• Journal of Species Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.332-339
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• 2024

The filamentous freshwater red alga Compsopogon caeruleus(Compsopogonophyceae, Compsopogonaceae, Rhodophyta) occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of worldwide. This species has been reported from Asia, America, Africa, Europe and Oceania, and the worldwide distribution of Compsopogon caeruleus is in variable water habitats. Several morphospecies of the genus Compsopogon had been recorded, but recent molecular phylogenetic analyses with worldwide sampling identified a monospecific genus, C. caeruleus. In the present study, we first report a freshwater red alga Compsopogon caeruleus from Korea. We identified Compsopogon caeruleus in an urban river in Yongin City, and analyzed its morphological and genetic characteristics. Nuclear 18S rDNA, plastidal rbcL gene and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences isolated from Korean Compsopogon caeruleus showed high sequences similarity with Compsopogon caeruleus from worldwide (98.6-100% (18S rDNA), 99-100% (rbcL) and 97.7-100% (cox1)). These sequences similarities support the identification of a red alga found in Korea as Compsopogon caeruleus. This new geographical report provides the useful information for understanding the distribution and habitat range of Compsopogon caeruleus especially concerning urban freshwater environments.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.146-154
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• 2024

Purpose: Infection by the intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has serious clinical consequences in humans and veterinarians around the world. Although about a third of the world's population is infected with T. gondii, there is still no effective vaccine against this disease. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a multimeric vaccine against T. gondii using the proteins calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK)1, CDPK2, CDPK3, and CDPK5. Materials and Methods: Top-ranked major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II binding as well as shared, immunodominant linear B-cell epitopes were predicted and linked using appropriate linkers. Moreover, the 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 (adjuvant) was mixed with the construct's N-terminal to increase the immunogenicity. Then, the vaccine's physicochemical characteristics, antigenicity, allergenicity, secondary and tertiary structure were predicted. Results: The finally-engineered chimeric vaccine had a length of 680 amino acids with a molecular weight of 74.66 kDa. Analyses of immunogenicity, allergenicity, and multiple physiochemical parameters indicated that the constructed vaccine candidate was soluble, non-allergenic, and immunogenic, making it compatible with humans and hence, a potentially viable and safe vaccine candidate against T. gondii parasite. Conclusion: In silico, the vaccine construct was able to trigger primary immune responses. However, further laboratory studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.1047-1053
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of solid-state fermentation on soybean using three microbial strains under four different fermentation times. Soybean was fermented for 12, 24, 36 or 48 hours with highly proteolytic microbes, either Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA), B. subtilis (BS), or B. subtilis var. natto (BN), and levels of total protein concentration, protein distribution, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Total protein was highest in the BS 12 h group (9.21 ㎍·µL^-1) and lowest in BN 48 h (6.80 ㎍·µL^-1), respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, three microbes decomposed large molecular weight proteins as well as major allergens of soybean such as β-conglycinin, Gly m Bd 30K, and glycinin. Each treatment group showed the highest degradation rate at 48 h fermentation and among the three microbes, BS showed a relatively higher degradation rate. The radical scavenging ability, known as an indicator of antioxidant activity, showed a significant increase in all treatment groups except BA 24 h. The results from this study suggest that protein concentration, and degradation and antioxidant activity were affected by different types of microbial trains and fermentation period and that B. subtilis fermentation might be the most effective way to increase nutritional and functional properties of soybean.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2024

Melosira octogona Schmidt has been documented primarily through illustrations and light microscopy photographs, resulting in incomplete morphological descriptions. In this study, the morphological characteristics of M. octogona were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and the small subunit rDNA of the strain isolated from the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea, was analyzed for the first time. The cells were organized in short chains, with the frustules taking on an octagonal shape in the girdle view because of the straight, obliquely oriented valve margin. The cells were joined together in specific pairs by a cingulum. Imaging analysis via SEM revealed the presence of a hemispherical valve with a well-developed corona on the valve face, along with stellate thickening and rimoportulae. The epicingulum was composed of six ligulate bands punctuated by rows of circular to elongated pores. Genetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequence suggested a close relationship between M. octogona and Melosira sp. (KJ961704), demonstrating a high degree of similarity. Meanwhile, it exhibited comparatively low similarity (99.0 %) to Melosira cf. octogona (AY485518). The results of our analysis can enhance the precise recognition of M. octogona and enrich our understanding of its phylogenetic position within the order Melosirales.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.52-67
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• 1998

The investigative research on the mammalian milk purely consisted of the physiological quality of lactoferrin was conducted to reveal the antimicrobial ativity of specifically functional foods with antibiotic characteristics as a basic data in food manufacturing. Bovine lactoferrin were isolated from raw milk samples, and was digested with pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin. It was necessary then to separate and purify lactoferrin from bovine raw milk, and in order to analyze the antimicrobial activity of the enzyme-treated bovine lactoferrin in their required quantitative fraction. Afterwards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was incubated in it. It was that investigated to enzyme-treated fractions molecular weight and the peptide fragment with antimicrobial effect. 1. The purity of enzyme-treated bovine lactoferrin(BLF) was tested by SDS-PAGE. As a results of 12% SDS-PAGE assay, pepsin-treated LF did not exhibited band until if reaches 14 KDa, while trypsin and chymotrypsin treated LF, known to contain the non-digestive lactoferrin exhibited band at a molecular weight of 33 KDa. 2. Bovine lactoferrin was sucessfully purified through the use of Sephadex G-50 Column. In order to assay LF through the Sephadex G-50 column chromatography, the digestive bovine lactoferrin (BLFs) was eluted with a linear gradient of 0.05% Tris-HCl. When the gel-filtration analysis, pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin treatments of BLF fragments was showed 2, 3, and 2 peak, respectively. The results of the HPLC analysis confirmed that had a non-digestive lactoferrin receptor, and trypsin and chymotrypsin treated BLFs has an antimicrobial effect. 3. To measure the strength of the antimicrobial effect of enzyme treated lactoferrin it was compared to the antimicrobial activity taking place at the incubated Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This might explain the resistance of the microorganisms for peptide fragment. The pepsin-treated of bovine lactoferrin was markedly reduced by incubation of the cells. Trypsin-treated of BLF was similar to chymotrypsin-treated of BLF. However, trypsin and chymotrypsin treatments of BLFs were showed the antimicrobial effect until eight hours incubation for native bovine lactoferrin. Therefore the enzyme-treated lactoferrin have an antimicrobial effect even non-digestive lactoferrin. 4. The digestive bovine lactoferrin fragments assay was carried out by the use of Sephadex G-50 column chromatography and SDS-PAGE. The pepsin and chymotrypsin-treated fragments has a low molecular weight and trypsin-treated lactoferrin was only showed a band. It was described that characteristics of digestive protein. It appeared that there may be a relation between virulence and resistance to enzyme-treated BLF.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3349-3355
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• 2012

Background and objectives: Chromosomal abnormalities play an important role in genesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and have prognostic implications. Five major risk stratifying fusion genes in ALL are BCR-ABL, MLL-AF4, ETV6-RUNX11, E2A-PBX1 and SIL-TAL1. This work aimed to detect common chromosomal translocations and associated fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients and study their relationship with clinical features and treatment outcome. Methods: We studied fusion oncogenes in 104 adult ALL patients using RT-PCR and interphase-FISH at diagnosis and their association with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. Results: Five most common fusion genes i.e. BCR-ABL (t 9; 22), TCF3-PBX1 (t 1; 19), ETV6-RUNX1 (t 12; 21), MLL-AF4 (t 4; 11) and SIL-TAL1 (Del 1p32) were found in 82/104 (79%) patients. TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene was associated with lymphadenopathy, SIL-TAL1 positive patients had frequent organomegaly and usually presented with a platelets count of less than $50{\times}10^9/l$. Survival of patients with fusion gene ETV6-RUNX1 was better when compared to patients harboring other genes. MLL-AF4 and BCR-ABL positivity characterized a subset of adult ALL patients with aggressive clinical behaviour and a poor outcome. Conclusions: This is the first study from Pakistan which investigated the frequency of5 fusion oncogenes in adult ALL patients, and their association with clinical features, treatment response and outcome. Frequencies of some of the oncogenes were different from those reported elsewhere and they appear to be associated with distinct clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. This information will help in the prognostic stratification and risk adapted management of adult ALL patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2023

In this study, two cases of food poisoning caused by Salmonella that occurred in Gyeongsangnam-do in September 2021 are reported. One of the outbreaks occurred in a school and the other in a company. The molecular epidemiological characteristics of the isolated strains in the two outbreaks were analyzed. In the case of the school outbreak, 29 (4.9%) of 588 individuals experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain. As a result of a test of 36 individuals (patients, n=29; cook workers, n=7), Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected in 17 (47.2%) patients, suggesting this serotype was the principal cause. Meanwhile, Salmonella spp. were not detected in 35 food and environmental samples. In the company outbreak, 87 (3.0%) of 2,900 individuals who had intaked from the same source experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In a test of 50 individuals (patients, n=40; cook workers, n=10), S. Enteritidis was detected in 28 patients (56.0%). Also, Vibrio cholerae (NAG) was detected in four patients with S. Enteritidis, and V. cholerae (NAG) only was detected in one patient. Salmonella spp. were not detected in 118 preserved foods, but S. Enteritidis was detected in one eaten food (toast) delivered in group by the company. Through PFGE genetic homology analysis of the isolated strains, all S. Enteritidis detected in patients and consumed foods were the same type. It seems that these S. Enteritidis isolates were the same type as detected in a previous school outbreak and in patients of group food poisoning in other regions, leading to an enhanced problem of food poisoning and epidemiology. Our analytic results can provide data for epidemiological management and food poisoning prevention based on molecular characteristics.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2002

Recently a serious outbreak of weed mould caused by a species of Hypocrea occurred in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) substrates in Korea. The disease was characterized by a rapid infestation of the oyster mushroom substrates by Hypocrea sp. and subsequent inhibition of fructification of the mushroom. In spite of it's serious losses to the oyster mushroom industry in Korea, etiology and ecology of the disease have not been studied. Morphological characteristics of the fungus were examined and molecular characteristics of the fungus were compared with those of the green moulds (Trichoderma spp.) isolated from oyster mushroom bed. Stromata formed superficially on suface of the substrates were pulvinate to effuse or irreguler, initially white but becoming yellowish brown, measuring $6.0{\sim}13.0{\times}3.0{\sim}11.0mm$. Perithecia were globose to subglobose, immersed in stroma, $223{\sim}263\;(Ave.239.9){\times}167.3{\sim}231\;(Ave.204.1){\mu}m$ in size. Asci were unitunicate, cylindrical, nonamyloid, $82.7{\sim}124.8\;(Ave.103.3){\times}4.1{\sim}5.1\;(Ave.4.9){\mu}m$ in size, 16 part-spored. Ascospores were bullet-shaped or somewhat oblong, hyaline, bicellular, roughened or warted, $5.4{\sim}7.4\;(Ave.6.5){\times}3.6{\sim}5.5\;(Ave.4.7){\mu}m$ in size. This fungus readily form the stroma on PDA. Mycelia on PDA nearly invisible and without cottony aerial mycelium. Optimum temperature for mycelial growth of this fungus was $25^{\circ}C$ on PDA and its growth rate was 15 mm per day. This species did not grow at below 10 and above $35^{\circ}C$. Phialides in culture enlarged in the middle and aggregated to penicillate type. They were very variable, shorted ampulliform and occasionally curved when matured, but cylinderical when young, measuring $11.9{\sim}24.3\;(Ave.\;14.7){\times}2.9{\sim}3.9\;(Ave.\;3.4){\mu}m$ when matured and $7.2{\sim}14.0\;(Ave.\;10.8){\times}2.8{\sim}4.9\;(Ave.\;3.5){\mu}m$ when young. Phialosopres were ovoid to ellipsoid, smooth, measuring $3.5{\sim}7.2\;(Ave.\;4.5){\times}2.6{\sim}3.3\;(Ave.\;2.9){\mu}m$. Nineteen isolates of Hypocrea sp. were analyzed on the basis of molecular characteristics and classified into phenotypic groups. On the basis of RAPD, URP-PCR, the fungus was confirm to monoclonal, and was classified as a different taxon from reported species of Hypocrea and Trichoderma and supposed to be a new species not previously reported in literature.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.449-453
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• 2002

This was studied to evaluate the quality characteristics of the bread added chitosan during storage at room temperature(Temp. $27^{\circ}C{\pm}2$, RH $75%{\pm}10$). The volume of the dough was increased depending on the larger molecular weight and the higer concentration of chitosan but was decreased at 0.50% of 120 kDa chitosan. The water activity was low depending on the larger molecular weight and the higher concentration of chitosan at the early storage, but maintained constantly during storage totally. The colors of the bread was hardly affected by 30 kDa of chitosan. Textural characteristics was improved at 30 kDa and 120 kDa of chitosan. Especially, the change of the hardness were maintained lower at 30 kDa, 120 kDa of chitosan during storage than that of standard. These results showed that the quality of the bread by added 30 kDa of chitosan was improved highly.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.547-557
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• 1996

Background : An excessive accumulation of neutrophils in lung tissue has been known to play an important role in mediating the tissue injury among the adult respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis by releasing toxic oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes. Therefore, it is important to understand a possible mechanism of neutrophil accumulation in lung tissue. In many species, exposure to hyperoxic stimuli can cause changes of lung tissues very similar to human adult respiratory distress syndrome and neutrophils are also functioning as the main effector cells in hyperoxic lung injury. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether neutrophils function as a key effector cell and to study the nature of possible neutrophil chemotactic factors found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the hyperoxia exposed rats. Methods : We exposed the rats to the more than 95% oxygen for 24, 48, 60 arid 72 hours and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) was performed. Neutrophil chemotactic activity was measured from the BAT- fluid of each experimental groups. We also evaluated the molecular weight of neutrophil chemotactic tractors using fast performance liquid chromatography and characterized the substances by dialyzer membrane and heat treatment. Results : 1) The neutrophil proportions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid began to rise from 48 hours after oxygen exposure, and continued to be significantly increased with exposure times. 2) chemotactic index for neutrophils in lung lavages from rats exposed to hyperoxia was significantly higher in 48 hours group than in control group, and was significantly increased with exposure time. 3) No deaths occured until after 48 hours of exposure. However, mortality rates were increased to 33.3 % in 60 hours group and 81.3 % in 72 fours group. 4) Gel filtration using fast performance liquid chromatography disclosed two peaks of neutrophil chemotactic activity in molecular weight of 104,000 and 12,000 daltons. 5) Chemotactic indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly deceased when bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was treated with heat ($56^{\circ}C$ for 30 min or $100^{\circ}C$ for 10 min) or dialyzed (dialyzer membrane molecular weight cut off : 12,000 daltons). Conclusion : These results suggested that the generation of neutrophil chemotactic factor and subsequent neutrophil influx into the lungs are playing an important roles in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury. Neutrophil chemotactic factor in the lung lavage fluids consisted of several distinct components having different molecular weight and different physical characteristics.