• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.253-263
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• 2011

This study was conducted to gain preliminary data for restoration and management of constructed small-scale ponds in paddy fields through analysis of their physicochemical and biological properties. A field survey was performed at 13 small-scale ponds located in paddy fields from August 2009 to October 2010. Structural properties, water quality, soil characteristics and fish fauna were measured. Results showed that small-scale ponds without frames might lose their function over time because of crumbling walls. Therefore, it is necessary for these ponds to have frames for soil protection and sustainable maintenance. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentration were higher than the water quality standard for agricultural water in small-scale ponds. In particular, TN concentration was 8.03 mg $L^{-1}$ and over 8 times the water quality standard because of the presence of livestock such as cows and pigs in the study areas. Sand, organic matter and available phosphorus contents of soil in small-scale ponds was 53.4${\pm}$16.6%, 21.8${\pm}$9.74 g $kg^{-1}$ and 12.8${\pm}$7.59 mg $kg^{-1}$, respectively indicating that sand and available phosphorus contents were suitable for plants in small-scale ponds, but organic matter contents was somewhat low in newly constructed small-scale ponds, and would take some time to stabilize for plant growing. Fish fauna was not diverse with only 4 species at all sites surveyed. Collected fishes share a common feature that they all inhabit paddy fields or canals with shallow water depth. In this study, all ponds were not linked to the streams and canals around them. It appears that connection to adjacent streams was the major factor controlling fish fauna in small-scale ponds. The results of statistical analysis were classified into three groups. Factor 1 was 26.3%, which shows a structural properties such as area and depth of small-scale pond. As for factor 2, it appears on 20.1%, showing water quality like a TP, suspended solids (SS) and COD. Small-scale ponds were classified into three groups by factor scores. Group I consisted of 6 small-scale ponds, which were larger than the others. Group III had higher water quality than the others. We conclude that the most important points to be considered for restoration and management of small-scale ponds is connection with adjacent streams or ditches and depth and size of the small-scale pond.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1180-1186
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• 2014

Autophagy, the lysosomal degradation pathway, is an intracellular recycling system that is necessary for the metabolic benefits of exercise and for producing lasting beneficial effects of exercise in various diseases. However, the most recent studies have only examined the effect of a single bout of exercise or resistance exercise on autophagic responses. To determine the differential effects of acute and chronic exercise on the expression of autophagy-related genes in D. melanogaster, white-eyed mutant D. melanogaster were assigned randomly to four groups: control, acute exercise, 2 hr chronic exercise, and 3 hr chronic exercise. The flies were exercised using a mechanized platform known as the Power Tower. Our results revealed that a single bout of exercise resulted in increased mRNA levels of the Atg8a gene (~20%, p<0.05). However, Atg1 and Atg6 mRNA expression were not induced by acute exercise. Transcript levels of Atg6 (~29%, p<0.05) related to the nucleation of autophagosomes were significantly induced by 2 hr of chronic exercise. However, this chronic exercise was not enough to increase Atg1 and Atg8a mRNA expression. On the other hand, 3 hr of exercise for 7 days significantly increased Atg1, Atg6, and Atg8a gene expression-about 57%, 37%, and 71%, respectively (p<0.05). These results suggest that a single bout of exercise is not enough to induce full activation of selected autophagy-related genes in D. melanogaster. Our results demonstrated that chronic regular exercise induced autophagy-related gene expression, suggesting that chronic regular exercise training might be required to activate autophagic responses important for producing beneficial effects of exercise in various diseases.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.203-211
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• 2001

This study was carried out to determine sex of porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization. Porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes were cultured in BSA-free North Carolina State University (NCSU) 23 medium containing porcine follicular fluid (10%), cystein (0.1 mg/ml) and hormonal supplement (10 IU eCG and 10 IU hCG per ml) for 20~22 hrs. They were then cultured in the same medium but without hormonal supplement for additional 20~22 hrs. After culture, cumulus cells were removed and oocytes were co-incubated for 6 hrs with four different concentrations (5$\times$10$^4$, 2.5$\times$ 10$^{5}$ , 5.0$\times$10$^{5}$ and l0$\times$10$^{5}$ ) of porcine sperm. After fertilization, oocytes were transferred into NCSU 23 with 0.4% BSA medium. The cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were evaluated at 48 and 144 hrs, respectively. In this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the sex of porcine embryos in the stage of blastocyst. The PCR was performed using a set of oligonucleotide primers (5‘-TCATGGACCAGGTAGGGAAT-3', 5’-GAAAGACACGTCCTTGGA GA-3') for 491 bp fragment of porcine male-specific DNA sequence. In the flour different sperm concentration (5$\times$10$^4$, 2.5$\times$10$^{5}$ , 5.0$\times$10$^{5}$ and l0$\times$10$^{5}$ ) for fertilization condition, the cleavage rate was 55.95, 67.88, 60.18 and 47.60%, respectivety, and the development rate of blastocysts was 16.03, 20.40, 21.41 and 12.37%, respectively. At 5.0$\times$10$^4$and 2.5$\times$10$^{5}$ of sperm concentrations per ml cleavage rate and development rate of blastocyst were higher than those of 5.0$\times$10$^4$and l0$\times$10$^{5}$ of sperm concentration (P<0.01). The male of porcine embryos was detected at 491 bp by PCR, and 18 of the 31 porcine blastocysts were the male (58.1%) and the rest 13 were the female(41.9%).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.245-253
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to estimate surface characteristic after peptide coating and investigate biological response of human mesenchymal stem cell to anodized titanium discs coated with RGD peptide by physical adhesion and chemical fixation. Materials and methods: Fluorescence isothiocyanate (FITC) modified RGD-peptide was coated on the anodized titanium discs (diameter 12 mm, height 3 mm) using two methods. One was physical adhesion method and the other was chemical fixation method. Physical adhesion was performed by dip and dry procedure, chemical fixation was performed by covalent bond via silanization. In this study, human mesenchymal stem cell was used for experiments. The experiments consisted of surface characteristic evaluation after peptide coating, analysis about cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Obtained data are statistically treated using Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni test was performed as post hoc test (P=.05). Results: The evaluation of FE-SEM images revealed no diffenrence at micro-surfaces between each groups. Total coating dose was higher at physical adhesion experimental group than at chemical fixation experimental group. In cell adhesion and proliferation, RGD peptide coating did not show a statistical significance compared with control group (P>.05). In cell differentiation and mineralization, physical adhesion method displayed significantly increased levels compared with control group and chemical fixation method (P<.05). Conclusion: RGD peptide coating seems to enhance osseointegration by effects on the response of human mesenchymal stem cell. Especially physical adhesion method showed more effective than chemical fixation method on response of human mesenchymal stem cell.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2015

Purpose: This study analyzed a small outbreak of measles at a single hospital located in northern Gyeonggi-do in 2013. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of measles patients at The Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital from August to October, 2013. Results: Fifteen children were confirmed to have measles by RT-PCR and serum IgM test; 1 neonate, 11 infants, and 3 toddlers. None of the patients had received Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination. All patients showed B3 type in viral genotyping. Nine children (60%) had been exposed to measles during treatment for other diseases in the pediatric ward. Incubation period was between 8 and 15 days. Fever started at a median 10 days after exposure and persisted for a median of 8 days. Rash showed at a median 13 days after exposure. Respiratory complications were observed in 40% of patients. Diarrhea developed in 53% of patients. Conclusion: Although measles has been well-controlled due to the high rate of vaccination coverage, it is possible to have an outbreak at any given time, especially in infants. We must learn from this outbreak, and remain fully aware of the possibility of reemergence and provide proper management, including vaccination or immune globulin administration, to infants exposed to measles. Reevaluation of serum IgG titer of neonates, infants, and pregnant women may be the first step to prevent further outbreaks.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.1224-1229
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• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease, especially in the neonatal period, and it carries a significant degree of mortality and morbidity. Group B streptococcus(GBS) is a common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment results and complications of GBS meningitis. Methods : We analyzed 29 cases retrospectively who had been admitted to the pediatric ward or NICU in Asan Medical Center from May 1990 to January 2002. They had proven GBS in culture or latex agglutination test in CSF. Results : The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.9. There were two cases of early onset type and 27 cases of late onset type. All cases had normal birth weight with full term at delivery. The perinatal predisposing factors were premature rupture of membrane(two cases), and maternal colonization(two cases). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and irritability. Associated diseases were GBS sepsis(21 cases). There was relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives. There were abnormal brain CT or MRI findings in 16 cases(64%), such as infarction, encephalomalatic change, effusion, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage and abscess. The intensive care unit admission rate and the incidence of DIC were higher in the group with complications. Two cases were discharged against advice. Conclusion : We recommend early detection and active treatment in Group B streptococcal meningitis to improve the prognosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.490-497
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• 2005

Background : The paraoxonase enzyme plays a significant role in the detoxification of various organophosphorous compounds in mammals, and paraoxonase (PON) 1 is one of the endogenous free-radical scavenging systems in the human body. In this study, we investigated the interaction between cigarette smoking and the genetic polymorphism of PON1 with lung cancer in Korean males. Methods : Three hundred thirty five patients with lung cancer and an equal number of age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Every subject was asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their smoking habits and alcohol drinking habits. A 5' exonuclease assay (TaqMan) was used to genotype the PON1 Q192R polymorphism. The effects of smoking habits and drinking habits, the PON1 Q192R polymorphism and their interactions were statistically analyzed. Results : Cigarette smoking and the Q/Q genotype of PON1 were significant risk factors for lung cancer. Individuals carrying the Q/Q genotype of PON1 were at a higher risk for lung cancer as compared with those individuals carrying the Q/R or R/R genotype (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.69 - 4.79). When the groups were further stratified by the smoking status, the Q/Q PON1 was associated with lung cancer among the current or ex-smokers (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.52 - 4.31). Current smokers or ex-smokers who had the Q/Q genotype showed an elevated risk for lung cancer (odds ratio: 15.50, 95% confidence interval: 6.76 - 35.54) as compared with the group of subjects who never smoked, and had the Q/R or R/R genotype. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of smokers with the PON1 Q/Q type compared to the nonsmokers with the PON1 Q/R or R/R type were 53.77 (6.55 - 441.14) for squamous cell carcinoma, 6.25 (1.38 - 28.32) for adenocarcinoma, and 59.94 (4.66 - 770.39) for small cell carcinoma, and these results were statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that cigarette smoking and the PON1 Q/Q genotype are risk factors for lung cancer. The combination of cigarette smoking and the PON1 Q/Q genotype significantly increased the lung cancer risk irrespective of the histologic type of cancer.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.19 no.4 s.50
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• pp.277-289
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• 2006

This study was carried out to find a new material having high removal efficiency for the harmful red tide. C. polykrikoides grow very fast and accumulate into dense and visible patches near the surface of the seawater ('Water bloom'). Some mineral medicines and Hwangto (reddish soil consist of clay minerals and Fe-oxides) were used in this study to remove C. polykrikoides. The pre-determined sprinkling ratio of mineral vs. seawater which contains approximately 5,000 cells/mL of C. polykrikoides was 10 g/L. In order to quantify the removal efficiency, the density of living cells was measured by counting with the Intervals of 0, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after sprinkling. Five Hwangtos feom different localities were examined in this study. It is found that a material with a high concentration of Fe and Al was the most effective to remove C. polykrikoides. After the sprinkling of the Hwangto showing the best removal efficiency in the test, 99% of total algaes were found to be eliminated within 60 minutes. Jeokeokji showed the highest removal efficiency among clay mineral medicines(92% removal efficiency after 60 minutes), and the rests in decreasing order are as follows: Gamto (91%) > Baekseokji (89%) > Hydromica (81%). In addition, Fe-oxide mineral medicine similarly looking as fine-grained earthy Daejaseok showed 100% removal efficiencyafter 30 minutes, and Wooyoeryang, 95% after 60 minutes. It is noted that even little addition (1 g/L) of Daejaseok, 10% of Hwangto concentration into seawater showed the removal efficiency of 100% after 60 minutes. From the results, it could be concluded that the fine-grained earthy Daejaseok was the most effective natural mineral medicine to remove the C. polykrikoides from seawater. Under the microscope the removal mechanism was found to be activated in the following order: adsorption, swelling of chain colony, chain colony crisis and algaecide.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2008

Background: A critical shortage of donor organs has necessitated an investigation of new strategies to increase the availability of additional organs available for human transplantation. We investigated the amount of apoptosis and expression of GADD45 ${\beta}$ in two groups, a GADD45 ${\beta}$-transfected group and untransfected group. Material and Method: The experimental groups consist of a control group (normal H9C2 cell line) and GADD45 ${\beta}$-transfected group. After injury of the each group, we evaluated the expression of GADD45 ${\beta}$ and the level of apoptosis in each group. Result: There was a significant increase in the expression of GADD45 ${\beta}$ in the GADD45 ${\beta}$-transfected group at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after stimuli as compared with the control group. The amount of cardiac myoblast cell line apoptosis was significantly lower in the GADD45 ${\beta}$-transfected group as compared with the control group. The concentration of annex in in the GADD45 ${\beta}$-transfected group was significantly lower than that of the control. group after cell. injury. Conclusion: Transfection of a rat myoblast cell line with the GADD45 ${\beta}$ gene results in. decreased susceptibility to cell injury of human serum.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.979-984
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• 2006

Although iron is essential for many physiological processes, excess iron can lead to tissue damage by promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is increasing evidence that ROS might play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of iron excess on platelet function and the thrombotic response to vascular injury are not well understood. We examined the effects of iron excess-induced oxidative stress and the antioxidants on platelet aggregation. Oxidative stress was accessed by either free iron $(Fe^{+2})$ or hydrogen peroxide $(H_2O_2)$, as well as their combination on washed rabbit platelets (WPs) in vitro. When WPs were stimulated with either $Fe^{+2}$ alone or a subthreshold concentration of collagen, which gave an aggregatory curve with a little effect, and a dose dependent increase in platelet aggregation was observed by increasing concentrations of $Fe^{+2}$ with $H_2O_2$. This aggregation was associated with the iron-catalyzed formation of hydroxyl radicals from $H_2O_2$, and were inhibited by NAD/NADP (proton acceptor), catalase $(H_2O_2\;scavenger)$, tiron (iron chelator), mannitol (hydroxyl radical scavenger), and indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), but not by NADH/NADPH (proton donor), superoxide mutase, and aspirin. However, NADH/NADPH, an essential cofactor for the antioxidant capacity by the supply of reducing potentials, showed the effect of an enhanced radical formation, suggesting a role for NADH/NADPH-dependent oxidase. These results suggest that iron $(Fe^{+2})$ can directly interact with washed rabbit platelets and this aggregation be mediated by OH formation as in the Fenton reaction, inhibited by radical scavengers.