• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.203-216
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• 2016

Probiotic microorganisms are thought to provide health benefits when consumed. In 2001, the World Health Organization defined probiotics as "live microorganisms which confer a health benefit on the host, when administered in adequate amounts." Three methods for screening potential probiotics have currently widely available. (1) In vitro assays of potential probiotics are preferred because of their simplicity and low cost. (2) The use of in vivo approaches for exploring various potential probiotics reflects the enormous diversity in biological models with various complex mechanisms. (3) Potential probiotics have been analyzed using several genetic and omics technologies to identify gene expression or protein production patterns under various conditions. However, there is no ideal procedure for selecting potential probiotics than testing cadidate strains on the target population. Hence, in this review, we provide an overview of the different methodologies used to identify new probiotic strains. Furthermore, we describe futre perspectives for the use of in vitro, in vivo and omics in probiotic research.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2005

Background : Endobronchial tuberculosis often complicates bronchostenosis, which can cause dyspnea due to an airway obstruction, and can be misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma or lung cancer. This study investigated the possible correlation between the $interferon-{\gamma}$($IFN-{\gamma}$) and transforming growth $factor-{\beta}$($TGF-{\beta}$) levels in the serum and bronchial washing fluid and the treatment results in endobronchial tuberculosis patients. Methods : Sixteen patients, who were diagnosed as endobronchial tuberculosis using bronchoscopy, and 10 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. The $IFN-{\gamma}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels were measured in the serum and bronchial washing fluid of 16 endobronchial tuberculosis patients before and after treatment using the ELISA method. The endobronchial tuberculosis patients were divided into those who showed bronchial fibrostenosis after treatment and those who did not. Results : The $IFN-{\gamma}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels in the bronchial washing fluid in endobronchial tuberculosis patients were elevated comparing to the control (p<0.05). After treatment, 7 of the 16 endobronchial tuberculosis patients showed bronchial fibrostenosis and the other 9 cases healed without this sequela. In the patients with fibrostenosis after treatment, the initial serum $TGF-{\beta}$ level was lower than the patients without fibrostenosis after treatment (p<0.05). Moreover, the serum $TGF-{\beta}$ level after treatment further decreased comparing to the patients without fibrostenosis after treatment(p<0.05). Conclusion : Elevated $IFN-{\gamma}$ and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels in the bronchial washing fluid in endobronchial tuberculosis patients are believed to be related to the pathogenesis of endobronchial tuberculosis. The decreased initial serum $TGF-{\beta}$ level and the change in the serum $TGF-{\beta}$ level after treatment are believed to be involved in bronchial fibrostenosis during the course of the disease.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.187-195
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• 2017

This study evaluated quality characteristics of soybean fermented by selected lactic acid bacteria, which were the enzyme strains with high antimicrobial activities isolated from traditionally prepared soybean paste. We determined total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria counts, protease and amylase activities, reducing sugar and amino-type nitrogen contents, and the amounts of amino acids, organic acids, and aroma-compounds. The total aerobic bacteria counts in soybean fermented with strain I13 ($7.75{\times}10^9CFU/mL$) were the highest among all the strains analyzed. Lactic acid bacteria numbers were $2.85{\times}10^9$ to $4.35{\times}10^9CFU/mL$ in soybean fermented with isolates. Amylase and protease activities of the JSB22 sample were the highest among all sample. Reducing sugar and amino-type nitrogen contents of soybean fermented with JSB22 (1.23%, 94.52 mg%) were highest. Total amino acid content of the samples was 15.88-17.62%, and glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, lysine, and arginine were the major amino acids. Lactic acid (0.82-3.65 g/100 g), oxalic acid (22.74-63.57 mg/100 g), and fumaric acid (2.88-6.33 mg/100 g) were predominant organic acids. A total of 39 volatile aroma-compounds were identified, including 2 esters, 5 ketones, 7 alcohols, 14 hydrocarbons, 2 heterocyclic compounds, 4 acids, and 5 miscellaneous compounds. These results represent useful information for the development of a starter (single or complex) and will be used for production of functional fermented soybean foods.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.1 s.81
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• pp.82-90
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• 2007

In an attempt to establish the appropriate ventilation device for the bottle culture of king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), we investigated carbon dioxide concentration and fruiting body formation according to the various ventilation systems within the mushroom house. In addition to, the efficiency of air circulation and growth rate as well as the appearance of physiologically abnormal phenotypes during their growth stage were also evaluated. four different ventilation devices, parallel-pressure type, positive-pressure type, negative-pressure type, and positive- and negative-pressure type were applied in this study. The positive-and negative-pressure type showed the highest efficiency of air circulation as $CO_2$ concentration was 800 ppm and the level of air current was relatively low compared to the other types (the $CO_2$ concentration of parallel-pressure type was 1,400 ppm). Moreover, the stipe length, the cap diameter, yield, and general quality grown in positive- and negative type ventilation device were also better than in the other three devices though it took slightly longer period for harvesting (18.4 days) than the others (17.6, 17.9 and 18.3 days). The appearance of physiologically abnormal phenotypes such as fruiting body lump, soft rot, and brown rot were significantly decreased in positive-and negative type compared to other types, while the appearance rates were not much different for other symptoms of bacterial ooze, stipe limb and stipe bumpy. In summary, we propose that the optimal ventilation system for the bottle culture of king oyster mushroom is positive- and negative type, and this device is expected to increase the total quality as well as yield all year around.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.614-622
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• 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality change of "Tabor" tomatoes during long-term exportation periods. Hydroponics tomatoes were harvested at the turning stage, sorted, and box packed and then packaged in nylon film with a pallet. The packaged pallet was filled with a gas composition (5% $O_2$, 1% $CO_2$, and 94% $N_2$) and stored at $10^{\circ}C$ for three weeks. The quality changes in weight loss, firmness, color, acidity, soluble solids, and microorganism growth were measured every 7 day interval. During the initial storage, the pallet-scale MAP showed slightly higher weight loss and firmness changes when compared to the conventional pallet. The total color change (${\Delta}E$) during ripening was delayed 10% under MAP storage. Acidity, soluble solids and phenolic compound contents decreased with increases in storage time regardless of the storage method; however, the quality changes of tomatoes were delayed in the MAP pallet. Furthermore, the decay rate of the pallet-scale MAP stored for 14 days was less than that of the conventional pallet, and the number of microorganisms was approximately 30% lower in the pallet-scale MAP, showing a positive effect on marketability. These results suggested that the pallet-scale MAP of tomatoes could ensure higher quality and longer storage periods than conventional pallet storage.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.551-558
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• 2006

Effects of Pb and $CO_2$ on soil microbial community associated with Pinus densiflora were investigated using community level physiological profiles (CLPP) and 16S rDNA PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) methods. Two-years pine trees were planted in Pb-contaminated soils and uncontaminated soils, and cultivated for 3 months in the growth chamber where $CO_2$ concentration was controlled at 380 or 760 ppmv. The structure of microbial community was analyzed in 6 kinds of soil samples (CA-0M : $CO_2$ 380 ppmv + Pb 0 mg/kg + initial, CB-0M : $CO_2$ 380 ppmv + Pb 500 mg/kg + initial, CA-3M : $CO_2$ 380 ppmv + Pb 0 mg/kg + after 3 months, CB-3M : $CO_2$ 380 ppmv + Pb 500 mglkg + after 3 months, EA-3M : $CO_2$ 760 ppmv + Pb 0 mg/kg + after 3 months, EB-3M : $CO_2$ 760 ppmv + Pb 500 mg/kg + after 3 months). After 3 months, the substrate utilization in the uncontaminated soil samples (CA-3M vs EA-3M) was not significantly influenced by $CO_2$ concentrations. However, the substrate utilization in the Pb-contaminated soil samples (CB-3M vs EB-3M) was enhanced by the elevated $CO_2$ concentrations. The results of principal component analysis based on substrate utilization activities showed that the structure of microbial community structure in each soil sample was grouped by Pb-contamination. The similarities of DGGE fingerprints were 56.3 % between the uncontaminated soil samples (CA-3M vs EA-3M), and 71.4% between the Pb-contaminated soil samples (CB-3M vs. EB-3M). The similarities between the soil samples under $CO_2$ 380 ppmv (CA-3M vs CB-3M) and $CO_2$, 760 ppmv (EA-3M vs EB-3M) were 53.3% and 35.8%, respectively. These results suggested that the structure of microbial community associated with Pinus densiflora were sensitively specialized by Pb-contamination rather than $CO_2$ concentration.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.976-982
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• 1998

The effects of the glycoprotein (PAG) isolated from Pteridium aquilinum on the immune function was examined in mice. PAG was intraperitoneally administered into BALB/C mice for 14 days and the antibody forming ability to hen egg lysozyme (HEL) and the blastogenic responses of splenocytes were measured. PAG treatment significantly increased antibody formation to HEL in a dose-dependent manner. Blatogenesis of splenocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, B-cell specific mitogen) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA, T-cell specific mitogen) was also increased after treatment with PAG, indicating that the PAG increases both humoral and cellular immunities. To examine whether the immune function of PAG was via a direct effect on the lymphocytes, splenocytes were isolated from BALB/C mice, exposed to various concentrations of PAG in vitro and the blastogenic responses were measured. In vitro exposure to PAG significantly increased blastogenesis of splenocytes to LPS up to $500{\;}{\mu}g/kg$, whereas the blastogenic response to PHA was not altered by PAG treatment. To identify the fraction responsible for the increase in the immune function, the effect of periodate digest, pronase digest or purified polysaccharide on the antibody production to HEL was examined. Crude protein fraction of PAG significantly increased the antibody formation to HEL. On the other hand, both crude and purified polysaccharide fractions did not have any effects on the antibody production ability. These data indicated that 1) PAG increased both humoral and cellular immune functions, 2) the increase in humoral immunity was probably via a direct action of PAG on lymphocytes and 3) the protein portion of PAG was responsible for the increase in humoral immunity.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.114-123
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• 2019

QD LED has an ideal light source for growing crops and can also be used to control plant pathogenic microorganisms. The mycelial growth inhibition effect of QD LED light on Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora drechsleri, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotinia minor, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Pectobacterium carotovorum, and Xanthomonas campestris were investigated. According to the results, BLUE (450 nm) light, suppressed S. sclerotiorum by 16.7% at 50 cm height from the light source, and 94.1% mycelial growth at 30 cm height. Mycelial growth of Sclerotinia minor was inhibited by 80.4% at 50 cm height and 36.3% at 50 cm height in B. cinerea. S. minor, and B. cinerea was inhibited by 100% mycelial growth at a height of 30 cm from the light source. At 15 cm height, all three pathogens (B. cinerea, S. minor, and S. sclerotiorum) was inhibited by 100%. QD RED (M1) and QD RED (M2) light suppressed mycelial growth of S. minor and B. cinerea by 100% at 30 cm and 15 cm height from the light source. For S. sclerotiorum, QD RED (M1) and QD RED (M2) showed 75.2% and 100% inhibition, respectively. Further experiment was conducted to know the suppression effect of lights after inoculating the fungal pathogens on lettuce crop. According to the results, QD RED (M2) suppressed the S. sclerotiorum by 59.9%. In addition, Blue (450 nm), QD RED (M1), and QD RED (M2) light reduce the infestation by 59.9%. In case of B. cinerea, disease reduction was found 84% by BLUE (450 nm) light. Results suggest that the growth inhibition of mycelium increases by Quantum dot LED light.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2024

Background: Kombucha, originating from Northeast Asia, is a fermented beverage produced by fermenting black tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, renowned for its myriad health benefits. The augmentation of its health-promoting attributes, particularly antioxidant properties, through the integration of medicinal herb extracts, has gained attention in recent research. Purpose: The objective of this research was to explore the potential enhancement of the antioxidant properties of kombucha through the addition of hot water extracts from selected 7 medicinal herbs native to Jeju Island. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the successful transfer of active herbal ingredients into the kombucha. Methods: The methodology entailed the hot water extraction of the aforementioned medicinal herbs followed by their incorporation into the kombucha during a secondary fermentation phase. The assessment criteria included the analysis of the kombucha's physical characteristics post-fermentation, the quantification of sugar content, and the evaluation of antioxidant using DPPH, ABTS assays. The presence of specific active compounds(EGCG, 2,5-DHAP) was verified using HPLC and SDS-Gel Electrophoresis. Results: The findings indicated a successful fermentation process, as evidenced by an increase in reducing sugars. Moreover, the kombucha exhibited notable antioxidant activities post-fermentation, which implies the effective infusion of the herbal extracts' properties into the beverage. HPLC and electrophoresis analysis confirmed the assimilation of key active ingredients from the herbs into the kombucha. Conclusions: This study substantiates the premise that the enrichment of kombucha with hot water extracts from Jeju Island's medicinal herbs enhances its antioxidant properties. The successful integration of these herbal components into kombucha not only amplifies its health benefits but also contributes to the expansion of the functional beverage sector within the domains of health and alternative medicine.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.559-569
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• 2001

Background : Pleural effusion is one of the most common clinical manifestations associated with a variety of pulmonary diseases such as malignancy, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. However, there are no useful laboratory tests to determine the specific cause of pleural effusion. Therefore, an attempt was made to analyze the various types of pleural effusion and search for useful laboratory tests for pleural effusion in order to differentiate between the diseases, especially between a malignant pleural effusion and a non-malignant pleural effusion. Methods : 93 patients with a pleural effusion, who visited the Severance hospital from January 1998 to August 1999, were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis was done and a confirmational diagnosis was made by a gram stain, bacterial culture, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, a mycobacterial culture, a pleural biopsy and cytology. Results : The male to female ratio was 56 : 37 and the average age was $47.1{\pm}21.8$ years. There were 16 cases with a malignant effusion, 12 cases with a para-malignant effusion, 36 cases with tuberculosis, 22 cases with a para-pneumonic effusion, and 7 cases with transudate. The LDH2 fraction was significantly higher in the para-malignant effusion group compared to the para-pneumonic effusion group [$30.6{\pm}6.4%$ and $20.2{\pm}7.5%$, respectively (p<0.05)] and both the LDH1 and LDH2 fraction was significantly in the para-malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$16.4{\pm}7.2%$ vs. $7.6{\pm}4.7%$, and $30.6{\pm}6.4%$ vs.$17.6{\pm}6.3%$, respectively (p<0.05)]. The pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio was significantly lower in the malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$1.5{\pm}0.8$ vs. $2.1{\pm}0.6$, respectively (p<0.05)]. The LDH4 fraction and the pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio was significantly lower in the para-malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$17.0{\pm}5.8%$ vs. $23.5{\pm}4.6%$ and $1.3{\pm}0.4$ vs. $2.1{\pm}0.6$, respectively (p<0.05)]. Conclusion : These results suggest that the LDH isoenzyme was the only useful biochemical test for a differential diagnosis of the various diseases. In particular, the most useful test was the pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio to distinguish between a para-malignant effusion and a tuberculous effusion.