• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.165-175
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• 2024

Background: The prevalence of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across different ethnicities is poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SAD in stable COPD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 196 consecutive stable COPD patients. We measured pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD) lung function and respiratory impedance. The severity of COPD and lung function abnormalities was graded in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. SAD was defined as either difference in whole-breath resistance at 5 and 19 Hz > upper limit of normal or respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz < lower limit of normal. Results: The cohort consisted of 95.9% men, with an average age of 66.3 years. The mean forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV₁) % predicted was 56.4%. The median COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were 14. The prevalence of post-BD SAD across the GOLD grades 1 to 4 was 14.3%, 51.1%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. The post-BD SAD and expiratory flow limitation at tidal breath (EFL_T) were present in 62.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.1 to 69.9) and 28.1% (95% CI, 21.9 to 34.2), respectively. COPD patients with SAD had higher CAT scores (15.5 vs. 12.8, p<0.01); poor lung function (FEV₁% predicted 46.6% vs. 72.8%, p<0.01); lower diffusion capacity for CO (4.8 mmol/min/kPa vs. 5.6 mmol/min/kPa, p<0.01); hyperinflation (ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity % predicted: 159.7% vs. 129%, p<0.01), and shorter 6-minute walk distance (367.5 m vs. 390 m, p=0.02). Conclusion: SAD is present across all severities of COPD. The prevalence of SAD increases with disease severity. SAD is associated with poor lung function and higher symptom burden. Severe SAD is indicated by the presence of EFL_T.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.185-199
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• 2024

Purpose: The improvement of yield and quality in product manufacturing is crucial from the perspective of process management. Controlling key variables within the process is essential for enhancing the quality of the produced items. In this study, we aim to identify key variables influencing product defects and facilitate quality enhancement in CNC machining process using SHAP(SHapley Additive exPlanations) Methods: Firstly, we conduct model training using boosting algorithm-based models such as AdaBoost, GBM, XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost. The CNC machining process data is divided into training data and test data at a ratio 9:1 for model training and test experiments. Subsequently, we select a model with excellent Accuracy and F1-score performance and apply SHAP to extract variables influencing defects in the CNC machining process. Results: By comparing the performances of different models, the selected CatBoost model demonstrated an Accuracy of 97% and an F1-score of 95%. Using Shapley Value, we extract key variables that positively of negatively impact the dependent variable(good/defective product). We identify variables with relatively low importance, suggesting variables that should be prioritized for management. Conclusion: The extraction of key variables using SHAP provides explanatory power distinct from traditional machine learning techniques. This study holds significance in identifying key variables that should be prioritized for management in CNC machining process. It is expected to contribute to enhancing the production quality of the CNC machining process.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.257-262
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• 2012

The gene encoding Thermus thermophilus HJ6 laccase (Tt-laccase) was cloned, sequenced, and comprised of 1,389 nucleotides encoding a protein (462 amino acids) with a predicted molecular mass of 51,049 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of Tt-laccase showed 99.7% and 44.3% identities to the Thermus thermophilus HB27 laccase and Synechococcus sp. RS9917 laccase, respectively. Tt-laccase gene was expressed as a fusion protein with six histidine residues in E. coli Rosetta-gami (DE3) cells, and the recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity. UV-Vis spectrum analysis revealed that the enzyme has copper atoms, a type I Cu(II) and a type III binuclear Cu(II). The optimum pH for the oxidation of guaiacol was 5.0 and the optimum temperature was $90^{\circ}C$ The half-life of heat inactivation was about 120 min at $90^{\circ}C$ The enzyme reaction was inhibited by sodium azide, L-cystein, EDTA, dithiothreitol, tropolone, and kojic acid. The enzyme oxidized various known laccase substrates, its lowest $K_m$ value being for 4-hydroxyindole, highest $k_{cat}$ value for syringaldazine, and highest $k_{cat}/K_m$ for guaiacol.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.187-193
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• 2019

This study examined the relative incidence of feline cutaneous tumors according to age, breed, sex, and site predilection for these tumors. Biopsy samples were examined and diagnosed from the histopathology. Over a 72-month period, from January 2013 to December 2018, 478 feline biopsy samples were received from veterinary practitioners across the nation. Of these, 232 (48.54%) cases were skin masses. Among them, 73.71% (171/232) were neoplastic lesions and 26.29% (61/232) were non-neoplastic. Twenty-two different types of cutaneous neoplasms were diagnosed as epithelial tumors (15.79%), mesenchymal tumors (83.63%), or melanocytic tumor (0.58%). The four most common tumors were mast cell tumor (60.23%), lipoma (5.85%), basal cell carcinoma (4.68%), and fibrosarcoma (4.68%), which comprised 75.44% of all tumor cases. Cutaneous tumors were located most commonly in the head of the cat (43.27%) and in the Korean shorthaired breed (75.44%). According to this study, cutaneous tumors were the most common tumor types in feline neoplasms in Korea. The incidence of cutaneous tumors was highest in Korean shorthaired cats, the most prevalent breed in Korea. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin neoplasm in Korea and can affect very young cats.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Red grape seeds as functional food are a good source of important bioactive components such as phenolics and antioxidants, which decrease oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity. The current study was conducted in order to evaluate the protective effect of red grape dried seeds (RGDS) on antioxidant properties, lipid metabolism, and liver and kidney functions of rats with paracetamol (750 mg/kg) induced hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS/METHODS: RGDS was added to the basal diet at 5, 10, and 20%. Thirty five adult male rats were assigned to five groups (n = 7) for a six-week feeding period; group (1) normal control, group (2) induced control, groups (3, 4, and 5) fed a diet with RGPS at different levels, 5, 10, and 20%, respectively. At the end of the feeding period, animals' blood and tissues were collected for estimation of serum lipid profile, serum liver, and kidney biomarkers. The protection was measured by detecting lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) (in liver tissues), and liver histological examination. RESULTS: The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), with a significant increase in level of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) for RGDS groups compared to induced control. Rats administered a diet containing RGDS levels produced significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotection by decreasing the activities of liver enzymes, kidney parameters, and lipid peroxidation, while levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT were increased significantly to near the normal levels. CONCLUSION: The RGDS 20% group was more effective than others against hepatotoxicity of paracetamol, which may be attributed to RGDS total phenols and antioxidant contents, which were 1.438 mg and 1.231 mg, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.162-172
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of study was to report the clinical improvement of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients treated with Korean medicine pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: The patients were treated with Lung-conduction exercise, Chuna manual therapy, Exercise therapy. To assess the treatment outcomes, we used the pulmonary function test (PFT), modified medical research council scale (mMRC), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), COPD assessment test (CAT), St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: After treatments, the patient's clinical symptoms were improved with CAT, SGRQ's significant decrease and PFT, mMRC, 6MWD and PEFR were maintained or improved slightly. Conclusions: The Korean medicine pulmonary rehabilitation was effective in the treatment of COPD patients. This study suggested the possibility of Korean Medicine pulmonary rehabilitation program in the clinic.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1445-1452
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• 2008

An open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative epoxide hydrolase (EHase) was identified by analyzing the genome sequence of Sphingophyxis alaskensis. The EHase gene (seh) was cloned and expressed in E. coli. To facilitate purification, the gene was fused in-frame to 6$\times$ histidine at the C-terminus. The recombinant EHase (rSEH) was highly soluble and could be purified to apparent homogeneity by one step of metal affinity chromatography. The purified SEH displayed hydrolyzing activities toward various epoxides such as styrene oxide, glycidyl phenyl ether, epoxyhexane, epoxybutane, epichlorohydrin, and epifluorohydrin. The optimum activity toward styrene oxide was observed at pH 6.5 and $35^{\circ}C$. The purified SEH showed a cold-adapted property, displaying more than 40% of activity at low temperature of $10^{\circ}C$ compared with the optimum activity. Despite the catalytic efficiency, the purified SEH did not hydrolyze various epoxides enantioselectively. $K_m$ and $k_{cat}$ of SEH toward (R)-styrene oxide were calculated as 4$\pm$0.3 mM and 7.42$s^{-1}$ respectively, whereas $K_m$ and $k_{cat}$ of SEH toward (S)-styrene oxide were 5.25$\pm$0.3 mM and 10.08$s^{-1}$ respectively.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.359-364
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• 2018

The taxonomy of Spirometra species has been controversial despite the medical and veterinary importance. Currently, only a few Spirometra species are considered valid species in the genus Spirometra. In the present study, the distribution of Spirometra species obtained from animals in Korea were identified by molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene. A total of 28 Spirometra species specimens were analyzed. These were all collected between 1973 and 2008 in the Republic of Korea. Mitochondrial cox1 sequences were examined for a total of 28 specimens comprising 14 S. decipiens and 14 S. ranarum. The difference in partial cox1 sequences (316 bp) between S. erinaceieuropaei (KJ599680) and S. ranarum (this study) was 9.3%, while that between S. decipiens (KJ599679) and S. ranarum (this study) was 2.2%. Genetic analyses identified 2 Spirometra species in animals such as cat, leopard cat, dog, duck and snake in Korea as S. decipiens and S. ranarum. S. decipiens and S. ranarum were present in Gyeongnam Province (P), Jeonnam P, Gangwon P, Chungbuk P, and Seoul. S. decipiens was found in tadpoles, snakes, ducks, cats, leopard cats and dogs, while S. ranarum was found in cats and dogs. The ratio of S. decipiens:S. ranarum calculated from the molecular data was 14:14 (or 1:1). These results indicate that S. decipiens and S. ranarum are sympatrically distributed in Korea.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.244-254
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• 2009

The hypersensitive reaction (HR) is the most common plant defense reaction against pathogens. HR is produced during both host- and nonhost-incompatible interactions. Several reports suggest that similarities exist between host and nonhost resistances. We assayed the pattern of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and scavenging enzyme activities during nonhost pathogen-plant interactions (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris/Capsicum annuum L.) and incompatible host pathogen-plant interactions (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria race1/Capsicum annuum L.). Both ${O_2}^-\;and\;H_2O_2 $ accumulated much faster during nonhost resistance when compared to the host resistance. The scavenging enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) were also different during the host- and nonhost-incompatible interactions. CAT activity was much higher during nonhost resistance, and several new isozymes of SOD and POX were detected during nonhost resistance when compared to the host resistance. Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was higher in host resistance than nonhost resistance during the early stages of infection. Interestingly, the nitric oxide (NO) radical accumulated equal amounts during both host and nonhost resistance at early stages of infection. Further studies are needed to determine the specific pathways underlying these differences between host and nonhost resistance responses.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.2087-2097
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• 2016

Most cold-adapted enzymes possess higher $K_m$ and $k_{cat}$ values than those of their mesophilic counterparts to maximize the reaction rate. This characteristic is often ascribed to a high structural flexibility and improved dynamics in the active site. However, this may be less convincing to cold-adapted metabolic enzymes, which work at substrate concentrations near $K_m$. In this respect, cold adaptation of a shikimate kinase (SK) in the shikimate pathway from psychrophilic Colwellia psychrerythraea (CpSK) was characterized by comparing it with a mesophilic Escherichia coli homolog (EcSK). The optimum temperatures for CpSK and EcSK activity were approximately $30^{\circ}C$ and $40^{\circ}C$, respectively. The melting points were $33^{\circ}C$ and $45^{\circ}C$ for CpSK and EcSK, respectively. The ${\Delta}G_{H_2O}$ (denaturation in the absence of denaturing agent) values were 3.94 and 5.74 kcal/mol for CpSK and EcSK, respectively. These results indicated that CpSK was a cold-adapted enzyme. However, contrary to typical kinetic data, CpSK had a lower $K_m$ for its substrate shikimate than most mesophilic SKs, and the $k_{cat}$ was not increased. This observation suggested that CpSK may have evolved to exhibit increased substrate affinity at low intracellular concentrations of shikimate in the cold environment. Sequence analysis and homology modeling also showed that some important salt bridges were lost in CpSK, and higher Arg residues around critical Arg 140 seemed to increase flexibility for catalysis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CpSK exhibits characteristics of cold adaptation with unusual kinetic parameters, which may provide important insights into the cold adaptation of metabolic enzymes.