• Title/Summary/Keyword: Alternative Activity

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Effects of stress on scuticociliate killing activity of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) plasma in relation to humoral immunity

  • Kwon, Se-Ryun;Kim, Chun-Soo;Kim, Ki-Hong
    • Journal of fish pathology
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    • v.15 no.2
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    • pp.77-82
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    • 2002
  • Effects of stress-induced suppression of humoral immunity on scuticociliate killing activity of olive flounder plasma were investigated. Changes in glucose level. alternative complement activity and Iysozyme activity of plasma by handling stress were analysed in relation to in vitri parasiticidal activity of plasma. The plasma glucose level was about two times higher in fish after a handling stress than in control fish. Plasma lysozyme activity and natural haemolytic activity were decreased in suessed fish.The scuticociliate killing activity of plasma was significantly lower in stressed fish than in non-stressed control fish. The present results indicated that stress-induced immunodepression could be a cause of scuticociliatosis occurrence in olive flounder.

Cyanogenic glycosides : Alternative insecticides?

  • Park, Dong-Sik;Coats, Joel R.
    • The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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    • v.6 no.2
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    • pp.51-57
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    • 2002
  • Cyanogenic glycosides are secondary plant metabolites that are known as plant defense chemicals. They are found in cassava, bamboo, flax, and other plants. In this paper, the role of cyanogenic glycosides, their characteristics, and their interactions with insects are discussed. Previous and current research in our laboratory found that several natural and synthetic cyanohydrins were effective against stored-product insects as fumigants. Due to their insecticidal activity to insects, cyanohydrins can be used as an alternative fumigant and also as soil fumigants. Risk assessment, however, should be done to account for possible environmental problems, non-target wildlife effects, and human health effects.

Microbiological Effects of Xanthorrhizol against Candida albicans (잔토리졸의 칸디다균 항균 효과)

  • Cho, Wan-Goo;Kim, Hyo-Jin
    • Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.37-43
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    • 2010
  • The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal properties of xanthorrhizol (extract from curcuma xanthorrhiza) against Candida albicans. Some of the commercial products were evaluated for their ability to inhibit growth of C. albicans. OTC product containing povidone iodide and cosmetic grade product with surfactants were tested. Antifungal activity was shown in 1.56% of OTC product, however, there was no antifungal effect in cosmetic product. For the comparison, we tested several materials. Povidone iodide, lemon tea tree oil and xanthorrhizol showed antifungal activities against C albicans in 0.25, 0.062 and 0.007%, respectively. We also tested the antifungal effects of povidone iodide and xanthorrhizol in surfactant base. Test results revealed that 2.5% of povidone iodide and 0.156% of xanthorrhizol showed similar antifungal effects. These findings support the application of xanthorrhizol for vaginal cleanser or personal cares using antifungal effect.

D-Erythroascorbic acid regulates cyanide-resistant respiration in Candida albicans

  • Lee, Jung-Shin;Huh, Won-Ki;Kang, Sa-Ouk
    • Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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    • 2001.06a
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    • pp.42-42
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    • 2001
  • Candida albicans possess cyanide-resistant respiratory pathway, which is mediated by alternative oxidase. The activity of alternative oxidase has been found to be dependent on several regulatory mechanisms. In order to investigate the influence of D-erythroascorbic acid on respiration of C. albicans, the respiratory activity of the cells was measured with oxygen monitor. ALO1 is known to encode D-arabinono-1,4-lactone oxidase that catalyses the final step of D-erythroascorbic acid biosynthesis in C. albicans.(omitted)

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New Alternative Splicing Isoform and Identification of the Kinase Activity of N-Terminal Kinase-Like Protein (NTKL)

  • Merlin, Jayalal L.P.
    • Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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    • v.6 no.4
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    • pp.234-243
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    • 2013
  • N-terminal kinase-like (NTKL) protein was initially identified as a protein binding to protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt). Though NTKL-BP1 (NTKL-binding protein 1) has been identified as an NTKL binding protein, its functions related to binding have not yet been elucidated. Here, a new alternative spliced variant of NTKL and its association with integrin ${\beta}1$ is described, in addition to the kinase activity of NTKL and its substrate candidates. Although the phosphorylation of the candidates must be further confirmed using other experimental methods, the observation that NTKL can phosphorylate ROCK1, DYRK3, and MST1 indicates that NTKL may act as a signaling protein to regulate actin assembly, cell migration, cell growth, and to facilitate differentiation and development in an integrin-associated manner.

A Study on the Program of QC Technique Usage and Improvement Alternative in the QC Circle (품질관리분임조의 QC기법활용상 문제점과 개선방안)

  • 조남호;이근희
    • Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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    • v.10 no.16
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    • pp.107-112
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    • 1987
  • This paper is to present the problem of QC technique usage and improvement alternative in the QC circle. First, in the selection theme, it must have easy relations of tangible/intangible effects through simple theme's title. And contents development most be consistency in tangible/intangible effects. Second, in the usage of QC technique, it is necessary to strengthen QC circle activity through QC circle education. So in the aspects of long-term period. Internal instruction is strengthened and, in the aspects of short-term period, internal evaluation is established.

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Protective Effect of Myeongganbo Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury (명간보(明肝補) 추출물의 Acetaminophen 유도 간 손상에 대한 보호효과)

  • Kim, Hong-Jun;Mok, Ji-Ye;Park, Kwang-Hyun;Jeon, In-Hwa;Kim, Hyeon-Soo;Hwang, Sung-Yeoun;Jang, Seon-Il
    • The Korea Journal of Herbology
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.85-91
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    • 2012
  • Objective : Myeongganbo (MGB) composited with Hovenia Semen, Puerariae Radix and Dioscoreae Rhizoma is the prescription for protection of liver function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of MGB extract against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. Methods : MGB extract was prepared by extracting with hot distilled water. The extract was freeze-dried following filtration through vacuum distillation system. Mice fasted for overnight were orally administrated with or without MGB extract of different doses (25-200 mg/kg/day). After 30 min, APAP was orally applied with a single dose (400 mg/kg). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in plasmas of mice. Glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase GSH-px), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) level were investigated in liver homogenates. Liver sections were stained with haematoxylin & eosin, anti-TNF-${\alpha}$ and anti-mouse COX-2 antibodies. Results : APAP treatment remarkably increased AST and ALT activities in plasma but inhibited GSH and GSH-px levels in liver homogenates. Also, liver injury was significantly accelerated by APAP treatment. Furthermore, APAP remarkably elevated COX-2 activity and TNF-${\alpha}$ levels in liver homogenates. However, administration of MGB extract was able to counteract these effects. Histological studies provided supportive evidence for biochemical and molecular analysis Conclusions : These results suggest that MGB extract has potent hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced liver injury, these properties may contribute to liver disease care.

Effect of Persimmon Leaf Extract on Phthalic Anhydride-induced Allergic Response in Mice

  • Mok, Ji-Ye;Jeon, In-Hwa;Cho, Jung-Keun;Park, Ji-Min;Kim, Hyeon-Soo;Kang, Hyun-Ju;Kim, Hyung-Soon;Jang, Seon-Il
    • Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.14-21
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    • 2012
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-allergy activities of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) on a phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced allergic mouse model. A human leukemic mast cell line (HMC-1) was used to examine the inhibitory activity of PLE on the histamine release by human leukemic mast cells. PLE inhibited histamine release from HMC-1 cells in response to cross-linkage of high-affinity IgE receptor-${\alpha}$ ($Fc{\varepsilon}RI{\alpha}$). Additionally, a PA-induced allergic mouse model was used to investigate the effects of PLE in vivo. Mice were orally administrated with or without PLE of single dose (250 mg/kg/day) for 31 days. Oral intake of PLE significantly inhibited passive cutaneous reactions. Oral administration of PLE to PA-induced allergic mice also led to a striking suppression of the development of contact dermatitis, ear swelling and lymph node weight. In addition, PA-specific IL-4 production of draining lymph node cells was markedly diminished by PLE oral administration, but not IFN-${\gamma}$. Furthermore, PLE treatment suppressed PA-induced thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (CCL17) and cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (CCL27) expressions in ear tissues. Based on these results, we suggest that PLE may have therapeutic potential as an effective material for management of irritant contact dermatitis or related inflammatory diseases.

The Experiences of Alternative Therapy with the Menopausal Symptom in middle-aged Women (중년여성의 갱년기 증상완화를 위한 대체요법 경험)

  • Lee, Hea-Sook
    • The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.149-160
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    • 2004
  • The primary purpose of this study was to describe psychological aspects of menopausal women who have experiences on alternative therapies, such as pomegranate tree fluid, life pack, evening primerose, zacro syrup, zacro pill, multi-vitamin, oriental medicine instead of estrogen. In order to have insights on the participants behaviors, this qualitative research was conducted. The participants in this study were six women who have been taking at least one of the alternative therapies to relieve the menopausal symptom. Data had been collected from November 2002 to May 2003. The interview questions were about motivations to seek the alternative therapy, menopausal symptoms, feelings or positive effects after the treatment. The interviews were recorded and transcribed into written documents. The method described by Giorgi was utilized for data analysis. The study results were as follows : 1. The participants sought the alternative therapy based on their own information or by friends' recommendations. The motivations of taking the therapy were to live younger and healthier by reliving menopausal symptoms including somatic symptoms, such as irregular menstruation, flushing sense, cold sweating, insomnia, dull headache, vagina dryness, cystitis after sexual intercourse, joint pain, nervousness, depression, skin dryness, and suppression of activity. 2. The participants expressed that they became more active and felt better with disappearing menopausal symptoms after about 2 to 3 weeks treatment. 3. The participants did not want to accept the fact that they had menopause, which caused avoidance of having medical diagnosis and medical treatment. They also did not want to let their spouses know about their symptoms. 4. The major reason of taking the alternative therapy was to avoid the side effects of estrogen therapy in spite of high costs of the alternative way. 5. The participants suggested that menopausal women needed to be educated about physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. They also needed to be informed about how to manage it. In conclusion, accurate information about foods and drugs utilized for the alternative therapy was needed. Medically proved methods to recognize positive effects and side effects were also necessary. These goals could be achieved by continuous medical observations and further research.

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Characterization of the Cloned Staphylococcal Peptidoglycan Hydrolase Gene Product

  • Lee, Yoon-Ik
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.28 no.5
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    • pp.443-450
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    • 1995
  • Cloned staphylococcal peptidoglycan hydrolase was used in determining the physiological characteristics of peptidoglycan hydrolase. This enzyme hydrolyzed the bacterial cell walls and released the N-terminal alanine, but not the reducing groups. This cloned gene product was localized in the cytoplasm of transformed Escherichia coli. Activity gels indicated the enzyme had an Mr of about 54,000, which was consistent with the deduced Mr from sequencing of the cloned gene. The activity bound to CM-cellulose but not DEAE-cellulose resin, indicating it as a basic protein. Enhanced enzyme activity in a low concentration of cations, and inhibited enzyme activity in a solution with dissolved phospholipids, suggested that the activity and the availability of this basic protein may be regulated between negatively charged and positively charged cellular molecules. The activity against boiled crude cell wall was much greater than against purifed cell wall, suggesting protein associated with crude cell wall may aid in the binding of the peptidoglycan hydrolase The cloned peptidoglycan hydrolase showed positive activity on whole cells of some lysostaphin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci. The cloned enzyme may be an alternative for lysostaphin for lysis of staphylococci.

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