• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.45-51
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was conducted to measure the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of water- and ethanol-extracts from Betula platyphylla var. japonica, Punica granatum and Rhus javanica against various species of anaerobic bacteria. Methods : In order to evaluate the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of water- and ethanol-extracts, DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities were measured in various species such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Propionibacterium acnes that induce skin inflammation. Also the total amount of phenol in each water- and ethanol-extract was measured to identify its role in the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of water- and ethanol-extracts from Betula platyphylla var. japonica, Punica granatum and Rhus javanica. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was measured by confirming the lowest concentrations in disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. Results : It was observed that RJE (Rhus javanica-EtOH extracts) show the highest content of total phenol. In addition, for RJE the total phenol content was higher from samples taken from domestic sources than from samples taken from foreign sources. DPPH radical scavenging activity was increased by treatment with PGE (Punica granatum-EtOH extracts), RJE and RJW (Rhus javanica-water extracts). It was observed that SOD-like activity was highest in the treatment with PGE. All of the extracts showed antimicrobial activity on S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. acnes and E. coli, including those from Punica granatum, and it was noted that the activity was higher with RJE than with RJW. Conclusions : These results provide evidence that ethanol extracts of Punica granatum and Rhus javanica may have a beneficial role as antioxidants and antibiotics. Extracts from domestic samples of Betula platyphylla var japonica appeared to have a greater efficacy than extracts from foreign samples.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.344-350
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• 2023

Background: 4-carvomenthenol[4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-ol] is a main component of Origanum vulgare L., Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC., and other plants. It has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, it is necessary to conduct a toxicity test on 4-carvomenthenol to ensure its safety. Methods: This study included 5-week-old Institute of Cancer Research mice that were categorized into 3 treatment groups (12, 25, and 50 mg/kg 4-carvomenthenol dose levels) and a control group (10% dimethyl sulfoxide, 40% polyethylene glycol 300, 5% Tween 80, and 45% normal saline injection of the final volume), with 5 male mice and 5 female mice per group. All groups were observed for clinical symptoms and body weight in a period of 14 days and were subjected to gross necropsy after euthanasia. Results: No deaths were recorded. No test substance-related clinical signs in the female mice of the 12 mg/kg dose group were observed. Abnormal gait was observed in 1 male from day 1 to day 3 in the 12 mg/kg dose group; 1-3 males from day 1 to day 7 and 1-5 females from day 1 to day 15 in the 25 mg/kg dose group; and 2-5 males and 2-5 females from day 1 to day 15 in the 50 mg/kg dose group. No test substance-related effect on the body weight and necropsy findings was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the lethal dose of 4-carvomenthenol could be greater than 50 mg/kg. However, further research is needed, especially repeated-dose toxicity studies, to confirm the efficacy and safety of 4-carvomenthenol.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.69-78
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• 2023

This investigation delves into the adverse repercussions stemming from the impact of arsenic on steel pipes concealed within soil designated for rice cultivation. Simultaneously, the study aims to ascertain effective techniques for detecting arsenic in the soil and to provide strategies for mitigating the corrosion of steel pipes. The realm of nanotechnology presents promising avenues for addressing the intricate intersection of renewable energy, oil, and environmental pollution from a novel perspective. Nanostructured materials, characterized by distinct chemical and physical attributes, unveil novel pathways for pioneering materials that exert a substantial impact across diverse realms of food production, storage, packaging, and quality control. Within the scope of the food industry, the scope of nanotechnology encompasses processes, storage methodologies, packaging paradigms, and safeguards to ensure the safety of consumables. Of particular note, silver nanoparticles, in addition to their commendable antibacterial efficacy, boast anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory prowess, environmental compatibility, minimal irritability and allergenicity, resilience to microbial antagonism, thermal stability, and robustness. Confronting the pressing issue of arsenic contamination within both environmental settings and the food supply is of paramount importance to preserve public health and ecological equilibrium. In response, this study introduces detection kits predicated upon silver nanoparticles, providing an expeditious and economically feasible avenue for identifying arsenic concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3 ppm within rice. Subsequent quantification employs Hydride Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (HG-AAS), which features a detection threshold of 0.05 ㎍/l. A salient advantage inherent in the HG-AAS methodology lies in its capacity to segregate analytes from the sample matrix, thereby significantly reducing instances of spectral interference. Importantly, the presence of arsenic in the soil beneath rice cultivation establishes a causative link to steel pipe corrosion, with potential consequences extending to food contamination-an intricate facet embedded within the broader tapestry of renewable energy, oil, and environmental pollution.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.133-138
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• 2024

This study is a report on combinational effects between four sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) leaves, and oxytetracycline (OTC) or amoxicillin (AMX) against four fish pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio anguillarum, V. harveyi, Edwardsiella tarda, and Streptococcus iniae. Individually, four SLs exerted little antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria. However, when combined with OTC or AMX, they showed synergistic interaction against pathogenic bacteria. Especailly, zaluzanin C (1) reduced the MIC of OTC (or AMX) eight-fold. Our results showed that combinations of SLs with antibiotics (ABTs) are more effective than ABTs alone to control pathogenic bacteria. The highest synergistic effect was observed when zaluzanin C (1) was combined with OTC or AMX against V. harvey or S. iniae, displaying significant reductions of MICs up to 8-fold (0.125 to 0.015 ㎍/mL and 0.0078 to 0.0009 ㎍/mL). In addition, zaluzanin C (1) improved the antibiotic potency of OTC against OTC resistant V. harveyi (250 ㎍/mL to 62.5 ㎍/mL). Synergism between ABTs and phytochemical such as SLs could be a therapeutically helpful concept to improve the efficacy of ABTs and prevent antibiotic resistance. These results suggest that SLs can be used as an alternative to reduce antibiotic resistance in aquaculture.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.140-148
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• 2024

This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of sodium iodide-based root filling materials, particularly solubility. In earlier developmental stages, the iodoform-containing paste exhibited high antibacterial efficacy but failed to meet only the solubility requirement among the ISO 6876 criteria. Therefore, this study focused on enhancing the physicochemical properties of the paste under development, particularly centering on reducing its solubility. Four experimental groups were established, including three control group. The previously developed D30 paste was named the Oil 33 group, and the control group was named the Vitapex^® group. The Oil 50 group, in which the oil content was increased, and the Oil 45L group, in which lanolin was incorporated. The physical properties (solubility, pH, flowability, and film thickness) of the four pastes were evaluated according to the ISO 6876 standards. No significant differences were observed between the Oil 45L and Vitapex^® groups in any of the physical property evaluations. While the Oil 33 and Oil 50 groups met the ISO 6876 standards for flowability and film thickness, the Oil 45L group met all the physical properties. However, reducing the overall oil content may be necessary to enhance the antimicrobial properties. The result of the physicochemical experiments showed that the Oil 45L group with the newly formulated composition and incorporated lanolin exhibited low solubility meeting the ISO 6876 standard of ≤ 3%. We were able to develop a paste with more stable solubility than previous iodide-based root-filling materials. Therefore, the oil content must be further adjusted to improve its antimicrobial properties. If other physical properties also meet the ISO 6876 standards and demonstrate excellent results in cytotoxicity tests, this root filling material could potentially replace existing options.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2024

Dendritic cells play a very important role in the immune response as antigen-presenting cells that are critical for initiating both innate and acquired immunity. They recognize, process and present foreign antigens to other key immune cells to trigger and regulate the immune response. The ability to activate these dendritic cells can be used as a treatment for various immune diseases. Maqui berry has been reported to have anticancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effect on the activity of dendritic cells has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of maqui berry extract in modulating dendritic cell activity. Treatment of dendritic cells with maqui berry extract induced the costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, and MHC class I and II in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells was inhibited, which confirms their ability to present antigens, and the production of Interleukin (IL)-12, which is important for dendritic cell activity, was increased. These results indicated that Maqui berry extract activates dendritic cells maturation by inducing the production of co-stimulatory molecules and IL-12. These results suggest that maqui berry extract may act as an effective adjuvant to enhance dendritic cell-based immune responses.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.279-288
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• 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of anti-acne cosmetics containing lactonic hydroxy acid, specifically gluconodeltalactone (GDL), in improving acne skin treatment. In sebaceous cells induced by linoleic acid, GDL at concentrations of 1.0 mg/mL or higher demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of lipid synthesis. Antibacterial activity of GDL against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) was confirmed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Based on these in vitro results, a clinical test was conducted involving 65 participants to evaluate the effects of a anti-acne cosmetic formulation containing 3% GDL over an eight-week period. The results indicated a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both inflammatory acne lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) and non-inflammatory lesions (comedones) from as early as two weeks of application, without any reported skin irritation. The results confirm that cosmetics with GDL can be used effectively and safely without long-term skin irritation, even for consumers with sensitive acne-prone skin.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.537-544
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• 2008

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect bacteria more rapidly than conventional plate counting. However DNA-based assays cannot distinguish between viable and dead cells due to persistence of DNA after cells have lost their vitality. Recently, propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment has been introduced. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the PMA treatment and real-time PCR method for cell counting in comparison with plate counting and to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of 2% CHX on E. faecalis using PMA treatment in combination with real-time PCR. Firstly, to elucidate the relationship between the proportion of viable cells and the real-time PCR signals after PMA treatment, mixtures with different ratios of viable and dead cells were used. Secondly, relative difference of viable cells using PMA treatment in combination with real-time PCR was compared with CFU by plate counting. Lastly, antibacterial efficacy of 2% CHX on E. faecalis was measured using PMA treatment in combination with real-time PCR. The results were as follows : 1. Ct value increased with decreasing proportion of viable E. faecalis. 2. There was correlation between viable cells measured by real-time PCR after PMA treatment and CFU by plate counting until Optical density (OD) value remains under 1.0. However, viable cells measured by real-time PCR after PMA treatment have decreased at 1.5 of OD value while CFU kept increasing. 3. Relative difference of viable E. faecalis decreased more after longer application of 2% CHX.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.114-121
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• 2019

In this study, antioxidative, antibacterial and cytoprotective effects of the ethanol extract and ethylacetate fraction of Lycopus lucidus (L. lucidus) were compared and analyzed. Free radical scavenging activities ($FSC_{50}$) of the L. lucidus extract and fraction were found to be 65.1 and $64.9{\mu}g/mL$ respectively. In the $Fe^{3+}-EDTA/H_2O_2$ system, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities ($OSC_{50}$) for the extract and fraction were 6.6 and $6.3{\mu}g/mL$, respectively which showed excellent total antioxidant abilities. The extract showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, while the fraction showed in all the bacteria except for A. niger. The cytoprotective effect of L. lucidus extract was compared to that of the fraction and the effect against $^1O_2$-induced cellular damage of human erythrocytes (${\tau}_{50}$) was 51.3 and 73.7 min at $50{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. For the cytoprotective effect of keratinocytes damaged by $H_2O_2$ and UVB, the extracts did not show any efficacy but showed efficacy at $1-2{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The fraction increased the cell viability up to 85.8 and 81.9%, respectively. As a result of intracellular ROS scavenging activity, the scavenging activity was observed at $1-2{\mu}g/mL$ of the fraction. From the results comparing the physiological activities of L. lucidus extract and the fraction, the ethylacetate fraction of L. lucidus has antioxidative effect similar to that of the extract whereas superior antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects than that of the extract. Overall, the ethylacetate fraction of L. lucidus protects cells from an external stress which can be used as a potential cosmetic material.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.904-911
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• 2012

Yacon has been used in folk medicines as a medicinal tea for hypoglycemia treatment. In a recent study described herein, antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal activities, and cell-protective functions of yacon leaves have been reported. To evaluate the effects on fibrosis on pancreatitis, the efficacy of 1% of yacon extract (YE) on dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) (8 mg/kg)-induced pancreatitis in rats was examined. On the 21st day after the DBTC treatment, a large increase in collagen was observed in the pancreas in the DBTC-treatment group (DT). But this was noticeably decreased with YE. In relation to the expression of COX-2, there was no response or a very weak response in the pancreas of the control group (CON). However, in DT, strong expression of COX-2 was observed in the pancreas on the 14th day, and COX-2 was present in inflammatory cells in the pancreas of the DT, especially on the 21st day. The expression was decreased for YE compared with DT. A remarkable increase in TGF-${\beta}1$ expression was observed in inflammatory cells in the pancreas in DT on the 21st day, whereas the expression was not found in YE after 21 days. However, on the 21th day, TGF-${\beta}1$ expression was increased in acinar cells of YE compared with DT. VEGF expression was very similar to the expression of in the pancreas. These results suggest that YE has an inhibitory effect on DBTC-induced pancreatic fibrosis.