• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.279-286
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• 2015

Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) is a polydnavirus symbiotic to C. plutellae parasitizing young larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Several CpBV genes play important roles in suppressing immune responses of the parasitized larvae. This study tested a hypothesis that the CpBV genes inducing host immunosuppression could be applied to develop a potent recombinant baculovirus. Based on a previous study, a recombinant baculovirus expressing CpBV-ELP1 (AcMNPV-ELP1) was selected and multiplied using larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. The recombinant viruses were produced in a yield of $5{\times}10^{10}$ polyhedral inclusion body (PIB)/larva. The cultured AcMNPV-ELP1 exhibited a much higher pathogenicity against S. exigua larvae. However, its insecticidal activity was varied among larval instars of S. exigua, in which first and late instars were high susceptible. Spray of the recombinant baculovirus ($5{\times}10^6PIB/mL$) exhibited higher control efficacy (${\approx}$ 88%) against S. exigua larvae infesting cabbage than a chemical insecticide, tebufenozide, at 7 days after treatment. These results indicate that AcMNPV-ELP1 mass-cultured using host insect system is highly pathogenic and can be applied to develop a novel microbial control agent.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.13-24
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• 2013

Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the availability of diagnosis of Yin-deficiency in the elderly with xerostomia and factors influencing subjective oral dryness. Methods: We surveyed 50 patients recruited by the clinical trial, 'Efficacy of Yukmijihwang-tang on Xerostomia in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Two-center Trial'. The subjects were assessed on their subjective oral dryness using the Dry Mouth Symptom Questionnaire (DMSQ). Their salivary functions were measured by Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate (USFR) measurements. In addition, the subjects were evaluated on their Qi-stagnation and Yin-deficiency conditions using the Qi-stagnation questionnaire and Yin-deficiency questionnaire. Results: There were statistically significant correlations between three variables (USFR, DMSQ score and Qi-stagnation score) and Yin-deficiency score. In the multiple regression analysis, the regression model was statistically significant (F = 10.273, p < .001). The factor most strongly influencing the subjective oral dryness was USFR (${\beta}$ = -0.386). Yin-deficiency had the next strongest impact on the subjective oral dryness (${\beta}$ = 0.371). Qi-stagnation affected the subjective oral dryness weakly (${\beta}$ = 0.075). In the simple regression analysis, Yin-deficiency had a statistically significant effect on each of six subscales of DMSQ (p < .01). Among the six subscales, DMSQ-1 ('Oral dryness at night or on awakening') was the most strongly influenced by Yin-deficiency. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the diagnosis of Yin-deficiency in the elderly with xerostomia was available and Yin-deficiency was an important factor influencing the subjective oral dryness. Therefore, the consideration of Yin-deficiency is significant for diagnosis and treatment in the elderly with xerostomia.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.274-279
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• 2013

Slightly acidic hypochlorous water (SAHW) is well known for having a powerful and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, and is harmless to the environment and humans. SAHW (pH 5~6.5, 20~30 ppm available chlorine concentration) was generated by electrolysis of dilute solution of HCl (4%) in a chamber of a non-membrane electrolytic cell. Our objective was to determine SAHW has a potential fungicidal activity on some phytopathogenic fungi. Spores of Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum and Phytophthora capsici were not culturable on agar media at approximately 10 seconds after treatment by SAHW. However, inactivation of Penicillium hirsutum was required over 3 min. Dilution of SAHW with sterilized distilled water (SDW) at the ratio of 1:1 (SAHW:SDW) against C. acutatum showed 100% inactivation but, the efficacy in 1:2 decreased until 63.2%. Control value of SAHW was 70.4% against C. acutatum on pepper fruits when applied upto 24 h postinoculation. SAHW has a powerful and wide spectrum antifungal activity and could be applied as a potential alternative to fungicidal agent for control of plant disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.1642-1649
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• 2003

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation on the growth performance, nutrients utilization and bone mineralization in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks (n=480) were equally devided into eight treatment groups and fed maize or wheat based isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isocalcium diets having two non phytate phosphorus (NPP) concentrations (0.50% and 0.30%) and two phytase levels (0 and 500 phytase units/kg diet) in a 42 days growth trial. Maize based dietary treatments were MC (NPP 0.50%, MN (NPP 0.30%), MNP (MN+500 units of phytase) and MCP (MC+500 units of phytase), whereas wheat based experimental diets were WC (NPP 0.50%), WN (NPP 0.30%), WNP (WN+500 units of phytase) and WCP (WC+500 units of phytase). The NPP levels were maintained by dicalcium phosphate. Reduction in dietary NPP depressed live weight gain and feed intake and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). Phytase supplementation to low NPP (0.30%) diets significantly (p<0.05) improved the growth performances of broilers. The supplementation to low NPP diets allowed complete, safe and economic replacement of dietary inorganic P (dicalcium phosphate) to reduce feed cost per kg live weight gain of broilers. Reduction in dietary NPP did not affect retention of nutrients except phosphorus (P) but had a significant (p<0.05) depression in tibia ash and minerals (Ca, P) concentration in serum and tibia ash. Phytase supplementation at low NPP level was effective (p<0.05) in improving the retention of dry matter, Ca and P and Ca and P concentration in serum and tibia ash. However, the supplementation was not effective at high level of NPP (0.50%). There were no significant (p>0.05) differences in carcass quality among dietary treatments. The response of phytase was greater in low NPP and maize based diets as compared with high NPP and wheat based diets, respectively. The results show that phytase supplementation to low NPP (0.30%) diets improved the growth performance, relative retention of nutrients (N, Ca and P) and minerals (Ca, P) status of blood and bone in broiler chickens, with a better efficacy in maize based diets.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.369-375
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• 2009

A commercial egg parasitoid, Trichogramma sp. Nabis101, was released into agricultural cultivating areas in Korea due to its wide host spectrum against insect pests. Moreover, an application technique has been recently developed to enhance its control efficacy by mixture treatment with a microbial control agent. Despite its expansion of commercial availability, any genetic identification on this commercial strain was not determined. Also, to meet inconsistent demands from consumers, the live parasitoids need to be stored without significant loss of their survival and parasitic activity. This study determined nucleotide sequence of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the wasp species. The identified ITS sequences indicate that this wasp species is most similar to T brasiliensis. Optimal storage condition of this wasp required young parasitized stage at $10^{\circ}C$. Under these conditions, survival, sex ratio, longevity, and parasitic behavior were not much impaired for 5 weeks.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.142-149
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• 2002

Background: Our previous study showed that purified protein derivative (PPD)-stimulated pleural mononuclear cells (PMC) from tuberculous pleurisy (Tbp) produced significantly more $IFN-{\gamma}$ (10- to 70-fold) after in vitro PPD stimulation than freshly isolated pleural cells from malignant pleurisy. The present study was designed to determine whether blocking the CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction decreases $IFN-{\gamma}$ production by altering IL-12 levels. Methods: IL-12 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ production after neutralizing anti-CD40L antibody treatment was compared to the efficacy of anti-CD80, anti-CD86, and a combination of anti-CD80 and CD86 (CD80+86) monoclonal antibodies (mAb). These activities were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), after in vitro stimulation with PPO antigen (Ag). Results: Neutralization of CD80, CD86 and CD80+86 did not decrease $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-12 production in Tbp-PMC, whereas neutralization of CD40L significantly depressed IL-12 p40 and $IFN-{\gamma}$. In addition, neutralization of CD40L completely inhibited IL-12 p40 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ mRNA expression. Conclusion: The CD40-CD40L interaction might play a major role in IL-12 and $IFN-{\gamma}$ production in Tbp-PMC, thus contributing to protective immunity in human tuberculosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7061-7069
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• 2015

Background: During the past decades, the incidence and mortality rate of stomach cancer has demonstrated a great decrease in the world, but it is still one of the most common and fatal cancers especially among men worldwide, including Iran. The MYC proto-oncogene, which is located at 8q24.1, regulates 15% of genes and is activated in 20% of all human tumors. MYC amplification and overexpression of its protein product has been reported in 15-30% of gastric neoplasias. The aim of this investigation was to find the relative efficacy of CISH (chromogenic in situ hybridization) or IHC (immunohistochemistry) in diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as the relationship of amplification and expression of C-MYC gene with patient survival. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 102 samples of gastric cancer were collected from patients who had undergone primary surgical resection at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from July 2009 to March 2014. All samples were randomly selected from those who were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinomas. CISH and IHC methods were performed on all of them. Results: Patients were classified into two groups. The first consisted of stage I and II cases, and the second of stage III and IV. Survival tests for both groups was carried out with referrnce to CISH test reults. Group II (stage III & IV) with CISH+ featured lower survival than those with CISH- (p=0.233), but group I (stage I & II) patients demonstrated no significant variation with CISH+ or CISH- (p=0.630). Kaplan-Meier for both groups was carried out with IHC test findings and showed similar results. This data revealed that both diffuse and intestinal types of gastric cancer occurred significantly more in men than women. Our data also showed that CISH+ patients (43%) were more frequent in comparison with IHC+ patients (14.7%). Conclusions: For planning treatment of gastric cancer patients, by focusing on expanding tumors, which is the greatest concern of the surgeons and patients, CISH is a better and more feasible test than IHC, in regard to sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, CISH can be used as a feasible test for tumor growth and prognosis in stage III and IV lesions. This study also indicated that C-MYC amplification in gastric cancer is correlated with survival in advanced stages.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4757-4761
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• 2012

Objectives: To explore the impact of low- vs conventional-dose chemotherapy via transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) on serum fibrosis indicators and treatment efficacy of hepatocellular cancer patients (HCC). Materials and Methods: Patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were assigned to TACE in Group A (with low-dose chemotherapy) or Group B (conventional-dose chemotherapy). Four serum fibrosis related indicators, hyaluronic acid(HA), human pro-collagen type-III (hPC-III), laminin (LN), and collagen type-IV(IV-C) before TACE were compared with the values 7 days after TACE. The response rate and survival time were also compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty patients with HCC were enrolled in this study, including 25 in Group A and 25 in Group B. No significant differences were detected between the two groups in the four indicators before TACE. After TACE, the value of the four serum indicators increased significantly in Group B. However, no significant differences regarding these four indicators were found in Group A after TACE. Significant differences were demonstrated between the two groups after TACE, but median survival time and 1 or 2 year overall survival rates did not differ (P>0.05). Conclusions: Low-, compared with conventional-dose chemotherapy exerts the same impact on the variation of fibrosis related indicators and has no influence on median survival time and survival rate after TACE in HCC patients.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 2001

Purpose : To confirm the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy for the pigmented villonodular synovitis in the knee. Materials and Methods : We analysed 8 patient(9 cases) that were diagnosed and performed arthroscopic synovectomy as pigmented villonodular synovitis from July 1992 to May 2000. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathologist. The average follow-up period was 29 months(range, $15\~48$ months). The average age at initial visit was 40.4 years(rage, $15\~67$ years). Male were 6 cases and female 2 cases. The average duration from onset of the symptom to the operation was 23 months($2\~86$ months). Previous history of the trauma was noted in 2 case. There was 1 case involved both knee joints. Results : According to the athroscopic findings, there were 4 localized forms and 5 diffuse forms. At preoperational examinations, the average of flexion contracture was $4.4^{\circ}(0\~5^{\circ})$ and that of the further flexion was $117.8^{\circ}(90\~135^{\circ})$. At last follow-up examinations, the knee range of motion was normalized, the average of flexion range was $133.9^{\circ}(120\~140^{\circ})$. All patients had improvement in pain, swelling and range of motion and there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion : In the pigmented villonodular synovitis, arthroscopic synovectomy can be considered one of the good modality to expect good results.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.398-405
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• 2016

Statins, the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are widely used in treatments of hypercholesterolemia and newly known as anti-cancer effect of various cancer cells. Recently, several studies suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role on cell death signaling. However, mechanism of ROS by rosuvastatin is currently unclear. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of apoptosis by rosuvastatin in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Cell viability and apoptosis-related protein expression were measured by MTT assay and western blotting, respectively. In addition, the levels of apoptosis and ROS were analyzed. The results showed that rosuvastatin dramatically reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We confirmed that rosuvastatin induced apoptosis through reduction of procaspase-3 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in PC-3 cells. In addition, rosuvastatin stimulated ROS production in a dose-dependent manner and pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, significantly recovered rosuvastatin-induced ROS and apoptosis. Thus, we concluded that rosuvastain induces apoptosis through generation of ROS in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells and provides a promising approach to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.