• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.7
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• pp.16.1-16.6
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• 2017

Background: This study was performed to investigate the impact of exogenous ghrelin on the pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase outputs and responses of pancreatic proteins to ghrelin that may relate to pancreatic exocrine. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats (9 weeks old, $300{\pm}10g$) were injected with ghrelin via intraperitoneal (i.p.) infusion at dosage of 0, 0.1, 1.0 and $10.0{\mu}g/kg$ body weight (BW), respectively. The plasma ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) level were determined using enzyme immunoassay kit; the mRNA expression of ghrelin receptor ($GHSR-1{\alpha}$) and growth hormone (GH) receptor were assessed by reverse transcription PCR; the expressions of pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase activity, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK), phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (pERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were evaluated by western blotting; moreover the responses of pancreatic proteins to ghrelin were analyzed using the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis system. Results: The exogenous ghrelin (1.0 and $10.0{\mu}g/kg\;BW$) elevated the level of plasma ghrelin (p < 0.05), and suppressed the expression of pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase at a dose of $10.0{\mu}g/kg\;BW$ (p < 0.05). No difference in the level of plasma CCK was observed, even though rats were exposed to any dose of exogenous ghrelin. In addition, a combination of western blot and proteomic analysis revealed exogenous ghrelin ($10.0{\mu}g/kg\;BW$) induced increasing the JNK and ERK expressions (p < 0.05) and four proteins such as Destrin, Anionic trypsin-1, Trypsinogen, and especially eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 in rat pancreas. Conclusions: Taken together, exogenous ghrelin by i.p. infusion plays a role in the pancreatic exocrine secretion via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.437-446
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• 2018

To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork on the market in Korea, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tissue fluid (CAU-tf-ELISA) was developed using a soluble extract of T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. As the standard positive controls, the piglets were experimentally infected with T. gondii: Group A (1,000 cysts-containing bradyzoites), Group B (500 cysts-containing bradyzoites) and Group C ($1.0{\times}10^3$ or $1.0{\times}10^4$ tachyzoites). The CAU-tf-ELISA demonstrated infection intensity-dependent positivity toward tissue fluids with average cut-off value 0.15: 100% for Group A, 93.8% for Group B and 40.6% for Group C. When tissue-specific cut-off values 0.066-0.199 were applied, CAU-tf-ELISA showed 96.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive and 90.0% negative predictive values. When compared with the same tissue fluids, performance of CAU-tf-ELISA was better than that of a commercial ELISA kit. Of the 583 Korea domestic pork samples tested, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected from 9.1% of whole samples and 37.9% from skirt meat highest among pork parts. In the 386 imported frozen pork samples, 1.8% (skirt meat and shoulder blade) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. In Korea, prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the pork on retail markets appeared high, suggesting that regulations on pig farming and facilities are necessary to supply safe pork on the tables.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 1999

Ko, Lim found some differences in the concentrations of bone resorptive cytokines, especially IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in periapical lesions and inflamed pulps. And they suppose that these differences may be due to the type of cells which produce each cytokine. The purpose of this study was to analyze the human odontogenic cysts & cystic fluid for their contents of IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-$1{\alpha}$ and to compare the concentrations of each cytokine according to the cytokine producing cells. The cystic tissues used in this experiment, were obtained from periapical surgery or cyst enucleation surgery. Cystic fluid was obtained from root canal during routine endodontic therapy(n=5). Cystic tissues were subdivided into two groups, inflammatory radicular cyst group(n=15) and developmental odontogenic keratocyst group(n=3). Normal periapical tissues of extracted third molar(n=5) were also obtained to be used as control group. Each specimen was incubated in 0.5ml homogenizing buffer (0.1mol/L potassium chloride, 0.02mol/L TRIS;pH=7.6) for two hours and then homogenized with glass homogenizer. Each specimen was centrifuged in a microcentrifuge for 3 minutes, and supernatants were extracted. The concentrations of cytokines were measured with R&D ELISA kit. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test for the differences among the diseases and t test for the correlations among each cytokine. Following results were obtained ; 1. For IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$, all experimental groups showed significantly higher concentrations of each cytokine than the control group (p<0.05). 2. In radicular cysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were higher than IL-$1{\beta}$, but not stastically significant (p>0.05). In odontogenic keratocysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were significantly higher than IL-$1{\beta}$ (p<0.05). In cystic fluid, the concentration of IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly higher than IL-$1{\alpha}$ (p<0.05). 3. Between odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were significantly higher in odontogenic keratocysts than in radicular cysts (p<0.05). 4. For TNF-${\alpha}$, only cystic fluid group showed significantly higher concentrations than the control group (p<0.05).

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.25-38
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• 2017

Objectives: The study aims were to evaluate the Anti-stress and Sleep-inductive effects of Yunjogyosim-tang (YJGS) in rats induced by Chronic Mild Stress (CMS). Methods: 25 healthy Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups; Normal, CMS (Control), YJGS 50, YJGS 100, and YJGS 200. All rats except the normal group were exposed to random stress conditions like water deprivation, empty bottles, forced runs on the treadmill, etc. according to the timetable of CSM for 3 weeks. After a week starting the experiment, Rats in YJGS 50, YJGS 100, and YJGS 200 groups were fed orally once a day for 2 weeks. Blood samples were taken afterward from each rat for analysis of Complete blood count, AST, ALT, and glucose levels. Corticosterone, serotonin, and melatonin were measured by ELISA kit. BDNF and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were measured by RT-PCT. Results: 1. Corticosterone levels were lower in YJGS 50, and YJGS 200 groups compared to the control group. 2. Serotonin levels were lower in the YJGS 100 and YJGS 200 groups compared to the control group. 3. Melatonin levels were higher in the YJGS 50 group compared to the control group. 4. Activity levels were higher in the BDNF, and YJGS 50 groups compared to the control group. 5. In the Activity of $TNF-{\alpha}$, YJGS 50 group showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. 6. In the Glucose content, YJGS 50, YJGS 100, and YJGS 200 groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. 7. When analyzing leukocytes, monocytes were found to be increased in YJGS 100 and YJGS 200 groups compared to the control group. 8. When analyzing red blood cells, more changes occurred to erythrocytes and thrombocytes in the YJGS 50 and YJGS 200 groups than in the control group. Hemoglobin was significantly increased in the YJGS 100 group and platelet levels were significantly increased in all experimental groups compared with the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that Yunjogyosim-tang has anti-stress and sleep-inductive effects on rats induced by CMS.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.117-121
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• 2008

Our previous study showed that transgenic (TG) pigs harboring human EPO (hEPO) gene have been shown to have reproductive disorders, including low pregnancy rates, irregular estrus cycle and low little size. To investigate these reasons, we assessed estrus behavior (standing response) and plasma $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$) level, which partly reflect reproductive function, during the estrus cycles after synchronization and superovulation by hormone treatments. Then, we analysed blood composition and expression of hEPO gene in TG pigs. Pigs were injected with PG600. After 10 days, pigs were fed with Regumate porcine for 6 days. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein. Analysis of blood composition and $E_2$ level were measured by Hemavet 950 and $E_2$ ELISA kit, respectively. And, the expression of hEPO gene in reproductive organs was quantitated by real-time RT-PCR. The percentage of estrus behavior in TG was significantly decreased. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) number were significantly higher in TG than wild type (WT). On the other hand, high expression of hEPO gene in TG was observed in the mammary gland as well as in the uterus. Moreover, plasma $E_2$ level was significantly higher in TG than WT. These results suggest that nonspecific expression of hEPO gene in the other organs of TG may affect blood composition and plasma $E_2$ level, thereby causing reproductive disorders.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2011

${\gamma}$-PGA(poly-${\gamma}$-glutamic acid) is an unusual anionic polypeptide that is made of D- and L-glutamic acid units connected by amide linkages between ${\alpha}$-amino and ${\gamma}$-carboxylic acid groups. ${\gamma}$-PGA has been isolated from many kinds of organisms. Many Bacillus strains produce ${\gamma}$-PGA as a capsular material of an extracellular viscous material. It is safe for eating as a viscosity element of fermented soybean products such as Chungkookjang and Natto. It is biodegradable, edible and nontoxic toward humans and the environment and its molecular weight varies from ten thousand to several hundred thousand depending on the kinds of strains used. Therefore, potential applications of ${\gamma}$-PGA and its derivatives have been of interest in the past few years in a broad range of industrial fields such as food, cosmetics, medicine, water-treatment, etc. In this study, a bacterium, Bacillus subtilis GS-2 isolated from the Korean traditional seasoning food, Chungkookjang could produce a large amount of ${\gamma}$-PGA with high productivity and had a simple nutrient requirement. Based on carbon utilization pattern and partial 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the GS-2 strain was identified as B. subtilis. The determination of purified ${\gamma}$-PGA was confirmed with thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, and $^1H$-nuclear magnetic resonance ($^1H$-NMR) spectroscopy.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 2016

Inactive space objects are usually rotating and tumbling as a result of internal or external forces. KOREASAT 1 has been inactive since 2005, and its drift trajectory has been monitored with the optical wide-field patrol network (OWL-Net). However, a quantitative analysis of KOREASAT 1 in regard to the attitude evolution has never been performed. Here, two optical tracking systems were used to acquire raw measurements to analyze the rotation period of two inactive satellites. During the optical campaign in 2013, KOREASAT 1 was observed by a 0.6 m class optical telescope operated by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). The rotation period of KOREASAT 1 was analyzed with the light curves from the photometry results. The rotation periods of the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite ASTRO-H after break-up were detected by OWL-Net on April 7, 2016. We analyzed the magnitude variation of each satellite by differential photometry and made comparisons with the star catalog. The illumination effect caused by the phase angle between the Sun and the target satellite was corrected with the system tool kit (STK) and two line element (TLE) technique. Finally, we determined the rotation period of two inactive satellites on LEO and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) with light curves from the photometry. The main rotation periods were determined to be 5.2 sec for ASTRO-H and 74 sec for KOREASAT 1.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.835-843
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• 2020

Obesity, the world's leading metabolic disease, is a serious health problem in both industrialized and developing countries. Natural substances are of great interest in preventative medicine, especially in the field of metabolic syndromes-from insulin resistance to obesity and diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of A. pullulans SM-2001 Extract (Polycan^®) on the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the anti-obesity effect of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Although β-glucan has been found to have health benefits in the regulation of the immune system and blood cholesterol levels, its role in obesity has not been fully investigated. Polycan^® suppressed lipid accumulation and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity without affecting cell viability in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Polycan^® also inhibited cellular lipid accumulation through down-regulation of transcription factors, such as PPARγ and C/EBPα, and induced dose-dependent phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-a cellular energy sensor-while the total AMPK protein content remained unchanged. Taken together, this shows that the activation of AMPK by Polycan^® in adipocytes plays a critical role in Polycan^®-induced inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Our results show that Polycan^® has an anti-obesity action in vitro, suggesting a potential novel preventative agent for obesity and other metabolic diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.1 s.68
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• pp.152-159
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• 2005

This research was conducted to make suggestions for the promotion of research activities in the Life Sciences field, and we evaluated the research funding trend and the present status of research funding offered by KOSEF in this field. Researchers in this field have received more research funding from the group-based programme than from the individual-based programme. Also, they have received less money (per project) than did researchers in other Science and Technology fields. The portion of research funds given to the Medical Sciences fields has markedly increased year by year, whereas the portion of funding given to the Agricultural Sciences and Biological Sciences fields has decreased annually. To encourage research activities in the Life Sciences field in Korea, the following actions and systems are required: 1) formulation of a mid-and a long-term research master plan, 2) development of a database on man power in related fields, 3) activation of top-down research topics, and associated increase of individual research grants, 4) development of special national programs for basic researches in Life Sciences, 5) organization of a committee for policy and planning within related societies, and 6) system development for fair evaluation of the results of research activities.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2002

Bacillus polyfermenticus SCD, which is commonly called as Bisroot strain, is being used for functional foods through the treatment of long-term intestinal disorders, since the live strains in the form of active endospores can successfully reach the target intestine in both humans and animals. The cells of B. polyfermenticus SCD were treated for 24 h in artifical bile after incubation for 2 h in artificial gastric juice and final number of the strain was reached to around $3.3{times}10^7\;CFU/mL$. In test of API ZYM kit, ${\beta}-glucuronidase$ or ${\beta}-glucosidase$ was not produced by B. polyfermenticus SCD. B. polyfermenticus SCD was resistant to antibiotics, such as nisin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and rifamycin. B. polyfermenticus SCD was also affected by alcohol concentration up to 4%, but more than 8%, their growth was not affected significantly. Finally, B. polyfermenticus SCD was shown to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 completely within 24 h of incubation, which indicated its bactericidal nature.