• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.379-386
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• 2024

Basophils and mast cells are specialized effector cells in allergic reactions. Haliotis discus hannai (abalone), is valuable seafood. Abalone male viscera, which has a brownish color and has not been previously reported to show anti-allergic activities, was extracted with acetone. Six different acetone/hexane fractions (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100%) were obtained using a silica column via β-hexosaminidase release inhibitory activity-guided selection in phorbol myristate acetate and a calcium ionophore, A23187 (PMACI)-induced human basophils, KU812F cells. The 40% acetone/hexane fraction (A40) exhibited the strongest inhibition of PMACI-induced-β-hexosaminidase release. This fraction dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium mobilization without cytotoxicity. Western blot analysis revealed that A40 down-regulated PMACI-induced MAPK (ERK 1/2, p-38, and JNK) phosphorylation, and the NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to membrane. Moreover, A40 inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production. Anti-allergic activities of A40 were confirmed based on inhibitory effects on IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in compound (com) 48/80-induced rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. A40 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release and cytokine production such as IL-4 and TNF-α produced by com 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, it's fraction attenuated the IgE/DNP-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the ears of BALB/c mice. Our results suggest that abalone contains the active fraction, A40 is a potent therapeutic and functional material to treat allergic diseases.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2013

The present study examined effects of production performance, immune activity and egg quality by raising on exercise yard in laying Hens, the results of which could be used as baseline data to enhance animal welfare and the safety of livestock products. A total of 90 Hy-line-Brown laying hens of 13 weeks old were used in the experiment for 38 weeks. The cage group (Cage group) was raised in a cage, where an area of $0.084m^2$ was assigned to two hens, while hens in the exercise yard $1.1m^2$ group ($1.1m^2$ group) was assigned to a combination of a chicken house ($0.11m^2$) and a exercise yard ($1.1m^2$) per a hen. Hens in the exercise yard $2.2m^2$ group ($2.2m^2$ group) was assigned to a combination of a chicken house ($0.11m^2$) and a exercise yard ($2.2m^2$) per a hen. Treatment was replicated 3 times with ten birds per replication. Ten birds were arranged according to randomized block design. While initial egg production rate was significantly higher in the Cage group, $1.1m^2$ group exhibited a slightly higher rate in the mid- and late-stage of the experiment, although the difference was not statistically significant. Exercise yard treatment groups exhibited a higher feed intake rate than the Cage group up until the hens were 39 weeks old (P<0.05), but the difference dissipated from that age on. The age at first egg in the exercise yard treatment groups was 16 days later than that for the Cage group (P<0.05), although differences in the quality of the eggs were not observed. The results of immune activity test showed that IgA in the exercise yard treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the Cage group (P<0.05). IgG, IgM, and corticosterone were also higher in the exercise yard treatment groups. The soil in exercise yard increased of organic matter and decreased of cation exchange capacity (CEC) in raised hens. In sum, raising hens in a exercise yard raise style decreased the rate of initial egg production, which was followed by a slight increase during the latter part of the experiment. The exercise yard raise hens' immune activity was heightened.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

The objective of the present study was to determine the expression of genes associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced stressor in two breeds of chickens: the Korean native chicken (KNC) and the White Leghorn chicken (WLH). Forty chickens per breed, aged 40 weeks, were randomly allotted to the control (CON, administered the saline vehicle) and LPS-injected stress groups. Samples were collected at 0 and 48 h post-LPS injection, and total RNA was extracted from the chicken livers for RNA microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses. In response to LPS, 1,044 and 1,193 genes were upregulated, and 1,000 and 1,072 genes were downregulated in the KNC and WLH, respectively, using a ${\geq}2$-fold cutoff change. A functional network analysis revealed that stress-related genes were downregulated in both KNC and WLH after LPS infection. The results obtained from the qRT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression of heat shock 90 (HSP90), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) were confirmed by the results of the microarray analysis. There was a significant difference in the expression of stress-associated genes between the control and LPS-injected KNC and WLH groups. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the stress-related $HSP90{\alpha}$ and HMGCR genes were downregulated in both LPS-injected KNC and WLH groups. However, the HSP70 and $HSP90{\beta}$ genes were upregulated only in the LPS-injected KNC group. The results suggest that the mRNA expression of stress-related genes is differentially affected by LPS stimulation, and some of the responses varied with the chicken breed. A better understanding of the LPS-induced infective stressors in chicken using the qRT-PCR and RNA microarray analyses may contribute to improving animal welfare and husbandry practices.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.339-355
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• 2024

The pulmonary system is a highly complex system that can only be understood by integrating its functional and structural aspects. Hence, in vivo animal models are generally used for pathological studies of pulmonary diseases and the evaluation of inhalation toxicity. However, to reduce the number of animals used in experimentation and with the consideration of animal welfare, alternative methods have been extensively developed. Notably, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have agreed to prohibit animal testing after 2030. Therefore, the latest advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing the approach to developing in vitro inhalation models. For example, lung organ-on-a-chip (OoC) and organoid models have been intensively studied alongside advancements in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic systems. These modeling systems can more precisely imitate the complex biological environment compared to traditional in vivo animal experiments. This review paper addresses multiple aspects of the recent in vitro modeling systems of lung OoC and organoids. It includes discussions on the use of endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts composed of lung alveoli generated from pluripotent stem cells or cancer cells. Moreover, it covers lung air-liquid interface (ALI) systems, transwell membrane materials, and in silico models using artificial intelligence (AI) for the establishment and evaluation of in vitro pulmonary systems.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.711-723
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• 2013

The objectives of this study were to access climate change by global warming in Korea, and to investigate its effects on production efficiency of lactating dairy cows. Two regions, Daegu and Daekwanryung, were selected to represent a warm and a cold area, respectively. Time-series analyses on meteorological records for 25 years (from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 2012) revealed significant and different climate changes in two regions. In the warm area there has been a significant (P<0.05) increase in low temperature during the summer, which can cause heat stress to the animal. On the other hand, a decrease in low temperature during the winter was observed in the cold region (P<0.01), and cold stress in winter can thus be an issue in this region. Simulations using a model integrated the Korean feeding standard for dairy cattle and the environmental effect module of Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System, indicated that a reduction in feed efficiency can be a problem during the winter in the cold region while during the summer in the warm area. We conclude that the effect of climate change by global warming varies in different areas in Korea and a region-specific management strategy should be developed in order to maintain productivity, health and welfare of lactating dairy cows.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.184-189
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• 2007

In order to investigate the enhancement effects of low dose radiation on biological activation, this study applied low dose X-ray to the whole body of male rats to find out whether hormesis is induced in male germ cells. Total 36 Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats as experimental animal were subdivided into 6 groups(in 6 rats per group) such as control, 10 mGy, 20 mGy, 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy radiation group All the groups showed slightly increasing number of sperms per 0.1g semen ($14.216{\times}10^6,\;13.901{\times}10^6,\;14.153{\times}10^6,\;13.831{\times}10^6,\;14.137{\times}10^6,\;14.677{\times}10^6$ respectively), and the motility of sperms amounted to 50.9%, 49.5%, 55.1%, 54.3%, 48.0% and 52.2% respectively. Particularly, compared to the control, the other 5 groups showed higher male hormone level, and the microscopic observations of testicle tissues showed no vacuolization in seminiferous tubules and testis cells. In the results of this experiment, no harmful effect was observed on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for which the dose of radiation was controlled as regulated legally by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. However, as these results were obtained from a limited number of animals, we cannot maintain that the same effect will be observed in the human body. Therefore, there should be further research on the effect on other animals and ultimately on the human body.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.139-148
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• 2002

In order to study the range of flight and feeding activity of Anopheles sinensis, the dispersal experiment was conducted in Paju city, located in the northern part of Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, during the period of 7th to 28th September 1998. Unfed females An. sinensis were collected in cowshed and released after being marked with fluorescent dye at 23:00 hours on the same day. Released female mosquitoes were recaptured everyday during 21 days using light traps, which were set at 10 sites in the cowsheds located 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 km north-northwest and north-northeast and at 3 sites located 1, 6 and 9 km toward south-west from the release point. In addition, to study the longest flight distance in one night, we set the light traps at 16 and 20 km toward north-northeast from the release site. All the collected mosquitoes were placed on filter papers and observed on UV transilluminator after treatment with one drop of 100% ethanol. Out of 12,773 females of An. sinensis released, 194 marked females mosquitoes were recaptured, giving 1.52% recapture rate. Of 194, 72 mosquitoes (37 1%) were recaptured in light traps from three places set at 1 km from the release point, 57 mosquitoes (29.4%) from two places at 1-3 km, 41 mosquitoes (21.1%) from three places at 3-6 km, 20 mosquitoes (10.3%) from three places at 6-9 km, and 4 mosquitoes (2.1%) from two places at 9-12 km. Since 170 female mosquitoes (87.6%) out of 194 marked mosquitoes were captured within 6 km from the release point, this flight radius represents the main activity area. An. sinensis was found to be able to fly at least 12 km during one night.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 1979

This study was conducted to abbess dietary intake and eating habits of low-income persons aged 60 years or elder. 212 persons were surveyed between July 10 and August 17, 1978 ; 105 from the farming village of Yang-ju, Kyunggi province; and 107 from Karakdong, an area of redevlopment in the suburbs of Seoul. Results were as follows : 1 ) Family environment 84% of elderly persons surveyed, lived with their children; 13.2%, together as a couple; and 1.9%, widowed, lived alone. More than half on the households had an average monthly income of \50,000 to \30,000. The average Engel index was 61.2%. As for pocket money, 56.4% of male subjects had \l,000 to \7,000 per month, whereas 74% of female had less than \1,000. 2) Anthropometric measurements 59.9% of subjects were $70{\sim}90%$ of standard weight, 93% had an arm circumference only $60{\sim}80%$ of the standard. 3) Food and nutrient intake Carbohydrate provided 73.4 to 79.4% of total energy intake, whereas protein and fat accounted for 10.4 to 10.5% and 8.3 to 7.8%, respectively. Those over 65 years of age showed a somewhat greater dependence on carbohydrates for energy, than those under 65. Protein intake was only $42{\sim}52%$ of the recommended allowance. and the proportion of animal protein to total protein was only $2.1{\sim}9.3%$ far below the recommended allowance. Thus the protein nutrition of the subjects was proven to be inadequate qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Intake of energy and of all nutrients except vitamin A and ascorbic acid, were lower than recommended. 4) Correlational assessment The correlation coefficient between poor dental health, clinical sign score, appetite index, dietary balance and nutrient intake, was significant (0<0.01). Poor teeth, illness, and poor appetite were always associated with inadequate intake of energy and nutrients. The results of this survey reveal that many of elderly of the rural and urban poor show evidence of general malnutrition, The authours hope that this study will provide a back. ground and indicate the direction that community health and welfare programs may take to assure proper nutrition for the elderly.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.401-415
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• 2014

To prepare for the changes in the future, this study considered people in their seventies and eighties in rural areas in the last decade. Based on a survey of rural life by the Rural Development Administration, all factors were analyzed using SAS ver. 9.3. The rate of rice farming decreased, and vegetable-cultivation increased from 8.4% in 2001 to and 26.6% in 2008 for people in their seventies and eighties. The number of family members decreased to 1.96 in 2010 from 2.04 in 2001, and annual income increased by KRW 20-29 million for those in their seventies and eighties, whereas it was more than KRW 30 million for those in their forties. Bathing with warm water increased to 88.9% from 69.8%, and household waste treated by self-incineration decreased from 86.4% to 40.0% in the last decade. Separate collection spread since 2008. Food waste disposal and the burial (46.0%) showed had for people in their seventies and eighties, and animal feed increased (50.7%) for those in their forties at 2001. The separate collection increased by 39.6% in 2010 for those in their seventies and eighties and by 53.5% for those in their forties(p<0.05). The manufacture of jang and kimchi showed were little annual changes for people in their seventies and eighties. Food storage processing was higher for those in their forties. For those in their seventies and eighties, food group intake over the 2004-2010 period increased from 3.3 times a week to 4.2 times a week for protein foods and from 4.9 times a week to 5.5 times a week for vegetables. There was no change in fruits, milk, and seaweeds for those in their seventies and eighties, but there was an increase for those in their forties. The results suggest the continued increase in the manufacture of jang and kimchi and protein and vegetable intake for those in their seventies and eighties. Some direction to welfare, mechanized rice planting and living with neighbors together would be continued with good nutrition for elderly residents.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.461-472
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• 2004

Objectives : For the screening of neuroprotective effects of medicinal herbs, the complex system of animal models suffer some disadvantages in controlling critical parameters such as blood pressure and body temperature. Additionally, application of drugs to the appropriate brain area sometimes is difficult, due to poor permeability though the blood brain barrier, and so potential protective effects might be masked. Methods : Organotypic hippocampal slice culture (OHSC) method has the advantages of being relatively easy to prepare and of maintaining the general structure, including tissue integrity and the connections between cells. Drugs can easily be applied and neuronal damage can easily be quantified by using tissues and culture media. This study demonstrates neuroprotective effects of Puerariae radix (葛根, PR), Salviae miltiorrhizae radix (丹蔘, SR), Rhei rhizoma (大黃, RR), and Bupleuri radix (柴胡, BR). These were screenedand compared to MK-801, antagonist of NMDA receptors, by using OHSC of 1 week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) were conducted in an anaerobic chamber $(85%\;N_2,\;10%\;CO_2\;and\;5%\;H_2)$ in a deoxygenated glucose-free medium for 60 minutes. Water extracts of each herbs were treated to culture media with $5\;{\mu}g/ml$ for 48 hours. Results : Neuronal cell death in the cultures was monitored by densitometric measurements of the cellular uptake of propidium iodide (PI). PI fluorescence images were obtained at 48 hours after the OGD and medicinal herb treatment. Also TUNEL-positive cells in the CAI and DG regions and LDH concentrations in culture media were measured at 48 hours after the OGD. According to measured data, MK-801, PR, SR and BR demonstrated significant neuroprotective effect against excessive neuronal cell death and apoptosis induced by the OGD insult. Especially, PR revealed similar neuroprotective effect to MK-801 and RR demonstrated weak neuroprotective effect. Conclusions : These results suggest that OHSC can be a suitable method for screening of neuroprotective effects of medicinal herbs. (This work was supported by the research program of Dongguk University and Grant 01-PJ9-PG1-01CO03-0003 from Ministry of Health & Welfare.)