• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.137-150
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• 2007

Trees emit phytoncide into atmosphere to protect them from predation. Phytoncide from different trees has its own unique fragrance that is referred to as forest bath. Phytoncide, which is essential oil of trees, has microbicidal, insecticidal, acaricidal, and deodorizing effect. The present study was performed to examine the effect of phytoncide on Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is one of the most important causative agents of periodontitis and halitosis. P. gingivalis 2561 was incubated with or without phytoncide extracted from Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc.; Japanese cypress) and then changes were observed in its cell viability, antibiotic sensitivity, morphology, and biochemical/molecular biological pattern. The results were as follows: 1. The phytoncide appeared to have a strong antibacterial effect on P. gingivalis. MIC of phytoncide for the bacterium was determined to be 0.008%. The antibacterial effect was attributed to bactericidal activity against P. gingivalis. It almost completely suppressed the bacterial cell viability (>99.9%) at the concentration of 0.01%, which is the MBC for the bacterium. 2. The phytoncide failed to enhance the bacterial susceptibility to ampicillin, cefotaxime, penicillin, and tetracycline but did increase the susceptibility to amoxicillin. 3. Numbers of electron dense granules, ghost cell, and vesicles increased with increasing concentration of the phytoncide, 4. RT-PCR analysis revealed that expression of superoxide dismutase was increased in the bacterium incubated with the phytoncide. 5. No distinct difference in protein profile between the bacterium incubated with or without the phytoncide was observed as determined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot. Overall results suggest that the phytoncide is a strong antibacterial agent that has a bactericidal action against P. gingivalis. The phytoncide does not seem to affect much the profile of the major outer membrane proteins but interferes with antioxidant activity of the bacterium. Along with this, yet unknown mechanism may cause changes in cell morphology and eventually cell death.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 1998

Background: IFN-$\gamma$ is known to activate mononuclear phagocytes and to mediate host defense mechanism against some intracellular microorganisms, but little is known about anti-mycobacterial activity and mechanism of IFN-$\gamma$ in human. In this study, we investigated the role of IFN-$\gamma$ in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis by observing the effect of IFN-$\gamma$ on the phagocytosis of M.tuberculosis(MTB) and on the production of TNF-$\alpha$ by human pulmonary alveolar macrophage. Method: Pulmonary alveolar macrophage(PAM) were prepared with adhesion purification method from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from 8 persorn without active lung lesion and cultured($1{\times}10^6cells/ml$) with MTB($3{\times}10^7$ bacteria/ml) with or without IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml), LPS(0.5ug/ml) and autologous serum(10%). After 2 hours, the percentage of PAM-phagocytosed MTB was counted after AFB staining(modified Kynion method). TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM stimulated by IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml), MTB($1{\times}10^6bacteria/ml$) and LPS(0.5ug/ml) for 24hours was measured in culture supernatant using ELISA method. The degree of phagocytosis of MTB by PAM stimulated with IFN-$\gamma$(300U/ml) and LPS(0.5ug/ml) for 24hours was also investigated. Results: IFN-$\gamma$ did not influence the phagocytosis of MTB by PAM(percentage of PAM-phagocytosed MTB: control: $22.1{\pm}4.9$, IFN-$\gamma$: $20.3{\pm}5.3$) and did not increase TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM (control: $21{\pm}38pg/ml$, IFN-$\gamma$: $87{\pm}106pg/ml$), and the degree of phagocytosis of MTB by PAM pre-stimulated with IFN-$\gamma$ for 24 hours, was not increased (control: $24.5{\pm}9.5$, IFN-$\gamma$: $23.4{\pm}10.1$). Conclusion: IFN-$\gamma$ does not influence on the phagocytosis of MTB and TNF-$\alpha$ production by PAM.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.98-104
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• 2007

Background: Although there is an increasing incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease in Korea, the optimal therapeutic regimen has not yet been established and there are no reports of the long-term treatment outcomes. This study examined the long-term treatment outcomes of M. abscessus pulmonary disease. Methods: Twenty-nine patients diagnosed with M. abscessus pulmonary according to the American Thoracic Society criteria and treated from January 1996 to December 2003 were enrolled in ghis study. The clinical characteristics, radiological findings, treatment outcome, and follow up data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the 29 patients was 56.1 (${\pm}13.6$) years and there was a female (22/29) dominance. The chest radiography revealed the nodular bronchiectatic type to be dominant (69%, 20/29). Twenty-seven (93.1%) were prescribed clarithromycin-containing regimens, and injectable drugs, mainly aminoglycosides, were included in the regimen of nineteen patients. The most predominant regimen (48.3%) consisted of clarithromycin and amikacin. The treatment success, failure, and default were achieved in 19(65.5%), 9(31.0%), and 1(3.4%), respectively. The median duration to culture conversion was 42 days (range 15-362) and the median duration of treatment in the success group was 543 days (range 176-1,160). An adjunctive surgical resection was performed in five patients, which resulted in treatment success in two patients. After the completion of treatment, nineteen patients were followed up for a median duration of 931 days (range 230-2,294). Only one (5.3%) patient relapsed 45 days after completing treatment. Conclusion: Treatment with clarithromycin-containing regimens resulted in a successful treatment in approximately two thirds of patients with M. abscessus pulmonary disease. The long-term relapse rate was also quite low.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.194-199
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• 2008

Background: Early identification of pathogens can improve the prognosis of patients with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of performing multiplex PCR for endotracheal aspirates to detect three important pathogens (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and MRSA) in patients with VAP. Methods: The endotracheal aspirates of 24 patients were collected within 24 hours of the diagnosis of VAP for performing multiplex PCR. Forward and reverse primers were designed to target the specific site of each pathogen (the oprL gene for P. aeruginosa, 16S rRNA for K. pneumoniae and the mec gene for MRSA). We analyzed the clinical data of the VAP patients, including the culture reports for the endotracheal aspirates. Results: Twenty-four patients (M:F=18:6, mean age=$70{\pm}11$) with VAP were enrolled. Pathogens were isolated from 11 patients (P. aeruginosa in 2, K. pneumoniae in 1, MRSA in 2, other enteric Gram negative bacilli in 3, S. pneumoniae in 2 and mixed infection in 1). Multiplex PCR detected three cases of P.aeruginosa (2 cases coincided with the culture reports) and four cases of K. pneumoniae (1 matched with the culture report). PCR detected two MRSA cases, which did not coincide with the culture reports. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR of the endotracheal aspirate showed some ability to detect Gram negative bacilli, although caution is required when interpreting the results.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.181-190
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• 2007

Compound K (CK), a protopanaxadiol ginsenoside metabolite, was previously shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we isolated the CK rich fractions (CKRF) from Korean Red Ginseng and investigated the regulation of CKRF-mediated inflammatory signaling during Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated cellular activation. Among various TLR ligands, CKRF considerably abrogated TLR4- or TLR9-induced inflammatory signaling. Both LPS and CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) stimulation rapidly activates mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPKs; extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and p38], NF-${\kappa}B$, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interleukin-6 in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Of interest, pre-treatment of CKRF in either LPS/TLR4- or CpG-ODN/TLR9-stimulated macrophages substantially attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production and mRNA expressions, as well as MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the inhibitory roles for CKRF in TLR4- or TLR9-associated signaling in BMDMs. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CKRF specifically modulates distinct TLR4 and TLR9-mediated inflammatory responses, and further studies are urgently needed for their in vivo roles for potential therapeutic uses, such as in systemic inflammatory syndromes.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1981.05a
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• pp.3.2-3
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• 1981

This paper was attemped to analize 55 cases of fiberoptic bronchoscopy during period of 3 years from Feb. 1978 till Feb. 1981 in Chung Ang University hospital. The results were as follow; 1) In age distribution; Most common age group was 5th decade (15 cases, 27.2%) and the other age groups showed relatively even distribution. 2) The ratio of male to female was 3 to 1. 3) The chief complaints were presented in following order; cough (52%), hemoptysis(25%), dyspnea(23.6%), chest pain(18%), chest disomfort(9%). 4) Direct smear of bronchoscopic aspiration material; Not found 33 cases (60%) were most common finding. In the founded bacteria Gram positive cocci 2 cases (3.6%), Gram negative cocci 2 cases (3.6%), Gram positive bacilli 1 cases (1.8%), Gram negativebacilli 2 cases (3.6%), mixed form 15 cases(27.2%) were presented. 5) Bacterial culture of bronchoscopic aspiration material; No growth 28 cases (50.9%) were most common finding. In the bacterial growth, alpha hemolytic streptococci 10 cases (18.2%), Neisseria group 7cases(12.7%), Klebsiella 2 cases (3.6%), Pseudomonas 2 cases (3.6%), mixed culture 6 cases (10.9%) were presented, 6) The diagnosis of bronchoscopic appearance, laboratory exam., and pathologic exam. of biopsed specimen were 21 cases (38.1%) primary carcinoma of bronchus, 8 cases (14.5%) pulmonary tuberculosis, 7 cases (12.7%) bronchitis in orders.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.36-43
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to provide the quality index of salted Korean cabbage in a short-term distribution system. Salted Korean cabbages were packaged with or without 2% salt water, and then distributed in a conventional system (CVS) and a cold-chain system (CCS) for 6 h. The material temperature of samples with and without salt water gradually increased to $19.57^{\circ}C$ and $19.43^{\circ}C$ in a CVS, respectively and to $10.73^{\circ}C$ and $12.90^{\circ}C$ in a CCS, respectively. Salinity of the materials in a CCS did not change, whereas salinities of the materials in a CVS were 1.2 and 1.7 fold higher, respectively. Also, a slight increase in acidity was observed in both packaging materials in a CCS. In the case of a CVS, total aerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria increased to 7.62 log CFU/g and 6.77 log CFU/g in the materials with salt water, respectively, whereas the number of total aerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria ranged between 5.62-5.85 log CFU/g and 4.33-4.83 log CFU/g in the materials without salt water, respectively. However, significant microbial changes were not observed in a CCS as distribution time increased. CCS with salt water packaging was effective in achieving microbial control and maintaining physicochemical quality. Salinity, aerobic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria can be useful as quality indices for a CVS, and acidity can be useful as quality index for a CCS.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1562-1570
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• 2007

This experiment was conducted to develop fertilizer which promotes plant growth as well as suppressing pathogenic fungi. The fertilizer was made from the mixture of Ju-Back (Korean rice wine cake) and indigenous rhizosphere-bacterium. The main ingredients of Ju-Back were investigated as 6.04% total nitrogen, 42.59% total carbohydrate, 1.01% available phosphate, 73.42% organic matter, 7.72% potassium oxide, 1.35% calcium oxide, 0.53% magnesium oxide. The enzyme activities of Ju-Back were estimated to be 980 units/g for ${\alpha}-amylase$, 300 units/g for glucoamylase, and 1800 units/g for acid pretense. Indigenous rhizosphere bacteria which produced antifungal agent were isolated from soil, and was selected KMU-13 strain which can antagonize against various plant pathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea KACC 40573, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum KACC 41065, Fusairum oxysporum KACC 40052, Pythium aphanidermatum KACC 40156, Phytophthora capsici KACC 40476 and Glomerella cingulata KACC 40299). KMU-13 strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis KMU-13 by biochemical and 16s rDNA analysis. The organic fertilizer was made as prototype which was composed 20% Ju-Back, 70% carrier, 9.7% microorganism cultivated solution, 0.3% trace-element. We also investigated an application of fertilizer using Ju-Back for cultivating lettuce (Lactuca sativar) which were grown in three soil conditions that had chemical fertilizer, barnyard manure, lime power, urea, potassium chloride and superphosphate as a control, the whole quantity (80 kg/10a) of posted fertilizer with the control and the half quantity (40 kg/10a) with the control. The growth characteristics were examined and analysed with several weeks interval from 3 weeks to 8 weeks on head length (cm), head width (cm/head), number of leaf and fresh weight (g/plant). The results are summarized as follows. The head width and fresh weight of lettuce were the highest at posted fertilizer 1 (whole quantity) was applied chemical, organic matter (Ju-Back) and carrier. The head length was the highest at posted fertilizer 2 (whole quantity) was applied Ju-Back only.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1107-1112
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• 2010

In this study, the stable maintenance of bioactivity in alkaline ionized water (AIW) and antibacterial effects of AIW were evaluated to confirm benefits of AIW. As controls, purified water (PW) and tap drinking water (DW) were used. The pH and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) of AIW, PW and DW used were 9.5 and 120 mV, 7.2 and 144 mV, and 7.3 and 564 mV, respectively. High level of minerals was observed in DW (DW>AIW>PW of mineral contents). Concentrations of $Ca^{++}$ and $Na^+$ in DW were 14.5, and 8.4 mg/l, respectively, while no $Ca^{++}$, $Mg^{++}$, $K^+$, and $Na^+$ were detected in PW. Evaluation of antioxidant activities for AIW, PW and DW showed that the waters did not act as antioxidants. However, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) or superoxide radical scavenging activities or reducing power of vitamin C were stably maintained in AIW and PW, though not in DW, against heat treatment ($60^{\circ}C$) or vigorous shaking (120 rpm) at $37^{\circ}C$. Similarly, after aspirin treatment at $60^{\circ}C$ for 1 hr, the antithrombosis activity in PW and AIW was 62.6% and 55.3%, while that of DW was 52.1%. Furthermore, cell growth analysis and viable cell count of Escherichia coli H7:O157 in PW, AIW and DW showed that AIW and DW, not DW, have antibacterial activities. Our results suggest that the state of water, for example pH, ORP and mineral contents of water, should be considered in medicine or food industries, and that AIW has high potential for utilization in various fields.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.261-268
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• 2004

Background : The resurgence of tuberculosis and outbreaks of multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis have increased the emphasis for the development of new susceptibility testing of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the effective treatment and control of the disease. Conventional drug susceptibility testings, such as those using egg-based or agar-based media have some limits, such as the time required and difficulties in determining critical inhibitory concentrations, but these are still being used in many diagnostic laboratories because of no better lternatives, considering cost and accuracy. To overcome these limits, a rapid and simple method for new susceptibility testing, using live and dead assays, was applied for a bacterial cell viability assay to distinguish dead from live bacterial cells based on two-color fluorescence. Materials and Methods Strains : Forty strains were used in this study, 20 susceptible to all antituberculosis drugs and the other 20 resistant to the four first line antituberculosis drugs isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol. Antibiotics : The four antibiotics were dissolved in 7H9 broth to make the following solutions: $0.1{\mu}g\;isoniazid(INH)/m{\ell}$, $0.4{\mu}g\;rifampicin(RMP)/m{\ell}$, $4.0{\mu}g\;streptomycin(SM)/m{\ell}$ and $4.0{\mu}g\;ethambutol(EMB)/m{\ell}$. Results : Live and dead Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells fluoresced green and red with the acridin (Syto 9) and propidium treatments, respectively. These results are very well accorded with conventional drug susceptibility testing by proportional method on Lowensen-Jensen media (L-J) containing 4 drugs (INH, RMP, EMB and SM), showing a 93.7 % accordance rate in susceptible strains and 95% in resistant strains. Conclusion : The results of the drug susceptibility testing using the live and dead bacterial cell assay showed high accordance rates compared with the conventional proportion method on L-J. This finding suggests that the live and dead bacterial cell assay can be used as an alternative to conventional drug susceptibility testing for M. tuberculosis strains.