• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 1994

To improve nuclear transplantation(NT) efficiency and to produce a large scale genetically identical cloned calves, examined the in vitro development capacity after co-culture of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) and granulosa cells in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) with early bovine embryos derived from in vitro matured fertilized(IVM-IVF) oocyte. In addition, the age dependence of IVM oocyte on electro-stimulation and the effective electric voltage on in ivtro development of bovine NT embryos were examined. The results obtained were summerized as follows; 1. The cleavage rates of IVM-IVF bovine embryos in co-culture with bovine oviductal epithelial cells and granulosa cells were not significantly different(P<0.05), but the developmental rate into morula and blastocyst stage were different showing 38.3 and 20.2%, respectively. 2. The activation (82.5%) and development in vitro(8.6%) into later embryo stages of the aging oocytes of 32 hours post-maturation (hpm) were significantly higher than those of 24 hpm at direct current (DC) voltage of 1.5kV/cm, 60$\mu$sec pulse duration and 1 pulse time. 3. The fusion rates of NT eggs of 32 hpm following to different DC voltages from range 0.75 to 1.5kV/cm were not differ, but the developmental rate into morula and blastocyst stages at DC voltages of 0.75 and 1.0kV/cm were higher(11.4 and 12.6%, respectively) than those of 1.5kV/cm(0%). From these results, it can be suggested the optimal culture system for in vitro culture of IVM-IVF bovine embryos is a co-culture system with BOEC in TCM-199 supplemented 10% FCS. The effective time and the DC voltage for activation, electrofusion and in vitro development of NT embryos derived from IVM-IVF bovine embryo are 32hpm and 0.75~1.0kV/cm. But to improve NT efficiency, the advanced research (cell cycle synchronization, micromanipulation, culture system, etc.) is needed.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.400-404
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• 2003

This study was to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on the germination, nutrient concentrations and growth of spinach and radish. Both the spinach and radish seeds exhibited relatively higher germination rates in response to the low doses of gamma irradiation compared to the non -irradiated control. Leaf DW of the radish did not respond to gamma irradiation but that of the spinach increased significantly in response to a gamma radiation of 4 Gy (P< 0.05). Leaf growth parameters of the spinach including the leaf area and SLA (leaf area/leaf dry weight) also demonstrated increased responses to gamma irradiation. R/S (root dry weight/shoot dry weight), root DW and root length of the spinach exhibited a positive response to gamma irradiation while those of the radish did not. In contrast, SRL (root length/root dry weight) significantly decreased with gamma irradiation at 8 Gy for the spinach, but not for the radish. The tissue nitrogen concentrations of the spinach showed an increased response to gamma irradiation while that of the radish did not. Furthermore, higher concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were found in the irradiated spinach, but not in the irradiated radish. It seems that the non-specific physiological and/or biochemical activities of spinach might be accelerated by gamma irradiation, possibly accounting for the stimulation of nutrient uptake from the root media and early biomass accumulation in the current study.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.265-271
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• 2012

HoxB4, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, is involved in the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells in vivo and in vitro, and plays a key role in regulating the balance between hematopoietic stem cell renewal and cell differentiation. However, the biological activity of HoxB4 in other cells has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the effect of overexpressed HoxB4 on cell survival under various conditions that induce death, using the Ba/F3 cell line. Analysis of phenotypical characteristics showed that HoxB4 overexpression in Ba/F3 cells reduced cell size, death, and proliferation rate. Moreover, the progression from early to late apoptotic stages was inhibited in Ba/F3 cells subjected to HoxB4 overexpression under removal of interleukin-3-mediated signal, leading to the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and attenuated cell death by Fas protein stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, apoptotic cell death induced by doxorubicin-treated G2/M phase cell-cycle arrest also decreased with HoxB4 overexpression in Ba/F3 cells. From these data, we suggest that HoxB4 may play an important role in the regulation of pro-B cell survival under various apoptotic death environments.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2000

Despite extensive investigation, the mechanisms of immune responses to Candida albicans infection remain poorly understood. Using RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis, this study demonstrates the pattern of IL-6 mRNA expression in thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages and NIH3T3 fibroblasts (NIH3T3) in response to C. albicans. The expression of IL-6 mRNA was detectable in both cell types. However, IL-10 mRNA was only expressed in the macrophages, and IL-4 mRNA was not expressed in neither of the two cell types. Although the phagocytic function of the macrophages was inhibited by Cytochalasin D, these macrophages could still induce the expression of IL-6mRNA. These findings indicated that the phagocytosis of C. albicans is not pivotal in the induction of IL-6 mRNA expression. A Northern blot analysis was used to investigate the dose effects of C. albicans and time-course kinetics of IL-6 mRNA expression at various time points. IL-6 mRNA was expressed in a dose-independent manner, and was detectable as early as 30min after C. albicans stimulation. It was evenly sustained up to 4h. These results can contribute to understanding the mechanism of IL-6 mRNA expression in macrophages and NIH3T3 cells in response to C, albicans.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.106-110
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• 2015

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a new clomiphene citrate (CC) regimen on preventing thin endometrial lining in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients receiving CC plus gonadotropin treatment with a timed intercourse cycle. Methods: A total of 114 women with PCOS were included in this trial. Patients were divided into two groups and treated in accordance with the controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol. In group A, 104 COS cycles in 67 patients were included, and in each cycle 150 mg CC was given for three days, starting from day 3. In group B, 69 COS cycles in 47 patients were included, in which 100 mg CC was given for five days, starting from day 3. The thickness of the endometrium was measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. Timed intercourse was recommended at 24 and 48 hours after the hCG injection. Results: Additional doses of human menopausal gonadotropin and the number of days of hCG administration were not significantly different between the two groups. Endometrial thickness on the day of hCG administration was significantly larger in group A than group B (4$9.4{\pm}2.1mm$ vs. $8.5{\pm}1.7mm$, p=0.004). The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group A than in group B (38.4% vs. 21.7%, p=0.030). Conclusion: Three-day CC treatment resulted in a significantly higher pregnancy rate than the standard five-day CC treatment in a timed intercourse cycle in PCOS patients. Facilitating adequate endometrial growth via the early discontinuation of CC might be a crucial factor in achieving a higher pregnancy rate.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.173-179
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• 2005

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme catalyzing the first step for scavenging the reactive oxygen species is important as an early warning indicator to address various biological stresses. For this reason, the monitoring the expressed pattern of SOD gene in fish organs is one of important biomarkers to assess the aquatic pollution caused by many toxic chemicals. Based on the Northern blot hybridization, semi-quantitative and/or realtime RT-PCRs, the alteration of SOD gene transcripts in shark liver was examined during the experimental acute exposures to cadmium. The expression of SOD at mRNA level was up-regulated both by injection (0, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg $CdCl_2/kg$ body weight for 48 hours) and by immersion (0 or $5{\mu}M$ Cd for 0, 1, 4 and 7 days) treatments of cadmium. The transcriptional stimulation of shark SOD gene by cadmium exposure was dependent upon doses and durations: there was a trend toward more increase in higher dose and longer durations of exposure. The hepatic SOD mRNA levels showed also a general agreement with the tissue cadmium concentrations accumulated in immersion exposure. This result may provide useful strategy to develop a fine molecular biomarker at mRNA level for detecting aquatic pollution caused by toxic metals.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.140-148
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• 1968

Ginkgo biloba L., which was distributed in Korea, was x-rayed with 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 6000R. The results of responses about germination, morphological variations in seedling and early stage growth may be summarized as follows : 1. The germination percent was decreased with X-ray increasing dose from 500R except the slight stimulation of 100R. 2. The germination $LD_{50}$ seemed to be 765R. 3. The seedling height was depressed significantly but only slightly in 100R. 4. The loaf index was increased proportionally to high dose but T/R ratio was reduced apparently. 5. The dry or fresh weight decreased from 250R. It was highly significant except 100R. 6. Many morphological variations were indicated in plants.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.46-64
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• 2003

Therapeutic angiogenesis is the controlled induction or stimulation of new blood vessel formation to reduce unfavourable tissue effects caused by local hypoxia and to enhance tissue repair. Therapeutic ultrasound can be considered as a physical agent to deliver therapeutic angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic ultrasound after muscle contusion injury by observed immunoreactivity of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) that plays an important role in angiogenesis and substance-P in pain transmission. Ultrasound irradiation(1MHz, $1W/cm^2$, continuous mode, treatment time 5 min) was applied through water submersion technique to 1 limb daily by kept off 5cm from muscle belly of gastrocnemius. The result of this study were as follows. 1. In morphological observation, there were no significant changes excepts of 7 days. At 7 days, granular tissue viewed abundantly in control group. In other groups, general feature were increased interspace of muscle fiber; centronucleated muscle fiber; collapsed of muscle and nerve tissue; appeared inflammatory cell. 2. The VEGF was expressed in interspace of muscle fiber. Especially, at 7 days in experimental group, VEGF was showed in connective tissue surrounding gastrocnemius muscle. 3. The VEGF was higher expressed in experimental group at 2 and 3 days, but in control group at 7 days. These data suggest therapeutic ultrasound enhanced production of VEGF in the early day relatively, therefore stimulated angiogenesis in the skeletal muscle induced contusion injury. Also therapeutic ultrasound may stimulate pain relief by diminish of substance-P in dorsal horn of spinal cord.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5883-5890
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• 2013

Previously, we demonstrated overexpression of semaphorin4D (SEMA4D, CD100) to be closely related to tumor angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). However, the function and expression of SEMA4D in the EOC microenvironment has yet to be clarified in detail. In this study, we confirmed that overexpression of SEMA4D in primary tumors and ascites was related to low differentiation, platinum resistance and a refractory status (P<0.05), while high M2 macrophage count and percentage were evident in EOC patients with advanced FIGO stage and platinum resistance (P<0.05), using immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), respectively. The data showed correlations of SEMA4D expression and M2 macrophage counts in primary tumors and M2 macrophage percentage in ascites (r=0.281 and 0.355, each P<0.05). In the Cox proportional hazard mode, SEMA4D expression was an independent indicator of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for EOC patients. Furthermore, higher expression of SEMA4D in ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3, A2780, and SW626) and their supernatants were found than that in a human primary cultured ovarian cell and its supernatant by reversed transcript PCR (RT-PCR), Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Interestingly, peripheral blood monocytes (MOs) tended towards the M2-polarized macrophage phenotype ($CD163^{high}$) in vitro after human recombined soluble SEMA4D protein stimulation. These findings suggest that SEMA4D might possibly serve as a reliable tool for early and accurate prediction of EOC poor prognosis and could playan important role in promoting tumor dissemination and metastasis in the EOC microenvironment. Thus SEMA4D and its role in macrophage polarization in EOC warrants further study.

• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.7
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• 2020

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an IgE (immunoglobin-E) mediated inflammatory condition of upper respiratory tract; main clinical features involve runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itching and watery eyes. AR is a global problem and has large variations in incidences, currently affects up to 20% - 40% of the population worldwide. It may not be a life-threatening disease per se but indisposition from the condition can be severe and has the potential to adversely affect the daily functioning of life. Classical yoga literature indicates that, components of yoga have been used to treat numerous inflammatory conditions including upper respiratory tract. A few yoga intervention studies reported improvement in lung capacity, Nasal air flow and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This review examined various anti-inflammatory pathways mediated through Yoga that include downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The hypothalaminic-pitutary-adrenal (HPA) axis and vagal efferent stimulation has been reported to mediate anti-inflammatory effect. A significant reduction is also reported in other inflammatory biomarkers like- TNF-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), plasma CRP and Cortisol level. Neti, a yogic nasal cleansing technique, reported beneficial effect on AR by direct physical cleansing of thick mucus, allergens, and inflammatory mediator from nasal mucosa resulting in improved ciliary beat frequency. We do not find any study showing effect of yoga on neurogenic inflammation. In summary, Integrated Yoga Therapy may have beneficial effect in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with allergic rhinitis. Yoga may reduce inflammation through mediating neuro-endocrino-immunological network. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanism how yoga might modulate immune inflammation cascade and neurogenic inflammation at the cellular level in relevance to allergic rhinitis; the effects of kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques) also need to be evaluated in early and late phase of AR. So the proposed model could guide future research.