established to build and suggest the Ecological Performance Standards for replaced wetlands as the mitigation strategies for the construction projects. The request performance and assessment factors and standards were derived by bibliographic review and verified by the field survey for the reference wetlands. And the weights for each factor were derived by AHP(Analytical Hierarchy Process) method. The results are as follows : 1) Assessment factors were induced by in-depth research of many wetland assessment models and benchmarks evaluated ecological functions. This study proposed final 12 assessment factors through ecological specialist and experts interviews added with literature analysis. 2) 10 natural wetlands were selected as Reference Wetlands as the measure to propose assessment factors and assessment criteria. Those reference wetlands are well-conserved inland natural wetlands classified to the one having worthy to conserve (grade "high") according to RAM(Rapid Assessment Method). Reference wetlands chosen by the study are Parksilji, Jeongyangji, Mulkubi, Bawineupkubi, Jilnalneup, Jinchonneup, Doomoso, Haepyung wetland, Whangjeong wetland, and Whapo wetland. The research developed assessment criteria for the performance assessment factors based on several explorations of the reference wetlands. 3) "Requiring performance" of replaced wetlands is defined as "to carry out similar or same ecological functions provided by natural wetlands", in overall. The detailed requiring performances are as follows; ${\bullet}$ to play a role of wildlife habitats ${\bullet}$ to have biological diversity ${\bullet}$ to connect with other ecosystems ${\bullet}$ to provide water environment to perform good ecological functions 4) The assessment factors for required performance are categorized by wildlife habitat function, biological diversity, connectivity of adjacent ecosystem, and water environment. Wildlife habitat category is consisted of wildlife habitat creation, size of replacement wetland, and site suitability. Biological diversity category contains the number of plant species, the number of wildlife species, and number of protected species as the sub-factors. Connectivity of adjacent ecosystem is comprised of wildlife corridor, green network and distance from other ecosystem. Finally, water environment make up with water quality, depth of water body, and shape of waterfront. 5) Finally, every assessment factors were verified and weighted by the AHP methods and the final standards were proposed. The weights of factors of requiring performance suggested as habitat (0.280), connectivity (0.261), diversity (0.260), hydraulic environment (0.199). And those of detailed sub-factors are site suitability (0.118), protected species (0.096), distance to neighbor ecosystem (0.093), habitat creating (0.091), green corridor (0.090) etc.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.145-148
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• 1978

For the development of natural ornamental plants, an investigation was carried out about the vegetation of Soheuksan-do and Hong-do, islands located far in the southwestesn part of the Korean peninsular. The vegetation of Soheuksan-do was abundant. The dominant species were Machilus thunbergii, Buxus microphylla var. koreana, and Camellia japonica. Regarding the development of natural ornamental plants, 27 families and 54 species were reported in this investigation. Among these species there were 8 species including Calanthe discolor, Epipachs falcata, Dendrobium monniforme, Goodyera maximowiczii, and Lipari's krameri in Orchidaceae. The vegetation of Hong-do was similar to that of Soheuksan-do, but less abundant. Supplementary 10 species were reported in this investigation. Epipactis falcata and Dendrobium moniliforme were almost exterminated in these islands because of indiscriminating gathering. Therefore these species must be protected immediately.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2020

This study aimed to develop the HSI (Habitat Suitability Index) model of Cypripedium guttatum. and to verify this model by applying to the candidate sites for replacement habitat. The development of HSI and SI (Suitability Index) model was conducted based on the existing literature, field surveys, and expert opinions for information on ecological habitat characteristics. Seven variables were selected as habitat variables including mean maximum temperature in Jul.-Aug., lighting, slope, altitude, effective soil depth, soil texture, and artificial overexploitation (i.e. protected areas). HSI model was developed for C. guttaum based on these variables. This HSI model showed high applicability to selection and evaluation of replacement habitats for C. guttaum. Our findings could provide the basic information on habitat assessment to prevent the extinction of endangered C. guttatum. However, since there is a limitation that the survey data were insufficient, further field surveys should be conducted on several habitat types to improve the accuracy of the HSI model.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

To understand the health conditions and growth patterns of forest estate for environmental resilience and climate change mitigation, assessment of structure and species diversity is paramount. This study aimed at assessing the structure, alpha, and beta diversities of tree species in three ecological zones in Taraba, Nigeria for management purposes. In recent time, no research has been reported on the structure and beta diversity of the study areas. A systematic sampling design was used for data collection. Five sample plots of 50×50 m were laid in each of the six natural forest areas. The result showed a mean DBH (42.5 cm) and a tree height (15.0 m) from the forests. The forests have a structure of an inverse "J-shape," which is typical of natural forests in the tropics. The southern Guinea savanna zone had the highest mean Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.8). The least beta diversity index (0.02) was between Baissa and Jen Gininya forest areas. Baissa and Bakin Dutse Protected Forest Areas (PFAs) contained 76.5% of the tree species. There is a high chance of all tree species to be found in these 2 forest areas. Proximity to a location influences how similar two tree species are, according to the least beta diversity index (0.02) recorded. The Federal Government's method of management for the forest, known as Gashaka Gumti National Park, may be responsible for the high beta diversity index in the Montane ecozone. Therefore, it should be strongly encouraged to practice strict oversight of natural areas, as their contributions to reducing climate change in Taraba State, Nigeria, cannot be overstated.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.199-205
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• 2022

Two tree frogs, Dryophytes suweonensis and Dryophytes japonicus, inhabiting Korea, are morphologically similar and share the same habitats. Therefore, they are identified mainly through their calls, especially for males. Dryophytes suweonensis is registered as an endangered (IUCN: EN grade) and protected species in South Korea. Thus, it is necessary to develop a method to rapidly identify and discriminate the two species and establish efficient protection and restoration plans. We identified significant genetic variation between them by sequencing a maternally-inherited mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA region. Based on the sequence data, we designed a pair of primers containing 7bp differences for high resolution melting(HRM) analysis to rapidly and accurately characterize their genotypes. The HRM analysis using genomic DNA showed that the melting peak for D. suweonensis was 76.4±0.06℃, whereas that of D. japonicus was 75.0±0.05℃. The differential melt curve plot further showed a distinct difference between them. We also carried out a pilot test for the application of HRM analysis based on immersing D. suweonensis in distilled water for 30 min to generate artificial environmental DNA(eDNA). The results showed 1.10-1.31℃ differences in the melting peaks between the two tree frog samples. Therefore, this HRM analysis is rapid and accurate in identifying two tree frogs not only using their genomic DNA but also using highly non-invasive eDNA.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.109-126
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• 2015

This study is for constructing detailed data to secure biological diversity and maintain a healthy ecosystem in Backsasil Valley Ecological and Scenery Conservation Area, and for preparing an ecological management plan fit for the protected area. The period for this study was from April 2010 to May 2013. Recently, the increase of visitors to Baeksasil Valley, as well as the plantation and dissemination of introduced vegetable species, become factors accelerating ecological disturbance. Major research contents included the reviews of the management system of the protected areas, the necessity of ecological management at the basin level, establishing the system of a management plan, research and analysis of environment ecology, analysis of threatening factors, goal-setting, management strategies, and a plan through SWOT analysis. Survey items were the natural environment, major components of ecosystem, and human-use. The goals of ecological management were basin zone management for amphibians, conservation and restoration of forest vegetation for conservation habitat of Dryocopus martius, conservation habitat of Zelkova serrta for nature landscape, and management of users for environment protection. The conservation management plan at a basin zone level contains the management of point and non-point pollution sources in the upstream, securing growing conditions for native plants, securing safe habitats for amphibians, and securing of habitats for major wild birds. Also, restoration of natural forests, management of native plants and introduced vegetable species, and restoration of degraded forest paths are suggested for the restoration plans.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2015

Akebiae Caulis is a galenical originated from Akebia quinata Decaisne species. It is commonly used in the treatment of oposiuria, inflammation, nociceptive and fever. Here, we investigated the effect of Akebiae Caulis extract (ACE) to protect hepatocyte against the malfunction of mitochondria and apoptosis. Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron promoted excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and exerted a deleterious effect on mitochondria. Treatment with ACE protected hepatocytes from AA+iron-induced cytotoxicity, as shown by alterations in the protein levels related with apoptosis such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, pro-caspase 3, Bcl-XL and Bcl-2. Moreover, AA+iron-induced $H_2O_2$ production, GSH depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction were alleviated by ACE pretreatment. As a potential molecular mechanism for the ACE-mediated cytoprotection, phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator in determining cell survival or death, was increased by ACE. Moreover, ACE treatment enhanced inactive phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-$3{\beta}$ ($GSK3{\beta}$), downstream substrate kinase of AMPK. More importantly, ACE prevented a decrease in the $GSK3{\beta}$ phosphorylation derived by AA+iron, which might contribute to mitohondiral protection and cell survival. To further identify essential compounds in Akebiae Caulis for the protection of AA+iron-mediated cytotoxicity, we found that betulin in combination with hederagenin protected from AA+iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Betulin+hederagenin treatment also increased inactive phosphorylation of $GSK3{\beta}$ in common with ACE. These results suggest that ACE protected hepatocytes against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which is mediated with inactive $GSK3{\beta}$ phosphorylation downstream of AMPK.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.453-465
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• 2014

Hotspots are top sites in terms of species diversity as the most threatened and most diverse sites which have been used to select priority areas for reserves. The purpose of this paper is to identify biodiversity hotspots through analyzing nationwide spatial patterns of species richness and rarity of Korean mammals. Four endangered mammals and eleven common mammals were selected as target species. Environmental variables as model input data were consisted of topography, distance, and vegetation structure etc. and Maxent was used to develop species distribution models for target species. Species richness and rarity were used as index of biodiversity. The results of this study were as follows. Firstly, hotspots of species richness for endangered mammals were in high elevation and steep mountain areas. However, species richness for whole mammals were high in low elevation of mountains. Secondly, distribution pattern of species rarity for endangered mammals were similar as richness. However, hotspots of species rarity for whole mammals were a little different from species richness. Species rarity was high in both low and high elevation of mountain areas. This study will provide the useful information for a biodiversity assessment, a habitat conservation, a national ecological network plan, and the management of protected areas.