• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.37-44
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• 2008

In this study we developed the analytical methods for the determination of three neurotoxin; anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin using HPLC/FLD system and this analytical methods were applied to real sample; algae culture and algae extracts. For the HPLC/FLD analysis of anatoxin-a samples were concentrated on WCX(Weak Cation Exchanger) SPE and then anatoxin-a in concentrate was derivatized with NBD-F solution. Supernatant was injected on HPLC system. For the HPLC/FLD analysis of saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin samples were separated on the column and then derivatizied by post column reactor for fluorescen detection. For post column reaction of saxitoxin we feed two kinds of reaction solution; Oxidizing Reagent of which composition was periodic acid(7mM) in 50mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 9 and acidifying reagent of which Composition was 0.5M acetic acid. The LOD value for anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin in HPLC/FLD method was 24.3 ng. $35{\mu}g/L$, $27{\mu}g/L$ respectively. We determined the anatoxin-a content of lyophilized anabaena flos-aquae and $20{\mu}g/g$ d.w. of anatoxin-a was detected. We analyzed saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin in algae culture media and extracts of lypopyllized algal cell cultured and that of Deachung reservior. Saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin in real sample were below the limit of detection. Although there are various water treatment processes for removing neurotoxins were suggested no process give simultaneous and complete removal of neurotoxins. It was cocluded that nanofiltration which reject material by size can be a process for removal of neurotoxins.

• Proceedings of the Microbiological Society of Korea Conference
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• 2006.05a
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• pp.113-115
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• 2006

• ALGAE
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.233-238
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• 2003

Cyanobacteria were dominant from June to September in the Nakdong River and the Hoedong Reservoir. Microcystis aeruginosa was dominant from June to September; Anabaena flos-aquae from June to August and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae from July to August. Cyanobacterial neurotoxins, Anatoxin-a and saxitoxin were analyzed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry with strains of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae NIES-81 and Anabaena flosaquae NIER-10002. Anatoxin-a was not detected from the cultured Anabaena flos-aquae nor from the wild samples. Low levels of saxitoxin were detected in the cultured Aphanizomenon flos-aquae however, those of field samples were below the detection limit.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.284-291
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• 2006

In this study, the cDNA of a new peptide from the venom of the scorpion, Buthotus saulcyi, was cloned and sequenced. It codes for a 64 residues peptide (Bsaul1) which shares high sequence similarity with depressant insect toxins of scorpions. The differences between them mainly appear in the loop1 which connects the $\beta$-strand1 to the $\alpha$-helix and seems to be functionally important in long chain scorpion neurotoxins. This loop is three amino acids longer in Bsaul1 compared to other depressant toxins. A comparative amino acid sequence analysis done on Bsaul1 and some of $\alpha$-, $\beta$-, excitatory and depressant toxins of scorpions showed that Bsaul1 contains all the residues which are highly conserved among long chain scorpion neurotoxins. Structural model of Bsaul1 was generated using Ts1 (a $\beta$-toxin that competes with the depressant insect toxins for binding to $Na^+$ channels) as template. According to the molecular model of Bsaul1, the folding of the polypeptide chain is being composed of an anti-parallel three-stranded $\beta$-sheet and a stretch of $\alpha$-helix, tightly bound by a set of four disulfide bridges. A striking similarity in the spatial arrangement of some critical residues was shown by superposition of the backbone conformation of Bsaul1 and Ts1.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.257-267
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• 2012

Occupational neurotoxic diseases have become increasingly common in Taiwan due to industrialization. Over the past 40 years, Taiwan has transformed from an agricultural society to an industrial society. The most common neurotoxic diseases also changed from organophosphate poisoning to heavy metal intoxication, and then to organic solvent and semiconductor agent poisoning. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to toxic agents because of its high metabolic rate. Neurological manifestations may be transient or permanent, and may range from cognitive dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, sensorimotor neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction to neuromuscular junction disorders. This study attempts to provide a review of the major outbreaks of occupational neurotoxins from 1968 to 2012. A total of 16 occupational neurotoxins, including organophosphates, toxic gases, heavy metals, organic solvents, and other toxic chemicals, were reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles related to the electrophysiology, neuroimaging, treatment and long-term follow up of these neurotoxic diseases were also obtained. The heavy metals involved consisted of lead, manganese, organic tin, mercury, arsenic, and thallium. The organic solvents included n-hexane, toluene, mixed solvents and carbon disulfide. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were also included, along with toxic chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, organophosphates, and dimethylamine borane. In addition we attempted to correlate these events to the timeline of industrial development in Taiwan. By researching this topic, the hope is that it may help other developing countries to improve industrial hygiene and promote occupational safety and health care during the process of industrialization.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.719-727
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• 2011

Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by Clostridium botulinum, which produces seven (A-G) antigenically diverse neurotoxins (BoNTs). BoNTs are the most poisonous substances known to humans, with a median lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) of approximately 1 ng/kg of body weight. Owing to their extreme potency and lethality, they have the potential to be used as a bioterrorism agent. The mouse bioassay is the gold standard for the detection of botulinum neurotoxins; however, it requires at least 3-4 days for completion. Attempts have been made to develop an ELISA-based detection system, which is potentially an easier and more rapid method of botulinum neurotoxin detection. The present study was designed using a synthetic gene approach. The synthetic gene encoding the catalytic domain of BoNT serotype B from amino acids 1-450 was constructed with PCR overlapping primers (BoNT/B LC), cloned in a pQE30 UA vector, and expressed in an E. coli M15 host system. Recombinant protein production was optimized at 0.5 mM IPTG final concentration, 4 h post induction, resulting in a maximum yield of recombinant proteins. The immunogenic nature of the recombinant BoNT/B LC protein was evaluated by ELISA. Antibodies were raised in BALB/c mice using various adjuvants. A significant rise in antibody titer (p<0.05) was observed in the Alum group, followed by the Titermax Classic group, Freund's adjuvant, and the Titermax Gold group. These developed high-titer antibodies may prove useful for the detection of botulinum neurotoxins in food and clinical samples.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.725-730
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• 2017

A heteronemertean, Yininemertes pratensis, was collected in Han River Estuary, South Korea. This estuarine nemertean has been known by the local fishermen for harmful effects to the glass eels, juveniles of Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, migrating to fresh water. The present study confirmed the neurotoxic effects of this heteronemertean ribbon worm at the cellular level. Derivative types of neurotoxic tetrodotoxin (TTX), 5,11-dideoxy TTX (m/z 288) and 11-norTTX-6(S)-01 (m/z 305.97), were identified through HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS. However, significant neurotoxicity was confirmed in the fraction containing an undefined molecule corresponding to the 291.1 (m/z) peak, when tested in rat primary astrocytes and dorsal ganglion cells. This study is the first to report neurotoxins of the estuarine nemertean, fairly abundant in the Han River estuary, and suggests the long-term monitoring of population dynamics and surveillance of the toxicity in this river estuary.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.86-93
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• 1997

Even though both N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine have been widely used to establish the experimental model for dopaminergic neuronal ce ll death. mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been firmly explored. To investigate how these dopaminergic neurotoxins induce neuronal cell death, murine dopaminergic neuronal cell line, MN9D cells were treated with various concentration of either 6-hydroxydopamine or active form of MPTP, N methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP$^+$). Treatment of cells with 5-100 uM 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in apoptotic cell death whereas cell death induced by 5~50 uM MPP$^+$ was not demonstrated typical apoptotic characteristics such as cell shrinkage, apoptotic body and nuclear condensation. Cell death induced by 6-hydroxydopamine was partially blocked in the presence of antioxidants including soluble form of vitamin E or desferrioxamine suggesting that generation of oxidative stress may be associated with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cell death in MN9D cells. In contrast, MPP$^+$-induced cell death was not blocked by treatment with any of antioxidants tested. As previously demonstrated that MPP$^+$ caused metabolic alterations such as glucose metabolism, removal of glucose from the medium partially inhibited MPP$^+$-induced cell death suggesting excessive cycles of glycolysis may be associated with MPP$^+$-induced cell death. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that two types of dopaminergic neurotoxins recruit distinct neuronal cell death pathways.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.993-1014
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• 2020

Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidant stress and inflammatory reactions are important causes of neurodegenerative diseases and are major causes of PD. Many animal experiments have been aimed at treating PD using the antioxidant effects of various traditional medicines and dietary supplements. This review reports the research investigating the antioxidant effects of herbs in in vivo PD models. Methods: The study consisted of a database search for articles related to PD and herbal treatments using the OASIS, NDSL, KTKP, Korean KISS, PubMed, Science Direct, CNKI, Wanfang, and J-STAGE databases. The search period was limited from the start of the search engine application to November 14, 2019. Studies were selected to confirm the antioxidant effects of herbal medicines in an in vivo PD model. Results: Eighty-two studies were summarized for plant species, extracts (or compounds), animal models, neurotoxins, and functional results. The most frequently used herbal materials were Bacopa monnieri, Camellia sinensis, Centella asiatica, and Withania somnifera. MPTP and 6-OHDA were the most commonly used neurotoxins for inducing PD. Most studies confirmed an increased expression and activation of antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress. Herbal materials showed their antioxidant effects regardless of the order of treatment and confirmed their possible use as treatments for the prevention and treatment of neurodegeneration. Conclusion: Many herbal medicines have antioxidant effects and are likely to be effective in delaying neurodegenerative damage by inhibiting or reducing oxidative stress by expression of antioxidant enzymes.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.161-164
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• 2003

Recombinant light chain of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type B stimulated transglutaminase activity in a dose dependent manner, Compared to native toxin, recombinant light chain showed av greater stimulatory effect on transglutaminase activity. Zn-chelating agents, inhibiting the proteolytic activity of the clostridial toxins, did not interfere with this stimulation. These results suggest that the light chain plays a major stimulatory role, which is not due to its metallopeptidase activity, but is possibly due to specific interaction with transglutaminase. More importantly, this report provides a new insight into the intracellular action of C. botulinum neurotoxins.