• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 1985

Isolation and identification of anaerobic bacteria from blood cultures are still technically demanding procedures. Recently, with the use of gas liquid chromatography, the accuracy of identification is much improved. However, there has never been a satisfactory data analysis on anaerobic bacteremia in Korea. The authors evaluated both the clinical and the bacteriological data of 129 anaerobic bacteremias found at the Yonsei Medical Center during the period of 1973 to 1984. The most frequently isolated anaerobic bacteria were Bacteroides (52.7%), among which the major species was B. fragilis (38.7%). Incidence of anaerobic bacteremia by sex was 57% in male and 43% in female. Mortality was higg in groups below 1-year old and above 50-year old. The cause of death seemed closely correlated with the patient's age, general condition and the severity of the underlying disease. Various neoplasms were the most common (20%) underlying diseases predisposing the anaerobic bacteremia. Biliary tract was considered the most frequent route of infection in anaerobic bacteremia. The frequent clinical signs in anaerobic bacteremia were fever (65%), followed by liver function abnormality (29%), jaundice (20%) and hypotention(18%). When analysis of positive rate of blood culture was made on the patients from whom 4 cultures were done within 24 hours, it was found that 33% of the samples were positive. Isolation rate of anaerobic bacteria in thioglycollate medium was 83.8%, while it was 44% in Tryptic soy broth. Among the anaerobic bacteremia, 25.4% were polymicrobial infections with aerobic bacteria (92.5%), such as E. coli(33.3%). From these studies, it is concluded that B. fragilis is the most important causative organism in anaerobic bacteremia, with high fatality, particularly in those who have underlying diseases. The ports of entry are mainly biliary, gastrointestinal and female genital tract. Fever is the most frequent clinical sign. Single blood culture is not sufficient to detect all anaerobic bacteremia, therefore more cultures with optimal time interval are needed. The incidence of polymicrobial infection in anaerobic bacteremia is higher than that in overall bacteremia.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.812-822
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• 2014

Metagenomic analysis of the human intestinal microbiota has extended our understanding of the role of these bacteria in improving human intestinal health; however, a number of reports have shown that current total fecal DNA extraction methods and 16S rRNA universal primer sets could affect the species coverage and resolution of these analyses. Here, we improved the extraction method for total DNA from human fecal samples by optimization of the lysis buffer, boiling time (10 min), and bead-beating time (0 min). In addition, we developed a new long-range 16S rRNA universal PCR primer set targeting the V6 to V9 regions with a 580 bp DNA product length. This new 16S rRNA primer set was evaluated by comparison with two previously developed 16S rRNA universal primer sets and showed high species coverage and resolution. The optimized total fecal DNA extraction method and newly designed long-range 16S rRNA universal primer set will be useful for the highly accurate metagenomic analysis of adult and infant intestinal microbiota with minimization of any bias.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.313-322
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• 2007

Extract of Japanese red pine needles has been used in Asia pacific regions since long periods believing its valuable properties as tonic and ability of curing diseases of unidentified symptoms. Some selective compounds present in the extract and their effects were analyzed. Carbohydrates and vitamin c were identified using HPLC; terpenoid compounds by GC-MS; anti-bacterial analysis by paper discs, plates count and gastrointestinal motility by whole cell patch clamp. The extract is a mixture of compounds therefore its diverse effect was expected. Self-fermentation in extract proceeds after spontaneous appearance of yeast strains without inoculation. Effects and composition of the extract vary with varying period of self-fermentation. Extract inhibits the growth of bacteria dose dependently exhibiting its antibacterial properties however effectiveness increases with increase in fermentation period. The extract also can modulate gastrointestinal motility in murine small intestine by modulating pace maker currents in ICC mediated through ATP sensitive potassium channel.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2019

Probiotics stabilize intestinal microflora, reduce constipation, reduce decay by inhibiting harmful bacteria, and prevent diseases. Probiotics have also been studied for their possible roles in immune activation, treatment of cancer, remediation of cholesterol, treatment of diabetes, alleviation of allergies, and relief of lactose intolerance. However, recent data concerning the side effects of probiotics have prompted debate regarding their efficacy and safety. Major adverse events associated with probiotics are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, and vomiting, along with skin rash and urticaria. Probiotics occasionally cause sepsis in infants with poor immunity and elderly people with severe diseases. In contrast to previous studies that described the efficacy of probiotics in intestinal regulation, some recent studies have reported that the activity of intestinal microbes becomes weak as a result of the influx of probiotics. The data indicate that the safety of probiotics is not guaranteed and that further investigations are needed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.840-846
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• 2021

To improve the bile salt and acid tolerance of probiotics against gastrointestinal stresses, we investigated the effects of soybean lecithin and whey protein concentrate (WPC) 80 on the bile salt tolerance of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L9 using a single-factor methodology, which was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The survival rate of L. paracasei L9 treated with 0.3% (w/v) bile salt for 2.5 h, and combined with soybean lecithin or WPC 80, was lower than 1%. After optimization, the survival rate of L. paracasei L9 incubated in 0.3% bile salt for 2.5 h reached 52.5% at a ratio of 0.74% soybean lecithin and 2.54% WPC 80. Moreover, this optimized method improved the survival rate of L. paracasei L9 in low pH condition and can be applied to other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. Conclusively, the combination of soybean lecithin and WPC 80 significantly improved the bile salt and acid tolerance of LAB. Our study provides a novel approach for enhancing the gastrointestinal tolerance of LAB by combining food-derived components that have different properties.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.1095-1105
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• 2010

Objectives : This paper is designed to help the public prevent their future dental caries, based on the studies of xylitol about it's efficacy and effectiveness, and its appropriate usage. Methods : This study of xylitol on the basis of existing research papers and literature is not only to learn about the mechanism of what xylitol acts, but also to search the effectiveness of incompleteness of xylitol-containing foods, bacterial infection between xylitol and mother-baby, and the side-effects of xylitol. Results : 1. Xylitol's continuous intake of teeth effects the decrease of calculus amount, cleanness of teeth, as well as the remineralization process. The xylitol effect varies depending on the weight of xylitol, which has no effect on root caries. 2. Mouth gargle solution is higher resistant against acids; recalcification is significantly reduced; and remineralization effect represents. 3. It is reported that regular consumption of xylitol by mothers just during two years after birth has significantly decreased the spread possibility of mutans streptococcei. 4. The reduction of dental caries by xylitol is happened by its restraining the growth of bacteria resource caries, with their presence in amount of uncontrolled growth. 5. When a small amount of eating xylitol is absorbed slowly into gastrointestinal tract, being followed by glucose metabolism in the liver, while its excessive amount of eating can cause gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion : Dental hygienists should be required to provide dental information to the public on the basis of academic knowledge. In situation that one is not yet sure of xylitol on solid and multifaceted researches, there must be needed more accurate and detailed reviews on the side-effects of xylitol and the overall impact on the oral environments.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.306-313
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• 2012

Herbal medicines are medicinal products containing a single or a mixture of two or more different herbal substances or herbal preparations as active principles. Recently, much attention has been paid to developing various kinds of fermented herbal extracts, a new type of traditional herbal medicine in the field of Korean traditional medicine. The fermentation of medicinal herbs is intended to exert a favorable influence on bioestability, bioavaliablilty and pharmacological activity of herbal extract in the gastrointestinal tract as well as intensifying the nutritional and pharmacological aspects of the medicinal herbs. The purpose of this study was to investigate biological activities of fermented Rehmanniae Radix by lactic acid bacteria at $30^{\circ}C$ for 3 days in comparison with those for Rehmanniae Radix The fermented Rehmanniae Radix exhibited different chemical profile to Rehmanniae Radix generated with HPLC, indicating production of new ingredients during fermentation. Rehmanniae Radix served as good nutritional sources for the growth of lactic acid bacteria showing increased number of bacteria during fermentation. Toxic effect of the fermented Rehmanniae Radix to cells were not seen judged by the MTT assay. The fermented Rehmanniae Radix exhibited better antioxidant effect than non-fermented Rehmanniae Radix analyzed by a SOD-likely assay. Both hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of the fermented Rehmanniae Radix were also detected and better than those for Rehmanniae Radix in showing dose-dependent inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and ACE, respectively. In conclusion, fermented Rehmanniae Radix appears to have more biological activities than non-feremented Rehmanniae Radix showing not only antioxidant effect but also cardiovascular protection.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.135-148
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• 2017

Pathogen introductions associated with aquatic invasive species threaten ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. Bigheaded carps (BHC), including Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Bighead Carp H. nobilis, and their hybrids, are prolific, invasive pests in central US rivers. However, little is known about pathogen effects on invading BHC or how BHC affect the disease risk profile for native fishes in receiving ecosystems. We therefore conducted, from May 2013-December 2014, a systematic pathogen survey for BHC and native fishes in the Wabash River watershed, Indiana, USA. We found Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, and Salmonella enterica DNA in BHC as well as native fishes, although none of these bacteria were exclusively present in BHC. DNA from other bacterial taxa was detected only in native fishes and Common Carp Cyprinus carpio. No gastrointestinal helminths were detected in BHC, although they were common in most native fishes examined. We also conducted in vitro studies on BHC tissues (skin, gill, fin, and fry) and found high sensitivity to Largemouth Bass virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. We conclude that BHC are not heavily burdened by bacteria, viruses and parasites in the invaded study ecosystems, although they do harbor native bacteria and show potential for high sensitivity to endemic viruses.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.511-516
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• 2006

The objectives of this study was to compare the probiotic characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for their ability to assimilate cholesterol, production of bacteriocin, inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), and viability under artificial gastrointestinal fluids. Among tested lactic acid bacteria, L167 strain exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity (58.75%). The production of ACE inhibitory peptide derived from fermented milk by L167 strain started at the beginning of stationary phase with maximum activity occurring late of the stationary phase. The highest ACE inhibitory activity was observed at 20 h in 10% skim milk medium. L155 strain exhibited cholesterol assimilation activity compared with probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121. With addition of bacteriocin culture, viable cells of Staphylococcus aureus in fermented sausage were slightly decreased during storage. Among selected strains of LAB, 3 strains weve identified as L. plantarum (L155, L165, L167), and two strains were identified as Pediococcus damnosus (L12) and L. paracasei ssp. paracasei (P113) by use of API carbohydrate fermentation pattern and physiological tests.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.202-204
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• 1999

Methanol extracts of leaves from 15 Pinus species belonging to the family Pinaceae were tested for their in vitro growth-inhibiting activities against 10 bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of human, using impregnated paper disk methods. The inhibitory activities varied with both bacterial strain and Pinus species used. At a concentration of 10 mg/disk, a clear growth inhibition was produced from the extracts of Pinus armandii, P. banksiana, P. bungeana, P. densiflora, P. rigida, and P. thunbergii against Clostridium perfringens, whereas all Pinus samples revealed weak or little growth-inhibiting activity against Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. At 5 mg/disk, the extracts of P. banksiana and P. thunbergii exhibited potent growth inhibition toward C. perfringens. All the extracts except the one from P. densiflora did not adversely affect growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. longum, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. animalis, and Lactobacillus casei. The growth-inhibiting activity was more pronounced in C. perfringens, as compared to the lactic acid-producing bacteria. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological activities of these Pinus species.