• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.181-190
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• 2023

Domestic hop (Humulus lupulus L.) production has been suspended since the early 1990s due to foreign imports, but interest in local production is rising due to the recent craft beer boom in Korea. This study was conducted focusing on the development of growth characteristics and propagation technology for 6 introduced hop cultivars as a basic study for domestic hop production and breeding program. In the hop growth survey conducted in 2021 and 2022, the 5-year-old plants after planting generally showed a tendency to increase the height of strobile setting, strobile size, number and weight of strobile per hill compared to the 4-year-old plants. As a result of the experiment with hop vine cuttings, the average rooting rate of all cultivars was as high as 88% even in only water treatment that were not added with Atonik (Atonik, Arysta, Japan), a rooting agent. There were differences between cultivars in rooting length and rooting rate according to the Atonik treatment method. When checking the survival rate of the rooted cuttings seedlings after transplanting into the soil, it was confirmed that the survival rate of the cuttings in the tissue culture room was significantly lower than that of the cuttings in the greenhouse. However, in transplanting step, cutting plants from culture room condition was strongly inhibited plant growth because of changing environment conditions. As a results of tissue culture, the thidiazuron (TDZ) 1 ㎎/L treatment in the media generated 6 to 9 shoots/explant, while the 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 1 ㎎/L treatment generated only 1 to 2 shoots/explant. Therefore, it is more effective to culture by adding TDZ rather than BAP. These results indicated that the development of technology to manage stably after transplanting of cutting or micropropagating plants into potting soil is important for mass propagation of hops.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.83-92
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• 2023

In this study, bioconversion of rutin to quercetin was confirmed by the fermentation of Korean indigenous probiotics and tartary buckwheat. Based on whole genome sequencing of 17 probiotics species, α-rhamnosidase, related to bioconversion of isoquercetin (quercetin 3-β-D glucoside) from rutin, is identified in the genome of CBT BG7, LC5, LR5, LP3, LA1, and LGA1. β-Glucosidase, related to bioconversion of isoquercetin to quercetin, is identified in the genome of all 17 species. Among the 17 probiotics species, 6 probiotics including CBT BG7, LR5, LP3, LA1, LGA1 and ST3 performed the bioconversion of rutin to quercetin up to 21.5 ± 0.3% at 7 days after fermentation. The fermentation of each probiotics together with enzyme complex Cellulase KN^® was conducted to reduce the time of bioconversion. As a result, CBT LA1 which showed the highest yield of bioconversion of 21.5 ± 0.3% when the enzyme complex was not added showed high bioconversion yield of 84.6 ± 0.5% with adding the enzyme complex at 1 day after fermentation. In particular, CBT ST3 (96.2 ± 0.4%), SL6 (90.1 ± 1.4%) and LP3 (90.0 ± 0.4%) showed high yield of bioconversion more than 90%. In addition, such probiotics including high levels in quercetin indicated the inhibitory effects of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In this study, we confirmed that the fermentation of Korean indigenous probiotics and enzyme complex together with roasted tartary buckwheat increased the content of quercetin and reduced the time of bioconversion of rutin to quercetin which is a bioactive compound related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• 제67권4호
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• pp.265-273
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• 2022

Waxy corn (Zea mays L.), which contains homozygous mutant alleles for the waxy1 (wx1) gene, is widely consumed as a snack food in Asia. This study evaluated sixteen agronomic characteristics of inbred Korean waxy corn lines to aid development of high-quality waxy corn cultivars. The plant materials studied were 177 inbred waxy corn lines developed by the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea. For the tested lines, days to tasseling and silking averaged 77.69±2.22 days (with a range of 56-97 days), and 81.12±7.56 days (66-99 days), respectively. Plant length ranged from 88 to 237 cm (averaged 164.88±22.67 cm), ear length averaged 11.75±2.52 cm (5.0-18.5 cm), and ear width averaged 2.94±0.68 cm (1.4-4.5 cm). The number of rows on each ear of corn averaged 12.22±2.22 (7-32 rows) and the kernel number averaged 24.30±4.22 (9-37 kernels) per row. The crude protein content was 12.05±1.53% (8.90-21.80%) and total starch content was 69.27±5.74% (49.5-83.9%). Principal component analysis revealed that ear width, grain length, ear length, days to tasseling, days to silking, percentage of ear setting height, and total starch are features that allow distinction between the 177 waxy inbred corn lines. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified twelve waxy inbred lines that produce tall plants and have a short silking period. These lines may improve yield among quickly growing corn varieties.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.249-257
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• 2022

This study was conducted to comparison analysis growth characteristics, yield and forage quality of 18silage corn varieties grown in paddy and upland fields. In this condition, days to silking of Sinhwangok was the shortest with 78 days and Kangdaok the longest with 92 days. Moreover it was confirmed that the difference of days to silking at this condition greatly occurred in the late species than in the precocious species. The height and ear height ratio of corn grown in paddy decreased by 5~10% and increase by 10~15% compared to upland, respectively. It was confirmed that the ear ratio of corn which enhances the forage quality was highest in Sinhwangok at paddy and upland and most of the varieties decreased by 10~30% at paddy rather than upland. The length of ear was also reduced by 10~25%. In fresh yield, Dacheongok showed the highest yield at 65,750 kg/ha in upland and 38,830 kg/ha in paddy. Similar to the fresh yield, dry and TDN yield in Dacheongok also showed the highest yield at 36,910 kg/ha, 18,040 kg/ha in upland and 21,670 kg/ha, 14,390 kg/ha in paddy, respectively. As a result of analyzing crude protein and starch from seeds to evaluate the feed value of corn for silage, there was no difference between cultivars grown in this condition. In addition, as a result of analyzing the contents of ADF and NDF using leaves, stems and seeds, the contents of leaves and stems were lower in P3394 and P1543 at the upland and lower in Singwangok and Daanok when cultivated at paddy. Moreover ADF and NDF contents were decreased in some varieties in paddy rather than upland. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the feed value of corn varieties grown in this condition, it is possible to cultivate corn in paddy if normal growth is achieved through drainage management.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.15-25
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• 2023

Myriophyllum spicatum L. has been used as an ornamental in ponds and aquariums, and as a folk remedy for inflammation and pus. Nevertheless, the biological activity and underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects are unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Myriophyllum spicatum L. (EMS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Antioxidant activity of EMS was assessed by radical-scavenging effects on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. As inflammatory response parameters produced by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were quantified to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of EMS. Our results showed that EMS increased FRAP and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. In EMS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the production of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly inhibited at the non-cytotoxic concentration. In addition, EMS significantly attenuated LPS-stimulated the toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/myeloid differentiation protein (MyD) 88 signaling pathway, and inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB). Positive correlations were noted between anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it was indicated that EMS suppresses the transcription of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. This study highlights the potential role of EMS against inflammation and associated diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.15-24
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• 2023

To examine the antitumor effect of proso millet grains, whether proso millet grains exert apoptotic activity against human cancer cells was investigated. When the cytotoxicity of 80% ethanol (EtOH) extract of proso millet grains was tested against various cancer cells using MTT assay, more potent cytotoxicity was observed against human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells than against other cancer cells. When the EtOH extract was evaporated to dryness, dissolved in water, and then further fractionated by sequential extraction using four organic solvents (n-hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol), the BuOH fraction exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells. Along with the cytotoxicity, TUNEL-positive apoptotic nucleosomal DNA fragmentation and several apoptotic responses including BAK/BAX activation, mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) loss, mitochondrial cytochrome c release into the cytosol, activation of caspase-8/-9/-3, and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were detected. However, human normal mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells exhibited a significantly lesser extent of sensitivity compared to malignant MDA-MB-231 cells. Irrespective of Fas-associated death domain (FADD)-deficiency or caspase-8-deficiency, human T acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells displayed similar sensitivities to the cytotoxicity of BuOH fraction, excluding an involvement of extrinsic apoptotic mechanism in the apoptosis induction. These results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of BuOH fraction from proso millet grains against human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells is attributable to intrinsic apoptotic cell death resulting from BAK/BAX activation, and subsequent mediation of mitochondrial damage-dependent activation of caspase cascade.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.1-14
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• 2023

This study measured the antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of 192 Boehmeria nivea var. tenacissima (Gaudich.) Miq. collected from six regions in order to identify the possibility of its industrial application. Two antioxidant activity assay (DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity) and two phytochemical content assay (total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)) of 192 samples were analyzed. The results showed that the DPPH radical scavenging activity of 192 samples was ranged from 0.02 to 1.35 mgAAE/g, and among them, the samples collected from Goheung (0.53 ± 0.37) and Ulleungdo (0.52 ± 0.28) showed the highest activity. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was showed the ranged from 0.07 to 1.81 mgAAE/g, and the samples collected at Ulleungdo (0.47 ± 0.36) showed the highest activity. The total polyphenol content of 192 samples was 18.6 to 234.8 ugGAE/g, and the samples collected at Mokpo (93.4 ± 34.7) and Jindo (90.4 ± 24.5) showed the highest content. The total flavonoid content was 0.10 to 1.22 mgQE/g and the samples collected at Ulleungdo (0.49 ± 0.31) showed the highest content. In the correlation analysis, there was no significant relationship between the environmental conditions and the antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol content showed a positive correlation with daily temperature difference, and negative correlation with average wind speed and average humidity, and total flavonoid content showed negative correlations with the average temperature, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature. This result can be used as a basic data establish the cultivation conditions of B. nivea var. tenacissima (Gaudich.) Miq. as a functional raw material to increase the usefulness of B. nivea var. tenacissima (Gaudich.) Miq..

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.555-562
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• 2022

We raised the white-spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, from the larvae stage using a fermented mulberry sawdust-base diet at 25℃ and 16:8 h light:dark photoperiod. First, we determined the optimal density of the neonate larvae to be introduced into a rearing box (543 × 363 × 188 mm). The survival rates of the larvae were higher than 80% at 90 days after rearing at 100-175 larval densities but reduced by more than 10% at 200 larval density. The larval weights at 100 to 150 larval densities were similar; however, the weights at 175 and 200 larval densities were lower than those at 100 larval densities, indicating that the rate of weight gain increased under lower density. Based on these results, we inferred that 100-150 larvae was the optimal density. Second, we investigated the storage conditions of the last instar larvae under low temperatures. Four weight groups (1.8-2.0, 2.0-2.3, 2.3-2.5, and 2.5 g) of larvae were stored at 4, 8, and 10℃, respectively. All the larvae at 4℃ died 70 days after storage, whereas 80% of the larvae survived at 8℃ 70 days after storage, indicating that high larval weight was associated with high survival rates. The adults that emerged from larvae with more than 2.3 g and stored for up to 50 days at 4℃ laid few eggs. However, the adults that emerged from all larval weight groups stored for 70 days at 8℃ and 10℃ laid several eggs successfully. Based on these results, we inferred that the last instar larvae with more than 2.3 g could be stored for 30-50 days at 8℃.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.62-90
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• 2023

This study was conducted to study the vascular plants of Balbaeksan, located on the border between Gyeongsan-si and Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It was performed 13 times from September 2020 to November 2021, and the investigated vascular plants were identified as a total of 93 families, 302 genera, 485 species, 10 subspecies, 40 varieties, 13 varieties, and 545 taxa. Endemic plants were investigated in 18 taxa, 9 taxa of rare plants; Vulnerable (VU) 5 taxa, Least concerned (LC) 3 taxa, Data Deficient (DD) 1 taxa, Red List plants 5 taxa; 3 taxa of least concerned (LC), 2 taxa of Not Evaluated (NE), 183 taxa of biological resources subject to export approval, 78 taxa of specific taxonomy; There were 9 taxa of grade IV, 20 taxa of grade III, 20 taxa of grade II, and 28 taxa of grade I. 4 taxa of plants subject to climate change adaptation; 2 taxa of endemic plants, 1 taxa of southern plants, 1 taxa of northern plants, 4 taxa of climate change biomarker species, 2 taxa of candidate species of climate change biomarker, 65 taxa of exotic plants, and 3 taxa of ecosystem disturbance species. Plants 235 taxa (43.1%), medicinal plants 257 taxa (47.2%), ornamental plants 148 taxa (27.2%), woody plants 54 taxa (9.9%), herbaceous plants 37 taxa (6.8%), industrial plants 15 Taxa (2.8%), 11 taxa (2.0%) of fiber-bearing plants, and plants of unknown use were identified as 73 taxa (13.4%). The flora of Mt. Balbaek was investigated for the first time, and plants to be preserved in order to secure useful plant resources and biological sovereignty were identified. So continuous monitoring is necessary to prevent the introduction of foreign plants that may be caused by the recent increase in the number of people coming and going.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.149-157
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• 2023

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that affects not only the survival and growth of cancer cells but also the activity of immune cells. Although it has been generally accepted that cancer cell-derived TGF-β could promote the survival and growth of early cancer cells and have immunosuppressive roles, it has been known that TGF-β has differential effects according to the type or stage of cancer cells. Therefore, it is hard to clearly define its role in cancer progression and immune responses. This study investigated the effects of TGF-β signaling on the expression of five NKG2D ligands and the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response in the primary colon cancer cell line KM12C and its two metastatic cell lines, KM12SM and KM12L4A. At the surface protein level, exogenous TGF-β decreased the expression of MICA, MICB, ULBP1, and ULBP2, and galunisertib increased the expression of MICA, MIAB, ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP3 in KM12C. However, KM12SM and KM12L4A showed no significant changes in the expression of NKG2DLs after treatment with TGF-β or galunisertib. TGF-β signaling inhibition via galunisertib improved the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response against KM12C but did not show a significant response to KM12SM and KM12L4A. Therefore, the suppression of TGF-β signaling could improve the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response against KM12C. However, an increase in NKG2DLs expression and an enhanced NK cell-mediated cancer immune response is hard to expect due to the alteration of TGF-β signaling in KM12SM and KM12L4A.