• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제21권4호
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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.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.43-50
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• 2018

In a previous study, the feasibility of four materials (bentonite, steelmaking slag, lime and organic compost) to induce soil aggregate formation was assessed and the mixtures of organic compost and lime were chosen as most effective amendments in terms of cost benefit. This work is a subsequent study to evaluate the effectiveness of those amendments in reducing soil loss in $15^{\circ}$ sloped agricultural area by using rainfall simulation test. Three different soils were treated with two conditions of organic compost/lime mixtures (2% + 2%, 3% + 1%, w/w). In the amended soils, soil fertility was increased due to the increase of CEC, T-N, and T-P. During the rainfall simulation, suspended solid in run-off water from amended soil were reduced by 43% ~ 78%. When the content of organic compost was higher than that of lime, reduction of soil loss was also increased by 67% ~ 78%. Sediment discharge was also decreased by 72% ~ 96% in the amended soil. Similar to the suspended solid analysis, higher organic compost content led to more reduction of soil discharging, which implies organic compost is more effective than lime in reducing soil loss. The overall result suggests that the mixtures of organic compost and lime could be used as amendment materials to reduce soil loss in sloped farmland.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.229-235
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• 2021

Objective: In this study, the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on testosterone (TES), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), androgen-binding protein (ABP), factor-associated apoptosis (FAS), and total cholesterol (TC), as well as histopathological changes, were investigated in male rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: The study included three groups. The control (C) group was fed standard-diet for 8 weeks. The hypercholesterolemia (HC) group was fed a 2% cholesterol-diet for 8 weeks. The therapeutic group (HCL) was fed a 2% cholesterol-diet for 8 weeks and administered L. acidophilus for the last 4 weeks. FSH, TES, and FAS levels in testicular tissue were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while another sample was examined histopathologically. LH and ABP levels were determined using ELISA, and serum TC levels were assessed via an autoanalyzer. Results: In the HC group, the TC levels were significantly higher and the LH levels were lower (p<0.05) than in the C group. The ABP levels were lower (p>0.05). In the HCL group, the LH and ABP levels were higher (p>0.05) and the TC level significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the HC group. The TES and FSH levels were lower, and the FAS levels were higher, in the HC than in the C group (p<0.05). In the HCL group, levels of all three resembled control levels. Histologically, in the testicular tissue of the HC group, the cells in the tubular wall exhibited atrophy, vacuolization, and reduced wall structure integrity. However, in the HCL group, these deteriorations were largely reversed. Conclusion: Supplementary dietary administration of an L. acidophilus to hypercholesterolemic male rats positively impacted testicular tissue and male fertility hormone levels.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.69-75
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• 2021

Cryopreservation is a widely-used efficient means of long-term sperm preservation. However, unlike other types of semen, cryopreserved boar semen has reduced fertility and the efforts continue to optimize post-thawing sperm recovery. In this study, we evaluated the effects of various washing solutions (Hulsen solution, lab-made DPBS and commercial DPBS) on post-thawing porcine sperm kinematics (CASA system), viability (SYBR-14/PI) and acrosome integrity (PSA/FITC). We also examined the effect of washing-centrifugation on frozen-thawed semen kinematics. The results indicate that type of washing solution and post-thawing centrifugation alters parameters linked to sperm quality (total motility, progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity). Significantly higher (p < 0.05) motility and progressive motility were obtained when cryopreserved semen was processed with Hulsen solution. The post-thaw percentage of live and intact acrosomal sperm was significantly higher in group 1 (Hulsen solution) as compared to other groups. Following thawing-centrifugation, the results showed significantly higher motility and progressive motility in group 1 than other groups. However, the latter two DPBS groups did not differ statistically. Taken together, Frozen-thawed spermatozoa motility, acrosome integrity and viability can be affected by the type of washing solution used. Moreover, centrifugation of frozen-thawed semen has an unfavorable effect on total motility and progressive motility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.93-100
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• 2022

Objective: The impact of imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on ovarian follicles and several proteins related to follicular function and apoptosis was investigated in mice. Methods: Saline, cyclophosphamide (Cp; 50 or 75 mg/kg), or imatinib (7.5 or 15 mg/kg) was injected once intraperitoneally into female B6D2F1 mice (18 mice in each group). In multiple ovarian sections, the number of various types of follicles and the proportion of good-quality (G1) follicles were counted. The levels of six proteins (anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH], BCL-xL, BAX, acid sphingomyelinase [A-SMase], caspase-3, and α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]) within the whole ovaries were quantified using Western blots. Results: Compared to the saline group, a significant reduction of the primordial follicle count was observed in the group treated with imatinib 7.5 and 15 mg/kg, as well as in the group treated with Cp 75 mg/kg. Administration of Cp significantly decreased the proportion of G1 primordial follicles, but administration of imatinib did not. No differences in the AMH, anti-apoptotic BCLX-L, pro-apoptotic BAX, and A-SMase levels in the ovarian tissues were observed among the five groups. However, caspase-3 and α-SMA levels were significantly higher in the imatinib and Cp groups than in the saline group. Conclusion: The administration of imatinib to mice significantly reduced the primordial follicle count and increased the protein levels of caspase-3 and α-SMA. Our findings suggest that imatinib potentially exerts ovarian toxicity via apoptotic processes, similarly to Cp.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.49-56
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• 2022

Objective: Oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) have been linked to idiopathic male infertility (IMI). Various antioxidants have been tried to improve semen parameters and fertility potential in IMI patients, but with inconsistent results. The study aimed to compare the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Centrum multivitamins on semen parameters, seminal antioxidant capacity, and SDF in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (OA). Methods: This prospective controlled clinical study involved 130 patients with idiopathic OA and 58 fertile controls. The patients were divided randomly into two groups: the first group received CoQ10 (200 mg/day orally) and the second group received Centrum multivitamins (1 tablet/day) for 3 months. Semen parameters, CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase, SDF, and serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin) were compared at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Both CoQ10 and Centrum improved sperm concentration and motility, but the improvement was greater with Centrum therapy (p<0.05). Similarly, both therapies improved antioxidant capacity, but TAC and catalase improvement was greater (p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively) with CoQ10, whereas ROS (p<0.01) and SDF (p<0.001) improvements were greater with Centrum administration. Centrum therapy was associated with reduced serum testosterone (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, both CoQ10 and Centrum were effective in improving semen parameters, antioxidant capacity, and SDF, but the improvement was greater with Centrum than with CoQ10. Therefore, Centrum-as a source of combined antioxidants-may provide more effective results than individual antioxidants such as CoQ10 in the treatment of infertile men with idiopathic OA.

• 한국작물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국작물학회 2022년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.168-168
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• 2022

According to the 5th Climate Change Report, global average temperature in 2081~2100 will increase 1.8℃ based on RCP 4.5 and 3.7℃ based on RCP 8.5 from the current climate value (IPCC Working Group I AR5). As temperature is expected to increase due to global warming and the intensity and frequency of rainfall are expected to increase, damage to crops is expected, and countermeasures must be taken. This study intends to evaluate rice growth in terms of nitrogen utilization efficiency according to future climate change conditions. In this experiment, Oryza sativa cv. Shindongjin were planted at the SPAR facility of the NICS in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do on June 10, and were planted and grown according to the standard cultivation method. Cultivation conditions are high temperature, high CO₂ (current temperature+4.7℃·CO₂ 800ppm), high temperature (current temperature+4.7℃·CO₂ 400ppm), current climate (current tempreture·CO₂ 400 ppm). Nitrogen was varied as 0, 9, 18 kg/10a. The N content and C/N ratio of all rice leaves, stems, and seeds increased at high temperature, and the N content and C/N ratio decreased under high temperature and high CO₂ conditions com pared to high temperature. Compared to the current climate, NUE increases by about 8% under high temperature and high CO₂ conditions and by about 2% under high temperature conditions. This seems to be because the increase in temperature and CO₂ induced the increase in biomass. ANUE related to yield decreased by about 70% compared to the current climate under high temperature conditions, and decreased by about 45% at high temperature and high CO₂, showing a tendency to decrease compared to high temperature. This appears to be due to reduced fertility and poor ripening due to high temperature stress. However, as the nitrogen increased, the number of ears and the number of grains increased, slightly offsetting the production reduction factor.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.526-537
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• 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and its eradication is mandatory. Direct acting HCV polymerase inhibitors, such as Sofosbuvir (SOF), is an effective regimen. However, it has some side effects like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and the impairment of testicular function. It is important to evaluate the safety of SOF on the ovary, as there are no studies yet. Increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causes oxidative stress, which affects ovulation process, female reproduction, and fertility. Accumulation of SOF in the cells was demonstrated to promote ROS generation. Vitamin E (Vit E) is an antioxidant agent that has an essential role in the female reproductive system, its deficiency can cause infertility. We explored the effect of SOF treatment alone and co-treated with Vit E on ovarian ROS level and ovarian morphology experimentally using biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Significant changes in oxidative stress markers; nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes; catalase, super oxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, proliferating markers; proliferation cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antigen and caspase 3 apoptotic marker were demonstrated. It was shown that where SOF induced oxidative stress, it also aggravated ovarian dysfunction. The essential role of Vit E as an antioxidant agent in protecting the ovarian tissue from the effect of oxidative stress markers and preserving its function was also displayed. This could be guidance to add Vit E supplements to SOF regimens to limit its injurious effect on ovarian function.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.291-295
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• 2012

본 연구는 동결보호제로 이용되는 MA가 오계 정액의 생존율과 생산된 종란의 수정 및 부화율에 미치는 영향을 검토하여 재래가금의 동결보존 방법의 기초를 마련하고자 실시하였다. 10수의 오계 수탉에서 채취한 혼합정액을 희석정액을 제조하고 동시에 동일한 희석액으로 준비된 신선정액을 준비하여 각각 20수의 White Leghorn 암탉에 인공수정하였다. 7일 동안 생산된 종란을 각각 114개 및 115개를 회수하여 인공부화기에 입란하였고, 발생 7일째에 검란하여 수정율을 관찰하였으며, 발생 21일째에 부화율과 발육 중지란을 조사하였다. 동결정액을 이용하여 생산된 종란의 수정율은 66.36%로 관찰되었으며, MA가 함유된 희석액으로 준비한 동일한 농도의 신선 정액을 이용하여 생산된 종란의 수정율은 94.98%로 관찰되었다. 또한, MA 동결보호제가 함유된 희석정액과 동결정액을 이용하여 생산된 종란의 부화율은 모두 90% 이상으로 관찰되어 유의성이 없었으며, Glycerol 동결보호제의 문제점으로 보고된 수정 능력 및 부화 억제 효과는 없는 것으로 사료된다. 그러므로 동결정액을 이용한 종란에서 무정란 수는 신선한 희석 정액을 사용하였을 때보다 약 6.3배로 유의적 높았으나, 동결보호제에 의한 효과로 추정되지는 않았다. 닭 동결정액의 기술의 실용화를 위해서는 조류 정액의 보존 및 동결 연구에는 여전히 해결되어야 할 문제점이 많으며, 특히 품종 간 및 개체 간의 변이가 크기 때문에 앞으로 더 많은 연구가 필요하다고 사료된다.

• 한국환경농학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.295-303
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• 1997

수분조건(${\theta}$m 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) 변화에 따른 토양내 우분퇴비의 질소와 탄소의 전환특성을 조사하기 위해 7월말에서 11월 초 사이 15주간 실내에서 Incubation 실험을 실시하였다. 실험기간동안에 토양 pH는 질산화 과정중 발생되는 수소의 영향으로 낮은 폭으로 지속적인 감소를 보였으며, 유기물과 수분처리량이 증가할수록 암모니아 질소의 발생률의 증대와 환원물질의 생성으로 토양 pH가 높아졌다. 전 질소의 감소율은 수분량이 증가할수록 증가하는 경향을 보였으나, 전 탄소는 이와 반대의 경향을 보였다. 따라서 낮은 수분조건(${\theta}$m 0.2)에서 C/N율은 시험기간동안 지속적으로 감소되어 지력이 증진됨을 볼 수 있었으나, ${\theta}$m 0.4 이상의 높은 수분조건에서는 지속적인 C/N율 증가가 발생되어 지력 감소와 토양 pH 감소 원인으로 작용하였다. 우분처리에 따른 $NO_3\;^--N$ 발생량은 ${\theta}$m 0.3 이하의 수분조건에서는 비교적 양호한 통기조건 때문에 지속적으로 증가되었으나, ${\theta}$m 0.4 이상의 조건에서는 초기에 큰 폭의 감소가 발생되었으며, 특히 ${\theta}$m 0.5에서는 2∼3주 이후 $NO_3\;^--N$가 발생되지 않았다. 그러나 $NH_4\;^+-N$의 발생량은 위와 반대경향을 보여, 수분함량이 증가함에 따라 발생량이 증대되는 경향을 보였다. 전 질소에 대한 무기태 질소의 비율로 나타낸 질소의 무기화율은 낮은 수분조건에서는 꾸준히 증가하였으나, 높은 수분조건에서는 초기 큰 폭의 감소가 발생된 후 서서히 증가되는 경향을 보였다. 이상의 결과를 종합할 때, 토양내 유기물 시용시 지력 유지 측면에서 토양내 수분조건은 대단히 중요하며, 높은 수분조건에서는 질소 손실량 증대에 의한 지력 감소가 발생될 것으로 예측되었다.${\theta}$ m 0.2 정도의 적정 수분조건에서는 양호한 통기성과 수분유지로 인한 질소 손실을 줄일 수 있었다.