• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.88-97
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• 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of microbiological contamination of kitchen utensils and environments of food service operations at university located in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We collected swab samples from the surfaces of knives, chopping boards, floors, and drains, as well as drinking water and airborne bacteria samples from 20 food service operations. Three bacterial indicators and five food poisoning bacteria were measured quantitatively and qualitatively, respectively. We used selective culture media and the PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA gene for the microbiological analysis. Results: We detected bacterial indicators on knives or chopping boards in eight different food service operations and, three food service operations (I, M, and O) showed more than 3 log colony forming units $(CFU)/100cm^2$ on their knives, significantly higher than the others. The levels of bacterial indicators on the floors and drains in the cooking areas were much higher than those on the cooking utensils. S. aureus was detected on 10 floors and 8 drains. Culturable bacteria were identified in 5 drinking water samples, and food service operation B ($431.1CFU/m^3$) and C ($551.2CFU/m^3$) showed more than $400CFU/m^3$ of total airborne bacteria. Conclusions: These results suggest that some of food service operations in this study may require additional investigation to secure the microbial safety of cooking environments. In addition, further actions including hygiene education for employees and proper guidelines to maintain clean cooking environments should be prepared.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.126-135
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• 2003

Background: One of the important factors in the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B patient is the degree of replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV). It has been known that HBV DNA polymerase plays the essential role in the replication of HBV. HBV DNA polymerase is composed of four domains, TP (Terminal protein), spacer, RT (Reverse transcriptase) and RNaseH. Among these domains, tyrosine, the $65^{th}$ residue of TP is an important residue in protein-priming reaction that initiates reverse transcription. If monoclonal antibody that recognizes around tyrosine residue were selected, it could be applied to further study of HBV replication. Methods: To produce TP-specific scFv (single-chain Fv) by phage display, mice were immunized using synthetic TP-peptide contains $57{\sim}80^{th}$ amino acid residues of TP domain. After isolation of mRNA of heavy-variable region ($V_H$) and light-chain variable region ($V_L$) from the spleen of the immunized mouse, DNA of $V_H$ and $V_L$ were obtained by RT-PCR and joined by a DNA linker encoding peptide (Gly4Ser)3 as a scFv DNA fragments. ScFv DNA fragments were cloned into a phagemid vector. scFv was expressed in E.coli TG1 as a fusion protein with E tag and phage gIII. To select the scFv that has specific affinity to TP-peptide from the phage-antibody library, we used two cycles of panning and colony lift assay. Results: The TP-peptide-specific scFv was isolated by selection process using TP-peptide as an antigen. Selected scFv had 30 kDa of protein size and its nucleotide sequences were analyzed. Indirect- and competitive-ELISA revealed that the selected scFv specifically recognized both TP-peptide and the HBV DNA polymerase. Conclusion: The scFv that recognizes the TP domain of the HBV DNA polymerase was isolated by phage display.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of the current series of experiments were to assess the effect of GM-CSF, as a medium supplement, on the development of mouse embryos and the expression of LIF and IL-1? mRNA. Materials and Methods: Mouse 2-cell embryos were collected from the oviducts of 6 weeks old ICR mice at 48 hours after hCG injection. Embryos were cultured in P-1 medium supplemented with mouse GM-CSF (0, 1, 5, 10 ng/ml). The embryo development to blastocysts and hatching blastocysts was assessed and the cell number in blastocyst was also examined. Using RT-PCR, the expressions of LIF and IL-1? mRNA in blastocyst were evaluated in the GM-CSF supplemented group and control group. Results: In mouse, the addition of GM-CSF increased the percentage of blastocysts (65.5%, 68.6%, 73.0% and 76.1% for control and 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml, respectively), and increased the proportion of hatching blastocysts (35.2%, 36.4%, 43.2% and 53.0% for control and 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml, respectively). The mean cell numbers in blastocyst were significantly increased in GM-CSF supplemented groups compared to control group. LIF and IL-1? expression in blastocyst were significantly higher in GM-CSF supplemented group than in control group. Conclusion: The results of experiment by mouse embryos showed beneficial effects of GM-CSF as a medium supplement. Furthermore, the addition of GM-CSF significantly increased the expression of LIF and IL-1? in mouse embryos. These results suggest that GM-CSF might be a important molecule in embryo implantation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3223-3228
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• 2012

HMGN5 is a typical member of the HMGN (high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein) family which may function as a nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activating protein. Overexpression of HMGN5 has been observed in several human tumors but its role in tumorigenesis has not been fully clarified. To investigate its significance for human lung cancer progression, we successfully constructed a shRNA expression lentiviral vector in which sense and antisense sequences targeting the human HMGN5 were linked with a 9-nucleotide loop. Inhibitory effects of siRNA on endogenous HMGN5 gene expression and protein synthesis were demonstrated via real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. We found HMGN5 silencing to significantly inhibit A549 and H1299 cell proliferation assessed by MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that specific knockdown of HMGN5 slowed down the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and decreased the populations of A549 and H1299 cells at the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN5 is directly involved in regulation cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells by influencing signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression. Thus, our finding suggests that targeting HMGN5 may be an effective strategy for human lung cancer treatment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2002

Objective : We aimed to identify the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of Sabaek-san(瀉白散) and Sabaeksan plus Sasam(Adenophorae Radix) 瀉白散加沙蔘) on the mRNA expressions of Interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) involved in the asthma model. Materials and Methods : Through this study, BEAS-2B cell lines, human epithelial cells were used. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ and histamine for artificial inflammatory expression. ${\beta}$-action messenger RNA(mRNA) was used for standards. After each 24hours of Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected by treating RNA zol directly on living cells, Then the transcriptional activities of IL-6, 8 and GM-CSF were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis, Results : The mRNA expressions of IL-6 are significantly inhibited compared to those of controlled group at 40 and 100ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract (p<0.05). The mRNA expressions of IL-8 are significantly inhibited compared to that of controlled group at 2.40 and 100 ug/ml of Sabaeksan extract and $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract(p<0.05) THe mRNA expressions of GM-CSF are significantly inhibited compared to those of the controlled group at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan extract adn $40.100{\mu}g/ml$ of Sabaeksan plus Sasam extract.(p<0.05) Conclusions : This study shows that Sabaeksan and Sabaeksan plus Sasam have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF in human epithelial cells. Therefore, these types of herb medicine may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herb medicine in the asthma model.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2012

Objectives : Fagopyrum esculentum(FE) has been used for removal of inflammation of internal organs and treatment of sore and ulcer by heat toxin in Korean herbal medicines. In this study, To investigated the protective effect of FE on allergic response, we determined whether FE inhibits allergic response. Methods : The effect of FE was analyzed by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot in RBL-2H3 cells. We investigated cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, as a marker of degranulation, cytokne, and intracellular ROS and MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling. Results : We found that FE suppressed ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release, the production of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and intracellular ROS level in RBL-2H3 by the anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA stimulation. FE also significantly inhibited cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF in RBL-2H3. In addition, PF suppressed the phospholyation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38 and $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and NF-${\kappa}B$ signal transduction pathway. Conclusions : Our results indicate that FE protects against allergic response and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation and production of cytokines and ROS via the suppression MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ of signal transduction. Abbrevations : FE, Fagopyrum esculentum; RBL-2H3, rat basophilic leukemia cell line; ROS, reactive oxygen species; MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase; $NF{\kappa}B$, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$; $TNF{\alpha}$, Tumor necrosis factor alpha; GM-CSF, Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor; ERK, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; JNK, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase; p38, p38 MAP kinase; $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, inhibitory-kappa B alpha.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.166-172
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• 2006

Metallo-${\beta}$-lactamase (MBL) can hydrolyze all ${\beta}$-lactams except monobactams and frequently coexists with various antibiotic resistance genes such as aminoglycoside resistance, sulfonamide resistance gene, etc. Therefore, the effective antibiotics against infections by these bacteria are markedly limited or can't even be found. We tried to search in-vitro antimicrobial combinations with synergistic effects for a VIM-2 type MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolated from clinical specimen. On the selection of antibiotic combinations with synergistic effects, we performed a one disk synergy test, modified Pestel's method, in agar without aztreonam (AZT). The bacteriostatic synergistic effects of this tests were scored as $S_1$ (by susceptibility pattern in agar without antibiotics), $S_2$ (by the change of susceptibility in agar with or without antibiotics) and $S_3$ ($S_1$ + $S_2$) and was classified into weak (1 point), moderate (2 points) and strong (3 points) by $S_3$ score. Subsequently, we carried out the time-killing curve for the antibiotic combinations with the strong synergistic bacteriostatic effect. One VIM-2 type MBL producing P. aeruginosa confirmed by the PCR showed all resistance against all ${\beta}$-lactams except AZT, aminoglycoside and ciprofloxacin. In the one disk synergy test, this isolate showed a strong bacteriostatic synergistic effect for the antibiotic combination of AZT and piperacillin-tazobactam (PIP-TZP) or AZT and amikacin (AN). On the time-killing curve after six hours of incubation, the colony forming units (CFUs/mL) of this bacteria in the medium broth with both combination antibiotics were decreased to 1/18.7, 1/17.1 of the least CFUs of each single antibiotics. The triple antibiotic combination therapy including AZT, PIP-TZP and AN was shown to be significantly synergistic after 8 hrs of exposure. In a VIM-2 MBL producing P. aeruginosa with susceptibility for AZT, the triple antibiotic combination therapy including AZT, PIP-TZP and AN may be considered as an alternative antibiotics modality against the infection by some MBL type. But the antimicrobial combination therapy for many more MBL producing isolates is essential to know as soon as possible for the selection of effective treatment against the infection by this bacteria.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.415-422
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• 2001

Objectives: We aimed to identify the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of Yukmijihwang-tang-Hap-Sabaek-san(YMHSB) and Root cortex of Morus alba L.(RCM) on the mRNA expression of Interieukin(IL)-6, IL-S, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) involved in the asthma model. Methods: In this study BEAS-2B cell lines, human epithelial cells, were used. These cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis $factor(TNF)-{\alpha},\;IL-1{\beta}$ and histamine for artificial inflammatory expression. ${\beta}-actin$ messenger RNA(mRNA) was used for the internal standard. After each 24 hours of the YMHSB and RCM treatment, total cellular RNAs were collected by treating RNA zol directly on the living cells. Then the transcriptional activities of IL-6, 8 and GM-CSF were measured by RT-PCR with electrophoresis. Results: In the YMHSB study, the mRNA expression of GM-CSF and IL-8 is significantly inhibited compared to that of control group. But the mRNA expression of IL-6 is not significantly inhibited. In the RCM study, the mRNA expression of GM-CSF and IL-S is significantly inhibited compared to that of control group. But the mRNA expression of IL-6 is not significantly inhibited. Conclusions: This study shows that YMHSB and RCM have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the mRNA expression of IL-S and GMCSF in human epithelial cells. So these herbal medicines may inhibit the inflammatory process of asthma. Advanced studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of inhibition by herbal medicine in the asthma model.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.222-230
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• 2019

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate water quality in terms of microorganisms and identify the antibiotic resistance of Enterococci isolated from the recycling water in floor fountains at three parks and one reservoir in the Gwangju area. Methods: Water samples were analyzed for Enterococci using membrane Enterococcus indoxyl ${\beta}$ d glucoside agar (mEI) as described in USEPA Method 1600. The vancomycin-resistant Enterococci with VanA and VanB were identified by PCR. An examination of the antibiotic resistance of isolates against 14 antibiotics was performed by the disk diffusion method. Results: The drinking water quality criterion was exceeded for total colony counts in 68% of all recycling water samples. The average concentration of total califorms and fecal coliforms was 139,325 and 413 CFU/100 mL, respectively. VanA and VanB were not detected from the isolates. We found the antibiotic resistant Enterococci strains to be E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. durans, E. mundtii, E. hirae, and E. thailandicus. The isolates were resistant to Rifampin (50%), Erythromycin (25.8%), Tetracycline (10.2%), Nitrofurantoin (8.1%), Minocycline (3.1%), Erythromycin (1.2%), Penicillin (0.7%), Norfloxacin (0.5%), and Teicoplanin (0.5%) among the 14 antibiotics tested. Antibiotic resistance tests for Enterococci from the recycling water of floor fountains resulted in 30.2% showing resistance to two or more antibiotics. Conclusions: These results showed that the multi-antibiotic resistance of Enterococci, E. coli, and others should be investigated continuously in each environment field.

• Journal of odor and indoor environment
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.355-361
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• 2018

Mold grows more easily when humidity is higher in indoor spaces, and as such is found more often on wetted areas in housing such as walls, toilets, kitchens, and poorly managed spaces. However, there have been few studies that have specifically assessed the level of mold in the indoor spaces of water-damaged housing in the Republic of Korea. We investigated the levels of airborne mold according to the characteristics of water damage types and explored the correlation between the distribution of mold genera and the characteristics of households. Samplings were performed from January 2016 to June 2018 in 97 housing units with water leakage or condensation, or a history of flooding, and in 61 general housing units in the metropolitan and Busan area, respectively. Airborne mold was collected on MEA (Malt extract agar) at flow rate of 100 L/min for 1 min. After collection, the samples were incubated at $25^{\circ}C$ for 120 hours. The cultured samples were counted and corrected using a positive hole conversion table. The samples were then analyzed by single colony culture, DNA extraction, gene amplification, and sequencing. By type of housing, concentrations of airborne mold were highest in flooded housing, followed by water-leaked or highly condensed housings, and then general housing. In more than 50% of water-damaged housing, the level of airborne mold exceeded the guideline of Korea's Ministry of Environment ($500CFU/m^3$). Of particular concern was the fact that the I/O ratio of water-damaged housing was greater than 1, which could indicate that mold damage may occur indoors. The distribution patterns of the fungal species were as follows: Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. (14%), Aspergillus spp. (13%) and Alternaria spp. (3%), but significant differences of their levels in indoor spaces were not found. Our findings indicate that high levels of mold damage were found in housing with water damage, and Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium brevicompactum were more dominant in housing with high water activity. Comprehensive management of flooded or water-damaged housing is necessary to reduce fungal exposure.