• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.405-417
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• 2023

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is a significant but neglected tropical public health issue in Latin America due to the diversity of its genotypes and pathogenic profiles. This complexity is compounded by the adverse effects of current treatments, underscoring the need for new therapeutic options that employ medicinal plant extracts without negative side effects. Our research aimed to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of Bidens pilosa fractions against epimastigote and trypomastigote stages of T. cruzi, specifically targeting the Brener and Nuevo León strains-the latter isolated from Triatoma gerstaeckeri in General Terán, Nuevo León, México. We processed the plant's aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) to obtain a methanolic extract (Bp-mOH) and fractions with varying solvent polarities. These preparations inhibited more than 90% of growth at concentrations as low as 800 ㎍/ml for both parasite stages. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values for the Bp-mOH extract and its fractions were below 500 ㎍/ml. Tests for cytotoxicity using Artemia salina and Vero cells and hemolytic activity assays for the extract and its fractions yielded negative results. The methanol fraction (BPFC3MOH1) exhibited superior inhibitory activity. Its functional groups, identified as phenols, enols, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and proteins, include compounds such as 2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde (50.9%), pentadecyl prop-2-enoate (22.1%), and linalool (15.4%). Eight compounds were identified, with a match confirmed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-MS) software through mass spectrometry analysis.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.538-545
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• 2023

This study aimed to assess the in vitro safety of a probiotics mixture (Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072), along with its inhibitory effect on carbohydrate digestion. All three strains met the antibiotic resistance profile of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines. None of the strains exhibited hemolytic activity or cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells. Strains PBS067 and PBS072 inhibited α-amylase activity, whereas all three strains suppressed α-glucosidase activity, indicating that the mixture might limit carbohydrate digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings support the safety of this probiotics mixture and its potential to modulate carbohydrate metabolism in the gut.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.216-226
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• 2024

This study screened the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of three extracts [1% acetic acid (HAc), distilled water (D.W.), and ethanol] from the common stalked barnacle Pollicipes mitella. Among the extracts, the 1% HAc extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against several bacteria, but exhibited no activity against Candida albicans. To improve the degree of separation of the 1% HAc extract, solid-phase extraction was performed using a C18 cartridge with three solvents (D.W., 60A, and 100A). The 1% HAc 60A eluate showed the strongest antibacterial activity and enzyme, salt, and temperature stability, with no hemolytic activity. In addition, strong DNA-binding ability but no bacterial membrane permeability was observed. These results indicate that the P. mitella 1% HAc 60A eluate may contain antibacterial organic compounds that target intracellular components but not bacterial membranes. In addition, the 1% HAc 60A eluate exhibited potent inhibitory activity to reduce the production of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) with no cytotoxicity. Therefore, the P. mitella 1% HAc 60A eluate has anti-inflammatory activity. Collectively, our results suggest that the P. mitella 1% HAc 60A eluate can be used as a bioactive source with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.209-217
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• 1998

Object：The purpose of this study was to investigate that infection with group $A[{\beta}]$ hemolytic streptococcus may associate the mechanisms that cause or exacerbate the tic symptoms in some cases of Tourette's disorder Method：Fourteen cases with abrupt worsening of tics participated in this study：10 males,4 females. The subjects were divided into two groups composing of the group with increasing level of ASO titer and the group with normal level of ASO titer. The subjects were administered Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS). Result：The global severity scores and overall TS impairment rating scores of YGTSS in the group with increasing level of ASO titer were more higher than in the group with normal level of ASO titer Conclusion：These results suggest that increasing level of ASO titer, resulting from group $A[{\beta}]$ hemolytic streptococcal infection has affected worsening the tic symptoms in Touette's disorder.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.143-153
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• 2003

Purpose : Infection with Shiga-like toxin (SLT)-producing Escherichia coli, an emerging human pathogen found particularly in young children under 5 years of age, causes a spectrum of illnesses with high morbidity and mortality, ranging from diarrhea to hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Host mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLT-I toxicity. The experiments described here were designed to investigate the effect of SLT-I on TNF-${\alpha}$ production and to understand the effect of TNF-${\alpha}$ on GB3 expression. We also further examine the relationship between the Gb3 level and the differential susceptibility of cells to the cytotoxic action of SLT-I. Methods : The effect of purified SLT-1 from E. coli O157 : H7 (ATCC 43890) on tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) production in Raw264.7 cells was investigated. Many mediators regulate endothelial cell membrane expression of the glycolipid globotriaosyleramide (Gb3), which serves as the toxin receptor, suggesting that the host response to the toxin or other bacterial products may contribute to pathogenesis by regulating target cell sensitivity to the toxins. Therefore, the relationships between Gb3 expression and cytotoxicity against SLT-I on three types of cells were evaluated. Results : Detectable levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ were produced as early as six hours after induction and continued to increase during 48 hours by SLT-I. It was also found that Vero cells and dendritic cells (DC2.4 cells) expressed high levels of Gb3, 83% and 68%, respectively, and that Raw264.7 cells had a low level of Gb3 (29%) and appeared refractory to cytotoxicity against SLT-I. Vero cells and DC2.4 cells expressing high levels of Gb3 were highly susceptible to SLT-I. Furthermore, macrophages showed a resistance to SLT-I cytotoxicity, despite the fact that Gb3 expression was enhanced. Conclusion : These results strongly suggest that the expression of Gb3 is necessary but not sufficient to confer sensitivity of macrophages to SLT-I and further underpin the important role of SLT-I and its Gb3 receptors in the pathogenesis of E. coli O157 infection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1063-1069
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• 1998

Background: Multi-loculated empyema makes treatment difficult, and more so when thoracentesis or chest tube drainage fails. Materials and methods: From December 1991 to December 1997, we performed closed rib resectional drainage for 18 cases of loculated empyema on the fibrinopurulent or early chronic phase. Results: Surgery was performed on patients with loculated empyema complaining of persistent symptoms due to failure of treatment by thoracentesis(8 cases) or chest tube drainage(10 cases). Predisposing factors of empyema were pneumonia in 13 cases, clotted hemothorax in 3 cases, cholecystectomy, and tuberculous pleurisy in 1 case. Causal organisms were cultured in 8 cases(42.1%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was found in 3 cases, pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2 cases, and enterococcus aerogens, α-hemolytic streptococcus, and acinetobacter baumannii were found in 1 case. Size of loculations was various, and computed chest tomogram showed multiple loculations of empyema numbering 1∼4(mean 1.78±1.00). Operating time was relatively short, about 55∼140 mins(mean 102.8±30.8). All toxic symptoms including fever disappeared postopratively and general conditions improved very quickly in all patients. Length of chest tube indwelling time and hospital stay after surgery were 3∼42 days(mean 11.4±11.5) and 6∼36 days(mean 12.9±8.1), respectively. Complications of prolonged drainage occurred in 2 cases and no death occurred. There were no recurrences and chest x-rays taken 3∼6 months after surgery showed normal findings in 14 cases and slight pleural thickening in 4 cases. Conclusions: Closed rib resectional drainage requires very simple techniques and has excellent outcomes and little complications, therefore, we think that it is the choice of operation for patients with loculated empyema on the fibrinopurulent or early chronic phase.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2005

Purpose : Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis(APSGN) follows infection of group A$\beta$-hemolytic streptococci. The prognosis of APSGN has been reported as favorable. However, several studies have reported that some patients progress to chronic renal failure. In an attempt to clarify this, we analyzed the clinical course of patients with APSGN. Methods : Between January 2000 and December 2004, a total of 48 children who were diagnosed with APSGN according to the presence of hematuria, transient hypocomplementemia and evidence of group A $\beta$-hemolytic streptococcal infection were evaluated. Results : Six(12.5$\%$) patients showed elevation of serum creatinine level but there was no patient with Persistent renal dysfunction. Blood pressure was controlled with ease in all patients and there was no case of persistent hypertension. Renal biopsy was done in 5 patients who showed heavy proteinuria or renal insufficiency and the outcomes showed findings consistent with ordinary APSGN except one with findings of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis(RPGN). Serum complement levels normalized within 8 weeks(92.9$\%$). Hematuria disappeared within 6 months(79$\%$) and proteinuria within 6 months(100$\%$) from the disease onset. Conclusion : Prolonged renal dysfunction or heavy proteinuria found in five patients(10.4$\%$) led to renal biopsy. All these problems resolved within 6 months. Our data support that the prognosis of childhood APSGN is favorable without any serious sequoia. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:137-142)

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.8
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• pp.882-888
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• 2006

Purpose : Bacteremia is one of the major concerns in the treatment of pediatric cancer patients. This study was to determine the etiologic agents and the pattern of antibiotic susceptibilities in a single tertiary medical center. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the cases of bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients from 1998 to 2005 in Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center. Results : There were 62 cases of bacteremia from 44 patients. Gram-positive organisms(48.3%) were more common than gram-negative organisms(38.7%) or fungi(13%). Among gram-positive organisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common etiologic agent(63.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus(16.7%), ${\alpha}$-hemolytic Streptococcus(16.7%), and Streptococcus mitis(3.3%). Among gram-negative organisms, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans was the most common agent(41.7%) and the other organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae(20.8%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(12.5%), Acinetobacter baumanii(8.2%), etc. In febrile neutropenic patients, however, K. pneumoniae was the most common cause of gram-negative bacteremia. All of the isolated K. pneumoniae in our center produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and were related with high mortality. S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and Streptococcus species were all susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Most staphylococci were resistant to penicillin and oxacillin. Most of the gram-negative organisms were susceptible to imipenem. Conclusion : Gram-positive organisms were more commonly isolated than gram-negative organisms in pediatric cancer patients like other studies. We could obtained valuable information on the choice of proper antibiotics in our institution. Further studies will be needed to explain the prevalence of A. xylosoxidans in our center.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.555-562
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• 2020

This study analyzed the total polyphenol (TP), total flavonoid (TF), and protein content, the Absorbance at 400 nm (A400), and the antioxidant and hemolytic activities of 150 Korean honey products, including 41 chestnut (CH), 42 acacia (AH), 62 multi-floral (MH), and five Styrax japonica (TH) varieties. Our results showed that the components and antioxidant activities of honey are dependent on botanical origin rather than farming area or farmer. CH showed the highest levels of TP (88.6±29.8 mg/100 g) and TF (1.20±0.82 mg/100 g), whereas TH had the highest protein (21.5±5.1 mg/100 g). A400 was the highest in CH (0.161±0.044). All of the honey products exhibited negligible hemolytic activity against human red blood cells up to 1 mg/ml. Potent radical scavenging activities for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonate) (ABTS), nitrite and reducing power were also observed in CH. Correlation coefficients (CCs) between analysis parameters were calculated and the highest was identified between TP and ABTS scavenging activity (0.726). The CCs between A400 and TP and A400 and ABTS scavenging activity were 0.644 and 0.661, respectively, suggesting that A400 could be used as a quality indicator for the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of particular honeys. Future research on polyphenol by flower origin and the identification of compounds for A400 is necessary.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.642-649
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• 2012

The southern coast of Korea is important for the ark shell ($Scapharca$ $broughtonii$) aquaculture, but the productivity was rapidly reduced during the previous decade by mass mortality. To overcome this economic loss, investigations only focused on environmental factors, and microbiological researches were performed insufficiently. In this study, two sites (Gangjin and Jinhae bay) were selected for their high and low rate of mortality, respectively, and the existence of microflora from underwater sediments in the bodies of $S.$ $broughtonii$ was analyzed. We screened the whole body of each sample and chose unique colonies, which exhibit alpha- and beta-hemolytic activity, for identification. The microflora in $S.$ $broughtonii$ was less variable than sediments, and restricted species were isolated. We identified 17 genera of 88 species and 16 genera of 64 species from the two bays, respectively. A major proportion was comprised of $Bacillus$ species, with the $Bacillus$ $cereus$ group being the most common species among the $Bacillus$ strains, while $Paenibacillus$, $Lynsilbacillus$, and $Vibrio$ species were the second most abundant species. At the genus level, there were no significant microbial differences between the two coastal regions. 64 species were isolated from rare site (Jinhae bay), but more species (88) with greater variety were isolated from the frequent site (Gangjin bay). Therefore, it was assumed that the cause of mass mortality lay in the difference in specie-level diversity, and conducting investigations on the diagnosis of pathogenic species by challenging tests using isolated unique species.