• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.115-119
• /
• 2005

In the present study, we evaluated the free radical scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities exhibited by extracts obtained from the dried stems (and leaves) of Lespedeza bicolor We also assessed its potential irritation activities with regard to cosmetic use. When the DPPH radical scavenging activities of L. bicolor were assessed at six different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 ${\mu}g/ml$), the concentration of L. bicolor required to inhibit DPPH radical formation by $50\%$ was found to be $164.90{\mu}g/ml$. The effects of L. bicolor on the inhibition of xanthine oxidase were determined at seven different concentrations. The $50\%$ effective concentration was found to be $282.75{\mu}g/ml$. In the skin irritation test, all animals survived for the duration of the study, and all exhibited normal gains in body weight. The control sites exhibited no response to the control procedures. No edema, erythema, or eschar formation was observed in any of the tested rabbits. In the ocular irritation study, all of the rabbit eyes remained normal. In summary, L. bicolor extracts were considered to be non-irritating to the skin and eye.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.174-179
• /
• 2015

Academic integrity guarantees the professional integrity and validity of the education and qualifications offered by the veterinary schools. In this study, we analyzed the responses of 528 veterinary students of two veterinary schools in Seoul regarding their awareness about, knowledge of, and frequency of engaging in academic misconduct. A total of 88.4 percent of the participants agreed that cheating and plagiarism by undergraduates would influence their future academic misconduct. The most common form of academic misconduct was plagiarism (71.7% in the A school, 69.5% in the B school), with falsification (40.2% in the A school, 31.7% in the B school) also reported at a high rate. Students indicated the lack of a culture of academic integrity as the main reason for academic misconduct. According to the regression analysis students' awareness and knowledge of academic integrity and their perception of peers' academic misconduct predicted a significant amount of variance of the frequency of academic misconduct. The findings of this study support that academic integrity should be learned in a flexible format from an early stage of professional development in veterinary curriculum. In parallel with the efforts of faculty, a community approach may be likely to improve the academic environment in terms of integrity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.884-888
• /
• 2003

Proteolytic enzymes are used for meat tenderization, an important process with regard to consumer preference. The proteolytic enzyme, IVRIN was isolated from the plant Cucumis pubescens W and its effect on physico-chemical properties and lipid profile of thigh and breast muscle of culled, desi and broiler birds was studied. Fifty-gram meat was treated with IVRIN containing 32.5 mg enzyme protein at $60^{\circ}C$ for 20 min. The pH of IVRIN treated meat was decreased significantly (p<0.01) and the effect was more pronounced in breast than thigh muscle. The water holding capacity (WHC) was increased significantly (p<0.01) in broiler as compared to desi and culled bird, and in breast compared to thigh muscle. IVRIN failed to produce any impact on muscle fiber diameter (MFD). The MFD of desi was significantly higher (p<0.01) than broiler and culled birds. The total lipid concentration in thigh and breast muscle of desi was lower (p<0.01) than broiler and culled birds, latter being similar in this respect. The cholesterol content was lower (p<0.01) in breast than thigh muscle, in broiler than desi and culled and in IVRIN treated than untreated meat samples. The phospholipid concentration was unaffected by IVRIN. Broiler and culled birds exhibited more phospholipid content than desi birds.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.15-19
• /
• 2010

The Russian ratsnake, Elaphe schrenckii, is found in Russia, China, and Korea, and is considered to be an endangered species by the Ministry of Environment in South Korea. Due to habitat loss and use in oriental medicine, their population has been severely decimated. In South Korea, two subspecies of E. schrenckii has been defined according to body color: E. s. schrenckii (blackish) and E. s. anomala (yellow-brownish). Molecular genetic studies on Elaphe schrenckii are very scarce and the taxonomy of Elaphe schrenckii subspecies is uncertain. From the present study, we attempted to identify the genetic differences of these two subspecies using species-specific microsatellites developed from the genomic library of E. schrenckii. Nine polymorphic loci were tested on 19 individuals from E. s. schrenckii (n=10) and E. s. anomala (n=9) in South Korea. The mean number of alleles was 3.78 in E. s. schrenckii and 4.11 in E. s. anomala. The average expected heterozygosity was 0.542 and 0.511 in E. s. schrenckii and E. s. anomala, respectively. We found a lack of genetic structure between two subspecies ($F_{ST}=0.016$) and no genetic discrimination between two subspecies was found. Based on the present findings by microsatellites, two subspecies can be considered as one species, E. schrenckii. However, further investigations on taxonomical status using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences need to be performed and morphological & ecological data should be revised. The genetic markers should benefit future studies of the endangered species of other Elaphe species for the study of genetic diversity and potential conservation management.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.25-32
• /
• 2008

The Gold-spotted pond frog, Rana plancyi chosenica, designated as a vulnerable species by IUCN Red list. This species is a typical example facing local population threats and extinction due to human activities in South Korea. A strategic conservation plan for this endangered species is urgently needed. In order to provide information for future conservation planning, accurate information on the genetic diversity and taxonomic status is needed for the establishment of conservation units for this species. In this study, we used a molecular genetic approach using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and control region sequences to find the genetic diversity of gold-spotted pond frogs within South Korea. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene and control region of 77 individuals from 11 populations in South Korea, and one from Chongqing, China. A total of 15 cytochrome b gene haplotypes and 34 control region haplotypes were identified from Korean gold-spotted pond frogs. Mean sequence diversity among Korean gold-spotted pond frogs was 0.31% (0.0-0.8%) and 0.51% (0.0-1.0%), respectively. Most Korean populations had at least one unique haplotype for each locus. The Taean, Ansan and Cheongwon populations had no haplotypes shared with other populations. There was a sequence divergence between Korean and Chinese gold-spotted pond frogs (1.3% for cyt b; 2.9% for control region). Analysis of genetic distances and phylogenetic trees based on both cytochrome b and control region sequences indicate that the Korean gold-spotted pond frog are genetically differentiated from those in China.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.59.1-59.10
• /
• 2024

Importance: Despite advancements in herd management, feeding, and pharmaceutical interventions, neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) remains a major global health concern. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the major contributors to NCD. Although several pathogens have been identified in the Republic of Korea (ROK), the etiological agents of numerous NCD cases have not been identified. Objective: To identify, for the first time, the prevalence and impact of Boosepivirus (BooV) on calf diarrhea in the ROK. Methods: Here, the unknown cause of calf diarrhea was determined using metagenomics We then explored the prevalence of certain pathogens, including BooV, that cause NCD. Seventy diarrheal fecal samples from Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) calves were analyzed using reverse transcriptase and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for pathogen detection and BooV isolate sequencing. Results: The complete genome of BooV was detected from unknown causes of calf diarrhea. And also, BooV was the most frequently detected pathogen (35.7%) among 8 pathogens in 70 diarrheic feces from Hanwoo calves. Co-infection analyses indicated that most BooV-positive samples were solely infected with BooV, indicating its significance in NCD in the ROK. All isolates were classified as BooV B in phylogenetic analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: This is the first study to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of BooV in calf diarrhea in the ROK, highlighting the potential importance of BooV as a causative agent of calf diarrhea and highlighting the need for further research on its epidemiology and pathogenicity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.737-743
• /
• 2015

In order to examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in wild rodents and insectivores of South Korea and to assess their potential role as a source of human cryptosporidiosis, a total of 199 wild rodents and insectivore specimens were collected from 10 regions of South Korea and screened for Cryptosporidium infection over a period of 2 years (2012-2013). A nested-PCR amplification of Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene fragment revealed an overall prevalence of 34.2% (68/199). The sequence analysis of 18S rRNA gene locus of Cryptosporidium was performed from the fecal and cecum samples that tested positive by COWP amplification PCR. As a result, we identified 4 species/genotypes; chipmunk genotype I, cervine genotype I, C. muris, and a new genotype which is closely related to the bear genotype. The new genotype isolated from 12 Apodemus agrarius and 2 Apodemus chejuensis was not previously identified as known species or genotype, and therefore, it is supposed to be a novel genotype. In addition, the host spectrum of Cryptosporidium was extended to A. agrarius and Crosidura lasiura, which had not been reported before. In this study, we found that the Korean wild rodents and insectivores were infected with various Cryptosporidium spp. with large intra-genotypic variationa, indicating that they may function as potential reservoirs transmitting zoonotic Cryptosporidium to livestock and humans.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.869-878
• /
• 2023

Objective: Hyperketonemia remains a major metabolic issue of serious milk production and a major health concern in early lactation cows. Oral supplementation of glucose precursors (GP) can be used to prevent hyperketonemia in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to compare the beneficial effects of orally supplementing a mixture of GP on metabolic health indicators and milk production status of primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) dairy cows. Methods: Twenty-eight Holstein cows were blocked by expected date of parturition, previous lactation yield, and parity. The cows were randomly allocated to one of the four treatment groups (n = 7 cows/group) based on their parity and GP supplementation: i) PP cows fed basal diet only (PP-CON), ii) PP cows with oral supplementation of GP (PP-GP), iii) MP cows fed basal diet only (MP-CON), and iv) MP cows with oral supplementation of GP (MP-GP). Glucose precursor (glycoline liquid) was orally drenched (300 mL/d) in GP cows from 7 days prepartum through 7 days postpartum. Other than GP supplementation, all cows were fed similar pre- and postpartum basal diets. Results: In both pre- and postpartum periods, serum glucose concentration was increased, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate and free fatty acids were decreased in GP cows compared with the CON cows. Milk yield and milk components were statistically not different between GP and CON cows over the first 9 week of lactation. The yield of actual milk, energy-corrected milk, 63-days cumulative milk, colostrum yield, and calf birth weight remained higher in MP cows compared with PP cows. Conclusion: Oral drenching of GP around calving can be recommended to successfully improve the metabolic health and reduce the negative effects of hyperketonemia not only in MP but also in PP dairy cows.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.62 no.3
• /
• pp.21.1-21.10
• /
• 2022

With the increasing population of companion dogs, the social cost derived from their behavioral problems is increasing. Therefore, it is important to understand the environment to provide experience for dogs via interactions with their owners to prevent and solve these problems. The parenting behavior of dog owners as an environmental factor has a profound impact on the behavior development of dogs, as does the parenting behavior on children. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a scale to assess the dog owner's parenting behavior. Exploratory factor analysis involving 300 participants resulted in a scale with four subscales, Positive Education, Involvement of Socialization, Intimacy, and Stable Responses, and 19 items. Confirmatory factor analysis was then performed to verify its reliability and validity. The result of parenting behaviors assessed by this scale was significantly different between a group with dogs with problematic behavior (n = 141) and those without (n = 159). Overall, a dog owner's parenting behavior involves affection and control aspects, but the role required specifically in the control aspect is distinguished from the parenting behavior with children. The findings in the present study will provide dog owners with effective education that will help prevent dogs from developing behavioral problems.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.935-944
• /
• 2021

It has been suggested that bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, interferes with the endocrine system, causing reproductive dysfunction. Recently, BPA has been found in waste water due to incomplete sewage purification, possibly threatening health through its ingestion via tap water. In this study, young male mice (6 - 7 weeks old) were administered water containing BPA (50 mg·kg^-1) for four weeks, while control mice consumed water without BPA. Serum, epididymal spermatozoa and testicular sections were assessed after sacrificing the mice on day 28. No significant differences were obtained between the groups in the body, testis and seminal vesicle weights. However, the epididymal sperm motility and count levels were significantly reduced in BPA-fed mice. Significantly higher hepatotoxicity levels were also observed in mice ingesting BPA as compared to the control mice. The level of serum testosterone was reduced, and testicular sections revealed incomplete and irregular spermatogenesis in BPA-ingested mice. The sperm proteasomal-proteolytic activity level has been implicated in sperm function and is measured in motile spermatozoa using fluorometric substrates. High ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase activity levels were observed in the control mice without BPA. During a mating trial, a low pregnancy rate (71.4%) was observed in females mated with males who had consumed BPA (100% in the control mice). Overall, BPA adversely affected spermatogenesis and quality, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, concentration and serum testosterone levels, resulting in reduced fertility competence.