• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2004

This experiment was conducted to screen the suitable rootstocks for the soil cultivation of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) in highland. Sixteen kinds of rootstocks were grafted to the red colored 'Spirit' scion for the resistances to diseases like fruit lot (Phytophthora capsici) and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum). Four varieties among the rootstocks, 'Tantandaemok', 'Skurt-S', 'AC 2258', and 'PST 8301' were selected for the high resistance to fruit rot of paprika. However non-grafted control plants were totally dead at five days after inoculation. Furthermore, seven varieties including 'Yeokgang', ;Tantandaemok', 'TE412', 'MC 4', 'PST VK', and 'PST NV' were selected for the high resistance to bacterial wilt. The grafting with pest resistant rootstocks could enhance the rhizophere environment through root fresh weight increase. High yielding rootstocks for paprica 'Spirit' were PST 8301, MC 4, and Wanggeun.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1200-1209
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• 2021

Sepsis is an acute inflammatory response that leads to life-threatening complications if not quickly and adequately treated. Cytolysin, hemolysin, and pneumolysin are toxins produced by gram-positive bacteria and are responsible for resistance to antimicrobial drugs, cause virulence and lead to sepsis. This work assessed the effects of aloe-emodin (AE) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on sepsis-associated gram-positive bacterial toxins. Standard and antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia bacterial strains were cultured in the dark with varying AE concentrations and later irradiated with 72 J/cm^-2 light. Colony and biofilm formation was determined. CCK-8, Griess reagent reaction, and ELISA assays were done on bacteria-infected RAW264.7 cells to determine the cell viability, NO, and IL-1β and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines responses, respectively. Hemolysis and western blot assays were done to determine the effect of treatment on hemolysis activity and sepsis-associated toxins expressions. AE-mediated PDT reduced bacterial survival in a dose-dependent manner with 32 ㎍/ml of AE almost eliminating their survival. Cell proliferation, NO, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokines production were also significantly downregulated. Further, the hemolytic activities and expressions of cytolysin, hemolysin, and pneumolysin were significantly reduced following AE-mediated PDT. In conclusion, combined use of AE and light (435 ± 10 nm) inactivates MRSA, S. aureus (ATCC 29213), S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619), MDR-S. pneumoniae, E. faecalis (ATCC 29212), and VRE (ATCC 51299) in an AE-dose dependent manner. AE and light are also effective in reducing biofilm formations, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, hemolytic activities, and inhibiting the expressions of toxins that cause sepsis.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 2018

Nucleotide-binding domain 1 (Nod1) is a cytosolic receptor that is responsible for the recognition of a bacterial peptidoglycan motif containing meso-diaminophimelic acid. In this study, we sought to identify the role of Nod1 in host defense in vivo against pulmonary infection by multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Wildtype (WT) and Nod1-deficient mice were intranasally infected with $3{\times}10^7CFU$ of A. baumannii and sacrificed at 1 and 3 days post-infection (dpi). Bacterial CFUs, cytokines production, histopathology, and mouse ${\beta}$-defensins (mBD) in the lungs of infected mice were evaluated. The production of cytokines in response to A. baumannii was also measured in WT and Nod1-deficient macrophages. The bacterial clearance in the lungs was not affected by Nod1 deficiency. Levels of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in the lung homogenates were comparable at days 1 and 3 between WT and Nod1-deficient mice, except the $TNF-{\alpha}$ level at day 3, which was higher in Nod1-deficient mice. There was no significant difference in lung pathology and expression of mBDs (mBD1, 2, 3, and 4) between WT and Nod1-deficient mice infected with A. baumannii. The production of IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and NO by macrophages in response to A. baumannii was also comparable in WT and Nod1-deficient mice. Our results indicated that Nod1 does not play an important role in host immune responses against A. baumannii infection.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.271-282
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify the antimicrobial effects of SSH(三神丸) and synerggy effects of the existing antibiotics Oxacillin and Ciprofloxacin on MRSA and to identify the mechanisms. In this case, the procedure and method for verifying anti-bacterial activity and active concentration of MARA by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the trichin is used to verify the potency and active concentration of MARA, to confirm the potency of the disease by treating antibiotics and trichine ethanol extract in parallel, and to confirm the anti-bacterial effect over time, when the trichine is activated as an anti-bacterial activity to MARA, and a compound. In addition, we hope that this research will not only serve as meaningful data for the development of new drugs to control MARA immunity, but also serve as an opportunity to further accelerate the research and development of antibiotics to overcome resistant strains.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.89-93
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• 2019

Background: Prophylactic antibiotic administration after surgery for a nasal bone fracture is performed due to concerns about infection-related complications, such as, toxic shock syndrome. To evaluate the validity and efficacy of antibiotic use, we compared the results obtained and the bacterial profiles of nasal packing materials in patients that underwent closed reduction for a nasal bone fracture with or without prophylactic antibiotic administration. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with a nasal bone fracture, but without an open wound, that underwent closed reduction during March to August 2017 were included in the present study. Fifteen of these 30 patients were randomly assigned to a control group, members of were administered postoperative intravenous antibiotics once at the day of surgery and then oral antibiotics for 4 days. The other 15 patients were assigned to an experimental group and not administered any antibiotic postoperatively. Antibiotic ointment was not applied to nasal packing in either group. Nasal packing was removed on postoperative day 4 in all cases. Removed nasal gauze packings were culture tested and strains identified in the two groups were compared. Results: Bacterial strain types cultured from packings were similar in the experimental and control groups and no patient showed signs of clinically significant infection. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest postoperative prophylactic antibiotic use is not clinically required after closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture. Furthermore, the non-use of postoperative antibiotics is biologically beneficial, as it reduces the occurrence of resistant strains and medical costs, and is more convenient for patients.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2021

Inflammatory reactions activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria can lead to severe septic shock. With the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria and a lack of efficient ways to treat resulting infections, there is a need to develop novel anti-endotoxin agents. Antimicrobial peptides have been noticed as potential therapeutic molecules for bacterial infection and as candidates for new antibiotic drugs. We previously designed the 9-meric antimicrobial peptide Pro9-3 and it showed high antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria. Here, to further examine its potency as an anti-endotoxin agent, we examined the anti-endotoxin activities of Pro9-3 and elucidated its mechanism of action. We performed a dye-leakage experiment and BODIPY-TR cadaverine and limulus amebocyte lysate assays for Pro9-3 as well as its lysine-substituted analogue and their enantiomers. The results confirmed that Pro9-3 targets the bacterial membrane and the arginine residues play key roles in its antimicrobial activity. Pro9-3 showed excellent LPS-neutralizing activity and LPS-binding properties, which were superior to those of other peptides. Saturation transfer difference-nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to explore the interaction between LPS and Pro9-3 revealed that Trp3 and Tlr7 in Pro9-3 are critical for attracting Pro9-3 to the LPS in the gram-negative bacterial membrane. Moreover, the anti-septic effect of Pro9-3 in vivo was investigated using an LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model, demonstrating its dual activities: antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria and immunosuppressive effect preventing LPS-induced endotoxemia. Collectively, these results confirmed the therapeutic potential of Pro9-3 against infection of gram-negative bacteria.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.11-50
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• 2023

As the field of interventional pain management (IPM) grows, the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) is increasing. SSI is defined as an infection of the incision or organ/space that occurs within one month after operation or three months after implantation. It is also common to find patients with suspected infection in an outpatient clinic. The most frequent IPM procedures are performed in the spine. Even though primary pyogenic spondylodiscitis via hematogenous spread is the most common type among spinal infections, secondary spinal infections from direct inoculation should be monitored after IPM procedures. Various preventive guidelines for SSI have been published. Cefazolin, followed by vancomycin, is the most commonly used surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in IPM. Diagnosis of SSI is confirmed by purulent discharge, isolation of causative organisms, pain/tenderness, swelling, redness, or heat, or diagnosis by a surgeon or attending physician. Inflammatory markers include traditional (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count) and novel (procalcitonin, serum amyloid A, and presepsin) markers. Empirical antibiotic therapy is defined as the initial administration of antibiotics within at least 24 hours prior to the results of blood culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Definitive antibiotic therapy is initiated based on the above culture and testing. Combination antibiotic therapy for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria infections appears to be superior to monotherapy in mortality with the risk of increasing antibiotic resistance rates. The never-ending war between bacterial resistance and new antibiotics is continuing. This article reviews prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in pain medicine.

• Annals of Clinical Microbiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.80-85
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the bactericidal effects of copper, brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), and stainless steel against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREFM), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA). Methods: The isolates (MRSA, VREFM, MRPA) used in this study were mixed wild type 3 strains isolated from patients treated at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital in 2017. These strains showed patterns of multidrug resistance. The lyophilized strains were inoculated into and incubated for 24 hr in tryptic soy broth at $35^{\circ}C$. The initial bacterial inoculum concentration was adjusted to $10^5CFU/mL$. A 100-mL bacterial suspension was incubated in containers made of brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), copper (above 99% purity), and stainless steel at $35^{\circ}C$. Viable counts of bacteria strains were measured for 9 days. Results: In this study, the bactericidal effects of copper and brass on MRSA, VREFM, and MRPA were verified. The bactericidal effect of stainless steel was much weaker than those of copper and brass. The bactericidal effect was stronger on MRPA than on MRSA or VREFM. Conclusion: To prevent cross infection of multidrug resistant bacteria in hospitals, further studies of longer duration are needed for testing of copper materials on objects such as door knobs, faucets, and bed rails.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2004

Bacteria that are resistant to several different groups of antibiotics have increased during the past few years. The importance of surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is now widely recognized. Unfortunately, this development has not been documented continuously in veterinary medicine in Korea. Therefore, the clinical prevalence and trend of antimicrobial susceptibility of aerobic isolates were investigated in this study. Total 121 isolates of aerobic bacteria were isolated from clinical specimens of dogs and cats at Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University from May 2001 to October 2002. Among them, the most common isolated species was Staphylococcus spp. (48 isolates), followed by E.coli (26 isolates), Enterococcus spp. (21 isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9 isolates), Streptococcus spp. (6 isolates), Enterobacter cloacae (3 isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 isolates), Corynebacterium xerosis (2 isolates), Chryseomonas spp. (2 isolates), and Providencia stuartii (1 isolate). The susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics was determined by the disk diffusion method. Gram-positive bacterial isolates were showed high susceptibilities to amikacin, amoxacillin/clavulanate, ceftazidime, and oxacillin, while Gram-negative bacterial isolates were showed high susceptibilities to amikacin and ceftazidime. Staphylococcus spp. were showed high susceptibilities to amikacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ceftazidime, cephalothin, and oxacillin. Streptococcus spp. and E.coli were showed high susceptibilities to amikacin and ceftazidime. Of the 48 staphylococci, seven Methicillin Resistant staphylococci were observed (14.6%), distributed among S. auricularis (1), S. hemolyticus (2), S. sciuri (1), S. saprophyticus (1), S. warneri (2) isolates. One strain of E.coli and one strain of Corynebacterium xerosis were resistant to all antibiotics tested. And, resistance trends between the you 2000 (from July 1999 to September 2000) and 2002 (from May 2001 to October 2002) were compared. Resistance to antibiotics was increased in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates (p＜ 0.05). The resistance rates of Staphylococcus spp., E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to all antibiotics tested were also increased (p＜0.05). This study investigated increasing resistance between the year 2000 and 2002 in Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University. Surveillance resistance is helpful to alert to veterinarian and select of appropriate therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance of isolates should urgently be continued in veterinary medicine.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.261-268
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• 2004

Background : The resurgence of tuberculosis and outbreaks of multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis have increased the emphasis for the development of new susceptibility testing of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the effective treatment and control of the disease. Conventional drug susceptibility testings, such as those using egg-based or agar-based media have some limits, such as the time required and difficulties in determining critical inhibitory concentrations, but these are still being used in many diagnostic laboratories because of no better lternatives, considering cost and accuracy. To overcome these limits, a rapid and simple method for new susceptibility testing, using live and dead assays, was applied for a bacterial cell viability assay to distinguish dead from live bacterial cells based on two-color fluorescence. Materials and Methods Strains : Forty strains were used in this study, 20 susceptible to all antituberculosis drugs and the other 20 resistant to the four first line antituberculosis drugs isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol. Antibiotics : The four antibiotics were dissolved in 7H9 broth to make the following solutions: $0.1{\mu}g\;isoniazid(INH)/m{\ell}$, $0.4{\mu}g\;rifampicin(RMP)/m{\ell}$, $4.0{\mu}g\;streptomycin(SM)/m{\ell}$ and $4.0{\mu}g\;ethambutol(EMB)/m{\ell}$. Results : Live and dead Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells fluoresced green and red with the acridin (Syto 9) and propidium treatments, respectively. These results are very well accorded with conventional drug susceptibility testing by proportional method on Lowensen-Jensen media (L-J) containing 4 drugs (INH, RMP, EMB and SM), showing a 93.7 % accordance rate in susceptible strains and 95% in resistant strains. Conclusion : The results of the drug susceptibility testing using the live and dead bacterial cell assay showed high accordance rates compared with the conventional proportion method on L-J. This finding suggests that the live and dead bacterial cell assay can be used as an alternative to conventional drug susceptibility testing for M. tuberculosis strains.