• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2008

The growing problem of obesity is associated with numerous medical conditions. Several studies have reported that activation of thyroid hormone receptor beta $(THR{\beta})$ is involved in lipid metabolism and thermogenesis. To identify the relationship between the $THR{\beta}$ gene and obesity, we genotyped eighty two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene using the Affymetrix array chip in 209 overweight/obese and 155 normal subjects in Korean population. Of the eighty two polymorphisms, the seven SNPs exhibited a significant association with overweight/obesity in three alternative models (codominant, dominant, and recessive models; P<0.05 after adjusting for age and sex) were rs826221 (+267878 T>C), rs4858604 (+186399 A>G), rs1158265 (+200152 T>C), rs1868575 (+206031 G>A), rs1700939 (+238467 T>A), rs1505301 (+241933 T>C), and rs1924768 (+126491 T>C). During haplotype analysis using HapAnalyzer software, 2 haplotypes (block 13: TTAT; block 15: CTGC) containing significant polymorphisms (rs1700939 +238467 T>A and rs4858604 +186399 A>G) were detected to be significantly different. The results suggest that the $THR{\beta}$ gene may be associated with overweight/obesity in Korean population.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.1286-1294
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• 2004

In a previous study by the current authors, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was determined to be epidemiologically sex-dependent, and the incidence and multiplicity of HCC found to decrease in estradiol-3 benzoate (EB)-treated F344 rats. Therefore, to ascertain the anticancer mechanism of EB, a commercially available cDNA microarray, with a total of 14,815 cDNA rat gene clones, was used to determine the differentially expressed genes in nontreated livers, EB-treated livers, and diethynitrosolamine (DEN)-induced HCC. In the sequenced experiment, a total of 85 genes were differentially expressed at either two or more times the rate of the normal expression, where 33 genes were downregulated by EB, and 52 genes upregulated. Candidate genes were selected according to significant changes observed in the mRNA expression in the EB-treated livers compared with the nontreated livers, then these genes were filtered according to their different expression patterns in the DEN-induced tumors compared to the estrogen-treated livers. To confirm the microarray data, a real-time PCR analysis was performed for ten selected genes: the H-ras revertant protein 107 (H­rev107), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (lOFBP), parathyroid hormone receptor (PI'HR), SH3 domain binding protein (SH3BP), metallothionein, src-suppressed C-kinase substrate (SSeCK) gene, phosphodiesterase I, CD44, epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3), and estrogen receptor a (ERa). The SSeCK and phosphodiesterase I genes were both upregulated in the DEN-induced hepatocarcinomas, yet their possible carcinogenic functions remain unknown. Meanwhile, the other genes were downregulated, including the genes related to growth regulation (IOFBP, H-revI07, ER$\alpha$), adipogenesis inhibition (PTHR), and tumor suppression (metallothionein).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.216-225
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• 2020

An esterase gene, estA1, was cloned from Alteromonas sp. 39-G1 isolated from the Beaufort Sea. The gene is composed of 1,140 nucleotides and codes for a 41,190 Da protein containing 379 amino acids. As a result of a BLAST search, the protein sequence of esterase EstA1 was found to be identical to Alteromonas sp. esterase (GenBank: PHS53692). As far as we know, no research on this enzyme has yet been conducted. Phylogenetic analysis showed that esterase EstA1 was a member of the bacterial lipolytic enzyme family IV (hormone sensitive lipases). Two deletion mutants (Δ20 and Δ54) of the esterase EstA1 were produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells with part of the N-terminal of the protein removed and His-tag attached to the C-terminal. These enzymes exhibited the highest activity toward p-nitrophenyl (pNP) acetate (C₂) and had little or no activity towards pNP-esters with acyl chains longer than C₆. Their optimum temperature and pH of the catalytic activity were 45℃ and pH 8.0, respectively. As the NaCl concentration increased, their enzyme activities continued to increase and the highest enzyme activities were measured in 5 M NaCl. These enzymes were found to be stable for up to 8 h in the concentration of 3-5 M NaCl. Moreover, they have been found to be stable for various metal ions, detergents and organic solvents. These salt-tolerant and chemical-resistant properties suggest that the enzyme esterase EstA1 is both academically and industrially useful.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1203-1210
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• 2011

Function-driven metagenomic analysis is a powerful approach to screening for novel biocatalysts. In this study, we investigated lipolytic enzymes selected from an alluvial soil metagenomic library, and identified two novel esterases, EstDL26 and EstDL136. EstDL26 and EstDL136 reactivated chloramphenicol from its acetyl derivates by counteracting the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in Escherichia coli. These two enzymes showed only 27% identity in amino acid sequence to each other; however both preferentially hydrolyzed short-chain p-nitrophenyl esters (${\leq}C_5$) and showed mesophilic properties. In vitro, EstDL136 catalyzed the deacetylation of 1- and 3-acetyl and 1,3-diacetyl derivates; in contrast, EstDL26 was not capable of the deacetylation at $C_1$, indicating a potential regioselectivity. EstDL26 and EstDL136 were similar to microbial hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and since chloramphenicol acetate esterase (CAE) activity was detected from two other soil esterases in the HSL family, this suggests a distribution of CAE among the soil microorganisms. The isolation and characterization of EstDL26 and EstDL136 in this study may be helpful in understanding the diversity of CAE enzymes and their potential role in releasing active chloramphenicol in the producing bacteria.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.03a
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• pp.47-47
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• 2001

The neuropeptide vasopressin (VP) is a nine- amino acid hormone synthesized as preprohormone in the cell bodies of hypothalamic magnocellular neurons. The tumor in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus is associated with disfunctions of the cell bodies, leading to the diabetes insipidus. In order to study with the diabetes insipidus caused by a defect in VP synthesis and its secretion, we have produced the transgenic mice regulated by vasopressin promoter inserted to SV40 T antigen coding sequence (pVPSV.IGR2.1). One transgenic line expressing high levels of SV40 T antigen was propagated. The founder and all transgene positive adult animals have appeared with shorten mortality or apparent phenotypic abnormalities, including immune complex disease, and eventually die between 4 and 8 months of age. The mRNA and protein of SV40T antigen transgene were detected in brain of fetus as well as in brain, spleen, lung and lymph node in moribund at the age of 20 weeks. Histological analysis of transgenic mice showed that tumor developed in brain similar to primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) in man. We also detected lymphomas in spleen and lymph node, and consequent tumor formation in various tissues of the transgenic mice. In pVPSV.IGR2.1, 21% mice showed brain tumor (PNET) at 5 weeks and 100% mice showed brain tumor after 15 weeks. In addition, Expression of apoptosis related genes (Bcl-28 & Bax) was increased over their age in mice with PNET as compared to control mice. Apoptosis related gene expression might be deregulated in mice with brain tumor. However, transgenic mice were not developed with the diabetes insipidus. These mice represent the first disease model to exhibit primitive neuroectodermal tumor in brain, as well as a unique model system for exploring the cellular pathogenesis of lymphomas.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.187-196
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• 2003

The cytokines are the hormone-like proteins, which are produced in the mononuclear cells. They have many roles, such as immune mediators, cell differentiations, angiogenesis. The chemokines have chemotactic effects which control the host immune response. There were few reports about the cytokines associated with musculoskeletal tumors. From late 1980s, the cytokine studies of bone tumors such as osteosarcoma were started, but most studies for benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors were left to be explored. To evaluate the characteristics of the cytokines in variable musculoskeletal tumors, tissues were obtained from the seven patients who visited the Yeungnam University hospital from February to July 2000. They were lipoma (1 case), parosteal osteoma (1 case), enchondroma (2 cases), pigmented villonodular synovitis (1 case), ganglion (1 case), and metastaic squamous cell carcinoma (1 case). The gene experession of the cytokines were analyzed by RNase protection assay (RPA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The lipoma and parosteal osteoma expressed MIP-$1{\beta}$, and IP-10 genes. The two enchondromas showed different results, one expressed all of MIP-$1{\alpha}$, MIP-$1{\beta}$ and IP-10 genes but the other expressed none of above. The pigmented villonodular synovitis strongly expressed MIP-$1{\alpha}$ and IP-10 when compared with the other cases. The ganglion did not express all of the chemokines mentioned above. And the metastatic squamous cell carcinoma expressed all of the chemokines and especially IP-10 was highly expressed. Even though this study has only a few cases, these results provide a basis for the cytokine mediating network study in musculoskeletal tumors.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.385-390
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• 1997

Fifteen Ettawah-cross does were used to study maternal serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine ($T_3$), teraiodothyronine ($T_4$) and cortisol in different status of pregnancy (nonpregnant, aborted, single and twin-bearing does) during late pregnancy. Analysis of the data indicated that here was no significant changes in total $T_3$, $T_4$, and cortisol concentrations with the advance of pregnancy. Concentrations of $T_3$, $T_4$, and cortisol decreased by 38.9, 34.9, and 32.6%, and 12.0, 15.7 and 27.6%, and 41.6, 44.0, and 43.7% in the aborted, single and, twin-bearing, respectively, as compared to those nonpregnant does. These was no significant difference in concentrations of $T_3$ and cortisol between aborted, single and twin-bearing does, and in those of $T_4$ between aborted and single-bearing does. However, $T_4$ concentrations in twin-bearing were lower by 17.7 and 14.1% than those in aborted and single-bearing does, respectively. The decreased concentrations of thyroid hormones in pregnant does suggested that fetus could have increased iodine uptake from maternal circulation causing a decrease in the availability of this nutrient for synthesis of maternal thyroid hormones. The decreased concentrations of cortisol could have been associated with the increased metabolism of the hormone to regulate nutrients influx into the placenta of pregnant does.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.701-705
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• 2007

Seven rc mutant and seven normal male birds (Rhode Island Red suie, RIR) were used in this study to determine the effects of rc mutation on semen characteristics, testosterone profile and spermatogenic tissues. All birds were randomly selected at week 12 of age and housed in individual cages and were fed and watered ad libitum. The birds were exposed to a 14L:10D light cycle during experiment. Semen were collected at weeks 22 to 23 from each bird twice a week and evaluated for semen volume (SV), sperm concentration (SC), total sperm count (TSC), percent of sperm motility (%SM), dead sperm (%DS), and sperm metabolic activity (SMA). To determine the testosterone concentration (TC) in plasma, blood was collected at weeks 12, 16 and 18. Testicular tissue were collected, processed and evaluated for semineferous tubule diameter (STD), round spermatid number (RSN), percent elongated sperm (%ES) and semineferous tubules length (STL). Body weight (BW), comb weight (CW) and testes weight (TW) were weighted at the end of experiment (week 23). The SV, TSC and %SM were significantly higher in normal birds but the %DS was higher in blind birds (p<0.05). The SC did not differ significantly between the two groups but its value was higher in normal birds. The sperm metabolic activity in the first h of collection did not differ significantly between the two groups but after 24 h, the level of SMA in normal group was significantly higher (p<0.05). The level of TC did not differ significantly between the two genotype groups but normal birds had higher TC in all collections except the last one. The STD, RSN, %ES and STL in normal birds were higher when compared to blind birds but the differences were insignificant except for ES percent. The BW, CW and TW between the two groups did not differ significantly but the weights were higher in normal group compared to blind birds. Statistical analysis of semen characteristics, testosterone profile and histological factors were indicated detrimental effects of rc mutation in prepubertal RIR blind male birds due to lack of light.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1365-1371
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• 2011

The intensity and duration of sexual behavior in Bos indicus was assessed through the continuous observation of sexual receptivity. Two groups of cows were formed: only synchronized (n = 50) and other group further superovulated (n = 20). An intravaginal implant that released progesterone over 9 d was used. After removing the implant, 25 mg of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ was administered. In the superovulated group, the administration of 280 mg (Follicle stimulant hormone) FSH-P1 per cow with a decreasing dosage over 4 d was utilized. In both groups, behavioral observations began at the moment of implant removal. Sexual behavior was analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the mean of hours in estrus, effective mountings and number of mounts/hour during estrus. A nonparametric survival analysis was performed using the time in two ways: i) when an event happened it was placed in a 24 h timeframe and, ii) the time of observation in continuous form (96 h) assessing the difference between curves by the log rank test Chi-square. The only significant difference was the number of mounts/h during receptivity (p<0.05). In the superovulated group three periods of sexual activity during the day were identified, with these events being of greater frequency and duration than the synchronized group (p = 0.02); besides, the superovulated group began estrus before the synchronized group (p = 0.0035) when using the total period. In a simulation study, when the number of observations went from two (06:00-18:00) to three periods (06:00, 12:00 and 18:00) cows detected accurately (<6 h after the onset) increased more than 20%. The results show that superovulated cows presented greater intensity and duration of sexual activity in contrast with only synchronized animals.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.155-160
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse female academician health beliefs for breast cancer screening and levels of self-esteem. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2010 and March 2011, covering female academicians working in all faculties and vocational schools at Ondokuz Mayis University, except for the ones in the field of health (n=141). Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by researchers in the light of the related literature, the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for Breast Cancer, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Descriptive statistics, the t-test, Mann-Whitney U and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data with the SPSS 13.0 statistical package. Results: 53.8% of the participants were single, 58.6% did not have children, 80.7% had regular menstrual cycles, 28.3% was taking birth control pills, 17.9% were undergoing hormone therapy, 11% suffered breast problems, 8.3% had relatives with breast cancer, 78,6% knew about breast self-examination (BSE), 68.3% was performing BSE, 16.2% were performing BSE monthly, 17.9% had had mammograms, and 30.3% had undergone breast examinations conductedby physicians. The women who had breast physical examinations done by physicians had higher susceptibility, self-efficacy and health motivation, and fewer barriers to mammography than those who did not have breast physical examinations. Conclusions: There was a relationship between the female academician self-esteem and their perceived seriousness of breast cancer, perceived barriers to BSE and health motivation. Our Turksih female academicians had medium levels of self-esteem.