• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.19-26
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• 2023

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is an economically important plant because of it is rich in saponins. It is mainly cultivated in Asia, including Korea and China. Since ginseng requires a long breeding period due to juvenility, homozygote production techniques, such as anther culture, must be urgently established. In the present study, callus induction and embryogenesis through anther culture were observed in P. ginseng. Murashige and Skoog medium was used as the basal medium suitable for callus induction. When the medium was supplemented with 3% sucrose, the callus induction rate was high and the callus size was large. Cold pretreatment did not significantly affect callus induction and embryogenesis. Embryogenesis was the most efficient when the embryo-formation medium was supplemented with 1.0 or 3.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Cultivar significantly affected anther culture efficiency. Specifically, 'Cheongseon' showed the highest embryo-formation efficiency, whereas no embryogenesis occurred in 'Sunun'. Ploidy assessment revealed the haploid status of the induced calli. Embryos derived from anther culture formed shoots upon transfer to germination medium, although no difference in ploidy was noted between the induced callus and control. Overall, the anther culture conditions established in the present study may contribute to the production of homozygous P. ginseng plants in the future.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.329-340
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• 2024

Mangiferin is a kind of natural xanthone glycosides and is known to have various pharmacological activities. However, since the beneficial efficacy of this compound has not been reported in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, this study aimed to evaluate whether mangiferin could protect human RPE ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury mimicked by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results showed that mangiferin attenuated H₂O₂-induced cell viability reduction and DNA damage, while inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserving diminished glutathione (GSH). Mangiferin also antagonized H₂O₂-induced inhibition of the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase, which was associated with inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production. In addition, mangiferin protected ARPE-19 cells from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, decreasing caspase-3 activation, and blocking poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Moreover, mangiferin suppressed the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which was achieved by interfering with mitochondrial membrane disruption. Furthermore, mangiferin increased the expression and activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, the inhibition of ROS production, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of mangiferin were significantly attenuated by the HO-1 inhibitor, indicating that mangiferin promoted Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activity to prevent ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury. The results of this study suggest that mangiferin, as an Nrf2 activator, has potent ROS scavenging activity and may have the potential to protect oxidative stress-mediated ocular diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.349-360
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• 2024

Oxidative stress contributes to the onset of chronic diseases in various organs, including muscles. Morroniside, a type of iridoid glycoside contained in Cornus officinalis, is reported to have advantages as a natural compound that prevents various diseases. However, the question of whether this phytochemical exerts any inhibitory effect against oxidative stress in muscle cells has not been well reported. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate whether morroniside can protect against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in murine C2C12 myoblasts. Our results demonstrate that morroniside pretreatment was able to inhibit cytotoxicity while suppressing H₂O₂-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Morroniside also significantly improved the antioxidant capacity in H₂O₂-challenged C2C12 cells by blocking the production of cellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide and increasing glutathione production. In addition, H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were effectively attenuated by morroniside pretreatment, inhibiting cytoplasmic leakage of cytochrome c and expression of ER stress-related proteins. Furthermore, morroniside neutralized H₂O₂-mediated calcium (Ca²⁺) overload in mitochondria and mitigated the expression of calpains, cytosolic Ca²⁺-dependent proteases. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that morroniside protected against mitochondrial impairment and Ca²⁺-mediated ER stress by minimizing oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity in C2C12 myoblasts.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.540-547
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• 2024

The continuous use of polymer materials has exacerbated waste and environmental challenges, spurring a growing interest in eco-friendly polymers, especially biodegradable polymers. These polymers are gaining attention for their potential as antimicrobial agents, particularly in fields like food packaging a need further underscored by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the development of an antibacterial polymer by combining poly-butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) with zinc pyrithione (ZnPt). The antibacterial properties were assessed through turbidity analysis, the shaking flask method, and the film adhesion method. The antibacterial activities of the composites with varying ZnPt% (w/w) contents (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Results revealed that even at a low concentration of 0.1% (w/w), the composites demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli). Composites with ZnPt concentrations of 0.3% (w/w) or higher achieved over 99.999% antibacterial efficacy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis of the fracture surfaces of the composites confirmed the uniform distribution of ZnPt particles, ranging from 1-4 ㎛. Further FE-SEM analysis of bacterial suspensions exposed to the composite surfaces showed clear evidence of cell wall destruction in both E. coli and S. aureus. As an antimicrobial biodegradable polymer, PBAT-ZnPt composites show great promise for applications in various sectors, including food packaging.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.17
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• pp.11-47
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• 1989

This study intends to examine the background and the procedure of the carving of the tablets of the second edition of Dae-Jang-Mock­Lock(재조대장목록). the time and the route of the moving of the tablets. into Haein-sa, and the contents and the system of it. This study is mainly based on the second edition of Dae-Jang-Mock-Lock. But the other closely related materials such as restored first. edition of the Dae- Jang-Mock-Lock, Koryo Sin-Jo-Dae-Jang-Byeol-Lock (고려신조대장교정별록). Kae-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock (개원석교록). Sok-Kae­Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock (속개원석교록). Jeong-Won-Sin-Jeong-Seok-Kyo­Lock(정원신정석교록), Sok-Jeong-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock(속정원석교록), Dea-Jung-Sang-Bu-Beob-Bo-Lock(대중상부법보록), and Kyeong-Woo-Sin-Su-Beob-Bo-Lock(경우신수법보록), are also analysed and closely examined. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: 1. The second edition of Tripitaka Koreana(고려대장경) was carved for the purpose of defending the country from Mongolia with the power of Buddhism, after the tablets of the first edition in Buin-sa(부이사) was destroyed by fire. 2. In 1236. Dae-Jang-Do-Gam(대장도감) was established, and the preparation for the recarving of the tablets such as comparison between the content, of the first edition of Tripitalk Koreana, Gal-Bo-Chik-Pan-Dae­Jang-Kyeong and Kitan Dae- Jang-Kyeong, transcription of the original copy and the preparation of the wood, etc. was started. 3. In 1237 after the announcement of Dae-Jang-Gyeong-Gak-Pan-Gun­Sin-Gi-Go-Mun(대장경핵판군신석고문), the carving was started on a full scale. And seven years later (1243), Bun-Sa-Dae-Jang-Do-Gam(분사대장도감) was established in the area of the South to expand and hasten the work. And a large number of the tablets were carved in there. 4. It took 16 years to carve the main text and the supplements of the second edition of Tripitaka Koreana, the main text being carved from 1237 to 1248 and the supplement from 1244 to 1251. 5. It can be supposed that the tablets of the second edition of Tripitaka Koreana, stored in Seon-Won-Sa(선원사), Kang-Wha(강화), for about 140 years, was moved to Ji-Cheon-Sa(지천사), Yong-San(용산), and to Hae-In-Sa(해인사) again, through the west and the south sea and Jang-Gyeong-Po(장경포), Go-Ryeong(고령), in the autumn of the same year. 6. The second edition of Tripitaka Koreana was carved mainly based on the first edition, comparing with Gae-Bo-Chik-Pan-Dae-Jang-Kyeong(개보판대장경) and Kitan Dae-Jang-Kyeong(계단대장경). And the second edition of Dae-Jang-Mock-Lock also compiled mainly based on the first edition with the reference to Kae-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock and Sok-Jeong-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock. 7. Comparing with the first edition of Dae-Jang-Mock-Lock, in the second edition 7 items of 9 volumes of Kitan text such as Weol-Deung­Sam-Mae-Gyeong-Ron(월증삼매경론) are added and 3 items of 60 volumes such as Dae-Jong-Ji-Hyeon-Mun-Ron(대종지현문논) are substituted into others from Cheon chest(천함) to Kaeng chest(경함), and 92 items of 601 volumes such as Beob-Won-Ju-Rim-Jeon(법원주임전) are added after Kaeng chest. And 4 items of 50 volumes such as Yuk-Ja-Sin-Ju-Wang-Kyeong(육자신주왕경) are ommitted in the second edition. 8. Comparing with Kae-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock, Cheon chest to Young chest (영함) of the second edition is compiled according to Ib-Jang-Lock(입장록) of Kae-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock. But 15 items of 43 vol­umes such as Bul-Seol-Ban-Ju-Sam-Mae-Kyeong(불설반주삼매경) are ;added and 7 items of 35 volumes such as Dae-Bang-Deung-Dae-Jib-Il­Jang-Kyeong(대방등대집일장경) are ommitted. 9. Comparing with Sok-Jeong-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock, 3 items of the 47 volumes (or 49 volumes) are ommitted and 4 items of 96 volumes are ;added in Caek chest(책함) to Mil chest(밀함) of the second edition. But the items are arranged in the same order. 10. Comparing with Dae- Jung-Sang-Bo-Beob-Bo-Lock, the arrangement of the second edition is entirely different from it. But 170 items of 329 volumes are also included in Doo chest(두함) to Kyeong chest(경함) of the second edition, and 53 items of 125 volumes in Jun chest(존함) to Jeong chest(정함). And 10 items of 108 volumes in the last part of Dae-Jung-Sang-Bo-Beob-Bo-Lock are ommitted and 3 items of 131 volumes such as Beob-Won-Ju-Rim-Jeon(법원주임전) are added in the second edition. 11. Comparing with Kyeong-Woo-Sin-Su-Beob-Bo-Lock, all of the items (21 items of 161 volumes) are included in the second edition without ;any classificatory system. And 22 items of 172 volumes in the Seong­Hyeon-Jib-Jeon(성현집전) part such as Myo-Gak-Bi-Cheon(묘각비전) are ommitted. 12. The last part of the second edition, Joo chest(주함) to Dong chest (동함), includes 14 items of 237 volumes. But these items cannot be found in any other former Buddhist catalog. So it might be supposed as the Kitan texts. 13. Besides including almost all items in Kae-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock and all items in Sok-Jeong-Won-Seok-Kyo-Lock, Dae-Jung-Sang-Bo­Beob-Bo-Lock, and Kyeong-Woo-Sin-Su-Beob-Bo-Lock, the second edition of Dae-Jang-Mock-Lock includes more items, at least 20 items of about 300 volumes of Kitan Tripitaka and 15 items of 43 volumes of traditional Korean Tripitake that cannot be found any others. Therefore, Tripitaka Koreana can be said as a comprehensive Tripitaka covering all items of Tripitakas translated in Chinese character.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.207-214
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• 2006

Diagnostic monitoring in fish farms with land-based tanks and net cases was conducted in eastern, western, southern and Jeju island of Korea for the summer period from 2000 to 2006. Total 3,518-fish samples of marine and freshwater fishes in 25 fish species were tested for pathogens. Fish species tested were olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), fleshy prawn (Fenneropenaeus chinensis Osbeck), black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli), rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus), red sea bream (Pagrus major), black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegeli), sea bass (Lateolabrax japinicus), gray mullet (Mugil cephalus), rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) and others. The infection rates by bacterial pathogens in the years of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 22.4%, 34.5%, 14.1%, 15.3%, 17.7%, 13.5% and 5%, respectively. The infection rates by parasitic pathogens were 20%, 33.8%, 12.4%, 14.1%, 9.2%, 10.5% and 10.7%, respectively. The infection rates by viral pathogens were 22.4%, 13.5%, 10.3%, 5.4%, 9.7%, 10.2% and 15.8%, respectively. The infection rates by mixed pathogens were 10.3%, 0%, 44.9%, 50.9%, 31.9%, 38.4% and 39.6%, respectively. The rates of mixed infections were very low until 2001. The rates were higher than those of singer infections from 2002 to 2006. During the diagnostic monitoring from 2000 to 2006, the main bacterial pathogens were Vibrio (41.2%) and Streptococcus (28.8%). The infection rate by protozoa (85.7%) mainly including Scuticociliates and Trichodina was highest. The infection rate by viral necrosis virus (VNNV, 42.2%) was the highest of the viral pathogens.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.191-200
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of application of cattle slurry on forage productivity and environmental pollution in rice paddy land. Cropping systems used in this study consisted of two designs, such as whole crop rice applied with standard fertilizer (MWRS) and whole crop rice applied with cattle slurry (MWRC). The field experiments were conducted on the clay loam at Backsanmyun, Kimje, Chunlabukdo province in Korea for three years (May 2006 to Apr. 2009). This study was arranged in completely randomized design with three replicates. The yield of dry matter of whole crop rice in MWRS was similar as compared with that of MWRC. The contents of crude protein of whole crop rice in MWRS significantly increased as compared with those of MWRC (P<0.05). However, the contents of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of whole crop rice were hardly influenced by cattle slurry application. The pH, and contents of T-N, $P_2O_5$ and organic matter (OM) in soil samples collected at the end of the experiment increased as compared with those at the beginning of the experiment. After the end of experiment, the concentrations of exchangeable cations (Ca, Na, Mg and K) in soil samples collected at the end of the experiment were remarkably higher than those at the beginning of the experiment (P<0.05). The concentrations of $NO_3$-N and $NH_4$-N in discharge water in MWRS, MWRC and DWBRC were higher in 2008 than those in 2007. But the concentration of $PO_4$-P in discharge water was hardly influenced by the cropping system during experimental period. The concentrations of $NO_3$-N, $NH_4$-N and $PO_4$-P in leaching water were hardly influenced by application of cattle slurry.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.71-76
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• 2014

Purpose: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with impairments in frontal inhibitory function and the catecholaminergic system. ADHD is diagnosed in 3-5% of children. Children with ADHD seem develop various forms of urinary problems such as nocturnal enuresis, dysfunctional voiding, and diurnal incontinence. However, no data exist to confirm the presence of these problems in Korean children with ADHD. We investigated the clinical findings of voiding dysfunction in children with ADHD. Methods: Between October 2009 and March 2011, a total of 63 children (33 with ADHD, 30 with an upper respiratory infection, as a control group) were enrolled. ADHD was diagnosed using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-IV criteria. A comprehensive survey of voiding and defecation was administered. Results: The patient group included 28 boys and 5 girls; the control group comprised 20 boys and 10 girls. The mean age was $9.09{\pm}2.8$ years in the ADHD group and $8.58{\pm}3.1$ years in the control group. Children with ADHD had a statistically significantly higher incidence of urgency (P =0.017), urge incontinence (P =0.033), and constipation (P =0.045). There was no significant difference in the incidence of straining, intermittency, holding maneuvers, or nocturnal enuresis. Conclusion: Children with ADHD in Korea have significantly higher rates of urgency, urge incontinence, and constipation than those without ADHD.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.309-316
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• 2010

The performance of grass filter strips (GFS) in reducing $PO_4$-P concentrations and soil loss from the forage cropland was tested in an experiment on the 10% slope in Grassland and Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA) from October 2007 to September 2009. Forage cropland with rye-corn double cropping system receiving inorganic fertilizer or livestock manure (LM) were compared in a natural condition. The plots were hydrologically isolated in a randomized block layout of 3 treatments $\times$ 2 factors $\times$ 3 replicates. Main plots consisted of the length of GFS, such as $25\;m^2$ ($5{\times}5\;m$), $50m^2$ ($5{\times}10\;m$), $75m^2$ ($5{\times}15\;m$). Sub plots consisted of the type of LM, such as chemical fertilizer (CF), cattle manure (CM) and swine manure (SM). Concentrations of $PO_4$-P in surface runoff water were reduced as the length of GFS increased. Especially, GFS with 10 m and 15 m reduced $PO_4$-P concentrations significantly compared to that with 0 m (p<0.05). However, there was not significant different between $PO_4$-P concentrations of GFS with 10m and that of GFS with 15 m. Moreover, Soil loss in surface runoff water were reduced as the length of GFS increased. GFS with 15 m reduced soil loss significantly compared to that with 5 m and 10 m (p<0.05). The results from this study suggest GFS improve the removal and trapping $PO_4$-P and soil loss from forage cropland.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.107-118
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• 2017

Although alternative test methods based on the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) are being developed to replace animal testing in reproductive and developmental toxicology, they are still in an early stage. Consequently, we aimed to develop alternative test methods in male animals using mouse spermatogonial stem cells (mSSCs). Here, we modified the OECD TG 489 and optimized the in vitro comet assay in our previous study. This study aimed to verify the validity of in vitro tests involving mSSCs by comparing their results with those of in vivo tests using C57BL/6 mice by gavage. We selected hydroxyurea (HU), which is known to chemically induce male reproductive toxicity. The 50% inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$) value of HU was 0.9 mM, as determined by the MTT assay. In the in vitro comet assay, % tail DNA and Olive tail moment (OTM) after HU administration increased significantly, compared to the control. Annexin V, PI staining and TUNEL assays showed that HU caused apoptosis in mSSCs. In order to compare in vitro tests with in vivo tests, the same substances were administered to male C57BL/6 mice. Reproductive toxicity was observed at 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day as measured by clinical measures of reduction in sperm motility and testicular weight. The comet assay, DCFH-DA assay, H&E staining, and TUNEL assay were also performed. The results of the test with C57BL/6 mice were similar to those with mSSCs for HU treatment. Finally, linear regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation between results of in vitro tests and those of in vivo. In conclusion, the present study is the first to demonstrate the effect of HU-induced DNA damage, ROS formation, and apoptosis in mSSCs. Further, the results of the current study suggest that mSSCs could be a useful model to predict male reproductive toxicity.