• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1052-1060
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• 2018

Triclosan (TCS) is a phenolic antimicrobial chemical used in consumer products and medical devices. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo animal studies has linked TCS to numerous health problems, including allergic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disease. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we here show that short-term TCS treatment ($LC_{50}$: ~0.2 mM) significantly induced mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, TCS-induced mortality was dramatically suppressed by co-treatment with non-ionic surfactants (NISs: e.g., Tween 20, Tween 80, NP-40, and Triton X-100), but not with anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate). To identify the range of compounds susceptible to NIS inhibition, other structurally related chemical compounds were also examined. Of the compounds tested, only the toxicity of phenolic compounds (bisphenol A and benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) was significantly abrogated by NISs. Mechanistic analyses using TCS revealed that NISs appear to interfere with TCS-mediated mortality by micellar solubilization. Once internalized, the TCS-micelle complex is inefficiently exported in worms lacking PMP-3 (encoding an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter) transmembrane protein, resulting in overt toxicity. Since many EDCs and surfactants are extensively used in commercial products, findings from this study provide valuable insights to devise safer pharmaceutical and nutritional preparations.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.56-69
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• 2022

Silk is a unique natural biopolymer with outstanding biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and superior optical transparency. Due to its excellent properties, silk has been widely reported as an ideal biomaterial for several biomedical applications. Recently, fluorescent silk protein, a variant of native silk, has been reported as a biophotonic material with the potential for bioimaging and biosensing. Despite the realization of fluorescent silk, the traditional degumming process of fluorescence silk is crude and often results in fluorescence loss. The loss of fluorescent properties is attributed to the sensitivity of silk fibroin to temperature and solvent concentration during degumming. However, there is no comprehensive information on the influence of these processing parameters on fluorescence evolution and decay during fluorescent silk processing. Therefore, we conducted a spectroscopic study on fluorescence decay as a function of temperature, concentration, and duration for fluorescent silk cocoon degumming. Sodium carbonate solution was tested for degumming the fluorescent silk cocoons with different concentrations and temperatures; also, sodium carbonate solution is combined with Alcalase enzyme and triton x-100 to find optimal degumming conditions. Additionally, we conducted a molecular dynamics study to investigate the fundamental effect of temperature on the stability of the fluorescent protein. We observed degumming temperature as the prime source of fluorescent intensity reduction. From the MD study, fluorescence degradation originated from the thermal agitation of fluorescent protein Cα atoms and fluctuations of amino acid residues located in the chromophore region. Overall, degumming fluorescent silk with sodium carbonate and Alcalase enzyme solution at 25 ℃ preserved fluorescence.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.339-347
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• 2001

Sperm-mediated DNA transfer has a potential to markedly simplify techniques for the generation of transgenic animals. The exogenous DNA transfer by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure has been recently introduced in the production of transgenic animals. In this study, the developmental competence and tile expression rates of transgene were investigated after injection of spermatozoon or sperm head with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene into the mature porcine oocytes. The porcine oocytes were injected with intact sperm, membrane-disrupted sperm or sperm head. After injection. embryos were cultured in NCSU23 medium up to the blastocyst stage, and the developmental competence and expression rates were studied. The developmental rate (67.0%) of sperm injection group was higher than that (59.7%) of sperm head injection group, and the rates of EGFP expression were also significantly different between sperm injection and sperm head injection groups (42.1 vs 20.0%) (F＜0.05). In the porcine oocytes injected with sperm treated with different methods of membrane disruption, the removal of sperm membrane did not alter the developmental competence of embryos. The rate of blastocysts at 7 days after injection with intact and membrane disrupted sperm were 15.0 and 14.2%, respectively. The EGFP expression rates, 38.4% in embryos injected with frozen-thawed sperm was higher than that, 22.4% of embryos injected with the Triton X-100 treated sperm. Prior to injection, sperm were cultured in different EGFP gene concentrations from 0.Ol to 1ng/u${mu}ell$. However, no significant difference in developmental rates of embryos among different concentrations of EGFP gene were observed. The highest expression rate of EGFP gene, 37.4% was obtained from the embryos injected with spermatozoa treated with 0.1 ng/${mu}ell$ EGFP gene. These results suggested that exogenous DNA could be attached to the membrane disrupted sperm, and that these sperm could be used as a vector carrying foreign DNA into embryos.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.265-274
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• 2002

Background : Tumor associated antigens, which are produced specifically by tumor cells, are promising targets for the early diagnosis and immunotherapy. Among the tumor associated antigens, MAGE (a melanoma antigen), BAGE, GAGE, PRAME and NY-ESO were named as cancer/testis specific antigens they are detected exclusively in the testis or cancer cells If MAGE is easily detectable in the sputum, it would become a convenient method for diagnosing lung cancer. This study was undertaken to investigate MAGE expression in the induced sputum obtained from lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods : In 14 control patients and 30 lung cancer patients, the induced sputum was collected after inhaling 3% saline(5 cc) delivered by nebulizer for approximately 5 minutes after a mouth rinse and bronchodilator inhalation. The induced sputum was placed in a conservative-mixed solution (guanidinium isothiocyanate, Triton X-100). The total cellular mRNA was extracted from the cells and RT PCR and nested PCR were run in 30 and 35 cycles respectively, with two different types of primers specially designed to detect six subtypes of MAGE DNA simultaneously. Results : MAGE expression was not detected in the 14 controls, but in the 30 cancer patients, MAGE was found in 24 patients (80%, p=0.001). In the cancer patients, there were no differences in the expression level according to the tissue types (squamous cell cancer 13/17, adenocarcinoma 7/9, and small cell cancer 4/4, p-0.56). Among the 24 MAGE-positive patients, the tumor was not visible on a bronchoscopy in 11 patients (45.8%). Conclusion : A study of MAGE in induced sputum appears to be a useful and complementary method in the diagnosis of lung cancer. A further prospective study with more patients is recommended.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.482-494
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• 1994

Most of carotenoprotein complexes have been extracted by using buffered solutions. However, in this study carotenoprotein from the muscle of Blue mussel(Mytilus edulis) was extracted by a detergent such as Triton X-100. It was purified and characterized by $20\%$ (w/v) $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, DEAE-cellulose ion exchange and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. The carotenoprotein(${\lambda}_{max}=462nm$) had an approximate M. W. of 372KDa(gel filtration). SDS-PAGE analysis of the carotenoprotein indicated the presence of four polypeptides of 60KDa($23.70\%$), 46.9KDa($9.14\%$), 26KDa($49.14\%$) and 13KDa($18.02\%$). Carotenoprotein denaturated by treatment with SDS to a final concentration of $0.2\%$ (w/v) caused a hypsochromic shift of ${\lambda}_{max}$ from 462nm to 456nm. The carotenoprotein contained lipids as structure units. The amino acid composition of the carotenoprotein contained large essential amino acid amounts of $62.8\%$, and the content of threonine($35.9\%$) was higher than other amino acids, but histidine, methionine and proline were not present. In the carotenoprotein, the major fatty acids were $C_{16:4},\;C_{16:0},\;C_{20:5}\;and\;C_{22:6}$. The percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids($62.4\%$) were higher compared to other fatty acids(saturated fatty acids $19.6\%$, monounsaturated fatty acids $18.0\%$). Carotenoid was extracted from the carotenoprotein by acetone and it was separated into five different components by preparative TLC(benzene:petroleum ether:acetone=69:17:14). The major components of carotenoid were mytiloxanthin($74.79\%$) and 3,4,3'- trihydroxy-7',8'-didehydro-${\beta}$-carotene($18.26\%$), and they were at least presented as prosthetic groups of carotenoprotein.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.189-194
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• 1996

The effects of scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, Lqh) venom were evaluated on the activities of microsomal $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$ and $Ca^{2+}$ release channel prepared from the epithelial cells of pig airway. Whole venom of Lqh $(120\;{\mu}g/ml)$ increased the activity of microsomal $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$ about 32% in the tight-sealed microsomes and about 28% in the Triton X-100-treated or $Ca^{2+}$ ionophore A23187-treated leaky microsomes. Thapsigargin, a specific antagonist of $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$, inhibited 42% of total ATPase activity and also completely blocked the effects of Lqh venom, suggesting that Lqh venom directly activiates the microsomal $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$. In order to determine if Lqh venom increases the microsomal uptake of $^{45}Ca^{2+}$, Lqh venom was added in the uptake medium. The Lqh venom increased microsomal $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake up to ${\sim}20%$ and the increase was only observed when heparin, an antagonist of $InsP_3$ receptor channel, was added in the uptake medium. Lqh venom in the absence of heparin unexpectedly decreased the rate and the amount of $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake. These results were explained by simultaneous increases in $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ release as well as $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake by Lqh venom. Lqh venom itself increased the release of $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ as much as $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ release by $4\;{\mu}m\;InsP_3$, implying that Lqh venom also activates $InsP_3$ receptor, microsomal $Ca^{2+}$ release channel. Based on these results, we suggest that the Lqh venom consists of at least two components; one activates the $InsP_3$ receptor and the other avates the $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$. Currently we a investigating the chemical and electrophysiological properties of the active components of Lqh venom.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2015

BACKGROUND: Yeast isolates associated with the leaves, stems, and flowers of the tiger lily needed to be identified using isolation methods that have previously been used effectively in yeast biotechnology. A culture-based approach was necessary for the isolation of many yeast strains associated with tiger lily. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the homogenized leaves, stems, and flowers of tiger lily were spreaded onto GPY medium containing chloramphenicol, streptomycin, Triton X-100, and L-sorbose. A total of 82 yeast strains from the leaves, 94 and 97 yeast strains from the stems and flowers were isolated, respectively. Yeast isolates were identified by phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The yeast species isolated from the leaves comprised of 31 isolates of the genus Pseudozyma, 28 of Aureobasidium pullulans, and 11 of the genus Cryptococcus. Those isolated from the stems comprised of 40 of A. pullulans and 11 of Cryptococcus, and 95 of A. pullulans While, 1 isolate each of the genera Rhodotorula and Metschnikowia were isolated from the flowers. CONCLUSION: We identified site-specific yeast communities associated with tiger lily. These yeast isolates may have high potential for application in the field of biotechnology.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.250-259
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• 2001

To determine if initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis changes the balance of cytokines between T cells and macrophages, we evaluated interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$), interleukin-12 (IL)-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ productions by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 untreated active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients and 12 healthy tuberculin reactors (HTR). Freshly isolated PBMC were stimulated with Triton X-100 solubilized protein (TSP), 30-kDa or purified protein derivatives (PPD) antigen for 6, 18 and 96 hours. IL-12 p40 production by antigen-stimulated PBMC from TB patients was significantly decreased compared with that in HTR. In addition, IFN-${\gamma}$ production was significantly depressed in TB patients than that in HTR at a 96-hr stimulation. However, TNF-${\alpha}$ production was significantly higher in antigen-stimulated PBMC from TB than that of HTR. A pronounced increase in IFN-${\gamma}$ protein followed neutralization of IL-10 in early TB patients. However, neutralization of TNF-${\alpha}$ did not significantly alter IFN-${\gamma}$ induction in PBMC from TB patients. There were no significantly differences in the cytokine productions among three proteins, TSP, 30-kDa or PPD antigen. These results indicate that development of TB may be strongly associated with dysregulated productions of IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, during the initial immune responses to M. tuberculosis. Further understanding of operative cytokine networks during human immune cell responses to protein antigens of M. tuberculosis may improve strategies for vaccine development.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.448-458
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• 2010

Kenaf has a rigid and rough touch that inhibits the use of it as a textile material; therefore, this study developed a novel textile material using kenaf. Kenaf and cotton were blended in the ratio of 3:7 and manufactured as 20' spun yarn that was compared to 20's spun yarn made of 100% cotton. Both kenaf/cotton-blended and 100% cotton spun yarn were constructed as plain woven and knitted fabrics. Four kinds of fabrics were prepared as follows. Plain kenaf/cotton-woven fabrics, plain cotton-woven fabrics, kenaf/cotton jersey, and cotton jersey. A cellulase washing process was carried out to reduce the character of kenaf/cotton-blended fabrics, rigid, and rough touch. All fabrics were pretreated with NaOH. NaOH at the concentrations of 0, 0.25, 1.25, and 2.25mol/L, and cellulase at concentrations of 0, 1, 3 and 5g/L were used since the pretreatment of NaOH has a higher efficiency of weight loss than $Na_2CO_3,\;K2CO_3$ and Triton X-100. The ratio of weight loss, tensile strength, stiffness, drape property, and surface appearance were measured in order to evaluate the efficiency of the washing treatment on fabrics. Kenaf/cotton-blended fabrics exhibited more rigid and rough features than cotton fabrics. A cotton jersey showed significant differences in the degree of stiffness and drape properties. When all fabrics were treated with 1.25mol/L of NaOH and 3g/L of cellulase, kenaf/cotton-blended fabrics showed a higher retention ratio of tensile strength than cotton fabrics after washing despite the increased weight l08s of kenaf-blended fabrics compared to cotton fabrics. The ratio of weight loss for all fabrics was well correlated with flexibility. The washing treatment process made woven fabrics more flexible than knitted fabrics, because the stiffness of woven fabrics made the rubbing actions stronger. Kenaf/cotton-blended fabrics showed a significantly higher ratio of weight loss and more reduction in stiffness than cotton fabrics after the washing treatment. This might be due to the lack of cohesiveness and easy elimination from fabrics. The drape property of kenaf-blended fabrics was superior to cotton fabrics.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.301-306
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• 2001

Column tests were conducted to investigate the optimal condition of surfactant solution pH that can affect the removal efficiency in surfactant-assisted remediation. Toluene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene were chosen as the model hydrophobic substances. Two Iowa soils, Fruitfield sand and Webster clay loam, were leached with solutions of 4%(v/v) sodium diphenyl oxide disulfonate (DOSL, trade name Dowfax 8390), or 4%(v/v) trideceth-19-carboxylic acid (TDCA, trade name Sandopan JA36), or 4% (v/v) octylphenoxypoly ethoxyethanol (OPEE, trade name Triton X100). The test results revealed that a maximum removal of toluene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene was obtained at pH 10 of surfactant solution, and maximum recoveries of added toluene (94%) or 1 ,2,4- trichlorobenzene (97 %) were obtained for DOSL surfactant solution in Fruitfield sandy soil column. Increased removal efficiency by pH control of both toluene and 1,2,4trichlorobenzene was 16% and 20% for DOSL with Fruitfild sandy soil, respectively. In addition, the maximum recoveries of added toluene or I ,2,4-trichlorobenzene were 89% and 93% for DOSL surfactant solution in Webster clay loam soil column. The maximum increase of toluene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene removal was 26% and 19% for DOSL with Webster clay loam soil, respectively. These experimental results indicate that maintaining a high pH surfactant solution in surfactant-assisted remediation is desirable for efficient removal of NAPLs from contminated soils.