• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.32
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• pp.245-278
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• 2008

The purpose of this paper is to create an inter-religious dialogue between the Western Christian concept of the spirit and Eastern ch'i philosophy within the category of panentheism. The Hebrew term ruah means 'moving air' and 'wind' which derive from the particular experience of the ancient Hebrew people living in the desert. The Greek pnuema also means 'life' and 'wind' which denote the natural power. Both ruah and pneuma consist of the main idea of the spirit exploring the symbol of relationality of the divine in Western tradition. Eastern ch'i philosophy indicates a vital force for keeping the body and soul alive, which is unconscious and spontaneous. Ch'i as a vital force constitutes cosmogony and cosmology with the constant movement of yin and yang. Yin and Yang as representing earth and heaven are dynamic breaths, blending harmoniously to become all existence. The ethical implication of the inter-religious dialogue between the spirit and ch'i would be the integration and interconnection of heaven, earth, and human beings. The dialogue suggests becoming one body with nature and human community through embodying the non-dualistic spirit of life. The inter-relationality means that since all modalities of existence are made of the cosmic life, human beings are part of the divine cosmic process. This is related to degree of spirituality in the entire chain of being: rocks, trees, animals, humans, and goods represent different levels of spirituality based on the varying composition of the spirit and ch'i. All beings that internally embody with the spirit and ch'i are organically inter-connected, and they are integral part of a continuous process of transformation of life towards holistic liberation of human and nature community.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.915-921
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• 2001

Phytase improves the bioavailability of phytate phosphorus in plant foods to humans and animals, and reduces the phosphorus pollution of animal waste. In order to express a high level of fungal phytase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, various expression vectors were constructed with different combinations of promoters, translation enhancers, signal peptides, and terminator. Three different promoters fused to the phytase gene (phyA) from Aspergillus niger were tested: a galactokinase (GAL1) promoter, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) promoter, and yeast hybrid ADH2-GPD promoter consisting of alcohol dehydrogenase II (ADH2) and a GPD promoter. The signal peptides of phytase, glucose oxidase (GO), and rice amylase 1A(RAmy1A) were included. Plus, the translation enhancers of the ${\Omega}$ sequence and UTR70 from the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and spinach, respectively, were also tested. Among the recombinant vectors, pGphyA06 containing the GPD promoter, the ${\Omega}$ sequence, RAmy1A, and GAL7 terminator expressed the highest phytase activity in a culture filtrate, which was estimated at 20 IU/ml. An intracellular localization of the expressed phytase activity in a culture filtrate, which was estimated at 20 IU/ml. An intracellular localization of the expressed phytase was also performed by inserting an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal, KDEL sequence, into the C-terminus of the phytase within the vector pHphyA-6. It appeared that the KDEL sequence directed most of the early expression of phytase into the intracellular compartment yet more than $60\%$ of the total phytase activity was still retained within the cell even after the prolonged (>3 days) incubation of the transformant. However, the intracellular enzyme activity of the transformant without a KDEL sequence was as high as that of the extracellular one, thereby strongly suggesting that the secretion of phytase in S. cerevisiae appeared to be the rate-limiting step for the expression of a large amount of extracellular recombinant phytase, when compared with other yeasts.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.41-53
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• 2011

Background and Objectives: Iodine is an essential constituent of the thyroid hormones associated with the growth and development of humans and animals as an inorganic nutrition. This element may be accumulated in human blood, tissues and body through the intake of foodstuffs, a beverage, a nutritional supplement and a medicine, among others. The aim of the research is to find out a better medicinal stuff for the thyroid cancer patient who required a low level of iodine diet. Methods: Neutron activation analysis (NAA) used for the iodine analysis is one of nuclear analytical techniques using radiation and radioisotopes and very useful as sensitive analytical technique for performing both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental non-destructive analysis of major, minor and trace components in variety of environmental and biological materials. In this study, iodine contents in ten kinds of oriental herb medicinal products, which is frequently used to cancer patients are determined by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at the HANARO research reactor. The samples prescribed are manufactured as powdered form for taking medicine easily. The analytical quality control is performed to assure an uncertainty of the measurement and to compensate the measured data using a biological certified reference material, NIST SRM 1572, Citrus Leaves. The measured value is $1.89{\pm}0.35mg/kg$, and the relative error is 2.88%, and relative standard deviation is 19 % due to high counting error by small counts of gamma ray spectrum. The standard deviations for other elements such as Cl, K, Mn and Na were in the range of 2 to 8%. Result: The level of iodine contents of Biki-huan, Chungryong-huan and Chungcho-huan, samples detected is less than 6 mg/kg except Hangam Plus sample (more than 210 mg/kg) and six samples were not detected. Iodine in the samples of Shoxiho-tang, Shopunghualhyl-tang, Shocungryong-tang, Banhasaxim-tang, Insampaedox-san and Myunyuk Plus were not measured, but possible level of content can be estimated from the detection limits. In addition, the concentrations of some major elements like Cl, K, Mn, Na, in the samples were determined with the detection limits. Conclusions: Most of samples showed low iodine contents of less than 6 mg/kg but it turned out that most of testing samples can be used to classify the level of iodine diet samples considering the recommended low level of iodine diet 50 ${\mu}g$/day, and a better medicinal stuff for the thyroid cancer patient can be found.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.98-108
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• 2015

Staphylococcus aureus is an important foodborne pathogen that causes diverse diseases ranging from minor infections to life-threatening conditions in humans and animals. To further understand its pathogenesis, the genome of the strain S. aureus FORC_001 was isolated from a contaminated food. Its genome consists of 2,886,017 bp double-stranded DNA with a GC content of 32.8%. It is predicted to contain 2,728 open reading frames, 57 tRNAs, and 6 rRNA operons, including 1 additional 5S rRNA gene. Comparative phylogenetic tree analysis of 40 complete S. aureus genome sequences using average nucleotide identity (ANI) revealed that strain FORC_001 belonged to Group I. The closest phylogenetic match was S. aureus MRSA252, according to a whole-genome ANI (99.87%), suggesting that they might share a common ancestor. Comparative genome analysis of FORC_001 and MRSA252 revealed two non-homologous regions: Regions I and II. The presence of various antibiotic resistance genes, including the SCCmec cluster in Region I of MRSA252, suggests that this strain might have acquired the SCCmec cluster to adapt to specific environments containing methicillin. Region II of both genomes contains prophage regions but their DNA sequence identity is very low, suggesting that the prophages might differ. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of S. aureus isolated from a real foodborne outbreak in South Korea. This report would be helpful to extend our understanding about the genome, general characteristics, and virulence factors of S. aureus for further studies of pathogenesis, rapid detection, and epidemiological investigation in foodborne outbreak.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.486-502
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• 2006

Earth Science is the study of Earth, where diverse organisms live, and it mainly focuses on the healthy, wealthy, and comfortable environment for our descendants. UNESCO and IUGS recently established the International Working Group on Medical Geology (1996), IGCP 454 Medical Geology (2000-2004), and International Medical Geology Association (IMGA, 2006) with the primary concerns of increasing awareness of Medical Geology among scientists, medical specialists, and the general public. Medical Geology and IMGA have been very successful in informing(educating) about the relationship between geological factors and health problems in humans and animals in the world through numerous international meetings, seminars, workshops, symposiums, and publications. Since there is a close correlation between Earth Science and Medical/ Dental Sciences as shown in the Medical Geology and IMGA, Earth Science, as with other areas in science, (i.e., Biology, Chemistry and Physics) should be included in the Medical Education Eligibility Test (MEET) and Dental Education Eligibility Test (DEET) for the Medical and Dental Graduate School. In this brief note, services and activities of UNESCO IGCP 454 Medical Geology and IMGA are introduced, sothat the inclusion of Earth Science as a subject requirement in the MEET and DEET can be considered. Such outcome will balance the development of Science Education in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.314-322
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• 2003

Objectives : In this study, the exposure status of the hazardous substances from incinerators, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), were studied , and the relationship between the exposure of these hazardous substances and their heath effects on the workers and residents near municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators and an industrial incinerator investigated. Methods : Between July 2001 and Jure 2002, 13 workers at two MSW incinerators, 16 residents from the area around the two MSW incinerators, 6 residents from the control area, and further 10 residents near an industrial incinerator, estimated to emit higher levels of hazardous substances, were interviewed. Information, including sociodemographic information, personal habits, and work history, detailed gynecologic and other medical history were collected through interviews. Blood samples were also collected from 45 subjects, and analyzed for PCDD/DFs, by high resolution gas chromatography -high resolution mass spectrometry, using the US EPA 1613 method. In addition to the questionnaire survey, urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as oxidative injury biomarkers. The urinary concentrations of 8-OH-dG were determined by in vitro ELISA, and the MDA by HPLC, using u adduct with thiobarbituric acid. Results : The PCDD/DFs concentrations in the residents near the industrial incinerator were higher than those in the controls, workers and residents near the MSW incinerators. The average TEQ (Toxic Equivalencies) concentrations of the PCDD/DFs in residents near the industrial incinerator were 53.4pg I-TEQs/g lipid. The estimated daily intakes were within the tolerable daily intake range (1-4 pg I-TEQ/Kg bw/day) suggested by WHO (1997) in only 30% to the people near the industrial incinerator. Animal studies have already shown that even a low body border of PCDD/DFs, such as 10 ng TEQ/kg bw, can cause oxidative damage in laboratory animals. Our study also showed that the same body burden of PCDD/DFs can cause oxidative damage to humans. Conclusions : The exposures to PCDD/DFs and the oxidative stress of residents near the industrial incinerator, were higher than those in the controls, workers and residents near the MSW incinerators. Proper protection strategies against these hazardous chemicals are needed. Because a lower body burden of PCDD/Fs, such as 10ng TEQ/kg bw, can cause oxidative damage, the tolerable daily intake range should be restrictedly limited to 1pg I-TEQ/kg bw/day.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.429-449
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• 1992

The consumption of foods rich in TDF should not be associated with impaired mineral absorp-tion and long-term mineral status. In surveys of populations consuming high amounts of TDF e.g Third World populations and vegetarinas gross deficiencies in mineral nutrition have not been noted. If mineral status is low among these groups it is most likely caused by the inadequacy or imbalance of the diet and not by the TDF. The key word is interaction which should be inte-rpreted in dietary imbalances that produce nut-rient deficiencies. There are no strong data to support the concept that TDF inhibits mineral absorption through a binding chelation mechanism. Limited data sug-gest that positively charged groups on polymers such as chitosan and cholestyramine will decrease iron absorption in humans and animals. Because TDF does not contain positively charged groups future research should be directed at the possible role of protein consumed along with TDF and the combination of effects on mineral nutrition Phytic acid is acknowledged as a potent chela-tor of zinc. However its association with zinc and its propensity to lower Zn bioavaiability may enhance the absorption of other elements notably copper and iron. The importance of interactions among nutrients including TDF will gain addi-tional attention in the scientific community. Soluble and insoluble dietary fiber function di-fferently in the intestine. Insoluble fibers accele-rate movement through the intestine. Soluble die-tary fibers appear to regulated blood concentra-tions of glucose and cholesterol albeit by some unknown mechanism. In creased viscosity produ-ced by the SDF in the intestine may provide an explanation of how this class of polymers affects plasma glucose cholesterol and other nutrients. Employing a double-perfusion technique in the rat we demonstrated that viscosity produced by SDF will delay transfer of zinc into the circulatory system. This delayed absorption should not be interpreted as decreased utilization. A great deal of additional research is required to prove the importance of luminaly viscosity produced by SDF on slowing nutrient absorption or regulating bllod nutrient homeostasis. Increased intake of TDF in the total human diet appears desirable. A dietary intake of 35g/day should not be considered to have a negative effect on mineral absorption. It is important to educate people that an intake of more than 35g TDF/day may cause an imbalance in the diet that can adve-rsely affect mineral utilization. Acknowledgments. Appreciation is given to Dr. George V. Vahouny(deceased) who was intense a great competitor in and out of science and who gave the author inspiration Portions of this work were supported by the University of Missouri Ag-ricultural Station and by a grant from the Univer-rch Support Grant RR 07053 from the National Institutes of Health. Contribution of the Missouri Agriculatural Experiments Station Journal Series No. 10747.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.325-334
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• 2018

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects most species of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The heavy incidence and severe or lethal damage caused by T. gondii infection clearly indicate a need for the development of an effective vaccine. T. gondii GRA8 is a member of the dense granules protein family and is used as a marker of acute infection. In the present study, we evaluated the protective immunity induced by DNA vaccination based on a recombinant eukaryotic plasmid, pDsRed2-GRA8, against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with the pDsRed2-GRA8 plasmid and then challenged by infection with the highly virulent GFP-RH strain of T. gondii. The specific immune responses and protective efficacy against T. gondii of this vaccine were analyzed by measuring cytokine and serum antibody titers, splenocyte proliferation assays, and the survival times of mice after challenge. Our results showed that mice immunized with pDsRed2-GRA8 demonstrated specific humoral and cellular responses, induced higher IgG antibody titers with predominant IgG2a production; increased levels of IL-10, IL-12 (p70), $IFN-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and splenocyte proliferation; and prolonged survival times compared to those of control mice. The present study showed that DNA immunization with pDsRed2-GRA8 induced humoral and cellular immune responses, and all immunized mice showed greater Th1-type immune responses and longer survival times than those of control mice. These results indicated that T. gondii GRA8 DNA immunization induces a partial protective effect against acute toxoplasmosis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.137-141
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• 2013

Flavonoids have various biological activities; however, their cellular uptake mechanism is beginning to be understood only recently. This review focuses on cellular flavonoids transport mechanisms in both plants and animals. In plants, flavonoids exist in various cellular compartments, providing a specialized transport system. Newly synthesized flavonoids can be transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the vacuoles or extracellular space via cellular trafficking pathway. Among membrane transporters, ATP binding cassette, multidrug and toxic extrusion, bilitranslocase homologue transporters play roles in both the influx and efflux of cellular flavonoids across the cell membrane. In recent years, extensive researches have provided a better understanding on the cellular flavonoid transport in mammalian cells. Bilitranslocase transports flavonoids in various tissues, including the liver, intestine and kidneys. However, other transport mechanisms are largely unknown and thus, further investigation should provide detailed mechanisms, which can potentially lead to an improved bioavailability and cellular function of flavonoids in humans.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.671-676
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• 2005

A total of 50 individual catfish, the Tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) cultivated in either floating cages (Tra-c) or in ponds (Tra-p) and the Basa (Pangasius bocourti) raised in three floating cages, were collected in two of the Mekong Delta provinces. The caudal fin of each individual fish was used for protein electrophoresis employing the SDS-PAGE method. The one fillet sides were used as a representative sample to determine the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and amino acids (AAs). The catfish oil was extracted from the belly fats, and the fatty acid (FA) composition was analyzed. There were 21 bands of the Tra and the Basa. Protein bands of the two varieties were 28.6-33.3% polymorphic, while polymorphic individuals of the Tra ranged from 80.0 to 100.0%, and the Basa was 90.0% polymorphic. The phenotypic diversity (Ho) of the Tra ranged from 1.71 to 1.80, while the Basa ranged as high as 2.14%. Diversity values (H$_{EP}$) for genetic diversity markers were equal in the Tra and the Basa. The sum of the effective number of alleles (SENA) of both varieties ranged from 3.40 to 3.83 for the Basa and the Tra, respectively. The lower values of Ho and SENA, as compared with those of the fresh water prawn (Macrobrachium equidens) in the area, would suggest that the species with the low values will become extinct due to inbreeding; the gene pools of each observed population were below a suitable threshold. Many of the differences in the nutritional values of the Tra-c, the Tra-p and the Basa were measured; their nutrient values were comparable to fishmeal or fish oil. Most of the DM, CP, and EE were higher in the Tra, especially in the Tra-c. The essential AA content, especially that of lysine, was highest in the Tra-c, next highest in the Tra-p, and lowest in the Basa. Therefore, the amino acid patterns were closer to the ideal patterns in the same sequences. In contrast, the essential FAs were concentrated in the Basa fish oil. It was found that suitable selection of parents for seed production is required to avoid inbreeding. Catfish may be valuable sources of nutrition for both humans and animals, and the differences in their nutritional values by variety and/or management must be taken into account.