• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1507-1515
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• 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by prostatic hypertrophy mainly in the elderly. Corni Fructus is reportedly effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, but its efficacy on BPH has not been previously studied. In the present study, we investigated whether or not a Corni Fructus water extract (CF) could prevent testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. To induce BPH, castrated rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate (TP). CF was administered daily by oral gavage, along with the TP injections, and finasteride, a selective inhibitor of $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2, was used as a positive control. The results show that CF significantly reduces prostate weight and histopathologic changes while also decreasing levels of serum dihydrotestosterone, similar to the finasteride-treated group. CF also suppresses TP-induced $5{\alpha}$-reductase expression and concentration in prostate tissue and serum, respectively. Furthermore, CF markedly inhibited TP-induced expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and the steroid receptor coactivator 1, an AR coactivator, which was associated with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels in both serum and prostate tissue. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that CF weakens BPH status by inactivation of $5{\alpha}$-reductase and AR.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.345-353
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• 2019

This study investigated the physiochemical properties, the anti-oxidant and alcohol metabolism enzyme activities, and the anti-inflammatory effects of three muskmelon vinegars prepared under different fermentation conditions, namely MV-1, MV-2, and MV-3. The total acidity of each vinegar was 4.00%, 4.32%, and 4.35%, respectively. Organic acid analysis showed that malic acid (58.37 mg/ml) was the most prevalent in MV-1 and that acetic acid was most prevalent in both MV-2 (46.95 mg/ml) and MV-3 (66.70 mg/ml). The total phenolic content of the muskmelon vinegars was highest at $129.74{\mu}g$ tannic acid equivalents (TAE)/ml in MV-3. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the vinegars increased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05) and was 89.28% at MV-3 40% concentration. Similarly, SOD activitity increased in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05) so that levels for MV-1, MV-2, and MV-3 at 60% concentrations were 40.84%, 52.17% and 72.55%, respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the ADH and ALDH activities of muskmelon vinegar were seen to increase in a concentration-dependent manner; ADH activity at 60% concentration was highest at 136.58% in MV-1 and ALDH activity at 60% concentration was highest at 100.25% in MV-2. The nitrite scavenging activities of MV-1, MV-2, and MV-3 at pH 1.2 were found to be 81.58%, 94.72%, and 87.75%, respectively. Anti-inflammatory effects were also examined, using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and nitric oxide production was reduced to 25.93%, 10.01%, and 79.75% by addition of MV-1, MV-2, and MV-3 at 1% concentration, respectively (p<0.05). These results suggest that the MV-3 muskmelon vinegar has great potential as an ingredient for high quality functional health beverages.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of planting density on plant growth, yield, and quality in the sweet sorghum cultivar 'Chorong' (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Plants were cultivated at densities of 16.7, 11.1, 8.3, 6.7, and $5.6plants{\cdot}m^{-2}$. Factors related to yield and yield components were analyzed using correlation and multivariate analyses. There was no significant difference among plant densities in stem length from 20 to 110 days after sowing. But the stem diameter was thin, and a decrease in number of tillers occurred more rapidly as planting density increased. At harvest, juice and sugar yield were higher at densities of 16.7 (42.9, $4.16Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$, respectively) and 11.1 (37.1, $3.73Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$) $plants{\cdot}m^{-2}$ than at 8.3 (30.5, $2.96Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$), 6.7 (26.6, $2.41Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$), and 5.6 (24.7, $2.22Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$) $plants{\cdot}m^{-2}$. The soluble solids and total sugar contents were not different among treatments, but relatively high values were observed at the density of 11.1 and $8.3plants{\cdot}m^{-2}$. As plant density was increased from 5.6 to $11.1plants{\cdot}m^{-2}$, the lodging index (1 = no, 9 = lodging) increased rapidly from 2.00 to 6.33. To determine the optimal planting density, the number of typhoons and topographical characteristics should be considered. Correlation and principal components analyses revealed that plant density exhibited a positive relationship with fresh stem yield ($r=0.62^{**}$), dry stem yield ($r=0.58^{**}$), juice ($r=0.63^{**}$), and sugar yield ($r=0.66^{**}$), but a negative with stem diameter ($r=-0.65^{**}$). The yield factors were not statistically related to stem height, diameter, and number of nodes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 2019

Amyloid ${\beta}$-protein ($A{\beta}$) is the principal component of senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and elicits a toxic effect on neurons in vitro and in vivo. Many environmental factors, including antioxidants and proteoglycans, modify $A{\beta}$ toxicity. It is worthwhile to isolate novel natural compounds that could prove therapeutic for patients with AD without causing detrimental side effects. In this study, we investigated the in vitro neuroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract of Ophiophogon japonicas (OJEA fraction). We used an MTT reduction assay to detect protective effects of the OJEA fraction on $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cytotoxicity to PC12 cells. We also used a cell-based ${\beta}$-secretase assay system to investigate the inhibitory effect of the OJEA fraction on ${\beta}$-secretase activity. In addition, we performed an in vitro lipid peroxidation assay to evaluate the protective effect of the OJEA fraction against oxidative stress induced by $A{\beta}_{25-35}$ in PC12 cells. The OJEA fraction had strong protective effects against $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cytotoxicity to PC12 cells and was strongly inhibitory to ${\beta}$-secretase activity, which resulted in the attenuation of $A{\beta}$ generation. In addition, the OJEA fraction significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, which is induced by the exposure of PC12 cells to $A{\beta}_{25-35}$. Our results suggested that the OJEA fraction contained active compounds exhibiting a neuroprotective effect on $A{\beta}$ toxicity.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2019

An analytical method was developed for the determination of fenpropimorph, a morpholine fungicide, in hulled rice, potato, soybean, mandarin and green pepper using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) sample preparation and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). The QuEChERS extraction was performed with acetonitrile followed by addition of anhydrous magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride. After centrifugation, d-SPE (dispersive solid phase extraction) cleanup was conducted using anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary secondary amine sorbents and graphitized carbon black. The matrix-matched calibration curves were constructed using seven concentration levels, from 0.0025 to 0.25 mg/kg, and their correlation coefficient ($R^2$) of five agricultural products were higher than 0.9899. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.001 and 0.0025 mg/kg, respectively, and the limits of quantification for the analytical method were 0.01 mg/kg. Average recoveries spiked at three levels (LOQ, $LOQ{\times}10$, $LOQ{\times}50$, n=5) and were in the range of 90.9~110.5% with associated relative standard deviation values less than 5.7%. As a result of the inter-laboratory validation, the average recoveries between the two laboratories were 88.6~101.4% and the coefficient of variation was also below 15%. All optimized results were satisfied the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines and Food Safety Evaluation Department guidelines. This study could serve as a reference for safety management relative to fenpropimorph residues in imported and domestic agricultural products.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.629-647
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was undertaken to develop a nutrition quotient for elementary school children (NQ-C) for evaluating the overall dietary quality and eating behaviors. Methods: The NQ-C was developed by implementing 3 stages: item generation, item reduction, and validation. Candidate food behavior checklist (FBC) items of the NQ-C were derived from systematic literature reviews, expert in-depth interviews, statistical analyses of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, and national nutrition policies and recommendations. For the pilot survey, 260 elementary school students (128 second graders and 132 fifth graders) completed self-administered questionnaires as well as 24-hour dietary intakes, with the help of their parents and survey team staff, if required. Based on the pilot survey results, expert reviews, and priorities of national nutrition policy and recommendations, checklist items were reduced from 41 to 24. A total of 20 items for NQ-C were finally selected from results generated from 1,144 nationwide samples surveyed. Construct validity of the NQ-C was assessed using the confirmatory factor analysis, LInear Structural RELations. Results: Analyses of the exploratory factors of NQ-C identified that 5 dimensions of diet (balance, diversity, moderation, practice and environment) accounted for 46.2% of the total variance. Standardized path coefficients were used as weights of the items. The NQ-C and 5-factor scores of the subjects were calculated using the obtained weights of the FBC items. Conclusion: Our data indicates that NQ-C is a useful and suitable instrument for assessing nutrition adequacy, dietary quality, and eating behaviors of Korean elementary school children.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.394-399
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• 2022

This study was conducted to estimate hazardous heavy metal content, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in 120 collagen products currently marketed in Korea. Hg concentration was analyzed by a gold amalgamation method using a mercury analyzer, while concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As were analyzed by ICP-OES. The average Pb concentration was 0.097 mg/kg. For comparison, respective average concentrations were 0.108 mg/kg, 0.084 mg/kg, 0.131 mg/kg, and 0.149 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, beverages, and fruit/vegetable processed products. The average concentration of Cd was 0.026 mg/kg. All products in which Cd was detected were functional health foods. The average concentration of As was 0.097 mg/kg, with respective average concentrations of 0.091 mg/kg, 0.133 mg/kg, and 0.086 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, and fruit/vegetable processed products. The average Hg concentration was 0.0025 mg/kg, with respective average concentrations of 0.0012 mg/kg, 0.0028 mg/kg, 0.0013 mg/kg, and 0.0031 mg/kg in functional health foods, other processed products, fruit/vegetable processed products, and candies respectively. Heavy metal levels in beverages and candy products with set heavy metal standards were below the set standards. Even products without regulatory standards were found to be relatively safe compared with heavy metal standards set for domestic and foreign foods.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.135-141
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• 2022

Thymosin β-4 (TB4) is a small peptide composed of 43 amino acids. To obtain sufficient biologically active mouse TB4 economically, we cloned and overexpressed this gene in an Escherichia coli system. With the isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction of the E. coli transformant, TB4 fusion protein with intein- and chitin-binding domain was successfully expressed in the soluble fraction within the E. coli cell. The TB4-intein - chitin-binding domain fusion protein was purified from the soluble fraction of E. coli cell lysate. The affinity chromatography with chitin beads and dithiothreitol-mediated intein self-cleavage reaction releases the TB4 peptide into the stripping solution. Sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses were used to confirm that the recombinant TB4 peptide was produced with the expected size of 5 kDa. We found that the recombinant TB4 stimulated cell migration in the transwell plate chamber assay. After 18 hr of the treatment of the recombinant TB4 with 1 ng/ml concentration, the migration of the HT1080 cell was increased by 20% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. The recombinant TB4 was also observed to promote the healing of a wound area in C57BL/6 mice by as high as 35% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. These results suggest that the recombinant TB4 has better biological activity for cell migration and wound healing than that of the chemically synthesized TB4 peptide.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1105-1121
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of frequently used clinical herbal medicines (Yijung-tang [Lizhong-tang, LJT], Pyeongwi-san [Pingwei-san, PWS], and Shihosogan-tang [Chaihu Shugan-tang, SST]) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) when administered according to herbal medicine and Korean medicine pattern identification. The results of this study will be used to standardize the diagnostic instrument used in Korean medicine and to investigate biomarkers of Korean medicine pattern identification. Methods: This study will be a randomized, assessor-blind, 3-arm, parallel, open-label, multi-center clinical trial. A total of 300 FD participants will be recruited from 3 Korean medical hospitals and assigned to the LJT (n=100), PWS (n=100), and SST (n=100) groups according to FD pattern identification. The patients will take the medication for 8 weeks, 3 times a day, before or between meals. The primary outcome will be total dyspepsia symptom (TDS) and the secondary outcomes will be adequate relief (AR) for dyspepsia, overall treatment effect (OTE), visual analogue scale (VAS), functional dyspepsia-related quality of life (FD-QoL), gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS), and pattern identification questionnaires. For the exploratory outcomes, we will analyze blood and fecal metabolome profiles, microbiota from fecal and saliva samples, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and results of Korean medicine diagnosis device measurements (heart rate variability, and tongue, pulse, and abdominal diagnosis). Conclusions: The results of this study will prove objectivity for Korean medicine pattern identifications, and the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for the population with FD.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.343-363
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• 2023

Sulawesi island, as a global producer of nickel resources, is leading the rapid growth of nickel industry of Indonesia. Nickel laterite deposits in Sulawesi was formed by lateritization of the world-scale East Sulawesi Ophiolite (ESO) under the active tectonic setting and tropical rainforest climate. In this paper, exploration cases for nickel laterite deposits in five regions of Sulawesi are reported. Regional characteristics on nickel laterite deposits in Sulawesi are understood based on various exploration activities such as outcrop, trench and pit survey, petrological observation, geochemical analysis, and interpretation of drilling data, etc.. In the northeastern part of 'Southeast-Arm', which is a strategic location for nickel industry of Indonesia, ESO is extensively exposed to the surface. In the Morombo and Morowali regions, typical high-grade saprolite-type orebodies with a thickness of 10 to 20 m occur. The cases showed that topographic relief tends to regulate Ni-grade distribution and orebody thickness, and that high grade intervals tend to occur in places where joints and garnierite veins are dense. In the Tinanggea and South Palangga regions in the southern part of the Southeast-Arm, overburden composed of Neogene to Quaternary deposits is a major factor affecting the preservation and profitability of nickel laterite deposits. Despite the overburden, high-grade saprolite-type orebodies composed of Ni-bearing serpentine with garnierite veins occur in a thickness of around 10 m to secure economic feasibility. In contrast, in the Ampana region in the northern part of 'East-Arm', low-grade nickel laterite deposits with immature laterite profile was identified, which is thought to be the result of active denudation due to tectonic uplift. Exploration cases in this paper will help to understand characteristics and controlling factors on nickel laterite deposits in Sulawesi, Indonesia.