• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2185-2190
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• 2013

Gallbladder carcinoma, the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract system, has always been considered to feature late clinical presentation and diagnosis, limited treatment options and an extremely poor prognosis. In recent years, while the incidence of gallbladder cancer has appeared to be on the increase, the available treatment methods have not greatly improved survival of the affected patients. Thus, exploring new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease is an urgent matter at present. Epidemical studies have demonstrated that the incidence of gallbladder carcinoma exhibits a distinct gender bias, affecting females two to three times more than males, pointing to crucial roles of estrogen. It is well known that estrogen acts on target tissues by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), which are mainly divided into three subtypes, $ER{\alpha}$, $ER{\beta}$ and $ER{\gamma}$. $ER{\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$ appear to have overlapping but also unique even opposite biological effects. As important pathogenic mediators, ERs have been considered to relate to several kinds of tumors. In gallbladder carcinoma tissue, ERs have been shown to be positively expressed, and ERs expression levels are associated with differentiation and prognosis of this cancer. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of estrogen inducing growth of gallbladder carcinoma remain poorly understood. On the base of the current investigations, we deduce that estrogen participates in promotion of gallbladder carcinoma by influencing the formation of gallstones, stimulating angiogenesis, and promoting abnormal proliferation. Since ERs mediate the carcinogenic actions of estrogen in gallbladder, and therapy targeting ERs may provide new directions for gallbladder carcinoma. Therefore, it should be stressed that ERs are potential therapeutic targets for gallbladder carcinoma.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.403-409
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• 2018

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of a lipid-coated zinc oxide (ZnO) supplement Shield Zn (SZ) at the sub-pharmacological concentration on intestinal morphology and gene expression in weanling pigs, with an aim to gain insights into the mechanism of actions for SZ. Methods: Forty 22-day-old weanling pigs were fed a nursery diet supplemented with 100 or 2,500 mg Zn/kg with uncoated ZnO (negative control [NC] or positive control [PC], respectively), 100, 200, or 400 mg Zn/kg with SZ for 14 days and their intestinal tissues were taken for histological and molecular biological examinations. The villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) of the intestinal mucosa were measured microscopically following preparation of the tissue specimen; expression of the genes associated with growth and immune function was determined using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: There was no difference in daily gain, gain:feed, and diarrhea score between the SZ group and either of NC and PC. The VH and VH:CD ratio were less for the SZ group vs NC in the jejunum and duodenum, respectively (p<0.05). The jejunal mucosal mRNA levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and interleukin (IL)-10 regressed and tended to regress (p = 0.053) on the SZ concentration with a positive coefficient, respectively, whereas the IL-6 mRNA level regressed on the SZ concentration with a negative coefficient. The mRNA levels of IGF-I, zonula occludens protein-1, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and IL-10 did not differ between the SZ group and either of NC and PC; the occludin and transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ mRNA levels were lower for the SZ group than for PC. Conclusion: The present results are interpreted to suggest that dietary ZnO provided by SZ may play a role in intestinal mucosal growth and immune function by modulating the expression of IGF-I, IL-6, and IL-10 genes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.173-192
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of bioactive glass and natural coral on the human periodontal ligament fibroblast(HPLF) behaviors during the regeneration process of peridontium. To determine the cellular events occuring in the presence of the particles of bioactive glass and natural coral, HPLF were isolated from healthy premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment. Cells were cultured in ${\alpha}$MEM at 37$^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$, 95% humidity incubator. Bioactive glass and natural coral were powdered, and each particles(<40${\mu}$m) were placed on the cultured cells at the concentration of 0.3mg/ml, and 1,0mg/ml for experimental group. In control group no particles were added. And each group was evaluated by examining the cell morphology under phase-contrast micrograph at 4 day and transmission electron micrograph(TEM) and scanning electron micrograph(SEM) at 14 day, alkaline phosphatase activity at 5 and 9 day, protain synthesis at 4 day, DNA synthesis at 1, 2, 3 and 4 day, cell proliferation at 1, 3, 5,7 and 9 day and the formation of bone nodule at 30 day after culturing all groups in mineralizing supplemented mediun, No significant changes in cell morphology by adding these two matirials were found under phase contrast microscopy and TEM. HPLF phagocytocized each particles suggesting that HPLF is involved in the process of resorbing each particles and that bioactive glass were more biocompatible than natural coral. The ALPase activity of bioactive glass 0.3 mg/ml was similar with control groups and all the rests of control groups were significantly low(P<0.01) indicating a transient dedifferentiation of HPLF in the presence of bioactive glass and natural coral particles. There were no significant differences of protein synthesis between all groups. The DNA synthesis in experimental groups were significantly lower than control groups at 1, 2 and 3 day (P<0.01) but became similar to control groups at 4 day. Between control groups, the DNA synthesis in bioactive glass O.3mglml group was significantly higher than other groups(P<0.01). Cell proliferation in natural coral 1.0mg/ml and bioactive glass 1.0mglml groups were significantly lower than control group at 3 day(P<0.05) and there were no differences at 5, 7, 9 day. There were more bone nodule formation in experimental groups than in control groups. In conclusion, these results indicated that bioactive glass and natural coral have some effects of a transient dedifferentiation on HPLF and regeneration of periodontal tissues, however any significant cytotoxic effect on HPLF by these two particles were not found.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.621-636
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• 1999

When mucoperiosteal flaps are positioned and sutured to desirable position, the wound contains several interface between tissues which differ fundamentally in composition & biological reaction. Thus the C-T surface of the flap will, on one hand, oppose another vascularized surface, and on the other, the avascular dental material for example, when root resoptions, fractured root, endodontic perforation, deep root carious lesions were filled with amalgam, glass ionomer, resin etc. Recently, a number of case report described the successful treatment of a subgingival root lesion with restorative material & free gingival graft, open flap surgery, but more objective research was needed . Most of study on restorative materials were concerned for cytotoxicity not for actual healing event on that materials and its influencing factors such as biocompatibility, surface wettability, surface topography . The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of amalgam, resin modified glass ionomer, composite resin per se, and their surface roughness on the growth of human gingival fibroblast. The cells were obtained and placed on culture flask and incubated for 3 days with the prepared test materials. Then count the attached cell number with hemocytometer,(n=12) and 2 samples were examined with SEM about attachment cell morphology . Another 4 samples were evaluated on their surface roughness with Talysurf and average surface roughness value(Ra) were obtained. Statistical difference in attached cell number, roughness value were analyzed using ANOVA. The number of attached cell was as follows, for root dentin specimen 16.7${\pm}$4.41, resin modified glass ionomer 14.0${\pm}$4.15, resin 8.13${\pm}$3.63, amalgam 0.72${\pm}$3.33(${\times}10^3$). Between root dentin and resin-modified glass ionomer, no significant difference was observed, but resin, amalgam showed a significant less cell numbers than for root dentin, resin modified glass ionomer cement. SEM examination expressed many cell surface attachment apparatus in root dentin and resin modified glass ionomer specimens. For resin specimen, cell attachment was observed but exposed less appratus. The average surface roughness value are following results. Dentin specimen 0.6972${\pm}$ 0.104, resin modified glass ionomer 0.0822${\pm}$0.009, resin 0.0875${\pm}$0.005, amalgam 4.2145${\pm}$0.985(${\mu}m$). Between root dentin, resin-modified glass ionomer, and resin, no significant difference was observed, but amalgam showed a significant more rough surface than other groups. When evlauated the interrelationship between cell attachment and surface roughness, therefore, there was weak reverse correlation.(pearson correlation : - 0.593) These results suggest that resin modified glass ionomer have the favorable healing potential when used for subgingival restoration. And for relationship between cell attachment and surface characteristics, further investigations were needed.

• BMB Reports
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.355-362
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• 2010

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) is a putative protein interaction domain involved in a wide variety of biological processes. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel gene, SAMD4B, which encodes a putative protein of 694 amino acids with a SAM domain. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis showed that SAMD4B is widely expressed in human embryonic and adult tissues. Transcriptional activity assays show SAMD4B suppresses transcriptional activity of L8G5-luciferase. Over-expression of SAMD4B in mammalian cells inhibited the transcriptional activities of activator protein-1 (AP-1), p53 and p21, and the inhibitory effects can be relieved by siRNA. Deletion analysis indicates that the SAM domain is the main region for transcriptional suppression. The results suggest that SAMD4B is a widely expressed gene involved in AP-1-, p53- and p21-mediated transcriptional signaling activity.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.41 no.spc1
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• pp.25-45
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• 1996

Soyfoods have potential roles in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, most notably cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. There is evidence that carcinogenesis are supressed by isolated soybean derived products in vivo such as a protease inhibitor, phytic acid, saponins and isoflavones. It is believed that supplementation of human diets with soybean products markedly reduces human cancer mortality rates. Especially, recent papers recognize the potential benefit of soybean isoflavone components for reducing the risk of various cancers. Isoflavones exhibit a multitude of medicinal effects that influence cell growth and regulation, which may have potential value in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In addition to potential biological effects, soybean isoflavones have the important physiological functions such as the induction of Bradyrizobium japonicum nod genes and the responses of soybean tissues to infection by Phytophthora megasperma as well as biochemical activities such as antifungal and antibacterial actions. Genistin, daidzin, glycitin and their aglycone (genistein, daidzein, glycitein) are the principal isoflavones found in soybean. Malonyl and acetyl forms have also been detected but they are thermally unstable and are usually transformed during the processing in glucoside form. Most soy products, with the exception of soy sauce, alcohol-extracted soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate, have total isoflavone concentrations similar to those in the whole soybean. Soybean-containing diets inhibit mammary tumorigenesis in animal models of breast cancer, therefore, it is possible that dietary isoflavones are an important factor accounting for the lower incidence and mortality from breast cancer. Of the total soybean seed isoflavones, $80\~90\%$ were located in cotyledons, with the remainder in the hypocotyls. The hypocotyls had a higher concentrations of isoflavones on a weight basis compared with cotyledons. Isoflavone contents were influenced by genetics, crop years, and growth locations. The effect of crop year had a greater impact on the isoflavone contents than that of location. The climate condition might be the attribution factor to variation in isoflavone contents. Also, while the isoflavone content of cotyledons exhibited large variations in response to high temperature during seed development, hypocotyls showed high concentration in isoflavone content. So, it is concluded that one of the factors affecting isoflavone content in soybean seeds is temperature during seed development. High temperature, especially in maturity stage, causes lower isoflavone content in soybean seed. It is also suggested that there may exist a different mechanism to maintain isoflavone contents between cotyledon and seed hypocotyls. In a conclusion, soy foods may be able to have a significant beneficial impact on public health.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.81-90
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• 1998

Electromagnetic waves may induce various effects on nervous tissues either by thermal or non-thermal mechanisms. This paper intoduces a method to evalute the non-thermal effect to central nervous system by measuring the EEGs of the rabbits treated by nimodipine before exposed to weak microwave field. 20 rabbits were divided into 2 groups and their EEGs were measured after their head section were exposed to 2,450 MHz microwave with the power density of 10 dBm and 20 dBm respectively for 10 minutes and compared with those of the 3rd group of 10 rabbits which were not exposed. The 4th group of 10 rabbits were intravenously given with nimodipine before exposed to 20 dBm field to determine whether this drug would reverse the EEGs changes induced by weak microwave irradiation. As field poser exceeded 20 dBm although no significant physiological changes were observed, total induced EEGs power was remarkably decreased suggesting the presence of CNS activation. Using Fourier analysis on the EEGs signal it was found that remarkable decrease in delta band and increase in the alpha and beta bands in a significant manner(P<0.05) compared to control group. The changes were, however, not reversed by nimodipine-treatment. The effects may be pure thermal in nature because no significant change has been observed in nimodipine treated rabbits.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.184-189
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• 2007

In order to investigate the enhancement effects of low dose radiation on biological activation, this study applied low dose X-ray to the whole body of male rats to find out whether hormesis is induced in male germ cells. Total 36 Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats as experimental animal were subdivided into 6 groups(in 6 rats per group) such as control, 10 mGy, 20 mGy, 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy radiation group All the groups showed slightly increasing number of sperms per 0.1g semen ($14.216{\times}10^6,\;13.901{\times}10^6,\;14.153{\times}10^6,\;13.831{\times}10^6,\;14.137{\times}10^6,\;14.677{\times}10^6$ respectively), and the motility of sperms amounted to 50.9%, 49.5%, 55.1%, 54.3%, 48.0% and 52.2% respectively. Particularly, compared to the control, the other 5 groups showed higher male hormone level, and the microscopic observations of testicle tissues showed no vacuolization in seminiferous tubules and testis cells. In the results of this experiment, no harmful effect was observed on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for which the dose of radiation was controlled as regulated legally by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. However, as these results were obtained from a limited number of animals, we cannot maintain that the same effect will be observed in the human body. Therefore, there should be further research on the effect on other animals and ultimately on the human body.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.38 no.2 s.171
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• pp.129-134
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• 2005

The $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ ratios between water and biogenic material are similar in marine and lacustrine environment. Pb isotope ratios we, however, reported not to have been corresponding between the biological tissues and ambient water in aquatic system, contrary to the Sr isotope ratios. In order to explore the potential application of two isotopes as environmental tracers, we report here the isotopic compositions of strontium and lead of gastropod shell in fresh water in Jinan area. The $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ ratios of carbonate shells of gastropod living in fresh stream water, are similar as that of ambient water but are different by sites. The different $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ ratios of stream water between the sites is likely caused by the difference of the isotopic composition of Sr derived form rocks in the basin. In contrast, there is a distinct difference of the lead isotopic values between the water and the gastropod shell, suggesting that shell-fish available lead in aquatic system is different from dissolved lead in water. It is assumed that the majority of Pb in stream water is derived from atmospheric Pb accumulated on soil materials over years rather than from rock.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.863-873
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• 1997

Electrical stimulation and vitamin $AD_3E$ administration have been shown to enhance the repair of biological tissues such as bone, ligament and tendon, The objective of this study were (a) to investgate the therapeutic effects of different levels of electrical stimulation and vitamin $AD_3E$ administration on fracture healing in a rat model and (b) to identify the most effective voltage level. Ninety Sprague-dawley rats were divided into electrical stimulation group and vitamin $AD_3E$ administration group. Electricla stimulation group was divided into four groups on the basis of the level of current delivered. The experimental groups received current (which varied by group), while the controls, with identical electrodes, received no current. In vitamin $AD_3E$ administration group, experimental group was injected 2,500 IU of vitamin A, 1,250 IU of vitamine $D_3$, 1mg of vitamine E intramuscularly. And in control group 0.1ml of saline was injected intramuscularly. After time periods (7-day, 14-day, 21-day for stimulation all rats were tested with combination of biochemical, roentgenologic and histomorphological methods. The results obtained were as follows ; In electrical stimulation groups, serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus level of experimental and control groups showed non specific change within normal physiological ranges. In vitamin $AD_3E$ administration group, serum calcium level of experimental and control groups showed non specific changes within normal physiological ranges, while experimental group showed slightly higher serum inorganic phosphorus level. According to roentgenologic and histomorphological examination, 2V 25Hz electrical stimulation group and vitamine $AD_3E$ administration group showed statistically significant improvements in bone density and ossification reaction until day 14. The terapeutic effect of stimulation on fracture healing was similiar to that of vitamin $AD_3E$ administration. In this study stimulation of 2V 25Hz was the most effective level of electrical stimulation for the healing of fracture of rats.