• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2010

The environmental risks of cucumber mosaic virus resistant transgenic chili peppers with the CMVP0-CP gene on non-target organisms in the agroecosystem environments was evaluated during the periods of the chili pepper growing season (June 19, July 30, August 31) in 2007. Arthropods assemblages leaves and flowers of chili peppers were quantitatively collected by using an insect vacuum collector to compare the arthropod community structures between non-transgenic chili peppers (nTR, P 915) and mosaic virus resistant transgenic chili peppers (TR, CMV-cp, line 7). There was no statistical difference in the arthropod community structure between the two types of crops, nTR and TR, at the same season, although the species richness and Shannon's index were somewhat different among seasons; indicating no effects of genetically modified peppers on the arthropod community. However, further studies were required to conclude more concretely for the potential environmental risk of the transgenic chili pepper of CMV-cp.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.32-40
• /
• 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 3 tone plaque disclosing gel in assessing the risk of caries related to the population of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus spp. quantified using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 15 healthy children of ages 9 - 12 years were randomly examined. The 3 tone plaque disclosing gel was applied on teeth surfaces, which changed the color to pink or red, blue or purple and light blue. Plaque was divided into 3 groups based on staining. Genomic DNA from each sample was subjected to a qRT-PCR assay for quantitative detection of target bacteria. The Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted for correlation between the color of plaque and the number of bacterial species. The levels of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and Lactobacillus spp. were significantly different in the plaque samples of the 3 groups (p < 0.05). The proportion of S. sobrinus to S. mutans showed correlation to the color of plaque. The different color-dyed plaque was related to the number of acidogenic bacteria. The 3 tone plaque disclosing gel could be used as one of the indicators to assess the clinical risk of caries associated with the population of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and Lactobacillus spp.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.45-64
• /
• 2020

Objectives: Limited information is available on the presence and associated ecological risks of pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments near pharmaceutical manufacturing areas in Korea. In this study, we investigated the current state of pharmaceutical contamination and its associated ecological risks in streams near a pharmaceutical manufacturing complex. Methods: Seven pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, clarithromycin, diclofenac, diphenhydramine, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and roxithromycin) were measured in water samples collected from the streams near a pharmaceutical manufacturing complex. A predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) was derived using either the assessment factor method or species sensitivity distribution method. In addition, a hazard quotient for each pharmaceutical was calculated by dividing its measured environmental concentration by its PNEC. Results: Samples collected downstream from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) had higher concentrations of pharmaceuticals than those collected from the reference site (upstream). Moreover, pharmaceutical concentrations were greater in ambient water than in the final effluent from the WWTP, which suggested that non-point sources were contributing to the contamination of the ambient water environment. Some of the target pharmaceuticals exhibited a hazard quotient >1, indicating that their potential ecological effects on the aquatic environment near the pharmaceutical industrial area should not be ignored. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the pharmaceutical manufacturing area was contaminated with residual drugs, and that there was a possible non-point source near the WWTP effluent discharge area. The results of this study will aid in the development of management plans for pharmaceuticals, particularly in hotspots such as pharmaceutical industrial sites and their vicinities.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.301-308
• /
• 2020

Owing to global climate change, the global resurgence of vector-borne infectious diseases and their potential to inflict widespread casualties among human populations has emerged as a pivotal burden on public health systems. Tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus) in the Republic of Korea is steadily increasing and was designated as a legal communicable disease in 1994. The disease is a mite-borne acute febrile disease most commonly contracted from October to December. In this study, we tried to determine the prevalence of tsutsugamushi disease transmitted by chigger mites living on rodents and investigated their target vector diversity, abundance, and distribution to enable the mapping of hotspots for this disease in 2015. A total of 5 species belonging to 4 genera (109 mites): Leptotrombidium scutellare 60.6%, L. pallidum 28.4% Neotrombicula tamiyai 9.2%, Euschoengastia koreaensis/0.9%), and Neoschoengastia asakawa 0.9% were collected using chigger mite collecting traps mimicking human skin odor and sticky chigger traps from April to November 2015. Chigger mites causing tsutsugamushi disease in wild rodents were also collected in Hwaseong for the zoonotic surveillance of the vector. A total of 77 rodents belonging to 3 genera: Apodemus agrarius (93.5%), Crocidura lasiura (5.2%), and Micromys minutus (1.3%) were collected in April, October, and November 2015. The most common mite was L. pallidum (46.9%), followed by L. scutellare (18.6%), and L. orientale (18.0%). However, any of the chigger mite pools collected from rodent hosts was tested positive for Orientia tsutsugamushi, the pathogen of tsutsugamushi disease, in this survey.

• Land and Housing Review
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.221-229
• /
• 2015

Large trees in the apartment complex are playing an important role to decide the quality of external environment. They are planted with the object of utilizing themselves as a landmark of the complex and enhancing space symbolism. Since planting large trees would require high maintenance costs and generate defect, it would cause decline in quality of external environment. This study researches on large trees in artificial ground of the apartment complex. This study analyzes actual condition of planting and tries to provide improvement direction of planting. In order to conduct this research, three target areas (over R30) and 265 trees are selected. Based on the drawings and specifications this study researches on the plan of landscape design, changes of field design, actual condition of completion, present condition of planting, minimum soil depth of growth and development and types of extra action for soil depth. The result shows that 85% of drawings and specifications for large trees in the apartment complex are deep-rooted tree species. On average large trees with R 35 are planted in artificial ground and there is lack of on average 65cm minimum soil depth of growth and development. Reviewing changes of field design is conducted in such limited size as mainly R30 and R40 and there is no extra plan for lack of soil depth. The plan for securing additional soil depth is done by 85% of mounding. However, since there is only 10% of satisfaction, the inappropriateness in securing additional soil is pointed out. This research also points out that the size of large trees, root characteristics and location-allocation for planting are pivotal factors for securing minimum soil depth of growth and development. This research also provides improvement direction in case of planning planting.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.179-188
• /
• 2017

White-rot basidiomycetes are the organisms that decompose lignin most efficiently, and Trametes villosa is a promising species for ligninolytic enzyme production. There are several publications on T. villosa applications for lignin degradation regarding the expression and secretion of laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) but no reports on the identification and characterization of lignin peroxidase (LiP), a relevant enzyme for the efficient breakdown of lignin. The object of this study was to identify and partially characterize, for the first time, gDNA, mRNA, and the corresponding lignin peroxidase (TvLiP) protein from T. villosa strain CCMB561 from the Brazilian semiarid region. The presence of ligninolytic enzymes produced by this strain grown in inducer media was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by spectrophotometry, qPCR, and dye fading using Remazol Brilliant Blue R. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that LiP activity was higher than that of MnP. The greatest LiP expression as measured by qPCR occurred on the $7^{th}$ day, and the ABSA medium (agar, sugarcane bagasse, and ammonium sulfate) was the best that favored LiP expression. The amplification of the TvLiP gene median region covering approximately 50% of the T. versicolor LPGIV gene (87% identity); the presence of Trp199, Leu115, Asp193, Trp199, and Ala203 in the translated amplicon of the T. villosa mRNA; and the close phylogenetic relationship between TvLiP and T. versicolor LiP all indicate that the target enzyme is a lignin peroxidase. Therefore, T. villosa CCMB561 has great potential for use as a LiP, MnP, and Lac producer for industrial applications.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
• /
• 2003.05a
• /
• pp.148-148
• /
• 2003

This study is to investigate the environmental levels and trend of dioxins, which was the 3$\^$rd/ year of environmental monitoring research for endocrine disrupting chemicals since 1999. Total 282 samples were analyzed from 115 sites including 26 sites of airs, 43 sites of waters, 11 sites of sediments and 35 sites of soil, which were the same as those of investigated sites in 2000. Sampling period was from June 2001 to June 2002. Target chemicals were seventeen species of 2,3,7,8-chlorine-substituted PCDD and PCDF congeners and were analyzed by the standard methods, established by National Institute Environmental Research (NIER). The average concentration of dioxins in air decreased from 0.324 pg-TEQ/N㎥ in 2000 to 0.287 pg-TEQ/N㎥ in 2001, and those in water and soil were 0.073pg-TEQ/L and 1.703pg-TEQ/dry g, respectively, which was the less values detected in 2000. In sediment, however, the value was 0.086pg-TEQ/dry g, which was the increase from the value of the year 2000. The concentration range of dioxins in air for 26 sites in 17 regions detected were 0.013∼l.664pg-TEQ/N㎥, 4 sites from those were exceeded the Air Quality Standards of Dioxin in Japan (0.6 pg-TEQ/N㎥). The tolerable daily intake of dioxins was calculated at the highest level (1.664) in air, with referring the soil and food data from Japan, was calculated to be 2.85pg-TEQ/kg/day, which was below the level of 4 pg-TEQ/kg/day suggested in KFDA(Korea). While the average concentration of dioxins in 15 big cities was 0.190 pg-TEQ/N㎥, that in 8 medium/small cities constituting an industrial complex was 0.558 pg-TEQ/N㎥. In water, the concentration range detected were 0∼0.946pg-TEQ/L and the trend of the average concentrations shows an increase from those of 1999 but decreased from those of 2000, any sites however were not exceeded the Water Quality Standards of Dioxin in Japan (1 pg- TEQ/L). In soil. the detected range were 0∼43.333 pg-TEQ/dry g and the average concentration decreased, compared with the results of 2000. According to the monitoring results by land utilization, the detected range were 0∼43.333pg-TEQ/dry g in farmland, 0.017∼0.601 pg-TEQ/dry g in the industrial area, 0.005∼0.049pg-TEQ/dry g in the park and 0.008∼1.825 pg-TEQ/dry g in the rest. In sediment, the detected range increased from 0∼0.244 pg-TEQ/dry g to 0∼0.537 pg-TEQ/dry g, based on the results of 2000. For the proper control of dioxins, continuous monitoring needs to be performed and in addition, the dioxin inventory should be prepared for major sources through the dioxin emission survey. These results would provide sound and solid basis for proper decision making of dioxins management like establishment of environmental quality standards in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.117-131
• /
• 2017

This study was conducted to draw vegetation landscape elements in the ancient literature, investigate plant community structure, understand vegetation structure, and suggest reasonal conservation management methods. As a result of analyzing ancient literature, geomorphological landscapes in Guryong valley were canyon landscape and valley surrounded in Mt. Chiak. Plant landscape factors were as followed. Rhododendron spp. spread around valley. Also, Pinus densiflora communities were distributed in Guryong valley around. Especially, the entrance zones of Guryong valley were described as covered with Pinus densiflora and Whangchangkumpyo(黃腸禁標). Therefore, it was estimated that entry of Guryong valley was covered with Pinus densiflora community landscape. As for current vegetation result, the main vegetation was divided into mixed deciduous broad-leaved trees community and Pinus densiflora community. As a result of analysis by TWINSPAN for community classification, five communities(Deciduous broadleaved trees, Pinus densiflora, Pinus densiflora-Abies holophylla, Abies holophylla, and Pinus koraiensis community) were classified. To maintain historic plant landscape and conserve crucial resources, Pinus densiflora community was classified as concentrated conservation management area($105,472m^2$). To maintain Pinus densiflora landscape which has high historical and cultural value of Guryong valley, it was considered that active density control of lower layer vegetation would be necessary. Accordingly, to conserve P. densiflora landscape, Whangchangkumpyo(?腸禁標), that area was separated into Pinus densiflora lower layer forest management area($84,029m^2$) and Pinus densiflora seedling conservation management area($21,443m^2$). In understory of Pinus densiflora lower layer flora, the target tree species for elimination and management were Quercus serrata and Quercus mongolica. They were $4{\sim}6trees/100m^2$ and their average diameter was 7.1cm. To preserve Pinus densiflora seedlings, areas with Sasa borealis, the ground vegetation of Pinus densiflora community, rate of 80% or more should be selected as priority management areas and concentrated elimination and management of Sasa borealis should be implemented. Likewise, traditional Pinus densiflora forest is a historically cultural heritage to preserve with sustainable interest and survey. Efficient management method through systematic monitoring system should be made.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.61-66
• /
• 2011

P2Y receptors are metabotropic G-protein-coupled receptors, which are involved in many important biologic functions in the central nervous system including retina. Subtypes of P2Y receptors in retinal tissue vary according to the species and the cell types. We examined the molecular and pharmacologic profiles of P2Y purinoceptors in retinoblastoma cell, which has not been identified yet. To achieve this goal, we used $Ca^{2+}$ imaging technique and western blot analysis in WERI-Rb-1 cell, a human retinoblastoma cell line. ATP ($10\;{\mu}M$) elicited strong but transient $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase in a concentration dependent manner from more than 80% of the WERI-Rb-1 cells (n=46). Orders of potency of P2Y agonists in evoking $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ transients were 2MeS-ATP>ATP>>UTP=${\alpha}{\beta}$-MeATP, which was compatible with the subclass of $P2Y_1$ receptor. The $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ transients evoked by applications of 2MeS-ATP and/or ATP were also profoundly suppressed in the presence of $P2Y_1$ selective blocker (MRS 2179; $30\;{\mu}M$). $P2Y_1$ receptor expression in WERI-Rb-1 cells was also identified by using western blot. Taken together, $P2Y_1$ receptor is mainly expressed in a retinoblastoma cell, which elicits $Ca^{2+}$ release from internal $Ca^{2+}$ storage sites via the phospholipase C-mediated pathway. $P2Y_1$ receptor activation in retinoblastoma cell could be a useful model to investigate the role of purinergic $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ signaling in neural tissue as well as to find a novel therapeutic target to this lethal cancer.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.21 no.8
• /
• pp.417-428
• /
• 2020

Housekeeping genes are expressed in cells of all organisms and perform basic cellular functions such as energy generation, substance synthesis, cell death, and cell defense. Accordingly, the expression levels of housekeeping genes are relatively constant, and thus they are used as reference genes in gene expression studies, such as protein expression and mRNA expression analysis of target genes. However, the levels of expression of these genes may be different among various tissues or cells and may change under certain circumstances. Therefore, it is important to select the best reference gene for specific gene expression research by exploring the stability of housekeeping gene expression. This review summarizes housekeeping genes found in humans, chickens, pigs, and rats in the literature and estimates expression stability using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software. The most suitable reference housekeeping gene can selected based on expression stability according to the experimental conditions of the gene expression study and can thus be applied to data normalization.