The hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) of the honeybee worker produces royal jelly (RJ) and has a developmental cycle closely related to the division of labor. In this study, we investigated to compare the HPG acini diameter of differently aged worker bees with high royal jelly producing colony (HRC) or less producing colony (LRC). Additionally, we also evaluated whether the fresh weight of the head is a reliable indicator of the developmental status of HPG. The HRC showed a significantly higher RJ production about two-times as compared with those of the LRC. We measured the HG-diameters on days 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15. The microscopic analysis revealed that the acini size of the HRC was significantly larger than the LRC. In addition, the acini diameter of HRC was 15% longer than the LRC on the first day after emerging. It was shown that the fastest development during 3 days which is preparing for nurse the brood. The HPG acini diameters increased in both colonies in a similar fashion until day 12 and then decreased. We also compared the fresh head weight of the experimental colonies, differences were similar to the development of HPG. Therefore, high royal jelly production may have a positive correlation between HPG acini size and the fresh head weight.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a key gene involved in multiple stress tolerance in all living organisms, though it is still to be disclosed the gene function in teff grass [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)Trotter].The objectives of this study were to clone and molecular characterization of GST gene in teff grass. We characterized GST1 from teff grass (EtGST1), it composed of a 645-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded 195 amino acid residue. Further, we transformed EtGST1 in E.coli BL21 (DE3) cells. This recombinant EtGST1 in E.coli BL21(DE3) induced at 37°C temperature. In addition, Growth of cells overexpressing EtGST1 rapidly increased in the presence of polyethylene glycol (5%), heat (46°C), NaCl (0.6%), and arsenic (1 mM) than that of cells harboring an empty vector. These results suggest that EtGST1 would be suitable candidate for improving tolerance in forages and/or grasses species against multiple abiotic stresses.

Cold, salt and heat are most critical factors that restrict full genetic potential, growth and development of crops worldwide.. In this study, we applied an annealing control primer (ACP) based GeneFishing approach to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in annual ryegrass (cv. Kowinearly) leaves under cold, salt and heat stresses. Two-week-old seedlings were exposed to cold (4°C), salt (NaCl 200 mM) and heat (42 °C) treatments for 6 h. A total 8 differentially expressed genes were isolated form ryegrass leaves. These genes were sequenced then identified and validated form National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. We identified several promising genes encoding light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein, alpha-glactosidase b, chromosome 3B, elongation factor 1-alpha, FLbaf106f03, complete genome, translation initiation factor SUI1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. These genes were potentially involved in photosynthesis, plant development, protein synthesis and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. These genes might be useful for the enhancement of abiotic stress tolerance in fodder crops along with crop improvement under unfavorable environmental conditions.

화색변형 화훼 형질전환체 개발을 위한 유전자를 개발하고자 클레마티스로부터 청색소 발현 유전자를 동정하여 ClF3 ′5 ′H로 명명하였다. 아그로박테리움 공동배양 경유 형질전환기술을 이용 하여 페튜니아 Dream’s Red 품종에 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자를 도입하였 고, 선발배지에서 재분화한 식물체 51개체를 PCR분석하여 49개체로 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자의 도입을 확인하였다. 또한 22개체의 서던분석 을 통해 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자가 1~3개 copy가 도입되었음을 확인하였 고, 노던분석을 통해 형질전환체에서의 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자의 정상 적인 발현을 확인하였다. ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자가 도입된 페튜니아 형질전환 식물체 7개체가 개화할 때 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자가 도입된 페튜니아아의 꽃잎 주요색이 적색에서 진적색으로, 화관 내부색이 적보라색에서 진적보라색 또는 자주색 계역로, 암술머리색이 연두색에서 자주색 계열로, 꽃잎 가장자리 모양이 물결모양으로 변형되는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 실시간 정량 유전자 분석을 통해 형질전환 7개체에서의 표현형적 변화가 ClF3 ′5 ′H 유전자의 발현에 의한 것임을 입증하였다.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that easily taken up by plants root. Several toxic forms of As disrupt plant metabolism by a series of cellular alterations. In this study, we applied annealing control primer (ACP)-based reverse transcriptase PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in alfalfa roots in response to As stress. Two-week-old alfalfa seedlings were exposed to As treatment for 6 hours. DEGs were screened from As treated samples using the ACP-based technique. A total of six DEGs including heat shock protein, HSP 23, plastocyanin-like domain protein162, thioredoxin H-type 1 protein, protein MKS1, and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase B2 were identified in alfalfa roots under As stress. These genes have putative functions in abiotic stress homeostasis, antioxidant activity, and plant defense. These identified genes would be useful to increase As tolerance in alfalfa plants.

Various insect pests and plant disease can outbreak in a field. For the effective control of pests and plant diseases during crop cultivation, farmers simultaneously or sequentially spray various eco-friendly agricultural materials (EFAM), chemical pesticides and microbial control agents on the same fields. It was reported that many agrochemicals are harmful to entomopathogenic fungi, especially some fungicides with broad spectrum activity that are routinely applied for the control of plant diseases. In addition, some pesticides may antagonize the potential insecticidal activity and efficiency of entomopathogenic fungi. Therefore, sometimes the utilization of fungal entomopathogen in forestry and agricultural production is limited because of the undesirable interference from some fungicides and pesticides. There is little research that examines the compatibility of these EFAMs with entomopathogenic fungi and the influence of EFAMs on the control efficacy of mycopesticides. We conducted a study of influence of pretreated eco-friendly agricultural materials on control efficacy of Isaria javanica isolate against sweet potato whitefly.

The present research investigated copper and cadmium stress-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using annealing control primers (ACP) with the differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Vernal) leaves. Alfalfa leaves were subjected to 250 μM of copper and cadmium treatment for a period of 6 h. A total of 120 ACPs was used. During copper and cadmium treatment, 6 DEGs were found to be up or down regulated. During copper stress treatment, 1 DEG was up-regulated, and 3 novel genes were discovered. Similarly, during cadmium stress treatment, 1 DEG was up-regulated and 5 novel genes were identified. Among all 6 DEGs, DEG-4 was identified as the gene for trans-2,3-enoyl-CoA reductase, DEG-5 was identified as the gene for senescence-associated protein DIN1 and DEG-6 was identified for caffeic acid O-methyltransferase. All the up-regulated genes may play a role in copper and cadmium stress tolerance in alfalfa.

The centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans has been a medically important arthropod species by using it as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we derived a novel lactoferricin B like peptide (LBLP) from the whole bodies of adult centipedes, S. s. mutilans, and investigated the antifungal effect of LBLP. LBLP exerted an antifungal and fungicidal activity without hemolysis. To investigate the antifungal mechanism of LBLP, a membrane study with propidium iodide was first conducted against Candida albicans. The result showed that LBLP caused fungal membrane permeabilization. The assays of the three dimensional flow cytometric contour plot and membrane potential further showed cell shrinkage and membrane depolarization by the membrane damage. Finally, we confirmed the membrane-active mechanism of LBLP by synthesizing model membranes, calcein and FITC-dextran loaded large unilamellar vesicles. These results showed that the antifungal effect of LBLP on membrane was due to the formation of pores with radii between 0.74 nm and 1.4 nm. In conclusion, this study suggests that LBLP exerts a potent antifungal activity by pore formation in the membrane, eventually leading to fungal cell death.

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), is one of the most serious pests in various vegetable crops. In Korea, some field populations of A. gossypii especially in greenhouse showed high resistance against neonicotinoids. The imidaclopridresistant strain (IR) selected from one of the greenhouse strains was found to be about 3,800 folds more resistant to imidacloprid, compared to the susceptible strain (S), as judged by LC50 values. To identify differentially expressed genes in IR, an isogenic strain, reverse susceptible strain (IRS) was generated from IR and comparative transcriptome analyses based on GS-FLX were conducted using total RNAs extracted from both IR and IRS. Also we confirmed protein expression patterns by 2DE and detoxification enzyme over-expression by synergist test. However there was no significant variation among IR, IRS and S. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of seven nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit (alpha 1-5,7 and beta 1) genes from S and IR strain revealed a point mutation causing an arginine to threonine substitution (R81T) in the loop D region of the nAChR beta 1 subunit of the IR. These mechanisms were also reported in M. persicae and this amino acid change confers a vertebrate-like character to the insect nAChR and results in reduced sensitivity to neonicotinoids. Moreover an extra point mutation, L80S (leucine to serine substitution) was also detected nearby R81T mutation in nAChR beta 1 subunit variant. These mutations can be an additive factor in imidacloprid resistance in A. gossypii. This is the first report of imidacloprid resistance mechanism in A.gossypii. Further, this would be helpful in managing A. gossypii resistant populations in field.

As a result of inquiring into the analysis consequent on a symptom by research subject, it was found that there were 1 paper (1.5%) which did research for the purpose of rehabilitation of the general public, 26 papers (38.8%) targeting diagnosis-related groups (DRG), and 40 papers (59.7%) targeting social consideration subject. Also, as a result of the inquiry about the frequency & number of times of horticultural therapy program implementation, it was found that 49 papers (73.1%) implemented one time a week, and 45 papers (67.2%) were surveyed as the highest by conducting a total of 11~20 sessions of horticultural therapy programs, In the analysis of horticultural therapy activities by type, plant cultivation activity was found to be the most 506 times, accounting for 41.5%, followed by 297 time crafts activity (24.4%), 213 time floral decoration activity (17.5%), and 203time others activities (16.7%). In cultivation activity, soil-using cultivation activity (25.1%) was found to be lower than the proportion (74.9%) of soiless cultivation (16.4%), crafts activity (24.4%), floral decoration activity (17.5%) and other activities (16.7%). The most used plants in a restricted place like a hospital were found to be in the order of Hedera helix, Chamaedorea elegans, Succulent plant, Syngonium podophyllum, Neofinetia falcata HU, Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R.Br.), Rosmarinus officinalis, and Spathiphyllum spp.

The study was conducted to understand the relationship among university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and social development and the influence of measured variables. In order to collect data, the surveys were executed by convenience sampling on university students attending four-year universities in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions of South Korea during the period from July 3 to July 17, 2016. A total of 307 survey results which measured the university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and social development were analyzed. The results showed that there are differences in the interest in horticulture, psychological well-being, and social development depending on the students’ general characteristics. According to the results analyzed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, the interest in horticulture depending on gender, religion, academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction had significant differences showing high interest for the students with religion, good academic marks, high family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction as well as female students. Psychological well-being showed significant differences in academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction, while social development displayed significant differences in gender, grade, academic marks, family life satisfaction and school life satisfaction. According to the results analyzed by correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation among university students’ interest in horticulture, psychological well-being and sociality development. Furthermore, regression analysis verified that university students’ interest in horticulture has a positive influence on psychological well-being and social development. The results of this study implies that university students with a higher interest in horticulture have higher levels of psychological well-being and social development.

Background : Five medicinal herbs have been selected from the preliminary screening for in vitro anti-allergy activity (in RBL-2H3 cells). The present study is conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of the medicinal herbs on allergic inflammation in other kind of cells. Methods and Results : Cells treated with five extracts prepared from Betula costata Trautv. (aerial part), Camellia sinensis L. (aerial part), Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. (root), Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai (leaf), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. (root) were measured for mRNA levels of TNF-α on HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated by TNF-α /INF-γ and for mRNA levels of IL-2 in Jurkat T cells mediated by PMA/A23187. Pre-treatment with the five extracts reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α in HaCaT cells and mRNA levels of IL-2 in Jurkat T cells. In particular, the leaf extract of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai significantly and dose-dependently decreased the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-2. To determine the toxicity of the extracts from the selected medicinal herbs to HaCaT cells and Jurkat T cells, the viabilities of the cells treated with several concentrations of the five extracts were measured by MTT assay. Extracts of Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. (root), Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai (leaf), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. (root) (up to 250 ㎍/㎖) did not show cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells and Jurkat T cells. On the other hand, 250 ㎍/㎖ of extracts of Betula costata Trautv. (aerial part) and Camellia sinensis L. (aerial part) reduced cell viability in both cells. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that the leaf extract of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Therefore, the leaf of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Makino) Nakai can be a useful resource for the development of anti-allergy/anti-inflammatory materials.

To overcome the risk of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to prepare emergency fertility preservation in patients undergoing anticancer treatment, several researchers have reported IVM of oocytes retrieved from ovaries exposed by only hCG priming. However, the maturation rate and the developmental potential of embryos from IVM oocytes are significantly lower than those of oocytes matured in vivo. Here, we investigated the optimal time point for immature oocyte collection at post hCG only injection for in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and blastocyst formation. Immature GV oocytes were collected from 25 days old B6D2F1 female mouse at 12 hr, 14 hr, 16 hr or 24 hr post hCG injection. Oocytes were collected from antral or late secondary follicle by puncturing with 26 G needle. Collected oocytes were cultured in G2 medium with 10% FBS, FSH, estradiol, and hCG for 16 hr in vitro and subjected in vitro fertilization and further embryonic development. To examine follicular maturation, we estimated the numbers of primordial, primary, secondary follicle and antral follicle on ovaries of each time point post hCG. To confirm the optimal time point post hCG injection for collecting immature oocytes, we recovered the oocytes from each time point. There is no difference in the number of oocytes per mice. Oocytes collected at 14 hr post hCG injection were shown higher maturation rate to MII stage and blastocyst formation compare to other three groups (p<0.01). However, there is no difference in the maturation rate on the other three groups. Also, apoptotic signal with TUNEL assay or anti-PARP staining was not change in ovaries from all experimental groups. Granulosa cell proliferation test with anti Ki-67 or anti AMH was not show any difference. According to these results, there are no significant differences in four different time points at 12 hr, 14 hr, 16 hr or 24 hr of collection of immature oocytes in hCG primed mouse. However, oocytes from 14 hr post hCG injection showed higher percentages of maturation rate, in vitro fertilization rate, blastocyst formation.

Cryopreservation has become a powerful method of the assisted reproduction technology and supports fertility preservation of cancer and other indication patients. After controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, surplus oocytes and embryos were recommended to store using cryopreservation. Recently, vitrification is replaced with traditional slow freezing protocol, because of improved survival rates and clinical outcomes. Vitrification requires a high concentration of CPAs that may induce significant osmotic and metabolic damage to cells including oocytes even in a short exposure of a few minutes. Generally, MPF plays a crucial role in the cell cycle regulation and maintaining the meiotic arrest of oocytes. In fact, it has been observed to decline in MII ovine oocytes after vitrification and would be suggested that one of the main causes of low fertilization rate and developmental competence derived from cryoinjury during vitrification. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caffeine treatment on the activity of MPF, MAPK level in vitrified/warmed mouse mature eggs. Caffeine, Phosphataseinhibitor, may maintain active form of MPF. We evaluated their survival after warming procedure, fertilization, cleavage, and developmental rates. Ovulated MII eggs were retrieved from 6 weeks old B6D2F1 female mouse at 14hr post hCG injection. Collected MII eggs were maintained in HTF medium containing 10% KSR with or without caffeine for 1hr. Eggs were vitrified in 7.5%EG +7.5%DMSO equilibrium solution, 15%EG + 15%DMSO + 0.5M sucrose vitrification solution with or without caffeine. Also warming solution contained sucrose (0.5M, 0.25M, 0.125M, and 0M) with or without caffeine. After warming, eggs were cultured in HTF medium with or without caffeine for 2 hr then fertilized with epididymal sperm in vitro and cultured in KSOM for 5 days to analyze embryonic development. Survival rates were similar in all experimental groups. However, fertilization rate was higher in with caffeine group compare to without caffeine significantly (80% vs. 85%, p<0.05). 2-cell and blastocyst formation were increased in caffeine group (p<0.05). MPF activity and MAP kinase activity were recovered in with caffeine group after vitrification/warming process. In conclusion, Caffeine may maintain MPF and MAPK level in vitrified/warmed MII eggs, and enhance fertilization and further embryonic development.

Phomopsis seed decay (PSD), primarily caused by Phomopsis longicolla, is a major contributor to poor soybean seed quality and significant yield loss, particularly in early maturing soybean genotypes. However, it is not yet known whether PSD resistance is associated with early maturity. This study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to PSD and maturity time using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between the PSD-resistant Taekwangkong and the PSD-susceptible SS2-2. Based on a genetic linkage map incorporating 117 simple sequence repeat markers, QTL analysis revealed two and three QTLs conferring PSD resistance and maturity time, respectively, in the RIL population. Two QTLs (PSD-6-1 and PSD-10-2) for PSD resistance were identified in the intervals of Satt100-Satt460 and Sat_038-Satt243 on chromosomes (Chrs) 6 and 10, respectively. These QTLs do not overlap with any previously reported loci for PSD resistance in other soybean genotypes. Two QTLs explained phenotypic variances in PSD resistance of 46.3% and 14.1%, respectively. Among three QTLs for maturity time, two (Mat-6-2 and Mat-10-3) were located at positions similar to the PSD resistance QTLs. The identification of the QTLs linked to both PSD resistance and maturity time indicates a biological correlation between these two traits. The newly identified QTLs for resistance to PSD associated with maturity time in Taekwangkong will help improve soybean resistance to P. longicolla.