• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.628-647
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• 2018

Purpose: Obesity is associated with metabolic dysregulation, but the underlying metabolic signatures involving clinical and inflammatory profiles of obese asthma are largely unexplored. We aimed at identifying the metabolic signatures of obese asthma. Methods: Eligible subjects with obese (n = 11) and lean (n = 22) asthma underwent body composition and clinical assessment, sputum induction, and blood sampling. Sputum supernatant was assessed for interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, -4, -5, -6, -13, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, and serum was detected for leptin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein. Untargeted gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS)-based metabolic profiles in sputum, serum and peripheral blood monocular cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and pathway topology enrichment analysis. The differential metabolites were further validated by correlation analysis with body composition, and clinical and inflammatory profiles. Results: Body composition, asthma control, and the levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, -4, -13, leptin and adiponectin in obese asthmatics were significantly different from those in lean asthmatics. OPLS-DA analysis revealed 28 differential metabolites that distinguished obese from lean asthmatic subjects. The validation analysis identified 18 potential metabolic signatures (11 in sputum, 4 in serum and 2 in PBMCs) of obese asthmatics. Pathway topology enrichment analysis revealed that cyanoamino acid metabolism, caffeine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway in sputum, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway in serum are suggested to be significant pathways related to obese asthma. Conclusions: GC-TOF-MS-based metabolomics indicates obese asthma is characterized by a metabolic profile different from lean asthma. The potential metabolic signatures indicated novel immune-metabolic mechanisms in obese asthma with providing more phenotypic and therapeutic implications, which needs further replication and validation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권12호
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• pp.1801-1808
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• 2019

Objective: As an iconic symbol of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and of high altitude, yak are subjected to hypoxic conditions that challenge aerobic metabolism. Matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) is assumed to be a key target gene of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ that function as a master regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to identify the DNA polymorphism of MMP3 gene in domestic yak and to explore its possible association with high-altitude adaptation. Methods: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping and mutations scanning at the MMP3 locus were conducted in total of 344 individuals from four domestic Chinese yak breeds resident at different altitudes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, using high-resolution melting analysis and DNA sequencing techniques. Results: The novel of SNPs rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ and rs4331 $C{\rightarrow}G$ were identified in intron V and intron VII of MMP3, respectively. Frequencies of the GG genotype and the G allele of SNP rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ observed in high-altitude Pali yak were significantly higher than that of the other yak breeds resident at middle or low altitude (p<0.01). No significant difference was mapped for SNP rs4331 $C{\rightarrow}G$ in the yak population (p>0.05). Haplotype GC was the dominant among the 4 yak breeds, and Pearson correlation analysis showed that the frequencies of GC was significantly lower in Ganan (GN), Datong (DT), and Tianzhu white yaks (TZ) compared with Pali (PL) yak. The two SNPs were in moderate linkage disequilibrium in high-altitude yaks (PL) but not in middle-altitude (GN, DT) and low-altitude (TZ) yaks. Conclusion: These results indicate that MMP3 may have been subjected to positive selection in yak, especially that the SNP rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ mutation and GC haplotypes might contribute to adaptation for yak in high-altitude environments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권12호
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• pp.1854-1863
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• 2019

Objective: To effectively use corn stover resources as animal feed, we explored the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of corn stover during field exposure and the fermentation characteristics of silage prepared with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase. Methods: Corn ears including the cobs and shucks were harvested at the ripe stage. The corn stover was exposed in the field under natural weather conditions. Silages were prepared after 0, 2, 4, 7, 15, 30, and 60 d of exposure. Corn stover was chopped into approximately 1 to 2 cm lengths and then packed into 5 liter plastic silos. The ensiling density was $550.1{\pm}20.0g/L$ of fresh matter, and the silos were kept at room temperature ($10^{\circ}C$ to $25^{\circ}C$). Silage treatments were designed as follows: without additives (control), with LAB, with cellulase, and with LAB+ cellulase. After 45 d of fermentation, the silos were opened for chemical composition, fermentation quality and in vitro digestion analyses. Results: After harvest, corn stover contained 78.19% moisture, 9.01% crude protein (CP) and 64.54% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on a dry matter (DM) basis. During field exposure, the DM, NDF, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of corn stover increased, whereas the CP and water-soluble carbohydrate contents and in vitro digestibility of the DM and CP decreased (p<0.05). Compared to the control silage, cellulase-treated silage had lower (p<0.05) NDF and ADF contents. The pH values were lower in silage treated with LAB, cellulase, or LAB+cellulase, and lactic acid contents were higher (p<0.05) than those of the control. Silage treated with cellulase or LAB+cellulase improved (p<0.05) the in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) compared to that of the control or LAB-treated silage. Conclusion: Corn stover silage should be prepared using fresh materials since stover nutrients are lost during field exposure, and LAB and cellulase can improve silage fermentation and IVDMD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.527-538
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 was shown to exert ligand-independent activation of estrogen receptor (ER) via mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathway. Our study aimed to delineate the mechanisms by which Rg1 activates the rapid ER signaling pathways. Methods: ER-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and ER-negative human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells were treated with Rg1 ($10^{-12}M$, $10^{-8}M$), $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($10^{-8}M$), or vehicle. Immunoprecipitation was conducted to investigate the interactions between signaling protein and ER in MCF-7 cells. To determine the roles of these signaling proteins in the actions of Rg1, small interfering RNA or their inhibitors were applied. Results: Rg1 rapidly induced $ER{\alpha}$ translocation to plasma membrane via caveolin-1 and the formation of signaling complex involving linker protein (Shc), insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, modulator of nongenomic activity of ER (MNAR), $ER{\alpha}$, and cellular nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (c-Src) in MCF-7 cells. The induction of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 was suppressed by cotreatment with small interfering RNA against these signaling proteins. The stimulatory effects of Rg1 on MEK phosphorylation in these cells were suppressed by both PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor) and AG1478 [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor]. In addition, Rg1-induced estrogenic activities, EGFR and MEK phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells were abolished by cotreatment with G15 (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 antagonist). The increase in intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, but not Ca mobilization, in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 could be abolished by G15. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg1 exerted estrogenic actions by rapidly inducing the formation of ER containing signalosome in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, Rg1 could activate EGFR and c-Src ER-independently and exert estrogenic effects via rapid activation of membrane-associated ER and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor.

• 헤리티지:역사와 과학
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.62-70
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• 2009

2008년 1월 11일부터 12일까지 전국 독수리 주요 도래지 및 관찰기록이 있었던 17개 지역을 선정하여 조사하였다. 본 조사에서 관찰된 독수리 월동 개체수는 총 1,912개체로 과거 독수리월동조사와 비교 시 가장 많은 개체수를 기록했다. 독수리는 경기도와 강원도 지역인 중부지방에 1,500개체(78.45%), 경북, 경남, 전남, 제주 등의 남부지방에 412개체(21.55%)가 월동하는 것으로 나타났다. 지역별 독수리의 월동 개체군은 장단반도 777개체, 철원 지역 488개체, 산청군 193개체 등 3개 지역을 중심으로 분포하고 있다. 과거조사와 비교하면 2006년 이후 20~30% 정도가 남부지방으로 분산되고 있다. 이는 먹이주기 행사를 중단한 이후 독수리개체군이 다소 남부지방으로 분산된 것으로 보이나 여전히 특정 지역에 집중되는 결과를 보인다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권9호
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• pp.1231-1240
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• 2021

Members of the genus Bacillus are known to play an important role in promoting plant growth and protecting plants against phytopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, 21 isolates of Bacillus spp. were obtained from the root micro-ecosystem of Suaeda glauca. Analysis of the 16S rRNA genes indicated that the isolates belong to the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus aryabhattai and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans. One of the interesting findings of this study is that the four strains B1, B5, B16 and B21 are dominant in rhizosphere soil. Based on gyrA, gyrB, and rpoB gene analyses, B1, B5, and B21 were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens and B16 was identified as B. velezensis. Estimation of antifungal activity showed that the isolate B1 had a significant inhibitory effect on Fusarium verticillioides, B5 and B16 on Colletotrichum capsici (syd.) Butl, and B21 on Rhizoctonia cerealis van der Hoeven. The four strains grew well in medium with 1-10% NaCl, a pH value of 5-8, and promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results indicate that these strains may be promising agents for the biocontrol and promotion of plant growth and further study of the relevant bacteria will provide a useful reference for the development of microbial resources.

• 국제지역연구
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.21-44
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• 2017

2007년 이후 중국경제는 고속성장에서 중 고속성장으로 변화되면서 "신창타이"시대에 진입함과 더불어 경제 사회적으로 큰 변화를 나타내고 있으며 새로운 패러다임 하에 취업문제가 큰 관심을 받게 되었다. 따라서 국가경제의 발전과 조절에서 중요한 역할을 하고 있는 재정지출이 취업에 대하여 어떤 영향을 미치고, 지역별로 어떤 차이를 보이며, 그 영향이 어떻게 변화되는지를 파악하는 것이 본 연구의 목적이며, 31개 성 시 패널자료를 이용하였다. 신창타이기간(2008-2015년)과 전체기간(1998-2015년)으로 구분하여 분석한 결과, 신창타이기간에서 재정지출이 도시취업률에 미치는 영향이 총취업률보다 더 크고, 고소득지역에 미치는 영향이 저소득지역보다 더 크게 나타났다. 의료위생 과학기술지출은 총취업률에 긍정적 영향을 주고, 사회보장 및 취업 교육지출은 도시취업률에 긍정적 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 전체기간에서는 재정지출이 취업에 미치는 영향패턴이 신창타이기간 분석과 비슷하게 나타났지만 탄력성측면에서 큰 차이를 보였다. 따라서 "신창타이"시대에 진입하면서 재정지출이 취업에 미치는 효과는 긍정적인 것으로 나타났다. 사회보장 및 취업 교육 의료위생 과학기술부문 지출을 확대하고 경제건설, 일반행정과 같은 지출의 감소 등 재정지출 구조를 변화시켜야 "신창타이"시대에 있어서 재정지출의 취업에 대한 효율성을 증가시킬 수 있을 것이다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제58권5호
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• pp.487-492
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• 2020

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8-29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2-45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3-23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1-7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권7호
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• pp.1193-1201
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• 2021

Objective: According to market demand, meat duck breeding mainly includes 2 breeding directions: lean Pekin duck (LPD) and fat Pekin duck (FPD). The aim of the present study was to compare carcass and meat quality traits between 2 strains, and to provide basic data for guidelines of processing and meat quality improvement. Methods: A total of 62 female Pekin ducks (32 LPDs and 30 FPDs) were slaughtered at the age of 42 days. The live body weight and carcass traits were measured and calculated. Physical properties of breast muscle were determined by texture analyzer and muscle fibers were measured by paraffin sections. The content of inosine monophosphate (IMP), intramuscular fat (IMF) and fatty acids composition were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, Soxhlet extraction method and automated gas chromatography respectively. Results: The results showed that the bodyweight of LPDs was higher than that of FPDs. FPDs were significantly higher than LPDs in subcutaneous fat thickness, subcutaneous fat weight, subcutaneous fat percentage, abdominal fat percentage and abdominal fat shear force (p<0.01). LPDs were significantly higher than FPDs in breast muscle thickness, breast muscle weight, breast muscle rate and breast muscle shear force (p<0.01). The muscle fiber average area and fiber diameter of LPDs were significantly higher than those of FPDs (p<0.01). The muscle fiber density of LPDs was significantly lower than that of FPDs (p<0.01). The IMF of LPDs in the breast muscle was significantly higher than that in the FPDs (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the 2 strains in IMP content (p>0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of LPDs was significantly higher than that of FPDs (p<0.01), and FPDs had higher saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Long-term breeding work resulted in vast differences between the two strains Pekin ducks. This study provides a reference for differences between LPD and FPD that manifest as a result of long-term selection.

• 한국융합학회논문지
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.65-74
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• 2021

2020년부터 중국 광시 지방정부는 차 산업과 레저 문화 관광, 과학 보급 교육, 양생 양로 등 산업의 심층융합에 주목하고 있다. 또한 차 산업이 빠르게 발전하고 있어 3차 산업 생산 목표치를 250억 위안으로 계획하였다. 본 연구는 세대별 소비자에 대한 설문조사, 현지조사, 전문가 인터뷰 등을 통하여 차에 대한 니즈와 선택의 차이에 대해 분석하여 광시 차 산업 서비스 모델의 변화 패턴을 연구하였다. 연구 결과에 따르면, 소비자는 세대별로 생활방식, 쇼핑 습관, 서비스 디자인, 사용자 경험, 사회적 니즈, 개인적 니즈에서 뚜렷한 차이가 있다. 이에 차 제품에 대한 니즈와 행동 패턴을 분석하고 광시 차 산업 서비스 모델의 패턴 변화에 근거해보면, 세대별 소비자의 차 선택의 차이가 차 제품의 수요, 행동 패턴에 유의미한 차이와 패턴 변화를 발견할 수 있다. 끝으로 차 산업의 발전을 위한 서비스 디자인, 사용자 경험 모델 개발의 필요성을 주목하고 있다.