• 농업과학연구
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.215-226
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• 2022

This study aims to investigate the soil environment characteristics of the Abies koreana community, which is currently showing a continuous decline in its size, in order to provide fundamental data for the management and creation of a conservation plan for the Abies koreana communities at the Korean national parks of Sobaeksan, Deogyusan, and Jirisan. Soil depth investigations were conducted at depths deeper than 40 cm into the B horizon at most study sites, except for the Dwaejipyeongjeon and Byeoksoryeong sites. The soil water content exceeded 30% on average, and these soils showed low bulk density levels. The soil texture was found to be the loamy or silty loam type at most study sites. It was also found in a chemical characteristic assessment that the soil samples contained more than 10% organic matter at most study sites. The cation exchange capacity (C.E.C.) and total N concentration levels were also high at most study sites. However, the soil showed low exchangeable K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ levels at most study sites. Finally, the pH values were 4.90, 4.53, and 4.60 at soil depths of 10 cm at the Sobaeksan, Deogyusan and Jirisan sites, respectively, outcomes that are notably lower than the average levels in soil from Korean forests according to the literature. This appears to be due to the cold and wet climate of these subalpine regions given the reduced leaf-litter decomposition rate and accumulation of organic acids.

• 한국동물위생학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.227-234
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• 2023

It has been addressed that heat stress due to high atmospheric temperature during summer in Korea induces impaired release of reproductive hormones, followed by occurring abnormal ovarian cyclicity, lower pregnancy ratio, and reduced litter size. Therefore, the present study attempted to compare seasonal change (spring versus summer) of the ovarian aromatase expression, an enzyme for converting testosterone into estrogen. While serum estrogen level in summer group was significantly lower than that of spring group, testosterone was not different between groups. Consistent with estrogen level, the ovarian aromatase expression in summer at follicular phase was significantly lower than the counterpart of spring. The ovarian aromatase expression was positively related with serum estrogen level significantly (r=0.689; P=0.008) and strongly negative correlation was identified (r=-0.533; P=0.078) with atmospheric temperature. The ovarian aromatase expression was not detected in immature ovarian follicles but specifically localized in the granulosa cell layers in both seasons. However, the aromatase intensity in the granulosa cell layers was stronger in spring than summer. Because testosterone level was not different between groups, it could be concluded that the lower level of estrogen during summer might be derived by not lack of substrate but lower expression of ovarian aromatase by heat stress.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.151-157
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• 2023

Background: The potential impact of aqueous extracts from Psidium guajava leaves on the reproductive system of female rabbits was evaluated. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits, aged five to six months were utilized. Rabbits were divided into four groups and were randomly assigned to receive one of the following oral doses of the guava leaf extracts: 0 (control group), 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg of body weight. After a treatment period of 30 days, blood was collected via jugular venipunture and the serum was extracted for the assessment of serum biochemical traits levels. The females were bred and monitored throughout their pregnancy to ascertain reproductive outcomes. Results: The results indicated that the guava leaf extract significantly increased the body weight of the rabbits during both pre- and post-pregnancy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The litter size at three weeks post-birth, prolificity rate, FSH, LH, and protein levels were notably higher (p < 0.05) at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. The viability rate three weeks post-birth increased with escalating extract doses, and the highest values were observed at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that, the aqueous extract of guava leaves appears to stimulate the production of FSH, LH and enhance body weight, prolificity, and pregnancy outcomes in mammals. As such, it is suggested that a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight could be beneficial in improving the reproductive performance of female.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.247-255
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• 2024

Background: To effectively understand and evaluate plant diversity in a specific area and make meaningful comparisons between regions, standardized methods that measure diversity irrespective of survey plot size are crucial. This study proposes a model equation for comparing plant species diversity using the modified Whittaker plots. Plant species diversity was measured in two Gotjawal areas on Jeju Island, where the coexistence of northern and southern limit species significantly impacts diversity. By analyzing the relationship between plant species diversity and environmental factors, the study clarified the characteristics of plant and habitat diversity in the Gotjawal ecosystem. Results: The species richness of vascular plants, herbaceous plants, and woody plants increased with area and was higher in Jeoji Gotjawal than in Seonheul Gotjawal. Similarly, the species turnover rate (slope value) was higher in Jeoji Gotjawal (4.37) than in Seonheul Gotjawal (3.85). This indicates that the species richness in Jeoji Gotjawal increases more with the expansion of the survey area (1-1,000 m²), reflecting a faster species turnover rate. Additionally, in Gotjawal areas, species richness increased with greater leaf litter depth, elevation, slope, and rock ratio. These results indicate that differences in plant species diversity were attributed to soil environmental factors. Conclusions: The plant species diversity of Gotjawal, surveyed using standardized methods, was lower than that of forested areas in the central region of South Korea where the same method was applied. Most previous studies on species diversity likely compared diversity without considering a consistent survey area. Therefore, when comparing plant species diversity domestically and globally, it emphasizes the need for the use of standardized survey methods.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.330-336
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like environmental endocrine disrupter, on the placental function and reproduction in rats. The mRNA levels of the placental prolactin-growth hormone(PRL-GH) gene family, placental trophoblast cell frequency and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats ($160g{\pm}20g$) were detected by the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which marked Day 0 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with a sesame oil vehicle. The two remaining groups were injected with 50 or 500 mg/kg B.W/day of BPA, resuspended in sesame oil, on either days 7 to 11 or 16 to 20 of pregnancy, with the rats sacrificed on either day 11 or 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hormone concentrations were analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the frequency of the placental trophoblast cells observed by a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placental weight and litter size, were surveyed on day 20. The fetal weight was surveyed for 4 weeks after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH gene family, such as placental lactogen I, Iv and II, prolactin like protein A, C and Cv, and decidual prolactin-related protein were significantly reduced due to BPA exposure. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH gene family in the rat placenta, were also reduced due to BPA exposure. The PL-Iv and PL-II concentrations were reduced in the BPA exposed group. During the middle to last stage of pregnancy (Days 11-20), a high dose of BPA exposure reduced the frequency of spongiotrophoblast cells, which are responsible for the secretion of the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data, such as the placental and fetal weights and the litter size, were reduced, but that of the pregnancy period was extended in the BPA exposed compared to the control group. Conclusions : BPA disrupts the placental functions in rats, which leads to reproductive disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.157-165
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• 2004

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chromium (VI) on the placental function and reproduction in rats. For the study, the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene expression, placental trophoblast cell differentiation and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats were checked by the presence of a copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which was defined as day 0 of the pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into the three groups. The control group was given tap water (chromium level < 0.001 ppm) and the remaining groups were given 250 or 750 ppm of chromium (VI) [as potassium dichromate], from day 7 to 19 of the pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed at days 11 and 20 of pregnancy. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hormonal concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the differentiation of placental trophoblast cells were observed by histochemical studies. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, pregnancy period, and litter size, were surveyed at day 20 of pregnancy and after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family of genes were dose dependently reduced by chromium exposure. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and b isotype genes that induce the expression of the PRL-GH family of genes were also reduced by chromium exposure. The PRL-GH hormonal concentration in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were decreased by chromium exposure. In the middle stage of pregnancy (day 11), a high dose of chromium suppressed the differentiation of spongiotrophoblast cells that secret the PRLGH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of chromium induced apoptosis of placental cells. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, litter size, were reduced, but the pregnancy period was extended in the group exposed to chromium compared with the controls. Conclusion : Chromium (VI) disrupts the ordered functions of the placenta, which leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

• 한국산림과학회지
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• 제90권6호
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• pp.707-716
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• 2001

들쥐류(類)에 의한 삼림(森林)의 피해(被害)를 방지(防止)하기 위한 기초적 자료(資料)로서 활용할 목적(目的)으로 경남 양산시 소재 취서산(鷲棲山)지역을 대상으로 2000년 6월부터 2001년 3월까지 4차에 걸쳐 들쥐류의 생태조사(生態調査)를 실시한 결과(結果)는 다음과 같다. 1. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)는 등줄쥐(Apodemus agrarius), 흰넓적다리붉은쥐(Apodemus peninsulae), 대륙밭쥐(Eothenomys regulus)등 3종과 식충류(食蟲類)인 땃쥐(Crocidura suaveolens) 1종이였다. 2. 조사지역(調査地域) 들쥐류(類)의 총채집율(總採集率)은 설치 Trap 758개중 61개체가 채집되어 8.1%였다. 3. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 종구성율(種構成率)은 등줄쥐 45.9%(28개체), 대륙밭쥐 29.5%(18개체), 흰넓적다리 붉은쥐 19.7%(12개체), 땃쥐 4.9%(3개체)순이였다. 4. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 체중조성(體重組成)은 등줄쥐 16~51.9g, 흰넓적다리붉은쥐 12~35.9g, 대륙밭쥐 16~45.9g, 땃쥐 12~15.9g이였다. 5. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 성비구성(性比構成)은 등줄쥐 52.0% : 48.0%, 흰넓적다리붉은쥐 50.0% : 50.0%, 대륙밭쥐 44.4% : 55.6%, 땃쥐 33.3% : 66.7% 였다. 6. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 평균 두동장(頭胴長)은 대륙밭쥐가 104.33mm로서 가장 길었으며, 등줄쥐 96.04mm, 흰넓적다리붉은쥐 94.50mm순이였고 땃쥐는 76.33mm였다. 7. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 평균 미장(尾長)은 흰넓적다리붉은쥐가 92.75mm로서 가장 길었으며, 등줄쥐 80.65mm, 땃쥐 41.0mm, 대륙밭쥐 40.33mm순이였다. 8. 취서산(鷲棲山)에 서식(棲息)하는 들쥐류(類)의 번식기(繁殖期)는 3월부터 10월경까지로 추정되며, 특히 대륙밭쥐는 12월에도 번식하고 있음이 우리나라에서는 처음으로 본 조사(調査)에서 확인(確認)되었다. 9. 채집(採集)된 들쥐류(類)의 평균 태자수(胎仔數)는 등줄쥐 4.5마리, 흰넓적다리붉은쥐 4.7마리, 대륙밭쥐 3.4마리였다.

• 한국환경생태학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.379-393
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• 2002

본 연구는 경상북도 춘양지방 금강소나무림(이하 춘양목소나무림)의 식생구조 및 생육밀도를 밝히기 위하여 36개 조사구(단위면적: 100$m^2$)를 설치하고 식생조사를 실시하였다. 36개 조사구는 교목층의 흉고직경의 크기에 따라 군집을 분류한 결과. 군집 I (대경목), 군집 II (대경목), 군집 III(중경목), 군집 IV(소경목)의 4개 소나무군집으로 분리되었고, 교목층은 소나무, 아교목층은 쇠물푸레와 신갈나무, 관목층은 철쭉꽃과 진달래가 우점하였다. 4개 군집의 종다양도는 0.4320~0.9487(단위면적: 400$m^2$)로 낮은 상태이었으며 군집간 유사성이 높았다. 생육밀도 분석결과 흉고단면적은 평균흉고직경 이 작은 군집일수록 낮았으며, 평균흉고직경, 개체수, 최단거 리 간의 회귀분석결과 생육거리(m) = 0.0934$\times$흉고직경(cm)+0.6117, 개체수=242.47$\times$흉고직경(cm)$^{-1.1009}$, 생육거리=9.643$\times$개체수$^{-0.7016}$이었다. 아울러 본 군집들은 수령 30~50년생, 낙엽층 두께 0.5~2.5cm, 관목피도율 20% 정도로 송이생육에 적합한 것으로 판단되었다.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.85-94
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• 2018

Endocrine disruptors have been concerned in toxicology but now challenged as physiological point especially concerned with exposing dose and period. In this study the low-dose chronic administration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthaltae (DEHP) during reproductive period was examined to evaluate the possible roles. Adult male and female CD-1 mice were exposed to DEHP with drinking water containing $133{\mu}g/L$ and $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP in water according to OECD 433 guide line and sacrificed just after weaning. The weights of uterus and ovary were decreased by drinking of $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. There was not adverse effects on either accumulated mating rate and mating rate depend on estrus stage, pregnancy duration, and sex ration at birth. However, the accumulated rate of successful delivery and litter size were significantly high at $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. The number of epididymal sperm was significantly increased by drinking of $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water. In addition, the number of follicles (primary, secondary, tertiary) were more many than control at $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP water drunk mother. Though further studies are needed to identify what are the mechanism of DEHP in folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. From this study we firstly report the effect of low-dose chronic administration of DEHP with drinking could change the ovarian follicle population size and spermatogenesis rate. Put together, those finding is different from previous high-dose effects and suggest the physiological role of DEHP in gonads and uterus.

• 한국환경생태학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.152-165
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• 2017

중국 북부와 한국, 러시아 지역에 서식하는 비단털쥐(Tscherskia triton)의 분포를 제외한 생활사, 행동, 생태와 관련된 생물학적 특징에 대해서는 거의 연구된 바 없다. 이에 본 연구는 제주도에서 포획된 개체(n=9)를 대상으로 종 단위 연구의 기본이 되는 번식과 성장 및 발달에 대한 생물학적 정보를 밝히기 위하여 2015년 3월부터 2016년 12월까지 사육실에서 진행되었다. 연구결과, 임신률은 31.7%였고 좁은 케이지에서 보다 넓은 케이지에서 더 높게 나타났다(56.7 vs. 6.7%). 임신기간은 $22{\pm}1.6$일(범위 21-27일), 한배의 산자수(litter size)는 $4.26{\pm}1.37$마리(범위 2-7 마리)였다. 최소이유시기는 $19.2{\pm}1.4$일(범위 18-21일)이었다. 출생 직후 새끼의 체중과 외부형태의 크기는 성별로 차이가 없었으나, 이유시기부터 암수의 머리와 몸통길이(HBL)와 꼬리길이(TL)는 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다(HBL-weaning, $106.50{\pm}6.02$ vs. $113.34{\pm}4.72mm$, p<0.05; HBL-4 months, $163.93{\pm}5.42$ vs. $182.83{\pm}4.32mm$, p<0.05; TL-4 months, $107.23{\pm}3.25$ vs. $93.95{\pm}2.15mm$, p<0.05). Gompertz 모형과 logistic 모형을 적용하였을 때, 머리-몸통길이에서는 수컷이 암컷보다 최대 성숙 길이가 길었고($164.840{\pm}7.453$ vs. $182.830{\pm}4.319mm$, p<0.0001; $163.936{\pm}5.415$ vs. $182.840{\pm}4.333mm$, p<0.0001), 성장률도 빨랐으나($1.351{\pm}0.065$ vs. $1.435{\pm}0.085$, p<0.05; $2.870{\pm}0.253$ vs. $3.211{\pm}0.635$, p<0.05), 성장곡선의 기울기가 최대가 되는 일령은 암컷보다 조금 늦었다($5.121{\pm}0.318$ vs. $5.520{\pm}0.333$, p<0.05; $6.884{\pm}0.336$ vs. $7.503{\pm}0.453$, p<0.05). 한편 꼬리의 최대길이($105.695{\pm}5.938$ vs. $94.150{\pm}2.507mm$, p<0.001; $111.609{\pm}14.881$ vs. $93.960{\pm}2.150mm$, p<0.05)와 변곡점에서의 길이($60.306{\pm}1.992$ vs. $67.859{\pm}1.330mm$, p<0.0001; $55.714{\pm}7.458$ vs. $46.975{\pm}1.074mm$, p<0.05)는 암컷이 수컷보다 긴 것으로 나타났다. 두 성장모형에서 암수의 체중과 외부형태형질에 대한 성장률은 비교 결과 유사하였다. 이러한 결과는 비단털쥐의 종적 특징을 밝히는데 필요한 자료로 이용될 것이다.