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North Korean Defectors' depression through the CES-D and the Rorschach test (CES-D와 로샤검사를 통해 본 북한이탈주민의 우울감)

  • Jong-Nam Kim;Yun-Kyung Choi;Jung-Min Chae
    • Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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    • v.14 no.2
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    • pp.41-61
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    • 2008
  • This study was performed to investigate the North Korean defectors's depression through the CES-D and a projective test simultaneously. So 40 North Korean defectors and 40 South Koreans participated in this study. The results are the following. First, the North Korean defectors demonstrated more higher CES-D scores than the South Koreans, while there were not significant differences in the Rorschach depression-related indexes, DEPI, CDI, S-CON between two groups. Second, at the analysis of the sex difference effect, women among the North Korean defectors showed the most high CDI index scores. In addition, we analyzed the mean differences between two groups for morbid content, shading response, achromatic response, human movement response, form dimension response, Lamda, and the number of total response. However, there are not significant differences between two groups for those variables, except for form dimension(FD) response. It suggested the probability that the North Korean women defectors could experience more psychological distress underlyingly than the North Korean men defectors. Third, most importantly, the correlation between CES-D and DEPI in the Rorschach test was significantly different in the two groups(the North Korean defectors and the South Koreans). In conclusion, the self-report of the North Korean defectors on depression could be exaggerated. So we should be cautious to interpret the self report results of the North Korean defectors.

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Reproductive Ecology and Spawning of Hoplobrotula armata in the Coastal Waters of Jejudo Island, Korea (제주 연안에서 채집된 붉은메기(Hoplobrotula armata)의 산란생태)

  • Min-Sun Kim;Song-Hun Han;Jun-Chul Ko;Bo-Yeon Kim;Jung Hwa Choi;Seung-Jong Lee
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.34 no.2
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    • pp.122-127
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    • 2024
  • This study investigated the reproductive ecology and spawning of Hoplobrotula armata on the coast of Jejudo Island. Samples were collected from February to December 2019 and February to December 2020, with a total of 2,634 samples. The results of the investigation showed that total length (TL) ranged from 22.0 cm to 68.8 cm, and the body weight (BW) ranged from 66.5 g to 3,553.9 g. According to the development process of gonads and the gonadosomatic index (GSI), the spawning period of H. armata was from July to October. The relationship between TL and BW was BW = 0.0024TL3.3278 in females and BW = 0.0035TL3.2162 in males. The sex ratios of surveyed female to male H. armata was 1:0.71, with more females. At 50%, 75%, and 97.5%, the group maturities of H. armata were as follows: Females, 39.9 cm, 42.7 cm, and 49.4 cm; males, 37.6 cm, 40.4 cm, and 46.9 cm, respectively. According to monthly GSI and gametocyte (ovarian, testis) development stage observations of H. armata on the coast of Jejudo Island, they spawn once a year and are presumed to be summer spawners.

The effect of perineural injection therapy on neuropathic pain: a retrospective study

  • Haekyu Kim;Hyae Jin Kim;Young-Hoon Jung;Wangseok Do;Eun-Jung Kim
    • Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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    • v.24 no.1
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    • pp.47-56
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    • 2024
  • Background: Among the various pain-related diseases that can be encountered at the clinic, there is a neuropathic pain that is difficult to treat. Numerous methods have been proposed to treat neuropathic pain, such as taking medication, nerve block with lidocaine, or neurolysis with alcohol or phenol. Recently, a method of perineural injection using dextrose instead of lidocaine was proposed. This study was designed to compare the effects of perineural injection therapy (PIT) with buffered 5% dextrose or 0.5% lidocaine on neuropathic pain. Methods: The data were collected from the database of pain clinic from August 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 without any personal information. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or peripheral neuropathy (PN), and patients who had undergone PIT with buffered 5% dextrose (Dextrose group) or 0.5% lidocaine (Lidocaine group) for pain control. The data of patients, namely sex, age, and pain score (numerical rating scale, NRS) were collected before PIT. The data of NRS, side effects, and satisfaction grade (excellent, good, fair, or poor) were collected one week after each of the four PIT, and two weeks after the last PIT. Results: Overall, 112 subjects were enrolled. The Dextrose group included 89 and Lidocaine group included 23 patients. Because the number of patients in the Lidocaine group was too small to allow statistical analysis, the trend in Lidocaine group was just observed in each disease. There were no significant side effects except for a few bruise cases on the site of injection in all groups. The NRS in most Dextrose groups except CRPS were reduced significantly; however, the Lidocaine group showed a trend of pain reduction only in PHN. The Dextrose group except CRPS showed increased satisfaction two weeks after the final PIT. Conclusion: From the results, it is suggested that PIT with buffered 5% dextrose may have a good effect for neuropathic pain without any side effect except for patients with CRPS. This may offer a window into a new tool that practitioners can employ in their quest to help patients with neuropathic pain.

Usefulness of presepsin as a prognostic indicator for patients with trauma in the emergency department in Korea: a retrospective study

  • Si Woo Kim;Jung-Youn Kim;Young-Hoon Yoon;Sung Joon Park;Bo Sun Shim
    • Journal of Trauma and Injury
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.13-19
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    • 2024
  • Purpose: Trauma is an important public health concern, and it is important to increase the survival rate of patients with trauma and enable them to return to society in a better condition. Initial treatment in the emergency department (ED) is closely associated with the prognosis of patients with trauma. However, studies regarding laboratory biomarker tests that can help predict the prognosis of trauma patients are limited. Presepsin is a novel biomarker of inflammation that can predict a poor prognosis in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to determine whether presepsin could be used as a prognostic indicator in patients with polytrauma. Methods: The study included patients with trauma who had visited a single regional ED from November 2021 to January 2023. Patients who had laboratory tests in the ED were included and analyzed retrospectively through chart review. Age, sex, injury mechanism, vital signs, surgery, the outcome of ED treatment (admission, discharge, transfer, or death), and trauma scores were analyzed. Results: Overall, 550 trauma patients were enrolled; 59.1% were men, and the median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 48.8-79.0 years). Patients in a hypotensive state (systolic blood pressure, <90 mmHg; n=39) had higher presepsin levels (1,061.5±2,522.7 pg/mL) than those in a nonhypotensive state (n=511, 545.7±688.4 pg/mL, P<0.001). Patients hospitalized after ED treatment had the highest presepsin levels (660.9 pg/mL), followed by those who died (652.0 pg/ mL), were transferred to other hospitals (514.9 pg/mL), and returned home (448.0 pg/mL, P=0.041). Conclusions: Serum presepsin levels were significantly higher in trauma patients in a hypotensive state than in those in a nonhypotensive state. Additionally, serum presepsin levels were the highest in hospitalized patients with trauma, followed by those who died, were transferred to other hospitals, and returned home.

The effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of finishing pigs

  • Olivier Munezero;Sungbo Cho;In Ho Kim
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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    • v.66 no.2
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    • pp.310-325
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    • 2024
  • Glyconutrients help in the body's cell communication. Glyconutrients and synbiotics are promising options for improving immune function. Therefore, we hypothesized that combining synbiotics and glyconutrients will enhance pig nutrient utilization. 150 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), initially weighing 58.85 ± 3.30 kg of live body weight (BW) were utilized to determine the effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients (SGN) on the pigs' performance, feed efficiency, gas emission, pork traits, and composition of fatty acids. The pigs were matched by BW and sex and chosen at random to 1 of 3 diet treatments: control = Basal diet; TRT1 = Basal diet + SGN 0.15%; TRT2 = Basal diet + SGN 0.30%%. The trials were conducted in two phases (weeks 1-5 and weeks 5-10). The average daily gain was increased in pigs fed a basal diet with SGN (p = 0.036) in weeks 5-10. However, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy did not differ among the treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on NH3, H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acids, and CO2 emissions (p > 0.05). Improvement in drip loss on day 7 (p = 0.053) and tendency in the cooking loss were observed (p = 0.070) in a group fed basal diets and SGN at 0.30% inclusion level. The group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN had higher levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1), margaric acid (C17:0), omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and ω-6: ω-3 ratio (p = 0.034, 0.020, 0.025, 0.007, and 0.003, respectively) in the fat of finishing pigs. Furthermore, group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN improved margaric acid (C17:0), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), arachidic acid (C20:0), omega 6 fatty acid, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, unsaturated fatty acid, and monounsaturated fatty acid (p = 0.037, 0.05, 0.0142, 0.036, 0.033, 0.020, and 0.045, respectively) in the lean tissues of finishing pigs compared to pigs fed with the control diets. In conclusion, the combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and glyconutrients led to higher average daily gain, improved the quality of pork, and more favorable fatty acid composition. Therefore, these results contributed to a better understanding of the potential of SGN combinations as a feed additive for pigs.

Case-Control Study of Occupational Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Republic of Korea

  • Min Young Park;Hyoung-Ryoul Kim;Jun-Pyo Myong;Byung-Sik Cho;Hee-Je Kim;Mo-Yeol Kang
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.14 no.4
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    • pp.451-456
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    • 2023
  • Background: We conducted a case-control study to identify high-risk occupations and exposure to occupational hazards for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: When patients with AML admitted to the Department of Hematology in the study hospital for the first time are referred to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, data on occupation are collected by investigators to evaluate work-relatedness. Community-based controls were recruited through an online survey agency, and four controls per case were matched. Occupational information was estimated using structured questionnaires covering 27 specific occupations and 32 exposure agents. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed by pairing cases and controls. Results: In the analysis of the risk of AML according to occupational classification, a significant association was found in paint manufacturing or painting work (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.03-4.81) and aircrew (OR = 6.00, 95% CI: 1.00-35.91) in males, and in pesticide industry (OR = 6.89, 95% CI: 1.69-28.07) and cokes and steel industry (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.18-22.06) in ≥60 years old. Moreover, the risk of AML increased significantly as the cumulative exposure to thinners increased. In the analyses stratified by sex and age, the association between pesticide exposure and AML was significant in males (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.10-9.77) and in ≥60 years old (OR = 6.22, 95% CI: 1.48-26.08). Conclusion: This case-control study identified high-risk occupational groups in the Republic of Korea including paint manufacturers and painters, aircrew, and those who are occupationally exposed to pesticides or paint thinners.

Variation of Genus Ilex in Korea and their Ornamental Values (Ilex속(屬) 수목(樹木)의 유전변이(遺傳變異)의 분석(分析)과 조경학적(造景學的) 이용가치(利用價値)의 조사(調査) 연구(硏究))

  • Yim, Kyong Bin
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.42 no.1
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    • pp.1-38
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    • 1979
  • The woody species of Genus Ilex which are endemic to Korea are distributed on limited area due to solely temperature factor. There is some differences according to species, however in general, the evergreen Ilex are found along southern coastal area of Korean Peninsula and near islands where the cold index does not exceed $-5^{\circ}C$. But Ilex macropoda and the variety, only deciduous ones, are grown in temperate zone of the peninsula and some islands. The list of Ilex species of Korea are as follows. Ilex cornuta Lindley et Pax., I. crenata Thunb. var. microphylla Max., I. crenata Thunb., I. rotunda Thunb., I. macropoda Miq., I. macropoda Miq. var. pseudo-macropoda Loensner, I. integra Thunb. The author surveyed the populations of Ilex species as many as possible and data of some characters such as leaf shape, spine, fruit shape, stomata density, sex ratio in natural communities, etc. are collected. Almost all the Ilex species in Korea show sporadic distribution. This means quite small sized populations isolate distantly each other eliminating the change of gene exchange in between. Particularly Ilex conuta and I. crenata show the morphological differentiation among populations as well as significant individual variation within a population. These were true with such characteristics, leaf shape, leaf dimension, leaf margin, fruit shape, spine, and stomata density. The founded are that the fruit length and the stomata density counted on the beneath surface of leaves of Ilex cornuta increased with the decrease of latitude. These are naturally closely related with the cold index values. The table shown below indicates the correlation between mean stomata density per $0.3642mm^2$ and cold index values. These relation however were not observed on Ilex crenata. The most dominated natured in relation to individual variation were outline of leaf, the number of marginal spine, the shape of leaf cross section and the degree of luster of the upper leaf surface. As shown in photos 5~7, these variations are agreed at a glance. There are reports that the development of marginal spines in some Ilex species is associated with the juvenility and topophysis. In present study, these two factors were neglected because of the intended sampling procedure. Of Ilex rotunda, population difference with the characteristics of leaf length is recognized but not for leaf width, petiole length, and fruit size. However, individual variations within a population were significantly large. In case of Ilex integra, only individual differences within population were calculated statistically for such characteristics as leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length. As to natural population, the sex ratio was 1:2 (female to male) for Ilex cornuta, and 1:1 for Ilex crenata. The tendency of more male than female in I. cornuta was agreed to other observations. Preparing the tip cutting of length 10cm, and treating with IBA, then attaching earth ball to the cut end, very successful rooting percentages were obtained. Asexual propagation has the advantages of maintaining the heterozygosity of existing varieties and overcoming the difficulties of delayed seed germination frequently encountered with Ilex species. Considering a great deal of variation in morphological traits, a good possibility of selection breeding for decorative and ornamental purposes exists. At present, these evergreen Ilex are ignored by local people as nuisance weedy shrubs. So the proper protection measures should promptly be taken.

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Study of the Actual Condition and Satisfaction of Volunteer Activity in Australian Hospital (호주 일 지역의 병원 자원봉사활동 실태와 만족도)

  • Park, Geum-Ja;Choi, Hae-Young
    • Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.17-29
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    • 2006
  • Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the actual condition and satisfaction of volunteer activity in Australian hospital. Methods: Data was collected by self reported questionnaire from 101 volunteers and analyzed by frequency and percentage, t-test, ANOVA and Sheffe and Pearson's correlation coefficients using SPSS 12.0. Results: 1. Years involved in volunteer work were $5{\sim}10$ years (32.7%), above 10 years (30.7%), $2{\sim}3$ years (11.9%) and $3{\sim}5$ years (10.9%). Types of volunteer work were physical care (32.7%), physical and emotional care (14.9%), and others (18.8%). Types of allocation of tasks were by volunteer coordination (55.7%), and by volunteer preference and consent between volunteer and coordinator (both respectively, 20.5%). Main reasons for volunteer work were to help sick people (61.4%) and to make good use of leisure time (22.8%). Routes to start volunteer work were from his (her) own inquiries (43.4%), from hearing from other volunteers (30.7%) and from mass media (13.1%). 80.2% of volunteers had received some kinds of training or preparation for volunteer work. Suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work were 'very well' (74.0%) and 'mostly well' (18.0%). Reimbursements or benefits received for volunteer work were token or lunch or group outing (31.7%), and token and lunch or group outing (19.8%). Evaluation frequency for volunteer work was occasionally (372%), frequently (30.9%), always (17.0%) and never (14.9%). Relationship with volunteer work coordinator was very good (85.0%). The relationship with other volunteers was very good (81.2%). The relationship with hospital staffs was very good (69.7%) and mostly good (21.2%). Family and friend's support for volunteer work was very good (83.2%). 2 The mean score of satisfaction for the hospital volunteer activity was $3.09{\pm}0.49\;(range:\;1{\sim}4)$. The highest score domain was 'social contact', $3.48{\pm}0.61$, and the lowest was 'social exchange', $1.65{\pm}0.63$. An item of the highest score was 'I have an opportunity to help other people' ($3.83{\pm}0.40$), and the lowest score item was 'I will receive compensation for volunteer work I have done ($1.10{\pm}0.78$).' 3. The satisfaction from hospital volunteer activity was shown by significant difference according to sex (t=2.038, P=0.044), marital status (F=3.806, P=0.013), years involved in volunteer work (F=3.326), nam reason to do volunteer work (F=2.707, P=0.035), receive any training or preparation for volunteer work (t=-1.982, 0=0.050), frequency of evaluation for volunteer work (F=7.877, P=0.000), suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work (t=2.712, P=0.049), relationship with volunteer work coordinators (F=-2.517, P=0.013), relation with hospital staffs (F=5.202, P=0.007), and support of their volunteer work by their family and friends (t=-3.394, P=0.001). Conclusion: The satisfaction of hospice volunteer activity was moderate. The satisfaction for hospice volunteer activity was shown by significant difference according to sex (t=2.038, P=0.044), marital status (F=3.806, P=0.013), years involved in volunteer work (F=3.326), main reason to do volunteer work (F=2.707, P=0.035), receive any training or preparation for volunteer work (t=-1.982, 0=0.050), frequency of evaluation for volunteer work (F=7.877, P=0.000), suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work (t=2.712, P=0.049), relationship with volunteer work coordinator (F=-2.517, P=0.013), relation with hospital staffs (F=5.202, P=0.007), and family and friend's support for volunteer work (t=-3.394, P=0.001). Therefore, it is necessary to consider various factors to improve the satisfaction of voluntary work.

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Recognition Level of Organization, Motivation and Job Satisfaction Factors of the Staff of Health Centers (보건소직원의 조직에 대한 인식과 동기부여요인 및 직무만족요인)

  • 남철현;위광복
    • Health Policy and Management
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    • v.10 no.3
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    • pp.19-49
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    • 2000
  • This study was conducted to help staff members of health centers manage personnel by examining the staff members' recognition level of organization structure of health centers, their motivation, their job satisfaction level and its related factors. Data were collected from 471 staff members of 14 health centers from March 3, 1999 to April 30, 1999. The results of this study are summarized as follows. In recognition levels of organization structure of health centers, the recognition level of necessity of discretion right was highest(3.55 points on the base of 5 points), while the recognition level of the location of decision making right was lowest(2.77 points). The general recognition of organization structure of health centers was 3.06 points, the suitability of division of duties was 3.05 points, and the optimum of manpower and budget was 2.93 points. The staff members' general recognition level of the organization structure appeared significantly higher in case of the groups of small and medium sized cities, above fifties, below high school graduate, above the sixth grade, public service experience of above 20 years, service period of below 2 years at present post, and average monthly salary of one million, eight hundred and ten thousand won. In the recognition level of the location of decision making right, the groups of big cities, male, the married, above the sixth grade, health and administration posts, average monthly salary of one million, three hundred and ten thousand won to one million, and eight hundred thousand won were significantly higher than the other groups. The recognition level of necessity of discretion right was higher in case of the groups of the twenties, the unmarried, above college graduate, nursing post, public service experience of below 5 years, service period of below 2 years at present post, and average monthly salary of below eight hundred thousand won. In the recognition level of suitability of division of duties, the groups of small and medium sized cities, the married, medical technicians, public service experience of above 20 years, and service period of below 4 years at present post were significantly higher than the other groups. In the staff members' recognition levels of organization management, the recognition level of opinion response when making decision was highest(2.92 points). The recognition level of rationality of the target amount establishment method was 2.88 points and the recognition level of personnel management was 2.63 points. The recognition level of personnel management was significantly higher in case of the groups of small and medium sized cities, the forties, above the sixth grade, medical technicians, public service experience of above 20 years, service period of below 2 years at present post, and average monthly salary of above one million, eight hundred and ten thousand won. In the recognition level of opinion response when making decision, the groups of small and medium sized cities, female, the eighth grade, health and administration posts, and service period of below 2 years at present post were higher than the other groups. The recognition level of rationality of the target amount establishment method was significantly higher in case of the groups of above fifties, below high school graduate, above the sixth grade, medical service post, and public service experience of 15 to 20 years. The factors significantly influencing sanitation were sex, education level, the period of public service experience, general recognition of organization structure, recognition of necessity of discretion right, recognition of suitability of division of duties, and recognition of opinion response when making decision. The factors which significantly influenced motivation were marital status, grade, recognition of the location of decision making right, recognition of necessity of discretion right, recognition of division of duties, recognition of opinion response when making decision, and sanitation. Sex, education level, recognition of suitability of division of duties, recognition of the target amount establishment method, and motivation influenced job satisfaction significantly. The factors significantly influencing organization culture were age, the period of public service experience, service period at present post, recognition of optimum of manpower and budget, recognition of suitability of division of duties, recognition of opinion response when making decision, and recognition of rationality of the target amount establishment method. In the coming days, the staff members' job satisfaction level must be increased through motivation and efficient conduct of duty must be accomplished through rational organization structure and management. Moreover, change of the staff members' consciousness and administrative system which are suitable for local autonomy system have to be established with increase of local residents' consciousness level and education level. Forming organization culture by reformative idea which fits the new era, public health service by the Community Health Act and health education service by the Health Promotion Act must be carried out efficiently. In doing so, financial support of central government and active efforts and concerns of local governments have to be devoted in order to get public health service in which peculiarity of the community is considered to be pursued well.

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Testicular Development and Serum Levels of Gonadal Steroids Hormone during the Annual Reproductive Cycle of the Male Koran Dark Sleeper, Odontobutis platycephala (Iwata et Jeon) (동사리, Odontobutis platycephala (Iwata et jeon) 수컷의 생식주기에 따른 정소 발달과 혈중 생식소 스테로이드의 변화)

  • 이원교;양석우
    • Journal of Aquaculture
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.475-485
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    • 1998
  • To clarify annual reproductive cycle of Koran dark sleeper, odontobutis platycephala, we examined the seasonal changes of gonadosomatic index(GSI), testicular development stages and sex steroid hormones in blood from December 1995 to November 1997. Testis was podlike shape from July to October, and tadpole-like shape from November because of its expanded posterior part. GSI was 0.14~0.18 from July to September and increased to $0.43{\pm}0.04$ in October and then was not changed significantly until February. GSI was reincreased to $0.52{\pm}0.09$ from March and then was kept at similer levels until May, but fell down to $0.28{\pm}0.05$ in June. As results of histological observation, testis was divided into 3 parts(anterior, boundary, posterior) in the development progress of germ cells. In July, the testis was composed of only spermatogonia without seminiferous tubules in most fishes. In the anterior part of testis, the ferquency of spermatogenesis stage seminiferous tubules appearing in August was more than 80% from September to December. decreased gradually from January to March and drastically in April, and then disappeared in June. The frequency of spermiogenesis stage seminiferous tubules appearing in December, increased gradually from January to March and drastically to 80% in April, and reached to 90% the highest levels of the year in June. Post-spawning stage seminiferous tubules did not appear throughout the year. The frequency of spermatogonia was 100% and 65% in July and August, and less than 20% in the rest period of the year. In the boundary part, the frequency of spermatogenesis stage seminiferous tubules appearing in August increased from September and reached to 82% in November, decreased from December, adn disappeared in March. The frequency of spermiogenesis stage seminiferous tubules appearing in November was less than 18% until February, and increased to 29%~57% from March to June. The frequency of post-spawning stage seminiferous tubules appeared 12%~25% only from March to June. The frequency of spermatogonia was 100% in July, decreased to 85% in August and 10% in November, and increased gradually from December to 50% in April, and decreased again from May to June. In the posterior part, seminiferous tubules with some seminiferous tubules increased drastically 80%~85% in August and September, decreased drastically from October to November and remained below 10% until February, and disappeared after March. The frequency of spermiogenesis stage seminiferous tubules appearing in August increased sharply from October and reached to 75% in November. decreased to 15% in December and no significant changes until March, and disappeared after April. The frequency of post-spawning stage seminiferous tubules appearing very early in November increased to 82% in December and 85%~95% until June. The frequency of spermatogonia was 100% in July, decreased drastically to 15% in August, disappeared from October to Mrch, but reappeared from April and kept at less than 10% until June. The blood level of testosterone (T) increrased gradually from August was $0.61{\pm}0.09 ng/m\ell$ in November, increrased drastically to $3.99{\pm}1.22 ng/m\ell$ in December and maintained at in similar level until March, and decreased to $0.25{\pm}0.14 ng/m{\ell} ~ 0.17{\pm}0.13ng/m{\ell}$ in April and May and no significant changes until July (P<0.05). The blood level of 17, 20 -dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one $ng/m{\ell}$in the rest of year without significant changes(P<0.05). Taken together these results, the germ cell development of testis progressed in the order of posterior, boundary, anterior part during annual reproductive cycle in Korean dark sleeper. The testicular cycle of Korean dark sleeper was as follows. The anterior part of testis : i.e. spermatogonial proliferation period (July), early maturation period (from August to November), mid maturation period (from December to March), late maturation period (from April to May) and functional maturation period (June) were elucidated. The boundary of testis, i.e. spermatogonial proliferation period (July), early maturation period (from August to October), mid maturation period (from November to February) and the coexistence period of late maturation, functional maturation and post-spawn (from March to June) were elucidated. The posterior of testis, i.e. spermatogonial proliferation period (July), mid maturation period (from August ot September), late maturation period (October), functional maturation period (November) and post-spawn period (from December to June) were elucidated. It was showed that the changes of sex steroid hormone in blood played a important roles in the annual reproductive cycle of Korean dark sleeper.

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