• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.132-138
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• 2019

Among several marine-derived microorganisms isolated from the coast of Jeju Island that had antimicrobial activity against fish disease pathogens, Bacillus subtilis MD-02 was tested for its dietary effect on the innate immune response and disease resistance of olive flounder. Strain MD-02 was fed to the olive flounder at a concentration of $1.2{\times}10^4$, $1.2{\times}10^6$, or $1.2{\times}10^8CFU/100g$, respectively. Consequently, the hematocrit was higher in these three groups than that in the control group at 4 weeks, and the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were decreased in the $1.2{\times}10^8$ and $1.2{\times}10^4CFU/100$ groups compared with the control group levels. The amylase activity and total protein were significantly increased in the $1.2{\times}10^4CFU/100g$ group at 3 weeks. The innate immune response, determined from the lysozyme and macrophage activities, was higher in the $1.2{\times}10^8CFU/100g$ group than in the control group. In addition, treatment of the olive flounders with Streptococcus parauberis at $1.2{\times}10^6CFU/ml$ confirmed the mortality rate, which was 100% in the control group and 40-60% in the groups fed B. subtilis MD-02, indicating that the fish had resistance to fish disease pathogens. Therefore, it was confirmed that when fed MD-02, olive flounder builds an innate immune response and acquires resistance to fish disease pathogens, indicating that B. subtilis MD-02 can be developed as a beneficial feed additive.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.170-177
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chlorine dioxide ($ClO_2$) on sterilization and deodorization of food-holding cabinets under different exposure times. For the measuring sterilization and deodorization, a 6.5 L chamber and a 625 L cabinet with circulation systems were used. Two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus KCTC1916 and Escherichia coli KCTC 1682) that were artificially inoculated in the plate respectively were put into the 6.5 L chamber and the 625 L cabinet. The $ClO_2$ gas was produced by ampules. In the 6.5 L chamber, neither of the two bacteria was detected after 24 hours treatment by $ClO_2$ gas. Moreover, the deodorization rate against ammonia and phenol was 94% and 70%, respectively, but deodorization against formaldehyde was not effective. When the concentration reached maximum (6 ampule, 4.6 ppm) levels in the cabinet, it lasted for approximately 2 h and then decreased slowly. When a circulator was used, the gas concentration was very low (6 ampule, 0.8 ppm) and the antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli was low. The level of reduction against S. aureus and E. coli was 2.98 log CFU/plate and 6.06 log CFU/plate, respectively, in the cabinet after 24 h without a circulator. The reduction against S. aureus KCTC1916 and E. coli KCTC1682 was 2.69 log CFU/plate and 4.41 log CFU/plate for 24 h, respectively.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2019

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Korean children. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from the medical records of the patients with S. aureus bacteremia ${\leq}18years$ of age in Gil Medical Center from 2002 to 2016. Results: A total of 212 SAB cases were detected. The annual incidence of SAB from 2002 to 2016 ranged from 0.77 to 1.95 per 1,000 patients hospitalized. The neonate group (<28 days of age) and the pediatric group (28-18 years of age) were 51.4% (n=109) and 48.6% (n=103), respectively. According to the origin of infection, there were 93 cases (43.9%) of community-associated (CA)-SAB and 119 cases (56.1%) of healthcare-associated (HA)-SAB. The rates of HA-SAB among the neonate group and among the pediatric group were 64.2% and 47.6%, respectively (P=0.015). There was no difference in complications between CA-SAB and HA-SAB, but mortality was higher in HA-SAB. The proportion of methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) was the highest in neonates (88.1%), decreased with age, and was 36.4%-37.5% among children aged ${\geq}5years$. The MRSA proportion was 72.2%, showing no consistent trend over the period. Conclusions: The annual incidence of SAB and the proportion of MRSA in SAB remained constant in the recent 15 years in children. Judicious decision of antimicrobial agents for treatment considering the patient's age and the origin of infection is necessary.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.475-480
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• 2021

Interest in edible insects such as Protaetia brevitarsis has increased rapidly, and several insect producers use these insects in industrialized mass production. However, mass rearing of insects can cause insect diseases. Sprouted barley is a valuable source of nutrients and has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sprouted barley as a feed additive for producing healthy P. brevitarsis larvae. P. brevitarsis larvae were fed feeds with or without sprouted barley, and their body weight and larval period wewe checked weekly. To confirm the antibacterial effects of sprouted barley, in vitro bioassays were performed by counting Serratia marcescens colonies, and in vivo bioassays were performed by determining the survival rate and body weights of the S. marcescens-infected larvae. Larvae fed different feeds were analyzed for their nutrient compositions (i.e., such as proximate composition, minerals, amino acids, and heavy metals). Larvae fed 5% and 10% sprouted barley had maximum weight increases of 19.2% and 23.1%, respectively. Both treatment groups had significantly shorter larval periods than those of the control group. Sprouted barley markedly inhibited the growth of entomopathogenic S. marcescens. Furthermore, larvae fed sprouted barley exhibited higher Cu, Zn, and K levels. Seventeen amino acids were present in larvae fed sprouted barley, of which, tyrosine and glutamic acid were predominant. No heavy metals were detected in any of the investigated groups. Therefore, sprouted barley may be a suitable feed additive for producing high-quality P. brevitarsis larvae.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.618-629
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to optimize the fermentation condition of black bean by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and to evaluate the quality characteristics of fermented black bean. Lactobacillus plantarum SU22 isolated from kimchi was selected as a starter for the fermentation of black bean because the strain exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and did not produce biogenic amines or a carcinogenic enzyme, β-glucuronidase. Fermentation was performed with broth containing puffed black bean (PBB) inoculated with 1% (v/v) of L. plantarum SU22 at 37℃ for 48h. The viable cell count of LAB was over 9 Log CFU/mL in PBB (20%) broth fermented with L. plantarum SU22. Fermentation of alcalase-treated PBB (20%) broth with L. plantarum SU22 was found to be the optimal condition, increasing viable cell count of LAB up to 10.30 Log CFU/mL. Under the optimal condition, the total polyphenol content (94.02 mg GAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (92.50%) were significantly increased, compared to non-fermented control (87.74 mg GAE/g, 83.14%).

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.82-91
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between antibiotic use and the antimicrobial resistance of gram-negative bacteria isolated from blood cultures in a pediatric population. Methods: From January 2014 to June 2018, the antibiotic resistance pattern of Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from bacteremic patients aged ≤18 years hospitalized at Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital was analyzed and the parenteral antibiotic consumption data were retrieved. Results: During the study period, the blood culture was positive for K. pneumoniae (6.4%; 105/1,628), E. coli (5.6%; 91/1,628), P. aeruginosa (3.3%; 54/1,628), and A. baumannii (2.5%; 41/1,628), and the extended-spectrum antibiotic resistance rate of gram-negative bacteria was consistently high. The overall resistance rate of E. coli and K. pneumoniae to extendedspectrum cephalosporin was 49.3% and 54.4%, respectively. Carbapenem-resistant E. coli was first detected in 2014; its overall resistance rate to carbapenem was 5.3%. There was a linear correlation between the usage of 3rd generation cephalosporin and the resistance of A. baumannii (r²=0.96, P=0.004) and carbapenem usage and the resistance of K. pneumoniae (r²=0.79, P=0.045). Conclusions: A positive linear correlation was observed between antibiotic resistance and the corresponding antibiotic usage in 3rd generation cephalosporin resistant A. baumannii and carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae. The judicious use of antibiotics in healthcare settings is important to minimize selection for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem resistance in gram-negative bacteria.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.310-316
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• 2022

In this study, we compared the microbial reduction effects of drying, hot water, and microwave sterilization in scourers and dishcloths to suggest a most suitable sterilization method. Three scourer types (silver, copper, and mesh) were used, and three dishcloth types (silver, bamboo, and cotton) were used. Drying time dependent reduction in Escherichia coli was high in silver and copper scourers, but minimal bacterial reduction was obtained against Bacillus cereus in all scourers and dishcloths. In scourers, E. coli was not detected after ≥30 s of hot water sterilization at 77℃, and B. cereus was not detected after ≥60 s of hot water sterilization at 100℃. In dishcloths, E. coli was not detected after hot water sterilization at 77℃ for ≥30 s, but B. cereus was detected after hot water sterilization at 100℃ for ≥60 s. In scourers, E. coli was not detected after microwave sterilization at 700 W for 3 min, but B. cereus was detected. In dishcloths, E. coli was not detected after microwave sterilization with 700 W for ≥1 min, but B. cereus was detected in the cotton dishcloth even after sterilization for 3 min. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobial scourers (silver and copper) and dishcloths (silver and bamboo) are not sufficient to reduce the microbial contamination. The guideline provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety suggesting dishcloth sterilization via hot water at 100℃ for 30 s was also found to be insufficient. Based on our research, we suggest that the most effective methods of microbial management are submerging scourers in hot water at 100℃ for ≥1 min, and sterilizing dishcloths for ≥3 min using a 700 W microwave.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1094-1099
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• 2021

Hermetia illucens (Black soldier fly) is attracting attention as an environmental purification insect because it can supply a wide range of by-products of the agricultural food industry. Also, it has a potential feed for fish, birds, and pets due to a short life cycle and excellent nutritional components. Several pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, of H. illucens have been reported. However, no study has focused on antiobesity effects of ethanol extract of H. illucens. In this study, we aimed to assess the anti-obesity effects of ethanol extract of H. illucens larvae (HIE) through inhibition of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes. The amount of lipid accumulated in adipocytes was measured by oil red-O staining, and the inhibitory effect on adipogenesis was confirmed. The expression levels of factors related to adipocyte differentiation and fat synthesis were determined using Western blot analysis. Lipid droplet formation in adipocytes was remarkably inhibited by HIE. In addition, treatment with 400 ㎍/ml of HIE significantly reduced the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α-transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that HIE is a potential anti-obesity agent because it inhibits adipocyte differentiation.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.8-17
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• 2004

Antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidative activities of ethanol extracts from 65 families 263 species were investigated to select tree species for the utilization of natural fungicide or preservative resources. The antifungal activities of extracts from wood, leaf and bark were measured as hyphal growth inhibition rate using four plant pathogenic and five wood rotting fungi. High inhibitory effect on the fungi growth was found in five species of Pinaceae (Pinus koraiensis, P. rigida, P. densiflora, P. banksiana. Cedrus deodara), three species of Cupressaceae (Juniperus rigida, J. chinensis, Chamaecyparis obtusa) and three species of Leguminosae (Albizzia julibrisssin, Sophora japonica, Maackia amurensis), respectively. Antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts were determined by means of disc-agar plate diffusion method using three gram-positive and five gram-negative bacteria. The ethanol extracts, which showed prominent effect on the suppression of bacteria growth, were six species of Betulaceae (Carpinus tschonoskii, C. coreana, C. laxiflora, Alnus hirsuta, A. firma, Betula schmidtii), five species of Fagaceae (Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii, Quercus serrata, Q. mongolica, Q aliena, C crenata), four species of Euphorbiaceae (Aleurites fordii, Sapium sebiferum, S japonicum Mallotus japonicus) and three species of Elaeagnaceae (Elaeagnus umbellata, Elaeagnus glanbra, Elaeagnus macrophylla). According to these results, the extracts from Zelkova serrata, Pinus densiflora, Maackia amurensis, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Juniperus chinensis could be available for natural fungicide or food preservatives, because ethanol extracts from these species indicated excellent antifungal and antibacterial activities. In order to test antioxidative activities of ethanol extracts, free radical scavenging method was adopted with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrohydrazyl (DPPH). Free radical scavenging activity was proved very high in the extracts of eight species of Rosaceae (Eriobotrya japonica, Prunus takesimensis, P yedoensis, P padus, P armeniaca var. ansu, Chaenomeles sinensis, Stephanandra incisa, Rosa multiflora) and five species of Ericaceae (Rhododenron mucronulatum, R. scblippenbacbii, R. yedoense var. poukhanense, Vaccinium bracteatum, V oldbami), resvectively. It turned out from this study that only six species among 48 species of Rosaceae showed less than 80% free radical scavenging activity. As a consequences, it could be deduced that the components effective on antioxidative activity commonly exist in Rosaceae plant family.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2019

Purpose: Fungal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). On the other hand, a standardized procedure regarding an accurate treatment of this serious complication of knee arthroplasty is lacking. The clinical progress of staged reimplantation in patients who had fungus-related PJI after TKA was reviewed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: Ten patients who had a fungal related PJI after TKA between 2006 and 2017 using staged reimplantation surgery were reviewed. These patients were compared with 119 patients who had a PJI in the same period. The failure rate of infection control, intravenous antimicrobial using the period, and the clinical results were evaluated by comparing the range of motion and Korean knee score (KKS) between pre-staged reimplantation and the last follow-up. Results: In the fungal infection group, 7 out of 10 cases (70.0%) had failed in infection control using staged reimplantation and in the non-fungal group, 7 out of 119 cases (5.9%) had failed (p=0.04). In the non-fungal group, the mean duration of antibiotics was 6.2 weeks. In the fungus group, the mean duration of antibiotics was 15.3 weeks, which was 9.1 weeks longer (p<0.001). The range of motion of the knee was increased in the two groups (p=0.265). At the last follow-up, the KKS was 71.01 points in the non-fungal group and 61.3 points in the fungal group (p=0.012). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in the two groups, but the CRP was significantly different in the two groups (p=0.007). Conclusion: The treatment of fungus-related PJIs using staged reimplantation showed uneven clinical progress and unsatisfactory clinical improvements compared to non-fungal PJI. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the use of an antifungal mixed cement spacer at resection arthroplasty and oral antifungal agent after reimplantation.