• Animal cells and systems
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2001

Rana ovarian follicles consist of oocyte, vitelline envelope, granulosa cells, and theca/epithelial layer. Using scanning electron microscopy, the surface structure of each follicular component was investigated. Changes in oocyte surface during oocyte maturation were also examined. Theca/epithelial layer was almost transparent and some blood vessels and granulosa cells were observed underneath in intact follicle. The number of granulosa cells was estimated to be 6700-7200 per oocyte. The granulosa cells partially overlapped each other and their microvilli penetrated the vitelline membrane via holes present in the vitelline envelope and seemed to be linked to oocyte microvilli. After removal of the vitelline envelope by microforcep, oocyte microvilli were observed on the surface of the devitellined oocyte. The oocyte microvilli formed partial clusters on the surface of white spot area which appears iust before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), whereas they were evenly distributed in other areas. The microvilli became shorter and less dense with oocyte maturation. The lengths of oocyte microvilli in the immature and mature oocyte were 1.5 $\mu$m and 0.6 $\mu$m, respectively. The present study suggests a fundamental structural change occurring on the oocyte surface during maturation.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 1982

A number of recent ultrastructural studies have shown marked differences between the two lining cell types in adult liver sinusoids, endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. In the present study, the ultrastructural features and electron microscopic cytochemistry of sinusoidal lining cells in the fetal liver were studied through fetal period to neonate in the rat. At fetal period, the sinusoid, which contains various blood component, in lined by the endothelial cells, the Kupffer cells and the fat storing cells that located in the space of Disse. As gestation proceeded, these eel's are arranged as adult liver sinusoids. The sinusoidal wall appears to be discontinuous with open fenestration between endothelial cells, but no basal lamina can observed. It seems to be morphologically and functionally distinct at the early gestation between the endothelial cells and the Kupffer cells, the latter showing marked phagocytized activity. The fat storing cells, which contain several fat droplets, are located in the space of Disse. Ultrastructural localization of the acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were noted on the sinusoidal lining cells.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.399-402
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• 2012

Bufalin is a traditional oriental medicines which induces apoptosis in some lines of human tumor cells. It constitutes the major digoxin-like immunoreactive component of Chan Su, obtained from the skin and parotid venom glands of toads. Bufalin is cardioactive C-24 steroids that exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as cardiotonic, anaesthetic, blood pressure stimulatory, respiratory and antineoplastic effects. In terms of its anti-tumor activity, bufalin has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of tumors, such as endometrial and ovarian cancers. This commentary introduces biologic and therapeutic effects of bufalin in treating some cancers. The compound is able to mediate inhibition of cell growth, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and expression of genes related to the malignant phenotype in human cancer cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1235-1243
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• 1998

Although an elevated plasma level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as a protective component against the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing coronary heart diseases, the related mechanisms are still not established . It has been clearly demonstrated in the early stages of atherogenesis that adhesion of monocytes and lymphocytes to the vascular endothelium is enhanced via adhesion molecules, and that monocytes and macrophages accumulate in the subendothelial space. The present study has investigated whether isolated plasma HDL plays a role in protection against atherogenesis by inhibiting the expression of vascular cell adhesioin molecule-1(VCAM-1) on the endothelial cells. Effects of plasma native low density lipoprotein (LDL) and ac ethylated LDL(AcLDL) on VCAM-1 expression were also examined by using an immunocytochemical technique. While plasma HDL did not alter the basal expression of VCAM-1 , lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induction of this adhesion modlecule was markedly inhibited at a phyaiological concentration of HDL. In contrast, 30$\mu\textrm{g}$ protein/ml AcLDL increased sifnificantly both basal VCAM-1 expression and its LPD induction , suggesting that this modified LDL enhances leukocyte adhesiion to endothelial cells. Unlike AcLDL , plasma native LDL inhibited significantly VCAM-1 expression. This indicates that LDL did not undergo oxidative modificantion while incubated with endothelial cells. These results suggest that plasam HDL may inhibit atherogenesis by reducing the expression of adhesion molecules, which is a protective mechanism independent of tis reverse cholesterol transport function . Modified LDL is a potent iducer for adhesion molecules in vascular endothelical cells and could play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by adhering to blood cells.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was aimed to develop and evaluate an obesity-management program for middle-aged obese women. Methods: Two 12 week session of the obesity-management programs constituted of weekly education and exercise such as aquarobic, pilates & yoga, and power-walking during 60 min for 3 days a week from June to December, 2006. The subjects included 47 middle-aged obese women between 30 and 60 yr. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated according to the change of body weight, body component, abdominal circumference, and serum lipid concentration. Data were measured by Inbody, tape measure, and blood test. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and a paired t-test with an SPSS/PC. Results: There were statistically significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, Hemoglobin, abdominal circumference, total cholesterol level, and low density lipoprotein after the program was completed. But there were not statistically significant difference in fat free mass, muscle mass and triglyceride. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that an obesity-management program have positive effects in body composition, abdominal circumference, and lipid metabolism for middle-aged obese women.

• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.127-128
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• 2015

Tumor metastasis involves circulating and tumor-initiating capacities of metastatic cancer cells. Hepatic TM4SF5 promotes EMT for malignant growth and migration. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biomarkers remain unexplored for metastatic potential throughout metastasis. Here, novel TM4SF5/CD44 interaction-mediated self-renewal and circulating tumor cell (CTC) capacities were mechanistically explored. TM4SF5-dependent sphere growth was correlated with $CD133^+$, $CD24^-$, ALDH activity, and a physical association between CD44 and TM4SF5. The TM4SF5/CD44 interaction activated c-Src/STAT3/ Twist1/ B mi1 signaling for spheroid formation, while disturbing the interaction, expression, or activity of any component in this signaling pathway inhibited spheroid formation. In serial xenografts of less than 5,000 cells/injection, TM4SF5-positive tumors exhibited locally-increased CD44 expression, suggesting tumor cell differentiation. TM4SF5-positive cells were identified circulating in blood 4 to 6 weeks after orthotopic liver-injection. Anti-TM4SF reagents blocked their metastasis to distal intestinal organs. Altogether, our results provide evidence that TM4SF5 promotes self-renewal and CTC properties supported by $CD133^+/TM4SF5^+/CD44^+^{(TM4SF5-bound)}/ALDH^+/CD24^-$ markers during HCC metastasis.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.336-341
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• 2014

Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays important roles in blood coagulation and inflammation. EPCR activity is markedly changed by ectodomain cleavage and release as the soluble EPCR. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ converting enzyme (TACE). Oroxylin A (OroA), a major component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is known to exhibit anti-angiogenic, antiinflammation, and anti-invasive activities. However, little is known about the effects of OroA on EPCR shedding. Data showed that OroA induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced EPCR shedding through suppression of TACE expression and activity. In addition, treatment with OroA resulted in reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results demonstrate the potential of OroA as an anti-sEPCR shedding reagent against PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.225-231
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• 2008

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with various metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. This suggests that NAFLD may represent the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated unfavorable effects NAFLD on components of metabolic syndrome in post-menopause women. Eight hundred sixty-nine postmenopausal women were recruited for this study. The diagnosis of fatty liver was based on the results of abdominal ultrasonography. Serum levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol were measured. The prevalence of component of metabolic syndrome such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low-HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in subjects with NAFLD as compared with those without NAFLD. The moderate to severe grade of NAFLD presented higher levels of serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and triglycerides than the mild NAFLD and the normal group. In conclusion, metabolic syndrome risk was increased in post-menopause women with NAFLD as compared with those without NAFLD. The severity of NAFLD affected metabolic syndrome risk factors. The optimal strategy for the treatment of NAFLD is likely to include lifestyle modifications and therapy to improve insulin resistance.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.1-9
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• 2011

Objectives: We performed this study to compare the antidiabetic effects of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and its major component berberine with gliclazide. Materials and Methods: Diabetic rats induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 55mg/kg were treated with CR 100, 200, 400mg/kg and berberine 100mg/kg. After rats were treated for 5 days, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine and antioxidant levels were determined. Results: The cytotoxic effects of CR (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001mg/mL), berberine and gliclazide ($0.1{\mu}M$, $1{\mu}M$, and $10{\mu}M$) were tested in rat insulinoma (RIN) cells induced with 5mM STZ. The levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN and creatinine of CR and berberine treated groups were reduced as much as that of gliclazide group in comparison to control groups, whereas total antioxidant levels increased. In vitro experiments showed that CR and berberine have a cytoprotective effect on RIN cells.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.211-217
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• 2017

During the emergency situation such as cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) is the most important treatment to maintain patient's blood circulation. Since the quality of CPR can not be easily measured or evaluated by the eye, an assistive device with an accelerometer can help to assess the pressure depth of CPR. In this study, we propose a single frequency analysis method to reduce the error of the accelerometer by extracting only one frequency component from the Fourier transform process. To verify the effectiveness of the single frequency analysis, acceleration data at CPR conditions were measured at a sampling rate of 50 / sec using a wristband equipped with an acceleration sensor. Then, We compared the existing distance estimation method and the single frequency analysis method using the measured data. The amplitude value proportional to the compression depth was obtained by applying the single frequency analysis method.