• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.1250-1253
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to estimate the parameters of Gompertz growth curves with the measurements of body conformation, real-time ultrasound longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and backfat thickness (BFT) in Hanwoo cows. The Hanwoo cows (n = 3,373) were born in 97 Hanwoo commercial farms in the 17 cities or counties of Gyeongbuk province, Korea, between 2000 and 2007. A total of 5,504 ultrasound measurements were collected for the cows at the age of 13 to 165 months in 2007 and 2008. Wither height (HW), rump height (HR), the horizontal distance between the top of the hips (WH), and girth of chest (GC) were also measured. Analysis of variance was conducted to investigate variables affecting LMA and BFT. The effect of farm nested in location was included in the statistical model, as well as the effects of HW, HR, WH, and GC as covariates. All of the effects were significant in the analysis of variance for LMA and BFT (p<0.01), except for the HR effect for LMA. The two ultrasound measures and the four body conformation traits were fitted to a Gompertz growth curve function to estimate parameters. Upper asymptotic weights were estimated as $54.0cm^2$, 7.67 mm, 125.6 cm, 126.4 cm, 29.3 cm, and 184.1 cm, for LMA, BFT, HW, HR, WH, and GC, respectively. Results of ultrasound measurements showed that Hanwoo cows had smaller LMA and greater BFT than other western cattle breeds, suggesting that care must be taken to select for thick BFT rather than an increase of only beef yield. More ultrasound records per cow are needed to get accurate estimates of growth curve, which, thus, helps producers select animals with high accuracy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.446-454
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• 2012

In order to evaluate the efficacy of SHT against atopic dermatitis (AD), various immune related cytokines as well as histological comparison were performed in animal models, and the results are described. Clinical skin index of the SHT treated group decreased significantly in weeks 11 and 13, compared to the control group. Also, CD4+ immune cell ratio in the dorsal skin was significantly decreased to 69%, and both epidermal and dermal skin thickness was decreased. Serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-${\alpha}$, which are all important markers of inflammation, were decreased to 64%, 44%, 87%, 48%, and 45%, respectively. The expression of histamine, a chemical transmitter increasingly released during the progression of inflammation, was significantly decreased to 47%. The production of IgE immunoglobulin was significantly decreased to 16% compared to the control group. In conclusion, SHT pacifies the activation of T cells, leading to suppression of both Th2 cytokine overexpression and infiltration of immune cells into skin. As a result, relative thinning of both epidermis and dermis were observed. With the results obtained from in vitro studies, the immune modulatory effect of SHT in AD animal models was experimentally demonstrated. This study should provide solid information to construct EBM and for clinical practice.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.22.1-22.8
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• 2020

Background: High demand and low supply of fishmeal due to overexploitation of fisheries resources have resulted in a dramatic increase in the price of this ingredient. Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) commercial feed contains approximately 60% fishmeal and limited success has been achieved in identifying sustainable alternative protein sources for this species. Methods: An on-farm feeding trial was conducted to compare a basal diet containing 65% as the control (CONT) with two experimental diets replacing 10% of fishmeal by animal protein (AP₁₀) or 20% of fishmeal by animal and plant protein (APP₂₀). Sub-adult olive flounder averaging 327 ± 9.3 g (mean±SD) were fed one of the three diets in triplicate groups for 16 weeks. Results: Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and survival were not significantly different among fish fed all the experimental diets (P > 0.05). Also, non-specific immune responses (superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activity), serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal villi length were not significantly different among fish fed all the experimental diets (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, based on growth performance, non-specific immune responses, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal histology, dietary animal and plant protein mixtures could replace up to 20% of fishmeal in the diet of sub-adult olive flounder.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2023

Campylobacteriosis is a common cause of gastrointestinal disease. In this study, we suggest a general strategy of applying gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in colorimetric biosensors to detect Campylobacter in chicken carcass. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized for the amplification of the target genes, and the thiolated PCR products were collected. Following the blending of colloid AuNPs with PCR products, the thiol bound to the surface of AuNPs, forming AuNP-PCR products. The PCR products had a sufficient negative charge, which enabled AuNPs to maintain a dispersed formation under electrostatic repulsion. This platform presented a color change as AuNPs aggregate. It did not need additional time and optimization of pH for PCR amplicons to adhere to the AuNPs. The specificity of AuNPs of modified primer pairs for mapA from Campylobacter jejuni and ceuE from Campylobacter coli was activated perfectly (C. jejuni, p-value: 0.0085; C. coli, p-value: 0.0239) when compared to Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli as non-Campylobacter species. Likewise, C. jejuni was successfully detected from artificially contaminated chicken carcass samples. According to the sensitivity test, at least 15 ng/μL of Campylobacter PCR products or 1×10³ CFU/mL of cells in the broth was needed for the detection using the optical method.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.351-358
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• 2021

The study was investigated to compare growth characteristics, the antioxidant activity, and the triterpenoid content of two Centella asiatica cultivars ('Giant Tiger Care' and 'Good Tiger Care'). At 41 days after transplanting, lengths of leaf and petiole were significantly longer in 'Good Tiger Care' than in 'Giant Tiger Care'. However, the growth characteristics (leaf area, petiole thickness, petiole length, and weight) were greater in 'Giant Tiger Care' than in 'Good Tiger Care' at 104 days after transplanting (harvest time). Antioxidant activity and total phenol content in four extracts (WE, water extract; HWE, hot water extract; 50E, 50% EtOH extract; 70E, 70% EtOH extract) of the two cultivars were high in 70E of 'Giant Tiger Care'. As a result of the triterpenoids analysis, the major triterpenoids of the two cultivars were identified as madecassoside and asiaticoside. The total triterpenoid content was high in 50E and 70E of 'Giant Tiger Care' and 'Good Tiger Care', respectively but the total triterpenoid content was highest in Good Tiger Care'. However, at the 104 days after planting, the yield of 'Giant Tiger Care' was three times higher than that of 'Good Tiger Care'. In addition, the total triterpenoid content that can be produced in the same cultivation area (3.3m²) was 2.459mg in 50E of 'Giant Tiger Care', which was ~2.2times higher than that of 70E of 'Good Tiger Care' (1.103 mg). Thus, it is considered economical to cultivate 'Giant Tiger Care' which has the highest antioxidant activity and high total triterpenoid production per cultivation area.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.4
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• pp.254-258
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• 2011

Background: Although the aging process and features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have several similarities, the relationship between aging and COPD pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The klotho gene was found to be related to premature aging and emphysematous changes in an animal model. We investigated whether klotho gene polymorphisms are related to COPD susceptibility and emphysema severity. Methods: A total of 219 COPD subjects from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease Cohort and 305 control subjects were genotyped for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the klotho gene associated with coronary artery disease. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of these SNPs with COPD susceptibility and linear regression was performed to investigate their association with emphysema severity in COPD subjects. Results: The mean age of the COPD subjects was 66 years and their mean FEV1 was 1.46 L. There were no associations between either SNP or COPD susceptibility (p=0.6 and 0.2, respectively) and there were no associations with emphysema severity. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms of the klotho gene were not associated with COPD in a Korean population.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.3
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• pp.114-119
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• 2014

Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major biologically active component of green tea, has anti-cancer activity in human and animal models. We investigated the schedule-dependent effect of EGCG and paclitaxel on growth of NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells. Methods: To investigate the combined effect of EGCG (E) and paclitaxel (P), combination indices (CIs) were calculated, and cell cycle analysis was performed. For the effect on cell apoptosis, western blot analysis was also performed. Results: CI analysis demonstrated that both concurrent and sequential E ${\rightarrow}$ P treatments had antagonistic effects (CIs >1.0), but sequential P ${\rightarrow}$ E had synergistic effects (CIs <1.0), on the growth inhibition of NCI-H460 cells. In the cell cycle analysis, although paclitaxel induced $G_2/M$ cell cycle arrest and increased the sub-G1 fraction, concurrent EGCG and paclitaxel treatments did not have any additive or synergistic effects compared with the paclitaxel treatment alone. However, western blot analysis demonstrated that sequential P ${\rightarrow}$ E treatment decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 and increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage; while minimal effects were seen with concurrent or sequential E ${\rightarrow}$ P treatments. Conclusion: Concurrent or sequential E ${\rightarrow}$ P treatment had opposite effects to P ${\rightarrow}$ E treatment, where P ${\rightarrow}$ E treatment showed a synergistic effect on growth inhibition of NCI-H460 cells by inducing apoptosis. Thus, the efficacy of EGCG and paclitaxel combination treatment seems to be schedule-dependent.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.270-283
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• 2019

This study was aimed to explore if lncRNA MALAT1 would modify chemo-resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by regulating miR-197-3p and p120 catenin (p120-ctn). Within this investigation, we totally recruited 326 lung cancer patients, and purchased 4 NSCLC cell lines of A549, H1299, SPC-A-1 and H460. Moreover, cisplatin, adriamycin, gefitinib and paclitaxel were arranged as chemotherapies, and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated to evaluate the chemo-resistance of the cells. Furthermore, mice models of NSCLC were also established to assess the impacts of MALAT1, miR-197-3p and p120-ctn on tumor growth. Our results indicated that MALAT1 and miR-197-3p were both over-expressed within NSCLC tissues and cells, when compared with normal tissues and cells (P < 0.05). The A549, H460, SPC-A-1 and SPC-A-1 displayed maximum resistances to cisplatin ($IC50=15.70{\mu}g/ml$), adriamycin ($IC50=5.58{\mu}g/ml$), gefitinib ($96.82{\mu}mol/L$) and paclitaxel (141.97 nmol/L). Over-expression of MALAT1 and miR-197-3p, or under-expression of p120-ctn were associated with promoted viability and growth of the cancer cells (P < 0.05), and they could significantly strengthen the chemo-resistance of cancer cells (P < 0.05). MALAT1 Wt or p120-ctn Wt co-transfected with miR-197-3p mimic was observed with significantly reduced luciferase activity within NSCLC cells (P < 0.05). Finally, the NSCLC mice models were observed with larger tumor size and weight under circumstances of over-expressed MALAT1 and miR-197-3p, or under-expressed p120-ctn (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MALAT1 could alter chemo-resistance of NSCLC cells by targeting miR-197-3p and regulating p120-ctn expression, which might assist in improvement of chemo-therapies for NSCLC.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1213-1227
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• 2023

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a prevalent obstetric condition. This study aimed to investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in regulating the inflammatory response and gut microbiota structure in FGR. An FGR animal model was established in rats, and ODN1668 and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were administered. Changes in gut microbiota structure were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted. HTR-8/Svneo cells were treated with ODN1668 and HCQ to evaluate cell growth. Histopathological analysis was performed, and relative factor levels were measured. The results showed that FGR rats exhibited elevated levels of TLR9 and myeloid differentiating primary response gene 88 (MyD88). In vitro experiments demonstrated that TLR9 inhibited trophoblast cell proliferation and invasion. TLR9 upregulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-binding protein (LBP), interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α while downregulating IL-10. TLR9 activated the TARF3-TBK1-IRF3 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments showed HCQ reduced inflammation in FGR rats, and the relative cytokine expression followed a similar trend to that observed in vitro. TLR9 stimulated neutrophil activation. HCQ in FGR rats resulted in changes in the abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group at the family level and the abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group and Bacteroides at the genus level. TLR9 and associated inflammatory factors were correlated with Bacteroides, Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group. FMT from FGR rats interfered with the therapeutic effects of HCQ. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TLR9 regulates the inflammatory response and gut microbiota structure in FGR, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of FGR and suggesting potential therapeutic interventions.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2007

Patients with febrile illness and skin rashes need full and immediate attention. In general, these diseases show mild manifestations and good prognosis. However, causalities of some diseases with fever and rash may be life threatening or trivial. So, the differential diagnosis for those patients is extensive. A through history, a careful physical examination and close observation of clinical progress are very helpful and essential to confirming the diagnosis. Histories of recent travel, drug or specific food ingestion, exposure to human or an animal source of infection may be useful to discover the cause. Although laboratory tests can be useful in making the diagnosis, laboratory results usually are not available immediately. Knowledge and experiences of such diseases may be helpful to reduce the differential diagnosis to a few major possibilities. Rashes can be categorized as petechial, maculopapular, vesicular, urticarial and erythematous. Potential causes include infectious pathogens such as virus, bacteria, rickettsiae, spirohetes, connective tissue diseases, allergic diseases and heamto-oncologic diseases. Because the severity of these diseases can vary mild to life threatening, physicians must perform prompt management decisions regarding empirical therapies. In this article, the differential etiological diagnosis of each type rash is reviewed and discussed, and with emphasis on intensive care of life threatening febrile diseases with rashes that are seen in our country.