• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.677-684
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• 2017

Postmenopausal atrophic vagina (PAV) is the thinning of the walls of the vagina and decreased lugae of the vagina. PAV is caused by decreased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. However, the harmful effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have resulted in considerable caution in its use. Various estrogen agonist treatment options are available. Vitamin D is influences the regulation of differentiation and proliferation of various cells, especially tissues lining stratified squamous epithelium, such as the vaginal epithelium. In this study, we hypothesized that vitamin D could provide an alternative and a safe treatment option for PAV by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the vaginal epithelium. Thirty six patients were enrolled in this case-control study. Vitamin D associated proteins in a vitamin D and sex hormone treated vaginal epithelial cell line as well as normal and PAV tissues were measured. To confirm of cell-to-cell junction protein expression, cell line and tissue studies included RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and immunoblot analyses. The expression of cell-to-cell junction proteins was higher in women with symptoms of atrophic vagina tissue compared to women without the symptoms. Vitamin D stimulated the proliferation of the vaginal epithelium by activating p-RhoA and Erzin through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The results suggest that vitamin D positively regulates cell-to-cell junction by increasing the VDR/p-RhoA/p-Ezrin pathway. This is the first study to verify the relationship of the expression of RhoA and Ezrin proteins in vaginal tissue of PAV.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.214-219
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• 2016

A nucleosomal protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is known to be a late mediator of sepsis. Dabrafenib is a B-Raf inhibitor and initially used for the treatment of metastatic melanoma therapy. Inhibition of HMGB1 and renewal of vascular integrity is appearing as an engaging therapeutic strategy in the administration of severe sepsis or septic shock. Here, we examined the effects of dabrafenib (DAB) on the modulation of HMGB1-mediated septic responses. DAB inhibited the release of HMGB1 and downregulated HMGB1-dependent inflammatory responses by enhancing the expressions of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in human endothelial cells. In addition, treatment with DAB inhibited the HMGB1 secretion by CLP and sepsis-related mortality and pulmonary injury. This study demonstrated that DAB could be alternative therapeutic options for sepsis or septic shock via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.149-170
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• 1999

Protozoa of the genus Eimeria are the etiologic agents of avian coccidiosis, the most economically important Parasitic disease for the poultry industry. Coccidia multiply in intestinal epithelial cells of a wide range of hosts, including livestock in addition to poultry. Chemotherapy is extensively used to control coccidiosis. However, development of drug resistance by Eimeria parasites, the intensive cost and labor involved in the identification of new anticoccidial compounds and public awareness of drug residues in foods warrant alternative methods to prevent coccidiocic in the fast growing poultry industry. For these reasons, there is a great interest in developing vaccines against avian coccidiosis. Live Eimeria vaccines confer protective immunity, however a significant disadvantage of using these types of vaccines is their pathogenicity. Live parasites with attenuated pathogenicity also usually produce immunity but may revert back to a pathogenic form and may be contaminated with other pathogenic organisms. Killed Eimeria vaccines are safer but, unlike live attenuated vaccines, are not able to generate cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Recombinant vaccines are biochemically purified proteins produced by genetic engineering that consist of particular epitopes or metabolites of Eimeria. Unlike live attenuated organisms, recombinant vaccines do not possess as much risk and generally are able to induce both humoral and cell mediated immunity. DNA vaccines consist of genes encoding immunogenic proteins of pathogens that are directly administered into the host in a manner that the gene is expressed and the resulting protein generates a protective immune response. Although all of these different types of vaccines have been applied to coccidiosis, this disease continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Future development of an effective vaccine against coccidiosis will depend on further investigation of protective immunity to Eimeria infection and identification of important immundgenic parasite molecules.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.22-29
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• 2017

A unicellular green alga was axenically isolated from the Port of Jeongja, Ulsan, Korea. Morphological, molecular, and biochemical analyses revealed that the isolate belonged to Heterochlorella luteoviridis. This is the first report of this species in Korea. The microalgal strain was named as H. luteoviridis MM0014 and its growth, lipid composition, and biomass properties were investigated. The strain thrived over a wide range of temperatures ($5-30^{\circ}C$) and withstood up to 0.5 M NaCl. The results of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis showed that the isolate was rich in nutritionally important polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its major fatty acids were linoleic acid (35.6%) and ${\alpha}$-linolenic acid (16.2%). Thus, this indigenous marine microalga is a potential alternative source of ${\omega}3$ and ${\omega}6$ polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are currently obtained from fish and plant oils. Ultimate analysis indicated that the gross calorific value was $19.7MJ\;kg^{-1}$. In addition, the biomass may serve as an excellent animal feed because of its high protein content (51.5%). Therefore, H. luteoviridis MM0014 shows promise for applications in the production of microalgae-based biochemicals and biomass feedstock.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7997-8002
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• 2015

Gene amplification is an important mechanism in the development and progression of cancer. Currently, gene amplification status is generally determined by in situ hybridization (ISH). Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a PCR-based method that allows copy number detection of up to 50 nucleic acid sequences in one reaction. The aim of the present study was to compare results for HER2, CCND1, MYC and ESR1 gene amplification detected by MLPA with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) as clinically approved methods. Tissue samples of 170 invasive breast cancers were collected. All were ER positive. Tissue samples had previously been tested for HER2 using immunohistochemistry. Amplification of the selected genes were assessed using MLPA, FISH and CISH and results were compared. HER2 MLPA and ISH results were also compared with HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) which detects protein overexpression. Amplification of HER2, CCND1, MYC and ESR1 by MLPA were found in 9%, 19%, 20% and 2% of samples, respectively. Amplification of HER2, CCND1, MYC and ESR1 by FISH was noted in 7%, 16%, 16% and 1% of samples, respectively. A high level of concordance was found between MLPA/FISH (HER2: 88%, CCND1: 88%, MYC: 86%, ESR1: 92%) and MLPA/CISH (HER2: 84%). Of all IHC 3+ cases, 91% were amplified by MLPA. In IHC 2+ group, 31% were MLPA amplified. In IHC 1+ group, 2% were MLPA amplified. None of the IHC 0 cases were amplified by MLPA. Our results indicate that there is a good correlation between MLPA, IHC and ISH results. Therefore, MLPA can serve as an alternative to ISH for detection of gene amplification.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.295-295
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• 2017

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. The eating quality of cooked rice is the most important trait japonica rice breeding in Korea. Rice varieties that produce kernels that are firm and fluffy after cooking are generally favored in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Whereas varieties with kernels that maintain its shape, glossiness, savory odor, stickiness, and tenderness when cooked are preferred in Korea. This study analyzed the major physicochemical components of rice grain associated with the eating quality of 20 japonica rice varieties. Physicochemical components such as the amylose content, protein content, amylographic characteristics of polished rice, and texture of cooked rice were tested using a Tensipresser as alternative indirect methods in determining rice eating quality. Evaluation of eating quality of cooked rice using sensory test was conducted with 20 well trained members. The 20 rice varieties in different eating quality showed amylose contents of 17~20%. The amylose content of rice varieties had negative correlation with peak viscosity, however positive correlation with setback viscosity was observed. The stickiness and adhesiveness of cooked rice showed correlation with the amylose content and amylopectin chain length distribution. Rice varieties with good eating quality showed less retrogradation of cooked rice and higher hot viscosity of rice flour in amylogram.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.73-84
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• 1992

It was observed that the hot-water extract of the bark of Kalopanax pictus N. had the highest anti-complementary activity among the 11 kinds of forest materials. Methanol-and ethanol-soluble portions had low anti-complementary activities, but crude polysaccharide. HKP-0 had a high activity of 80%. HKP-0 contained 54.8% of total sugar and 27.9% of protein. The neutral sugars of HKP-0 consisted of mainly arabinose, galactose and glucose. HKP-4 fraction obtained by cetavlon treatment of HKP-0 showed the highest anti-complementary activity of 90%. The activity was not changed by pronase digestion bu decreased greatly by periodate oxidation. HKP-4 consisted of mainly arabinose and glucose with molar ratio of 1.0 : 22.4, HKP-4-I, an unabsorbed fraction from HKP-4 on DEAE Sepharose CL-6B column showed higher yield and activity than those of absorbed fractions. HKP-4-I was homogeneous, and its molecular weight was about 25,000. HKP-4-I contained 84.0% of neutral sugar and consisted of arabinose and glucose with molar ratio of 1.0 : 11.2. The anti-complementary activity of HKP-4-I was not decreased by the treatment of polymyxin B, and the polysaccharide activated both classical and alternative pathway in complement system. Void volume fraction obtained from HKP-4-I hydrolyzed with ${\alpha}$-amylase on Sephadex G-25 column only had a high anti-complementary activity.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.213-220
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• 2002

Purpose: The cDNA microarray provides a powerful alternative with an unprecedented view in monitoring geneexpression levels and leads to discoveries of regulatory pathways involved in complicated biological processes. Our aim is to explore the different gene-expression patterns in gastric adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: By using a cDNA microarray representing 4,600 cDNA clusters, we studied the expression profiling in 10 paired gastric adenocarcinoma samples and in adjacent noncancerous gastric tissues from the same patients. Alterations in the gene-expression levels were confirmed by Vsing Northern blots and reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) in all of 4 randomly selected genes. Results: Genes those were expressed differently in cancer ous and noncancerous tissues were identified. 44 (of which 26 were known) and 92 (of which 43 were known) genes or cDNA were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in more than $80\%$ of the gastric adenocarcinoma samples. In cancer ous tissues, genes related to gene/protein expression, cellcycle regulation, and metabolism were mostly up-regulated whereas genes related to the oncogene/tumor suppressor gene, cell structure/motility, and immunology were mostly down-regulated. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR results for the four genes we tested were consistent with the array findings. Conclusions: These results provide not only a new molecular basis for understanding the biological properties of gastric adenocarcinomas but also a useful resource for future development of therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for gastric adenocarcinomas.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.516-519
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• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing whole crop corn silage (WCCS) with whole crop rice silage (WCRS) in the total mixed ration (TMR) on nutrient intake, milk yield and its composition in Holstein cows. The Chucheong rice variety (Oryza sativa L. Japonica) and corn (Pioneer 32 P75) were harvested at yellow-ripe stage and were ensiled in round bales and in trench silos, respectively. Two TMR containing either WCCS or WCRS were prepared. These diets were randomly assigned to 16 midlactating Holstein cows (8 cows per treatment) and were fed for 120 days. The first 20 days were used for dietary adaptation and for the next 100 days daily feed intake, milk yield and its composition were recorded. The pH, lactic acid, NDF, ADF, CP, Ca and P contents were similar in WCRS and WCCS. The DM, ash and EE contents of WCRS were greater compared with WCCS. Nutrient (DM, NDF, TDN and CP) intakes were similar in cows fed WCCS- and WCRS-based TMR. Daily and 4% fat corrected milk yield were not affected by the treatments. Milk composition (percent milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids) was similar in cows fed either WCCS- or WCRSbased TMR. The concentration of milk urea N was greater in cows fed WCRS-based TMR than those fed WCCS-based TMR. In conclusion, round-baled WCRS can replace WCCS in the diet of mid- to late-lactating Holsteins without any deleterious effects on feed consumption, milk yield and its composition. The present findings raise the possibility that WCRS can be used as an alternative roughage source in the diets of dairy cows in countries with surplus rice production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.1474-1480
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• 2018

Objective: Isoquinoline Alkaloids, derived from one plant (Macleaya cordata) can be an alternative when it is desired to increase performance in feedlot cattle. However, results on these nutritional additives in high energy diets in ruminants are still incipient in literature. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate performance and carcass traits of feedlot bulls supplemented with sanguinarine, the main alkaloid presents in Macleaya cordata in high energy density diets. Methods: Thirty-two crossbred Angus-Nelore bulls with mean initial body weight of $365{\pm}10kg$ and mean initial age of $11{\pm}3$ months were used. The experiment lasted 119 days, with 14 days of adaptation and 105 experimental days. Experimental diet consisted of 85% whole corn grains and 15% protein-vitamin-mineral nucleus and supplied ad libitum. Treatments consisted of a control diet (CON) and a diet with sanguinarine supplementation (SAN) at a dosage of 4 g of product sufficient to provide 6 mg of sanguinarine/d. Experimental design was completely randomized. Results: Dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed conversion were similar (p>0.05) between treatments. However, SAN group animals had higher carcass yield (p = 0.045) and were more efficient in the transformation of dry matter consumed in carcass gain (p = 0.046) than CON. In addition, haptoglobin, increased throughout feedlot duration meaning high challenge for the animals due to the diet, but this behavior was similar (p>0.05) between treatments. Conclusion: Sanguinarine produced positive results in relation to carcass yield and could be used as an additive for bulls fed diets receiving high energy density diet.