• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2024

Hydrogen-based electricity and transportation systems are widely recognized as sustainable power sources. However, the low ignition energy of hydrogen, only 1/10th that of conventional fossil fuels, poses a safety concern involving the risk of ignition due to electrostatic discharge from facility workers. Therefore, anti-static systems are imperative for hydrogen-based electricity facilities. To address this, we propose a reliable conductive rubber mat (CRM) to ensure the safety of these facilities. Unlike conventional anti-static floors that utilize conductive paint (CP), the CRM features a uniform distribution of conductive components in chemically and mechanically stable rubber. As a result, the CRM is unyielding to polar solvents (such as ethanol and hydrosulfuric acid) and non-polar solvents (like mineral oil) without increasing its resistance. Moreover, the CRM can withstand mechanical stress. Consequently, the human-body voltage of workers on the CRM would be sufficiently low enough to protect them from hydrogen explosions, thereby enhancing overall safety.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.871-879
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• 2024

Our group had isolated Bifidobacterium breve strain BS2-PB3 from human breast milk. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of B. breve BS2-PB3, and with a focus on its safety profile, various probiotic characteristics (presence of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and mobile elements) were then determined through bioinformatic analyses. The antibiotic resistance profile of B. breve BS2-PB3 was also evaluated. The whole genome of B. breve BS2-PB3 consisted of 2,268,931 base pairs with a G-C content of 58.89% and 2,108 coding regions. The average nucleotide identity and whole-genome phylogenetic analyses supported the classification of B. breve BS2-PB3. According to our in silico assessment, B. breve BS2-PB3 possesses antioxidant and immunomodulation properties in addition to various genes related to the probiotic properties of heat, cold, and acid stress, bile tolerance, and adhesion. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion test, in which the minimum inhibitory concentrations for selected antibiotics were subsequently tested using the Epsilometer test. B. breve BS2-PB3 only exhibited selected resistance phenotypes, i.e., to mupirocin (minimum inhibitory concentration/MIC >1,024 ㎍/ml), sulfamethoxazole (MIC>1,024 ㎍/ml), and oxacillin (MIC >3 ㎍/ml). The resistance genes against those antibiotics, i.e., ileS, mupB, sul4, mecC and ramA, were detected within its genome as well. While no virulence factor was detected, four insertion sequences were identified within the genome but were located away from the identified antibiotic resistance genes. In conclusion, B. breve BS2-PB3 demonstrated a sufficient safety profile, making it a promising candidate for further development as a potential functional food.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.708-717
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• 2018

The antioxidant activity and protective effects of a hot water extract from the Stauntonia hexaphylla fruit (WESHF) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of WESHF were $16.13{\pm}0.27mg$ gallic acid equivalent/g and $4.7{\pm}0.80mg$ catechin equivalent/g, respectively. In addition, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$) and the Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity of WESHF were $63.62{\pm}4.10{\mu}g/ml$ and $90.63{\pm}5.29{\mu}M$ trolox equivalent/g, respectively. The hepatoprotective effect of WESHF against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage was investigated. $H_2O_2$-induced liver damage on HepG2 cells was prevented by $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF. Furthermore, to investigate the protection mechanism of WESHF on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, pre-treatment with $200{\mu}g/ml$ of WESHF significantly attenuated a decrease in the activities of CAT, SOD, GR, and GPx. The hepatoprotective activity of WESHF was evaluated in an experimental model of hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen (APAP). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased in the livers of mice treated with 200 mg/kg of WESHF compared to the APAP-treated group. The lipid peroxidation level, which increased after APAP administration, was significantly reduced in the WESHF group. In addition, histological examinations of the liver showed the same protective effect of WESHF treatment. Based on these findings, it is suggested that WESHF has potent hepatoprotective effects, and the mechanism that causes this type of protection could be related to antioxidant pathways.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.213-219
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• 2007

It has been well established that aluminum (Al) inhibits root tip growth rapidly in acid soil. We report the correlation between Al induced growth inhibition and impaired $H^+-flux$ in mung bean (Vigna radiate L. cv. Kumsung). The root growth inhibition was dependent on Al concentration (0, 10, 25, 50, $100{\mu}M$) and exposure time (12 and 24 h). Using Hematoxylin staining, it was observed that the root damage was occurred preferentially in regions with high Al accumulation. Using the pH indicator, it was shown that the surface pH of root tip was strongly alkalized in the control whereas changed only slightly in the $50{\mu}M$ Al-treated root. The $H^+-ATPase$ activity of plasma membrane vesicles was inhibited by 56% in the Al-treated roots compared to control root. Decrease in the amount of the plasma membrane $H^+-ATPase$ (100 kDa) translation in the plant roots under Al stress was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. These results indicate that the dynamics of $H^+-flux$ across the root tip play an important role in root growth under Al stress.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate influence of short-term application of abscisic acid (ABA) in nutrient solution on growth and drought tolerance of tomato seedlings. The treatments included four ABA concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, $3mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) and control (non-treatment) were applied to the nutrient solution in a hydroponic system. On the $5^{th}$ and $10^{th}$ day after growing in the nutrient solution containing ABA, seedlings were transferred to -5 bars of PEG-8000 in a growth chamber to induce water stress. Except for stem diameter and fresh and dry weight of root, there were no statistical differences in other growth parameters among control, 0.5 and $1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of ABA treatments. Seedlings growths were strongly inhibited in nutrient solution containing 2 and $3mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of ABA. The root growth such as fresh and dry weigh of root, total root surface area, and average root diameter was slightly enhanced in $1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of ABA treatment. The elevation of ABA concentrations in nutrient solution resulted in the decrease in transpiration rate and increase in stomatal diffusive resistance and leaf temperature of tomato seedlings. The initiations of seedling wilting after treating in -5 bars of PEG were delayed from 10 hrs in control to 30 hrs in ABA applied treatments. Additionally, the high percentages of recovered seedlings were observed in 0.5 and $1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of ABA treatments after re-irrigation. Therefore, short-term application of $1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of ABA in the nutrient solution stimulated the root growth and drought tolerance of tomato seedlings by delaying the start time of wilting point and enhancing the recovery after re-irrigation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.701-710
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• 2008

The wild simulated ginseng (WSG) has been effectively used in folk medicine as a remedy against hepatic disease, hypertension and arthritic disease. However, there is still lack of scientific proof about its antioxidant capability. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the protective role of the WSG ethanol extract in the CCl4-induced oxidative stress and resultant hepatic disfunction in ICR mice. The electron donating abilities and IC50 of WSG etnanol extract were 76.86 ${\pm}$ 1.06% and 33.3 ${\mu}g$/mL (that of ascobic acid was 16.5 ${\mu}g$/mL), respectively. Total antioxidant status of WSG extract was 2.13 ${\pm}$ 0.06 mmoL/mg, while the values of ascorbic acid and BHT were 3.63 ${\pm}$ 0.06 and 3.12 ${\pm}$ 0.02, respectively. ICR mice (aged 3weeks) were fed for 4 weeks on AIN-93M diet and had free access to food and water. The animals were divided into three groups: normal group (intraperitoneally (i.p) injected with PBS at 100 ${\mu}L$/mouse), group C; CCl4-induced and without any treatment. (i.p injected only PBS, 100 ${\mu}L$ /mice), group G; CCl4-induced and treated with WSG (i.p injected with 5 mg WSG extract per mouse, suspended in 100 ${\mu}L$ phosphate buffer). After the i.p. injection of WSG or PBS (5 times for 7weeks), all mice were administered CCl4 in olive oil at the last day of the experiment, except for normal group. The normal group was administered only olive oil. Determination of plasma triglyceride, total cholersterol, fasting glucose and GPT activity was performed using automatic blood analyzer. To evaluate the protective effect against the oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation and TBARS were determined in blood leucocytes and RBC and hepatocyte, respectively. Body and organs weights and food intake did not show significant differences among the groups. Blood total cholesterol of group G was similar to that of normal group, which was the lowest in group C. The fasting blood glucose level was the highest in normal group (205.20 ${\pm}$ 135.24), which were decreased in group C (134.2 ${\pm}$ 79.31) and group G (126.48 ${\pm}$ 77.05). TBARS values in a red blood cell and hepatic tisuue homogenate were lower in group G comparing to the group C. DNA% in tail, tail length (TL) and tail moment (TM) of blood leucoocytes showed the highest values in group C (20.11 ${\pm}$ 2.47, 17.36 ${\pm}$ 2.58, 94.11 ${\pm}$ 12.29) and they were significantly diminished in group G (9.63 ${\pm}$ 1.19, 7.04 ${\pm}$ 1.50, 38.64 ${\pm}$ 7.60). In conclusion, wild simulated ginseng might be a protective agent against the oxidative stress.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.1079-1087
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• 2013

Speed germination success and robust vegetative growth of citrus rootstock through improved sowing methods and fertilizer inputs offer the usage of root system for the citrus. The current study evaluated the influence of seed coat removal and different fertilizer concentrations on plant germination and plant growth of spontaneous rootstock siblings. Decoated and coated seeds of diploid and tetraploid plants were sown in tubes. Commercial fertilizer concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and $10g{\cdot}l^{-1}$ were added. The experimental layout followed a randomized block $2{\times}6$ factorial design (seed coat removal ${\times}$ fertilizer concentration) for each rootstock. Fertilizer concentrations were 0, 10, 20 and $30g{\cdot}l^{-1}$ of the fertilizer for the resistance of the strength on the salt level. The germination rate of seeds without testa sown in vitro was improved (67-80%) compared to that of nontreated seeds. The eventual tree height of the seeds without testa in the diploid group was increased due to higher fertilization compared to that in the nontreated group. The removal of seed testa promoted the seed germination of both diploid and tetraploid trifoliate orange and resulted in greater height. Their vegetative development was also increased due to the increased fertilization of the rootstock. The Fv/Fm value for the diploid plants was 0.4 and 0.8 for the tetraploid ones under salt stress after 11 days of treatment. The removal of seed testa may improve the seed germination of trifoliate orange. Tetraploid trifoliate orange appears to possess resistance to salt stress compared to the diploid variety.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2017

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which plays a major role in the etiology of human dental caries, is able to tolerate exposure to acid shock in addition to its acidogenicity. We investigated the effects of pH stress on membrane fluidity, activities and expression levels of F-ATPase, and proton permeability in S. mutans. Using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, we observed membrane ordering at pH 4.8 and pH 8.8. The ordering effects were larger at pH 4.8 in cytoplasmic membranes isolated from S. mutans (CMSM). Increasing pH resulted in a decrease in the activities and expression levels of F-ATPase. The proton permeability was decreased at both acidic and alkaline pHs, and the lowest permeability was observed at pH 4.8. The lower permeability at pH 8.8 than pH 6.8 is likely to be caused by the decreased proton influx due to the decreased CMSM fluidity. In addition, it seems to be evident that extremely low permeability at pH 4.8 was caused by the decreased proton influx due to the decreased CMSM fluidity as well as the increased proton efflux due to the increased activity and expression level of F-ATPase. It is likely that CMSM fluidity and F-ATPase activity are two major key factors that determine proton permeability in S. mutans. We suggest that CMSM fluidity plays an important role in the determination of proton permeability, which sheds light on the possibility of using nonspecific membrane fluidizers, e.g., ethanol, for anti-caries purposes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.305-312
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• 1996

Cell volume regulatory mechanisms are usually disclosed by exposure of cell to anisotonic media. If a cell is suddenly exposed to hypotonic media, it swells initially like an osmometer but within minutes regains its original cell volume. This behavior has been labelled as regulatory cell volume decrease(RVD). RVD is believed to result from the loss of permeable ions through the membrane. In this study, we examined hypotonically induced changes in the membrance currents involved in RVD by using whole cell voltage clamp technique in the unfertilized hamster egg. At -40mV of the holding potential, the stationary current was maintained in the hamster egg exposed to isotonic solution composed of, mainly, 115mM NaCl and 40mM mannitol. Hypotonic solution was prepared by removing mannitol. Therefore, the concentrations of $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$ in this hypotonic media were the same as those in the isotonic solution. Following 30 to 60 sec after applying the hypotonic media to the egg, the inward current was evoked. This inward current was eliminated by $100{\mu}M$ 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostil-bene-2,2'-disulfonic acid(SITS), an anion channel blocker, leaving the small outward current component. Further addition of 2mM $Ba^{2+}$, a broad $K^+$ channel blocker, completely abolished the small outward current left even in the presence of SITS during hypotonic stress. These results suggest that $K^+$ and $Cl^-$ move out of cells, resulting in RVD. To test the involvement of $Na^+$ in RVD, 20mM Na-isethionate was substituted for mannitol in isotonic media(135mM $Na^+$) and Na-isethionate (20mM) was freed the hypotonic solution. Only $Cl^-$ concentration in both isotonic and hypotonic media was kept constant at 115mM, whereas concentration of $Na^+$ was lowered in hypotonic solution to 115mM from 135mM in isotonic solution. Hypotonic medium induced the outward current in the egg equilibrated isotonically. This current was reduced by $100{\mu}M$ SITS but was augmented by 2 mM $Ba^{2+}$. In terms of RVD, these results imply that $Cl^-$ efflux is coupled with $K^+$, maybe for electroneutrality during hypotonic stress and/or with $Na^+$ via unknown transport mechanism(s). From the overall results, the hypotonic stress facilitates the movement of $Cl^-$ and $K^+$ out of the hamster egg to regain cellular volume with electroneutrality. If there exist a difference in $[Na^+]_0$ between isotonic and hypotonic solution, another transport mechanism concerned with $Na^+$ may, at least partly, participate in regulatory volume decrease.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2001

The effects of sudden changes of water temperature (WT) on the stress response and physiological change of the cultured olive flounder in large (FL) and small (FS) size, and fat cod (FC) were examined by manipulating WT (2 types) in a flow through seawater culture system with 6 tanks (water vol. 270 L/tank). The WT was decreased from $20^{\circ}C$ to $10^{\circ}C$ within 5 hours ($2^{\circ}C/hour$) and maintained at $10^{\circ}C$ for 21 hours (Exp. I), and it was raised from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$ within 5 hours and maintained at $30^{\circ}C$ for 21 hours (Exp.II). In Exp. I, the levels of blood hematocrit at 5 hours ($10^{\circ}C$) in FS was significantly decreased from $13.5\pm2.0\%\;to\;11.3\pm2.3\%$, but FC at 2.5 hours ($15^{\circ}C$) ($19.0\pm0.3\%\;to\;23.2\pm3.8\%$) was increased, The blood hemoglobin concentration of all fish in Exp, II was significantly increased until 8 hours after raising WT from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$. In Exp. I and II , the levels of plasma cortisol in FL, FS and FC was changed from $5.2\pm8.5ng/mL,\;4.4\pm4.5ng/mL\;and\;2.7\pm0.4ng/mL$, respectively, before sudden drop and rise of WT. The levels of plasma cortisol of in FL ($164.0\pm53.1ng/mL$) and FC ($207.9\pm25.4ng/mL$) were significantly increased by the lowering WT sharply during whole experiment. The FL ($12.6\pm2.0ng/mL$) and FS ($4.0\pm3.9ng/mL$) showed no significant differences in cortisol level according to sudden rise of WT (5 hours). But it in FC ($44.7\pm18.2ng/mL$) was increased. In Exp. I, the plasma glucose levels of all fish groups were decreased after 5 hours ($10^{\circ}C$), The plasma lactic acid concentration of FL and FS showed no significant differences until 5 hours after raising WT from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$, But it in FC was significantly increased with WT raise.