• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.160-170
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• 2019

The lactic acid bacteria species Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) has been used extensively for vaccine delivery. Considering to the critical role of dendritic cells in stimulating host immune response, in this study, we constructed a novel CD11c-targeting L. plantarum strain with surface-displayed variable fragments of anti-CD11c, single-chain antibody (scFv-CD11c). The newly designed L. plantarum strain, named 409-aCD11c, could adhere and invade more efficiently to bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) in vitro due to the specific interaction between scFv-CD11c and CD11c located on the surface of BMDCs. After incubation with BMDCs, the 409-aCD11c strain harboring a eukaryotic vector pValac-GFP could lead to more efficient expression of GFP compared with wild-type strains shown by flow cytometry analysis, indicating the enhanced translocation of pValac-GFP from L. plantarum to BMDCs. Similar results were also observed in an in vivo study, which showed that oral administration resulted in efficient expression of GFP in both Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) within 7 days after the last administration. In addition, the CD11c-targeting strain significantly promoted the differentiation and maturation of DCs, the differentiation of $IL-4^+$ and $IL-17A^+$ T helper (Th) cells in MLNs, as well as production of $B220^+$ $IgA^+$ B cells in the PP. In conclusion, this study developed a novel DC-targeting L. plantarum strain which could increase the ability to deliver eukaryotic expression plasmid to host cells, indicating a promising approach for vaccine study.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.135-146
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• 2022

Obesity is closely associated with profound dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. Recent reports have suggested that alterations in gut microbiota can be linked to diet-induced obesity. In this study, the anti-obesity effects of Weissella confusa WIKIM51 isolated from kimchi were investigated, as evidenced by: i) reduced lipid accumulation and downregulated adipogenesis-related genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes; ii) suppressed gains in body weight and epididymal fat mass; iii) reduced serum lipid levels, for example, triglyceride and total cholesterol; iv) increased serum adiponectin levels and reduced serum leptin levels; v) downregulated lipogenesis and upregulated β-oxidation-related genes in the epididymal fat; and vi) altered microbial communities. The collective evidence indicate the potential value of W. confusa WIKIM51 as a functional food supplement for the prevention and amelioration of obesity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.927-937
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• 2022

To confirm the therapeutic effect of the water extract from Ecklonia cava (WEE) against PM_2.5 induced systemic health damage, we evaluated gut health with a focus on the microbiota and metabolites. Systemic damage in mice was induced through PM_2.5 exposure for 12 weeks in a whole-body chamber. After exposure for 12 weeks, body weight and food intake decreased, and WEE at 200 mg/kg body weight (mpk) alleviated these metabolic efficiency changes. In addition, PM_2.5 induced changes in the length of the colon and fecal water content. The administration of the WEE at 200 mpk oral dose effectively reduced changes in the colon caused by PM_2.5 exposure. We also attempted to confirm whether the effect of the WEE is mediated via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in mice with PM_2.5 induced systemic damage. We examined changes in the fecal microbiota and gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and kynurenine metabolites. In the PM_2.5 exposed group, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus (Family: Lactobacillaceae) and an increase in the abundance of Alistipes (Family: Rikenellaceae) were observed, and the administration of the WEE showed a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. In addition, the WEE effectively increased the levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Furthermore, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a critical neuroprotective metabolite in the gut-brain axis, was increased by the administration of the WEE. Our findings suggest that the WEE could be used as a potential therapeutic against PM_2.5 induced health damage by regulating gut function.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.16.1-16.20
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• 2022

The gastrointestinal tract is the first organ directly affected by fasting. However, little is known about how fasting influences the intestinal immune system. Intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) capture antigens, migrate to secondary lymphoid organs, and provoke adaptive immune responses. We evaluated the changes of intestinal DCs in mice with short-term fasting and their effects on protective immunity against Listeria monocytogenes (LM). Fasting induced an increased number of CD103⁺CD11b^- DCs in both small intestinal lamina propria (SILP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN). The SILP CD103⁺CD11b^- DCs showed proliferation and migration, coincident with increased levels of GM-CSF and C-C chemokine receptor type 7, respectively. At 24 h post-infection with LM, there was a significant reduction in the bacterial burden in the spleen, liver, and mLN of the short-term-fasted mice compared to those fed ad libitum. Also, short-term-fasted mice showed increased survival after LM infection compared with ad libitum-fed mice. It could be that significantly high TGF-β2 and Aldh1a2 expression in CD103⁺CD11b^- DCs in mice infected with LM might affect to increase of Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. Changes of major subset of DCs from CD103⁺ to CD103^- may induce the increase of IFN-γ-producing cells with forming Th1-biased environment. Therefore, the short-term fasting affects protection against LM infection by changing major subset of intestinal DCs from tolerogenic to Th1 immunogenic.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.60-69
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• 2016

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital models from 3 dimentional (3D) optical scanner and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: We obtained digital models from 11 pairs of stone casts using a 3D optical scanner and a CBCT, and compared the accuracy of the models. Results: The error range of average positive distance was 0.059 - 0.117 mm and negative distance was 0.066 - 0.146 mm. Statistically (P < 0.05), average positive distance was larger than $70{\mu}m$ and shorter than $100{\mu}m$, and that of negative distance was larger than $100{\mu}m$ and shorter than $120{\mu}m$. Conclusion: We concluded that the accuracy of digital models generated from CBCT is not appropriate to make final prostheses. However, it may be acceptable for provisional restorations and orthodontic diagnoses with respect to the accuracy of the digitalization.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.90-97
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• 2000

There are various kinds of factors associated with the formation of dental plaque in oral cavity such as nutrient molecules and chemical agents. The factors influencing the formation of insoluble glucan by Streptococcus sobrinus and its replication were examined on orthodontic wires. The results were as follows: 1. Insoluble glucan was well produced in the media initially adjusted at pH 7.0 than pH 5.5 or pH 8.5 like bacterial replication. 2. The synthesis of insoluble glucan and bacterial replication were significantly increased in the media containing 2.5% yeast extract. The formation of insoluble glucan was inhibited by 10 folds in the media containing 20% of sucrose than 1.25%, but the replication of bacteria was increased by 20 folds. 3. Insoluble glucan was significantly formed at a concentration of 1.0mM of calcium chloride, 40mM of potassium chloride, 0.1mM of magnesium chloride, while the replication of bacteria was little influenced by them regardless their concentration. 4. The formation of insoluble glucan and bacterial replication were significant in the media containing 10mM of sodium bicarbonate, but both were completely inhibited at 100mM or above. The production of insoluble glucan and the bacterial replication were largely decreased at 10mM of Tris while insoluble glucan was formed in abundance at 100mM of Tris. 5. The synthesis of insoluble glucan and the bacterial replication were inhibited at 10mM or above of sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.255-268
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• 2010

Objectives : In the field of dental hygiene, infections pose a serious problem. This issue has left many patients and dental staff exposed to microbes with potentially far-reaching effects. The purpose of this study was to find solutions which could improve Dental health policies and promote improved methods for the control of infections. This survey was conducted between March 3, 2008 and March 30, 2008, in the metropolitan area. The research was carried out in dental clinics and dental hygienists were surveyed through a questionnaire. Methods : Collected data was examined using the SPSS 14.0 program, using frequency, mean and standard deviation analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe's test and Duncan's test. Further analysis was given using Logistic Regression. Results : The Performance of Infection Control by dental hygienists in Dental Clinics was shown at $2.96{\pm}0.42$. Disinfection, sterilization and the wearing of masks is high at $3.65{\pm}0.64$, $3.64{\pm}0.65$. The perception of the importance of infection control is higher among dental hygienists than dentists. Of the dental hygienists surveyed, 83.9% were exposed to at least one accident while at work. Age and years of experience were important in relation to infection control practices. The rate of infections and the number of accidents experienced related to the dental hygienists performance of infection control. The performance of infection control is influenced by the dental hygienists own perceptions, and the perceptions of their dentists. The dental hygienist's working conditions and their beliefs related to infection control were shown to influence their performance of infection control practices. Conclusion : At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that systematic refresher training of infection control should be delivered through further education and various media. Dental health care workers should be encouraged to practice these action items presented in the training. For successful implementation of infection control in every dental health-care setting, it is highly demanded that effective safe-guard tools, strategic support and standardized action items against infection problems are developed.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.345-354
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• 2000

TGF-${\beta}_1$ is a potent chemotactic factor for inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. It also stimulates the celluar source and components of extracellular matrix and the production of proteinase inhibitors. Collectively, these biologic activities lead to the accumulation and stabilization of the nascent matrix, which is vital to wound healing. The objective of this study is to investigate production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ in vitro fibroblast culture in the presence of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B(SEB) and/or lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and to elucidate the role of TGF-${\beta}_1$ which may be responsible for wound healing. The fibroblasts were originated from facial dermis and hypertrophic scar in 26 year-old male patient. In the presence of LPS($0.01{\mu}g$, $0.1{\mu}g$, $1.0{\mu}g$), SEB($0.01{\mu}g$, $0.1{\mu}g$, $1.0{\mu}g$) respectively, cells($5{\times}10^3ml$) were cultivated in vitro. At 1, 3, and 5 days after incubation, cells were counted. Also, cells($2.5{\times}10^5ml$) were cultivated in EMEM with LPS(0.01, 0.1 and $1.0{\mu}g$), SEB(0.01, 0.1 and $1.0{\mu}g$) respectively and LPS($0.1{\mu}g$) and SEB($0.1{\mu}g$) in combination for 24, 48, and 72 hours respectively. Culture supernatants were harvested at 1, 2, and 3 days after incubation period and triplicate culture supernatants were pooled and TGF-${\beta}_1$ was assayed in duplicate. The results were as follows. 1. In facial dermal fibroblast induced with SEB and LPS respectively or in combination, the suppression of cell proliferation occurred very significantly at 1 day after incubation, compared with the control. In SEB exposure, the production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ was decreased very significantly at 1 day after incubation, compared with the control. However, in LPS, SEB and LPS exposure, the production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ was increased very significantly at 1 day after incubation, compared with the control. 2. In hypertrophic scar fibroblast induced with SEB and LPS respectively or in combination, the suppression of cell proliferation did not occur at 1 day after incubation, compared with the control. In SEB and LPS exposure in combination, the production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ was increased very significantly at 1 day after incubation, compared with the control. However, the production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ did not occur in SEB and LPS exposure respectively. In conclusion, the concentration of bacterial toxins and the incubation period correlated with cell proliferation and production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ very significantly and both fibroblasts have different phenotype each other in this regard. This data suggest that the significant production of TGF-${\beta}_1$ may develope abnormal wound healing associated with tissue fibroproliferative disorder, such as hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6059-6062
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• 2012

Regional cancer epidemiology is an important basis for determining the priorities for cancer control in different countries worldwide. There is no reliable information about the pattern of head and neck cancer in western Nepal and hence an attempt was here made to evaluate the situation based on hospital data, which provide the only source in the western region of Nepal. A clinicopathological analysis of head and neck cancers treated between 2003 and 2006 in Manipal Teaching Hospital affiliated to Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Western Development Region, Nepal was performed. A total of 105 head and neck cancer cases were identified with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. The median ages of male and female patients were 62 and 64 years, respectively. Ninety-seven (92.4%) of the cancer patients were suffering from carcinoma, three (2.9%) had blastoma, three (2.9%) had sarcoma, and two (1.9%) had lymphoma. The majority (61.9%) of carcinoma cases were squamous cell carcinoma followed by anaplastic carcinoma (7.2%). Of the carcinoma cases, the most common site of primary lesion was larynx (19.6%), followed by the thyroid (14.4%), the tongue and hypopharynx with 10.3% cases each. Comparative analysis among males and females did not reveal any sex difference in type of head and neck cancers. The head and neck cancer pattern revealed by the present study provides valuable leads to cancer epidemiology in western Nepal and useful information for health planning and cancer control, and future research in western Nepal.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6111-6116
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• 2015

Background: Stomach cancer is one of leading causes of death worldwide. In Thailand, the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer are in the top ten for cancers. Effects of DNA repair gene X-ray repair cross complementary protein 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms and clinicopathological characteristics on survival of stomach cancer in Thailand have not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of XRCC1 gene and clinicopathological characteristics on survival of stomach cancer patients in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Data and blood samples were collected from 101 newly diagnosed stomach cancer cases pathologically confirmed and recruited during 2002 to 2006 and followed-up for vital status until 31 October 2012. Genotype analysis was performed using real-time PCR-HRM. The data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method to yield cumulative survival curve, log-rank test to assess statistical difference of survival and Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratio. Results: The total followed-up times were 2,070 person-months, and the mortality rate was 4.3 per 100 person-months. The median survival time after diagnosis was 8.07 months. The cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-years survival rates were 40.4%, 15.2 % and 10.1 % respectively. After adjustment, tumour stage were associated with an increased risk of death (p= 0.036). The XRCC1 Gln339Arg, Arg/Arg homozygote was also associated with increased risk but statistically this was non-significant. Conclusions: In addition to tumour stage, which is an important prognostic factor affecting to the survival of stomach cancer patients, the genetic variant Gln339Arg in XRCC1 may non-significantly contribute to risk of stomach cancer death among Thai people. Larger studies with different populations are need to verify ours findings.