• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.349-353
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between estrous expression, body condition score (BCS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and number of transferable embryos for the purpose of improving reproductive performance in blood of Hanwoo donors. Sixty, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. Four days later, the animals were superovulated with a total of 28AU FSH (Antorin, 2AU=1 ml) administered twice daily in constant doses over 4 days. On the 3th administration of FSH, CIDR was withdrawn and 25 mg PGF2 ${\alpha}$ was administered. Cows were artificially inseminated twice after estrous detection at 12 hr intervals. The cows received 100 ${\mu}g$ GnRH at the time of 1nd insemination. Embryos were recovered 7 or 8 days after the 1st insemination. The estrous inducement rate and estrous expression rate were significantly lower for cows with BCS below 2.25 than for cows with BCS above 2.25. There was 50.0% of rate of mounting in cows with BCS below 2.25 whereas the rate of mounting was markedly increased in cows with BCS above 2.25 (94.1% and 89.5% for BCS 2.25~2.75 and BCS above 2.75 cows, respectively). Cows with BCS <2.25, 2.25~2.75 and ${\geq}$2.75 had number of transferable embryos of $4.5{\pm}0.7$, $5.9{\pm}1.8$ and $5.6{\pm}2.3$ respectively.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.329-339
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• 2009

Cortisol is present in high concentration in the ovary and its receptor is expressed in the ovarian cells. Moreover, cortisol is known to have a role in steroid synthesis and cell metabolism in human granulosa and lutein cells. However, little is known of the role of cortisol presenting in high concentration in the follicles after LH surge on the granulosa-lutein cells. Therefore, the this study we evaluated the apoptosis and the production of progesterone $(P_4)$ and estradiol $(E_2)$ in the granulosa-lutein cells that are obtained during oocyte-retrieval after treatment with 5, 50, and $500{\mu}g/m\ell$ cortisol and 1 IU/$m\ell$ FSH. Results of DNA fragment analysis and TUNEL assay demonstrated that DNA fragmentation and the rate of apoptotic cells were increased in a dose-dependent manner showing a significant increase in 50 and $500{\mu}g/m\ell$ cortisol treated cells. We found, however, that FSH did not suppress the apoptosis of the cells induced by cortisol. In the results of chemiluminescence assay for $P_4$ and $E_2$, $P_4$ production was decreased by cortisol treatment, whereas $E_2$ was not changed. We also demonstrated that FSH did not inhibit the suppressive effect of GnRH on $P_4$ production as the result of apoptosis. The present study suggests that cortisol of high concentration could cause the apoptosis of human granulosa-lutein cells by suppressing the production of $P_4$. However, we need more studies to elucidate the mechanism by which cortisol induces apoptosis in human granulosa-lutein cells in view of the fact that our results are inconsistent with previous reported data.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.159-164
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• 2011

This study was performed in order to determine optimum flushing solution using the direct embryo collection (DEC). Donors, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. 7 days later, 200 mg FSH was treated with 40, 30, 20, 10 mg FSH levels in declining doses twice daily by intramuscular injection for 4 days. On the 3$^{rd}$ day administration of FSH, 25 mg $PGF_2{\alpha}$ was administered and CIDR was withdrawn. After FSH injections were complete, donors were artificially inseminated twice at 12 hr intervals. The donor cattle received 250 ${\mu}g$ GnRH at time of 1$^{st}$ insemination and embryos were recovered 8 days after the 1$^{st}$ insemination. Embryo collection from superovulated donors were performed to flushing by DEC and conventional method. As a results, the average number of recovered embryos were significantly higher as 19.1${\pm}$1.40 with DEC method than 12.0${\pm}$0.44 with conventional embryo collection method, respectively (p<0.05). Also, The average number of transferable embryos were significantly higher (p<0.05) as 15.8${\pm}$1.72 with DEC method than 6.9${\pm}$0.35 from conventional embryo recovery procedures. Meanwhile, number of recovered embryos and number of recovered transferable embryos following the number of flushing times until 6${dr}$ flushing were significantly higher as 8.6${\pm}$0.53 and 8.6${\pm}$0.53 from 2$^{nd}$ flushing time than other groups (p<0.05). No. of Ear. B stage embryos were significantly higher as 3.9${\pm}$0.90 and 3.9${\pm}$0.90 with 2$^{nd}$ flushing time in total collected embryos and transferable embryos (p<0.05). Com M stage embryos were significantly higher as 3.7${\pm}$1.00 in 2$^{nd}$ flushing time and as 2.2${\pm}$0.76 in 3$^{rd}$ flushing time for recovered embryos (p<0.05). In transferable embryos, Com. M stage embryos were significantly higher (p<0.05) as 3.7${\pm}$1.00 in 2$^{nd}$ flushing time and as 2.2${\pm}$0.76 in 34$^{dr}$ flushing time, also. No. of degradation embryos was significantly higher as 2.2${\pm}$0.72 in 5${rd}$ flushing time, On the other hand, degradation embryos was not observed in transferable embryos (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that DEC method should effective methods for production of in vivo embryos using less flushing solution following perform until 4$^{rd}$ flushing time than conventional embryo collecting method. Also, it might be effectively collection of transferable embryos following more less procedure times compared to conventional embryo recovery methods.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between body weight, body condition score (BCS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, cholesterol and number of transferable embryos for the purpose of improving reproductive performance in Hanwoo donors. Seventy five cows, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR together with injection of 1mg estradiol benzoate and 50 mg progesterone, and gonadotropin treatment begann. Four days later, the animals were superovulated with a total of 28AU FSH (Antorin, 2AU = 1 ml) administered twice daily in constant doses over 4 days. On the 3rd administration of FSH, CIDR was withdrawn and 25 mg $PGF_2{\alpha}$ was administered. Cows were artificially inseminated twice after estrous detection at 12 hr intervals. The cows received $100{\mu}g$ GnRH at the time of 1st insemination. Embryos were recovered 7 days after the 1st insemination. In conclusion, cows with body weight < 400, 400~450 and > 450kg had number of transferable embryos of $4.2{\pm}1.7$, $6.1{\pm}2.7$ and $4.8{\pm}2.6$, cows with BCS <2.25, 2.25~2.75 and ${\geq}2.75$ had number of transferable embryos of $4.6{\pm}1.6$, $5.7{\pm}2.4$ and $5.1{\pm}2.7$ respectively. These data indicate that a body weight and BCS for superovulation of CIDR-treated Korean native cows does not affect the embryo yield.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.153-158
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• 2011

This study was performed in order to simplify the operation and minimize stress of donor and be readily available in the field with low cost and high quality embryos using the Direct Embryo Collection (DEC). Donors, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. 7 days later, 200 mg FSH was treated with 40, 30, 20, 10 mg FSH levels in declining doses twice daily by intramuscular injection for 4 days. On the 3rd day administration of FSH, 25 mg $PGF_2{\alpha}$ was administered and CIDR was withdrawn. After FSH injections were complete, donors were artificially inseminated twice at 12 hr intervals. The donor cattle received 250 ${\mu}g$ GnRH at time of 1 st insemination and embryos were recovered 8 days after the 1st insemination. Embryo collection from superovulated donors was performed to flushing by non-surgical methods of 3-way, 2-way and DEC (l-way). The average number of recovered embryos were 11.25${\pm}$0.63, 12.5${\pm}$0.65 and 11.75${\pm}$0.48 from operations of 3-way, 2-way and DEC methods, respectively. There were no significant differences among the embryo collection methods. Also, The average number of transferable embryos were 6.25${\pm}$0.48, 7.25${\pm}$0.48 and 7.25${\pm}$0.63 from each embryo collection procedures. The number of transferable embryos was no differences among the 3-way, 2-way and DEC methods, respectively. Meanwhile, the ratio of transferable embryos for all recovered embryos from DEC methods was higher as 61.7 % than 55.6 %, 58 % from methods of 3-way, 2-way. And the flushing solution required for recovering embryos by DEC method was significantly lower as 0.28${\pm}$0.32 1 than 1.8${\pm}$0.12 1, 1.75${\pm}$0.10 1 from 3-way, 2-way methods (p<0.05). Also, the time required for recovering embryos by DEC methods was significantly lower as 27${\pm}$2 min than 51${\pm}$3, 45${\pm}$2 min, respectively (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that DEC method for embryo collection may be effectively used for production of in vivo embryos using less flushing solution and, it might be effectively available in the field compared to conventional embryo recovery methods using 3-way or 2-way balloon catheter.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.1013-1021
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• 1996

There are many important factors in periodontal inflammation. $IL-1{\beta}$, $PGE_2$ and collagenase are predorminantly key factors. These inflammatory mediators induce gingival tissue and alveolar bone destruction. For the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, it is necessary to inhibit $IL-1{\beta}$, $PGE_2$ production and collagenase activity. Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) has immunomodulatory properties, and there is evidence that some natural extracts show antiinflammatory activity to some degree. The purpose of this study was to assess the inhibitory effect of UDCA and its mixture with natural extracts on $IL-1{\beta}$, $PGE_2$ production and collagenase activity. Accordingly we assessed the effect of UDCA and its mixture combined with some natural extracts on inhibition of $IL-1{\beta}$, $PGE_2$ production and collagenase activity. For the $IL-l{\beta}$ inhibition study, cultured cells were exposed to $25{\mu}g/ml$ LPS. $IL-1{\beta}$ activity was measured by $IL-1{\beta}$ enzyme immunoassay system. Human gingival fibroblasts were prepared and cells (l05/well) were seeded into culture plates. $rhIL-1{\beta}$ was added to induce $PGE_2$. The amount of $PGE_2$ in sample media was measured using enzyme immunoassay system. Crude collagenase was prepared from Porphyromonas gingivalis and collagenolytic activity was determined using a Collageno kit CLN-100. The test inhibitor was added to the assay mixture consisting of 0.1ml of 50mM Tris buffer(pH 7.5) and 0.2ml of substrate solution. UDCA and UDCA combined with natural extracts generally inhibited $IL-1{\beta}$ production. groups above 0.01% UDCA strongly inhibited $IL-l{\beta}$ synthesis. Both groups inhibited $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ synthesis of $PGE_2$. In low concentration, the degree of inhibition was as same as prednisolone. In high concentration, each group was superior to prednisolone. UDCA group and UDCA mixture group exerted a moderate inhibition of collagenolytic enzyme. The present study suggested that UDCA and its mixture with natural extracts could be further investigated as antiinflammatory drug for periodontal disease.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.1819-1825
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• 2010

This study was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics of ginseng JungKwa produced with hot-water extract from Maegmundong (MGJ) instead of sugar. Chemical characteristics of MGJ and control ginseng JungKwa produced by sucrose (CGJ) were measured by proximate constituents, free sugars, ginsenosides, total phenolic compound, flavonoid content, and antioxidative activity was measured by electron donating abilities and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Carbohydrate, crude protein, crude ash contents of MGJ were 76.40, 1.46 and 3.49%, where as those of CGJ were 80.01, 0.59 and 0.96%. Free sugar compositions of MGJ were fructose (32.42%), oligosaccharide (16.91%), disaccharide (13.91%) and glucose (13.16%). Eleven ginsenosides types were detected on MGJ and 9 kinds on CGJ; their contents were 740.1 and 675.6 mg%, respectively. Total phenolic compound and flavonoid content were 5.46 and 0.016% on MGJ, 5.02 and 0.014% on CGJ, respectively. In physiological characteristics, the $IC_{50}$ of electron donating ability by DPPH on MGJ was about 34.5 mg/mL and ability was slightly higher than CGJ, although there's not much difference in ability between MGJ and CGJ. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were 92% on MGJ and 96% on CJG when treated at $50{\mu}g$/mL.

• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.66-72
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• 2016

In this study, a sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) block copolymer was prepared from hydrophilic oligomer and hydrophobic oligomer. The structure of the prepared membrane was characterized by $^1H$-NMR, FT-IR and GPC. The $M_w$(weight-average molecular weights) of the polymer was $209,700g\;mol^{-1}$ and the molecular weight distribution($M_w/M_n$) of 1.25 was obtained. The prepared membrane showed excellent thermal stability with gradual weight loss up to $200^{\circ}C$. The proton conductivity of SPAEK block copolymer reached the maximum of $9.0mS\;cm^{-1}$ at $90^{\circ}C$ under 100% relative humidity (RH). From the observed results, it is necessary to do more aggressive attempt to study the possibility of application as an ion-conductive composite electrolyte.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.195-200
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• 1995

The presence of biological response modifiers (BRMI-like effect was confirmed in peritoneal exudate (PE) of ToxopLnsmo gondii-infected ICR mice which inhibited Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced peritoneal Iymphocyte (PL) proliferation. During 5 days of PL incubation with $10{\;}\mu\textrm{g}/ml$ Con A with or without PE, 3H-thymidine uptake was measured for the last 24 hrs. Compared to uninduced control, PL proliferated by 7.3-fold with Con A induction_ When PE of infected mice was added, PL proliferation was inhibited by $74.0{\;}{\pm}{\;}11.9%$ whereas inhibition by PE of normal mice was $16.4{\;}{\pm}8.3%$. Inhibitory effect of PE increased exponentially from 3 days up to 4-5 days of survival after the infection. Inhibitory activity of PE was decreased concentration-dependently. Also the inhibition was diminished when the PE was treated with heat of $95^{\circ}C$ for 10 min orprecipitated with 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). In SDS-PAGE of PE, many minor bands appeared newly. Heat-labile protein molecule in PE exerted inhibitory activity to Con A- induced Iymphocyte proliferation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.98-98
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• 2003

${\beta}$-(1,3)-D-Glucans have been known to exhibit antitumor and antimicrobial activities. The presence of dectin-1,${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$-glucan receptor of dendritic cell, on macrophage has been controvertial. RT-PCR analysis led to the detection of dectin-1${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ in murine macrophage Raw264.7 cell line. Among the various organs of mouse, dectin-1${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$ were detected in the thymus, lung, spleen, stomach and intestine. To analyze gene expression modulated by ${\beta}$-glucan treated murine Raw264.7 macrophage, total mRNA was applied to cDNA microarray to interrogate the expression of 7,000 known genes. cDNA chip analysis showed that ${\beta}$-glucan of P. osteatus increased gene expressions of immunomodulating genes, membrane antigenic proteins, chemokine ligands, complements, cytokines, various kinases, lectin associated genes and oncogenes in Raw 264.7 cell line. When treated with ${\beta}$-glucan of P. osteatus and LPS, induction of gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IFN-R1 was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Induction of TNF-R type II expression was confirmed by FACS analysis. IL-6 expression was abolished by EDTA in ${\beta}$-glucan and LPS treated Raw264.7 cell line, indicating that ${\beta}$-glucan binds to dectin-l in a Ca$\^$＋＋/ -dependent manner. To increase antitumor efficacy of ${\beta}$-glucan, ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) was co-treated with ${\beta}$-glucan in vivo and in vitro tests. IC$\sub$50/ values of GRh2 were 20 and 25 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ in SNU-1 and B16 melanoma F10 cell line, respectively. Co-treatment with ${\beta}$-glucan and GRh2 showed synergistic antitumor activity with cisplatin and mitomycin C both in vitro and in vivo. Single or co-treatment with ${\beta}$-glucan and GRh2 increased tumor bearing mouse life span. Co-treatment with ${\beta}$-glucan and GRh2 showed more increased life span with mitomycin C than that with cisplatin. Antitumor activities were 67% and 72 % by co-injection with ${\beta}$-glucan and GRh2 in the absence or presence of mitomycin C, respectively.