• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 1998

Effect of extracellular calcium in vitellogenin (VTG) production in response to estradiol-17 $\beta$ $(E_2,\;2\times10^{-6}M)$ was examined in primary hepatocyte culture of rainbow trout, Onchorhynchus mykiss. Total calcium in estrogenized sera significantly increased, compared with the control, while diffusible calcium was insignificant. However, diffusible calcium in the incubation medium with $E_2$ was significantly reduced, compared with the control. The uptake of extracellular calcium by cultured hepatocytes signifIcantly increased 90 min after $E_2$ addition. Moreover, the accumulation of intracellular calcium increased in the cultures with $E_2$, regardless of the calcium concentrations in the incubation media. In addition, $E_2-primed $ VTG production was significantly decreased by withdrawal of E_2$ from the incubation medium. Moreover, VTG production by $E_2-primed$ hepatocytes was reduced by removing calcium from the incubation medium with or without $E_2$. These results suggest that the entry of extracellular calcium into the cytoplasm is an important step for VTG production in primary hepatocyte cultures in rainbow trout.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.722-728
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• 2002

Eight strains producing bacterial cellulose (BC) were isolated from rotten fruits and traditionally fermented vinegars. One of the isolated strains from the rotten grape in Gwangju, Korea, maintained a relatively stable BC production in shaking cultures. This isolated strain proved to be Acetobacter xylinum, based on several biochemical and morphological tests. It was shown that the slant-baffled flask was more efficient than the conventional flask for the BC production in shaking cultures. To determine the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for the production of BC, various compounds were examined. Fructose was found to be the most effective carbon source with an optimal concentration of 2%. Mixed carbon source (glucose:fructose=1:3) was also better than glucose or fructose alone. Optimal nitrogen source, when basal medium was used, was 10% (v/v) com steep liquor (CSL). When com steep liquor was used with a mixed carbon source (glucose:fructose=1 :3),4% CSL exhibited the best BC production. Based on these results, a defined medium was developed for the BC production by Acetobacter xylinum KJ-1. When this medium was used under optimal culture conditions, the BC production was 7.2 g/1, which was approximately 3 times higher than that with the traditional HS medium.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.343-350
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• 2013

The objectives of this study were to estimate the potential biomass yield by using the biomass conversion index and evaluate the potential energy production by using the energy conversion index of biomass. Estimating the total biomass yield in Korea showed 9,646.3 thousand tons produced in 2012. Subsequent evaluation of the potential energy production using the estimated biomass yield in 2012 indicated that the calorific values were varied from 3,800 to 4,500 kcal $kg^{-1}$ for crop- and from 4,100 to 4,300 kcal $kg^{-1}$ for woody-based biomass, respectively. Among the examined biomass materials, the pruned branch of a nut tree appeared to be the greatest in bio-energy production showing 6,300 kcal $kg^{-1}$ in calorific value. Total potential energy production from agricultural by-products was estimated approximately at 3,966,000 TOE. Among the agricultural by-products examined, rice straw showed the greatest energy production potential being at 2,321,000 TOE. Furthermore, it might contribute to establishing the countermeasures of biomass utility in agricultural sector based on regional distribution chart of the potential biomass and energy yields in Korea.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.443-449
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• 1999

Bacillus subtilis BK-17 which produces a novel protease with fibrinolytic activity was isolated from soybean paste. Bioreactor production of the enzyme was studied in order to optimize fermentation conditions such as medium concentration, pH, agitation speed, and temperature. Under most cultural conditions, enzyme production initially began when the cell growth stopped. The onset of the enzyme production was indicated by rapid increase in both dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. Two- to three-times more concentrated medium than the flask optimum medium yielded higher enzyme production in the bioreactor fermentation. When the medium pH was controlled constant, pH 6.5 exhibited the highest activity in the range of 6.0 to 7.5, but the activity was similar to the case when the pH was initially adjusted to 7.5 and subsequently maintained within a relatively wide range of 6.4 to 7.8. Agitation speed did not affect the enzyme production with an exception of DO reaching zero. Fermentation time was reduced when temperature increased within the range of $25^{\circ}C$ to$37^{\circ}C$. However, the highest activity, along with the slow decrease of the enzymatic activity after reaching the maximum value, was observed at $25^{\circ}C$. By shifting the temperature from $37^{\circ}C$ to $25^{\circ}C$immediately after DO reached the minimum level, the high enzyme production of 1,100 U/ml along with the short fermentation period of 13 h could be obtained.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.107-113
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• 2012

To develop a practical and cost-effective medium for bioethanol production from the hydrolysate of seaweed Sargassum sagamianum, we investigated the feasibility and performance of bioethanol production in CSL (corn-steep liquor)-containing medium, where yeast Pichia stipitis was used and the repeated batch was carried out in a surface-aerated fermentor. The optimal medium replacement time during the repeated operation was determined to be 36 h, and the surface aeration rates were 30 and 100 ml/min. Under these conditions, the repeated-batch operation was successfully carried out for 6 runs (216 h), in which the maximum bioethanol concentrations reached about 11-12 g/l at each batch operation. These results demonstrated that bioethanol production could be carried out repeatedly and steadily for 216 h. In these experiments, the total cumulative bioethanol production was 57.9 g and 58.0 g when the surface aeration rates were 30 ml/min and 100 ml/min, respectively. In addition, the bioethanol yields were 0.43 (about 84% of theoretical value) and 0.44 (about 86% of theoretical value) when the surface aeration rates were 30 ml/min and 100 ml/min, respectively. CSL was successfully used as a medium ingredient for the bioethanol production from the hydrolysate of seaweed Sargassum sagamianum, indicating that this medium may be practical and cost-effective for bioethanol production.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1170-1176
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• 2005

2-Methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2,3-dihydronaphthoquinone[2,3-b]furan-4,9-dione (N FD-37) is a synthetic furonaphthoquinone compound. In this study, we determined that NFD-37 could inhibit the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory mediators in macrophages RAW 264.7. This compound inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) or prostaglandin (PG) $E_{2}$ production in dose-dependent manners, with $IC_{50}$ values of 7.2 ${\mu}M$ and 5.3 ${\mu}m$, respectively. As the positive controls, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (30 ${\mu}M$) exhibited a $57{\%}$ inhibition of NO production, and NS-398 ($1{\mu}M$) manifested a $48{\%}$ inhibition of $PGE_2$ production. The inhibitory effects of NFD-37 on NO and $PGE_2$ production were determined to occur in conjunction with the suppression of inducible NO synthase or cyclooxygenase-2 expression. NFD-37 also inhibited the production of LPS-inducible tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6, at $IC_{50}$ values of 4.8-8.9 ${\mu}M$. We also determined the anti-inflammatory efficacy of NFD-37 using carrageenin-induced paw edema in experimental mice.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2014

The Kenyan aquaculture sector is broadly categorized into freshwater aquaculture and mariculture. Whereas freshwater aquaculture has recorded significant progress over the last decade, the mariculture sector has yet to be fully exploited. The Kenyan aquaculture industry has seen slow growth for decades until recently, when the government-funded Economic Stimulus Program increased fish farming nationwide. Thus far, the program has facilitated the alleviation of poverty, spurred regional development, and led to increased commercial thinking among Kenyan fish farmers. Indeed, national aquaculture production grew from 1,000 MT/y in 2000 (equivalent to 1% of national fish production) to 12,000 MT/y, representing 7% of the national harvest, in 2010. The production is projected to hit 20,000 MT/y, representing 10% of total production and valued at USD 22.5 million over the next 5 years. The dominant aquaculture systems in Kenya include earthen and lined ponds, dams, and tanks distributed across the country. The most commonly farmed fish species are Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, which accounts for about 75% of production, followed by African catfish Clarias gariepinus, which contributes about 21% of aquaculture production. Other species include common carp Cyprinus carpio, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, koi carp Cyprinus carpio carpio, and goldfish Carassius auratus. Recently, Kenyan researchers have begun culturing native fish species such as Labeo victorianus and Labeo cylindricus at the National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre in Sagana. Apart from limited knowledge of modern aquaculture technology, the Kenyan aquaculture sector still suffers from an inadequate supply of certified quality seed fish and feed, incomprehensive aquaculture policy, and low funding for research. Glaring opportunities in the Kenyan aquaculture industry include the production of live fish food, e.g., Artemia, daphnia and rotifers, marine fish and shellfish larviculture; seaweed farming; cage culture; integrated fish farming; culture of indigenous fish species; and investment in the fish feed industry.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.133-138
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• 2019

BACKGROUND: Production function gives the equation that shows the relationship between the quantities of productive factors used and the amount of product obtained, and can answer a variety of questions. This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between irrigation water used for rice production and rice productivity by the production function which shows the mathematical relation between input and output. METHODS AND RESULTS: The statistical data on rice production and on the amount of irrigation water were used for the production function analysis. The analysis period was separated for 1966-1981 and 1982-2011, based on goal's change on agriculture from 'increasing food' to 'complex farming'. The relation between irrigation and yield considering production function is a short-term production function both before and after 1982. These results can be expressed by the sigmoid relation. When comparing the graphs of the two analyzed periods, there are differences in quantity between the maximum point and the minimum point during the same analysis period, which can be called an 'Irrigation Effect' by the difference of irrigation, and 'Technical Effect' by the difference by inputs like as fertilizers etc. CONCLUSION: The results could be useful as information for assessing the relationship between agricultural water and the productivity of rice and predicting rice productivity by irrigation water in Korea.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2006

Biological hydrogen production processes are more environment-friendly and less energy intensive than thermochemical and electrochemical processes. The biological process can be divided into two categories: photosynthetic hydrogen production and hydrogen production by dark fermentation. Photosynthetic process produces hydrogen mainly from water and reduces $CO_2$ simultaneously. Dark fermentation is a dark and anaerobic process that produces hydrogen by fermentative bacteria from organic carbon. The article presents a survey of biological hydrogen production processes.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.332-344
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• 1999

Cytokines are hormone-like proteins which mediate and regulate inflammatory and immune responses. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the final differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing cells. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a neutrophil chemotactic factor that plays an important role in the recruitment of neutrophil to inflammatory loci. Inflammatory mediators by cells in the gingiva have been implicated in the initiation and progression of periodontitis and oral infection. The purpose of this study was conducted to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) on production of IL-6 and IL-8 by human gingival and facial dermal fibroblasts. Primary cultured human gingival and facial dermal fibroblasts were incubated with LPS (0.01, 0.1, $1.0{\mu}g/ml$), SEB (0.01, 0.1, $1.0{\mu}g/ml$) or LPS $(0.1{\mu}g/ml)$ plus SEB $(0.1{\mu}g/ml)$. Culture supernatants were collected at 24, 48, and 72 hrs and assessed for IL-6 and IL-8 production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-6 production in gingival fibroblasts stimulated with LPS was higher than that with SEB. IL-6 production by double exposure with LPS plus SEB was amplified in comparison with single exposure of LPS or SEB. IL-6 production in facial dermal fibroblasts was increased only by stimulation with a high concentration of LPS $(1.0{\mu}g/ml)$. Its production in facial dermal fibroblasts by exposure with SEB was decreased in comparison with control, nontreated cells. Therefore, gingival fibroblasts showed higher sensitivity than facial dermal fibroblasts in response to low concentration of LPS. Also, IL-6 production by double exposure with LPS plus SEB was amplified in comparison with single exposure of LPS or SEB. IL-8 production in gingival fibroblasts was enhanced greatly only by stimulation of high concentration of LPS $(1.0{\mu}g/ml)$. That by exposure with SEB was increased only in 24 hrs cultivation. IL-8 production by double exposure with LPS plus SEB was amplified in comparison with single exposure of LPS or SEB. IL-8 production in facial dermal fibroblasts was decreased by LPS and increased only in 48 hrs cultivation by SEB. IL-8 production by double exposure with LPS plus SEB was enhanced only in 48 hrs cultivation in comparison with single exposure of LPS or SEB. therefore, IL-6 and IL-8 production were released at various quantities according to bacterial toxin applied and site of fibroblast harvested. These results suggest that gingival fibroblasts may be concerned with IL-6 and IL-8 related inflammatory response more than facial dermal fibroblasts.