• Applied Microscopy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.231-239
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• 2004

Cerebral microvessel endothelial cells that form blood-brain barrier (BBB) have tight junction for maintaining brain homeostasis. Occludin, one of tight junction protein, is crucial for BBB function. $H_2O_2$ induced occludin changes and effects in bovine brain BBB endothelial cells were examined in this study. The decrease of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) by $H_2O_2$ was due to disruption of occludin localization. Cytotoxicity test revealed that $H_2O_2$ did not cause cell death below 1 mM $H_2O_2$ within 4 hr. $H_2O_2$ caused intermittent disruption and loss of occludin at tight junctions and occludin disappeared with dose dependent manner from tight junction in confocal laser microscopy. But Western blot revealed that the total amounts of occludin increased by $H_2O_2$ administration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the ultrastructure of tight junction was not changed by $H_2O_2$. These data suggest that functional disruption of BBB by $H_2O_2$ was due to the localized loss of occludin in tight junction, but the expression of occludin increased in order to compensate the disrupted function in BBB.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.175-183
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• 2008

Liver regeneration is a result of highly coordinated proliferation of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells. At this process, induction of metallothionein (MT), which is low molecular and cysteine rich, has been reported. The present study was carried to find the ultrastructure of hepatocytes and determine the expression of MT in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy. As a result, the remnant liver after PH grew fast from 1 day until 7 days. Various changes were morphologically observed. Disintegration of cell plates and liver lobule appeared shortly after PH. And hepatocytes showed the rapid proliferation, characterized by high nuclear cytoplasmic ratio, weak intercellular junctional complexes, chromatin condensation, increase of ribosomes and mitochondria, and temporary increase of lipid droplets. Finally, remodeling of the liver lobule was completed through the rearrangement of blood vessels and cell plates by 7 days after PH. On histochemistry, immunoreactivity indicating the presence of MT appeared moderately throughout the cytoplasm of control rat hepatocyte. After PH, positive reactions for MT increased at the cytoplasm and the nucleus. These results suggest that the remnant liver cells immediately entered cell proliferation and increase of MT expression after PH. It is thought that MT protein might be associated with transfer of some factors needed to cell division from the cytoplasm to the nucleus for regeneration of the liver after PH.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2002

An International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) program based at the University of Illinois at Chicago initiated its activities in 1998, with the following specific objectives: (a) inventory and conservation of of plants of Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam and of medicinal plants of Laos; (b) drug discovery (and development) based on plants of Vietnam and Laos; and (c) economic development of communities participating in the ICBG project both in Vietnam and Laos. Member-institutions and an industrial partner of this ICBG are bound by a Memorandum of Agreement that recognizes property and intellectual property rights, prior informed consent for access to genetic resources and to indigenous knowledge, the sharing of benefits that may arise from the drug discovery effort, and the provision of short-term and long-term benefits to host country institutions and communities. The drug discovery effort is targeted to the search for agents for therapies against malaria (antimalarial assay of plant extracts, using Plasmodium falciparum clones), AIDS (anti-HIV-l activity using HOG.R5 reporter cell line (through transactivation of the green fluorescent protein/GFP gene), cancer (screening of plant extracts in 6 human tumor cell lines - KB, Col-2, LU-l, LNCaP, HUVEC, hTert-RPEl), tuberculosis (screening of extracts in the microplate Alamar Blue assay against Mycobacterium tuberculosis $H_{37}Ra\;and\;H_{37}Rv),$ all performed at UIC, and CNS-related diseases (with special focus on Alzheimer's disease, pain and rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma), peformed at Glaxo Smith Kline (UK). Source plants were selected based on two approaches: biodiversity-based (plants of Cuc Phuong National Park) and ethnobotany-based (medicinal plants of Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam and medicinal plants of Laos). At mc, as of July, 2001, active leads had been identified in the anti-HIV, anticancer, antimalarial, and anti- TB assay, after the screening of more than 800 extracts. At least 25 biologically active compounds have been isolated, 13 of which are new with anti-HIV activity, and 3 also new with antimalarial activity. At GSK of 21 plant samples with a history of use to treat CNS-related diseases tested to date, a number showed activity against one or more of the CNS assay targets used, but no new compounds have been isolated. The results of the drug discovery effort to date indicate that tropical plant diversity of Vietnam and Laos unquestionably harbors biologically active chemical entities, which, through further research, may eventually yield candidates for drug development. Although the substantial monetary benefit of the drug discovery process (royalties) is a long way off, the UIC ICBG program provides direct and real-term benefits to host country institutions and communities.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 1987

This study was conducted to bioassay of amino acid availability of feather meal processed by a different methods, commercial feather meal and raw feather meal, The feather meals were processed by labolatory pressure cooker(autoclave) at 2kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 30 minutes ; 3kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 90 minutes : 4kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 120 minutes. Chick employed in the present experiment were Abor Acre strain, male or meat type (body weight, 100-140g), fed with semipurified diet and protein free diet was given during the determination of the metabolic and endogeneous amino acid. The contents of amino acid of samples were investigated by ion-exchange chromatography. The results were as follows; 1. The amino acid availability of raw, 2kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 30 minutes, commercial, 4kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 120 minutes and 3kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 90 minutes of feather meal were -3.09, 63.28, 67.47, 71.22 and 73.75% respectively. 2. The essential amino acid availability of raw, 2kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 30 minutes, commercial, 4kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 120 minutes and 3kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 90 minutes of feather meal were 2.55, 66.78, 66.89, 72,56 and 73.62%, respectively. 3. In individual amino acid of the different processing loather meal and commercial feather meal, biovailabilities were increased methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, arginine, threonine, isoleucine, however, histidine, lysine and aspartic acid were remarkely decreased. In conclusion, the bioavailability or amino acid for the feather meal processed at 3kg/$\textrm{cm}^2$ for 90 minutes was superior to those of other treatment or raw feather meal.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.157-167
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• 2015

We compared the degrees of stress response of 12 domestic purebred chicken strains that have been bred at National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Korea since 1980. As a physiological marker of stress response, the expression levels of heat shock protein (HSP)-70, HSP-$90{\alpha}$, HSP-$90{\beta}$, hydroxyl-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) genes and telomere length were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using the lymphocytes of 1,101 chickens. There was significant difference in HSP-70, HSP-$90{\alpha}$, HMGCR expression and telomere length among the strains. There was also significant difference in HSP-$90{\alpha}$, HSP-$90{\beta}$, and HMGCR expression between male and female chickens. Different age groups of chicken exhibited different expression levels of HSP-70, HSP-$90{\alpha}$ and telomere length. The results of the HSPs expression level suggested that, the strains of R, L and Y were highly resistant to stress, whereas the strains of S, O and W were susceptible to stress. Although the statistical differences in some of HSPs gene expression existed between genders, the HSP expression results varied in different strains that some opposed to the others, and there might be interaction between strains and genders, which conclude that there was no difference in stress response between male and female chickens. Moreover, despite of significant difference in some of HSPs expression level, it was considered that there was no difference in stress response between ages due to the inconsistent trends among HSP markers.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: We previously reported that concurrent reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis. However, the incidence of concurrent reactivation was not accurate because the detection of EBV reactivation was based on serologic methods. Therefore, we studied the effects of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-proven EBV reactivation, thus a more precise concurrence, on acute HAV infection in children. Methods: PCR were conducted in 34 patients, who had enrolled previous study and diagnosed with acute HAV infection between January 2008 and June 2010. Their medical records were reviewed. Results: Among 34 patients with acute HAV infection, 12 patients (35.3%) had EBV reactivation which was proven using serologic and molecular biologic techniques. There were significant differences in the peak levels of AST and ALT between the reactivated and non-reactivated groups (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The duration of full recovery from hepatitis was more prolonged in the reactivated group (p<0.001). Clinical parameters, such as serum protein (p<0.001) and albumin concentrations (p<0.001), atypical lymphocyte count (p=0.001), prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR, p<0.001), and splenomegaly (p<0.001), showed significant differences. The clinical features in the reactivated sub-group >10 years of age revealed more liver dysfunction compared to the non-reactivated sub-group. A comparison with a previous study was performed. Conclusion: PCR-proven reactivation of latent EBV in children with HAV infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis, especially in older children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.235-245
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• 2010

Background: Our goal was to evaluate anti-calcification effects of decellularization and diverse fixing methods including preincubation of the bovine pericardium with ethanol. We also assessed changes in mechanical properties. Material and Method: Harvested bovine pericardium was decellularized with 0.25% sodim dodecysulfate and then treated with 5 methods of fixation: (1) 0.5% glutaraldehyde (GA) for 14 days, (2) 0.5% GA for 5 days, 2% GA for 2 days and 0.25% GA for 7 days, (3) 0.5% GA for 5 days, 2% GA for 2 days, 0.25% GA for 7 days, and then 70% ethanol for 2 days, (4) 0.5% GA for 5 days, a mixture of 2% GA and 70% ethanol for 2 days, and 0.25% GA for 7 days, (5) 0.5% GA for 5 days, a mixture of 2% GA, 65% ethanol, and 5% octanediol for 2 days and then 0.25% GA for 7 days. All treated bovine pericardia were tested for histological variables, lipid content, and mechanical properties including tensile strength and thermal stability. A total 10 kinds of differently treated bovine pericardia were implanted into rat subdermis and harvested 8 weeks later. Harvested pericardia were evaluated for calcium content. Result: No protein denaturation was observed microscopically after decellularization. There was a 32% mean decrease in tensile strength index after decellularization in the bovine pericardium group fixed. Octanediol preincubation attenuated the decrease in tensile strength and maintained thermal stability. TG and cholesterol were not affected by decellularization but were decreased by organic solvent. Calcium content was decreased after decellularization, and organic solvent preincubation decreased calcification in the non-decellularized bovine pericardium group. Conclusion: Decellularization and organic solvent preincubation have anti-calcification effects but decellularization may cause mechanical instability. A method of decellularization and fixation that does not cause damage to matrices will be needed for evaluation of the next step in using tissue-engineering for replacement of cardiac valves.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.24-33
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• 2009

This study investigated the microbial contamination levels of raw meats used for short-ripened salami and changes in the microbial and physico-chemical properties of the product during storage at 10 and $25^{\circ}C$ for up to 120 days. The microbial counts of raw meats ranged between 2 and 4 Log CFU/g. Frozen-thawed sow meat showed higher total aerobe and Enterobacteriaceae counts than fresh chilled pork and pork back fat. Staphylococcus aureus was found in all raw materials except fresh chilled pork samples, and Clostridium perfringens was detected in a sample stored for 21 days at $25^{\circ}C$. The counts of total aerobes, lactic acid bacteria and Staphylococcus spp. decreased more rapidly at $25^{\circ}C$ than at $10^{\circ}C$ when the storage time was extended. The growth of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., yeast, and mold were restricted to levels below 2 Log CFU/g during storage. The contents of salt, water, crude protein, crude fat, and ash of salami samples were 3.4, 33.4, 30.8, 32.7, and 4.3%, respectively, which were not affected by storage time or temperature. The pH value of the salami was initially 4.79 and increased to 5.02 and 5.26 after 120 days of storage at 10 and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively, whereas the water activity values decreased from an initial value of 0.91 to 0.90 and 0.88 after 120 days at 10 and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. The TBA and VBN values increased slowly during storage. The redness value of the salami samples stored at $25^{\circ}C$ decreased more significantly than the samples stored at $10^{\circ}C$. With increased storage time, the values for the rheological characteristics of the salami in terms of hardness, brittleness, elasticity, cohesiveness, gumminess, and adhesiveness tended to decrease more remarkably at $25^{\circ}C$ than at $10^{\circ}C$. Based on sensory evaluation scores, it appears that short-ripened salami is no longer acceptable after 90 days at $10^{\circ}C$ and 30 days at $25^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.8
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• pp.1255-1262
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to analyze the general and functional components of various soybeans, used for producing soy sauce, tofu, bean sprouts, and for cooking with rice. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and ash content of soybeans were in the ranges of 5.50~6.16%, 38.49~41.08%, 14.89~21.89%, and 4.89~5.86%, respectively. Mineral and functional components varied by sample and showed no relationship with usage type. Somyeong for bean sprouts had the highest level of Ca (406.36 mg/100 g), and Sinpaldal for soy sauce and tofu had the highest level of Mg (247.79 mg/100 g). However, Jinpum No. 2 for soy sauce and tofu had the lowest level of Ca (199.51 mg/100 g), and Seonhuk had the lowest level of Mg (90.03 mg/100 g) among the soybeans tested. The isoflavone content in soybeans was in the range of 97.54~402.00 mg/100 g. Somyeong for bean sprouts had the highest level and Seonheuk for cooking with rice had the lowest level. Total oligosaccharides were in the range of $5,838.52{\sim}9,345.90{\mu}g/100g$. Sucrose content was approximately 50% of total oligosaccharides in all samples. Raffinose content was $516.28{\sim}806.95{\mu}g/100g$, and stachyose content was $2,047.13{\sim}3,454.10{\mu}g/100g$. Phytosterols including bracassisterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and ${\beta}$-sitosterol ranged from 19.25~35.34 mg/100 g. ${\beta}$-sitosterol represented 50% of total phytosterols in almost all samples, followed by campesterol, stigmasterol and bracassisterol. The phytic acid content in soybeans tested was around 2%, except for Sinpaldal No. 2 and Jinpum No. 2 at 0.86% and 1.65%, respectively. The dietary fiber of soybeans was in the ranges of 24.20%~29.20%.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of soybean meal (SM) and soluble starch (SS) on biogenic amine production and microbial diversity using in vitro ruminal fermentation. Treatments comprised of incubation of 2 g of mixture (expressed as 10 parts) containing different ratios of SM to SS as: 0:0, 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, or 0:10. In vitro ruminal fermentation parameters were determined at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation while the biogenic amine and microbial diversity were determined at 48 h of incubation. Treatment with highest proportion of SM had higher (p<0.05) gas production than those with higher proportions of SS. Samples with higher proportion of SS resulted in lower pH than those with higher proportion of SM after 48 h of incubation. The largest change in $NH_3$-N concentration from 0 to 48 h was observed on all SM while the smallest was observed on exclusive SS. Similarly, exclusive SS had the lowest $NH_3$-N concentration among all groups after 24 h of incubation. Increasing methane ($CH_4$) concentrations were observed with time, and $CH_4$ concentrations were higher (p<0.05) with greater proportions of SM than SS. Balanced proportion of SM and SS had the highest (p<0.05) total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) while propionate was found highest in higher proportion of SS. Moreover, biogenic amine (BA) was higher (p<0.05) in samples containing greater proportions of SM. Histamines, amine index and total amines were highest in exclusive SM followed in sequence mixtures with increasing proportion of SS (and lowered proportion of SM) at 48 h of incubation. Nine dominant bands were identified by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and their identity ranged from 87% to 100% which were mostly isolated from rumen and feces. Bands R2 (uncultured bacterium clone RB-5E1) and R4 (uncultured rumen bacterium clone L7A_C10) bands were found in samples with higher proportions of SM while R3 (uncultured Firmicutes bacterium clone NI_52), R7 (Selenomonas sp. MCB2), R8 (Selenomonas ruminantium gene) and R9 (Selenomonas ruminantium strain LongY6) were found in samples with higher proportions of SS. Different feed ratios affect rumen fermentation in terms of pH, $NH_3$-N, $CH_4$, BA, volatile fatty acid and other metabolite concentrations and microbial diversity. Balanced protein and carbohydrate ratios are needed for rumen fermentation.