• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.438-441
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• 2024

The Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) strain AK_C_05 was isolated from cheonggukjang, the Korean traditional food, collected from a local market in South Korea. In this report, we presented the complete genome sequence of E. faecium strain AK_C_05. The genome of E. faecium strain AK_C_05 genome consisted of one circular chromosome (2,691,319 bp) with a guanine + cytosine (GC) content of 38.3% and one circular plasmid (177,732 bp) with a GC content of 35.48%. The Annotation results revealed 2,827 protein-coding sequences (CDSs), 18 rRNAs, and 68 tRNA genes. It possesses genes, which encodes enzymes such as alpha-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22), beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) and alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) enabling efficient utilization of carbohydrates. Based on Clusters of Orthologous Groups analysis, E. faecium strain AK_C_05 showed specialization in carbohydrate transport and metabolism indicating the ability to generate energy using a variety of carbohydrates.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.292-301
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• 2010

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a pituitary glycoprotein hormone that is encoded by separate alpha- and betasubunit genes. It plays a key role in stimulating and regulating ovarian follicular development and egg production in chicken. FSH signal transduction is mediated by the FSH receptor (FSHR) that exclusively interacts with the beta-subunit of FSH, but characterization of prokaryotic expression of the FSHb gene and its effect on the expression of the FSHR gene in local chickens have received very little attention. In the current study, the cDNA fragment of the FSHb gene from Dagu chicken was amplified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and inserted into the pET-28a (+) vector to construct the pET-28a-FSHb plasmid. After expression of the plasmid in E. coli BL21 (DE3) under inducing conditions, the recombination protein, $FSH{\beta}$ subunit, was purified and injected into the experimental hens and the effect on the mRNA expression levels of the FSHR gene was investigated. Sequence comparison showed that the coding region of the FSHb gene in the local chicken shared 99%-100% homology to published nucleotides in chickens; only one synonymous nucleotide substitution was detected in the region. The encoded amino acids were completely identical with the reported sequence, which confirmed that the sequences of the chicken FSHb gene and the peptides of the $FSH{\beta}$ subunit are highly conserved. This may be due to the critical role of the normal function of the FSHb gene in hormonal specificity and regulation of reproduction. The results of gene expression revealed that a recombinant protein with a molecular weight of about 19 kDa was efficiently expressed and it was identified by Western blotting analysis. After administration of the purified $FSH{\beta}$ protein, significantly higher expression levels were demonstrated in uterus, ovary and oviduct samples (p<0.05). These observations suggested that the expressed $FSH{\beta}$ protein possesses biological activity, and has a potential role in regulation of reproductive physiology in chickens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.517-523
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• 1993

This study was designed to observe the efforts of the feeding Platycodon grandiflorum, Codonopsis ianceolata, perilla oil and safflower oil on the improvement of the lipids in the serum and liver of dietary hypercholes-terolemic rats. Experimental groups mixed with 5% cellulose+10% lard (group 1, control group), 2% cholestyramine＋10% lard (group 2), 5% C. Ianceolata+10％ perilla oil (group3). 5％ P. grandiflorum＋10% perilla oil(group 4), 5% C. ianceolata+10% safflower oil(group 5) and 5% P. grandiflorum＋10% safflower oil (group 6) were administered to the male rats of the Sprague Dawley for 3 weeks. Concentrations of total cholesterol in serum were significantly lower in the all experimental groups (2~6 groups) than in the control group, and particularly, the lowest in the group 2 and 6. Concentrations of HDL-cholesterol in serum were remarkably higher in the groups 2 and 4. The ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol was the highest in the group 2. Atherosclerotic index was lower in the groups 2, 4 and 6. Concentrations of LDL, phospholipid and triglyceride in serum were remarkably lower in the all experimental groups than in the control group, and particularly, lower in the groups 2, 4 and 6. Concentrations of free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester in serum were significantly lower in the all experimental groups than in the control group, and particularly, the lowest in the group 2. Concentrations of glucose in blood were the lowest in the group 2. And groups 3 and 5 were slgnificantly lower. Contents of total cholesterol and triglyceride in liver were significantly lower in the all experimental groups than in the control group, and particularlyr the lowest in the groups 2 and 3. Phospholipid content was showed little differenre among groups but the lowest in the group 2. From the above research, the feeding 5% Platycodon grandiflorum＋10% perilla oil and 5% Platycodon grandiflorum＋10% safflower oil were effective on the improvement of the lipid compositions in serum and liver.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.353-365
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• 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cultural methods(cutting, flower removal) on growth and quality of B. falcatum L. Jeongseon local cultivar collected in Korea and Mishima local cultivar introduced from Japan were used. Some of the results obtained are as follows; Jeongseon local cultivar showed less stem branches and shoot weight compared to Mishima. However, Jeongseon local cultivar showed tall plant height, high root fresh and dry weight, and high levels of saikosaponin-a and total-saikosaponin, but low saikosaponin-c content than that of Mishima. Both cultivars seeded on March 20 had longer main root, bigger stem diameter, few stem branch, and high saikosaponin-c content compared with those of late seeded one, April 30. Growth characteristics such as plant height, stem diameter, stem branch number, shoot weight, root diameter, root fresh and dry weight, and root branch number were increased in a low planting $density(30{\times}15\;cm)$, but the content of saikosaponin was not affected by planting density. Jeongseon and Mishima cultivars seeded on April 10 with $30{\times}15\;cm$ planting density and April 30 with $30{\times}10\;cm$ planting density contained highest total saikosaponin levels, respectively. However, average root dry weight was not affected by planting time or density in both Bupleurum cultivars. Both cutting and flower removal increased the length of main root, fresh and root weight, and saikosaponin-a, saikosaponin-d and total-saikosaponin in Jeongseon cultivar than that of Mishima. As the harvesting time was delayed, plant height, stem diameter, shoot weight, length of main root, root fresh and dry weight were increased, but content of saikosaponin-a, saikosaponin-d and total-saikosaponin were decreased.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.469-489
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• 2000

The hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies on deep groundwater (below a 550 m depth from the ground surface) in the Munkyeong area, Kyeongbuk province were carried out. Two types of deep groundwater (${CO_2}$-rich groundwater and alkali groundwater) occur together in the Munkywong area. ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater (Ca-${HCO_3}$ type) is characterized by low pH (5.8~6.5) and high TDS (up to 2,682 mg/L.), while alkali groundwater (Na-${HCO_3}$ type) shows a high pH (9.1~10.4) and relatively low TDS (72~116 mg/L). ${CO_2}$-rich water may have evolved by ${CO_2}$ added at depth during groundwater circulation. This process leads to the dissolution of surrounding rocks and Ca, Na, Mg, K and ${HCO_3}$ concentrations are eniched. The low $Pco_2$ ($10^{-6.4}$atm) of alkali groundwaters seems to result from the dissolution of silicate minerals without a supply of ${CO_2}$. The ${\delta}^{18}O$ and ${\delta}^D$values and tritium data indicate that two types of deep groundwater were both derived from pre-thermonuclear meteoric water and have evolved through prolonged water-rock interaction. The carbon isotope data show that dissolved carbon in the ${CO_2}$-rich water was possibly derived from deep-seated ${CO_2}$ gas, although further studies are needed. The ${\delta}^{34}S$ values of dissolved sulfate show that sulfate reduction occurred at great depths. The application of various chemical geothermometers on ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater shows that the calculated deep reservoir temperature is about 130~$l75^{\circ}C$. Based on the geological setting, water chemistry and environmental isotope data, each of the two types of deep groundwater represent distinct hydrologic and hydrogeochemical evolution at depth and their movement is controlled by the local fracture system.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.104-112
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• 2006

We previously reported that DA-9601, ethanol herbal extract of Artemisia asiatica, inhibited histamine and leukotriene releases in guinea pig lung mast cells activated with specific antigen/antibody reaction. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of DA-9601 on the OVA-induced airway inflammation in allergic asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. DA-9601 was administered orally 1 h before every local OVA-challenge. OVA-specific serum IgE was measured by ELISA, recruitment of inflammatory cells in BAL fluids and lung tissues by Diff-Quik and H&E staining, respectively, the expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 by immunohistochemistry, goblet cell hyperplasia by PAS staining, activities of MMPs by gelatin zymography, expressions of mRNA and proteins of cytokines by RT-PCR and ELISA, activities of MAP kinases by western blot, and activity of NF-${\kappa}B$ by EMSA. DA-9601 reduced IgE level, recruitment of inflammatory cells into the BAL fluid and lung tissues, expressions of CD40, CD40L and VCAM-1 molecules, goblet cell hyperplasia, MMPs activity, expressions of mRNA and productions of various cytokines, activities of MAP kinases and NK-${\kappa}B$ increased from OVA-challenged mice. These data suggest that DA-9601 may be developed as a clinical therapeutic agent in allergic diseases due to suppressing the airway allergic inflammation via regulation of various cellular molecules expressed by MAP kinases/NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2019

Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is patchy or diffuse ischemic destruction of the renal cortex caused by significantly reduced renal arterial perfusion. It is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is associated with high mortality. Here, we review the case of RCN in a 15-year-old boy who developed AKI. A 15-year-old boy was referred to our hospital from a local hospital due to a sharp decrease in his renal function. He presented with acute flank pain, nausea with vomiting, and oliguria for the past two days. He had taken a single dose of antihistamine for nasal congestion. At our hospital, his peak blood pressure was 148/83 mmHg and he had a high body mass index of $32.9kg/m^2$. The laboratory data showed a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 28.4 mg/dL, a creatinine of 4.26 mg/dL, and a glomerular filtration rate estimated from the serum cystatin C of $20.2mL/min/1.73m^2$. Proteinuria (spot urine protein to creatinine ratio 1.66) with pyuria was observed. Kidney sonography showed parenchymal swelling and increased renal echogenicity. Due to rapidly progressing nephritis, steroid pulse therapy (750 mg/IV) was done on the second day of his admission and the patient showed complete recovery with normal renal function. However, the kidney biopsy findings revealed renal cortical hemorrhagic necrosis. Multifocal, relatively well-circumscribed, hemorrhagic necrotic areas (about 25%) were detected in the tubulointerstitium. Although RCN is an unusual cause of AKI, especially in children, pediatricians should consider the possibility of RCN when evaluating patients with rapidly decreasing renal function.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.124-129
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• 2021

In current times, obesity is a major health problem closely associated with metabolic disease such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. The direct cause of obesity is known as an abnormal increase in fat cell size and the adipocyte pool. Hyperplasia, the increase in number of adipocytes, results from adipogenesis in which preadipocytes differentiate into mature adipocytes. Adipogenesis is regulated by local and systemic cues that alter transduction pathways and subsequent control of adipogenic transcription factors. Therefore, the regulation of adipogenesis is an important target for preventing obesity. Myonectin, a member of the CTRP family, is a type of myokine released by skeletal muscle cells. Although several studies have shown that myonectin is associated with lipid metabolism, the role of myonectin during adipogenesis is not known. Here, we demonstrate the role of myonectin during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. We found that myonectin inhibits the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with a reduction in the expression of adipogenic transcription factors such as C/EBPα, β and PPARγ. Furthermore, we show that myonectin has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis through the regulation of the p38 MAPK pathway and CHOP. These findings suggest that myonectin may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of obesity.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.118-127
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• 1984

In order to find an appropriate model for rice crop-season, the possibility to utilize the geographical conditions instead of meteorological factors was examined on the data from the Local Adaptability Test(LAT) conducted over the country from 1962 to 1980. The mutiple regression model, $Y={\Upsilon}={\ss}{\sum}_{i=1}^n{\beta}^1X^iwas applied on seeding, transplanting, heading and marginal heading date, and multiple regression coefficients(\beta) and multiple correlation coefficients (R) were tested. Two varietal groups, japonica(1962-l971) and indica/japonica(l972-1980) were separately tested. The application of these established models, growth duration in nursery and paddy field, cultural season, and the relation between heading date and yield are reviewed.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.12-26
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• 1980

A new, improved maize varieties are greatly needed to meet the national demand for the maize, and a new germplasm should be investigated to supply necessary breeding materials for the required maize breeding. The Korean local maize lines, which has never been wholly studied for the purpose of breeding should be enough to supply such breeding materials at least in Korea. The objectives of this study were to maintain useful Korean local lines, to investigate good plant characters and to analyze the Korean local maize lines in the respect of genetic make-up. A total of 820 lines and 200 lines were used for the present study. Lines to maintain were planted at experimental farm of the Crop Experiment Station, Office of Rural Development, Suwon and the lines to study genetic make-up were planted in Dae-jon. The summarized results are as follows : 1. A total of 1200 lines from 820 collections were sibbed for future use. 2. Two hundred collection were sibbed, selfed and testcrossed for genetic study in 1980. 3. Ten lines were surely confirmed as resistant lines to virus disease epidemic in most introduced maize varieties. 4. A dozen Lines were having three to four ears per plant. 5. Five lines were showing three to four tillers per plant. 6. One of the most significant and important finding through the study was to obtain the lines with three to four tillers bearing all together eight to nine ears. The lines of multi-ears and multi-tillers must have great breeding potential for the future use. 7. A great variation was observed in the tasselling days, 100 kernel weight and protein content. 8. From the genetic study of local maize lines for plant height and 100 kernel weight, the following findings were obtained. a. On the average six percent of inbreeding depression expressed in percent decrease over sibbed counterpart were found for the plant height. b. Fourty percent of heterosis expressed in percent increase over sibbed counterpart were observed in the plant height. c. The homogeneity or degree of homozygosity calculated from heterosis minus inbreeding depression was on the average 34 percent for plant height. d. The average inbreeding depression expressed in percent decrease over sibbed counterpart was 15 percent for 100 kernel weight. e. The average heterosis expressed in percent increase over sibbed counterpart was 43 percent for 100 kernel weight. f. The degree of homozygosity calculated from the heterosis minus inbreeding depression was 28 percent for 100 kernel weight.