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

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.234-240
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• 2017

The goal of this study was to isolate wild yeasts from reed fields in the Seocheon-gun county in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. Molecular analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rDNA of the yeasts isolated from soil samples was performed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). In total, 20 yeast strains from 11 species were isolated from 20 different soil samples. Candida species were observed to be the most common yeasts. Of these 20 strains, Candida subhashii (6 strains), Candida tropicalis (3 strains), Candida boleticola MS008, and Lachancea thermotolerans (2 strains) were identified as alcohol-fermenting yeasts. Further, Bullera japonica YJ10-1, Candida subhashii J7-1, Kluyveromyces yarrowii YJ11-1, and Ustilago shanxiensis Y10-1 were newly recorded yeast strains in Korea, and therefore, their microbiological characteristics were investigated further. All of these unrecorded yeast strains had oval cells; only Candida subhashii J7-1 formed ascospores and pseudomycelia. Kluyveromyces yarrowii YJ11-1 grew in vitamin-free medium, and all of these strains, except Candida subhashii J7-1, grew in 5% NaCl-containing YPD broth.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.69-74
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to examine the combined effect of fumaric acid with mild heat on the inactivation of microorganisms on spinach. Spinach leaves were inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Based on the results of single treatment of fumaric acid (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%) or mild heat (40, 50, and $60^{\circ}C$) regarding the inactivation of the inoculated bacteria, the optimal condition for the combined treatment was suggested to be 0.5% fumaric acid and mild heat treatment at $50^{\circ}C$ for 5 min. The combined treatment of fumaric acid with mild heat caused 2.53 and 2.62 log reductions of the populations of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. In addition, during storage of fresh spinach at $4^{\circ}C$ for 12 d, the combined treatment reduced initially the populations of total aerobic bacteria by 2.77 log CFU/g compared with the control. In particular, after 12 d of storage, the population of total aerobic bacteria for the combined treatment sample was 4.84 log CFU/g, whereas the control sample had 6.66 log CFU/g. Color and vitamin C content of spinach samples were not altered significantly by the combined treatment during storage. These results indicate that the combined treatment of fumaric acid with mild heat is an effective method to control microorganisms on spinach during storage.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.313-319
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• 2018

Recently, there have been many studies on the relationship between the bone metabolism and the mechanism of diabetes. In those studies, it was shown that osteocalcin can be involved in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study examined the correlation between osteocalcin and HbA1c. From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, a total of 714 adults aged 40 years or older ($70.8{\pm}10.4years$, 452 males), in whom both osteocalcin and HbA1c checked in a general hospital in Gwangju, were enrolled in the study. The serum calcium, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and 25-(OH) vitamin D were measured and basic information, such as the height and weight, were recorded. There was a weak negative correlation (r=-0.183, P<0.001) between the osteocalcin and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients but a negative correlation (r=-0.251, P<0.001) when adjusted by all other study variables. The present study showed that there was a negative correlation between the osteocalcin and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients. The relationship between the bone metabolism and the incidence of diabetes mellitus should be studied based on the influence of biological mechanisms and associated factors of bone and glucose metabolism.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.438-444
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• 2012

Mucolipidosis II (ML II) or inclusion cell disease (I-cell disease) is a rarely occurring autosomal recessive lysosomal enzyme-targeting disease. This disease is usually found to occur in individuals aged between 6 and 12 months, with a clinical phenotype resembling that of Hurler syndrome and radiological findings resembling those of dysostosis multiplex. However, we encountered a rare case of an infant with ML II who presented with prenatal skeletal dysplasia and typical clinical features of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism at birth. A female infant was born at $37^{+1}$ weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 1,690 g (<3rd percentile). Prenatal ultrasonographic findings revealed intrauterine growth retardation and skeletal dysplasia. At birth, the patient had characteristic features of ML II, and skeletal radiographs revealed dysostosis multiplex, similar to rickets. In addition, the patient had high levels of alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone, consistent with severe secondary neonatal hyperparathyroidism. The activities of ${\beta}$-D-hexosaminidase and ${\alpha}$-N-acetylglucosaminidase were moderately decreased in the leukocytes but were 5- to 10-fold higher in the plasma. Examination of a placental biopsy specimen showed foamy vacuolar changes in trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. The diagnosis of ML II was confirmed via GNPTAB genetic testing, which revealed compound heterozygosity of c.3091C>T (p.Arg1031X) and c.3456_3459dupCAAC (p.Ile1154GlnfsX3), the latter being a novel mutation. The infant was treated with vitamin D supplements but expired because of asphyxia at the age of 2 months.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.538-545
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• 2017

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cupric citrate (CuCit) on growth performance, antioxidant indices, serum lipid metabolites, serum immune indices, and tissue residues of copper (Cu), zinc, and iron in weaned pigs. Methods: A total of 180 weaned pigs ($Duroc{\times}Landrace{\times}Large$ White) with an average body weight of $8.98{\pm}1.21kg$ were randomly assigned to a corn-soybean meal control ration, or 4 similar rations with 30, 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg Cu as CuCit. All diets contained 10 mg/kg Cu as cupric sulfate from the vitamin-mineral premix. The experiment was divided into two phases: 0 to 14 d (phase 1) and 15 to 28 d (phase 2). Results: Average daily gain (ADG; linearly, p<0.01) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; linearly and quadratically, p<0.05) were affected by an increase in CuCit during phase 2. Overall period, ADG (p<0.05) and ADFI (p<0.01) were linearly increased with increasing dietary levels of CuCit. Serum malondialdehyde concentrations (p<0.05) and glutathione peroxidase activity (p<0.01) linearly decreased and increased respectively with an increase in CuCit. Serum levels of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase were linearly affected with an increase in CuCit (p<0.01). Hepatic malondialdehyde levels decreased with an increase in CuCit (linearly and quadratically, p<0.01). Serum total cholesterol concentrations were quadratically affected (p<0.05) and decreased in pigs fed Cu as CuCit at 60 and 120 mg/kg and increased in pigs fed 240 mg/kg Cu as CuCit. Serum high-density lipoprotein concentrations were linearly affected with an increase in CuCit (p<0.01). Serum $IL-1{\beta}$ levels were quadratically affected (p<0.05) by dietary treatment. Compared with other treatments, 240 mg/kg Cu from CuCit quadratically increased hepatic (p<0.01) and renal (p<0.05) Cu concentrations, and quadratically decreased hepatic and renal iron concentrations (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cu administered in the form of CuCit at a dosage range of 30 to 60 mg/kg, effectively enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant status of weaned pigs.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2011

For the development of functional food and cosmetics using hot water extract of Muraenesox cinereus's skin, contents of vitamin, amino acid and element, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The results are shown as follows: among vitamins, A(0.21mg/100 g), C (78.12mg/100 g), $D_3$ (0.03 mg/100 g), E (1.97 mg/100 g) and Niacin (2.53mg/100 g) were detected, respectively.Mineral contents were an order of K > P > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe and Zn. Contents of total amino acids were an order of Pro > Gly > Arg > Glu > Phe > Ala. Especially, the sum of total amino acids was 27.17 mg/100 mL, which was about 4.0 fold higher than that of free amino acid. DPPH radical scavenging activity of hot water extract of M. cinereus's skin at 25 mg/mL was 63.5% and did not increase at above 50 mg/mL. Activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of ethanol-treated rats using hot water extract of M. cinereus's skin were investigated. Compared to control group, activities of ADH and GSH-px were decreased. In the case of CAT and SOD activity, they were increased. These results showed that the hot water extract of M. cinereus's skin can be applied to raw macterial for functional food and cosmetics.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.247-253
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• 2013

Renal osteodystrophy(RO) is characterized by skeletal changes in patients with renal disease and developed as a result of alterations in the metabolism of calcium, phosphate and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Bony changes in the craniofacial region include decreased bone density, radiolucent lesions(brown tumors), depletion of cortical bone and loss of lamina dura, but such changes rarely occur in the temporomandibular joint(TMJ). We report an uncommon case of bony changes and pain of both TMJs in a patient with RO. A 41-year-old man with RO came to our clinic due to TMJ pain and sounds. Occlusal change was also reported. Radiographs revealed degenerative changes of the both condyles. The patient had medical history of renal cancer therapy and hemodialysis. The patient was diagnosed with TMJ arthritis of RO and referred for systemic management through medication of calcium and vitamin D and parathyroidectomy. At 15-month follow-up, most of TMD symptoms disappeared and second radiographs revealed that bone density and cortical thickness of the mandible increased and the skeletal outline of the both condyles became relatively clear. As bony changes may begin in the early stage of the renal disease, dentists should be alert to detect the sign of the disease. In addition, it is important to differentiate TMJ arthritis of systemic cause because the treatment protocol is quite different.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.252-258
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• 2006

To find the optimum extraction condition of dried omija, central composite experimental design having three independent variable (extraction temperature, extraction time and water ratio) with five levels was conducted for response surface analysis. The maximum of soluble solid was predicted to the extraction conditions of over 25 fold water ratio, $7{\sim}8hr$ and $75^{\circ}C$. Total acid, total phenol, reducing sugar and vitamin C were predicted to respectively 30 fold water ratio, 6 hr, $70^{\circ}C$, 30 fold water ratio, $6{\sim}7\;hrs,\;80^{\circ}C$ and 30 fold water ratio, $6{\sim}8\;hr,\;80^{\circ}C$, 25 fold water ratio, $5{\sim}6hr,\;80^{\circ}C$ extraction condition. Turbidity of extraction condition. Turbidity of extraction condition was 7 over 25 ford water ratio and over $60^{\circ}C$. From the superimposing results of response variables, the optimum extraction condition was predicted 25 folds water ratio, 6 hr and $65{\sim}70^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.235-244
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• 2007

By comparing the proteins from the workers exposed to styrene with the ones from controls, it may be possible to identify proteins that play a role in the occurrence and progress of occupational disease and thus to study the molecular mechanisms of occupational disease. In order to find the biomarkers for assessing the styrene effects early, before clinical symptoms develop and to understand the mechanisms of adverse health effects, we surveyed 134 employees, among whom 52 workers(30 male and 22 female) were chronically exposed to styrene in 10 glass-reinforced plastic boat manufacturing factories in Korea and 82 controls had never been occupationally exposed to hazardous chemicals including styrene. The age and drinking habits and serum biochemistry such as total protein, BUN and serum creatinine in both groups were significantly different. Exposed workers were divided into three groups according to exposure levels of styrene(G1, below 1/2 TLV; G2, 1/2 TLV to TLV; G3, above TLV). The mean concentration of airborne styrene in G1 group was $10.93{\pm}11.33ppm$, and those of urinary mandelic acid(MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid(PGA) were $0.17{\pm}0.21$ and $0.13{\pm}0.11g/g$ creatinine, respectively. The mean concentration of airborne styrene in G2 and G3 groups were $47.54{\pm}22.43$ and $65.33{\pm}33.47ppm$, respectively, and levels of urinary metabolites such as MA and PGA increased considerably as expected with the increase in exposure level of styrene. The airborne styrene concentration were significantly correlated to the urinary concentration of MA(r=0.784, p=0.000) and PGA(r=0.626, p<0.001). In the 2D electrophoresis, the concentration of five proteins including complement C3 precursor, alpha-1-antitrypsin(AAT), vitamin D binding protein precursor(DBP), alpha-1-B-glycoprotein(A1BG) and inter alpha trypsin inhibitor(ITI) heavy chain-related protein were significantly altered in workers exposed to styrene compared with controls. While expression of complement C3 precursor and AAT increased by exposure to styrene, expression of DBP, A1BG and ITI heavy chain-related protein decreased. These results suggest that the exposure of styrene might affects levels of plasma proteinase, carriers of endogenous substances and immune system. In particular, increasing of AAT with the increase in exposure level of styrene can explain the tissue damage and inflammation by the imbalance of proteinase/antiproteinase and decrease of DBP, A1BG and ITI heavy chain-related protein in workers exposed to styrene is associated with dysfunction and/or declination in immune system and signal transduction