• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 1992

As a research for developing biofertilizers, Klebsiella oxytoca, an associative nitrogen fixer in the rhizosphere of rice plant in the soil of paddy field, was subjected to molecular breeding. The results obtained were as followings. 1). By transforming pbIC71A, Nif A overproducing plasmid, into Klebsiella oxytoca NGl3, Klebsiell6f oxytoca SH3l, and Klebsiella oxytoca SH161, nitrogenase activities in the absence of nitrogen source in the medium were increased 6.4, 17.2, and 13.5 times, respectively, in comparison with the parent strains. 2). Nitrogenase activity of Klebgiella oxytoca NGl3, Klebsiella oxytoca SH3l, and Klebsiella oxytoca SH161 was completely repressed In the presence of 15mM NH4+. But, nitrogenase activities of Klebsiella oxytoca NGl3/PMC71A, Klebsiella oxytoca SH3l /PMC71A, and Klebsiella oxytoca SH 161/pMC714 harboring PMC71A, were 13.7%, 7.7%, and 6.2% of the nitrogenase activities in the absence of nitrogen source in the medium, respectively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2022

This study investigated whether or not the major bioactive compounds of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) are involved in anti-inflammatory activity through the JAK/STAT upper signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. The experimental results show that the M. citrifolia ethyl acetate fraction (Mc-EtOAc) obtained by sequential fractionation with organic solvents from the plant's dried fruits exhibits the highest antioxidant activity. In addition, the cytoprotective effects of Mc-EtOAc against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in the RAW 264.7 cells suppressed cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The group pretreated with Mc-EtOAc at a concentration of 240 ㎍/ml showed higher cell viability of 84.5%, compared to 71.6% in the LPS-treated group, and LPS-induced NO production decreased to half the amount in the positive control group. Mc-EtOAc treatment also led to a significant dose-dependent reduction in iNOS expression. Although COX-2 expression was increased by 300% following LPS induction, it was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with Mc-EtOAc at concentrations of 120 and 240 ㎍/ml. An inhibition of the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α was observed. The investigation also revealed that the phosphorylation levels of pJAK1 and pSTAT3 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells were significantly reduced by Mc-EtOAc treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.794-805
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• 2020

Objective : Teriparatide is known as an effective anabolic agent not only for severe osteoporosis but also for bone healing and union. We explored the possibility of teriparatide as an alternative treatment option for osteoporotic thoracolumbar (TL) burst fracture. Methods : This retrospective study enrolled 35 female patients with mean age of 73.77±6.71 years (61-88) diagnosed as osteoporotic TL burst fracture with ≥4 of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity (TLICS) score and no neurological deficits. All patients were treated by teriparatide only (12 of group A), teriparatide plus vertebroplasty (12 of group B), or surgical fixation with fusion (11 of group C), and followed up for 12 months. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using radiological parameters including kyphotic angle (KA), segmental vertebral kyphotic angle (SVKA), compression ratio (CR), and vertebral body height (anterior [AH], middle [MH], posterior [PH]). Functional outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Macnab classification (MC). Results : There were no statistical significant differences in age, bone mineral density (-3.36±0.73), and TLICS score (4.34±0.48) among the three groups (p>0.05). Teriparatide was administered during 8.63±2.32 months in group A and B. In 12-month radiological outcomes, there were significant restoration in SVKA, CR, AH, and MH of group B and KA, SVKA, CR, AH, and MH of group C compared to group A with no radiological changes (p<0.05). All groups showed similar significant improvements in 12-month functional outcomes, although group B and C showed a better 1-month VAS, 1-month MC, 3-month MC compared to group A (p<0.05). Conclusion : Non-surgical treatment with teriparatide showed similar 12-month functional outcomes compared to surgical fixation with fusion. The additional vertebroplasty to teriparatide and surgical fixation with fusion were more helpful to improve short-term functional outcomes with structural restoration compared to teriparatide only.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.305-316
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• 2005

This study was conducted to determine the total amount and type of seleniwn (Se) in the Se-enriched mushroom and its spent mushroom composts (SMC), and to investigate the metabolism in relation to Se accwnulation in the mushroom. Mushrooms, Flammulina velutipes, used in this study were grown for 60 days by adding 2 rng of inorganic Se (Na2Se03) per kg of mushroom composts (MC) on as-fed basis and were compared with normal mushrooms grown on the non Se-supplemented Me. Total Se contents for Se-treated mushrooms were significantly increased (P < 0.0001) by 20-fold (4.51 $\mu$/ g of dry) compared to Se-untreated (0.23 $\mu$/ g of dry). On the contrary, organic Se ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in the Se-treated mushroom (72.3 %) than the Se-untreated one (100 %, not analytically detected of inorganic Se). Se distribution upon a length in the Se-treated mushrooms was the highest in the bottom part (6.86 $\mu$/ g of dry) near to MC, and top and middle parts were significantly lower (3.71 and 3.01 $\mu$/ g of dry, respectively; P < 0.001) than the bottom. In the SMC from Se-treated mushrooms, the significant amount of Se (5.04l1g/g of dry) was remained, but that from the Se-untreated mushrooms was significantly low (P$\mu$ / g of dry. Se-treated SMC showed a high ratio of organic Se (65.67 %), suggesting that the significant amount of inorganic Se in the SMC was converted to organic Se by mushroom mycelia. Prior to mycelia inoculation in the mushroom culture, the sterilization of MC brought approximately 18% of Se loss in the MC. Apparent and net accumulation rates (%) for Se into mushrooms were 14.81 and 10.14 %, respectively, resulting from the Se volatilization into the air via metabolic process of mushroom itself. The result of this study shows that inorganic Se addition to MC for mushroom improved the organic Se contents in the mushroom and SMC. This study showed the possibility that Se in Se-enriched mushroom and SMC could be utilized as Se sources of food for human as well as feed for livestock.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.118-130
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• 2005

This study was conducted to evaluate the spent composts of selenium-enriched mushrooms as a feed selenium Source. Total selenium (Se) contents and Se profiles in the spent mushroom composts (SMC) were determined. In addtion, we also investigated the metabolism in relation to Se accumulation in the mushroom. Mushrooms used in this study were Flammulina velutipes and Se enriched mushrooms were grown for 60 days by adding 2 mg of inorganic Se (Na₂SeO₃) per kg of mushroom composts (MC) on as-fed basis and it was compared with mushrooms not to add Se to the MC. Total Se contents for Se-treated mushrooms were significantly increased (P<0.0001) by 20-fold (4.51 ㎍/g of dry) compared to Se-untreated (0.23 ㎍/g of dry). On the contrary, organic Se proportion was significantly lower (P<0.0001) in the Se-treated mushroom (72.3%) than Se-untreated (100%, not analytically detected of inorganic Se). Se distribution upon a length in the Se-treated mushrooms was the highest in the bottom part (6.86 ㎍/g of dry) near to MC, and top and middle parts were significantly lower (3.71 and 3.01 ㎍/g of dry, respectively) than the bottom (P<0.001). In the SMC from Se-treated mushrooms, a high concentration of Se (5.04 ㎍/g of dry) was still remained, but that from Se-untreated mushrooms was significantly low (P<0.0001) as 0.08 ㎍/g of dry. Se-treated SMC showed a high rate of organic Se (65.67%), suggesting that most of inorganic Se in the SMC was converted to organic Se by mushroom mycelia, and Se-untreated SMC showed 100% of organic Se, not being detected of inorganic Se. Prior to mycelia inoculation in the mushroom culture, the sterilization of MC brought approximately 18% of Se loss in the MC. This result is in accordance with facts generally known that Se is weak in the high temperature and it is consequently volatilized under that condition. Apparent and net accumulation rates (%) for Se into mushrooms were 14.81 and 10.14%, respectively and their difference (4.67%) is considered that it is due to the volatilization into the air via metabolic process of mushroom itself. From the result of this study, inorganic Se addition to MC for mushroom improved the Se content in the mushroom and SMC from Se-enriched mushrooms contained a high concentration of Se. Mycelium and fruiting body from mushrooms converted inorganic Se in MC to organic Se, indicating a high proportion of organic Se in the mushroom and SMC. Therefore, Se in Se-enriched mushroom and SMC was recognized as Se sources of food for human as well as feed for livestock.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.302-307
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• 2003

Although, in human medicine, strains of methicillin-resistant staphylococi have become the most important causative agents of nosocomial infections, studies on the small animals are very. limited. The aim of this study was to determine mecA gene and susceptibility to antibiotics of staphylococci strains isolated from clinically ill or healthy dogs and cats, during the period August 2002-July 2003. A total of 136 staphylococci (87 coagulase-positive and 49 coagulase-negative) were investigated for antibiotic resistance, using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The mecA gene was detected using the polymerase chain reaction. The isolates belonged to the species S. aureus (53 isolates), S. intermedius (34 isolates), S. epidermidis (26 isolates) and other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, 23 isolates). Of the 136 isolates, 43 (31.6%) were mecA-positive and the frequency of the ,presence of mecA gene varied among the different species. All S. aureus strains were mecA-negative and were found to be susceptible, with an oxacillin MIC $\leq$1 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml. Five (13.6%) isolates of 36 that exhibited oxacillin resistance on the MIC testing were found to be mecA-negative, suggesting not all mecA-positive strains may be an oxacillin resistant. However, the mecA presence of the strains was correlated with high oxacillin resistance: 71.4% (10 isolates of 14; P < 0.001) for mecA-positive S. intermedius and 72.4% (21 isolates of 29; P < 0.001) for mecA-positive CNS isolates. About 69% (94 isolates of 136) showed resistance to at least one drug, and 22.8% (31 isolates) were resistant to four or more different drug classes. Resistance (36 isolates, 71.7%) to penicillin G was a common finidng. This study suggest that the mecA-positive staphylococci are prevalent in small animals, and selection of antibiotics to treat infections caused by mecA-positive staphylococci may be very limited because of multi-drug resistance.

• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.63-71
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• 2014

This study aimed to develop a novel bioactive hybrid xerogel consisting of silk fibroin /$SiO_2-CaO-P_2O_5$ by sol-gel process at room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR Spectroscopy, pore measurement, mechanical property testing, in vitro bioactivity test and cytotoxicity assay were performed to characterize the xerogel for bone tissue engineering application. We have found that the xerogel possessed excellent pore structures and mechanical property. Once immersed in a simulated fluid (SBF), the xerogel exhibited profound bioactivity by inducing hydroxyapatite layers on its surfaces. The cell toxicity study also demonstrated that there was little toxic to MC3T3-E1 cells. These results indicate that silk fibroin /$SiO_2-CaO-P_2O_5$ hybrid xerogel potentially could be used as a bone tissue engineering material.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.590-596
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• 2011

Pimpinella brachycarpa, called as cham-na-mul in Korea, is an edible popular herb. However, the study of biological activity of P. brachycarpa is still rudimentary in worldwide. In this study, from the cultivated P. brachycarpa, we prepared the methanol extract and its subsequent solvent fractions, and their antimicrobial, antioxidation, and anti-proliferative activities were evaluated. The fraction yields of n-hexane (H), methylene chloride (EC), ethylacetate (EA), butanol (B), and water residue (W) from the methanol extract were 18.71, 0.7, 0.56, 4.57, and 71.51%, respectively. Analysis of total flavonoid and total polyphenol showed that the EA fraction contained the highest contents (89.23 and 200 mg/g), and the W residue has the lowest contents (19.6 and 2.27 mg/g) among the factions. In antimicrobial activity assay, the EA fraction showed a broad-range antibacterial activity, while the H fraction is effective against gram positive bacteria. In antioxidation activity assay, EA and B fraction showed strong DPPH anion and ABTS cation scavenging activities including reducing power, and Hand MC fraction showed effective nitrite scavenging activity (71.43~83.82 ${\mu}g$/mL of $IC_{50}$). In a while, only B fraction showed strong anti-proliferative activity against human colorectal cancer HCT-116 (166 ${\mu}g$/mL of $IC_{50}$) as a dose-dependent manner up to 200 ${\mu}g$/mL. These results suggest that the EA and B fraction of P. brachycarpa could be developed as functional food ingredients.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2014

We have developed 8 peptide derivatives as potential MC1R antagonists and their inhibitory effects on ${\alpha}$-MSH induced cell growth in cultured normal human melanocytes (NHM) were investigated. From these experiments, the two most potent peptide derivatives, 5-phenylvaleric acid-(D)His-Arg-Trp-$(Lys)_6NH_2$ (P 6) and 5-phenylvaleric acid-(D)His-Arg-Trp-$(Lys)_9NH_2$ (P 7) were selected for further studies. In ${\alpha}$-MSH depleted NHM cells, we have found that the treatment with 1 ${\mu}M$ of these two peptide derivatives, P 6 and P 7, inhibited the cell proliferation induced by the addition of 1 nM ${\alpha}$- MSH by 70% and 72%, respectively. In NHM cells without previous ${\alpha}$-MSH depletion, 1 ${\mu}M$ treatment in the presence of 10 nM ${\alpha}$-MSH resulted in 70% (P 6) and 80% (P 7) decrease in cell growth and 64% (P 6) and 71% (P 7) reduction in melanin synthesis, respectively. The peptide derivatives P 6 and P 7 were proved to have no apparent cytotoxicity and inhibited the elevation of intracellular cAMP concentration triggered by ${\alpha}$-MSH. In conclusion, our data suggest that the peptide derivatives reported in this study, 5-phenylvaleric acid-(D)His-Arg-Trp-$(Lys)_6NH_2$ (P 6) and 5-phenylvaleric acid-(D)His- Arg-Trp-$(Lys)_9NH_2$ (P 7) strongly antagonize ${\alpha}$-MSH, inhibit cell proliferation and melanin synthesis, and lower the intracellular cAMP concentration, hence have a promising potential as a novel skin lightening agent.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.232-243
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• 2002

Purpose: We studied whether brain perfusion SPECT is useful in the psychiatric disability evaluation of patients with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine patients (M:F=58:11, age $39{\pm}14$ years) who underwent Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT, brain MRI and neuropsychological (NP) tests during hospitalization in psychiatric wards for the psychiatric disability evaluation were included; the severity of injury was mild in 31, moderate in 17 and severe in 21. SPECT, MRI, NP tests were peformed $6{\sim}61$ months (mean 23 months) post-injury. Diagnostic accuracy of SPECT and MRI to show hypoperfusion or abnormal signal intensity in patients with cognitive impairment represented by NP test results were compared. Results: Forty-two patients were considered to have cognitive impairment on NP tests and 27 not. Brain SPECT showed 71% sensitivity and 85% specificity, while brain MRI showed 62% sensitivity and 93% specificity (p>0.05, McNemar test). SPECT found more cortical lesions and MRI was superior in detecting white matter lesions. Sensitivity and specificity of 31 mild TBI patients were 45%, 90% for SPECT and 27%, 100% for MRI (p>0.05, McNemar test). Among 41 patients with normal brain MRI, SPECT showed 63% sensitivity (50% for mild TBI) and 88% specificity (85% for malingerers). Conclusion: Brain SPECT has a supplementary role to neuropsychological tests in the psychiatric disability evaluation of chronic TBI patients by detecting more cortical lesions than MRI.