Infection with Helicobacter pylori leads to gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Moreover, when the gastric mucosa is exposed to H. pylori, gastric mucosal inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) and reactive oxygen (ROS) species increase. Tribulus terrestris L. is an annual creeping herb of the family Zygophyllaceae. In this study, the effect of Tribulus terrestris L. fruits extract (TTE) extract on H. pylori-infected human gastric epithelial cells was examined. Cell viability was determined by the tetrazolium salt reduction method using WST-1 according to the manufacturer's instructions. AGS cells were pretreated with TTE extract for 24 hrs followed by H. pylori infection for up to 24 hrs. IL-8 secretion in AGS cells was measured by ELISA. The extract yield of the fruits of Tribulus terrestris with 50% ethanol was 20.60%. We analyzed TFE composition by LC. The concentration of Protodioscin in TFE was 310 μg/mL. It was confirmed that exposure to 100 μg/mL of TTE had no significant effect on cell proliferation at the concentrations examined (12.5–200 μg/mL). It was therefore concluded that TTE at these concentrations had no cytotoxic effects on AGS cells and could be used in this study. Pretreatment of H. pylori-infected AGS cells with 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL of TTE for 24 hrs significantly decreased IL-8 production by 12.5%, 25%, 27.5% and 50%, respectively, compared to H. pylori-infected cells without TTE. In this study, we found that TTE inhibited H. pylori-induced IL-8 secretion, thus augmenting their benefit in regard to protection of gastric epithelial cells. This study suggests that ingestion of these plant extracts could have therapeutic implications for patients with H. pylori induced gastritis and duodenal ulcer.

최근 이러한 다양한 청소년 문제들을 해결하기 위해서 올바른 사회성 함양과 관계 형성을 위한 체험프로그램이 개발 및 보급되고 있는데, 특히 애완동물에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다, 그중 곤충이 많아지고 있으며, 최근에 초등학생을 대상으로 선호도와 효과성 연구가 진행 되었다. 그 결과 장수풍뎅이와 사슴벌레를 가장 많이 선호하였으 며, 초등학생들에게 스트레스 감소, 자아존중감 향상, 정서적 효과가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 앞으로 곤충에 색을 활용한 컬러테라피에 대한 연구과 다양한 대상으로 한 연구 가 지속적으로 이루어진다면 곤충을 활용한 연구가 확대될 것으로 기대한다.

Hyperlipidemia has been ranked as one of the greatest risk factors contributing to the prevalence and severity of coronary heart diseases. The pharmacological actions of tangerine (Citrus unshiu) peel include the facilitation of fat digestive enzymes. Also, guarana (Paullinia cupana) has been used for stimulants and tonics over a long period. In this study, we aimed to optimize the mixed ratio of organic tangerine peel and guarana extracts to suppress fat accumulation. To determine the optimized the mixed ratio of tangerine (Citrus unshiu) peel extract (C) and guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract (P) on adipogenesis, maturing preadipocytes were incubated during the 8-day induction period with various ratio of the mixed extracts groups like as Vehicle (DMEM 200 μl/ml), Con (MDI DMEM 200 μl/ml), C10 (MDI DMEM 180μl/ml+C 20 μl/ml), C9:P1 (MDI DMEM 180 μl/ml+C 18 μl/ml+P 2 μl/ml), C5:P5 (MDI DMEM 180 μl/ml+C 10 μl/ml+P 10 μl/ ml), P10 (MDI DMEM 180 μl/ml+P 20 μl/ml). Thereafter, the adipocytes were stained with Oil-Red-O and analyzed for lipid contents. As the results, organic tangerine peel and guarana extracts were revealed to reduce fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The fat accumulation significantly decreased in C5:P5 group, which is equally mixed with organic tangerine peel and guarana extracts, as compared to other groups. Based on these results, we found the optimized ratio with organic tangerine peel and guarana extracts to suppress fat accumulation. We suggest that this optimized organic tangerine peel and guarana complex might reduce effectively the serum lipid components and improve the lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic patient.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) is considered an etiological agent of arthritis in suckling pigs. Recently, some M. hyorhinis strains were shown to produce pneumonia that is indistinguishable from the mycoplasmosis caused by M. hyopneumoniae. In this study, we developed a sensitive and specific PCR assay to detect M. hyorhinis and applied the developed PCR assay for detection of Mycoplasma infection in clinical piglets infected with M. hyorhinis. We developed a new PCR assay using a M. hyorhinis-specific primer pair, Mrhin-F and Mrhin-R, designed from the Mycoplasma 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The primers and probe for the assay were designed from regions in the Mycoplasma 16S-23S rRNA ITS unique to M. hyorhinis. The developed PCR assay was very specific and sensitive for the detection of M. hyorhinis. The assay could detect the equivalent of 1 pg of target template DNA, which indicates that the assay was very sensitive. In addition, M. hyorhinis PCR assay detected only M. hyorhinis and not any other Mycoplasma or bacterial spp. of other genera. The new developed PCR assay effectively detected M. hyorhinis infection in pigs. We suggest that this PCR assay using a M. hyorhinis-specific primer pair, Mrhin-F and Mrhin-R, could be useful and effective for monitoring M. hyorhinis infection in pigs.

Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is a goal oriented intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals in health, education and human service for the purpose of therapeutic gains in humans. Animal assisted interventions incorporate human-animal teams in formal human service such as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Animal Assisted Education (AAE). Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) is the informal AAI often conducted on a volunteer basis by the human-animal team for motivational, educational and recreational purposes. AAI could be used for rehabilitation therapy and psychotherapy for patients with various symptoms. AAI uses animals, mostly dogs, to aid in healing patients holistically. Dogs have an overwhelming gratitude and exuberance for life and this effect on people is astounding. Furthermore, AAI has been researched and its effectiveness on patients' outcomes and healing is documented. With a soaring trend of the incorporation of complementary therapies into the mainstream of therapy and health care, animal-facilitated therapy has become a popular interest for the therapy team to integrate into a patient's plan of therapy. The purpose of this manuscript is to raise awareness about AAI and to familiarize readers with the concepts surrounding AAI so that they can be informed aids to clients who might benefit from the technique.

Salsola komarovi Iljin is a halophyte and herbaceous annual native to the sand dunes and beaches of Japan, northern China, Sakhalin, and Korea. The plants have been known as an ecologically important species for enhancing formation of sand dunes in Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-gastric ulcer effect of Salsola komarovi Iljin halophyte in an HCl-ethanol-induced gastritis model. SD rats (7-weeks-old) were divided into normal (I, n=10), control (II, 60% HCl-ethanol + water, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + Ranitidine 300 mg/kg (III, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + Salicornia herbacea L. 500 mg/kg (IV, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg (V, n=10), and 60% HCl-ethanol + water extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg (VI, n=10) groups. Salsola komarovi Iljin significantly suppressed gastric lesions and ulcers in the 60% HCl-ethanol-induced gastric model. Especially, 500 mg/kg of 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin showed significant inhibitory effects against gastritis. Especially, 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg showed a significantly inhibitory effect, which was more potent than that of 300 mg/kg of Ranitidine. In histopathological analysis of the animal model, Salsola komarovi Iljin attenuated gastric ulcer formation. Our results suggest that Salsola komarovi Iljin has inhibitory effects against gastritis and gastric ulcers and could be developed as a new anti-gastric ulcer agent.

Some researchers have been the effect of people petting a dog while measuring their brain waves using an EEG recorder. However, until now, there was little information on the effects of petting a dog. This study investigated the effects of petting a companion dog on electrical activity in the brain as evaluated by an electroencephalogram(EEG). The subject was 23 healthy male young adult. EEG electrodes were attached at the frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes according to the international 10-20 system. The subject conducted petting a retriever dog for a period of 3 minutes each before, and after petting a dog. The activity of petting a dog decreased the alpha power/beta power ratio on the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain. These decreases induced by the increased beta power. The increased beta power induced the enhancement of brain activity. It is concluded that petting a dog increases the state of activity in the brain; alpha powers/beta powers ratio was increased in the brain of subject. This is expected to be utilized to activate the brain areas for creativity of the subjects.

Canine herpesvirus (CHV) is a member of the alphaherpesvirus subfamily, which can cause severe hemorrhagic diseases in neonatal pups as well as mild or subclinical respiratory infections in adult dogs. We examined the effects of cold stress on disease progression of CHV, an alphaherpesvirus, in neonatal puppies. Eight puppies were challenged intranasally with CHV suspension and divided into a cold stress treatment group and a hyperthermal group. Four pups were left uninoculated as controls and divided into cold and hyperthermal groups. In the challenged cold treatment group, all pups showed CHV-related disease within 5 days; pathological changes were observed in organs of puppies showing clinical symptoms. Grossly, numerous petechial red foci were scattered throughout lungs, kidneys, livers, and intestines of all CHV-infected puppies exposed to cold stress. Most puppies showed typical clinical signs and macroscopic lesions, and CHV infection was confirmed by isolation of the virus. However, in the challenged hyperthermal group, only one of the pups showed mild symptoms of CHV-induced disease. None of the puppies in the uninoculated group showed abnormal signs, although they were exposed to cold stress. These findings indicate that cold stress can cause rapid disease progression of CHV, an alphaherpesvirus.

Companion animal is an animal kept primarily for a person's company or protection. The most popular pcompanion animals are noted for their attractive appearances and their loyal or playful personalities. Companion animals commonly provide their owners physical and emotional benefits. Companion animals can give companionship to elderly adults who do not have adequate social interaction with other people. We are aimed to conduct the survey research to evaluate the perception of twenties's interviewers on the companion animals. We deals with the findings obtained from extensive interviews with a representative samples. The objectives of interviews included twenties year-old ages. Questions focused on how interviewers were recognized the perception of companion animals. Questionnaire and technical data are analysed and summarized. As the results of the survey research, the objectives of interviews had positively understood about the perception of companion animals.

Registration and identification of companion dos in urban areas is important for the wellbeing of the animals themselves, owner's piece of mind, and to allow city to plan for future community needs. Recently, in Korea, all dogs in urban areas must be registered at the regional city offices. Owners are encouraged to implant microchips in their cats and dogs regardless of age as it ensures these pets can be quickly reunited with the owners after separation. We are aimed to conduct the survey research to evaluate the perception of companion dog's owners on the animal registration policy. We deals with the findings obtained from extensive interviews with a representative samples. The objectives of interviews included 300 owners in Iksan city. Questions focused on how people were recognized the need and policies of animal registration. Questionnaire and technical data are analysed and summarized. As the results of the survey research, the objectives of interviews had well understood about the policies of animal registration. Conclusionally, the promotions of animal registration policies were need. The development of fanimal registration policies were desirable for the establishment of companion animal welfare.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes a life-threatening opportunistic infection. Despite its clinical importance, very few therapeutic drugs against T. gondii are available. Furthermore, these therapeutic regimens are not always suitable for prolonged treatment due to adverse side effects as well as the potential of clinical failure by selecting drug-resistant parasite variants. Dictamnus dasycarpus is known to have many medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and anti-rheumatic activities. In this study, 70% ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus showed anti-T. gondii effects. Ethanolic extracts of Dictamnus dasycarpus used to treat T. gondii were tested in vitro for their anti-T. gondii activity and cytotoxicity. The selectivity of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract was 7.52, which was higher than that of Sulfadiazine (2.08). We conducted an in vivo animal test to evaluate the anti-T. gondii activity of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract as compared with that of Sulfadiazine. In T. gondii-infected mice, the inhibition rate of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract was high, similar to that of Sulfadiazine. This indicates that Dictamnus dasycarpus extract may be a source of new anti-T. gondii compounds.

The anti-diabetes mechanism of silkworm Bombyx mori L. powder and extracts was found to inhibit the activity of α-glycosidase. The major functional component of silkworm powder was 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), which exerts a blood glucose-lowering effect. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the supplements, including red ginseng extract on the functional components of silkworm. Fifty silkworm larvae were divided into the control group (Con, N=50), group A (A, artificial diet 95% and mulberry leaf powder 5%), group B (B, artificial diet 95% and mulberry powder 5%), group C (C, artificial diet 95% and Rubus coreanus remainders 5%), group D (D, artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%), and group E (E, artificial diet 95% and yeast powder (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Body weights and length of silkworm larvae showed significant improvement in group A, D. In particular, the growth rate in group D (artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%) was larger than that of Con. In addition, the results showed that 1-DNJ concentration was significantly largest in group D. From these results, it is concluded that the addition of red ginseng extract may be effective for larval growth and 1-DNJ accumulation in silkworm rearing with an artificial diet.

A three-year-old Russian Blue female cat was presented for long-standing infertility and recent development of male behavior. From one to three years of age, the cat had been bred, however, pregnancy never resulted. Abnormal enlargement of the uterus and ovaries was observed by abdominal sonography and radiography. An ovariohystectomy was performed. In the uterus, adenocaricnoma lesions were found and characterized microscopically by replacement of the endometrium with a population of large polyhedral cells with a tubulopapillary or nested arrangement and a supporting fibrous stroma with minimal vascularization. In addition, the pedunculated mass was diagnosed as leiomyoma, which was continuous with the myometrium, composed of closely packed sheets of spindle cells embedded in vascularized stroma, and covered with a discontinuous endometrial epithelium. The ovarian neoplasm was diagnosed as an ovarian interstitial cell tumor. Based on the histopathological characteristics, this case was diagnosed as a simultaneous occurrence of an ovarian interstitial-cell tumor and uterine adenocarcinoma and leiomyoma in a female cat. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents a rare case of multiple tumors in the genital organs of a cat.

In this study, a medicinal herbal plant, Cinnamomum cassia, was extracted by three different methods using water, methanol, or ethanol. For anti-helicobacter activity screening, inhibitory zone tests as an in vitro assay were performed respectively with the extracting compounds. As the result of inhibitory zone test, Cinnamomum cassia extract exhibited strong anti-helicobacter activity. In addition, we performed a comparison of the antibacterial activities according to the extracting methods of Cinnamomum cassia against Helicobacter pylori. The 70% ethanol-extracted compound exhibited stronger anti-helicobacter activity than the compounds extracted with water or methanol. These results indicate that it can be used for treatment against H. pylori infection and protected against H. pylori-induced pathology using 70% ethanol-extracted Cinnamomum cassia.

Bone remodeling is a process controlled by the action of two major bone cells; the bone forming osteoblast and the bone resorbing osteoclast. In the process of osteoclastogenesis, stromal cells and osteoblast produce RANKL, OPG, and M-CSF, which in turn regulate the osteoclastogenesis. During the bone resorption by activated osteoclasts, extracellular Ca²+/PO₄²- concentration and degraded organic materials goes up, providing the hypertonic microenvironment. In this study, we tested the effects of hypertonicity due to the degraded organic materials on osteoclastogenesis in co-culture system. It was examined the cellular response of osteoblastic cell in terms of osteoclastogenesis by applying the sucrose, and mannitol, as a substitute of degraded organic materials to co-culture system. Apart from the sucrose, mannitol, and NaCl was tested to be compared to the effect of organic osmotic particles. The addition of sucrose and mannitol (25, 50, 100, 150, or 200 mM) to co-culture medium inhibited the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive multinucleated cells induced by 10 nM (). However, NaCl did exert harmful effect upon the cells in this co-culture system, which is attributed to DNA damage in high concentration of NaCl. To further investigate the mechanism by which hypertonicity inhibits -induced osteoclastogenesis, the mRNA expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were monitored by RT-PCR. In the presence of sucrose (50 mM), RANKL mRNA expression was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while the change in OPG and M-CSF mRNA were not occurred in significantly. The RANKL mRNA expression was inhibited for 48 hours in the presence of sucrose (50 mM), but such a decrement recovered after 72 hours. However, there were no considerable changes in the expression of OPG and M-CSF mRNA. Conclusively, these findings strongly suggest that hypertonic stress down-regulates -induced osteoclastogenesis via RANKL signal pathway in osteoblastic cell, and may playa pivotal role as a regulator that modulates osteoclastogenesis.

Arabidopsis atDjC53 and atDjC32 gene DnaJ-like protein homologous to DnaJ-like protein was characterized for the functional analysis of DnaJ-like protein. It was shown that atDjC53 and atDjC32 RNA expression is induced by heat shock stress and atDjC53- and atDjC32-GFP was targeted to the nucleus of protoplasts. The atDjC53 and atDjC32 promoter (1 kb) was isolated and fused to the GUS reporter gene to investigate gene regulation of atDjC53 and atDjC32 specific to heat shock stress or to developmental organ in the transgenic lines. RNAi and overexpression construct was employed to generate atDjC53 and atDjC32 knock-out plants for the study of their function. Molecular function of atDjC53 and atDjC32 is discussed in relation to heat shock and also developmental stages in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis atDjC53 and atDjC32 gene DnaJ-like protein homologous to DnaJ-like protein was characterized for the functional analysis of DnaJ-like protein. It was shown that atDjC53 and atDjC32 RNA expression is induced by heat shock stress and atDjC53- and atDjC32-GFP was targeted to the nucleus of protoplasts. The atDjC53 and atDjC32 promoter (1 kb) was isolated and fused to the GUS reporter gene to investigate gene regulation of atDjC53 and atDjC32 specific to heat shock stress or to developmental organ in the transgenic lines. RNAi and overexpression construct was employed to generate atDjC53 and atDjC32 knock-out plants for the study of their function. Molecular function of atDjC53 and atDjC32 is discussed in relation to heat shock and also developmental stages in Arabidopsis.