• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.269-279
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• 2010

Some characteristics of germ cell differntiations and the function of accessory cells during spermatogenesis, and mature sperm ultrastructure in male Protothaca (N.) jedoensis were investigated by transmission electron microscope observations. The morphology of the spermatozoa of this species has a primitive type and is similar to those of other species in the subclass Heterodonta. Accessory cells, which are connected to adjacent germ cells, are involved in the supplying of the nutrients for germ cell development. The morphologies of the sperm nucleus and the acrosome of this species are the cylindrical type and cap shape, respectively. Spermatozoa are approximately $46{\sim}50{\mu}m$ in length including a long sperm nucleus (about $2.44{\mu}m$ in length), an acrosome (about $0.45{\mu}m$ in length), and tail flagellum (about $42{\sim}46{\mu}m$). The axoneme of the sperm tail shows a 9+2 structure. As some characteristics of the acrosomal vesicle structures, the basal and lateral parts of basal rings show electron opaque part (region), while the anterior apex part of the acrosomal vesicle shows electron lucent part (region). These characteristics of the acrosomal vesicle were found in the family Veneridae and other several families in the subclass Heterodonta. These common characteristics of the acrosomal vesicle in the subclass Heterodonta can be used for phylogenetic and systematic analysis as a taxonomic key or a significant tool. The number of mitochondria in the midpiece of the sperm of this species are four, as one of common characteristics appear in most species in the family Veneridae and other families in the subclass Heterodonta. However, exceptionally, only three species in Veneridae of the subclass Heterodonta contain 5 mitochondria. The number of mitochondria in the sperm midpiece can be used for the taxonomic analysis of the family or superfamily levels as a systematic key or an important tool.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.197-203
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• 2002

The TiO$_2$ coating solutions were synthesized with different concentrations (T1-0.7N, T2-2.0N) of hydrochloric acid used as catalyst. and TiO$_2$ thin films were prepared by sol-gel dip coating. Their structural and optical properties were examined as a function of calcination temperature. XRD results showed that T1 thin films calcined at 400~80$0^{\circ}C$ had the anatase phase, while those calcined at 100$0^{\circ}C$ had the rutile phase. T2 thin films calcined at 40$0^{\circ}C$ and $600^{\circ}C$ had the anatase phase, with the rutile phase for calcination at 80$0^{\circ}C$. Crystallinity of T2 thin films was superior to that of T1 thin films. The crystallite size of TiO$_2$ thin films increased with increasing calcination temperature, and the crystallite size of anatase phase in T2 thin films was larger than that in T1 thin films, but the crystallite size of rutile phase in T2 thin films was smaller. The surface morphology of the films showed that the films were formed more densely in the rutile phase than in the anatase phase, this phenomenon appeared conspicuously in T2 thin films. The transmittance of the samples with thin films on quartz glass calcined at 100$0^{\circ}C$ was significantly reduced at wavelength range about 300-700 nm due to the increased absorption originating from the change of crystallite phase and composition of the films and the scattering effect originating from increasing crystallite size. The refractive index of TiO$_2$ thin films increased, and hence the film thickness as well as the porosity of TiO$_2$ thin films decreased with increasing calcination temperature. Furthermore, the refractive index of T2 thin films was higher than T1 thin films, and porosity of T2 films was lower.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.361-374
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• 2009

For successful osteogenesis around the implants, interaction between implant surface and surrounding tissue is important. Biomechanical bonding and biochemical bonding are considered to influence the response of adherent cells. But the focus has shifted surface chemistry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast like cell responses of magnesium (Mg) ion implanted titanium surface produced using a plasma source ion implantation method. Commercially pure titanium disc was used as substrates. The discs were prepared to produce four different surface, A: Machine turned surface, B: Mg implanted surface, C: sandblasted surface, D: sandblasted and Mg implanted surface. MC3T3 El osteoblastic like cells were cultured on the disc specimens. Cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and synthesis of extracellular matrix were evaluated. The cell adhesion morphology was evaluated by SEM. RT PCR assay was used for assessment of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. ALP activity was measured for cell differentiation. The results of this study were as follows: 1. SEM showed that cell on Mg ion groups was more proliferative than that of non Mg ion groups. On the machine turned surface, cell showed some degree of contact guidance in aligning with the machining grooves. 2. In RT PCR analysis, osteonectin and c-fos mRNA were more expressed on sandblasted and Mg ion implanted group. 3. ALP activity was not significantly different among all groups. Within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: It might indicate Mg ion implanted titanium surface induce better bone response than non Mg ion groups.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.75-82
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• 2011

Five different composition UV-cured poly(urethane acrylate-co-acrylic acid) (PU-co-AA) films have been prepared by reacting isophorone diisocyanate(IPDI), polycaprolactone triol(PCLT), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate(HEA), and different weight ratio trimethylolpropane triacrylate(TMPTA) and acrylic acid(AA) as diluents, and characterized using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR). The adhesion properties onto the stainless steel, morphology, mechanical hardness, and electrical property of UV-cured PU-co-AA films were investigated as a function of acrylic acid(AA) content. All the PU-co-AA films are structure-less and the molecular ordering and packing density decreased with increasing content of AA due to the flexible structure and -COOH side chains in AA. The crosscut test showed that PU-co-AA films without AA and with low content of AA showed 0% adhesion(0B) and the adhesion of PU-co-AA films in the range of 40-50% AA increased dramatically as the content of AA increases. The pull-off measurements showed that the adhesion force of PU-co-AA films to stainless steel substrate varied from 6 to 31 kgf /$cm^2$ and increased linearly with increasing AA content. The mechanical hardness also decreased as the content of AA increases. This may come from relatively linear and flexible structure in AA and low crystallinity in PU-co-AA films with higher content of AA. The higher AA-containing PU-co-AA films showed higher dielectric constant due to the increase of polarization by introducing AA monomer. In conclusion, the physical properties of UV-cured PU-co-AA films are strongly dependent upon the content of AA and the incorporation of AA in polyurethane acrylate is very useful way to increase the adhesion strength of UV-curable polymers on the stainless steel substrate.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.157-166
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• 2007

This experiment was performed to evaluate the ultrastructural responses of the absorptive cells in the appendix of the mouse, inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma cells in the inguinal area, following administration of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin). Healthy adult ICR mice weighing 25 gm each were divided into normal and experimental groups (experimental control group and BCG treated group). In the experimental groups, each mouse was inoculated with $1{\time}10^7$ Ehrlich carcinoma cells subcutaneously in the inguinal area. From next day after inoculations, 0.5mL of saline or BCG (0.5 mL/25gm B.W.: $0.03{\times}10^8{\sim}0.32{\times}10^8CFU$) were injected subcutaneously to the animals every other day. The day following the last injection, each mouse was sacrificed. Pieces of the tissue were taken from the appendix, prefixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde-1.5% paraformaldehyde solution, followed by post-fixation with 1% osmium tetroxide solution. The ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. In the normal control, experimental control and BCG treated mice, general morphology of the absorptive cells of appendix were similar. But myelin figures and intramitochondrial dense granules were more frequently observed in the absorptive cells of BCG treated mice than normal control ones. Above results show that BCG did show slight ultrastructural alterations in the absorptive cell of the appendix. These results that BCG may slightly suppress function of the absorptive cells of the appendix.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.389-403
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• 2008

In Angle's Class III malocclusion, which has higher incidence in Korean than Western, depressed midfacial profile with protruded lower lips and mandible may give rise to many functional, esthetic, psychological, social problems. Due to the different malocclusion incidence according to racial differences, many previous studies focused on the relationship between Class II malocclusion and nasal airway obstruction. Previous studies used lateral cephalography which has limitations of 2 dimensional image with projection error and identification error. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze morphologic differences in the nasal airway between normal occlusion and Angle's Class III malocclusion patients using 3-dimensional facial computed tomography. Thirteen normal occlusion(7 men and 6 women) and sixteen skeletal Class III(7 men and 9 women) patients were selected and 3-dimensional facial computed tomography taking was performed. Comparison between two group in volume and sectional area of nasal airway were carried out. The results were followed. 1. In the comparison of absolute nasal airway volume, oropharyngeal space of experimental group were larger than control group but there are no significant difference in other. 2. In the comparison of relative nasal airway volume, oropharyngeal space of experimental group were larger than control group but there are no significant difference in other. 3. In the oropharyngeal space width on frontal and lateral view, the similar tendency was revealed between two groups. 4. In the lateral curvature of nasal airway, the similar tendency was revealed between two groups.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2007

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) was known as one of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced products of macrophage. Macrophages play an important role in the development of inflammatory responses by secreting an array of cytokines and chemokines in a tissue microenvironment. To identify the function and relationship between potent growth factors and SLPI after LPS stimulation, we conducted reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blots for the detection of mRNA and protein expression of SLPI and growth factors such as VEGF, PDGF, bFGF after 100 ng LPS stimulation on the RAW264.7 cells. The result of RT-PCR was showed SLPI mRNA expression was increased from 60 min to 48h in RAW 264.7 cells after incubation with LPS. VEGF and PDGF mRNA was expressed highly at initial stage by LPS stimulation. The mRNA of bFGF and type I collagen was very weakly expressed after LPS stimulation. SLPI protein level was increased likely the mRNA levels in RAW 267.7 cells. Additionally, phase contrast and scanning electron microscopic observation demonstrated that the LPS induce the change of morphology of the RAW264.7 cells. From these results, it suggest that expression of SLPI by LPS treatment may associate with VEGF and PDGF expression in RAW264.7 cells.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.160-169
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a toothbrush with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on periodontitis-associated dental biofilm attached to a zirconia surface by static and dynamic methods. Materials and Methods: Zirconia disks (12 mm diameter, 2.5 mm thickness) were inserted into a 24-well plate (static method) or inside a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) biofilm reactor (dynamic method) to form dental biofilms using Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The disks with biofilm were subdivided into five treatment groups-control, commercial photodynamic therapy (PDT), toothbrush alone (B), brush with LED (BL), and brush with LED+erythrosine (BLE). After treatment, the disks were agitated to detach the bacteria, and the resulting solutions were spread directly on selective agar. The number of viable bacteria and percentage of bacterial reduction were determined from colony counts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to visualize alterations in bacterial morphology. Results: No significant difference in biofilm formation was observed between dynamic and static methods. A significant difference was observed in the number of viable bacteria between the control and all experimental groups (P < 0.05). The percentage of bacterial reduction in the BLE group was significantly higher than in the other treated groups (P < 0.05). SEM revealed damaged bacterial cell walls in the PDT, BL, and BLE groups, but intact cell walls in the control and B groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that an LED toothbrush with erythrosine is more effective than other treatments in reducing the viability of periodontitis-associated bacteria attached to zirconia in vitro.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1036-1045
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• 2023

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the insidious loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, represents a significant and growing healthcare challenge, impacting the mobility and quality of life of aging populations worldwide. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of soybean leaf extract (SL) for dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in an in vivo model. In vitro experiments showed that SL significantly alleviated Dexa-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotube cells, as evidenced by preserved myotube morphology, density, and size. Moreover, SL treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), key factors regulating muscle atrophy. In a Dexa-induced atrophy mouse model, SL administration significantly inhibited Dexa-induced weight loss and muscle wasting, preserving the mass of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. Furthermore, mice treated with SL exhibited significant improvements in muscle function compared to their counterparts suffering from Dexa-induced muscle atrophy, as evidenced by a notable increase in grip strength and extended endurance on treadmill tests. Moreover, SL suppressed the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins in skeletal muscle, highlighting its protective role against Dexa-induced muscle atrophy. These results suggest that SL has potential as a natural treatment for muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.478-486
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• 2000

Background : In acute lung injury, alveolar macrophages play a pivotal role in the inflammatory process during the initiation phase and in the reconstruction and fibrosis process during the later phase. Recently, it has been proven that alveolar macrophages are constituted by morphologically, biochemically and immunologically heterogenous cell subpopulations. The possibility of alterations to these characteristics of the alveolar macrophage population during lung disease has been raised. To investigate such a possibility a hyperoxic rat lung model was made to check the distributional and morphological changes of rat alveolar macrophage subpopulation in acute hyperoxic lung injury. Method : Alveolar macrophage were lavaged from normal and hyperoxic lung injury rats and separated by discontinuous gradients of percoll. After cell counts of each density fraction were accessed, the morphomeric analysis of alveolar macrophages was performed on cytocentrifuged preparations by transmission electron micrograph. Result : 1. The total alveolar macrophage cell count significantly increased up to 24 hours after hyperoxic challenge (normal control group $171.6{\pm}24.1{\times}10^5$, 12 hour group $194.8{\pm}17.9{\times}10^5$, 24 hour group $207.6{\pm}27.1{\times}10^5$, p<0.05). oHoHH However the 48 hour group ($200.0{\pm}77.8{\times}10^5$) did not show a significant difference. 2. Alveolar septal thickness significantly increased up to 24 hours after hyperoxic challenge(normal control group $0.7{\pm}0.2{\mu}m$, 12 hour group $1.5{\pm}0.4{\mu}m$, 24 hour group $2.3{\pm}0.4{\mu}m$, p<0.05). However the 48 hour group did not show further change ($2.5{\pm}0.4{\mu}m$). Number of interstitial macrophage markedly increased at 24 hour group. 3. Hypodense fraction(fraction 1 and fraction 2) of alveolar macrophage showed a significant increase following hyperoxic challenge ($\beta=0.379$.$\beta=0.694$. p<0.05) ; however, fraction 3 was rather decreased following the hyperoxic challenge($\beta=0.815$. p<0.05), and fraction 4 showed an irregular pattern. 4. Electron microscopic observation of alveolar macrophage from each fraction revealed considerable morphologic heterogeneity. Cells of the most dense subfraction(fraction 4) were small, round, and typically highly ruffled with small membrane pseudopods. Cells of the least dense fraction (fraction 1) were large and showed irregular eccentric nucleus and high number of heterogenous inclusions. Conclusion : In conclusion, these results suggest that specific hypodense alveolar macrophage subpopulation may play a an important role in an acute hyperoxic lung injury model But further study, including biochemical and immunological function of these subpopulations, is needed.