• Food Science and Industry
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2017

Control of food pathogens is critical in food safety field. Norovirus is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis and food poisoning worldwide, however, currently, there is not a vaccine or a specific drug available for its treatment. There are several methods to inactivate norovirus during food processing by chemical and physical treatments, however, the use of natural substance has been suggested as an optional strategy due to their safety and consumer preference. In this study supported by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea, we identified novel plant-derived substances with significant anti-norovirus activities. The aim of this project was to determine the antiviral activity of a wide range of natural substances, including plant-derived extracts and essential oils, using a norovirus surrogate system, human norovirus replicon-bearing cells, and mouse in vivo experiments. During the activity screening test, we identified novel anti-norovirus substances or oils using plaque assay with MNV-1. Six selected substances were formulated into an optimum mixture and used as an ingredient for salad sauce of which anti-novovirus activity was confirmed(pending for patent and paper submission). The potential application of selected natural substances as a metal surface sanitizer was also tested. Interestingly, the mixture of selected natural compounds showed a significant inhibitory effect against norovirus. These results suggest that these substances may be used as food ingredient with anti-norovirus antivity or components for surface sanitizers to prevent norovirus contamination.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.315-323
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• 2019

Large amounts of sludge produced by paper mill industries represent one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Recently, beekeepers living in the neighborhood of the paper mill in Hwasan County, Youngcheon city, GB, Korea, became alarmed that honey bee colonies were dying off suddenly across the neighborhood. A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity (oral, fumigation, repellent) of recycled solid paper mill sludge (SPMS) and leachate paper mill sludge (LPMS) to honey bee workers under laboratory conditions, and to analyze the volatile organic compounds(VOC). The SPMS and LPMS were separately subjected to a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) at three temperatures to extract VOC(highest VOC yields: 1.52% SPMS and 0.34% LPMS). A total of 70 chemicals were detected in the VOC of paper mill sludges, of which 49 and 21 volatile organic compounds from SPMS and LPMS, respectively. The SPMS was dominated by high degree presence of stanols (saturated sterols), such as cholestanol, cholestan-3-ol and also saturated hydrocarbons. However, LPMS was characterized by the absence of sterols. Both SPMS and LPMS showed an influence on the olfactory behavior of honey bee on Y-tube assay, with repulsion rates of 72 and 68%, respectively. Both SPMS and LPMS at concentration of 100mg/mL caused higher honey bee oral mortality than the untreated controls at 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after treatment(highest oral mortality at 120 hr: 85.74%(SPMS); 93.51 % (LPMS)). A similar pattern was observed when honey bees were tested to fumigant toxicity. Both SPMS and LPMS caused significant higher mortality than the untreated control 24 hour after the exposure (highest fumigation mortality at 120 hr: 69.4% (SPMS); 56.8% (LPMS)). These preliminary results indicated that paper mill sludge could be partly responsible for sudden death and disappearance of honey bees, especially in hot humid summer days. With climate change, the risk of environmental chemical exposure to honey bee would pose greater attention.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.522-530
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• 2022

In this study we aimed to develop novel ZnO-NP/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (ZnO-NP/CS/β-GP) antibacterial hydrogels for biomedical applications. According to the mass fraction ratio of ZnO-NPs to chitosan, mixtures of 1, 3, and 5% ZnO-NPs/CS/β-GP were prepared. Using the test-tube inversion method, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the influence of ZnO-NPs on gelation time, chemical composition, and cross-sectional microstructures were evaluated. Adding ZnO-NPs significantly improved the hydrogel's antibacterial activity as determined by bacteriostatic zone and colony counting. The hydrogel's bacteriostatic mechanism was investigated using live/dead fluorescent staining and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, crystal violet staining and MTT assay demonstrated that ZnO-NPs/CS/β-GP exhibited good antibacterial activity in inhibiting the formation of biofilms and eradicating existing biofilms. CCK-8 and live/dead cell staining methods revealed that the cell viability of gingival fibroblasts (L929) cocultured with hydrogel in each group was above 90% after 24, 48, and 72 h. These results suggest that ZnO-NPs improve the temperature sensitivity and bacteriostatic performance of chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/β-GP), which could be injected into the periodontal pocket in solution form and quickly transformed into hydrogel adhesion on the gingiva, allowing for a straightforward and convenient procedure. In conclusion, ZnO-NP/CS/β-GP thermosensitive hydrogels could be expected to be utilized as adjuvant drugs for clinical prevention and treatment of peri-implant inflammation.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-250
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• 2021

The methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping constituents from Malus baccata L. were investigated using incubation of MGO and crude extract under physiological conditions followed by HPLC analysis. The peak areas of MGO trapping compounds decreased, and their chemical structures were identified by HPLC-ESI/MS. Sieboldin was identified as a major active molecule representing MGO-trapping activity of the crude extract. After reaction of sieboldin and MGO, remaining MGO was calculated by microplate assay method using imine (Schiff base) formation of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and aldehyde group. After 4 h incubation, sieboldin trapped over 43.8% MGO at a concentration of 0.33 mM and showed MGO scavenging activity with an RC₅₀ value of 0.88 mM for the incubation of 30 min under physiological conditions. It was also confirmed that sieboldin inhibited the production of advanced glycation end products (AGE) produced by bovine serum albumins (BSA)/MGO. Additionally, MGO trapping mechanism of sieboldin was more specifically identified by ¹H-, ¹³C-, 2D NMR and, confirm to be attached to the position of C-3' (or 5').

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.1031-1045
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• 2022

Postbiotics are defined as probiotics inactivated by heat, ultraviolet radiation, sonication, and other physical or chemical stresses. Postbiotics are more stable than probiotics, and these properties are advantageous for food additives and pharmacological agents. This study investigated the immunostimulatory effects of heat-treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LM1004 (HT-LM1004). Cellular fatty acid composition of L. plantarum LM1004 isolated form kimchi was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection system. The nitric oxide (NO) content was estimated using Griess reagent. Immunostimulatory cytokines were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative protein expressions were evaluated by western blotting. Phagocytosis was measured using enzyme-labelled Escherichia coli particles. L. plantarum LM1004 showed 7 kinds of cellular fatty acids including palmitic acid (C16:0). The HT-LM1004 induced release of NO and upregulated the inducible NO synthase in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were also increased compared to control (non-treated macrophages). Furthermore, HT-LM1004 modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) subfamilies including p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Therefore, these immunostimulatory effects were attributed to the production of transcriptional factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the activator protein 1 family (AP-1). However, HT-LM1004 did not showed significant phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Overall, HT-LM1004 stimulated MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB expression, resulting in the release of NO and cytokines. These results will contribute to the development of diverse types of food and pharmacological products for immunostimulatory agents with postbiotics.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.196-203
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• 2023

We investigated the nutritional characteristics and antioxidant effects of sea mustard Undaria pinnatifida fractions from Gultongmeori in Taejongdae, Youngdo, Busan. Based on dry weight, the moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, crude ash, and crude fiber contents were 34.98%, 11.55%, 0.43%, 17.82%, and 3.45%, respectively. To evaluate the antioxidant effect, we used radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production measurement, and DNA oxidation assays. Total flavonoid and phenol contents were higher in the n-hexane fraction than in other fractions. The n-hexane fraction was more effective at scavenging free radicals than other fractions as assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays (P<0.05). The ROS production assay showed that all sea mustard fractions decreased H₂O₂ induced cellular ROS production compared to that seen in the control (P<0.05); however, the n-hexane fraction reduced cellular ROS production to a greater extent than the other fractions. Furthermore, the n-hexane fraction from Gultongmeori significantly inhibited genomic DNA oxidation. These results indicate that the antioxidant effect of sea mustard is associated with its high flavonoid and phenol content. This study proposes that processed food products supplemented with sea mustard can be developed as functional foods to promote health in the local population.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2023

The phytochemical investigation of the crude methanolic extracts roots and stem bark of Anthonotha cladantha (Harms) J.Léonard led to the isolation and identification of twelve secondary metabolites: 2,3-dihydroxypropyl hexacosanoate (1), hederagenine (2), cycloeucalenol (3), 2α-hydroxylupeol (4), betulinic acid (5), lupeol (6), heptacosan-2-one (7), triacontanoic acid (8), stigmast-4-en-3-one (9), β-sitosterol (10), stigmasterol (11), and stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12). Their structures were elucidated with the help of their spectroscopic and physical data and by comparison with those reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, from all those compounds, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl hexacosanoate (1), hederagenine (2), cycloeucalenol (3), 2α-hydroxylupeol (4), and betulinic acid (5) are being reported for the first time from this genus. In addition, the acetylation of compound 1 afforded a new derivative 3-(hexacosanoyloxy)propane-1,2-diyl diacetate (1a). Compound 1 possessed a moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 39.2 ± 0.22 μM; it neither showed antioxidant activity nor inhibition against the enzyme urease. Compound 1a exhibited weak antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with an IC₅₀ value of 80.3 ± 0.83 μM but was inactive against α-glucosidase and urease. Furthermore, both compounds 1 and 1a were inactive against seven pathogenic bacterial strains.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.246-254
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• 2023

Background: Here, we aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of a new compound from Panax ginseng on the migration of human ovarian cancer cells and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: A new compound, ginsenglactone A (1), was isolated from ginseng roots, together with seven known compounds (2-8). Spectroscopic data were used to elucidate the chemical structure of 1. The tubular structure formation in HUVECs was assessed by Mayer's hematoxylin staining. The migration of A2780 cells was evaluated using the scratch wound healing assay. Results: HUVECs treated with 1 had the statistically significant decrease in tubular structure formation compared to the HUVECs treated with compounds 2-8. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (U0126). Treatment with 1 decreased the expression of phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, the ability of A2780 cells to cover the scratched area were also decreased. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with U0126. Lastly, treatment with 1 decreased the phosphorylation of ERK, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-2. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenglactone A is a potential inhibitor of HUVEC tubular structure formation and A2780 cellular migration, which may be helpful for understanding its anticancer mechanism.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.486-493
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• 2023

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) is a global plant virus that poses a threat to the production and quality of legume crops. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective managing CPMMV outbreaks. With the advancement in isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow strips technologies, more rapid and sensitive methods have become available for detecting this pathogen. In this study, we have developed a reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow strips (RT-RPA-LFS) method for the detection of CPMMV, specifically targeting the CPMMV coat protein (CP) gene. The RT-RPA-LFS assay only requires 20 min at 40℃ and demonstrates high specificity. Its detection limit was 10 copies/µl, which is approximately up to 100 times more sensitive than RT-PCR on agarose gel electrophoresis. The developed RT-RPA-LFS method offers a rapid, convenient, and sensitive approach for field detection of CPMMV, which contribute to controlling the spread of the virus.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.1351-1360
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• 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that disturb hormonal homeostasis by binding to receptors. EDCs are metabolized through hepatic enzymes, causing altered transcriptional activities of hormone receptors, and thus necessitating the exploration of the potential endocrine-disrupting activities of EDC-derived metabolites. Accordingly, we have developed an integrative workflow for evaluating the post-metabolic activity of potential hazardous compounds. The system facilitates the identification of metabolites that exert hormonal disruption through the integrative application of an MS/MS similarity network and predictive biotransformation based on known hepatic enzymatic reactions. As proof-of-concept, the transcriptional activities of 13 chemicals were evaluated by applying the in vitro metabolic module (S9 fraction). Identified among the tested chemicals were three thyroid hormone receptor (THR) agonistic compounds that showed increased transcriptional activities after phase I+II reactions (T3, 309.1 ± 17.3%; DITPA, 30.7 ± 1.8%; GC-1, 160.6 ± 8.6% to the corresponding parents). The metabolic profiles of these three compounds showed common biotransformation patterns, particularly in the phase II reactions (glucuronide conjugation, sulfation, GSH conjugation, and amino acid conjugation). Data-dependent exploration based on molecular network analysis of T3 profiles revealed that lipids and lipid-like molecules were the most enriched biotransformants. The subsequent subnetwork analysis proposed 14 additional features, including T4 in addition to 9 metabolized compounds that were annotated by prediction system based on possible hepatic enzymatic reaction. The other 10 THR agonistic negative compounds showed unique biotransformation patterns according to structural commonality, which corresponded to previous in vivo studies. Our evaluation system demonstrated highly predictive and accurate performance in determining the potential thyroid-disrupting activity of EDC-derived metabolites and for proposing novel biotransformants.