• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.174-183
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• 2016

In the present study, a serum-based minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing to caspofungin was optimized and evaluated to solve the limitations of the conventional Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline-based antifungal agent MIC test and the usefulness of this testing for clinical application was determined. A total of 105 Candida albicans clinical isolates were used for measuring MIC to caspofungin. Results showed that growth characteristics were different according to types of serum and the mouse serum was the most suitable for this assay. In order to measure the optimal concentration of mouse serum, 0 to 100% mouse serum were added to the media during fungal culture. The optimal concentration of serum was 50% when consideration of antifungal agent administration and inoculum size, serum components and ease of hyphae separated, and the consideration of the degree of growth. In comparison of the usefulness between the conventional Alamar-modified broth microdilution MIC assay and 50% mouse serum-based MIC testing, the range of $MIC_{80}$ of the Alamar-modified broth microdilution MIC assay was $0.13{\sim}2.0{\mu}g/mL$ (SD ${\pm}0.42{\mu}g/mL$) and that of the 50% mouse serum-based MIC assay was $2.0{\sim}32.0{\mu}g/mL$ (SD ${\pm}9.01{\mu}g/mL$). The range of $MIC_{50}$ of the Alamar-modified broth microdilution MIC assay was $0.13{\sim}2.0{\mu}g/mL$ (SD ${\pm}0.40{\mu}g/mL$) and that of the 50% mouse serum-based MIC assay was $1.0{\sim}16.0{\mu}g/mL$ (SD ${\pm}2.36{\mu}g/mL$). The MICs of 50% mouse serum-based MIC testing was increased by up to 4 to 64 times than Alamar-modified broth microdilution MIC assay. In conclusion, a 50% mouse serum-based MIC assay was more useful for measuring MIC in Candida albicans clinical isolates than conventional colorimetric broth microdilution MIC testing.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1039-1048
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• 2007

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether leptin is a metabolic signal for gonadotropin secretion in ewes. In the first experiment, twenty-eight cyclic Chal ewes were assigned randomly to an energy restricted, no leptin group (ERNL) (60% of maintenance; n = 14) and an energy normal, no leptin group (ENNL) (100% of maintenance; n = 14) for 71 days (6 estrous cycles). Estrus was synchronized with seven consecutive injections of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ Biweekly, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were determined and blood samples were collected to measure plasma leptin concentration. Blood samples were also taken to determine plasma progesterone concentration twice weekly. After each PG injection from the second injection to the end of experiment, four ewes were selected and blood samples were collected at 20 minutes and at hourly intervals for 3 h to detect plasma LH and FSH concentration. In the second experiment, after the ceasing of the estrous cycle caused by energy restriction, six acyclic ewes were selected and randomly allotted to two groups (n = 3) and received the following treatment for four days. Ewes in an energy restricted, leptin group (ERL) were fed with a ration which provided 60% of maintenance energy requirements and intravenously injected with $4{\mu}g$ leptin/kg BW daily. Ewes in an energy excess, no leptin group (EENL) were fed with a ration that provided 180% (120%+60%) of maintenance energy requirements and intravenously injected with 1 ml saline daily. In both groups, blood samples were collected at 20 minutes and at hourly intervals for 3 h before feeding on d 0 and d 5, and for 3 h before and after injections as above on d 2 and d 4 to detect plasma LH and FSH concentration. In the first experiment, BW and BCS from the $2^{nd}$ estrous cycle, and leptin from the $3^{rd}$ estrous cycle to the end of the experiment significantly (p<0.05) decreased. In ERNL ewes, mean plasma concentrations of FSH significantly (p<0.01) decreased from the $4^{th}$ estrous cycle to d 71 and LH pulsatile secretion was suppressed on d 71, so that, mean plasma concentrations of LH (p<0.05), LH pulse frequency (p<0.01) and LH pulse amplitude (p<0.05) significantly decreased. In the second experiment, injection of leptin significantly increased mean circulating concentrations of LH (p<0.05), LH pulse frequency (p<0.01), LH pulse amplitude (p<0.05) and mean circulating concentrations of FSH (p<0.01) and leptin (p<0.01). High energy intake significantly (p<0.05) stimulated pulsatile secretion of LH and leptin secretion (p<0.01), but non-significantly increased plasma FSH concentration. The results of this study indicate that leptin is a metabolic signal for the GnRH-LH/FSH axis in feed-restricted fat-tailed ewes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.736-742
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• 2003

Soybeans have been a major protein source for many centuries in Korea. Soybeans contain phytochemicals which are isoflavones, biochemically active component. Isoflavone is a kind of phytoestrogen, structurally and functionally similar to estrogen. It has been reported that the breast milk and blood of breast feeding mothers who consume soy products contain isoflavones. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of soy milk supplement on the isoflavones (daidzein, genistein) concentration of breast milk, plasma and urine from breast feeding woman. Seventeen healthy women who delivered at Kyung Hee Medical Center were recruited. For the first 2 weeks after delivery, seventeen women ingested 400 ml (isoflavone 43.2 mg) of soy milk on the given time starting from the day of giving birth. For the next 2 weeks, soy milk ingestion was withdrawn. Dietary intake and anthropometric data were checked and breast milk, blood, and 24 hr urine samples were collected on the day of giving birth, the 14th (the last day of the supplement phase) and 28th (the last day of the withdrawal phase) day, respectively. HPLC analysis was used to measure the concentration of isoflavones. Dietary intakes of the subjects were inadequate for the Korean RDA regardless of soy milk supplementation. Especially, intakes of vit A, calcium, and iron were very low. The Anthropometric data such as LBM, TBW, PIBW, BMI checked on the day of 14th decreased and maintained their levels by the 28th day. Daidzein concentration in breast milk was not affected by soy milk supplementation. However, genistein concentration decreased by the 28th day (14th day: 0.89 $\pm$ 0.10 $\mu$g/ml, 28th day : 0.48 $\pm$ 0.07 $\mu$g/ml) (p < 0.05). Plasma daidzein and genistein concentrations were not changed by the 14th day and decreased by the 28th day (14th day: 49.64 $\pm$ 3.30 ng/ml, 26.72 $\pm$ 2.90 ng/ml, 28th day: 38.30 $\pm$ 4.40 ng/ml, 6.51 $\pm$ 0.50 ng/ml, respectively) (p < 0.05). Twenty four hour urine concentrations of daidzein and genistein significantly increased by the 14th day and decreased by the 28th day (14th day: 5.80 :t 0.3 mg/d, 4.17 $\pm$ 0.2 mg/d, 28th day: 6.72 $\pm$ 0.4 mg/d, 5.09 $\pm$ 0.5 mg/d, respectively) (p < 0.001). The rate of urinary recovery of daidzein was greater than that of genistein. The results of this study indicate that the supplement of dietary soy milk to the lactating women elevates the contents of isoflavone in the breast milk.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.616-625
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• 2017

Measurements using five real-time particle samplers were compared to measurements using three NRM (National Reference Method system) filter-based samplers(Gravimetric method) at Incheon, Korea, between May and August, 2014. The purpose of this study was to suggest the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) method of each instrument for use in a real-time continuous particle sampler to measure the mass of airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than $2.5{\mu}m$ ($PM_{2.5}$). Five real-time particle samplers of BAM1020, FH62C_14, TEOM, PM-711 and SPM-613 were evaluated by comparing its measured 23 hr average $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations with those measured with NRM filter-based samplers simultaneously. The parameters(e.g. Inlet heating condition, Slope factor, Film response, Intercept, Background, Span value) of the real-time samplers were optimized respectively by conducting test performance evaluation during 7 days in field sampling. For example, inlet heating temperature of TEOM sampler controls $35{\sim}40^{\circ}C$ to minimize the fluctuation of the real-time measurement data and background value of BAM1020 is the key factor affecting the accuracy of $PM_{2.5}$ mass concentration. We classified the $PM_{2.5}$ concentration according to relative humidity (80%) to identify water absorbed in aerosols by measuring the ${\beta}$-ray samplers(BAM1020, FH62C_14) and TEOM. ${\beta}$-ray samplers were not strongly affected by relative humidity that the difference of the average $PM_{2.5}$ concentration was about 5%. On the other hand, The TEOM sampler overestimated $PM_{2.5}$ mass concentration about 15% at low relative humidity (<80%).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.833-841
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• 1995

Ultrasonography was used to measure the corpus luteum area for determining the relationships between corpus luteum size and milk progesterone concentration during the estrous cycle in 16 dairy cows. Cows were classified retrospectively into cows that had corpus luteum with(n=P) and without(n=7) cavity. Ultrasound examination and collection of milk samples for progesterone assay were performed with 2 day intervals from Days 0 to 12, and then daily from Day 14 to the day of the next ovulation. The means for corpus luteum area and for milk progesterone concentration during the estrous cycle were not significantly different between cows that had corpus luteum with and without cavity. The correlation coefficients between corpus luteum area and milk progesterone concentration during luteal development (Days 2 to 8) were 0.71(p<0.0001) and 0.74(p<0.0001) for corpus luteum with and without cavity, respectively, during luteal regression(Days -6 to 0 relative to the next ovulation) 0.73(p<0.0001) and 0.76(p<0.0001), respectively. The correlation coefficients combined fur both stages of estrous cycle and both luteal statuses were 0.70(p<0.0001). These results indicate that corpus luteum area is significantly correlated to milk progesterone concentration, and ultrasonographic assessment of the corpus luteum is a reliable method fur estimating peripheral progesterone concentrations during the estrous cycle in cows.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.432-438
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• 2009

Here, we demonstrated simple nucleic acid, RNA, concentration method using polymer micro chip containing glass bead ($100\;{\mu}m$). Polymer micro chip was fabricated by PDMS ($1.5\;cm\;{\times}\;1.5\;cm$, $100\;{\mu}m$ in the height) including pillar structure ($160\;{\mu}m\;(I)\;{\times}\;80\;{\mu}m\;(w)\;{\times}\;100\;{\mu}m\;(h)$, gap size $50\;{\mu}m$) for blocking micro bead. RNA could be adsorbed on micro glass bead at low pH by hydrogen bonding whereas RNA was released at high pH by electrostatic force between silica surface and RNA. Amount of glass beads and flow rate were optimized in aspects of adsorption and desorption of RNA. Adsorption and desorption rate was measured with real time PCR. This concentrated RNA was applied to amplification micro chip in which NASBA (Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification) was performed. As a result, E.coli O157 : H7 in the concentration of 10 c.f.u./10 mL was successfully detected by these serial processes (concentration and amplification) with polymer micro chips. It implies this simple concentration method using polymer micro chip can be directly applied to ultra sensitive method to measure viable bacteria and virus in clinical samples as well as environmental samples.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.7
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• pp.24.1-24.7
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• 2016

Background: Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite with high adsorption capacity for polar mycotoxins such as aflatoxins. The efficacy of clinoptilolite in ameliorating the toxic effects of aflatoxicosis has been proven in monogastric animals, but there is no such evidence for ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, whether the dietary administration of clinoptilolite in dairy cows could reduce the concentration of aflatoxin M1 ($AFM_1$) in bulk-tank milk, in farms with higher than or close to $0.05{\mu}g/kg$ of milk (European maximum allowed residual level). An objective of the present study was also to investigate the effect of particle size of clinoptilolite on aflatoxin binding. Methods: Fifteen commercial Greek dairy herds with AFM1 concentrations in bulk tank milk ${\geq}0.05{\mu}g/kg$ were selected. Bulk tank milk AFM1 was determined prior to the onset and on day 7 of the experiment. Clinoptilolite was added in the total mixed rations of all farms at the rate of 200 g per animal per day, throughout this period. Two different particle sizes of clinoptilolite were used; less than 0.15 mm in 9 farms (LC group) and less than 0.8 mm in 6 farms (HC group). Results: Clinoptilolite administration significantly reduced $AFM_1$ concentrations in milk in all farms tested at an average rate of 56.2 % (SD: 15.11). The mean milk $AFM_1$ concentration recorded on Day 7 was significantly (P < 0.001) lower compared to that of Day 0 ($0.036{\pm}0.0061$ vs. $0.078{\pm}0.0074{\mu}g/kg$). In LC group farms the reduction of milk $AFM_1$ concentration was significantly higher than HC group farms ($0.046{\pm}0.0074$ vs. $0.036{\pm}0.0061{\mu}g/kg$, P = 0.002). As indicated by the Pearson correlation, there was a significant and strong linear correlation among the milk $AFM_1$ concentrations on Days 0 and 7 (R = 0.95, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary administration of clinoptilolite, especially of smallest particle size, at the rate of 200 g per cow per day can effectively reduce milk $AFM_1$ concentration in dairy cattle and can be used as a preventive measure for the amelioration of the risks associated with the presence of aflatoxins in the milk of dairy cows.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2014

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to investigate workers' exposures to respirable particles generated in taconite mines and to compare two metric methods for mass concentrations using direct-reading instruments. Methods: Air monitorings were conducted at six mines where subjects have been exposed primarily to particulate matters in crushing, concentrating, and pelletizing processes. Air samples were collected during 4 hours of the entire work shift for similarly exposure groups(SEGs) of nine jobs(N=37). Following instruments were employed to evaluate the workplace: a nanoparticle aerosol monitor(particle size range; 10-1000 nm, unit: ${\mu}m^2/cc$, Model 9000, TSI Inc.); DustTrak air monitors($PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, unit: $mg/m^3$, Model 8520, TSI Inc.); a condensation particle counter(size range; 20-1000 nm, unit: #/cc, P-Trak 8525, TSI Inc.); and an optical particle counter(particle number by size range $0.3-25{\mu}m$, unit: #/cc, Aerotrak 9306, TSI Inc.). Results: The highest airborne concentration among SEGs was for furnace operator followed by pelletizing maintenance workers in number of particle and surface area, but not in mass concentrations. The geometric means of $PM_{2.5}$ by the DustTrak and the Ptrak/Aerotrak were $0.04{\mu}m$(GSD 2.52) and $0.07{\mu}m$(GSD 2.60), respectively. Also, the geometric means of RPM by the DustTrak and the Ptrak/Aerotrak were $0.16{\mu}m$(GSD 2.24) and $0.32{\mu}m$(GSD 3.24), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for DustTrak $PM_{2.5}$ and Ptrak/Aerotrak $PM_{2.5}$ was 0.56, and that of DustTrak RPM and Ptrak/Aerotrak RPM was 0.65, indicating a moderate positive association between the two sampling methods. Surface area and number concentration were highly correlated($R^2$ = 0.80), while $PM_{2.5}$ and RPM were also statistically correlated each other($R^2$ = 0.79). Conclusions: The results suggest that it is possible to measure airborne particulates by mass concentrations or particle number concentrations using real-time instruments instead of using the DustTrak Aerosol monitor that monitor mass concentrations only.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.109-113
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• 1998

Objective: To ananlyze the direct effect of nitric oxide (NO), generated from sodium prusside (SNP) on the embryo developments in reproductive process. Design: Ova from mouse were treated to allow fertilization in in vitro culture. And the samples of fertilized ova were alloted into five alliqutos. Each alliquot was cultured in media treated with either concentration at 0 (n=92), $25{\mu}M$ (n=84), $50{\mu}M$ (n=80), $100{\mu}M$ (n=77), $500{\mu}M$ (n=54) of SNP. Main Outcome Measure: Rates of embryonal cell cleavages, viability and cell morphology were assessed during in vitro fertilization and culture. Results: As analyse the cell cleavage at 24 hours after in vitro culture of fertilised egg in variuos NO concentration, all of egg cells of each alliquot were developed to $2\sim4$ cell stage. But the alliquot of egg cells treated with $50{\mu}M$, which were totally degenerated. And also all embryonal cells of each alliquot were developed to 8 cell stage and morula stage on culture continuosly. And the embryonal cells of each alliquot were analysed at 24 and 48 hours following the in vitro culture. The rates of cell fragmentation and fusion were $4.2{\pm}3.4%$ in control group which is not treated with NO, while experimental groups was high, as rated $23.4{\pm}6.2%$ in $25{\mu}M$, $28.2{\pm}5.7%$ in $50{\mu}M$ and $32.1{\pm}6.4%$ in $100{\mu}M$ concentration of NO. Accordingly the rate of abnormal morphology of embryonal cell in control was lower significantly than that in each alliquot of experimental groups (p<0.05). And the degenerated rates of embryonal cells were 0% in control, $17.8{\pm}6.7%$ in $25{\mu}M$, $23.6{\pm}4.7%$ in $50{\mu}M$ and $26.8{\pm}11.2%$ in $100{\mu}M$ at 8 cells and morula on culture of 48 and 72 hours. On the examination of embryonal cells developed to blastocyst through in vitro culture, the rates of degenerated cells were $16.8{\pm}7.2%$ in control, $37.5{\pm}6.2%$ in $25{\mu}M$, $73.4{\pm}4.6%$ in $50{\mu}M$, 100% in $100{\mu}M$. Conclusion: This results suggeted that the NO in any concentrations is harmful on embryos in view of morphology as well as viability of cell, and the toxicity of NO on embryo is stronger at condition in higher concentration of NO.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.991-998
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• 2008

This study is to determine the effects of PCM concentration on the temperature changes of the air layers of a garment when the environmental temperature changes. The selected PCM was Nonadecane and coated on cotton fabrics with PCM concentrations 10%, 20%, and 30%. The temperature changes of the air layers between fabrics were measured by Human-Clothing-Environment Simulator which measure a dynamic heat transfer. After stabilizing at $34^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour, the multi layered garment system were exposed to $5^{\circ}C$ or $10^{\circ}C$ for 30 minutes and then, exposed to $34^{\circ}C$ for 30minutes. The results like following could be obtained. When the environmental temperature changed high to low, temperature of the air layer increased by heating effect of PCM. In the contrast, when the environmental temperature changed low to high, the temperature increase of the air layer was delayed because of cooling effect by PCM. Also, the more concentration of PCM, the bigger the heating effect. Cooling effect showed more clearly at PCM concentration 20%. The temperature differences of the air layers between with PCM fabrics and with non-PCM fabrics were bigger at $10^{\circ}C$ than at $5^{\circ}C$. Consequently, though PCM has influenced on the temperature of the air layer by heating and cooling effect, those effects haven't shown in all layers equally. It was shown that the effect of PCM varied according to the layer in the case of multi layered garment system and heat gain as well as heat loss in the outermost layer had to be taken into account.