• 월간산업보건
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• s.356
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• pp.16-25
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• 2017

Chromium exists at various valences, including elemental, trivalent, and hexavalent chromium, and undergoes reduction-oxidation reactions in the environment. Since hexavalent chromium is known as a human carcinogen, it is most important to evaluate the oxidationreduction characteristics of the hexavalent chromium species. Although hexavalent chromium can be reduced to trivalent state, the detailed information on this in workplace environments is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate hexavalent chromium reduction in time in various conditions. A pilot chrome plating operation was prepared and operated in a laboratory for this study. There was evidence that the hexavalent chromium was reduced by time after mist generation. The percentage ratio (with 95% confidence intervals in parentheses) of hexavalent chromium to total chromium was almost 100% (99.1 ; 102.3) immediately after mist generation, and was reduced to 87.4% (84.8 ; 89.9) at 1 hour and 81.0% (78.3 ; 83.5) at 2 hours, respectively. Another test indicated that hexavalent chromium collected on PVC filters was also reduced by time after sampling. Hexavalent chromium was reduced to 90.8% (88.2 ; 93.3) at 2 hours after sampling. It also was found that hexavalent chromium was reduced during storage in air. It is recommended that air samples of hexavalent chromium be protected against reduction during storage.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.389-397
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• 1996

Gatric mucosa is exposed to toxic, reactive oxygen species generated within the lumen. Nitric oxide protected acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by maintaining glutathione homeostasis. The present study examined the role of nitric oxide in mediating hydrogen peroxide - induced damage to gastric cells. Hydrogen peroxide was generated by glucose oxidase acting on ${\beta}-D-glucose$. L-arginine, $N^G-nitro-L-arginine$ methyl ester, or $N^G-nitro-L-arginine$ were treated to the cells with glucose/glucose oxidase. Lipid peroxidation and nitrite release and cellular content of glutathione were determined. As a result, dose - dependent increase in lipid peroxide production as well as dose - dependent decrease in nitrite release and cellular glutathione content were observed in glucose/glucose oxidase - treated cells. Pretreatment of L-arginine, a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, prevented the increase of lipid peroxide production and the reduction of nitrite release as well as glutathione content. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase such as $N^G-nitro-L-arginine$ methyl ester and $N^G-nitro-L-arginine$ did not protect hydrogen peroxide - induced cell damage. In conclusion, nitric oxide protects gestric cells from hydrogen peroxide possibly by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and by preserving cellular glutathione stores.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.91-97
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• 1976

During the course of studies on the production and utilization of thermostable ${\alpha}$-amylase from a thormophilic actinomycete species isolated from soil, partial characterization of the ${\alpha}$-amylase has been (arried out. The optimum pH for the dextrinogenic activity of the enzyme was found to be 6.5 and the maximum reaction rate was achieved at a temperature range of 55$^{\circ}$ to 65$^{\circ}C$. Calcium ion was recognized to have a slight effect in activating the enzyme, while heavy metal salts especially ferrous and cupric ions showed a remarkable inhibition effect. The enzyme was best protected iron thermal denaturation at pH 8.0 with tris-HCI buffer；inactivation was rapid at higher or lower pH values. Furthermore, its thermal stability was greatly increased by calcium ion, particulary at the final concentration of 1${\times}$10$\^$－2/ mole in the reaction mixture. The Km value for the ${\alpha}$-amylase was calculated to be 2.17${\times}$10$\^$－4/g per $m\ell$ and the energy of activation for the dextrinogenic reaction to be 12,000${\pm}$580 ㎈ per mole.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2007

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced injuries, and regional differences in the mitochondrial antioxidant state during IR or IPC may promote the death or survival of viable and infarcted cardiac tissues under oxidative stress. To date, however, the interplay between the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme system and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body has not yet been resolved. In the present study, we examined the effects of IR- and IPC-induced oxidative stresses on mitochondrial function in viable and infarcted cardiac tissues. Our results showed that the mitochondria from viable areas in the IR-induced group were swollen and fused, whereas those in the infarcted area were heavily damaged. IPC protected the mitochondria, thus reducing cardiac injury. We also found that the activity of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme system, which includes manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), was enhanced in the viable areas compared to the infarcted areas in proportion with decreasing levels of ROS and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. These changes were also present between the IPC and IR groups. Regional differences in Mn-SOD expression were shown to be related to a reduction in mtDNA damage as well as to the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt c). To the best of our knowledge, this might be the first study to explore the regional mitochondrial changes during IPC. The present findings are expected to help elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in IPC and helpful in the development of new clinical strategies against ischemic heart disease.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2016

Although the ecosystem extends numerous functions for the benefit of humankind, construction of horticultural facilities can potentially lead to the degeneration of some of these functions owing to the expansion of impervious regions and loss of habitats. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of construction of horticultural facilities on plant biodiversity. Analysis of the vegetation distribution characteristics showed that horticultural facilities had significantly lower plant diversity than did rice paddies. Hence, the proposed approach involved low-impact development, arrangement of habitat space, plant preservation, restricted use of chemical fertilizer, habitat creation, and reduced preservation cost. Lifestyle analysis suggested the importance of developing favorable environments for the growth of annual plants and aquatic plants. In all, 20 species of naturalized plants belonging to 10 families were identified. Furthermore, the proportion of these naturalized plants was higher in glass greenhouses and multi-span greenhouses, suggesting the advantages of employing natural soil mulching while avoiding concrete mulching. Statistical analysis was performed to validate the results, which suggested that impervious regions be converted to natural soils. Collectively, the findings of this study are expected to be used for establishing policies for the construction of eco-friendly and ecological horticultural facilities; this may aid the maintenance of sustainable agricultural landscapes and large-scale development of the reclaimed lands.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.10
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• pp.569-574
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• 2014

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) degrades heme to carbon dioxide, biliverdin, and $Fe^{2+}$, which play important roles in various biochemical processes. In this study, we examined the protective function of HO-1 against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and in a Parkinson's disease mouse model. Western blot and fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated that PEP-1-HO-1, fused with a PEP-1 peptide can cross the cellular membranes of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the transduced PEP-1-HO-1 inhibited generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death caused by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion ($MPP^+$). In contrast, HO-1, which has no ability to transduce into SH-SY5Y cells, failed to reduce $MPP^+$-induced cellular toxicity and ROS production. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injected PEP-1-HO-1 crossed the blood-brain barrier in mouse brains. In a PD mouse model, PEP-1-HO-1 significantly protected against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced toxicity and dopaminergic neuronal death. Therefore, PEP-1-HO-1 could be a useful agent in treating oxidative stress induced ailments including PD.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.404-416
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• 2020

Studies on the preservation and propagation of tropical and subtropical plants are required, but the studies are insufficient in Korea. Since 2013, the Tropical Plant Resources Research Center has been collaborating on field research and publication to preserve plant diversity in Myanmar protected areas and Sagging areas in cooperation with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation and the Myanmar Forest Research Institute. This study is to provide information on cooperative projects. As a result of the joint research between the Korea National Arboretum and Myanmar, in December 2018, the Korea National Arboretum Tropical Plant Resources Research Center is on display for conservation and education purposes with the 65 Myanmar useful materials and specimens of 326 kinds of plants and specimens that Myanmar Forest Research Institute donated. This donation is the first case of Myanmar's export of plant organisms to a foreign country, and as for the Korea National Arboretum, it is the second official case of introducing a mass plant from foreign governments. The study will also accelerate preservation biodiversity and propagation methods of tropical and subtropical plants as well as research on biodiversity conservation and industrial use.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.395-400
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• 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disability caused by a decrease of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although the etiology of PD is not clear, oxidative stress is believed to lead to PD. Catalase is antioxidant enzyme which plays an active role in cells as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Thus, we investigated whether PEP-1-Catalase protects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) induced SH-SY5Y neuronal cell death and in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-trtrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced PD animal model. PEP-1-Catalase transduced into SH-SY5Y cells significantly protecting them against MPP⁺-induced death by decreasing ROS and regulating cellular survival signals including Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, and p38. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transduced PEP-1-Catalase markedly protected against neuronal cell death in the SN in the PD animal model. Our results indicate that PEP-1-Catalase may have potential as a therapeutic agent for PD and other oxidative stress related diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(7): 395-400]

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.183-192
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• 2002

Cells infected With equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) Produced both infectious and non-infectious Virus-related particles. Compared to the whole virion, non-infectious particles termed L-particles were deter-mined to lack 150 kDa protein, commonly known as nucleocapsid protein. The potential of L-particles to induce immune responses was studied in mice and foals. Intranasal immunization with L-particles or whole virions induced poor IgG antibody responses in mice. Interestingly, despite the poor antibody response, the conferred immunity protected the host from challenge infections. This was indicated by a significant reduction in virus titers in line with recovery towards normal body weight. Subsequently, the test on the usefulness of L-particles as immunizing agents was extended to foals. Immunization of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) foals resulted in similar results. As determined by a complement-fixing-antibody test (CFT), foals seroconverted when they were immunized either with inactivated L-particles or whole virions via intramuscular (i.m.) injections. The presence of the antibody correlated with the degree of protection. Beyond day 1 post challenge infection (p.i.), there was no virus shedding in the nasal mucus of foals immunized with whole EHV-1 virions. Virus shedding was observed in foals Immunized with L-particles but limited to days 6 to 8 p.i. only. In contrast, extended vim shedding was observed in non-immunized foals and it was well beyond day 14 p.i. Viremia was not detected for more than four days except in non-immunized foals. Immunization in mice via intranasal (i.n.) conferred good protection. However, compared to the i.n. route, a greater degree of protection was obtained in foals following immunization via i.m. route. Despite variation in the degree of protection due to different routes of immunization in the two animal species, our results have established significant evidence that immunization with L-particles confers protection in the natural host. It is suggested that non-infectious L-particles should be used as immunizing agents for vaccination of horses against EHV-1 infection.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.506-529
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• 2013

Nagoya protocol, alias ABS adopted in UN Convention on Biodiversity in 2010, has prompted governments in many countries to prepare strategic plans with regards to both the conservation of domestic bio-resources and the use of those with foreign origin. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of policy responses of Korean governments to ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) and to make suggestions for a more integrative and efficient governance system for related ministries and institutions. Our analysis indicates that while most ministries have designated laws specifying various measures for the conservation of domestic bio-resources such as protected biological species or natural areas, just a couple of them have instituted measures governing the use of those resources and the benefit-sharing arising from it. We conclude that policy responses of Korean government are more focused on the conservation of bio-resources leaving the use of them ill-addressed. The study, thus, suggests that measures of 'bio-resource user country' be instituted in addition to those of 'bio-resource supplier country'. For instance, with regards to the use of bio-resources the roles and remits of related ministries had better be clarified and coordinated. The uncertainty over the explicit indication of 'place of origin' of bio-resources as a requirement of patent grant need to be cleared as well.