• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.311-318
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• 1997

Bypassing acrosome reaction and fusion process in intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI), most of injected spermatozoa still contain intact acrosome contents and plasma membrane. It Is not known yet what acrosome contents and plasma membrane of spermatozoa have effect on the development of embryo. For further understanding of fertilization process after ICSI, we studied the time of pronucleus formation, disappearance and first cleavage in human zygote, and pregnancy rate in relation to acrosome reaction rate of spermatozoa after ICSI. Seventy cycles undergoing ICSI program were randomly selected. Sperm suspension from 38 cycles were treated 50% human follicular fluid(hFF) for 3 hours in order to induce acrosome reaction, others were not treated as control. Acrosome reaction in hFF treated and non-treated group was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-conjugated Arachis hypogea(PNA) and Pisum sativum agglutinin(PSA). Oocytes were classified into 'good' and 'poor' according to their morphology. After ICSI, fertilization of oocytes were assessed by detection of two pronuclei at 16 hours. The pronuclei disappearance and first cleavage of zygotes were observed at 24 hours, and then embryos were transferred to uterus after culture for 72 hours. The rate of acrosome reaction of spermatozoa in hFF treated group was significantly higher than that in control(p<0.01). Fertilization rates of good oocytes were not different both control and hFF treated group(81.3%(174/206) vs. 72.1%(102/130)). But, in poor oocytes, the fertilization rates in hFF treated group(72.1%(149/183)) were increased compared than those of control group (63.6%(98/140), p<0.01). In either good or poor oocytes, the rates of pronuclei disappearance in hFF treated-spermatozoa injected oocytes were higher than control (59.1%(103/174), 56.4%(84/149) vs. 32.4%(33/102), 37.8%(37/98), p<0.01). Also, the rates of thirst cleavage were increased in hFF treated group (31%(54/174), 24.1%(36/149)) compared than those of control group (10.8%(11/102), 13.2%(13/98), p<0.01). The pregnancy rates of hFF treated group (42.1%(16/38)) were slightly higher than control group (28.1%(9/32), p>0.05). But, the pregnancy rate of group which possessed more than one cleavaged zygote at 24 hours was higher than group which did not (45.2%(19/42) vs. 21.4%(6/28), p<0.05). From these results, the development of zygotes were faster in higher acrosome reacted sperm group than lower acrosome reacted sperm group after ICSI. Our results may be explained that acrosomal membrane and plasma membrane are easily detached from spermatozoa in acrosome reacted spermatozoa compared with acrosome intact sperm in the cytoplasm of oocyte during pronuclear formation. We conclude that the injection of acrosome reacted spermatozoa will increase the pregnancy rate as they can induce fast embryonic development in ICSI.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2001

Rana ovarian follicles consist of oocyte, vitelline envelope, granulosa cells, and theca/epithelial layer. Using scanning electron microscopy, the surface structure of each follicular component was investigated. Changes in oocyte surface during oocyte maturation were also examined. Theca/epithelial layer was almost transparent and some blood vessels and granulosa cells were observed underneath in intact follicle. The number of granulosa cells was estimated to be 6700-7200 per oocyte. The granulosa cells partially overlapped each other and their microvilli penetrated the vitelline membrane via holes present in the vitelline envelope and seemed to be linked to oocyte microvilli. After removal of the vitelline envelope by microforcep, oocyte microvilli were observed on the surface of the devitellined oocyte. The oocyte microvilli formed partial clusters on the surface of white spot area which appears iust before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), whereas they were evenly distributed in other areas. The microvilli became shorter and less dense with oocyte maturation. The lengths of oocyte microvilli in the immature and mature oocyte were 1.5 $\mu$m and 0.6 $\mu$m, respectively. The present study suggests a fundamental structural change occurring on the oocyte surface during maturation.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.307-310
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• 2003

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is congenital heart disease with a communication between the atria, which allows blood to shoot from the atrium with pressure. A 3-month-old female Miniature Schunauzer was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University for the evaluation of systolic heart murmur. At presentation, the mucous membrane was cyanotic. On physical examination, an ejection-type systolic murmur was auscultated at the pulmonic area. In addition, thoracic radiography showed enlargement of main pulmonary artery and right atrial/ventricular enlargement. Echocardiography revealed dilated right atrium and atrial septal defect. However, mitral and tricuspid valve were still intact and well tolerating. The presence of an ASD was confirmed by identifying flow across the defect with color Doppler imaging. Doppler echocardiography provides a means of non-invasive documentation and quantification of ASD. Complete blood count and serum chemistry were not remarkable. Although large defect was confirmed between the two atrium, the patient did not show any obvious clinical signs of heart failure at this time.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.307-313
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• 2017

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to extend lifespan and prevent cellular senescence in various species ranging from yeast to humans. Many effects of CR may contribute to extend lifespan. Specifically, CR prevents oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhancing mitochondrial function. In this study, we characterized 33 single electron transport chain (ETC) gene-deletion strains to identify CR-induced chronological lifespan (CLS) extension mechanisms. Interestingly, defects in 17 of these 33 ETC gene-deleted strains showed loss of both respiratory function and CR-induced CLS extension. On the contrary, the other 16 respiration-capable mutants showed increased CLS upon CR along with increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, with decreased mitochondrial superoxide generation. We measured the same parameters in the 17 non-respiratory mutants upon CR. CR simultaneously increased MMP and mitochondrial superoxide generation without altering intracellular ATP levels. In conclusion, respiration is essential for CLS extension by CR and is important for balancing MMP, ROS, and ATP levels.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.120-122
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• 2007

Meningiomas arise from meningothelial cells that line the arachnoid membrane. So most meningiomas are dural-based lesion. But meningiomas without dural-attachment do occur and are less common. We report our experience of intraparenchymal sylvian fissure menigioma. A 21-year-old female presented with a one-month history of headache that was associated with long-term intermittent partial seizure. CT revealed about $4.5{\times}4.3{\times}5.5cm$ sized calcified mass with enhancement in right temporal lobe. On MR imaging, the lesion was observed in the right temporal lobe that was low-signal intensity on T2WI and iso-signal intensity on T1WI with well enhancement. Operation was performed via right orbitocranial approach. The internal surface of dura was intact. Tumor was totally removed except the capsule of tumor adhered to main trunk of middle cerebral artery. The histopathology showed meningioma, psammomatous type. Intraparenchymal meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraaxial lesions in patients of any age group.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.207-211
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• 1998

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare tumor accounting for less than 1% of all cervical adenocarcinoma. This tumor is characterized by aggressive biological behavior with frequent local recurrence or metastatic spread, postmenopausal onset, and occasional association with conventional squamous cell carcinoma. The cytologic diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the uterine cervix is often difficult because of negative smear due to intact overlying mucosa, cytologic findings mimicking endometrial cells, and masquerade as squamous ceil carcinoma. Recently we have experienced a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in the uterine cervix, which was identified on the routine Papanicolaou smear and was histologically confirmed by the consequent biopsy. The smear showed abundant cellularity composed of relatively uniform cells. The tumor cells were arranged in small clusters, acini, naked cells, and loose sheets with abortive cribriform pattern. There were scattered globoid basement membrane-like materials and tumor diathesis. The nuclei were pleomorphic and showed hyperchromatic and coarsely granular choromatin with inconspicuous nucleoli. The punch biopsy of the uterine cervix showed typical histologic findings of adenoid cystic carcinoma characterized by tumor nests composed of hyperchromatic uniform basaloid cells, cribriform pattern, and cylindrical hyaline bodies.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.309-314
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• 2007

A 7-year-old, intact female Korean Jindo dog was referred due to ataxia and pain on palpation of the thorax. Radiograph, echocardiography and computed tomogram revealed a mass on the heart base region and osteolytic change of fifth thoracic (T5) vertebra. At necropsy, a firm, encapsulated and round mass was seen arising from the heart base region surrounding the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. Histopathologically, nests of cuboidal and polyhedral cells having abundantly granular and eosinophilic cytoplasm with round to oval nucleus were separated by fibrous septa. Immunohistochemistry using chromogranin A revealed that tumor cells were originated from neuroendocrine organ and metastasized into some organs including lung, spleen, liver, kidney and T5 vertebra. By electron microscopy, we found the electron-dense and membrane-bound granules in cytoplasm of the tumor cells. This study provides the uncommon evidence that aortic body tumor metastasized to both multiple organs and bone.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.971-980
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• 1996

The soluble transferrin receptor(TfR) in human serum has been shown recently to be a truncated form of intact membrane bound receptor containing most of the extracellular domain. We purfied the transferin-free TfR from human serum by immounoaffinity chromatography which produced the single protein identity in high resolution gel chormatography. The monoclonal antibodies(MAb) against purifed serum TfR were produced by fusion of spleen cells o fimmunized Balb/c mice and SP2 cells. Ten hybrids producing MAb specific for serum TfR were identifed and determine their iostypes. A immunoraddiometric assay (IRMA) for serum TfR was established using two monoclonal IgG1 antibodies as the coating and indicator antibodies on the bosis of their suitability in sandwich IRMA of serum TfR. The mean serum TfR levels in the 15 normal male, 15 normal female, and 19 iron-deficient subjects were 5.4$\pm$0.98, 4.6$\pm$0/76, and 18.0$\pm$12.8mg/1, respectively, and the difference in mean values between normal and iron deficient subjects was significant(p=0.0005). There existed the inverse logarithmic relationship(r=-0.9336, p<0.0001) between the serum TfR and ferritin levels.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 1997

Leaf movements in nyctinastic plants are produced by changes in the turgor of extensor and flexor cells, collectively called motor cells, in opposing regions of the leaf movement organ, the pulvinus. In Samanea saman, a tropical tree of the legume family, extensor cells shrink and flexor cells swell to bend the pulvinus and fold the leaf at night, whereas extensor cells swell and flexor cells shrink to straighten the pulvinus and extend the leaf in the daytime. These changes are caused by ion fluxes primarily of potassium and chloride, across the plasma membrane of the motor cells. These ion fluxes are regulated by exogenous light signals and an endogenous biolgical clock. Inward-directed K$^+$ channels are closed in extensor and open in flexor cells in the dark period, while these channels are open in extensor and closed in flexor cells in the light period. Blue light opens the closed K$^+$ channels in extensor and closes the open them in flexor cells during darkness. Illumination of red light followed by darkness induces to open the closed K$^+$ channels in flexor and to close the open K$^+$ channels in extensor cells in the light. The dynamics of K$^+$ channels in motor cells that are controlled by light signals are consistent with the behavior of the pulvini in intact plants. Therefore, these cell types are an attractive model system to elucidate regulations of ion transports and their signal transduction pathways in plants. This review is focused on light-controlled ion movements and regulatory mechanisms involved in phosphoinositide signaling in leaf movements in nyctinastic plants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.368-373
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• 2000

Enteroviruses in the environment pose a public health risk because they can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated water, and low numbers are able to initiate an infection in humans. Because the levels of viruses typically found in environmental water and drinking water are low, they must be concentrated from hundreds to thousands of liters of water. Therefore, the main goal of this study was the development of a rapid, simple and efficient procedure to concentrate, isolate and detect enteroviruses from environmental water samples. Viruses were first concentrated by adsorption to 1 MDS cartridge filter and then eluted with approximately 0.5 liter of 1.5% beef extract/0.05M glycin(pH 9.4). In this study, several procedures to concentrate and purify intact viruses from beef extract obtained from the adsorbent filters were tested. Among them, organic floccuration was the best reliable method for reconcentration. sample volume could be reduced to 200∼400 folds and the efficiency of virus recovery through the procedure was over 72%. Finally, the samples were filtered through a membrane disk filter and then analyzed by either the plaque assay or combined cell culture-polymerase chain reaction.