• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.125-132
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• 2021

Fresh PM_2.5 smokes emitted from combustion of four biomass materials (pellet, palm fruit fiber (PFF), PKS, and sawdust) in a laboratory-controlled environment were characterized using an attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) technique. In smoke samples emitted from combustion of pellets, PFF and PKS, which is being used as boiler fuels for greenhouses in rural areas, the organic carbon/elemental carbon (OC/EC) ratios in PM_2.5 were very high (14.0-35.5), whereas in sawdust smoke samples they were significantly low (<4.0) due to the combustion method close to flaming combustion. ATR-FTIR analysis showed that OH(3400-3250 cm^-1), CH₃(2958-2840 cm^-1), CH₂(2910 cm^-1 and 2850 cm^-1), ketone(1726-1697 cm^-1), C=C(1607-1606 cm^-1 and 1515-1514 cm^-1), lignin (1463-1462 cm^-1 and 1430-1428 cm^-1) and -NO₂(1360-1370 cm^-1) peaks were identified in all biomass burning (BB) smoke samples. However, additional peaks appeared depending on the type of biomass. Among the four types of biomass materials, an additional peak of the methylene group CH₃(2872-2870 cm^-1) appeared only in PFF and PKS smoke samples, and a peak of C=O(1685 cm^-1) was also confirmed. And in the case of PKS smoke samples, a peak of aromatic C=C(1593 cm^-1 and 1476 cm^-1) that did not appear in other BB samples was also observed. This indicates that the molecular structure of organic compounds emitted during BB differs depending on the type of biomass materials. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable information to more specifically reveal the effect of BB on PM_2.5 collected in the atmospheric environment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.749-761
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• 2022

This study evaluated the antioxidizing and antiproliferative effects of Angelica japonica extract and its solvent-partitioned fractions. A dried sample of the halophyte A. japonica was extracted twice using methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂) and extracted twice again using methanol (MeOH). The combined crude extracts were then fractionated by solvent polarity into distilled water (water), n-butanol (n-BuOH), 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq.MeOH), and n-hexane fractions. The antioxidant activities of the crude extracts and their solvent-partitioned fractions were assessed according to their DPPH radical and peroxynitrite scavenging abilities, formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA oxidation, NO production, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The crude extract showed significant antioxidant activity in the overall antioxidizing bioassay systems. Among solvent-partitioned fractions, good antioxidant activities were observed in n-BuOH and 85% aq.MeOH fractions and significantly correlated with the polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the samples. Furthermore, all samples tested, including the crude extract, not only showed cytotoxic effects against human cancer cells (AGS, HT-29, MCF-7, and HT-1080) but also prevented cell migration in a dose-dependent manner in the wound healing assay using HT 1080. Among the solvent-partitioned fractions, the 85% aq.MeOH fraction most effectively inhibited the invasion of HT-1080 cells. Therefore, these results suggest that A. japonica may be a potential antioxidizing and antiproliferative agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1100-1109
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• 2021

The halophyte Artemisia scoparia is an edible medicinal plant, with insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, antipyretic, and antibacterial effects. The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effect of crude extract and solvent-partitioned fractions obtained from A. scoparia on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells using four different activity tests: gelatin zymography, MMP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), wound healing assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot assay. A. scoparia samples were extracted twice with methylene chloride (MC) and twice with methanol (MeOH). After the MC and MeOH crude extracts were combined, the combined crude extracts showed a significant inhibitory effect against MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes. They were then fractionated into n-hexane, 85% (v/v) aqueous methanol (85% (v/v) aq.MeOH), n-butanol, and water according to solvent polarity. Among the four solvent-partitioned fractions, n-hexane and 85% (v/v) aq. MeOH fractions significantly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and cell mobility. In addition, the n-hexane and 85% (v/v) aq.MeOH fractions effectively inhibited MMP-2 and -9 activity in the gelatin zymography and MMP ELISA assay. In the wound healing assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot assay, all solvent-partitioned fractions, except the H₂O fraction, significantly suppressed cell migration, as well as the expression levels of MMP-2 and -9 mRNA and proteins.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.63-69
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of present study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activities and mechanisms of action of the ethanol extract of P. yedoensis leaf (PYL) on isolated rat aortic rings. Methods : Dried P. yedoensis leaves were extracted 3 times with 100% ethanol for 3 h in a reflux apparatus. Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers containing 10 ml Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution. The rings were maintained at $37^{\circ}C$ and aerated with a mixture of 95% $O_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. Changes in their tension were recorded via isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system. Results : PYL relaxed the contraction of aortic rings induced by phenylephrine (PE, 1 ${\mu}M$) or KCl (60 mM) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were lower than endothelium-intact aortic rings. And the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pre-treatment with $N{\omega}$-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 ${\mu}M$), methylene blue (10 ${\mu}M$), 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-${\alpha}$]-quinoxalin-1-one (10 ${\mu}M$), tetraethylammonium (5 mM). In addition, PYL inhibited the contraction induced by extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted by PE or KCl in $Ca^{2+}$-free K-H solution. Conclusions : These results suggest that PYL exerts its vasorelaxant effects via the activation of Nitric Oxide (NO) formation by means of L-arginine and NO-cGMP pathways and via the blockage of receptor operated calcium channels, voltage dependent calcium channels and calcium-activated potassium channels.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.137-146
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• 2022

Seed disinfection is a necessary process to decrease Bakanae disease in rice and is carried out at 30℃ to increase disinfection efficiency. However, the length of sprout after seed disinfection is not suitable for sowing, so additional processes such as seed soaking is needed. For this reason, this study was conducted to develop the efficient and effective seed disinfection method. When the seed disinfection finished after soaking seeds in cold water for 2 days, length of sprout was about 1.0 mm and sowing can be done without additional processes. In addition, the incidence of Bakanae disease was greatly reduced by 64% compared to conventional method. In order to find out why the newly developed method (disinfection after soaking) is more efficient than conventional method, soaked and not soaked seeds were stained using methylene blue staining. It was found that soaked seeds were more easily stained with about 50% of internal and external endosperm stained. Therefore, pesticide can be absorbed easily into internal endosperm of soaked seeds and efficiently destroy the spore of pathogen. As a results of this study, newly developed method will be useful as it can improve efficiency of agricultural work and also effectively decrease Bakanae disease compared to conventional method.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.86-91
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• 2022

Pleurotus eryngii, a white rot fungus, produces two extracellular lignin-degrading enzymes, laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP). Owing to these enzymes, P. eryngii efficiently degrades synthetic chemicals such as azo, phthalocyanine, and triphenyl methane dyes. In this study, we investigated the degradation processes of four aromatic dyes, congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), and malachite green (MG), by P. eryngii under solid and liquid culture conditions. CR and MG were the most quickly degraded under solid and liquid culture conditions, respectively. However, compared to CR, CV, and MG, MB was not degraded well under both culture conditions. The activities of ligninolytic enzymes (laccase and MnP) were also investigated. Laccase was identified to be the major enzyme for dye degradation. A positive relationship between decolorization and enzyme activity was observed for CR, MB, and CV degradation. In contrast, decolorization of MG ensued after high enzyme activity. These results indicate that the degradation process differs between MG and the other aromatic dyes. Therefore, P. eryngii could be a potential tool for the bioremediation of synthetic aromatic dye effluent.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.277-291
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• 2023

This study aimed to compare the effects of applying different types of dentin bonding agents (DBAs) on tooth and on the sealing ability of CSC in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). Specimens were made from 120 human first premolars and categorized into the following groups based on the presence and the type of DBA: Group I, no bonding; Group II, One-Step; Group III, Clearfil SE Bond; and Group IV, Single Bond Universal. Subsequently, the groups were categorized into Subgroup a and Subgroup b, in which Endocem MTA^® Premixed Regular and Biodentine were used, respectively. The CIE L^*a^*b^* on the photos taken prior to TAP placement (S0), 1 week after TAP placement (S1), 2 weeks after TAP placement (S2), 4 weeks after TAP placement (S3) and 2 weeks after CSC placement (S4) was used to assess discoloration. The samples were submerged in a 2% methylene blue solution and magnified by 30 times under a stereomicroscope to assess microleakage. The application of DBA during REP reduced crown discoloration, while Biodentine showed minimal discoloration with or without DBA and regardless of the DBA type. Additionally, the application of DBA did not increase microleakage.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.54.1-54.16
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize nanocrystals (NCs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) and calcium ion (Ca²⁺)-doped ZnO with different percentages of calcium oxide (CaO), to evaluate cytotoxicity and to assess the effects of the most promising NCs on cytotoxicity depending on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Materials and Methods: Nanomaterials were synthesized (ZnO and ZnO:xCa, x = 0.7; 1.0; 5.0; 9.0) and characterized using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and methylene blue degradation. SAOS-2 and RAW 264.7 were treated with NCs, and evaluated for viability using the MTT assay. NCs with lower cytotoxicity were maintained in contact with LPS-stimulated (+LPS) and nonstimulated (-LPS) human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated. Cells kept in culture medium or LPS served as negative and positive controls, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and the Dunnett test (α = 0.05) were used for statistical testing. Results: ZnO:0.7Ca and ZnO:1.0Ca at 10 ㎍/mL were not cytotoxic to SAOS-2 and RAW 264.7. +LPS and -LPS hDPCs treated with ZnO, ZnO:0.7Ca, and ZnO:1.0Ca presented similar NO production to negative control (p > 0.05) and lower production compared to positive control (p < 0.05). All NCs showed reduced ROS production compared with the positive control group both in +LPS and -LPS cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NCs were successfully synthesized. ZnO, ZnO:0.7Ca and ZnO:1.0Ca presented the highest percentages of cell viability, decreased ROS and NO production in +LPS cells, and maintenance of NO production at basal levels.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

This research investigated the preparation of activated carbon derived from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed shells to improve the quality of crude glycerol obtained during biodiesel production. The activated carbon was prepared using a dry chemical activation method with NaOH, utilizing an innovative biomass incinerator. The results revealed that the resulting KC/AC-two-step exhibited favorable physicochemical adsorption properties, with a high surface area of 758.72 m²/g and an iodine number of 611.10 mg/g. These values meet the criteria of the industrial product standard for activated carbon No. TIS 900-2004, as specified by the Ministry of Industry in Thailand. Additionally, the adsorption efficiency for methylene blue reached an impressive 99.35 %. This developed activated carbon was then used to improve the quality of crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel production. The experimental results showed that the KC/AC-two-step increased the purity of crude glycerol to 73.61 %. In comparison, commercially available activated carbon (C/AC) resulted in a higher crude glycerol purity of 81.19 %, as analyzed by the GC technique. Additionally, the metal content (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd, and Na) in purified glycerol using KC/AC-two-step was below the standards for heavy metals permitted in food and cosmeceuticals by the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand and the European Committee for Food Contact Materials and Articles. As a result, it can be inferred that Krabok seed shells have favorable properties for producing activated carbon suitable as an adsorbent to enhance crude glycerol purity. Furthermore, the improved crude glycerol from this research has potential for various industrial applications.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.633-638
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• 2009

We investigated the inhibitory effects of solvent extracts from dried tuna on the growth of cancer cell lines (HT1080 human fibrosarcoma and HT-29 human colon cancer cells) and $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress. Inhibitory effects of acetone with methylene chloride (A+M) and methanol (MeOH) extracts on the growth of HT1080 and HT-29 cancer cells increased in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was more significant on the growth of HT1080 cells, and A+M extracts had a higher inhibitory effect compared to MeOH extracts. The treatments of hexane, 85% aq. methanol, butanol and water fractions significantly inhibited the growth of both cancer cells (p<0.05). Among the fractions, hexane and 85% aq. methanol fractions showed higher inhibitory effects. In order to determine the protective effect on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress, a DCHF-DA (dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate) assay was conducted. All fractions, including crude extracts of dried tuna, appeared to significantly reduce the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with dose responses (p<0.05). Among the fractions, BuOH and 85% methanol fractions showed a higher protective effect on the production of lipid peroxides. These results indicate that the consumption of tuna may be recommended as a potent functional food for preventing cellular oxidation and cancer.