• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.263-271
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• 2009

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most cause of death around the world and fields of interest for cardiac stem cells. Also, current use of terminally differentiated adult cardiomyocytes for CVDs has limited regenerative capacity therefore any significant cell loss may result in the development of progressive heart failure. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from blastocyst-stage embryos spontaneously have ability to differentiate via embryo-like aggregates (endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm) in vitro into various cell types including cardiomyocyte. However, most effective molecule or optimized condition which can induce cardiac differentiation of hESCs is rarely studied. In this study, we developed both spontaneous and inductive cardiomyocyte-like cells differentiation from hESCs by treatment of induced-factors, 5-azacytidine, BMP-4 and cardiogenol C. On the one hand, spontaneous and inductive cardiomyocyte-like cells showed that cardiac markers are expressed for further analysis by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Interestingly, BMP-4 greatly improved homogeneous population of the cardiomyocyte-like cells from hESCs CHA15 and H09. In conclusion, we verified that spontaneously differentiated cells showed cardiac specific markers which characterize cardiac cells, treated extrinsic factors can manage cellular signals and found that hESCs can undergo differentiation into cardiomyocytes better than spontaneous group. This finding offers an insight into the inductive factor of differentiated cardiomyocytes and provides some helpful information that may offer the potential of cardiomyocytes derived from hESCs using extrinsic factors.

• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.761-769
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Bioprinting has recently appeared as a powerful tool for building complex tissue and organ structures. However, the application of bioprinting to regenerative medicine has limitations, due to the restricted choices of bio-ink for cytocompatible cell encapsulation and the integrity of the fabricated structures. METHODS: In this study, we developed hybrid bio-inks based on acrylated hyaluronic acid (HA) for immobilizing bio-active peptides and tyramine-conjugated hyaluronic acids for fast gelation. RESULTS: Conventional acrylated HA-based hydrogels have a gelation time of more than 30 min, whereas hybrid bio-ink has been rapidly gelated within 200 s. Fibroblast cells cultured in this hybrid bio-ink up to 7 days showed >90% viability. As a guidance cue for stem cell differentiation, we immobilized four different bio-active peptides: BMP-7-derived peptides (BMP-7D) and osteopontin for osteogenesis, and substance-P (SP) and Ac-SDKP (SDKP) for angiogenesis. Mesenchymal stem cells cultured in these hybrid bio-inks showed the highest angiogenic and osteogenic activity cultured in bio-ink immobilized with a SP or BMP-7D peptide. This bio-ink was loaded in a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting device showing reproducible printing features. CONCLUSION: We have developed bio-inks that combine biochemical and mechanical cues. Biochemical cues were able to regulate differentiation of cells, and mechanical cues enabled printing structuring. This multi-functional bio-ink can be used for complex tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

• 한국토양비료학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.119-126
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• 2005

강원도 홍천군에 위치한 내린천 상류의 자운리는 석비레 성토지에서 대다수 영농활동을 하고 있어 강우에 의한 토양유실이 심각하게 발생하고 있다. 자운 2리와 4리의 농경지에 대해 필지별로 지료를 구축한 후 토양유실량을 RUSLE를 기준으로 평가하였으며, 허용토양유실량을 $11MT\;ha^{-1}\;yr^{-1}$로 보고, 그 이하로 낮추기 위한 최적영농관리방안을 살펴보았다. 조사결과, 토양관리가 불량하여 40% 이상의 경작지에 토양보전을 위한 적정관리가 필요한 것으로 나타났다. 관리방안의 적용이 없을 경우 발생하는 토양유실량은 자운 2리에서 평균 $15.6MT\;ha^{-1}\;yr^{-1}$, 자운 4리에서 평균 $9.0MT\;ha^{-1}\;yr^{-1}$ 이었으며, 석비레 성토지는 대부분 토양유실허용 수준을 초과하였다. 이 지역에 필요한 적정관리방안은 완충식생대, 등고선 및 부초, 승수로 및 배수로, 초생수로, 승수로, 우회수로, 사면정비, 그러고 피복작물 등이 제시되었으며, 이 지역에서 토양유실량을 허용수준 이하로 낮추기 위해 필지별로 필요한 영농관리방안의 필요량은 완충식생대 7,680 m, 등고선 및 부초 123 ha (35%), 승수로 및 배수로 201 ha (58%), 초생수로 13,880 m, 우회수로 3,860 m, 사변정비 8,365 m, 그리고 피복작물 3,492 ha (100%)인 것으로 평가되었다. 경사지 농경지의 적정관리방안의 도입은 우리나라와 같이 수계에 직접 연결된 밭이 많고 상류권에 위치하여 상수원에 영향이 우려되는 지역에서 특히 시급한 과제로 최적영농관리방안에 대한 깊은 연구와 작용이 이루어져야 하며 이러한 프로그램을 교육하고 지속적으로 감시하며 더 나은 관리방안을 찾아서 보완해 나가는 연구가 요구된다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.36-42
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• 2013

The average twin lambing rate of Bayanbulak sheep is 2% to 3%. However, a flock of sheep with a close genetic relationship and an average of 2 to 3 lambs per birth has been found recently. To determine the major genes controlling the prolificacy of the flock in the present study, the flock was designated A while 100 normal Bayanbulak sheep were randomly selected to comprise the control flock B. Ligase detection reaction method was applied to detect and analyze the 10 mutational loci of the 3 candidate prolificacy genes including bone morphogenetic protein type I receptors, bone morphogenetic protein 15, and growth differentiation factor 9. The 10 mutational loci are as follows: FecB locus of the BMPR-IB gene; $FecX^I$, $FecX^B$, $FecX^L$, $FecX^H$, $FecX^G$, and $FecX^R$ of the BMP15 gene; and G1, G8, and FecTT of the GDF9 gene. Two mutations including BMPR-IB/FecB and GDF9/G1 were found in Bayanbulak sheep. Independence test results of the two flocks demonstrate that the FecB locus has a significant effect on the lambing number of Bayanbulak sheep. However, the mutation frequency of the G1 locus in GDF9 is very low. Independence test results demonstrate that the GDF9 locus does not have a significant impact on the lambing performance of Bayanbulak sheep. Among the 10 detected loci, BMPR-IB/FecB is the major gene that influences the high lambing rate of Bayanbulak sheep.

• 유기물자원화
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.85-93
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• 2018

톱밥 깔짚우사에서 채취한 젖소 분으로부터 바이오가스를 생산하는 효율을 분석하기 위하여 반 건식혐기소화 실험을 수행하였다. 첫 번째 실험으로서 젖소 분과 돈분 슬러리 그리고 두 가지 축분을 일정비율로 혼합한 재료를 대상으로 메탄 발생 잠재량(BMP; Biochemical Methane Potential) 실험을 수행하였다. 혐기소화 실험기간 동안 발생된 메탄가스의 누적량은 젖소 분이 포함된 처리구에서 더 많은 것으로 나타났다. 두 번째 실험으로서 깔짚우사에서 채취한 젖소 분을 단독으로 소화조에 투입하여 반 건식 혐기소화 실험을 실시하였다. 실험 결과, TS (Total Solids) 농도가 13%인 젖소 분의 적정 HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time)는 25일인 것으로 분석되었으며, TS 농도가 13%인 반응조에서의 바이오가스 발생량은 1.36~1.50v/v-d의 범위였고 평균은 1.44v/v-d 수준이었다. 젖소 분의 TS 농도를 15% 수준으로 설정한 혐기소화조에서의 적정 HRT는 30일이었으며 반응조에서의 바이오가스 발생량은 1.50~1.61v/v-d 수준이었고 평균은 1.47v/v-d 수준이었다. TS 농도가 17% 수준인 혐기소화조에서의 최적 HRT는 30일인 것으로 분석되었다. 이 반응조에서의 바이오가스 발생량은 1.50~1.61v/v-d 이었고 평균은 1.55v/v-d 수준이었다.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.40-46
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• 2010

In this study, microwave irradiation, which is reflected by metals, was used to reduce the amount of sewage sludge, and the results were used to verify solubilization efficiency and determine optimum operation conditions. Biogas production and methane content of the gas under optimized conditions were measured with the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test. The sludge was taken from a thickened sludge tank at J sewage treatment plant (JSTP) in Seoul, Korea. For the experiments, 50 mL of sludge was filled in vessels and the vessels were irradiated with the power of 500, 600, 700, and 800W for 2~5 min. In addition, Fe powder was added by 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 g to compare the efficiency with and without Fe powder. The results confirmed that solubilization efficiency was higher in the presence of Fe powder. The optimum conditions of 0.01 g addition of Fe powder with 800W irradiation for 5 min, yielded nearly 22.95% higher solubilization efficiency than without Fe powder. The BMP tests were carried out using sludge obtained from the experiments carried out under the optimum conditions. As a result, sludge subjected by 800W with 0.01 g of Fe powder for 5 min displayed the highest level of gas production and methane content. Through this study, it could be confirmed that solubilization efficiency increased by addition of Fe powder.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.460-465
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• 2010

Introduction: A cleft palate is a common birth defect in humans with an incidence of 1/500 to 1/1,000 births. It appears to be caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors during palatogenesis. Many molecules are involved in palate formation but the biological mechanisms underlying the normal palate formation and cleft palate are unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that transforming growth factor $\beta$/bone morphogenetic proteins (TGF-$\beta$/BMP) family members mediate the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during palate formation. However, their roles in palatal morphogenesis are not completely understood. Materials and Methods: To understand the roles of TGF-$\beta$/BMP signaling in vivo during palatogenesis, mice with a palatal mesenchyme- specific deletion of Smad4, a key intracellular mediator of TGF-$\beta$/BMP signaling, were generated and analyzed using the Osr2Ires-Cre mice. Results: The mutant mice were alive at the time of birth with open eyelids and complete cleft palate but died within 24 hours after birth. In skeletal preparation, the horizontal processes of the palatine bones in mutants were not formed and resulted in a complete cleft palate. At E13.5, the palatal shelves of the mutants were growing as normally as those of theirwild type littermates. However, the palatal shelves of the mutants were not elevated at E14.5 in contrast to the elevated palatal shelves of the wild type mice. At E15.5, the palatal shelves of the mutants were elevated over the tongue but did not come in contact with each other, resulting in a cleft palate. Conclusion: These results suggest that mesenchymal Smad4 mediated signaling is essential for the growth of palatal processes and suggests that TGF-$\beta$/BMP family members are essential regulators during palate development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.245-254
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• 2021

Objective: In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. Methods: Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. Results: Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. Conclusion: In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.175-184
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and conditioned medium (CM) derived from endometrial stromal cells on mouse preantral follicle culture in a two-dimensional system to produce competent mature oocytes for fertilization. Methods: In total, 240 preantral follicles were isolated from female mouse ovarian tissue and divided into four groups. The preantral follicles were isolated three times for each group and then cultured, respectively, in the presence of alpha minimum essential medium (control), PRP, CM, and PRP+CM. The in vitro growth, in vitro maturation, and cleavage percentage of the preantral follicles were investigated. Immunocytochemistry (IHC) was also conducted to monitor the meiotic progression of the oocytes. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of the two folliculogenesis-related genes (Gdf9 and Bmp15) and two apoptosis-related genes (Bcl2 and Bax) were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: In the PRP, CM, and PRP+CM groups, the preantral follicle maturation (evaluated by identifying polar bodies) were greater than the control group. The cleavage rate in the CM, and PRP+CM groups were also greater than the control group. IHC analysis demonstrated that in each treatment group, meiotic spindle was normal. In the PRP+CM group, the gene expression levels of Bmp15, Gdf9, and Bcl2 were greater than in the other groups. The Bax gene was more strongly expressed in the PRP and control groups than in the other groups. Conclusion: Overall, the present study suggests that the combination of CM and PRP can effectively increase the growth and cleavage rate of mouse preantral follicles in vitro.

• 한국습지학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.387-396
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• 2013

비점오염원은 배출원, 유출경로 및 배출량이 명확하지 않아 관리에 많은 어려움이 있다. 최근 들어, 비점오염 관리를 위해 다양한 비점오염저감시설들에 대해 개발 및 연구 되고 있다. 또한 비점오염시설의 정확한 평가를 위해 다양한 효율산정 방법들이 제시되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 강우 시 식생수로 길이별 모니터링 결과를 토대로 식생수로의 길이가 저감효율에 미치는 영향에 대해 연구를 수행하였다. 또한 식생수로 길이별 저감효율을 다양한 방법으로 산정하여 효율 산정방법에 따른 차이를 비교하고자 하였다. 효율 산정 방법으로는 ER, SOL, ROL, ROF, SOLF, ROLF 방법을 이용하여 분석하였다. EMC 분석결과 유입 및 유출량의 농도차이가 유기물질이 염양염류에 비하여 크게 나타났다. 식생수로 길이에 따른 효율 분석 결과 식생수로 유입부에서 효율이 급증하고, 이 후에는 효율 증가가 점차 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. 이는 식생수로 전단에 설치된 저류지에 의한 것으로 판단된다. 식생수로의 저감효율을 확보하기 위해서는 식생수로의 길이가 최소 30m이상으로 충분히 확보되어야 한다. 또한 식생수로의 경제적이고 효율적인 설계를 위해선 단순한 효율분석이 아닌 식생수로 최소 길이에 대한 연구가 필요하다.