• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.41-50
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• 2008

The histochemical characteristics and ultrastructure of the mantle in the spiny top shell, Batillus cornutus were described using light and electron microscopy. The simple epidermal layer wrapped on the top and bottom of the centrally located connective tissue. And then the epidermal layer were divided into the outer epidermal layer near a shell and the inner epidermal layer closed to the visceral mass. The connective tissue layer was composed of the collagen fiber muscularfiber bundle and hemolymph sinus. Mucous cells in the apical mantle contained acid and neutral mucopolysaccaride, and acidic carboxylated mucopolysaccaride in the mid and marginal mantle. The mantle thickness, epidermal layer thickness and hemolymph sinus area displayed a trend of reduction from the marginal zone to the apical zone. From TEM observation, it was possible to distinguish epithelium, ciliated cell, absorptive cell and secretory cell in the epidermal layer. The epithelia were columnar and the nucleus was elliptical. The free surface were covered with microvilli. The lateral membranes of epithelium was con nected with neighboring cells by the zonular occludens, zonular adherens and membrane interdigitation. Ciliated cell on free surface had cilia and microvilli, and numerous mitochondria in the apical cytoplasm. In the epidermal layer, it observed 2 type cells having absorptive function. The absorptive cells were columnar in shape, and contained microvilli, pinocytotic vesicles, mitochondria and lysosomes of various electron density. Secretory cells can be divided into four types (A, B, C, D) depending on the cell shape and characteristics of secretory granules. These cells were unicellular glands and had similar characteristics to previously reported on the mantle of the gastropod and bivalves.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2008

Purpose : Phenylketonuria(PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism and a genetic disorder resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase(PAH) and decreased activity of tetrahydrobiopterin(BH4).In this study the correlation between the DNA mutation and clinical manifestations was investigated and PAH DNA mutations were compared bewteen Asian and Caucasian populations. Methods : DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes. The PAH gene was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) and the sequence was analyzed with Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification(MLPA). Results : We characterized the PAH gene of 102 independent Korean patients with PKU. PAH nucleotide sequence analysis revealed 44 different mutations, including 10 novel mutations comprising 9 missense mutations(N207D, K95del, A447P, G344D, P69S, S391I, A202T, G103S, and I306L) and 1 novel splice-site variant mutation(IVS10-3C>G). R243Q was the most prevalent mutation in this study. A259T has not previously been reported in Asian populations, but we found that this mutation had a frequency of 10.1% in our study. Furthermore, the genotypes of $BH_4$ responsive patients were analyzed and were divided into two groups: $BH_4$ medication-only group and $BH_4$ medication with diet therapy group. In the $BH_4$ medication-only group and $BH_4$ medication with diet therapy group, R241C was the most common mutation. Conclusion : Novel mutations in the PAH gene of PKU patients are still being discovered. Additional information as to the frequency of mutations in the tetrahydrobiopterine responsive gene is also accumulating. We anticipate that knowledge of these PKU gene mutations will assist the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and therapeutic treatment of PKU patients in future.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2009

Background: The interferon-gamma assay is reported to have high sensitivity and specificity for making the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. The clinical usefulness of this essay for detecting active tuberculosis has not fully defined. We evaluated the diagnostic value of the commercial interferon-gamma assay kit (QuantiFERONTB GOLD) for patients with suspected tuberculosis. Methods: From January to August 2007, we recruited 52 patients with suspected tuberculosis infection. We performed chest X-ray, sputum smear, culture, PCR and the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test. Pleural fluid analysis and pleural biopsy were also done for the patients with pleural effusion. Results: Of the 52 patients we studied, 30 patients had a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test result. 35 patients were finally diagnosed with active tuberculosis: twenty-five with a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and 10 with a negative QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test. The sensitivity of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test was 71.4% and the specificity was 64.7%. The positive predictive value was 0.83 and the negative predictive value was 0.50. There was no significant difference of any of the clinical and laboratory characteristics between the two groups of patients except the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The CRP level was 29.2${\pm}$27.3 mg/dL in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients with a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and 72.9${\pm}$67.9 mg/dL in the patients with a negative QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test (p<0.05). Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test were inadequate for making the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. We suggest that the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test should not be used by itself to exclude the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. The relationship of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and the CRP level in patients with TB would be further investigated.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2003

Purpose : The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) plays an important role in renal growth and development. We have studied the prevalence of renal anomalies and documented the association between karyotype and renal anomalies using IVP and ultrasonography. Furthermore, to investigate the impact of RAS gene polymorphism on renal anomaly in Turner syndrome, we examined the ACE I/D genotype, angiotensinogen(AGT) gene M235T, angiotensin receptor type 1(ATR) gene A1166C. Methods : Cytogenetic analysis was performed in 33 Turner syndrome patients on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Ultrasonography(US) of the kidneys and collecting system and intravenous pyelography(IVP) were perfomed in all patients. Nuclear scintigraphy{Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) scan} was also performed for the definite renal diagnosis if indicated. And, ACE I/D genotype, angiotensinogen(AGT) gene M235T, angiotensin receptor type 1(ATR) gene A1166C were examined by PCR amplification of genomic DNA samples. Results : The prevalence of renal anolmalies in Turner syndrome was 36.4%(12/33). The Karyotype 45, X was observed in 18 of the 33 girls(54.5%), of whom 8(44.4%) had renal anomalies. Mosaic karyotypes were observed in 11(33.3%) and four(12.2%) had a non-mosaic structural aberration of the X chromosome. In this group 4(25.7%) had renal anomalies. More renal anomalies were associated with the 45, X karyotype than those with mosaic/structural abnormalities of X chromosome, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). And, there was no significant differences in the RAS gene polymorphism and allele frequencies between renal anomaly group and normal group in Turner syndrome. Conclusion : The prevalence of renal anolmalies in Turner syndrome was 36.4%. There is no significant differences in the RAS gene polymorphism and allele frequencies between the renal anomaly group and the normal group in Turner syndrome.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 2002

Background : Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia is characterized by chronic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. The clara cell 10 kD protein (CC10, also designated CC16) is synthesized by the bronchial epithelium and has been suggested to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, CC-10 might be a candidate for controlling the inflammatory events in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. The aim of this study was to determine if the degrees of pulmonary fibrosis in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia is associated with CC-10 in the BAL fluid. Materials and Methods : The BAL fluid was collected from 29 patients and 10 controls. Densitometric analysis of the western blot assay for the CC-10 was subsequently performed. The RI (relative intensity) of each band was compared according to the diagnosis, the radiological degrees of pulmonary fibrosis and the relative proportion of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid. Results : There were no differences in the CC-10 expression levels in the BAL fluid between the patients (RI $77.5{\pm}75.8%$) and the controls ($70.7{\pm}39.8%$) (p>0.05). In addition, the degrees of pulmonary fibrosis and airway inflammation in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia were not associated with CC-10 expression in the BAL fluid (p>0.05). Conclusion : This study suggests that CC-10 expression is not associated with the degrees of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.25 no.1 s.66
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• pp.53-61
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• 1986

The races of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines were investigated at 13 localities in Kyungpook, Chungpook and Cheonnam provinces for the resistant soybean variety selection to soybean cyst nematode. Race C, 1, and 5 were distributed and among them race 5 was dominant in Korea. Native soybean 203 lines and 25 introduced soybean varieties were investigated in field where soybean cyst nematode race 5 infested. As the result, the reproduction of soybean cyst nematode in native soybean lines decreased on entry number 18, 21, 36, 38, 41, 42, 43, 45, 55, 59, 68, 72, 75, 93, 94, 95, 98, 123, 131, 136, 146, 170, 174, 187, 190, 191 than others. And then, in pot experiment, entry number 170 showed moderately resistant with 10 cysts per root, while entry number 55 was decreased reproduction a little and the other 25 line appeared susceptibility. In introduced soybean varieties, Peking, Illsoy and PI90763 showed resistance and not reproduction in field and pot experiment. But Custer, Delmar, Dyer and Jackson represented moderately resistant under 10 cysts, while the other 18 varieties were susceptible. In yield analysis, native soybean line 170 showed the same tendency as Peking and PI90763 known for resistant varieties in decreased rate of branch number, pod number, pod weight per plant and weight of 100 grains. Peking and PI90763 decreased at the rate of under 1.6% in branch number, pod number, pod weight per plant and weight of 100 grains, while Illsoy showed a little higher decreased rate of 3.8% in pod number and 3.4% in pod weight per plant. Custer, Delmar, Dyer and Jackson represented a little higher decreased rate in yield.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.407-414
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• 2018

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of application method and concentration of gibberellin $A_3$ ($GA_3$) on the growth, runner production, and seedling quality of strawberry plants (Fragaria ${\times}$ ananassa Duch. cv. Maehyang) during nursery period. The mother plants of strawberry were transplanted in pot ($64{\times}27{\times}18cm$) filled with commercial growing medium on March 20, 2018. $GA_3$ concentration was applied as 0, 50, 100 or $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ with spray or drench to 45 mL per plant at 4 weeks after transplanting, respectively. Nutrient solution was supplied with the EC $1.5dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ after the transplanting and supplied 350 mL per pot twice a day (15 min per one time) after rooting. The growth characteristics of mother plants of strawberry were measured at 7 weeks after treatment, and growth characteristics of daughter plants of strawberry were measured at 10 weeks after treatment. Runner length and diameter of mother plant was the longest or thickest in the spray with $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ than the other treatments, respectively. Soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) value of mother plant was the lowest in spray with $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. However, leaf length, leaf width, and crown diameter showed no significant differences in all treatment among application method and concentration of $GA_3$. As the concentration of $GA_3$ increased, physiological disorder like stretchiness of crown occurred more. The physiological disorder was the most occurred in spray treatment with $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$, but drench treatment occurred less than spray treatment. The number of runners and daughter plants increased with increasing concentration of $GA_3$ regardless of application methods. In the growth characteristics of the daughter plants, leaf length and leaf width of first daughter plant, plant height, crown diameter, leaf area and SPAD value of second daughter plant, and plant height of third daughter plant were the significantly greatest in drench with $100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ treatment. This results indicate that growth and runner production of mother plants and growth of daughter plants of strawberry were the best achieved by drench application in the $100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ $GA_3$.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.542-550
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• 2003

Background : Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used in many chronic inflammatory diseases because of their excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Enhancing the transcription of $I{\kappa}B$ and preventing activated NF-${\kappa}B$ from binding to ${\kappa}B$ sites are thought to be the underlying mechanisms. But these data are largely derived from in vitro studies using cell lines. In this study, after administrating a steroid to volunteers, we evaluated the effect on the NF-${\kappa}B$ system. Methods : Prednisolone(0.5mg/kg/d) was orally administered to 5 healthy volunteers for 7 days. Before and after the administration, we sampled their peripheral blood monocytes, and performed western blot analysis both with stimulation, using IL-$1{\beta}$, LPS, TNF, and without stimulation(baseline). We also performed EMSA after stimulation with LPS. Results : After ingestion of the steroid, baseline expressions of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ were increased in two of the subjects, while suppressed degradations of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ to stimulations were observed in all five. In addition, the binding capacity of NF-${\kappa}B$ after the administration was decreased. Conclusion : Steroid plays such roles as enhancing the transcription of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, suppressing the DNA binding capacity of NF-${\kappa}B$, and suppressing the degradation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.19-31
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• 2007

Objective: Pathogenesis of the endometriosis is very complex and the etiology is still unclear. Our hypothesis is that there may be some difference in gene expression patterns between eutopic endometriums with or without endometriosis. In this study, we analyzed the difference of gene expression profile with cDNA microarray. Methods: Endometrial tissues were gathered from patients with endometriosis or other benign gynecologic diseases. cDNA microarray technique was applied to screen the different gene expression profiles from early and late secretory phase endometria of those two groups. Each three mRNA samples isolated from early and late secretory phase of endometrial tissues of control were pooled and used as master controls and labeled with Cy3-dUTP. Then the differences of gene expression pattern were screened by comparing eutopic endometria with endometriosis, which were labeled with Cy5-dUTP. Fluorescent labeled probes were hybridized on a microarray of 4,800 human genes. Results: Twelve genes were consistently over-expressed in the endometrium of endometriosis such as ATP synthase H transporting F1 (ATP5B), eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+), mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3, ATP synthase H+ transporting (ATP5C1) and TNF alpha factor. Eleven genes were consistently down-regulated in the endometriosis samples. Many extracellular matrix protein genes (decorin, lumican, EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, fibulin 5, and matrix Gla protein) and protease/protease inhibitors (serine proteinase inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1), and insulin like growth factor II associated protein were included. Expression patterns of selected eight genes from the cDNA microarray were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR or real time RT-PCR. Conclusion: The result of this analysis supports the hypothesis that the endometrium from patients with endometriosis has distinct gene expression profile from control endometrium without endometriosis.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.448-454
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• 2021

This study was conducted to the effect of low air temperature and light intensity conditions on yield and quality of tomato at the early stage of growth in Korea. Inplastic greenhouses, low temperature and low temperature with shade treatments were performed from 17 to 42 days after plant. Tomato growing degree days were decreased 5.5% due to cold treatment during the treatment period. Light intensity decreased 74.7% of growing degree days due to shade. After commencing treatments, the plant growth decreased by low temperature and low radiation except for height. Analysis of the yield showed that the first harvest date was the same, but the yield of the control was 3.3 times higher than low temperature with shade treatment. The cumulative yields at 87 days after transplanting were 1734, 1131, and 854 g per plant for control, low temperature, and low temperature with shade, respectively. The sugar and acidity of tomatoes did not differ between treatment and harvesting season. To investigate the photosynthetic characteristics according to the treatment, the carbon dioxide reaction curve was analyzed using the biochemical model of the photosynthetic rate. The results showed that the maximum photosynthetic rate, J (electric transportation rate), TPU (triose phosphate utilization), and R_d (dark respiration rate) did not show any difference with temperature, but were reduced by shading. Vcmax (maximum carboxylation rate) was decreased depending on the low temperature and the shade. Results indicated that low temperature and light intensity at the early growth stage can be inhibited the growth in the early stage but this phenomenon might be recovered afterward. The yield was reduced by low temperature and low intensity and there was no difference in quality.