• Toxicological Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.263-271
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• 2008

Recently we reported that 2-bromopropane (2-BP) has maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. The aims of this study are to examine the potential effects of 2-BP administration on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development, and to investigate the effects of metabolic activation induced by phenobarbital (PB) on developmental toxicities of 2-BP. Pregnant rats received 1000 mg/kg/day subcutaneous 2-BP injections on gestational days (GD) 6 through 10 (Group II and Group IIII) or 11 through 15 (Group IV). Pregnant rats in Group III received an intraperitoneal PB injection once daily at 80 mg/kg/day on GD 3 through 5 for induction of the liver metabolic enzyme system. Control rats received vehicle injections only on GD 6 through 15. All dams underwent caesarean sections on GD 20 and their fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. Significant adverse effects on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development were observed in all the treatment groups, and the maternal and embryo-fetal effects of 2-BP observed in Group II were higher than those seen in Group IV. Conversely, maternal and embryo-fetal developmental toxicities observed in Group III were comparable to those seen in Group II. These results suggest that the potential effects of 2-BP on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development are more likely in the first half of organogenesis (days $6{\sim}10$ of pregnancy) than in the second half and that the metabolic activation induced by PB pre-treatment did not modify the developmental toxic effects of 2-BP in rats.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.437-441
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• 2016

Objective : Recently, regenerative therapies have been used in clinical trials (heart, cartilage, skeletal). We don't make use of these treatments to spinal cord injury (SCI) patients yet, but regenerative therapies are rising interest in recent study about SCI. Neural precursor/stem cell (NPSC) proliferation is a significant event in functional recovery of the central nervous system (CNS). However, brain NPSCs and spinal cord NPSCs (SC-NPSCs) have many differences including gene expression and proliferation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of neural growth factor (NGF) on the proliferation of SC-NPSCs. Methods : NPSCs ($2{\times}10^4$) were suspended in $100{\mu}L$ of neurobasal medium containing NGF-7S (Sigma-Aldrich) and cultured in a 96-well plate for 12 days. NPSC proliferation was analyzed five times for either concentration of NGF (0.02 and 2 ng/mL). Sixteen rats after SCI were randomly allocated into two groups. In group 1 (SCI-vehicle group, n=8), animals received 1.0 mL of the saline vehicle solution. In group 2 (SCI-NGF group, n=8), the animals received single doses of NGF (Sigma-Aldrich). A dose of 0.02 ng/mL of NGF or normal saline as a vehicle control was intra-thecally injected daily at 24 hour intervals for 7 days. For Immunohistochemistry analysis, rats were sacrificed after one week and the spinal cords were obtained. Results : The elevation of cell proliferation with 0.02 ng/mL NGF was significant (p<0.05) but was not significant for 2 ng/mL NGF. The optical density was increased in the NGF 0.02 ng/mL group compared to the control group and NGF 2 ng/mL groups. The density of nestin in the SCI-NGF group was significantly increased over the SCI-vehicle group (p<0.05). High power microscopy revealed that the density of nestin in the SCI-NGF group was significantly increased over the SCI-vehicle group. Conclusion : SC-NPSC proliferation is an important pathway in the functional recovery of SCI. NGF enhances SC-NPSC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. NGF may be a useful option for treatment of SCI patients pending further studies to verify the clinical applicability.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.480-488
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• 2018

Objective: Average daily gain (ADG) is an important target trait of pig breeding programs. We aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genomic regions that are associated with ADG in the Duroc pig population. Methods: We performed a genome-wide association study involving 390 Duroc boars and by using the PorcineSNP60K Beadchip and two linear models. Results: After quality control, we detected 3,5971 SNPs, which included seven SNPs that are significantly associated with the ADG of pigs. We identified six quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions for ADG. These QTLs included four previously reported QTLs on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 1, SSC5, SSC9, and SSC13, as well as two novel QTLs on SSC6 and SSC16. In addition, we selected six candidate genes (general transcription factor 3C polypeptide 5, high mobility group AT-hook 2, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1, pleckstrin homology and RhoGEF domain containing G4B, and ENSSSCG00000031548) associated with ADG on the basis of their physiological roles and positional information. These candidate genes are involved in skeletal muscle cell differentiation, diet-induced obesity, and nervous system development. Conclusion: This study contributes to the identification of the casual mutation that underlies QTLs associated with ADG and to future pig breeding programs based on marker-assisted selection. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of the identified candidate genes in the physiological processes involved in ADG regulation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.2214-2223
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• 2016

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can recognize conserved molecular patterns and initiate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune responses against invading infectious agents. The aim of this study was to assess the transcript profile of mink TLRs (mTLRs) in mink peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and a range of tissues, and to explore the potential role of mTLRs in the antiviral immune response process. The results indicated that the mTLR partial nucleotide sequences had a high degree of nucleotide identity with ferret sequences (95-98%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that mammalian TLRs grouped into five TLR families, with a closer relationship of the mTLRs with those of ferret than the other mammalian sequences. Moreover, all the mTLRs were ubiquitously expressed in lymphoid organs (spleen and lymph nodes) and PBMCs. Interestingly, the mTLR expression patterns in lung, uterus, and heart showed quite a lot of similarity. Another remarkable observation was the wide expression of mTLR1-3 mRNAs in all tissues. Among the analyzed tissues, skeletal muscle was revealed to being the lowest repertoire of mTLR expression. Additionally, mink PBMCs exposed to the canine distemper virus revealed significant upregulation of mTLR2, mTLR4, mTLR7, and mTLR8 mRNAs, indicating that mTLRs have a role in innate immunity in the mink. Collectively, our results are the first to establish the basic expression patterns of mTLRs and the relationship between mTLRs and a virus, which will contribute to better understanding of the evolution and the functions of mTLRs in the innate immune system in minks.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2011

Previously, we have shown that Bcl2l10 as a member of Bcl-2 family, key regulators of the apoptotic process, is dominantly expressed in oocytes of ovary but several member of the Bcl-2 family are not expressed in oocytes. Recent our studies had been processed about roles and regulatory mechanisms of Bcl2l10 in oocytes. Microinjection of Bcl2l10 RNAi into the cytoplasm of germinal vesicle oocytes resulted in metaphase I (MI) arrest and exhibited abnormalities in their spindles and chromosome configurations (Yoon et al., 2009). The present study was conducted to elucidate the downstream genes regulated by Bcl2l10 and signaling networks in Bcl2l10 RNAi microinjected oocytes by using microarray analysis. Surprisingly, we found that a large proportion of genes regulated by Bcl2l10 RNAi were involved in the cell cycle and actin skeletal system regulation as important upstream genes of Bcl2l10. Among the transcripts with highly significant fold changes more than 2-fold, Tpx2 and Cep192 are 16.1- and 8.2-fold down regulated respectively by Bcl2l10 RNAi. Tpx2 and Cep192 are known as cofactors that control Aurora A kinase activity and localization. Therefore, we concluded that Bcl2l10 may have important roles during oocyte meiosis as functional upstream regulator of Tpx2 and Cep192.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.485-491
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• 2013

Rhodiola spp. and red ginseng have been used for food and medicinal applications in disease chemoprevention in many Asian countries. Increased oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been proposed to be a major cause of muscle fatigue. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of a fermented hot-water extract mixture from Rhodiola sachalinensis and red ginseng (MFR) on cell damage and the antioxidant enzyme system in $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells. C2C12 myoblasts were treated with various concentrations of NFR (non-fermented Rhodiola sachalinensis extract), FR (fermented hot-water extract from Rhodiola sachalinensis) and MFR for up to 5 days after the standard induction of differentiation, followed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. MFR treatment dose-dependently protected oxidative damage of C2C12 cells. The treatment with MFR also enhanced mRNA expressions of MyoD, Cu/Zn SOD, Mn-SOD and GPX up to 16%. These results indicate that MFR exerts an anti-oxidative effect through a mechanism (s) that may involve the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, which may be important for the cellular redox environment in muscle cells.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.85-90
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• 2007

Plasma cell neoplasms are generally categorized into four groups; multiple myeloma(MM), solitary plasmacytoma of the bone(SPB), plasma cell leukemias, and extramedullary plasmacytomas(EMP). These tumors may be further described as localized or diffuse in presentation. Localized plasma cell neoplasms are rare occurrences and include solitary plasmacytomas of the skeletal system, which account for 2-5% of all plasma cell neoplasms and extramedullary plasmacytomas of the soft tissue, which account for approximately 3% of all such neoplasms. A plasmacytoma is defined as any discrete, most likely solitary mass of neoplastic plasma cells either in the bone marrow or in various soft tissue sites. Diffuse lesions include the other two groups, multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia. The relationship between these processes has not yet been definitively characterized, but there appears to be a continuum in which both SPB and EMP often progress to MM. The patient was referred who had continuous deep throbbing bone pain and swelling on the left posterior gingival area of the mandible after extraction of the first and second molar. The result of intraoperative excisional biopsy of the lesion was confirmed as a plasmacytoma. And it revealed systemic multiple myeloma through the further diagnostic work-up. It is worth to report because of a rare case of multiple myeloma found in oral cavity as a form of plasmacytoma.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.149-157
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was to evaluate the validity of superimposition range at facial images constructed with 3-dimensional (3D) surface laser scanning system. Materials and methods: For the present study, thirty adults, who had no severe skeletal discrepancy, were selected and scanned twice by a 3D laser scanner (VIVID 910, Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) with 12 markers placed on the face. Then, two 3D facial images (T1-baseline, T2-30 minutes later) were reconstructed respectably and superimposed in several manners with $RapidForm^{TM}2006$ (Inus, Seoul, Korea) software program. The distances between markers at the same place of face were measured in superimposed 3D facial images and measurement were done all the 12 makers respectably. Results: The average linear distances between the markers at the same place in the superimposed image constructed by upper 2/3 of the face was $0.92{\pm}0.23\;mm$, in the superimposed image constructed by upper 1/2 of the face was $0.98{\pm}0.26\;mm$, in the superimposed image constructed by upper 1/3 of the face and nose area was $0.99{\pm}0.24\;mm$, in the superimposed image constructed by upper 1/3 of the face was $1.41{\pm}0.48\;mm$, and in the superimposed image constructed by whole face was $0.83{\pm}0.13\;mm$. There were no statistically significant differences in the liner distances of the makers placed on the area included in superimposition range used for partial registration methods but there were significant differences in the linear distances of the markers placed on the areas not included in superimposition range between whole registration method and partial registration methods used in this study. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the validity of superimposition is decreased as superimposition range is reduced in the superimposition of 3D images constructed with 3D laser scanner for the same subject.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.77-84
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• 2001

To increase the utilization of soil survey results, classification of morphological types of paddy soils which was consisted of land-form, texture, and drainage classes etc. was attempted as an interpretive classification system. The paddy soils could be classified into 37 types. Among the types, the "Lfi(Fine loamy textured semi-wet paddy on local valley and fans)" acreage of about 224 thousand ha, "Lfd(Fine loamy textured dry paddy on local valley and fans)" 160 thousand ha. "Lmi(Coarse loamy textured semi-wet paddy on local valley and fans)" 112 thousand ha, and "Lkd(Loamy skeletal dry paddy on local valley and fans)" 93 thousand ha, respectively were the dominant types. The possibility of double cropping, plastic film house, green manure cropping etc., and that for soil managements such as application of raw straw or compost, deep plowing or adding fine earth materials, mole drainage, susceptibility to erosion or reduction injury etc. for each types were recommended.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.255-264
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• 2011

Purpose: To study the effect of hyaluronic acid(HA), which was widely used in artificial tears, multi-purpose solution(MPS), cosmetics, and drug acting on the musculo-skeletal system, in wettability and comfort of contact lens, we compared HA including lens(+HA) with HA excluding lens(-HA) by clinical evaluation. Methods: During four weeks, the selected 28 university student volunteers who did not have any eye disease wore +HA contact lens on their right eyes, and -HA contact lens on their left eyes, and then compared right eyes to left eyes as control. After prescribing by spherical equivalent calculation, over-refraction by auto-refractometer, and contact lens wearing for two weeks and four weeks, tear evaluation, the anterior of eyes examination, fitting convenience evaluation, surface wetting test, surveys were checked up. Results: Compared with the control group (-HA contact lens), +HA contact lens provided better wetting properties. The amount of released tear in -HA contact lens group became less in four weeks than before, but that in +HA contact lens group showed no significant difference from the initial one. In terms of the redness in eye, there was no significant difference between +HA and -HA contact lens groups. Fitting of +HA contact lens on eye was much easier than the control, -HA contact lens. From the results of survey, comfort, wettability, ease of cleaning, and dryness of eye in +HA contact lens group were generally better than those of -HA group, but redness and contact lens handling showed little difference. Conclusions: The addition of HA in soft contact lens(+HA) may enhance the wettability of lens during lens wearing, resulted in the better comfortable wearing of lens eventually.