• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.1 no.3
• /
• pp.250-259
• /
• 2001

To determine if initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis changes the balance of cytokines between T cells and macrophages, we evaluated interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$), interleukin-12 (IL)-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ productions by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 untreated active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients and 12 healthy tuberculin reactors (HTR). Freshly isolated PBMC were stimulated with Triton X-100 solubilized protein (TSP), 30-kDa or purified protein derivatives (PPD) antigen for 6, 18 and 96 hours. IL-12 p40 production by antigen-stimulated PBMC from TB patients was significantly decreased compared with that in HTR. In addition, IFN-${\gamma}$ production was significantly depressed in TB patients than that in HTR at a 96-hr stimulation. However, TNF-${\alpha}$ production was significantly higher in antigen-stimulated PBMC from TB than that of HTR. A pronounced increase in IFN-${\gamma}$ protein followed neutralization of IL-10 in early TB patients. However, neutralization of TNF-${\alpha}$ did not significantly alter IFN-${\gamma}$ induction in PBMC from TB patients. There were no significantly differences in the cytokine productions among three proteins, TSP, 30-kDa or PPD antigen. These results indicate that development of TB may be strongly associated with dysregulated productions of IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, during the initial immune responses to M. tuberculosis. Further understanding of operative cytokine networks during human immune cell responses to protein antigens of M. tuberculosis may improve strategies for vaccine development.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.45-54
• /
• 1995

The effect of different fatty acids supplementation on antobody production of Salmonella typhi was studied in ICR mice. Subjects supplemented their diets with $50\mu$g of extracted pig oil(as a saturated fatty acid) and fish oil (as a unsaturated fatty acid) / 2 days for 8 weeks. Blood was collected control and experimental groups of mice after 8 weeks of oil supplementation. The different fatty acids supplementation reduced unsaturated fatty acids composition in mice liver such as $C_{18:3}, \; C_{20:3}\; and\; C_{20:4}\; except\; C_{18:1}\; and\; C_{18:2}/C_{18:0}$ in fish oil and pig oil groups compared to control group. Also, the phagocytic activities of mice macrophages for Candida albicans was reduced by 6% in pig oil group and 9％ in fish oil group than control group. The antigen-stmulated lympocite proliferative response was significantly increased by fatty acid in pig oil group(48％) but 57％ in fish oil group. The different fatty acid supplementation increased antibody production in both experimental groups than control group ; this increase was only significant in pig oil group(1:$2^4$) on mice but not in fish oil group(1:$2^0$) compared to control group(1:$2^0$), however, increased antibody titer in both groups in vitro spleen cell culture supernatant(1:$2^3$ in fish oil group and 1:$2^2$ in pig oil group compared to control group 1:$2^0$). Thus, fish oil supplementation was immunosuppresive agent in macrophage phagocytosis, in-vivo antobody producibilities and lympocyte proliferation but pig oil supplementation was more effective than fish oil in antibody formation in-vivo. We find that antibody producibilities affected by fed on different fatty acids were considered by balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acid, and $C_{20:3}/C_{20:4}$ ratio. Also, it affected to antigen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytic activities.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.364-370
• /
• 1987

The $O_2^-$ level of the extract from young rice leaves, which was cold treated for 2 days and then placed at room temperature for a period of time significantly higher than that from tissues untreated. $O_2^-$ level in leaves was practically unchanged during cold treatment for 48 hours. But it started to increase to arrive at maximum in 8 hours, once the plants were placed under room temperature. The abnormal production of $O_2^-$ in mitochondria during postchilling process was interpreted as a biochemical consequence of accumulation of glycolysis product(s) in cytosol and/or NADH in mitochondrial matrix due to disruption of catabolic balance at low temperature. Mitochondria isolated from the chilling injured tissue was found to have lost considerably their respiratory activity. This fact may imply the involvement of intramitochondrial accumulation of $O_2^-$ in the inactivation of electron transport chain system. The observation that mitochondria in the presence of the $O_2^--producing$ enzymatic system (Xanthine/Xanthine oxidase) lost their respiratory activity supports this inference. It was also found in this work that Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a substrate inducible enzyme, and that SOD is a possible protective agent in plant cell against chilling injury.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.281-295
• /
• 2010

A new, automated apparatus is proposed for calculating the Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC), representing a simple and easily applied testing device for continuous measurements of the volumetric water content and suction of unsaturated soils. The use of this apparatus helps to avoid the errors that arise when performing experiments. Consequently, the apparatus provides greater accuracy in calculating the SWCC of unsaturated soils. The apparatus is composed of a pressure panel, flow cell, water reservoir, air bubble trap, balance, sample-preparation accessories, and measurement system, among other components. The air pressure can attain 300 kPa, and a general test can be completed in a short time. The apparatus can simply control the drying process and wetting process. The changes in volumetric water content that occur during the drying and wetting processes are shown directly in the SWRC program, in real time. As a case study, we performed an SWCC test of Joomunjin sand (75% relative density) to measure matric suction and volumetric water content during both the drying and wetting processes. The test revealed hysteresis behavior, whereby the water content on the wetting curve is always lower than that on the drying curve for a specific matric suction, during the wetting and drying processes. Based on the test results, SWCCs were estimated using the Brooks and Corey, van Genuchten, and Fredlund and Xing models. The van Genuchten model performed best for the given soil conditions, as it yielded the highest coefficient of determination.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.357-365
• /
• 2002

A survey was under taken of six district of Northern India viz. Bareilly, Pilibhit, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Almora and Rampur. The age, breed, sex and physiological status recorded. A total number of 854 cattle examined out of which lactating (274 cases), non lactating (302 cases) heifers (128 cases), calves (82 cases) and adult male (68 cases) were examined. An incidence of 4.92 percent (42) of microfilarisis was recorded. The highest prevalence was observed in Rudrapur District of Udham Singh Nagar (33.33%, 4/12), followed by Lalkaun in Nanital District (21.74%, 10/46), Rampur (12.50%, 2/16), Bareilly (8.16%, 8/98) and Pilibhit (1.22%, 1/82). No infection was observed in Almora region. Amongst 854 cattle of different group incidence was highest in adult male (12.20%, 10/82), followed by non lactating (3.82%, 12/314) and lactating (2.70%, 2/74), (7.64%, 12/157) was found in Heifers. For haemeto-biochemical, serum minerals estimations and therapeutic study 32 animals suffering from filariasis and 18 healthy animals were taken. 16 animals were treated with ivermectin $@200{\mu}g/kg $ body weight. Effect of this disease on production has also been estimated for which body weight and milk production was observed. The main clinical manifestations observed were anaemia, loss of appetite, debility, oedematous swelling especially in the abdominal region, increased heart rate, and respiration rate. Haematological changes indicated decrease in hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, erthrocyte fragility and neutrophil, whereas there was significant increase in erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), total leukocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte and eosinophils. Biochemical changes showed significant reduction in the values of serum albumin, A : G ratio, where as there was significant increase in blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), globulin, total lipid, total cholesterol, phospholipids, serum bilirubin. Serum mineral profile also altered markedly, which indicate a significant decrease in Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn with increase value of Na and Cl. There was no significant change in P and K values. Enzyme pattern in micro filaria infected animal indicated increased level of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, ornithine carbamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase. In blood gas values and acid/base balance, there was an increase in $PVCo_2$ and $PVo_2$. It has been observed that microfilaria infected cattle showed decrease in body weight and milk production. Animal treated with ivermectin showed the return of these above values toward normalcy.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.1071-1077
• /
• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.71-81
• /
• 2005

Anaerobic digestion is employed worldwide as the oldest and most important process for sludge stabilization. An additional advantage is the production of methane during anaerobic digestion. However, the waste activated sludge(WAS) has poor anaerobic degradability and less gas production due to the cell wall of bio-solid. In order to improve and enhance stabilization and dewatering of the WAS, a number of pretreatment processes have been developed and investigated. In this research, a pilot-scale study of pulse power pretreatment was performed to improve anaerobic degradability and dewaterability of the WAS. A pilot plant was designed and operated based on a previous laboratory study. Change of the sludge characteristics by pulse power pretreatment was estimated to assess the increasing soluble organics. The increased soluble organics could be used as a good substrate in the anaerobic digesion process. Gas production and methane potential of the anaerobic digestion were estimated as the parameters of anaerobic degradability. For evaluation of the dewaterability of pretreated WAS, capillary suction time(CST) and specific resistance were measured. The efficiency of energy recovery was also estimated by calculating energy balance.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.501-511
• /
• 2015

This study suggests a method of alleviating global warming by the increase of the Earth surface albedo through Artificial Sea ice Increasing (ASI) over the Available Freezing Areas (AFA). The method is developed based on the fact that the large sea surface area in or near the Arctic and the Antarctic has no ice even though both water and air temperatures are below zero and the artificial sea ice generation is thus available. The mean energy of $0.85Wm^{-2}$, which was suspected of adding to the earth by the global warming effect was calculated to offset at once when the sea ice area about $4.09{\times}10^6km^2$ was additionally increased. In addition, three techniques for producing ice plates on the sea surface (using ships, installation apparatus, and floating matter such as Green Cell Foam) for ASI were proposed. According to the result of simple analysis using the energy balance model, when ASI was maximally operated only for 3 months (September, October, and November) over AFA, it is expected that the annual mean temperature of earth surface would be decreased about $0.11^{\circ}C$ in the following year. On the other hand, in case of generating the artificial sea ice in all four seasons, a risk of triggering snowball earth was detected.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.12
• /
• pp.1674-1680
• /
• 2000

A study was conducted to compare the feeding value of urea treated and untreated mustard straw (MS) for sheep. Treated MS was prepared by adding urea-N at 1.84% and followed by packing in a pit silo for 21 days. Two groups of six empty Avikaline ewes were fed untreated (UTMS) and treated (TMS) mustard straw along with 200 g concentrate per head daily for 90 days. Untreated MS had 0.41% N and the urea treatment increased its N value to 1.58 %. The cell wall constituents were decreased in the TMS except for cellulose which remained unaffected. Dry matter intake of TMS was consistently higher than that of UTMS. Digestibility of DM, OM and fibre fractions of MS improved by the urea treatment. Ewes in both groups were in positive N balance while % N retention was lower in UTMS (26.30%) than in TMS (52.14%). The TMS fed group on average consumed 30.2 g DM, 2.9 g digestible crude protein and $0.2MJ\;DE\;per\;kg\;BW\;day^{-1}$ and maintained their weight whereas, the UTMS fed ewes lost weight. The VFA concentration in rumen liquor was higher in TMS than in UTMS. Total-N, ammonia-N and TCA-precipitable-N were also higher in TMS fed ewes. Blood glucose concentrations in the two groups were similar at initiation of the study. However the glucose concentration of UTMS fed group was significantly (p<0.01) lower than those fed UTMS at the termination of the study. Urea-N concentration was also higher in TMS fed group after 90 days of feeding period. It is concluded that urea treatment of MS improved N value of MS from 0.41% to 1.58% along with sizable improvement in nutritive value and in conjunction with 200 g concentrate, TMS can serve as maintenance ration for sheep. ($ME_{lakt}/ME_{m}=1.46$).

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.31-38
• /
• 2008

The objective of this work is to study transdermal delivery of levodopa using iontophoresis and evaluate various factors which affect the transdermal transport. Levodopa is unstable in aqueous solution, and, in order to establish a stable condition for levodopa for the duration of experiment, we investigated the stability of levodopa in aqueous solutions of different pHs with/without the addition of dextrose or the application of current. Using stable aqueous solution, we have studied the effect of pH, polarity and penetration enhancer (ethanol) on transdermal flux and compared the results. We also investigated the iontophoretic flux from hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) hydrogel. In vitro flux study was performed at $33^{\circ}C$, using side-by-side diffusion cell. Full thickness hairless mouse skin and rat skin were used for this work. Current densities applied were 0.4 or $0.6mA/cm^2$ and current was off after 6 hour application. Stability study showed that levodopa solution with a pH 2.5 or 4.5 maintained the initial concentration of levodopa for 24 hours with the addition of 5% dextrose. However, at pH 9.5, levodopa was unstable and 30 to 40% of levodopa degraded within 24 hours, even with the addition of 5% dextrose. Hydrogel swollen with dextrose added levodopa solution maintained about 97% of the initial concentration of levodopa for 13 days, when stored in $4^{\circ}C$. The application of current did not affect the stability of levodopa in hydrogel. Flux study from levodopa solution with pH 2.5 showed that cathodal delivery of levodopa was higher than passive or anodal delivery. When the pH of the donor solution was 4.5, anodal delivery of levodopa was higher than passive or cathodal delivery. These results seem to indicate that electroosmosis plays more dominant role than electrorepulsion in the flux of levodopa at pH 2.5, and the reverse situation applies for pH 4.5. The passive flux was unexpectedly high for the ionized levodopa. Similar to the results from aqueous solution, cumulative amount of levodopa transported trom HPC hydrogel by cathodal delivery was significantly higher than passive or anodal delivery. The treatment of 70% ethanol cotton ball by scrubbing increased passive, anodal and cathodal flux, with the largest increase for anodal flux. These results indicate that iontophoretic delivery of zwitterion such as levodopa is much complicated than that can be expected from small ionic molecules with single charge. The results also indicate that the balance between electroosmosis and electrorepulsion plays a very important role in the transport through skin.