• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of oxidative stress in NIDDM patients with diabetic complications and to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and diabetic complications. For this study, 139 NIDDM patients were recruited, 85 with diabetic complications and 54 without complications were recruited. The concentration of malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase(SOD), gluthatione peroxidase(GSH-Px)were determined. The daily intakes and plasma concentrations of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein nd alpha-tocopherol were determined by food frequency questionnaire and by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), respectively. Among the antioxidant enzymes studied, only GSH-Px activity was lower in NIDDM patient, with diabetic complications than in those without complications(2.91$\pm$0.80 vs 3.54$\pm$0.44 U/mgHb, p<0.05). Those NIDDM patients with diabetic complications had higher MDA concentrations than those without diabetic complications(1.40$\pm$0.25 vs 1.25$\pm$0.11 nmol/ml, p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the dietary intakes of total carotenoids(2854 vs 2824ug/day)or vitamin E (9.5$\pm$3.2 vs 9.5$\pm$2.0mg/day)between NIDDA patients with and without complications. However, the plasma concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene were significantly lower in NIDDM patients with complications than in NIDDM patients without complications (Beta-carotene : 24.2$\pm$12.5 vs 33.1$\pm$16.2(ug/dl), lycopene : 2.8$\pm$2.1 vs 4.3$\pm$2.8(ug/dl)). This study showed that in NIDDM patients with complications, the lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes was higher increased and the antioxidant reserves were significantly dipleted, compared with NIDDM patients without complications. The lower plasma concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene in NIDDM patients may be due to the presence of diabetic complication, not due to the lower dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins. To define the role of carotenoids in diabetes, more experimental and clinical studies are needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.197-203
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• 2015

Objective : The potassium disturbance associated with thiopental continuous infusion in neurosurgical patients is well known. However, the effect of propofol continuous infusion on serum potassium levels has not been investigated extensively. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 60 consecutive patients who received coma therapy or deep sedation for intracranial pressure control using either thiopental or propofol between January 2010 and January 2012. Results : The overall incidence of hypokalemia (K<3.5 mmol/L) was comparable between thiopental and propofol groups (89.2% vs. 82.6%). But, the incidence of moderate to severe hypokalemia (K<3.0 mmol/L) was significantly higher in thiopental group (51.4% vs. 13.0%, p=0.003). The lowest potassium level (2.9 mmol/L vs. 3.2 mmol/L, p=0.020) was lower in thiopental group. The patients in the thiopental group required greater potassium replacement than the propofol group patients (0.08 mmol/kg/h vs. 0.02 mmol/kg/h, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, thiopental [odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, 7.31 (1.78-27.81); p=0.005] was associated with moderate to severe hypokalemia during continuous infusion. The incidence of rebound hyperkalemia (K>5.0 mmol/L, 32.4% vs. 4.3%, p=0.010) and the peak potassium concentration (4.8 mmol/L vs. 4.2 mmol/L, p=0.037) after the cessation of therapy were higher in thiopental group. On multivariate analysis, thiopental [8.82 (1.00-77.81); p=0.049] and duration of continuous infusion [1.02 (1.00-1.04); p=0.016] were associated with rebound hyperkalemia once therapy was discontinued. Conclusion : Propofol was less frequently associated with moderate to severe hypokalemia after induction and rebound hyperkalemia following the cessation of continuous infusion than thiopental.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2002

This study was taken in general hospital, hotel, shopping center, underground cafe, school, house, for the purpose of investigating the distribution of indoor radon concentration in urban area, by E-PERM which approved U.S. EPA, between August and November 1999. There are two sampling Places were exceed 148 ㏃/㎥(4 pCi/L; U.S EPA remedial level), difference mean is 24.0㏃/㎥ when compared with underground vs. aboveground indoor radon concentration in the same building and ratio is 1.6, so underground area is higher than aboveground (p<0.05). Influencing factors were examined. They related to the location of sampler(detector) open or near the door is lower radon concentration than inside portion, which explains probably open area has better ventilated air and dilutes indoor radon concentration. Temperature has a negative relationship (p<0.05) with indoor radon concentration and relative humidity has a positive (p<0.05) Simultaneously to investigate water radon concentration, collected piped-water and the results were very low, which is the same in piped-water concentration other countries. In conclusion, underground indoor radon concentration is higher than aboveground. Concentration was related to sampling spot, open portion is lower than inside. Higher the temperature, lower the indoor radon concentrations. On the other hand higher the relative humidity, higher the indoor radon concentrations. Indoor radon concentration is influenced by sampling point, temperature, relative humidity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.155-168
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• 2004

Objective: Melatonin, which is secreted by pineal gland play an important role in the regulation of ovarian function via seasonal rhythm and sleep in most mammals. It also has a role in the protection of cells by removing toxic oxygen free radicals brought about by metabolism. In the present study, effects of melatonin on the mouse oocyte maturation were examined using two different culture conditions provided with 5% or 21% oxygen concentration. Material and Method: Immature mouse oocytes were obtained from the ovarian follicles of $3{\sim}4$ weeks old ICR strain mice intraperitoneally injected with 5 I.U. PMSG 44 hour before. Under stereomicroscope, morphologically healthy oocytes with distinct germinal vesicle (GV) were liberated from the graafian follicles and collected using mouth-controlled micropipette. They were then cultured for 17 hour at $37^{circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ and 21% $O_2$ (95% air) or 5% $CO_2$, 5% $O_2$ and 90% $N_2$. New modified Hank's balanced salt solution (New MHBS) was used as a culture medium throughout the experiments. Effects of melatonin were examined at a concentration of $0.0001{\mu}M$, $0.01{\mu}M$ or $1.0{\mu}M$. For the prevention of spontaneous maturation of immature oocytes during culture, dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and/or hypoxanthine were included in the medium. Results: Under 21% oxygen condition, oocytes cultured in the presence of $0.01{\mu}M$ melatonin showed a significantly higher maturation rates, in terms of germinal vesicle breakdown (95.0% vs 89.0%) and polar body formation (88.1% vs 75.4%), compared to those cultured with $0.0001{\mu}M$ or $1.0{\mu}M$ melatonin. However, no difference was observed in oocytes cultured under 5% oxygen whether they were treated with melatonin or not. In the presence of $0.01{\mu}M$ melatonin, oocytes either cultured under 21% or 5% oxygen exhibited no difference in the polar body formation (85.6% vs 86.7%). However, in the absence of melatonin, oocytes cultured under 21% oxygen exhibited lower polar body formation (74.7%). When oocytes were cultured in the presence of dbcAMP alone or with varying concentrations of melatonin, those treated with both compounds always showed better maturation, i.e., germinal vesicle breakdown and polar body formation, compared to those cultured with dbcAMP alone. At the same concentration of melatonin, however, oocytes exposed to 21% oxygen showed poor maturation than those to 5% oxygen. Similar results were obtained from the experiments using hypoxanthine instead of dbcAMP. Conclusion: Based upon these results, it is suggested that melatonin could enhance the meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes under 21% oxygen concentration, and release oocytes from the meiotic arrest by dbcAMP or hypoxanthine regardless of the concentration of oxygen, probably via the removal of oxygen free radicals.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.101-109
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• 2014

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 are participated in embryo development, implantation, remodeling of epithelial cell and ovulation. The objective of this study is to evaluate an impact of MMP2 and MMP9 on embryonic developmental competence as well as gene expression profiles of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. After in vitro fertilization, embryos of all groups were transferred into IVC-2 medium treated with MMP2 and MMP9 to check the optimum concentration on the basis of embryo development competence and cell numbers. The optimum concentrations for MMP2 and 9 were 1,200 ng/ml and 300 ng/ml. The blastocyst development competence was not different among 1,200 ng/ml of MMP2 vs. 300 ng/ml of MMP9 vs. combined MMP2 + 9 vs. control groups ($41.46{\pm}10.66$ vs. $37.73{\pm}8.92$ vs. $45.11{\pm}11.41%$ vs. $41.59{\pm}11.88$, respectively). Furthermore, the developmental competences to hatching and hatched blastocysts were not also different among the same groups ($79.84{\pm}12.63$ vs. $83.3{\pm}17.46$ vs. $78.55{\pm}14.48%$ vs. $72.02{\pm}14.09$). In addition, total cell number was significantly (p<0.05) greater in blastocyst treated with MMP9 300 ng/ml among all treatment groups. On the other hand, there was no significant difference of ICM vs. TE ratio in all groups. The expression of five out of six genes (i.e., MMP2, MMP9, IFNt, SSLP1 and HNRNPA2B1) was different among the groups. The expression of IFNt and HNRNPA2B1 genes was significantly greater in MMP9 (p<0.05), but there was no difference of MMP9 expression between MMP2 and MMP9 group (p>0.05). The normalized expression of MMP2 and SSLP1 was greater in MMP2 than other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, MMPs treatment during IVC-2 medium was remarkably effected on blastocyst developmental competence and gene expression profiles that are related to embryo quality and implantation.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.28-35
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• 2015

In this study, the experiment was carried out to produce methane by applying Semi-Continuous Leachate Recirculation Anaerobic Digestion System fed with source separated food waste from school cafeteria. There were two systems and each system consisted of a bioreactor and a liquid tank. Each bioreactor had a screen near the bottom of the reactor. 2.5L of separated liquid was transferred to the liquid tank for 30min each day by using a tubing pump and the liquid from the liquid tank was pumped to the bioreactor at the upper of the bioreactor as soon as the transfer was ended. Through this circulation, the liquid having high concentration of VFAs was supplied to the top of bioreactor. At the beginning of the experiment, food waste/inoculum anaerobic sludge volume ratio was 2:8 that is 9g VS/L of OLR(Organic Loading Rate). Feeding was conducted every two weeks. Experimental results showed that the contents of moisture, combustible matter, ash were 65.91%, 32.73%, and 1.36%, respectively. Two different food waste loading were studied. The average organic loading rates were 3.51g VS/d for System A and 3.86g VS/d for System B, respectively. The average produced methane based on food waste fed to bioreactor were observed as $6.30m^3CH_4/kgVS{\cdot}d$ for system A and $4.94m^3CH_4/kgVS{\cdot}d$ for System B, respectively.

• Proceedings of the Korea Air Pollution Research Association Conference
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• 2007.10a
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• pp.106-108
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• 2007

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

This study was conducted to examine the role of intact cumulus cells during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on sperm penetration, male pronuclear (MPN) formation and subsequent embryo development of oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from the slaughtered gilt ovaries were matured for 44 h in TCM199 containing 10% porcine follicular fluid, epidermal growth factor and hormones. After maturation culture, denuded oocytes or oocytes with intact cumulus cells were coincubated with frozen-thawed boar semen for 8h in a modified tris-buffered medium containing 5mM caffeine and 10mM calcium chloride. Putative zygotes were fixed and examined for sperm penetration and MPN formation (Experiments $1{\sim}3$), or cultured in North Carolina State University-23 medium fo. 156 h (Experiment 3). In Experiment 1, sperm penetration was examined after insemination of denuded oocytes and oocytes with intact cumulus cells at the concentration of $7.5{\times}10^5$ sperm/ml. Optimal sperm concentration for IVF of cumulus-intact oocytes was determined in Experiment 2 by inseminating intact oocytes with $2{\sim}5{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml. In Experiment 3, denuded or intact oocytes were inseminated at the concentrations of $7.5{\times}10^5$ and $4.0{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml, respectively, and in vitro embryo development was compared. Sperm penetration was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in cumulus-intact oocytes compared to denuded oocytes (35.2% vs. 77.4%). Based on the rates of sperm penetration and normal fertilization, the concentration of $4.0{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml was optimal for the IVF of intact oocytes compared to other sperm concentrations. The presence of intact cumulus cells during IVF significantly (p<0.05) improved embryo cleavage (48.8% vs. 58.9%), blastocyst (BL) formation (11.0% vs. 22.8%) and embryo cell number $(22{\pm}2\;vs.\;29{\pm}2\;cells)$ compared to denuded oocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that intact cumulus cells during IVF inhibit sperm penetration but improve embryo cleavage, BL formation and embryo cell number of porcine embryos produced in vitro.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.651-658
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• 2009

Four multiparous lactating Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulae were fed diets varying in the amount and source of rumen-degradable carbohydrates (starch vs. sucrose) to examine their effects on rumen fermentation, nitrogen metabolism and lactation performance. A $4{\times}4$ Latin square with four diets and four periods of 28 days each was employed. Corn starch and sucrose were added to diets and corn starch was replaced with sucrose at 0 (0 S), 2.5 (2.5 S), 5.0 (5.0 S) 7.5% (7.5 S) of diet dry matter in a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 60% concentrate and 40% forage (DM basis). Replacing corn starch with sucrose did not affect (p>0.05) ruminal pH which averaged 6.41, but the ruminal pH for 7.5 S decreased more rapidly at 2 h after morning feeding compared with other treatments. Sucrose reduced ($p{\leq}0.05$) ruminal $NH_3-N$ concentration (13.90 vs. 17.09 mg/dl) but did not affect peptide-N concentration. There was no dietary effect on total volatile fatty acids (110.53 mmol/L) or the acetate to propionate ratio (2.72). No differences (p>0.05) in molar proportion of most of the individual VFA were found among diets, except for the molar proportion of butyrate that was increased ($p{\leq}0.05$) with the inclusion of sucrose. Total branched chain volatile fatty acids tended to increase ($p{\geq}0.051$) for the control treatment (0 S) compared with the 7.5 S treatment. Dry matter intake, body weight changes and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF were not affected by treatments. Sucrose inclusion in the total mixed ration did not affect milk yield, but increased milk fat and total solid percentage ($p{\leq}0.05$). Sucrose tended ($p{\geq}0.063$) to increase milk protein percentage (3.28 vs. 3.05) and reduced ($p{\leq}0.05$) milk urea nitrogen concentration (12.75 vs. 15.48 mg/dl), suggesting a more efficient utilization of the rapidly available nitrogen components in the diet and hence improving nitrogen metabolism in the rumen.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2011

The objective of this study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of sperm collection methods on the post-thaw viability of cat semen. The cat semen was collected by artificial virginal (AV) and electronic ejaculate (EE) methods. The composition of semen extender was consisted of Tris-buffer supplemented with 20% egg yolk and 1% P/S antibiotics in Ext I, and more added 8% glycerol, 1.0% Equex STM paste of total volume in Ext II. The collected semen was adjusted the concentration and then diluted in Ext I for optimal concentration. The diluted semen was cooling to $5^{\circ}C$ temperature in refrigerator for at least 2 hrs and then diluted stepwise with Ext II for at least 1 hrs. After an equilibration for 1 hrs, the cooled semen was packaged in 0.5 ml straw and then freezing on the $LN_2$ vapor over 5 cm above from $LN_2$ and then immersed directly in $LN_2$ for cryopreservation. The frozen semen was thawed in $38^{\circ}C$ water for 15 sec and then evaluated the motility, viability, and morphology. Post-thaw semen were calculated the motility by SMI (sperm motility index). The live-dead sperm was evaluated by Eosin-B and morphological evaluation was by Diff-quik kit staining. The post-thaw concentration ($89{\times}10^6$ /ml vs. $128{\times}10^6$ /ml), viability ($22.6{\pm}10.6%$ vs. $37.1{\pm}26.1%$), morphological normality ($27.0{\pm}50.2%$ vs. $45.6{\pm}123.0%$) of EE and AV groups were not significant different, but the post-thaw motility was significant lower in EE than that in AV group ($53.1{\pm}3.6$ vs. $73.6{\pm}5.7$) (p<0.05). In conclusion, semen collection methods did not significant different between EE and AV groups except of post-thaw motility and so both semen collection methods could be applied in feline semen collection methods.