• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2023

Objective : Gardeniae Fructus (GF) is the ripe fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellisa with a bitter taste and cold properties. Ingredient compounds including geniposide are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GF on tBHP-induced PC12 cells. Methods : Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay, and apoptosis was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression level of each protein was monitored by Western blot analysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed using DCFH-DA. Results : In PC12 cells, tBHP induced cell death through apoptosis with caspase activation and PARP inactivation. Cells treated with tBHP showed an increase in intracellular ROS and depletion of GSH. Pretreatment with GF prevented tBHP-induced apoptosis, reduced ROS, and increased GSH. GF also maintained increased Nrf2 expression in the presence of tBHP. Phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK was increased by tBHP, whereas phosphorylation of ERK was decreased. GF restored changes in ERK and p38 phosphorylation, but not JNK phosphorylation. Conclusion : These results indicate that GF has neuroprotective effects through anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects mediated by regulation of Nrf2 expression and phosphorylation of ERK and p38. It also demonstrates the potential use of GF as a source of antioxidant and neuroprotective substances.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.425-440
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• 2023

Background: Muscimol's quick onset and GABAergic properties make it a promising candidate for the treatment of pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies aimed at summarizing the evidence regarding the efficacy of muscimol administration in the amelioration of nerve injury-related neuropathic pain. Methods: Two independent researchers performed the screening process in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science extracting data were extracted into a checklist designed according to the PRISMA guideline. A standardized mean difference (SMD [95% confidence interval]) was calculated for each. To assess the heterogeneity between studies, ² and chi-square tests were utilized. In the case of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the potential source. Results: Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data analysis showed that the administration of muscimol during the peak effect causes a significant reduction in mechanical allodynia (SMD = 1.78 [1.45-2.11]; P < 0.0001; I² = 72.70%), mechanical hyperalgesia (SMD = 1.62 [1.28-1.96]; P < 0.0001; I² = 40.66%), and thermal hyperalgesia (SMD = 2.59 [1.79-3.39]; P < 0.0001; I² = 80.33%). This significant amendment of pain was observed at a declining rate from 15 minutes to at least 180 minutes post-treatment in mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, and up to 30 minutes in thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0 .0001). Conclusions: Muscimol is effective in the amelioration of mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia, exerting its analgesic effects 15 minutes after administration for up to at least 3 hours.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.419-427
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• 2023

This study, analyzed the stomach contents, stable isotope signatures (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in muscle tissue, and potential food sources (particulate organic matter, Zostera marina, epiphytes, and zooplankton) of Sardinops melanostictus in the southern coast of Korea to evaluate its dietary changes across seasons (summer and autumn 2022). The diet of S. melanostictus predominantly comprised organic detritus (99%) regardless of the season. The isotope results showed that S. melanostictus had mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of -17.7±0.4‰ and 10.6±0.5‰, respectively and seasonal variations were observed (t-test, P=0.010, P=0.002). However, the isotopic mixing model showed that particulate organic matter was a major nutritional source for S. melanostictus in summer and autumn (88.7% and 90.2%, respectively). Based on the stomach contents and stable isotope signatures, these results may help improve the understanding of S. melanostictus and establish the management measures for their conservation.

• Mycobiology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.389-398
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• 2022

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes associated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC₅₀ value of lower than 10 ㎍/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anticancer compound.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.12-24
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• 2023

Sitophilus oryzae L. (Rice Weevil) is a stored pest of rice that causes extensive loss throughout the world. We tested the leaf powders of 12 plant species viz., Chrysanthemum sp., Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus grandis, Citrus limon, Gliricidia sepium, Gymnema sylvestre, Hemigraphis colorata, Michelia champaca, Moringa oleifera, Murraya koenigii, Polyalthia longifolia, and Sauropus androgynus at dosages of 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 3.00g against the adult rice weevil and mortality was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12 and 2l days after treatment (DAT) by direct contact toxicity for their adulticidal effect. We observed 100 percent adult mortality in C. zevlanicum and M. koenigii among the tested leaf powders. In addition, the first-time tested H. colorata and S. androgynus also caused high mortality compared to other plants. All the plant powders caused moderate to high adult mortality. Hence, these plants could be effective botanical insecticides against S. oryzae as they comprise a potential source of bioactive chemicals and are generally free from toxicants. Applications of these natural derivatives in S. oryzae control could reduce the cost of control methods and storage of rice contamination. Therefore, the present study indicates that some plant extracts can be used as an alternative to toxic synthetic chemicals in the management of rice weevils.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.151-166
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• 2023

Yeast extract is a product prepared mainly from waste brewer's yeast, which is rich in nucleotides, proteins, amino acids, sugars and a variety of trace elements, and has the advantages of low production cost and abundant supply of raw material. Consequently, yeast extracts are widely used in various fields as animal feed additives, food flavoring agents and additives, cosmetic supplements, and microbial fermentation media; however, their full potential has not yet been realized. To improve understanding of current research knowledge, this review summarizes the ingredients, production technology, and applications of yeast extracts, and discusses the relationship between their properties and applications. Developmental trends and future prospects of yeast extract are also previewed, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development and expansion of future applications.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.73-80
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• 2022

This study investigated the mineralogical characteristics and basic flotation properties of domestic molybdenum ores. The source mineral of molybdenum was identified as molybdenite, and the main gangue minerals in the raw ore were silicate minerals. Copper, lead, and zinc were also found in trace amounts. Based on the results of basic flotation properties, molybdenite's zeta potential showed negative charges in all pH ranges. The contact angle of molybdenite increased with pH, reaching a maximum of 74° at pH 9. In optimal conditions, the grade and recovery of the concentrate by unit flotation were MoS2 82.4% and 92.04%, respectively. Further investigation of the impurities in the concentrate revealed a sulfide mineral with surface characteristics similar to molybdenite and silicate minerals combined with molybdenite, which may degrade the quality of the concentrate. To improve the concentrate quality, we intend to control silicate minerals through regrinding and liberation and use column flotation to improve fine particle separation efficiency.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.563-570
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• 2022

This study was objected to show the complexity of groundwater flow system in a site-scale area as a design parameter of the groundwater monitoring network for early detection of pollutant leakage from a potential source of groundwater contamination (e.g., storage tank). Around the tanks, three monitoring wells were installed at about 22~25 m deep and groundwater level and temperature had been monitored for 22 months by 2-minute interval, and then compared with precipitation and temperature data from nearby weather station. Annual variation of groundwater level and its response to precipitation event, variation of groundwater temperature and delayed response to that of atmospheric temperature indicate the complexity of groundwater flow and flow paths even in the relatively small area. Thus, groundwater monitoring network for early detection of contaminant leakage should be designed with full consideration of the complexity of groundwater flow system, identified from the detailed hydrogeological investigation of the site.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.75-85
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• 2023

The potential sources and spatial distribution of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the leaf plants of Al-Zubair city. A total of 14 samples of conocarpus lancifolius plant leaf were collected and analyzed for their heavy metals and PAHs content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a 7890 Agilent capillary gas chromatograph (GC) respectively. Bioaccumulation factor calculation revealed the highest pollution of heavy metals , due to the activity of a petrochemical in the area. The diagnostic ratio of Ant/(Phe+Ant), BaA/BaA+Chr), In/(In+BghiP), Flu/Pyr, FlA/FlA+Pyr), FlA/FlA+Pyr), ∑LMW/∑HMW are commonly used for determining the origin and source of PAHs in various environmental media. The diagnostic ratio indicated the anthropogenic origin. PAHs with five-to-six membered rings were dominant in the plant leaf, which likely results from anthropogenic activities. The leaves of C. lancifolius have a preponderance of high molecular weight PAHs compared to low molecular weight PAHs, indicating a combustion origin (car exhaust, petroleum emissions, and fossil fuel). C. lancifolius leaves are a reliable indication of atmospheric PAHs absorption. The background level of heavy metals in the city (or the near environment) is in the order of Fe > Cu > Ni > Cr. On the other hand, the bioaccumulation in plant leaves showed greater tendencies as follows: Co>Cd>Zn=As>Cu>Mn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Fe. Cobalt showed high bioaccumulation, indicating strong uptake of Co by plant leaves. These findings point to human activity and car emissions as the primary sources of roadside vegetation pollution in Al-Zubair city.