• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2002

Amyloidosis comprises a diverse group of systemic and local diseases characterized by organ involvement by the extracellular deposition of fibrils composed of subunits of a variety of normal serum proteins. Secondary amyloidosis is caused by the deposition of amyloid A(AA) protein in chronic inflammatory disease. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(JRA) has been known to be the most common cause of secondary amyloidosis. We experienced one case of secondary renal amyloidosis in a 12-year-old girl who had suffered from JRA for several years who had visited our renal clinic to evaluate the proteinuria with microscopic hematuria which was detected by chance at school urine screening examination. Apple green birefringence was observed under polarized light with Congo red stain at)d characteristic electron microscopic findings was also noted in renal tissues which was obtained by percutaneous renal biopsy. In our knowledge, this is the first case report of secondary renal amyloidosis developed in pediatric age in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.263-269
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• 2019

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is an acute respiratory disease, causing economic losses in poultry production. IBV commonly manifests respiratory disease symptoms and poor egg quality in poultry, affecting overall performance of both broilers and layers. IBV infection further predisposes poultry to secondary opportunistic bacterial infections. IBV undergoes rapid genetic evolution resulting in various new strains. There is no cross protection among IBV serotypes which makes full protection against wild-type IBV virtually impossible. In this study, recently isolated IBVs (K24/18, K29/18, K183/18) from Korean broiler farms were genetically analyzed based on S1 gene. According to the results, IBV isolates showed highest homology with QX-IBV. However, phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that isolates were divided into distinct sub-clusters within QX-IBV. To determine pathogenicity of IBV, day-old chicks were challenged with IBV through ocular route. After challenging the chicks, we executed microscopic examination, virus detection in their organs, and observation of clinical signs and mortality. We found that the K24/18, K29/18, K183/18 challenge groups showed 28%, 57%, and 42% mortality, respectively, with high microscopic trachea lesion scores, indicating that these QX-IBV-like strains are pathogenic to chicks and can therefore be a threat to poultry production.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.153-162
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• 2002

For the induction of arthropathy, 5% hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) was injected for 5 weeks into the intraarticular space of the New Zealand white rabbits to damage articular cartilage. Alginic acid of low molecular weight (2%) made from macromolecular alginate treated with enzyme was administered into articular space at the dose of 5 mg/kg twice a week for 3 and 6 weeks using 1 ml syringe and 26 G needle. Saline was injected for the control. Tissues surrounding the articulation were obtained for the measurements of superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity as a major antioxidant enzyme and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation level. Histopathologic examination on the surface of articular cartilage was carried out. Data showed that injection of hydrogen peroxide for 5 weeks had led to the induction of free radical damage and of articular cartilage change as confirmed by microscopic observation. The application of hydrogen peroxide caused a gradual increase in the SODs and MDA. These patterns were similar after 3 and 6 weeks of alginate treatment. Furthermore, microscopic examinations revealed that hydrogen peroxide caused flaking, fibrillation, fissuring, denudation, and hypocellularity in the articular surfaces. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation was demonstrated in the articular cartilage by the administration of hydrogen peroxide in the rabbit model. This lipid peroxidation could be caused by oxygen free radicals. The histologic and enzymatic correlations on lipid peroxidation in the articulation have provided a better understanding of arthropathy. It is possible to take advantage of these findings to evaluate effective alginate dosage more efficiently.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.300-305
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• 2004

Background : Due to increased interest in herbal medicines is recent years, medical circles have made studies of toxicity and side effects of herbal medicines. Particularly the kidney is sensitive to toxicity. A few reports concerning the side effects and toxicity of herbal medicine have been presented recently. This has bought on some distrust in herbal medicines among patients and western doctors. Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine what effects long-term prescription of one herbal medicine may have on renal function. Methods : Nineteen patients took herbal medicine for eight weeks. Tests of their Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN), Creatinine of blood plasma, and urine (chemical and microscopic) were taken before taking medicine and at the 2nd, 4th, 8th weeks. Results : After taking a herbal medicine, BUN and Creatinine decreased significantly or remained the same in comparison with the prior interval. Chemical and microscopic examination of urine showed no changes. Conclusions : The results suggest that taking this herbal medicine for a long time does not induce nephrotixicity. Further study is needed for investigating safety and toxicity of herbal medicines.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.506-511
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• 2004

Maintaining dissolved oxygen (DO) at sufficiently low concentration in the aeration tank at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is essential for reduction of the costs of operation and maintenance. On the other hand, the low DO level may result in adverse effect on the integrity of the activated sludge, A typical and disastrous outcome frequently experienced is the outgrowth of filamentous microorganisms, which is called as filamentous bulking, In addition to the traditional methods such as sludge settleability and microscopic observation of the culture, molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to identify filamentous bacteria present in bulking sludge under a condition of low DO concentration, Two morphologically distinct groups, presumably consisting of Sphaerofilus nafans, and Eikelboom Type 1701 or Type 1851, were identified through microscopic observation. They were further confirmed by subsequent 16S rRNA sequencing. Dominant filamentous bacteria identified by the molecular techniques were consisted of three major groups. Sequences of partial 16S rRNA cloned showed that the filamentous bulking organisms were closely related to Eikelboom Type 021N and Eikelboom Type 1701, and Sphaerotilus natans, respectively. Molecular methods were found to possess a strong potential of direct examination of the microbial community of an activated sludge system.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.297-303
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• 2012

Samsebul, the altar portrait behind the statue of Buddha in the main building of Bonghwang temple in Andong, has been designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 406. These alter portraits have significance as the standard of the research of Samsebul in Joseon period. In this study, fibre of the ground textile is identified using microscopic examination, solubility test, ATR-FT-IR, SEM, XRD. Two samples from Yaksabul(A, B), one sample from Seokgabul(C), and one sample from Amitabul(D), which were collected during the conservation process, were prepared for this study. In previous record, above samples were documented as hemp. Due to severe deterioration and accumulated dust layers on these samples, it was hard to recognize them with naked eyes, but through this study, we could identify that all samples except one from Yaksabul(A) are silk.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.08a
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• pp.277.2-277.2
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• 2013

Petri dishes and glass slides have been widely used as general substrates for in vitro mammalian cell cultures due to their culture viability, optical transparency, experimental convenience, and relatively low cost. Despite the aforementioned benefit, however, the flat two-dimensional substrates exhibit limited capability in terms of realistically mimicking cellular polarization, intercellular interaction, and differentiation in the non-physiological culture environment. Here, we report a protocol of culturing embryonic rat hippocampal neurons on the electro-spun polymeric network and the results from examination of neuronal cell behavior and network formation on this culture platform. A combinatorial method of laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging technique was employed to track axonal outgrowth and synaptic connectivity of the neuronal cells deposited on this model culture environment. The present microfiber-based scaffold supports the prolonged viability of three-dimensionally-formed neuronal networks and their microscopic geometric parameters (i.e., microfiber diameter) strongly influence the axonal outgrowth and synaptic connection pattern. These results implies that electro-spun fiber scaffolds with fine control over surface chemistry and nano/microscopic geometry may be used as an economic and general platform for three-dimensional mammalian culture systems, particularly, neuronal lineage and other network forming cell lines.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.26 no.3 s.86
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• pp.407-410
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• 1998

The aphid-attacking fungus Pandora neoaphidis was collected during May and June, 1998 at various localities: two localities at Kyunggi, three at Kangwon, one at Kyungbuk and one at Chungnam Provinces. Occurrence of this fungus has never been recorded in Korea. The potential host aphids are Acyrthosiphon kondoi, Myzus persicae, Lipaphis erysimi, Sitobion avenae, Aphis rumicis, Dactynotus species and unknown species. Microscopic characters of the fungus are described and illustrated. Pandora neoaphidis studied in this study has an extremely broad range in conidial size and shape even within a single specimen. Such variable size and shape are typical characters of the fungus. During microscopic examination of specimens, the resting-spore phase was not observed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigates the alterations in A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells exposed to Citrus junos extract (CJE). We further examine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of CJE on NSCLC cells. Methods: Inhibition of proliferation was examined by applying the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay on CJE-treated A549 NSCLC cells. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed to measure the degree of toxicity of CJE on NSCLC cells. The effect on migratory proliferation was confirmed using the scratch wound healing assay. The antiproliferative effect of the CJE on human lung cancer cells was verified through morphological observation, fluorescence microscopy, and caspase-3 colorimetry. Results: Exposure of NSCLC cells to CJE resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell activity and increased toxicity to the cells. In addition, microscopic observation revealed a reduced ability of the cancer cells to migrate and proliferate after exposure to the CJE, with simultaneous morphological apoptotic changes. Fluorescence staining and microscopic examination revealed that this death was a process of self-programmed cell death of NSCLC cells. Compared to unexposed NSCLC cells, the expression of caspase-3 was significantly increased in cells exposed to CJE. Conclusion: Exposure of A549 human NSCLC cells to CJE inhibits the proliferation, increases the cytotoxicity, and decreases the ability of cells to migrate and grow. Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 increases after CJE treatment, suggesting that the apoptosis of NSCLC cells is induced by a chain reaction initiated by caspase-3. These results indicate that Citrus junos is a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small-cell lung cancer.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.323-329
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• 2024

We developed a new concentration kit, called the ParaEgg (PE), for easy detection trematode eggs from fecal samples in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis in Korea. To create a standard of detection efficiency, 120 fecal samples were examined using the water-ether concentration method (WECM). The PE kit and Mini ParaSep (PS) kit were used to compare the detection sensitivity of 100 egg-positive and 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. Additionally, stool samples, which were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 Clonorchis sinensis eggs, were evaluated to assess the sensitivity in low-infection cases. The PE and PS kits showed detection rates of 100% and 92%, respectively, from 100 egg-positive samples in WECM. Meanwhile, eggs were detected in 3 (PE) and 2 (PS) out of 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. The PE kit detected the highest number of eggs per gram of feces (727 on average), followed by the WECM (524) and PS kit (432). In fecal samples that were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 C. sinensis eggs, PE only detected eggs 2 out of 5 samples in 10 eggs spiked (40%), and the detection rates were 80% and 100%, respectively. The PE kit enabled a more accurate identification of trematode eggs because of the clearance of small fecal debris in the microscopic field. In conclusion, the PE kit is obviously helpful to detect and identify trematode eggs in stool examinations especially in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis.