• Title/Summary/Keyword: Physiological Functions

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Surface Modification and Medical Formulation Technology Using Adhesion of Plant Tannic Acid (식물 유래 탄닌산의 접착능을 이용한 표면 개질 및 의료용 제형 기술 동향)

  • Park, Eunsook;Shin, Mikyung;Lee, Haeshin
    • Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.71-75
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    • 2019
  • Tannic acid is one of the most commonly found polyphenols in the vegetable field. Initially, research on tannins concentrated on physiological functions such as antioxidants. Recently, however, tannic acid has attracted much interest as a molecular glue as it has been found to interact virtually all bio-macromolecules such as proteins and DNA. The various properties of tannic acid are expected to control the wettability of the surface, contribute to energy storage and generation, and show potential as a medical agent. Here, tannic acid will be discussed about the interaction of with bio-macromolecules as a molecular glue, surface modification, and utilization of itself as biomaterials.

Toxicometallomics of Cadmium, Manganese and Arsenic with Special Reference to the Roles of Metal Transporters

  • Himeno, Seiichiro;Sumi, Daigo;Fujishiro, Hitomi
    • Toxicological Research
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.311-317
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    • 2019
  • The transport systems for metals play crucial roles in both the physiological functions of essential metals and the toxic effects of hazardous metals in mammals and plants. In mammalian cells, Zn transporters such as ZIP8 and ZIP14 have been found to function as the transporters for Mn(II) and Cd(II), contributing to the maintenance of Mn homeostasis and metallothionein-independent transports of Cd, respectively. In rice, the Mn transporter OsNramp5 expressed in the root is used for the uptake of Cd from the soil. Japan began to cultivate OsNramp5 mutant rice, which was found to accumulate little Cd, to prevent Cd accumulation. Inorganic trivalent arsenic (As(III)) is absorbed into mammalian cells via aquaglyceroporin, a water and glycerol channel. The ortholog of aquaporin in rice, OsLsi1, was found to be an Si transporter expressed in rice root, and is responsible for the absorption of soil As(III) into the root. Since rice is a hyperaccumulator of Si, higher amounts of As(III) are incorporated into rice compared to other plants. Thus, the transporters of essential metals are also utilized to incorporate toxic metals in both mammals and plants, and understanding the mechanisms of metal transports is important for the development of mitigation strategies against food contamination.

Interactions between Particulate Matter and Plants: Focusing on Current Research Status and Ecological Impacts (미세먼지와 식물의 상호작용: 국내외 연구동향 및 생태적 영향 고찰)

  • Son, Min-Jeong;Nam, Ki-Jung
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.53 no.4
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    • pp.436-444
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    • 2020
  • Airborne particulate matter (APM) is increasingly recognized that it has adverse impacts on environment and human public health. As plants can have a potential to reduce APM significantly by its deposition on leaves, considerable efforts has been made to use them as a biofilter. However, APM accumulation on plants can induce physiological and morphological alterations in plants. The present review aimed to synthesize the methods and results of the recent relevant research on interactions between plants and APM, especially from an ecological perspective, and briefly took into account the current status in Korea on this actively increasing research area.

The cover of an ear thermometer probe as a split-thickness skin graft mold in external auditory canal reconstruction

  • Chae Rim Lee;Sungyeon Yoon;Ji Hun Kim;Jangyoun Choi;Kyoung Ho Park;Deuk Young Oh
    • Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.198-201
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    • 2023
  • Maintaining the patency of the external auditory canal (EAC) during reconstruction is important because of its physiological role in hearing and immunological protective functions. The curved shape of the EAC presents a challenge when performing a skin graft. One of the key points for a successful skin graft is to ensure compression on the wound bed, and many novel methods, including prefabricated ear molds, have been reported for this purpose. In this study, we present a case of a skin graft performed to reconstruct a skin defect following excision of actinic keratosis in the EAC, using the cover of an ear thermometer probe as a mold for the graft to match the curvature of the EAC. This is an economical and practical method for secure compression dressing of a skin graft in the EAC.

Role of Hypothalamic Reactive Astrocytes in Diet-Induced Obesity

  • Sa, Moonsun;Park, Mingu Gordon;Lee, C. Justin
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.65-75
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    • 2022
  • Hypothalamus is a brain region that controls food intake and energy expenditure while sensing signals that convey information about energy status. Within the hypothalamus, molecularly and functionally distinct neurons work in concert under physiological conditions. However, under pathological conditions such as in diet-induced obesity (DIO) model, these neurons show dysfunctional firing patterns and distorted regulation by neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Concurrently, resident glial cells including astrocytes dramatically transform into reactive states. In particular, it has been reported that reactive astrogliosis is observed in the hypothalamus, along with various neuroinflammatory signals. However, how the reactive astrocytes control and modulate DIO by influencing neighboring neurons is not well understood. Recently, new lines of evidence have emerged indicating that these reactive astrocytes directly contribute to the pathology of obesity by synthesizing and tonically releasing the major inhibitory transmitter GABA. The released GABA strongly inhibits the neighboring neurons that control energy expenditure. These surprising findings shed light on the interplay between reactive astrocytes and neighboring neurons in the hypothalamus. This review summarizes recent discoveries related to the functions of hypothalamic reactive astrocytes in obesity and raises new potential therapeutic targets against obesity.

Molecular Identification and Fine Mapping of a Major Quantitative Trait Locus, OsGPq3 for Seed Low-Temperature Germinability in Rice

  • Nari Kim;Rahmatullah Jan;Jae-Ryoung Park;Saleem Asif;Kyung-Min Kim
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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    • 2022.10a
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    • pp.283-283
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    • 2022
  • Abiotic stresses such as high/low temperature, drought, salinity, and submergence directly or indirectly influence the physiological status and molecular mechanisms of rice which badly affect yield. Especially, the low temperature causes harmful influences in the overall process of rice growth such as uneven germination and the establishment of seedlings, which has become one of the main limiting factors affecting rice production in the world. It is of great significance to find the candidate genes controlling low-temperature tolerance during seed germination and study their functions for breeding new rice cultivars with immense low-temperature tolerance during seed germination. In this study, 120 lines of Cheongcheong/Nagdong double haploid population were used for quantitative trait locus analysis of low-temperature germinability. The results showed significant difference in germination under low different temperature conditions. In total, 4 QTLs were detected on chromosome 3, 6, and 8. A total of 41 genes were identified from all the 4 QTLs, among them, 25 genes were selected by gene function annotation and further screened through quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Based on gene function annotation and level of expression under low-temperature, our study suggested OsGPq3 gene as a candidate gene controlling viviparous germination, ABA and GA signaling under low-temperature. This study will provide a theoretical basis for marker-assisted breeding.

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The role of rumen microbiota in enteric methane mitigation for sustainable ruminant production

  • Takumi Shinkai;Shuhei Takizawa;Miho Fujimori;Makoto Mitsumori
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.37 no.2_spc
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    • pp.360-369
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    • 2024
  • Ruminal methane production functions as the main sink for metabolic hydrogen generated through rumen fermentation and is recognized as a considerable source of greenhouse gas emissions. Methane production is a complex trait affected by dry matter intake, feed composition, rumen microbiota and their fermentation, lactation stage, host genetics, and environmental factors. Various mitigation approaches have been proposed. Because individual ruminants exhibit different methane conversion efficiencies, the microbial characteristics of low-methane-emitting animals can be essential for successful rumen manipulation and environment-friendly methane mitigation. Several bacterial species, including Sharpea, uncharacterized Succinivibrionaceae, and certain Prevotella phylotypes have been listed as key players in low-methane-emitting sheep and cows. The functional characteristics of the unclassified bacteria remain unclear, as they are yet to be cultured. Here, we review ruminal methane production and mitigation strategies, focusing on rumen fermentation and the functional role of rumen microbiota, and describe the phylogenetic and physiological characteristics of a novel Prevotella species recently isolated from low methane-emitting and high propionate-producing cows. This review may help to provide a better understanding of the ruminal digestion process and rumen function to identify holistic and environmentally friendly methane mitigation approaches for sustainable ruminant production.

Pharmacological actions of morusinol on modulation of platelet functions via integrin αIIb/β3 signaling

  • Hyuk-Woo Kwon
    • Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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    • v.66
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    • pp.171-178
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    • 2023
  • Morus alba, a popular medicinal plant belonging to the family Moraceae, has long been used commonly in traditional medicine and has various physiological activities, including antidiabetic, anti-microbial, diuretic, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer activities. Morusinol was isolated from the root bark of M. alba; however, its biological effects have not yet been reported. Therefore, we examined the inhibitory effects of morusinol on human platelet aggregation, Ca2+ mobilization, and αIIb/β3 activity. Our data showed that collagen-induced human platelet aggregation was inhibited by morusinol without cytotoxicity. In this study, we examined whether morusinol inhibits platelet aggregation through the regulation of integrin αIIb/β3 and its associated signaling molecules. We observed that morusinol inhibited αIIb/β3 activation by regulating vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, Akt (protein kinase B), and glycogen synthase kinase-3α/β. These results show that morusinol inhibited fibronectin adhesion, fibrinogen binding, and clot retraction. Taken together, morusinol shows strong antiplatelet and anti-clot retraction effects and is a potential therapeutic drug candidate to prevent platelet-related thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.

Changes of Body Fat Contents, Cardiopulmonary Functions and Some Blood Constituents by Long-Term Physical Training (장기간의 신체 단련에 따른 체지방, 심폐기능 및 혈액화학상의 변화)

  • Hwang, Sang-Ik
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.279-288
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    • 1986
  • In an attempt to observe the to long-term training effects, the exercise of rope-skipping was regularly loaded to nine soldiers for nine weeks. And some physical characteristics, cardiopulinonary functions. some blood constituents were measured before, during and after the load of test exercise. treadmill running, and were compared with the pre-trained values. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Body weight, body surface area, skinfold thickness and total body fat decreased sifnificantly after the training. 2) The post-trained values of MVV and $FEF_{25%}$, increased significantly. 3) By the training, heart rates decreased very significantly in the resting, exercising and recovery periods. 4) After the training, the systolic blood pressures of the resting and recovery periods decreased meaningfully, while diastolic blood pressures increased significantly through the recovery stages. 5) In spite of the training, the respiration rates never change in both the resting and the recovery periods. 6) After the training, total cholesterol concentration of the venous blood decreased significantly in the resting the early recovery phases while the blood levels of glucose and HDL-cholesterol decreased very slightly. 7) Blood lactate concentration decreased through the recovery periods and the value of the recovery 20 and 60 minutes decreased obviously, in comparison with the pre-trained values. The above results suggest that the 9 week-training of the rope-skipping brings about the decrease of the body fat contents, the enhancement of cardiopulmonary functions and some changes in the blood constituents.

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An Application Effect of Rhythmic Movement Program for the Health Promotion in the Elderly (노인의 건강증진을 위한 율동적 운동프로그램의 적용효과)

  • 이숙자
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.776-790
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    • 2000
  • Every year the number of the elderly increases in Korea thanks to the improvemen of social and economical levels and the development of medicine. However, many problems such as insufficent care and the isolation of the elderly have been commonplace. This trend exists not only because of increased lifespan but also the changing social structure of the nuclear family. Accordingly, inspite of the development of medicine, geriatric diseases including circulatory diseases are increasing in proportion of elderly population, as well as the severity. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that health care programs provide the best possible health care and functional capacities in terms of healthy elderly lifestyles. Especially, the phenomena of aging and geriatric diseases taking place with the elderly naturally are affected by lifestyle and the drastic changes in exercise patterns. This study aims to improve geriatric health by introducing a rhythmic movement program for the elderly to estabilish a health-promoting self-care system and by developing quality of life, perceived health status, their physical and physiological functions and emotional state. The theoretical framework used in this dissertation is derived from the Health-Promoting Self-Care System Model (Simmons, 1990), which integrates the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (Orem, 1985), the interaction model of Client Health Behavior (Cox, 1982) and the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1987). As a quasi-experimental design, the nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design is utilized for this study. The subjects of this study consist of 64 people, over 65 years old who live in 2 nursing homes for the aged located in S city , Kyong-gi province and volunteered for this study from July, 12, 1999 to September, 17, 1999. They are divided into two groups:33 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. The experimental group particpated in the Rhythmic Movement Program at the nursing home, which was comprised of 45 minutes a session, 5 sessions a week during 9 weeks. In order to measure the results of the Rhythmic Movement Program, aspects of perceived health status, balance, flexibility, grip strength, leg strength, heart rate, blood pressure, depression, anxiety and the quality of life were measured before and after participating in the Rhythimic Movement Program for the experimental group after 9 weeks, as well as the control group. The collected data were processed by SPSS PC+ and analyzed by the X2 test, t-test, ANCOVA and the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study are as follows: 1. The perceived health status conditions in the experimental group show statistically significant improvement when compared to the control group (F=17.51, p=.000). 2. The physical and physiological functions, that is, balance (F=17.51, p=.000), flexibility (F=8.01, p=.006), grip strength (F=3.21, p=.018) and leg strength (F=25.78, p=.000) in the experimental group are higher than the control group. The vital signs, that is, the number of heart rate (F=.022, p=.884), systolic pressure (F=1.73 p=.193), and diastolic pressure (F=2.74, p=.103) in the experimental group compared to the control group decreased, but doesn't show statistically significant differences. Immune responses (F=5.13, p=.003) showed statistically significant increases in the experimental group when compared to the control group. 3. The emotional state are improved, that is, degree of depression (F=11.56, p=.001) and degree of anxiety (F=9.14, p=.004) in the experimental group showed statistically significant decreases. 4. The quality of life in the experimental group (F=3.03, p=.037) showed statistically significant differences compared to the control group. 5. The observations of the relationships among the perceived health status, emotional state , the quality of life, the relationships between the perceived health status, the degree of depression (r=-.653, p=.000) and the degree of anxiety (r=-.786, p=.000) were in contrary propotions, while the relationships between the perceived health status and the quality of life (r=.234, p=.008) were in direct propotion. In conclusion, the Rhythmic Movement Program used in this study for geriatric nursing care is simple and safe for application to the elderly and shows significant effects by implementing 5 sessions a week for 9 weeks. The Rhythmic Movement Program improves the quality of life, maintains as well as improves the physical and physiological fuctions and emotional state, therefore this program is strongly recommended for positive applications for independant geriatric nursing health care.

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