• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1231-1240
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• 2021

Members of the genus Bacillus are known to play an important role in promoting plant growth and protecting plants against phytopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, 21 isolates of Bacillus spp. were obtained from the root micro-ecosystem of Suaeda glauca. Analysis of the 16S rRNA genes indicated that the isolates belong to the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus aryabhattai and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans. One of the interesting findings of this study is that the four strains B1, B5, B16 and B21 are dominant in rhizosphere soil. Based on gyrA, gyrB, and rpoB gene analyses, B1, B5, and B21 were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens and B16 was identified as B. velezensis. Estimation of antifungal activity showed that the isolate B1 had a significant inhibitory effect on Fusarium verticillioides, B5 and B16 on Colletotrichum capsici (syd.) Butl, and B21 on Rhizoctonia cerealis van der Hoeven. The four strains grew well in medium with 1-10% NaCl, a pH value of 5-8, and promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results indicate that these strains may be promising agents for the biocontrol and promotion of plant growth and further study of the relevant bacteria will provide a useful reference for the development of microbial resources.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.219-230
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Biochar is a solid material converted from agricultural biomass such as crop residues and pruning branch through pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply. Biochar consists of non-degradable carbon (C) double bonds and aromatic ring that are not readily broken down by microbial degradation in the soils. Due to the recalcitrancy of C in biochar, biochar application to the soils is of help in enhancing soil carbon sequestration in arable lands that might be a strategy of agricultural sector to mitigate climate change. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were collected from studies on the effect of biochar application on soil C content conducted in East Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea under different experimental conditions (incubation, column, pot, and field). The magnitude of soil C storage was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with biochar application rate under field conditions, reflecting accumulation of recalcitrant black C in the biochar. However, The changes in soil C contents per C input from biochar (% per t/ha) were 6.80 in field condition, and 12.58 in laboratory condition. The magnitude of increment of soil C was lower in field than in laboratory conditions due to potential loss of C through weathering of biochar under field conditions. Biochar production condition also affected soil C increment; more C increment was found with biochar produced at a high temperature (over 450℃). CONCLUSION: This review suggests that biochar application is a potential measures of C sequestration in agricultural soils. However, as the increment of soil C biochar was affected by biochar types, further studies are necessary to find better biochar types for enhanced soil C storage.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.391-402
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• 2021

Earthworms play an important role in soil fertilization, interacting continually with microorganisms. This study aims to demonstrate the existence of beneficial microorganisms living in the earthworm's immune system, the coelomic fluid. To achieve this goal, a molecular identification technique was performed, using cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding to identify abundant endogenic earthworms inhabiting the temperate zone of Rabat, Morocco. Then, 16S rDNA and ITS sequencing techniques were adopted for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Biochemical analysis, showed the ability of bacteria to produce characteristic enzymes and utilize substrates. Qualitative screening of plant growth-promoting traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production, was also performed. The result of mitochondrial COI barcoding allowed the identification of the earthworm species Aporrectodea molleri. Phenotypic and genotypic studies of the sixteen isolated bacteria and the two isolated fungi showed that they belong to the Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Buttiauxella, Enterobacter, Pantoea, and Raoultella, and the Penicillium genera, respectively. Most of the isolated bacteria in the coelomic fluid showed the ability to produce β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, Glutamyl-β-naphthylamidase, and aminopeptidase enzymes, utilizing substrates like aliphatic thiol, sorbitol, and fatty acid ester. Furthermore, three bacteria were able to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and potassium, and produce IAA. This initial study demonstrated that despite the immune property of earthworms' coelomic fluid, it harbors beneficial microorganisms. Thus, the presence of resistant microorganisms in the earthworm's immune system highlights a possible selection process at the coelomic fluid level.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.46-46
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• 2019

The experiments were performed in the Jinan (elevation: 300 meters above sea level), Jeollabuk-do. Seedlings (n = 63 per $3.3m^2$) of ginseng cultivar (Cheonpung, Yeonpung) were planted on April 10, 2015. Shading material of plastic film house was blue-white film. Before the Planting seedling, silicate (3 kg/10 a) or chitosan (40 kg/10 a) was fertilized and foliar sprayed on the leaves 1000 times dilution solution once a month from May to September every year. The growth results of 5-year old ginseng surveyed in 2018 are as follows. The average air temperature in the plastic film house was the highest at $26.6^{\circ}C$ and $26.5^{\circ}C$ in July and August, respectively, and the highest temperature was $40.5^{\circ}C$ in July. The maximum daily temperature of $35^{\circ}C$ or more was 30 days, with the average soil temperature being $24.9^{\circ}C$ in August. The chemical properties of the test soil are as follows. pH was 6.4~6.9 level and EC was 0.35~0.46 dS/m. The organic matter content was 33.5~41.4 g/kg, and available-P content was 251.9~306.8 mg/kg. Exchangeable cations contents, such as K, Ca and Mg were all the appropriate ranges. The soil microbial density surveyed by the dilution plate method was 10~50 times higher than that of control (Non-treatment) and actinomycete density was 3~6 times higher. Pathogens of the genus Fusarium by Metagenome analysis decreased 91.3% and 68.2% respectively in the foliar sprayed of chitosan and soluble-silicate. The light intensity (PAR) in the blue-white film plastic film house gradually increased until July and then decereased, with the average of light intensity in March-October was $120.3umol/m^2/s$. The growth of aerial parts such as plant height and stem length was better than non-sprayed group in silicate or chitosan treatments and Yeonpung cultivar was superior to the Cheonpung cultivar. The SPAD value was higher in Yeonpung cultivar foliar sprayed with soluble-silicate. The growth of underground parts such as root length and taproot length were better in chitosan and soluble-silicate treatment than control, especially in Yeonpung cultivar foliar sprayed with chitosan was good in taproot length and taproot diameter, and fresh weight of root was 60.1 g. Ginsenoside contents were 24.9 mg/g and 22.4 mg/g, in the Cheonpung cultivar foliar sprayed with soluble-silicate or chitosan respectively, 28% and 15% higher than control (19.5 mg/g). The incidence of disease by Alteraria panax and Botrytis cinerea was 3~9% and 4~9%, respectively. High temperature damage rate was 3~5%.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.270-286
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• 2019

Purpose: Despite the well-known anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in periodontal health, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the effect of vitamin D on strengthening E-cadherin junctions (ECJs) was explored in human gingival keratinocytes (HGKs). ECJs are the major type of intercellular junction within the junctional epithelium, where loose intercellular junctions develop and microbial invasion primarily occurs. Methods: HOK-16B cells, an immortalized normal human gingival cell line, were used for the study. To mimic the inflammatory environment, cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the culture medium were assessed by an MMP antibody microarray and gelatin zymography. The expression of various molecules was investigated using western blotting. The extent of ECJ development was evaluated by comparing the average relative extent of the ECJs around the periphery of each cell after immunocytochemical E-cadherin staining. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression was examined via immunohistochemical analysis. Results: $TNF-{\alpha}$ downregulated the development of the ECJs of the HGKs. Dissociation of the ECJs by $TNF-{\alpha}$ was accompanied by the upregulation of MMP-9 production and suppressed by a specific MMP-9 inhibitor, Bay 11-7082. Exogenous MMP-9 decreased the development of ECJs. Vitamin D reduced the production of MMP-9 and attenuated the breakdown of ECJs in the HGKs treated with $TNF-{\alpha}$. In addition, vitamin D downregulated $TNF-{\alpha}$-induced nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) signaling in the HGKs. VDR was expressed in the gingival epithelium, including the junctional epithelium. Conclusions: These results suggest that vitamin D may avert $TNF-{\alpha}$-induced downregulation of the development of ECJs in HGKs by decreasing the production of MMP-9, which was upregulated by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Vitamin D may reinforce ECJs by downregulating $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling, which is upregulated by $TNF-{\alpha}$. Strengthening the epithelial barrier may be a way for vitamin D to protect the periodontium from bacterial invasion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.613-618
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• 2020

This study evaluated the effects of acidulant treatment on the quality and storage period of Topokkidduck. Two samples of Topokkidduck were prepared, one soaked in 10% acidulant (10SAT) and the other without soaking in the acidulant (NSAT). During the storage period, the two samples were tested for presence of microorganisms (aerobic bacteria, E.coli, and mold) and physicochemical properties (color value, texture profile analysis (TPA)). The 10SAT could be stored for 49 days without detection of E.coli and a mold level of 1.0 log CFU/g. NSAT could be stored for only 21 days. NSAT had an aerobic count of 2.27 log CFU/g as early as 7 days, and E.coli was detected at 21 days at a level of 4.15 log CFU/g. The presence of E.coli is not permitted according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The hardness of the 10SAT increased during the storage period but to a much lesser extent compared to the NSAT. Thus the preparation of Topokkidduck by soaking in the acidulant controlled microbial growth for up to 49 days which is a much longer period compared to the control. Also, Topokkidduck soaked in the acidulant had a softer texture than the control during the storage period.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.256-263
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• 2020

Incidence of Fusarium wilt was surveyed in fields of summer radish in Gangwon province in Korea in 2018 and 2019. The disease started in early July and spread rapidly in hot summer of late July and August and in severe case, reached up to 80% in a field in Gangneung area. Symptoms in the seedling stage include poor growth and browning of internal tissue of root. During mid-growth, the leaves of diseased plant turned yellow over time, the surface of the roots changed from white to blackish, and the vascular tissues turned brown. A total of 23 isolates was obtained from the diseased plants and identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani by elongation factor-1α and intergenic spacer sequence analysis. Pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by artificial inoculation to the radish and other plants. All the isolates tested were pathogenic to radish plant, although there were differences in virulence on radish 11 cultivars. However, the isolates were not virulent to other plants except some cruciferous vegetables including Brussels sprouts, rocket, stock, and turnip. The results of pathogenicity test showed that it is necessary to rotate with crops other than cruciferous vegetables in order to prevent Fusarium wilt from radish fields.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of adjunctive local delivery of minocycline (Periocline^®) in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after initial treatment. Methods: The participants were 16 men and 8 women (age, 20-65 years) who had at least 15 natural teeth, underwent SPT for more than 1 year due to chronic periodontitis, had 4 or more periodontal pocket sites deeper than 5 mm, and showed >25% gingival bleeding on probing (BoP). They were randomly assigned to the test and control groups. In the test group, mechanical debridement and local antibiotic delivery were performed for all periodontal sulci/pockets; in the control group, mechanical debridement and saline irrigation were performed. In patients who underwent SPT for more than 1 year, clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline and 1 and 3 months after SPT. The clinical examination included an assessment of the periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and BoP. Microbial tests were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction; the relative ratios of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were determined. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in clinical parameters at 1 and 3 months from baseline; there were no significant changes between months 1 and 3. Intergroup differences were insignificant. The microbiological analysis revealed no significant differences in P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum ratios across time points. While intergroup differences were insignificant, there was a tendency for the P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum ratios to decrease in the test group. Conclusions: Mechanical debridement in patients receiving maintenance therapy resulted in clinically significant improvement; the effectiveness of additional local delivery of antibiotics was not significant. The ratios of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum showed a tendency to decrease in the test group, although it was not significant.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.368-377
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• 2021

Plum is a typical fruit that is consumed processed rather than raw. In this study, we manufactured one of the processed foods, viz., plum Jangachi. In this process, the manpower-dependent seed separation and flesh cutting operations were automated by mechanizing, thereby altering the manufacturing process. Quality and Safety were assessed through microbial evaluation, analysis of color, and detection of preservatives in the plum Jangachi. Preference factors were identified through sensual evaluation. When compared with other plum Jangachi currently available in the market, our product was determined to contain 2.7±0.1 Log CFU/g total aerobic bacteria, which is slightly higher than the average of other products. This was not surprising, as the figures are due to the inherent characteristics, which were determined to be lower as compared to other commercial plum Jangachi. Other coliforms, tar dyes, and preservatives were undetected, thereby conferring satisfactory Quality and Safety. In general, there was no statistical difference in the sensual evaluation and appearance; overall, our product received better feedbacks than products on the market. Taken together, our results provide a foundation for applying the mechanization of plum-processed foods, thereby promoting the local economy in the main production area, and overall characteristics obtained are regarded sufficient in terms of market competitiveness.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.81-95
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• 2022

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of NH₃-N and nitrifying microorganisms on the increased BOD of downstream of the Yeongsan river in Gwangju. Water samples were collected periodically from the 13 sampling sites of rivers from April to October 2021 to monitor water qualities. In addition, the trends of nitrogenous biochemical oxygen demand (NBOD) and microbial clusters were analyzed by adding different NH₃-N concentrations to the water samples. The monitoring results showed that NH₃-N concentration in the Yeongsan river was 22 times increased after the inflow of discharged water from the Gwangju 1st public sewage treatment plant (G-1-PSTP). Increased NH₃-N elevated NBOD levels through the nitrification process in the river, consequently, it would attribute to the increase of BOD in the Yeongsan river. Meanwhile, there was no proportional relation between NBOD and NH₃-N concentrations. However, there was a significant difference in NBOD occurrence by sampling sites. Specifically, when 5 mg/L NH₃-N was added, NBOD of the river sample showed 2-4 times higher values after the inflow of discharged water from G-1-PSTP. Therefore, it could be thought other factors such as microorganisms influence the elevated NBOD levels. Through next-generation sequencing analysis, nitrifying microorganisms such as Nitrosomonas, Nitroga, and Nitrospira (Genus) were detected in rivers samples, especially, the proportion of them was the highest in river samples after the inflow of discharged water from G-1-PSTP. These results indicated the effects of nitrifying microorganisms and NH₃-N concentrations as important limiting factors on the increased NBOD levels in the rivers. Taken together, comprehensive strategies are needed not only to reduce the NH₃-N concentration of discharged water but also to control discharged nitrifying microorganisms to effectively reduce the NBOD levels in the downstream of the Yeongsan river where discharged water from G-1-PSTP flows.