• Mycobiology
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.54-57
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• 2016

Davallialactone (DAVA) is a hispidin analogue derived from the medicinal fungus Phellinus baumii. We examined the effect of DAVA on in vitro fertilization (IVF) of pigs. Boar spermatozoa were incubated in fertilization medium with varying concentrations of DAVA, then sperm motility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were evaluated. Higher sperm motility was found following the addition of 0.5 or $1{\mu}M$ DAVA after incubation than addition of other concentrations or controls. ROS level decreased significantly with the addition of DAVA. The rate of normal fertilization was higher in the presence of $1{\mu}M$ DAVA (65.1%) than were those of other concentrations or controls (45.4~59.4%), and the highest total fertilization rate (mono- and polyspermic oocytes) was observed at $1{\mu}M$ DAVA (83%). In conclusion, addition of DAVA to fertilization medium improved sperm motility, and reduced ROS level so as to potentially improve sperm-oocyte binding in IVF, suggesting the potential of a compound isolated from mushrooms in assisted reproductive technology for humans and animals.

• Mycobiology
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.237-247
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• 2016

Aspergillus (Trichocomaceae, Eurotiales, and Ascomycota) is a genus of well-defined asexual spore-forming fungi that produce valuable compounds such as secondary metabolites and enzymes; however, some species are also responsible for diseases in plants and animals, including humans. To date, 26 Aspergillus species have been reported in Korea, with most species located in terrestrial environments. In our study, Aspergillus species were isolated from mudflats and sea sand along the western and southern coasts of Korea. A total of 84 strains were isolated and identified as 17 Aspergillus species in 11 sections on the basis of both morphological characteristics and sequence analysis of the calmodulin gene (CaM) locus. Commonly isolated species were A. fumigatus (26 strains), A. sydowii (14 strains), and A. terreus (10 strains). The diversity of Aspergillus species isolated from mudflats (13 species) was higher than the diversity of those from sea sand (five species). Four identified species-A. caesiellus, A. montenegroi, A. rhizopodus, and A. tabacinus-are in the first records in Korea. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of the morphological characteristics of these four species.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.277-283
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• 2003

Haloaliphatic hydrocarbons have been widely used as solvents and ingredients of pesticides and herbicides. However, when these compounds contaminate the environment, they can be very hazardous to animals and humans because of their potential toxicity and carcinogenicity. Therefore, lots of studies have been made for microbial degradation of those pollutant chemicals. In this study, 11 bacterial strains capable of degrading 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), 2-chloropropionic acid (2-CPA), 2,3-dichloropropionic acid (2,3-DCPA), and 2-monochloroacetic acid (2-MCA) by hydrolytic dechlorination under aerobic conditions were isolated from wastewaters and rice paddy soil samples. Their morphological and biochemical characteristics and their degradation capabilities of haloaliphatic hydrocarbons were examined. On the basis of the 16S rDNA sequences, 8 different kinds of microbial species, including Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, Xanthobacter flavus, Ralstonia eutropha, were identified. All of the isolated strains can degrade MCA. In particular, strains UE-2 and UE-15 degraded 1,2-DCA, and strain CA-11 degraded 2,3-DCPA, which are hardly degraded by other strains.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제59권5호
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• pp.489-496
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• 2021

Ticks can transmit pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses to humans and animals. In this study, we investigated the microbiomes of Haemaphysalis longicornis according to sex and life stages. The Shannon index was significantly higher for nymphs than adult ticks. Principal coordinates analysis showed that the microbiome composition of female adult and male adult ticks were different. Notably, Coxiella-like bacterium (AB001519), known as a tick symbiont, was found in all nymphs and female adult ticks, but only one out of 4 male adult ticks had Coxiella-like bacterium (AB001519). In addition, Rickettsia rickettsii, Coxiella burnetii, and Anaplasma bovis were detected in this study.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.826-832
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• 2023

Clostridium perfringens causes diarrhea and other diseases in humans and animals. We investigated the prevalence, toxin gene profiles, and antimicrobial resistance of C. perfringens isolated from commercial jeotgal sample. C. perfringens was isolated from 11 of 22 commercial jeotgals. All C. perfringens strains were positive for the alpha toxin gene, but not for the beta, epsilon, iota, CPE or NetB toxin genes; therefore, all strains were identified as type A C. perfringens. However, the beta2 toxin gene was identified in 54.5% of isolates. Disk diffusion susceptibility tests showed that most isolates were resistant to kanamycin (90.9%), nalidixic acid (72.7%), oxacillin (54.5%), erythromycin (27.3%), ciprofloxacin (9.1%) and clindamycin (9.1%). However, all strains were susceptible to 14 other antimicrobial including amoxicillin, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol. The average minimum inhibitory concentrations against C. perfringens of clindamycin, kanamycin, and nalidixic acid were 128.0, 128.0, and 54.0 ㎍/mL, respectively. These results provide new insight into the necessity for sanitation of commercial jeotgal, and provide evidence to help reduce the risk of contamination with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제62권1호
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• pp.75-84
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• 2024

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic soil-derived nematode that parasitizes the intestines of humans and animals (dogs and cats), leading to malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia. Helminth parasites secrete calreticulin (CRT), which regulates or blocks the host's immune response. However, no data on A. ceylanicum calreticulin (Ace-CRT) are available. We investigated the biological function of recombinant Ace-CRT (rAce-CRT). rAce-CRT showed reliable antigenicity and stimulated the proliferation of mouse splenocytes and canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR assays revealed that rAce-CRT primarily promoted the expression of T helper 2 cytokines, particularly IL-13, in canine peripheral blood lymphocytes. rAce-CRT inhibited complement-mediated sheep erythrocyte hemolysis in vitro. Our findings indicate that Ace-CRT plays an immunomodulatory role and may be a promising candidate molecule for a hookworm vaccine.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.194-200
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• 2013

In this study, an exhaust filter unit for removing bad smells is designed and manufactured to understand the characteristics, damages, and effects on humans and animals of bad smell substances in laboratory animal breeding facilities. Using the exhaust filter unit, a deodorization performance test using ammonia gas, as a typical bad smell in an animal breeding room, was carried out for three types of activated and impregnated charcoal filters. The experimental results showed that the pressure loss of the HEPA and carbon filter was increased with flow rate and that the average deodorization performance for the case where an impregnated carbon filter was installed was a maximum value of between 93 and 96%, with various fractional flow rates ranging from 1,500 to $3,500m^3/h$ in a laboratory animal breeding room. The experimental results will also be used for the design and manufacture of a practical and efficient exhaust filter unit to cope with bad smell problems in animal breeding facilities.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.259-263
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• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate the growth rate and hematological changes of the rats when supplemented with the powdered tubers of chufa(Cyperus esculentus) for four weeks. Nutritional composition of the powdered tuber of chufa is crude lipid(22.3%), crude protein(7.0%), crude fiber(8.8%), ash(5.1%), nitrogen free extract(48.9%) and water(7.9%), respectively. Sixteen Sprague-Dawley male $rats(173.1\pm3.8$ g) were randomly divided into two groups, control group and chufa group. Rats in control group were fed with American Institute of Nutrition(AIN)-76 diet and rats in chufa group were fed with modified AIN-76 diet contained the powdered tubers of chufa at the proportion of 26% of total diet in order to substitute the oil content of AIN-76 diet. Final body weight, gain of body weight and feed intake of rats in chufa group were larger than those of rats in control group significantly. But feeding efficiency of rats in chufa group was less than that of rats in control group significantly. All hematological values such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit and serological values such as glucose, total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride were not significantly different between control and chufa group, respectively. Thus powdered tuber of chufa showed good tastefulness and did not provoke any adverse effect to the health indicators of rats. Therefore tuber of chufa would be used as new adequate feed resource for animals and possibly as suitable food resource for humans.

• BMB Reports
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.3-4
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• 2017

Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies have enabled humans to generate and investigate the genomes of wild species. This includes the big cat family, such as tigers, lions, and leopards. Adding the first high quality leopard genome, we have performed an in-depth comparative analysis to identify the genomic signatures in the evolution of felid to become the top predators on land. Our study focused on how the carnivore genomes, as compared to the omnivore or herbivore genomes, shared evolutionary adaptations in genes associated with nutrient metabolism, muscle strength, agility, and other traits responsible for hunting and meat digestion. We found genetic evidence that genomes represent what animals eat through modifying genes. Highly conserved genetically relevant regions were discovered in genomes at the family level. Also, the Felidae family genomes exhibited low levels of genetic diversity associated with decreased population sizes, presumably because of their strict diet, suggesting their vulnerability and critical conservation status. Our findings can be used for human health enhancement, since we share the same genes as cats with some variation. This is an example how wildlife genomes can be a critical resource for human evolution, providing key genetic marker information for disease treatment.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.133-153
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• 2000

The egg's interior quality is one of the most important criteria for commercial producers and consumers. Internal quality is complex, including aesthetic factors such as taste, freshness, nutritional and processing values, and the genetic influences upon these upon these factors ranges from none to considerable. The rate of cholesterol synthesis in the hen is very high compared to other animals and humans. Genetic selection, diet drugs and other chemicals can alter cholesterol concentration in the plasma of laying hen, but attempts to manipulate the cholesterol concentration in the egg yolk are generally unsuccessful since the cholesterol can only be changed to a small extent. Factors which may affect the degree of pigmentation of the yolk include the type of xanthophyll and its concentration in the feed, the feed composition, and the health of the hen. Several feed ingredients interact with carotenoid pigment to improve or reduce their deposition rates in yolks. Egg weight is determined by genetics, body size prior to first egg housing density, environmental temperature, lighting program, total feed consumption, calcium, phosphorus, niacin, water, methionine, total sulfur amino acids, energy, linoleic acid, fat and protein levels. Eggs need to be promote levels. Eggs need to be promoted a versatile commodity and new processed egg items need to be developed. Organic eggs are laid by hens which were raised in chemical and drug frdd environments. There are still difficulties in producing these eggs due to the availability of organic poultry feeds and cost of organic grains.