• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.79-84
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• 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nucleotides of small noncoding RNAs that control gene expression at the posttranscriptional level through translational inhibition and destabilization of their target mRNAs. The miRNAs are phylogenetically conserved and have been shown to be instrumental in a wide variety of key biological processes including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metabolism, imprinting, and differentiation. Recently, a paper has shown that expression of the miRNA-302/367 cluster expressed abundantly in mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can directly reprogram mouse and human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) efficiently in the absence of any of the four factors, Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4. To apply this efficient method to porcine, we analyzed porcine genomic sequence containing predicted porcine miRNA-302/367 cluster through ENSEMBL database, generated a non-replicative episomal vector system including miRNA-302/367 cluster originated from porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEF), and tried to make porcine iPSCs by transfection of the miRNA-302/367 cluster. Colonies expressing EGFP and forming compact shape were found, but they were not established as iPSC lines. Our data in this study show that pig miRNA-302/367 cluster could not satisfy requirement of PEF reprogramming conditions for pluripotency. To make pig iPSC lines by miRNA, further studies on the role of miRNAs in pluripotency and new trials of transfection with conventional reprogramming factors are needed.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.40-49
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• 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multi-lineage cells, thus highlighting the feasibility of using umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs) for cell-therapy and tissueengineering. However, the low numbers of UCB-MSC derived from clinical samples requires that an ex vivo expansion step be implemented. As most stem cells reside in low oxygen tension environments (i.e., hypoxia), we cultured the UCBMSCs under 3% $O_2$ or 21% $O_2$ and the following parameters were examined: proliferation, senescence, differentiation and stem cell specific gene expression. UCB-MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions expanded to significantly higher levels and showed less senescence compared to UCB-MSCs cultured under normoxic conditions. In regards to differentiation potential, UCB-MSCs cultured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions both underwent similar levels of osteogenesis as determined by ALP and von Kossa assay. Furthermore, UCB-MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited higher expression of OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 genes. Moreover, cells expanded under hypoxia maintained a stem cell immnunophenotype as determined by flow cytometry. These results demonstrate that the expansion of human UCB-MSCs under a low oxygen tension microenvironment significantly improved cell proliferation and differentiation. These results demonstrate that hypoxic culture can be rapidly and easily implemented into the clinical-scale expansion process in order to maximize UCB-MSCs yield for application in clinical settings and at the same time reduce culture time while maintaining cell product quality.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.17-23
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• 2014

We already had reported that Bcl-w promotes invasion or migration in gastric cancer cells and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) by activating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) via specificity protein 1 (Sp1) or ${\beta}$-cateinin, respectively. High expression of Bcl-w also has been reported in GBM which is the most common malignant brain tumor and exhibits aggressive and invasive behavior. These reports propose that Bcl-w-induced signaling is strongly associated with aggressive characteristic of GBM. We demonstrated that Sp1 protein or mRNA expression is induced by Bcl-w using Western blotting or RT-PCR, respectively, and markedly elevated in high-grade glioma specimens compared with low-grade glioma tissues using tissue array. However, relationship between Bcl-w-related signaling and aggressive characteristic of GBM is poorly characterized. This study suggested that Bcl-w-induced Sp1 activation promoted expression of glioma stem-like cell markers, such as Musashi, Nanog, Oct4 and sox-2, as well as neurosphere formation and invasiveness, using western blotting, neurosphere formation assay, or invasion assay, culminating in their aggressive behavior. Therefore, Bcl-w-induced Sp1 activation is proposed as a putative marker for aggressiveness of GBM.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.253-258
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• 2019

The objective of this study was to analyse the effects of MS-275 (Class I and II histone deacetylase inhibitor) supplementation on the development of porcine in-vitro somatic nuclear transfer embryo production. During in-vitro development, early embryos were exposed to different concentrations of MS-275 (0, $5{\mu}M$, $10{\mu}M$, and $20{\mu}M$). In in-vitro culture supplemented group, the blastocyst development rate was significantly enhanced by $10{\mu}M$ concentration than other groups (24.0% vs. 19.3%, 21.8%, 11.5%; P < 0.05). Additionally, the 6 h supplementation group, significantly improved the blastocysts production than 24 h, 48 h and control groups (26.1% vs. 17.0%, 15.2%, 2.8%; P < 0.05). Following supplementation with optimal concentrations and time ($10{\mu}M$-6 h group), the blastocyst production was significantly higher than control (25.7% vs 15.8%; P < 0.05). The optimal concentrations of MS-275 significantly enhanced the percentages of ICM:TE than control (43.6% vs. 38.4%; P < 0.05) accompanied with significantly higher expression levels of reprogramming related genes (POU5F1, Naong, and SOX2). In conclusion, the optimal concentrations of $10{\mu}M$ MS-275 and 6 h supplementation during in-vitro culture can significantly improve the quality of porcine in-vitro somatic nuclear transfer embryos through histone acetylation and epigenetic modification. Increasing the efficiency of clonal animal production will greatly promote the development of animal disease models and xenotransplantation.

• 한국기후변화학회지
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.477-484
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• 2016

In general, $CH_4$ concentrations generated in combustion facilities are known to be ppm units. In most cases, $CH_4$ samples are collected in Tedlar bags and transported to laboratories for analysis. Considering this fact, in the present study, an attempt was made to find out how long samples can be stored in cases where they are kept in bags and transported as a preliminary study for sampling. According to the results of the experiment using simulated gases (1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm) in Tedlar bag, $CH_4$ was safe up to 240 hr which is the full time. In the case of simulated gases are containing 4 kind gases ($N_2$, $CO_2$, $CH_4$, and $N_2O$). Field samples (samples of obtained by collecting combustion facilities' exhaust gases) are known to contain highly reactive substances (for example NOx, SOx, and VOCs) and may affect each other. In the present study, one site sample was secured from each of a bituminous coal combustion facility and an LNG combustion facility and whether the concentrations of $CH_4$ gas would change over time (24 hr, 96 hr, 144 hr, 192 hr) was checked. Since site samples could not be analyzed on the day of collection, an experiment was started 24 hr after the time point of sampling to analyze the samples. As with the results of analysis of the simulated gas (240 hr), the results of analysis using the site sample indicated that it could be stored for the full study period 192 hr. Therefore, it was judged that if 192 hr would be taken after sampling before the sample would be analyzed, the concentration value should be reliable.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.161-172
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and has a high recurrence rate, which is associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). β-carotene (BC) possesses antioxidant activity and several anticancer mechanisms. However, no investigation has examined its effect on colon cancer stemness. MATERIALS/METHODS: CD133⁺CD44⁺ HCT116 and CD133⁺CD44⁺ HT-29 cells were isolated and analyzed their self-renewal capacity by clonogenic and sphere formation assays. Expressions of several CSCs markers and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined. In addition, CD133⁺CD44⁺ HCT116 cells were subcutaneously injected in xenograft mice and analyzed the effect of BC on tumor formation, tumor volume, and CSCs markers in tumors. RESULTS: BC inhibited self-renewal capacity and CSC markers, including CD44, CD133, ALDH1A1, NOTCH1, Sox2, and β-catenin in vitro. The effects of BC on CSC markers were confirmed in primary cells isolated from human CRC tumors. BC supplementation decreased the number and size of tumors and delayed the tumor-onset time in xenograft mice injected with CD133⁺CD44⁺ HCT116 cells. The inhibitory effect of BC on CSC markers and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in tumors was confirmed in vivo as well. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BC may be a potential therapeutic agent for colon cancer by targeting colon CSCs.

• 해양환경안전학회지
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.451-458
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• 2022

In Korea, five major ports have been designated as sulfur oxide emission control areas to reduce air pollutant emissions, in accordance with Article 10 of the "Special Act on Port Air Quality" and Article 32 of the "Ship Pollution Prevention Regulations". As regulations against vessel-originated air pollutants (such as PM, CO2, NOx, and SOx) have been strengthened, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries(MOF) enacted rules that newly built public ships should adopt eco-friendly propulsion systems. However, particularly in diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems,the demand for precise control schemes continues to grow as the fuel saving rate significantly varies depending on the control strategy applied. The conventional Power Take In-Power Take Off(PTI - PTO) mode control adopts a rule-based strategy, but this strategy is applied only in the low-load range and PTI mode; thus, an additional method is required to determine the optimal fuel consumption point. The proposed control method is designed to optimize fuel consumption by applying the equivalent consumption minimization strategy(ECMS) to the PTI - PTO mode by considering the characteristics of the specific fuel oil consumption(SFOC) of the engine in a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. To apply this method, a specific fishing vessel model operating on the Korean coast was selected to simulate the load operation environment of the ship. In this study, a 10.2% reduction was achieved in the MATLAB/SimDrive and SimElectric simulation by comparing the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the ship to which the conventional rule-based strategy was applied and that to which the ECMS was applied.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.31.1-31.8
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• 2024

Background: Recently, there has been a growing interest in stem cells for human medicine. Limited feline endometrial mesenchymal stem cell (fEM-MSC) research in veterinary medicine necessitates reporting for future feline disease research and therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate fEM-MSCs from feline endometrial tissues and evaluate their morphology, proliferative ability, differentiation ability, and immunophenotype. Methods: Feline endometrial tissues were obtained from the ovariohysterectomies of healthy cats and isolated using an enzymatic method. The morphology and proliferative ability of the isolated cells were assessed using a doubling time (DT) assay from passages 3 to 6 (P3 - P6). We measured pluripotency gene expressions of cells in P2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). To investigate MSC characteristics, a trilineage differentiation assay was conducted in P4, and cells in P4 were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry. Results: fEM-MSCs showed a typical spindle-shaped morphology under a microscope, and the DT was maintained from P3 to P6. fEM-MSCs could differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes, and expressed three pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) by qRT-PCR. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that the fEM-MSCs were CD14 ^-, CD34 ^-, CD45 ^-, CD9⁺, and CD44⁺. Conclusions: In this study, the feline endometrium was a novel source of MSCs, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation method and characteristics of fEM-MSCs.

• 해양환경안전학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.163-174
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• 2020

미세먼지 등 대기오염이 일상화되고 국민 건강을 위협하면서 육상뿐만 아니라 해상 선박에서 발생하는 대기오염물질에 대한 관리 필요성이 대두되고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 선박 배출량 현황을 바탕으로 해양경찰 업무 중심의 선박 대기오염물질 점검 실태를 진단하고 배출 저감을 위한 국가 관리 대책을 제안한다. 최근 국립환경과학원(NIER, 2018)에 따르면 선박에서 배출된 총량(CO, NOx, SOx, TSP, PM10, PM2.5, VOCs, NH₃, BC)은 국내 전체 발생량의 6.4 %로 나타났고, 이 중 NOx는 13.1 %, SOx는 10.9 %, 미세먼지(PM10/PM2.5)는 9.6 %를 차지하고 있다. 선박 발생량 중에서는 국내외 입출항 화물선이 50.6 %로 가장 많은 배출을 보였고, 어선의 배출 비율도 42.6 %로 적지 않음을 알 수 있었다. 지역적으로 해양경찰 관할 5개 권역을 기준으로는 부산항, 울산항을 포함한 남해권 44.1 %와 광양항, 여수항을 포함한 서해권 24.8 % 순으로 배출이 많았다. 해양경찰은 대기오염물질 관리를 위해 승선 점검을 통한 선박 배출 상황을 관리하고 있지만, 각종 배출 장치의 가동이나 연료유 기준 등의 실측에는 많은 시간과 노력이 필요하고, 또한 선박의 바쁜 운항스케줄에 따른 제약으로 대부분 서류상의 점검으로 진행됨으로써 관리에 한계가 있다. 따라서 선박 대기오염물질 관리를 위해서는 대기오염물질 발생을 실측 점검으로 바꾸도록 규제를 강화하고 해경 함정 등을 활용한 해역별 모니터링 시스템을 구축하여 실질적 현장 데이터에 기초한 관리가 이뤄지도록 하는 한편, 장단기적으로 환경친화적 선박 도입을 위한 기술 개발과 법·제도적 지원이 필요하다.

• 한국산림과학회지
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• 제96권5호
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• pp.503-509
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• 2007

The major objective of this study was to analyze the difference of the chemical characteristics of acid deposition in Quercus forests in Korea and Japan. The pH values of rainfall at the experimental forest of Kangwon National University (KS site) were higher than those at the Foresta Hills in Japan (JP site), and all chemical contents of throughfall and stemflow were much higher than those of rainfall in Quercus forest stands at the KS and JP site. The pH values, $Ca^{2+}$, $NO_3{^-}$ and $SO{_4}^{2-}$ concentration of throughfall and stemflow at the KS site showed seasonal variation. While at the JP site, the same pattern was shown in the pH values of throughfall and stemflow, however, did not show any difference among seasons. Also, the annual input of all nutrients in these two contrasting forests varied seasonally. These results can be used to predict the amounts of air pollutant that are washed off and leached by the rainfall and Yellow Sand (Asian dust), including NOx and SOx acid pollutants transported easterly from China in the spring. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the inputs of dry and wet deposition throughout a full year to gain a more complete understanding of the effects of acid deposition on the nutrient cycles in these forest ecosystems.