• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2010

Expensive herbs such as ginseng are always a possible target for fraudulent labeling. New mountain ginseng strains have occasionally been found deep within mountain areas and commercially traded at exorbitant prices. However, until now, no scientific basis has existed to distinguish such ginseng from commonly cultivated ginseng species other than by virtue of being found within deep mountain areas. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the internal transcribed spacer has been shown to be an appropriate method for the identification of the most popular species (Panax ginseng) in the Panax ginseng genus. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been identified between three newly found mountain ginseng (KGD4, KGD5, and KW1) and already established Panax species. Specific PCR primers were designed from this SNP site within the sequence data and used to detect the mountain ginseng strains via multiplex PCR. The established multiplex-PCR method for the simultaneous detection of newly found mountain ginseng strains, Korean ginseng, and foreign ginseng in a single reaction was determined to be effective. This study is the first report of scientific discrimination of "mountain ginsengs" and describes an effective method of identification for fraud prevention and for uncovering the possible presence of other, cheaper ginseng species on the market.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.890-897
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• 2006

In inflammatory responses, induction of cytokines and other immune regulator genes in macrophages by pathogen-associated signal such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a crucial role. In this study, the gene expression profile changes by LPS treatment in the macrophage/monocyte lineage cell line RAW264.7 was investigated. A 60-mer oligonucleotide microarray of which probes target 32381 mouse genes was used. A reverse transcription-in vitro translation labeling protocol and a chemileuminescence detection system were employed. The mRNA expression levels in RAW264.7 cells treated for 6 h with LPS and the control vehicle were compared. 747 genes were up-regulated and 523 genes were down-regulated by more than 2 folds. 320 genes showing more than 4-fold change by LPS treatment were further classified for the biological process, molecular function, and signaling pathway. The biological process categories that showed high number of increased genes include the immunity and defense, the nucleic acid metabolism, the protein metabolism and modification, and the signal transduction process. The chemokine-cytokine signaling, interleukin signaling, Toll receptor signaling, and apoptosis signaling pathways involved high number of genes differentially expressed in response to LPS. These expression profile data provide more comprehensive information on LPS-target genes in RAW264.7 cells, which will be useful in comparing gene expression changes induced by extracts and compounds from anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.3671-3675
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• 2012

${\beta}$-Amyloid accumulation in the brain is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since early detection of ${\beta}$-amyloid may facilitate more successful and timely therapeutic interventions, many investigators have focused on developing AD diagnostic reagents that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Oleanolic acid (OA) is a substance found in a variety of plants that has been reported to prevent the progression of AD in mice. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a new radioligand in which OA was conjugated to lactoferrin (Lf, an iron-binding glycoprotein that crosses the BBB) for the diagnosis of AD. In an in vitro study in which OA-Lf was incubated with ${\beta}$-amyloid (1-42) aggregates for 24 h, we found that OA-Lf effectively inhibited ${\beta}$-amyloid aggregation and fibril formation. In vivo studies demonstrated that $^{123}I$-OA-Lf brain uptake was higher than$^{123}I$-Lf uptake. Therefore, radiolabeled OA-Lf may have diagnostic potential for ${\beta}$-amyloid imaging.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2020

The gold standard method for diagnosis of tuberculosis is the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through culture, but there is a probability of cross-contamination in simultaneous cultures of samples causing false-positives. This can result in delayed treatment of the underlying disease and drug side effects. In this paper, we reviewed studies on false-positive cultures of M. tuberculosis. Rate of occurrence, effective factors, and extent of false-positives were analyzed. Ways to identify and reduce the false-positives and management of them are critical for all laboratories. In most cases, false-positive is occurring in cases with only one positive culture but negative direct smear. The three most crucial factors in this regard are inappropriate technician function, contamination of reagents, and aerosol production. Thus, to reduce false-positives, good laboratory practice, as well as use of whole-genome sequencing or genotyping of all positive culture samples with a robust, extra pure method and rapid response, are essential for minimizing the rate of false-positives. Indeed, molecular approaches and epidemiological surveillance can provide a valuable tool besides culture to identify possible false positives.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.81-85
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• 2015

Molecular characterization technology in genetically modified organisms, in addition to how transgenic biotechnologies are developed now require full transparency to assess the risk to living modified and non-modified organisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methodology is suggested as an effective means in genome characterization and detection of transgenic insertion locations. In the present study, we applied NGS to insert transgenic loci, specifically the epidermal growth factor (EGF) in genetically modified rice cells. A total of 29.3 Gb (${\sim}72{\times}coverage$) was sequenced with a $2{\times}150bp$ paired end method by Illumina HiSeq2500, which was consecutively mapped to the rice genome and T-vector sequence. The compatible pairs of reads were successfully mapped to 10 loci on the rice chromosome and vector sequences were validated to the insertion location by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The EGF transgenic site was confirmed only on chromosome 4 by PCR. Results of this study demonstrated the success of NGS data to characterize the rice genome. Bioinformatics analyses must be developed in association with NGS data to identify highly accurate transgenic sites.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.213-222
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• 2004

A randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to identify the species- and population-specific markers of abalone; Haliotis asinina, H. ovina, and H. varia in Thai waters. Fifteen species-specific and six population-specific RAPD markers were identified. In addition, an 1650 bp band (UBC195) that was restricted to H. ovina from the Gulf of Thailand (east) was also found. All of the specific RAPD markers were cloned and sequenced. Twenty pairs of primers were designed and specificity-tested (N = 12 and 4 for target and non-target species, respectively). Seven primer pairs (CUHA1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14) were specifically amplified by H. asinina DNA, whereas a single pair of primers showed specificity with H. ovina (CUHO3) and H. varia (CUHV1), respectively. Four primer pairs, including CUHA2, CUHA12, CUHO3, and CUHV1, were further examined against 216 individuals of abalone (N = 111, 73, and 32, respectively). Results indicated the species-specific nature of all of them, except CUHO3, with the sensitivity of detection of 100 pg and 20 pg of the target DNA template for CUHA2 and CUHA12 and CUHV1, respectively. The species-origin of the frozen, ethanol-preserved, dried, and boiled H. asinina specimens could also be successfully identified by CUHA2.

• Advances in materials Research
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.139-149
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• 2014

Surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) has attracted attention because the technique enables detection of various chemicals, even down to single molecular scale. Among the diverse candidates for SERS substrates, Au nanoparticles are considered promising due to their fine optical properties, chemical stability and ease of surface modification. Therefore, the fabrication and optical characterization of gold particles on solid supports is highly desirable. Such structures have potential as SERS substrates because the localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles is very sensitive to combined molecules and environments. In addition, it is well-known that the properties of Au nanoparticles are strongly dependent on their shape. In this work, arrays of shape-controlled Au nanoparticles were fabricated to exploit their enhanced and reproducible optical properties. First, shape-controlled Au nanoparticles were prepared via seed mediated solution-phase synthesis, including spheres, octahedra, and rhombic dodecahedra. Then, these shape-controlled Au nanoparticles were arranged on a PDMS substrate, which was nanopatterned using soft lithography of poly styrene particles. The Au nanoparticles were selectively located in a pattern of hexagonal spheres. In addition, the shape-controlled Au nanoparticles were arranged in various sizes of PDMS nanopatterns, which can be easily controlled by manipulating the size of polystyrene particles. Finally, the optical properties of the fabricated Au nanoparticle arrays were characterized by measuring surface enhanced Raman spectra with 4-nitrobenezenethiol.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.126-134
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• 2011

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is gradually widely used in prevention of gene diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. Much improvement has been achieved in biopsy technique and molecular diagnosis. Blastocyst biopsy can increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce allele dropout. It is cost-effective and currently plays an important role. Whole genome amplification permits subsequent individual detection of multiple gene loci and screening all 23 pairs of chromosomes. For PGD of chromosomal translocation, fluorescence $in-situ$ hybridization (FISH) is traditionally used, but with technical difficulty. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) can detect translocation and 23 pairs of chromosomes that may replace FISH. Single nucleotide polymorphisms array with haplotyping can further distinguish between normal chromosomes and balanced translocation. PGD may shorten time to conceive and reduce miscarriage for patients with chromosomal translocation. PGD has a potential value for mitochondrial diseases. Preimplantation genetic haplotyping has been applied for unknown mutation sites of single gene disease. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) using limited FISH probes in the cleavage-stage embryo did not increase live birth rates for patients with advanced maternal age, unexplained recurrent abortions, and repeated implantation failure. Polar body and blastocyst biopsy may circumvent the problem of mosaicism. PGS using blastocyst biopsy and array CGH is encouraging and merit further studies. Cryopreservation of biopsied blastocysts instead of fresh transfer permits sufficient time for transportation and genetic analysis. Cryopreservation of embryos may avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and possible suboptimal endometrium.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.253-261
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• 1999

Leptin gene, an obesity gene, has been known to involve in the regulation of food intake and body weight. It is also thought to be related to the glucose metabolism, insulin secretion and type II diabetes mellitus. Recently, the production of recombinant leptin protein has been attempted for the application in the treatment of obesity and the correction of hereditary obesity and type II diabetes. In the present study, leptin cDNA was cloned from mouse fat cells by RT-PCR and prokaryotic expression of leptin was attempted in order ot prepare a leptin-specific antigen. Immunization of a rabbit with the leptin-specific antigen into a rabbit resulted in the generation of leptin-specific antiserum that could be useful in the detection of leption expressed in various tissues. The sequence of leptin cDNA prepared in the present study wa identical to the previously reported one. Transformation of E. coli(DH5a) cells with the leptin cDNA-inserted translation vector, pGEX-4T-3-leptin followed by treatment with IPTG (0.1mM) resulted in the expression of a large amount of GST-leptin fusion protein with a molecular weight of 44 KDa as an inclusion body. Denaturation of the insoluble fusion protein by 8M urea, 6M guanidium-HCI or 0.1% 2-mercaptoethanol followed by a slow oxidation could not solubilize the inclusion body. The cell extract was subjected to SDS-PAGE and GST-leptin protein electroeluted from the gel was then injected into a rabbit subcutaneously for the immunization. Anti-GST-leptin rabbit antiserum which had a cross reactivity to the GST-leptin protein was generated. Leptin protein expressed in mouse brain and fat tissues was detected by Western blot immunodetection system using the antiserum generated in the present study.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.525-532
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• 2005

Polyelectrolyte titration, which was called colloid titration is based on the stoichiometric reaction between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, This can be used, for instance, to determine the charge density of a cationic polyelectrolyte, using an anionic polyelectrolyte of known charge density, such as potassium polyvinyl sulfate (PPVS). The technique requires a suitable method of end-point detection and there are several possibilities. In this work, two methods have been investigated: visual titrimetry based on the color change of a cationic dye (o-toluidine blue, o-Tb) and spectrophotometry based on the absorbance change corresponding to the color change of the same dye. These have been applied to several cationic polyelectrolytes with different charge density and molecular weight. In all cases, the cationic charge was due to quaternary nitrogen groups. In the case of cationic dye, it was shown that the sharpness depends on the charge density of cationic polyelectrolyte. With the polyelectrolytes of lower charge density, the binding to PPVS is weaker and binding of the dye to PPVS can occur before all of the polyelectrolyte charge has been neutralized. However, by carrying out titrations at several polyelectrolyte concentrations, good linear relationships were found, from which reliable charge density values could be derived. Effects of pH and ionic strength were also briefly investigated. For cationic polyelectrolytes (copolymers of acrylamide and dimethylaminoethy] acrylate), there was some loss of charge at higher pH values, probably as a result of hydrolysis. Increasing ionic strength causes a less distinct color change of o-Tb, as a result of weaker electrostatic interactions.