• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.5
• /
• pp.304-312
• /
• 2024

This study was conducted to characterize strain Y10, isolated from discarded chicken feathers. Strain Y10 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens through phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene analysis. B. amyloliquefaciens Y10 exhibited plant growth-promoting activities, including the production of fungal cell-degrading enzymes (cellulase, lipase, protease, and pectinase), siderophores, ammonia, and indoleacetic acid. Furthermore, strain Y10 was able to inhibit the mycelial growth of several phytopathogenic fungi. When 0.1% sucrose as a carbon source and 0.05% casein as a nitrogen source were added to the basal medium, adjusted to pH 10, and cultured at 35℃, the degradation rate of chicken feathers by strain Y10 was about two times higher than that of the basal medium, with the feathers almost completely degraded in four days. Strain Y10 also degraded various keratin substrates, including duck feathers, wool, and human nails. It was confirmed that the feather hydrolyzates prepared using strain Y10 exhibited antioxidant activities, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 0.38 mg/ml) and superoxide dismutase-like activity (EC₅₀ = 183.7 mg/ml). These results suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens Y10 is a potential candidate for the development of bioinoculants and feed additives applicable to the agricultural and livestock industries, as well as the microbiological treatment of keratin waste.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.207-218
• /
• 2002

Background : Intensive care units (ICUs) are generally considered epicenters of antibiotic resistance and the principal sources of multi-resistant bacteria outbreaks. The antibiotic resistance in newly opened intensive care unit that has no microbial colonization on and around the devices was investigated. Materials and Methods : The authors analyzed the antibiotic resistance patterns for common hospital acquired-pneumonia pathogens in the ICUs(Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp.) at the newly opened ICU of Hanyang University Medical Center, Kuri Hospital during 6 years(1995-2000). Results : 1) Regarding Staphylococcus aureus, the resistance rate to methicillin was 15% at 1995, 21% at 1996, 20% at 1997, 23% at 1998, 22% at 1999, 55% at 2000. 2) Regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the resistance rate to $3^{rd}$ cephalosporin was 50% at 1995, 50% at 1996, 78% at 1997, 40% at 1998, 77% at 1999, 39% at 2000. Imipenam was 0% at 1995, 27% at 1996, 65% at 1997, 12% at 1998, 16% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Ciprofloxacin was 0% at 1996, 56% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 57% at 1999, 58% at 2000. Tobramycin was 7% at 1995, 10% at 1996, 67% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 65% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Gentamycin was 14% at 1995, 36% at 1996, 67% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 65% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Amikacin was 14% at 1995, 30% at 1996, 61% at 1997, 16% at 1998, 39% at 1999, 18% at 2000. 3) Regarding Acinetobacter spp., the resistance rate to $3^{rd}$ cephalosporin was 92% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 88% at 1998,84% at 1999, 77% at 2000. Imipenem was 50% at 1996, 48% at 1997, 45% at 1998, 49% at 1999, 50% at 2000. Ciprofloxacin was 0% at 1996, 48% at 1997, 33% at 1998, 27% at 1999, 71% at 2000. Tobramycin was 67% at 1995, 100% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 95% at 1998, 87% at 1999, 77% at 2000. Gentamycin was 67% at 1995, 100% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 95% at 1998, 87% at 1999, 83% at 2000. Amikacin was 33% at 1995, 83% at 1996, 82% at 1997, 88% at 1998, 75% at 1999, 69% at 2000. Conclusion : The S.aureus resistance to methicillin, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to ciprofloxacin, and the Acinetobacter spp. resistance to ciprofloxacin have rapidly increased during 6 years. There is a need to pay speicial attention when using the the antibiotics for the above pathogens. This data may be useful in antibiotic therapy in newly opened intensive care units.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.232-240
• /
• 1997

Background : Postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis is located mainly in upper lobes. The tuberculous lesion involving the lower lobes usually arises from the upper lobe cavity through endobronchial spread. When tuberculosis is confined to the lower lung field, it often masquerades as pneumonia, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, or lung abscess. Thus the correct diagnosis may be sometimes delayed for a long time. Methods : We carried out, retrospectively, a clinical study on 50 patients confirmed with lower lung field tuberculosis who visited the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Hanyang University Hospital from January 1992 to December 1994. The following results were obtained. Results : Lower lung field tuberculosis without concomitant upper lobe disease occurred in fifty patients representing 6.9% of the total admission with active pulmonary tuberculosis over a period of 3 years. It occurred most frequently in the third decade but age distribution was relatively even. The mean age was 43 years old. Female was more frequently affected than male (male to female ratio 1 : 1.9). The most common symptom was cough(68%), followed by sputum(52%), fever(38%), and chest discomfort(30%). On chest X-ray of the 50patients, consolidation was the most common finding in 52%, followed by solitary nodule(22%) collapse(16%), cavitary lesion(10%), in decreasing order. The disease confined to the right side in 25 cases, left side 20 cases, and both sides 5 cases. Endobronchial tuberculosis (1) Endobronchial involvement was proved by bronchoscopic examination in 20 of 50patients. (2) Mean age was 44years old and female was more affected than man (male to female ratio 1 : 3). Sputum AFB stain and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture were positive only in 50% of cases unlikely upper lobe tuberculosis, additional diagnostic methods were needed. In our study, bronchoscopic examination and percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy increased diagnostic yield by 18% and 32%, respectively. The most common associated condition was diabetes mellitus(18%) and others were anemia, anorexia nervosa, stomach cancer, and systemic steroid usage. Conclusion : When we find a lower lung field lesion, we should suspect tuberculosis if the patient has diabetes mellitus, anemia, systemic steroid usage, malignancy or other immune suppressed states. Because diagnostic yield of sputum AFB smear & Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was low, additional diagnostic methods such as bronchoscopy and fine needle aspiration biopsy were needed.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.49-56
• /
• 2010

Developments of radioprotective agents are important issues for minimizing the troubles and the effective treatments in radiotherapy. But few agents are useful in clinical and practical fields. It was shown that trace elements in alcohol beverages might have radioprotective effect. In this study, the types of cell death of lymphocytes according to the commercial alcohol beverage was investigated. Normal healthy volunteers ingested distilled water, beer or soju containing $81.5mg{\cdot}dl^{-1}$ ethyl ahcohol, respectively. After 2 hours, their blood were sampled with their consents. Fraction of lymphocytes was isolated by density gradient method with Histopaque-1077 (Sigma) and irradiated with dose from 0.5 to 5 Gy. After 60 hour incubation, the cells were harvested and analysed by flow cytometry. Cell viability was decreased by dose dependent manner. Cell viability of beer group was reduced about 15% compared with control group. Apoptosis in soju group was reduced about 20% compared with control group. Apoptosis of beer and control groups are similar. Necrosis of soju group significantly increased about 35% compared with control group. Early apoptosis of beer group was increased compared with control group. Early apoptosis of soju group was decreased about 25% compared with control group. Late apoptosis of beer and control group was increased by dose dependent manner. Late apoptosis of soju group was increased about 20-30% compared with control group. Late apoptosis of soju was increased and the radioprotective effect of soju was minimal because late apoptosis induced the cell necrosis. In case of soju trace elements, total cell apoptosis was decreased about 20% and early cell apoptosis was remarkably low. In this case, mitotic cells death may be dominant mechanism. Therefore, trace elements in soju may not be effective radioprotective agents.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.201-208
• /
• 2008

To produce bioactivity-strengthen medicinal herbs, the 36 medicinal herbs which have antioxidation or blood circulation activity, were solid fermented using Phellinus baumii mycelium. Most of medicinal herbs, except Chrysanthemum indicum (flower), Zizyphus jujuba Miller (fructus), Aconitum koreanum R. Raymond (root), Magnolia denu-data (flower), and Polygonatum sibiricum Redt (root bark), showed good fermentation at $25^{\circ}C$ for 20 days under 90% of relative humidity. The poor fermentations of the herbs could be explained by lack of nutrient, structural rigidity, and the content of antifungal substance. After fermentation, the average water content of herbs were increased to $67.21{\pm}11.43%$ from $30.84{\pm}15.67%$, but the average pH and average methanol extraction ratio were slightly decreased to $11.16{\pm}7.06%$ and $4.83{\pm}0.73$ from $13.91{\pm}12.22%$ and $5.06{\pm}0.87$, respectively. The analysis of thrombin inhibition and DPPH scavenging activity of the methanol extracts of herbs showed that thrombin inhibition activities of the fermented Drynaria fortunei Kunze, Melia azedarach var. japonica, Prunus persica and Orostachys japonicus, and DPPH scavenging activities of the fermented Polygala tenuifolia, Scrophularia buergeriana, Angelica dahurica, Drynariafortunei Kunze, Cyperus rotundus, and Boschniakia rossica were increased as compared with those activities of non-fermented its cognate herbs. Our results suggest that the production of bioactivity-strengthen medicinal herbs is possible by solid fermentation of Phellinus baumii mycelium, as fermented Drynaria fortunei Kunze showed increased antioxidant and thrombin inhibitory activities than those of non-fermented herbs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.1083-1093
• /
• 1997

Background : So far, there have been numerous reports on organ damage due to cryptococcosis, however, cases of lung localization have been infrequently reported. Recently pulmonary cryptococcosis has been reported more frequently than before due to enhanced diagnostic techniques and increased underlying diseases. Method : The author, therefore, analyzed the clinical manifestations of 5 cryptococcosis cases that we experienced at Hanyang University Hospital from 1985 to 1996 and 9 cases reported in Korea from 1984 and 1996 retrospectively. The following results were obtained. Results : Cryptococcosis occurred frequently over sixth decade and the male to female ratio was 3.6 : 1. Underlying diseases included acute rejection after kidney transplantation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, diabetes mellitus and state of bilateral adrenalectomy. Remaining 8 cases had no evidence of an underlying disease. Because the symptoms were subacute & nonspecific, and not improved by conventional antibiotics, 6 patients of 14 pulmonary cryptococcosis patients were treated as pulmonary tuberculosis before correct diagnosis was made. There were three asymptomatic cases. According to the results of CXR, solitary alveolar consolidation was the most common finding(8 cases) followed by diffuse infiltration(5 cases). It also showed pleural effusion, hilar lymphadenopathy and cavity formation that was rarely reported in world literature. The diagnasis was made through fine needle aspiration biopsy in 10 cases, open thoracotomy in 2 cases, transbronchial lung biopsy in 1 case. and thoracentesis with pleural biopsy in 1 case. Only one case showed positive result in sputum stain and culture, serum latex agglutination test for cryptococcus neoformans. Treatment modalities were various such as fluconazole, amphotericin B, flucytosine, ketoconazole, surgery and it's combination. After 1990 year, there was a trend that fluconazole or ketoconazole are more used than other therapeutic modalities. Conclusion : Because the symptoms are subacute & nonspecific and not improved by conventional antibiotics, pulmonary cryptococcosis is likely to misdiagnosis as pulmonary tuberculosis in Korea. Because the diagnosic yield of sputum stain, culture and serologic test for pulmonary cryptococcosis is low, histologic diagnosis is need in most pulmonary cryptococcosis.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.509-518
• /
• 2016

Asparagus cochinchinensis is a medical plant that has long been used to treat fever, cough, kidney disease, breast cancer, inflammatory disease and brain disease in northeast Asian countries. Although several studies have been conducted on the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of A. cochinchinensis, the correlation between these effects and nerve growth factor (NGF) has not yet been examined. In this study, we investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of A. cochinchinensis (AEAC) on the secretion and action mechanism of NGF in neuronal cells. The concentration of the NGF protein in the supernatant collected from cultured cells increased significantly in B35 cells treated with AEAC in comparison with the vehicle-treated group without any specific cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of NGF showed a very similar pattern to its protein concentration. To examine the bioactivity of NGF secreted from B35 cells, undifferentiated PC12 cells were cultured in an AEAC-conditioned medium and neuritic outgrowth was observed. The dendrite length of PC12 cells in the AEAC-treated group was significantly higher than that in the vehicle-treated group. Moreover, the level of the downstream effectors p-TrkA and p-ERK of the high-affinity NGF receptor was significantly higher in the AEAC-treated group, while the expression of the downstream effectors of the low-affinity NGF receptor was significantly lower in the same group. These results suggest that AEAC may contribute to the regulation of NGF expression and secretion in neuronal cells; it is therefore an excellent candidate for further investigation as a therapeutic drug for neurodegenerative diseases.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.71-77
• /
• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of Chungkookjang depending on different soybeans and fermentation temperatures using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C2 isolated from homemade Chungkookjang. The highest protease activity was 854 U/g in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 847 U/g in black soybean Chungkookjang at $35^{\circ}C$. The highest amylase activity was 3.87 U/g at $40^{\circ}C$ in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 4.96 U/g at $45^{\circ}C$ in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest reducing sugar content was 16.11 mg/g at $40^{\circ}C$ in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 19.08 mg/g at $45^{\circ}C$ in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest amino type nitrogen content was 420 mg%/g in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 194 mg%/g in black soybean Chungkookjang at $40^{\circ}C$. The highest pH was 7.92 at $40^{\circ}C$ in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 7.59 at $45^{\circ}C$ in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest number of viable cell was 9.3 log CFU/g at $40^{\circ}C$ in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and at $35^{\circ}C$ in black soybean Chungkookjang. On the other hand, the lowest ammonia type nitrogen content was 225 mg%/g at $45^{\circ}C$ in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 80 mg%/g at $40^{\circ}C$ in black soybean Chungkookjang. Yellow soybean Chungkookjang showed high protease activity, pH and amino type nitrogen, whereas black soybean Chungkookjang showed high amylase activity and reducing sugar.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.10
• /
• pp.1132-1138
• /
• 2005

Purpose : The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders. They are caused by a deficiency of the enzymes involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Early recognition is important because recombinant enzyme replacement therapy is now available for MPS. We studied the clinical characteristics of 80 MPS children with the object of determining the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features in Korean MPS children. Methods : Diagnosis of MPS was confirmed by skin fibroblast enzyme analysis in 80 patients between February 1995 and December 2004. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and radiological findings, as well as for intelligence and speech evaluations. Results : Hunter syndrome (MPS type II) was the most prevalent type, appearing in 51/80 cases (64 %), followed by Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III-18%), Hurler syndrome (MPS I-15%), and Morquio syndrome (MPS IV-4%). The average age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (range 1 to 20), and the male-to-female ratio was 4.7 : 1. Typical radiographic changes were observed in 45/54 cases (83%). Mitral regurgitation was the most common cardiac defect. Moderate to profound mental retardation and hearing loss were present in 14/35 cases (56%) and 33/38 cases (82%), respectively. Four MPS II patients had bone marrow transplantation, with mixed outcomes. Five MPS I patients are currently on enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion : Our study showed a high proportion of MPS II cases (64%), which may represent population variability. By studying the clinical features of these patients, we hope to alert pediatricians of the warning signs of MPS.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.83-90
• /
• 2007

Purpose: In this study, it was investigated whether commercially produced beer is able to prevent a lymphocyte from radiation induced apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples were acquired from 5 healthy volunteers (male, 26$\sim$38 years old) and the lymphocyte were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Radiation induced apoptosis of the lymphocyte were investigated by 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy to 5.0 Gy irradiation. In some experiments, the donor drunk beer and then blood samples were collected. In other experiments, melatonin or glycine betain was added to lymphocyte culture medium. Treated or untreated lymphocytes were cultured for 60 hours and radiation induced apoptosis of the lymphocyte was analyzed by annexin-V staining through flow cytometery. Results: Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of the untreated lymphocytes is 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.38$\pm$1.0, 1.47$\pm$1.1, 1.50$\pm$1.2 by radiation dose of 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy and 5.0 Gy respectively. Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of lymphocytes is isolated from beer drunken donors is 0.97$\pm$1.0, 0.99$\pm$1.0, 1.11$\pm$0.9, 1.29$\pm$1.1, 1.15$\pm$1.1 by radiation doses respectively which are reduced 21.5% compared with untreated lymphocyte. Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of the lymphocytes is isolated from non-alcohol beer drunken donors is 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.17$\pm$1.1, 1.13$\pm$1.3, 1.38$\pm$1.2, 1.32$\pm$1.1 by radiation dose of 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy and 5.0 Gy respectively which are reduced 10.8% compared with the untreated lymphocyte. Conclusion: As a result, it is suggested that beer may protect the lymphocyte from radiation damage and inhibit apoptosis.