• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.212-214
• /
• 1997

A new isolate, Bacillus sp. ALK-7 can synthesize ethylene from l-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid (ACC) as well as from methionine. The ACC has only been recognized as a key intermediate found in the metabolic pathway leading to ethylene formation in various plants. The efficiency of ethylene formation from the ACC by Bacillus sp. ALK-7 was about 2 times as high as that from the methionine. The reaction from ACC to ethylene formation was also shown to be mediated by the cell-free extracts of Bacillus sp. ALK-7.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.7
• /
• pp.3057-3063
• /
• 2014

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been intensively studied. The gold standard for ALK detection is FISH, but this is not routinely conducted in clinical practice, so that the IHC method has a role. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of ALK rearrangement and risk or prognostic factors for ALK positivity using both of IHC and FISH methods. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to December 2012, 267 completely resected NSCLC patients in Chiang Mai University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Clinical and pathological variables and outcomes of treatment were retrospectively reviewed. IHC and FISH were used to evaluate ALK rearrangement. Sensitivity and specificity of IHC were analyzed. Multivariable analysis was used to identify clinico-pathological correlations with positive results of IHC and clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-two (8.2%) of 267 specimens were IHC-positive for ALK with intense cytoplasmic staining, whereas only 10 (3.8%) were FISH-positive. Sensitivity, specificity and the positive likelihood ratio with IHC were 80.0%, 94.9%, and 15.8 respectively. Age less than 55 years (RR 4.4, 95%CI 1.78-10.73, p value=0.001) and presence of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) (RR 2.9, 95%CI 1.21-6.78, p value =0.017) were identified as risk factors for ALK rearrangement with FISH. There were no statistically significant differences in other clinical and pathological variables. ALK rearrangement was not a prognostic factor for tumor recurrence or overall survival. Conclusions: The incidences of ALK positivity in completely resected NSCLCs in northern Thailand were 8.2% by IHC and 3.8% by FISH. IHC with mouse monoclonal, Ventana D5F3 antibody can be used as a screening tool before FISH method because of high specificity and high positive likelihood ratio. Age less than 55 years and VPI are risk factors for ALK positivity.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.1 no.4
• /
• pp.345-353
• /
• 1997

The effects of crude saponin (SAP) and alkaloid (ALK) fractions of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer on the detrimental effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) and scopolamine on passive avoidance response (PAR) were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats, referring their effects on the neuronal injury and plasticity of hippocampus in response to electrolytic lesion of left entorhinal cortex (ECL). The detrimental ECS effect on PAR was attenuated by pre- and post-treatments with SAP and ALK, respectively, or by pretreatment with aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of diamine oxidase and NO synthase. And the detrimental scopolamine effect on PAR was also inhibited by pre-treatment with ALK or AG, and by post- treatment with SAP or ALK, respectively. On the 7th day after ECL, the brain sections stained by cresyl violet and by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry, respectively, showed the chromatolysis and numeral decrease of neurons and the reduction of AChE reactivity in the hippocampus CA1 area and to a lesser extent, in the dentate gyrus. The neuronal cell death of the CA1 area was significantly reduced by SAP, ALK, or AG, and the reduction of AChE reactivity was significantly attenuated by SAP or ALK and to a lesser extent by AG. These results suggests that the protective effect of ginseng SAP and ALK fractions on ECS- or scopolamine-induced impairment of PAR may be ascribed in part to preservation of hippocampal neurons, particularly cholinergic neurons.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.9
• /
• pp.3927-3932
• /
• 2014

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) define specific molecular subsets of lung adenocarcinomas with distinct clinical features. Our purpose was to analyze clinical features and prognostic value of EGFR gene mutations and the EML4-ALK fusion gene in lung adenocarcinoma. Patients and Methods: EGFR gene mutations and the EML4-ALK fusion gene were detected in 92 lung adenocarcinoma patients in China. Tumor marker levels before first treatment were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: EGFR mutations were found in 40.2% (37/92) of lung adenocarcinoma patients, being identified at high frequencies in never-smokers (48.3% vs. 26.5% in smokers; P=0.040) and in patients with abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels before the initial treatment (58.3% vs. 28.6%, P=0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher serum CEA level before the initial treatment was independently associated with EGFR gene mutations (95%CI: 1.476~11.343, P=0.007). We also identified 8 patients who harbored the EML4-ALK fusion gene (8.7%, 8/92). In concordance with previous reports, younger age was a clinical feature for these (P=0.008). Seven of the positive cases were never smokers, and no coexistence with EGFR mutation was discovered. In addition, the frequency of the EML4-ALK fusion gene among patients with a serum CEA concentration below 5ng/ml seemed to be higher than patients with a concentration over 5ng/ml (P=0.021). No significant difference was observed for time to progression and overall survival between EML4-ALK-positive group and EML4-ALK-negative group or between patients with and without an EGFR mutation. Conclusions: The serum CEA level before the initial treatment may be helpful in screening population for EGFR mutations or EML4-ALK fusion gene presence in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.260-268
• /
• 2016

Regulation of alkaline-resistant laccase from Perenniporia tephropora KU-Alk4 was proved to be controlled by several factors. One important factor was the initial pH, which drove the fungus to produce different kinds of ligninolytic enzymes. P. tephropora KU-Alk4 could grow at pH 4.5, 7.0, and 8.0. The fungus produced laccase and MnP at pH 7.0, but only laccase at pH 8.0. The specific activity of laccase in the pH 8.0 culture was higher than that in the pH 7.0 culture. At pH 8.0, glucose was the best carbon source for laccase production but growth was better with lactose. Low concentrations of glucose at 0.1% to 1.0% enhanced laccase production, while concentrations over 1% gave contradictory results. Veratryl alcohol induced the production of laccase. A trace concentration of copper ions was required for laccase production. Biomass increased with an increasing rate of aeration of shaking flasks from 100 to 140 rpm; however, shaking at over 120 rpm decreased laccase quantity. Highest amount of laccase produced by KU-Alk4, 360 U/mL, was at pH 8.0 with 1% glucose and 0.2 mM copper sulfate, unshaken for the first 3 days, followed by addition of 0.85 mM veratryl alcohol and shaking at 120 rpm. The crude enzyme was significantly stable in alkaline pH 8.0~10.0 for 24 hr. After treating the pulp mill effluent with the KU-Alk4 system for 3 days, pH decreased from 9.6 to 6.8, with reduction of color and chemical oxygen demand at 83.2% and 81%, respectively. Laccase was detectable during the biotreatment process.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2015

To evaluate accuracy and precision of determination of total alkalinity ($Alk_T$) and carbon dioxide ($TCO_2$) derived from present study, experiment was applied with $CO_2$ CRM (Batch 132, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; $Alk_T=2229.24{\pm}0.39{\mu}mol/kg$, $TCO_2=2032.65{\pm}0.45{\mu}mol/kg$). As the result, average concentration of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ was $2354.09{\mu}mol/kg$ (~5.6% difference with $CO_2$ CRM) and $2089.60{\mu}mol/kg$ (~2.3% difference with $CO_2$ CRM), respectively. For previous method (Gran Titration) by addition $NaHCO_3$ to deionized water($Alk_T$ $2023.33{\mu}mol/kg$), average concentration was $2193.39{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=57.15, n=7). Whereas, average concentration was $2017.02{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=10.98, n=7) for the present study. Recovery yield experiments of total alkalinity in deionized water and seawater were implemented by addition of $NaHCO_3$. The recovery yield of deionized water in the range 0 to $4952.39{\mu}mol/kg$ was 100.8% ($R^2$=0.999), and seawater in the range 0 to $2041.32{\mu}mol/kg$ was 102.3% ($R^2$=0.999). Comparison of $pCO_2$ sensor (PSI $CO_2-Pro^{TM}$) with present method showed very meaningful correlation coefficient ($R^2$=0.977) in the range of 427 to $705{\mu}atm$ and 9.16 to $15.24{\mu}mol/kg$ throught elapsed time for two weeks. Field experiment of diurnal variation of total carbon dioxide was accomplished at Sachon harbor in the coastal waters of East Sea of Korea. Concentration of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ was increased during night, and decreased during daylight hours. The results showed mirror type between $TCO_2$ and dissolved oxygen, which was attributable to photosynthesis and respiration of phytoplankton. Also, open ocean field study was performed to obtain vertical profile of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ in C-C zone (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone), Northeastern Pacific. Average concentrations of $Alk_T$ in the surface mixed layer (0~60 m) and deeper layer below 200 m were $2422.38{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=78.73, n=20) and $2465.87{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=57.68, n=103), respectively. And average concentrations of $TCO_2$ were $2134.47{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=65.4, n=20) and $2431.87{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=65.02, n=103) in the same depth ranges such as $Alk_T$. Vertical distributions of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ concentrations tended to increase with depth, and analyzed concentrations showed slightly higher than those of previous studies in this area.

• Food preservation and processing industry
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2008

마늘의 저장 중 생리활성과 향미에 중요한 영향을 미치는 성분의 변화를 발표된 논문을 중심으로 정리하여 살펴보았다. 또한 마늘의 냄새를 최소화하고 생리활성을 극대화할 수 있는 기능성식품의 소재개발 타당성을 살펴보기 위하여 열처리(blanching)로 마늘 중의 효소를 모두 불활성화 시킨 후, 이에 마늘로부터 추출한 alliinase를 가하여 반응조건에 따른 alk(en)yl thiosulfinates 생성 및 이들의 분해산물인 휘발성 황함유화합물의 함량변화를 측정하였다. 수확한 마늘의 최종 저장물질로 알려진 -glutamyl-S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteines는 마늘중에 존재하는 -glutamyl-transpeptidase 및 oxidase의 작용에 의하여 감소한 반면 S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide는 감소한 만큼 증가하였으며, 이는 $-3^{\circ}C$ 및 실온($23^{\circ}C$)에서 보다도 냉장온도($4^{\circ}C$)에서 가장 많이 변화하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 감소 및 증가현상은 -glutamyl-S-(2-popenyl)-L-cysteine이 -glutamyl-S-(trans-1-propenyl)-L- cysteine이나 -glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteine보다 더 컸다. -glutamyl-S-(2-propen yl)-L-cysteine은 $4^{\circ}C$에서 저장 60일 만에 66%가 감소한 반면 이로부터 생성된 S-(2- popenyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide는 그 만큼 증가하였다. -glutamyl-S-(trans-1-propenyl)-L-cysteine 및 -glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteine도 $4^{\circ}C$에서 150일간 저장한 경우 각각 81% 및 39%가 감소하고, 이들로부터 각각 생성된 S-(trans-1- propenyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxides 및 S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide는 증가하였다. 한편 열처리 마늘에 alliinase를 가하여 함황화합물을 재생성 시킨 결과 8종의 S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides를 확인할 수 있었다. S-(2-propenyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide은 전체 thiosulfinates함량의 약 60%를 차지하는 것으로 나타났다. 100, 200, 300 및 400 unit의 alliinase를 첨가하여 15분간 반응시킨 결과 총 thiosulfinates는 생마늘(대조구)에 비하여 각각 37, 68, 77 및 80%가 생성되는 것으로 나타났다. GC/MSD를 이용하여 대조구 및 효소를 첨가하여 반응시킨 시료의 휘발성 향기성분을 분석한 결과 alliinase를 100, 200, 300 및 400 unit 첨가하여 15분간 반응시키면 각각 마늘의 휘발성 향기성분이 25, 36, 66및 76% 씩 재 생성되는 것으로 나타났다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때 마늘을 이용한 제품개발이나 연구를 할 경우 마늘의 저장조건에 따른 생리활성물질의 분석결과를 근거로 하여 이루어져야 하며, 또한 효소를 이용하여 적절히 반응시키면 마늘 냄새를 $30{\sim}80%$ 범위 내에서 조절이 가능한 것으로 나타났다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.7
• /
• pp.3377-3380
• /
• 2016

The proportion of lung cancer patients under 50 years old is small at approximately 5-10%, but as with patients older than 50, the number is on the rise. Although lung cancer treatment strategies have undergone extensive transformation in recent years based on the presence or absence of oncogenic driver mutations, there are few reports regarding these mutations in the young or the relationship between clinical setting and prognosis. Therefore, we conducted a study of clinical features in 36 patients under the age of 50 who were diagnosed with primary lung cancer from October 2008 to November 2015. The 22 patients in stages I through III A underwent operations, and all 17 whose lung cancer were detected through screening were candidates for surgery. Gene analysis was conducted for 26 (72.2%); 10 (38.5%) were positive for EGFR gene mutations, and ALK gene translocation was present in 4 (15.4%). In stage IV patients, the median progression free survival (PFS) in the ALK translocation positive and negative patients was 518 days and 130 days, respectively, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached and 280 days, respectively. A trend toward extended PFS (p=0.203) and OS (p=0.056) was observed in patients positive for ALK translocation. We must strive for early detection by increasing screening rates and evaluate oncogenic driver mutations important for prognosis of lung cancer in the young.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.869-872
• /
• 2000

Although there are a few reports concerning the hepatic injury of herbal medicine in western medicine, there is no reports concerning the hepatic injury of herbal medicine in oriental medicine. We experienced one case of the hepatic injury suggested toxic hepatitis (drug induced hepatitis) in the treatment of oriental medicine for cerebral infarction. We make a reports for the progress of treatment. One patient of Rt hemiparesis diagnosed cerebral infarction in Brain MRI was administered Taeumin Yuldahanso-tang, treated with physical therapy and improved in the state of Rt hemiparesis(Gr 2/3,4). In the course of treatment, the patient intermittently complained of general weakness, dizziness, pericephalic discomfort(頭不淸), nausea, both leg weakness so we changed Taeumin Yuldahanso-tang to Soyangin Dokwhaljiwhang-tang. Alter that, the patient complained of general weakness, abdominal discomfort, heat and fever($38.4^{\circ}C$). We recognized the elevated total bilirubin(1.7mg/dl), serum transaminase(AST534U/L ALT720U/L), serum gammg glutamyl transpepridase (GGT106mg/dl) and Alk phosphatase124U/L. In the abdominal ultrasonogram there is hepatomegaly (16.5cm). We supposed hepatic injury suggested toxic hepatitis(induced hepatitis) of herbal medicine. After we administered Saeng gan gunbi-tang for 2days and Alk phosphatase and GGT inadequately was elevated. After that, we stopped administering medicine and the serum transaminase, total bilirubin, serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and Alk phosphatase level was decreased. In the abdominal ultrasonogram there was no signal. In the case, we supposed that the changing Sasang constitution and Sasang herbal medicine may induce hepatic injury. We are suggesting the necessity of a test for the hepatic injury of herbal medicine.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.580-602
• /
• 2011

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the 2007 CAPSS (Clean Air Protection Supporting System) emissions inventory are chemically speciated for the SAPRC99 (Statewide Air Pollution Research Center 99) mechanism, following the Source Classification Code (SCC) matching method to borrow the U.S.EPA's chemical speciation profiles. CMAQ simulations with High-order Direct Decoupled Method (HDDM) are in turn applied to evaluate uncertainty in the method by comparing the simulated model VOC species to the observations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) for a 2007 June episode. Simulations under-predicted ALK1 to ALK4 in SAPRC99 by a factor of 2 to 5 and over-predicted ALK5 by a factor of 7.5 while ARO1, ARO2, OLE1, and ethylene (ETH) are comparable to the observations, showing relative difference by 10 to 30%. OLE2 emissions are roughly 4 times overestimated. Emission rates for individual VOC model species are revised referring to the ratio of simulated to observed concentrations. Impact of the VOC emission changes on the overall ozone prediction was insignificant for the days of which 1-hr maximum ozone are lower than 100 ppb. However, simulations showed ozone difference by 5 to 10 ppb when high ozone above 120 ppb was observed in the vicinity of Seoul. This result suggests that evaluations on individual model VOC emissions be necessary to lead ozone control plans to the right direction. Moreover, the simulated ratios of ARO1 and ARO2 to $NO_x$ are roughly 50% lower than the observed ones, which imply that adjustment in $NO_x$ and VOC emission rates may be required to mimic the real VOC/$NO_x$ condition over the area.