• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1733-1743
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• 2022

Objective: This study was aimed to explore the efficacy of combination of endo-xylanase (Xyn) and xylan-debranching enzymes (arabinofuranosidase, Afd and feruloyl esterase, FE) in improving utilization of bran in piglet diet. Methods: In vitro experiments were firstly conducted to examine the enzymological properties of Xyn, Afd, and FE, concurrent with their effect on degradation of arabinoxylan (Abx) in bran. In vivo experiment was then implemented by allocating two hundred and seventy 35-d-old postweaning piglets into 3 groups (6 replicates/group), which received bran-containing diet supplemented with Xyn (1,600 U/kg) or its combination with Afd (0.8 U/kg) and FE (4 U/kg) or without enzyme. Results: Both Xyn, Afd, and FE are relatively stable against the changes in temperature and pH value. Combining Xyn with Afd and FE had a superiority (p<0.05) over Xyn alone and its combination with Afd or FE in promoting (p<0.05) degradation of Abx in different brans. Combined treatment with Xyn, Afd, and FE was more beneficial than Xyn alone to induce increasing trends (p<0.10) of average daily gain, final body weight and feed efficiency of piglets fed bran-containing diet. Moreover, combination of Xyn, Afd, and FE showed advantages (p<0.05) over Xyn alone in causing reductions (p<0.05) in diarrhea rate and cecal pH value, concurrent with increases (p<0.05) in cecal and colonic acetic acid and total volatile fatty acid concentrations, as well as cecal butyric acid concentration of piglets fed bran-containing diet. Conclusion: Combining Xyn with Afd and FE was more beneficial than Xyn alone in promoting degradation of Abx in bran, along with growth performance and intestinal volatile fatty acid profile of piglets received bran-containing diet. Thereby, combination of Xyn, Afd, and FE had a superior efficacy relative to Xyn alone in improving application of cereal bran in piglet diet.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.144-155
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• 2023

Objective: Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a variety of functional genes and noncoding RNAs. However, the role of miRNAs in lipid deposition of goat white adipose tissue is still unclear. Therefore, this study revealed the miRNA expression profile in goat subcutaneous adipocytes by sRNA-seq. Methods: The miRNA expressed in goat subcutaneous preadipocytes and the mature adipocytes were sequenced by sRNA-seq. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEm) were screened and gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia for genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function combined with oil red O staining, Bodipy staining, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were utilized to determine the effect of miR-133a-3p on adipocyte differentiation. Results: A total of 218 DEm were screened out. The target genes of these DEm were significantly enriched in GO items such as biological regulation and in KEGG terms such as FAK signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. qPCR verified that the expression trend of miRNA was consistent with miRNA-seq. The gain-of-function or loss-of-function of miR-133a-3p showed that it promoted or inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets, and CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ were extremely significantly up-regulated or down-regulated respectively (p<0.01), the loss-of-function also led to a significant down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study successfully identified miRNAs expression patterns in goat subcutaneous adipocytes, and functional identification indicates that miR-133a-3p is a positive regulator of the differentiation process of goat subcutaneous adipocytes. Our results lay the foundation for the molecular mechanism of lipid deposition in meat-source goats from the perspective of miRNA.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.431-436
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• 2022

This study optimized the finely ground meat ball analogue formulation by a series of experiments. Replacing isolated soy protein (ISP) to isolated mung bean protein (IMP) in total 27% protein caused an increase in hardness while adhesiveness, springiness, and chewiness were decreased (p<0.05), and the best ISP to IMP ratio was 10:17. When protein content was changed from 19% (w/w) to 31% (w/w) with the best ISP:IMP ratio, adhesiveness was increased with decreasing protein content, but all texture profiles were greatly decreased comparing to control (p<0.05). To modify texture of plant meat ball, potato starch (PS), κ-carrageenan (KC), methyl cellulose (MC), konjac (KJ), and potato protein (PP) were applied in formulation. Finally, KJ and MC were combined with and without PP in formulation. As a result, 0.5% KJ+MC+PP and 1% KJ+MC were best formulation for plant meat ball, nevertheless, highly harder texture than control must be regulated which warranted further exploration.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.9
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• pp.465-471
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• 2022

Understanding and monitoring virus-mediated infections has gained importance since the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Studies of high-throughput omics-based immune profiling of COVID-19 patients can help manage the current pandemic and future virus-mediated pandemics. Although COVID-19 is being studied since past 2 years, detailed mechanisms of the initial induction of dynamic immune responses or the molecular mechanisms that characterize disease progression remains unclear. This study involved comprehensively collected biospecimens and longitudinal multi-omics data of 300 COVID-19 patients and 120 healthy controls, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), single-cell RNA sequencing combined with T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (scRNA(+scTCR/BCR)-seq), bulk BCR and TCR sequencing (bulk TCR/BCR-seq), and cytokine profiling. Clinical data were also collected from hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and HLA typing, laboratory characteristics, and COVID-19 viral genome sequencing were performed during the initial diagnosis. The entire set of biospecimens and multi-omics data generated in this project can be accessed by researchers from the National Biobank of Korea with prior approval. This distribution of large-scale multi-omics data of COVID-19 patients can facilitate the understanding of biological crosstalk involved in COVID-19 infection and contribute to the development of potential methodologies for its diagnosis and treatment.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.354-365
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess the safety and effect on glucose level of Bojungikgi-tang in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: To review patients' clinical characteristics and laboratory tests retrospectively, we investigated 15 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who took Bojungikgi-tang at Kyung Hee University Korean Medical Hospital for at least one day between January 2012 and December 2022. The blood glucose levels, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hour postprandial glucose (PP2) levels, and glycated hemoglobin level, were collected to determine the effect of the Bojungikgi-tang on blood sugar changes. Furthermore, to evaluate the safety of Bojungikgi-tang, hepatic function and renal function tests were implemented, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: When Bojungikgi-tang and a standard treatment for diabetes were administered for patients with type 2 diabetes, it was confirmed that there were no statistically significant changes in FBS and PP2 levels in the analysis of each medication taken. There was no significant difference in the safety profile after taking Bojungikgi-tang. Conclusions: The combined administration of Bojungikgi-tang with standard hypoglycemic medication for patients with type 2 diabetes may not affect blood glucose levels and safety.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.661-674
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• 2023

Abstract: This retrospective study delved into the effects and safety considerations associated with the concomitant usage of hypoglycemic agents and herbal extracts, specifically Pyeongwi-san (PWS) or HyangsaPyongwi-san (HSPWS) in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Methods: The investigation involved 38 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received PWS or HSPWS treatment at Kyung Hee University Korean Medical Hospital from January 2012 to December 2022. By investigating clinical attributes and conducting laboratory assessments, this study aimed to discern the impact of these herbal extracts on blood glucose levels, encompassing fasting blood sugar (FBS) and mean 2-hour postprandial glucose (PP2) levels. Furthermore, the safety profile of the herbal extracts was assessed by comparing liver function indicators, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alongside kidney function markers, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Results: Following the administration of the herbal extracts, no statistically significant alterations in FBS and mean PP2 levels emerged compared to the baseline levels. Notably, the safety evaluation revealed no significant differences in liver and kidney function parameters following herbal extract administration. Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that using PWS or HSPWS alongside hypoglycemic medications could be a beneficial additional method for addressing digestive symptoms in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Notably, this combination seems to have no negative interactions with other drugs.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.115-140
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of M&L psychotherapy on an adolescent with anxiety disorders transitioning into adulthood, using a retrospective mixed-method approach. Methods: An adolescent with Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5-diagnosed anxiety disorders underwent combined treatment with M&L psychotherapy and complex Korean medicine therapy over a period of approximately two years. Patient records tracked the diagnosis, treatments, and progress. In-depth interviews were also conducted. The study used a convergent parallel mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative analysis from psychological assessments, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X), the Core Seven Emotions Inventory-short form (CSEI-s), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), with qualitative analyses of traditional Korean medicine counseling session notes, interviews, and other qualitative psychological assessments. Results: State anxiety decreased from 40 to 36, and trait anxiety decreased from 42 to 34. MMPI-2 L scale scores decreased slightly to 64T, whereas S scale scores increased to 62T, and FRS scores decreased to 70T from an initial score of 78T. Qualitative analysis revealed an increase in the MMPI-2 Es scale, identified as "subjectivity." Joy (喜) emerged as the highest emotional profile score in the CSEI-S. Scores for anger (怒), thought (思), fear (恐), and fright (驚) decreased, indicating improved negative emotions. Qualitatively, expressions of determination to "move forward" and "strengthen the mind" were noted, suggesting enhanced "lower danjeon (下丹田)." Conclusions: Integrating traditional Korean medicine treatment with M&L psychotherapy for a vulnerable adolescent with anxiety disorders demonstrated efficacy. Further research is warranted to substantiate the effectiveness of M&L psychotherapy and advocate for its wider adoption in mainstream practice.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-50
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• 2024

The magnetotelluric (MT) survey can be affected by external environmental factors. In particular, when acquiring MT data in islands, it is essential to consider the combined effect of topography and sea to understand the results and make accurate interpretations. To analyze the MT response (apparent resistivity, phase) with consideration of the effect of topography and sea, a small cone-shaped island model surrounded by deep sea was created. Two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) forward modeling were performed on the terrain model considering topography and the island model considering both topography and sea. The 2-D MT response did not reflect the topographic and sea effect of the direction orthogonal to the 2-D profile. The 3-D MT response included topographic and sea effects in all directions. The XY and YX components of the apparent resistivity were separated on undulating topography, such as a hill. A conductor at 1 km below sea level could be distinguished from topographic and sea effects in the MT response, and low resistivity anomaly was attenuated at greater depths. This study will facilitate understanding of field data measured on small islands.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.212-221
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed to compare nursing students' attitudes toward death among South Korea, Japan and Indonesia, and to confirm the need for death education in nursing. Methods: A total of 294 nursing students completed a questionnaire titled as the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (Wong, Recker, Gesser. 1994). Participating students were from two nursing schools in South Korea, two in Japan and one in Indonesia. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including, ${\chi}^2$-test, ANOVA and multiple comparison analysis. Results: The total mean score of the DAP-R for the three countries combined was $3.84{\pm}0.73$. By country, the mean was the highest for Indonesian students ($4.32{\pm}0.71$), followed by Korean ($3.75{\pm}0.57$) and Japanese ($3.56{\pm}0.70$) respectively. In relation to subcategories, Indonesian students showed the highest mean score for death avoidance ($3.67{\pm}1.38$) and approach acceptance ($5.37{\pm}1.00$). Korean students marked the highest ($5.51{\pm}0.91$) in neutral acceptance and Japanese students scored the best ($3.63{\pm}1.46$) in escape acceptance. Nursing students who had an experience of caring terminally ill patients tended to be affirmative in approach acceptance (P=0.047). There were significant differences in each of the four subcategories except fear of death among the three countries (P<0.001). Conclusion: The above results indicate it is necessary to develop education programs based on each country's social and cultural background to help nursing students form desirable attitudes toward death.

• Archives of design research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.185-196
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• 2003

The demand for an environment-friendly transportation system, equipped with low energy consumption, and low-or zero-pollution has been on the increase since the beginning of the World Trade Organization era. Simultaneously, the consistent growth of high-speed tram technology, combined with market share, has sparked a fierce competition among technologically-advanced countries like France, Germany, and Japan in an effort to keep the lead in high-speed train technology via extensive Research and development(R＆D) expenses. These countries are leaders in the race to implement the next-generation transportation system, build intercontinental rail way networks and export the high-speed train as a major industry commodity. The need to develop our own(Korean) 'high-speed train' technology and its core system technology layouts including original technology serves a few objectives: They boost the national competitive edge; they develop an environmental friendly rail road system that can cope with globalization and minimize the social and economic losses created by the growing traffic-congested delivery costs, environment pollution, and public discomforts. In turn, the 'G7 Project-Development of High Speed Railway Technology' held between 1996 and 2002 for a six-year period was focused on designing a domestic train capable of traveling at a speed of 350km/h combined and led to the actual implementation of engineering and producing the '2000 high-speed train:' This paper summarizes and introduces one of the G7 Projects-specifically, the design segment achievement within the development of train system engineering technology. It is true that the design aspect of the Korean domestic railway system program as a whole was lacking when compared with the advanced railroad countries whose early phase of train design emphasized the design aspect. However, having allowed the active participation of expert designers in the early phase of train design in the current project has led to a new era of domestic train development and the implementation of a way to meet demand flexibly with newly designed trains. The idea of a high-speed train in Korea and its design concept is well-conceived: a faster, more pleasant, and silent based Korean high-speed train that facilitates a new travel culture. A Korean-type of high-speed train is acknowledged by passengers who travel in such trains. The Korean high-speed prototype train has been born, combining aerodynamic air-cushioned design, which is the embodiment of Korean original design of forehead of power car minimized aerodynamic resistance using a curved car body profile, and the improvement of the interior design with ergonomics and the accommodation of the vestibule area through the study of passenger behavior and social culture that is based on the general passenger car.