• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.517-519
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• 1990

In vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes collected from slaughtered bovine ovaries were investigated. Immature bovine extrafollicular oocytes were cultured for 24 hrs. in TCM 199 supplemented with fetal calf serum in a humidified CO$_2$ incubator. Fertilization in vitro was performed using frozen-awed bull semen which was treated by Ca Ionophore A23187. Fourty percentage of oocytes cultured had matured to the metaphase II ; There were-no effects of the concentration of fetal calf serum and of the addition of HEPES on the maturation rate. The mean proportions of in vitro fertilized eggs and of cleaved eggs were 23.1％ and 14.4％, respectively.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.251-259
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• 2016

Background: Estrogen signaling pathways are modulated by exogenous factors. Panax ginseng exerts multiple activities in biological systems and is classified as an adaptogen. Zearalenol is a potent mycoestrogen that may be present in herbs and crops arising from contamination or endophytic association. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of P. ginseng, zearalenol and estradiol in tests on spermatozoal function. Methods: The affinity of these compounds for estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and beta ($ER{\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$)-was assessed in receptor binding assays. Functional tests on boar spermatozoa motility, movement and kinematic parameters were conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Tests for capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and chromatin decondensation in spermatozoa were performed using microscopic analysis. Results: Zearalenol-but not estradiol ($E_2$)- or ginseng-treated spermatozoa-decreased the percentage of overall, progressive, and rapid motile cells. Zearalenol also decreased spontaneous AR and increased chromatin decondensation. Ginseng decreased chromatin decondensation in response to calcium ionophore and decreased AR in response to progesterone ($P_4$) and ionophore. Conclusion: Zearalenol has adverse effects on sperm motility and function by targeting multiple signaling cascades, including $P_4$, $E_2$, and calcium pathways. Ginseng protects against chromatin damage and thus may be beneficial to reproductive fitness.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1737-1741
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• 2003

Azo-functionalized calix[4]arenes as ionophores for chloride-selective electrode, 5,11,17,23-Tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[(N,N-dimethyl-aniline-azo-phenylthioureido)ethyl]oxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4a) and 5,11,17,23-Tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[(N,N-dimethyl-aniline-azo-phenylthioureido)ethyl]oxy-26,28-dimethoxycalix[4]arene (4b) were synthesized. The PVC membrane electrode based on azo-functionalized calix[4]arene 4a with o-NPOE exhibits a linear stable response over a wide concentration range ($1.5{\times}10^{-4}-1.0{\times}10^{-1}$) with a slope of -52.0 mV/decade and a detection limit of log[$Cl^-$] = -4.02. This ionophore-based membrane exhibited improved selectivity for chloride anion compared with classical Hofmeister series.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.121-126
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• 2010

An amperometric ascorbic acid selective sensor utilizing the transfer reaction of proton liberated from the dissociation of ascorbic acid in aqueous solution across an elliptic micro-hole water/organic gel interface is demonstrated. This redox inactive sensing platform offers an alternative way for the detection of ascorbic acid to avoid a fouling effect which is one of the major concerns in redox based sensing systems. The detection principle is simply measuring the current change with respect to the assisted transfer of protons by a proton selective ionophore (e.g., ETH 1778) across the micro-hole interface between the water and the polyvinylchloride-2-nitrophenyloctylether gel phase. The assisted transfer reaction of protons generated from ascorbic acid across the polarized micro-hole interface was first characterized using cyclic voltammetry. An improved sensitivity for the quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid was achieved using differential pulse stripping voltammetry with a linear response ranging from 1 to $100\;{\mu}M$ concentrations of ascorbic acid. As a demonstration, the developed sensor was applied for analyzing the content of vitamin-C in different types of commercial pharmaceutical tablets and syrups, and a satisfactory recovery from these samples were also obtained.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.3592-3596
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• 2011

A novel poly(vinylchloride)-based membrane sensor using $N^1$,$N^3$,$N^5$-tris(2-(2,3-dihydroxybenzylamino)-ethyl)cyclohexane-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (CYCOENCAT, L) as ionophore has been prepared and explored as $Fe^{3+}$ selective electrode. The membrane electrode composed of ionophore, poly(vinylchloride) and o-nitropheyloctyl ether in the optimum ratio 4:33:63 gave excellent potentiometric response characteristics, and displayed a linear log[$Fe^{3+}$] versus EMF response over a wide concentration range of $1.0{\times}10^{-5}-1.0{\times}10^{-1}$ M with super nernstian slope of 28.0 mV/decade and the detection limit of $8.0{\times}10^{-6}$ M. The proposed ion selective electrode showed fast response time (< 15 s), wide pH range (3.0-7.0), high non-aqueous tolerance (up to 20%) and adequate long life time (120 days). It also exhibited very good selectivity for $Fe^{3+}$ relative to a wide variety of alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. Further, the analytical applicability of the sensor was tested as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of $Fe^{3+}$ with EDTA.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.428-432
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• 2000

A PVC membrane electrode based on upper-rim calix[4]crown as ionophore was prepared using dioctyl sebacate (DOS) as a plasticizer. The potential response of this membrane electrode to alkali, alkaline earth metal cations were examined. This membrane electrode exhibited a Nemstian response to $10^{-5}-10^{-1}M$ of CsCI with a slope of 52.3 mV/decade in Tris-buffer(pH 7.20). Its response time ($t_{90%}$) was 10s and it could be used for at least 2 months.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.66-74
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• 2023

In this study, a new potentiometric sensor selective to copper(II) ions was developed and characterized. The developed sensor has a polymeric membrane and contains 4.0% electroactive material (ionophore), 33.0% poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), 63.0% bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (BEHS) and 1.0% potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate (KTpClPB). This novel copper(II)-selective sensor exhibits a Nernstian response over a wide concentration range from 1.0×10^-6 to 1.0×10^-1 mol L^-1 with a slope of 29.6 (±1.2) mV decade^-1, and a lower detection limit of 8.75×10-7 mol L^-1. The sensor, which was produced economically by synthesizing the ionophore in the laboratory, has a good selectivity and repeatability, fast response time and stable potentiometric behaviour. The potential response of the sensor remains unaffected of pH in the range of 5.0-10.0. Based on the analytical applications of the sensor, we showed that it can be used as an indicator electrode in the quantification of Cu²⁺ ions by potentiometric titration against EDTA, and can also be successfully utilized for the determination of copper(II) ions in different real samples.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.251-260
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• 1998

It is well known that the clinical test for responsibility of accurate fertilization capacity in male partners is very important to diagnose and treat the infertility. However, it has been reported that the traditional semen analysis cannot accurately predict fertilization and pregnancy potential. The present study was performed to evaluate the acrosomal reaction to ionophore challenge (ARIC) test as a prognostic indicator for fertilization of sperm and oocyte in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. From March 1996 to Februry 1997, 30 couples undergoing IVF program were allocated to this study group. All female partners in the study group were 35 years old or less and their serum level of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol $(E_2)$ were normal. All the male partners have normal parameters of semen analysis. The ARIC tests were performed on the day of ovum pick up and in vitro insemination in all the male partners. The controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using luteal long protocol of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist was used in all couples for IVF-ET. The acrosomal reaction with $10{\mu}l$ of 10% DMSO was induced spontaneously in $10.1{\pm}9.8%$, and acrosomal reaction with calcium ionophore A 23187 was induced in $27.4{\pm}18.1%$, and the ARIC value was $17.4{\pm}16.2%$. There were no significant correlation between the ARIC value and the fertilization rate ($r^2$=0.044, p=0.268). There were also no significant correlation between the ARIC value and the percentage of the grade I, II embryos ($r^2$=0.046, p=0.261). On the basis of above results, it was suggested that ARIC test might not be a useful prognostic indicator for fertilization in IVF-ET in male partners with normal parameters of conventional semen analysis. We guessed that IVF-ET could be performed to the patients primarily without universal appilcation of ARIC test to all male partenrs, and if fertilization failure occurs, the micro assisted fertilization (MAF) such as intracytoplsmic sperm injection (ICSI) might be used as an alternative mode of treatment with acceptable success rate.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.165-174
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• 1993

$Ca^{2+}$ is an important regulator of neurite elongation and growth cone movements but the mechanism(s) mediating these $Ca^{2+}-dependent$ effects is unclear. Since cytoskeletal proteins are rapidly degraded by $Ca^{2+}-dependent $ proteinases (calpains) in vitro and in vivo, we investigated whether $Ca^{2+}-induced$ pruning or regression of neuronal processes is mediated by calpains. Isolated hippocampal pyramidal-like neurons were cultured and the ability of the membrane-permeable calpain inhibitors EST (etyl (+)-(2S,3S)-3-[(S)-methyl-1-(3-methlbutylcarbamoyl)-butylcarbamoyl]2-oxiranecarboxylate) and MDL28170 (carbobenzoxyl-Val-Phe-H) to block the $Ca^{2+}$ ionophore A23187-induced suppression in neurite outgrowth was investigated. Addition of 100 nM A23187 to the culture medium resulted in a retraction of dendrites without altering axonal elongation. The addition of 300 nM A23187 to the culture medium resulted in a signiciant decrease in the rate of axonal elongation as well as a retraction of dendritic processes. Administration of EST $(5\;or\;20{\mu}M)$ to the culture medium completely blocked the pruning effect of 100 nM A23187 on dendrites and of 300 nM A23187 on axons, while EST alone did not significantly affect neurite outgrowth rate. MDL 28170 $(20\;{\mu}M)$ showed the same effect as EST in preventing ionophore-induced pruning of dendrites and axons at 100 nM and 300 nM concentrations, respectively, of A23187. EST $(20\;{\mu}M)$ did not block the A23187-induced rise of $[Ca^{2+}]_{i}$ as measured with fura-2. These results show that $Ca^{2+}-induced$ pruning of neurites in isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons is mediated by calpains.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.355-359
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• 1998

Platelet activation is originated by the intracellular or/and extracellular $Ca^{2+}$. Agonist-induced $Ca^{2+}$ entry through a plasma-membrane pathway has been reported repeatedly, but the mechanisms has proven harder to elucidate. Recently, a number of natural products have been isolated from medicinal plants and marine organisms and have proved to be useful chemical tools for resolving the mechanism of cellular functions. In an attempt to understand the mechanism of platelet activation in Bupleuri Radix, we have studied some aspects of the isolation of active components and their dependence of external $Ca^{2+}$> on platelet activation. Acetone extract of Bupleuri Radix has the most activity on platelet activation and it's active components were identified as saikosaponin a and d. Their optimal concentration was respectively $20\;\mu\textrm{g}/ml$ and $5\;\mu\textrm{g}/ml$ and their platelet activation was not dependent on external $Ca^{2+}$>, whereas optimal concentration of each agonist was arachidonic acid ($10\;\mu\textrm{M}$), collagen ($10\;\mu\textrm{M}/ml$), thrombin (0.1 unit/mi), PAF (5 nM), PMA ($5\;\mu\textrm{M}$), ionophore A23187 ($2\;\mu\textrm{g}$) and their dependence of external $Ca^{2+}$> on platelet activation appeared to thrombin > collagen $\geq$ PAF > PMA > arachdonic acid> ionophore A23187. These results suggest that saikosaponin is different from each agonists in the dependence of external $Ca^{2+}$ on platelet activation.