• Animal cells and systems
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.198-206
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• 2012

Anxiety in zebrafish can be determined by examining their bottom-dwelling and light-avoidance behavior. This study determines the effects of physostigmine and scopolamine on anxiety in zebrafish by measuring swimming frequency for three horizontal layers and three vertical columns of a water test tank illuminated by a light source located above the central surface of the tank. In the 1 h session, zebrafish in the control group preferred the bottom layer the most and the center column the least. Zebrafish treated with 2-20 ${\mu}M$ physostigmine were more likely to prefer the to layer than controls, and there were significant pairwise differences between physostigmine-treated zebrafish and controls, indicating the anxiolytic effect of physostigmine. Further, 10 and $20{\mu}M$ physostigmine-treated zebrafish no longer avoided the center column. Scopolamine had no anxiolytic effect on bottom-dwelling and light-avoidance behaviors but suppressed the anxiolytic effect of physostigmine. In terms of their preference for various zones formed by layers and columns, zebrafish in the control group preferred the bottom left and right zones the most. Physostigmine had a positive effect on the preference for the top center zone, which was suppressed by scopolamine pretreatment. The results suggest that the level of anxiety in zebrafish can be reduced by activating acetylcholinergic neurotransmitter systems, which is mediated in part by muscarinic receptors.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.411-416
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• 2022

Natural products are important sources for drug development because they have a wide variety of useful biological properties. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) has been used as an herbal medicine for treatment of colds, pain, and anemia. The present study was designed to evaluate the regulatory effect of AGN on immune enhancement in vivo and in vitro. To investigate the immune-enhancing effect of AGN, we used forced swimming test (FST) experimental model. Mice were orally administered by AGN or distilled water for 14 days and then immobility time and biological parameters in serum were measured. The results showed that immobility time in AGN treatment group was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group. Plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and lactate dehydrogenase in AGN group was significantly decreased compared with control group. Additionally, we showed that AGN treatment significantly increased immune-related cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-2, and interferon (IFN)-𝛾 levels in Molt-4 cells. Collectively, the findings provide experimental evidence that AGN may be effective in improving immune function.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.14-18
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• 2023

White leg shrimps cultured in an inland private aquaculture farm with low salinity waters showed abnormal swimming behavior and appetite reduction in July 2022. Then, gradual mortality was observed in the aquaculture farm. During the diagnosis, bacterial strain KNUAF-SHP3 was isolated from the hepatopancreas of the dead shrimps. Based on the sequence of 16S rRNA gene, KNUAF-SHP3 was proved to be Shewanella sp., clustering into a group with S. algae MARS 14 and S. chilikensis JC5T. According to the result of experimental infection test, all shrimps challenged with high concentrations, 2.1×108 CFU/ml and 2.1×109 CFU/ml showed apparent disease symptoms and the cumulative mortality rates reached 100% in 7 days post challenge. These results emphasized that Shewanella isolate in this study can be a potential pathogen of white leg shrimp cultured in low salinity water.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.69-85
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• 2023

Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders and is associated with dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system and alterations in specific brain proteins. Boophone disticha (BD) is an indigenous psychoactive bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidacae family, which is widely used in Southern Africa to treat depression, with scientific evidence of potent antidepressant-like effects. The present study examined the antidepressant effects of BD and its mechanisms of action by measuring some behavioural parameters in the elevated plus maze, brain content of corticosterone, brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), and neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampus of Balb/c mice exposed to the five day repeated forced swim stress (5d-RFSS). Male Balb/c mice were subjected to the 5d-RFSS protocol to induce depressive-like behaviour (decreased swimming, increased floating, decreased open arm entry, decreased time spent in the open arms and decreased head dips in the elevated plus maze test) and treated with distilled water, fluoxetine and BD. BD treatment (10 mg/kg/p.o for 3 weeks) significantly attenuated the 5d-RFSS-induced behavioural abnormalities and the elevated serum corticosterone levels observed in stressed mice. Additionally, 5d-RFSS exposure significantly decreased the number of neuroblasts in the hippocampus and BDNF levels in the brain of Balb/c mice, while fluoxetine and BD treatment attenuated these changes. The antidepressant effects of BD were comparable to those of fluoxetine, but unlike fluoxetine, BD did not show any anxiogenic effects, suggesting better pharmacological functions. In conclusion, our study shows that BD exerted antidepressant-like effects in 5d-RFSS mice, mediated in part by normalizing brain corticosterone and BDNF levels.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of LAB (Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus) on detoxication of damaged liver in carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) and ethanol (25%)-treated rats. Rats had been daily (twice a day) pre-treated with saline (0.5 ml/kg: untreated group), $CCl_4$ (0.5 ml/kg: other groups) for 6 days. At seventh day, after treating rat with $CCl_4$ and then, mixture of LAB ($10^{11}$/0.5 ml: LAB group), saline (0.5 ml/kg: untreated group, $CCl_4$ group), and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) (50 mg/kg: DDB group) were treated orally with $CCl_4$ for 8 days. Ethanol is treated as the same manner instead of $CCl_4$. To investigate the hepatoprotective effect, rats treated with $CCl_4$ and ethanol were analyzed with serum GOT and GPT level. The GOT and GPT levels of LAB group was lower than the level of $CCl_4$ and DDB group. Especially, compared with data of $CCl_4$ group, GPT activity showed statistically significant result in the significance level of p < 0.05. The LAB group treated with ethanol also showed lower level of GOT and GPT than the other control groups treated with ethanol. The triglyceride level of serum decreased more in a group treated special materials (DDB and LAB group) than ethanol group. As well, the effect of LAB on the antifatigue has been investigated. The animals (10/group) were divided into 4 groups (untreated group, Carrier group, Red-ginseng group, LAB group). Each group was given carrier (0.9 mg/0.2 ml), red ginseng extract (200 mg/kg), and mixture of LAB ($10^{11}$/0.2 ml). Special materials were given for three weeks. After finishing treating through oral, horizontal wire test, rotarod test, and forced swimming test were performed. The time of resistance to fatigue of the group, fed with mixture of LAB, was longer than the time when mice treated with red-ginseng that the effect was already revealed. The result of this study revealed that LAB could decrease hepatocelluar injury compared with rats treated orally with $CCl_4$ and ethanol, and could also decrease fatigue.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

Objectives : Gossypium arboreum (cotton) is traditionally used to treat various health disorders. However, anti-amnesic effect of G. arboreum has not been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate in-vivo the anti-amnesic effects along with in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition potential in G. arboreum seed essential oil. Methods : The essential oil of G. arboreum obtained by solid phase microextraction (SPME) techniques were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay were performed to determine the antioxidant activity at various concentrations (312.5, 625, 1250, 2500, 5000, 10000 ㎍/㎖. Y-maze, passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests were carried out to evaluate improved effect on scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced memory dysfunction at the dose level of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Donepezil (5 mg/kg) was used as a positive drug control. We performed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assay in ex vivo. Results : Five volatile compounds were identified in G. arboreum. The assays of DPPH and ABTS revealed that G. arboreum increased antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. G. arboreum ameliorated the percent of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test, shortened step-through latency in the passive avoidance test, and increased swimming time in the target zone in the Morris water maze test. In addition, G. arboreum inhibited the AChE activity. Conclusions : Based on these findings, G. arboreum may aid in the prevention and treatment of learning and memory-deficit disorders through antioxidant and AChE inhibitory activities.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.119-127
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• 2013

Objectives : ${\beta}$-Asarone (BAS) is an active ingredient in Acori Rhizoma. This study investigated anti-neuroinflammatory and memory ameliorating effects of BAS in systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated C57BL/6 mice. Methods : BAS was administered orally at doses of 7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg for 3 days prior to LPS (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) injection. Pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA, including tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-ㅍ), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6, was measured in hippocampus tissue using real-time polymerase chain reaction at 4 h after the LPS injection. An ameliorating effect of 30 mg/kg BAS on learning and memory impairment in the LPS-treated mice was verified using the Morris water maze test. Results : BAS significantly attenuated up-regulation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 mRNA in hippocampus tissue of the LPS-treated mice. In acquisition training test, BAS improved learning performance of the LPS-treated mice with a significant decrease of escape latency to the platform. In memory retention test, BAS also ameliorated memory impairment of the LPS-treated mice with a significant increase of swimming time in zones neighboring to the platform, number of target heading, and memory score. Conclusion : The results suggest that inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus by BAS could be one of the mechanisms for BAS-mediated ameliorating effect on learning and memory impairment in LPS-treated mice.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5060-5065
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of drowning accident in order to prevent and decrease the accidents of drowning. Data were obtained on all accidents of drowning accidents occurred from January to December 2007 were identified by using the Emergency Activity Daily Report Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The age, weather, date, location, time and case of the drowning accident were examined. The Chi-square test was used to compare each group. All comparisons were made at the p<0.05 level of significance. The result show that the age of drowning accidents for victims aged 20-29 was 27.9%, and for victims aged 30-39 years, 18.7%. In reguard to the age group, drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was age 20-39; 51(44.8%). In reguard to the locations, the number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir during recreational aquatic activity was 62(53.4%). The number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir during etc was 51(58%). In reguard to the days, the number of drowning accidents on Saturday during recreational aquatic activity was 30(25.8%), on Sunday 32(27.6%). The weather of drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was sunny 60(51.8%), rainy 40(34.4%), cloudy 16(13.8%). The season of drowning accidents during recreational aquatic activity was summer 53(45.7%). In reguard to season, two groups are significantly different. Drowning is a leading cause of injury related accidents. Understanding the characteristics of drowning is the first step to developing prevention strategies that may be beneficial for people of all ages and under nearly all circumstances are increased swimming ability, lifeguard staffing, providing life jackets, and public education activities.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.10
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• pp.440-450
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• 2010

This study was an analysis of sport psychological application for the kinesthetic gifted children's selection and upbringing in Pusan University's center for kinesthetic gifted children from 2009.7 to 2010.2. The 60(athletics: 40, swimming: 10, gymnastics: 10) of kinesthetic gifted children were selected among the first, second and third year students from Pusan, Ulsan and Kyungsang-namdo without distinction of sex. We progressed summer and winter camp during vacation, and managed a special training program according to exercise items on every Saturday. We attempted experimental a field application, and obtained the following implications. First, the first and second year students were possible to test psychological measurement with supplementary explanation, and in the case of third grade, it was enough possible without any supplementary explanation. Second, multi-intelligence test was efficient as the method to check kinesthetic gifted children's intelligence and useful as the basic data for counseling. Third, the character types of kinesthetic gifted children were appeared preferring outgoing, intuition and emotions. Forth, with the FAIR concentration, we confirmed that the center's program effected positively on improving concentration. Fifth, we found the potential that the physical task commitment questionnaire and the exercise activity self-administer questionnair would be used as official psychological measurement tool after the review process of additional validity and reliability.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate water quality through a field survey at six floor fountain sites. The floor fountain facilities were designed and operated in such a way that tap water was stored in a water tank and recycled repeatedly. The water tank was cleaned once or twice per week in the summer. The number of facility users was low during the day due to sweltering heat, but up to 40 people, mainly children, were using them around 8 pm. Since the operation time was as short as 30 minutes, it is considered necessary to extend it for at least one hour for the number of users. As a result of the water quality test of the reservoir tank prior to operation after cleaning, it was measured to be within drinking water quality standards at the six facilities. As a result of the water quality test after use, ammonia nitrogen was measured to be 1.45 mg/L at Site IV. This exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 0.5 mg/L. In the case of turbidity, two cases exceed at 7.38 and 4.52 NTU when applying 4 NTU as the water quality standard for waterscape facilities. Twenty-eight cases exceed the standard of drinking water quality. The result of microbiological tests, at five sites excepting Site I, where disinfectant was injected, was that the maximum total colony count was 180,000 CFU/mL, total coliforms was 2,100,000 CFU/100 mL, fecal coliforms was 4,600 CFU/100 mL, Escherichia coli was 170 MPN/100 mL and Enterococcus was 100 CFU/100 mL. This exceeded the water quality standards of drinking water. Children are very likely to inhale because the water spews from below and falls from above, so it is necessary to apply water quality standards for ammonia nitrogen, turbidity and microbes. Current floor fountain facilities are highly susceptible to disease caused by microbial contamination because of water cycling and reuse, so it is necessary to change the water every day, clean the water tank, and perform chlorination. Therefore, it is necessary to inject calcium hypochlorite according to the free chlorine water quality standard of swimming pools with a different water tank capacity. In addition, facilities should be improved to prevent the reuse of water by installing the water tank at a separate location.