• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1476-1484
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• 2015

Three endoxylanase-encoding genes from the moderately themophilic chemoorganotrophic bacterium Melioribacter roseus were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Genes xyl2091 (Mros_2091) and xyl2495 (Mros_2495) encode GH10 family hydrolases, whereas xyl2090 (Mros_2090) represents the GH30 family. In addition to catalytic domains, Xyl2090 and Xyl2091 contain carbohydrate-binding modules that could facilitate their binding to xylans and Por sorting domains associated with the sorting of proteins from the periplasm to the outer membrane, where they are covalently attached. Recombinant endoxylanase Xyl2495 exhibited a high specific activity of 1,920 U/mg on birchwood xylan at 40℃. It is active at low temperatures, exhibiting more than 30% of the maximal activity even at 0℃. Endoxylanases Xyl2090 and Xyl2091 have lower specific activities but higher temperature optima at 80℃ and 65℃, respectively. Analysis of xylan hydrolysis products revealed that Xyl2090 generates xylo-oligosaccharides longer than xylopentaose. Xylose and xylobiose are the major products of xylan hydrolysis by the recombinant Xyl2091 and Xyl2495. No activity against cellulose was observed for all enzymes. The presence of three xylanases ensures efficient xylan hydrolysis by M. roseus. The highly processive "free" endoxylanase Xyl2495 could hydrolyze xylan under moderate temperatures. Xylan hydrolysis at elevated temperatures could be accomplished by concerted action of two cell-bound xylanases; Xyl2090 that probably degrades xylans to long xylo-oligosaccharides, and Xyl2091 hydrolyzing them to xylose and xylobiose. The new endoxylanases could be useful for saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass in biofuels production, bleaching of paper pulp, and obtaining low molecular weight xylooligosaccharides.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.58-66
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• 2009

The 2-year rodent carcinogenicity test involves long-term, repetitive dosing of animals that is both time consuming and expensive. Alternative approaches have been attempted using specific transgenic or knockout mice or toxicogenomics to predict carcinogenicity without conducting a 2-year rodent test. In addition, toxicogenomic analysis of carcinogen-treated animals could also enhance our understanding of molecular mechanisms and aid in the diagnosis of acute toxicity induced by carcinogens. Therefore, we investigated transcription profiles after administering the carcinogens 4,4-dimethylformamide (DMF) and 4-biphenylamine (ABP). BALB/c male mice were treated once with DMF (650 mg/kg i.p.) or ABP (120 mg/kg p.o.). Standard blood biochemistry and histological changes were observed. Gene expression profiles in the livers of mice treated with either vehicle or the carcinogens were analyzed using the Affymetrix $GeneChip^{(R)}$ assay. In all, 1,474 differentially expressed genes in DMF- or ABP-treated mice were identified as being either up- or down-regulated over 1.5-fold (P< 0.01), and these genes were analyzed using hierarchical clustering and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Of these, 107 genes were consistently regulated in both carcinogen-treated groups. Genes associated with cancer were upregulated (Por, S100a10, Tes, Ctcf, Ddx21, Eapp, Nel, and Pa2g4) or downregulated (Cbs and Gch1). Toxicological function analysis also identified genes involved in organ toxicity, including hepatotoxicity. These data may help to identify molecular markers for acute hepatotoxicity induced by carcinogens.

• Plant Disease and Agriculture
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 1999

Frost injury of crops is closely related to the epiphytic population dynamics of ice nucleation-active (INA) bacteria, and the injury can be reduced by decreasing the INA bacterial population. In order to predict the epiphytic population of INA bacteria on crops, a rapid and accurate detection method has to be developed. In the previous report, we produced some antibodies against INA proteins purified from the outer membrane of INA bacteria. However it was difficult to produce the antibodies because the purification procedures of the INA proteins were complicated, and the final yield was too low. We designed a specific peptide from the N-terminal region of INA protein by computer analysis and synthesized the peptide in vitro in this experiment. The peptide sequence was Asp-Ser-Por-Leu-Ser-Leu-His-Ala-Asp, that is corresponding to the highly conserved region in several INA proteins, with predicted beta turn, coiling, and hydrophilic region. A polyclonal anti-INA peptide antiserum produced specifically recognized INA bacteria as few as 10 colony-forming units (CFU) in the ELISA reactions and did not respond to other non-INA bacteria. Serological specificity of the anti-INA peptide antiserum will facilitate the forecasting of the INA bacterial population dynamics on crops.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.367-374
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• 2018

Background This analysis presents patient-reported outcomes of breast augmentation procedures performed in Singapore using an inframammary fold incision and the "5 Ps" best practice principles for breast augmentation. These data are the first of their kind in Southeast Asian patients. Methods Through a retrospective chart review, patients who underwent primary breast augmentation with anatomical form-stable silicone gel breast implants using an inframammary fold incision were followed for ${\geq}6$ months postoperatively. The BREAST-Q Augmentation Module (scores standardized to 0 [worst] - 100 [best]) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; 1 [normal skin] to 10 [worst scar imaginable]) were administered. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Patient-reported events were collected. Results Twenty-two Southeast Asian patients (mean age, 35.1 years) completed ${\geq}1$ postoperative BREAST-Q and POSAS assessment and were assessed 11 months to 5.5 years postoperatively. The mean postoperative BREAST-Q satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being scores were 69.2 and 84.0, respectively. The mean POSAS score for their overall opinion of the scar was 4.2; the mean scores for all scar characteristics ranged from 1.2 to 4.2. Over 90% of patients (20/22) said that they would recommend the procedure. Patient complaints following surgery included anisomastia (possibly pre-existing; n=2), sensory loss at the nipple (n=2) or around the nipple (n=3), scarring (n=4), and slight capsular contracture (n=1). No patients required reoperation. Conclusions Southeast Asian patients reported high long-term satisfaction scores on the BREAST-Q scale and with their scar characteristics following breast augmentation using an inframammary fold incision, and nearly all said they would recommend this procedure. No reoperations were necessary in patients assessed for up to 5.5 years postoperatively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.379-386
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• 2014

Background Vulvar defects result chiefly from oncologic resection of vulvar tumors. Reconstruction of vulvar defects restores form and function for the purpose of coitus, micturition, and defecation. Many surgical options exist for vulvar reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to present our experience with vulvar reconstruction. Methods From 2007 to 2013, 43 women presented to us with vulvar defects for reconstruction. Their mean age at the time of reconstruction was 61.1 years. The most common cause of vulvar defect was from resection of vulvar carcinoma and extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva. Method s of reconstruction ranged from primary closure to skin grafting to the use of pedicled flaps. Results The main complications were that of long term hypertrophic and/or unaesthetic scarring of the donor site in 4 patients. Twenty-two patients (51%) were able to resume sexual intercourse. There were no complications of flap loss, wound dehiscence, and urethral stenosis. Conclusions We present a subunit algorithmic approach to vulvar reconstruction based on defect location within the vulva, dimension of the defect, and patient age and comorbidity. The gracilis and gluteal fold flaps are particularly versatile and aesthetically suited for reconstruction of a variety of vulvar defects. From an aesthetic viewpoint the gluteal fold flap was superior because of the well-concealed donor scar. We advocate the routine use of these 2 flaps for vulvar reconstruction.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.223-227
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• 2016

This study evaluated the levels of cardiac biomarkers in dogs with either pulmonic stenosis or aortic stenosis and the correlation between biomarkers and the severity of stenosis assessed by the echocardiography. To achieve this study goal, 38 dogs (10 healthy control dogs, 15 dogs with pulmonic stenosis and 13 dogs with aortic stenosis) were examined. The jet velocity and pressure gradient in this study population were measured by echocardiographic estimation, after which the study group was subdivided by the severity of stenosis. The plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in this study group. The median concentrations of cTnI and NT-proBNP of the disease group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and these increased gradually as stenosis worsened. The severity of stenosis and the concentrations of cTnI and NT-porBNP were also found to be significantly correlated. Finally, the plasma cTnI and NT-proBNP tests were found to beneficial for differentiating clinical patients, predicting the progression of disease, and monitoring the outcome of interventional therapy for stenosis.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.195-202
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• 1998

We demonstrated, for the first time, pronuclear formation and apposition in porcine ooc-ytes following intracytoplasmic injection of porcine, human, bovine and mouse spermatozoon. Microtubule organization and chromatin configuration were investigated in these oocytes during pronuclear apposition. Following intracytoplasmic injection of porcine spermatozoon, the microtubular aster was organized from the neck of spermatozoon, and filled the whole cytoplasm. This male derived microtubules appear to move both pronuclei to the center of oocytes. In contrast, following injection of spermatozoa from different species such as human, bovine and mouse, microtubules were organized from the cortex of the oocytes and concentrated to the pronuclei, which seems to move both male and female pronuclei to the center of oocyte. This organization is similar to what has been shown in the parthenogenetically activated por-cine oocytes. These results suggested that the porcine, human, bovine and mouse sperm chromatin can be formed pronucleus and apposited in the center of oocytes in the absence of male derived microtubule when they were injected into porcine oocytes.

• Cross-Cultural Studies
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• v.34
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• pp.285-306
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• 2014

La historia sobre la ${\acute{e}}poca$ de la independencia y la $formac{\acute{o}}n$ de las naciones latinoamericanas enfatiza sobre todo los roles de los hombres y $espor\acute{a}dicamente$ de las mujeres. Se han considerado directrices las acciones de algunos criollos de esa epoca como $Sim{\acute{o}}n$ Bolivar y San Martín. La historiografía masculina-$c{\acute{e}}ntrica$ $est{\acute{a}}$ ignorando y marginando las luchas y los sacrificios de las mujeres que participaron en la independencia y la $formac{\acute{o}}n$ de las naciones. Por tanto, es preciso realizar una crítica a los procesos que han mantenido la tendencia machista, uno de ellos es porque no se han desatendido concepciones y cosmovisiones sobre el $g{\acute{e}}nero$. En fin, esta tendencia es porque no se ha superado la herencia colonial de manera crítica. En este contexto, este artículo intenta investigar los cambios sobre los puntos de vista y la manera de ver a las mujeres y sus actividades durante la ${\acute{e}}poca$ de la independencia. Puesto que las mujeres han sido consideradas como objetos que ocupan un espacio secundario en $comparaci{\acute{o}}n$ a los roles de los criollos. Este estudio pretende configurar nuevos puntos de vista para reestructurar nuestro enfoque tradicional sobre la independencia y las formaciones de las naciones latinoamericanas para poner en evidencia los roles de las mujeres en la historia.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.9 s.89
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• pp.1224-1231
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• 2007

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II have structure like insulin. In contrast to insulin, however, the bioavaility of IGFs is modulated by the IGF-binding protein (IGFBPs). Each of IGFBPs was different with molecular masses, biological characteristics, and immunological properties.. Human fibroblasts secrete IGFBPs that can modify IGF-I action. In diabetes mellitus, the most study of IGF systems have been investigated in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and streptozotocin-in-duced animals in vivo. Recently, a little research regarding the IGFs system has been proposed in por-tion of cell in vitro. In this study, effects of low or high glucose condition on IGFBP-5 in GM10 was investigated. By western blotting analysis, IGFBP-5 level decreased in cells cultured at high glucose, but IGFBP-5 level of mRNA didn't change. IGFBP-5 protease that cleaves IGFBP-5 in conditioned me-dium had was inhibited by EDTA and heparin, like serine protease and metalloprotease. Furthermore, the protease activity was increased in high glucose cultivated condition. In results of gelatin zymog-raphy, molecular weight of proteolytic metalloenzymes was indentified 69-kDa and protease activity was increased in time-dependent manner. Although the mechanism has yet to be determined, IGFBP-5 proteolysis in GM10 cells cultured with high glucose may increase effects of IGFs to decrease the glu-cose level through dissociation of IGFs from IGFBPs. Therefore, we suggest that IGF- I and IGFBPs could be potential models in study of pathophysiology such as diabetes mellitus.

• Rapid Communication in Photoscience
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2012

Luminescent lanthanide complexes have been overviewed for advanced photonics applications. Lanthanide(III) ions ($Ln^{3+}$) were encapsulated by the luminescent ligands such as metalloporphyrins, naphthalenes, anthracene, push-pull diketone derivatives and boron dipyrromethene(bodipy). The energy levels of the luminescent ligands were tailored to maintain the effective energy transfer process from luminescent ligands to $Ln^{3+}$ ions for getting a higher optical amplification gain. Also, key parameters for emission enhancement and efficient energy transfer pathways for the sensitization of $Ln^{3+}$ ions by luminescent ligands were investigated. Furthermore, to enhance the optophysical properties of novel luminescent $Ln^{3+}$ complexes, aryl ether-functionalized dendrons as photon antennas have been incorporated into luminescent $Ln^{3+}$ complexes, yielding novel $Ln^{3+}$-cored dendrimer complex such as metalloporphyrins, naphthalenes, and anthracenes bearing the Fr$\acute{e}$chet aryl-ether dendrons, namely, ($Er^{3+}-[Gn-Pt-Por]_3$ (terpy), $Er^{3+}-[Gn-Naph]_3$(terpy) and $Er^{3+}-[Gn-An]_3$(terpy)). These complexs showed much stronger near-IR emission bands at 1530 nm, originated from the 4f-4f electronic transition of the first excited state ($^4I_{13/2}$) to the ground state ($^4I_{15/2}$) of the partially filled 4f shell. A significant decrease in the fluorescence of metalloporphyrins, naphthalenes and anthracene ligand were accompanied by a strong increase in the near IR emission of the $Ln^{3+}$ ions. The near IR emission intensities of $Ln^{3+}$ ions in the lanthanide(III)-encapsulated dendrimer complexes were dramatically enhanced with increasing the generation number (n) of dendrons, due to the site-isolation and the light-harvesting(LH) effects. Furthermore, it was first attempted to distinguish between the site-isolation and the light-harvesting effects in the present complexes. In this review, synthesis and photophysical studies of inert and stable luminescent $Ln^{3+}$ complexes will be dealt for the advanced photonics applications. Also, the review will include the exploratory investigation of the key parameters for emission enhancement and the effective energy transfer pathways from luminescent ligands to $Ln^{3+}$ ions with $Ln^{3+}$-chelated prototype complexes.