• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.210-216
• /
• 2013

Efficient regeneration methods and transformation system are a priority for successful application of genetic engineering to vegetative propagated plants such as grape (Vitis labrusca L.). This research is to establish shoot regeneration system from plant explants for 'Campbell Early', 'Tamnara', 'Heukgoosul', 'Heukbosek' using two types of plant growth regulators supplemented to medium. The highest adventitious shoot regeneration rate of 5% was achieved on a medium containing of Murashige and Skoog (MS) inorganic salts and Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) vitamins, 2 mg/L of TDZ and 0.1 mg/L of IBA. Leaf tissue of 'Campbell Early', was co-cultivated with Agrobacterium strains, LBA4404 containing the vector pBI121 carrying with CaMV 35S promoter, gus gene as reporter gene and resistance to kanamycin as selective agent, the other Agrobacterium strains, GV3101 containing the vector pB7 WG2D carrying with mPAP1-D gene. mPAP1-D is a regulatory genes of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. 'Campbell Early' harboring mPAP1-D gene was readily able to be selected by red color due to anthocyanin accumulation in the transformed shoot. These results might be helpful for further studies to enhance the transformation efficiency in grape.

• Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.189-195
• /
• 2003

To enhance the reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) under anaerobic conditions, we examined the adjunctive effects of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), which are the central metals of transition-metal cofactors of coenzyme F$\_$430/ and vitamin B$\_$12/, respectively, on the dechlorination of Aroclor 1248. After 32 weeks of incubation, the average numbers of chlorines per biphenyl in culture vials supplemented with 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mM of Co reduced from 3.88 to 3.39, 2.92, and 3.28, respectively. However, the numbers of chlorine after supplementing with Ni decreased from 3.88 to 3.43, regardless of the Ni concentrations. The observed congener distribution patterns of all vials with different conditions were similar to the pattern produced by the dechlorination process of H' after 21 weeks of incubation, and these patterns were unchanged up to week 32, except for vials supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mM of Co. In vials containing 0.5 mM of Co, meta-rich congeners, such as 25/ 25-,24/25-, and 25/23-chlorobiphenyls (CBPs), which were found as accumulated products of dechlorination in other conditions, were further dechlorinated, and 25/2-, 24/2-, and 2/2-CBPs were concomitantly increased after 32 weeks of incubation. In this case, the congener distribution was similar to the dechlorination pattern of process M. From these results, we suggested that the enrichment of cultures with Co might stimulate the growth of specific populations of meta-dechlorinators, and that populations might promote a change in the dechlorination process from H' to M, which is known to be less effective on the dechlorination of the more highly chlorinated congeners of PCBs.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.14-21
• /
• 2011

Riboflavin synthase catalyzes the formation of one molecule of each riboflavin and 5-amino-6-ribitylamino-2,4-pyrimidinedione by the transfer of a 4-carbon moiety between two molecules of the substrates, 6,7-dimetyl-8-ribityllumazine. The most remarkable feature is the sequence similarity between the N-terminal half (1-97) and the C-terminal half domain (99-213). To investigate the structure and fluorescent characteristics of the N-terminal half of riboflavin synthase (N-RS) in Escherichia coli, more than 10 mutant genes coding for the mutated N-terminal domain of riboflavin synthase were generated by polymerase chain reaction. The genes coding for the proteins were inserted into pQE vector designed for easy purification of protein by 6X-His tagging system, expressed, and the proteins were purified. Almost all mutated N-terminal domain of riboflavin synthases bind to 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine and riboflavin as fluorescent ligands. However, N-RS C47D and N-RS ET66,67DQ mutant proteins show colorless, indicating that fluorescent ligands were dissociated during purification. In addition, most mutated proteins show low fluorescent intensity comparing to N-RS wild type, whereas N-RS C48S posses stronger fluorescent intensity than that of wild type protein. Based on this result, N-RS C48S can be used as the tool for high throughput screening system for searching for the compound with inhibitory effect for the riboflavin synthase.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.72-77
• /
• 2004

Diabetic vascular complications such as atherosclerosis have been reported as one of significant obstructions in treatment of diabetes. There has been a significant increase in recognition of the importance of antioxidative nutrients such as vitamin E, for the prevention of diabetic vascular complication by oxidative stress. This study focused on the effect of dietary $\beta$-carotene on the levels of lipid peroxide and antioxidative vitamins of diabetic rats. The plasma glucose level, hepatic level of lipid peroxide and contents of antioxidants such as vitamins A and E were determined in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Dietary supplementation of B-carotene did not reduce the blood glucose in diabetic rats. Hepatic level of lipid peroxide tended to increase in diabetic rats, but $\beta$-carotene intake reduced the value. Plasma levels of retinol and retinol/lipid were not changed by dietary supplementation of $\beta$-carotene. There was no significant difference among experimental groups in plasma level of $\alpha$-tocopherol. Hepatic levels of retionl and retinyl palmitate were increased by dietary supplementation of $\beta$-carotene in diabetic rats. These results suggest that the supplementation of $\beta$-carotene to the normal diet of diabetics may reduce the incidence of the diabetic vascular complications through the improvement of antioxidants depletion.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.266-287
• /
• 2004

The non infecting, plant associated bacteria have attracted increased attention for stimulating plant growth and as environmental friendly plant protecting agents. Pink-pigmented facultatively methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs), classified as Methylobacterium spp., are persistent colonizers of plant leaf surfaces. As the leaves of most or all plants harbor PPFMs that utilize leaf methanol as their sole source of carbon and energy, which is a specific attribute of the genus Methylobacterium. Although they are not well known, these bacteria are co-evolved, interacting partners in plant metabolism. This claim is supported, for example, by the following observations: (1) PPFMs are seed-transmitted, (2) PPFMs are frequently found in putatively axenic cell cultures, (3) Low numbers of seed-borne PPFMs correlate with low germinability, (4) Plants with reduced numbers of PPFM show elevated shoot/root ratios, (5) Foliar application of PPFMs to soybean during pod fill enhances seed set and yield, (6) Liverwort tissue in culture requires PPFM-produced vitamin B12 for growth, (7) treated plants to suppress or decrease disease incidence of sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani in rice, and (8) the PPFM inoculation induced number of stomata, chlorophyll concentration and malic acid content, they led to increased photosynthetic activity. Methylobacterium spp. are bacterial symbionts of plants, shown previously to participate in plant metabolism by consuming plant waste products and producing metabolites useful to the plant. There are reports that inform about the beneficial interactions between this group of bacteria and plants. Screening of such kind of bacteria having immense plant growth promoting activities like nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, alleviating water stress to the plants can be successfully isolated and characterized and integration of such kind of organism in crop production will lead to increased productivity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.577-591
• /
• 2001

This study was carried out to investigate the difference of the body image recognition, food habits, food behaviors and nutrient intake according to the obesity index(underweight-, normal-, obese group) in children(aged 10.8 ys, 47 boys, 33 girls). Subjects were eva1uated based an anthrofometric measurement and questionnaries including food record diary in Changwon. The results are summarized as follows. The weight, BMI, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference and birth weight except height showed a significant difference between the three groups(p<0.001). The waist and hip circumference showed the possibility of being a predictor of obesity in children. The children's obesity was related to mother's weight(p<0.01), but not to father's. Ninety percent of the obese group, 47.8% of the normal group, and 37.8% of the underweight group preferred a thinner figure than their current status. The underweight group did more exercise regularly than the other groups. The underweight and obese groups had more irregular meal times and foster eating habits compared to the normal group. Most of subjects(89.9%) had an overeating habit, and tole ratio of the overeating habit increased with obesity. Fifty five percent of the subjects clad the habit of skipping meals, mainly breakfast. 46.8% of the subjects ate snacks more than twice per a day, the underweight and obese groups had snacks more of than the normal group. The preferred snack was 'cookies'and 'fruits ＆ juices'. 53.8% of the subjects had a prejudice for special food(especially 'pulses'(37.9%) and 'vegetables'(31.0%)). The assessment scores of food behaviors was relatively low in most of the subjects. Most nutrient intakes, except vitamin B$_1$, C and phosphate, were lower than those of Korean RDA. The nutrient intake of the normal group was higher than the underweight and obese groups. The results of this study showed some nutritional problems, which indicates the need for nutritional management for the children. To educate children, who are able to change their food habits and lifestyle, each means to help healthy growth and to help them become healthy adults.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.41 no.8
• /
• pp.718-732
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrients or food factors related to cognitive function of elderly having Alzheimer's disease. In this study 38 subjects who were over 65 years old have participated in dementia clinic at A medical center. After they were diagnosed to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through blood analysis, neuropsychological test, brain image and interview by medical specialist, we examined for their general information, anthropometry, blood pressure and dietary intakes. Dietary intakes were investigated using the 24-hour recall record. Energy intake was adequate and the energy composition of carbohydrate, protein and fat was 60.8 : 16.2 : 23.0, but dietary intakes of calcium, vitamin A and folate were less than 75% of the recommended intake levels for Koreans. The multiple regression analysis adjusted with age, sex and educational level showed that cognitive function was positively related to intakes of zinc, fishes and shellfishes, beans & nuts, sugars and fats, and negatively related to intakes of plant calcium and eggs. These results indicate that intakes of specific nutrients or food groups are associated with the specific domains of cognitive function in elderly with AD.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.22-30
• /
• 2009

This study aimed to examine nutritional status and similarities of diets between Vietnamese female immigrants and Korean spouses and dietary changes of Vietnamese females after immigration. Subjects were 608 couples visiting 13 medical centers for the Cohort of Intermarried Women in Korea from November 2006 to November 2007. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained and dietary intakes were assessed using one-day 24-hour recall. Sixty-eight percent of wives answered there have been changes in their diets and consumptions of meats, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits increased after immigration. Energy intakes of wives and spouses were 1491.7 kcal and 1788.8 kcal, respectively, showing most couples (80.1%) consumed less than the Korean estimated energy requirements. More than half of the couples were below the Korean estimated average requirements of zinc, vitamin $B_2$, and folate. The correlation coefficients between couples ranged 0.15-0.38 for unadjusted, 0.22-0.35 for per 1000 kcal, and 0.21-0.40 for energy-adjusted, respectively. The proportions of couples in the same quartiles of each nutrient intake and in the same answers of each question of Mini Dietary Assessment were about 30% across nutrients and around 50% across questions. The length of residence is related to similarities of nutrient intakes between couples: similarities decreased after 3 years of residence in Korea. In conclusion, nutritional intakes of inter-married couples were inadequate although wives reported that their dietary intakes increased after immigration. Inadequate nutrient intakes of wives were partly explained by similar diets between couples because these wives without enough adjustment to Korean culture were more likely to follow what their spouses ate. Findings from this study may be helpful to improve the nutritional status of inter-married couples and make policies and programs for them. A follow-up study should identify factors affecting inadequate nutritional status of intermarried couples and similarities of their diets.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.389-399
• /
• 2010

This study was conducted in order to investigate and compare anthropometric measurements, bone density, nutrient intake, blood composition and food habits between non-smoking, non-alcohol drinking and smoking, alcohol drinking male university students in Seoul, South Korea. The data for food habits and health-related behaviors were obtained by selfadministered questionnaires. The BQIs of the subjects were measured by Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS). The subjects were divided into two groups: NSND (non-smoking and non-alcohol drinking, n=62) group and General (smoking and alcohol drinking, n=160) group. The results were analyzed using the SPSS program and were as follows: The average heights, weights, and BMIs of the two groups were 173.3 cm, 66.5 kg and 22.1 and 173.4 cm, 68.7 kg and 22.9, respectively. There were no differences between the groups regarding height, weight or BMI. SBP and DBP, however, were significantly higher in the general group than in the NSND group (p<0.01). The BQIs, Z-scores and T-scores of the two groups were 99.83, -0.23, and -0.31 and 98.24, -0.27 and -0.39, respectively, producing no significant differences between the two groups. The percentages for normal bone status, osteopenia and osteoporosis were 83.88%, 16.12% and 0.0% and 74.37%, 25.62% and 0.01%, respectively. Mean intakes of animal protein (p<0.05), animal fat (p<0.05), fiber (p<0.05), animal Ca(p<0.05), animal Fe (p<0.001), Zn(p<0.05), vitamin B1 (p<0.05) and niacin (p<0.05) were significantly different between the two groups, and mean serum levels of SGOT (p<0.01), SGPT (p<0.001), ${\gamma}$-GTP (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p<0.05) and hematocrit (p<0.05) were also significantly different between the two groups. Overall, there were no differences in meal regularity, frequency of snacking, reasons for overeating, exercise and defecation between the groups. However, favorite foods (p<0.05) and night-time meals (p<0.05) were significantly different. In conclusion, the health status of the NSND group was superior compared to the general group. Thus, students who smoke and alcohol drink should receive a practical and systematically-organized education regarding the increased health benefits of quitting smoking and alcohol drinking.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.475-482
• /
• 2006

The quality characteristics and functional properties of fermented soybean by lactic acid bacteria (FSB) were investigated and compared with those of soybean (control) and commercial cheonggukjang Powder (CGP). The crude protein, lipid, and fiber contents of FSB were similar to those in CGP. The vitamin $B_2$ content in FSB (1.4 mg%) was similar to the control (1.3 mg%) whereas it was remarkably low in the CGP (0.2 mg%). The bright yellow color of FSB determined by Hunter's colormeter was quite different from the dark reddish brown color of the CGP. The pH of FSB was the lowest and thee amino-nitrogen was 517.2 mg%, which was higher than that in CGP (468.1 mg%). Glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine were the most abundant amino acids. In particular, the increase in the glutamic acid level was noticeable in FSB. The fatty acid compositions of FSB and CGP were similar to the control. However, the sucrose and fructose levels were lower after fermentation but the glucose level was higher. The results of isoflavone analysis by HPLC showed that the levels of daidzein and genistein in FSB were as much as 48.33 and 52.82 mg%, respectively, which is higher than that found in CGP. The DPPH free radical scavenging effects of FSB and CGP were 1.8 times higher an those of the control. The fibrinolytic activity determined by the diameter of the lysed area on the fibrin plate was the most effective in FSB. In conclusion, it is believed that FSB has a similar or higher quality than CGP. Therefore, FSB is expected to be good functional food material.