• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 1998

The present study was performed to observe the infection status of several kind of animals with indigenous Gnnthostomn in Korea, and morphological characteristics of gnathostome larvae detected from pit-viper, Askistronon breuiccudus, for the species bullfrogs. several kinds of snakes, j.e., 55 Elnphe rufodorsata, 2 Dinodon rufozonatum rufzonatum. 62 Rhnbdophis tisrinus tigrinus and 87 Askistronon app., and 438 cats were examined. A total of 21 larval gnathostomes was detected from 12 pit-vipers, A. breuicnudus. They were 2.233 x 0.343 mm in average size and covered with about 210 transverse rows of minute cuticular spines. Their characteristic head bulbs were provided with 4 rows of hooklets of which average numbers in each row were 36.8, 39.0, 41.7 and 44.3. posteriorly. In the cross sections of midgut level, the intestinal wall consisted of a single layer of 19-25 elongate epithelial cells with a single nucleus. SEM observation of the larvae revealed unique features of head bulb , cuticular spines on transverse striations and a cervical papilla. On the basis of above morphological characteristics, they were identified as the advanced third-stage larvae of Gnothostomo hispinum. It was first confirmed that the pit-viper. ABkistronon breuicaunus is the snake intermediate host of G. hispidun.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 1998

In order to understand the action mechanism of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) to the cyst of Accnthcnloebc on the morphological basis, the cysts of four corneal isolates of Acanthanoebc were treated with minimal cysticidal concentration (MCC) of PHMB and their ultrastructural changes were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The most striking change of cysts treated with PHMB compared with normal cysts was the shrinkage of intracystic amoebae, which resulted in the separation of the plasma membrane of intracystic amoeba from endocystic wall. Subplasmalemmal lipid droplets became irregularly shaped . In severely damaged cysts, cytoplasm was aggregated and organelles were severely deformed. Cytoplasmic materials were leaked out through the damaged plasma membrane. Most cysts showed aggregation of nuclear chromatin material. Number of mitochondrial cristae was also reduced. Ecto- and endo-cystic walls were relatively well tolerated. Findings in the present study revealed that PHMB affected mainly on plasma membrane, but lesser on organellar membrane of intracystic amoeba. It seemed likely that PHMB might kill cystic forms of Accnthamoebc by similar mechanism in which this environmental biocide can damage the cell wall of Escherichia coli by binding with acidic phospholipids.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.12
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• pp.899-906
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• 2014

Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) promotes tumor-persistent inflammation, frequently resulting in cancer. Curcumin is a diphenolic turmeric that inhibits carcinogenesis and induces apoptosis. $PGE_2$ inhibits curcumin-induced apoptosis; however, the underlying inhibitory mechanisms in colon cancer cells remain unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate the survival role of $PGE_2$ and whether addition of exogenous $PGE_2$ affects curcumininduced cell death. HCT-15 cells were treated with curcumin and $PGE_2$, and protein expression levels were investigated via Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels were confirmed using specific dyes. The nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) DNA-binding was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). $PGE_2$ inhibited curcumin-induced apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and degradation of PARP and lamin B. However, exposure of cells to the EP2 receptor antagonist, AH6809, and the PKA inhibitor, H89, before treatment with $PGE_2$ or curcumin abolished the protective effect of $PGE_2$ and enhanced curcumin-induced cell death. $PGE_2$ activates PKA, which is required for cAMP-mediated transcriptional activation of CREB. $PGE_2$ also activated the Ras/Raf/Erk pathway, and pretreatment with PD98059 abolished the protective effect of $PGE_2$. Furthermore, curcumin treatment greatly reduced phosphorylation of CREB, followed by a concomitant reduction of $NF-{\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65) subunit activation. $PGE_2$ markedly activated nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. EMSA confirmed the DNA-binding activities of $NF-{\kappa}B$ subunits. These results suggest that inhibition of curcumin-induced apoptosis by $PGE_2$ through activation of PKA, Ras, and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways may provide a molecular basis for the reversal of curcumin-induced colon carcinoma cell death.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.275-285
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• 2001

The pulmonary alveolar macrophage is thought to play an important role in the mediation of acute inflammatory lung injury by secretory products including degraded enzymes, cytokines, and reactive oxygen metabolites . This study was conceived to understand the role of alveolar macrophage in oxidative stress induced acute lung injury. To examine the alveolar macrophages and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), time-dependent changes of numbers of alveolar macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils in alveolar cavity were counted in association with ultrastructural and cytochemical observations of lung tissue and alveolar cells. The number of monocytes was increased (p<0.001) at 1h after IL-1 treatment compared with that of sham. At 2h after instillation of IL-1, the number of alveolar macrophages was the highest, XO activity in BALF was elevated at 2h after IL-1 instillation and the activity was markedly elevated(p<0.05) at 3h after IL-1 treatment. On the basis of these experimental results, it is suggested that, during early phase of acute lung injury induced by IL-1, alveolar macrophage-derived XO contributes to lung injury earlier than the neutrophilic respiratory burst.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.151-156
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• 2010

The types of test items which were recorded in this test report of quality control domestic $^{18}F$-FDG radiopharmaceutical which consisted of 13 different types: appearance, half-life, radioactive heterokaryosis, radiochemical Confirmation (measure of Rf value), radiochemical Purity, Ethanol, Acetonitrile, Kryptofix, Aluminium, pH, Endotoxin, aseptic test, and radioactivity${\cdot}$ml-1. The record was fully recorded in 'appearance', 'radioactive heterokaryosis', 'pH', 'Endotoxin', and 'aseptic test'. In 'half-life', 'radiochemical Confirmation (measure of Rf value), 'radiochemical Purity', 'Ethanol', 'Acetonitrile', 'Kryptofix', 'Aluminium', 'radioactivity${\cdot}$ml-1', there were differences in records of each manufacturing business on radioactive medicine and medical supplies. The result of the test showed all 13 items of quality control test were 100% suitable on the basis of recorded data. There were more radiopharmaceutical made in the laboratory than in hospitals and businesses and in for result of suitability test, the laboratory showed higher suitability than did the hospitals or businesses. Domestically, there are differences of the test report items in the safety of radiopharmaceutical of each facility, and since it is not standardized, supplements are needed. To submit standardized test reports of quality guarantee in radiopharmaceutical, GMP of U.S. and CE Mark of Europe should be referred as well as receiving advice from professionals to standardize as suitable domestic standard.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.602-614
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• 1983

Six hundred fourteen consecutive cases of bioprosthetic cardiac valve replacement performed during the period from March 1976 through December 1982 were reviewed. A total of 748 tissue valves [534 Ionescu-Shiley valves, 144 Hancock valves, 46 Angell-Shiley, and 24 Carpentier-Edwards] were implanted in 610 patients. Of these, 477 had single valve replacements [403 mitral, 60 aortic, and 14 tricuspid] including three REDO MVR and one REDO AVR. The remaining 129 had double valve replacements [95 AVR and MVR and 34 MVR and TVR] and 8 had triple valve replacement.592 cases were evaluated. Overall early mortality rate [within 30 days of operation] was 7.1% [6.2% in single valve replacement, 10.2% in double valve replacement, and 16.7% in triple valve replacement]. Leading causes of mortality were low cardiac output or myocardial failure and ventricular arrhythmias. The follow-up period was from one month to 7 years with a cumulative follow-up of 906.6 patient-years [mean 1.53 years]. The late mortality was 1.6%, 3.9%, 0%, 2.6%, 6.6% and 2.0% per patient-year for MVR, AVR, TVR or triple valve replacement, AVR+MVR, MVR+TVR and total, respectively. Actuarial analysis of late results including early mortalities indicates an expected survival rate of 87.6+1.8% at 3 years and 85.92.4% at 7 years for all cases. We also analyzed actuarial survival rate between groups of each valve replacement [AVR, TVR, Double valve, and Triple valve] and the tissue valve groups in MVR. We experienced 7 cases [0.77% per patient-year] of confirmed endocarditis, two of which were fatal. Valve failure-free rates calculated according to the confirmed cases were 97.5% at 4 years, 87.5% at 7 years, and 88.3% at 6 years for Ionescu-Shiley, Hancock and Angell-Shiley valves, respectively. The occurrence rate of thromboembolism was 2.0% per patient-year in total cases, although almost all the patients were given anticoagulant therapy for one year. The occurring rate in MVR was 1.5% and 2.7% per patient-year for Ionescu-Shiley and Hancock valve groups, respectively. The difference in actuarial rate free from thromboemboli between Ionescu-Shiley and Hancock groups was statistically significant [P value less than 0.001]. Thromboembolic events beyond the period of anticoagulation therapy mainly occurred in patients with atrial fibrillation. The actuarial thromboemboli free survival was 95.71.4% at 3 years and 80.17.3% at 7 years. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was 1.2% per patient-year [fatality 0.55% per patient-year] for anticoagulated patients. Although our clinical data favorably compares with results from other reports, our results suggest that anticoagulant therapy be given on a short-term basis or not at all to hemodynamically stable patients. Long-term therapy with antiplatelet drugs is probably inevitable with patients who have thromboembolic risk factors [such as atrial fibrillation].

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.353-361
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• 2007

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of naturalized plants in Jeollanamdo which is located in the south-western areas of Korea from May 10, 2005 to December 20, 2006, and to suggeste the management methods of naturalized plants. The naturalized plants constisted of 29 families, 84 genera, 122 species, 8 varieties, totaling 130 taxa and ratio of naturalization was 45 percents at the study sites. According to the number of species investigated from each sites, 103 taxa were from Yeongam, 98 taxa were from Mokpo, 97 taxa were from Shinan, while it was higher in the other sites. A total of 30 naturalized plant communities were classified. In those eight sites, the common appearance communities were Robinia pseudo-acacia, Amorpha fruticosa, Bromus catharticus, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Festuca myuros, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Paspalum distichum var. indutum, Rumex obtusifolius, Oenothera biennis, Lepidium apetalum, Trifolium repens, Ambrosia artemisiofolia var. elatior, Comos bipinnatus, Rudbeckia bicolor, Erigeron annuus, Erigeron annuus-Erigeron canadensis, Coreopsis lanceolata, Cosmos sulphureus community. The distributional characteristics of naturalized plants were divided on the basis of six areas associated with ecological characteristics of a habitat

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.465-472
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• 2012

We examined plants that were used as temple food in Jeju from May 2011 to January 2012. Thirty-six temples participated in the study, and there were 58 questionnaire respondents. Fifty-seven taxa were used as temple food, which belonged to 27 families, 51 genera, 55 species, and two varieties. The most commonly used family-based taxa were eight species of Compositae, six species of Cruciferae, and four species of Umbelliferae. Ten species of woody plants and 25 species of Jeju native plants were also used as temple food. The most useful part was the leaf, followed by the root, leaflet, and fruit. A patent search showed that most of the surveyed plants were covered by intellectual property rights. Forty-eight species had food-related patents, 34 species had cosmetics-related patents, and 38 species had medicine-related patents. The purchase and procurement of Jeju temple food plants usually depended on the market or plant cultivation rather than the use of the plants. Gathering of wild herbs for temple food has been performed on a limited basis. Therefore, collecting traditional knowledge for the use of Jeju plant resources should be conducted under different conditions rather than through a temple-related study.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1323-1329
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• 2005

A mathematical model was developed for predicting the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in tryptic soy broth (TSB) as a function of combined effects of temperature, pH, and NaCl. The TSB containing four different concentrations of NaCl (2, 4, 5, and $10\%$) was initially adjusted to six different pH levels (pH 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and incubated at 4, 10, 25, or 37$^{circ}C$. In all experimental variables, the primary growth curves were well fitted ($r^{2}$=0.982 to 0.998) to a Gompertz equation to obtain the lag time (LT) and specific growth rate (SGR). Surface response models were identified as appropriate secondary models for LT and SGR on the basis of coefficient determination ($r^{2}$=0.907 for LT, 0.964 for SGR), mean square error (MSE=3.389 for LT, 0.018 for SGR), bias factor ($B_{1}$B,=0.706 for LT, 0.836 for SGR), and accuracy factor ($A_{f}$=1.567 for LT, 1.213 for SGR). Therefore, the developed secondary model proved reliable predictions of the combined effect of temperature, NaCl, and pH on both LT and SGR for L. monocytogenes in TSB.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.871-878
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• 2003

A marine bacterium (strain BKl) that produces extracellular enzymes capable of decomposing complex polysac-charides, such as agar, chitin, carboxymethylcellulose, xylan and mannan, was isolated from the marine red alga Porphyra dentata. Strain BKl was gram-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, polarly flagellated bacilli that produce gelatinase and urease, but not decarboxylases. The G+C content of the DNA was 51.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone component was identified as an ubiquinone-8, and the major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, C16:1 w6c and C18:1 w7c. Comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis placed strain BK1 with members of the genus Pseudomonas. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, the strain BK1 was shown to be a member of the subgroup of Pseudomonas, and named as Pseudomonas sp. BK1.