• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2011

This study was conducted to control the seed borne pathogens (Alternaria spp.) of carrot and to examine the seed germination rate by using 13 environment friendly agricultural materials instead of conventional chemicals for organic cultivation. The growth inhibiting effects on pathogens showed the different responses according to each agricultural material and effective 7 materials against seed borne pathogens were selected. Among 7 materials, the carrot seeds sterilized with plant extracts, Tanger Stop and Land Saver were not germinated at all. The germination rate of seeds sterilized with other materials showed the similar levels with reference chemical (Benlate-T) and non-treated seeds. Infection rates of seeds sterilized with seaweed extract, Bellopper for controlling A. radicina and plant extract, Ssial-100 for A. dauci were similar or low infection rate compared with reference chemical. The germination rate and root length of seeds sterilized with Bellopper and Ssial-100 was similar or superior to those of chemical sterilized seeds. The optimal condition seemed to be a little bit different depending on the concentration of materials. As a result, the sterilization of carrot seeds by using the environment friendly materials could be effectively utilized as a technology to inhibit the infection of seed-borne pathogens.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.847-854
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• 2004

Allergy is a multi-factorial disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors. As the number of allergy-affected people is increasing in developed countries, there is an increasing interest in genetic predisposition to the allergy. A number of genes and chromosomal region have been identified to be linked to allergy including rhinitis, asthma and atopy. In order to understand the genetic background for the allergy-affected people, we investigated genetic predisposition among students enrolled in Busan Science Academy. Among 138 students, about 30% students had some allergy-related disorder including rhinitis, asthma and atopy. We analyzed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within two genes, Inter-leukin-4(IL-4) and Interleukin-4 receptor(IL-4R), which are involved in the induction of allergy reaction with the Th2 immunity. For 96 samples obtained from students, we analyzed 9 SNPs including -590 C/T and -34 C/T in IL-4, and I75V, Q576R, E375A, e406R, 5411L, S761P and S727A in IL-4R. From the analysis, these SNPs showed slight differences among normal and allergy-affected students, but these differences was not enough to predict the predisposition to the allergy. In contrast to previous reports, we could not find SNP(s) related with allergy. These results suggest that genetic tests recently performed in Korea widely have to be reassessed for its validity of genetic predisposition. [Supported by grants from MOST]

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2014

In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary 1% garlic extract on nonspecific immune responses and fish diseases (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus, Vibrio anguillarum, Streptococcus iniae and Edwardsiella tarda) resistance in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Fish were fed a commercial diets supplemented with 1% garlic extract for 4 weeks. After the 4 weeks feeding experiment, the artificial infection was made by V. anguillarum, S. iniae, E. tarda and VHSV. And the cumulative mortality was monitored for 2 weeks after artificial infection. The cumulative mortalities decreased in all experiments except for group of E. tarda compared to control group. We observed significantly higher levels of the hematocrit, glucose, total protein, lysozyme activity and the macrophage activity in the experimental group compared to the control group. In the experiments of drug sensitivity and MIC using the three bacteria (V. anguillarum, S. iniae and E. tarda), 1% garlic extract was more effective than the previously reported fermented garlic powder. These results suggested that garlic extract can increase the disease resistance of olive flounder against V. anguillarum, S. iniae and VHSV and the ability of nonspecific immune responses.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6391-6395
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• 2012

Background: Ovarian cancer is ranked as the fifth most common cause of cancer death in women. In Malaysia, it is the fourth most common cancer in females. CA125 has been the tumor marker of choice in ovarian cancer but its diagnostic specificity in early stages is only 50%. Hence, there is a critical need to identify an alternative tumor marker that is capable of detecting detect ovarian cancer at an early stage. HE4 is a new tumor marker proposed for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer and disease recurrence. Currently, none of the normal ranges of HE4 quoted in the literature are based on data for a multiethnic Asian population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine reference intervals for HE4 in an Asian population presenting in University Malaya Medical Centre, a tertiary reference hospital. Materials and Methods: 300 healthy women were recruited comprising 150 premenopausal and 150 postmenopausal women, aged from 20-76 years. All women were subjected to a pelvic ultrasonograph and were confirmed to be free from ovarian pathology on recruitment. Serum HE4 levels were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA, Abbott Architect). The reference intervals were determined following CLSI guidelines (C28-A2) using a non-parametric method. Results: The upper limits of the $95^{th}$ percentile reference interval (90%CI) for all the women collectively were 64.6 pmol/L, and 58.4 pmol/L for premenopausal) and 69.0 pmol/L for postmenopausal. The concentration of HE4 was noted to increase with age especially in women who were more than 50 years old. We also noted that our proposed reference limit was lower compared to the level given by manufacturer Abbott Architect HE4 kit insert (58.4 vs 70 pmol/L for premenopausal group and 69.0 vs 140 pmol/L in the postmenopausal group). The study also showed a significant difference in HE4 concentrations between ethnic groups (Malays and Indians). The levels of HE4 in Indians appeared higher than in Malays (p<0.05), while no significant differences were noted between the Malays and Chinese ethnic groups. Conclusions: More data are needed to establish a reference interval that will better represent the multiethnic Malaysian population. Probably a larger sampling size of equal representation of the Malay, Chinese, Indians as well as the other native ethnic communities will give us a greater confidence on whether genetics plays a role in reference interval determination.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.144-152
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• 2005

To evaluate the effect of lead biomarkers including bone lead on neurobehavioral test in lead workers, 652 lead workers without any occupational exposure to organic solvent, mercury and arsenic were agreed to participate this study. For the control subjects 102 non-occupationally lead exposed blue collar workers in general manufacturing industries were also joined this study. All study subjects joined this study with written informed consent. The study variables of lead exposure were blood and patella lead. For the general characteristics of study subjects, standardized questionnaire regarding age, sex, past disease history, job duration, body mass index (BMI), drinking and smoking habit were provided. For the past history of neurotoxicity related diseases, all study subjects were interviewed by qualified occupational health physician. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Compared with controls without occupational lead exposure, lead exposed subjects had worse performance on all tests(p<0.05). 2. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, job duration, education level, BMI, smoking and drinking status), the signs of the regression coefficients for blood lead were negative for 13 of the 14 tests. Blood lead was a significant predictor of poorer scores on 8 tests (simple reaction time(ms & root MSD), Trail-Making Test B, Digit Symbol Substitution, Purdue Pegboard assembly, Digit Span Test, Benton Visual Retention, and Purdue pegboard both hand). 3. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, job duration, education level, BMI, smoking and drinking status), the signs of the regression coefficients for patella lead were negative for 12 of the 14 tests. Patella lead was a significant predictor of poorer scores on 8 tests (simple reaction time(ms). Purdue Pegboard assembly, Digit Span Test, Benton Visual Retention. Pursuit Aiming rest (no. of correct & no. of incorrect), Purdue pegboard non-dominant hand and both hand). With above results, blood lead and patella lead were associated with poorer performance of neurobehavioral tests. In addition, patella lead was confirmed to be better predictor of manual dexterity test in neurobehavioral test battery in lead workers

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.523-532
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• 2017

A field survey studying intestinal parasites in humans and microbial pathogen contamination at environment was performed in a Laotian rural village to identify potential risks for disease outbreaks. A parasitological investigation was conducted in Ban Lak Sip village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR involving fecal samples from 305 inhabitants as well as water samples taken from 3 sites of the local stream. Water analysis indicated the presence of several enteric pathogens, i.e., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., E. coli H7, E. coli O157: H7, verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), Shigella spp., and enteric adenovirus. The level of microbial pathogens contamination was associated with human activity, with greater levels of contamination found at the downstream site compared to the site at the village and upstream, respectively. Regarding intestinal parasites, the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections were 68.9% and 27.2%, respectively. Eight helminth taxa were identified in fecal samples, i.e., 2 tapeworm species (Taenia sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta), 1 trematode (Opisthorchis sp.), and 5 nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, trichostrongylids, and hookworms). Six species of intestinal protists were identified, i.e., Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora spp., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia. Questionnaires and interviews were also conducted to determine risk factors of infection. These analyses together with a prevailing infection level suggested that most of villagers were exposed to parasites in a similar degree due to limited socio-economic differences and sharing of similar practices. Limited access to effective public health facilities is also a significant contributing factor.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.266-287
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• 2004

The non infecting, plant associated bacteria have attracted increased attention for stimulating plant growth and as environmental friendly plant protecting agents. Pink-pigmented facultatively methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs), classified as Methylobacterium spp., are persistent colonizers of plant leaf surfaces. As the leaves of most or all plants harbor PPFMs that utilize leaf methanol as their sole source of carbon and energy, which is a specific attribute of the genus Methylobacterium. Although they are not well known, these bacteria are co-evolved, interacting partners in plant metabolism. This claim is supported, for example, by the following observations: (1) PPFMs are seed-transmitted, (2) PPFMs are frequently found in putatively axenic cell cultures, (3) Low numbers of seed-borne PPFMs correlate with low germinability, (4) Plants with reduced numbers of PPFM show elevated shoot/root ratios, (5) Foliar application of PPFMs to soybean during pod fill enhances seed set and yield, (6) Liverwort tissue in culture requires PPFM-produced vitamin B12 for growth, (7) treated plants to suppress or decrease disease incidence of sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani in rice, and (8) the PPFM inoculation induced number of stomata, chlorophyll concentration and malic acid content, they led to increased photosynthetic activity. Methylobacterium spp. are bacterial symbionts of plants, shown previously to participate in plant metabolism by consuming plant waste products and producing metabolites useful to the plant. There are reports that inform about the beneficial interactions between this group of bacteria and plants. Screening of such kind of bacteria having immense plant growth promoting activities like nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, alleviating water stress to the plants can be successfully isolated and characterized and integration of such kind of organism in crop production will lead to increased productivity.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.135-159
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• 2014

Industrial insect is defined as the insect utilized in industries that creates added value. Most of the industrial insects used in Korea are exotic species that are introduced through artificial means. Despite the rapid expansion of market for industrial insects, the system for risk assessment of industrial insects is not being adequately conducted. Although Korea carries out a risk assessment for the species designated as disease and insect pest by Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, far too little consideration is being given to overall ecosystem, as the control system is covered in the Plant Quarantine Law. To solve this problem, we analyzed the Korean risk assessment system and looked at systems in other countries. The results show that it is essential for stakeholders to reach an agreement to set up fundamental directions for the system. Unless the integration system of taxonomical and ecological information is prepared, the ecological risk assessment should be conservative to protect ecosystems and should also follow the precautionary principle. It also requires cooperation among the ministries. In addition, the results indicated that a differentiation between risk assessment and screening is urgent. Several solutions such as setting up clear objectives in both assessment and screening stages, target species, steering organization and assessment criteria assessment systems from were proposed as practical institutional strategies. Among many foreign countries the assessment system from Ireland equally considers various factors such as economical, ecological safety and management aspects, It is also based on precautionary principle to fulfil its original purpose. It was suggested that the Ireland system would be the best reference that can be modified and applied into the Korean system by considering distinct characteristics of the industrial insects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3811-3815
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• 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the worldwide disease which causes enormous losses every year. Recent studies suggested that environmental and gene factors might be the etiologies in increasing the risk of morbidity. Nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene polymorphisms are said to be associated with CRC risk but the conclusion is still controversial. Materials and Methods: Pubmed and HuGENet databases up to December 2013 were used in this meta-analysis. Three different certain genotypic models were applied, namely dominant (AA+AC versus CC), recessive (AA versus AC+CC), per-allele analysis (A vs C). In addition, information on tumor sites and pathologic stages was collected. The strength of associations was assessed through combining odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Finally, five and three studies about the rs1799983 and rs2070744 were covered in the analysis with 2,745 cases and 2,478 controls. Three models were applied, but no significant association was found for NOS3 G894T/rs1799983 (dominant: OR=0.999, 95%CI=0.797-1.253, $I^2$=63.8%; recessive: OR=0.924, 95%CI=0.589-1.450, $I^2$=59.3%; allele analysis: OR=0.979, 95%CI=0.788-1.216, $I^2$=74.9%) and T-786C/rs2070744 (dominant: OR=1.138, 95%CI=0.846-1.530, $I^2$=67.9%; recessive: OR=0.956, 95%CI=0.708-1.291, $I^2$=0.0%; allele analysis: OR=1.110, 95%CI=0.865-1.425, $I^2$=69.4%). The same results were also obtained for tumor sites and pathologic stage subgroups. After further analyzing the NOS3 gene, rs1799983 as the tag- and functional SNP was presented. Conclusions: On the basis of this meta-analysis and the characteristics of the NOS3 gene, we suggested rs1799983 might be a key locus associated with CRC risk. Further prospective studies were needed to make more comprehensive explanation of the associations.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.173-182
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with dysfunction of skin barrier and cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In the previous study, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts such as Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), and Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) in order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, In this study, anti-inflammatory activities of these herb extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage RAW264.7 cells were further examined to find the underlying molecular mechanisms. The RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that PG, DN and AV inhibited effectively the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated macrophages, while VM did not. The transfection and luciferase analysis exhibited that all herbal extracts hindered the activation of transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The western blot analysis indicated that AV blocked the activation of only JNK MAP (c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein) kinase not p38 MAP kinase, while VM, PG and DN did not show the activation of both JNK and p38 MAP kinases. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG, and DN have anti-inflammatory activities and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.