• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.345-353
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• 2021

This study examined the effects of social capital on psychological identity and practical wellbeing for the Korean baby boom generation. To achieve this, an empirical survey was carried out on baby boomers who use elderly welfare centers and cultural centers living in D City. The overall research results showed that trust (t=6.893, p<.05), participation (t=5.157, p<.05), network (t=8.093, p<.05), and norm and reciprocity (t=4.787, p<.05), as sub-factors of social capital for baby boomers, had a significant effect on their practical wellbeing. Psychological identity was moderated (t=2.023, p<.05) in the effect of trust on practical wellbeing, adopting the hypothesis. This means that the social ties and the strong trust relationship between family members and relatives, which built up amid rapid economic growth, work with positive expectations of social capital and have a major effect on practical wellbeing. Moreover, practical welling also rated high, along with the high trust relationship and psychological identity. Consequently, various exchange programs and group and volunteer activity programs for baby boomers should be established to decrease their psychological identity due to the loss of social roles. Moreover, the decline of activities at a time of retirement can slow practical wellbeing.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.134-148
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• 2021

Background: Lung cancer has a high incidence worldwide, and most lung cancer-associated deaths are attributable to cancer metastasis. Although several medicinal properties of Panax ginseng Meyer have been reported, the effect of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and self-renewal in A549 cells is relatively unknown. Methods: We treated TGF-β1 or alternatively Rk1 and Rg5 in A549 cells. We used western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assay, and anoikis assays to determine the effect of Rk1 and Rg5 on TGF-mediated EMT in lung cancer cell. In addition, we performed tumorsphere formation assays and real-time PCR to evaluate the stem-like properties. Results: EMT is induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells causing the development of cancer stem-like features. Expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, decreased and an increase in vimentin expression was noted. Cell mobility, invasiveness, and anoikis resistance were enhanced with TGF-β1 treatment. In addition, the expression of stem cell markers, CD44, and CD133, was also increased. Treatment with Rk1 and Rg5 suppressed EMT by TGF-β1 and the development of stemness in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Rk1 and Rg5 markedly suppressed TGF-β1-induced metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP2/9) activity, and activation of Smad2/3 and nuclear factor kappa B/extra-cellular signal regulated kinases (NF-kB/ERK) pathways in lung cancer cells. Conclusions: Rk1 and Rg5 regulate the EMT inducing TGF-β1 by suppressing the Smad and NF-κB/ERK pathways (non-Smad pathway).

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.981-995
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• 2021

This study investigated the differences in sociodemographic variables, alcoholism recovery, quality of life, empowerment and self-esteem based on different abstinence periods of alcohol use disorder. The study population from seven different regions in nationwide were 207 individuals with alcohol use disorder who had been abstinent. According to previous studies, 207 individuals were classified into different abstinence periods: less than one year, more than one to five years, and more than five years. As a result, the sociodemographic variables affecting differences in groups were gender, age, marital status, and economic activity. In addition, the group that maintained abstinence from alcohol for more than one year showed significant differences in alcoholism recovery, quality of life, empowerment, and self-esteem than those that maintained abstinence from alcohol for less than one year. Regardless of abstinence periods, alcoholism recovery, quality of life, empowerment, and self-esteem showed significant positive correlations. Therefore, the results of this study identified the factors influencing long-term abstinence and effects and suggested the need for alcohol-dependent recovery programs or therapeutic interventions for individuals who abstained from alcohol use.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.603-617
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of amaranth seed extracts on glycemic regulation in HepG2 cells. The 80% ethanol extracts of amaranth seeds were used to evaluate α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, cell viability, glucose uptake and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), glucose transporter (GLUT)-2, GLUT-4, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2. Methods: The samples were prepared and divided into 4 groups, including germinated black amaranth (GBA), black amaranth (BA), germinated yellow amaranth (GYA) and yellow amaranth (YA). Glucose hydrolytic enzyme, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were examined using a proper protocol. In addition, cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Glucose uptake in cells was measured using an assay kit. The mRNA expression levels of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1 and IRS-2 were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The inhibitory activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were highly observed in GBA, followed by BA, GYA and YA. Similar results were observed for glucose. The GBA effect was similar compared to the positive control group. The mRNA expression levels of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and IRS-2 were significantly increased. The potential hypoglycemic effects of amaranth seed extracts were observed due to the increase in glucose metabolic enzyme activity, and glucose uptake was mediated through the upregulation of ACC, GLUT-2, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and IRS-2 expression levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the amaranth seed is a potential candidate to prevent a diabetes. The present study demonstrated the possibility of using amaranth seeds, especially GBA and BA for glycemic control.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.631-643
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• 2021

Purpose: Frailty is a clinical syndrome in older adults, and adequate nutrition is a modifiable factor in preventing the condition. The current study aims to investigate the association between frailty and dietary intake in the Korean elderly. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from the 2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1,268 subjects (535 men and 733 women) aged 65 years or older. Frailty was defined as having more than three of the following 5 modified Fried frailty phenotype criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, walking difficulties, weakness, and low physical activity. Dietary intake was assessed by applying the one-day 24-hour dietary recall. The association between frailty and dietary intakes were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results: Totally, 9.7% men and 21.9% women were classified as the frail group. Increasing levels of frailty were proportional to a decreased mean nutrient adequacy ratio in both genders. Moreover, the total food intake was significantly low in the frail elderly. In male subjects, multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting covariates showed that the odds ratio (OR) of frailty in the highest tertile of the consumption of fruits (OR [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.34 [0.13-0.93], p-trend = 0.021) were significantly lower than values obtained in the lowest tertile. In females, the highest tertile of fish and shellfish intake showed a significantly lower OR for frailty (OR [95% CI] = 0.55 [0.30-0.99], p-trend = 0.045), as compared with the lowest tertile. Conclusion: The present study indicates that high intake of fruits for men, and fish and shellfish for women, are probably linked with lowering the risk of frailty in the elderly.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2022

Background: Since people move through microenvironments rather than staying in one place, they may be exposed to both indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure level of each sub-population group and evaluate the contribution rate of the major microenvironments. Methods: Exposure scenarios for sub-population groups were constructed on the basis of a 2019 Time-Use survey and the previous literature. A total of five population groups were classified and researchers wearing MicroPEM simulated monitoring PM_2.5 exposure concentrations in real-time over three days. The exposure contribution for each microenvironment were evaluated by multiplying the inhalation rate and the PM_2.5 exposure concentration levels. Results: Mean PM_2.5 concentrations were 33.0 ㎍/m³ and 22.5 ㎍/m³ in Guro-gu and Wonju, respectively. When the exposure was calculated considering each inhalation rate and concentration, the home showed the highest exposure contribution rate for PM_2.5. As for preschool children, it was 90.8% in Guro-gu, 94.1% in Wonju. For students it was 65.3% and 67.3%. For housewives it was 98.2% and 95.8%, and 59.5% and 91.7% for office workers. Both regions had higher exposure to PM_2.5 among the elderly compared to other populations, and their PM_2.5 exposure contribution rates were 98.3% and 94.1% at home for Guro-gu and Wonju, respectively. Conclusions: The exposure contribution rate could be dependent on time spent in microenvironments. Notably, the contribution rate of exposure to PM_2.5 at home was the highest because most people spend the longest time at home. Therefore, microenvironments such as home with a higher contribution rate of exposure to PM_2.5 could be managed to upgrade public health.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2021

In this study, we analyzed the cosmetic applicability of extract from snow tea, native to Lijiang, Yunnan-province, China. After confirming the species as N. grossedentata through DNA analysis of Lijiang snow tea, experiments were conducted using representative tea, green tea, and a representative control group for each efficacy analysis. Both teas were extracted using 70% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution. The polyphenol content in the Lijiang snow tea extract (gallic acid equivalent, 23.9 ± 3.2 mg/mL) was higher than that in green tea extract (16.4 ± 2.3 mg/mL). In contrast, the antioxidant (Radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 104 ㎍/mL), tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory (whitening agent, IC₅₀ 40.7 ㎍/mL), and Escherichia coli growth inhibitory (preservative) activities (IC₅₀ 2.85 mg/mL) were analyzed based on the solid content in the extract, and it was confirmed that the activities of Lijiang snow tea extract were superior to those of green tea extract (radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 234 ㎍/mL. It also showed similar efficacy to previously used active substances such as antioxidants (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 108 ㎍/mL), whitening agents (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 80㎍/mL), and preservatives (methylparaben, IC₅₀ 4.35 mg/mL). However, green tea was found to be better in collagenase inhibition activity (anti-wrinkle). Through this study, the cosmetic application potential of Lijiang snow tea is high.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.91-102
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• 2022

Sinsu Island in Korea National Marine Park is suitable for geological learning and geotourism as various geological structures, geological activities, and fossils can be observed. In this study, eight geosites were developed by analyzing 2015 revision science curriculum. The 3D panoramic geological virtual field trips were developed according to the three-step outdoor learning model. The 3D panoramic geological virtual field trips, which consist of 8 classes, are composed of cooperative learning by group, enabling autonomous inquiry activities. It is designed to realize convergence education that can learn not only geology but also creativity and humanity through nodular Limestones, exfoliation, salt weathering, perforated shell holes, sedimentary structures and environments, dinosaurs habitats, and volcanic activity. Five experts revised and supplemented the Delphi analysis method to verify the validity of the development purpose and direction. The satisfaction with the geological field for Sinsu Island course was 4.52, indicating that the overall satisfaction with the field course was high. By reflecting on the opinions of each student and reinforcing safety education, we completed the 3D panoramic geological virtual field trips for Sinsu Island. The 3D panoramic geological virtual field trips in Sinsu Island in Korea National Marine Park will be a good example of geology learning tourism where you can make memories and enjoy while studying geology.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 2022

This study investigated the immunostimulatory effect of enzymatic porcine placental hydrolyzate (EPPH) in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated rats. This effect of EPPH prevented Cy-induced decreases in body, spleen, and thymus weights and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The numbers of immune cells, such as white blood cells, granulocytes, and lymphocytes, and mid-range absolute counts were significantly higher compared to the control group. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-12, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were notably reduced by Cy, while EPPH prevented these effects. Histopathological analysis of spleen samples revealed the protective effect of EPPH against Cy-induced immunosuppression. The findings demonstrate that EPPH can alleviate immunosuppression by cell viability, tissue damage, and regulation of the levels of cytokines. EPPH may have value as a component of immunostimulatory agents or an ingredient in functional foods.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.523-531
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities in ethanol extracts from herb mixture (Ephedra sinica, Atractylodes lance, Gypsum fibrosum, and Theobroma cacao). DPPH, ABTS⁺ radical and xanthine oxidase scavenging activities were measured for antioxidant activity. Extracts of the herb mixture had 75.0, 100.8, and 79.5% scavenging activities at 1,000 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. We investigated the inhibition of adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation with an extract of an herb mixture in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. An extract from the herb mixture at concentrations between 0 and 50 ㎍/ml did not affect 3T3-L1 cell viability. Treatment with herb mixture extracts of 25, 50, and 75 ㎍/ml in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibited lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. As a result of a Western blot experiment, it was shown that the herb mixture inhibited the differentiation transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPa, by 44.2 and 77.6%, respectively, at a concentration of 75 ㎍/ml in MDI-induced differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. As a result of RT-PCR, the gene expression of C/EBPa, SREBP-1c, and PPARγ was significantly inhibited by 43.4%, 59.6%, and 55.3%, respectively, at the concentration of 75 ㎍/ml of the herb mixture compared with the MDI-treated group. In addition, the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a fatty acid synthesis regulator, was suppressed. These results can be applied to develop a functional food for anti-obesity with a herb mixture.