• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.314-321
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• 2013

Photodynamic therapy(PDT) has been recommended as an alternative therapy for various diseases including microbial infection. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of PDT using a photofrin and home made 630 nm Light emitting diode(LED) against Staphylococci. To examine the antimicrobial effect of photofrin-mediated PDT against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis colony forming units(CFU) quantification, and bacterial viability using flow cytometry were formed. The CFU quantification results of S. aureus and S. epidermidis were 1 cfu/ml and 16 cfu/ml of average, respectively, after PDT application with photofrin of $50{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and 630 nm LED and energy density of $18J/cm^2$. In addition, S. aureus and S. epidermidis isolates yielded forward-scatter (FSC) and fluorescence intensity (FI) differences on flow cytometry (FCM) after PDT. S. aureus and S. epidermidis cell size(FSC) increased 8.96% and 5.55% respectively, after PDT. Also the numbers of dead cell of S. aureus and S. epidermidis were a 39% and 61% incerased. These results suggest that photofrin-mediated PDT can be an effective alternative treatment for antibacterial therapy.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.57 no.10
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• pp.560-568
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• 2019

Purpose: This study evaluated the antibacterial effects of curcuma, ginger, and finger root extracts in water-soluble powder on planktonic Streptococcus mutans(S.mutans), which is known to cause dental caries, in order to confirm whether these extracts could perform as photosensitizers for the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods: This study used the strain of streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 distributed by the Korean Collection for Type Cultures of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology. Commercial edible curcuma, ginger and finger root were used as the natural extracts for the use of photosensitizer. To extract organic solvent, 3 g of each powder was mixed in $30m{\ell}$ of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, VWR, Germany) before extraction. $1.8m{\ell}$ of the photosensitizer solution, manufactured in the concentrations of 5, 0.5, and $0.05mg/m{\ell}$, was mixed with $0.2m{\ell}$ of the S. mutans culture medium that had been cultured for 2 days. To induce the photodynamic reaction, Qraycam (AIOBIO, Seoul, Korea) equipped with 405 nm LED was used to expose light for 5 minutes to irradiate 59 nW energy for 300 seconds. Results: Compared with the case with no light, a higher photodynamic therapeutic effect was confirmed with $0.05mg/m{\ell}$ curcuma powder extract, the concentration of $0.5mg/m{\ell}$ and LED light of 405 nm wavelength (p=0.000, p=0.003). $0.05mg/m{\ell}$ of curcuma powder extract and the concentration of $0.5mg/m{\ell}$ showed 100% antibacterial effect when exposed to light, whereas the concentration of $5mg/m{\ell}$ showed 11.95% antibacterial effect. When exposed to light, $0.05mg/m{\ell}$ of ginger powder extract showed an antibacterial effect which didn't statistically decrease. The concentrations of $0.5mg/m{\ell}$ and $5mg/m{\ell}$ did not show any antibacterial effects. As a result of examining any photodynamic therapeutic effects of finger root powder extract on S. mutans, no statistically significant effect was found. Conclusion: The curcuma powder extract is expected to perform as a photosensitizer. Even though belonging to the same ginger family, ginger powder and finger root powder seem difficult to perform as photosensitizer.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.155-159
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• 2000

[Ru(bpy)$_2$(dppz)]$^2$$^{+}$ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)(RuBD), a long-lifetime metal-ligand complex displays photophysical properties including long lifetime, polarized emission, and very little background fluorescence. To further show the usefulness of this luminophore(RuBD) for probing nucleic acid dynamics, its intensity and anisotropy decays when bound to tRN $A^{val}$ were examined using frequency-domain fluorometry with a blue light-emitting diode(LED)as the modulated light source. Unexpectedly much longer mean lifetime was obtained at 4$^{\circ}C$(<$\tau$>=178.3 ns) as compared to at $25^{\circ}C$(<$\tau$>=117.0 ns), suggesting more favorable conformation of tRN $A^{val}$ for RuBD when intercalated at 4$^{\circ}C$. The anisotropy decay data showed longer rotational correlation times at 4$^{\circ}C$(52.7 and 13.0 ns) than at $25^{\circ}C$ (32.9 and 10.3 ns). The presence of two rotational correlation times suggests that RuBD reveals both local and overall rotational motion of tRN $A^{val}$. Due to long lifetime of RuBD and small size of tRN $A^{val}$, very low steady-state anisotropy values were observed, 0.048 and 0.036 at 4 and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. However, a clear difference in the modulated anisotropy values was seen between 4 and $25^{\circ}C$. These results indicate that RuBD can be useful for studying hydrodynamics of small nucleic acids such as tRN $A^{val}$.^{val}$.>.$.>.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.157-167
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• 2011

In order to establish a reliable and highly efficient method for genetic transformation of pepper, a monitoring system featuring GFP (green fluorescent protein) as a report marker was applied to Agrobacteriummediated transformation. A callus-induced transformation (CIT) system was used to transform the GFP gene. GFP expression was observed in all tissues of $T_0$, $T_1$ and $T_2$ peppers, constituting the first instance in which the whole pepper plant has exhibited GFP fluorescence. A total of 38 T0 peppers were obtained from 4,200 explants. The transformation rate ranged from 0.47 to 1.83% depending on the genotype, which was higher than that obtained by CIT without the GFP monitoring system. This technique could enhance selection power by monitoring GFP expression at the early stage of callus in vitro. The detection of GFP expression in the callus led to successful identification of the shoot that contained the transgene. Thus, this technique saved lots of time and money for conducting the genetic transformation process of pepper. In addition, a co-transformation technique was applied to the target transgene, CaCS (encoding capsaicinoid synthetase of Capsicum) along with GFP. Paprika varieties were transformed by the CaCS::GFP construct, and GFP expression in callus tissues of paprika was monitored to select the right transformant.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7343-7350
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• 2015

Genetic changes associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) provide very important diagnostic and prognostic information with a direct impact on patient management. Detection of chromosome abnormalities by conventional cytogenetics combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) play a very significant role in assessing risk stratification. Identification of specific chromosome abnormalities has led to the recognition of genetic subgroups based on reciprocal translocations, deletions and modal number in B or T-cell ALL. In the last twelve years 102 newly diagnosed childhood/adult ALL bone marrow samples were analysed for chromosomal abnormalities with conventional G-banding, and FISH (selected cases) using specific probes in our hospital. G-banded karyotype analysis found clonal numerical and/or structural chromosomal aberrations in 74.2% of cases. Patients with pseudodiploidy represented the most frequent group (38.7%) followed by high hyperdiploidy group (12.9%), low hyperdiploidy group (9.7%), hypodiploidy (<46) group (9.7%) and high hypertriploidy group (3.2%). The highest observed numerical chromosomal alteration was high hyperdiploidy (12.9%) with abnormal karyotypes while abnormal 12p (7.5%) was the highest observed structural abnormality followed by t(12;21)(p13.3;q22) resulting in ETV6/RUNX1 fusion (5.4%) and t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2) resulting in BCR/ABL1 fusion (4.3%). Interestingly, we identified 16 cases with rare and complex structural aberrations. Application of the FISH technique produced major improvements in the sensitivity and accuracy of cytogenetic analysis with ALL patients. In conclusion it confirmed heterogeneity of ALL by identifying various recurrent chromosomal aberrations along with non-specific rearrangements and their association with specific immunophenotypes. This study pool is representative of paediatric/adult ALL patients in Oman.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.143-152
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• 2020

In this research, soil samples of the Kerman sedimentary basin, Iran, were investigated through laboratory tests such as petrography (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)), physical and mechanical characteristics tests. The soil in this area is dominantly CL. The petrography results showed that the dominant clay mineral is Illite. This soil has made some problems in the earth dams due to the low shear strength. In this study, a set of samples were prepared by adding different amounts of lime. Next, the petrography and strength tests at the optimum moisture content were performed. The results of SEM analysis showed substantial changes in the soil structure after the addition of lime. The primary structure was porous and granular that was changed to a uniform and solid after the lime was added. According to XRD results, dominant mineral in none stabilized soil and stabilized soil are Illite and calcite, respectively. The pozzolanic reaction resulted in the reduction of clay minerals in the stabilized samples and calcite was known as the soil hardener material that led to an increase in soil strength. An increase in the hydrated lime leads to a decrease in their maximum dry unit weight and an increase in their optimum moisture content. Furthermore, increasing the hydrated lime content enhanced the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and soil's optimum moisture. An increase in the strength is significantly affected by the curing time and hydrated lime contents, as the maximum compressive strength is achieved at 7% hydrated lime. Moreover, the maximum increase in the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) achieved in clay soils mixed with 8% hydrated lime.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2013

Objectives : Many cancers acquired resistance to chemotherapy, thus limiting its anticancer efficacy. It is known that Glutathione (GSH) is related to the development of drug resistance. The expression of GSH synthesizing glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) was controlled by nuclear factor-E2-related factor(Nrf2). Previous studies showed that pharmacological depletion of GSH results in ROS increase, apoptotic response, and sensitization to oxidizing stimuli. In the current study, we examined Saussurea Lappa (SL) have the inhibitory effect on Nrf2 activity using human lung cancer A549 cells overexpressing Nrf2. Methods : Cell viability of A549 cells on SL treatment was determined by MTT assay. To detect the apeptosis in SL-treated A549 cells, sub-G1 population was measured by flow cytometry analysis (FACS). The level ROS was determined by FACS and fluorescence microscopy. To investigate whether SL have effect the suppression on Nrf2, we performed western blotting analysis. The GSH content was measured since GSH plays an important role in response to oxidative stress and was regulated by Nrf2. Results : A549 cells treated with an SL extract showed a substantial decrease in cell viability, along with a concomitant increase in apoptosis compared to untreated cells. Treatment of the SL extract led to increased Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a suppression of Nrf2. In addition, the antioxidant NAC attenuated SL-induced ROS generation, Nrf2 inhibition, and apoptosis. Taken together, these data show that the SL extract induced the production of ROS, and the inhibition of Nrf2, consequently resulting in A549 cell death. Conclusions : These results suggest that SL might be an effective agent to enhance anticancer drug sensitivity via Nrf2 inhibition.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.40-43
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• 2000

Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) are metal and nonmetal-chelating antioxidant which can induce rat and human smooth muscle cell death. When the smooth muscle cells from mouse aorta (MASMC) that we successfully cultured recently was exposed to PDTC and NAC in a normal serum state, the cells were induced to death by these compounds. However, PDTC did not induce the cell death in a serum depleted medium. This data suggests that certain factors in the serum may mediate the cytotoxic effect of PDTC. The metal chelator, Ca-EDTA blocked PDTC-induced cell death, but Cu-, Fe-, and Zn-EDTA did not block the PDTC-induced cell death. This data indicated that copper, iron, and zinc in the serum may lead to the cytotoxic effect of PDTC. Investigation of the intracellular zinc level in PDTC-induced smooth muscle cell death using the zinc probe dye N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-p-toluenesulfonamide shows that only the muscle-containing layers of the arteries have higher level of zinc. As expected, PDTC increased the intracellular fluorescence level of the zinc. In agreement with these results, the addition of an exogenous metal, zinc, induced the vascular aortic smooth muscle cell death which led to an increased intracellular zinc level. We concluded that PDTC induced mouse aortic smooth muscle cell death required not only zinc level but also intracellular copper and iron level. The mechanism of this antioxidant to induce vascular smooth muscle cell death may provide a new strategy to prevent their proliferation in arteriosclerotic lesions.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.19 no.4 s.50
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• pp.383-392
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• 2006

Calcium carbonate stone deterioration has been intensified in urban area, mainly due to the action of atmospheric pollutant. Samples from the black surface layer were examined under petrographic and scanning electron microscope, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analyser X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analysis was also carried out for chemical composition and mineral phase analysis, respectively. Moreover, sulphur isotope ratio was measured, in order to identify the origin of sulphate compounds in the black surface layer. Optical and electronic petrographic analysis indicated that gypsum and Quartz were contained in the black surface layer and led to microcracks. Microstructure and chemical composition analysis showed that the interface between black layer and original stone is not black but its characteristic is similar to black layer The results indicated that during deterioration process the black layer can be expanded gradually into the interface by adsorption of atmospheric pollutants. The sulphur isotope analysis demonstrates that there are different origins of the sulphur component in black surface layer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2015

GAM-1 and GAM-2, two themostable glucoamylases from Aspergillus niger B-30, possess different molecular masses, glycosylation, and thermal stability. In the present study, the effects of additives on the thermal inactivation of GAM-1 and GAM-2 were investigated. The half-lives of GAM-1 and GAM-2 at 70℃ were 45 and 216 min, respectively. Data obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, UV absorption spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering demonstrated that during the thermal inactivation progress, combined with the loss of the helical structure and a majority of the tertiary structure, tryptophan residues were partially exposed and further led to glucoamylases aggregating. The thermal stability of GAM-1 and GAM-2 was largely improved in the presence of sorbitol and trehalose. Results from spectroscopy and Native-PAGE confirmed that sorbitol and trehalose maintained the native state of glucoamylases and prevented their thermal aggregation. The loss of hydrophobic bonding and helical structure was responsible for the decrease of glucoamylase activity. Additionally, sorbitol and trehalose significantly increased the substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency of the two glucoamylases. Our results display an insight into the thermal inactivation of glucoamylases and provide an important base for industrial applications of the thermally stable glucoamylases.