• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.538-551
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• 2023

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) causes liver damage. This study aimed to compare the ameliorative activity of the dates flesh extract (DFE) and selenium-nanoparticles (SeNPs) on CCL₄-induced hepatotoxicity and if DFE could be a useful alternative supplement. Twenty-four male albino rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups (6 rats in each group): control group received only basal diet with no medications. Group II received CCL₄ in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for four weeks. Group III rats were pretreated with SeNPs in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a day orally three times/wk for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. Group IV rats were pretreated with DFE in a dose of 8 ml of the aqueous extract/kg/d orally for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. The liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of albumin and enzymes activities of alanine aminotransferase and tissue genes expression. Liver oxidation levels were assessed by measuring the tissue concentration of the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and the total glutathione. Additionally, inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor--α and interleukin-6 were estimated. Detecting the liver's cellular structural damage was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This study suggests that CCL₄-induced liver damage in rats can be protected by administration whether the costly SeNPs or the economical DFE.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.508-517
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• 2023

In cancer patients, chemo/radio therapy may cause infertility by damaging the spermatogenesis affecting the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In vitro differentiation of stem cells especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into germ cells has recently been proposed as a new strategy for infertility treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs using their co-culture with Sertoli cells and conditioned medium (CM) from adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs). Testicular tissues were separated from 2-7 days old neonate Wistar Rats and after mechanical and enzymatic digestion, the SSCs and Sertoli cells were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1X antibiotic, basic fibroblast growth factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. The cells were treated with the CM from AD-MSCs for 12 days and then the expression level of differentiation-related genes were measured. Also, the expression level of two major spermatogenic markers of DAZL and DDX4 was calculated. Scp3, Dazl, and Prm1 were significantly increased after treatment compared to the control group, whereas no significant difference was observed in Stra8 expression. The immunocytochemistry images showed that DAZL and DDX4 were positive in experimental group comparing with control. Also, western blotting revealed that both DAZL and DDX4 had higher expression in the treated group than the control group, however, no significant difference was observed. In this study, we concluded that the CM obtained from AD-MSCs can be considered as a suitable biological material to induce the differentiation in SSCs.

• 한국군사과학기술학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.516-527
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• 2024

Rapid, early, accurate detection and identification of the various pathogenic agents associated with the development of biological weapons is critical in preventing loss of life and limiting the impact of these organisms when used against civilian or military targets. The aim of this study was to produce a system for the simple, rapid, accurate and simultaneous detection and identification of Ricin, Botulinum toxin B and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B as a proof of principle for developing field appropriate reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification systems for the accurate identification of potential biological threats. These systems were designed to facilitate the identification of potential threats even in remote or resource-limited locations.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.15-23
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• 2024

Storage temperature profoundly influences the storability of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.). However, the impact of storage temperature on storability and its association with the antioxidant activity of paprika are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the storage attributes, activity, and gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in paprika stored at 4, 10, and 20℃ for 14 d and then at 20℃ for an additional 5 d (14+5 d; retail conditions). Storage at 10℃ effectively mitigated pitting, stalk browning, shriveling, and decay while significantly enhancing the marketability of paprika. The fruits stored at 4℃ were prone to pitting, whereas those stored at 20℃ were sensitive to stalk browning and decay. Moreover, paprika stored at 10℃ exhibited higher 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) activity and total phenolic content than those stored at 4 and 20℃, indicating improved antioxidant activity. Additionally, storage at 10℃ upregulated the expression levels of the antioxidant genes, catalase and peroxidase, suggesting the mechanism underlying the quality enhancement of paprika. Our findings suggest that paprika storage at 10℃ alleviates chilling injuries, preserves the quality and marketability, and enhances the antioxidant potential of paprika. These findings provide insights into how temperature influences the quality and minimizes post-harvest losses during the storage and distribution of paprika.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권2_spc호
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• pp.337-345
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• 2024

Ruminants possess a specialized four-compartment forestomach, consisting of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen, the primary fermentative chamber, harbours a dynamic ecosystem comprising bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and bacteriophages. These microorganisms engage in diverse ecological interactions within the rumen microbiome, primarily benefiting the host animal by deriving energy from plant material breakdown. These interactions encompass symbiosis, such as mutualism and commensalism, as well as parasitism, predation, and competition. These ecological interactions are dependent on many factors, including the production of diverse molecules, such as those involved in quorum sensing (QS). QS is a density-dependent signalling mechanism involving the release of autoinducer (AIs) compounds, when cell density increases AIs bind to receptors causing the altered expression of certain genes. These AIs are classified as mainly being N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL; commonly used by Gram-negative bacteria) or autoinducer-2 based systems (AI-2; used by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria); although other less common AI systems exist. Most of our understanding of QS at a gene-level comes from pure culture in vitro studies using bacterial pathogens, with much being unknown on a commensal bacterial and ecosystem level, especially in the context of the rumen microbiome. A small number of studies have explored QS in the rumen using 'omic' technologies, revealing a prevalence of AI-2 QS systems among rumen bacteria. Nevertheless, the implications of these signalling systems on gene regulation, rumen ecology, and ruminant characteristics are largely uncharted territory. Metatranscriptome data tracking the colonization of perennial ryegrass by rumen microbes suggest that these chemicals may influence transitions in bacterial diversity during colonization. The likelihood of undiscovered chemicals within the rumen microbial arsenal is high, with the identified chemicals representing only the tip of the iceberg. A comprehensive grasp of rumen microbial chemical signalling is crucial for addressing the challenges of food security and climate targets.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.227-234
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• 2024

This study was designed to compare the whitening effects of 60% ethanol extracts of Trigonotis radicans var. sericea (TR) and Lactobacillus brevis-fermented T. radicans var. sericea (FTR). Measurement of cytotoxicity in B16-F10 melanoma cells to confirm the whitening effect, FTR showed higher cell viability than TR. FTR showed inhibitory activity on melanin contents similar to the normal group at concentrations of 50 and 100 ㎍/mL. MITF expression was used to confirm the effect on melanogenesis-related protein expression. TR and FTR showed significant concentration-dependent decrease, and FTR showed lower expressions than the normal group at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL. Additionally, the mRNA expression of melanogenesis-related genes (MC1R, Rab27a, TGF-β1 and Myo5a) were measured by RT-qPCR to confirm the whitening effect. In MC1R expression at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL in FTR showed effective inhibitory activities, and in TGF-β1 expression, TR and FTR both showed effective activities compared to normal groups even at low concentrations. Results of myo5a and Rab27a, a similar pattern was shown, and FTR showed effective inhibitory activities at a concentration of 100 ㎍/mL. As a result, FTR had higher whitening effects through bioconversion and is expected to be a good material for whitening functional cosmetics.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제81권2호
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• pp.302-309
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• 2020

파브리병(Fabry disease)은 매우 드문 X-연관 유전 대사 질환으로 알파 갈락토시다아제(alpha galactosidase A)의 결핍으로 인하여 다양한 세포 및 기관에 글리코스핑고지질(glycosphingolipid)의 축적을 초래하는 질환이다. 심장 침범이 비교적 흔하며 비정상적인 지질침착으로 인한 심근 염증, 좌심실 비대 및 심근 섬유증을 일으킨다. 심장 침범은 환자 예후를 결정하는 중요한 요인이므로 이를 진단하는 것은 매우 중요하다. 심장 자기공명영상은 심실의 기능, 부피 측정을 위한 표준기법으로 알려져 있으며 심근의 조직 변화를 볼 수 있는 유용한 기법이다. 특히 최근 많이 쓰이는 T1 지도화 기법을 통한 심근 조영 전 T1 수치를 이용하여 파브리병의 심장 침범을 조기 진단할 수 있으며 자기공명영상을 이용한 심근 질량 측정으로 치료 모니터링을 할 수 있다. 심장 자기공명영상은 파브리병 환자에서 다양한 역할을 할 수 있을 것으로 생각되며 이에 대해 정리해보고자 한다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.101-111
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• 2022

Objective: Familial intracranial aneurysms (FIAs) are found in approximately 6%-20% of patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs), suggesting that genetic predisposition likely plays a role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify possible IA-associated variants using whole exome sequencing (WES) in selected Korean families with FIA. Materials and Methods: Among the 26 families in our institutional database with two or more IA-affected first-degree relatives, three families that were genetically enriched (multiple, early onset, or common site involvement within the families) for IA were selected for WES. Filtering strategies, including a family-based approach and knowledge-based prioritization, were applied to derive possible IA-associated variants from the families. A chromosomal microarray was performed to detect relatively large chromosomal abnormalities. Results: Thirteen individuals from the three families were sequenced, of whom seven had IAs. We noted three rare, potentially deleterious variants (PLOD3 c.1315G>A, NTM c.968C>T, and CHST14 c.58C>T), which are the most promising candidates among the 11 potential IA-associated variants considering gene-phenotype relationships, gene function, co-segregation, and variant pathogenicity. Microarray analysis did not reveal any significant copy number variants in the families. Conclusion: Using WES, we found that rare, potentially deleterious variants in PLOD3, NTM, and CHST14 genes are likely responsible for the subsets of FIAs in a cohort of Korean families.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.171-179
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• 2024

A study was conducted to evaluate dietary valine (Val) requirement for Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Five isonitrogenous (353 g/kg) and isocaloric (4.08 kcal/g) semi-purified diets containing graded levels of Val (2.7, 5.1, 8.7, 12.1 or 16.0 g/kg) were formulated. Quadruplicate groups of 12 shrimp (average body weight: 0.46 ± 0.00 g) were fed one of the experimental diets (2%-5% of total body weight) for 8 weeks. Maximum weight gain was observed in 8.7 g/kg Val group. However, the growth performance was reduced when Val concentration in diets were higher than 12.1 g/kg. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased with 2.7 and 16.0 g/kg Val inclusion. Shrimp fed the diets containing 2.7 g/kg Val showed significantly lower protein efficiency ratio, whole-body crude protein and Val concentrations. Dietary inclusion of Val significantly improved the relative expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein and immune-related genes (prophenoloxidase, lysozyme and crustin) in the hepatopancreas and 8.7 g/kg Val group showed highest expression among all the groups. The dietary requirement of Val for maximum growth of juvenile P. vannamei, estimated using polynomial regression analysis on growth, was 9.54 g/kg of Val (27.2 g/kg based on protein level) and maximum growth occurred at 9.27 g/kg of Val (26.2 g/kg based on protein level) based on broken-line regression analysis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.25.1-25.11
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• 2022

IL-34 can promote osteoclast differentiation and activation, which may contribute to steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Animal model was constructed in both BALB/c and IL-34 deficient mice to detect the relative expression of inflammation cytokines. Micro-CT was utilized to reveal the internal structure. In vitro differentiated osteoclast was induced by culturing bone marrow-derived macrophages with IL-34 conditioned medium or M-CSF. The relative expression of pro-inflammation cytokines, osteoclast marker genes, and relevant pathways molecules was detected with quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot. Up-regulated IL-34 expression could be detected in the serum of ONFH patients and femoral heads of ONFH mice. IL-34 deficient mice showed the resistance to ONFH induction with the up-regulated trabecular number, trabecular thickness, bone value fraction, and down-regulated trabecular separation. On the other hand, inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-2, and IL-17A, showed diminished expression in IL-34 deficient ONFH induced mice. IL-34 alone or works in coordination with M-CSF to promote osteoclastogenesis and activate ERK, STAT3, and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. These data demonstrate that IL-34 can promote the differentiation of osteoclast through ERK, STAT3, and non-canonical NF-κB pathways to aggravate steroid-induced ONFH, and IL-34 can be considered as a treatment target.