• Communications for Statistical Applications and Methods
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.155-178
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• 2024

Regression discontinuity (RD) design is one of the most widely used methods in causal inference for estimation of treatment effect when the treatment is created by a cutpoint from the covariate of interest. There has been little attention to RD design, although it provides a very useful tool for analysis of treatment effect for censored data. In this paper, we define the causal effect for survival function in RD design when the treatment is assigned deterministically by the covariate of interest. We propose estimators of this causal effect for survival data by using transformation, which leads unbiased estimator of the survival function with local linear regression. Simulation studies show the validity of our approach. We also illustrate our proposed method using the prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian (PLCO) dataset.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제27권12호
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• pp.1695-1704
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• 2014

Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy may give rise to female offspring with disrupted ovary functions in adult age. Neonatal ovary development predisposes adult ovary function, yet the effect of maternal nutrition on the neonatal ovary has not been described. Therefore, here we show the impact of maternal protein restriction on the expression of folliculogenic and steroidogenic genes, their regulatory microRNAs and promoter DNA methylation in the ovary of neonatal piglets. Sows were fed either standard-protein (SP, 15% crude protein) or low-protein (LP, 7.5% crude protein) diets throughout gestation. Female piglets born to LP sows showed significantly decreased ovary weight relative to body weight (p<0.05) at birth, which was accompanied with an increased serum estradiol level (p<0.05). The LP piglets demonstrated higher ratio of bcl-2 associated X protein/B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 mRNA (p<0.01), which was associated with up-regulated mRNA expression of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) (p<0.05) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) (p<0.05). The steroidogenic gene, cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) was significantly down-regulated (p<0.05) in LP piglets. The alterations in ovarian gene expression were associated with a significant down-regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor mRNA expression (p<0.05) in LP piglets. Moreover, three microRNAs, including miR-423-5p targeting both CYP19A1 and PCNA, miR-378 targeting CYP19A1 and miR-210 targeting BMP4, were significantly down-regulated (p<0.05) in the ovary of LP piglets. These results suggest that microRNAs are involved in mediating the effect of maternal protein restriction on ovarian function through regulating the expression of folliculogenic and steroidogenic genes in newborn piglets.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.95-103
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• 2003

Objective : To assess and compare the clinical outcomes between GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in oocyte donation program. Materials and Methods: Of total 18 oocyte donation cycles, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) were performed with GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in initial 9 cycles and later 9 cycles, respectively. Oral estradiol valerate and progesterone in oil we re administrated to all recipients for endometrial preparation. Oral estradiol administration was started from donor cycle day 1 after full shut down of gonadal axis with GnRH agonist in patients with ovarian function. Progesterone was injected from oocyte retrieval day of donor initially, then continuously till pregnancy 12 weeks if pregnancy was ongoing. We compared the parameters of clinical outcomes, such as number of the retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, COH duration, total gonadotropin dose for COH between GnRH agonist long protocol group and GnRH antagonist group. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate were $14.89{\pm}7.83$, 81%, 64%, 78%, 31%, 78%, respectively in GnRHa long protocol group and $11.22{\pm}8.50$, 79%, 64%, 67%, 34%, 56%, respectively in GnRH antagonist group. There was no significant differences in parameters of clinical outcomes between 2 groups (all p value >0.05). Duration and total gonadotropin dose for COH were $10.94{\pm}1.70$ days and $43.78{\pm}6.8$ vials in 18 cycles, $12.00{\pm}1.73$ days and $48.00{\pm}6.93$ vials in agonist group, $9.88{\pm}0.78$ days and $39.55{\pm}3.13$ vials in antagonist group, respectively. In GnRH agonist long protocol group, significantly longer duration and higher gonadotropin dose for COH were needed (p=0.012). Conclusion: In oocyte donation program, clinical outcomes from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist were comparable to those from GnRH agonist long protocol group, so controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist may be effective as GnRH agonist long protocol. At least there may not be harmful effects of GnRH antagonist on oocyte development and quality.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.135-141
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• 2011

Objective: Ovarian angiogenesis plays an important role in folliculogenesis. However, little is known about the expression of angiogenic factors during follicular development according to female age. Stromal cell derived factor-$1{\alpha}$ (SDF-$1{\alpha}$) plays a role in granulosa cell survival and embryo quality as an angiogenic chemokine. Leptin is also involved in folliculogenesis and angiogenesis. This study examined expression of SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin, and their effects on the expression of angiogenic factors in the ovary during follicular development according to female age. Methods: Ovaries were collected from C57BL mice of two age groups (6-9 weeks and 24-26 weeks) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after 5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) injection. The expression of ovarian SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. In the organ culture experiment, the ovaries were cultured in transwell permeable supports with Waymouth's medium treated with various doses of SDF-$1{\alpha}$(50-200 ng/mL) or leptin (0.01-1 ${\mu}g$/mL) for 7 days. Then, mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and visfatin were examined in the cultured ovaries. Results: Expression of SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin in the ovary was significantly lower in the aged mouse group compared to the young mouse group ($p$ <0.05). Expression of these two factors increased with follicular development after PMSG administration. SDF-$1{\alpha}$ treatment stimulated visfatin expression in a dose-dependent manner, while leptin treatment significantly increased eNOS expression. Conclusion: These results suggest that decrease of ovarian SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin expression may be associated with aging-related reduction of ovarian function. SDF-$1{\alpha}$ and leptin may play a role in follicular development by regulating the expression of angiogenic factors in mouse ovaries.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.15-24
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• 1992

클로미펜 시트레이트가 배란반응, 난자의 형태, 난소 스테로이드 생성 및 수정란 발육에 미치는 영향을 PMSG 처리한 랫드에서 조사하였다. 먼저 세가지 용량(0.05mg, 0.1mg 및 1.0mg)의 클로미펜 시트레이트 또는 부형제를 미성숙의 Sprague Dawley 암컷에 일령 25일부터 27일까지 3일간 투여하였다. 그후 28일령에 이들 모든 암쥐에게 4IU PMSG를, 30일령에는 1.0mg 클로미펜 시트레이트가 처치된 일부의 암쥐에게 10IU hCG를 추가로 투여하였고, 31일령에 모두 도살하였다. 한편 4IU PMSG와 더불어 0.1mg클로미펜 시트레이트 또는 부형제를 투여한 일부의 암쥐는 숫쥐와 교미시킨 다음 임신 2일부터 5일까지 매일 도살하였다. 클로미펜 시트레이트의 용량을 증가시킴에 따라 배란반응(배란율 및 평균 배란난자의 수)과 난소중량이 대조군에 비하여 현저히 감소하였고 반면 배란난자의 변성율(%)은 그 용량에 비례하여 증가하였다. 클로미펜 시트레이트에 의한 배란반응 및 난소중량의 억제적 반응은 10IU hCG 추가투여에 의하여 완전히 대조군 수준으로 회복되었다. 그리고 클로미펜 시트레이트의 투여용량의 증가는 프로제스테론과 안드로젠의 혈장치 감소와 더불어 에스트라디올의 혈장치를 현저하게 증가시켰다. hCG의 추가투여는 이러한 클로미펜 시트레이트 작용에 의해 증가된 에스트라디올치를 현저하게 감소시키고 감소된 프로제스테론치를 증가시키는데 효과적이었다. 0.1mg의 클로미펜 시트레이트를 투여한 임신 랫드로부터 회수한 수정란은 전기간에 걸쳐 그 변성율(%)의 현저한 증가와 아울러 특히 임신 3일부터 그 수가 유의성있게 감소하였다. 클로미펜 시트레이트 투여에 의한 수정란의 난분할 속도도 임신 3일부터 대조군에 비하여 현저하게 지연되었으며 아울러 회수된 수정란의 난분할율(%)도 전기간에 걸처 대조군보다 지속적으로 저하되었다. 위의 결과는 흰쥐에 있어서의 클로미펜 시트레이트 투여에 의한 배란억제반응과 아울러 그 작용기전에 성선자극호르몬의 분비억제 또는 차단작용이 포함됨을 증명하였고 이 약제의 투여에 의한 난자의 형태적 정상성과 수정란발육에 대한 유해효과는 수정이전 시기에 있어서의 난소스테로이드 생성 특히 에스트라디올의 증가에 기인함을 제시한다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.555-560
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• 2008

The effects of utilizing evaporative cooling system equipped with tunnel ventilation on postpartum ovarian activities, energy balance and milk production of early lactating dairy cows under hot and humid climates were studied from parturition to 22 wk postpartum. Thirty-four crossbred Holstein-Friesian (93.75% HF$\times$.25% Bos indicus) primiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Cooled cows (n = 17; treatment) were housed in the tunnel ventilated barn equipped with evaporative cooling system and uncooled (n = 17; control) were housed in the naturally ventilated barn without supplemental cooling system. Cooled cows had greater (p<0.05) dry matter intake and milk production than uncooled cows. Days to the energy balance (EB) nadir did not differ between groups. However, days to equilibrium EB for uncooled cows was longer (p<0.05) than for cooled cows. There was no significant difference in postpartum anovular condition between cooled and uncooled cows. The interval from parturition to first postpartum ovulation did not differ between groups ($31.4{\pm}4.3$ and $26.1{\pm}3.6$ day, respectively). These results suggest that the evaporative cooling and tunnel ventilation has the potential to decrease the severity of heat stress and improve both milk production and metabolic efficiency during early lactation without affecting reproductive function in dairy cows under hot and humid climates.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.163-173
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to characterize a validated model for predicting oocyte retrieval in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and to construct model-based nomograms for assistance in clinical decision-making regarding the gonadotropin protocol and dose. Methods: This observational, retrospective, cohort study included 636 women with primary unexplained infertility and a normal menstrual cycle who were attempting assisted reproductive therapy for the first time. The enrolled women were split into an index group (n=497) for model building and a validation group (n=139). The primary outcome was absolute oocyte count. The dose-response relationship was tested using modified Poisson, negative binomial, hybrid Poisson-E_max, and linear models. The validation group was similarly analyzed, and its results were compared to that of the index group. Results: The Poisson model with the log-link function demonstrated superior predictive performance and precision (Akaike information criterion, 2,704; λ=8.27; relative standard error (λ)=2.02%). The covariate analysis included women's age (p<0.001), antral follicle count (p<0.001), basal follicle-stimulating hormone level (p<0.001), gonadotropin dose (p=0.042), and protocol type (p=0.002 and p<0.001 for short and antagonist protocols, respectively). The estimates from 500 bootstrap samples were close to those of the original model. The validation group showed model assessment metrics comparable to the index model. Based on the fitted model, a static nomogram was built to improve visualization. In addition, a dynamic electronic tool was created for convenience of use. Conclusion: Based on our validated model, nomograms were constructed to help clinicians individualize the stimulation protocol and gonadotropin doses in COS cycles.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.457-461
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• 2008

DNA damage checkpoint is an important self-defense mechanism for the maintenance of genome stability. Defects in DNA damage signaling and repair lead to various disorders and increase tumor incidence in humans. In the past 10 years, we have identified many components involved in the DNA damage-signaling pathway, including the product of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1). Mutations in BRCA1 are associated with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, highlighting the importance of this DNA damage-signaling pathway in tumor suppression. While it becomes clear that BRCA1 plays a crucial role in the DNA damage responsive pathway, exactly how BRCA1 receives DNA damage signals and exerts its checkpoint function has not been fully addressed. A series of recent studies reported the discovery of many novel components involved in DNA damage-signaling pathway. These newly identified checkpoint proteins, including RNF8, RAP80 and CCDC98, work in concern in recruiting BRCA1 to DNA damage sites and thus regulate BRCA1 function in G2/M checkpoint control. This review will summarize these recent findings and provide an updated view of the regulation of BRCA1 in response to DNA damage.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.353-362
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• 2009

GnRH는 국부적으로 난소에서 합성되며, 난소내 과립 및 황체세포에 직접적으로 작용하여 난소의 기능을 조절하는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 특히, GnRH는 난소내 과립-황체화 세포의 세포자연사를 유도하는 것으로 보고하고 있다. 그러나 GnRH에 의한 세포자연사가 FSH에 의해 회복될 수 있는지는 명확히 밝혀져 있지 않다. 따라서 본 실험에서 난자 채취시 획득한 사람 과립-황체화 세포를 배양한 후 5, 50, 100 ng/$m\ell$ GnRH와 1 IU/$m\ell$ FSH를 처리하고 세포의 세포자연사 여부와 분비된 progesterone$(P_4)$과 estradiol$(E_2)$ 양의 변화를 조사하였다. DNA 분절화 분석과 TUNEL 방법으로 세포자연사를 평가한 결과, GnRH는 농도 의존적으로 과립-황체화 세포의 세포자연사를 증가시켰고, 특히 100 ng/$m\ell$ GnRH을 처리한 군에서 유의한 차이를 보이며 세포자연사 비율이 증가하였다. 또한 GnRH에 의한 세포자연사의 증가는 FSH에 의해 억제되는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 화학발광면역 측정법을 이용하여 배양내 $P_4$와 $E_2$의 양을 측정한 결과, GnRH을 처리한 후 $E_2$의 양은 변화가 없었던 반면 $P_4$의 양은 감소하였다. 이러한 GnRH의 $P_4$ 합성 억제 효과는 세포자연사 결과 마찬가지로 FSH에 의해 회복되는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과는 체외수정 및 배아이식 시술시 사용되고 있는 GnRH 작용제가 난소의 기능을 억제시킬 수 있을 것으로 보이나, 다량으로 투여되는 FSH에 의해 회복될 수 있음을 보여주고 있다. 이러한 실험 결과는 난소에 대한 GnRH의 생리적 기전을 이해하고 향후 새로운 과배란 유도 방법을 개발하는데 필요한 기초 자료로 사용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.733-737
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• 2018

박과 작물에 함유되어 있는 tetracyclic triterpene 성분 중 하나인 쿠쿠르비타신(cucurbitacin)-I는 대장암, 유방암, 간암세포에서의 항종양 활성이 밝혀져 있으나 난소암에서의 쿠쿠르비타신-I의 역할은 보고된 바 없다. CD44는 세포막에 존재하는 당단백질로 생체 내 리간드인 glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid를 통해 세포 외부 매트릭스와 다른 세포와의 접촉을 매개한다. 최근 연구에 의해 CD44의 발현이 난소암세포의 증식 및 세포 부착과 침윤을 증가시키는 주요 원인이라는 것이 보고되었다. 이러한 결과는 CD44의 발현을 억제함으로써 난소암의 진행을 조절할 수 있음을 시사하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 쿠쿠르비타신-I가 난소암세포의 CD44의 발현을 억제할 수 있는 지의 여부를 조사하였다. 인간의 난소암 세포인 SKOV-3를 이용한 MTS assay를 수행한 결과, 쿠쿠르비타신-I는 100 nM이상의 농도에서 세포독성을 나타내었다. 세포독성을 나타내지 않는 농도의 쿠쿠르비타신-I를 SKOV-3 세포에 처리하여 Western blot 분석과 qRT-PCR을 수행한 결과, 쿠쿠르비타신-I에 의해 CD44의 단백질과 mRNA의 발현이 유의적으로 감소되는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 쿠쿠르비타신-I에 의한 CD44의 발현 억제가 $NF-{\kappa}B$와 AP-1의 인산화 감소에 기인하고 있음을 밝혔다. 이러한 결과는 쿠쿠르비타신-I가 CD44 발현을 억제하는 기능을 가지며, 이는 난소암 치료에 도움을 줄 수 있는 제재로서 쿠쿠르비타신-I의 가능성을 제시하는 것이다.