• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.316-323
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• 2021

A total of 106 samples (nuts, nut products, oilseeds, oilseed products, seed for beverage products) were simultaneously analyzed with LC/MS/MS method. The tested mycotoxins were aflatoxin (B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂), ochratoxin A, fumonisin (B₁, B₂), and zearalenone. Mycotoxins were detected in 37 of 106 samples (35%), and two or more mycotoxins were simultaneously detected in 9 of 106 samples (8.5%). Aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisin and zearalenone were detected at the range of 0.08-1.45 ㎍/kg, 17.29 ㎍/kg, 1.16-14.89 ㎍/kg and 0.12-12.69 ㎍/kg, respectively. The results revealed that the most frequently detected mycotoxin was zearalenone (23%), followed by aflatoxin (13%), fumonisin (8%) and ochratoxin A (1%). Detection rates of nuts and oilseeds were 35% and 33%, respectively, and detection rates of their processed foods were 44% and 46%, respectively. The detection rate of mycotoxins was 10% higher in processed foods than in nuts and oilseeds. Mycotoxins are physicochemically stable and can persist during food processing and cooking, making management of mycotoxins in raw materials a concern of high importance.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.75-93
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• 2021

Objective : The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of older adults with respect to their lifestyle patterns and examine the characteristics of each subgroup in order to provide a basic evidence for improving the health and quality of life. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in South Korea. Community-dwelling older adults (n=184) above the age of 65 years were surveyed from April 2019 to May 2019. This study used latent profile analysis to examine the subgroups. Chi-squared (χ²) and multinomial logistic regression measures were then used to analyze individual characteristics and influencing factors. Results : The pattern of physical activity which is one of the lifestyle domains in elderly was categorized into three types: 'passive exercise type (31.1%)', 'low intensity exercise type (54.5%)', and 'balanced exercise type(14.5%)'. Activity participation was divided into three patterns: 'inactive type (12%)', 'self-management type (61%)', and 'balanced activity participation type (27%)'. In terms of nutrition, there were only two groups: 'overall malnutrition type (13.5%)' and 'balanced nutrition type (86.5%)'. Furthermore, as a result of the multinomial logistic regression analysis to understand the effects of lifestyle types on the health and quality of life of the elderly, it was confirmed that the health and quality of life were higher in those following an active and balanced lifestyle. In addition, gender, education level and residential area were analyzed as predictive factors. Conclusion : The health and quality of life of the elderly can be improved when they have balanced lifestyle. Therefore, an empirical and policy intervention strategy should be developed and implemented to enhance the health and quality of life of the elderly.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.501-514
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults by analyzing the relationship between AD and intake of soft drinks in adults. Methods: This study was conducted on 5,931 adults aged 19 to 64 who completed the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-3 and VII-1. Subjects were divided into an AD-diagnosed group and a non-AD group according to the diagnosis of AD. In addition, the group diagnosed with AD was divided into a 'symptom-AD' group and a 'no symptom-AD' group. The amount, frequency of intake, and nutritional status of soft drinks were analyzed using the FFQ. Results: Compared with the nutrient intake per 1,000 kcal of energy consumption, fat intake was higher in the AD-diagnosed group than in the non-AD group, and carbohydrate, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin A, thiamin, and vitamin C were lower in AD-diagnosed group. The daily intake of soft drinks and the percentage of 'more than 0.5 servings per day' were also higher in the AD-diagnosed group than in the non-AD group. Also, the frequency of the intake of soft drinks was significantly higher in the AD-diagnosed group than in the non-AD group. The odds ratio of AD symptoms due to the intake of soft drinks increased 2.6 times when the intake was 'less than 0.5 serving per day'. Conclusion: AD in adults appears to be related to malnutrition and excessive consumption of soft drinks, and the current prevalence of AD symptoms may also be related to the intake of soft drinks. Based on these results, we suggest that one of the ways to manage AD in adults would be to limit their intake of soft drinks.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1273-1280
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• 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly population, and damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells due to oxidative stress contributes to the development of AMD. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer is one of the most widely used herbal medicines for the treatment of various diseases in Asian countries. Although recent studies indicated that treatment with G. uralensis can protect cells from oxidative stress, its mechanisms in RPE cells remain unknown. We evaluated the effect of a G. uralensis ethanol extract (GU) on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative injury in ARPE-19 RPE cells. The GU pretreatment attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by $H_2O_2$, which was associated with induced expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). GU also suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. The inhibitory effect of GU on $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis was associated with the protection of caspase-3 activation. Overall, GU appeared to protect RPE cells from oxidative injury by inhibiting DNA damage and reducing apoptosis. Further studies are needed to determine the regulation of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression, but our results suggest the possibility of using GU to reduce the risk of AMD.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.126-136
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• 2021

Oxidative stress causes injury to and degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. It is involved in several retinal disorders and leads to vision loss. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 14 kinds of natural compounds and two kinds of synthetic compounds on oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in human PRE cell lines (ARPE-19). From among them, we selected five kinds of compounds, including auranofin, FK-509, hemistepsin A, honokiol, and spermidine, which have inhibitory effects against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, we found that four kinds of compounds (excluding auranofin) have protective effects on H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylation of histone H2AX, a sensitive marker of DNA damage, was markedly up-regulated by H2O2, whereas it was notably down-regulated by FK-506, honokiol, and spermidine treatment. Meanwhile, five kinds of candidate compounds had no effect on H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggesting that the five candidate compounds have protective effects on oxidative stress-induced cellular damage through the ROS-independent pathway. Taken together, according to the results of H2O2-mediated cellular damage―such as cytotoxicity, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage―spermidine and FK-506 are the natural and synthetic compounds with the most protective effects against oxidative stress in RPE. Although further studies on the identification of the mechanism responsible are required, the results of the present study suggest the possibility of using spermidine and FK-506 to suppress the risk of retinal disorders.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.687-694
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• 2020

Two oxidizing agents (KMnO4, H2O2), and one neutralizing agent (NaOH) were applied to evaluate Mn removal in mine drainage. A Mn2+ solution and artificial mine drainage were prepared to identify the Fe2+ influence on Mn2+ removal. The initial concentrations of Mn2+ and Fe2+ were 0.1 mM and 1.0 mM, respectively. The injection amount of oxidizing and neutralizing agents were set to ratios of 0.1, 0.67, 1.0, and 2.0 with respect to the Mn2+ mole concentration. KMnO4 exhibited a higher removal efficiency of Mn2+ than did H2O2 and NaOH, where approximately 90% of Mn2+ was removed by KMnO4. A black MnO2 was precipitated that indicated the oxidation of Mn2+ to Mn4+ after an oxidizing agent was added. In addition, MnO2 (pyrolusite) is a stable precipitate under pH-Eh conditions in the solution. However, relatively low removal ratios (6%) of Mn2+ were observed in the artificial mine drainage that included 1.0 mM of Fe2+. The rapid oxidation tendency of Fe2+ as compared to that of Mn2+ was determined to be the main reason for the low removal ratios of Mn2+. The oxidation of Fe2+ showed a decrease of Fe concentration in solution after injection of the oxidizing and neutralizing agents. In addition, Mn7+ of KMnO4 was reduced to Mn2+ by Fe2+ oxidation. Thus, the concentrations of Mn increased in artificial mine drainage. These results revealed that the oxidation method is more effective than the neutralization method for Mn removal in solution. It should also be mentioned that to achieve the Mn removal in mine drainage, Fe2+ removal must be conducted prior to Mn2+ oxidation.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.468-476
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• 2021

This study examined the effects of a hydrothermal pretreatment (HP) on the nutritional values and in vitro fermentation characteristics of tall fescue and corn silage. This study was conducted through a factorial design of 2 (control or HP) × 2 (hay; tall fescue or silage; corn). For the HP, forage was placed into a glass bottle with 20% w/v of water, and the glass bottle was sealed and heated to reach a temperature of 121℃ (0.12 MPa). The solid residue and liquid were collected and oven-dried at 65℃ for three days. The dried materials were tested for in vitro fermentation at 39℃ for 24 and 48 h. The content of ADF increased significantly regardless of the forage type. After in vitro incubation for 24 h, the total VFA content was significantly lower after HP, regardless of the forage type (p ≤ 0.05), and the propionate concentration was increased in corn silage with HP (p ≤ 0.05). After 48 hours of in vitro incubation, the propionate content increased significantly (p ≤ 0.03) in corn silage with HP (p ≤ 0.05), but the butyrate content decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). There was no change in the in vitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility by HP regardless of the forage type. Therefore, the use of hydrothermally pretreated corn silage could be advantageous for the supply of energy for ruminants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2021

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activities of subfractions of Peucedanum insolens Kitagawa root in various organic solvents and their anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. First, P. insolens Kitagawa roots were dried at room temperature for one week, chopped, and extracted with 70% ethanol. The resulting extracts were successively sub-fractionated with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. The antioxidant potential of the fractions was evaluated using a DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and by measuring total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The anti-inflammatory potency of the fractions was evaluated by measuring the inhibition levels of the expressions of inflammatory-mediated genes and proteins (e.g., iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6) in RAW264.7 cells. The results clearly showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the P. insolens Kitagawa root contained relatively high total flavonoid (34.08±1.68 ㎍ of quercetin equivalents per mg) and total polyphenol (154.1±3.2 ㎍ of gallic acid equivalents per mg) contents. The DPPH assay results showed that the P. insolens Kitagawa root possessed strong free radical scavenging activity in the ethyl acetate fraction. Both the ethyl acetate and hexane fractions showed strong inhibitory potencies to nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide (1 ㎍/ml) treatment for 24 hr in RAW264.7 cells. The results also showed that both the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the P. insolens Kitagawa root strongly inhibited mRNA levels of iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6, which were overexpressed by LPS treatment for 24 hr in the RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that P. insolens Kitagawa root may contain compounds that possess strong potency for anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies are needed to discover more detailed modes of action of P. insolens Kitagawa root fractions against inflammation modulation, such as the regulation of cytokine signaling and inflammatory signaling pathways.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.32
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• pp.53-59
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the difference between the MLC log file-based software (Mobius) and the conventional phantom-ionization chamber (ArcCheck) dose verification method according to the change of target volume. Material and method: Radius 0.25cm, 0.5cm, 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, 8cm, 9cm, 10cm with a Sphere-shaped target Twelve plans were created and dose verification using Mobius and ArcCheck was conducted three times each. The irradiated data were compared and analyzed using the point dose error value and the gamma passing rate (3%/3mm) as evaluation indicators. Result: Mobius point dose error values were -9.87% at a radius of 0.25cm and -4.39% at 0.5cm, and the error value was within 3% at the remaining target volume. The gamma passing rate was 95% at a radius of 9cm and 93.9% at 10cm, and a passing rate of more than 95% was shown in the remaining target volume. In ArcCheck, the average error value of the point dose was about 2% in all target volumes. The gamma passing rate also showed a pass rate of 98% or more in all target volumes. Conclusion: For small targets with a radius of 0.5cm or less or a large target with a radius of 9cm or more, considering the uncertainty of DQA based on MLC log files, phantom-ionized DQA is used in complementary ways to include point dose, gamma index, DVH, and target coverage. It is believed that it is desirable to verify the dose delivery through a comprehensive analysis.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2021

Cephalexin, a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic, has long been used in fish aquaculture in various countries under legal authorization. The drug is thus widely available for use in other aquatic species except fishes like the crustacean whiteleg shrimp. This study aims to develop a sensitive method for laboratory residue studies to adopt in withdrawal period determinations. Through repeated trials from the existing methods developed for other food animal tissues, it was possible to achieve a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. The results showed that at a concentration of 0.1 mg/kg, the recovery rate was 81.79%, and C.V. value was 8.2%, which meet the recovery rate and C.V. recommended by Codex guideline. After satisfactory validation of analytical procedures, applicability to the shrimp tissue was confirmed in experimentally cephalexin-treated whiteleg shrimp. As a result, most muscle samples were detected below the limit of quantification (0.05 mg/kg) after day 3, and most hepatopancreas samples were detected below the limit of quantification after day 14. In particular, the limit of quantification 0.05 ppm with the presently developed method suggests sufficient sensitive over the current legal maximum residue limit of 0.2 mg/kg set for fishes.