• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.647-658
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• 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the seasonal changes of phytoplankton communities based on the environmental changes in a dense oyster farming area (Hansan-Geoje Island) from June to December 2016. The water temperature varied from $14^{\circ}C$ to $28.8^{\circ}C$ and its salinity ranged from 29.4 to 34.2 psu. Nitrate+nitrite was kept at c.a. $3.0{\mu}M$ on the surface layer from June to July, below the concentration limit in August and early September, and then gradually increased from late September. Ammonia was high on July 20 and August 10, and its seasonal characteristics were not clear. Phosphate ranged from 0.01 to $0.7{\mu}M$ on the surface layer, and its seasonal changes were similar to those of nitrate+nitrite. Mean silicate concentrations were $10.7{\mu}M$ on the surface and $15.7{\mu}M$ in the bottom layer, and it was not acted as a limiting factor for the growth of phytoplankton. Among the phytoplankton community, Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae and Cryptophyceae was 61.2%, 22.5%, and 13.6%, respectively. In late June, dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense was dominant in the outer waters(St. T1), later on, Cryptomonas spp. and Chaetoceros spp. were dominant, respectively. From late September to October, diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and Chaetoceros spp. were stimulated under non-stratified condition after the typhoon. In December, A. sanguinea was found to be $1.7{\times}10^5cells\;L^{-1}$. Seasonally, relative high phytoplankton biomass may be favorable to maintain high production of filter feeder oyster in the dense oyster farming areas of Hansan and Geoje Island.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.479-485
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• 2009

Bulnesia sarmienti (BS), a traditional South American herbal medicine native to Gran Chaco, has been used to treat various human ailments. We investigated the cytotoxic activities and the inhibitory effects of BS bark extract(0, 50, 100 and $200\;{\mu}g/\;mL$) on the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), cyclooxygenase (COX) and proinflammatory cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/ml)-stimulated murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. The levels of NO, COX, PGE2 production and proinflammatory cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$) were measured by ELISA kit. Cell viability, as measured by the MTT assay, showed that BS extract had no significant cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells. BS extract significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ and COX production accompanied by an attenuation of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ formation in macrophages. These results suggest that BS extract has potential as an herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.77-93
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• 2000

Field survey on the spatio-temporal distribution of water quality and chlorophyll a concentration, and the environmental factors on the variation of phytoplankton biomass were carried out at the 23 stations for four seasons in the Shiahae, southwestern coast of Korean Peninsula from February to October in 1995. I made an analysis on biological factor as chlorophyll a concentration as well as environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity and nutrients; ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, N/P ratio, silicate and Si/P ratio. The waters in the Shiahae were not stratified due to the tidal mixing and high velocity of tidal current. And the high productivity in photic layer were supported by high nutrients concentration from freshwater on lands and bottom waters The low depth of transparency in the Shiahae had a bad influence upon primary production and marine biology. In Shiahae had a sufficient nutrients for primary production during a year. Especially dissolved inorganic nitrogen and silicate were high, the other side, phosphate was low. The source of nutrients in summer and silicate supply depend on input of freshwater from lands, the other side, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate were depend on rather supplied from bottom layer by the mixing and input of seawater from outside than input of freshwater from lands. Phosphate seemed to become a limiting nutrient for the primary production at all area of Shiahae in winter and at the northern parts in other seasons. However, dissolved inorganic nitrogen seemed to do it at the southern parts in other seasons except winter. Silicate didn't become a limiting nutrient for diatoms in Shiahae. Phytoplankton biomass as measured by chlorophyll a concentration was very high all the year round, it was controlled by the combination of the several environmental factors, especially of nitrogen, phosphorus and the physical factors such as light intensity. [Spatio-temporal distribution, Seasonal fluctuation, Nnutrients, Chlorophyll a, Environmental factors, Nutrient source, Limiting Nutrient, Light, Shiahae] .

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.89-91
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• 2000

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are highly carcinogenic chemicals and common groundwater contaminants that are observed to persist in soils. The adherence and slow release of PAHs in soil is an obstacle to remediation and complicates the assessment of cleanup standards and risks. Biological degradation of PAHs in soil has been an area of active research because biological treatment may be less costly than conventional pumping technologies or excavation and thermal treatment. Biological degradation also offers the advantage to transform PAHs into non-toxic products such as biomass and carbon dioxide. Ample evidence exists for aerobic biodegradation of PAHs and many bacteria capable of degrading PAHs have been isolated and characterized. However, the microbial degradation of PAHs in sediments is impaired due to the anaerobic conditions that result from the typically high oxygen demand of the organic material present in the soil, the low solubility of oxygen in water, and the slow mass transfer of oxygen from overlying water to the soil environment. For these reasons, anaerobic microbial degradation technologies could help alleviate sediment PAH contamination and offer significant advantages for cost-efficient in-situ treatment. But very little is known about the potential for anaerobic degradation of PAHs in field soils. The objectives of this research were to assess: (1) the potential for biodegradation of PAH in field aged soils under denitrification conditions, (2) to assess the potential for biodegradation of naphthalene in soil microcosms under denitrifying conditions, and (3) to assess for the existence of microorganisms in field sediments capable of degrading naphthalene via denitrification. Two kinds of soils were used in this research: Harbor Point sediment (HPS-2) and Milwaukee Harbor sediment (MHS). Results presented in this seminar indicate possible degradation of PAHs in soil under denitrifying conditions. During the two months of anaerobic degradation, total PAH removal was modest probably due to both the low availability of the PAHs and competition with other more easily degradable sources of carbon in the sediments. For both Harbor Point sediment (HPS-2) and Milwaukee Harbor sediment (MHS), PAH reduction was confined to 3- and 4-ring PAHs. Comparing PAH reductions during two months of aerobic and anaerobic biotreatment of MHS, it was found that extent of PAHreduction for anaerobic treatment was compatible with that for aerobic treatment. Interestingly, removal of PAHs from sediment particle classes (by size and density) followed similar trends for aerobic and anaerobic treatment of MHS. The majority of the PAHs removed during biotreatment came from the clay/silt fraction. In an earlier study it was shown that PAHs associated with the clay/silt fraction in MHS were more available than PAHs associated with coal-derived fraction. Therefore, although total PAH reductions were small, the removal of PAHs from the more easily available sediment fraction (clay/silt) may result in a significant environmental benefit owing to a reduction in total PAH bioavailability. By using naphthalene as a model PAH compound, biodegradation of naphthalene under denitrifying condition was assessed in microcosms containing MHS. Naphthalene spiked into MHS was degraded below detection limit within 20 days with the accompanying reduction of nitrate. With repeated addition of naphthalene and nitrate, naphthalene degradation under nitrate reducing conditions was stable over one month. Nitrite, one of the intermediates of denitrification was detected during the incubation. Also the denitrification activity of the enrichment culture from MHS slurries was verified by monitoring the production of nitrogen gas in solid fluorescence denitrification medium. Microorganisms capable of degrading naphthalene via denitrification were isolated from this enrichment culture.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.127-131
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• 2017

Objectives: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) constitute the first line of defense against invading microbial pathogens. Early events in inflammation involve the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of injury or damage where changes in intracellular calcium can cause the activation of pro-inflammatory mediators from neutrophils including superoxide generation, degranulation and release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), productions of interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and adhesion to the vascular endothelium. To address the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, in the present study, we investigated the effects of the flavonoids quercetin and vitexin on the stimulus-induced nitric oxide (NO), $TNF-{\alpha}$, and MPO productions in human neutrophils. Methods: Human peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated, and their viabilities were determined by using the Trypan Blue exclusion test. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) preparations contained more than 98% neutrophils as determined by morphological examination with Giemsa staining. The viabilities of cultured neutrophils with various concentrations of quercetin and vitexin ($1-100{\mu}M$) were studied using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Neutrophils were cultured in complete Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, pre-incubated with or without quercetin and vitexin ($25{\mu}M$) for 45 min, and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) ($10^{-7}M$). NO production was carried out through nitrite determination by using the Griess method. Also, the $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the MPO productions were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and MPO assay kits. Results: Neutrophil viability was not affected up to a concentration of $100{\mu}M$ of quercetin or vitexin. Both quercetin and vitexin significantly inhibited $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO, and MPO productions in human neutrophils (P < 0.001). Conclusion:The present study showed that both quercetin and vitexin had significant anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, treatment with either quercetin or vitexin may be considered as a therapeutic strategy for treating patients with neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2002

The fractions obtained from the mycelia and their culture broth of Agrocybe cylindracea and Phellinus igniarius were tested for the antioxidation activities. In electron donating ability test, strong activities more than 70% were observed in ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of A. cylindracea mycelium, butanol fraction of A. cylindracea culture broth, diethyl ether fraction of P. igniarius mycelium, and diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions of P. igniarius culture broth. Lipid peroxidation inhibition was observed in diethyl ether, butanol and water fractions of A. cylindracea mycelium, and water fraction of A. cylindracea induced the decrease in uric acid production. Activities of $50{\sim}60\;%$ of nitrite scavenging ability were observed in diethyl ether fraction of A. cylindracea mycelium, ethyl acetate and water fractions of A. cylindracea culture broth, diethyl ether fraction of P. igniarius mycelium, and diethyl ether, chloroform, butanol and water fractions of P. igniarius culture broth. In melanin biosynthesis inhibition activity measurement, water fraction of A. cylindracea mycelium and butanol fraction of P. igniarius mycelium showed twice higher activities than control. From these results, the fungi of P. igniarius and A. cylindracea had strong antioxidant activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.3-10
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• 2000

The main purpose of this study were to estimate the benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from the sediment and denitrification rates in tidal flats of the Keum river estuary. Sediment specimens were collected by a core sampler from three stations along the Keum river estuary in April, August and December, 1999. The sediments were composed of 1.18 %, 29.34 % and 69.49 % of gravel and sand, sand and silt, respectively. The mean ignition loss of the sediment was found 6.7 % and its Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) was measured -12 mV. The total hydrogen sulfides was determined about 0.26 mg/gㆍdry. The estimated outflux of ammonium was found 11.2 m mole N/m²ㆍday from the sediment, whereas -1.09 m mole N/m²ㆍday of influx was obtained for nitrate and nitrite through the incubation experiment of sediment cores. Total DIN flux was 10.2 m mole N/m²ㆍday outflux from the sediment. From the incubation experiments executed with the flux studies, mean denitrification rate was found 30.6 m mole N₂/m²ㆍday measured by the direct assay of N₂ production technique. On the basis that DIN flux and denitrification rate in sediment of tidal flat of the Keum river estuary are may be effects to control the algal biomass in the coastal environment, it seems inevitable to pay more attention to investigate the flux of DIN and denitrification rate in tidal flat of the Keum river estuary.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.788-794
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• 2013

Mastitis set apart as clinical and sub clinical is a disease complex of dairy cattle, with sub clinical being the most important economically. Of late, laboratories showed interest in developing biochemical markers to diagnose sub clinical mastitis (SCM) in herds. Many workers reported noteworthy alternation of acute phase proteins (APPs) and nitric oxide, (measured as nitrate+nitrite = NOx) in milk due to intra-mammary inflammation. But, the literature on validation of these parameters as indicators of SCM, particularly in riverine milch buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk is inadequate. Hence, the present study focused on comparing several APPs viz. ${\alpha}_1$-anti trypsin, ${\alpha}_1$-acid glycoprotein, fibrinogen and NOx as indicators of SCM in buffalo milk. These components in milk were estimated using standardized analytical protocols. Somatic cell count (SCC) was done microscopically. Microbial culture was done on 5% ovine blood agar. Of the 776 buffaloes (3,096 quarters) sampled, only 347 buffaloes comprising 496 quarters were found positive for SCM i.e. milk culture showed growth in blood agar with $SCC{\geq}2{\times}10^5$ cells/ml of milk. The cultural examination revealed Gram positive bacteria as the most prevalent etiological agent. It was observed that ${\alpha}_1$-anti trypsin and NOx had a highly significant (p<0.01) increase in SCM milk, whereas, the increase of ${\alpha}_1$-acid glycoprotein in infected milk was significant (p<0.05). Fibrinogen was below detection level in both healthy and SCM milk. The percent sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated taking bacterial culture examination and $SCC{\geq}2{\times}10^5$ cells/ml of milk as the benchmark. Udder profile correlation coefficient was also used. Allowing for statistical and epidemiological analysis, it was concluded that ${\alpha}_1$-anti trypsin indicates SCM irrespective of etiology, whereas ${\alpha}_1$-acid glycoprotein better diagnosed SCM caused by gram positive bacteria. NOx did not prove to be a good indicator of SCM. It is recommended measuring both ${\alpha}_1$-anti trypsin and ${\alpha}_1$-acid glycoprotein in milk to diagnose SCM in buffalo irrespective of etiology.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.574-581
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• 2016

Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) is an edible halophyte that grows in salt marshes. In the present study, anti- and pro-oxidant activities and cytotoxic properties of glasswort were investigated. Solvent fractions, including fractions of hexane, ethylether (Fr.E), ethylacetate (Fr.EA), butanol and water, were prepared from a 70% methanol extract of glasswort aerial parts. Fr.EA contained the highest levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids, showing the strongest scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals, and nitrite. In addition Fr.EA showed the most potent cytotoxic effects on HCT-116 colon cancer cells and INT-407 normal intestinal cells, followed by Fr.E. Most fractions also decreased the level of reactive oxygen species in the treated cells, but generated $H_2O_2$ in the medium. The cytotoxic activity of Fr.EA was more pronounced in the presence of ascorbic acid or N-acetylcysteine. These results indicate that the fractions from aerial parts of glasswort exhibit both anti- and pro-oxidant activities, and these activities modulate cytotoxic properties.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2008

Sufficient inorganic nitrogen supply for crop growth is crucial for economically sustainable organic farming. The effects of an application of cover crop biomass on crop growth, nitrogen utilization and carbohydrate composition were investigated during early stage. Short-term changes in soil nitrogen after incorporating fresh hairy vetch and rye shoots were measured. The inorganic nitrogen from cover crops reached the peak at 15 ($NH_4-N$) and 24 ($NO_3-N$) days after incorporation, and then decreased rapidly. The highest concentration of soil nitrate showed at 27 days of incorporation in hairy vetch and at 18 days in rye, and three fold differences exhibited between two treatments. Crop growth under hairy vetch or rye incorporation significantly differed. At 20 DAT, dry matter production in NPK and hairy vetch was about two fold greater than that in rye. Difference in decomposing rates of hairy vetch and rye had also influence on nitrogen status in leaves and roots of pepper plants. Total nitrogen was greater in NPK and hairy vetch than in rye until 20 DAT, whereas inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite) concentration was higher in rye. Temporal changes in soluble sugars and starch in pepper plants among treatments were similar, although difference in the amount existed. It was suggested that hairy vetch as an alternative nitrogen source promoted crop growth and mineral utilization during early growth stage, whereas an obvious effect in rye was not found.