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The quality control of testing and inspection laboratories operated in Korea, the United States, and Canada was compared. The basic framework of on-site evaluation operated by each country was similar in terms of evaluation procedure, document evaluation, issuance of verification certificate, and follow-up management. For conducting on-site evaluation and granting the certificate, the preparation materials and evaluation processes are subdivided in Korea, while the dates of granting the certificate are restricted to four times a year in the United States. After receiving accreditation as a testing/inspection laboratories for the first time in Canada, follow-up management is divided into re-evaluation, verification evaluation, and monitoring evaluation.

We obtained polyphonol extracts from bitter melon containing various bioactive compounds to improve applicability as functional food materials. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of bitter melon extracts obtained using various extraction methods were compared. The extracts obtained using ethanol as the solvent had a higher TPC than extracts obtained using water. The extracts obtained using ethanol also had high antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities when performed using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UE) with ethanol. The extract obtained using probe type-UE with ethanol (PUE-E) exhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity levels corresponding to 90% or more of acarbose (a diabetes treatment). An extract obtained using a bath type-UE with ethanol (BUE-E) exhibited high NO inhibitory activity at all concentrations. Therefore, UE with ethanol is a very effective method for recovering polyphenol extracts from bitter melon with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, the polyphenol extracts obtained from bitter melon by UE with ethanol (especially PUE-E and BUE-E) have a high application potential as functional food materials.

In this study, we compared the changes in the quality of kimchi fermented with a complex starter and a single starter. Lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from kimchi were used as starters, and fermention was performed at 10°C for 26 days. The rate of reduction in lactic acid bacteria was low, the initial pH was maintained at a constant level, and the dominance rate of the starter was high at 83% on the 15th day of fermentation with the complex starter, compared to fermentation with the control and single starters. Regarding the CO2 and free sugar content, which are factors affecting product quality and are influenced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation, 1.4 and 1.5 times higher CO2 and mannitol production, respectively, were observed during fermentation of free sugars with the complex starter than in fermentation with the single starter. These results show that the use of a complex starter can improve the distribution quality of kimchi as it results in an extended shelf life and enhanced sensory quality.

Bitter melon is rich in phenolic compounds and has significant potential for commercial use as a functional food material. This study aims to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for extracting phenolic compounds from bitter melons using a response surface methodology. A central composite design was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables (ethanol concentration, ultrasonic power, and extraction time) on the responses, extraction yield, total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. The optimal UAE conditions were determined to be 59% and 277 W for 14 min, and the corresponding predicted response values for yield, TPC, and antioxidant activity were 33.42%, 18.73 mg GAE/g, and 66.93%, respectively. UAE showed higher extraction yield, TPC, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity than conventional ethanol extraction. These results suggest that bitter melon phenolic compounds obtained by the UAE could be used as natural antioxidant agent or functional ingredient enhancers in suitable food products.

The impact of crop residue burning in northeastern China on South Korean PM2.5 concentrations was assessed via weather conditions, air quality modeling (AQM), and PM2.5 composition data during two cases exceeding 35 µg·m−3 in November 2015. PM2.5 concentration simulations of Case 1 differed from observations by 3.7–17.6 µg·m−3, overestimating the levels by 6–36%, however, Case 2 varied by 20.0–59.8 µg·m−3 from observations, with a 53–91% underestimation. Case 1 was generally well simulated, whereas the Case 2 simulation failed because the emissions of crop residue burning in northeastern China, as confirmed through satellite analysis (MODIS fires and thermal anomalies) and previous research, were not considered. The portion of organic/elemental carbon ratio during Case 2 was 1.6–2.3 times higher than that of Case 1. These results suggest that it is necessary to consider the effects of crop residue burning in northeast China to establish countermeasures to improve air quality and air quality forecasting in South Korea.

This study investigated the potential of fine nitrate (NO3− in PM2.5) formation in Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) by nighttime dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) heterogeneous chemistry during March 16–18, 2016, relatively dry and stagnant early spring days, by intervening N2O5 uptake coefficients (reactive uptake probability, γN2O5) in modeling with WRF-CMAQ. Simulations of a base case and two sensitivity tests with default (Davis et al., 2008), zero and decupled (tenfold) γN2O5 showed that impacts of γN2O5 on NO3− and PM2.5 are sensitive to relative humidity (RH) and sulfate-nitrate-ammonium (SNA) conditions. The base case simulation generally underestimated NO3− and PM2.5 levels in comparison to observations. Even with decupled γN2O5, modeled NO3− and PM2.5 concentrations showed relatively small increases under conditions that RH is relatively low in the range of 20 to 40% and SNA levels are severely underestimated (e.g., lower by one third) in the base case simulation. Comparisons of NO3− and PM2.5 concentrations in SMA between simulations with differently specified γN2O5 indicated that N2O5 heterogeneous chemistry has potential to (1) form additional nitric acid (HNO3), (2) further react with ammonia (NH3) emitted from various sources including agricultural sources outside of SMA urban-core areas, and (3) contribute to NO3− and PM2.5 formation in SMA. Additional modeling and observational studies on heterogeneous N2O5 chemistry are needed to improve our understanding of NO3− and PM2.5 formation and better forecast PM2.5 pollution levels over SMA or other urban areas with abundant nitrogen oxides emissions and ammonia emissions such as agricultural emissions from surrounding areas.

Thee physicochemical properties, functional ingredient content, and antioxidant activities of the commercial orange and grapefruit juice were investigated. Three types of orange (OJ1, OJ2, and OJ3) and grapefruit (GJ1, GJ2, and GJ3) juices were purchased from the market. Antioxidant activities of the commercial juices were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays. The pH of orange juice was higher than grapefruit juice and the acidity of grapefruit juice was higher than orange juice. The soluble solid and reducing sugar contents of the juices were in the range of 9.30-13.60 °Brix and 45.02-71.52 mg/mL, respectively. The total free sugar and organic acid contents of juices were 61.84-98.67 mg/mL and 1.14-1.60 mg/mL, respectively. The major free sugars were sucrose, fructose, and glucose, and six types of organic acids were detected in the commercial juices. The total polyphenol content was the highest in OJ2 (910.7 μg/mL), and the lowest in GJ3 (630.7 μg/mL). The total flavonoid content in grapefruit juices was higher than orange juices. OJ2 showed the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging assays and the reducing power assay. Our results indicate that the functional ingredient content and antioxidant activities were different even in the same type of juice.

Jean Toomer’s Cane (1923) and Caryl Phillips’s Crossing the River (1993) both negotiate community and individuality in the Black diaspora, utilizing multi-generic techniques. The lack of significan...

Background We previously elucidated the protective mechanism of Korean red ginseng oil (RGO) against Brucella abortus infection, and our phytochemical analysis revealed that palmitic acid (PA) was an abundant component of RGO. Consequently, we investigated the contribution of PA against B. abortus. Objectives We aimed to investigate the efficacy of PA against B. abortus infection using a murine cell line and a murine model. Methods Cell viability, bactericidal, internalization, and intracellular replication, western blot, nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide (O₂⁻) analyses and flow cytometry were performed to determine the effects of PA on the progression of B. abortus infection in macrophages. Flow cytometry for cytokine analysis of serum samples and bacterial counts from the spleens were performed to determine the effect of PA in a mouse model. Results PA did not affect the growth of B. abortus. PA treatment in macrophages did not change B. abortus uptake but it did attenuate the intracellular survivability of B. abortus. Incubation of cells with PA resulted in a modest increase in sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. Compared to control cells, reduced nitrite accumulation, augmented O₂⁻, and enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production were observed in PA-treated B. abortus-infected cells. Mice orally treated with PA displayed a decreased serum interleukin-10 level and enhanced bacterial resistance. Conclusions Our results suggest that PA participates in the control of B. abortus within murine macrophages, and the in vivo study results confirm its efficacy against the infection. However, further investigations are encouraged to completely characterize the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of B. abortus infection by fatty acids.

Bioconversion of C1 chemicals such as methane and methanol into higher carbon-chain chemicals has been widely studied. Methanol oxidation catalyzed by methanol dehydrogenase (Mdh) is one of the key steps in methanol utilization in bacterial methylotrophy. In bacteria, few NAD+-dependent Mdhs have been reported that convert methanol to formaldehyde. In this study, an uncharacterized Mdh gene from Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (Lxmdh) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The maximum alcohol oxidation activity of the recombinant enzyme was observed at pH 9.5 and 55°C in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+. To improve oxidation activity, rational approach-based, site-directed mutagenesis of 16 residues in the putative active site and NAD+-binding region was performed. The mutations S101V, T141S, and A164F improved the enzyme's specific activity toward methanol compared to that of the wild-type enzyme. These mutants show a slightly higher turnover rate than that of wild-type, although their KM values were increased compared to that of wild-type. Consequently, according the kinetic results, S101, T141, and A164 positions may related to the catalytic activity in the active site for methanol dehydrogenation. It should be further studied other mutant variants with high activity for methanol. In conclusion, we characterized a new Lxmdh and its variants that may be potentially useful for the development of synthetic methylotrophy in the future.

PURPOSE To examine and compare the trueness between a computer-aided design (CAD) file and the final milled prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS For each included patient (n = 30), two lithium disilicate crowns were produced (n = 60) using two different CAD/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) systems (all-in-one type and combination type). To compare the trueness, the scanned internal surfaces of the fabricated prostheses were compared to the design files in CAD using 3D analysis software (Geomagic Control X, 3D Systems). RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation root mean square value for posterior teeth was 32.2 ± 9.4 in the combination type group and 43.8 ± 11.7 in the all-in-one type group, indicating higher trueness for the combination type (P < .05). CONCLUSION This study has shown that the final milled prosthesis in combination type CAD/CAM systems had better trueness than the all-in-one system.

Mongolia has a high incidence of brucellosis in human and animals due to livestock husbandry. To investigate the genetic characteristics of Mongolian B. melitensis, an MLVA (multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis)-16 assay was performed with 94 B. melitensis isolates. They were identified as B. melitensis biovar (bv.) 1 (67), 3 (10) and Rev. 1 vaccine strains (17) using a classical biotyping and multiplex PCR. In genotyping, three human isolates were grouped at 2 genotypes with sheep isolates, and it implies that B. melitensis are cross-infected between human and livestock. In the parsimony analysis, Mongolian B. melitensis isolates had high genetic similarity with Chinese strains, likely due to the geographical proximity, clustered distinctively as compared with other foreign isolates. B. melitensis Rev. 1 vaccine strains were divided into 4 genotypes with 92% similarity. In the analysis of Rev.1 strains, the risk of mutation of vaccine strain might not be overlooked. Animal quarantines should be strengthened to prevent the spread of Brucella species among adjacent countries.

Bioconversion of C1 chemicals such as methane and methanol into higher carbon-chain chemicals has been widely studied. Methanol oxidation catalyzed by methanol dehydrogenase (Mdh) is one of the key steps in methanol utilization in bacterial methylotrophy. In bacteria, few NAD+-dependent Mdhs have been reported that convert methanol to formaldehyde. In this study, an uncharacterized Mdh gene from Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (Lxmdh) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The maximum alcohol oxidation activity of the recombinant enzyme was observed at pH 9.5 and 55°C in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+. To improve oxidation activity, rational approach-based, site-directed mutagenesis of 16 residues in the putative active site and NAD+-binding region was performed. The mutations S101V, T141S, and A164F improved the enzyme’s specific activity toward methanol compared to that of the wild-type enzyme. These mutants show a slightly higher turnover rate than that of wild-type, although their KM values were increased compared to that of wild-type. Consequently, according the kinetic results, S101, T141, and A164 positions may related to the catalytic activity in the active site for methanol dehydrogenation. It should be further studied other mutant variants with high activity for methanol. In conclusion, we characterized a new Lxmdh and its variants that may be potentially useful for the development of synthetic methylotrophy in the future.

Statement of problem The fit and performance of prostheses fabricated using various computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems have been evaluated. However, most studies were conducted in vitro, and relatively few have addressed gingival parameters and prosthesis fit under clinical conditions. Purpose This clinical study aimed to compare the fit of lithium disilicate crowns produced using 3 CAD-CAM systems and evaluate clinical results up to 6 months after delivery. Material and methods Forty participants requiring a single crown were recruited. Three monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated per participant by using 3 different CAD-CAM systems (intraoral scanners, CAD software, and milling machines): CEREC group (CEREC Bluecam, CEREC AC, CEREC MC); EZIS group (EZIS PO, EZIS VR, EZIS HM); and TRIOS group (TRIOS 3, EXO-CAD, ARUM-4X). The fit of the prostheses was assessed via a silicone replica technique, and the most acceptable crown was delivered; 12 were selected from the CEREC group, 16 from the EZIS group, and 12 from the TRIOS group. Follow-up clinical examinations were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after delivery. The Kruskal-Wallis test with the post hoc Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to analyze significant differences in crown fit and periodontal conditions among the groups (α=.05). Results The marginal gap of the CEREC group was significantly higher than that of the EZIS group, and the occlusal gap of the EZIS group was significantly lower than those of the CEREC and TRIOS groups (P .05). Conclusions The lithium disilicate crowns of all groups showed clinically acceptable fit. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of periodontal conditions after 6 months.

To date, detection of antibodies against the lipopolysaccharide portion is the backbone of most serodiagnostic methods for brucellosis screening. However this pose a risk for false positive reactions related to other pathogens especially that of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 which has the most prominent cross reactivity with Brucella spp. In this study, cloning and expression of Brucella abortus bacterioferritin (Bfr) was accomplished by PCR amplification into an expression vector system, and purification of a recombinant B. abortus Bfr (rBfr). The immunogenicity of rBfr was confirmed by Western blot with Brucella-positive bovine serum. To determine whether rBfr has a potential benefit for use in the serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis, rBfr-based ELISA was performed. Interestingly, rBfr was able to detect anti-Brucella antibodies in positive sera in a dependent manner of TAT values but did not show an immunoreaction with negative samples. Particularly, average OD492 values at the lowest, medium and highest TAT titer levels were 1.4, 2.2 and 2.6-fold increase compared with the cutoff value, respectively. The accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of rBfr showed 89.09%, 93.6% and 85.33%, respectively. These findings suggest that rBfr might be a good candidate for serological diagnosis development of bovine brucellosis.

Aims To investigate the effects of methyl gallate (MG) on murine macrophages, cytokine production and treatment of Brucella abortus infection using a mouse model. Methods and Results MG-treated cells displayed increased F-actin polymerization and modest increase in ERK, JNK and p38α phosphorylation levels. The mice were intraperitoneally infected with Br. abortus and were orally treated with PBS or MG for 14 days. The weight and bacterial number from each spleen were monitored, and the serum was evaluated for cytokine production. The spleen proliferation and bacterial burden were lower in the MG-treated group than in the MG-untreated control. The noninfected MG-treated mice displayed increased production of TNF, IFN-γ, and the chemokine MCP-1, whereas the Br. abortus-infected MG-treated mice revealed enhanced induction of IL-12p70, TNF and IL-10 compared to the MG-untreated control. Conclusions MG induced F-actin polymerization and modest upregulation of MAPKs. Furthermore, oral treatment with MG induced an immune response and decreased bacterial proliferation in Br. abortus-infected mice, suggesting that MG may be an alternative treatment for brucellosis. Significance and Impact of the Study The present study demonstrates the therapeutic effects of MG against Brucella infection through induction of cytokine production and protection from bacterial proliferation in the spleens of mice.

To diagnose brucellosis effectively, many genus- and species-specific detection methods based on PCR have been developed. With conventional PCR assays, real-time PCR techniques have been developed as rapid diagnostic tools. Among them, real-time PCR using hybridization probe (hybprobe) has been recommended for bacteria with high DNA homology among species, with which it is possible to make an accurate diagnosis by means of an amplification curve and melting peak analysis. A hybprobe for B. abortus was designed from a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the fbaA gene. This probe only showed specific amplification of B. abortus from approximately the 14th cycle, given a melting peak at 69°C. The sensitivity of real-time PCR was revealed to be 20 fg/µl by 10-fold DNA dilution, and the detection limit was 4 CFU in clinical samples. This real-time PCR showed greater sensitivity than that of conventional PCR and previous real-time PCR based on Taqman probe. Therefore, this new real-time PCR assay could be helpful for differentiating B. abortus infection with rapidity and accuracy.

Purpose: This study was performed to identify factors affecting terminal care performance of clinical nurses. Methods: The participants in this study were 175 nurses working in hospitals in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire and were analyzed with the IBM SPSS WIN 19.0 program. Results: Nurses’ terminal care performance was significantly related with suffering experience, empathy ability and caring behaviors. Significant predictors for terminal care performance were their department, empathy ability and caring behaviors. These factors explained 4 3.52% of the variance in terminal care performance of clinical nurses. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that terminal care performance of clinical nurses can be strengthened by improving empathy ability and caring behaviors.

A microlocking implant prosthetic system has recently been developed to address the limitations of conventional screw- and cement-retained implant-supported fixed dental prostheses. This prosthesis system consists of a precision-machined abutment and an attachment that includes zirconia balls and a nickel-titanium spring, thus providing retrievability and constant retention of the prosthesis. In addition, screw-related complications are avoided because there is no retention screw. The occlusal access hole is of a smaller diameter than that of conventional screw-retained prostheses, which is beneficial for esthetics and occlusion. It also prevents common complications of cement-retained prostheses because residual cement around the prosthesis can be removed extraorally. This article presents a clinical treatment with this new prosthetic system.