• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.288-297
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• 2010

This study was to evaluate the ecological stream health through the Multimetric Fish Assessment Index (MFAI) along with fish fauna analysis based on the tolerance and trophic guilds at Miho stream in 2008 and 2009. Also, we analysed total mercury concentration in fish tissues to examine heavy metal contamination. Total sampled fish were 40 species and 2,557 individuals and Zacco platypus was the most dominant with 35% relative abundance. It was sampled with 11.4% RA for Korean endemic species (10 species 291 individuals) less than average RA 39.3% for the Geum river watersheds. According to the tolarance guild analysis, tolerant species was more dominant with 58.9% RA (15 species, 1,507 individuals) than sensitive species with 6.6% RA. Trophic guild analysis also suggested that omnivores were more dominant (60.5% RA) than insectivores (31.5% RA). Riffle-benthic species was also sampled with 7.7% RA. Ecological stream health based on the MFAI were averaged 25.3 (n=3) with fair-poor condition in 2008 and also 26.3 (n=3) with fair condition in 2009, just slightly increased than 2008. Qualitative habitat evaluation index was averaged 134 (n=3) with fair condition but most of sites had sediment accumulation that reflected substrate degradations proceeding. From the result of total mercury accumulation in fish tissues, kidney and liver tissues showed the highest but the lowest for gill tissues. Overall mercury concentration were not exceed the national standards by Korean Federation of Drug and Administration (KFDA). Consequently, our result could correspond with the characteristics of Miho stream where point sources such industrial complexes and wastewater treatment plant widely distributed around the stream along the gradient of up and downstream.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.279-287
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• 2010

This study was to evaluate ecological conditions of Hyeongsan River watershed from April to September 2009. The ecological health assessments was based on Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI), water chemistry during 2000~2009, and the fish multi-metric model, Index of Biological Integrity (IBI). For the study, the models of IBI and QHEI were modified as 8 and 11 metric attributes, respectively. Values of IBI averaged 25.4 (n=6), which is judged as a "fair" condition (C) after the criteria of Barbour et al. (1999). The distinct spatial variation was found in the IBI. Physical habitat health, based on the values of QHEI, varied from 76 in the downriver (H6) to 150.5 in the headwater (H1) and was evidently more disturbed in the downriver reach. Values of BOD and COD averaged 2.4 $mgL^{-1}$ (range: 0.3~13.8 $mgL^{-1}$) and 4.3 $mgL^{-1}$ (scope: 0.6~12.8 $mgL^{-1}$), respectively during the study period. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) averaged 3.0 $mgL^{-1}$ and 103.5 ${\mu}gL^{-1}$, respectively, indicating a severe eutrophication, and the nutrients increased more in the downriver than the headwater. Overall, physical, chemical and IBI parameters showed a typical downriver degradation along main axis of the river from the headwater-to-the downriver. This was mainly attributed to livestock waste and residential influences along with industrial discharge from the urban region.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2016

Black chokeberries (scientific name Aronia melanocarpa) have been reported to have major effects due to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer capabilities. In this study, we investigated the anti- wrinkle effects of A. melanocarpa, including collagenase inhibition effects and their molecular biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and activator protein (AP)-1 expression and/or phosphorylation. In collagenase inhibition activity, the ethyl acetate fraction of black chokeberry (AE) was 77.2% at a concentration of 500 μg/ml, which was a significant result compared to that of Epigallocatechin gallate (positive control, 83.9% in 500 μg/ml). In the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, the AE produced 78% of ROS in 10 μg/ml and 70% of ROS in 75 μg/ml, which was a much lower percentage than the ROS production of H₂O₂-induced CCRF S-180II cells. In the MTT assay, cell viability was increased dose-dependently with AE in H₂O₂-induced cells. In protein expression by western blot assay, the AE suppressed the expression and phosphorylation of MMPs (MMP-1, -3, -9), MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38), and AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun), and expressed the pro-collagen type I in H₂O₂-induced cells. These results suggest that black chokeberries have anti-wrinkle and collagen-production effects, and they may be used in applications for material development in the functional food and cosmetic industries.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2016

Ethanol is a very valuable material, however, it is also a source of stress, as the accumulation of ethanol in a medium inhibits cell viability and decreases productivity of the target product. Therefore, the ethanol tolerance of yeast, which is closely related to ethanol productivity, is an important factor in industrial ethanol production. In this study, the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes were selected as target genes for elucidating ethanol-tolerant mechanisms by analyzing the expression regulation of these genes. The pA-YDJ1 and pA-PEP5 plasmids containing YDJ1 and PEP5 genes under an ADH1 promoter, respectively, were constructed and transformed into BY4742 (host strain), BY4742△ydj1, and BY4742△pep5 strains. The ethanol tolerance in the BY4742△ydj1/ pA-YDJ1 and BY4742△pep5/pA-PEP5 transformants was restored by overexpression of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes to the host strain level. The YDJ1 and PEP5 genes were also introduced into the double gene disruptant (BY4742△ydj1△pep5) to investigate the expression regulation of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes. The simultaneous overexpression of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes restored ethanol tolerance to the 90% level of the BY4742 strain under 8% ethanol stress. The YDJ1 gene induced more overexpression of the PEP5 gene in the BY4742△ydj1 △pep5/pA-YDJ1, pA-PEP5 strain, suggesting that the YDJ1 gene partially regulates the expression of the PEP5 gene as an upstream regulator.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.147-152
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• 2010

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a physical allergy, sometimes severe, triggered by exertion following specific food intake. It was defined for the first time in 1980. EIA is associated with different kinds of exercise. The clinical manifestations progress from itching, erythema and urticaria to some combination of cutaneous angioedema and vascular collapse. Mast cell participation in the pathogenesis of this syndrome has been proved by the findings of an elevated serum histamine level during exhaustive exercise. As predisposing factors of EIA, a specific or even nonspecific sensitivity to food has been reported. Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a distinct form of food allergy induced by physical exercise. It is typified by the onset of anaphylaxis during exercise which was preceded by the ingestion of the causal food allergens. The diagnosis of FDEIA is heavily dependent on clinical history. Allergy tests may need to be performed using a broad panel of food and food additives. As with food allergies, FDEIA diagnosis is based on interview, biological test and skin test. Prophylaxis aims to prevent a recurrence; the patient should be given an emergency kit to deal with any recurrent episodes. After the food allergen has been identified, it should be avoided for at least 4 to 5 hours before any exercise. Two cases of EIA are presented (EIA to circumstances; FDEIA) in this paper, The diagnosis, pathophysiology and therapy of FDEIA are also reviewed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.805-811
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• 2017

In the previous paper, we isolated a bacterium that can hydrolyze various organic materials from soybean paste, including cellulose, lipids, starch, and protein. The activity and chemical properties of the crude enzymes produced by the isolate Bacillus subtilis CK-2 were further investigated. Cellulase showed the highest activity at pH 5.0 and $55^{\circ}C$. The stability of cellulase was maintained within the ranges of pH 5.0~10.0 and $20{\sim}50^{\circ}C$. Cellulolytic enzymes were activated by a $Co^{2+}$ ion, demonstrating the highest activity at a 0.45%(w/v) concentration of $Co^{2+}$. The optimal conditions for amylase were pH 5.0 and $50^{\circ}C$. The activity of amylase was stable within the ranges of pH 4.0~5.0 and $20{\sim}50^{\circ}C$. The $Co^{2+}$ ion was also necessary for amylase activity, which was the highest at a 0.2%(w/v) concentration of $Co^{2+}$. The optimal pH and temperature conditions of protease were pH 8.0 and $50^{\circ}C$. The activity of protease was stable within the ranges of pH 7.0~8.5 and $20{\sim}50^{\circ}C$. Protease activity was catalyzed by $Mn^{2+}$, which was the highest at a 0.125%(w/v) concentration of $Mn^{2+}$. The isolate B. subtilis CK-2 demonstrated a high activity of autolysin. Based on these results, we identified and suggested the optimal pH, temperature, and metal ion concentration in the use of the hydrolytic enzymes of B. subtilis CK-2 for industrial purposes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.1137-1144
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• 2017

The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris has been considered an important alternative resource for biodiesel production. However, its industrial-scale production has been constrained by the low productivity of the biomass and lipid. To overcome this problem, we isolated and characterized a potentially economical oleaginous strain of C. vulgaris via the random mutagenesis technique using UV irradiation. Two types of mass production systems were compared for their yield of biomass and lipid content. Among the several putatively oleaginous strains that were isolated, the particular mutant strain designated as UBM1-10 in the laboratory showed an approximately 1.5-fold higher cell yield and lipid content than those from the wild type. Based on these results, UBM1-10 was selected and cultivated under outdoor conditions using two different types of reactors, a tubular-type photobioreactor (TBPR) and an open pond-type reactor (OPR). The results indicated that the mutant strain cultivated in the TBPR showed more than 5 times higher cell concentrations ($2.6g\;l^{-1}$) as compared to that from the strain cultured in the OPR ($0.5g\;l^{-1}$). After the mass cultivation, the cells of UBM1-10 and the parental strain were further investigated for crude lipid content and composition. The results indicate a 3-fold higher crude lipid content from UBM1-10 (0.3%, w/w) as compared to that from the parent strain (0.1% w/w). Therefore, this study demonstrated that the economic potential of C. vulgaris as a biodiesel production resource can be increased with the use of a photoreactor type as well as the strategic mutant isolation technique.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.577-586
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• 2018

We recently reported the potential probiotic properties of Lactobacillus brevis SBB07 isolated from blueberries. The present study investigates the effect of culture conditions such as temperature, initial pH, culture time, and medium constituent for industrial application. The ingredients of the medium to improve cell growth were selected by Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and central composite design (CCD) within a desirable range. The PBD was applied with 19 factors: seven carbon sources, six nitrogen sources, and six microelements. Protease peptone, corn steep powder (CSP), and yeast extract were found to be significant factors for the growth of SBB07. The CCD was then applied with three variables found from the PBD at five levels, and the optimum values were decided for the three variables: protease peptone, CSP, and yeast extract. In the case of the growth of SBB07, the proposed optimal media contained 2.0% protease peptone, 2.5% CSP, and 2.0% yeast extract, and the maximum dried-cell weight was predicted to be 2.93963 g/l. By the model verification, it was confirmed that the predicted and actual results are similar. Finally, the study investigated the effects of incubation temperature and initial pH at the optimized medium. It was confirmed that the dried-cell weight increased from $2.2933{\pm}0.0601g/l$ to $3.85{\pm}0.0265g/l$ when compared to the basal medium at $37^{\circ}C$ and initial pH 8.0. Establishing the optimal culture condition for SBB07 provides good potential for applications in probiotics and can serve as the foundation for the industrialization of materials.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.621-626
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• 2018

We introduced the physiological responses of aging, active aging and also suggest the impact of physical exercise on body health status and elderly immunity. In this purpose, we searched the Pub Med data base for the articles (include our experimental papers) and review papers having the terms 'Aging', 'Active aging' and 'Physical activity and elderly' in the title, published from 1999 until 2018. The results were as follows: Exercise training has been extensively studied about the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, disease, and aging in syndrome X patients and elderly. Combined and aerobic or resistance exercise training could reduce obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Exercise training has been extensively studied in cancer settings as part of prevention or treatment strategies. From this research, regular exercise has the potential to target tumor growth through regulation of inflammation and immune responses such as lactate clearance, NK cell activation (innate immunity), activation of cytotoxic immune cells, T cell activation (adaptive immunity), and immune surveillance. However, Endurance physical activity not only induces thermogenesis and diverse sports injuries but also elicits mobilization and functional enhancement of monocytes, neutrophils (which is caused by the cytokine changes such as TNF-alpha, IL-1) whereas it suppresses cell mediated immunity causing to increased susceptibility to inflammation and infections like cough and URTIs (upper respiratory track infections) in young and especially in elderly people. Therefore, Strategies to prevent physical fatigue, sports injuries include avoid overtraining, Adequate recovery and various type of rest during and after physical activity and assuring adequate nutrition supplementation such as glutamine, vitamin B, vitamin C, carbohydrate, ion or berry-contain sports beverages is helpful in physically active elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.7
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• pp.1025-1035
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• 2014

This study assessed the effect of immobilized lipase on weak base styrene resin using polyethyleneimine (PEI) with cross-linking. Two procedures were used in this study. The first one, "mono-layer" lipase immobilization, involves washing PEI after adsorption. The second procedure, "multi-layer" lipase immobilization, has no washing before the cross-linking step. Treverlite XS-100200 (weak base styrene resin) was immersed with PEI solution (2.2 mg/mL). Lipase AH (from Burkholderia cepacia) was adsorbed onto the support coated with PEI before cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Structured lipid was synthesized by immobilized lipase-catalyzed interesterification using canola oil, palmitic ethyl ester (PEE), and stearic ethyl ester (StEE). Total fatty acid contents of triacylglycerol (TAG) in structured lipids were analyzed to investigate activity, properties, and reusability of immobilized lipases. Activities of immobilized lipases on the multi-layer and mono-layer increased at a high concentration (8 mg/mL) of lipase solution used for immobilization. The results show that immobilized lipase with the mono-layer method at pH 8.0 on resin had the highest total saturated fatty acid content (26.17 area%). Activity of immobilized lipase with the multi-layer method at pH 7.5 on support was lower than that of the mono-layer, but total saturated fatty acid content was 16.79 area% higher than that of lipase AH (15.01 area%).