• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.179-190
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• 2023

Currently, various probiotics are being used to improve the nutrition of companion animals. They are widely sold as additives in companion animal foods because of the numerous gastrointestinal and immune health benefits for dogs and cats. Therefore, extensive research is being conducted to improve quality and safety during manufacturing and to extend the shelf life of companion animal foods by adding probiotics. The manufacturing process must be conducted such that the characteristics and efficacy of probiotics added to food are optimally beneficial for companion animals. Therefore, this review aims to address the overall characteristics of the probiotic strains used and to examine the various methods through which probiotics are added to companion animal foods.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.101-107
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• 2020

Objective: Avoiding a catastrophic outcome may be a more realistic goal than achieving functional independence in the treatment of acute stroke in octogenarians. This study aimed to investigate predictors of catastrophic outcome in elderly patients after an endovascular thrombectomy with an acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). Materials and Methods: Data from 82 patients aged ≥ 80 years, who were treated with thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation LVO, were analyzed. The association between clinical/imaging variables and catastrophic outcomes was assessed. A catastrophic outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4-6 at 90 days. Results: Successful reperfusion was achieved in 61 patients (74.4%), while 47 patients (57.3%) had a catastrophic outcome. The 90-day mortality rate of the treated patients was 15.9% (13/82). The catastrophic outcome group had a significantly lower baseline diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta stroke program early CT score (DWI-ASPECTS) (7 vs. 8, p = 0.014) and a longer procedure time (42 minutes vs. 29 minutes, p = 0.031) compared to the non-catastrophic outcome group. Successful reperfusion was significantly less frequent in the catastrophic outcome group (63.8% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.011) compared to the non-catastrophic outcome group. In a binary logistic regression analysis, DWI-ASPECTS (odds ratio [OR], 0.709; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.524-0.960; p = 0.026) and successful reperfusion (OR, 0.242; 95% CI, 0.071-0.822; p = 0.023) were independent predictors of a catastrophic outcome. Conclusion: Baseline infarct size and reperfusion status were independently associated with a catastrophic outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with acute anterior circulation LVO.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stabilization exercise performed after abdominal drawing exercise using pressure biofeedback for 8 weeks on pain level, performance of transverse abdominis, back pain disability index, and quality of life in women in their 30s less than one year after giving birth. Methods: A total of 20 women who voluntarily participated less than one year after giving birth were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The control group was subjected to abdominal drawing exercise before lumbar stabilization exercise, and the experimental group was subjected to abdominal drawing exercise using pressure biofeedback before lumbar stabilization exercise thrice a week for eight weeks. The quadruple visual analog scale (QVAS), the performance of transverse abdominis, the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (KDOI), the inventory of functional status after childbirth (IFSAC), and the Short Form-12 item (SF-12) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: Except for the Physical Components Summary Scale of SF-12, after the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvement in QVAS, performance of Transverse abdominis , KDOI, and Mental Components Summary Scale of SF-12 compared to the control group. Conclusion: Selective deep muscle activation through abdominal drawing exercises using pressure biofeedback can help rehabilitation for women after postpartum.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.805-816
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• 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-1895 probiotic as a feed additive for farmed trout. Final weight, absolute and average daily gain of fish, and average daily growth rate were higher in the group that received the probiotic than in the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the probiotic-fed trout had more intense growth rates than the control group (higher by 15.7%; p<0.05). A decrease in feed ratio was also observed in the group that received probiotic (25% decrease; p<0.05), indicating more efficient digestion and assimilation of feed. In general, the introduction of probiotic in the feed did not adversely affect the functional status of the fish. In young trout of the control group, when assessing the general chemical composition of the organism in the muscle tissue revealed significantly (p≤0.001) higher level of moisture content by 5.1% and lower by 11.0% dry matter content. In muscle, the protein content was higher by 1.33% (p≤0.001) and fat content by 2.1% (p≤0.001) in experimental fish. Generally, Lactobacilli, Enterococcus, Vibrio, Bacillus, and coliform bacteria were found in the intestinal samples of rainbow trout. Significant reliable difference (p≤0.05) between the samples of experimental and control groups was noted in the content of Bacillus bacteria. In the control group, 5.0±0.4×10³ CFU/g was detected, while in the experimental group 8.4±0.8×10⁴ CFU/g. Overall, the data indicate that probiotic bacteria B. amyloliquefaciens B-1895 has no adverse effect on selected microorganisms in the study fish.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.98-116
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• 2024

Epigenetic writers including DNA and histone lysine methyltransferases (DNMT and HKMT, respectively) play an initiative role in the differentiation and development of eukaryotic organisms through the spatiotemporal regulation of functional gene expressions. However, the epigenetic mechanisms have long been suspected in helminth parasites lacking the major DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3a/3b. Very little information on the evolutionary status of the epigenetic tools and their role in regulating chromosomal genes is currently available in the parasitic trematodes. We previously suggested the probable role of a DNMT2-like protein (CsDNMT2) as a genuine epigenetic writer in a trematode parasite Clonorchis sinensis. Here, we analyzed the phylogeny of HKMT subfamily members in the liver fluke and other platyhelminth species. The platyhelminth genomes examined conserved genes for the most of SET domain-containing HKMT and Disruptor of Telomeric Silencing 1 subfamilies, while some genes were expanded specifically in certain platyhelminth genomes. Related to the high gene dosages for HKMT activities covering differential but somewhat overlapping substrate specificities, variously methylated histones were recognized throughout the tissues/organs of C. sinensis adults. The temporal expressions of genes involved in eggshell formation were gradually decreased to their lowest levels proportionally to aging, whereas those of some epigenetic tool genes were re-boosted in the later adult stages of the parasite. Furthermore, these expression levels were significantly affected by treatment with DNMT and HKMT inhibitors. Our data strongly suggest that methylated histones are potent epigenetic markers that modulate the spatiotemporal expressions of C. sinensis genes, especially those involved in sexual reproduction.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.98-109
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• 2024

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in physical and cognitive function according to the level of independence in performing activities of daily living in stroke patients. Design: Retrospective study. Method: This study is a retrospective study analyzing medical records. This study utilized data collected from 123 stroke patients at admission in a local rehabilitation hospital between 2019 and 2022. Stroke patients were classified into 5 groups based on the scores of the Korean Modified Barthel index (K-MBI) evaluated at the time of hospitalization at a rehabilitation hospital, and investigated the change in physical (spasticity (modified Ashworth scale), muscle strength (manual muscle test), gait ability (functional ambulation category), upper extremity function (manual function test), and balance function (berg balance scale)) and cognitive function (Korean mini mental status examination) according to the level of independence in performing activities of daily living. Result:: As a results, significant differences were observed in the physical (muscle strength, gait ability, upper extremity and balance functions) and cognitive functions of stroke patients according to the level of independence in performing activities of daily living (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in upper and lower extremities spasticity. Conclusions: Through the results of this study, we found that the physical (muscle strength, gait ability, upper extremity and balance functions) and cognitive function were influenced by the level of independence in performing activities of daily living in stroke patients.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4_spc
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• pp.719-729
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• 2024

Global pig production has increased by 140% since the 1960s. The increase in global population, coupled with improving socioeconomic conditions of many countries has led to an increased consumption of meat globally, including pork. To keep up with demand and capitalize on economic opportunities, the countries of China, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) have become the top 3 pork producers globally. China is of particular interest, as it is the both the largest country in pork production and pig numbers, as well as being the largest importer of pork from other countries. Globally, the efficiency of pork production has improved, in relation to the integration of pig production and the dramatic increase in research efforts in pig nutrition and production. Through integration, large producers can consolidate resources and maximize profits and efficiency. The increased research interest and efforts in pig production have given scientists and producers the opportunity to collaborate to adapt to challenges and identify possible solutions to issues brought on by a volatile global market. Intestinal health (23%), general nutrition and growth (23%), and amino acid nutrition (15%) were the top 3 areas (61%) leading research trends in pig nutrition and production. Major dietary interventions with feed additives evaluated include functional amino acids, feed enzymes, pre-/pro-/post-biotics, and phytobiotics with a common goal to improve the growth efficiency by enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health. With increasing global issues with environment, pig producers and the supporting scientists should continue their efforts to improve the production efficiency and to reduce the environmental footprint from pig production.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.503-512
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• 2024

This study examines the essays of academic background, written by students from a university, which is classified into prestigious universities in Korean society. By Latent Dirichlet Allocation, 172 essays were analyzed to explore the students' perspectives of the academic fractionalism. The analysis identified five topics such as, functional aspects (Topic 1), double-edged nature (Topic 2), power communities (Topic 3), symbols of victory (Topic 4), and dysfunctional aspects (Topic 5). The most frequently appearing keywords are 'individual,' 'status,' and 'means' in Topic 1, 'definition,' 'school,' and 'meaning' in Topic 2, 'people,' 'origin,' and 'power' in Topic 3, 'university,' 'ability,' and 'effort' in Topic 4, and 'academic achievement,' 'South Korea,' and 'origin' in Topic 5. By exploring the topics, we found that students regarded class reproduction by education as important social issues and they showed little interest in other factors influencing academic fractionalism, such as race or ethnicity. these findings suggest that professars, who teach the impact of education on academic fractionalism, deal with the influence of diverse factors on academic fractionalism.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

Purpose: Outpatient classified total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a safe option for a select group of patients. An analysis of a national database was conducted to understand the risk factors for unplanned discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or acute rehabilitation (rehab) after outpatient classified THA. Materials and Methods: A query of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for THA (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] 27130) performed from 2015 to 2018 was conducted. Patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, functional status, NSQIP morbidity probability, operative time, length of stay (LOS), 30-day reoperation rate, readmission rate, and associated complications were collected. Results: A total of 2,896 patients underwent outpatient classified THA. The mean age of patients was 61.2 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.6 kg/m² with median ASA 2. The results of univariate comparison of SNF/rehab versus home discharge showed that a significantly higher percentage of females (58.7% vs. 46.8%), age >70 years (49.3% vs. 20.9%), ASA ≥3 (58.0% vs. 25.8%), BMI >35 kg/m² (23.3% vs. 16.2%), and hypoalbuminemia (8.0% vs. 1.5%) (P<0.0001) were discharged to SNF/rehab. The results of multivariable logistic regression showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.47; P=0.03), age >70 years (OR 3.08; P=0.001), ASA≥3 (OR 2.56; P=0.001), and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) (OR 3.76; P=0.001) were independent risk factors for SNF/rehab discharge. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with discharge to a SNF/rehab after outpatient classified THA were identified. Surgeons will be able to perform better risk stratification for patients who may require additional postoperative intervention.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.1
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• pp.57-70
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• 1993

This study was carried out to investigate agreement, content and demand for home nursing care of hospital inpatients in brain, spain and musculoskeletal diseases .The data was collected by interviewing with 242 patients who were hospitalized in university hospital on Taegu, from September 6,60 October 9, 1993. Of 242 patients, 66.1% agreed to home nusing care system and rate of agreement was highest between 30 years to 49 years of age as 75.5%, in middle urban area residents as 75.9% and was lowest in medicaid as 40.0% in general chareacteristics. The rate of agreement according to type of diagnosis was highest inpatients with spinal diseases as 75.6% according to functional status was the highest in patients who had daily living activity freely as 69.4% according to prognosis in patients at terminal stage as 80.0% and the rate of agreement to home nursing care of patients who wanted early discharege was 73.9%. The first-ranking reasom of agreement to home nursing care was asking for continuous relationship with doctor as 37.3% and there was statistically significant difference in reasons of agreement to home nursing care according to functional status of patients. The first-ranking reason of eary discharge among patients who wanted early discharge(74.8%) was because of long time stay in hospital. Among 23 items of nursing activity that patient wanted, the first-ranking item was recovery promotion, prevention of complication, education and counseling for health as 76.4%, drug management was 2nd-ranking item as 62.1% and the third was regular checking of vital signs as 55.9%. The lowest item of demand for home unring care was hospice care(3.9%) and airway keep(9.1%).