• Development and Reproduction
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.441-448
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• 2017

Bisphenol-A(BPA) is a member of alkylphenol family, and shows adverse effects including reduced fertility, reproductive tract abnormalities, metabolic disorder, cancer induction, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. In the present study, we conducted Hershberger assay to evaluate whether the two candidates to replace BPA have androgenic or antiandrogenic activity. The assay was carried out using immature castrated Sprague-Dawley male rats. After 7 days of the surgery, testosterone propionate (TP, 0.4 mg/kg/day) and test materials (low dose, 40 mg/kg/day; high dose, 400 mg/kg/day) were administered for 10 consecutive days by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and oral gavage, respectively. Test materials were BPA, isosorbide (ISO) and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The rats were necropsied, and then the weights of five androgen-dependent tissues [ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, levator ani-bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle, paired Cowper's glands, and glans penis] and three androgen-insensitive tissues (kidney, spleen and liver) were measured. All test materials including BPA did not exhibit any androgenic activity in the assay. On the contrary, antiandrogen-like activities were found in all test groups, and the order of the intensity was CHDM > BPA > ISO in the five androgen-sensitive tissues. There was no statistical difference between low dose treatment and high dose treatment of BPA group as well as ISO group. In CHDM group, high dose treatment exhibited most severe weight reduction in all measured tissues. There was no statistical difference in androgen-insensitive tissue measurements, except BPA groups. Since the effects of ISO treatment on the accessory sex organs were much less or not present at all when compared to those of BPA, ISO could be a strong candidate to replace BPA. CHDM treatment brought most severe weight reduction in all of androgen-sensitive tissues, so this material should be excluded for further screening of BPA substitute selection.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.163-169
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• 2018

Objective: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin with potent estrogenic effects. Saffron is an herbal product that has antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of saffron against reproductive toxicity induced by ZEA in female mice. Methods: Ninety 8-week-old female mice were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. The first group received an intraperitoneal injection of ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days. The second group received ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days plus oral saffron daily (50 mg/kg). The third group was treated with a vehicle of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on alternate days, as a control. Ten mice were euthanized from each group at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol ($E_2$), and progesterone (P) were assessed. The uterus and ovaries were examined for changes in size or morphology. Results: Serum levels of LH, FSH, $E_2$, and P in the female mice treated with ZEA plus saffron were significantly higher than in those treated with ZEA alone, and were not significantly different from those treated with 1% DMSO. The female mice treated with ZEA alone showed a reduction in size of the uterus and abnormal architecture of the ovaries. Conclusion: The administration of saffron to female mice resulted in a significant reduction in ZEA-induced alterations in reproductive hormone levels, the size of the uterus, and the morphology of the ovaries.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.39-48
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• 2009

Objectives : To clarify the possible effect of JS (Juglans sinensis), PCF (Psoralea corylifolia L.), and J+P(JS+PCF), we examined their influence on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in the asthmatic murine model. Methods : All mice were immunized on two different days (21 days and 7 days before inhalational exposure) by intraperitonial injections of 0.2 ml alum-precipitated Ag containing 100 ${\mu}$g of OVA bound to 4 mg of aluminum hydroxide in PBS. Seven days after the second sensitization, mice were exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin for 30 minutes/day on 3 days/week for 8 weeks (at a flow rate of 250 L/min, 2.5% ovalbumin in normal saline) and, JS, PCF and J+P (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) were orally administered 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Results : The suppressive effects of JS, PCF, and J+P were demonstrated by the accumulation of eosinophils into airways, with the reduction of eosinophils and lung leukocytes. These were correlated with the marked reduction of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels in the BALF and serum. OVA-specific IgE levels were also decreased in serum and BAL from these mice. And also JS, PCF, and J+P decreased eosinophilic CCR3 and CD11b expression in lung tissue. Conclusions : These results indicate that JS, PCF, and J+P have deep inhibitory effects on airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in the asthmatic murine model. The suppression of IL-5, IgE, and eosinophilils and the increase of IFN-${\gamma}$ production in BALF seem to contribute to these effects. Specially, esosinophils and TNF-a in J+P combination group were significantly reduced in BALF and lung tissue. Hence, the results indicated that JS, PCF, and J+P could act as an immuno-modulator which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic property by modulating the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.254-260
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• 2024

This study is to manufacture a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalyst by recycling sludge generated using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) as a coagulant. Compared to general sewage, a TiCl₄ coagulant was applied to dyeing wastewater containing a large amount of non-degradable organic compounds to evaluate its performance. Then the generated sludge was dried and fired to prepare a photocatalyst (TFS). Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen oxide reduction experiments were conducted to analyze the surface properties and evaluate the photoactive ability of the prepared TFS. After using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) as a coagulant in the dyeing wastewater, the water quality characteristics were measured at 84 mg/L of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 10 mg/L of T-N, and 0.9 mg/L of T-P to satisfy the discharge water quality standards. The surface properties of the TFS were investigated and the anatase crystal structure was observed. It was confirmed that the ratio of Ti and O, the main components of TiO₂, accounted for more than 90 %. As a result of the nitric oxide (NO) reduction experiment, 1.56 uMol of NO was reduced to confirm a removal rate of 20.60 %. This is judged to be a photocatalytic performance similar to that of the existing P-25. Therefore, by applying TiCl₄ to the dyeing wastewater, it is possible to solve the problems of the existing coagulant and to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated, using an eco-friendly sludge treatment method. In addition, it is believed that environmental and economic advantages can be obtained by manufacturing TiO₂ at an eco-friendly and lower cost than before.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.303-312
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• 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory pruritic skin disease worldwide, characterized by the infiltration of multiple pathogenic T lymphocytes and histological symptoms such as epidermal and dermal thickening. This study aims to investigate the effect of vinpocetine (Vinp; a phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitor) on a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like model. DNCB (1%) was administered on day 1 in the AD model. Subsequently, from day 14 onward, mice in each group (Vinp-treated groups: 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg and dexamethasone-treated group: 2 mg/kg) were administered 100 µl of a specific drug daily, whereas 0.2% DNCB was administered every other day for 30 min over 14 days. The Vinp-treated groups showed improved Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and trans-epidermal water loss, indicating the efficacy of Vinp in improving AD and enhancing skin barrier function. Histological analysis further confirmed the reduction in hyperplasia of the epidermis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including macrophages, eosinophils, and mast cells, with Vinp treatment. Moreover, Vinp reduced serum concentrations of IgE, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were reduced by Vinp treatment. Reduction of TGF-β protein by Vinp in skin tissue was also observed. Collectively, our results underscore the effectiveness of Vinp in mitigating DNCB-induced AD by modulating the expression of various biomarkers. Consequently, Vinp is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating AD.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.669-678
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• 2009

The reduction of excess activated sludge from petrochemical plant was investigated by the electro fenton (E-Fenton) process using electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals which lead to mineralization of activated sludge to $CO_2$, water and inorganic ions. Factors affecting the disintegration efficiency of excess activated sludge in E-Fenton process were examined in terms of five criteria: pH, $H_2O_2/Fe^{2+}$ molar ratio, current density, initial MLSS (mixed liquid suspended solids) concentration, $H_2O_2$ feeding mode. TSS total suspended solid and $TCOD_{cr}$ reduction rate increased with the increasing $H_2O_2/Fe^{2+}$ molar ratio and current density until 42 and $6.7 mA/cm^2$, respectively but further increase of $H_2O_2/Fe^{2+}$ molar ratio and current density would reduce the reduction rate. On the other hand, as expected, increasing pH and initial MLSS concentration of activated sludge decreas TSS and $TCOD_{cr}$ reduction rate. The E-Fenton process was gradually increased during first 30 minutes and then linearly proceed till 120 minutes. The optimal E-Fenton condition showed TSS reduction rate of 62~63% and $TCOD_{cr}$ (total chemical oxygen demand) reduction rate of 55~56%. Molar ratio $H_2O_2/Fe^{2+} = 42$ was determined as optimal E-Fenton condition with initial $Fe^{2+}$ dose of 5.4 mM and current density of $6.7{\sim}13.3 mA/cm^2$, initial MLSS of 7,600 mg/L and pH 2 were chosen as the most efficient E-Fenton condition.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.9-21
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• 2011

This study is conducted to know the change in water environment of Lake Hwajinpo from 2000 to 2008 with physico-chemical parameters; salinity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus and total nitrogen and others. And zooplanktons and phytoplanktons were studied from 2007 to 2008. From the water quality data of Lake Hwajinpo from 2000 to 200S; water temperature, salinity, transparency, chemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen ranges are $2.8{\sim}29.4^{\circ}C$, 0.23~33.2‰, $0.2{\sim}1.8\;m$, $0.2{\sim}20.2\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $0.1{\sim}17.4\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and the average values are $18.0^{\circ}C$, 15.7‰, 0.7 m, $5.7\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $8.0\;mg\;L^{-1}$, respectively. Total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) ranges are $0.024{\sim}0.869\;mg\;L^{-1}$ (average 0.091) and $0.240{\sim}5.310\;mg\;L^{-1}$ (average 1.235). Average TN/TP ratio is 16.4. The annual variations in COD, TP, TN and Chl.${\alpha}$ are compared. COD in 2000 is $4.83\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and 2008 is $1.80\;mg\;L^{-1}$ which is reduced by $0.34\;mg\;L^{-1}$ every year. TP in 2000 is $0.07\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and 2008 is $0.05\;mg\;L^{-1}$ reduced gradually. Yearly reduction in TN is $0.09\;mg\;L^{-1}$, in 2000 and 2008 the values are $1.54\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $0.77\;mg\;L^{-1}$ respectivly. Chl.${\alpha}$ in 2000 is $46.30\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ and $5.78\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ in 2008; yearly reduction is $4.50\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$. The tropic state index (TSI) in south and north parts of Lake Hwajinpo in 2000 are 67 and 63 which are reduced to 63 and 59 in 2008 respectively. North and south part of Lake Hwajinpo have 67 species of phytoplankton under 47 families in 2007 and 2008. Dominant species in south part in 2007 are; Asterococcus superbus in May, Lyngbya sp. in September and Trachelomonas spp. in November and in 2008 Anabaena spiroides in August are abundant and varies with time. Zooplankton species in Lake Hwajinpo are 25 of 25 families. Dominant species in south part in May and August 2007 and May and November in 2008 Copepoda larvae and in September 2007 Protozoa spp. of Protozoan and Brachionus plicatilis and Brachionus urceolaris of Cladocera in August 2008. Dominant species in north part Asplanchna sp. of Cladecera in August and November 2007 and rest of the time are larvae of Copepoda. In this way, the water quality of Lake Hwajinpo is changing with slow rate in the long period specially nutrients concentration (TP, TN etc) is decreasing.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.235-242
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• 2018

High temperature electrical conductivity of Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ceramics sintered with $Y_2O_3$ as a sintering aid has been investigated with respect to various sintering conditions and MgO-dopant. When magnesium oxide is added as a dopant, liquid glass-film and crystalline phases such as spinel, perovskite are formed as second phases, which affects their electrical properties. According to high temperature impedance analysis, MgO doping leads to reduction of activation energy and electrical resistivity due to AlN grains. On the other hand, the activation energy and electrical resistivity due to grain boundary were increased by MgO doping. This is a result of the formation of liquid glass film in the grain boundary, which contains Mg ions, or the elevation of schottky barrier due to the precipitation of Mg in the grain boundary. For the annealed sample of MgO doped AlN, the electrical resistivity and activation energy were increased further compared to MgO doped AlN, which results from diffusion of Mg in the grains from grain boundary as shown in the microstructure.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.12 no.11
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• pp.840-844
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• 2002

A spherical $BaMgAl_{10}$ $O_{17}$ :Eu phosphor has been synthesized by a multi-step precipitation route. In order to successfully synthesize the phosphor with spherical shape, the hydrated-alumina particles should be controlled for spherical shape. In this process, the hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was used as a dispersing reagent. This reagent plays an important role in that the particles were controlled to have the uniform size of sub-micron. The final product prepared by the multi-step precipitation method maintained spherical shape with uniform size of 0.4$\mu\textrm{m}$. It can be seen in X-ray diffraction patterns, formation of the single phase of $BaMgAl_{10}$ $O_{17}$ :Eu phosphor prepared by the multi-step precipitation method at $1350^{\circ}C$. Also, the emission spectra of spherical $BaMgAl_{O}$ $10_{17}$ :Eu phosphor in the present case was compared with those of commercially-available blue phosphor under VUV (Vacuum Ultra Violet) excitation. The luminescence process of the $BaMgAl_{10}$ $O_{17}$ :Eu phosphor is characterized by the $4f^{6}$$5d^1$longrightarrow4f$^{7}$ transition (blue) of the $Eu^{2+}$ ion acting as an activating center and the maximum luminescence intensity was obtained by reduction treatment at 145$0^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 1990

Nutritional ceroidosis accompanied with histopathological changes such as myopathy and visceral ceroidosis, was experimentally induced by feeding the oxidized feed with the peroxide value of 98meq/kg, to common carp resulting in some motalities of carp. To see the effect of treacetment survivors of the above fish were orally administered by feeding diets containing daily doses of 3mg and 6mg of glutathione per kg fish for 10 days or 20 days. While control and 3mg dosage group retained viscerral ceroidosis and showed evidence myopathy histo pathologically, the fish treated with 6mg of glutathione for 20days showed obvious reduction of macrophages of ceroid in the viscera.