• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.346-353
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• 2002

Purpose : Penicillin- and multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae poses a serious threat to clinicians because the rate of resistance of S. pneumoniae to penicillin in Korea has surged up to the world's highest level. This study was performed to assess the carriage rate, serogroups and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. pneumoniae isolated from oropharynx in children. Methods : From March to July 1998, 209 children under 5 years of age were recruited from five day care centers. The carriage rate for pneumococci was obtained. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined with the E-test and agar dilution methods. Serogrouping was performed on 48 of the pneumococcal isolates by the Quellung reaction. Results : The carriage rate of S. pneumoniae was 30.1%. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were available for 59 of the isolates. Sixty-six percent of isolates were not susceptible to penicillin, and multidrug-resistance was observed in 76.3% of the isolates. A high proportion of the penicillin-resistant strains showed associated resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, erythromycin, and oxacillin. The most prevalent oropharyngeal serogroups were 19, 6, 3, 23, and 29. Resistance of the pneumococcal isolates to penicillin was different according to the serogroups. All of the strains of serogroup 19, 23, and 29 was resistant to penicillin but 87.5% of serogroup 3 strains were susceptible to penicillin. Conclusion : The resistance rate of S. pneumoniae isolated from oropharynx in children was very high to penicillin and other antimicrobial agents. For the reduction of the drug-resistant rate of S. pneumoniae, clinicians should be required to be more judicious in their use of antimicrobial agents.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2006

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Standl.) has been used as a rootstock for the watermelon cultivation because of better growth ability at low temperature and avoidance from contamination of the soil disease. Since the genetic source for the elite rootstock is limited in nature, the genetic engineering method is inevitable to develop new lines especially to obtain the functionally important or multi-disease resistant bottle gourd. Recently, our lab has set up a successful system to transform the bottle gourd. in order to monitor the transformation process, GFP gene is used. Cotyledons of the inbred line 9005, 9006 and G5 were used to induce the shoot under the selection media with MS + 30 g/L sucrose + 3.0 mg/L BAP + 100 mg/L kanamycin + 500 mg/L cefotaxime + 0.5 mg/L $AgNO_3$, pH 5.8. The shoot was developed from the cut side of the explants after 3 weeks on the selection media. The shoot was incubated in the rooting media with 1/2 MS + 30 g/L sucrose + 0.1 mg/L IAA + 50 mg/L kanamycin + 500 mg/L cefotaxime, pH 5.8 and moved to pot for acclimation. Although the shoot development rate was depended on the genotype, the G5 was the best line to be transformed. Monitoring GFP expression from the young shoot under microscope could make the selection much easier to distinguish the transformed shoot from the non-transformed shoots.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.342-351
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to survey susceptibilities of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates against cefotaxime and to determine the prevalences of CTX-M type extended-spectrum $\beta$-lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae in Korea. During the period of February to July, 2005, 153 E. coli and 52 K. neumoniae isolates were collected from 2 hospitals in Busan. Antimicrobial susceptibilities to cefotaxime were tested by the disk diffusion method. ESBL production of E. coli and K. pneumoniae was determined by the double disk synergy test. MICs of $\beta$-lactam antibiotics were determined by the agar dilution method. Blac$_{CTX-M}$ genes of the organism were detected by PCR. Among 153 isolates of E. coli and 52 isolates of K. neumoniae, 27 (17.6%) and 25 (48.0%) were intermediate or resistant to cefotaxime, respectively. Twenty-three (15.0%) isolates out of 153 E. coli and 13 (25.0%) out of 52 K. neumoniae isolates showed positive results for ESBL by the double disk synergy test. Twenty isolates out of 23 ESBL producing E. coli and 12 out of 13 ESBL producing K. neumoniae isolates harbored biacTx-M gene,11 of ESBL producing E. coli and 12 of ESBL producing K. neuinoniae isolates harbored bla$_{CTX-M}$ gene, 11 of the ESBL producing E. coli and 2 of ESBL producing K. neumoniae isolates harbored bla$_{TEM}$ gene, and 1 of the ESBL producing E. coli and 12 of ESBL producing K. neumoniae isolates harbored bla$_{SHV}$ gene. E. coli and K. neumoniae isolates producing CTX-M-type ESBLs were not uncommon in Korea. It is thought that continuous survey are necessary for inspecting the spread and novel variants of CTX-M-type ESBL genes. Further me]'e investigation and research on ESBL producing strains are needed in order to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 1997

To develop novel cephem antibiotics, We have synthesized a new compound, named YH-487, by attaching the thiol and aminothiazole residue to $C_3$ and $C_7$ position of 7-ACA, respectively. Several characteristics such as structure, antibiotic spectrum, action mechanism, stability against ${\beta}-lactamase$ and synergistic effect were investigated. Anti-bactericidal activity of YH-487 against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were superior to that of the other cephem antibiotics. We have examined the action mechanisms of YH-487 using penicillin binding protein (PBP) assay, and found that the bactericidal activity was obtained by inhibiting PBP-1A, PBP-1B and PBP-3. YH-487 showed synergistic effect with gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, YH-487 was effective against Enterobacter cloacae in combination with amikacin. Based on the above observations, YH-487 was classified as a novel third-generation ${\beta}-lactam$ antibiotics.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.210-216
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• 2016

Recently, there has been a considerable increase in the prevalence of CTX-M type extended-spectrum ${\beta}$-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates worldwide, including Korea. To investigate the ESBL genes in the E. coli strains isolated from a university hospital in the Chungcheong area, a study was conducted using PCR amplification and nucleotide sequence analysis of the amplified products to detect the plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in ESBL producing E. coli isolates. The number of CTX-M-14 producing isolates was 25 (16.0%) isolates, and of them, 9 (5.8%) isolates also produced CTX-M-15. All CTX-M type ESBL producing E. coli isolates showed resistance to cefotaxime. Twelve (48%) CTX-M type ESBL producing E. coli isolates contained the PMQR genes, 8 contained qnrS1, and 8 contained aac(6')-Ib-cr. Four isolates harbored both qnrS1 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes. In our study, we confirmed that the plasmid mediated antimicrobial resistant determinants-the ESBL and PMQR genes-were distributed in the E. coli isolates. To prevent further spreading of the resistant genes among the E. coli isolates, consistent effort is required to investigate and monitor the resistant genes.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2006

Gerber (Gerbera hybrida) is a valuable ornamental species grown as a potted plant and cut flowers. However, genetic variability within the gerbera genus is very limited. So it is absolutely needed to introduce and widen genetic resources into gerbera lines by genetic transformation. For the purpose, 18 Korean gerbera lines were screened to establish Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation procedure. In an experiment to select Korean gerbera lines which are amenable to Agrobacterium-inoculation, 12 lines turned out to be positive in Agrobacterium-inoculation. More callus were produced from BA 2ppm, Zeatin 2ppm, IAA 0.2ppm in pre-culture and regeneration medium (2X media) but there was no difference in the frequency of GUS expression rate. In another experiment to find out optimal condition for highly efficient Agrobacterium-inoculation, petiole and leaf explants have been treated with four different pre-culture periods, two different co-culture periods and two different Agrobacterium strains. As a result, high GUS expression has been showed from petiole and leaf explants treated no pre-culture period with LBA4404 Agrobacterium tumerfaciens, 5 day co-culture period and dipping treatment.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2007

Plant extract has attracted considerable interest in oral disease therapy. The present study was performed to observe the antibacterial effect on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans GS5 and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715, and periodontopathic Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 of phytoncide from Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc employing the measurement of optical density, viable cell counts, and antibiotic sensitivity. The results were as follows: 1. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the phytoncide for S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and A. actinomycetemcomitans was observed to be 0.5%, 1%, and 0.2%, respectively. 2. Minimum bactericidal concentration of the phytoncide for S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and A. actinomycetemcomitans was determined to be 0.5%, 2%, and 0.2%, respectively. 3. The bacteria exposed to the phytoncide become more sensitive to antibiotics. The phytoncide enhanced significantly antibacterial activity of ampicillin against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. It also increased significantly the activity of penicillin and amoxicillin against S. sobrinus. In contrast, the phytoncide augmented the activity of amoxicillin and cefotaxime against A. actinomycetemcomitans but the increase was not statistically significant. The overall results indicate that phytoncide from Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc used for this study has a strong antibacterial activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria and that it also has permeabilizing effect on certain antibiotics against these bacteria. Therefore, the phytoncide may be used as a candidate for prevention and therapeutic agent against oral infectious disease including dental caries and periodontal disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2010

Purpose : Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a relatively uncommon superficial blistering skin disease that is due to Staphylococcus aureus. We had experienced a regional outbreak of SSSS over 3 years in healthy children. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of those patients diagnosed as SSSS. Most of neonatal cases were nosocomial infections and excluded from the analysis. The clinical features, laboratory findings, the isolation and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus, the antibiotic management and other supportive treatments were analyzed. Results : Fifty-five patients with SSSS were admitted to our hospital from October 2001 to September 2004. The median age of patients was 3.0 years. Of the 55 patients, 9 were the generalized type, 13 were the intermediate type and 33 were the scarletiniform rash. All the patients were living in neighborhood of the Jinju area. S. aureus were isolated from 9 of the patients and all of the isolated S. aureus were methicillin resistant. All the patients except two were treated with intravenous flocloxacillin or nafcillin and/or cefotaxime. All the patients recovered during the follow-up period of 2 to 3 weeks. Conclusion : We experienced a regional outbreak of SSSS in previous healthy children. Further study for finding the carriers of S. aureus caused SSSS and preventing the spread of this disease is needed. Additionally, guidelines for treating SSSS due to methicillin resistant S. aureus should be established.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2010

Purpose : We aimed to compare the clinical features and antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by pathogens other than E. coli (non-E. coli) with UTI caused by E. coli in children. Methods : We enrolled patients with culture-proven UTI, who were admitted to the study hospital from September 2008 to August 2009. We investigated clinical data of patients with UTI and antibiotic resistance of isolated strains. For comparison, patients were divided according by results of the urine culture into E. coli and non-E. coli UTI groups. Results : A total of 84 patients participated in this study. Twenty one cases (25.0%) were caused by non-E. coli pathogens. Frequency of non-E. coli UTI differed according to age and sex: 'male <6 months', 10.5%; 'male ${\geq}$6 months', 50.0%; 'female <6 months', 43.7%; and 'female ${\geq}$6 months', 25.0% (P=0.014). More patients who received previous antibiotic treatment (P=0.017), but fewer patients who showed hematuria (P=0.014) were included in the non-E. coli UTI group than in the E. coli UTI group. Comparison of antibiotic resistance showed that the non-E. coli UTI group possessed more strains that were resistant to cefazolin, cefotaxime, imipenem, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) and tetracycline than the E. coli UTI group (P<0.05). Conclusion : Increased incidence, different distribution by age and sex, and high antibiotic resistance of non-E. coli UTI should be considered in selection of empirical antibiotics for treatment of UTI in children.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.141-148
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• 2004

In this report, several factors such as infection time and concentration of bacterial suspension, influencing on transient gene expression in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation were evaluated. An appropriate concentration (O.D 600nm = 1.0-1.2) of bateria and 30 min of infection time showed a higher level of GUS expression. To improve transformation efficiency (TE), friable embryogenic calli (FEC) were bombarded by tungsten particles without plasmid DNA, and then co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens LBA4404 which contains pTOK233 super binary vector, carrying neomycin phosphotransferase (NPTII), hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) and$\beta-glucuronidase$ (GUS) genes. Three days after co-cultivation with A. tumefaciens and particle bombardment, FEC cultures were transferred to the selection medium (SM: MS medium supplemented with BA 1mg/l, hygromycin 100mg/l, cefotaxime 250 mg/l and vancomycin 200mg/l). They were cultured for 2 weeks and then transferred to the second SM containing hygromycin 50mg/l, cefotaxime 200 mg/l and vancomycin 100mg/l. Later, stable GUS expression was detected 4 to 6 weeks after transfer to the SM. Further, TE from Agrobacterium-mediated transformation after particle bombardment increased to about 3-folds compared with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation without particle bombardment. In the present study, we established an efficient transformation protocol of zoysiagrass by using A. tumefaciens in the combination with particle bombardment for the first time.