• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.223-231
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• 2001

The success of nuclear transplantation with mammalian oocytes depends critically on the potential of oocytes activation, which mainly caused to prevent the re-accumulation of maturation promoting factor (MPF). This study was conducted to compare the effect of combined treatment of lonomycin with a Hl-histone kinase inhibitor (dimethylaminopurine, DMAP) or cdc2 kinase inhibitor (sodium pyrophosphate, SPP) on activation of bovine oocytes. In vitro matured bovine oocytes with the first polar body (PB) and dense cytoplasm were assigned to 3 experimental groups. For activation treatment, oocytcs were exposed to 5 $\mu$M lonomycin for 5 min (Group 1), and followed by 1.9 mM dimethylaminopurine (DMAP) for 3 h (Group 2) or followed by 2 mM sodium pyrophosphate (SPP) for 3 h (Group 3). The activation effects in the three treatments and the control group (untreated) were judged by the extrusion of the second PB and formation of a pronucleus (PN). Differences among groups were analysed using one-way ANOVA after arc-sine transformation of proportional data. All three treatments led to high activation rates (90% to 95%), with significant difference from the control. However, the extrusion of the second PB and the rate of PN formation differed remarkably among treatments. In Group I and 3, about 95% of the oocytes had extruded the second polar body, but one PN had formed in a higher proportion of oocytes in Group 3 than in Group 1 (90% vs. 5%). In experiment 2, the rates of cleavage and development into blastocysts in Group 1 were significantly lower than those of Group 2 and 3 (8.7% and 0% vs. 50.5% and 11.6%, and 44.6% and 7.2%, respectively, P<0.05). In experiment 3, ~80% of parthenotes in Group 1 were developed with haploid chromosomal sets. However, when ionomycin was followed immediately by DMAP (Group 2). only 20% of parthenotes were haploid. In Group 3, combined treatment with ionomycin and SPP, the appearance of abnormal chromosomal tracts was significantly (P〈0.05) reduced and the proportion of haploid parthenotes was increased to 85% (17/20) than in Group 2. These results demonstrate that SPP acted as a cdc2 kinase inhibitor and formed the haploidy in oocyte activation. Thus, the present study suggests that cdc2 kinase inhibitor, such as sodium pyrophosphate, may have an effective role in oocyte activation for the production of cloned embryos/animals by nuclear transplantation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.359-364
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• 2023

KAI1/CD82, a membrane tetraspanin protein, can prevent various cancers and retinal disorders through its anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic capacity. However, little is known about its anti-inflammatory effect and molecular mechanism. Therefore, the present study aimed to inLPSvestigate effect of a recombinant protein of the large extracellular domain of human KAI1 (Gly 111-Leu 228, rhKAI1) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and to identify its underlying mechanism. Our data showed that rhKAI1 suppressed expression levels of classically macrophages (M1) phenotype-related surface markers F4/80+CD86+ in LPS-stimulated BMDM and RAW264.7 cells. In addition, LPS markedly increased mRNA expression and release levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, whereas these increases were substantially down-regulated by rhKAI1. Furthermore, LPS strongly increased expression of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei and phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK. However, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of JNK were greatly reversed in the presence of rhKAI1. Especially, rhKAI1 markedly suppressed expression of toll-like receptor (TLR4) and prevented binding of LPS with TLR4 through molecular docking predict analysis. Importantly, Glu 214 of rhKAI1 residue strongly interacted with Lys 360 of TLR4 residue, with a binding distance of 2.9 Å. Taken together, these findings suggest that rhKAI1 has an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-polarized macrophages by interacting with TLR4 and down-regulating the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.22-27
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was aimed to assess the distribution of metabolic syndrome according to Sasang constitution(SC) in acute stroke patients. Methods : We assessed the type of SC of acute stroke patients in the oriental medical hospitals of 3 universities located in metropolitan region from October 2005 to June 2007 by Ouestionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification II(QSCC II). Then, we investigated the general characteristics, the prevalence of each factor of the metabolic syndrome and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome according to SC. Results : 338 subjects were included into the final analysis. 1. This study showed that the proportion of So-yang was highest of all constitutions(45.9%). 2. The prevalence of high TG, low HDL-chol, high BP, high FBS of Tae-um were higher than those of the other constitutions, but the differencecs were not statistically significant. The prevalence of high WC of Tae-um was significantly higher than other constitutions(p<0.001). 3. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome of Tae-um was significantly higher than other constitutions (p=0.002). Conclusion : There were significant differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to SC in acute stroke patients. For the further research, it seems to be necessary to construct fundamental databases for stroke by increasing the number of patients and by diagnosing SC more delicately.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.8
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• 2022

Background: Emergent and re-emergent canine tick-borne infections are attracting increasing attention worldwide. The rise in pet ownership and the close relationship between dogs and their owners are the most concerning factors because dogs may act as competent reservoirs for human tick-transmitted infectious agents. Objectives: This study contributes to the epidemiological surveillance of canine tick-transmitted infections with zoonotic risk in the Republic of Korea (ROK) by investigating the seroprevalence of the pathogens, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis. Methods: Four hundred and thirty whole blood samples from domestic dogs were collected in seven metropolitan cities and nine provinces in the ROK and tested using SensPERT Ab test kits (VetAll Laboratories^®) to detect seroreactive animals. Results: The seroprevalence rates identified were 9.8% (42/430) for Anaplasma spp., 2.8% (12/430) for B. burgdorferi, and 1.4% (6/430) for E. canis. The risk factors evaluated in this study that could be associated with the development of a humoral immune response, such as sex, age, and history of tick exposure, were similar. There was only one exception for dogs seroreactive to Anaplasma spp., where the risk factor "tick exposure" was statistically significant (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This serological survey exhibited the widespread presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi, and E. canis throughout the ROK. Hence, dogs may play a key role as the sentinel animals of multiple zoonotic infectious agents in the country.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.574-585
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of increased medical and nursing care costs among the elderly. In Korea, preventive measures for sarcopenia are mostly targeted toward the general elderly population without specific diseases. However, it is also necessary to implement measures for elderly individuals living in nursing homes and hospitals, where the prevalence of sarcopenia is high. Currently, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are considered standard diagnostic tools. However, their complexity and time-consuming nature make them unsuitable for clinical use. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are unclear, as they involve various molecular biological pathways, including decreased exercise, protein and nutrient intake, changes in testosterone and growth hormone, and inflammation. Sarcopenia symptoms can lead to several diseases, such as osteoporosis, fractures, dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B deficiency is a significant factor in sarcopenia induction, with B vitamins being directly involved in energy and protein metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuromuscular and neurogenic disorders, which often overlap with sarcopenia. Suboptimal intake of B vitamins, malabsorption, and anorexia are common among the elderly. This study aims to provide information on the role of water-soluble B vitamins in preventing and controlling muscle mass loss and deterioration among the elderly with sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the potential of myokines from the B vitamin family in modulating sarcopenia.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.237-245
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• 2022

Background: The current study reports measurements of activity concentrations of radon (²²⁰Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) in dwellings, followed by inhalation dose assessment of the public, and then by the development of regulation and the national radon action plan (NRAP) in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: Radon, thoron, and thoron progeny measurements were carried out from 2014 to 2017 using radon-thoron discriminative detectors (commercially RADUET) in 450 dwellings and thoron progeny monitors in 350 dwellings. From 2019 to 2020, radon track detectors (commercially RADTRAK) were deployed in 1,400 dwellings. It was found that activity concentrations of radon range in 1,850 houses from 10 to 2,620 Bq/㎥ with a geometric mean of 76 Bq/㎥. Results and Discussion: Activity concentrations of thoron range from 20 to 700 Bq/㎥ with a geometric mean of 107 Bq/㎥. Thoron equilibrium factor ranges from 0.01 to 0.6, with an arithmetic mean of 0.09 that is higher than the default value of 0.02 given by UNSCEAR. On average, 49%, 9%, and 2% of all surveyed houses have radon concentrations above 100, 200, and 300 Bq/㎥, respectively. The average contribution of thoron to the inhalation dose due to radon and thoron exposure is about 40%. Thus, thoron cannot be neglected in dose assessment to avoid biased results in radio-epidemiological studies. Only radon was considered in the drafted regulation and in the NRAP adopted in October 2020. Reference levels of 300 Bq/㎥ and 1,000 Bq/㎥ were recommended for dwellings and workplaces. Conclusion: Priority actions for the coming years include the following: radon risk mapping, promotion of a protection policy against radon in buildings, integration of the radon prevention and mitigation into the training of construction specialists, mitigation of dwellings and workplaces with high radon levels, increased public awareness of the health risks associated with radon, and development of programs on the scientific and technical aspects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.176-184
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• 2007

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze the factors which university students feel as stress in their daily life and the correlation between these and their eating habits. The subject are students enrolled at 'H' university in Asan. There are 801 students who response for this research. We surveyed and analyzed the correlation between the life stress and eating habit of university students. It is analyzed that the objects suffered stress most by 'schooling' and 'job complication.' Surveying the general eating habit of university students, it is found that they do not eat meal regularly, i.e., 'average meals (40.9%)' and 'irregular meal(35.2%).' No significant difference was observed in the regularity of meals between sexes. When it comes to overeating or voracity, male students answered 'sometimes(77.6%)' or 'often(22.5%)', but female students answered 'sometimes(66.2%)' or 'often(28.2%)', which means that female students are more frequent in overeating or voracity. The frequency of eating snack is more than once a day 60.1% in female students and 47.3% in male students, which shows that the rate of female students is much higher than that of male students. Surveying the correlation between stress that male and female university students suffer and the regular meal, we found that both of them tend to eat meal irregularly if they are stressed. Comparing the stress for its factor, male students eat meal irregularly if they are stressed by 'schooling' and female students eat meal irregularly if they are stressed by 'figure.' Checking the correlation between stress and time spent for meal, it is found that while male students eat meal in a hurry when they are stressed by 'job affair', female students do so when they are stressed by 'home economy. Analyzing the correlation between frequency of snack and stress, both male and female tend to eat snack more frequently when they are stressed more. In general, males like the oily food more than male, but when students get stresses, females want to eat oily food than male. Analyzing the correlation between stress and preferential menu, males like green vegetables, sea food in the life get less stresses than others Females like a menu of meat get higher stress than others.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3B
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• pp.271-278
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• 2006

In design of groyne series, groyne spacing is a important factor and have an effect on not only the characteristics of backward and recirculation flow in groyne zone but also flow field in main channel. It is necessary study about flow pattern of recirculation zone and main channel that is a cause of bad change, local scour and bank erosion by groyne spacing. In this study, flow variation of groyne zone and main chanel for spacing of groynes were analyzed from the experiment results in order to offer a fundamental data that can be used to decide the proper groyne spacing. Experiments were conducted 12 cases for groyne spacing(L) by groyne length(l) rate and the velocity profile was measured using LSPIV and ADV. From the results, two vortex flows developed in recirculation zone for L/l=3~9 and three vortex flows developed over L/l=10. The velocity of backward flow in recirculation zone was decreased up to 20% over L/l=4. The velocity of main channel flow was increased from 1.3 to 2.0 times by groyne spacing and the rate of velocity increased by increasing groyne spacing. The maximum velocity occurred in 0.7~0.8 times of groyne spacing downstream of upper groyne.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1327-1339
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• 2022

Objective: Fat deposition in poultry is an important factor in production performance and meat quality research. miRNAs also play important roles in regulating adipocyte differentiation process. This study was to investigate the expression patterns of miRNAs in duck adipocytes after differentiation and explore the role of miR-214 in regulating carnitine palmitoyltransferases 2 (CPT2) gene expression during duck adipocyte differentiation. Methods: Successful systems for the isolation, culture, and induction of duck primary fat cells was developed in the experiment. Using Illumina next-generation sequencing, the miRNAs libraries of duck adipocytes were established. miRanda was used to predict differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and their target genes. The expression patterns of miR-214 and CPT2 during the differentiation were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the specific regions of CPT2 targeted by miR-214. We used a miR-214 over-expression strategy in vitro to further investigate its effect on differentiation process and CPT2 gene transcription. Results: There were 481 miRNAs identified in duck adipocytes, included 57 DE miRNA candidates. And the 1,046 targets genes of DE miRNAs were mainly involved in p53 signaling, FoxO signaling, and fatty acid metabolism pathways. miR-214 and CPT2 showed contrasting expression patterns before and after differentiation, and they were selected for further research. The expression of miR-214 was decreased during the first 3 days of duck adipocytes differentiation, and then increased, while the expression of CPT2 increased both in the transcriptional and protein level. The luciferase assay suggested that miR-214 targets the 3'untranslated region of CPT2. Overexpression of miR-214 not only promoted the formation of lipid droplets but also decreased the protein abundance of CPT2. Conclusion: Current study reports the expression profile of miRNAs in duck adipocytes differentiated for 4 days. And miR-214 has been proved to have the regulator potential for fat deposition in duck.

• 한국노년학
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.409-429
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the ambivalence of adult children to their elderly parents. 410 adult children who married and having alive mother or father were included. First, direct measurement for asking ambivalence was developed and the relationship between direct and indirect measurements of ambivalence was tested. Next, the influences of parental, children, and relational characteristics on ambivalence were examined. Nine items were selected as direct measurement of ambivalence through the exploratory factor analysis and item response theory. The relationship between direct measure and indirect measure was from .543(p<.000) to r=.625(p<.000) based on gender and generation. The effects of indirect ambivalence on conflict was bigger than direct one for both sons and daughters and the influences of direct measurement on intimacy and relational satisfaction were bigger than indirect one. In case of sons, caregiving obligation was the biggest predictor on ambivalence for mothers and value differences was on ambivalence for fathers. For daughters, age of self was the biggest predictor on ambivalence for mothers and age of fathers was the one for fathers. These results were discussed on the meanings of ambivalence for elderly mothers and fathers in Korea comparing with Chinese and Western cultures.