• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2016

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is a protein mainly secreted by a liver. The PCSK9 plays an important role in low density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism acting as a repressor of LDL receptor through transportation of the LDLR to the lysosome for degradation. Thus, the PCSK9 inhibitor suppresses PCSK9-regulated degradation of the LDL receptor as a LDL-lowering medicine. However, little is known about the role of PCSK9 in the reproductive system. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated Pcsk9 expression in male reproductive tracts including penises, prostates and testes using rats in response to their diets between a normal diet and a high-fat diet with cholesterol. Based on our previous study, the high-fat diet elevates concentration of total cholesterol and LDL in serum whereas it reduces the concentration of plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, it dramatically affects to morphological changes of the male reproductive organs. Consistent with these results, the expression of Pcsk9 was substantially decreased in the penile tissues (P < 0.001) from rats fed a high fat diet as compared to a normal diet. Moreover, it slightly reduced in the prostate and testes (P < 0.05) of rats in response to a high fat diet. Localization of Pcsk9 was predominantly detected in urethral epithelium of penises, cylinder-shaped cells of prostate glands, and spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatid of testes of rats. Collectively, results of current study provide invaluable insights into the Pcsk9 gene with respect to its tissue- and cell-specific expression by a high fat diet with cholesterol.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.125-132
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• 2010

Captured specimens of the lesser white-toothed shrew, Crocidura suaveolens were classified into three age classes by tooth wear and seasonal variations of reproductive organs were investigated. Molars of juveniles had not tooth wear and the height of the third molars were lower than the first and second molars, young adults had smooth tooth wear and the third molars reached to the first and second molars, and old adults had heavy tooth wear and the third molars also reached to the first and second molars. On the basis of histological examination, seasonal variation of breeding was confirmed that breeding season of adult males was from early February to early October, having a peak of the breeding in April and July, and non-breeding season was from in the middle of October to late January. Young and old adult males of the breeding season had large testes with enlarged seminiferous tubules filling with numerous germ cells and expanded caudal epididymides with a vast number of spermatozoa, Young and old adult males of the non-breeding season had the small testes with the extremely slender seminiferous tubules filling with only spermatogonia and the reduced caudal epididymides without spermatozoa. Males weighing more than 3.9 g in the body weight and 0.013 g in the testis and epididymis weight reached sexual maturation in breeding season, and the females weighing more than 3.8 g in body weight of the breeding season were pregnant condition having 5~6 litters or had the Graafian follicles and the corpus lutea in the ovary.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.4 s.84
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• pp.493-497
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• 2007

The study were performed genetic analysis for seed characters of 6 parents of rice cultivar and 15 $F_1$ hybrids. In terms of heritability, The highest value was observed in the character of No. of grains/spike. Second values was showed 1,000 grains weight and head rice ratio was high value than grain length and width. In an analysis of correlation relation of parent, significant positive coefficients were observed in head rice ratio and No. of grains/spike, grain length and 1,000 grains weight, but the negative coefficients were significantly revealed between grain length and No. of grains/spike. Phenotype coefficient was lowly observed in the relation of grain length and 1,000 grains weight, grain width and 1,000 grain weight that highly positive genetic coefficient was showed in an analysis of correlation relation of $F_1$. In terms of heterosis, highest value was showed 1,000 grains weight and second value was No. of grains per spike and 1,000 grains weight and second value was No. of grains per spike in terms of heterobeltiosis. In an analysis heterosis of among crossing combination, high ratio was observed 1st combination at seed length, 12th combination at seed width, 3rd combination at head rice ratio, 5th combination at 1,000 grains weight and 11th combination at No. of grains per spike. In an analysis heterobeltiosis of among crossing combination, high ratio was observed 1st combination at seed length, 12th combination at seed width, 3rd combination at head rice ratio, th combination at 1,000 grains weight and 11th combination at No. of grains per spike.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.71-96
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• 1977

Early development Linuparus trigonus(von Siebold) has been studied based on the samples collected monthly in Je-ju Island, Korea from February, 1975 to January, 1977. Gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, embryonic development were investigated by histological mettled, and morphological description was made on the first phyllosoma larva which reared in the laboratory. Testis is composed of two tubular duct which are symmetrical with H-shaped appearance. Outer layer of testis is of fibrous connective tissue capsule. In the lumen there is a convoluted seminiferous tubule with interstitial tissue. Ovary is a pair of symmetrical blind tubular lobes, and the midportions are connected each other. The ovary consists of a couple of ovarian sacs partitioned by two-layered connective tissue fibers. Proliferation of spermatogonia are observed all the year around on the germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubule. Partial spermatogenesis is always in progress, and the spermatozoa appear all the year around in the tubules. Nutrition of early oogonia is supplied by fibrous mesenchyme which is abundantly distributed in ovarian sacs. Oocytes grow and couplete maturation divisions in the follicle layers. They finally develop into mature ova before spawning. Reproductive cycle is classified into four successive stages; multiplication stage from September to December, growing stage from January to March, maturation division stage from April to May and mature stage from June to August. Spawning takes place from May to August with peak spawning from Into July to early August. Cleavage type is superficial. Blastopore is formed in blasto-disc region which is proliferation of blastoderm cells. Germinal layers are also derived from tile region. Mesoderm formation is originated from endodermal cells which are formed front the blasto-disc region. The endodermal cells are separated by the process of delamination from yolk sac and take part in the formation of the mid-gut. Morphological characteristics of first phyllosoma larva are different from the larvae of other Palinurid and Scyllarid species.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.7-16
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• 1986

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of such erosion control measures as sowing, planting and small earth structures on the soil and vegetation. In order to study the changes in soil and vegetation, 36 plots were surveyed from 1981 to 1982 in the large erosion control area which is restored last 20 years. The factors which were measured included vegetation coverage, tree growth, number of species, soil depth, soil consistancy, and Chemical properties of soil. The results were as follows; 1) Maximum coverage of the overstory and understory was attained 7 years after the initiation of erosion control. So the overstory need to be tended and pruned. 2) Diversity of species increased until age 6 after which it began to decrease. 3) In order of tree growth, black locust was the fastest, followed by siberian alder and pitch pine. The initial growth of black locust, though the best among the 3 tree stop., decreased rapidly year by year. At the same time, siberian alder and pitch pine grew well until 12 and 6 years after the initiation of erosion control respectively. 4) Fifty percent of the initially planted trees died within 8 yeard. The mortality of siberian alder occurred until the 20th year while the mortality of pitch pine stopped after 10 years. Thereafter 500 trees per hectare were maintained. 5) The soil depth in A and B horision increased by 2cm annually during 20 years. The soil consistency also decreased rapidly until 7th year. The physical soil properties of the rehabilitated areas were improved after the 14th year. 6) The soil pH tend to decrease from 5.3 during the first year to 5.1 during the twentieth year. 7) The organic matter and nitrogen content in the soil were increased by fertilization but after 20 years these nutrients are still deficient for normal tree growth. 8) The phosphorous content in the soil was high in the first year but the longer the period after the initiation of erosion control the lese the content of phosphorous. 9) The biomass of black locust was the highest and increased continuously. The biomass of siberian alder on the contrary decreased from the 15th year because the number of trees in this place was very low. The total biomass in the twentieth year after erosion control initiation was 105.7 ton per hectare.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.127-143
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• 2010

This research was made on the interpretation of cultural landscape elements which is shown at nature management around Gyeongcheondae managed by Udam Chae Deug-gi, scholar in Joseon dynasty. Naming the nature management and natural features not only reflected on the formation toward the view of nature by the contemporary intellectuals, but influenced on the fashion of garden culture. Udam Chae Deug-gi dwelt in the riverside of Sangju, Kyungbuk as the characteristics of hermitage and managed landscape and had a willing to live a life free from worldly cares. The Gyeongchundae 28 landscapes, which was managed by himself, represent that natural features are named on the basis of neo-confucian principle and loyalty and he imposed symbolic meaning on landscape management by practically translating his aesthetic consciousness to reality; the name of detailed landscape is largely 'loyalty to Ming dynasty and to king's order and loyalty', 'Taoism' and 'Management will of landscape' by the life of metaphor and enjoyment, and symbolizes 'Searching for learning'. In addition, by selecting 10 out of 28 landscapes around Gyeongcheondae, lyrically describing the landscape by representing the change of time, season and the climate which is the scenic term of Great 8 Sosang views in fashion at that time focusing on the place he strolled or enjoyed watching himself; it can be seen that such moves are related with the landscape management in fashion in order to understand microcosmic providence with the change of natural environment. Therefore, Udam Chaedeug-gi is regarded as the neo-confucian view of nature for which any value scholars in Joseon dynasty have to own - 'loyalty' and 'integrity' - he usually emphasized himself to name the natural features and overcome the darkness of society comparing the landscape management around Gyeongchundae he lived a life free from worldly cares to the situation of Joseon dynasty when a transition times between Ming and Chung comes from China.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.463-471
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• 2008

This study investigated the clinical effectiveness and safety of sealed bleaching compared to conventional in-office bleaching using a randomized clinical trial of split arch design. Ten participants received a chairside bleaching treatment on the upper anterior teeth, and each side was randomly designated as sealed or control side. A mixture of Brite powder (PacDent, Walnut, USA), 3% hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (KoolWhite, PacDent, Walnut, USA) were used as bleaching agent. The control side was unwrapped and the experimental side was covered with a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) wrap for sealed bleaching. The bleaching gel was light activated for 1 hour. The tooth shades were evaluated before treatment, after treatment, and at one week check up by means of a visual shade (VS) assessment using a value oriented shade guide and a computer assisted shade assessment using a spectrophotometer (SP). The data were analyzed by paired t-test. In the control and sealed groups, the visual shade scores after bleaching treatment and at check up showed statistically significant difference from the preoperative shade scores (p<.05). The shade scores of the sealed group were significantly lighter than the control immediately after bleaching and at the check-up appointment (p<0.05). Compared to prebleaching status, the ${\Delta}E$ values at post bleaching condition were $4.35{\pm}1.38\;and\;5.08{\pm}1.34$ for the control and sealed groups, respectively. The ${\Delta}E$ values at check up were $3.73{\pm}1.95\;and\;4.38{\pm}2.08$ for the control and sealed groups. ${\Delta}E$ values were greater for the sealed group both after bleaching (p<.05) and at check up (p<.05). In conclusion, both ${\Delta}E$ and shade score changes were greater for the sealed bleaching group than the conventional bleaching group, effectively demonstrating the improvement of effectiveness through sealing.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.330-336
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like environmental endocrine disrupter, on the placental function and reproduction in rats. The mRNA levels of the placental prolactin-growth hormone(PRL-GH) gene family, placental trophoblast cell frequency and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats ($160g{\pm}20g$) were detected by the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which marked Day 0 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with a sesame oil vehicle. The two remaining groups were injected with 50 or 500 mg/kg B.W/day of BPA, resuspended in sesame oil, on either days 7 to 11 or 16 to 20 of pregnancy, with the rats sacrificed on either day 11 or 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hormone concentrations were analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the frequency of the placental trophoblast cells observed by a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placental weight and litter size, were surveyed on day 20. The fetal weight was surveyed for 4 weeks after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH gene family, such as placental lactogen I, Iv and II, prolactin like protein A, C and Cv, and decidual prolactin-related protein were significantly reduced due to BPA exposure. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH gene family in the rat placenta, were also reduced due to BPA exposure. The PL-Iv and PL-II concentrations were reduced in the BPA exposed group. During the middle to last stage of pregnancy (Days 11-20), a high dose of BPA exposure reduced the frequency of spongiotrophoblast cells, which are responsible for the secretion of the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data, such as the placental and fetal weights and the litter size, were reduced, but that of the pregnancy period was extended in the BPA exposed compared to the control group. Conclusions : BPA disrupts the placental functions in rats, which leads to reproductive disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2004

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chromium (VI) on the placental function and reproduction in rats. For the study, the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene expression, placental trophoblast cell differentiation and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats were checked by the presence of a copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which was defined as day 0 of the pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into the three groups. The control group was given tap water (chromium level < 0.001 ppm) and the remaining groups were given 250 or 750 ppm of chromium (VI) [as potassium dichromate], from day 7 to 19 of the pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed at days 11 and 20 of pregnancy. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hormonal concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the differentiation of placental trophoblast cells were observed by histochemical studies. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, pregnancy period, and litter size, were surveyed at day 20 of pregnancy and after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family of genes were dose dependently reduced by chromium exposure. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and b isotype genes that induce the expression of the PRL-GH family of genes were also reduced by chromium exposure. The PRL-GH hormonal concentration in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were decreased by chromium exposure. In the middle stage of pregnancy (day 11), a high dose of chromium suppressed the differentiation of spongiotrophoblast cells that secret the PRLGH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of chromium induced apoptosis of placental cells. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, litter size, were reduced, but the pregnancy period was extended in the group exposed to chromium compared with the controls. Conclusion : Chromium (VI) disrupts the ordered functions of the placenta, which leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2005

Purpose: Eosinophilic colitis is a disease characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral eosinophilia, eosinophilic infiltration of the colonic wall. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is not clear and it is considered to be idiopathic. This study aimed to ascertain the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of eosinophilic colitis in early infancy. Methods: We reviewed 6 infants retrospectively, presented with bloody stool in early infancy, who were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis in Pusan National University Hospital between August 2002 and February 2004. Results: Five males and one female were included. The mean age when bloody stool was identified was $79.2{\pm}56.1$ days (10~145 days). All but one infant with atopic dermatitis did not have other allergic diseases. Nobody had a family history of allergic disease. No specific dietary history in infants and their mothers related to food allergy was identified. Peripheral eosinophilia (total WBC count $11,763{\pm}3,498/mm^3$, eosinophils $17.0{\pm}4.3%$, absolute eosinophil count $2,044{\pm}996/mm^3$) was observed in all infants. Colonoscopy in six infants revealed diffuse erythema, congestion and granulation pattern of mucosa in the rectosigmoid colon. Histopathologic findings of colononic biopsies showed chronic inflammation with severe eosinophilic infiltration in the mucosa. Two infants were treated with hydrolyzed casein-based formula and four infants with prednisolone. Gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia resolved completely with prednisolone and partially with a hydrolyzed casein-based formula. Relapse was not observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that there is no evidence of a definite relationship between eosinophilic colitis and food-allergic disorders. Clinical course and prognosis of infantile form of eosinophilic colitis is very favorable and treatment with prednisone was effective.