• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2016

Appropriate control of diet and water intake is important for maintaining normal blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in the body. It is relatively understood that the amount of sodium and potassium intake directly affects blood pressure and regulates ion transporters; Na and K channel functions in the kidney. However, little is known about whether diet and water intake regulates Aquaporin (AQP) function. AQPs, a family of aquaporin proteins with different types being expressed in different tissues, are important for water absorption by the cell. Water reabsorption is a passive process driven by osmotic gradient and water permeability is critical for this process. In most of the nephron, however, water reabsorption is unregulated and coupled to solute reabsorption, such as AQP1 mediated water absorption in the proximal tubule. AQP2 is the only water channel founded so far that can be regulated by hormones in the kidney. AQP2 expressed in the apical membrane of the principal cells in the collecting tubule can be regulated by vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) controlling the final volume of urine excretion. When vasopressin binds to its receptor on the collecting duct cells, it stimulates the translocation of AQP2 to the membrane, leading to increased water absorption via this AQP2 water channel. However, some studies also indicated that the AQP2 is also been regulated by vasopressin independent mechanism. This review is focused on the regulation of AQP2 by diet and the amount of water intake on salt and water homeostasis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.488-493
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• 2008

Phosphate, a favorable phosphorous form for plant, is one of major nutrient elements for growth and development in plants. Plants exhibit various physiological and biochemical responses in reaction to phosphate starvation in order to maintain phosphate homeostasis. Of them, expression of high affinity phosphate transporter gene family and efficient uptake of phosphate via them is a major physiological process for adaption to phosphate deficient environment. Although the various genetic resources of high affinity phosphate transporter are identified recently, little is known about their functions in plant that is prerequisite information before applying to crop plants to generate valuable transgenic plants. We demonstrated that Arabidopsis transgenic plants over-expressing two different high affinity phosphate transporter gens, OsPT1 and OsPT7, derived from rice, exhibit better growth responses compared with wild-type under phosphate starvation condition. Specially, OsPT7 gene has proven to be more effective to generate Arabidopsis transgenic plant tolerant to phosphate deficiency than OsPT1. Furthermore, the expression level of AtPT1 gene that is one of reporter genes specifically induced by phosphate starvation was significantly low compared with wild-type during phosphate starvation. Taken together, these results collectively suggest that over expression of OsPTl and OsPT7 genes derived from monocotyledonous plant function efficiently in the dicotyledonous plant, relieving stress response caused by phosphate starvation and leading to better growth rate.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.533-543
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• 2021

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is the result of persistent and repeated aggravation of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, leading to the gradual development of heart failure of chronic ischemic heart disease. Triptolide (TPL) is identified to be involved in the treatment for MF. This study aims to explore the mechanism of TPL in the treatment of MF. The MF rat model was established, subcutaneously injected with isoproterenol and treated by subcutaneous injection of TPL. The cardiac function of each group was evaluated, including LVEF, LVFS, LVES, and LVED. The expressions of ANP, BNP, inflammatory related factors (IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM1), NLRP3 inflammasome factors (NLRP3, ASC) and fibrosis related factors (TGF-β1, COL1, and COL3) in rats were dete cted. H&E staining and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial cell inflammation and fibrosis of rats. Western blot was used to detect the p-P65 and t-P65 levels in nucleoprotein of rat myocardial tissues. LVED and LVES of MF group were significantly upregulated, LVEF and LVFS were significantly downregulated, while TPL treatment reversed these trends; TPL treatment downregulated the tissue injury and improved the pathological damage of MF rats. TPL treatment downregulated the levels of inflammatory factors and fibrosis factors, and inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome or NF-κB pathway reversed the effect of TPL on MF. Collectively, TPL inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting NF-κB pathway, and improved MF in MF rats.

• ALGAE
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2021

Radicilingua Papenfuss and Calonitophyllum Aregood are two small genera of the family Delesseriaceae that consist of only three and one taxonomically accepted species, respectively. The type species of these genera, Radicilingua thysanorhizans from England and Calonitophyllum medium from the Americas, are morphologically very similar, with the only recognized differences being vein size and procarp development. To date, only other two species were recognized inside the genus Radicilingua: R. adriatica and R. reptans. In this study, we analysed specimens of Radicilingua collected in the Adriatic and Ionian Sea (Mediterranean), including a syntype locality of R. adriatica (Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea), alongside material from near the type locality of R. thysanorhizans (Torpoint, Cornwall, UK). The sequences of the rbcL-5P gene fragment here produced represent the first molecular data available for the genus Radicilingua. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that the specimens from the Adriatic and Ionian Seas were genetically distinct from the Atlantic R. thysanorhizans, even if morphologically overlapping with this species. A detailed morphological description of the Mediterranean specimens, together with an accurate literature search, suggested that they were distinct also from R. adriatica and R. reptans. For these reasons, a new species was here described to encompass the Mediterranean specimens investigated in this study: R. mediterranea Wolf, Sciuto & Sfriso. Moreover, in the rbcL-5P tree, sequences of the genera Radicilingua and Calonitophyllum grouped in a well-supported clade, distinct from the other genera of the subfamily Nitophylloideae, leading us to propose that Calonitophyllum medium should be transferred to Radicilingua.

• Agribusiness and Information Management
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Many paddy cultivating farmers in the country are forced to use their limited resources to produce adequate food for their family, leading to the degradation and reduction in potential of these resources. The yield levels of paddy at the farmers' level and in the Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted in the farmers' fields is not at par with potential yield of the paddy variety. The gap between potential yield of crop variety and yield realized in FLDs refers to Research gap and the yield gap between FLDs and due to farmers' practice refers to Extension gap. The earlier studies conducted in India in general and in Andhra Pradesh in particular highlighted the existence of both research and extension gaps with reference to paddy. It is essential that, the narrowing of both research and extension gaps is not static, but dynamic considering the influence of technological interventions in boosting paddy yields at FLDs level and at farmers' level and also with the improvement of the yield potential of paddy varieties. This calls for integrated and holistic approaches to address these two gaps and with this background, the researcher aimed at this in depth study. The findings revealed that, research gaps are high with reference to weed management and pest management and extension gaps are high with reference to farm mechanization followed by fertilizer management. Reliable source of seed, capital use and frequency of meetings with Scientists or Agricultural Officers significantly influence the extension gaps in paddy. Farmers also prioritized socio-economic and technical constraints and the analysis infers that, it is high time now for the farmers to adopt the planned technological interventions on scientific scale to minimize the extension gaps to the extent possible. As the enabling environment in the State of Andhra Pradesh is highly encouraging for the farmers with relevant policy instruments in the form of subsidized inputs, free power, credit at concessional rates of interest, constructing irrigation projects etc., the adoption of the proposed technological interventions significantly contribute to minimizing both research and extension gaps in paddy cultivation in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.471-480
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• 2021

Objectives: Cadmium is widely used, leading to extensive environmental and occupational exposure. Unlike other organs, for which the harmful and carcinogenic effects of cadmium have been established, the hepatotoxicity of cadmium remains unclear. Some studies detected correlations between cadmium exposure and hepatotoxicity, but others concluded that they were not associated. Thus, we investigated the relationship between cadmium and liver damage in the general population. Methods: In total, 11 838 adult participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2015 were included. Urinary cadmium levels and the following liver function parameters were measured: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between urinary cadmium concentrations and each liver function parameter after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, annual family income, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, physical activity, and body mass index. Results: The covariate-adjusted results of the linear regression analyses showed significant positive relationships between log-transformed urinary cadmium levels and each log-transformed liver function parameter, where beta±standard error of ALT, AST, GGT, TB, and ALP were 0.049±0.008 (p<0.001), 0.030±0.006 (p<0.001), 0.093±0.011 (p<0.001), 0.034±0.009 (p<0.001), and 0.040±0.005 (p<0.001), respectively. Logistic regression also revealed statistically significant results. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of elevated ALT, AST, GGT, TB, and ALP per unit increase in log-transformed urinary cadmium concentration were 1.360 (1.210 to 1.528), 1.307 (1.149 to 1.486), 1.520 (1.357 to 1.704), 1.201 (1.003 to 1.438), and 1.568 (1.277 to 1.926), respectively. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to cadmium showed positive associations with liver damage.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.19-25
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• 2019

Objectives : Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol), a natural monoterpenoid phenol, is one of the major odorant constituents found in natural essential oils of various herbal plants, such as Thymus quinquecostatus and Thymus vulgaris. Multiple biological activities of thymol, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, have been reported in numerous in vitro studies, and recently it was suggested that thymol may could inhibit oxidization of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) to dopaquinone required in melanogenesis pathway, as an antioxidant. Methods : MTT assay was performed to test the cytotoxic effect of thymol in B16F10 cells. Inhibitory effect of thymol to tyrosinase activities were examined using both mushroom tyrosinase and intracellular tyrosinase. Expression level of tyrosinase in B16F10 cells were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : The cell viability was decreased by thymol treatment in dose-dependant manner, leading significant cytotoxicity in 500 and $1000{\mu}M$ thymol-treated groups. In the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH)-induced melanogenesis, administration of thymol significantly decreased extracellular (secreted) melanin content in dose-dependent manner. Cellular tyrosinase activity assay and western blot analysis of intracellular tyrosinase showed that thymol has a strong anti-melanogenic effect by inhibition of tyrosinase activity and by decreasing expression of tyrosinase that contribute to melanin synthesis in the B1610 cells. Conclusions : As the first functional study that prove anti-melanogenic effect of thymol and its underlying mechanism in the living cells, our study suggests the applicability of fragrance as the functional materials of cosmetics or health supplement, not as just an additive.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.443-458
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• 2022

Generation MZ, a generic term for millennials and members of Generation Z, is an innovation-leading consumer group in the current market. This study aimed to examine the impact of the ethical consumption tendencies of millennials and Generation Z on the purchase intention of social enterprise fashion products. Data were collected from Generation MZ (15-40 years old) by quota sampling based on the demographic variables of gender, age, and region, respectively. Eight hundred responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics, factor analysis, t-test, and regressions using SPSS software. Three value factors (egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric) and three ethical consumption tendency factors (resource saving tendency, eco-friendly tendency, and consciousness of corporate responsibility) were determined by factor analyses. The results confirmed that women, who showed a higher ethical consumption tendency in all three factors, were more altruistic and biospheric than men. Furthermore, women portrayed a more favorable attitude and purchase intention towards fashion products of social enterprises. The results demonstrated that members of Generation Z were more altruistic and biospheric than millennials. Additionally, the attitude, purchase intention, and willingness to pay premium prices were higher in Generation Z members. It was confirmed that higher biospheric values correlated with greater values for the three ethical consumption tendency factors. The altruistic value affected both the resource saving tendency and eco-friendly trend, while the egoistic value had an effect on the resource saving tendency. Both attitude and purchase intention were positively influenced by all three of the ethical consumption tendency factors, and affected the willingness to pay premium prices. This was subsequently influenced by the resource saving tendency and consciousness of corporate responsibility. The results of this study contribute to understanding Generation MZ as a consumer group, and the establishment of marketing strategies for fashion companies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2022

Purpose: Adolescent suicide is an important issue worldwide. Although literature on preventing suicide among adolescents tends to focus on suicidal ideation, suicidal planning is also an important issue as a stage leading to suicidal behavior. This study aims to identify suicidal planning-related factors, including generalized anxiety disorder, among adolescents who had suicidal ideation. Methods: This secondary study used data generated from the 16th(2020) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which included 5,979 students who had suicidal ideation. Factors related to suicidal planning were identified by performing a logistic regression analysis of the participants. All analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: Among adolescents who had suicidal ideation, 23.8% had suicide plans. The suicidal plans were significantly related to school level (middle, OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.22~1.55), whether they were living with family (no, OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.06~1.75), perceived body image (normal, OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.05~1.44; Obese, OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.14~1.54), depression (yes, OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.25~1.72), tobacco use (yes, OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.12~1.54), alcohol use (yes, OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.06~1.38), drug use (yes, OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.44~2.66), and/or generalized anxiety disorder (severe, OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.44~2.14). Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that in addition to the commonly recognized factors for adolescent suicide, generalized anxiety disorder should also be considered when establishing strategies to prevent suicide planning in adolescents who had suicidal ideation.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.26.1-26.12
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• 2022

Background: Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. Excessive glutamate causes excitatory toxicity and increases intracellular calcium, leading to neuronal death. Parvalbumin is a calcium-binding protein that regulates calcium homeostasis. Quercetin is a polyphenol found in plant and has neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives: We investigated whether quercetin regulates apoptosis by modulating parvalbumin expression in glutamate induced neuronal damage. Methods: Glutamate was treated in hippocampal-derived cell line, and quercetin or vehicle was treated 1 h before glutamate exposure. Cells were collected for experimental procedure 24 h after glutamate treatment and intracellular calcium concentration and parvalbumin expression were examined. Parvalbumin small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was performed to detect the relation between parvalbumin and apoptosis. Results: Glutamate reduced cell viability and increased intracellular calcium concentration, while quercetin preserved calcium concentration and neuronal damage. Moreover, glutamate reduced parvalbumin expression and quercetin alleviated this reduction. Glutamate increased caspase-3 expression, and quercetin attenuated this increase in both parvalbumin siRNA transfected and non-transfected cells. The alleviative effect of quercetin was statistically significant in non-transfected cells. Moreover, glutamate decreased bcl-2 and increased bax expressions, while quercetin alleviated these changes. The alleviative effect of quercetin in bcl-2 family protein expression was more remarkable in non-transfected cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that parvalbumin contributes to the maintainace of intracellular calcium concentration and the prevention of apoptosis, and quercetin modulates parvalbumin expression in glutamate-exposed cells. Thus, these findings suggest that quercetin performs neuroprotective function against glutamate toxicity by regulating parvalbumin expression.