• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.975-984
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• 2021

Objective: Inbreeding depression of reproduction is a major concern in the conservation of native chicken genetic resources. Here, based on the successful development of strongly inbred (Sinb) and weakly inbred (Winb) Langshan chickens, we aimed to evaluate inbreeding effects on reproductive traits and identify candidate genes involved in inbreeding depression of reproduction in Langshan chickens. Methods: A two-sample t-test was performed to estimate the differences in phenotypic values of reproductive traits between Sinb and Winb chicken groups. Three healthy chickens with reproductive trait values around the group mean values were selected from each of the groups. Differences in ovarian and hypothalamus transcriptomes between the two groups of chickens were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Results: The Sinb chicken group showed an obvious inbreeding depression in reproduction, especially for traits of age at the first egg and egg number at 300 days (p<0.01). Furthermore, 68 and 618 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the hypothalamus and ovary between the two chicken groups, respectively. In the hypothalamus, DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to vitamin metabolism, signal transduction and development of the reproductive system, such as the riboflavin metabolism, Wnt signaling pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, including stimulated by retinoic acid 6, serpin family F member 1, secreted frizzled related protein 2, Wnt family member 6, and frizzled class receptor 4 genes. In the ovary, DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways associated with basic metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycosaminoglycan degradation. A series of key DEGs involved in folate biosynthesis (gamma-glutamyl hydrolase, guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1), oocyte meiosis and ovarian function (cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1, structural maintenance of chromosomes 1B, and speedy/RINGO cell cycle regulator family member A), spermatogenesis and male fertility (prostaglandin D2 synthase 21 kDa), Mov10 RISC complex RNA helicase like 1, and deuterosome assembly protein 1) were identified, and these may play important roles in inbreeding depression in reproduction. Conclusion: The results improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression in chicken reproduction and provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of species resources.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 1981

This study was conducted to establish an effective radiation treatment and selection method for induced mutants in M_1 population of soybean treated with gamma-ray. About 64% of total M_1 plants was reduced in plant height up to 50 - 60% and among which 60 - 70% of the plants were contained mutations in M_2 generation. About 60% of the MI plants have born 6 - 15 seeds per plant and 50 - 60% of their progenies produced mutants in M_2 generation. Positive correlation between plant height and number of seeds per plant in M_1 population was found. Higher visible macro-mutation rate in M_2 was observed in the groups of reduced plant height and seed number in the M_1 generation, whereas the frequency of chlorophyll mutation was increased in the group of less damaged plants. The size of mutation sector was increased with reduction in number of seeds per M_1 plant and the mutants were occurred at random in all the parts of M_1 plants. For the effective selection of mutants in soybean mutation breeding, the M_1 seeds should be harvested from the radiation damaged M_1 plants with the application of higher doses of mutagens, and handling M_2 generation by bulk population method is recommendable.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2022

This study aimed to increase the targeting ability against PSMA in cell therapy using metabolic glycoengineering and biorthogonal chemistry and to visualize cell trafficking using PET imaging. Cellular membranes of THP-1 cells were decorated with azide(-N₃) using Ac₄ManNAz by metabolic glycoengineering. Engineered THP-1 cells were conjugated with DBCO-bearing fluorophore (ADIBO-Cy5.5) for 1 h at different concentrations and analyzed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. For PSAM ligand conjugation to THP-1 cells, Ac₄ManNAz treated THP-1 cells were incubated with DBCO-PSMA ligand (ADIBO-GUL) at a final concentration with 100 µM for 1 h. To evaluate the effect on cell recognition, PSMA ligand conjugated THP-1 cells(as effectors) were co-cultured with PSMA positive 22RV1 (as target cells) at 3 : 1 a effector-to-target cell (E/T) ratio. The interaction between THP-1 and 22RV1 was monitored by confocal fluorescence microscopy. For preparing the radiolabeled THP-1, the cells were treated at the activity of ~ 740 kBq of [⁸⁹Zr]Zr(oxinate)₄/5 × 10⁶ cells. Radiolabeled cells were analyzed for determination of cell-associated radioactivity by gamma counting and viability using MTS assay. In the cytotoxicity assay, THP-1 cells did not have any cytotoxicity even when the Ac₄ManNAz concentration was 100 µM. In confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, THP-1 cells were efficiently labeled ADIBO-Cy5.5 in a dose-dependent manner, and the dose of 100 µM was the optimal concentration for the following experiments. The clusters of PSMA ligand-conjugated THP-1 cells and 22RV1 cells were identified, indicating cell-cell recognition over the cell surface between two types of cells. Cell radiolabeling efficiency was 54.5 ± 17.8%. THP-1 labeled with 0.09 ± 0.03 Bq/cell showed no significant cytotoxicity compared to unlabeled THP-1 up to 7 days. We successfully demonstrated that Ac₄ManNAz treated cells were efficiently conjugated with ADIBO-GUL for preparing the PSMA-targeting cells, and [⁸⁹Zr]Zr(oxinate)₄ could be used to label cells without toxicity. It suggested that PSMA-ligand conjugated cell therapy could be improved cell targeting and be monitored by PET imaging.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.4660-4670
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• 2022

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a novel salt-free reductant used potentially for the separation of U/Pu in the advanced PUREX process. In this work, the radiation stability of HU were systematically investigated in solution by examining the effects of the type of rays (α, β, and γ irradiations), the absorbed dose (10-50 kGy), and the HNO₃ concentration (0-3 mol L^-1). The influence degree on HU radiolysis rates followed the order of the absorbed dose > the ray type > the HNO₃ concentration, but the latter two had moderate effects on HU radiolysis products where NH₄⁺ and NO₂^- were found to be the most abundant ones, suggesting that the differences of α, β, and γ rays should be considered in the study of irradiation effects. The radiolysis mechanism was explored using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and it proposed the dominant radiolysis paths of HU, indicating that the radiolysis of HU was mainly a free radical reaction among ·H, e_aq^-, H₂O, intermediates, and the radiolytic free radical fragments of HU. The results reported here provide valuable insights into the mechanistic understanding of HU radiolysis under α, β, and γ irradiations and reliable data support for the application of HU in the reprocessing of spent fuel.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.16.1-16.13
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• 2022

Background: Xylazole (Xyl) is a veterinary anesthetic that is structurally and functionally similar to xylazine. However, the effects of Xyl in vitro remain unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anesthetic mechanism of Xyl using fetal rat nerve cells treated with Xyl. Methods: Fetal rat nerve cells cultured for seven days were treated with 10, 20, 30, and 40 ㎍/ mL Xyl for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Variations of amino acid neurotransmitters (AANTs), Nitric oxide-Cyclic GMP (NO-cGMP) signaling pathway, and ATPase were evaluated. Results: Xyl decreased the levels of cGMP and NO in nerve cells. Furthermore, Xyl affected the AANT content and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activity in nerve cells. These findings suggested that Xyl inhibited the NO-cGMP signaling pathway in nerve cells in vitro. Conclusions: This study provided new evidence that the anesthetic and analgesic effects of Xyl are related to the inhibition of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.377-384
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• 2015

A survey of the artificial radionuclides in rivers and lakes was conducted to investigate their levels in surface water. Water samples were collected at 60 points and analyzed by gamma-ray spectrometry with a measurement time of 10,000 seconds for ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, and ¹³¹I. The obained values were lower than MDA for all points, except one point for ¹³¹I that was 0.533±0.058 Bq/L. ¹³¹I is known as a radioactive material that occurs frequently in sewage treatment plants. Because it is often used for medical treatments and subject to spreading into the environment due to the excretion from the patients. For the point where ¹³¹I was detected, we conducted additional investigation on the upstream river point and the effluent points of nearby sewage treatment plant to find the source of ¹³¹I. ¹³¹I was not detected at the upstream points of one of the upstream sewage treatment plants but found at the downstream points with the level being 0.257±0.034 to 0.799±0.051 Bq/L, proving the sewage treatment plant was the ¹³¹Isource.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.161-171
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• 1999

Background: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce antitumor effects in vivo. This antitumor effect is associated with T cell infiltration but the effect of IL-12 on the steps of T cell migration into the tumor tissue has not been fully elucidated. This study focused on the effect of IL-12 on the tumor growth and the metastasis and on the expression of E-selectin, an adhesion molecule which is activated endothelial specific in its expression. In addition, we studied whether the expression of E-selectin is associated with the TNF-$\alpha$, a cytokine that its production is increased by IL-12 and has functions inducing a variety of adhesion molecules. Methods: Mice of C57BL/6 strain were injected with Lewis lung cancer cells followed by either IL-12, TNF-$\alpha$, or normal saline by intraperitoneal route. Twenty eight days after tumor cell inoculation, metastatic nodules of lung were enumerated and immunohistochemical staining of the subcutaneous tumors were performed with monoclonal antibodies to CD4, CD8, CD16, and E-selectin. In IL-12 treated mice, the subcutaneously implanted Lewis lung tumors were decreased in size and the metastases were also decreased in number compared to control mice. On tumor tissues, increased infiltration of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ cells were oberved in IL-12 treated mice compared to control mice. In control mice, E-selectin was absent on tumor vessels, but the expression of E-selectin was increased on tumor vessels of IL-12 treated mice. Administration of TNF-$\alpha$ increased not only the expression of E-selectin but also infiltrations of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ cells on tumor tissues. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that IL-12 inhibits tumor growth and metastases through infiltrations of inflammatory cells in mouse model of Lewis lung carcinoma and E-selectin may playa role in inflammatory cell recruitment on tumor tissue following IL-12 administration. Also, TNF-$\alpha$ may have a role as a mediator responsible for the IL-12 induced expression of E-selectin.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.564-572
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• 2013

We investigated the quality characteristics of brewing brown rice vinegar through a traditional static fermentation process. Accordingly, we decided to compare the physicochemical characteristics of brewing vinegar at different temperatures and filtration methods. In four to five weeks' time, the acetic acid fermentation exhibited the highest titratable acidity and then it eventually decreased. The titratable acidity was affected by the filtration method. It was revealed that the titratable acidity was higher in the forced filtration than the traditional filtration method. Various organic acids were detected in order to initialize the fermentation stage and as the fermentation progressed, only the acetic acid could be detected. The total free amino acid content was higher at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ than at $20^{\circ}C$. Moreover, the free amino acid content was dependent on the acetate content during the acetic fermentation process. The main bioactive substance of the ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid content was more than twice at a fermentation temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ compared to the fermentation temperature of $20^{\circ}C$. Furthermore, the total amino acid and essential amino acid content at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ was excellent. The quality of the brown rice vinegar via forced filtration method at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ was the most excellent. Based on these results, the fermentation temperature and the use of nuruks (fermenting agent) affected the quality of the brown rice vinegar, and an appropriate method to consider its purpose is required.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.711-717
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• 2016

Opuntia humifusa fruits were investigated. The length of minor and major axis, and weight of O. ficus-indica and O. humifusa fruits were compared as the morphological features. The characteristics of components such as color, moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, dietary fiber, mineral, and amino acids were evaluated. The values of O. ficus-indica fruits were higher than those of O. humifusa fruits in each morphological feature such as minor axis, major axis, and weight. According to the Hunter color index results, O. humifusa fruits showed higher values of L (lightness) and b (yellowness), whereas O. ficus-indica fruits showed higher value of a (redness). The ${\Delta}E$ value between two samples was 19.80. The O. ficus-indica fruits had higher carbohydrate content and lower content of crude ash than those of O. humifusa fruits. Both samples showed very high dietary fiber contents, and the major minerals were K and Ca. Glutamic acid was the major amino acids in both samples. In free amino acids contents, O. ficus-indica had higher tyrosine and lower glutamic acid level than those of O. humifusa fruits. ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid was found in both samples, whereas taurine was found in O. ficus-indica fruits only. Taken together, the morphological features and chemical quality of O. ficus-indica and O. humifusa fruits showed difference although both of them were originated from the same genus.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2008

Background: A co-inhibitory molecule, B7-H4, is believed to negatively regulate T cell immunity by suppressing T cell proliferation and inhibiting cytokine production. However, the mechanism behind B7-H4-mediated tolerance remains unclear. Methods: Balb/c $(H-2^d)$ mice were fed with dendritic cell line, DC2.4 $(H-2^d)$ every day for 10 days. Meantime, mice were hydrodynamically injected with recombinant plasmid expressing B7-H4 fusion protein (B7-H4.hFc) or hFc via tail vein. One day after last feeding, mice were immunized with allogeneic B6 spleen cells. 14 days following immunization, mice were challenged with B6 spleen cells to ear back and the ear swelling was determined the next day. Subsequently, a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was also performed and cytokines profiles from the reaction were examined by sandwich ELISA. Frequency of immunosuppressive cell population was assayed with flow cytometry and mRNA for FoxP3 was determined by RT-PCR. Results: Tolerant mice given plasmid expressing B7-H4.hFc showed a significant reduction in ear swelling compared to control mice. In addition, T cells from mice given B7-H4.hFc plasmid revealed a significant hyporesponsiveness of T cells against allogeneic spleen cells and showed a significant decrease in Th1 and Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-5, and TNF-${\alpha}$. Interestingly, flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs in spleen was increased in tolerant mice given recombinant B7-H4.hFc plasmid compared to control group. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that B7-H4 synergistically potentiates oral tolerance induced by allogeneic cells by increasing the frequency of FoxP3+ CD4+CD25+ Treg and reducing Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.