This study investigated the antidiabetic effect of amaranth grain ethanol extract (AEE) in a diabetic animal model, db/db mouse. The mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control mice (C57BL/6J), diabetic mice (C57BL/6J db/db), diabetic mice fed a lower concentration of AEE (0.3 mg/kg), and diabetic mice fed a higher concentration of AEE (0.5 mg/kg). After 10 weeks of treatment, body weights, blood insulin levels and blood glucose levels of each group were compared. At the end of treatment, the results showed that both AEE supplemented groups had lower body weights than those in the diabetic groups although higher than those in the normal groups. Moreover, in both AEE supplemented groups, serum insulin levels were higher and blood glucose levels were lower than those in the diabetic groups although both values were higher than those in the normal groups. The results of this study suggest that AEE can alleviate many of the common symptoms of diabetes in diabetic mice and, therefore, has potential as a therapeutic supplement for normalization of blood glucose and insulin levels in humans.

Using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements, the electrical properties of Au and Cu Schottky contacts to n-Ge were comparatively investigated. Lower values of barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance were obtained for the Au contact as compared to the Cu contact. The values of capacitance showed strong dependence on the bias voltage and the frequency. The presence of an inversion layer at the interface might reduce the intercept voltage at the voltage axis, lowering the barrier height for C-V measurements, especially at lower frequencies. In addition, a higher interface state density was observed for the Au contact. The generation of sputter deposition-induced defects might occur more severely for the Au contact; these defects affected both the I-V and C-V characteristics.

Zika virus, mosquito-borne disease, caused by mosquitoes has been increased the importance. From March to September, twice a month from 7 different points (3 residential areas, 3 migratory bird sanctuary and 1 cattle shed) were collected using BG trap and BL trap. After identifying the mosquitoes collected, we confirmed the virus infection. Total 26,531 mosquitoes (6 genus 9 species) were collected, virus has been detected from the 3 species (Aedes vexans, Cuilex tritaeniorhynchus, and Amigeres subalbatus) of mosquitoes of them. It showed the highest peak in August, and then gradually decreased. The most common mosquito species was collected Aedes vexan (16,637) in the cattle shed.

Bacterial fruit blotch(BFB) of cucurbits caused by Acidovorax citrulli(Acc) continues to diminish fruit yields. The aim of this study was to address whether two genetically distinct populations of Acc are present in watermelon-growing fields in Korea. For this purpose, we used the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction(ERIC-PCR) profiling and substrate-utilization profiles. According to the results of ERIC-PCR, group I and II strains showed clearly differentiated PCR-based fingerprinting profiles. Differences between group I and II strains included amplification of unique, group-specific DNA fragments such as the 1.3-, 0.28-, and 0.25-kb fragments in ERIC-PCR. Acc stains belonging to group I did not use L-leucine, whereas group II strains did use the substrate. Our results support the genetic differentiation of Acc strains into two groups and demonstrate that Acc strains from both groups are previously existed in watermelon-growing fields in Korea. Information about the genetic diversity of Acc under the present study will help scientists and managers form strategies to control BFB.

The two spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a global pest, and has developed severe resistance to several types of acaricides. This study compared the development in susceptible (S) and acequinocyl, bifenazate, pyridaben, abamectin and etoxazole-resistant (AcR, BR, PR, AbR and ER) strains of T. urticae by X-ray irradiation. When eggs were irradiated with 100 Gy, the egg hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When nymphs were irradiated with 200 Gy, their hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When adults were irradiated, the fecundity and egg hatching was decreased at 150 Gy and above, and hatchability of F1 generation was completely inhibited at 300 Gy in all strains. Adult longevity was slightly increase at 150 Gy and above. In addition, we performed quantitative real-time PCR on several genes. To examine the difference of all strains on radiation stress-induced gene expression, we performed quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) of several known stress-induced genes.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are major pests of a wide range of crops and ornamental plants worldwide, and represented by 56 species in Korea. Occurrence of, or damage by, the longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni-Tozzetti has not been reported since 2002. However, for the first time in many years, P. longispinus was reported at Phalaenopsis orchids by Kim et al in 2015. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the distribution of P. longispinus which is usually found inside a greenhouse or a building where the host plants are. We have collected 129 mealybug samples at 254 sites from Korea. Among these, 27 of P. longispinus and 62 of an unidentified Pseudococcus species were found mainly in ornamental plants such as Heteropanax fragrans, commonly known as happy trees in Korea. Morphological characteristics of the unidentified mealybug were very similar to those of P. longispinus. However, the genetic variability in COI sequence comparison was significantly different between the two species. Further studies are needed to clarify the valid name for this unidentified species, and we are currently working on it.

Although expression of foreign genes in a crop species has been target techniques for powerful protection against insect pests, classical breeding programs using varietal resistance of a crop are still being processed. It is, however, frequently difficult to find key products expressed from resistance-related genes in the variety, and those action mechanism. Here, an unterminated story about seed of a mungbean (Vigna radiata) variety with high resistance against the adzuki bean weevil and the bean bug is introduced. The two insects cannot survive on seeds of the variety, although they well develop on susceptible ones. Molecular markers linked to the resistance were selected through BAC library screening and near isogenic lines, and finally a bruchid resistance gene was suggested after map-based cloning approaches. Starvation and chemicals were suggested for a resistant mechanism and a related factor through feeding and behavior experiments, respectively. The seed flour was extracted with organic solvents, and isolated into several fractions on chromatography. Several peaks on HPLC in a fraction were related with the high mortality of the bean bug. A partial structure in an isolated chemical was observed before full identification.

The larvicidal activities and repellency of Magnolia kobus extract against C. pipiens and Ae. albopictus were examined. M. Kobus methanol extraction showed 100% larvicidal activity both two mosquitoes at 500 ppm after treated 24 h. At a concentration of 50 ppm, the hexane fraction showed 100% and 94% mortality against C. pipiens and Ae. albopictus at 24 h, respectively. Purification of the biologically active constituents from the hexane extraction with larvicidal activity was done using silica gel open column chromatography and HPLC. H2 fraction gave >90% mortality to both mosquitoes at 10 ppm after treated 48 h. H21 fraction was determined 100% larvicidal activity to C. pipiens at 10 ppm. However, very low larvicidal activity was obseved to Ae. albopictus. This is considered a synergistic effect between substances. It also appears that there is a susceptibility difference of substance against mosquito species. H21 fraction was analyzed as the lignan, sesamin (C20H18O6) by GC-MS and NMR. Mosquito repellent and olfactory response was using a patch test.

Many forest pests present a problem during wood quarantine. The effectiveness of phosphine (PH3), which is an altered form of MB, was examined in Monochamus saltuaris and M. alternatus. After 24 h, the larvae and the adults of both insects were susceptible to PH3 at 3 mg/L at 20°C. However, the larvae of both pests were rather than dead, seem to have been quiescent condition. PH3 showed increasing insecticidal activity in a time-dependent manner in the larva stage of both pests. We investigated the fumigants at all stages of M. saltuaris and M. alternatus, as well as the synergistic effects of PH3 in controlled atmospheres of 50% and 80% oxygen. The atmospheric oxidation of PH3 fumigation slightly increased the toxicity of the fumigant to larva stages in 125 L container at 4 mg/L. These results indicate that highly concentrated atmospheric oxidation of PH3 could be useful as a fumigant agent against M. saltuaris and M. alternatus.

The repellent activities of 33 plant extracts against Aedes albopictus were examined using a patch test for adult. The six plant extracts (Magnolia denudate, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Cnidium officinale, Lindera obtusiloba, Magnolia kobus, and Houttuynia cordata) showed over 70% repellency activities to Ae. albopictus. The insecticidal activity of Curcuma longa against Ae. albopictus was also determined. C. longa hexane extraction showed 100% larvicidal activity at 1,000 ppm after treated 24 h. Purification of the biologically active constituents from the hexane extraction with larvicidal activity was done using silica gel column chromatography. H1 fraction gave 100% mortality to Ae. albopictus at 100 ppm. H12 fraction was determined 87.8% larvicidal activity to Ae. albopictus at 50 ppm. Active constituent was analysed as the sesquiterpene, ar-turmerone (C15H20O) by GC and GC-MS. C. longa extract gave highly protection against mosquito bites. The hexane extraction showed complete protection at 10 mg over 6 h. In this study, the sesquiterpene from C. longa induced a protection time, repellency, landing time, and biting time against Ae. albopictus. These results suggest that the some plant extracts and C. longa have the potential to be used an eco-friendly materials for the control of mosquitoes.

This study compared the development, reproduction, and DNA damage in insecticide (acequinocyl, bifenazate, and etoxazole)-resistant (AR, BR, and ER) and -susceptible (S) strains of Tetranychus urticae by electron beam irradiation. When eggs were irradiated with 150 Gy, the egg hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When nymphs were irradiated, their emergence rate was decreased with increasing doses of electron beam irradiation. When adults were irradiated, the longevity and the number of eggs was not affected at all target dose in all strains. However, hatchability of F1 generation was perfectly inhibited at 400 Gy in all strains. The DNA damage caused by electron beam irradiation was evaluated by an alkaline comet assay. These results suggest that electron beam irradiation induced abnormal development and reproduction in S, AR, BR, and ER strains of T. urticae.

In this study, we investigated the effects of X-ray irradiation to control six important insect pests of floriculture crops: Liriomyza trifolii, Spodoptera litura, Myzus persicae, Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci, and Frankliniella intonsa. We irradiated on six insect pests that were placed in different positions (top, middle, and bottom) of export flower boxes after filling the boxes with roses and chrysanthemums, respectively. When irradiated with X-ray of 150 Gy, the eggs of T. urticae, B. tabaci, F. intonsa, L. trifolii, and S. litura were prevented from hatching at every position in the boxes. The pupation and emergence of L. trifolii larvae and S. litura larvae and B. tabaci nymphs and F. intonsa nymphs were inhibited at every position in the boxes. However, the emergence of T. urticae and M. persicae nymphs was not inhibited, even at the top position in the boxes. When pupae were irradiated, the emergence of L. trifolii was inhibited at every position in the boxes, while S. litura was not inhibited completely, even at the top position in the boxes. When adult T. urticae, S. litura, and L. trifolii were irradiated, the hatching rate of the F1 generation was not completely inhibited at every position. The insect pests that were not inhibited completely at the dose of 150 Gy showed much higher inhibitory effects at the dose of 250 Gy. Therefore, the dose of X-ray irradiation required to inhibit may vary according to the types of flowers and insect pests and according to their positions within the boxes.

Three insect pest, Myzus persicae, Tetranychus urticae, and Liriomyza trifolii were irradiated with electron beam (50-250 Gy) or X-ray (10-150 Gy). Longevity, egg hatching, emergence and fecundity of the test insects were measured. When irradiated to the M. persicae, emergence of nymphs did not show any differences, but fecundity was inhibited at 100 Gy (electron beam) or 30 Gy (X-ray). When irradiated to the T. urticae, egg hatching was completely inhibited at 150 Gy (electron beam) or 50 Gy (X-ray) and egg hatching of F1 generation was decreased at 150 Gy of electron beam or 50 Gy of X-ray. When irradiated to the L. trifolii, egg hatching was completely inhibited at 30 Gy of X-ray, however, electron beam irradiation was not inhibited even at 200 Gy. Egg hatching from irradiated adults was completely inhibited at 150 Gy of electron beam and X-ray. These results indicate that electron beam and X-ray irradiation induced abnormal development and reproduction, however, the dose of irradiation required to inhibit may vary according to the types of insect pests.

The effects of X-ray irradiation on development and reproduction of Spodoptera litura were examined. Eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults were irradiated at target doses of 10 - 250 Gy. When eggs were irradiated with 30 Gy, egg hatching was completely inhibited. When irradiated to the larvae, pupation was inhibited at 100 Gy and larval period was delayed. When irradiated to the pupae, emergence was inhibited at over 100 Gy. When irradiated to the adults, longevity and fecundity did not show any differences. However, egg hatching was significantly decreased at 70 Gy and above. Also, X-ray irradiation was not induced the rapid death of S. litura. Reciprocal crosses between irradiated and unirradiated moths demonstrated that males were more radiotolerant than females. The levels of DNA damage in S. litura adults were evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. Our results indicate that X-ray irradiation increased levels of DNA damage. The recovery of DNA damage in S. litura adults increased as time passed. But DNA damage hasn't recovered fully. These results indicate that X-ray irradiation induced abnormal development and reproduction by DNA damage in S. litura.

The effect of increased carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere was examined on the pheromone system of Helicoverpa armigera reared from egg stage to adult in three room. Two of three room (2×2×2 m) were treated with carbon dioxide gas as 600 ppm and 1,000 ppm, respectively. Mean of carbon dioxide concentration was 429.1 ppm in the control, 603.3 ppm for 600 ppm, and 1011.5 ppm for 1,000 ppm during experiment. Electroantenograph (EAG) test was conducted on 3-d-old male adults with air, hexane, and a series of their sex pheromone component, Z11-16Al, from 0.01 to 100 ng. The result was that male EAG responses of 600 and 1,000 ppm were 30.3% lower than that of control room. Production of Z11-16:Al was examined on about twenty 2-d-old virgin females. Carbon dioxide increases did not show a statistically significant difference. However, higher amount of sex pheromone was produced in females of 600 and 1,000 ppm. So, This experiment was replicated with different population reared again. The amount of the sex pheromone per female was 108.9 and 118.1 ng in control room, 139.8 and 141.8 ng in 600 ppm room, and 124.6 and 125.8 ng in 1,000 ppm room.

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is considered one of the main causes of potato losses during harvesting and storage. The pest occur throughout the year and its larvae damage the leaves, twigs and tubers. In this study, we have investigated the effects of ethyl formate (EF) and phosphine (PH3) against P. operculella. Fumigation to all stage of P. operculella was carried in a desiccator system at 5℃ and 20℃ for 24 h. As a result, LC99 of PH3 to all stage of P. operculella was showed 1.953 mg L-1 (eggs), 0.100 mg L-1 (larvae), 4.884 mg L-1 (pupae) and 0.240 mg L-1 (adults) at 20℃, respectively. LC99 of EF to all stage of P. operculella was observed 19.808 mg L-1 (eggs), 6.783 mg L-1 (larvae), 141.476 mg L-1 (pupae) and 3.223 mg L-1 (adults), at 20℃ respectively. Larvae and adults showed the highest susceptibility to PH3 and EF at 20℃. LC99 of PH3 to all stage of P. operculella was showed > 1.5 mg L-1 (eggs), 0.187 mg L-1 (larvae), > 1.5 mg L-1 (pupae) and 0.386 mg L-1 (adults) at 5℃ , respectively. LC99 of EF to all stage of P. operculella was showed 27.479 mg L-1 (eggs), 9.580 mg L-1 (larvae), 55.759 mg L-1 (pupae) and 3.084 mg L-1 (adults) at 5℃, respectively. These results indicated that the fumigant efficiency of PH3 and EF is more effective with treated in room temperatures against termites.

This study was carried out as a survey on the level of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in 5 items of agricultural products (lettuce, pumpkin, head lettuce, cabbage and crown daisy) for which safety guidelines are not yet established in Korea. The 407 samples were collected from local markets in 9 regional places and the levels of metals were measured by ICP-MS and mercury analyzer. The average levels of Pb, Cd, As and Hg were 0.026, 0.018 ,0.008 and 0.003 mg/kg for lettuce, 0.002, 0.001, 0.001 and 0.0006 mg/kg for pumpkin, 0.002, 0.005, 0.001 and 0.0005 mg/kg for head lettuce, 0.001, 0.002, 0.0002 and 0.0006 mg/kg for cabbage and 0.022, 0.014, 0.006 and 0.004 mg/kg for crown daisy. For risk assessment, the daily dietary exposures of Pb, Cd and Hg by intake of these agricultural products were calculated and compared with PTWI (provisional tolerable weekly intake) established by JECFA. The daily dietary exposure of heavy metals by intake of these agricultural products were 0.13, 0.56 and 0.09% of PTWI, respectively. These monitoring results will be utilized as fundamental data for the establishment of Korean standards of Pb, Cd, As and Hg in 5 items of agricultural products and valuable source for DB construction for science-based safety control of heavy metals in foods including agricultural products.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are about 21-25 nucleotides in length and regulate mRNA translation by base pairing to partially complementary sites, predominantly in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of the target mRNA. In this study, the expression profile of miRNAs was compared and analyzed for the establishment of miRNA-related odontoblast differentiation using MDPC-23 cells derived from mouse dental papilla cells. To determine the expression profile of miRNAs during the differentiation of MDPC-23 cells, we employed miRNA microarray analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Alizaline red-S staining. In the miRNA microarray analysis, 11 miRNAs were found to be up- or down-regulated more than 3-fold between day 0 (control) and day 5 of MDPC-23 cell differentiation among the 1,769 miRNAs examined. In qRT-PCR analysis, the expression levels of two of these molecules, miR-194 and miR-126, were increased and decreased in the control MDPC-23 cells compared with the MDPC-23 cells at day 5 of differentiation, respectively. Importantly, the overexpression of miR-194 significantly accelerated mineralization compared with the control cultures during the differentiation of MDPC-23 cells. These results suggest that the miR-194 augments MDPC-23 cell differentiation, and potently accelerates the mineralization process. Moreover, these in vitro results show that different miRNAs are deregulated during the differentiation of MDPC-23 cells, suggesting the involvement of these genes in the differentiation and mineralization of odontoblasts.

Opioid receptors have been pharmacologically classified as µ, δ, κ and ε. We have recently reported that the antinociceptive effect of morphine (a µ-opioid receptor agonist), but not that of β-endorphin (a novel µ/ε-opioid receptor agonist), is attenuated by whole body irradiation (WBI). It is unclear at present whether WBI has differential effects on the antinociceptive effects of µ-, δ-, κ- and ε-opioid receptor agonists. In our current experiments, male ICR mice were exposed to WBI (5Gy) from a 60 Co gamma-source and the antinociceptive effects of opioid receptor agonists were assessed two hours later using the hot water (52℃) tail-immersion test. Morphine and D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO), [D-Pen2-D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), trans-3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)- cyclohexyl]¬benzeneacetamide (U50,488H), and β-endorphin were tested as agonists for µ, δ, κ, and ε-opioid receptors, respectively. WBI significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and DAMGO, but increased those of β-endorphin. The antinociceptive effects of DPDPE and U50,488H were not affected by WBI. In addition, to more preciously understand the differential effects of WBI on µ- and ε¬opioid receptor agonists, we assessed pretreatment effects of β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA, a µ-opioid receptor antagonist) or β-endorphin1-27 (β-EP1-27, an ε-opioid receptor antagonist), and found that pretreatment with β-FNA significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and β endorphin by WBI. significantly reversed the β-EP1-27 attenuation of morphine by WBI and significantly attenuated the increased effects of β-endorphin by WBI. The results demonstrate differential sensitivities of opioid receptors to WBI, especially for µ- and ε-opioid receptors.