• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.97-103
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• 2019

Mn+1AXn (MAX) phases are a family of nano-laminated compounds that possess unique combination of typical ceramic properties and typical metallic properties. As a member of MAX-phase, $Ti_2AlN$ bulk materials are attractive for some high temperature applications. In this study, $Ti_2AlN$ bulk with high density were synthesized by spark plasma sintering method. X-ray diffraction, micro-hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity were measured to compare the effect of material properties both $Ti_2AlN$ bulk samples and a conventional Ti-6Al-4V alloy. A femto-second laser conditions were conducted at a repetition rate of 6 kHz and laser intensity of 50 %, 70% and 90 %, respectively, laser confocal microscope were used to evaluate the width and depth of ablation. Consequently, the laser ablation result of the $Ti_2AlN$ sample than that of the Ti-6Al-4V alloys show a considerably good ablation characteristics due to its higher thermal conductivity regardless of to high densification and high hardness.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.152-161
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• 2021

Eisenia bicyclis is known to have secondary metabolites exhibiting various biological activities. In a preliminary study, the n-hexane fraction obtained from the ethanolic extract of E. bicyclis showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the ethyl acetate and butyl alcohol fractions based on the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Using this fraction (E. bicyclis hexane fraction, EHF), we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with up to 50 ㎍/mL EHF significantly inhibited NO and prostaglandin E₂ production as well as their responsible enzyme proteins and mRNAs, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Similarly, EHF markedly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as well as their mRNA levels. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was strongly suppressed by EHF treatment. EHF significantly reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt in LPS-stimulated cells. Moreover, EHF reduced ear edema in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced mice. These results indicate that EHF contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, which may be used as a dietary supplement for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.128-133
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• 2021

The Coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) is the main secondary metabolite of Mikania laevigata Sch. Beep ex Baker and Mikania glomerata Spreng., which are popularly known as guaco. These plants have been used mainly in traditional medicine in the treatment of respiratory diseases because their bronchodilator effect. However, there are around 200 species of Mikania, which are quite similar in appearance. From these, only M. leavigata and M. glomerata have high concentrations of coumarins. In this line, the falsification of products Mikania based has been frequent. In this sense, this work demonstrated the application of the easy, fast, e not destructive method based in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in quantitative mode (qNMR) for the determination of coumarin in both commercial and homemade guaco products. Thus, in the first step the compounds were extract from guaco leaves and syrups using chloroform (CHCl₃), with or without ultrasound. About the method, was linear with a R² = 0.9947 for 1,2-benzopyrone, with detection and quantification limits with were 0.11 and 0.36 mg mL^-1 respectively. In the same line, the method was safe with RSD <0.3% and with recovery ranging from 93-101%. To confirm the applicability of the method, in the last step was applied to 10 real samples (6 from leaves and 4 from syrups). The content of the coumarin in the leaf extract ranged from 0.62 to 1.30 mg mL^-1. For syrups I, II and IV, the content of coumarin was in accordance with the manufacturers. However, for de Syrup III, the concentration was 155% higher. In summary, the qNMR is a rapid method with minimal sample preparation that can be used to quantify coumarin in home-made plant extracts as well as in commercial samples as syrup for instance. This method is applicable for quality control of different plants-based products.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 2022

Omija seed oil was extracted from Omija seeds, a by-product of Omija, using an eco-friendly pressed extraction method. Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of 12 extracts using different combinations of seed moisture content (5, 7.5, and 10%) and extraction temperature (25, 49, 75, and 100℃) were then investigated. The highest extraction yield was 31.33% at moisture of 5% and temperature of 75℃. The lowest acid value was 4.18±0.25 at moisture of 5% and temperature of 49℃or moisture of 7.5% and temperature of 25℃. Peroxide value, iodine value, and saponification value were the lowest at 0.64±0.56 meq/kg, 159.38± 6.03, and 57.60±9.40, respectively, at moisture of 5% and temperature of 25℃. The content of total polyphenolics was the highest at 4,413±125 mg TAE/100 g when the moisture content was 10% and the extraction temperature was 25℃. DPPH radical scavenging activities of oil extracts at 20~100 mg/mL were 28.68±7.30~87.65±2.20%. The maximum antioxidant activity and IC₅₀ were 87.65±2.20% and <20 mg/mL, respectively, for extract obtained at moisture of 10% and temperature at 100℃. As a result, the extraction yield, acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and so on were excellent at moisture content of 5% and extraction temperature of 25℃ or 49℃. However, the content of total polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were the highest at moisture of 10% and extraction temperature of 100℃. In conclusion, extracting Omija seed oil from Omija seeds, a by-product of Omija, is effective with a pressed extraction method.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.245-250
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• 2021

The methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping constituents from Malus baccata L. were investigated using incubation of MGO and crude extract under physiological conditions followed by HPLC analysis. The peak areas of MGO trapping compounds decreased, and their chemical structures were identified by HPLC-ESI/MS. Sieboldin was identified as a major active molecule representing MGO-trapping activity of the crude extract. After reaction of sieboldin and MGO, remaining MGO was calculated by microplate assay method using imine (Schiff base) formation of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and aldehyde group. After 4 h incubation, sieboldin trapped over 43.8% MGO at a concentration of 0.33 mM and showed MGO scavenging activity with an RC₅₀ value of 0.88 mM for the incubation of 30 min under physiological conditions. It was also confirmed that sieboldin inhibited the production of advanced glycation end products (AGE) produced by bovine serum albumins (BSA)/MGO. Additionally, MGO trapping mechanism of sieboldin was more specifically identified by ¹H-, ¹³C-, 2D NMR and, confirm to be attached to the position of C-3' (or 5').

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.78-88
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• 2023

Background: Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can have acute and chronic health effects on human beings in general and in working environments. In particular, VOCs are often emitted in large quantities in industrial settings. In such circumstances, there is a need to improve the indoor air quality at workplaces. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to verify the effectiveness of air cleaning devices in workplaces and provide alternative solutions for improving working environments. Methods: Personal exposure and area level of VOCs for workers were evaluated in a car-part adhesive process before and after installing an air cleaning device with a TiO₂-coated filter. Passive samplers and direct reading instruments were used to collect and analyze the VOCs, and the removal efficiency and improvement of air quality were evaluated. We also calculated the exposure index (EI) to assess the risk level in the workplace. Results: The removal efficiency for VOCs through the installation of the air cleaning device was approximately 26.9~69.0% as determined by the concentration levels before and after installation. The measured substances did not exceed the exposure limits for the work environment and the EI was less than 1. However, carcinogenic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride, and trichloroethylene were detected. Conclusions: The application of an air cleaning device can be a solution for controlling the indoor air quality in a workplace, particularly in cases where ventilation systems cannot be installed due to process limitations.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9.1-9.13
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• 2023

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a zinc and calcium-dependent proteolytic enzyme involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Overexpression of MMP-9 has been confirmed in several disorders, including cancers, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. Therefore, MMP-9 inhibition is recommended as a therapeutic strategy for combating various diseases. Cinnamic acid derivatives have shown therapeutic effects in different cancers, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. A computational drug discovery approach was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of selected cinnamic acid derivatives to the MMP-9 active site. The stability of docked poses for top-ranked compounds was also examined. Twelve herbal cinnamic acid derivatives were tested for possible MMP-9 inhibition using the AutoDock 4.0 tool. The stability of the docked poses for the most potent MMP-9 inhibitors was assessed by molecular dynamics (MD) in 10 nanosecond simulations. Interactions between the best MMP-9 inhibitors in this study and residues incorporated in the MMP-9 active site were studied before and after MD simulations. Cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid revealed a considerable binding affinity to the MMP-9 catalytic domain (ΔG_binding < -10 kcal/ mol). The inhibition constant value for cynarin and chlorogenic acid were calculated at the picomolar scale and assigned as the most potent MMP-9 inhibitor from the cinnamic acid derivatives. The root-mean-square deviations for cynarin and chlorogenic acid were below 2 Å in the 10 ns simulation. Cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid might be considered drug candidates for MMP-9 inhibition.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.93-103
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• 2023

Persistence and degradation patterns of acequinocyl and its metabolite, hydroxyl-acequinocyl (acequinocyl-OH) and fenpyroximate in butterburs (Petasites japonicus Max.) were investigated after pesticide application. Butterburs, one of the minor crops in South Korea, was planted in two plots (plot A for double and plot B for single application) in a greenhouse. Butterburs samples were also planted in a separate plot without pesticide treatment, as the control. A commercial pesticide containing acequinocyl and fenpyroximate was applied to the foliage of butterburs at hourly intervals after dilution. Recoveries of acequinocyl and acequinocyl-OH were 78.6-84.7% and 83.7-95.5%, respectively; the relative standard deviation of the two compounds were less than 5%. The method limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/kg. The total (Ʃ) acequinocyl residues in butterburs reduced by 96.0% at 14 days and 75.9% at 7 days, in plot A and B, respectively, after final pesticide applications. The biological half-life (DT₅₀) of Ʃ acequinocyl and fenpyroximate, calculated using the dissipation rate, was 3.0 days and 4.0 days, respectively. These data were used to set up maximum residue and safe standard levels when the pesticides are applied to control pests during butterbur cultivation. Risk assessment results showed that the maximum % acceptable daily intake was 7.74% for Ʃ acequinocyl and 0.16% for Ʃ fenpyroximate. The theoretical maximum daily intake of Ʃ acequinocyl and fenpyroximate was 26.3% and 35.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the concentrations of Ʃ acequinocyl and fenpyroximate in butterburs pose no significant health risks to Koreans.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.425-435
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• 2023

This study investigated quality characteristics and functionality of rose sparkling wine that were manufactured by secondary fermentation after inoculation of yeast strains. The pH of the samples ranged from 3.96 to 4.05 and total acidity ranged from 0.23 to 0.32%. The alcohol contents of wines ranged from 6.4 to 6.6% and the CO₂ pressure ranged from 2.0 to 2.6 bar. The brightness of rose wines ranged from 84.72 to 87.36, the redness from 9.28 to 14.15, and the yellowness from 9.50 to 19.20. The hue value of wines ranged from 1.137 to 1.513 and color intensity ranged from 0.724 to 0.882. Aroma analysis identified 14 alcohols, 22 esters, 4 ketones, 4 acids, and 17 miscellaneous compounds. The total tannin contents and total polyphenol contents of wines were 11.28~12.43 mg% and 24.79~28.20 mg%, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of wines ranged 63.33 to 67.89% and the ABTS radical scavenging activity of wines 82.16~86.06%. The results of this study provide a basis for establishing the brewing process of rose sparkling wines yeast strains.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.97-107
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• 2023

Malaria remains to be one of the most severe global public health concerns. Traditionally, Aspilia Africana and Warburgia ugandensis have been used to treat malaria in several African countries for millennia. In the current study, A. africana calli (AaC), A. africana in vitro roots (AaIR), A. africana wild leaf (AaWL), and W. ugandensis stem bark (WuSB) were dried and pulverized. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the powdered samples, while 80% ethanolic extracts of each sample were assayed for antiplasmodial activity (against Plasmodium falciparum strains DD2 (chloroquine-resistant) and 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive)) and cytotoxicity. WuSB showed the highest antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 1.57 ± 0.210 ㎍/ml and 8.92 ± 0.365 ㎍/ml against P. falciparum 3D7 and DD2, respectively) and selectivity indices (43.90 ± 7.914 and 7.543 ± 0.051 for P. falciparum 3D7 and DD2, respectively). The highest total polyphenolic contents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 367.9 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g and 203.9 ± 1.43 mg RUE/g, respectively) were recorded for WuSB and the lowest were recorded for AaC. The antiplasmodial activities of the tested plant tissues correlated positively with total polyphenolic content. The high selectivity indices of WuSB justify its traditional applications in treating malaria and present it as a good candidate for discovering new antimalarial compounds. We recommend elicitation treatment for AaIR, which showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum DD2, to increase its secondary metabolite production for optimal antimalarial activity.