• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.247-250
• /
• 2011

The objective of this study was to find out candidate genes associated with litter size trait in pigs of inbred Large Yorkshire and Landrace populations. 86 sows were screened for candidate genotypes along with litter size data recordings. Association of litter size with genotypes of candidate genes were investigated to verify the usefulness of each gene's genotypes as markers for the trait. For the lines of Large Yorkshire, PRLR3 and RBP4 genes were genotyped. Frequency distribution of PRLR3 with genotypes AA, AB and BB were each 0.14, 0.44 and 0.42. And the average litter size by PRLR3 genotypes were 8.83, 10.81 and 10.70 piglets per litter, the average estimated breeding values of which were 0.243, 0.332, 0.365, respectively for AA, AB and BB genotypes. Genotypic frequencies of RBP4 by AA, AB and BB genotypes were 0.10, 0.44 and 0.46. The average litter size by genotypes of RBP4 were 10.40, 10.57 and 10.35 piglets per litter and their corresponding average estimated breeding values were 0.451, 0.353 and 0.261, respectively for genotypes AA, AB and BB. Significance in differences among genotypes were not observed, but B allele of RBP4 seems to be associated with litter size. In Landrace lines, frequencies of RBP4 genotypes, AA, AB and BB were 0.29, 0.55 and 0.16. And the average litter size of these genotypes were 10.50, 11.08 and 11.00 piglets per litter. The corresponding averages of estimated breeding values of each genotypes were 0.172, 0.135 and 0.104. In Landrace lines, allele A was more likely to be associated with litter size, even if differences among average litter size were not significant. We conclude that genotyping of two candidate genes is a helpful tool to identify genetic potentials of litter size in pigs.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.16-22
• /
• 1999

Purpose : Today, people usually die in hospitals and institution-sterile and strange, and equipped with a complex range of technology capable of supporting and prolonging life, frequently only biological one, when a return to health and vitality is no longer possible. Consequently, 'dying with dignity' has become a slogan of opposition to useless and degrading prolongation of life when a patient's organ, though still minimally functional, can no longer support or permit the exercise of self-fulfilling personal control over life's events. Dying with dignity, however, means entirely different things to different people. This study is to investigate the college students' attitude on terminal care and passive euthanasia. Methods : During June 1997, 337 college students participated in this study by responding to the pre-made questionnaire. It deft with the attitude to passive euthanasia, hospice, the most suffering fear facing the death, the preferred place and person to be with if dying. Results : 63.2% of subjects agreed to passive euthanasia. Only 14.2.% of college students can explain the concept of hospice, exactly They got the information about hospice by TV(43%), book(33.5%), religious group(12%) in order. The preferred death place was home(76.6%) and hospital(11.9%) in order. The Most suffering fear facing the death were about unknown(41.5%), loosing colleague(13.6%), pain(11%), isolation(6.5%) in order. Conclusion : About two-thirds of college students agreed to passive euthanasia. But euthanasia is dangerous and unnecessary. We should vigorously promote programmes of education in hospice and palliative medicine and care.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.168-175
• /
• 2013

In this study we investigated the possibility of preparing brewed brown rice makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, under diverse conditions. For this purpose the physicochemical characteristics of makgeolli brewed at different temperatures, utilizing a variety of nuruks, the traditional Korean fermentation agent, were studied. The alcohol content was seen to be highest when brewing occurred at $30^{\circ}C$, with the nuruk TN producing 16.2%. At $20^{\circ}C$TN produced 14.1% alcohol content. The alcohol content was therefore higher, by about 2%, for $30^{\circ}C$ fermentations than $20^{\circ}C$ fermentations. Similarly, saccharifying activity was influenced by temperature and sugar content, with a higher activity seen at $30^{\circ}C$ than at $20^{\circ}C$. As the fermentations progressed acidification petered out, with titratable acidity being 0.50-0.67% in all end samples. On the Hunter L, a, b scale; the a value decreased slightly, while the b value increased steadily during the fermentation process. Measurements of total organic acids were highest at $30^{\circ}C$, with the nuruk AK, at about 550 mg%. The content of citric acid was the highest at $30^{\circ}C$, being 230-310 mg% in all samples. However, more lactic acid was detected at $20^{\circ}C$ than at $30^{\circ}C$. Total free amino acid was highest at $30^{\circ}C$, with TN at $8,605{\mu}g/ml$, AK at $6,083{\mu}g/ml$, and RJ at $2,381{\mu}g/ml$. Total free amino acid and essential amino acid was shown to be higher at $30^{\circ}C$ than at $20^{\circ}C$. The bioactive substance ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid was also higher at $30^{\circ}C$, with TN at $223{\mu}g/ml$. From all of these results, we surmise that brown rice makgeolli manufacturing conditions are optimal at $30^{\circ}C$ fermentation temperatures and using the nuruk TN for brewing vinegar. In addition, the nuruk used clearly affects the quality of brown rice makgeolli and an appropriate method to determine the best nuruk for various purposes should be pursued.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.513-520
• /
• 2006

A series of four in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate condensed molasses solubles (CMS) as a source of nitrogen for ruminal microbes. In experiment 1, as compared with urea, the value of CMS as a nitrogen source was examined. In experiment 2, to determine the time needed for maximal response of microbial synthesis, the treatments were incubated for increasing times (from 6 h to 16 h). Because a sediment that was assumed to cause nitrogen loss was found after incubation in experiments 1 and 2, it was decided to avoid formation of sediment using sugar instead of molasses or a shorter time incubation (experiments 3 and 4). Furthermore, in experiment 4, because the extent to which ammonia nitrogen is released from CMS and urea before 6 h of incubation was uncertain, it was decided to examine the peaks of concentrations of ammonia nitrogen released from CMS and urea by sampling after 2 h incubation. There was no significant difference in the concentration of microbial-N between molasses/CMS and molasses/ urea treatments in experiment 1, although there were greater decreases in ammonia concentration with the molasses/CMS treatment. The microbial protein synthesis was increased progressively until 10 h for both treatments (experiment 2). Although ingredients that were completely soluble (sucrose, urea) were used in experiment 3, the sediment was still evident suggesting that the sediment was largely of microbial not feed origin. Ammonia release from CMS was much faster than from urea during 2 h incubation. In conclusion, the results of the present studies suggest that the feed value of CMS as a source of nitrogen for ruminal bacteria was similar to that of urea when it was estimated in vitro.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.257-263
• /
• 2006

This experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal media for 'Pechika' ever-bearing strawberry grown in hydroponic culture system in summer highland. Three mixed media (1:1, v/v) of peatmoss with perlite, rice hull, and granular rockwool, and four solution strengths of EC 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and $1.25 dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ were tested. Root zone temperature in peatmoss+perlite media was 1 to $3^{\circ}C$ lower than in the other media. The culture medium of mixing to peat moss and perlite was most effective in producing good yield and fruit quality. The culture medium of mixing to peat moss and perlite was the highest about 1,632kg/10a to yield yearly average, but was very undulating 732 kg/10a to yield in 2004 year and 3,013kg/10a in 2003 year. The deformed fruits were increased when the solution strength was increased, especially in EC $1.25dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$. The soluble solids and the acidity content of fruits were increased with higher solution strength regardless of media. The uptake of Ca and Mg was inhibited at higher solution strength, and the uptake of N, P and K was promoted. Therefore, the culture medium of mixing to peat moss and perlite was the most suitable culture medium to product strawberry in summer, because it had the highest yield even though fruit quality among treatments was not significant.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.216-224
• /
• 1997

In order to investigate the osmoregulation capability of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus with the different salinities, juvenile fish $(13.6{\pm}0.2\;TL)$ stocked in seawater (SW) were abruptly transferred to each experimental group $0\%SW(0\%_{\circ}),\;25\%SW(7.7\%_{\circ}),\;50\%SW(16.1\%_{\circ})\;and \;100\%SW(32.8\%_{\circ})$ and reared for 60 days. Blood samples were taken by the time schedule after the transfer. Plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+},\;Cl^{-}$ and osmolality, muscle water content, and the electron microscopical observations of chloride cells were analyzed and made by the time schedule. In $100\%SW$, the maintainable levels of plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+},\;Cl^{-}$ and osmolality were $167.1{\pm}7.7mM/l,\;9.1{\pm}2.1mM/l,\;137.8{\pm}5.6mM/l\;and\;351{\pm}18\;mOsm/kg$, respectively. These values were significantly changed at $6h\~1\;day$ after the beginning of the experiment with four different salinities. Fish from $0\%\;and\;25\%SW$ had lower osmolalities than those of fish from $50\%\;and\;100\%SW$, and showed the hyposmotic regulation pattern. At the end of the experiment (60 days after transfer), however, no significant difference was found in the concentrations of plasma $Na^{+},\;K^{+}\;and\;Cl^{-}$ among four experimental groups. Hematocrit was increased with salinity (P<0.01). After 10 days, fish from $0\%\;and\;25\%SW$ showed the hypertrophy, fusion and edema of epithelial layer in gill lamella. However, at the 15th day, epithelial layer in gill lamella was back to the normal status. On gill of fish from $0\%SW$, one apical pit held two or three chloride cells in common. Muscle water content was subsequently regulated to near the normal levels within 4 days, and there was no significant difference among four different salinities at the end of the experiment.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.34-42
• /
• 1999

The effects of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia on utilization of muscle glycogen during 45 minute Session of treadmill running(26 m/min, 8% grade) were evaluated using Sprague Dawley rats, and the characteristics of the 4 different type of muscles, I.e., soleus, white and red gastrocnemius, and plantaris, on glycogen utilization were simultaneously investigated. Hyperglycemia was induced by 145-165 mg/dL of oral glucose administration, and hyperlipidemia was induced by combined treatment of intraperitoneal heparine injection of 444 uEq/L and 10 % intralipose oral adminstration. During the hyperglycemic trial, the glycogen utilization of plantaris muscle was decreased by 13 % in 45 minute session of treadmill running compared to the control trial(p<0.05), and the glycogen utilization of white gastrocnemius was also decreased. The sparing tendency of glycogen was observed in soleus and red gastrocnemius by 5-13 % during 30 and 45 minute session of treadmill running in hyperglycemic trial. There was no glycogen sparing effect of hyperlipidemia in soleus, red gastrocnemius and plantaris muscle subjected in this experiment during exercise. However, only a slight sparing tendency of white gastrocnemius muscle was observed. In summary, the glycogen sparing effect of hyperglycemia during exercise was observed in plantaris and white gastrocnemius muscles in rats. However, there was no glycogen sparing effect of hyperlipidemia in the 4 hindlimb muscles. It was observed that the glycogen sparing effect of hyperglycemia is more prominent in fast glycolytic muscle fibers.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.179-189
• /
• 1993

It has recently become possible to record electrical activity originating from abnormally conducting myocardium from the body surface with high - gain amplification and averaging technique. These signals, which result from delayed ventricular activation(late potentials), have been recorded in patients with documented ventricular tachyarrythmia. Several electrode lead system for detecting ventricular late potential were introduced. Pyramidal electrode lead system(PLS) is useful. Also interpretation of SAECG in the young could be of value in detecting those at risk for episodic ventricular tachycardia, but suffer from a lack of data in normal young people. Selection of subjects : For this study, normal healthy young adult volunteers (age: mean 24 years) were recruited from the medical students at Yeungnam University Hospital, Internal Medicine. Twenty fourths male and seventeenths female subjects were selected. All subjects had normal resting ECGs as judged from both the standard 12 channel lead and echocardiography, and none had a history of cardiovascular disease. All subjects were considered to be in good general physical condition. Signal-averaged electrocardiography : In order to obtain low noise recordings with a small number of averaging cycles, all subject ware asked to relax completely in the supine position. Silver/silver chloride electrodes were attached after the skin was cleaned with alcohol, to constitute classic flank lead system(FLS) and pyramidal lead system(PLS). Signals were recorded and processed using a commercially available microprocessor-augmented ECG cart(Marquette Electronics, USA) suitable for portable bedside recording. There was no difference between normal values, determined by FLS and PLS at high pass filtering of 25 Hz and 80 Hz, but significant, difference was found in HFLAD and RMS-40 of 40 Hz(p<0.05). These results will provide a basis for interpretations of SAECG, determined by FLS and PLS in healthy young adults with normal QRS duration.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.11
• /
• pp.1619-1637
• /
• 2000

A review was undertaken to obtain information on the range of beak-trimming methods available or under development. Beak-trimming of commercial layer replacement pullets is a common yet critical management tool that can affect the performance for the life of the flock. The most obvious advantage of beak-trimming is a reduction in cannibalism although the extent of the reduction in cannibalism depends on the strain, season, and type of housing, flock health and other factors. Beak-trimming also improves feed conversion by reducing food wastage. A further advantage of beak-trimming is a reduction in the chronic stress associated with dominance interactions in the flock. Beak-trimming of birds at 7-10 days is favoured by Industry but research over last 10 years has shown that beak-trimming at day-old causes the least stress on birds and efforts are needed to encourage Industry to adopt the practice of beak-trimming birds at day-old. Proper beak-trimming can result in greatly improved layer performance but improper beak-trimming can ruin an other wise good flock of hens. Re-trimming is practiced in most flocks, although there are some flocks that only need one trimming. Given the continuing welfare scrutiny of using a hot blade to cut the beak, attempts have been made to develop more welfare friendly methods of beak-trimming. Despite the developments in design of hot blade beak-trimmers the process has remained largely unchanged. That is, a red-hot blade cuts and cauterises the beak. The variables in the process are blade temperature, cauterisation time, operator ability, severity of trimming, age of trimming, strain of bird and beak length. This method of beak-trimming is still overwhelmingly favoured in Industry and there appears to be no other alternative procedures that are more effective. Sharp secateurs have been used trim the upper beak of both layers and turkeys. Bleeding from the upper mandible ceases shortly after the operation, and despite the regrowth of the beak a reduction of cannibalism has been reported. Very few differences have been noted between behaviour and production of the hot blade and cold blade cut chickens. This method has not been used on a large scale in Industry. There are anecdotal reports of cannibalism outbreaks in birds with regrown beaks. A robotic beak-trimming machine was developed in France, which permitted simultaneous, automated beak-trimming and vaccination of day-old chicks of up to 4,500 chickens per hour. Use of the machine was not successful because if the chicks were not loaded correctly they could drop off the line, receive excessive beak-trimming or very light trimming. Robotic beak-trimming was not effective if there was a variation in the weight or size of chickens. Capsaicin can cause degeneration of sensory nerves in mammals and decreases the rate of beak regrowth by its action on the sensory nerves. Capsaicin is a cheap, non-toxic substance that can be readily applied at the time of less severe beak-trimming. It suffers the disadvantage of causing an extreme burning sensation in operators who come in contact with the substance during its application to the bird. Methods of applying the substance to minimise the risk to operators of coming in contact with capsaicin need to be explored. A method was reported which cuts the beaks with a laser beam in day-old chickens. No details were provided on the type of laser used, or the severity of beak-trimming, but by 16 weeks the beaks of laser trimmed birds resembled the untrimmed beaks, but without the bill tip. Feather pecking and cannibalism during the laying period were highest among the laser trimmed hens. Currently laser machines are available that are transportable and research to investigate the effectiveness of beak-trimming using ablasive and coagulative lasers used in human medicine should be explored. Liquid nitrogen was used to declaw emu toes but was not effective. There was regrowth of the claws and the time and cost involved in the procedure limit the potential of using this process to beak-trim birds.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.277-283
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Craniopharyngiomas are often accompanied by severe endocrine disorders. Although there is universal growth hormone deficiency(GHD), the resulting growth pattern is very heterogeneous. We report the growth and endocrine outcome of 44 children with craniopharyngioma, with emphasis on initial symptoms, growth before and during growth hormone(GH) treatment and spontaneous growth in spite of GHD. Methods : We performed a retrospective study of 44 children treated at our centre between 1984 and 2002. Results : About 30% of patients had symptoms suggesting endocrine disorder at diagnosis. After surgery, multiple endocrinopathies were almost universal. Before GH therapy, height velocity was $8.00{\pm}2.71cm/yr$ in the normal growth group(n=11) and $1.79{\pm}1.10cm/yr$ in the subnormal growth group(n=7) during the first year and during the second year, $6.76{\pm}2.49cm/yr$ and $2.29{\pm}1.33cm/yr$, respectively. There was no difference of body mass index(BMI) change between before and after surgery in the two groups. Height standard deviation score(SDS) was $-1.46{\pm}0.74$ in the normal growth group and $-0.43{\pm}0.97$ in the subnormal growth group. Before GH treatment height SDS was $-1.31{\pm}1.25$ and BMI was $20.46{\pm}3.60$. During GH treatment, height SDS increased to $-0.60{\pm}1.37$ in the first, and to $-0.41{\pm}1.54$ in the second year(P<0.05), but BMI did not change significantly. Conclusion : The endocrine morbidity could develop in most children with craniopharyngioma before and after the operation and should be managed properly. Although all treated patients benefit from GH therapy, further studies are necessary to find out the possible mechanism of growth regulation in normally growing children, despite GH deficient.