• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.504-511
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• 2016

Lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide, has received increasing interest because of its role as a prebiotic that can increase the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. and enhance the absorption of calcium and magnesium. While the industrial production of lactulose is still mainly achieved by the chemical isomerization of lactose in alkaline media, this process has drawbacks including the need to remove catalysts and by-products, as well as high energy requirements. Recently, the use of cellobiose 2-epimerase (CE) has been considered an interesting alternative for industrial lactulose production. In this study, to develop a process for enzymatic lactulose production using CE, we screened improved mutant enzymes ($CS-H^RC^E$) from a library generated by an error-prone PCR technique. The thermostability of one mutant was enhanced, conferring stability up to $75^{\circ}C$, and its lactulose conversion yield was increased by 1.3-fold compared with that of wild-type CE. Using a recombinant Escherichia coli strain harboring a CS35 $H^RC^E$-expressing plasmid, we prepared cell beads immobilized on a Ca-alginate substrate and optimized their reaction conditions. In a batch reaction with 200 g/l lactose solution and the immobilized cell beads, lactose was converted into lactulose with a conversion yield of 43% in 2 h. In a repeated 38-plex batch reaction, the immobilized cell beads were relatively stable, and 80% of the original enzyme activity was retained after 4 cycles. In conclusion, we developed a reasonable method for lactulose production by immobilizing cells expressing thermostable CE. Further development is required to apply this approach at an industrial scale.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1067-1075
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• 2007

Twenty eight 3-4 month old castrated Black Bengal kids (Capra hircus) were used to determine the effects of source and level of dietary copper (Cu) concentration on their performance and nutrient utilization. Cu was supplemented (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg diet DM) as copper sulfate ($CuSO_4$, $5H_2O$) or copper proteinate (Cu-P). Kids were fed a basal diet containing maize (19.5%), soybean (17.0%), deoiled rice bran (56.5%), molasses (4.0%), di-calcium phosphate and salt (1.0% each) and mineral and vitamin mixture (0.5% each) supplements at 3.5% of body weight to meet NRC (1981) requirements for protein, energy, macro minerals and micro minerals, excluding Cu. The basal diet contained 5.7 mg Cu/kg, 122.5 mg Fe/kg, 110 mg Zn/kg, 0.26 mg Mo/kg and 0.32% S. $CuSO_4$ or Cu-P was added to the basal diet at the rate of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg. Kids were housed in a well ventilated shed with facilities for individual feeding in aluminum plated metabolic cages. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on d 0, 30, 60 and 90 to determine hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC) and serum enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transferase and aspertate transferase). A metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted after 90 days of experimental feeding. Statistical analysis revealed that source and level of Cu supplementation improved live weight gain (p<0.04) and average daily gain (p<0.01). No significant contribution of source and level of Cu to alter serum serum enzymes was evident. Goats fed Cu-P tended to have higher Hb, PCV and TEC than with $CuSO_4$ supplementation. Cu-P increased digestibility of ether extract (EE, p<0.02) and crude fiber (p<0.05) and showed an increasing trend (p<0.09) for digested crude protein (CP) and crude fiber (CF). Supplemental dose of Cu linearly improved (p<0.02) digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), EE and nitrogen free extract (NFE). Though the absorption of nitrogen (N) was not affected (p>0.10) by both source and dose of Cu, N retention was affected (p<0.04) and there was a significant $Source{\times}Dose$ interaction (p<0.05). Final body weight (BW) was not influenced (p>0.10) by the source of Cu but increasing dose of Cu increased (p<0.04) the BW of kids. TDN intake (g/kg $W^{0.75}$) was higher (p<0.05) with the increased dose of Cu and there was a significant $Source{\times}Dose$ interaction. It was concluded that supplementation of Cu from different sources and varying dose level in a concentrate based diet may improve performance, nutrient utilization and plane of nutrition in castrated Black Bengal kids. The effects on performance and nutrient utilization are more pronounced with Cu-P than $CuSO_4$ supplementation. Higher dose of Cu showed better result than lower dose.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.377-386
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• 1982

This experiment was carried out to elucidate the thermotolerant properties of a thermophilic bacterium which was isolated from soils of the hot springs area and selected for the ${\beta}$-galactosidase production. This bacterium was identified as a strain belong to the genus Thermus. Biochemical and physiological characteristics of this strain were studied, including the investigation of the fatty acid composition of its neutral fats. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. Optimal temperature and pH for growth of this strain were $65^{\circ}C$ and pH 6.5 respectively, and it was found to be an absolute thermophilic bacterium which could not grow at the temperature below $43^{\circ}C$. 2. No growth was obtained in the medium which contained more than 1.0% of sodium chloride. 3. The tolerable concentration of antibiotics were 10mg of penicillin G per ml of medium and 0.5mg of chloramphenicol per ml respectively. 4. This strain had auxotrophilic requirements for calcium-pantothenate and pyridoxin-HCl as an essential factor and for niacin as a stimulative factor. 5. Yellow pigment was released into the liquid culture of this strain, which showed maximum absorption at 420 nm. 6. Fatty acid composition of neutral fats of the strain was palmitic acid, 60.20%; lauric acid, 11.80%; myristic acid, 7.56%; behenic acid, 4.25%; capric acid, 1.77%; stearic acid, 2.13%; arachidic acid, 1.53%; and others unidentified, 10.7%.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2007

The effects of microbial phytase on laying performance, egg quality, and ileal digestibility of nutrients and amino acids were examined at three levels of phytase (0, 300, 600 unit/kg) in 55-wk-old White Leghorn for 4 weeks. Egg productivity tended to increase with supplemental phytase compared to that of control. Daily feed intake of hens fed phytase also increased. Egg shell thickness was not significantly different among the treatments. Haugh unit and yolk color were not statistically different. However, egg shell breaking strength was high at phytase treatment. Excretion and absorption of nitrogen were no difference among all treatments, but those of phosphorus was higher in the phytase treatment than control. The digestibility was high at crude fiber, crude ash, calcium and phosphorus in nutrients, at lysine, methionine and phenylalanine in essential amino acids, and alanine, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine and tyrosine in non-essential amino acids. In conclusion, supplemental microbial phytase in laying hens diet may help to improve egg production and to decrease P of feces. But, further studies were needed to investigate on the digestibility.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2015

During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes significant physiological changes. The present study assessed the changes on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) metabolism in singleton and twin-pregnant dairy goats. The 42 goats used ($49.5kg{\pm}7.6$ body weight [BW]) were assigned at random to treatments that were factorially arranged to account for 2 breeds (Oberhasli and Saanen), 2 pregnancy types (singleton and twin) and 3 gestation periods (80, 110, and 140 days). Digestibility trials were performed at 80, 110, and 140 days of gestation. Mineral retention during pregnancy was determined in the maternal body, femur, uterus, mammary gland, fetus and fetal fluid. Blood samples were taken during pregnancy before and after a meal, and Ca, P, Mg, Na, K ions and alkaline phosphatase activity determined in serum. Bone mineral density was determined in the right femur. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS MIXED procedure. Dry matter intake decreased linearly up to 140 days of gestation. Maternal BW gain, and Ca, P, and Mg retention (g/kg) decreased linearly with the advance of gestation days. Macromineral retention in maternal body (g/kg) was greater in Oberhasli than Saanen goats, and their fetuses had higher Ca, P, and Mg deposition (mg/g). Mineral retention (mg/g) increased in fetuses according to pregnancy development, with no differences between singleton and twin pregnancy. In the mammary gland, the retention of all minerals (g) increased with the days of pregnancy. In conclusion, related to Ca, P, and Mg metabolism can be divided into two stages. Up to 80 days of gestation, was characterized by the preparation of the maternal body reserves for future mineral demands. From 80 days of gestation onward, was characterized by the transfer of maternal body reserves for fetal development and colostrum production. Na and K supply was provided by adjustments in endogenous excretion and an increase in intestinal absorption. Finally, mineral metabolism was specific to each genotype and, except for Na, was not affected by the number of fetuses.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.471-477
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• 1992

This study was conducted to determine the effect of seaweed ingestion on Na, Ca and K balances in healthy male subjects and to elucidate possible hypolipidemic mechanisms. Six subjects were given a nutritionally controlled diet based on their usual intake for 5-days followed by 5 days in which seaweed was added to the basal diet. Based on the results of the study, the relation between the levels of intake and excretions in stool, urine and serum concentrations was analyzed. In this study, the ingested sodium and potassium were mostly excreted in urine. The highest the rate of urinary excretion to intake for K at 64%, followed by 56% for Na, Conversely, Ca was excreted in stool at higher rates. Analysis of the relation between the intake and excretion in stool revealed that Na and K showed a positive relation with statistical significance. There was no statistically significant relation between the intake and serum concentration of any these minerals. The levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride were remarkably reduced (p<0.05) by seaweed intake. Thus, the results suggest a beneficial effect of seaweed on Na, Ca, K metabolic control and hypolipidemic mechanism of the healthy male subjects.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2020

BACKGROUND: Biochar is used in various environmental fields, such as water quality and soil restoration, and affects soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Also, when crops are grown on biochar-applied soil, their characteristics may be affected. Biochar is used especially with commercial vegetable seedlings. METHODS AND RESULTS: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of biochar content in seeding mixes on early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.), and red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Treatments consisted of a control (0: 10, ratio of biochar to seeding mixes (w/w)), 1: 9 (biochar 10%), 3: 7 (biochar 30%), 5: 5 (biochar 50%), and 7: 3 (biochar 70%). The biochar was made from risk husk and had a C/N ratio of 104. As the mixing ratio of biochar increased, pH increased whereas EC and nitrogen content decreased. The highest phosphorus content was with the treatment of 30% biochar, while there were significant increases in the weight of lettuce seedlings and concentrations of T-N, P₂O₅, K₂O, MgO, and Na with the treatments of 30% and 50% biochar. Although the weight of Chinese cabbage seedlings increased with the treatment of 10% biochar, the increase was not statistically significant. Also, there was an increase in the weight of red pepper seedlings with the treatment of 30% biochar, but the increase was not statistically significant. With increases in the biochar mixing ratio, the K₂O concentration of red pepper seedlings increased, but the concentrations of P₂O₅, CaO, MgO, and Na decreased. It was believed that this was because of absorption inhibition by calcium-phosphate formation in the seeding mixes owing to increased pH. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, adding biochar to seeding mixes is considered to be an important mean for growing healthy vegetable seedlings. More field experiments are needed to verify the effect of biochar on vegetable crop growth over the entire growing season.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2011

Background: Calcification is the most frequent cause of clinical failure of bioprosthetic tissues fabricated from GA-fixed porcine valves or bovine pericardium. A multi-factorial approach using different mechanisms was recently developed to reduce the calcification of bioprosthetic tissues. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the synchronized synergism of using L-arginine and $NaBH_4$, compared with ethanol and L-lysine, in glutaraldehyde treated porcine pericardium from the standpoint of calcification and tissue elasticity. Materials and Methods: Porcine pericardium was fixed at 0.625% GA (7 days at room temperature after 2 days at $4^{\circ}C$). An interim step of ethanol (80%; 1 day at room temperature) or L-lysine (0.1 M; 2 days at $37^{\circ}C$) or L-arginine (0.1 M; 2 days at $37^{\circ}C$) was followed by completion of the GA fixation. A final step of NaBH4 (0.1 M; 2 days at room temperature) was followed. Their tensile strength, thickness, and thermal stability were measured. Treated pericardia were implanted subcutaneously into three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats for 8 weeks. Calcium content was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and histology. Results: L-arginine and $NaBH_4$ pretreatment ($1.81{\pm}0.39$ kgf/5 mm p=0.001, $0.30{\pm}0.08$ mm p<0.001) significantly increased tensile strength and thickness compared with the control ($0.53{\pm}0.34$ kgf/5 mm, $0.10{\pm}0.02$ mm). In a thermal stability test, L-arginine and $NaBH_4$ pretreatment ($84.25{\pm}1.12^{\circ}C$, p=0.023) caused a significant difference from the control ($86.25{\pm}0.00^{\circ}C$). L-lysine and $NaBH_4$ pretreatment ($183.8{\pm}42.6$ ug/mg, p=0.804), and L-arginine and $NaBH_4$ pretreatment ($163.3{\pm}27.5$ ug/mg, p=0.621) did not significantly inhibit calcification compared to the control ($175.5{\pm}45.3$ ug/mg), but ethanol and $NaBH_4$ pretreatment did ($38.5{\pm}37.3$ ug/mg, p=0.003). Conclusion: The combined pretreatment using L-arginine and $NaBH_4$ after GA fixation seemed to increase the tensile strength and thickness of porcine pericardium, fixed with GA. Additionally, it seemed to keep thermal stability. However it could not decrease the calcification of porcine pericardium fixed with GA. $NaBH_4$ pretreatment seemed to decrease the calcification of porcine pericardium fixed with GA, but only with ethanol.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.250-256
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• 2012

Disease, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, etc caused by reduced bone density are common to women after menopause and as the social medical cost increases due to osteoporosis fractures the medical interest in bone density reduction has increased. The bone density reduction is observed even for renal failure patients, due to their decreased ability to synthesize vitamin D which leads to bone fibrosis because of deficiency in calcium absorption. Thus renal failure patients not only suffer from kidney dysfunction, but also are exposed to complications, such as osteoporosis, due to reduced bone density. This research observed the change in bone density of patients receiving renal failure treatment and analyzed the change in bone density before and after kidney transplantations. Subjects were 214 renal failure patients at the department of nephrology Busan B General Hospital. The change in bone density was studied for subjects with and without kidney transplantation according to their age and sex. The research showed improvement or maintenance of bone density for subjects that received kidney transplantation, but showed a tendency of consistent decrease in bone density for subjects without kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation can be considered as the best cure for renal failure patients, and this researched confirmed that bone density can be improved through kidney transplantation. Thus, this study can also be used as data for preventing complications due to renal failures.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.36-48
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• 2008

To repair bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial field, bone grafts including autografts, allografts, and artificial bone are used in clinical dentistry despite several disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate new bone formation and healing in rat calvarial bone defects using hydroxyapatite (HA, $Ca_{10}[PO_4]_6[OH]_2,\;Bongros^{(R)}$, Bio@ Co., KOREA) and tricalcium phosphate (${\beta}-TCP,\;Ca_3[PO_4]_2$, Sigma-Aldrich Co., USA) mixed at various ratios. Additionally, this study evaluated the effects of type I collagen (Rat tail, BD Biosciences Co., Sweden) as a basement membrane organic matrix. A total of twenty, 8-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300g, were divided equally into a control group (n=2) and nine experimental groups (n=2, each). Bilateral, standardized transosseous circular calvarial defects, 5.0 mm in diameter, were created. In each experimental group, the defect was filled with HA and TCP at a ratio of 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, and 0:100 with or without type I collagen. Rats were sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks post-operation for radiographic (standardized plain film, Kodak Co., USA), histomorphologic (H&E [Hematoxylin and Eosin], MT [Masson Trichrome]), immunohistochemical staining (for BMP-2, -4, VEGF, and vWF), and elementary analysis (Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Perkin Elmer AAnalyst $100^{(R)}$). As the HA proportion increased, denser radiopacity was seen in most groups at 4 and 8 weeks. In general radiopacity in type I collagen groups was greater than the non-collagen groups, especially in the 100% HA group at 8 weeks. No new bone formation was seen in calvarial defects in any group at 4 weeks. Bridging bone formation from the defect margin was marked at 8 weeks in most type I collagen groups. Although immunohistochemical findings with BMP-2, -4, and VEGF were not significantly different, marked vWF immunoreactivity was present. vWF staining was especially strong in endothelial cells in newly formed bone margins in the 100:0, 80:20, and 70:30 ratio type I collagen groups at 8 weeks. The calcium compositions from the elementary analysis were not statistically significant. Many types of artificial bone have been used as bone graft materials, but most of them can only be applied as an inorganic material. This study confirmed improved bony regeneration by adding organic type I collagen to inorganic HA and TCP mixtures. Therefore, these new artificial bone graft materials, which are under strict storage and distribution systems, will be suggested to be available to clinical dentistry demands.