• Title/Summary/Keyword: Environmental physiology

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Cadmium-induced COX-2 Expression in Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells (카드뮴이 뇌혈관 내피세포에서의 $PGE^2$ 및 COX-2 발현에 미치는 영향)

  • Park Dong-Hyun;Kim Young-Chae;Moon Chang-Kiu;Jung Yi-Sook;Baik Eun-Joo;Moon Chang-Hyun;Lee Soo-Hwan
    • Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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    • v.21 no.3 s.54
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    • pp.275-282
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    • 2006
  • In order to get insight into the mechanism of cadmium (Cd)-induced brain injury, we investigated the effects of Cd on the induction of COX-2 in bEnd.3 mouse brain endothelial cells. Cd induced COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ release, which were attenuated by thiol-reducing antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) indicating oxidative components might contribute to these events. Indeed, Cd increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), an oxidative stress sensitive transcription factor. Cd-induced $PGE_2$ production and COX-2 expression were significantly attenuated by Bay 11 7082, a specific inhibitor of NF-kB and by SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). These data suggest that Cd induces COX-2 expression through activation of NF-kB and p38 MAPK, the oxidative stress-sensitive signaling molecules, in brain endothelial cells.

Proline accumulation and transcriptional regulation of proline biothesynthesis and degradation in Brassica napus

  • Xue, Xingning;Liu, Aihua;Hua, Xuejun
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.42 no.1
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    • pp.28-34
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    • 2009
  • To understand the molecular mechanism underlying proline accumulation in Brassica napus, cDNAs encoding ${\Delta}^1$-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (BnP5CS), ornithine $\delta$-aminotransferase (BnOAT) and proline dehydrogenase (BnPDH) were isolated and characterized. Southern blot analysis of BnP5CSs in B. napus and its diploid ancestors suggested a gene loss may have occurred during evolution. The expression of BnP5CS1 and BnP5CS2 was induced, while the expression of BnPDH was inhibited under salt stress, ABA treatment and dehydration, prior to proline accumulation. The upregulation of BnOAT expression was only detected during prolonged severe osmotic stress. Our results indicate that stress-induced proline accumulation in B. napus results from the reciprocal action of activated biosynthesis and inhibited proline degradation. Whether the ornithine pathway is activated depends on the severity of stress. During development, proline content was high in reproductive organs and was accompanied by markedly high expression of BnP5CS and BnPDH, suggesting possible roles of proline during flower development.

A Reliable "Direct from Field" PCR Method for Identification of Mycorrhizal Fungi from Associated Roots

  • Kuhnann, Christoph;Kim, Seak-Jin;Lee, Sang-Sun;Harms, Carsten
    • Mycobiology
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.196-199
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    • 2003
  • A very reliable and specific method for the identification of fungi in ectotrophic mycorrhizal symbiosis was developed using a specific PCR assay based on the amplification of the ITS1 region. To obtain specific data, an ITS-diagnostic assay was carried out that reveals genera and species specific sequences. Here, an application of one method is presented, which covers the identification of pure mycelia, basidiocarps as well as mixed samples such as ectomycorrhizal roots that were mingled with remains of the host plant. For this purpose a protocol was established that allowed the extraction of DNA from single mycorrhizal roots. In order to perform a specific ITS analysis we generated a new ITS-primer(ITS8) by a multiple alignment of five different genera and species of mycorrhizal fungi. The utilization of ITS1 and ITS8 resulted in specific PCR amplicons, which were characterized by sequencing without purification steps, even when the template DNA was associated with roots.

Effects of environmental enrichment on behaviour, physiology and performance of pigs - A review

  • Mkwanazi, Mbusiseni Vusumuzi;Ncobela, Cypril Ndumiso;Kanengoni, Arnold Tapera;Chimonyo, Michael
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.1-13
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    • 2019
  • This paper aims to critically analyse and synthesise existing knowledge concerning the use of environmental enrichment and its effect on behavior, physiology and performance of pigs housed in intensive production systems. The objective is also to provide clarity as to what constitutes successful enrichment and recommend when and how enrichment should be used. Environmental enrichment is usually understood as an attempt to improve animal welfare and to a lesser extent, performance. Common enrichment objects used are straw bedding, suspended ropes and wood shavings, toys, rubber tubings, colored plastic keys, table tennis balls, chains and strings. These substrates need to be chewable, deformable, destructible and ingestible. For enrichment to be successful four goals are essential. Firstly, enrichment should increase the number and range of normal behaviors; secondly, it should prevent the phenomenon of anomalous behaviors or reduce their frequency; thirdly, it should increase positive use of the environment such as space and fourthly it should increase the ability of the animals to deal with behavioral and physiological challenges. The performance, behavior and physiology of pigs in enriched environments is similar or in some cases slightly better when compared with barren environments. In studies where there was no improvement, it should be borne in mind that enriching the environment may not always be practical and yield positive results due to factors such as type of enrichment substrates, duration of provision and type of enrichment used. The review also identifies possible areas that still need further research, especially in understanding the role of enrichment, novelty, breed differences and other enrichment alternatives.

A Study on the Application of Eight Extra Meridians Theory to Birth Physiology of Korean Medicine (한의학 출산생리(出産生理)의 기경팔맥론(奇經八脈論) 적용에 대한 고찰)

  • Lyu, Jeong-Ah;Jeong, Chang-Hyun
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.26 no.3
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    • pp.85-98
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    • 2013
  • Subject : The application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology of Korean Medicine. Objective : This study suggests physiological theories in child birth in Korean Medicine. Method : First, the application of eight extra Meridians and extraordinary organs theories to physiology, pathology, pregnancy, postnatal period of women were examined based on major publications and theories of some historical characters. This work provided clues for application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology. Second, the progressing birth physiology of modern medicine based on the importance of the brain function was examined, with which the application of eight extra Meridians and extraordinary organs theories to the birth process showed close relationship. Conclusion : The following conclusions could be drawn. In traditional publications of Korean Medicine, the contents explaining birth physiology with eight extra Meridians theory were scarce, mainly due to the doctor's perception of birth as part of the natural female physiology along with menstruation and pregnancy. However, the contents explaining menstruation, pregnancy, postnatal physiology and pathology through eight extra Meridians theory could be found in classical texts such as Neijing, Jebyeong-wonhuron, Imjeunginameuian. Therefore, it is reasonable to apply the eight extra Meridians theory to the birth process as well. Modern medicine's understanding that pituitary and hypothalamus hormones are in play on womb in the birth process, such as Oxytocin, is in continuous progress. Moreover, the environmental condition that has been traditionally known ideal to the birth process in both the East and West-dark, warm, quiet and secluded-is being confirmed in modern research. The application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology can help to explain these modern information, and thus make them more acceptable.

Growth Characteristics of Strawberry and Kidney Bean Companion Planting in Building-integrated Urban Agriculture (건축물 일체형 도시농업에서 딸기와 강낭콩 공영식재에 따른 생육 특성)

  • Hyeon A Lee;Sun Yeong Lee;Yong Han Yoon;Jin Hee Ju
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
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    • v.32 no.12
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    • pp.955-964
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    • 2023
  • This study was conducted to obtain basic data on efficient and eco-friendly crop cultivation for urban residents who enjoy urban agriculture as a hobby or leisure activity. We planted strawberry(Fragaria x ananassa)(S) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var. humilis)(K) in different ratios to analyze the differences in soil environment, growth, physiology, and productivity, and to investigate the effects. Strawberry growth was optimal with S1K2 ratio, whereas the S1K1 ratio treatment showed the highest levels of physiology and productivity. In terms of growth and physiology, kidney beans tended to perform best in S1K2 treatment. The average number of productive pods was two, with a highest average value of 2.3 being recorded in S2K1 treatment planted with a high percentage of strawberries. In terms of growth, physiology, and prodctivity our findings indicate that it would be desirable to plant starwberries and kidney bean in a 1:1 ratio. However, considering the environmental characteristics of walls and rooftops, it is necessary to effectively manage crops suitable for these conditions. Furthermore, additional studies should be conducted to analyze the quality of fruits and seeds producted, both qualitatively and quantitatively in the future.

Korean Guideline for Managing In-flight Medical Events (한국형 기내 의학적 상황 대처 방안 안내서)

  • Kim, Jungeon;Park, Nah-Lee;Kim, Jung Ha;Kwon, Young Hwan
    • Korean journal of aerospace and environmental medicine
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.3-17
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    • 2020
  • The cabin environment has many physiological effects on commercial aircraft passengers and medical providers, and environmental stress factors exist. Therefore, it is important for medical providers to understand the effects of aviation physiology and cabin environment on the human body. It should also be remembered that these physiological changes and environmental stress factors can affect passengers as well as flight crew and also medical equipment. Providing medical assistance during a flight offers a number of unique challenges including lower cabin pressure, tight quarters, crowded conditions, and loud background noise. The purpose of this Korean guideline is to offer an overview on various in-flight emergencies that could be anticipated and to outline treatment priorities.