• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.537-544
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• 2008

세균의 검출에 있어서 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 방법은 기존의 plate counting과 달리 빠르게 세균을 검출할 수 있다. 하지만 세균이 죽은 후에도 DNA는 장기간 존재할 수 있기 때문에, DNA에 기초한 분석은 살아있는 세균과 죽은 세균을 구분할 수 없다. 최근에 DNA extraction전에 propidium monoazide (PMA)를 처리하여 살아있는 세균만 선택적으로 검출하는 방법이 제시되었다. PMA는 손상된 세포막만 통과하여 죽은 세포의 DNA와 빛 노출 하에서 결합하여 PCR이 증폭되는 것을 막는다. Enterococcus faecalis는 근관치료의 실패에 있어서 중요한 원인이 되는 세균으로 제시되어 왔다. 그리고 chlorhexidine (CHX)은 E. faecalis의 제거에 있어서 효과적인 약제임이 밝혀졌다. 이번 실험의 목적은 세균 수의 측정에 있어서, PMA 처리와 real-time PCR 방법의 적용 가능성을 기존의 plate counting과 비교하여 알아보는 것이다. 또한 E. faecalis에 대한 2% CHX의 살균 효과를 PMA 처리 후 real-time PCR 방법을 사용하여 알아보는 것이다. 실험 방법으로 먼저 살아있는 세균과 죽은 세균을 다른 비율로 섞어서 PMA를 처리한 후 real-time PCR을 시행하여 PMA가 빛 노출 하에서 죽은 세균의 DNA와 결합하는 효과를 나타내는지 알아보았다. 다음으로 PMA 처리 후 realtime PCR 방법을 이용하여 살아있는 세균의 양을 측정한 것을 plate counting으로 얻은 CFU와 비교하였다. 마지막으로 2% CHX의 처리시간을 다르게 하였을 때 E. faecalis에 대한 살균 효과를 PMA 처리 후 real-time PCR 방법을 사용하여 알아보았다. 실험 결과로 살아있는 E. faecalis의 비율이 감소할수록 Ct value는 증가하였다. 그리고 PMA 처리 후 real-time PCR 방법을 이용하여 세균의 양을 측정한 것과 plate counting으로 얻은 CFU 사이에는 Optical density (OD) 값이 1.0일 때까지는 상관관계가 있었다. 하지만 OD 값이 1.5일 때는, PMA를 처리한 후 real-time PCR을 시행했을 때 측정된 살아있는 세균의 양이 감소하였음에 반해서 plate counting에 의한 CFU는 계속 증가하였다. 마지막으로 2% CHX을 오래 적용할수록 살아있는 E. faecalis의 상대적인 양이 감소하는 것을 PMA 처리와 real-time PCR 방법을 이용해 확인하였다.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.447-454
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• 2020

Veillonella spp. have been reported to be the most prevalent nitrate-reducing bacterial species in the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the abundance of Veillonella spp. and nitrite production after nitrate ingestion. Bacterial samples were obtained from the tongue surfaces of 50 university students. The predominant Veillonella spp., V. atypica, V. dispar, and V. rogosae were identified and enumerated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Salivary nitrate and nitrite were measured before and 30, 60, and 90 min after ingestion of 100 ml of beetroot juice. Increased nitrite concentrations were observed in all participants, with a mean increase of 0.61 (0.42-1.10) mM expressed as the median (interquartile range). Veillonella atypica was detected in 40 subjects (80%), V. dispar in 48 (96%), and V. rogosae in 48 (96%), at quantities ranging from 1.3 × 102 to 2.8 × 107 CFU/ml per subject. The strengths of the correlations of the log colony forming unit (CFU) values of V. atypica, V. dispar, V. rogosae, and the log CFU value of the three species together with the increase in nitrite levels were 0.091, 0.114, -0.228, and 0.060, respectively, none of which were significant (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that the abundance of Veillonella spp. is not related to salivary nitrite production after nitrate ingestion.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제54권10호
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• pp.405-408
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• 2011

Purpose: In autumn 2009, the swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus spread throughout South Korea. The aims of this study were to determine the clinical characteristics of children infected by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, and to compare the rapid antigen and realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients ${\geq}18$ years of age who presented to Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul with respiratory symptoms, including fever, between September 2009 and January 2010. A real-time PCR test was used to definitively diagnose 2009 H1N1 influenza A infection. Medical records of confirmed cases were reviewed for sex, age, and the time of infection. The decision to perform rapid antigen testing was not influenced by clinical conditions, but by individual factors such as economic conditions. Its sensitivity and specificity were evaluated compared to real-time PCR test results. Results: In total, 934 patients tested positive for H1N1 by real-time PCR. The highest number of patients (48.9%) was diagnosed in November. Most patients (48.2%) were aged between 6 and 10 years. Compared with the H1N1 real-time PCR test results, the rapid antigen test showed 22% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Seventy-eight patients were hospitalized for H1N1 influenza A virus infection, and fever was the most common symptom (97.4%). Conclusion: For diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus infection, the rapid antigen test was inferior to the real-time PCR test in both sensitivity and specificity. This outcome suggests that the rapid antigen test is inappropriate for screening.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.595-598
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• 2006

Semi-quantitative monitoring of Lactobacillus sake and Lactobacillus plantarum, major and minor microorganisms in kimchi, respectively, and Lactobacillus paraplantarum, recently shown to be present in kimchi, was carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Changes in the 3 species during kimchi fermentation were monitored by the threshold cycle ($C_T$) of real-time PCR. As fermentation proceeded at $15^{\circ}C$, the number of L. sake increased dramatically compared to those of L. plantarum and L. paraplantarum. During fermentation at $4^{\circ}C$, the growth rates of the 3 species decreased, but the proportions of L. plantarum and L. paraplantarum in the microbial ecosystem were almost constant. Considering the $C_T$ values of the first samples and the change in the $C_T$ value, the number of L. sake is no doubt greater than those of L. plantarum and L. paraplantarum in the kimchi ecosystem. L. sake seems to be one of the major microorganisms involved in kimchi fermentation, but there is insufficient evidence to suggest that L. plantarum is the primary acidifying bacterium.

• 한국동물위생학회지
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

A novel porcine circovirus 4 (PCV4) was recently identified in Chinese and Korean pig herds. Although several conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) assays were used for PCV4 detection, more sensitive and reliable qPCR assay is needed that can simultaneously detect PCV4 and internal positive control (IPC) to avoid false-negative results. In the present study, a duplex qPCR (dqPCR) assay was developed using primers/probe sets targeting the PCV4 Cap gene and pig (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) GAPDH gene as an IPC. The developed dqPCR assay was specifically detected PCV4 but not other PCVs and porcine pathogens, indicating that the newly designed primers/probe set is specific to the PCV4 Cap gene. Furthermore, GAPDH was stably amplified by the dqPCR in all tested viral and clinical samples containing pig cellular materials, indicating the high reliability of the dqPCR assay. The limit of detection of the assay 5 copies of the target PCV4 genes, but the sensitivity of the assay was higher than that of the previously described assays. The assay demonstrated high repeatability and reproducibility, with coefficients of intra-assay and inter-assay variation of less than 1.0%. Clinical evaluation using 102 diseased pig samples from 18 pig farms showed that PCV4 circulated in the Korean pig population. The detection rate of PCV4 obtained using the newly developed dqPCR was 26.5% (27/102), which was higher than that obtained using the previously described cPCR and TaqMan probe-based qPCR and similar to that obtained using the previously described SYBR Green-based qPCR. The dqPCR assay with IPC is highly specific, sensitive, and reliable for detecting PCV4 from clinical samples, and it will be useful for etiological diagnosis, epidemiological study, and control of the PCV4 infections.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.24.1-24.7
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• 2023

Assays of clinical diagnosis and species identification using molecular markers are performed according to a quantitative method in consideration of sensitivity, cost, speed, convenience, and specificity. However, typical polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay is difficult to quantify and have various limitations. In addition, to perform quantitative analysis with the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) equipment, a standard curve or normalization using reference genes is essential. Within the last a decade, previous studies have reported that the digital PCR (dPCR) assay, a third-generation PCR, can be applied in various fields by overcoming the shortcomings of typical PCR and qRT-PCR assays. We selected Stilla Naica System (Stilla Technologies), Droplet Digital PCR Technology (Bio-Rad), and Lab on an Array Digital Real-Time PCR analyzer system (OPTOLANE) for comparative analysis among the various droplet digital PCR platforms currently in use commercially. Our previous study discovered a molecular marker that can distinguish Hanwoo species (Korean native cattle) using Hanwoo-specific genomic structural variation. Here, we report the pros and cons of the operation of each dPCR platform from various perspectives using this species identification marker. In conclusion, we hope that this study will help researchers to select suitable dPCR platforms according to their purpose and resources.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.851-857
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• 2011

This study was conducted to develop a real time reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) method for the detection of viable Enterobacteriaceae in milk using primers based on the genes of ribosomal proteins S11 and S13 and to determine effects of heating and subsequent treatments on the threshold cycle (Ct) of the real time RT-PCR. Total RNA was isolated from 17 strains of bacteria including 11 strains of Enterobacteriaceae suspended in milk using a modified Tri reagent method. SYBR Green Master Mix was added to the RNA and the mixture was subjected to the real time RT-PCR. The Cts of eleven type strains of the Enterobacteriaceae in milk ($10^7$ cells) in the real time RT-PCR ranged from 21.5 to 24.6. However, the Cts of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and three gram-positive bacteria were more than 40. The real time RT-PCR detected as low as $10^3$ cells in agarose gel electrophoresis. The Cts increased from 22.0 to 34.2 when milk samples contaminated with Escherichia coli ($10^7$ cells/mL) were heated at $65^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. In addition, subsequent incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ for 6 and 24 h increased the Cts further up to 36.2 and 37.2, respectively. Addition of RNase A to the bacterial suspension obtained from the heated milk and subsequent incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ for 1 h increased the Cts to more than 40. The results of this study suggests that pretreatment of bacterial cells heated in milk with RNase A before RNA extraction might enhance the ability to differentiate between viable and dead bacteria using real time RT-PCR.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.306-314
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• 2011

Objectives: Respiratory virus infections are the most common disease among all ages in all parts of the world and occur through airborne transmission. The purpose of this study was to detect and quantitate human respiratory viruses in residential environments. Methods: Air samples were collected from the residential space of apartments in the Seoul/Gyeonggi-do area. The samples were collected from indoor and outdoor air. Among respiratory viruses, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus were investigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Among the virus-positive samples, we performed adenovirus quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Virus detection rates were 44.0%, 3.8%, 3.4%, and 17.3% in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The virus detection rate was higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. Adenovirus was most commonly detected, followed by influenza A virus and parainfluenza virus. Virus distribution was not significantly different between indoor and outdoor environments. Conclusions: Although virus concentrations were not high in residential environments, residents in houses with detected viruses may have an increased risk of exposure to airborne respiratory viruses, especially in winter and spring.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.60-68
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• 2018

This study investigates the relationship between smoking and periodontal disease through quantitative analysis of intra-buccal oral pathogenic bacteria detected in smokers and aims to yield objective baseline data for applications in anti-smoking and dental health education programs. From April to May 2016, participants in an oral health management program within an intensive dental hygiene training course at Choonhae College of Health Sciences received an explanation of the study purposes and methods, after which male smokers aged 18~30 years agreed to participate voluntarily. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of oral pathogenic bacteria was performed after collecting gingival sulcus fluid samples from 67 smokers. The intra-buccal oral pathogenic bacteria distributions were analyzed based on the subjects' general characteristics, smoking behaviors, and oral care behaviors. The distribution results show that pathogens in the anterior teeth are affected (in this order) by age, toothbrush size, and smoking status; older people had fewer pathogens, those who used larger toothbrushes had more pathogens, and smokers had more pathogens, compared to non-smokers ($_{adj}R^2=19.1$). In the posterior teeth, pathogens were influenced (in this order) by smoking status, smoking duration, and the number of tooth brushings per day; smokers had more pathogens than non-smokers, and those who brushed their teeth more often had fewer pathogens ($_{adj}R^2=25.1$). The overall pathogen distribution was affected only by smoking status: smokers generally had more pathogens, compared to non-smokers. Therefore, it is necessary to provide information about the risk of periodontal disease due to smoking during anti-smoking or dental health education sessions; particularly, the use of smaller toothbrushes for anterior teeth and the need for smokers in their early twenties to quit smoking for dental health should be highly emphasized.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is produced by Aspergillus flavus growing in feedstuffs. Early detection of maize contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi is advantageous since aflatoxins exert adverse health effects. In this study, we report the development of an optimized conventional PCR for AFB1 detection and a rapid, sensitive and simple screening Real-time PCR (qPCR) with SYBR Green and two pairs of primers targeting the aflR genes which involved aflatoxin biosynthesis. AFB1 contaminated maize samples were divided into three groups by the toxin concentration. Genomic DNA was extracted from those samples. The target genes for A. flavus were tested by conventional PCR and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis. A conventional PCR was carried out as nested PCR to verify the gene amplicon sizes. PCR-RFLP patterns, obtained with Hinc II and Pvu II enzyme analysis showed the differences to distinguish aflatoxin-producing fungi. However, they are not quantitative and need a separation of the products on gel and their visualization under UV light. On the other hand, qPCR facilitates the monitoring of the reaction as it progresses. It does not require post-PCR handling, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and handling errors. It results in a much faster throughout. We found that the optimal primer annealing temperature was $65^{\circ}C$. The optimized template and primer concentration were $1.5{\mu}L\;(50ng/{\mu}L)$ and $3{\mu}L\;(10{\mu}M/{\mu}L)$ respectively. SYBR Green qPCR of four genes demonstrated amplification curves and melting peaks for tub1, afIM, afIR, and afID genes are at $88.0^{\circ}C$, $87.5^{\circ}C$, $83.5^{\circ}C$, and $89.5^{\circ}C$ respectively. Consequently, it was found that the four primers had elevated annealing temperatures, nevertheless it is desirable since it enhances the DNA binding specificity of the dye. New qPCR protocol could be employed for the determination of aflatoxin content in feedstuff samples.