• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.142-148
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• 2006

In order to develop chitosanase for the production of chitosan oligosaccharides, a chitosanase-producing bacterium was isolated from the traditional fermented soybean, Meju, and identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciene MJ-1. The cloned chitosanase gene, 825 bp in size, encoded a single peptide of 274 amino acids with a estimated molecular mass of 30.9 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with microbial chitosanases. The recombinant chitosanase was expressed in Escherichia coli upon induction with isopropyl-D-thiogalactopyranoside, and purified using $Ni^{2+}-NTA$ agarose column chromatography. The maximal activity of the recombinant chitosanase is at pH 5.0 and $60^{\circ}C$. The recombinant chitosanase is stable between pH 5.0 and pH 7.0 at $37^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, and more than 75% of the activity still remain at $80^{\circ}C$ for 30 min incubation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2017

A diversity of synthetic cathinones has flooded the recreational drug marketplace worldwide. This variety is often a response to legal control actions for one specific compound (e.g. methcathinone) which has resulted in the emergence of closely related replacement. Based on recent trends, the nitrogen atom is one of the sites in the cathinone molecule being explored by designer type modifications. In this study, we designed and synthesized two new synthetic cathinones, (1) ${\alpha}-piperidinopropiophenone$ (PIPP) and (2) ${\alpha}-piperidinopentiothiophenone$ (PIVT), which have piperidine ring substituent on their nitrogen atom. Thereafter, we evaluated whether these two compounds have an abuse potential through the conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice and self-administration (SA) in rats. We also investigated whether the substances can induce locomotor sensitization in mice following 7 days daily injection and challenge. qRT-PCR analyses were conducted to determine their effects on dopamine-related genes in the striatum. PIPP (10 and 30 mg/kg) induced CPP in mice, but not PIVT. However, both synthetic cathinones were not self-administered by the rats and did not induce locomotor sensitization in mice. qRT-PCR analyses showed that PIPP, but not PIVT, reduced dopamine transporter gene expression in the striatum. These data indicate that PIPP, but not PIVT, has rewarding effects, which may be attributed to its ability to affect dopamine transporter gene expression. Altogether, this study suggests that PIPP may have abuse potential. Careful monitoring of this type of cathinone and related drugs are advocated.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.sup2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2001

Objective : The therapeutic impact of tumor resection in glioblastomas is poorly defined and still questionable. Therefore, we conducted the current study to verify the role of tumor resection in the treatment of these highly malignant tumors. Methods : A retrospective study was performed(1990-1999) to compare the treatment results of surgical resection plus radiotherapy(130 patients) with those of stereotactic biopsy plus radiotherapy(19 patients) in glioblastomas. Only adult patients with supratentorial, de novo glioblastoma located in one lobe were included. Survival time/rate was analysed with Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic variables were obtained from the univariate log-rank test and the multivariate Cox's proportional hazards model. Results : The resection group and the biopsy group did not differ in terms of age, gender, duration of symptoms, presenting symptoms, tumor location, tumor side, tumor size, and the frequency of midline shift. Patients in the biopsy group more often were found to have worse preoperative Karnofsky performance status(KPS)(p=0.001). On univariate analysis, age, KPS, and tumor side were associated with survival(p=0.0053, 0.0001, and 0.0331 respectively). Median survival time and 1-year survival rate were also statistically improved by tumor resection ; resection group - 13 months and 61.2%, and biopsy group - 8 months and 19.7%, respectively(p=0.0001). In patients with midline shift of the tumor, resection was highly effective comparing to biopsy(p=0.0001), but in patients without midline shift, external beam radiation alone was as effective as tumor resection(p=0.0605). Other prognostic variables did not affect survival. On multivariate analysis after variable selection, survival was independently associated with KPS(p=0.001), but not the surgical resection(p=0.2837). Even in biopsy group with midline shift of the tumor, survival rate was not different from that seen after tumor resection(p=0.3505). Conclusions : Radiotherapy alone was as effective as tumor resection plus radiotherapy in patients without midline shift of the tumor. Although there was not statistically significant, tumor resection looked like effective in patients with midline shift. For supratentorial, lobar glioblastoma patients without mass effect of the tumor, biopsy with radiotherapy is one of rational treatment strategies. We consider that tumor resection should be performed in patients with pretreatment midline shift.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.56-66
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.272-276
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and safety of procedures using ultrasound equipment for acupuncture treatment. Methods: A pilot, prospective randomized, single blinded, crossover clinical study on the accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided Gyeontonghyeol (BP-LE6) acupuncture treatment was conducted. Patients (n = 13) with shoulder pain were randomly divided into 2 groups. During Visit 1, ultrasound-guided BP-LE6 acupuncture was administered to the experimental group. In the control group, patients received BP-LE6 acupuncture (without checking ultrasound images) by manipulating the ultrasound probe as if administering ultrasound-guided acupuncture. Visit 2 was arranged within 7-14 days and the remaining procedures, other than those administered in Visit 1, were performed. In both the experimental group and control group, the number of needle insertions, and time required for the treatment to result in the patients feeling de-qi was recorded. The numeric rating scale (NRS) score for shoulder pain was recorded before and after the acupuncture treatment. Results: The number of needle insertions was $5.31{\pm}3.50$ times in the experimental group, and $6.62{\pm}3.38$ times in the control group, however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean time required to perform the procedure was $151.54{\pm}48.59$ seconds in the experimental group and $86.69{\pm}37.17$ seconds in the control group, which was statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). The changes observed in numerical rating scale scores between groups were not statistically significantly different. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference, administering acupuncture using ultrasound guidance may lead to accurate needling with a reduced number of needle insertion attempts. A large-scale clinical study of better design should be conducted in the future.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.373-377
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• 1985

This experiment was designed to find out the soil properties to control the soil erodibility. Two kinds of soil conditioners, hydrophilic Uresol and hydrophobic Bitumen were treated to sandy loam and silt loam. Soil erodibility was tested during a simulated rainfall in a soil pan which was covered with a 2cm layer of treated and untreated aggregates (< 5.36mm) on a soil layer. The runoff starting time was delayed 8-20 minutes by Uresol treatment and it was hasten 1-21 minutes by Bitumen treatment. Runoff rates were reduced by Uresol to 62.5% in sandy loam and 93.7% in silt loam, but it was increased by Bitumen treatment. Erosion from the Uresol treated soil was remarkably reduced to 1.7-23.6% of that in the untreated soil. In case of the Bitumen treatment, the soil loss from silt loam was reduced to 55.5% of the control, but it was increased in sandy loam soil by 52% over the control. The ratio of soil loss and runoff, sediment concentration in runoff, was noticeably increased when the soil structure was unstable. There was significant correlation between soil loss and logarithm of wetting angle-stability index. Soil loss was greatly increased when the index was less than 0.2.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2009

Fourteen bacterial strains were isolated from crop rhizosphere and identified as phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) by 16S rRNA analysis. Only 3 strains exhibited a strong ability to solubilize insoluble phosphate in agar medium containing a hydroxyapatite. The rates of P solubilization by isolates were ranged from 200 and $2300\;mg\;L^{-1}$, which are inversely correlated with pH in culture medium. Furthermore, HPLC analyses reveal the production of organic acid from the culture filtrates of PSB. Among these, strain Acinetobacter sp. released only gluconic acid, Pseudomonas orientalis produced gluconic acid which was subsequently converted into 2-ketogluconic acid, and Enterobacter asburiae released acetic acid and succinic acid. On the other hand, P. orientalis and E. asburiae released $372\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $191\;mg\;L^{-1}$ of IAA into broth culture, respectively, while Acinetobacter sp. did not produce IAA. Furthermore, in vivo study showed that plant growth promoting effect by bacteria generally seemed to be increased IAA production and phosphate solubilization.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.44.1-44.15
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• 2021

Background: Intraoperative fluids are still poorly studied in veterinary medicine. In humans the dosage is associated with significant differences in postoperative outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to verify the influence of three different fluid therapy rates in dogs undergoing video-assisted ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Twenty-four female dogs were distributed into three groups: G5, G10, and G20. Each group was given 5, 10, and 20 mL·kg^-1·h^-1 of Lactate Ringer, respectively. This study evaluated the following parameters: central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, acid-base balance, and serum lactate levels. Additionally, this study evaluated the following urinary variables: urea, creatinine, protein to creatinine ratio, urine output, and urine specific gravity. The dogs were evaluated up to 26 h after the procedure. Results: All animals presented respiratory acidosis during the intraoperative period. The G5 group evidenced intraoperative oliguria (0.80 ± 0.38 mL·kg^-1·h^-1), differing from the G20 group (2.17 ± 0.52 mL·kg^-1·h^-1) (p = 0.001). Serum lactate was different between groups during extubation (p = 0.036), with higher values being recorded in the G5 group (2.19 ± 1.65 mmol/L). Animals from the G20 group presented more severe hypothermia at the end of the procedure (35.93 ± 0.61℃) (p = 0.032). Only the members of the G20 group presented mean potassium values below the reference for the species. Anion gap values were lower in the G20 group when compared to the G5 and G10 groups (p = 0.017). Conclusions: The use of lactated Ringer's solution at the rate of 10 mL·kg^-1·h^-1 seems to be beneficial in the elective laparoscopic procedures over the 5 or 20 mL·kg^-1·h^-1 rates of infusion.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.163-176
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• 2019

The Potosinian geological basement in central Mexico is comprised of the Upper Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, which crop out on the Sierra de Catorce nucleus located in the northeastern part of the state. The sedimentary sequence that covers unconformably the Paelozoic basement is represented by an Upper Triassic marine sedimentary sequence, correlating to the Zacatecas Formation and the Upper Triassic continental Huizachal Formation red beds, which in turn are covered either by La Joja Formation Jurassic red beds or by Upper Jurassic marine sediments. This sequence is overlain by the conformable Cretaceous calcareous marine sedimentary rocks in all the state of San Luis Potosi. The Cenozoic sequence unconformably covers some of the aforementioned rocks and is represented by undifferentiated volcanic rocks as well as by marine clastic rocks. The existing intrusive igneous rocks are felsic to intermediate composition, and they intrude the metamorphic basement and sedimentary rocks. Conglomerates with evaporitic sediments were deposited during the Pleistocene. The Quaternary sequence includes basalt flows, piedmont deposits, alluvium, and occasionally evaporites and caliche layers. In the state of San Luis Potosi, a great diversity of mineral deposit types is known as both metallic and nonmetallic. The host rocks of these deposits vary from one another including formations that represent from Paleozoic up to Tertiary. The mineralization age corresponds approximately to Tertiary (75%), and is mainly epigenetic. Conclusively, the data on geology and mineralization in San Luis Potosi, Mexico are helpful to predict a hidden ore body and select promising mineralized zone(s) when the domestic company makes inroads in the mining sector of Mexico.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.20-26
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• 2019

Selective catalytic reduction(SCR) method is widely used among various methods for reducing nitrogen oxides in combustion devices of coal power plant. In the present study, the computational fluid dynamic analysis was accomplished to derive the optimal shape of ammonia-dilution air mixing device in a ammonia injection grid. The distribution characteristics of flow and $NH_3$ concentration had been elucidated for the reference shape of ammonia mixing device(Case 1). In the mixing device of Case 1, it could be seen that $NH_3$ distribution was shifted to the wall opposite to the inlet of the ammonia injection pipe. For the improvement of $NH_3$ distribution, the case(Case 2) with closing one upper injection hole and 4 side injection holes, the case(Case 3) with installing horizontal plate at the upper of ammonia injection pipe, the case(Case 4) with installing horizontal plate and horizontal arc plate at he upper of ammonia injection pipe were investigated by analyzing flow and $NH_3$ concentration distributions. From the present study, it was found that the % RMS of $NH_3$ for Case 4 was 4.92%, which was the smallest value among four cases, and the range of $R_{NH3}$ also has the optimally uniform distribution, -10.82~8.34%.