• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2008

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a major hormone of pineal gland in vertebrates, is known to be associated with regulation of the dynamic physiological functions in general and has some functions on reproduction in the ovarian follicles in particular. And its antioxidant properties as a scavenger are also reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the in vitro maturation of mouse germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes. Oocyte maturation, apoptosis, and mRNA expression of melatonin receptor were analyzed in the cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (CEOs) cultured with melatonin for 18 h. The CEOs were obtained from 3 wk-old ICR female mice cultured in media with 0, 0.1 nM, 10 nM, or 1,000 nM melatonin for 18 h. And then the extrusion of the first polar body was assessed to evaluate the maturation rate. The apoptosis and mRNA expression of melatonin receptor (Mtnr1-a and Mtnr1-b) in cumulus cells of each group were measured by TUNEL assay, ELISA, and real time RT-PCR after in vitro maturation(IVM). The addition of melatonin in the IVM medium significantly improved nuclear maturation of the mouse GV oocytes and the highest maturation rate were obtained from the group treated with 1,000 nM melatonin. Apoptosis was not detected in IVM oocytes, but detected in cumulus cells. And cumulus cells treated with 1,000 nM melatonin exhibited significantly lower apoptosis. In the group treated with 1,000 nM melatonin, the expression of melatonin receptor mRNA was decreased in CEOs. In conclusion, melatonin has a potentially important role for regulating oocyte maturation and reduces the apoptosis of cumulus cells in vitro.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.511-514
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• 2012

Polyethylene mulches have been used for weed control in vegetable production in Korea. One of the additional benefits associated with polyethylene mulches is soil warming. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of colored mulches on soil temperature change and Chinese cabbage yield. Mulch treatments were green (GV), black (BV), transparent (TV), and non-mulched (NM) soil. The highest soil-warming effect occurred under green mulch, and the lowest effect was found under black mulch. Daily mean values of soil temperature (10 cm depth) under GV were $2^{\circ}C$ higher than in NM soil. At midday (16:00), mean soil temperature was higher by $3.9^{\circ}C$ in GV, $3.1^{\circ}C$ in BV, and $2.1^{\circ}C$ in TV as compared to NM soil. At night (20:00-06:00), there was no significant difference in soil temperature among the treatments of different colored mulch, but soils in the mulch treatments were $2.4^{\circ}C$ higher as compared to NM soil. As compared with NM, the yield of Chinese cabbage under GV, BV, and TV were higher by 6.0, 26.0, and 12.0%, respectively.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to compare the effects between Mountain-burning fire method and Heaven-penetrating cooling method on thermographic change. Materials and Methods : The experiment was conducted to 20 students of College of Oriental Medicine, Woosuk University from July 12, 2011 to July 26, 2011. Acupuncture stimulation was applied at left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$) with Mountain-burning fire method in A group(n=10) and Heaven-penetrating cooling method in B group (n=10). To estimate thermographic change, temperature of left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Shuigou$($GV_{26}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were measured by DITI(digital infrared thermographic image) before acupuncture stimulation and 30sec, 10min after needle removal. Results : In A group, the temperature of left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Shuigou$($GV_{26}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 30sec after needle removal, statistically. And the temperature of $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 10min after needle removal, statistically. In B group, the temperature of $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 10min after needle removal, statistically. But, there was no significant difference between two groups on thermographic change, statistically Conclusions : Acupuncture stimulation applied at left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$) with Mountain-burning fire method has more widespread effects than Heaven-penetrating cooling method. But further studies will be needed such as thermographic change with no stimulation and with more subjects.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.226-239
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• 2004

Objective: Purpose of this study was to examine the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at Xingjian(LR2) as 'Fire(火)' point of The Leg Absolute Um Liver Meridan(足厥陰肝經 : Chok-Kworum-Kan-Kyong) on the facial thermal change. Methods: Subjects of this study were 15 patients with upperpart(includes head and facial part) fever of human body and two examinations were carried out in each other day. We divided cases of two examinations into two groups. One is experimental group(N=15) that was carried out electroacupuncture stimulation at Xingjian(LR2), the other is control group(N=15) which was carried out electroacupuncture stimulation at optional point(in space between 1st and 2nd fingers) except acupuncture points of 12 meridians. We took the temperature of fixed areas on face by digital infrared thermal image(D.I.T.I.) before and after electroacupuncture stimulation. Those fixed areas on face that was taken temperature are Jingming(BL1), Sibai(ST2), Dicang(ST4), Indang, Shuigou(GV26), Chengjiang(CV24) areas. In cases of temperature of Jingming(BL1), Sibai(ST2), Dicang(ST4) areas, we applied each mean of left and right temperature to statical analysis. Results: In the group of electroacupuncture stimulation at Xingjian(LR2), temperature of every fixed areas on face fell: Jingming(BL1) area's ${\Delta}T=-0.7007{\pm}0.78642$, Sibai(ST2) area's ${\Delta}T=-0.6280{\pm}0.56439$, Dicang(ST4) area's ${\Delta}T=-0.5940{\pm}0.60179$, Indang area's ${\Delta}T=-0.7200{\pm}0.64515$, Shuigou(GV26) area's ${\Delta}T=-0.6160{\pm}0.80487$, Chengjiang(CV24) area's ${\Delta}T=-0.5627{\pm}0.72615$. In Xingjian(LR2) electroacupuncture group, each temperature of Jingming(BL1), Sibai(ST2), Indang areas showed a drop significantly in comparison with control group (p<0.05). But each temperature of Dicang(ST4), Shuigou(GV26), Chengjiang(CV24) areas did not showed a drop significantly in comparison with control group(p>0.05). Conclusions: The results mentioned above showed that electroacupuncture stimulation at Xingjian(LR2) significantly decreased the temperature on face of patients with upperpart fever of human body. In Xingjian(LR2) electroacupuncture group, especially temperature of upper part of face includes eye, cheekbone, forehead regions showed a drop significantly in comparison with control group.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.202-210
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• 2004

Objective: In order to find oriental medical therapies on Parkinson's disease and to make a fundamental basis for clinical application, this study was performed. Methods: We reviewed 35 kinds of the ancient and modern text, and related articles. Results: Parkinson's disease is an extrapyramidal disease characterized by akinesia, tremor at rest, rigidity, and slowness of movement. In old oriental medical text, Parkinson's disease is described as Jinjeon(振顫), Chi, Gyeong (痙), Gyejong, Ryeon(攣) and Pyeongo(偏枯), Tantan, Jungbu(中腑症) of Jungpung(中風). According to the text, major pathological causes were Wind(風), Fire(火), Phlegm(痰), and Blood stasis(瘀血). And Parkinson's disease can be classified into four clinical types as liver & kidney yin-deficiency, qi & blood deficiency, retention of phlegm-heat, and qi-stagnation & blood stasis. Standardized acupuncture points are GV20, GB20, GV14 on head, CV12, ST25 on abdomen, GV26, ST7, GB1, S14, LI20 on face, LI4, LI11, TE5, SI3, HT3, LI15, SI6 on upper extremity, and ST36, GB34, SP6, LR3, KI1, GB30, BL40 on lower extremity. Other methods, such as scalp acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and herb-acupuncture, can be applied to treat Parkinson's disease. Conclusions: We find out that there are oriental medical concepts related with Parkinson's disease such as Jinjeon(振顫), Chi, Gyeong (痙), Gyejong, Ryeon(攣) and Pyeongo(偏枯), Tantan, Jungbu(中腑症) of Jungpung(中風), of which major causes are Wind(風), Fire(火), Phlegm(痰), and Blood stasis(瘀血). We can also apply many effective acupuncture points and acupuncture therapies according to differential diagnosis, for example, liver & kidney yin-deficiency. qi & blood deficiency, retention of phlegm-heat, and qi-stagnation & blood stasis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.177-186
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to report a case of a 51-year-old patient with Herpes zoster, whose symptoms were relieved within five weeks after the East-west medical combined treatment. Methods : A Herpes zoster patient with extreme pain around the right lower ribs and lower back was admitted into the Korean medicine hospital. Bee venom acupuncture was applied directly onto the site of pain and electroacupuncture was applied on $GV_6-BL_{20}$, inferior site of spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra-$BL_{21}$, $GV_5-BL_{22}$, $GV_4-BL_{23}$ six times a week. Moxibustion was applied on $BL_{49}$, $BL_{50}$, $BL_{51}$, $BL_{52}$, $GB_{25}$, $LR_{13}$ six times a week, and the patient took daily doses of herbal medicine and western medicines such as anticonvulsants, analgesics, antiepileptics. The patient's symptoms were evaluated with numeric rating scale(NRS) and neuropathic pain scale(NPS). Results : The results were as follows: 1. After the East-west medical combined treatment, the NRS grade decreased from 8 to 1. 2. On the neuropathic pain scale, the patient's symptoms changed from deep sharp pain and burning sensation to superficial dull pain and coldness. Sensitivity to touch, discomfort, and itchiness also decreased. Sudden attacks of pain appeared 14 to 21 days after onset, but disappeared after final treatment. Conclusions : The results of the above patient suggests that the East-west medical combined treatment may be effective for total remission of herpes zoster. Further research is needed to confirm such effects.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2005

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated cotyledonary explants transformation was used to produce transgenic cucumber. Cotyledonary explants of cucumber (c.v., Eunchim) were co-cultivated with strains Agrobaderium (LBA4404, GV3101, EHA101) containing the binary vector (pPTN289) carrying with CaMV 355 promoter-gus gene as reporter and NOS promoter-bar gene conferring resistance to glufosinate (herbicide Basta) as selectable marker. There was a significant difference in the transformation frequency depending Agrobacterium strains. The EHA101 of bacterial strains employed gave the maximum frequency (0.35%) for cucumber transformation. Histochemical gus and leaf painting assay showed that 15 individual lines were transgenic with the gus and bar gene. Southern blot analysis also revealed that the gus gene was successfully integrated into each genome of transgenic cucumber.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.87-101
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• 2023

Objectives: Many acupuncture points have been suggested for the treatment of Bell's palsy, but information on which acupuncture points are more important in treatment is not provided. This study was conducted to investigate the importance of acupuncture points currently used clinically in Bell's palsy. Methods: By reviewing the full text of 11 books that recorded acupuncture prescriptions from the Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, the frequency of use of acupuncture points, their meridians, and their location were investigated. Results: The average number of acupuncture points used for local, adjacent and distal points selection was 10.5, 2, 4 respectively. The number of acupuncture points increased from the Qin Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty 《Bojaebang》 and then decreased, but the proportion of local points has been still high. From the Ming Dynasty, ST4, ST6, GV26, and GV24 were mainly have been used as the local points. Except for the GB12, the use of the rest of the acupuncture points gradually decreased in the adjacent points. In the distal acupuncture points, it was summarized to point of lung and large intestine channel until the Ming Dynasty, and LI4 was mainly used in the Qing Dynasty. Yangming meridian has been most often used at the local and distal area except for the adjacent area. Conclusions: In the treatment of facial paralysis, the lower part of the face had the highest proportion among local acupuncture points, and the Yangming had the highest proportion by meridian.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.27 no.6 s.93
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• pp.394-398
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• 1999

Taxonomic and genetic analysis of Phytophthora species belonging to six different morphological groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV, GVI) was conducted using RAPD method. Amplified fragments ranged $0.3{\sim}3.2$ kb in their molecular weights. Among total of 145 bands, there were 109 polymorphic bands. Seven isolates of P. infestans showed high similarities of $0.92{\sim}0.99$, and P. infestans isolate 3 from potato showed similarities of $0.93{\sim}0.95$ compared with other P. infestans. Among isolates of P. capsici, similarities of $0.77{\sim}0.86$ were observed and they were grouped in 80% level. P. cinnamomi and P. cryptogea isolates which belonging to group GVI showed very similar RAPD fingerprinting pattern. Primers OPA-04, OPA-17, OPA-18, OPA-19, and OPB-12 showed high level of differences among the tested isolates in major bands and molecular weights. The similarity between the isolates was 0.67. P. megasperma and P. sojae in group GV showed similarity of 0.65. These two isolates showed big differences in single major band in reactions with primers OPA-08, OPA-17, and OPA-19. Phytophthora-specific and P. infestans-specific molecular markers were also selected with one of the random primers tested. In reaction with primer OPA-20, all the genus Phytophthora showed common band at 600 bp, and all the P. infestans isolates showed specific band at 680 bp. These markers can be useful for identification of Phytophthora speices or P. infestans. As a result, P. infestans isolated from tomato and/or potato can easily be differentiated from other Phytophthora species with this primer.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to search acupuncture & moxibustion treatment on hemafecia. Methods : We search thirty-seven oriental medical literatures related to hemafecia and arrange the articles according to the etiological cause, pathogenesis, acupuncture & moxibustion treatment. Results : 1. Hemafecia is mainly caused by intrinsic factors such as inadequate diet, habitual drinking, indiscreet sex and others. 2. Hemafecia is mainly due to the intestinal febrile state, but sometimes due to the infirmity of whole body energy including digestive system. 3. Governor Vessel Meridian, Bladder Meridian, Spleen Meridian and Stomach Meridian are frequently used for acupuncture & moxibustion treatment on hemafecia. 4. B57, GV1 are most frequently used for acupuncture & moxibustion treatment on hemafecia. 5. CV12, CV6, S36 are most frequently used for moxibustion treatment on hemafecia. 6. Acupuncture points are mainly distributed throughout the low back, lower abdomen and lower limb.