• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.113-113
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• 2022

Salinity in surface waters is increasing around the world. Many factors, including increased water extraction, poor irrigation management, and sea-level rise, contribute to this change, and posing a threat to plant development and agricultural production. Seeds exposed to high salinity, have a lower probability of germinating and various physiological and biochemical effects. Salinity stress affects more than 20% of agricultural land and about 50% of irrigated land. In the current study, our objective is to identify the salt-tolerant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Korean genotypes under salinity stress. Thus, two-week-old 19 diverse peanut Korean genotypes were exposed to 10 days of salinity (150 mM NaCl) stress. Based on the growth attributes investigation, Baekjung and Ahwon genotypes showed significantly higher shoot lengths compared to control plants. Whereas, the Sinpalwang genotype exhibited a significantly positive response for plant growth and reduced wilting symptoms compared to other genotypes. This study was able to find out peanut tolerant and sensitive genotypes for salt stress. These results may provide a good template for further salt-tolerant peanut cultivar improvement programs. Identified diverse salt-responsive genotypes can be utilized as source material in Korean breeding schemes for peanut crop improvement for salt and other abiotic stress tolerance.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.303-308
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• 2023

Background: Occupational workers at altitudes are more prone to falls, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Acrophobia, height-related anxiety, and affected executive functions lead to postural instabilities, causing falls. This study investigated the effects of repeated virtual height exposure and training on cognitive processing and height-related anxiety. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (age 20.48 ± 1.26 years; mass 69.52 ± 13.78 kg) were recruited and tested in seven virtual environments (VE) [ground (G), 2-story altitude (A1), 2-story edge (E1), 4-story altitude (A2), 4-story edge (E2), 6-story altitude (A3), and 6-story edge (E3)] over three days. At each VE, participants identified occupational hazards present in the VE and completed an Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire (ATHQ) and a modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire (mSTAIQ). The number of hazards identified and the ATHQ and mSTAIQ scores were analyzed using a 7 (VE; G, A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, E3) x 3 (DAY; DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3) factorial repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The participants identified the lowest number of hazards at A3 and E3 VEs and on DAY 1 compared to other VEs and DAYs. ATHQ scores were lowest at G, A1, and E1 VEs. Conclusion: Cognitive processing is negatively affected by virtual altitudes, while it improves with short-term training. The features of virtual reality, such as higher involvement, engagement, and reliability, make it a better training tool to be considered in ergonomic settings. The findings of this study will provide insights into cognitive dual-tasking at altitude and its challenges, which will aid in minimizing occupational falls.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.165-171
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• 2023

COVID-19 infection heightens the risk of thromboembolism. To see the similarities between the COVID-19 infection and Taeyang blood retention pattern, we conducted a PubMed search using specific terms related to blood circulation issues in the context of COVID-19, summarizing findings from 13 cases and 4 observational studies involving actual patients. Patients with COVID-19 are at risk of blood coagulation due to factors such as viral-induced cytokine storms, vascular endothelial dysfunction, reduced mobility in bedridden or isolated individuals, and resulting constipation. Additionally, cytokine storms and severe inflammation can lead to delirium in COVID-19 patients. The Taeyang blood retention pattern manifests as symptoms arising from delirium and an increased blood coagulation tendency in patients with a robust immune response. According to the Sanghan theory, certain herbal treatments can alleviate symptoms in patients with a tight lower abdomen who do not experience urinary issues. Studies show that components like Persicae Semen and Rhei Redix et Rhizoma in these prescriptions enhance blood circulation and reduce hypercoagulability. Additionally, these treatments aim to promote blood flow by relieving abdominal pressure through facilitating bowel movements. The excessive inflammation and heightened blood coagulation tendency in COVID-19 resemble the Taeyang blood retention pattern, although they are caused by different pathogens. Reinterpreting classical oriental medicine's principles in a modern context may enhance our understanding of traditional East Asian Medicine and foster future developments.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.293-303
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: The physiological oxygen tension in fetal brains (~3%, physioxia) is beneficial for the maintenance of neural stem cells (NSCs). Sensitivity to oxygen varies between NSCs from different fetal brain regions, with midbrain NSCs showing selective susceptibility. Data on Hif-1𝛼/Notch regulatory interactions as well as our observations that Hif-1𝛼 and oxygen affect midbrain NSCs survival and proliferation prompted our investigations on involvement of Notch signalling in physioxia-dependent midbrain NSCs performance. Methods and Results: Here we found that physioxia (3% O₂) compared to normoxia (21% O₂) increased proliferation, maintained stemness by suppression of spontaneous differentiation and supported cell cycle progression. Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses identified significant changes of Notch related genes in midbrain NSCs after long-term (13 days), but not after short-term physioxia (48 hours). Consistently, inhibition of Notch signalling with DAPT increased, but its stimulation with Dll4 decreased spontaneous differentiation into neurons solely under normoxic but not under physioxic conditions. Conclusions: Notch signalling does not influence the fate decision of midbrain NSCs cultured in vitro in physioxia, where other factors like Hif-1𝛼 might be involved. Our findings on how physioxia effects in midbrain NSCs are transduced by alternative signalling might, at least in part, explain their selective susceptibility to oxygen.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1340-1349
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• 2023

Despite its profound impact on athletic performance, the significance of heart rate recovery (HRR) has been insufficiently addressed in the filed of sports science, particularly in the context of weightlifting characterized by brief and intense exertions involving heavy weights. Serving as a valuable indicator of autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular function, HRR assumes a pivotal role in weightlifting. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the specific demands for HRR in weightlifting, shedding light on the often overlooked cardiovascular considerations within training regimes focused on strength and power. The investigation scrutinizes the repercussions of HRR on weightlifting performance, seeking to elucidate how inadequate recovery intervals may result in physiological and psychological consequences. These consequences encompass a distorted perception of effort, disruption of coordination, compromised posture due to irregular breathing, and an overall decline in lifting capacity. The review systematically presents compelling evidence pertaining to heart rate response and recovery patterns during weightlifting, underscoring the critical importance of well-structured rest periods. Furthermore, the review delves into a comprehensive discussion of factors influencing HRR in weightlifting, encompassing variables such as sex, age, cardiovascular function, hydration, nutrition, and psychological aspects. Finally, a key emphasis is placed on the integration of effective HRR techniques into the training regimens of weightlifters, thereby ensuring sustained and optimized performance outcomes.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2024

Manufacturing workers face increased fatigue and stress due to environmental factors in workplace such as noise and vibration. Addressing this issue requires creating conducive rest spaces; however, the existing conditions of rest spaces in manufacturing workplace are subpar and lack sufficient scholarly evidence. This study investigated the effect of nature-based rest spaces on the physical and emotional recovery from fatigue on manufacturing workers. Three manufacturing complexes with nature-friendly rest spaces were selected, and 63 manufacturing workers participated in the study. The measurement tools included the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) for fatigue levels, physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate), and emotional indicators (Zuckerman Inventory of Personal Reaction Scale; ZIPERS, Perceived Restorativeness Scale; PRS, Profile of Mood States; POMS and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI). The study compared recovery levels during a 7-minute rest between a space without plants and a space with natural elements. The results indicated a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of participants in green rest spaces compared with those in conventional rest spaces. Regarding fatigue levels, green rest spaces showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure in the middle-fatigue and high-fatigue groups. Positive feelings increased in green spaces, whereas negative emotions decreased, suggesting that short breaks in nature-friendly environments effectively promote workers' physical and emotional recovery. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of green space in various work environments to promote well-being in workers.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2024

In this study, we studied the anti-inflammatory and physiological activities Abelmoschus esculentus extracts by hot water (AEW) and 70% ethanol (AEE) and confirm the possibility to use it as a natural ingredient. For this study measure the antioxidative activity, total polyphenol content was measured, and DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity assays were conducted. Total polyphenol content of AEW and AEE was measured, and the results showed that they were 126.76 mg TAE/100 g and 144.21 mg TAE/100 g, respectively. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were measured to determine the antioxidative activity, and the results indicated that DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities increased in both extracts concentration-dependently. The moisturizing effect was measured by measuring the amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) produced within HaCaT cell using the ELISA kit. AEW and AEE increased the amount of HA production in a concentration-dependent manner. In order to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of AEW and AEE, the NO assay was conducted, and the inhibitory effects were found to be 11.46% and 25.28%, respectively in 100 ㎍/ml. In order to measure the anti-inflammatory activity, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity was measured, and the inhibition of expression of iNOS, COX-2 proteins was measured and shown. Furthermore, inhibition of expression was found in inflammatory inducing factors iNOS and COX-2 proteins showing concentration-dependent inhibition. This study found the excellent effects of antioxidative, moisturizing effect, anti-inflammatory activity in Abelmoschus esculentus extracts, which indicates that can be used as functional materials for aesthetics, food and functional cosmetics.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.511-519
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• 2024

Background: The cycle of seasonal dormancy of perennating buds is an essential adaptation of perennial plants to unfavorable winter conditions. Plant hormones are key regulators of this critical biological process, which is intricately connected with diverse internal and external factors. Recently, global warming has increased the frequency of aberrant temperature events that negatively affect the dormancy cycle of perennials. Although many studies have been conducted on the perennating organs of Panax ginseng, the molecular aspects of bud dormancy in this species remain largely unknown. Methods: In this study, the molecular physiological responses of three P. ginseng cultivars with different dormancy break phenotypes in the spring were dissected using comparative genome-wide RNA-seq and network analyses. These analyses identified a key role for abscisic acid (ABA) activity in the regulation of bud dormancy. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that a transcriptional network comprising stress-related hormone responses made a major contribution to the maintenance of dormancy. Results: Increased expression levels of cold response and photosynthesis-related genes were associated with the transition from dormancy to active growth in perennating buds. Finally, the expression patterns of genes encoding ABA transporters, receptors (PYRs/PYLs), PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2Cs (PP2Cs), and DELLAs were highly correlated with different dormancy states in three P. ginseng cultivars. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that ABA and stress signaling outputs are intricately connected with a key signaling network to regulate bud dormancy under seasonal conditions in the perennial plant P. ginseng.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.11-31
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• 1980

The morphological, anatomical and physiological traits were eximined for Populus alba ${\times}$ glandulosa which is an important planting species in Korea. The results obtained are as follows: 1. External characters in the leaf shape and chaff shape in the catkin were inherited as incomplete dominance but nectar gland was inherited as dominance. 2. Among the 15 selected clones, 9 clones were male, 2 clones female and 2 clones monoecious. 3. There were well-developed cork layers and bast fiber bundles in the bark. 4. Primordial leaves composed of 3 layers of cells and those undifferentiated into palisade and spongy parenchymas differed in its origin. 5. Leaf scare consisted of two kinds of tissues; one is connected to vascular bundle and the other not to vascular bundle. Tissues which had been connected to vascular bundle were isolated with only 2 or 3 layers of cork cells from the outside. 6. There was complicated arrangement in the vascular bundle of petioles. 7. Growth of the hybrid was sensitively influenced by external temperature, day-length and amount of light. In particular, it was apparent in height growth. 8. Flatness, loam soils and a $60{\times}60cm$ spacing might be best factors for the growth of P. alba ${\times}$ glandulosa. 9. The rooting of 15 clones was dependant upon external factors. 10. The growth of P. alba ${\times}$ glandulosa was best at around 80% of soil moisture content on the basis of plot water capacity. 11. Temperature difference between inside and outside stems below 100cm during the winter was the greatest at the south among seasons and among directions. 12. The sap movement was markedly influenced by air temperature, relative humidity in forest stand and moisture content in stem. 13. Total sugars in the cortex changed with season but did not differ in the dircetion of the stem. 14. Isoperoxidase variations in the leaf were different among 15 clones. Thus, it may be useful as a criterium for clonal identification. 15. The rate of soil moisture content decreased at a rapid slope was faster than that at a slow slope. Poor growth of P. alba ${\times}$ glandulosa at the slope was probably due to depletion of soil moisture.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 1999

Purpose : Several modulatory factors for renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been reported, but their physiological significance remains elusive. Tissue-specific, stress-induced down-regulation of renal PBR coupled with the pharmacological stimulation of these effects by angiotensin II suggested that physiological significance of renal PBR may be related to the pathophysiology of stress-induced hypertension. The boderline hypertensive rat (BHR) has been used extensively to study the interaction of environmental factors, such as stress and blood pressure. The BHR is the first-generation progeny of a cross between the spontaneously hypertensive rat and the control Wistar-Kyoto rat. The pathogenesis of stress induced hypertension in this model is not demonstrated well. Methods In this study, BHR (male, 150-200 g) and Sprague-Dawley (SD, male, 150-200 g) rats were treated by repeated immobilization to induce anxiety. We used plus-maze performance to observe the level of anxiety by measuring percent open crosses and percent time in open. Results : Percent open crosses and percent time in open in BHR were lower than in SD rats (P<0.05). Receptor densities of renal PBR in BHRs were significantly lower than those of SDs (P<0.05). We also observed that the renal PBR was upregulated in the repeatedly stressed (immobilization, 2 hours daily, for 2 weeks) rats, both in the BHR and SD. However, the density of renal PBR in the stressed BHR was still lower than that of stressed SD. Renal PBR has been suggested to be an important organs which Is responsible for the production of cholesterol-derived products during stress. Conrlusion : From these results, it can be summarized that the lowed density of renal PBR may be involved in the pathogeneis of stress-induced hypertension.