• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.98-107
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to find an appropriate polymer film, which could reduce the water condensation for pallet-size modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Methods: Five different types of films were selected from several commercialized films. Prior to the real food storage test, plastic boxes with wetted plastic balls were used to simulate the high humidity conditions of real food storage. The initial MAP condition was 5% oxygen and 95% nitrogen, and the $O_2$ concentration, the relative humidity and water condensation inside the films were checked on a daily basis. The MAP test for tomatoes was conducted by using the most appropriate film from the five films examined in this study. Results: Every film except Mosspack(R) indicated a similar variation in the $O_2$ concentration over the course of time. The relative humidity near the surfaces of all the films except nylon-6 approached saturation conditions over time. For three kinds of films, namely, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film, anti-fogging oriented polypropylene (AFOPP) film, and Mosspack(R), the inner surfaces of the films were fully covered with dew after a storage period of a day. Conversely, an area of 4.5% was covered with dew in the case of the poly lactic acid (PLA) film, and there was no dew inside the nylon-6 film. The pallet-size MAP test for tomatoes was conducted by using the nylon-6 film and there was no water condensation inside the nylon-6 film over three weeks of storage. Conclusions: During the pallet scale MAP, water condensation could cause severe fungal infection and wetting of the corrugated box. Hence, it was important to minimize water condensation. This study showed that the MAP films with high WVTR such as nylon-6 and PLA could reduce the water condensation inside the pallet scale MAP.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2005

There are various crop diseases in green houses that are caused by the cultural environments, especially high temperature and moisture. To solve the forementioned problems, farmers are overusing agricultural chemicals, causing other damages by the chemical residue. In this study, antagonistic bacteria as biological control agents were isolated to produce the environmentally-friendly crops for use in green houses. Eighteen species of antagonistic bacteria were totally isolated from the soil and plants in the Perilla fields, and AK-17 showed the highest activity among the isolates. According to the results of anti-fungal spectrum against several pathogens by AK-17, the antagonism effect of the isolates was remarkable against grey mold rot by Botrytis cinerea, sclerotinia rot by Sclerotnia sclerotiorum, and stem rot by Rhizoctonia solini. To evaluate the biological control effects of the isolates against the major diseases of Perilla, studies were carried out to evaluate the preventive and the curative effects of the diseases throughout the pot experiments. According to the forementioned experiments, the preventive and the curative effects by the isolates against sclerotinia rot were respectively showed as 55% and 92%. For the grey mold rot, those were 40% and 78%, respectively. As to the evaluation of the growth-promoting effect by AK-17, the length and the biomass of the tested plants were increased to 120% and to 164%, respectively. For the leaf numbers and area were respectively increased to 120% and 220%. Furthermore, AK-17 was identified as Burkhoderia sp. according to the results of physiological properties and genetic methods.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.344-344
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• 2017

The glycoprotein known as glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is abundantly produced on the hyphae and spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil and roots. GRSP play a decisive role in the soil aggregation, but GRSP was also sensitive to agricultural managements. Thus, our objectives were to assess the effect of different cover crop incorporation on the GRSP content in soil and growth of subsequent soybean and maize. Pot experiments with the incorporation of four cover crops were set up. The same amount (666g) of aboveground plant parts of wheat (AMF host), hairy vetch (AMF host), mustard (non-host) and rapeseed (non-host) was separately incorporated into soils. The aboveground plant parts and roots of soybean and maize were grown in each incorporated pots and sampled at 6 and 9 weeks after sowing. Our results showed that the different cover crops incorporation affected soil biological and chemical properties such as EC, $NO_3-N$ content, ${\beta}-glucosidase$ activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and GRSP content. The soil EC and $NO_3-N$ content in the hairy vetch, mustard and rapeseed was higher compared to the wheat. The ${\beta}-glucosidase$ activity in the wheat and hairy vetch was significantly higher than that in the mustard and rapeseed, and the ALP activity in the wheat was significantly higher than that in the hairy vetch, mustard, and rapeseed. The GRSP content in the mustard and rapeseed was significantly lower than that of the hairy vetch and wheat. Moreover, The top dry weight and leaf area of soybean and maize in the hairy vetch at 6 weeks were significantly higher compared to the other treatments. Our results indicated that the incorporation of mustard and rapeseed may cause indirectly the decrease of GRSP content and soil enzyme activity in soil. One possible explanation for the decrease of GRSP in non-AMF host crop treatments may be the decrease of AMF density in the soil. AMF are not able to form a symbiotic relationship with Brassicaceae roots due to the release of anti-fungal compounds. This means the AMF may not be able to produce GRSP in the soil. However, the differences in the benefit of cover crop incorporation were shown only by a pot experiment. Comparative investigations of crop residue managements would be applied to both pot experiment and field study to clarify a better selection of cover crops in rotation to encourage GRSP production.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.269-277
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• 2013

Amoebic keratitis (AK) caused by Acanthamoeba is one of the most serious corneal infections. AK is frequently misdiagnosed initially as viral, bacterial, or fungal keratitis, thus ensuring treatment delays. Accordingly, the early detection of Acanthamoeba would contribute significantly to disease management and selection of an appropriate anti-amoebic therapy. Recently, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method has been applied to the clinical diagnosis of a range of infectious diseases. Here, we describe a rapid and efficient LAMP-based method targeting Acanthamoeba 18S rDNA gene for the detection of Acanthamoeba using clinical ocular specimens in the diagnosis of AK. Acanthamoeba LAMP assays detected 11 different strains including all AK-associated species. The copy number detection limit for a positive signal was 10 DNA copies of 18S rDNA per reaction. No cross-reactivity with the DNA of fungi or other protozoa was observed. The sensitivity of LAMP assay was higher than those of Nelson primer PCR and JDP primer PCR. In the present study, LAMP assay based on directly heat-treated samples was found to be as efficient at detecting Acanthamoeba as DNA extracted using a commercial kit, whereas PCR was only effective when commercial kit-extracted DNA was used. This study showed that the devised Acanthamoeba LAMP assay could be used to diagnose AK in a simple, sensitive, and specific manner.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.368-374
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• 2012

BACKGROUND: The urgency of feeding the world's growing population while combating soil pollution, salinization and desertification requires suitable biotechnology not only to improve crop productivity but also to improve soil health through interactions of soil nutrient and soil microorganism. Interest in the utilization of microbial fertilizer has increased. A principle of nature farming is to produce abundant and healthy crops without using chemical fertilizer and pesticides, and without interrupting the natural ecosystem. Beneficial microorganisms may provide supplemental nutrients in the soil, promote crop growth, and enhance plant resistance against pathogenic microorganisms. We mixed beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus sp. Han-5 with anti-fungal activities, Trichoderma harziaum, Trichoderma longibrachiatum with organic material degrading activity, Actinomycetes bovis with antibiotic production and Pseudomonas sp. with nitrogen fixation. This study was carried out to investigate the mixtures on the soil microflora and soil chemical properties and the effect on the growth of lettuce and cucumber under greenhouse conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: The microbial mixtures were used with each of organic fertilizer, swine manure and organic+swine manure and compared in regard to changes in soil chemical properties, soil microflora properties and crop growth. At 50 days after the treatment of microorganism mixtures, the pH improved from 5.8 to 6.3, and the EC, $NO_3$-Na and K decreased by 52.4%, 60.5% and 29.3%, respectively. The available $P_2O_5$ and $SiO_2$ increased by 25.9% and 21.2%, respectively. Otherwise, the population density of fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. was accelerated and the growth of vegetables increased. Moreover, the population density of E. coli and Fusarium sp., decreased remarkably. The ratio of bacteria to fungi (B/F) and the ratio of Actinomycetes bovis to fungi (A/F) increased 2.3 (from 272.2 to 624.4) and 1.7 times (from 38.3 to 64), respectively. Furthermore, the growth and yield of cucumber and lettuce significantly increased by the treatment of microorganism mixtures. CONCLUSION(S): These results suggest that the treatment of microorganism mixtures improved the chemical properties and the microflora of soil and the crop growth. Therefore, it is concluded that the microorganism mixtures could be good alternative soil amendments to restore soil nutrients and soil microflora.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.284-294
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• 2006

Statement of problem. Proliferation of Candida albicans is primarily within the plaque on the fitting surface of the denture rather than on the inflamed mucosa. Consequently, the treatment of the denture is equally important as treatment of the tissue. Cleansing and disinfection should be efficiently carried-out as the organisms can penetrate into the voids of the acrylic resin and grow in them, from which they can continue to infect and reinfect bearing tissues. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of photocatalytic reaction to eliminate Candida albicans from acrylic resin denture base, and to investigate the anti-fungal effect with various UVA illumination time. Materials and Methods. The specimens were cured by the conventional method following the manufacturer's instruction using thermal polymerized denture base resin (Vertex RS: Dentimex, Netherlands). $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT), which is able to be coated at normal temperature, was made from the Ti-alkoxide progenitor. The XRD patterns, TEM images and nitrogen absorption ability of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) were compared with the commercial $TiO_2$ photocatalyst P-25. The experimental specimens were coated with the mixture of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) and binder material (silane) using dip-coater, and uncoated resin plates were used as the control group. Crystallinity of $TiO_2$ of the specimen was tested by the XRD. Size, shape and chemical compositions were also analyzed using the FE-SEM/ EDS. The angle and methylene blue degradation efsciency were measured for evaluating the photocatalytic activity of the $TiO_2$ film. Finally, the antifungal activity of the specimen was tested. Candida albicans KCTC 7629(1 ml, initial concentration $10^5$ cells/ ml) were applied to the experiment and control group specimens and subsequently two UVA light source with 10W, 353 nm peak emission were illuminated to the specimens from 15cm above. The extracted $2{\mu}l$ of sample was plated on nutrient agar plate ($Bacto^{TM}$ Brain Heart Infusion; BD, USA) with 10 minute intervals for 120 minute, respectively. It was incubated for 24 hours at $37^{\circ}C$ and the colony forming units (CFUs) were then counted. Results. Compared the characteristics of LT photocatalyst with commercial P-25 photocatalyst, LT were shown higher activity than P-25. The LT coated experimental specimen surface had anatase crystal form, less than 20 nm of particle size and wide specific surface area. To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of specimens, methylene blue degradation reaction were used and about 5% of degradation rate were measured after 2 hours. The average contact angle was less than $20^{\circ}$ indicating that the LT photocatalyst had hydrophilicity. In the antifungal activity test for Candida albicans, 0% survival rate were measured within 30 minute after irradiation of UVA light. Conclusion. From the results reported above, it is concluded that the UVA-LT photocatalytic reaction have an antifungal effect on the denture surface Candida albicans, and so that could be applicable to the clinical use as a cleaning method.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.479-490
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• 2018

Red pepper is seriously damaged by thrips (Thrips palmi) and anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum throughout its development. Because of biotic constraints, producers often depend on chemicals that are expensive and have adverse effects on the environment, operator, and beneficial insects. In addition, resistance is developed because of the repeated use of chemicals. In recent decades, the use of microorganisms in crop protection has become a credible alternative because it is eco-friendly. In this study, we aimed to select isolates with insecticidal and fungicidal activities against the pathogens that cause anthracnose and thrips. We treated T. palmi adults and juveniles with 13 strains of entomopathogenic fungi (isolated from the soil by using the insect-bait method), and 6 strains showed excellent insecticidal activity (70-100%) 5 days after the treatment. The selected isolates were cultured with C. acutatum to screen for the strain with excellent anti-fungal activities, among which an isolate FT333 showed more than 95% control efficacy against C. acutatum in vitro. The isolate was identified as Isaria javanica through its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS and ${\beta}-tubulin$ nucleotide sequences. The Isaria javanica FT333 isolate could be used effectively for dual bio-control of thrips and anthracnose during red pepper cultivation.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.155-161
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the quality of high moisture rye silage. Rye forage (Secale cereale L.) was harvested at the heading stage (27.3% of dry matter (DM)) and cut into approximately 3-5 cm lengths. Then, the forage divided into 4 treatments with different inoculants: 1) No additives (CON); 2) Lactobacillus brevis strain 100D8 at a 1.2 × 10⁵ colony-forming unit (cfu)/g of fresh forage (LBR); 3) Leuconostoc holzapfelii strain 5H4 at a 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g of fresh forage (LHO); and 4) Mixture of LBR and LHO (1:1 ratio) applied at a 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g of fresh forage (MIX). About 3 kg of forage from each treatment was ensiled into a 20 L mini-bucket silo in quadruplicate for 100 days. After silo opening, silage was collected for analyses of chemical compositions, in vitro nutrient digestibilities, fermentation characteristics, and microbial enumerations. The CON silage had the highest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p = 0.006; p = 0.008) and a lowest in vitro DM digestibility (p < 0.001). The pH was highest in CON silage, while lowest in LBR and MIX silages (p < 0.001). The concentrations of ammonia-N, lactate, and acetate were highest in LBR silage (p = 0.008; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Propionate and butyrate concentrations were highest in CON silage (p = 0.004; p < 0.001). The LAB and yeast counts were higher in CON and LHO silages compare to LBR and MIX silages (p < 0.001). However, the mold did not detect in all treatments. Therefore, this study could conclude that L. brevis 100D8 and Leu. holzapfelii strain 5H4 can improve the digestibility and anti-fungal activity of high moisture rye silage.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.72-77
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• 2019

Candida vertebral osteomyelitis (CVO) is a rare disease that is a complication of intravenous drug use, but recently it has been recognized as mostly an opportunistic infection. Because CVO appears to mimic pyogenic spondylodiscitis in terms of the clinical and radiologic presentations, it is often neglected in a usual clinical setting. The clinical, radiological, and biological characteristics of CVO are often used to make a differential diagnosis with vertebral osteomyelitis from other etiologies. Once an initial proper diagnosis was performed, the treatment relies on the prompt initiation of appropriate pharmacotherapy and serial monitoring of the clinical progress. This paper report late-onset CVO in two young patients who underwent a heart transplant surgery and had postoperative systemic candidiasis. These two cases are a good reminder of the potential of CVO in immunosuppressive patients treated with anti-fungal agents. This paper presents these two cases with a review of the relevant literature.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.736-745
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• 2016

Cheonggukjang, a traditional Korean fermented soy food, was prepared by inoculation of Bacillus subtilis EMD4 or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens EMD17 with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal activities into soybeans. Cheonggukjang was also prepared by co-inoculation of EMD4 and EMD17 (1:1, v/v). Control cheonggukjang was prepared by using B. subtilis KACC16450 (Natto strain). Growth of B. cereus cells spiked with starter organisms was completely inhibited by B. amyloliquefaciens EMD17 after 12 h of fermentation at $37^{\circ}C$. Growth of B. cereus was also inhibited by B. subtilis EMD4, but the degree of inhibition was weaker. After 48 h of fermentation, cheonggukjang samples were stored for 10 days at $4^{\circ}C$. B. cereus cells were not detected from cheonggukjang inoculated with EMD4, whereas significant numbers still present in control. The pH values of cheonggukjang samples were not significantly different. During fermentation, cheonggukjang fermented with EMD17 showed the highest fibrinolytic activity and during storage, cheonggukjang fermented with a Natto strain was the highest. Cheonggukjang fermented with a Natto strain also showed the highest amount of total phenolic compounds. The results show that control of B. cereus in cheonggukjang is possible by using starters such as B. amyloliquefaciens EMD17.