• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.343-349
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• 2019

Gul jeotgals (GJs) were prepared using solar salt aged for 3 years. One sample was fermented using starters, such as Bacillus subtilis JS2 and Tetragenococcus halophilus BS2-36 (each $10^6CFU/g$), and another sample was fermented without starters for 49 days at $10^{\circ}C$. Initial counts of bacilli and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in non-starter GJ were found to be $3.20{\times}10^2$ and $7.67{\times}10^1CFU/g$ on day 0, and increased to $1.37{\times}10^3$ and $1.64{\times}10^6CFU/g$ on day 49. Those of starter GJ were found to be $2.10{\times}10^5$ and $3.30{\times}10^7CFU/g$ on day 49, indicating the growth of starters. The pH values of GJ were $5.93{\pm}0.01$ (non-starter) and $5.92{\pm}0.01$ (starter) on day 0 and decreased to $5.78{\pm}0.01$ (non-starter) and $5.75{\pm}0.01$ (starter) on day 49. Amino-type nitrogen (ANN) production increased continuously during fermentation, and $407.19{\pm}15.85$ (non-starter) and $398.04{\pm}13.73$ (starter) mg% on day 49. Clone libraries of 16S rRNA genes were constructed from total DNA extracted from non-starter GJ on days 7, 21, and 42. Nucleotide sequences of Escherichia coli transformants harboring recombinant pGEM-T easy plasmid containing 16S rRNA gene inserts from different bacterial species were analyzed using BLAST. Uncultured bacterium was the most dominant group and Gram - bacteria such as Acidovorax sp., Afipia sp., and Variovorax sp. were the second dominant group. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (day 7), Bacillus velezensis (day 21 and 42), and Bacillus subtilis (day 42) were observed, but no lactic acid bacteria were detected. Acidovorax and Variovorax species might play some role in GJ fermentation. Further studies on these bacteria are necessary.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.84-89
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• 2019

To characterize the molecular structure of BzO-gal synthesized using Escherichia coli ${\beta}$-gal, NMR ($^1H$- and $^{13}C$-) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry of BzO-gal were conducted. $^1H$ NMR spectrum of BzO-gal showed multiple peaks corresponding to the galactosyl group, which is an evidence of galactosylation on BzOH. Five proton peaks around the aromatic region at ${\delta}_H$ 7.43 ~ 7.24 ppm and 2 peaks from ${\delta}_H$ 4.93 and 4.67 ppm were evidence of the presence of the benzyl group. Seven proton peaks at ${\delta}_H$ 4.32 ~ 3.46 ppm showed the presence of a monosaccharide and were indicative of galactosylation on BzOH. $^{13}C$ NMR spectrum also revealed the presence of 11 carbons suggestive of BzO-gal. The mass value (sodium adduct ion of BzO-gal, m/z = 293.0994) from mass spectrometry analysis of BzO-gal, and $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ NMR spectral data were in good agreement with the expecting structure of BzO-gal. We are expecting that through future study it will eventually be able to develop a new additive of low cytotoxicity.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.351-361
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• 2019

In our previous study, pyrrolnitrin produced in Pseudomonas chlororaphis G05 plays more critical role in suppression of mycelial growth of some fungal pathogens that cause plant diseases in agriculture. Although some regulators for pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis were identified, the pyrrolnitrin regulation pathway was not fully constructed. During our screening novel regulator candidates, we obtained a white conjugant G05W02 while transposon mutagenesis was carried out between a fusion mutant $G05{\Delta}phz{\Delta}prn::lacZ$ and E. coli S17-1 (pUT/mini-Tn5Kan). By cloning and sequencing of the transposon-flanking DNA fragment, we found that a vfr gene in the conjugant G05W02 was disrupted with mini-Tn5Kan. In one other previous study on P. fluorescens, however, it was reported that the deletion of the vfr caused increased production of pyrrolnitrin and other antifungal metabolites. To confirm its regulatory function, we constructed the vfr-knockout mutant $G05{\Delta}vfr$ and $G05{\Delta}phz{\Delta}prn::lacZ{\Delta}vfr$. By quantifying ${\beta}-galactosidase$ activities, we found that deletion of the vfr decreased the prn operon expression dramatically. Meanwhile, by quantifying pyrrolnitrin production in the mutant $G05{\Delta}vfr$, we found that deficiency of the Vfr caused decreased pyrrolnitrin production. However, production of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid was same to that in the wild-type strain G05. Taken together, Vfr is required for pyrrolnitrin but not for phenazine-1-carboxylic acid biosynthesis in P. chlororaphis G05.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.351-359
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, blood profiles and meat quality of broilers, Korean native chickens and white semi broilers under identical feeding conditions. Sixty 1-d chicks of each type were randomly placed into 12 pens per cage (5 chicks per cage) and fed commercial diets for 28, 49, and 28 days, respectively. The broilers showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) growth performance from 0 to 4 weeks compared with the other types. Korean native chickens had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen than that of the other species. The blood glucose was significantly higher in the Korean native chickens compared to the other species, and the blood cholesterol was significantly lower. The Lactobacillus content in Korean native chickens was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the other species, and the E. coli content in the broilers was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the Korean native chickens and white semi broilers. In terms of meat quality, the breast meat of the broilers had a high water content and pH level. The breast meat of the white semi broilers had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) shear force than that of the other species. In conclusion, there was an interspecific physiological difference due to the age and body weight of the chickens. The broilers had a higher growth performance and meat quality compared to the Korean native chickens and white semi broilers.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.342-346
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• 2021

Cold brew coffee extracted from cold water for a long time has drawn public concern over hygiene. This study was carried out to investigate the microbiological contamination levels and caffeine contents in cold brew coffee. A total of 75 cold brew coffees were purchased from offline and online sources. As a result, the average number of bacteria in samples purchased online was 1.14 log CFU/mL (0-6.57 log CFU/mL), while bacteria were not detected in samples purchased offline. Therefore, stricter surveys are required to avoid the food contamination. However, Esherichia coli and nine types of foodborne pathogens were not detected in all samples. The average caffeine content of the samples was 1.6 mg/mL (384 mg/240 mL), so the caffeine almost reached to acceptable daily intake levels (400 mg for adults). However, ten products did not provide any precautions for consumer safety, so improvement of the system is needed. This monitoring data can contribute to the protection of consumer rights and improvement in the safety of cold brew coffee.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.3_spc
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• pp.417-426
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• 2021

Objective: Effects of inulin supplementation in diet of Haidong chicks under hypoxic conditions on production performance, intestinal morphologic change, microflora contents and the incidence of ascites were studied. Methods: Commercial male chicks (360) were randomly divided into 6 groups and were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, and 0.15 g/kg of inulin, respectively. Results: The body weight gain and feed intake were improved in chicks fed the diets supplemented with 0.1 and 0.125 g/kg of inulin, from d 1 to d 42 (p<0.05); moreover, blood parameters were positively affected when inulin was included in the diets and the thickness of the intestinal wall and muscle tissue in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum tended to increase (p<0.05), and the villi height and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p<0.05). Regarding the number of goblet cells in duodenum, jejunum and ileum tended to increase when chicks were fed the diets supplemented with 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, and 0.15 g/kg (p<0.05) of inulin. When chicks were fed diets supplemented with 0.75 or 0.1 g/kg of inulin, a significant reduction of Escherichia coli counts in the cecum was observed; for a contrary, a significant increment of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus was observed in cecum and ileum. Finally, supplementing the feed with inulin determined an overall reduction of ascites incidences in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Thus, the results observed in the present study clearly suggest that the diet supplementation with a quantity of inulin ranging between 0.1 and 0.125 g/kg, can improve growth performances, intestinal morphology, internal microbial balance and ascites incidence, in broiler chicks raised at high altitude area. Even though these findings may be of interest for the poultry industry, they may particularly be relevant in those areas characterized by high altitude such as Northwest China regions.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.221-229
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-oral microbial activity and anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on a titanium (Ti) surface during osseointegration, and to confirm the possibility of using RA as a safe natural substance for the control of peri-implantitis (PI) in Ti-based dental implants. Methods: A disk diffusion test was conducted to confirm the antimicrobial activity of RA against oral microorganisms. In order to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of RA, inflammatory conditions were induced with 100 ng/ml of LPS in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface treated with or without 14 ㎍/ml of RA. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface was confirmed using an NO assay kit and PGE2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to confirm the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in total RNA and protein. Results: RA showed weak antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli, but no antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and the fungus Candida albicans. RA reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, NO and PGE2, and proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, in LPS-stimulated MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the Ti surface at the protein and mRNA levels. Conclusion: RA not only has anti-oral microbial activity, but also anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on the Ti surface, therefore, it can be used as a safe functional substance derived from plants for the prevention and control of PI for successful Ti-based implants.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rh2 is well known for many pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antidiabetes, antiinflammatory, and antiobesity properties. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are ubiquitous enzymes present in nature and are widely used for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycoconjugates, and novel derivatives. We aimed to synthesize new ginsenosides from Rh2 using the recombinant GT enzyme and investigate its cytotoxicity with diverse cell lines. Methods: We have used a GT gene with 1,224-bp gene sequence cloned from Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LRGT) and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant GT protein was purified and demonstrated to transform Rh2 into two novel ginsenosides, and they were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: Two novel ginsenosides with an additional glucopyranosyl (6→1) and two additional glucopyranosyl (6→1) linked with the C-3 position of the substrate Rh2 were synthesized, respectively. Cell viability assay in the lung cancer (A549) cell line showed that glucosyl ginsenoside Rh2 inhibited cell viability more potently than ginsenoside Rg3 and Rh2 at a concentration of 10 μM. Furthermore, glucosyl ginsenoside Rh2 did not exhibit any cytotoxic effect in murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7), mouse embryo fibroblasts cells (3T3-L1), and skin cells (B16BL6) at a concentration of 10 μM compared with ginsenoside Rh2 and Rg3. Conclusion: This is the first report on the synthesis of two novel ginsenosides, namely, glucosyl ginsenoside Rh2 and diglucosyl ginsenoside Rh2 from Rh2 by using recombinant GT isolated from L. rhamnosus. Moreover, diglucosyl ginsenoside Rh2 might be a new candidate for treatment of inflammation, obesity, and skin whiting, and especially for anticancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2022

Two α-ʟ-arabinofuranosidases (BfdABF1 and BfdABF3) and a β-ᴅ-xylosidase (BfdXYL2) genes were cloned from Bifidobacterium dentium ATCC 27679, and functionally expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). BfdABF1 showed the highest activity in 50 mM sodium acetate buffer at pH 5.0 and 25℃. This exo-enzyme could hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl arabinofuranoside, arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS), arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides (AXOS) such as 3²-α-ʟ-arabinofuranosyl-xylobiose (A³X), and 2³-α-ʟ-arabinofuranosyl-xylotriose (A²XX), whereas hardly hydrolyzed polymeric substrates such as debranched arabinan and arabinoxylans. BfdABF1 is a typical exo-ABF with the higher specific activity on the oligomeric substrates than the polymers. It prefers to α-(1,2)-ʟ-arabinofuranosidic linkages compared to α-(1,3)-linkages. Especially, BfdABF1 could slowly hydrolyze 2³,3³-di-α-ʟ-arabinofuranosyl-xylotriose (A²⁺³XX). Meanwhile, BfdABF3 showed the highest activity in sodium acetate at pH 6.0 and 50℃, and it has the exclusively high activities on AXOS such as A³X and A²XX. BfdABF3 mainly catalyzes the removal of ʟ-arabinose side chains from various AXOS. BfdXYL2 exhibited the highest activity in sodium citrate at pH 5.0 and 55℃, and it specifically hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl xylopyranoside and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS). Also, BfdXYL2 could slowly hydrolyze AOS and AXOS such as A³X. Based on the detailed hydrolytic modes of action of three exo-hydrolases (BfdABF1, BfdABF3, and BfdXYL2) from Bf. dentium, their probable roles in the hemiceullose-utilization system of Bf. dentium are proposed in the present study. These intracellular exo-hydrolases can synergistically produce ʟ-arabinose and ᴅ-xylose from various AOS, XOS, and AXOS.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.534-542
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• 2021

Single-molecular guide RNA (sgRNA) plays a role in recognizing the DNA target sequence in CRISPR technology for genome editing and gene expression control. In this study, we systematically compared the length of the target recognition sequence in sgRNAs required for genome editing using Cas9-NG (an engineered Cas9 recognizing 5'-NG as PAM sequence) and gene expression control using deactivated Cas9-NG (dCas9-NG) by targeting the gal promoter in E. coli. In the case of genome editing, the truncation of three nucleotides in the target recognition sequence (TRS) of sgRNA was allowed. In gene expression regulation, we observed that target recognition and binding were possible even if eleven nucleotides were deleted from twenty nucleotides of the TRS. When 4 or more nucleotides are truncated in the TRS of the sgRNA, it is thought that the sgRNA/Cas9-NG complex can specifically bind to the target DNA sequence, but lacks endonuclease activity to perform genome editing. Our study will be helpful in the development of artificial transcription factors and various CRISPR technologies in the field of synthetic biology.