• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.96-105
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Skin aging is reportedly associated with regulation in collagen and elastin synthesis. This study investigated the potential of combining light-emitting diode (LED) treatments using a 630-nm and 850-nm LED with simultaneous microcurrent application. Materials and Methods The dorsal skin of female pigs was treated with a home-use device. We examined the treatment effects using photography, thermocamera, microscopic pathology, and histological examination to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of the procedure. A histological observation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Victoria blue, and immunohistochemical staining. We also used the Sircol soluble collagen and elastin assay kit to measure the amounts of collagen and elastin in the porcine back skin tissue after 2 and 6 weeks. Results Evaluation by visual inspection and devices showed no skin damage or heat-induced injury at the treatment site. Histological staining revealed that accurate treatment of the targeted dermis layer effectively enhanced collagen and elastin deposition. Collagen type I, a protein defined by immunohistochemical staining, was overexpressed in the early stages of weeks 2 and 6. Combined therapy findings showed the superior capability of the 630-nm and 850-nm LED procedures to induce collagen; in contrast, elastin induction was more pronounced after microcurrent treatments. Conclusion The home-use LED device, comprising a combination of 630-nm and 850-nm LEDs and microcurrent, is safe and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for self-administered facial rejuvenation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.927-937
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• 2022

The reproductive characteristics of Pacific anchovy, Engraulis japonicus were investigated using samples randomly collected from the southern waters of Korea between January and December 2021. We analyzed monthly changes in maturity stages, gonadosomatic index (GSI), egg diameter, fecundity, and fork length (FL) at sexual groups maturity of 50%, 75% and 97.5%, and sex ratio (female:male). GSI value showed two peaks in May and August; however, microscopic analysis of E. japonicus gonad tissue revealed that the spawning period was from March to October. The main spawning seasons for the entire populations were from April to June and August to September. The overall sex ratio was female-biased (1 females, 0.89 male). The fecundity (F) of female anchovies ranged from 429 eggs at an FL of 8.0 cm to 13,824 eggs at an FL of 14.9 cm and the relationship between FL and F was 0.0788FL^4.422. The FL at 50% group maturity was 8.26 cm for female anchovies. Based on the results, we suggest that the reproductive cycle in Pacific anchovies may be related to pulses in water temperature and the sexual cycle of the fish.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.315-323
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• 2023

The maturity and spawning of the large yellow croaker Larmichthys crocea were investigated using samples randomly collected in the Jeju coastal area, Korea. We analyzed monthly changes in maturity stages, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and egg diameter. Additionally, we verified fecundity by size class and total length (TL) at sexual group maturity at 50%, 75%, and 97.5%, as well as by sex ratio (female vs. male). The overall sex ratio of females to males was 1:0.42. The GSI values showed a peak in October, but the spawning season, revealed by the microscopic analysis of gonadal tissue of L. crocea was from October 2021 to March 2022, with the main spawning period from October to November. The fecundity (F) of female L. crocea ranged from 39,232 eggs at 20 to 29.9 cm to 251,003 eggs at 50 to 59.9 cm, with the relationship between TL and F being 80.244TL-1641.6. In females, TL at 50%, 75%, and 97.5% maturity was 22.4, 24.3, and 29.0 cm, respectively.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.191-191
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• 2022

Heterostyly continues to fascinate evolutionary biologists interested in heredity, evolution, breeding, and adaptive function. Polymorphism demonstrates how simply inherited developmental changes in the location of plant sexual associations can have important consequences for population pollination and mating biology. In contrast to homozygous self incompatibility, only a small number of mating phenotypes can be maintained in the population because insect pollinators have limitations in achieving multiple segregation sites for pollen deposition. Field studies of pollen tube growth have shown that reciprocal style-stamen polymorphisms function to increase the capacity of insect-mediated cross-pollination. The genetic pattern of style morphs is well established in various taxa, but despite recent advances, the identity, number, and structure of the genes controlling the heteromorphic syndrome have been poorly elucidated. The phenomenon of heterostyly in buckwheat has been controlled by gene complex concentrate to S-locus. Homomorphic autogamous buckwheat strains were established by the interspecific hybridization. Backcrossing of this line to the common buckwheat (pin) and selecting homostylar progenies made it possible to introduce the self-compatible gene into common buckwheat. In the result, we obtained the BC₉F₂ generation, and defined the strong linkage between flower type and self-incompatibility by microscopic observation of pollen tube growth. This finding suggests that self-incompatibility character is not controlled by one gene. Moreover, we defined the strong linkage between flower type and self-incompatibility. It strongly supports the S supergene theory. Therefore, we have plan to elucidate the heterostyly self-incompatibility by using molecular genetics, proteome analysis and apply to exploitation of buckwheat improvement. In near future, the expression of heterozygous syndromes in genus Fagopyrum with single isolated heterozygous species may provide clues to early stages of polymorphic assembly and shed light on evolutionary models of heterozygous strains.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.667-675
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• 2023

The Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius is an economically important fish species in the southwestern waters of Korea. This study aimed to provide insights into the reproductive biology of this species in the southwestern waters of Korea. We analyzed monthly changes in fork length (FL), maturity stages, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Moreover, we measured the in FL at sexual group maturity of 50%, 75%, 97.5%, and sex ratio (female vs. male). The overall sex ratio of female and male was 1:0.8. GSI value showed the highest peak in May; however, the spawning period revealed by the microscopic analysis of gonad tissue of S. niphonius was from April to August 2020. The main spawning seasons for the entire populations was from May to June. The fork length at 50% group maturity was 53.3 cm for females and 53.1 cm for males. These results of spawning period of Spanish mackerel highlight the influences of water temperatures that were higher than those in the past, an increase in resource levels, and the level of Pacific anchovy resources flowing into the spawning ground.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.117-124
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• 2024

The objective of Value Engineering (VE) is to derive the optimal value at the most efficient life cycle cost, comprising three stages: Pre-Study, Study, and Post-Study. In this study, we propose a method for information collection and analysis during planned site visit surveys in the preparation stage of VE. The 3D spatial model, created using a drone, facilitated observation and analysis of the study area from various angles, both from the center and the outside. Additionally, through the utilization of drones, we conducted on-site investigations of the research area's 3D spatial model, enabling a macroscopic perspective previously only feasible through a microscopic viewpoint during planned site visits in the pre-study phase. Furthermore, the utilization of actual spatial data obtained from observations allowed for real-time information verification during Design VE workshops, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the VE project.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.204-218
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• 2024

Elsholtzia fruticosa (EF) is present in tropical regions throughout South Asian countries as well as the Himalayas. Although it has been used as a traditional medicine to treat digestive, respiratory, and inflammatory issues, its effect on preadipocyte differentiation is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of a methanol extract prepared from EF on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Cell differentiation was assessed by microscopic observation and oil-red O staining. The expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, including PPARγ and C/EBPα, was measured by western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), to provide insight into adipogenesis and lipogenesis mechanisms. The results indicated that EF promotes the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, with elevated lipid accumulation occurring in a concentration-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity. EF enhances the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, including PPARγ, FABP4, adiponectin, and FAS, at the mRNA and protein levels. The effect of EF was more pronounced during the early and middle stages of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. Treatment with EF decreased C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA and protein levels, while increasing C/EBPα and PPARγ expression. Treatment with EF resulted in the upregulation of cyclin E and CDK2 gene expression within 24 h, followed by a decrease at 48 h, demonstrating the early-stage impact of EF. A concomitant increase in cyclin-D1 levels was observed compared with untreated cells, indicating that EF modulates lipogenic and adipogenic genes through intricate mechanisms involving CHOP and cell cycle pathways. In summary, EF induces the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by increasing the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, possibly through CHOP and cell cycle-dependent mechanisms.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2006

Ultrastructure of germ cells, the cyst epithelial cells and interstitial cells during spermatogenesis of the stone flounder, Kareius bicoloratus (Pleuronectidae) sampled on the west coast of Korea were investigated by electron microscopic observations. In the primary spermatocyte, the synaptonemal complexes appear in the zygotene stage of the prophase during maturation division. In the growing testis, especially, the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) appear near the primary, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Well-developed interstitial cells (steroid hormone secreting cells) which are located in the interlobular space in growing testis have three morphological characteristics of a vesicular nucleus, mitochondria with tubular cristae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During spermatogenesis, the primary and secondary spermatocytes attach to the cyst epithelial cell (Sertoli cell) having an elongated ovoid or triangular nucleus and several mitochondria in the cytoplasm. In the growing testis, lipid droplets, the mitochondrial rosettes and glycogen particles appear in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells near the secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Particularly, the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, little lipid droplets and the large amount of glycogen particles are present in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cell in the late growing testis. In the late stage of spermiogenesis, the proximal centriole is joined to the nuclear envelope, the distal centriole forms the basal body of the flagellum and gives rise to the axial filament of the flagellum. No acrosome of the sperm is formed as seen in other teleost fish. The head of the spermatozoon is approximately $3{\mu}m$ in length and its tail is about $30{\mu}m$ in length. The axoneme of the tail flagellum of the spermatozoon consists of nine outer doublet microtubules at the periphery and two centrial singlet microtubules at the center. The spermatozoon of this species has two axonemal lateral fins. Especially, the cyst epithelial cells which located near groups of gametes in the various stages, show three functions: nutrition, phagocytosis and steroidogenesis. Especially, the nuclei of cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages appear to be irregular in shape after spermiation. Of three functions of the cyst epithelial cell, several characteristics of phagocytosis are showed in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages. At this stage, therefore, it is assumed that the cyst epithelial cells are involved in degeneration and resorption of undischarged germ cells after spermiation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2003

Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy, and the factors affecting survival in patients of extrahepatic bile duct cancer, by analyzing the results of postoperative radiotherapy Materials and Methods : Between October 1991 and July 2001, 21 patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer, who received radiotherapy after a radical resection, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' ages ranged from 39 to 75 years, with a median of 61 years, and a male to female ratio of 16 to 5. The numbers of patients with proximal and distal bile duct cancer were 14 and 7, respectively. From the postoperative pathological examination, 19 of the patients were found to have microscopic residues, and 7 to be lymph node positive. Patients with AJCC stages I, II and III were 10, 10 and 1, respectively. The total radiation dose administered was 4,500$\~$6,300 cGy, with a median dose of 5,040 cGy. The follow up period was 20$\~$81 months, with a median of 57.5 months. Results : The overall and disease free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 41.0 and 29.3$\%$, and 41.6 and 29.7$\%$, respectively. The influences of age, sex, tumor location, differentiation, microscopic residue, neural invasion, 7 and N stage, the stage itself, the dose of radiation and chemotherapy, on survival were evaluated. The T stage and the stage itself were found to be significant from a univariate analysis (p<0.05), but the degree of significance was limited by the small number of patients. A recurrence occurred in 12 patients (57.1$\%$), 5 in locoregional sites, 4 in distant sites and 3 in a combination of locoregional and distant sites, and the sites of distant metastasis were the liver, 6, and the bone, 1 Grade 2 or 3 acute leucopenias occurred in 2 patients and grade 2 chronic peptic ulcers occurred in 4, who were all recovered by conservative management. Conclusion : Postoperative radiotherapy is feasigbls in extrah데atic bile duct cancer, with tolerable toxicity, but prospective studies, with a large patient enrollment, are needed for the evaluation of the effects of postoperative radiotherapy and the related prognostic factors.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.155-168
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• 2002

Purpose; Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multi-system involvement and renal damage is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Renal involvement is more common and severe in children than in adults. Therefore, renal biopsy plays a crucial role in planning effective therapy. In this study, we investigated the clinical and pathological findings of lupus nephritis in children to aid clinical care of the disease. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 40 patients who were diagnosed as SLE with renal involvement in Shinchon Severance Hospital from Jan. 1990 to Sep. 2002 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The ratio of male to female patients was 1:3 and the median age at diagnosis was 12.1(2-18) years old. FANA(95.0%), anti-ds DNA antibody(87.5%), malar rash(80.0%) were the most common findings among the classification criteria by ARA. Microscopic hematuria with proteinuria(75.0%), nephrotic syndrome(55.0%), and microscopic hematuria alone(15.0%) were the most common renal presentations in the respective order at diagnosis. There were 27 cases with WHO class IV lupus nephritis confirmed by renal biopsy and 3 cases with pathological changes of WHO class type. Different treatment modalities were carried out : prednisolone only in 5 cases, prednisol-one+azat-hioprine in 9 cases, prednisolone+azathioprine+intravenous cyclophosphamide in 14 cases, prednisolone+cyclosporine A+intravenous cyclophosphamide in 12 cases, plasma exchange in 9 cases and intravenous gamma-globulin in 2 cases. The average follow-up period was $51.8{\pm}40.5$ months. During $51.8{\pm}40.5$ months. During follow-up, 4 patients expired. The risk factors associated with mortality were male, WHO class IV and acute renal failure at diagnosis. Conclusion: Renal involvement was noted in 63.5% of childhood SLE, and 67.5% of renal lesion was WHO class IV lupus nephritis which is known to be associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore aggressive treatment employing immunosuppressant during the early stages of disease could be helpful in improving long-term prognosis. But careful attention should be given to optimize the treatment due to unique problems associated with growth, psychosocial development and gonadal toxicity, especially in children.