• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.322-327
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the influence of the maximal aerobic capacity on the two-year cardiac-related re-hospitalization in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Korean society. Methods: The maximal aerobic capacity of the study population (n=95, male 63%) was evaluated using a cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) testing system. Each patient was followed up for two years to divide the HFrEF patients into two groups according to cardiac-related re-hospitalization: re-hospitalization (RH) group (n=29, 30%) and no re-hospitalization (NRH) group (n=66, 70%). Results: The relative peak $VO_2$ (mL/kg/min, p<0.001), exercise duration (p<0.001), respiratory exchange ratio ($VCO_2/VO_2$, p=0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) reserve (p=0.004), heart rate (HR) reserve (p=0.007), SBP max (p=0.02), and HR max (p=0.039) were significantly lower in the RH group than the NRH group during the CPX test. On the other hand, the ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope, p=0.02) and age (p=0.022) were significantly higher in the RH group than in the NRH group. In binary logistic regression analysis, the relative peak $VO_2$ (p=0.001, Wald Chi-square 10.137) was the strongest predictive factor on cardiac-related re-hospitalization, which was followed by $VCO_2/VO_2$ (p=0.019, Wald Chi-square 5.54). On the other hand, age (p=0.063, Wald Chi-square 3.445) did not have a significant influence on cardiac related re-hospitalization. Conclusion: The maximal aerobic capacity, especially the relative peak $VO_2$, is the strongest factor on cardiac-related re-hospitalization within two years in patients with HFrEF in Korean society.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 1978

The blood samples collected from 863 school boys living in Seoul, Kwangju, Pusan and Cheju were tested for studies on the distributions and frequencies of ABO, MNSs, Rh, Diego, Duffy, Kell, Kidd and P blood groups. The $I^B$ gene frequencies appeared to be a cline, and this is decreased gradually from north to south except the Cheju population, but on the other hand those of $I^A$ gene increased oppositely. In Koreans A type of ABO group increased during past fifty years while B type decreased. $Ig^M$ gene frequencies also decreased from north to south district in Korea except Cheju. And the frequency of $Ig^M$ in Koreans was 0.518 which is between those of the north Chinese and the Japanese. In general Rh negative was 0.26 percent, and CCDee phenotype was of the highest frequency among all phenotypes, showing 42.41 percent, CcDEe, about 34% and ccdee, 0.087%. The frequencies of most Rh phenotypes in Koreans were close to those of the Japanese rather than to those of the Chinese and the Thais. Di(a+) type was 6.633 percent, and Fy(a+) and Fy(b+) type were 99.267 percent and 13.832 percent respectively. K+ type was observed only one case in Seoul. The frequencies of Jk(a+) and P+ type were the most varied depending on the populations studied.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.265-272
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• 2011

It is well known that adipose tissue or body fat has been proved as a crucial component of brain-peripheral axis which can modulate the activities of reproductive hormonal axis in female mammals including rodents and human. Concerning the male reproduction, however, the role of adipose tissue has not been thoroughly studied. The present study was carried out to elucidate the effect of a high-fat (HF) diet on the reproductive system of postpubertal male rats. The HF diet (45% energy from fat, HF group) was applied to male rats from week 8 after birth for 4 weeks. The blood glucose levels, body and tissue weights were measured. Histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in the reproductive tissues. To determine the transcriptional changes of reproductive hormone-related genes in hypothalamus and pituitary, total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Body weights (p<0.01) and blood glucose levels (p<0.01) of HF group were significantly higher than those of control animals. Similarly, the weights of epididymis (p<0.05), prostate (p<0.01), seminal vesicle (p<0.01) in HF group were higher than control levels. The weights of testis were not changed. The weights of kidney (p<0.001) and spleen (p<0.01) were significantly higher than control levels while the adrenal and pancreas weights were not changed. There were only slight alterations in the microstructures of accessory sex organs; the shape of luminal epithelial cells in epididymis from HF group were relatively thicker and bigger than those from control animals. In the semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies, the mRNA levels of hypothalamic GnRH (p<0.05) in HF group were significantly higher than those from the control animals. The mRNA levels of kisspeptin in HF group tend to be higher than control levels, the difference was not significant. Unlike the hypothalamic GnRH expression, the mRNA levels of pituitary $LH{\beta}$ and $FSH{\beta}$ were significantly decreased in HF group (p<0.05). The present study indicated that the 4-weeks feeding HF diet during the postpubertal period can alter the hypothalamus-pituitary (H-P) neuroendocrine reproductive system These results suggest that the increased body fat and the altered leptin input might disturb the H-P reproductive hormonal activities in male rats, and the changed activities seem to be responsible for the changes of tissue weights in accessory sex organs.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.384-394
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• 2004

This study was carried out to monitor the response of ovaries and cyst according to treatment with GnRH or combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ in dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts. Thirty cows were diagnosed as having follicular cysts by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) assays. Ten cows were treated with GnRH (control), and the other twenty were treated with $PGF_2{\alpha}$ at 10 days after GnRH treatment. All the animals were re-examined by ultrasonography and blood was collected for the measurement of plasma P4 concentration at day 0 (the day of treatment), day 7, day 10, day 13, day 24 and day 34, respectively. In 30 cows that were diagnosed with follicular cysts, mean plasma P 4 concentrations on day -II and day -I were 0.3 ng/ml and 0.4 ng/ml. On day 10 increased as 2.7$\pm$0.2 ng/ml. Mean cystic wall thickness by ultrasonography on day -11 and day -I were 2.1 mm and 2.2 mm. In 9 cows responded on luteinization of cystic wall, cystic wall thickness was 3.9$\pm$0.5 mm at day 10 after GnRH treatment. The responses of ovaries until day 10 after GnRH treatment included development of corpus luteum in the ovary bearing the cyst or in the contralateral ovary (12 cows), luteinization of cystic wall (6 cows) and clouding of the anechoic antrum of cysts (2 cows). The ovarian responses according to the combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ included regression of the corpus luteum (12 cows), increase (1 cow) and no change (1 cow) of cyst size until last examination, and complete disappearance on day 13 (6 cows), 23 (6 cows) and 34 (4 cows). Combination treatment group of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ showed a higher pregnancy rate within 100 days after initial treatment (40.0 vs 65.0%) and shorter intervals from the treatment to conception (45.4$\pm$25.8 vs 53.5$\pm$31.4 days) compared with control. It was concluded that the administration of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ following GnRH treatment is effective in shortening the interval from treatment to conception in cows with follicular cyst. Also, this study suggested that the response of the cyst according to treatment revealed various types. Therefore, veterinarians should pay attention to monitor of the response of cystic ovaries after treatment, specially no change, slowly decrease or increasement of cyst size after treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 1999

Objectives: The aims of this study are 1) to determine if GAST is a better indicator in predicting ovarian response to COH compared with patient's age or basal FSH level and 2) to evaluate its role in detecting abnormal ovarian response. Design: Prospective study in 118 patients undergoing IVF-ET using GnRH-a short protocol during May-September 1995. Materials and Methods: After blood sampling for basal FSH and estradiol $(E_2)$ on cycle day two, 0.5ml (0.525mg) GnRH agonist ($Suprefact^{(r)}$, Hoechst) was injected subcutaneously. Serum $E_2$ was measured 24 hours later. Initial $E_2$ difference $({\Delta}E_2)$ was defined as the change in $E_2$ on day 3 over the baseline day 2 value. Sixteen patients with ovarian cyst or single ovary or incorrect blood collection time were excluded from the analysis. The patients were divided into three groups by ${\Delta}E_2$; group A (n=30):${\Delta}E_2$<40 pg/ml, group B (n=52): 40 pg/ml${\leq}{\Delta}E_2$<100 pg/ml, group C (n=20): ${\Delta}E_2{\leq}100$ pg/ml. COH was done by GnRH agonist/HMG/hCG and IVF-ET was followed. Ratio of $E_2$ on day of hCG injection over the number of ampules of gonadotropins used ($E_2hCGday$/Amp) was regarded as ovarian responsiveness. Poor ovarian response and overstimulation were defined as $E_2$ hCGday less than 600 pg/ml and greater than 5000 pg/ml, respectively. Results: Mean age $({\pm}SEM)$ in group A, B and C were $33.7{\pm}0.8^*,\;31.5{\pm}0.6\;and\;30.6{\pm}0.5^*$, respectively ($^*$: p<0.05). Mean basal FSH level of group $A(11.1{\pm}1.1mlU/ml)$ was significantly higher than those of $B(7.4{\pm}0.2mIU/ml)$ and C $(6.8{\pm}0.4mIU/ml)$ (p<0.001). Mean $E_2hCGday$ of group A was significantly lower than those of group B or C, i.e., $1402.1{\pm}187.7pg/ml,\;3153.2{\pm}240.0pg/ml,\;4078.8{\pm}306.4pg/ml$ respectively (p<0.0001). The number of ampules of gonadotropins used in group A was significantly greater than those in group B or C: $38.6{\pm}2.3,\;24.2{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.5{\pm}1.0$ (p<0.0001). The number of oocytes retrieved in group A was significantly smaller than those in group B or C: $6.4{\pm}1.1,\;15.5{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.6{\pm}1.6$, respectively (p<0.0001). By stepwise multiple regression, only ${\Delta}E_2$ showed a significant correlation (r=0.68, p<0.0001) with $E_2HCGday$/Amp, while age or basal FSH level were not significant. Likewise, only ${\Delta}E_2$ correlated significantly with the number of oocytes retrieved (r=0.57, p<0.001). All four patients whose COH was canceled due to poor ovarian response belonged to group A only (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Whereas none of 30 patients in group A (0%) had overstimulation, 14 patients among 72 patients (19.4%) in group B and C had overstimulation (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Conclusions: These data suggest that initial $E_2$ difference after GAST may be a better prognostic indicator of ovarian response to COH than age or basal FSH level. Since initial $E_2$ difference demonstrates significant association with abnormal ovarian response such as poor ovarian response necessitating cycle cancellation or overstimulation, GAST may be helpful in monitoring and consultation of patients during COH in IVF-ET cycle.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on pig growth, carcass quality, and sensory perceptions of pork meat by Thai consumers. Male crossbred pigs (n = 30) were separated into three groups of 10 pigs each: boars, immunocastrated pigs, and surgically castrated pigs. The immunocastrated group was immunized at 13 and 19 weeks of age with GnRH vaccine ($400{\mu}g/dose$). All pigs were slaughtered at 24 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected and testes size determined. Testes weight and back fat thickness were recorded at the time of slaughter, and meat samples were collected for sensory assessment by Thai consumers. Testosterone and progesterone concentration levels decreased significantly two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05), and the GnRH antibody titer of the immunocastrated pigs was significantly high two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05). GnRH vaccine significantly reduced the weight and size of testes. Thai consumers reported no significant differences in odor or flavor among meat samples from the three groups. In conclusion, immunocastration improved growth performance, removed the need for castration surgery, and avoided "boar taint" in the meat. It has also no distinct trace of the boar taint same as pork that is currently produced from physically castrated pig which is making it acceptable to consumers.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.321-326
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of body fat on energy metabolic response and subjective sensations under the hot environment. Fifteen female university students volunteered as subjects. We organized subjects into three groups: low body fat group(group L : less than 20% of body fat), medium body fat group(group M : 20%~30% of body fat) and high body fat group(group H: more than 30% of body fat). The experiment was conducted with $32^{\circ}C$, 60%RH. The subjects repeated 'Exercise' and 'Rest' period. The results of this study are as follows ; The oxygen uptake value of AM is higher than PM. The value of group H is the highest in three fat groups. But it showed group L is the highest in oxygen uptake per weight. %body fat is the lower, oxygen uptake is the higher. In Calorie, group L has higher value in AM in than in PM. In M group and group H, a value of PM is higher than AM. In group H, difference of AM and PM is the highest. From a view point of three groups, a value of group H is the highest. This support that calorie increases as oxygen uptake increase. The heart rate values of group L and group H are the higher in AM than in PM. This support that heart rate was relation to oxygen uptake. In all three groups, the value of blood pressure is higher in AM than in PM. Subjective sensations of temperature sensation, thermal comfort, and wetness sensation are higher in Am than in Pm. This explains that subject sensations are similar to experimental data, such as oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure. In oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood pressure, general tend to showed higher AM than PM. This showed that heart rate, oxygen uptake increase in AM, as blood pressure increase, too. From a view point of %body fat, group H is higher than the others in oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood pressure.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.77-84
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• 2014

The present study evaluated that responses of peripheral and bone marrow depends on the frequency of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) administration in dogs. The rhG-CSF has been revealed that have a beneficial effect for dogs with myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy or radiation but there were no studies about the frequency of administration in dogs. In this research, rhG-CSF was administrated $5{\mu}g/kg$ subcutaneously for each two-dogs group as follows: (1) every day for trial, (2) every other day for trial, (3) every third day for trial. The peripheral blood analysis including direct microscopic differential counts of one hundred cells was performed every day. Bone marrow aspiration was performed before administration of rh G-CSF, on the day of 0, 3, 9 and when the WBC counts were decreased within the normal range (day 12 or 13). Rh G-CSF was well-tolerated and showed no side effects in all dogs. According to the present study, $5{\mu}g/kg$ administration of rhG-CSF have cell-specific, frequency-related effect on bone marrow and peripheral blood. Furthermore, the effects of rhG-CSF administration on bone marrow sustained during the study and prolonged at least 3 days after discontinuing of rhG-CSF treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.504-515
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• 1995

This study was performed to investigate that wear training using thermal insulation with clothes has the effect on the human thermoregulatory response, especially on the heat tolerance. Twelve men and women in twenties wert divided into the control group, the training groups and each group except the control group had participated in wear training. The heat tolerance was assessed in all subjects who had participated in the experiment carried out in hot environment(40$\pm$1$^{\circ}C$, 50$\pm$5%RH) by such parameters as rectal temperature, skin temperature, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blond pressure, plume rate, total sweat volume, local sweat volume, subjective sensation, and the differences of heat tolerance in each group were compared. The results were as follows: In hot environment(4$0^{\circ}C$) the changing width of rectal temperature was decreased in the control and the heavy clothing group. Forehead and abdomen temperature in hot environment were significantly decreased after the training. Sweat rate was higher after the training than before. In all experimental groups, systolic and diastolic blood pries.;uses in hot environment(4$0^{\circ}C$) were significantly decreased after the training.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1039-1048
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• 2007

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether leptin is a metabolic signal for gonadotropin secretion in ewes. In the first experiment, twenty-eight cyclic Chal ewes were assigned randomly to an energy restricted, no leptin group (ERNL) (60% of maintenance; n = 14) and an energy normal, no leptin group (ENNL) (100% of maintenance; n = 14) for 71 days (6 estrous cycles). Estrus was synchronized with seven consecutive injections of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ Biweekly, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were determined and blood samples were collected to measure plasma leptin concentration. Blood samples were also taken to determine plasma progesterone concentration twice weekly. After each PG injection from the second injection to the end of experiment, four ewes were selected and blood samples were collected at 20 minutes and at hourly intervals for 3 h to detect plasma LH and FSH concentration. In the second experiment, after the ceasing of the estrous cycle caused by energy restriction, six acyclic ewes were selected and randomly allotted to two groups (n = 3) and received the following treatment for four days. Ewes in an energy restricted, leptin group (ERL) were fed with a ration which provided 60% of maintenance energy requirements and intravenously injected with $4{\mu}g$ leptin/kg BW daily. Ewes in an energy excess, no leptin group (EENL) were fed with a ration that provided 180% (120%+60%) of maintenance energy requirements and intravenously injected with 1 ml saline daily. In both groups, blood samples were collected at 20 minutes and at hourly intervals for 3 h before feeding on d 0 and d 5, and for 3 h before and after injections as above on d 2 and d 4 to detect plasma LH and FSH concentration. In the first experiment, BW and BCS from the $2^{nd}$ estrous cycle, and leptin from the $3^{rd}$ estrous cycle to the end of the experiment significantly (p<0.05) decreased. In ERNL ewes, mean plasma concentrations of FSH significantly (p<0.01) decreased from the $4^{th}$ estrous cycle to d 71 and LH pulsatile secretion was suppressed on d 71, so that, mean plasma concentrations of LH (p<0.05), LH pulse frequency (p<0.01) and LH pulse amplitude (p<0.05) significantly decreased. In the second experiment, injection of leptin significantly increased mean circulating concentrations of LH (p<0.05), LH pulse frequency (p<0.01), LH pulse amplitude (p<0.05) and mean circulating concentrations of FSH (p<0.01) and leptin (p<0.01). High energy intake significantly (p<0.05) stimulated pulsatile secretion of LH and leptin secretion (p<0.01), but non-significantly increased plasma FSH concentration. The results of this study indicate that leptin is a metabolic signal for the GnRH-LH/FSH axis in feed-restricted fat-tailed ewes.