• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.149-160
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• 2018

A large number of functional living products are being produced for eco-friendly or health-promoting purposes. In the manufacturing process, such products could be adulterated with raw materials with high radioactivity, such as monazite and tourmaline. Thus, it is essential to manage raw materials and products closely related to the public living. For proper management, an accurate radioactivity data of the processed products are needed. Therefore, it is essential to develop a rapid and validated analytical method. In this study, the concentration of the radioactive $^{238}U$ and $^{232}Th$ in building materials (e.g., tile, cement, paint, wall paper, and gypsum board) and living products (e.g., health products, textiles, and minerals) were determined and compared by ED-XRF and ICP-MS. By comparing the results of both methods, we confirmed the applicability of the rapid screening and precise analysis of ED-XRF and ICP-MS. In addition, $^{238}U$ and $^{232}Th$ levels were relatively lower in building materials than in living products. Particularly, $^{232}Th$ content in 6 of 47 living products exceeded (maximum $8.2Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$) the standard limit of $^{232}Th$ content in raw material ($1.0Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$).

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.329-334
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• 2010

Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes hemolytic uremic syndrome and hemorrhagic colitis in humans. The objectives of this study were to produce monoclonal antibody(MAb) against E. coli O157:H7 and to develop an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for the rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in agri-stockbreeding. The characterization of MAb produced from hybridoma cell (HKEC 4G8-5) was validated by ELISA and Western blot. The produced MAb was specific to E. coli O157:H7 and showed weak cross-reaction to Staphylococcus aureus. The detection limit of ELISA based on 4G8-5 MAb was $10^5\;cell/mL$. Although the ELISA could not detect E. coli O157:H7 in the meat and sprout samples inoculated with $1{\times}10^1\;cell$/10 g without enrichment, the same samples after enrichment for 6 hr were confirmed to be positive by ELISA. These results indicated that the ELISA combined with short enrichment (6 hr) is useful tool for rapid screening of E. coli O157:H7 in various samples.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.571-578
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• 2001

To evaluate if the apoptotic fragment assay could be used to estimate the dose prediction after radiation exposure, we examined apoptotic mouse crypt cells per 1,000 cells after whole body $^{60}Co$ $\gamma$-rays and 50MeV ($p{\rightarrow}Be^+$) cyclotron fast neutron irradiation in the range of 0.25 to 1 Gy, respectively. The incidence of apoptotic cell death rose steeply at very low doses up to 1 Gy, and radiation at all doses tigger rapid changes in crypt cells in stem cell region. These data suggest that apoptosis may play an important role in homeostasis of damaged radiosensitive target organ by removing damaged cells. The curve of dose-effect relationship for the data of apoptotic fragments was obtained by the linear-quadratic model $y=0.18+(9.728{\pm}0.887)D+(-4.727{\pm}1.033)D^2$ ($r^2=0.984$) after $\gamma$-rays irradiation, while $y=0.18+(5.125{\pm}0.601)D+(-2.652{\pm}0.7000)D^2$ ($r^2=0.970$) after neutrons in mice. The dose-response curves were linear-quadratic, and a significant dose-response relationship was found between the frequency of apoptotic cell and dose. These data show a trend towards increase of the numbers of apoptotic crypt cells with increasing dose. Both the time course and the radiation dose-response curve for high and low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation modalities were similar. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) value for crypt cells was 2.072. In addition, there were significant peaks on apoptosis induction at 4 and 6h after irradiation, and the morpholoigcal findings of the irradiated groups were typical apoptotic fragments in crypt cells that were hardly observed in the control group. Thus, apoptosis in crypt cells could be a useful in vivo model for studying radio-protective drug sensitivity or screening test, microdosimetric indicator and radiation-induced target organ injury. Since the apoptotic fragment assay is simple, rapid and reproducible in the range of 0.25 to 1 Gy, it will also be a good tool for evaluating the dose response of radiation-induced organ damage in vivo and provide a potentially valuable biodosimetry for the early dose prediction after accidental exposure.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.155-166
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• 2010

Studies on the production of cell-wall bound innerpolysaccharides (IPS) (soluble ${\beta}$-D-glucan) have been performed by use of suspended myelial cultures of Inonotus obliquus. This product has promising potentials as an effective antidiabetic as well as an immunostimulating agents. As a first step to enhanced production of IPS, Intensive strain improvement programs were carried out by obtaining a large amounts of protoplasts for the isolation of single cell colonies. Rapid and large screening of high-yielding producers was possible because about fivefold higher amount of protoplasts ($2.3{\times}10^6$ protoplasts/mL) could be recovered with relatively high regeneration rates of $10^{-2}{\sim}10^{-3}$ by applying a modified filtration method, as compared to the previously used trapping method. A basic protocol necessary for UV-mutation of the protoplasts was also developed, resulting in several overproducing variants with good fermentation properties. Since the amount of IPS extracted from the mycelial cell walls of I. obliquus turned out to be almost constant per g DCW, increase in cell mass was considered the most important factor for the enhancement in IPS production. Therefore, attempts were made to screen mutant cells showing rapid mycelial growth rate in the final suspended cultures. Notably, the mutant strains showing an active cellgrowth in the preceding solid growth cultures were observed to produce higher amount of IPS in the suspended fermentations as well. A striking mutant, OBLQ756-15-5 strain, obtained from the survivors of a harsh UV-treated condition (97% death rate) was found to stably produce as high cell mass as 22 g DCW/L in the final fermentations. Currently, this strain is being tested for development of a scaled-up fermentation process for mass production of IPS.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.74-82
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• 2010

Purpose : The Dipslide culture test is a rapid method for diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic availability of a urine Dipslide test for evaluation of UTI in febrile children. Methods : Urine specimens from 151 febrile infants were inoculated by a routine blood agar urine culture method and the Dipslide test at the same time. Following incubation for 16-24 hours, the results of the Dipslide test were read at the next visit. Both results of Dipslide and those of routine culture were compared. Results : The mean age of subjects was 15${\pm}$10.6 months. There were 150 infants (99.3%) who had fever with a mean duration of 2.6${\pm}$2.6 days. Thirty two infants (21.2%) were diagnosed as having UTI. Sensitivity and specificity of Uricult Trio CLED medium were 59.4% and 84.8%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Uricult Trio E. coli medium were 60.0% and 96.2%, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between results of Uricult Trio CLED medium and urine culture was 0.438 (P=0.01). Correlation between results of Uricult Trio E. coli medium and urine culture was 0.617 (P=0.01). Conclusion : The Dipslide test requires only 16-24 hours with high specificity in terms of UTI caused by E. coli without the problems associated with specimen delay. This test seems to be helpful for exclusion of UTI in febrile infants and it may reduce unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotic use. However, further studies are required before the product can be recommended as a routine diagnostic tool.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2014

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that represents one of the most common and important infectious diseases of cats worldwide and it is responsible for more deaths among cats than any other infectious diseases. Prevalence data are necessary to define prophylactic, management and therapeutic measures for stray, feral and owned cats which are lacking in Bangladesh. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of FeLV infection in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh using RapiGEN$^{(R)}$ FeLV Ag Test Kit (RapiGEN$^{(R)}$ Inc., Republic of Korea), a rapid one-step immunochromatographic assay. Blood samples from total 130 cats (23 owned cats and 107 unowned cats) were collected and tested following the manufacturer's instruction. An overall prevalence of FeLV infection was 1.54% (2/130). Prevalence was found 1.79% (2/112) on Day 0-up to one year aged cats (young) but no positive case was found in above 1 year (Adult) aged group. In male and female cats, the prevalence was 1.72% (1/58) and 1.39% (1/72), respectively. In un-owned cats the prevalence was 1.87%. Positive cases to FeLV were found only in clinically sick cats. No significant relationship was found according to age, sex, ownership status and health status. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of the prevalence of FeLV infection in Bangladesh using RapiGEN$^{(R)}$ FeLV test kits which is very much effective because it is easy to apply, less expensive and quick screening of such type of infection.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.599-606
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• 2001

Background : Since the advent of AIDS, tuberculosis has become a major public health problem in the western society. Therefore, it is essential that pulmonary tuberculosis be rapidly diagnosed. Light microscopic detection of acid-fast organisms in sputum has traditionally been used for rapidly diagnosing tuberculosis. However positive smears are only observed in about one-half to three-quarters of cases. Studies using PCR for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis disclosed several shortcomings suggesting an inability to distinguish between active and treated or inactive tuberculosis. In this study, the clinical significance of a PCR-based rapid technique for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in peripheral blood was investigated. Materials and Methods : From July 1, 1998 through to August 30, 1999, 59 patients with presumed tuberculosis, who had no previous history of anti-tuberculosis medication use within one year prior to this study were recruited and followed up for more than 3 months. AFB stain and culture in the sputum and/or pleural fluids and biopsies when needed were performed. Blood samples from each of the 59 patients were obtained in order to identify Mycobacterium Tuberculosis DNA by a PCR test. Results : 1) Forty five out of 59 patients had a final diagnosis of tuberculosis ; Twenty eight were confirmed as having active pulmonary tuberculosis by culture or biopsy. Four were clinically diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The other 13 patients were diagnosed as having tuberculous pleurisy (9) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (4). 2) Fourteen patients showed a positive blood PCR test. The PCR assay correctly identified active tuberculosis in 13 out of 14 patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity of this blood peR assay for diagnosing tuberculosis were 29% and 93%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 93%, the negative predictive value was 29% and the diagnostic accuracy was 44%.3) Six out of 14(43%) patients with blood PCR positive tuberculosis were immunologically compromised hosts. 4) A simple chest radiograph in blood PCR positive tuberculosis patients showed variable and inconsistent findings. Conclusion : A peripheral blood PCR assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not recommended as a screening method for diagnosing active tuberculosis. However, it was suggested that the blood PCR assay could contribute to an early diagnostic rate due to its high positive predictive value.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2018

$[^{11}C]PIB$ synthesis has been performed by a loop-methylation and HPLC purification in our lab. However, this method is time-consuming and requires complicated systems. Thus, we developed an on-cartridge method which simplified the synthetic procedure and reduced time greatly by removing HPLC purification step. We compared 6 different cartridges and evaluated the $[^{11}C]PIB$ production yields and specific activities. $[^{11}C]MeOTf$ was synthesized by using TRACERlab FXC Pro and was transferred into the cartridge by blowing with helium gas for 3 min. To remove byproducts and impurities, cartridges were washed out by 20 mL of 30% EtOH in 0.5 M $NaH_2PO_4$ solution (pH 5.1) and 10 mL of distilled water. And then, $[^{11}C]PIB$ was eluted by 5 mL of 30% EtOH in 0.5 M $NaH_2PO_4$ into the collecting vial containing 10 mL saline. Among the 6 cartridges, only tC18 environmental cartridge could remove impurities and byproducts from $[^{11}C]PIB$ completely and showed higher specific activity than traditional HPLC purification method. This method took only 8 ~ 9 min from methylation to formulation. For the tC18 environmental cartridge and conventional HPLC loop methods, the radiochemical yields were $12.3{\pm}2.2%$ and $13.9{\pm}4.4%$, respectively, and the molar activities were $420.6{\pm}20.4GBq/{\mu}mol$ (n=3) and $78.7{\pm}39.7GBq/{\mu}mol$ (n=41), respectively. We successfully developed a facile on-cartridge methylation method for $[^{11}C]PIB$ synthesis which enabled the procedure more simple and rapid, and showed higher molar radio-activity than HPLC purification method.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.105-114
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• 2014

We established a high throughput screening system of African yam tuber lines which contain high contents of total carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis. The total carotenoids contents from 62 African yam tubers varied from 0.01 to $0.91{\mu}g{\cdot}g^{-1}$ dry weight (wt). The total flavonoids and phenolic compounds also varied from 12.9 to $229{\mu}g{\cdot}g^{-1}$ and from 0.29 to $5.2mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$dry wt. FT-IR spectra confirmed typical spectral differences between the frequency regions of 1,700-1,500, 1,500-1,300 and $1,100-950cm^{-1}$, respectively. These spectral regions were reflecting the quantitative and qualitative variations of amide I, II from amino acids and proteins ($1,700-1,500cm^{-1}$), phosphodiester groups from nucleic acid and phospholipid ($1,500-1,300cm^{-1}$) and carbohydrate compounds ($1,100-950cm^{-1}$). Principal component analysis (PCA) and subsequent partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were able to discriminate the 62 African yam tuber lines into three separate clusters corresponding to their taxonomic relationship. The quantitative prediction modeling of total carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds from African yam tuber lines were established using partial least square regression algorithm from FT-IR spectra. The regression coefficients ($R^2$) between predicted values and estimated values of total carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds were 0.83, 0.86, and 0.72, respectively. These results showed that quantitative predictions of total carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds were possible from FT-IR spectra of African yam tuber lines with higher accuracy. Therefore we suggested that quantitative prediction system established in this study could be applied as a rapid selection tool for high yielding African yam lines.