• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.1038-1045
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• 2001

The electrokinetic technology was applied in bioremediation for the purpose of supplying a Pseudomonas strain capable of degrading diesel to contaminated soil bed, and their biodegradation of diesel was carried out after a desired cell distribution was obtained. Electrokinetic injection of the strain was made possible because the cells acted as negatively charged particles at neutral pH, and thus the cells were transported with a precise directionality through the soil mostly by the mechanism of electrophoresis and in part by electroosmosis. A severe pH change in the soil bed was formed due to the penetration of electrolysis products, which was harmful to the cell viability and cell transport. To achieve a desirable cell transport and distribution, the control of pH in soil bed by a recirculating buffer solution in electrode chambers was essential during the appliation of an electric field. The judicious selections of electrolyte concentration and conductivity were also important for achieving an efficient electrokinetic cell transport since a higher electrolyte concentration favored the maintenance of pH stability in soil bed, but lowered electrophoretic mobility on the other hand. With electrolyte solution of pH 7 phosphate buffer, a 0.05 M concentration showed a better cell transport buffer, a 0.05 M concentration showed a better cell transport than 0.02 M and 0.08 M. The cell under pH 8 were obtained, compared to the cells under pH 7 or pH 9 in a given time period Up to $60\%$ of diesel was degraded in 8 days by the Pseudomonas cell, which were distributed electrokinetically under the conditions of pH 8 ($1,800{\mu}S/cm$, a mixture of phosphate and ammonia buffers) and 40 mA in a soil bed of 15 cm length.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.726-731
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• 2003

The aim of this research was to identify candidate probiotic lactic bacteria among indigenous dadih lactic isolates. Dadih is an Indonesian traditional fermented milk of West Sumatra which is fermented naturally. Viability of the strain is critical in determining the capacity of lactic bacteria to induce immune stimulation as well as to colonize in the intestinal tract. Therefore, LAB are proposed to exert health promoting or probiotic effects in human, such as inhibition of pathogenic microflora, antimutagenic, and the reduction of cholesterol levels. This manuscript reports in vitro probiotic properties of indigenous dadih lactic bacteria, especially some important colonization factors in GI tract, such as lysozyme, acid and bile tolerance. Bile Salt Hydrolase (BSH) activity, spectrum of bacteriocin, and antimutagenic activity of bacterial cells were also assessed. Twenty dadih lactic isolates were screened further for their tolerance to low pH, at pH 2 and 3 as well as their bile tolerance. There were ten isolates classified as acid and bile acid tolerant, and further screened for lysozyme tolerance, BSH activity. The spectrum of bacteriocin activity of isolates was assayed using cell-free neutralized supernatants by agar spot test against variety of pathogens. Lc. lactis subsp. lactis IS-10285, IS-7386, IS-16183, IS-11857 and IS-29862, L. brevis IS-27560, IS-26958 and IS-23427, Leu.mesen.mesenteroides IS-27526, and L. casei IS-7257 each has good survival rate at low pH values and in the presence of lysozyme, and short lag time in the presence of 0.3 % oxgall. Lc. lactis subsp. lactis IS-11857 and IS-29862 each has high BHS activity, Lc. lactis subsp. lactis IS-10285 and IS-16183 each had a positive spectrum of bacteriocin activity against E. coli 3301 and Lysteria monocytogenes ATCC 19112, while L. brevis IS-26958 has high BHS activity as well as positive spectrum of bacteriocin against E. coli 3301, Lysteria monocytogenes ATCC 19112, and S. aureus IFO 3060. All of the ten dadih lactic strains performed in vitro acid and bile tolerance, indicating a possibility to reach the intestine alive, and display probiotic activities.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.552-560
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• 2017

Quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria entrapped in a polymeric composite hydrogel (QQ medium) have been successfully applied in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for effective biofouling control. However, in order to bring QQ technology closer to practice, the physical strength and lifetime of QQ media should be improved. In this study, enforcement of physical strength, as well as an extension of the lifetime of a previously reported QQ bacteria entrapping hollow cylinder (QQ-HC), was sought by adding a dehydration procedure following the cross-linking of the polymeric hydrogel by inorganic compounds like $Ca^{2+}$ and boric acid. Such prepared medium demonstrated enhanced physical strength possibly through an increased degree of physical cross-linking. As a result, a longer lifetime of QQ-HCs was confirmed, which led to improved biofouling mitigation performance of QQ-HC in an MBR. Furthermore, QQ-HCs stored under dehydrated condition showed higher QQ activity when the storage time lasted more than 90 days owing to enhanced cell viability. In addition, the dormant QQ activity after the dehydration step could be easily restored through reactivation with real wastewater, and the reduced weight of the dehydrated media is expected to make handling and transportation of QQ media highly convenient and economical in practice.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.180-184
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• 2009

The apoptotic effect of bacteria-derived $\beta$-glucan was investigated in human colon cancer cells SNU-C4 using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 genes, and assay of caspase-3 enzyme activity. $\beta$-Glucan of 10, 50, and $100{\mu}g$/mL decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with typical apoptotic characteristics, such as morphological changes of chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation from TUNEL assay. In addition, $\beta$-glucan ($100{\mu}g$/mL) decreased the expression of Bc1-2 by 0.6 times, whereas the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased by 3.1 and 2.3 times, respectively, compared to untreated control group. Furthermore, the caspase-3 activity in the $\beta$-glucan-treated group was significantly increased compared to those in control group (P < 0.05). Bacterial derived $\beta$-glucan could be used as an effective compound inducing apoptosis in human colon cancer.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.89-95
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• 2012

Immune cells express toll-like receptors (TLRs) and respond to molecular patterns of various pathogens. CpG motif in bacterial DNA activates innate and acquired immune systems through binding to TLR9 of immune cells. Several studies reported that CpG can directly regulate B cell activation, differentiation, and Ig production. However, the role of CpG in B cell growth and Ig production is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of CpG on the kinetics of mouse B cell viability, proliferation, and Igs production. Overall, CpG enhanced mouse B cell growth and production of Igs in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike LPS, 100 nM CpG (high dose) did not support TGF-${\beta}1$-induced IgA and IgG2b production. Moreover, 100 nM CpG treatment abrogated either LPS-induced IgM or LPS/TGF-${\beta}1$-induced IgA and IgG2b production, although B cell growth was enhanced by CpG under the same culture conditions. We subsequently found that 10 nM CpG (low dose) is sufficient for B cell growth. Again, 10 nM CpG did not support TGF-${\beta}1$-induced IgA production but, interestingly enough, supported RA-induced IgA production. Further, 10 nM CpG, unlike 100 nM, neither abrogated the LPS/TGF-${\beta}1$- nor the LPS/RA-induced IgA production. Taken together, these results suggest that dose of CpG is critical in B cell growth and Igs production and the optimal dose of CpG cooperates with LPS in B cell activation and differentiation toward Igs production.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.7-16
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• 2005

Objectives : Scrophulariae Radix (SRE) is commonly used in combination with other herbs as a nutrient and health strengthening agent, and to remove 'heat' and replenish vital essence. The water-based extract of this herb can lower blood pressure in both anesthetized and concious animals, and exhibits an anti-inflammatory activity. But, there is lack of studies regarding the effects of SRE on the immunological activities in molecular levels. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of SRE on the regulatory mechanism of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in Raw 264.7 cells. Method : After the treatment of Scrophulariae Radix methanol extract, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, NO production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. COX-2 and iNOS were determined by Immunoblot analysis, and levels of cytokine were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. Results : Results provided evidence that SRE inhibited the production of nitrite and nitrate (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), $interleukin-1{\beta}\;(IL-1{\beta})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the activation of phospholylation of inhibitor ${\kappa}B{\alpha}\;(p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha})$ in Raw 264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conclusion : These findings suggest that Scrophulariae Radix can produce anti-inflammatory effect, which may playa role in adjunctive therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2016

Objectives : Phyllostachys Folium is leaves of Phyllostachys nigra var. henesis $S_{TAPF}$. In the East Asian traditional medicine, the herb has been used to treat nasal bleeding, dysuria, epilepsy and etc. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Phyllostachys Folium water extracts (PFE) in vitro and in vivo model. Methods : Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after the treatment of PFE and NO production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. iNOS, COX-2, $I{\kappa}B$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ amd $NF{\kappa}B$ were detected by immunoblot analysis, and levels of cytokine were analyzed by sandwich ELISA kit. Anti-edema effect of PFE was determined in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Results : LPS increased NO and cytokines levels compared with control, these increases were attenuated by PFE. In addition, LPS-induced pro-inflammatory proteins such as iNOS, COX-2 were down regulated by PFE. These anti-inflammatory effect of PFE results from inhibition of phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B$ and translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. Conclusion : These results show that PFE has some anti-inflammatory effects which might play a role in gram-negative bacterial infection inflammation and $NF{\kappa}B$ activated diseases.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.139-146
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• 2014

Jeotgal (salted seafood) has been one of major fermented foods in Korea for long time. Although there are many studies about Jeotgal in various aspects of food, its immunological importance on hosts has not been elucidated yet. In this study, we investigated if several bacteria isolated from Jeotgal may modulate the function of dendritic cells (DCs), powerful antigen-presenting cells equipped with special immunological capabilities. 4 Jeotgal bacteria were selected as representatives and used for experiments. To treat viable DCs, those bacteria were killed at $60^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. The viability of DCs treated with Jeotgal bacteria was verified and two isolates significantly induced high production of interleukin-12, a representative cell-mediated cytokine of DCs. Surface activation and maturation markers (MHC class II, CD40, CD86) of DCs were analyzed by flow cytometer. In addition, the treated DCs showed significantly high lymphocyte stimulatory capability compared to control DCs based on allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions. These observations suggest that Jeotgal isolates can function as immunostimulating bacteria in hosts, like Lactobacillus. Taken together, these experimental evidences may broaden the use of Jeotgal isolates in immunological fields in addition to as a fermented food.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.491-497
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• 2007

Hyeonggaeyeongyo-tang (HYT; Jingjielianqiao-tang), is known to be effective in lowering wind-heat blended as a pathogen of kidney. HYT has been traditionally used for the treatment of a syndrome in kidney meridian, due to invasion of pathogenic wind and heat. Nowadays, this prescription is used to treat diseases marked by excessive wind and heat in the kidney meridian, such as acute otitis media, empyema, hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal bleeding, nasal obstruction, acne and tonsillitis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of HYT on the regulatory mechanism of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) for the immunological activities in Raw 264.7 cells. After the treatment of HYT water extract, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, NO production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2_ and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined by immunoblot analysis, and levels of cytokine were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. The production of No was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment (1h) with HYT(0.1-0.3 mg/ml) on LPS-activated Raw264.7 cells. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein were up-regulated by LPS, but the increased levels of iNOS and COX-2 were inhibited by pre-treatment of HYT (0.3-1.0 mg/ml), respectively. And the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cytokine released from macrophage, was reduced by HYT pre-treatment (0.3-1.0 mg/ml). Thus, the present data suggest that HYT may play an important role in adjunctive therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.896-902
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• 2017

In this study, we investigated citrus Kombucha (CK) produced by three different bacteria strains (Gluconacetobacter xylinus, Gluconacetobacter medellinensis, and Gluconobacter oxydans; named as CK-MOX) identified from traditional Kombucha. During fermentation, the pH level of CK-MOX was gradually reduced, and total acidity slightly increased. Antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH, ABTS, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays, markedly increased after fermentation. Moreover, fermented CK-MOX (Day15) exhibited anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities against EJ human bladder carcinoma cells. Western immunoblot assays showed that treatment with CK-MOX significantly up-regulated phospho-extracellular signaling kinase (ERK) levels. To distinguish whether or not up-regulation of phospho-ERK is the cause or effect, we investigated the viability of EJ cells in the presence of U0126, a mitogen activated protein kinase/ERK kinase 1/2 inhibitor. Pre-treatment with U0126 rescued cells from CK-MOX-induced cell death, which indicates phospho-ERK may be a key regulator in the mechanism of CK-MOX-induced apoptosis of EJ bladder cancer cells. In conclusion, CK-MOX, fermented by a defined composition of bacterial starters, shows antioxidant capacity and anti-cancer activity against EJ bladder cancer cells.