• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.2001-2006
• /
• 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic significance of EBV antibody combined detection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a high incidence region of southern China. Two hundred and eleven untreated NPC patients, 203 non-NPC ENT patients, and 210 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The titers of VCA/IgA and EA/IgA were assessed by immunoenzyme assay, and the levels of Rta/IgG and EBNA1/IgA were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of VCA/IgA, EA/IgA, Rta/IgG and EBNA1/IgA demonstrated no association with gender or age (p>0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic value. The sensitivity of VCA/IgA (98.1%) and the specificity of EA/IgA (98.5%) were the highest. When a logistic regression model was used to combine the results from multiple antibodies to increase the accuracy, the combination of VCA/IgA+Rta/IgG, whose area under the curve was 0.99, had the highest diagnostic efficiency, and its sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 94.8%, 98.0% and 0.93 respectively. The data suggest that the combination of VCA/IgA+Rta/IgG may be most suitable for NPC serodiagnosis.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.12.1-12.7
• /
• 2010

The National Bio Resource Project-Rat (NBRP-Rat) comprises the largest bank of laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) strains in the world. Its main focus is to develop infrastructure that will facilitate the systematic collection, preservation, and provision of rat strains. To breed effectively more than 180 rat strains in living stock, we establish the genetic control system in which a systematic set of genetic diagnoses and genetic monitoring are included. Genetic monitoring is performed by using 20 polymorphic markers. Monitoring is carried out when a living animal stock is re-established by using cryopreserved embryos or sperm or when a rat strain is first introduced to the NBRP-Rat by a depositor. Additional monitoring is then carried out on each strain every two years. Genetic diagnosis is performed largely by employing the Amp-FTA method. Protocols which detail how to perform a genetic diagnosis of 11 transgenes and 24 mutations have been made. Among the mutations, nine can be detected by simple gel electrophoresis of the PCR products, 11 by restriction enzyme treatment of the PCR products, and four by direct PCR product sequencing. Using this genetic control system, the NBRP-Rat can guarantee the genetic quality of its rat strains.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.1725-1731
• /
• 2020

Objective: An initial RNA-Sequencing study revealed that UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (GALE) was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cattle. This enzyme catalyzes the interconversion of UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose, an important step in galactose catabolism. To further validate the genetic effect of GALE on milk protein traits, genetic variations were identified, and genotypes-phenotypes associations were performed. Methods: The entire coding region and the 5'-regulatory region (5'-UTR) of GALE were re-sequenced using pooled DNA of 17 unrelated sires. Association studies for five milk production traits were performed using a mixed linear animal model with a population encompassing 1,027 Chinese Holstein cows. Results: A total of three variants in GALE were identified, including two novel variants (g.2114 A>G and g.2037 G>A) in the 5'-UTR and one previously reported variant (g.3836 G>C) in an intron. All three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with milk yield (p<0.0001), fat yield (p = 0.0006 to <0.0001), protein yield (p = 0.0232 to <0.0001) and protein percentage (p<0.0001), while no significant associations were detected between the SNPs and fat percentage. A strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.96 to 1.00) was observed among all three SNPs, and a 5 Kb haplotype block involving three main haplotypes with GAG, AGC, and AGG was formed. The results of haplotype association analyses were consistent with the results of single locus association analysis (p<0.0001). The phenotypic variance ratio above 3.00% was observed for milk protein yield that was explained by SNP-g.3836G >C. Conclusion: Overall, our findings provided new insights into the polymorphic variations in bovine GALE gene and their associations with milk protein concentration. The data indicate their potential uses for marker-assisted breeding or genetic selection schemes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.7
• /
• pp.943-954
• /
• 2009

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the final and rate-limiting step of triglyceride synthesis. Both DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes code proteins with DGAT activity. Studies have shown DGAT1 polymorphisms associate with intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle, but fewer associations between DGAT2 and beef cattle economic traits have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron3 of bovine DGAT2 and evaluate the associations of that with carcass, meat quality, and fat yield traits. Test animals were 157 commercial feedlot steers belonging to 3 Chinese native breeds (22 for Luxi, 24 for Jinnan, and 23 for Qinchuan), 3 cross populations (20 for Charolais${\times}$Fuzhou, 18 for Limousin ${\times}$Luxi, and 17 for Simmental${\times}$Jinan) and 1 Taurus pure breed population (16 Angus steers). In the current study, 15 SNP were discovered in intron3 and exon4 of DGAT2 at positions 65, 128, 178, 210, 241, 255, 270, 312, 328, 334, 365, 366, 371, 415, and 437 (named as their positions in PCR amplified fragments). Only 7 of them (128, 178, 241, 270, 312, 328, and 371) were analyzed, because SNP in three groups (65-128-255, 178-210-365 and 241-334-366) were in complete linkage disequilibrium within the group, and SNP 415 was a deletion and 437 was a null mutation. Frequencies for rare alleles in the 3 native breed populations were higher than in the 3 cross populations for 178 (p = 0.04), 270 (p = 0.001), 312 (p = 0.03) and 371 (p = 0.002). A general linear model was used to evaluate the associations between either SNP genotypes or allele substitutions and the measured traits. Results showed that SNP 270 had a significant association with the fat yield associated with kidney, pelvic cavity, heart, intestine, and stomach (KPHISY). Animals with genotype CC and CT for 270 had less (CC: -7.71${\pm}$3.3 kg and CT: -5.34${\pm}$2.5 kg) KPHISY than animals with genotype TT (p = 0.02). Allele C for 270 was associated with an increase of -4.26${\pm}$1.52 kg KPHISY (p = 0.006) and $-0.92{\pm}0.45%$ of retail cuts weight percentage (NMP, Retail cuts weight/slaughter body weight) (p = 0.045); allele G for 312 was associated with an increase of -5.45${\pm}$2.41 kg KPHISY (p = 0.026). An initial conclusion was that associations do exist between DGAT2 gene and carcass fat traits. Because of the small sample size of this study, it is proposed that further effort is required to validate these findings in larger populations.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2017

Objectives In this study, the author intended to investigate whether Gami-cheongpetang (GCP), Gagam-jeongkitang (GJG), Gami-samooltang (GSM) and Gami-ijoongtang (GIJ) significantly affect in vivo (animal model) and in vitro (cultured cells) mucin secretion and MUC5AC gene expression in airway epithelial cells. Methods For in vivo experiment, the author induced hypersecretion of airway mucin in rats by introducing SO2 for 3 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the effects of orally-administered GCP, GJG, GSM and GIJ in vivo mucin secretion from tracheal goblet cells of rats after 1 week. Also, the effects of the agents on TNF- or EGF-induced MUC5AC gene expression in human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292) were investigated. Possible cytotoxicities of the agents were assessed by examining the rate of survival and proliferation of NCI-H292 cells. Results (1) GCP and GJG significantly inhibited hypersecretion of in vivo mucin, although GSM and GIJ did not affect hypersecretion of in vivo mucin; (2) GCP and GJG significantly increased in vitro mucin secretion from cultured HTSE cells. However, GSM and GIJ did not affect in vitro mucin secretion from HTSE cells; (3) GCP and GJG significantly inhibited the expression levels of EGF-induced MUC5AC gene in NCI-H292 cells. However, GSM and GIJ increased the expression levels of EGF-induced MUC 5AC gene in NCI-H292 cells; (4) GCP, GJG, GSM and GIJ did not significantly inhibit the survival and proliferation of NCI-H292 cells. Conclusions These results suggest that GCP, GJG, GSM and GIJ can not only affect the secretion of mucin but also affect the expression of mucin gene. The author suggests that the effects of GCP, GJG, GSM and GIJ with their components should be further investigated by using animal experimental models that simulate the diverse pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2017

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential to both the preparation for, and maintenance of, pregnancy. The $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) enzyme predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form $20{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone, thereby regulating its activity. Thus, to directly assess sexual maturation in the MediKinetics $micropig^{(R)}$, we analyzed the concentration of the steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol during the estrous cycle. Our results show that the progesterone level exhibited by the analyzed $micorpig^{(R)}$ was low at the beginning of the estrous cycle, and then abruptly increased to $30.32{\pm}10.0ng/mL$ and $46.37{\pm}11.0ng/mL$ by days 9 and 11 of the cycle, respectively. It reached the highest level $55.87{\pm}3.5ng/mL$ on day 13 of the estrous cycle, before decreasing to $46.58{\pm}13.1ng/mL$ and $10.0{\pm}7.6ng/mL$ by days 15 and 17 of the cycle, respectively. In contrast, the estradiol level was shown to be highest ($27.13{\pm}11.2ng/mL$) at the initiation of the estrous cycle, after which point it decreased to $13.29{\pm}6.5ng/mL$ and $10.94{\pm}5.9ng/mL$ by days 4 and 5 of the estrous cycle, respectively. By day 17 of the estrous cycle, the estradiol level decreased to $4.13{\pm}7.6ng/mL$. We anticipate that these results will provide useful information to enable the study of human ovulation and reproductive physiology using the MediKinetics $micoripig^{(R)}$ as a model system. We recommend further investigation to elucidate the functional mechanisms underlying the regulation of sexual maturation in the MediKinetics $micropig^{(R)}$.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.231-236
• /
• 2009

Objectives : This study was conducted to determine the appropriate sampling time of the salivary stress markers, chromogranin A (CgA) and cortisol as objective indices of job stress assessment in adult females. Methods : The subjects were 20${\sim}$39-year-old women (13 office workers, 11 sales-service workers, and 11 college students) who were eligible for the study and free of acute and chronic medical conditions. Salivary CgA and cortisol levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Saliva samples were collected (2 $m{\ell}$ each) at 7:00, 8:00, 10:30, 12:00, 17:30, and 22:30 on a typical day. Salivary CgA and cortisol levels, according to sampling time, were compared among the three groups using general linear model. The full version of the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS), which includes socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, workrelated characteristics, and BMI, was used to access the subjects' job stress. Multiple regression analysis of the job stressors identified by the KOSS was performed on salivary CgA and cortisol levels. Results : The salivary CgA level peaked at 7:00 (time of awakening), then decreased and were maintained at a low level throughout the day, and increased slightly at 17:30. The salivary cortisol level increased steeply within the 1st hour after awakening, followed by a gradual decrease by 12:00, and was then maintained at a low level throughout the day. The salivary cortisol levels of subjects who worked ${\leq}$5 days per week and graduated from the university were significantly lower at 8:00 (p=0.006). The salivary cortisol levels of non-smokers were significantly lower at 7:00 p=0.040) and 8:00 (p=0.003) compared to smokers. There were no significant differences in salivary CgA and cortisol levels at 10:30 and 12:00 in general characteristics. The regression coefficients on salivary CgA level were significant with interpersonal conflict at 17:30 and job insecurity at 22:30. Regression coefficients on salivary cortisol level were significant with organizational system and total job stressors at 17:30. Conclusions : We suggest that the appropriate sampling times for the salivary stress markers, CgA and cortisol, are at 7:00 (time of awakening), 8:00 (1 hour after awakening), 17:30 (early evening), and 22:30 (before sleep).

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.48-60
• /
• 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 Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.273-279
• /
• 2015

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a model diatom that its genomic information and biological tools are well established. In this study, a gene encoding (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase (PtHDR), a terminal enzyme of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway regulating chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, was isolated from P. tricornutum. The isolated gene was cloned into pPha-T1 vector containing fcpA promoter to prepare pPha-T1-HDR plasmid. As a positive control, pPha-T1-eGFP plasmid was constructed with egfp gene. Stable nuclear transformation was carried out with these plasmids by particle bombardment method and zeocin resistant colonies of P. tricornutum were selected on f/2 agar plate. In result, transformation efficiency was evaluated according to the amount of plasmid DNA coated with gold particles. Integration of introduced plasmids was confirmed with genomic DNA of each transformant by polymerase chain reaction. The eGFP fluorescence was visible in the cytoplasm, indicating that eGFP was successively expressed in P. tricornutum system. The transcript level of exogenous Pthdr gene was evaluated with the obtained transformants. The results presented here demonstrated that introduction of Pthdr gene into P. tricornutum chromosome succeeded and expression of PtHDR was enhanced under the fcpA promoter.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.912-923
• /
• 2016

Watermelon production is often limited by powdery mildew in areas with a large daily temperature range. Development of resistant watermelon cultivars can protect against powdery mildew; however, little is known about the characteristics of its causal agents. Here, we identified the genus and race of a causal pathogen of powdery mildew in Ansung province of South Korea, and developed molecular markers for the generation of resistant watermelon cultivars. The causal pathogen was determined to be Podosphaera xanthii based on multiple sequence alignments of internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of rDNA. The physiological race was identified as 1W, and the Ansung isolate was named P. xanthii 1W-AN. Following inoculation with the identified P. xanthii 1W-AN, we found inheritance of the resistant gene fitting a single dominant Mendelian model in a segregated population ('SBA' ${\times}$ PI 254744). To develop molecular markers linked to fungus-resistant loci, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was accomplished between DNA pooled from eight near-isogenic lines (NILs; $BC_4F_6$), originated from PI 254744 and susceptible 'SBB' watermelon. After sequencing bands from RAPD were identified in all eight NILs and PI254744, 42 sequence-characterized amplifiedregion (SCAR) markers were developed. Overall, 107 $F_2$ plants derived from $BC_4F_6$ NIL-1 ${\times}$ 'SBB' were tested, and one SCAR marker was selected. Sequence comparison between the SCAR marker and the reference watermelon genome identified three Nco I restriction enzyme sites harboring a single nucleotide polymorphism, and codominant cleavage-amplified polymorphic site markers were subsequently developed. A CAPS marker was converted to a high-resolution melt (HRM) marker, which can discriminate C/T SNP (254PMR-HRM3). The 254PMR-HRM3 marker was evaluated in 138 $F_{2:3}$ plants of a segregating population ('SBA' ${\times}$ PI254744) and was presumed to be 4.3 cM from the resistance locus. These results could ensure P. xanthii 1W-AN resistance in watermelon germplasm and aid watermelon cultivar development in marker-assist breeding programs.