The primary cause of periodontitis is plaque-associated anaerobic gram-negative bacteria. As shown in the patients with defects in the number or function of neutrophils, innate immunity plays an important role in resistance to bacterial infection and periodontitis. Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) is one of the key receptors that recognize the molecular patterns of microbes and initiate innate immune response. To understand the role of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, we investigated whether Asp299Gly of TLR4 mutation is associated with periodontitis in Korean population. Subjects for this study included 90 healthy subjects and 98 periodontitis patients. The Asp299Gly mutation was screened by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism(RFLP) of genomic DNA from blood cells using a primer that creates a NcoI restriction site only in the mutant allele. The Asp299Gly mutation was not found in all subjects tested. Our results suggest that the Asp299Gly mutation of TLR4 is very rare in a Korean population. Further mutation screening may be required to determine the role of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the antibiotic effects of leaves, stems, and roots in yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius). Antibacterial activity of leaf extract by disk diffusion method with Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli respectively showed 13.3 and 13.75mm diameters of clear zone. There was no significant difference between the stems and leaves. The minimum inhibitory concentration of leaves’ heating and agitation extraction showed a restrain of strain at 1mg/ml, but the stems and root extract did not appear. Yacon is a functional antibacterial material, and methanol extraction is more effective than water. This research was to investigate the growth stage of collection has the most effective antibacterial effects. It has collected yacon's leaves from June to October, which is an appropriate time for collection right before reaping. Yacon leaf has antibacterial effects on Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and Salmonella enteritifis. There were no significant differences by the growth stage of collection. Leaves collected in July are high in phenol which helps in sulfating activity works well considering the high scavenging capability of DPPH. Leaves collected in September are high in total flavonoid.

Background : Pachyrhizus erosus (Leguminosae), locally called as “Yam bean” is a traditional medical plant that grows in the tropical and subtropical region. The root of P. erosus is used by the local people to treat insomania, treatment of osteoporosis and extracts of this plant have shown antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, tyrosinase inhibitionby, antitumour properties and cardiovascular benefit. Methods and Results : Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as standard antioxidants. The radical scavenging activity was measured using the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl–2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS assay. Total phenolic content was determined by following Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method and Total flavonoids were determined using aluminium chloride calorimetric methods. Phenolic compound concentration and compositions were determined by HPLC-MS/MS system. Seedlings grown under the flourescent light (Fl) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity when compared to the plants treated with light emitting diodes (LEDs) and light emitting plasma (LEP). LED-Blue showed the higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS concentration of PE compared to other LEDs. The accumulation of phenolic compounds increased under different white-LEDs conditions as compared to LEP and FL light conditions. Conclusion : In this study, antioxidant activity and phenolic compound composition of P. erosus was improved by the application of LED and LEP.

Background : For the GAP standard cultivation, weed occurrence pattern was investigated by planting density and mulching method of Bupleurum falcatum L. Methods and Results : Vinyl and rice straw were used for mulching. The planting density were 10, 20, and 30 cm, and the spacing between plants were 5 ㎝. The amount of weed emergence were examined twice at the end of July and at the end of September. The degree of importance was based on the Braun-Branquet’s dominance value distinction criterion. As a result, the kind of total weeds emerged during the cultivation of Bupleurum falcatum L. were identified as 20 species in 10 families. Amount of weed’s occurrence were the highest in rice straw covering after 10 × 5 ㎝ sowing, and it were lowest in vinyl mulching after 30 × 5 ㎝ sowing. The frequency of weed emergence was highest with 10 species of 8 families in rice straw mulching treatment. On the other hand, the treatment with the least emergence frequency of weeds was 30 × 5 ㎝ sowing after vinyl mulching, and weeds of 7 species of 6 families appeared. In the second survey in September, weeds of 15 species in 9 families were identified in the test field. The amount of weed’s occurrence were the highest in rice straw mulching after 10 × 5 ㎝ sowing, and it were the least in the case of vinyl mulching after 30 × 5 ㎝ sowing. The frequency of emergence of weeds was highest in rice straw mulching after 20 × 5 ㎝ sowing, and the kind of weeds were 11 species of 8 families. The treatment of the lowest emergence frequency of weeds was 30 × 5 ㎝ sowing after vinyl mulching. Three kinds of weeds occurred. Conclusion : From the above results, it is expected that we can suppress the weed occurrence at the planting density of 30 × 5 ㎝ after vinyl mulching at the sowing of Bupleurum falcatum L.

Background : This study for the stable production and supply of seeds of Angelica gigas Nakai(Man-chu Korean Angelica), when seeds harvested using nets, seed productivity was investigated. Methods and Results : Planting density is 50 × 25cm, Fertilizer per 10a was sprayed amount of N-P2O5-K2O = 16-17-10kg. And the amount of compost per 10a was sprayed 3000kg. Seed harvesting nets were used for a time formed the endosperm of the seeds (later in mid-August to late). And net for seed production was used for onion nets (at least 13 × 18cm). Shoot growth conditions were as follows. Bolting rate was 89.0% in the untreated, the treated group was 93.1%. The length and thickness of each stem was 129.3 ~ 130.8cm, 1.8cm. The number of nodes per plant was 6.7 ~ 7.5 pieces, and the number of petiole was 14.8 ~ 15.5 per plant. The number of umbel was 10.3 ~ 11.1 piece per plant, and number of deleted umbel was 7.1 ~ 7.2 piece. Seed weight per plant was 24.2g of the net treatment, but ripening seeds 19.6g, 1000 grain weight were all treated and untreated 2.8g. The total seed weight per plant, the net treated was 24.2g, was the weight of the ripening seeds 19.6g. The weight of the ripening seeds were heavier than those of the control. However, the weight of 1000 grain were both treated and untreated 2.8g. When treated nets, the total seed yield per 10a was 88.0kg production, increased by 60.9% compared to untreated. In addition, the ripening seed production per 10a was 71.5kg production, increased by 50.1% compared to untreated. Researching after germination Seed Production, germination rate was 50.8% in the control group and the treatment group was 54.9%. When applying the germination rate, high-quality seed production per 10a was able to produce 39.2kg, compared to control obtain the results increased by 65%. Conclusion : Through the above results, When producing angelica seed, use of net for seed production is thought to be used as a way to prevent early shattering and insect damage.(True bug, etc.).

Background : The roots of Curcuma longa Radix is used to make herbal medicine, which is registrated in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. This species is a perennial herb, and is distributed throughout tropical and/or sub tropical regions. High temperature and humidity with small difference between daytime and nighttime is the finest environment condition in this species. Recently, demand for C. longa has been expanded to cultivation area as central region from southern region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of harvest time on the growth, yield characteristics and main composition contents in C. longa. Methods and Results : Curcuma longa rhizomes were harvested from farmland in Jindo, Jeollanam-do in end October, early November, middle November, end November, early December, middle December and end December 2015. Harvested rhizome were dried in hot air drier, and it was investigated as growth characteristics and yield. Contents of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin was analyzed from dried powder of rhizome. The analysis column was used to Phenomenex, Kinetex 2.6um F5 100A 100*2.1mm. 10 mg of standard was taken, 80% MeOH was added to dissolve in 10 ㎖ flask. 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ㎖ was taken from dissolved solution and then was added to 10 ㎖ of 80% MeOH. It was filtered through 0.45 ㎛ filter and then 5 μℓ was taken to make standard solution. Analytical calibration curve was measured to diluted solution within sample concentration. 2 g of ground sample was taken, 40㎖ of 80% MeOH was added to extract by ultrasound sonication during 60 minutes and then it was filtered through 0.2 ㎛ filter to analyze component content. Conclusion : The root weight significantly increased from 376.1 g in end October to 695.9 g in end December as 1.8 double. Curcumin contents differed significantly among harvest times in end November and early December. Demethoxycurcumin increased from early November to end November, and Bisdemethoxycurcumin increased to the early November.

The purpose of this research was to find the most appropriate process for making yacon leaf tea. We applied both green tea and black tea brewing and fermenting methods for producing yacon leaf tea. This research included consumer test and descriptive analysis of professional trained panel on yacon tea tastes and flavors. Both consumer test and descriptive evaluation preferred yacon tea produced by black tea brewing and fermenting methods because it tasted less bitter and had a sweet, delicate taste. According to orthogonal transformation resulting from varimax rotation, first principal component was positively affected by black tea brewing and fermenting methods, while it was negatively affected by green tea brewing and fermenting methods. As a result, the study concluded black tea brewing and fermenting methods were appropriate for producing yacon leaf tea.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds have long been clinically used in Korea to promote bone formation and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, the safflower buds (SB) were found to have more useful functional ingredients than safflower seed. Thus, we investigated the preventive effects of SB diet in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The rats were divided into five groups; sham operated group, OVX alone group, OVX plus 17β-estradiol (E2 10 ㎍/㎏, i.p.) and OVX plus SB diet feeding group (0.3% or 1%). Feeding of SB diet (0.3% or 3%) to OVX rats markedly increased trabecular formation in femur compared to OVX rats. Feeding of SB diet (0.3% or 3%) to OVX rats also decreased TRAP activity compared to OVX rats. These results suggest that SB diets have bone sparing effects by the decrease of osteoclast activity. We also observed that OVX rats fed with SB diet (0.3% or 3%) exhibited the decrease of calcium and phosphorus in serum compared to OVX-induced rats. Therefore, SB may be beneficial for the patients of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

The study was carried out to determine the gel pasting properties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Geoncheonheugbori) as affected by different proton beam irradiation. The λmax, blue value, and amylose content were significantly associated with increasing proton beam irradiation. The pasting time in barley flour irradiated with proton beam ranged 0.09 to 0.16 min shorter than nonirradiated barley flour. Gel pasting temperature ranged 57.4 to 60.5℃. Gel pasting temperature in barley flour decreased with increasing proton beam irradiation. Proton beam irradiation caused a significant decrease in the onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), conclusion temperature (Tc) and enthalpy change (ΔH). Gelatinization range (R) in barley starch was more broaden than that of non-irradiated barley starch. Barley starches gave the strong diffraction peak at around 2θ values15°, 18°, 20°, and 23° 2θ. Peak intensity tended to increase with increased proton beam irradiation. The granule crystallinity is closely associated with decreased amylose and increased amylopectin component. The crystallinity degree of barley starch irradiated with proton beam was significantly increased and it ranged from 24.9 to 32.9% compared to the non-irradiated barley starches. It might be deduced that proton beam irradiation causes significant changes of properties of starch viscosity in rice, especially at high irradiation of proton beam.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a lympho-angioproliferative disease that primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Most importantly, Kaposi’s sarcoma occurs in the immunocompromised, especially AIDS patients and organ transplant recipients being treated with immunosuppressants. The occurrence of classic Kaposi’s sarcoma after the diagnosis of any primary solid tumor has rarely been reported. We experienced a 70-year-old man, who had received surgery and chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of primary gallbladder cancer, that developed multiple tender deep purple papules on his trunk, back and feet which were proven to be pathologic symptoms of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Influences of different seeding dates on growth, seed yield, fatty acid composition and oil content were investigated in flax plants for two years. The results indicated that plant height in early seeding date was higher than that of delayed seeding dates during first season. Furthermore, seeding date also significantly affected the ripened seed rate and the rate increased with the delay in seeding date in first season. Seed yield in the first crop season was significantly higher than the second crop season. Palmitic acid showed variation in different seeding dates. Contrarily, stearic acid was stable and did not changed by different seeding dates. Linolenic acid was found in highest amount in all seeding dates consecutively in two cropping years. Highest oil content was recovered from the seeds of flax sown at 29 Apr. and May 9 in first and second cropping year respectively.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are promising cell source because of their unique self-renewal and pluripotency. Although hESC-derived cardiac cells are currently generated worldwide, cryopreservation of these cells is still limited due to low rate of post-thaw survival. Cryopreservation of hESC-derived cardiac cells is critical in that their long-term storage can accelerate their use in regenerative medicine. However, to date, there are few reports on efficient cryopreservation and post-thaw survival of hESC-derived cardiac cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ginsenoside, which is known to improve survival of rat embryonic cardiomyocytes against myocardial ischemia injury in diabetic rats (Wu et al., 2011), on the survival of hESC-derived cardiac cells after thawing. We induced differentiation into cardiac cells using our previously reported method (Kim et al., 2011). Differentiated, pre-beating stage cardiac cells were cryopreserved using either mass cryopreservation or vitrification. To evaluate the effects of ginsenoside (Re, Rb), we compared three sets: pre- and post-thaw treatment, pre- or post-thaw treatment only. The survival of post-thaw cardiac cells were evaluated using Trypan-blue and Annexin V staining. In addition, the three groups were treated with ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, and compared with non-treatment groups. The effect of ginsenoside was significant in post-thaw treatment group, i.e, thawed cells expressed cardiac specific genes and showed specific functionality such as spontaneous beating. Taken together, we demonstrated favorable effects of ginsenoside on the survival of hESC-derived cardiac cells after cryopreservation and thawing. These results suggest a possible application of well-known cardioprotectant ginsenoside in cell-based tissue engineering using hESC-derived cardiac cells.

본 연구는 항균 활성을 지니는 식물추출물을 찾고 화장품에서 방부제로서 적용하기 위해 진행되었다. 디스크 확산법(disk diffusion method)을 통해 3가지 식물 추출물, 함박꽃나무(천녀목란, Magnolia sieboldii), 오배자(Rhus chinensis), 메타세콰이어(Metasequioa glyptostroboides)가 항균활성을 지니고 있음을 확인하였다. 세 물질의 최소저해농도 (MIC)를 측정한 결과 메타세콰이어는 0.3 ∼ 0.35 %, 함박꽃나무는 0.35 ∼ 0.4 % 농도에서 곰팡이의 생장을 억제하고 오배자는 0.45 ∼ 0.5 % 농도에서 세균의 생장을 억제함을 확인하였다. 또한 추출물 내의 항균 활성을 지니는 성분을 분리하여 분석한 결과 메타세콰이어에서 분리한 caryophyllene oxide와 caryophyllene, 함박꽃나무에서 분리한 costunolide와 dehydrocostus lactone, 오배자에서 분리한 ethyl gallate, ethyl-3-gallate 등이 항균활성을 지닌 물질임을 확인하였다. O/W 에멀션 제형에서 식물 추출물을 넣고 방부력을 확인한 결과 혼합사용 시 세균과 곰팡이 모두에 대한 방부효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 따라서 함박꽃나무, 오배자, 메타세콰이어 추출물의 혼합물은 기존의 화학 방부제를 대체할 천연 방부제로서 화장품에서 응용할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.