• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.312-329
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• 2022

Feed cost is the main factor affecting the economic benefits of pig industry. Improving the feed efficiency (FE) can reduce the feed cost and improve the economic benefits of pig breeding enterprises. Liver is a complex metabolic organ which affects the distribution of nutrients and regulates the efficiency of energy conversion from nutrients to muscle or fat, thereby affecting feed efficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can regulate feed efficiency through the modulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this study, we analyzed miRNA profiling of liver tissues in High-FE and Low-FE pigs for the purpose of identifying key miRNAs related to feed efficiency. A total 212~221 annotated porcine miRNAs and 136~281 novel miRNAs were identified in the pig liver. Among them, 188 annotated miRNAs were co-expressed in High-FE and Low-FE pigs. The 14 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (DE) in the livers of high-FE pigs and low-FE pigs, of which 5 were downregulated and 9 were upregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of liver DE miRNAs in high-FE pigs and low-FE pigs indicated that the target genes of DE miRNAs were significantly enriched in insulin signaling pathway, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling pathway, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. To verify the reliability of sequencing results, 5 DE miRNAs were randomly selected for quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The qRT-PCR results of miRNAs were confirmed to be consistent with sequencing data. DE miRNA data indicated that liver-specific miRNAs synergistically acted with mRNAs to improve feed efficiency. The liver miRNAs expression analysis revealed the metabolic pathways by which the liver miRNAs regulate pig feed efficiency.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.151-161
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• 2022

This study elucidates the anti-cancer potential of gallic acid (GA) as a promising therapeutic agent that exerts its effect by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. To prove our research rationale, we used diverse experimental methods such as cell viability assay, colony formation assay, tumor spheroid formation assay, cell cycle analysis, TUNEL assay, Western blot analysis, xenograft mouse model and histological analysis. Treatment with GA inhibited cell proliferation in dose-dependent manner as measured by cell viability assay at 48 h. GA and cisplatin (CDDP) also inhibited colony formation and tumor spheroid formation. In addition, GA and CDDP induced apoptosis, as determined by the distribution of early and late apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation. Western blot analysis revealed that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway induced upregulation of p53 (tumor suppressor protein), which in turn regulated cell cycle related proteins such as p21, p27, Cyclin D1 and E1, and intrinsic apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3. The anti-cancer effect of GA was further confirmed in an in vivo mouse model. Intraperitoneal injection with GA for 4 weeks in an A549-derived tumor xenograft model reduced the size of tumor mass. Injection of them downregulated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p-Akt, but upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in tumor tissues. Taken together, these results indicated that GA hindered lung cancer progression by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, suggesting that GA would be a potential therapeutic agent against non-small cell lung cancer.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.13
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dystrophic mineralization deposits from 3 calcium silicate-based cements (Micro-Mega mineral trioxide aggregate [MM-MTA], Biodentine [BD], and EndoSequence Root Repair Material [ESRRM] putty) over time after subcutaneous implantation into rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-five silicon tubes containing the tested materials and 15 empty tubes (serving as a control group) were subcutaneously implanted into the backs of 15 Wistar rats. At 1, 4, and 8 weeks after implantation, the animals were euthanized (n = 5 animals/group), and the silicon tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. Histopathological tissue sections were stained with von Kossa stain to assess mineralization. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) were also used to assess the chemical components of the surface precipitates deposited on the implant and the pattern of calcium and phosphorus distribution at the material-tissue interface. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratios were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance level of 5%. Results: The von Kossa staining showed that both BD and ESRRM putty induced mineralization starting at week 1; this mineralization increased further until the end of the study. In contrast, MM-MTA induced dystrophic calcification later, from 4 weeks onward. SEM/EDX showed no statistically significant differences in the calcium- and phosphorus-rich areas among the 3 materials at any time point (p > 0.05). Conclusions: After subcutaneous implantation, biomineralization of the 3-calcium silicate-based cements started early and increased over time, and all 3 tested cements generated calcium- and phosphorus-containing surface precipitates.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.28-38
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• 2024

Phytoremediation presents a low-carbon and eco-friendly solution for heavy metal-contaminated soils, which pose great health and environmental risks to humans and ecosystems. A hydroponic culture was used to quantitatively assess the phytoremediation potential of plant species to remediate As or Cd-contaminated soil in field application. This study examined the growth, uptake, and distribution of Cd in the roots and shoots of Phalaris arundinacea and Brassica juncea in hydroponic conditions with Cd concentrations ranging from 0 to 20 mg/L for 10 days. Additionally, Aster koraiensis and Pteris multifida were cultivated in hydroponic conditions containing As concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 mg/L for 10 days. The concentrations of Cd in the above-ground part and root tissues of P. arundinacea and B. juncea reached a maximum of 147.7 and 1926.7 mg/kg-D.W.(Dry Weight), and 351.6 and 11305.5 mg/kg-D.W., respectively. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) for P. arundinacea and B. juncea were 68.9 and 122.3, respectively. Both species exhibited a translocation factor (TF) of less than 0.1, indicating their eligibility for phytostabilization. Aster koraiensis exhibited significant As accumulation of 155.1 and 1306.7 mg/kg D.W. in the above-ground part and root, respectively. However, this accumulation resulted with substantial weight loss and the manifestation of toxic symptoms. P. multifida exhibited higher accumulation of As (345.1 mg/kg-D.W.) in the fronds than in the roots (255.4 mg/kg-D.W.), corresponding to BCF values of 18.6 and 7.6, respectively, and a TF greater than 1.2. A TF value greater than 1.0 indicates that P. multifida is a viable option for phytoextraction.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.149-156
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• 1985

Distribution of lipid components in the tissue of meat, skin and viscera from carp(Cyprynus carpio) was analyzed using the techniques of column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatography according to the previous report(Choi, et al., 1984). Lipid content was varied by the portion such as $3.88\%$ in meat (free lipid, $2.47\%$ ; bound lipid, $1.41\%$), $8.02\%$ in skin(free lipid, $5.65\%$ ; bound lipid, $2.37\%$) and $6.18\%$ in viscera (free lipid, $3.54\%$ ; bound lipid, $2.64\%$). In the all portions of the body, free lipid was composed of $68\%\;to\;92\%$ in neutral lipid, $3\%\;to\;6\%$ in glycolipid and $4\%\;to\;18\%$ in phospholipid whereas bound lipid was composed of $8\%\;to\;20\%$ in neutral lipid, $2\%\;to\;7\%$ in glycolipid and $47\%\;to\;62\%$ in phospholipid. The free lipids of the tissues on the each portion were mostly represented by triglycerides and some diglycerides, but free lipids in viscera contained considerable amounts of free fatty acids. The bound lipids, on the other hand, commonly comprised appreciable amounts of esterified sterol and hydrocarbon, and triglycerides. The phospholipid was mainly consisted of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl serine in the both free and bound lipids, and much more phosphatidyl choline in the bound lipid. The predominant fatty acids of free and bound lipids were $C_{16:0},\;C_{18:0},\;C_{20:4},\;C_{22:6}\;and\;C_{18:2}$ acids in polar lipids, and $C_{16:0},\;C_{16:1},\;C_{18:0},\;C_{18:1}\;and\;C_{18:2}$ acids in non-polar lipids, whereas those of neutral lipids were $C_{14:0}(2.54{\sim}6.98\%),\;C_{16:0}(11.20{\sim}21.13\%)$ and $C_{18:0}(1.58{\sim}12.76\%)$ of saturated acids, $C_{16:1}(7.06{\sim}20.70\%),\;C_{18:1}(21.68{\sim}30.50\%)$ and $C_{20:1}(1.76{\sim}6.27\%)$ of monoenoic acids, and $C_{18:2}(4.50{\sim}6.89\%),\;C_{20:4}(1.52{\sim}4.29\%)$ and $C_{22:6}(0.73{\sim}6.62\%)$, respectively. In conclusion, the fatty acid compositions revealed apparent differences between the free lipid and bound lipids in the tissues of body.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.350-364
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• 1999

The distribution of mast cells and nerves were investigated in the submandibular and sublingual glands of postnatal rats, using morphometric, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Mast cells were observed in the submandibular and sublingual glands of postnatal development. Number of mast cells gradually increased in both glands following development. At birth, mast cells were relatively fewer in submandibular gland than those in sublingual gland, and they were mainly distributed in parenchymal tissues. At $2{\sim}4$ weeks, most of the mast cells were observed in the connective tissues, surrounding neurovascular elements, but some mast cells were closely related with the acini of submandibular gland. PGP 9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in the submandibular and sublingual glands of all developmental age. The nerve fibers were showed in varicose shape, and mainly located in adjacent area of ducts and vascular components of both glands. The number of nerve fibers were increased rapidly until 8 weeks, but they were not increased any more until 24 weeks. Therefore, it is suggested that mast cells and nerve fibers related with each other, and that their interactions may play roles not only in maturation of secretory units but also growth and differentiation of the tubular structures of the rat submandibular and sublingual glands during postnatal development.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2012

Purpose: This study evaluated the usefulness of Helmet bolus device using Bolx-II, paraffin wax, solid thermoplastic material in total scalp irradiation. Materials and Methods: Using Rando phantom, we applied Bolx-II (Action Products, USA), paraffin wax (Densply, USA), solid thermoplastic material (Med-Tec, USA) on the whole scalp to make helmet bolus device. Computed tomography (GE, Ultra Light Speed16) images were acquired at 5 mm thickness. Then, we set up the optimum treatment plan and analyzed the variation in density of each bolus (Philips, Pinnacle). To evaluate the dose distribution, Dose-homogeneity index (DHI, $D_{90}/D_{10}$) and Conformity index (CI, $V_{95}/TV$) of Clinical Target Volume (CTV) using Dose-Volume Histogram (DVH) and $V_{20}$, $V_{30}$ of normal brain tissues. we assessed the efficiency of production process by measuring total time taken to produce. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were used to verify the accuracy. Results: Density variation value of Bolx-II, paraffin wax, solid thermoplastic material turned out to be $0.952{\pm}0.13g/cm^3$, $0.842{\pm}0.17g/cm^3$, $0.908{\pm}0.24g/cm^3$, respectively. The DHI and CI of each helmet bolus device which used Bolx-II, paraffin wax, solid thermoplastic material were 0.89, 0.85, 0.77 and 0.86, 0.78, 0.74, respectively. The result of Bolx-II was the best. $V_{20}$ and $V_{30}$ of brain tissues were 11.50%, 10.80%, 10.07% and 7.62%, 7.40%, 7.31%, respectively. It took 30, 120, 90 minutes to produce. The measured TLD results were within ${\pm}7%$ of the planned values. Conclusion: The application of helmet bolus which used Bolx-II during total scalp irradiation not only improves homogeneity and conformity of Clinical Target Volume but also takes short time and the production method is simple. Thus, the helmet bolus which used Bolx-II is considered to be useful for the clinical trials.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1339-1344
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• 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease is an immune disorder associated with chronic mucosal inflammation and severe ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract. Antibodies against proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF${\alpha}$, are currently used as promising therapeutic agents against the disease. Stabilization of the transcript is a crucial post-transcriptional process in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we assessed the expression and histological distribution of the HuR protein, an important transcript stabilizer, in tissues from experimental animals and patients with Crohn's disease. The total and cytosolic levels of the HuR protein were enhanced in the intestinal epithelia from dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice compared to those in control tissues from normal mice. Moreover, the expression of HuR was very high only in the mucosal and glandular epithelium, and the relative localization of the protein was sequestered in the lower parts of the villus during the DSS insult. The expression of HuR was significantly higher in mucosal lesions than in normal-looking areas. Consistent with the data from the animal model, the expression of HuR was confined to the mucosal and glandular epithelium. These results suggest that HuR may contribute to the post-transcriptional regulation of proinflammatory genes during early mucosal insults. More mechanistic investigations are warranted to determine the potential use of HuR as a predictive biomarker or a promising target against IBD.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.21-31
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• 1968

The appearance rates of antipyrine and urea into cerebrospinal fluid from blood were studied in the rabbits which were in the state of hypotension and of high permeability in the capillary beds following injection of histamine. The alteration in the distribution of electrolytes among various compartments of the brain and the permeability characteristics in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier were also observed. Adult male rabbits, weighing around 2 kg, were used. Twenty four rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Besides the control group, histamine treated rabbits were categorized into 2 groups. $H_1$ consisted of the rabbits showing moderate responses to histamine and ranging from 62 to 80 mmHg in their mean anterial blood pressure. The animals which belong to $H_2-group$ showed severe responses to histamine and the mean anterial blood pressures dropped to 30-50 mmHg. Animals were anesthetized with nembutal, 30mg/kg i.v. The mean arterial blood pressure was read by means of the mercury manometer connected to the femoral artery. The animals, treated with histamine, were kept in hypotensive state at least for 40 minutes before the administration of the test-substances. The test-substances, 300 mg of urea and 200 mg of antipyrine, were dissolved in 3 ml of distilled water and were injected into the ear vein of the rabbit. After 10 minutes elapsed arterial blood sample was taken from the femoral artery and cerebrospinal fluid from the cisterna magna. Brain tissues were also analysed with respect to electrolytes in order to observe the disturbances in the electrolytes balance as well as in the function of the central nervous system. The results obtained were as follow: 1. The ratio of antipyrine concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to that of arterial blood plasma, that was the distribution ratio, was close to unity, revealing a well established equilibrium between the compartments of blood and cerebrospinal fluid in 10 minutes. In other words, there was no diffusion barrier with regard to antipyrine. The ratios over unity which were frequently seen in the histamine treated animals were attributable to the early penetration of the substance into the cerebrospinal fluid. 2. The appearance rates of urea into the cerebrospinal fluid in the histamine treated rabbits were higher in comparison with those of in the control animals. The increasing tendency in the rates was particularly remarkable in the $H_2-group$, showing the enhanced penetration of urea across the boondary. 3. In the htisamine treated $H_2-group$ the concentration of potassium in the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid well exceeded the control values and showed 8.5 and 9.0 mEq/l in average, respectively. Simultaneous drops in the brain tissue water were noticed, suggesting the leakage of intracellular potassium. 4. There was a coincidence in the rising pattern of potassium in the blood plasma and in the cerebrospinal fluid of $H_2-group$ and at least partial removal of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier with respect to potassium was suggested in these animals. 5. The concentration of sodium in the blood plasma or in the cerebrospinal fluid showed no significant changes following histamine injection. However, sodium in the brain tissue revealed slight elevation in the histamine treated groups. 6. The ratios of the concentrations of potassium to those of sodium, [K]/[Na] in the brain tissues, were 1.92 in the control 1.82 in the $H_1$ and 1.52 in the $H_2-group$, respectively. The marked drop in the $H_2-group$ might represent neural dysfunction in the extremely hypotensive rabbits.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2008

Implant requires long lasting, strong osseointegration using bio-mechanical interlocking by bone ingrowth. In regarding the size level for bone ingrowth, the micro-patterning would enhance bone response. Micro-patterning can increase the area contacting the bone tissues. Therefore, it may distribute the load to the surrounding bone tissue, more effectively. This study compared and analyzed the load distributing effect with the shape and number of micro-patterning. For the optimal comparison of threads, the assumptions different from general finite element analysis model were made. It was assumed that the implant was axisymmetric and infinitely long. The implant was assumed to be completely embedded in the infinitely long cortical bone and to have 100% bone apposition. The implant-bone interface had completely fixed boundary conditions and received an infinitely big axial load. The condition of threads were as follows. The reference model 1 had conventional thread. Model 2 had 2 micro-patterns on the upper flank of the thread. Model 3 had 2 micro-patterns on the lower flank of the thread. Model 4 had 2 micro-patterns on the upper and lower flanks of the thread. Model 5 had 3 micro patterns on the upper and lower flanks of the thread. The results were as follows: 1. The thread with micro-patterns distributed stress better than the conventional thread. 2. The thread with micro-patterns on the lower flank distributed stress better than that with micro-patterns on the upper flank. 3. The thread with 3 micro-patterns distributed stress better than that with 2 micro-patterns, However, an area with stress concentration occurred.