• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2000

The objective of this study was to apply the multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) program practically in dairy herds. Forty five superior Holstein cows ranked in 5% according to Type-Production Index(TPI) in Korea were selected as donors. The donors were superovulated with pFSH and the embryos collected from donors were frozen and preserved. The preserved embryos and frozen Holstein embryo imported from foreign country were thawed and transferred to recipients. The results obtained were as follows; 1. The total number of ova and freezable embryos collected per donor was 6.5 and 2.8, respectively. 2. The freezable embryos were obtained more(p<0.05) when the body condition score (BCS) of donors was in range of 2.50∼3.25(4.1) than in range of 3.50∼4.00(1.9), while the total number of ova was not changed. 3. The season affected on the collected number of freezable embryos(6.1 in winter, 4.5 in fall, 1.1∼1.5 in spring and summer, P<0.05), and the total number of obtained ova were more in winter than in other seasons(P<0.05). 4. Embryos were transferred to 343 recipients and 152 cows were confirmed pregnant(44.3%). 5. The higher pregnancy was obtained (P<0.05) when embryos were transferred in summer(53.3%) than in fall(36.0%), while the pregnancy rate was not affected by the origin and developmental stage of embryos, and the parity, BCS and estrus induction of recipients. From these results, the pregnancy rate was considered to be acceptable for the embryo transfer with domestic or imported Holstein embryos, however embryo production from superior Holstein donors was unsatisfactory for application of MOET scheme.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.42-46
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• 2011

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate endometrial histology and to find predictable clinical factors for endometrial disease (hyperplasia or cancer) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We investigated the endometrial histology and analyzed the relationship between endometrial histology and clinical parameters, such as LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, fasting and 2 hours postprandial glucose and insulin, insulin resistance, body mass index, endometrial thickness, menstrual status from 117 women with PCOS. Statistical analysis was performed with chi square and t-test, p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. And receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find predictable clinical factors for endometrial disease and to decide the cuff off values. Results: In 117 women with PCOS, endometrial histologic profiles are as follows: proliferative phase in 90 women (76.9%), endometrial hyperplasia in 25 women (21.4%), and endometrial cancer in 2 women (1.7%). Of 25 women with endometrial hyperplasia, simple hyperplasia without atypia, complex hyperplasia without atypia and complex hyperplasia with atypia were diagnosed in 15 (12.8%), 6 (5.1%), 4 (3.4%) women, respectively. Age and endometrial thickness were significantly related with endometrial disease, p=0.013 and p=0.001, respectively. At the cut off level of 25.5 years in age, sensitivity and specificity predicting for endometrial disease were 70.4% and 55.6%, respectively (p=0.023). At the cut off level of 8.5 mm in endometrial thickness, sensitivity and specificity were 77.8% and 56.7%, respectively (p=0.000). Conclusion: In women with PCOS, the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer were 21.4% and 1.7%. The age and endometrial thickness may be used as clinical determining factors for endometrial biopsy.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.1079-1085
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• 2015

Originally, activins were identified as stimulators of FSH release in reproduction. Other activities, including secondary axis formation in development, have since been revealed. Here, we investigated the influence of activin ${\beta}_A$ on the body, including the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Initially, the activin ${\beta}_A$ protein was detected in the serum proportional to the amount of pCMV-rAct plasmid injected. The induced level of activin ${\beta}_A$ in muscle was higher in female than male mice. Subsequent results revealed that stomach and intestine were severely damaged in pCMV-rAct-injected mice. At the cellular level, loss of parietal cells was observed, resulting in increased pH within the stomach. This phenomenon was more severe in male than female mice. Consistent with damage of the stomach and intestine, activin ${\beta}_A$ often led to necrosis in the tip of the tail or foot, and loss of body weight was observed in pCMV-rAct-injected male but not female mice. Finally, in pCMV-rAct-injected mice, circulating activin ${\beta}_A$ led to death at supraphysiological doses, and this was dependent on the strain of mice used. Taken together, these results indicate that activin ${\beta}_A$ has an important role outside of reproduction and development, specifically in digestion. These data also indicate that activin ${\beta}_A$ must be controlled within a narrow range because of latent lethal activity. In addition, our approach can be used effectively for functional analysis of secreted proteins.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.199-208
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• 2000

This study was carried out to investigate of factors concerning to ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration; level of vacuum pressure, diameter of use needle, effect of FSH hormone and conception rate after embryos transfer. 1. Oocytes collection number were 4.2$\pm$2.9 e.a to luteuml phase and follicular phase were 4.4$\pm$3.5 e.a to ovaries of Hanwoo. 2. We taked proper level of aspiration vacuum pressure was 40~120 mmHg to oocytes collection. Oocytes collected number were 4.2$\pm$3.2, 4.3$\pm$3.4, 4.5$\pm$3.4 e.a. to 40, 80, 120mmHg, respectively, follicles aspiration rate were 49, 47, 45%. 3. Effect of collection needle diameter was not difference significantly(P＜0.05), oocytes collected number were 4.4$\pm$3.5 e.a to 170 and 3.0$\pm$1.8 e.a to 18G needle, collected oocytes quality were no difference significantly (P＜0.05). 4. Follicles increase number to FSH hormone injection were 6.2$\pm$2.3 e.a to intramuscle and 1.1$\pm$2.7 e.a. to epithelial injection method. 5. Conception rate derived from E.T. was 11.1% to freezing embryos and 46.2% to fresh E.T., difference significantly(P＜0.05).

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.315-322
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• 2006

This study was performed to investigate the physiological effects of bovine follicular fluid (bFF) or anti-inhibin serum (AI) on follicular development in Hanwoo. Saline (0.95%), bFF or AI (total of 40 ml) were administered into the jugular vein in 9 Hanwoo cows. The plasma inhibin, estradiol-17 $\beta$ (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels were measured using RIA or ELISA kit and the number of ovarian follicles was observed by ultrasonography at 72 hr after ovulation. The plasma inhibin level in bFF treatment group was significantly increased and maintained higher level from 102 hr after ovulation compared to that of saline and AI groups (p<0.05). In plasma E2 level, AI treatment group showed significantly higher level from 36 hr to 108 hr after ovulation than that of saline and bFF groups (p<0.05). After that it showed decreasing tendency. The plasma P4 level was increased in control and AI treatment groups at 68 hr after ovulation. However, it was maintained significantly lower level in bFF group from 84 hr to 180 hr compared to that of saline and AI group (p<0.05). As a result of ultrasonography at 72 hr after ovulation, higher number of follicles was shown in AI treatment group compared to bFF groups, although the difference was not statistically significant. Taken together, it can be postulated that a treatment of synthesized AI inhibits the secretion of inhibin, stimulates FSH secretion inhibited by inhibin, and induces follicular development and estrogen secretion. According to these results, a development of ovarian follicle immediately after ovulation is associated closely with inhibin in Hanwoo heifers.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2008

We report on two cases of pericentric inversion of X chromosome. The cases were found in a 40-year-old man with azoospermia and in a family of a 38-year-old pregnant woman. The first case with 46,Y,inv(X)(p22.1q27) had concentrations of LH, prolactin, estradiol, and testosterone that were within normal ranges; however, FSH levels were elevated. Testis biopsy revealed maturation arrest at the primary and secondary spermatocytes without spermatozoa. There were no microdeletions in the 6 loci of chromosome Y. For the second case, the cytogenetic study of thepregnant woman referring for advanced maternal age and a family history of inversion X chromosome was 46,X,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2). The karyotype of her fetus was 46,X,inv(X)(p22.1q27). Among other family members, the karyotypes of an older sister in pregnancy and her fetus were 46,X,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2), and 46,Y,?inv(X), respectively. The proband's father was 46,Y,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2). All carriers in the family discussed above were fertile and phenotypically normal. In addition, the ratio of inactivation of inv(X) by RBG-banding was discordant between the two sisters, with the older sister having only 4.1% of cells carrying inactivated inv(X) while the proband had a 69.5% incidence of late replicating inv(X). Therefore, we suggest that the cause of azoospermia in the first case might be related to inversion X chromosome with positional effect. Also, the family of the second case showing normal phenotype of the balanced inv(X) might be not affected any positional effect of genes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1365-1371
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• 2011

The intensity and duration of sexual behavior in Bos indicus was assessed through the continuous observation of sexual receptivity. Two groups of cows were formed: only synchronized (n = 50) and other group further superovulated (n = 20). An intravaginal implant that released progesterone over 9 d was used. After removing the implant, 25 mg of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ was administered. In the superovulated group, the administration of 280 mg (Follicle stimulant hormone) FSH-P1 per cow with a decreasing dosage over 4 d was utilized. In both groups, behavioral observations began at the moment of implant removal. Sexual behavior was analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the mean of hours in estrus, effective mountings and number of mounts/hour during estrus. A nonparametric survival analysis was performed using the time in two ways: i) when an event happened it was placed in a 24 h timeframe and, ii) the time of observation in continuous form (96 h) assessing the difference between curves by the log rank test Chi-square. The only significant difference was the number of mounts/h during receptivity (p<0.05). In the superovulated group three periods of sexual activity during the day were identified, with these events being of greater frequency and duration than the synchronized group (p = 0.02); besides, the superovulated group began estrus before the synchronized group (p = 0.0035) when using the total period. In a simulation study, when the number of observations went from two (06:00-18:00) to three periods (06:00, 12:00 and 18:00) cows detected accurately (<6 h after the onset) increased more than 20%. The results show that superovulated cows presented greater intensity and duration of sexual activity in contrast with only synchronized animals.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 2012

Circadian rhythmicity (e.g. secretory pattern of hormones) plays an important role in the control of reproductive function. We hypothesized that the alteration of feeding pattern via meal time shift/restriction might disrupt circadian rhythms in energy balance, and induce changes in reproductive activities. To test this hypothesis, we employed simple animal model that not allowing $ad$ $libitum$ feeding but daytime only feeding. The animals of $ad$ $libitum$ feeding group (Control) have free access to food for 4 weeks. The day feeding (=reverse feeding, RF) animals (RF group) have restricted access to food during daytime (0900-1800) for 4 weeks. After completing the feeding schedules, body weights, testis and epididymis weights of animals from both group were not significantly different. However, the weights of seminal vesicle (control : RF group = $0.233{\pm}0.014g$ : $0.188{\pm}0.009g$, $p$<0.01) and prostate (control : RF group = $0.358{\pm}0.015g$ : $0.259{\pm}0.015g$, $p$<0.001) were significantly lower in RF group animals. The mRNA levels of pituitary common alpha subunit ($C{\alpha}$; control : RF group = $1.0{\pm}0.0699$ AU : $0.1923{\pm}0.0270$ AU, $p$<0.001) and $FSH{\beta}$ (control : RF group = $1.0{\pm}0.1489$ AU : $0.5237{\pm}0.1088$ AU, $p$<0.05) were significantly decreased in RF group. The mRNA levels of ACTH were not significantly different. We were unable to find any prominent difference in the microstructures of epididymis, and there were slight alterations in those of seminal vesicles after 4 weeks of reversed feeding when compared to control samples. The present study demonstrates that the shift and/or restriction of feeding time could alter the pituitary gonadotropin expression and the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate in rats. These data suggest the lowered gonadotropin inputs may decrease androgen secretion form testis, and consequently results in poor response of androgen-dependent tissues such as seminal vesicle and prostate.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 1999

The objective of this study was to produce calves by transfer of embryos derived from slaughter house(SHD) and ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU). At 60 hrs after injection of 400 mg FSH dissolved in 25% polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) by single dose, ultrasound-guided follicular oocyte aspiration was ferformed. Day-7 and day-8 blastocysts produced by in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture(IVC) of the oocytes derived from SHD and OPU were nonsurgically transferred into recipients. The results obtained were as follows. The cleavage rate and the development rate to blastocysts were not significantly (P<0.05) different between the oocytes obtained by SHD (72.9% vs. 34.1%) and OPU (75.9% vs. 38.4%). The oocyte recovery rate from the number of follicles by ultrasound-guided aspiration were not significantly (P<0.05) different between Holstein (61.7%) and Hanwoo (60.1%), but the rate of oocytes useful for IVF was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Hanwoo (69.3%) than Holstein (59.6%). The cleavage rate and the development rate to blastocysts was not significantly (P<0.05) different between Holstein (74.9% vs. 39.2%) and recipients on day 8 of estrus cycle resulted in 13 pregnancies (34.2%). One of them was sacrificed during gestation period due to mastitis and another was aborted spontaneous. The resulting 14 calves were morphologically normal at birth. Seventy eight fresh OPU-IVF embryos were transferred into 21 recipients on day 8 of estrus cycles, resulting in pregnancy of 12 recipients (41.4%). Two of them were sacrificed during gestation period due to mastitis and the other two were aborted. Nevertheless, the 11 OPU-calves have been born normally.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 1992

Between August 1988 and December 1991, 24 patients with intracranial tumors were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery(RS) using a 10 MV linear accelerator at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine. There were 5 meningiomas, 3 craniopharyngiomas, 9 glial tumors, 2 solitary metastases, 2 acoustic neurinomas, 2 pineal tumors, and 1 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Ten patients were treated as primary treatment after diagnosis with stereotactic biopsy or neuroimaging study. Nine patients underwent RS for post-op. residual tumors and three patients as a salvage treatment for recurrence after external irradiation. Two patients received RS as a boost followed by fractionated conventional radiotherapy. Among sixteen patients who were followed more than 6 months with neuroimage, seven patients (2 meningiomas, 4 benign glial tumors, one non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) showed complete response on neuroimage after RS and nine patients showed decreased tumor size. There was no acute treatment related side reaction. Late complications include three patients with symptomatic peritumoral brain edema and one craniopharyngioma with optic chiasmal injury. Through this early experience, we conclude that stereotactically directed single high doses of irradiation to the small intracranial tumors is effective for tumor control. However, in order to define the role of radiosurgery in the management of intracraniai tumors, we should get the long-term results available to demonstrate the benefits versus potential complications of this therapeutic modality.