• Title/Summary/Keyword: biological cause

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Occurrence of Three Strains of Cucumber mosaic virus Affecting Tomato in Kuwait

  • Montasser Magdy Shaban;Dashti Narjes Haji;Ali Neda Yousef;Bhardwaj Radhika Guleri;Al-Hamar Bader
    • The Plant Pathology Journal
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.51-62
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    • 2006
  • Three strains of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) have been found to cause a lethal disease, referred to as fern leaf syndromes and mild mosaic symptoms in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) crops grown in Kuwait. CMV strains were detected and identified based on host range, symptomatology, serology, electron microscopy, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. A high degree of viral genomic heterogeneity was detected among CMV strains isolated in Kuwait, with no apparent correlation to symptomatology in tomato host plants. Two different virus satellites of 'CMV associated RNA 5', designated CARNA 5, were detected in two virus strains that caused both lethal disease and mild symptoms, designated CMV-D1 and CMV-S1 respectively. CARNA5 was not detected in the third CMV strain that caused fern leaf syndromes designated CMV-F. All the three isolated strains were serologically indistinguishable from each other and may belong to one serotype according to Ouchterlony gel diffusion tests. These strains transmitted via aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz) in a non-persistent manner. Physical properties of the virus strains were very similar where thermal inactivation test showed that virus withstood heating for 10 min at $70^{/circ}$, dilution end point was $10^{-4}$, and the longevity in vitro at room temperature was less than 5 days for all virus strains. CMV-D1 and CMV-F were the most devastating diseases spreading in both greenhouse and field-grown tomato where aborted flower buds failed on fruit setting due to the viral infection. This is the first report to isolate three different strains of CMV in Kuwait.

Rumen Degradability and Small Intestinal Digestibility of the Amino Acids in Four Protein Supplements

  • Wang, Y.;Jin, L.;Wen, Q.N.;Kopparapu, N.K.;Liu, J.;Liu, X.L.;Zhang, Y.G.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.241-249
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    • 2016
  • The supplementation of livestock feed with animal protein is a present cause for public concern, and plant protein shortages have become increasingly prominent in China. This conflict may be resolved by fully utilizing currently available sources of plant protein. We estimated the rumen degradability and the small intestinal digestibility of the amino acids (AA) in rapeseed meal (RSM), soybean meal (SBM), sunflower seed meal (SFM) and sesame meal (SSM) using the mobile nylon bag method to determine the absorbable AA content of these protein supplements as a guide towards dietary formulations for the dairy industry. Overall, this study aimed to utilize protein supplements effectively to guide dietary formulations to increase milk yield and save plant protein resources. To this end, we studied four cows with a permanent rumen fistula and duodenal T-shape fistula in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square experimental design. The results showed that the total small intestine absorbable amino acids and small intestine absorbable essential amino acids were higher in the SBM (26.34% and 13.11% dry matter [DM], respectively) than in the SFM (13.97% and 6.89% DM, respectively). The small intestine absorbable Lys contents of the SFM, SSM, RSM and SBM were 0.86%, 0.88%, 1.43%, and 2.12% (DM basis), respectively, and the absorbable Met contents of these meals were 0.28%, 1.03%, 0.52%, and 0.47% (DM basis), respectively. Among the examined food sources, the milk protein score of the SBM (0.181) was highest followed by those of the RSM (0.136), SSM (0.108) and SFM (0.106). The absorbable amino acid contents of the protein supplements accurately reflected protein availability, which is an important indicator of the balance of feed formulation. Therefore, a database detailing the absorbable AA should be established.

Antimicrobial efficacy of endophytic Penicillium purpurogenum ED76 against clinical pathogens and its possible mode of action

  • Yenn, Tong Woei;Ibrahim, Darah;Chang, Lee Kok;Ab Rashid, Syarifah;Ring, Leong Chean;Nee, Tan Wen;Noor, Muhamad Izham bin Muhamad
    • Korean Journal of Microbiology
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    • v.53 no.3
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    • pp.193-199
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    • 2017
  • This study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Penicillium purpurogenum ED76 on several clinically important microorganisms. The endophytic fungus P. purpurogenum ED76 was previously isolated from Swietenia macrophylla leaf. The antimicrobial efficacy of P. purpurogenum ED76 dichloromethane extract was determined via disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay. A kill curve study was conducted and the morphology of extract treated bacterial cells were viewed under scanning electron microscope. The dichloromethane extract showed significant inhibitory activity on 4 test bacteria and 2 test yeasts. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the extract ranged from 125 to $1,000{\mu}g/ml$, which indicates the different susceptibility levels of the test microorganisms to the fungal extract. The kill curve study has revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition for all test microorganisms. With the increase of the extract concentration, the microbial growth was significantly reduced. The scanning electron micrograph of dichloromethane extract-treated Staphylococcus aureus cells showed the total damage of the cells. The cell wall invagination of the bacterial cells also indicates the loss of cellular materials and metabolic activity. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the extract also showed that the major compound was stigmasterol, which constitutes 45.30% of the total area. The dichloromethane extract of P. purpurogenum ED76 exhibited significant inhibitory activity on several clinically important bacteria and yeasts. The study proposed a possible mode of action that the extract cause significant damage to the morphology of S. aureus cells.

Antioxidant & Antibacterial effects of Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) leaf by various extract solvents

  • Khoa, Hoang Viet Bach;Kim, Moung-Su;Jang, Hye-Ri;Lim, Jong-Min;Cho, Joon-Hyeong
    • Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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    • 2012.05a
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    • pp.18-18
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    • 2012
  • Antioxidant is an important role to protect the human body against damage by reactive oxygen species. However, the excessive intake of such antioxidant is known to cause a serious poisonous influence on one's liver, lungs and circulating system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a safe natural antioxidant. For the purpose of developing natural antioxidant and antibacterial, the antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects of various extract solvents from Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) leaf were determined. In this study, the extracts of Artichoke leaf dried from solvent extraction were examined by means of DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. The effect of free radical scavenging compared with $\alpha$-tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid. In Artichoke leaf extract, evaluated by using DPPH and ABTS showed that the highest antioxidant activities were found to be in methanol extracts from DPPH radical ($IC_{50}$: $20.06{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$), ABTS radical ($IC_{50}$: $16.01{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$) and followed by ethanol > methyl chloride > ethyl acetate > n-Hexane. By using disc diffusion method, the antibacterial activity showed that the Artichoke leaf extract was found to be most effective against all of the tested organisms and the methyl chloride extract showed the most significant antibacterial effect against all of tests among 5 solvents extract, followed by ethyl acetate > n-Hexane > ethanol > methanol. As a result, optimal in antioxidant activity for Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) leaf is methanol extract and for antibacterial effect is Methyl Chloride extract.

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Molecular adaptation of the CREB-Binding Protein for aquatic living in cetaceans

  • Jeong, Jae-Yeon;Chung, Ok Sung;Ko, Young-Joon;Lee, Kyeong Won;Cho, Yun Sung;Bhak, Jong;Yim, Hyung-Soon;Lee, Jung-Hyun
    • Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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    • v.6 no.2
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    • pp.102-109
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    • 2014
  • Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) are aquatic mammals that experienced drastic changes during the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environment. Morphological changes include streamlined body, alterations in the face, transformation of the forelimbs into flippers, disappearance of the hindlimbs and the acquisition of flukes on the tail. For a prolonged diving, cetaceans acquired hypoxia-resistance by developing various anatomical and physiological changes. However, molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations are still limited. CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) is a transcriptional co-activator critical for embryonic development, growth control, metabolic homeostasis and responses to hypoxia. Natural selection analysis of five cetacean CREBBPs compared with those from 15 terrestrial relatives revealed strong purifying selection, supporting the importance of its role in mammals. However, prediction for amino acid changes that elicit functional difference of CREBBP identified three cetacean specific changes localized within a region required for interaction with SRCAP and in proximal regions to KIX domain of CREBBP. Mutations in CREBBP or SRCAP are known to cause craniofacial and skeletal defects in human, and KIX domain of CREBBP serves as a docking site for transcription factors including c-Myb, an essential regulator of haematopoiesis. In these respects, our study provides interesting insights into the functional adaptation of cetacean CREBBP for aquatic lifestyle.

Reduced EGFR Level in eIF2α Phosphorylation-Deficient Hepatocytes Is Responsible for Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress

  • Kim, Mi-Jeong;Choi, Woo-Gyun;Ahn, Kyung-Ju;Chae, In Gyeong;Yu, Rina;Back, Sung Hoon
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.43 no.3
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    • pp.264-275
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    • 2020
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a significant role in intracellular signaling and regulation, particularly when they are maintained at physiologic levels. However, excess ROS can cause cell damage and induce cell death. We recently reported that eIF2α phosphorylation protects hepatocytes from oxidative stress and liver fibrosis induced by fructose metabolism. Here, we found that hepatocyte-specific eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient mice have significantly reduced expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and altered EGFR-mediated signaling pathways. EGFR-mediated signaling pathways are important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in many tissues and cell types. Therefore, we studied whether the reduced amount of EGFR is responsible for the eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient hepatocytes' vulnerability to oxidative stress. ROS such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxides induce both EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and eIF2α phosphorylation. eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient primary hepatocytes, or EGFR knockdown cells, have decreased ROS scavenging ability compared to normal cells. Therefore, these cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. However, overexpression of EGFR in these eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient primary hepatocytes increased ROS scavenging ability and alleviated ROS-mediated cell death. Therefore, we hypothesize that the reduced EGFR level in eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient hepatocytes is one of critical factors responsible for their susceptibility to oxidative stress.

Lack of association between the VEGFA gene polymorphisms and preterm birth in Korean women

  • Yue Shi;Hyung Jun Kim;Seong Yong Kim;Ga Eun Kim;Han Jun Jin
    • Genomics & Informatics
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    • v.21 no.3
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    • pp.29.1-29.9
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    • 2023
  • Preterm birth (PTB), a pregnancy-related disease, is defined as a birth before 37 weeks of gestation. It is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, and its incidence rate is steadily increasing. Various genetic factors can contribute to the etiology of PTB. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene is an important angiogenic gene and its polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with PTB development. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the association between VEGFA rs699947, rs2010963, and rs3025039 polymorphisms and PTB in Korean women. A total of 271 subjects (116 patients with PTB and 155 women at ≥38 weeks of gestation) were analyzed in this study. The genotyping of VEGFA gene polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism. No significant association between the patients with PTB and the control groups was confirmed. In the combination analysis, we found a significant association between PTB and VEGFA rs699947 CC-rs2010963 GG-rs3025039 CC combination (odds ratio, 3.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.091 to 13.032; p = 0.031). The VEGFA rs699947, rs2010963, and rs3025039 polymorphisms might have no genetic association with the pathogenesis of PTB in Korean women. However, the combination analysis indicates the possibility that VEGFA acts in PTB pathophysiology. Therefore, larger sample sets and replication studies are required to further elucidate our findings.

Study on Safety Consideration of ELF Magnetic Fields Emanating from Power Transmission Line for Electric Railways (전철용 성전선로에서 발생되는 극저주파 자기장의 안전성에 관한연구)

  • 임용배
    • Proceedings of the Korea Electromagnetic Engineering Society Conference
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    • 1999.07a
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    • pp.156-164
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    • 1999
  • This paper shows that the configuration of power transmission lines currently in place is suitable on the basis of calculated magnetic field strengths. The magnetic fields were computed for typical current distributions on power transmission lines for electric railways, which are characterized by severe load fluctuations and phase distortions. The result of the numerical analysis are compared with th ELF guidelines of magnetic fields from several case studies. The final conclusion reached in that effects of the magnetic fields near power transmission lines for electric railways are not significant enough to cause a biological safety concern.

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Characteristics of COD Removal in the Electrolytic Treatment of Dyeing-Wastewater (전기분해에 의한 염색폐수의 COD 제거 특성)

  • 강광남;윤용수
    • Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.139-146
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    • 1998
  • The characteristics of color and COD removal for dyeing-wastewater using electrochemical reaction were investigated. >From the result, the removal efficiency of color and COD were increased with increase of temperature, decrease of electrode distance, increase of electrolyte concentration and increase of potential and these were obtained above 99%, above 75% within 30 min, individually. Cause of higher COD removal efficiency, it is more suitable that dyeing-wastewater is treated by electrolytic treatment prior to biological treatment. It is concluded that the electrolytic treatment of dyeing-wastewater can be used as the effective and economical method in practical treatment.

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A Study on the Female Crimes (한국 여성범죄의 현황과 대책)

  • Lim, Moung-Soon
    • Korean Security Journal
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    • no.5
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    • pp.291-308
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    • 2002
  • This study is on the female crimes, and I study the scholars' researched outlooks about it till now on through the theoretical background of female crimes. I analyzed and checked a cause of female crimes by dividing it into a biological, a psychologic medical, and a sociological factor. Finally, the contents of this study not only prevents and reduces an occurrence of female crimes in our country but also secures an establishment of returning policy to the society for the female who finished their prison terms as a sound social members.

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