• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.441-448
• /
• 2017

Bisphenol-A(BPA) is a member of alkylphenol family, and shows adverse effects including reduced fertility, reproductive tract abnormalities, metabolic disorder, cancer induction, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. In the present study, we conducted Hershberger assay to evaluate whether the two candidates to replace BPA have androgenic or antiandrogenic activity. The assay was carried out using immature castrated Sprague-Dawley male rats. After 7 days of the surgery, testosterone propionate (TP, 0.4 mg/kg/day) and test materials (low dose, 40 mg/kg/day; high dose, 400 mg/kg/day) were administered for 10 consecutive days by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and oral gavage, respectively. Test materials were BPA, isosorbide (ISO) and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The rats were necropsied, and then the weights of five androgen-dependent tissues [ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, levator ani-bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle, paired Cowper's glands, and glans penis] and three androgen-insensitive tissues (kidney, spleen and liver) were measured. All test materials including BPA did not exhibit any androgenic activity in the assay. On the contrary, antiandrogen-like activities were found in all test groups, and the order of the intensity was CHDM > BPA > ISO in the five androgen-sensitive tissues. There was no statistical difference between low dose treatment and high dose treatment of BPA group as well as ISO group. In CHDM group, high dose treatment exhibited most severe weight reduction in all measured tissues. There was no statistical difference in androgen-insensitive tissue measurements, except BPA groups. Since the effects of ISO treatment on the accessory sex organs were much less or not present at all when compared to those of BPA, ISO could be a strong candidate to replace BPA. CHDM treatment brought most severe weight reduction in all of androgen-sensitive tissues, so this material should be excluded for further screening of BPA substitute selection.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 2018

In the present study, we employed Hershberger assay to determine possible androgenic or antiandrogenic activities of three di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) substitute candidates. The assay was carried out using immature castrated Sprague-Dawley male rats. After 7 days of the surgery, testosterone propionate (TP, 0.4 mg/kg/day) and test materials (low dose, 40 mg/kg/day; high dose, 400 mg/kg/day) were administered for 10 consecutive days by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and oral gavage, respectively. Test materials were DEHP, 2-ethylhexyl oleate (IOO), 2-ethylhexyl stearate (IOS) and triethyl 2-acetylcitrate (ATEC). The rats were necropsied, and then the weights of five androgen-dependent tissues [ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, coagulating glands, levator ani-bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle, paired Cowper's glands, and glans penis] and four androgen-insensitive tissues (kidney, adrenal glands, spleen and liver) were measured. All test materials including DEHP did not exhibit any androgenic activity in the assay. On the contrary, antiandrogen-like activities were found in all test groups, and the order of the intensity was ATEC < DEHP < ISO < IOO in the five androgen-sensitive tissues. There was no statistical difference between low dose treatment and high dose treatment of all replacement candidate groups. In DEHP groups, high dose treatment exhibited significant weight gains in LABC and Glan Penis. There was no statistical difference in androgen-insensitive tissue measurements. Since the effects of ATEC treatment on the accessory sex organs were much less or not present at all when compared to those of DEHP, ATEC could be a strong candidate to replace DEHP. IOO treatment brought most severe weight reduction in all of androgen-sensitive tissues, so this material should be excluded for further screening of DEHP substitute selection.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.51-59
• /
• 2019

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of comprehensive art therapy on physical function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods : Ten ambulant children with diplegic (n=8) or hemiplegic (n=2) CP participated in this study. All were randomly assigned to either the art therapy group (n=5) or the control group (n=5). Both groups received physical therapy based on neurodevelopmental techniques for 20 minutes a day, 1 day a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Children in the art therapy group received additional comprehensive art therapy for 70 minutes once a week for 3 months. Tests for various measurements-Motricity Index (MI) for strength, Trunk Control Test (TCT) for trunk ability, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for gross motor function, Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) for developmental milestones, Functional Independence Measure of Children (WeeFIM) for abilities to complete daily activities, Leg and Hand Ability Test (LHAT) for limb function-were performed before and after treatments. Results : The upper extremity and whole extremity strengths of MI, self-care and total scores of WeeFIM, and leg and arm functions of LHAT improved significantly only for individuals in the art therapy group after the art therapy (p<.05). The value of MI after treatment was at the upper extremity and whole extremity strengths the leg function of LHAT was also significantly improved compared to the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : This study revealed that comprehensive art therapy along with physiotherapy was effective in increasing upper extremity strength and leg ability in children with CP. This suggests that comprehensive art therapy may be a useful adjunctive therapy for children with CP.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.259-268
• /
• 2000

Senescence is a sequence of biochemical and physiological events that lead to death of a cell, organ, or whole organism. Senescence is now clearly regarded as a genetically determined and evolutionarilly acquired developmental process comprising the final stage of development. However, in spite of the biological and practical importance, genetic mechanism of senescence has been very limited. Through forward and reverse genetic approaches, we are trying to reveal the molecular and genetic mechanism of senescence in plants, employing leaf organs of Arabidopsis as a model system. Using forward genetic approach, we have initially isolated several delayed senescence mutants either from T-DNA insertional lines or chemical-mutagenized lines. In the case of ore 4 and ore 9 mutants, the mutated genes were identified. The recent progress on characterization of mutants and identification of the mutated genes will be reported. We are also screening mutations from other various sources of mutant pools, such as activation tagging lines and promoter trap lines. Two dominant senescence-delayed mutants were isolated from the activation tagging pool. Cloning of the genes responsible for this phenotype is in progress. For reverse genetic approach, the genes that induced during leaf senescence were first isolated by differential screening method. We are currently using PCR-based suppression subtractive hybridization, designed to enrich a cDNA library for rare differentially expressed transcripts. Using this method, we have identified over 35 new sequences that are upregulated at leaf senescence stage. We are investigating the function of these novel genes by systemically generating antisense lines.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
• /
• 2017.06a
• /
• pp.189-189
• /
• 2017

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that severely affect crop production throughout the world; especially rice plant which is generally categorized as a typical glycophyte as it cannot grow in the presence of salinity. Phenotypic resistance of salinity is expressed as the ability to survive and grow in a salinity condition. Salinity resistance has, at least implicitly, been treated as a single trait. Physiological studies of rice suggest that a range of characteristics (such as low shoot sodium concentration, compartmentation of salt in older rather than younger leaves, high potassium concentration, high $K^+/Na^+$ ratio, high biomass and plant vigour) would increase the ability of the plant to cope with salinity. Criteria for evaluating and screening salinity tolerance in crop plants vary depending on the level and duration of salt stress and the plant developmental stage. Plant growth responses to salinity vary with plant life cycle; critical stages sensitive to salinity are germination, seedling establishment and flowering. We have established a standard protocol to evaluate large rice germplasms for overall performance based on specific physiological traits for salt tolerance at seedling stage. This protocol will help in identifying germplasms which can perform better in the presence of different salinity treatments based on single trait and also combination of different physiological traits. The salt tolerant germplasm can be taken forward into developing better varieties by conventional breeding and exploring genes for salt tolerance.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.42-46
• /
• 2012

Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD; OMIM # 201470) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid ${\beta}$-oxidation, presenting with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms. Developmental delay, hypertonia or hypotonia, ketotic hypoglycemia, and epilepsy are most frequently reported. In general, patients diagnosed through newborn screening have shown normal growth and development in contrast to those diagnosed as a result of clinically initiated evaluations. Here, the case of an asymptomatic Korean newborn with SCADD identified by tandem mass spectrometry is reported. The patient showed an elevated concentration of butyrylcarnitine detected on newborn screening. Urinary excretion of ethylmalonic acid was elevated by urine organic acid analysis. To confirm the diagnosis of SCADD, a direct sequencing analysis of 10 coding exons and the exon-intron boundaries of the ACADS gene were performed. Genetic analysis of ACADS showed the following novel compound heterozygous missense mutations: c.277C>A (p.Leu93Ile) on exon3 and c.682G>A (p.Glu288Lys) on exon6. These results will provide further evidence of mutational heterogeneity for SCADD.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.247-256
• /
• 2011

Existing organic UV protection materials seem to be problematic due to their penetration and irritation to skin. Inorganic UV protection materials are also at issue for safety of their nano-type transformation. Therefore, the recent studies of UV protection materials have been focused not only on the effectiveness but also on their safety. One of the UV protection materials in study which have higher safety is the organic-inorganic conjugation type UV protection material. Previously, we have reported the manufacturing process, physical property and UV protection efficiency of methoxychinnamidoprophy poloysilsesquixan as a new cross-linked polymer type UV protection material. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of the methoxychinnamidoprophy poloysilsesquixan on embryo-fetal development in SD rats. This study is expected to show some definite information related to the effect on pregnancy or embryo-fetal abnormality in case of the clinical exposure of the methoxychinnamidoprophy poloysilsesquixan.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.69-82
• /
• 2021

Objective : This recent work intended to provide basic information for researchers and practitioners related to occupational therapy about Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in South Korea. The previous research of screening DCD and the effects of intervention programs were reviewed. Methods : Peer-reviewed papers relating to DCD and published in Korea from January 1990 to December 2020 were systematically reviewed. The search terms "developmental coordination disorder," "development coordination," and "developmental coordination" were used to identify previous Korean research in this area from three representation database, the Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, and Google Scholar. We found a total of 4,878 articles identified through the three search engines and selected seventeen articles for analysis after removing those that corresponded to the overlapping or exclusion criteria. We adopted "the conceptual model" to analyze the selected articles about DCD assessment and intervention. Results : We found that twelve of the 17 studies showed the qualitative level of Level 2 using non-randomized approach between the two groups. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children and its second edition were the most frequently used tools in assessing children for DCD. Among the intervention studies, the eight articles (47%) were adopted a dynamic systems approach; a normative functional skill framework and cognitive neuroscience were each used in 18% of the pieces; and 11% of the articles were applied neurodevelopmental theory. Only one article was used a combination approach of normative functional skill and general abilities. These papers were mainly focused on the movement characteristics of children with DCD and the intervention effect of exercise or sports programs. Conclusion : Most of the reviewed studies investigated the movement characteristics of DCD or explore the effectiveness of particular intervention programs. In the future, it would be useful to investigate the feasibility of different assessment tools and to establish the effectiveness of various interventions used in rehabilitation for better motor performance in children with DCD.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.57-61
• /
• 2016

Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an autosomal recessively inherited organic acid disorder due to a defect of the enzyme isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase in the leucine metabolic pathway. Deficiency of this enzyme results in the accumulation of derivatives of isovaleryl-CoA. In acute illness in IVA, isovaleric acid and its derivatives accumulate and profound metabolic acidosis with ketosis, characteristic pungent body odor, hypoglycemia, and hyperammonemia can be developed. Additionally, recurrent vomiting, failure to thrive, developmental delay, epilepsy and mental retardation are chronic presenting symptoms and signs for IVA. On the result of newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders, increased levels of isovalerylcarnitine (C5) are shown. However, C5 elevation can be accompanied with short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SBCAD) and therapy with certain antibiotics containing pivalic acid. Quantitative measurement of organic acids in urine and acylcarnitine profiles in plasma are necessary to differential diagnosis. Molecular genetic analysis of the IVD gene for IVA and ACADSB is also helpful to confirm IVA and SBCAD deficiency, respectively. Considering that IVA can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality at acute presentation of metabolic crisis, early diagnosis prior to the onset of symptoms by newborn screening enable to introduction of early treatment and prevention of acute and chronic complications.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.78-86
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Homocystinuria (OMIM#236200) is a metabolic disease caused by mutation in the CBS gene. This study was conducted to identify the clinical features and prognosis of homocystinuria as well as to find out the CBS gene mutations of the six homocystinuria patients who were receiving treatment in the Pediatric Department at Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Methods: From January 1992 to March 2015, clinical, biochemical, and genetic analyses were performed retrospectively on the six patients diagnosed with classic homocystinuria at Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Results: A total of six patients were included in this study, including three who were diagnosed with homocystinuria at the mean age of $50{\pm}22.5$ days based on their abnormal newborn screening test results. The other three were diagnosed at the mean age of 7, when they visited the hospital for evaluation of developmental delay and lens dislocation. The group diagnosed at early infancy had normal cognitive function, but the other group had varying degrees of mental retardation. Major complications were found only in the group diagnosed after infancy. CBS gene mutation was found in all the patients, and they were all non-responsive to vitamin B6 treatment. At present, all patients' diets are controlled following a methionine-free formula and they are on medication with folic acid, betaine, pyridoxine, and methylcobalamin. Conclusion: Six homocystinuria patients were monitored for up to 23 years. The group diagnosed at early infancy exhibited no major complications. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial in the prognosis, and homocystinuria must be included in the newborn screening program.