• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.957-966
• /
• 2021

Objective: Ovarian follicular development, which dependent on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs), is a complex biological process in which miRNA plays an important role. Our previous study showed that miR-458b-5p is associated with ovarian follicular development in chicken. The detailed function and molecular mechanism of miR-458b-5p in GCs is unclear. Methods: The luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-458b-5p and catenin beta-1 (CTNNB1), which is an important transcriptional regulatory factor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling were applied to explore the effect of miR-458b-5p on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of chicken GCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels. Results: We demonstrated that the expression of miR-458b-5p and CTNNB1 showed the opposite relationship in GCs and theca cells of hierarchical follicles. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CTNNB1 is the direct target of miR-458b-5p. Using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry with PI and Annexin V-FITC labeling, we observed that transfection with the miR-458b-5p mimics significantly reduced proliferation and has no effects on apoptosis of chicken GCs. In addition, miR-458b-5p decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CD44 molecule and matrix metallopeptidase 7, which are the downstream effectors of CTNNB1 in Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and play functional roles in cell proliferation. Conclusion: Taken together, the data indicate that miR-458b-5p regulates ovarian GCs proliferation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting CTNNB1, suggesting that miR-458b-5p and its target gene CTNNB1 may potentially play a role in chicken ovarian follicular development.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.22 no.11
• /
• pp.47-54
• /
• 2006

Shear wave velocity of uncemented soil can be expressed as the function of effective stresses when capillary phenomena are negligible. However, the terms of effective stresses are divided into the direction of wave propagation and polarization because stress states are generally anisotropy. The shear wave velocities are affected by ${\alpha}$ parameters and ${\beta}$ exponents that are experimentally determined. The ${\beta}$ exponents are controlled by contact effects of particulate materials (sizes, shapes, and structures of particles) and the ${\alpha}$ parameters are changed by contact behaviors among particles, material properties of particles, and type of packing (i.e., void ratio and coordination number). In this study, consolidation tests are performed by using clay, mica and sand specimens. Shear wave velocities are measured during consolidation tests to investigate the stress-induced and inherent anisotropies by using bender elements. Results show the shear wave velocity depends on the stress-induced anisotropy for round particles. Furthermore, the shear wave velocity is dependent on particle alignment under the constant evvective stress. This study suggests that the shear wave velocity and the shear modulus should be carefully estimated and used for the design and construction of geotechnical structures.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.80 no.4
• /
• pp.385-391
• /
• 2017

Background: Men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have reduced endogenous testosterone levels, but the relationship between pulmonary function and endogenous testosterone levels, is inconsistent. Testicular volume is a known indicator of endogenous testosterone levels, male fertility, and male potency. In the present study, the authors investigated the relationship, between testicular volume and lung function. Methods: One hundred and eighty-one South Korean men age 40-70, hospitalized for urological surgery, were retrospectively enrolled, irrespective of the presence of respiratory disease. Study subjects underwent pulmonary function testing, prior to procedures, and testicular volumes were measured by orchidometry. Testosterone levels of patients in blood samples collected between $7{\small{AM}}$ and $11{\small{AM}}$, were measured by a direct chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results: The 181 study subjects were divided into two groups, by testicular volume (${\geq}35mL$ vs. <35 mL), the larger testes group, had better lung functions (forced vital capacity [FVC]: $3.87{\pm}0.65L$ vs. $3.66{\pm}0.65L$, p=0.037; forced expiratory volume in 1 second [$FEV_1$]: $2.92{\pm}0.57L$ vs. $2.65{\pm}0.61L$, p=0.002; FVC % predicted: $98.2{\pm}15.2%$ vs. $93.8{\pm}13.1%$, p=0.040; $FEV_1$ % predicted: $105.4{\pm}19.5%$ vs. $95.9{\pm}21.2%$, p=0.002). In addition, the proportion of patients with a $FEV_1/FVC$ of <70%, was lower in the larger testes group. Univariate analysis conducted using linear regression models, revealed that testicular volume was correlated with FVC (r=0.162, p=0.029), $FEV_1$ (r=0.218, p=0.003), $FEV_1/FVC$ (r=0.149, p=0.046), and $FEV_1$ % predicted (r=0.178, p=0.017), and multivariate analysis using linear regression models, revealed that testicular volume was a significant predictive factor for $FEV_1$ % predicted (${\beta}=0.159$, p=0.041). Conclusion: Larger testicular volume was independently associated, with favorable indices of lung function. These results suggest that androgens, may contribute to better lung function.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.335-338
• /
• 2012

We present the $18{\mu}m$ luminosity function (LF) of galaxies at 0.006 < z < 0.8 (the average redshift is ~ 0.04) using the AKARI mid-infrared All-Sky Survey catalogue. We have selected 243 galaxies at $18{\mu}m$ from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectroscopic region. These galaxies then have been classified into five types; Seyfert 1 galaxies (Sy1, including quasars), Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2), low ionization narrow emission line galaxies (LINER), galaxies that are likely to contain both star formation and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) activities (composites), and star forming galaxies (SF) using optical emission lines such as the line width of $H{\alpha}$ or the emission line ratios of [OIII]/$H{\beta}$ and [NII]/$H{\alpha}$. As a result of constructing the LF of Sy1 and Sy2, we found the following results; (i) the number density ratio of Sy2 to Sy1 is $1.64{\pm}0.37$, larger than the results obtained from optical LF and (ii) the fraction of Sy2 in the entire AGN population may decrease with $18{\mu}m$ luminosity. These results suggest that most of the AGNs in the local universe are obscured by dust and the torus structure probably depends on the mid-infrared luminosity.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea TE
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.83-90
• /
• 2002

This paper proposed the strategy learning method by means of the fusion of Back-Propagation neural network and Q learning algorithm for two-person, deterministic janggi board game. The learning process is accomplished simply through the playing each other. The system consists of two parts of move generator and search kernel. The one consists of move generator generating the moves on the board, the other consists of back-propagation and Q learning plus $\alpha$$\beta$ search algorithm in an attempt to learn the evaluation function. while temporal difference learns the discrepancy between the adjacent rewards, Q learning acquires the optimal policies even when there is no prior knowledge of effects of its moves on the environment through the learning of the evaluation function for the augmented rewards. Depended on the evaluation function through lots of games through the learning procedure it proved that the percentage won is linearly proportional to the portion of learning in general.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.323-333
• /
• 2016

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-$1{\beta}$(IL1B), IL6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), are known to play important roles in regulating the endometrial function in the uterus during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in several species. However, the expression and function of these cytokines and their receptors in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle have not been studied in pigs. Thus, this study determined the expression and regulation of IL1B, IL6, TNF and their respective receptors, IL1R1, IL1RAP, IL6R, GP130, TNFRSF1A, and TNFRSF1B during the estrous cycle in pigs. To analyze levels of each gene expression in the uterine endometrium we obtained from endometrial tissues on Days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 of the estrous cycle. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that levels of IL1B, IL1RAP, IL6R, GP130, TNF, TNFRSF1A, and TNFRSF1B mRNAs were highest on Day 15 or 18 of the estrous cycle, which corresponds to the proestrus period. Levels of IL1R1 were highest on Day 0, while levels of IL6 were biphasic with high levels on Day 6 and Day 15. The abundance of IL1B, IL6, IL6R, and TNF mRNAs was decreased by progesterone, while levels of GP130 were increased by progesterone in endometrial tissue explants. These results showed that expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors changed stage-specifically during the estrous cycle and regulated by progesterone in the uterine endometrium in pigs, suggesting that these pro-inflammatory cytokines may be involved in the regulation endometrial function during the estrous cycle in pigs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.23 no.8
• /
• pp.1118-1126
• /
• 2010

Male reproduction is influenced by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including environmental endocrine disruptors. Testosterone is a well recognized intrinsic regulator for development and function of the male reproductive tract, and thus male fertility. The testis and semen of many mammalians contain an unusually high concentration of estrogen. Testosterone is converted into estrogen by the enzymatic action of cytochrome P450 aromatase complex (Cyp19a1). Of the male reproductive tract, the efferent ductules (EDs) possess exceptionally elevated levels of estrogen receptors (ERs), ER${\alpha}$ and ER${\beta}$, indicating that estrogen, in addition to testosterone, would have a functional role in regulation of male reproduction. First, this review has focused on description and summary of what is currently known for functions of estrogen in the EDs. The biosynthetic pathway of estrogen occurring in the testis is briefly covered, following by detailed explanation of the morphology and physiology of EDs. In the next section, the sources and targets of estrogen in the male reproductive tract are highlighted, and possible functional roles of estrogen in the EDs are justified from the aspect of physiology, molecular biology, and morphology in adult animal models. Also, this section covers the importance of estrogen and ERs in maintaining normal function and morphology of the EDs during postnatal development. In the last part of this review, the effects of extrinsic factors, especially environmental endocrine-disruptors, on the EDs is summarized. The intent of this review is to emphasize the importance of estrogen for regulation of physiological function of the EDs, and thus male fertility.

• Korean Journal of Cleft Lip And Palate
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.39-43
• /
• 2001

The design of osteotomy plane in orthognathic surgery has been developed to diminish the nerve injury. Intraoral Vertico-Sagittal Ramus Osteotomy (IVSRO) is the one of the best way to minimize untoward results, which is designed not to expose the lingula. We evaluated the nerve damage before and after with current perception threshold (CPT) test which is modem and numerically expressible way of nerve damages. Sixty patients underwent IVSRO since 1998 were evaluated. They were divided into 2 groups; one group underwent IVSRO only, and the other underwent IVSRO plus genioplasty. The both groups were evaluated with CPT test 1 week before surgery, and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The CPT test was performed on A-beta, A-delta and C fiber respectively. 111e result showed that the recovery of sensory function of damaged nerve fibers was observed at the period of three to six months after surgery. There was no impairment of nerve function after only the IVSRO . But there were sensory disturbances in cases of additional genioplasty group. We thought that one of major factors on nerve damages were exposure of nerve and traction injury during genioplasty.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.157-169
• /
• 2004

We have conducted questionnaire and measured serum kidney function tests on 156 patients whom have received a treatment at a local Oriental medicine clinic in Seoul from Sept. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, 2002. Patients were categorized into five groups. The groups are control(10 samples), herbal extract group(41 samples), herbal pills group(5samples), western medicines(45samples), and combination group(55 samples). This study was conducted to investigate how these treatment methods can affect the kidney functions. Following results were obtained : 1) Most of the research subjects were male(103 individuals) living in large urban area, with a drinking habit, highly educated, and with normal marriage. For the treatment history, 45 individuals received western medicine treatment(28.85%), 46 with Oriental medicine(29.49%), and 55patients (35.26%) experienced both forms of the treatment. 2) For measuring Mean(SD) of serum kidney functions for all the research subjects, Bun was 12.16(3.90)g/dl, 0.51(0.19) g/dl for Creatinine, and 4.64(1.49)g/dl for Uric acid. All the measurements were within the normal range. 3) Confounding variables which may affect the kidney functions such as age, smoking, drinking, occupation, and residency were eliminated in calculation and no significant differences were witnessed between the control and experiment groups. 4) In measuring affects of treatment duration on the kidney functions, no statistical significances were shown in multiple regression's ${\beta}(SE)$ values. 5) Correlations affecting the kidney functions are duration of drinking, drinking volume per round, drinking volume per week, smoking, gender, and age difference caused significant correlations. From the above results, we can deduce that taking herbal and western medicine didn't cause significant effects between the control and experiment groups in the kidney functions. Further research is needed in this field to verify this evidence by adding odds ratios and etc.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2016

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease, for which there is no effective drug therapy at present. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) and G-Rg2 have been reported to alleviate memory deterioration. However, the mechanism of their anti-AD effect has not yet been clearly elucidated. Methods: Ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem MS (UPLC/MS)-based metabolomics was used to identify metabolites that are differentially expressed in the brains of AD mice with or without ginsenoside treatment. The cognitive function of mice and pathological changes in the brain were also assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The impaired cognitive function and increased hippocampal $A{\beta}$ deposition in AD mice were ameliorated by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. In addition, a total of 11 potential biomarkers that are associated with the metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), hypoxanthine, and sphingolipids were identified in the brains of AD mice and their levels were partly restored after treatment with G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment influenced the levels of hypoxanthine, dihydrosphingosine, hexadecasphinganine, LPC C 16:0, and LPC C 18:0 in AD mice. Additionally, G-Rg1 treatment also influenced the levels of phytosphingosine, LPC C 13:0, LPC C 15:0, LPC C 18:1, and LPC C 18:3 in AD mice. Conclusion: These results indicate that the improvements in cognitive function and morphological changes produced by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment are caused by regulation of related brain metabolic pathways. This will extend our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effects of G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 on AD.