• Toxicological Research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.129-141
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• 1998

Toxic effects of 2-bromopropane (2-BP) on the hematopoietic system and testis were investigated in male Srague-Dawley (SD) rats. 80 male SD rats, 5 weeks old, were treated with 2-BP in corn oil at levels of 0, 100, 330 and 1,000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks orally. 10 animals from each group were maintained for additional 8 weeks following the treatment. In addition, 60 male SD rats were divided into 2 groups and administered 2-BP in corn oil at levels of 0 and 1,000 mg/kg/day orally and sacrificed after 1. 2 and 3 weeks of treatment. Clinical observation. body weight changes, food consumption, organ weight changes. hematology, serum chemistry and histopathology of the testis were performed in the study. No clinical sign and mortality were observed in the study. The body weights were significantly reduced with the treatment but gradually recovered. The relative organ weights of the testis and thymus significantly decreased in both of the groups treated with 1,000 mg/kg/day for 3 and 4 weeks. In the recovery groups, organ weights of the testis and epididymis were significantly reduced in both of the groups treated with 330 and 1,000 mg/kg/day. Platelets and reticulocytes were significantly reduced in both of the group treated with 1.000 mg/kg/day for 3 and 4 weeks. While red blood cells were de-creased but mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were increased in the recovery group. Significant increase of chloride was observed in all of the treatment groups except the recovery groups, and calcium was significantly increased in both of the groups treated with 1,000 mg/kg/ day for 3 and 4 weeks. On the other hand. there were significant decreases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspatate aminotransferase (AST) in most of groups treated with 1.000 mg/kg/day. In the testis. the spermatogonia in stages I-VI were mostly depleted and the spermatocytes in stages VII-VIII were de-generated or necrotized at week 1 after treatment of 2-BP. The degeneration of germ cells and the a-trophy of seminiferous tubules became more severe in time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. The damaged tubules showed regeneration in part. however. they did not appear to be completely recovered within 8 weeks of the recovery period. On the basis of the results. it is suggested that 2-BP would cause toxicities in hematopoiesis by possibly interfering the production of red blood cells and platelets and in spermatogenesis by the destruction oj spermatogonia in SD male rats.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.269-273
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• 2012

The present study was to assess the in vitro viability and sexing rate of bovine embryos. Blastocysts were harvested on day 7~9 day after insemination(in vitro and in vivo), and the sex of the embryos was examined using the LAMP method. Embryo cell biopsy was carried out in a $80{\mu}l$ drop $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$ free D-PBS and, biopsied embryos viability were evaluated after more 12 h culture in IVMD culture medium. The formation of recovered embryo to expanded and hatching stages had ensued in higher of sexed embryo in vivo than in vitro (100% vs. 89%, p<0.05), and in vitro, the rates of degeneration after sexing were significantly (p<0.05) higher in vitro than in vivo(11% vs. 0.0%). The rates of the predicted sex were female 61% vs. 56%, and male 39% vs. 44% in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The rates of survival following different biopsy methods were seen between punching and bisection method in vivo and in vitro (100% vs. 89% and 100% vs, 78% respectively). Biopsy method by punching was significantly (p<0.05) higher than bisection between produced embryos in vivo and in vitro. The present data indicate that with microblade after punching for embryo sexing results in high incidence of survivability on development after embryo biopsy. It is also suggested that LAMP-based embryo sexing suitable for field applications.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.652-658
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• 2016

Twenty $Pelibuey{\times}Katahdin$ ewes ($35{\pm}2.3kg$) were used to determine the effects of the consumption of standardized plant extract containing a mixture of quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids and protopine alkaloids (QBA+PA) on growth performance, dietary energetics, visceral mass, and ruminal epithelial health in heat-stressed ewes fed with a high-energy corn-based diet. The basal diet (13.9% crude protein and 2.09 Mcal of net energy [NE] of maintenance/kg of dry matter) contained 49.7% starch and 15.3% neutral detergent fiber. Source of QBA+PA was Sangrovit RS (SANG) which contains 3 g of quaternary benzophenathridine and protopine alkaloids per kg of product. Treatments consisted of a daily consumption of 0 or 0.5 g SANG/ewe. Ewes were grouped by weight and assigned to 10 pens (5 pens/treatment), with two ewes per pen. The experimental period lasted 70 days. The mean temperature humidity index during the course of this experiment was $81.7{\pm}1.0$ (severe heat stress). There were no treatment effects on water intake. Dry matter intake was not affected (p = 0.70) by treatments, but the group fed SANG had a numerically (11.2%) higher gain in comparison to the control group, SANG improved gain efficiency (8.3%, p = 0.04), dietary NE (5.2%, p<0.01) and the observed-to-expected NE (5.9%, p<0.01). Supplemental SANG did not affect ($p{\geq}0.12$) carcass characteristics, chemical composition of shoulder, and organ weights (g/kg empty body weight) of stomach complex, intestines, and heart/lung. Supplemental SANG decreased liver weight (10.3%, p = 0.02) and increased visceral fat (16.9%, p = 0.02). Rumen epithelium of ewes fed SANG had lower scores for cellular dropsical degeneration (2.08 vs 2.34, p = 0.02), parakeratosis (1.30 vs 1.82, p = 0.03) and neutrophil infiltration (2.08 vs 2.86, p = 0.05) than controls. It is concluded that SANG supplementation helped ameliorate the negative effects of severe heat on growth performance of feedlot ewes fed high-energy corn-based diets. Improvement in energetic efficiency may have been mediated, in part, by anti-inflammatory effects of supplemental SANG and corresponding enhancement of nutrient uptake.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.475-482
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• 2014

This paper presents the results of an experimental feasibility study on low-temperature differential Stirling engines with water spray heat transfer. The water spray enhances the efficiency of the heat transfer from heat sources to the engine and reduces the performance degeneration due to the dead volumes of conventional heat exchangers. A test Stirling engine was developed and an experiment was conducted to determine the characteristics for the initial start-up, steady-state operation, and power output for various flow rates and temperatures of hot supply water. The test results showed that larger flow rates led to reductions in the minimum working temperature of the hot water at start-up. During a series of steady-state operations, higher flow rates and temperatures increased the working speed. Furthermore, the work per cycle and power output were also increased. Eventually, the test Stirling engine had a power level of 0.05 W. Based on this, further research will be conducted to obtain a higher power output and investigate various applications.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.259-265
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• 2011

Several compounds and extracts isolated from a brown alga, Ishige (I.) okamurae, exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study investigated whether the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of I. okamurae (EFIO) could ameliorate carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_{4}$)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with EFIO at 10 or 50 mg/kg per day for 2 consecutive days before $CCl_{4}$ injection (3.3 mL/kg, i.p.). Twenty four hours later, the rats were anesthesized with diethyl ether and dissected. Pretreatment with EFIO significantly reduced the increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in $CCl_{4}$-treated rats. Pretreatment with EFIO also significantly inhibited the reduced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the $CCl_{4}$-injured liver. Histopathological evaluations showed that hemorrhage, hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fatty degeneration induced by $CCl_{4}$ treatment were ameliorated by the administration of EFIO. Additionally, liver immunohistochemical analyses revealed the marked reduction in ED1-positive monocyte-like macrophages in EFIO-pretreated rats given $CCl_{4}$. These results suggest that EFIO ameliorates $CCl_{4}$-induced liver injury, possibly through the inhibition of oxidative stress.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Hwangryunhaedok-tang(Huanglianjiedu-tang HHT) water extract on locomotor dysfunction induced by spinal cord injury(SCI) in rats. Methods : SCI was induced by mechanical contusion following laminectomy of 10th thoracic vertebra in Sprague-Dawley rats. HHT was orally given once a day for 14 days after SCI. Neurological behavior was examined with the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Tissue damage and nerve fiber degeneration were examined with cresyl violet and luxol fast blue staining. Using immunohistochemisty, cellular damage to neurons and nerve fibers were examined against Bax and MAP-2. As inflammatory response markers, iNOS and COX-2 expressions were also examined. Results : 1. HHT ameliorated the locomotor dysfunction of the SCI-induced rats. 2. HHT attenuated the reduction of motor neurons in the ventral horn of the SCI-induced rat spinal cord. 3. HHT significantly reduced the number of Bax positive cells in the peri-lesion of the SCI-induced rat spinal cord. 4. HHT attenuated the reduction of MAP-2 positive cells in the peri-lesion of the SCI-induced rat spinal cord. 5. HHT significantly reduced the number of iNOS and COX-2 positive cells in the peri-lesion of the SCI-induced rat spinal cord. Conclusions : These results suggest that HHT improves the locomotor dysfunction of SCI by protecting motor neurons from cell death through anti-inflammatory effect.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2014

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA elements that often cause mutations in genes and alterations in the chromosome structure. In order to identify and characterize transposable elements (TEs) in Pleurotus eryngii, a TE-enriched library was constructed using two sets of TE-specific degenerated primers, which target conserved sequences of RT and RVE domains in fungal LTR retrotransposons. A total of 256 clones were randomly chosen from the library and their insert sequences were determined. Comparative investigation of the insert sequences with those in repeat element database, Repbase, revealed that 71 of them were found to be TE-related fragments with significant similarity to LTR retrotransposons from other species. Among the TE sequences, the 70 TEs were Gypsy-type LTR retrotransposons, including 20 of MarY1 from Tricholoma matsutake, 26 of Gypsy-8_SLL from Serpula lacrymans, and 16 of RMER17D_MM from mouse, whereas a single sequence, Copia-48-PTR, was found as only Copia-type LTR retrotransposon. Southern blot analysis of the HindIII-digested P. eryngii genomic DNA showed that the retrotransposon sequences similar to MarY1 and Gypsy-8_SLL were contained as high as 14 and 18 copies per genome, respectively, whereas other retrotransposons were remained low. Moreover, both of the two Gypsy retrotransposons were expressed in full length mRNA as shown by Northern blot analysis, suggesting that they were functionally active retrotransposons.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.21-34
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• 2016

Objectives : The aim of the present study is to examine the effect and mechanism of Erycibae Caulis and Corydalis Tuber Pharmacopuncture (ECP) on a mouse model with collagen induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). Methods : We evaluated the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Creatinine, and the Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of serum to examine the safety of this study. In vivo, we compared the results of the non-treated group, the normal saline pharmacopuncture treated control group, the indomethacin treated group and the ECP group. We evaluated rheumatoid arthritis manifestation and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Index (AI). Also, immune cells in blood affected by ECP were evaluated by calculating the level of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, lympocytes and monocytes. Next, the level of Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and Granulocyte-macrophage Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF)in serum were measured. We examined the imaging of cartilage degeneration using micro CT-arthrography of the hind paw. Additionally, we examined the effects of reducing bone volume (BV) ratio and bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV) ratio with 3D Micro-CT. Finally, we did a histopathologic examination analysis. Results : The absence of liver and kidney toxicity was evident. In vivo, edema of the joints of the ECP group decreased greatly in macroscopic observation. AI measurement of the ECP group also decreased significantly compared to the control group. The level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocytes, and monocytes in the blood decreased but there was no statistical significance of this data. IgM of the ECP group decreased significantly compared to the control group. IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and GM-CSF production of the ECP group decreased significantly compared to the control group. As a result of examining joint condition with 3D micro CT, deformation and destruction of the joint was shown to have decreased. Bone density of ECP group increased at a statistically significant level compared to the control group. Degree of joint inflammation of ECP group decreased significantly compared to the control group. After H&E and M-T staining, infiltration of immune cells, subsidence of the cartilage, damage to the synovial cells and joint erosion decreased. Conclusion : This study showed that ECP hindered the process of rheumatoid arthritis and protected joints and cartilage.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.35-57
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to prove the effect and mechanism of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang(GKHA) herbal acupuncture on induced rheumatoid arthritis model of DBA/1 mice. Methods : We check effect of GKHA extract on the AST, ALT, Creatinine, BUN of serum and cell viability of GK extract in RAW 264.7 cells to test the stability of this study. In vitro, we measure total phenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS cation radical scavenging activity of Gamikyejakjimogawusul-tang, effect of GK extract on ROS(Reactive Ooxygen Species) production to estimate a anti-oxidant capacity, and we also measure effect of GK extract on NO (Nitric Oxid), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF production in RAW 264.7 cells to estimate a anti-inflammatory efficacy. In vivo, we compare a rheumatoid arthritis manifestation between control and experimental group and estimate a AI. Then we check effect of GKHA on the level of WBC, neutrophil, lympocyte, monocyte in the blood to see the effect of immune cells in blood. In addition we measure effect of GKHA on the level of hs-CRP, IgM, IgG, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1, GM-CSF in serum. We observe effects of GKHA on imaging of cartilage degeneration using micro CT-arthrography in paw hind. And we calculate effects of GKHA that reduced BV ratio, BS/BV ratio using 3D Micro-CT. Lastly we observe effects of GKHA histopathologic examination analysis. Results : 1. The toxicity on liver and kidney was disregardable and the cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells was also disregardable. 1. Total phenol contents and total flavonoid contents in GK extract were in high level. 2. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity were increased according to concentration of GK extract 3. ROS production was significantly decreased in GK extract (at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). 4. NO, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1 production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-17, GM-CSF production were significantly decreased in GK extract(at 1, 10, $100{\mu}g/ml$). IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-21 production were also decreased but there was no statistical significance. 5. 25x observation after H&E and M-T staining, infiltration of immune cells and subsidence of the cartilage and damage to the synovial cells were decreased. Conclusions : This study showed that GKHA extract had anti-oxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory efficacy. GKHA extract also had inhibiting effect on the process of rheumatoid arthritis and can protect joint and cartilage. So we expect that GKHA extract can be a meaningful treatment to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1656-1664
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• 2015

The effects of lightyellow sophora, Sophora flavescens extract were tested on non-specific immune response and a disease resistance of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. For feeding trial, weight gain of fish fed different treated groups were not significant differences. Serum analysis of treated and control group did not demonstrated any differences. Lysozyme activity in the kidney and spleen of the 0.05% treated group on $4^{th}$ and $8^{th}$ week showed significant increase, respectively. In addition, phagocytic activity of the 0.05% treated group on $4^{th}$ and 8th week showed significant increase compared to the control group. Histopathology of the liver and kidney tissue of the administrated group for $4^{th}$, $8^{th}$ and $12^{th}$ week showed no particular signs of tissue degeneration. The treated group was higher than control group by analyzing the relative percent survival (RPS) of the experimental challenge of Edwardsiella tarda. Therefore, the lightyellow sophora showed effective in preventing fish-pathogenic edwardsiellosis for a certain period of time.