• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2020

To understand the role of small heat shock protein (sHSPs) in rice plant response to various stresses such as the heat and oxidative stresses, a cDNA encoding a 24.1 kDa mitochondrial small HSP (Oshsp24.1) was isolated from rice by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The deduced amino acid sequence shows very high similarity with other plant small HSPs. DNA gel blot analysis suggests that the rice genome contains more than one copy of Oshsp24.1. High level of expression of Oshsp24.1 transcript was observed in rice seedlings in response to heat, methyl viologen, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, salt and heavy metal stresses. Recombinant OsHSP24.1 protein was produced in E. coli cells for biochemical assay. The protein formed oligomeric complex when incubated with Sulfo-EGS (ethylene glycol bis (succinimidyl succinate)). Our results shows that Oshsp24.1 has an important role in abiotic stress response and have potential for developing stress-tolerant plants.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.435-441
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• 2023

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) may secrete hormones or bioactive neuropeptides such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can mask the clinical manifestations of catecholamine hypersecretion. We report the case of a patient with delayed diagnosis of paraganglioma due to the development of IL-6-mediated systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A 58-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and flank pain accompanied by SIRS and acute cardiac, kidney, and liver injuries. A left paravertebral mass was incidentally observed on abdominal computed tomography (CT). Biochemical tests revealed increased 24-hour urinary metanephrine (2.12 mg/day), plasma norepinephrine (1,588 pg/mL), plasma normetanephrine (2.27 nmol/L), and IL-6 (16.5 pg/mL) levels. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT showed increased uptake of FDG in the left paravertebral mass without metastases. The patient was finally diagnosed with functional paraganglioma crisis. The precipitating factor was unclear, but phendimetrazine tartrate, a norepinephrine-dopamine release drug that the patient regularly took, might have stimulated the paraganglioma. The patient's body temperature and blood pressure were well controlled after alpha-blocker administration, and the retroperitoneal mass was surgically resected successfully. After surgery, the patient's inflammatory, cardiac, renal, and hepatic biomarkers and catecholamine levels improved. In conclusion, our report emphasizes the importance of IL-6-producing PPGLs in the differential diagnosis of SIRS.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.577-589
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Four high-genetic barrier nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), namely entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), and besifovir dipivoxil maleate (BSV), have been established. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of four high-genetic barrier NAs using a network meta-analysis of randomized trials and propensity score-matched cohorts. Methods: Systematic search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE and included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that used propensity score matching. Studies on treatment-naïve CHB patients treated with ETV, TDF, TAF, or BSV were included. Outcomes included alanine aminotransferase normalization and hepatitis B e antigen seroclearance at week 48 and undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA at weeks 48 and 96. Network meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the results. Results: In total, 15,000 patients from 16 studies were included. In terms of 48- and 96-week virologic response (VR), TDF outperformed ETV with statistical significance (48 weeks: odds ratio [OR], 1.38; p < 0.001; 96 weeks: OR, 1.57; p = 0.004). ETV was ranked first for 48-week biochemical response (BR) and outperformed TDF (OR, 0.76; p = 0.028). In the sensitivity analyses, 48-week VR from randomized-controlled trials were compiled, and the same trend toward the superiority of TDF over ETV was found (OR, 1.51; p = 0.030). Conclusions: Four high-genetic barrier NAs were compared, and TDF was more likely to achieve a VR after 48 weeks, while ETV provided a superior BR after 48 weeks.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.85-92
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• 2004

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonadal development of the female Cyclina sinensis by histological observations and seasonal changes in biochemical components of the adductor muscle and visceral mass tissues were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2001. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage (February to April), late active stage (March to June), ripe stage (May to August), partially spawned stage (July to October) and spent/inactive stage (September to February). Total protein contents in the adductor muscle tissues reached the maximum in February (early active stage) and appeared the minimum in June (ripe stage), while their contents in the visceral mass tissues reached the maximum in the late active and ripe stages (June) and gradually decreased from July (partially spawned stage) to November (spent/inactive stage). Changes in total protein contents showed a negative correlationship between the adductor muscle and visceral mass tissues (r = -0.499, p = 0.099). Total lipid contents in the adductor muscle tissues reached the maximum in January (the inactive stages) and their contents gradually decreased from February. Their contents in the visceral mass tissues, however, reached the maximum in June (late active and ripe stage) and gradually decreased from July (the partially spawned stage). On the whole, total lipid contents showed a negative correlationship between the adductor muscle and visceral mass tissues (r = -0.631, p < 0.05). Therefore, These results indicate that the nutrient contents of the adductor muscle and visceral muscle tissues change in response to gonadal energy needs. Glycogen contents in the adductor muscle tissue reached the maximum in March (early and late active stages) and decreased from July to September (partially spawned stage). while their contents in the visceral mass tissues reached the maximum in June (late active and ripe stages) and gradually decreased from July (partially spawned stage). Thereafter, their levels gradually increased in November (spent/inactive stage). On the whole, changes in glycogen contents appeared negative correlationship between the adductor muscle and visceral mass tissues. However, they showed no significant different (r = -0.307, p = 0.331).

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 2015

612 strains isolated from Korean traditional fermented food in Sunchang and their investigated biochemical characterization and ability of biogenic amines non-producing. We selected the SCJ4 having various activity by measurement of extracellular enzyme, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Selected strain SCJ4 by 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical characterization was named Bacillus subtilis SCJ4. And then, we investigated cell growth of SCJ4, and optimized of culture medium constituents using response surface methodology as statistically method. Response surface methodology used Plackett-Burman experimental design for screening of medium constituent. Tryptone, peptone and $MgSO_4$ as medium constituent improving cell growth selected. In order to find out optimal concentration on each constituent, we carried out central composite design. Consequently, optimized concentrations of tryptone, peptone and $MgSO_4$ were predicted to be 15.35 g/L, 12.235 g/L, and 3.5 g/L respectively. Through the model verification, we confirmed about 1.28-fold improvement of the dried cell weight from 0.8767 g/L to 1.1222 g/L when compared to basal medium.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.87 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 1998

Thirty-six $F_3$ hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa${\times}$P. deltoides) clones were fumigated with ozone to select for ozone sensitive and resistant clones. Fumigation was applied for 6 to 8 hours each day for approximately 3 months at ozone concentrations of 90 to 115 ppb using by open-top chambers. Height, diameter, number of leaves, total biomass, biomass components, root/shoot ratios, leaf drop and stomatal response were investigated. In summary, ozone generally reduced height, diameter, number of leaves, total biomass, and root/shoot ratios. Ozone stress induced leaf drop and foliar senescence in trees. This study showed very low relationship between total biomass and stomatal conductance. Increased plant resistant to ozone is not always correlated with stomatal behaviour. Probably, characterization of biochemical and other physiological responses to ozone exposure can provide a better understanding of tree response to ozone environment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.299-312
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• 1993

Anthropometry, computed tomography(CT) at the umbilical level, nutrient intake, blood pressure, serum levels of lipids and lipoproteins and response of glucose, c-peptide, insulin, and free fatty acid(FFA) during oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) were estimated on 11 normal-weight controls and 35 overweight and obese middle-agd men. The areas of total abdominal, subcutaneous and visceral were determined by CT scanning technique. Total abdominal fat area correlated the most significantly with the levels of serum lipids, lipoproteins and insulin among several obese indices. Compared with normal-weight controls, overweight and obese men with abdominal fat lower than 29000$\textrm{mm}^2$ showed an increase in waist-hip ratio, areas of total abdominal(35%), visceral and subcutaneous fat and C-peptide response area during OGTT, though age, percent ideal body weight, body mass index, % body fat, and all biochemical indices except C-peptide response area were not different between two groups. Overweight and obese men with abdominal fat greater than 29000$\textrm{mm}^2$ showed a higher values in total abdominal fat(85%), serum levels of triglyceride, total-and LDL-cholesterol, the ratio of LDL-to HDL-cholesterol, and response areas of FFA, insulin and C-peptide during OGTT than normal-weight controls. Overweight and obese men with great abdominal fat showed an increase in alcohol ingestion and percent calorie intake per total energy expenditure, compared with normal-weight controls. Our results indicate that obesity and a certain level of total abdominal fat accumulation is required to observe abnormal levels of serum lipids, lipoproteins and insulin in Korean middle-aged men. In addition, increased alcohol and calorie intake and decreased physical activity could partly explain total abdominal fat accumulation in men.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.400-404
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• 2003

This study was to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on the germination, nutrient concentrations and growth of spinach and radish. Both the spinach and radish seeds exhibited relatively higher germination rates in response to the low doses of gamma irradiation compared to the non -irradiated control. Leaf DW of the radish did not respond to gamma irradiation but that of the spinach increased significantly in response to a gamma radiation of 4 Gy (P< 0.05). Leaf growth parameters of the spinach including the leaf area and SLA (leaf area/leaf dry weight) also demonstrated increased responses to gamma irradiation. R/S (root dry weight/shoot dry weight), root DW and root length of the spinach exhibited a positive response to gamma irradiation while those of the radish did not. In contrast, SRL (root length/root dry weight) significantly decreased with gamma irradiation at 8 Gy for the spinach, but not for the radish. The tissue nitrogen concentrations of the spinach showed an increased response to gamma irradiation while that of the radish did not. Furthermore, higher concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were found in the irradiated spinach, but not in the irradiated radish. It seems that the non-specific physiological and/or biochemical activities of spinach might be accelerated by gamma irradiation, possibly accounting for the stimulation of nutrient uptake from the root media and early biomass accumulation in the current study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2001

An experiment was conducted with twenty crossbred male lambs to assess the effect of cotton (Gossypium) seed meal (CSM) on blood constituents and immunity. Lambs were randomly assigned to a reference diet (30% deoiled peanut meal, DPNM) and four test diets containing 40% of either raw, 45 minutes cooked, 1% $Ca(OH)_2$ and iron (1 free gossy-pol, FG : 0.3 Fe) treated CSM (replacing approximately 50%, reference concentrate mixture). These isonitrogenous and isocaloric concentrate mixtures were fed to meet 80% of protein requirements (NRC, 1985) along with ad lib maize hay for 180 days. Blood was collected at 60, 120 and 180 days post feeding. The lambs were sensitized with Brucella abortus S99 antigen after 140 days and were subjected to ELISA and delayed type hypersensitivity. Blood haemoglobin, erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, total protein, total albumin, total globulin, urea, creatinine concentration and aspartate aminotransferase activity in lambs fed on raw or processed CSM were comparable to the values of reference lambs. The higher (p<0.01) blood glucose levels observed in CSM fed lambs at 60 days of feeding was latter reduced to the levels comparable with those on reference diet at 120 and 180 days of feeding. The alanine amino transferase activity was lower in lambs fed raw and cooked CSM containing diets at 120 and 180 days of feeding. A marginal increase in serum iron and alkaline posphatase activity was observed in iron treated group and raw CSM fed lambs, respectively. The humoral immune response and DTH reactivity was lower (p<0.05) in lambs fed raw CSM (consuming 302.83 mg FG/day). Cooking, $Ca(OH)_2$ and iron treatment of raw CSM showed a positive response in alleviating the suppression of immune response owing to the reduced consumption of FG by 40.19, 17.40% and 26.73%, respectively in these diets. The present study thus indicated that consumption of 40% raw CSM (302.83 mg FG/day) though did not affect majority of the haematological and blood biochemical parameters, but markedly suppressed the immune mechanism of lambs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5687-5690
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• 2015

Background: Factors predictive of survival have been identified in Western patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mCCRCC) treated with sunitinib. Less is known, however, about factors predictive of survival in Japanese patients. This study evaluated factors prognostic of survival in Japanese patients with mCCRCC treated with first-line sunitinib. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 46 consecutive Japanese mCCRCC patients treated with sunitinib as first line therapy. Clinical and biochemical markers associated with progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed, with prognostic factors selected by uniand multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: Univariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with poor PFS included Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center poor risk scores, International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium poor risk and high (>0.5 mg/dl) serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (p<0.001 each). Multivariate analysis showed that high serum CRP was independently associated with poorer PFS (p=0.040). Six month disease control rate (complete response, partial response and stable disease) in response to sunitinib was significantly higher in patients with normal (${\leq}0.5mg/dl$) than elevated baseline CRP (p<0.001). Conclusions: CRP is a significant independent predictor of PFS for Japanese patients with mCCRCC treated with first-line sunitinib. Pretreatment CRP concentration may be a useful biomarker predicting response to sunitinib treatment.