• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.116-122
• /
• 2017

Basic dyes such as malachite green and methylene blue have been used as disinfectants to control water fungal infections since the 1930s. However, after succeeding reports of carcinogenicity and bioaccumulation of the dye, their use was forbidden in lieu of public health. This study undertook to evaluate the therapeutic effect of sulfur solution processed by effective microorganisms (EM-PSS) against Saprolegnia parasitica infection, and its safety in fish. In vitro antifungal evaluation of EM-PSS inhibited the growth of S. parasitica mycelia at concentrations of 50 ppm or higher. The acute toxicity test of EM-PSS to the mud fish (Misgurnus mizolepis) measured a no effect concentration (NOEC) at 100 ppm, the lowest effect concentration (LOEC) at 125 ppm, and the half-lethal concentration ($LC_{50}$) at 125 ppm in juvenile and 250 ppm in the immature stage. In addition, the ecotoxicity test of EM-PSS using Daphnia magna inhibited swimming of D. magna at concentrations of 100 ppm or less. Lastly, the EM-PSS prevented infection of S. parasitica to mud fish, at concentrations of 50 ppm. Furthermore, at 100 ppm concentration, the EM-PSS showed no acute toxicity on mud fish, nor any eco-toxic effects on D. magnano. Therefore, we conclude that carcinogenic disinfectants such as malachite green and methylene blue could be replaced by EM-PSS to remove S. parasitica in mud fish farming, and might be a potential eco-friendly disinfectant in aquaculture.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.469-477
• /
• 2016

To evaluate the $CO_2$ storage capacity for the reservoir rock, the laboratory scale technique to measure the amount of $scCO_2$, replacing pore water of the reservior rock after the $CO_2$ injection was developed in this study. Laboratory experiments were performed to measure the $scCO_2$ displacement efficiency of the conglomerate and the sandstone in Janggi basin, which are classified as available $CO_2$ storage rocks in Korea. The high pressurized stainless steel cell containing two different walls was designed and undisturbed rock cores acquired from the deep drilling site around Janggi basin were used for the experiments. From the lab experiments, the average $scCO_2$ displacement efficiency of the conglomerate and the sandstone in Janggi basin was measured at 31.2% and 14.4%, respectively, which can be used to evaluate the feasibility of the Janggi basin as a $scCO_2$ storage site in Korea. Assuming that the effective radius of the $CO_2$ storage formations is 250 m and the average thickness of the conglomerate and the sandstone formation under 800 m in depth is 50 m each (from data of the drilling profile and the geophysical survey), the $scCO_2$ storage capacity of the reservoir rocks around the probable $scCO_2$ injection site in Janggi basin was calculated at 264,592 metric ton, demonstrating that the conglomerate and the sandstone formations in Janggi basin have a great potential for use as a pilot scale test site for the $CO_2$ storage in Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.25 no.10
• /
• pp.1156-1163
• /
• 2015

The present study investigated the immunomodulatory properties of four different medicinal plants in a cyclophosphamide-treated Balb/c mouse model. One of the four plants, Ulmus macrocarpa, showed partial resistance against immune suppression induced by cyclophosphamide. The bark of U. macrocarpa, commonly known as the Chinese elm, has been used as a pharmaceutical material in Korean traditional medicine to treat bacterial inflammation and induce wound healing. In this study, water extract of U. macrocarpa, named DEU-7, was used for its immunomodulating functional activity. DEU-7 increased the weight of the spleen and the number of splenocytes but did not significantly affect the liver, kidney, and thymus in vivo. A splenocyte viability assay confirmed that DEU-7 influenced ex vivo splenocyte survival. DEU-7 also increased the levels of cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-4, and immunoglobulins, such as IgM, IgG, and IgA. These results indicated that DEU-7 is involved in the activation of T and B lymphocytes. In addition, DEU-7 was able to maintain the production of cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-12, and IFN-γ, in the condition of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression, suggesting that DEU-7 activated innate immune cells, even under immune suppression. We concluded that DEU-7 aids immunological homeostasis, thereby preventing immune suppression, and aids both innate and adaptive immune response by maintaining the levels of various cytokines and immunoglobulins. Consequently, it is worth investigating the potential of DEU-7 as a supplemental source for immune-enhancing agents.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.72-85
• /
• 2009

This study attempts to examine the principles of landscape composition for a 'Suhwon(書院)' and the meaning and value of its traditional landscape architecture, in order to apply the results to the design of modern landscape architecture. A 'Suhwon' is a vital space containing the form and meaning of human activity. This study analyzes the characteristics of landscape composition in the construction of the Namgea Suhwon, located in Hamyang, by examining the form and meaning of its area and composition. The Namgea Suhwon was constructed with a suitable configuration and harmony in a good location, neither field nor mountain, and which encompasses transcendence and a return after passage through a period of birth and abundance. Its appearance means 'life existence and hidden death(生居死幽)'. Its spatial system is a reflection of the idea of Samshinoje(三神五帝: The three abilities of Providence and its five subjects) connected with Ilsangje -Samshin -Ohje. It was built based on the idea of Biryebudong(非禮不動) meaning that one should follow only good decorum and avoid discourtesy, complying with "the frame of decorum" developed by the family rites of Chu Hsi. The environmental design of the Namgea Suhwon was interrupted by the material confrontation between mountains and water and a binary code system, such as front to rear, length to breadth, and movement to stillness. The design did not adhere to stiff axes, but pursued the harmonic principles of asymmetric balance in the building and the yard, which are very naturalistic. The name 'Namgea Suhwon' is closely related with the view of placement(置) and harmony(和), which are unified with the function and meaning formed by connecting Sung Confucianism with the Pungsu-Sasinsa structure in the layout of the grounds. When examining the D/H ratio of the building and yard, it can be seen that the spaces of Ganghak, Yusang and Jehyang were built appropriately, according to the natural characteristics of each space, such as a sense of openness, enclosure, tension, relief, enhancement, and hierarchical order. The spaces also reflect human scale concepts that take advantage of auditory features. The transition process after the construction of 'Namgea Suhwon' reveals the intentions of the builder to create an ecological landscape composition based on Placement and Harmony. Placement embodies' a purposeful space in which nature and the building are connected naturally, 'incomplete open space pursuing completion', and 'potential beauty in which tension and relaxation are repeated'. Harmony embodies 'order and continuity having a sense of unity with the natural environment' and the 'sharing of daily life and memory'. 'Namgea Suhwon' contains many ideas for landscape planning, land use and the design of a campus environment.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.18 no.7
• /
• pp.963-967
• /
• 2008

The biological activities of water extracts from different fruit parts, such as peel, flesh, and placenta, of oriental melon were investigated. The concentrations of total phenolic in fruit extracts were $816.37\;{\mu}g/ml$, $385.23\;{\mu}g/ml$, and $925.56\;{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Whereas the total flavonoid content in the peel extracts was $231.21\;{\mu}g/ml$, those in the extract of flesh and placenta were $8.16\;{\mu}g/ml$ and $36.07\;{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of each fruit extract at 10,000 ppm was 34.84% for peel, 10.70% for placenta and 9.26% flesh. The ABTS radical cation decolorizing activity of each fruit extract at 10,000 ppm was in fruit extracts were 72.92% for peel, 48.0% for flesh and 74.31% for placenta. In addition, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, ${\alpha}-Glucosidase$ inhibition activity, and tyrosinase inhibition activity of the peel extracts appeared to be higher than those of placenta and flesh. Taken together, these results indicated that the peel part of oriental melon contained higher level of total flavonoid content, and several physiological activities including antioxidation, ${\alpha}-Glucosidase$ inhibition activity, and tyrosinase inhibition activity than did the flesh and placenta parts, and suggested that the peel might have a potential to be applicable as a source for functional foods.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.15-18
• /
• 2004

There are significant differences in the extent of drug interactions between subjects. The influence of the genetic make up of drug metabolizing enzyme activities (CYP3A5, CYP2C19 and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase) on the pharmacokinetic drug interaction potential were studied in vivo. Nineteen healthy volunteers were grouped with regard to the $CYP3A5^{*}3$ allele, into homozygous wild-type (CYP3A5^{*}1/1^{*}1$, n=6), heterozygous $(CYP3A5^{*}1/^{*}3$, n=6), and homozygous variant-type $(CYP3A5^{*}3/^{*}3$, n=7) subject groups. The pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous midazolam was characterized before and after itraconazole administration (200 mg once daily for 4 days), and also following rifampin pretreatment (600 mg once daily for 10 days), with a washout period of 2 weeks in between. For omeprazole and moclobemide pharmacokinetic interaction study 16 healthy volunteers were recruited. The volunteer group comprised 8 extensive metabolizers and 8 poor metabolizers of CYP2C19, which was confirmed by genotyping. Subjects were randomly allocated into two sequence groups, and a single-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study was performed. In study I, a placebo was orally administered for 7 days. On the eighth morning, 300 mg of moclobemide and 40 mg of placebo were coadministered with 200 mL of water, and a pharmacokinetic study was performed. During study n, 40 mg of omeprazole was given each morning instead of placebo, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed on the first and eighth day with 300 mg of moclobemide coadministration. In the UGT study pharmacokinetics and dynamics of 2 mg intravenous lorazepam were evaluated before and after rifampin pretreatment (600 mg once daily for 10 days), with a washout period of 2 weeks in between. The subjective and objective pharmacodynamic tests were done before and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hrs after lorazepam administration. The pharmacokinetic profiles of midazolam and of its hydroxy metabolites did not show differences between the genotype groups under basal and induced metabolic conditions. However, during the inhibited metabolic state, the $CYP3A5^{*}3/^{*}3$ group showed a greater decrease in systemic clearance than the $CYP3A5^{*}1/^{*}1$ group $(8.5\pm3.8$ L/h/70 kg vs. $13.5\pm2.7$ L/h/70 kg, P=0.027). The 1'-hydroxymidazolam to midazolam AUC ratio was also significantly lower in the $CYP3A5^{*}3/^{*}3$,/TEX> group $(0.58\pm0.35,$ vs. $1.09\pm0.37$ for the homozygous wild-type group, P=0.026). The inhibition of moclo-bemide metabolism was significant in extensive metabolizers even after a single dose of omeprazole. After daily administration of omeprazole for 1 week, the pharmacokinetic parameters of moclobemide and its metabolites in extensive metabolizers changed to values similar to those in poor metabolizers. In poor meta-bolizers, no remarkable changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. The area under the time-effect curves of visual analog scale(VAS), choice reaction time, and continuous line tracking test results of lorazepam was reduced by 20%, 7%, 23% respectively in induced state, and in spite of large interindividual variablity, significant statistical difference was shown in VAS(repeated measures ANOVA, p=0.0027).

• Proceedings of the Korea Environmental Mutagen Society Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.34-63
• /
• 2003

Occupational and environmental exposure to manganese continue to represent a realistic public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Increased utility of MMT as a replacement for lead in gasoline creates a new source of environmental exposure to manganese. It is, therefore, imperative that further attention be directed at molecular neurotoxicology of manganese. A Need for a more complete understanding of manganese functions both in health and disease, and for a better defined role of manganese in iron metabolism is well substantiated. The in-depth studies in this area should provide novel information on the potential public health risk associated with manganese exposure. It will also explore novel mechanism(s) of manganese-induced neurotoxicity from the angle of Mn-Fe interaction at both systemic and cellular levels. More importantly, the result of these studies will offer clues to the etiology of IPD and its associated abnormal iron and energy metabolism. To achieve these goals, however, a number of outstanding questions remain to be resolved. First, one must understand what species of manganese in the biological matrices plays critical role in the induction of neurotoxicity, Mn(II) or Mn(III)? In our own studies with aconitase, Cpx-I, and Cpx-II, manganese was added to the buffers as the divalent salt, i.e., $MnCl_2$. While it is quite reasonable to suggest that the effect on aconitase and/or Cpx-I activites was associated with the divalent species of manganese, the experimental design does not preclude the possibility that a manganese species of higher oxidation state, such as Mn(III), is required for the induction of these effects. The ionic radius of Mn(III) is 65 ppm, which is similar to the ionic size to Fe(III) (65 ppm at the high spin state) in aconitase (Nieboer and Fletcher, 1996; Sneed et al., 1953). Thus it is plausible that the higher oxidation state of manganese optimally fits into the geometric space of aconitase, serving as the active species in this enzymatic reaction. In the current literature, most of the studies on manganese toxicity have used Mn(II) as $MnCl_2$ rather than Mn(III). The obvious advantage of Mn(II) is its good water solubility, which allows effortless preparation in either in vivo or in vitro investigation, whereas almost all of the Mn(III) salt products on the comparison between two valent manganese species nearly infeasible. Thus a more intimate collaboration with physiochemists to develop a better way to study Mn(III) species in biological matrices is pressingly needed. Second, In spite of the special affinity of manganese for mitochondria and its similar chemical properties to iron, there is a sound reason to postulate that manganese may act as an iron surrogate in certain iron-requiring enzymes. It is, therefore, imperative to design the physiochemical studies to determine whether manganese can indeed exchange with iron in proteins, and to understand how manganese interacts with tertiary structure of proteins. The studies on binding properties (such as affinity constant, dissociation parameter, etc.) of manganese and iron to key enzymes associated with iron and energy regulation would add additional information to our knowledge of Mn-Fe neurotoxicity. Third, manganese exposure, either in vivo or in vitro, promotes cellular overload of iron. It is still unclear, however, how exactly manganese interacts with cellular iron regulatory processes and what is the mechanism underlying this cellular iron overload. As discussed above, the binding of IRP-I to TfR mRNA leads to the expression of TfR, thereby increasing cellular iron uptake. The sequence encoding TfR mRNA, in particular IRE fragments, has been well-documented in literature. It is therefore possible to use molecular technique to elaborate whether manganese cytotoxicity influences the mRNA expression of iron regulatory proteins and how manganese exposure alters the binding activity of IPRs to TfR mRNA. Finally, the current manganese investigation has largely focused on the issues ranging from disposition/toxicity study to the characterization of clinical symptoms. Much less has been done regarding the risk assessment of environmenta/occupational exposure. One of the unsolved, pressing puzzles is the lack of reliable biomarker(s) for manganese-induced neurologic lesions in long-term, low-level exposure situation. Lack of such a diagnostic means renders it impossible to assess the human health risk and long-term social impact associated with potentially elevated manganese in environment. The biochemical interaction between manganese and iron, particularly the ensuing subtle changes of certain relevant proteins, provides the opportunity to identify and develop such a specific biomarker for manganese-induced neuronal damage. By learning the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity, one will be able to find a better way for prediction and treatment of manganese-initiated neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.68-75
• /
• 2013

The physiological properties of water extracts from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves (JAL) with different extraction processes (stirrer extraction, SE; reflux extraction, RE; autoclave extraction, AE; low temperature high pressure extraction, LTPE) were investigated. The freeze-dried powder yields of SE, RE, AE, and LTPE were 22.33%, 29.88%, 31.65, and 15.74%, respectively. AE showed the highest value of extract yield. The $a^*$ and $b^*$ values were higher in AE compared to other extracts. Total polyphenolics and flavonoids contents in AE was significantly higher than in other extracts. The amount of proanthocyanidin related substances were highest in LTPE (29.36 mg/g), followed by RE (21.57 mg/g), SE (20.35 mg/g), and AE (13.02 mg/g). The electron donating abilities of SE, RE, AE, and LTPE at a concentration of $500{\mu}g/mL$ (w/v) were 76.16%, 39.55%, 25.50%, and 12.59%, respectively. Reducing power for the four different processes was 1.79, 1.60, 1.51, and 1.17, respectively. Additionally the same tendency was observed with electron donating ability and reducing power for ABTS radical and nitrite scavenging abilities. AE and LTPE showed relatively high antioxidant activities. Alpha-glucosidase, xanthine oxidase, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities of LTPE at a concentration of $500{\mu}g/mL$ (w/v) were somewhat higher than other extracts. Additionally, there was significantly higher or little lower inhibitory activity compared to the control group. In conclusion, we provided experimental evidence that extracts of JAL have potential as functional materials, and component analysis of JAL could be used as new cosmeceuticals. Also, LTPE is the superior method for the enhancement of biological activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.671-680
• /
• 2017

This study was conducted to examine the effects and potential mechanisms of action of black soybean extracts and fermented black soybean extracts by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animals subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC). We examined changes in pH, total polyphenol, sugar, and reducing sugar contents according to fermentation period of black soybean extracts. Assay using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide was performed to determine cell toxicity levels of the four black soybean extracts [black soybean water extract (BWE), black soybean ethanol extract (BEE), fermented BWE (F-BEW), and fermented BEE (F-BEE)]. Changes in mRNA expression levels of hair growth promoting factors and hair growth inhibiting factors by the four black soybean extracts were measured by real-time PCR. In addition, phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase family proteins were measured by western blot analysis. As a result, fermentation of black soybeans significantly reduced pH, total polyphenols, and sugar/reducing sugar contents. All four black soybean extracts showed no cellular toxicity in HFDPC. In fact, BEE significantly enhanced cell viability of HFDPC at $100{\mu}g/mL$ compared to control. BWE, BEE, and BWE-F significantly increased mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, and all four extracts increased mRNA expression of fibroblast growth factor. However, mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were not affected by black soybean extracts in HFDPC. Furthermore, BWE, BEE, and BWE-F significantly increased phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase compared to control. Taken together, we demonstrated that black soybean extracts enhanced proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells partially via activation of hair growth promoting factors, although no particular significant effects on proliferation were observed by fermentation of black soybeans.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.224-230
• /
• 2013

BACKGROUND: Perchlorate(${ClO_4}^-$) is an anion that is extremely water-soluble and environmentally stable. It mostly exists in the form of sodium perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate which are used in rocket fuels, propellants, ignitable sources, air bag inflation systems and explosives. Perchlorate can be taken into the thyroid glands and interfere with iodide uptake. The determination of perchlorate in agricultural products is important due to its potential health impact on humans. The objective of this study was to determine the perchlorate concentrations in the samples of various agricultural products and soils. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, samples of cereal(Rice, Barley, Corn, Bean), vegetable(Spinach, Lettuce, Sesame, Chives, Chili, Pumpkin, Tomato), fruit(Apple, Pear, Tangerine, Grape) were analyzed for perchlorate contents. Perchlorate concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that agricultural products respectively contained perchlorate concentrations in the range of : cereals N.D.~$7.46{\mu}g/kg$, vegetables $0.52{\sim}23.06{\mu}g/kg$, fruits $0.19{\sim}2.66{\mu}g/kg$. Bioconcentration factor was in the order of : vegetables > cereals > fruits. Bioconcentration factor was highest follwed by Sesame 37.88, Corn 21.51, Spinach 10.57, Tangerine 4.39, Chives 2.89 and Lettuce 1.90. The recoveries of perchlorate from spiked agricultural products and soils ranged from 87.72~111.26% and 102.09~111.23%. CONCLUSION(S): The health risk assessment results obtained in this study are lower than the RfD(Reference Dose, 0.0007 mg/kg/body weight/day) value as suggested by the Integrated Risk Information System(US IRIS). Our results indicate that, people currently exposed to perchlorate from agricultural products consumption are considered as safe.