• Title/Summary/Keyword: control period

Search Result 9,312, Processing Time 0.046 seconds

Pilot Study of a Brief WeChat Intervention in China to Increase Students' Willingness to Assist a Flushing Student to Reduce Alcohol Use

  • Zhang, Fan;Yuen, Lok-Wa;Ding, Lanyan;Newman, Ian M.;Shell, Duane F.
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.51 no.6
    • /
    • pp.320-325
    • /
    • 2018
  • Objectives: This pilot study tested the effectiveness of a brief alcohol-related intervention delivered by the social media app WeChat to teach about ethanol-induced facial flushing and increase the willingness of students who see another student flushing to suggest that he or she should reduce or stop drinking. In the context of Chinese drinking culture, it is sometimes socially difficult to refuse a drink, even when experiencing physical discomfort, such as flushing. Methods: Classrooms of students in a medical university in China were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Students in the intervention group were invited to view 3 alcohol education lessons on WeChat during a 2-week period. A pretest and posttest before and after the 2-week period assessed changes in students' willingness to intervene if they saw someone flush while drinking. Data were collected about students' alcohol use and their ratings of the lessons. Results: Mixed-design analysis of variance yielded a significant time-by-treatment interaction effect on the variable of willingness to suggest that a flushing person stop or slow down their drinking, and the change was significant between the intervention and control groups. One-way analysis of covariance yielded a significant treatment effect at the posttest, after controlling for the pretest score. Students rated the lessons above the midpoint of the scale for being informative, interesting, and useful. Conclusions: The pilot study showed that a brief alcohol-related intervention delivered by WeChat could produce a measurable positive change in the willingness of university students to suggest that a student who flushes should stop drinking. This pilot study also suggested improvements for future lessons and evaluation design.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Leuconostoc spp. Isolated from Indian Meat against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenesin Spinach Leaves

  • Thangavel, Gokila;Subramaniyam, Thiruvengadam
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
    • /
    • v.39 no.4
    • /
    • pp.677-685
    • /
    • 2019
  • Five Leuconostoc strains (CM17, CM19, PM30, PM32, and PM36) previously isolated from Indian meat showed promising antimicrobial activity against food pathogens in screening assay. This study evaluates the efficacy of these isolates against Escherichia coli Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC) 443 and Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC 657) in spinach leaves. Challenge studies were conducted by inoculating E. coli and L. monocytogenes at 6 to 7 $Log_{10}CFU/g$ of the leaves respectively and treating them with cell free supernatant (CFS) of 48 h cultures of the isolates. The samples were stored at $4^{\circ}C$ and analyzed over a period of 5 d. The study was conducted in triplicates and statistical analysis was carried out using one-way Anova. The counts of the pathogens did not increase over the 5 d period in the control samples, without any treatment. Whereas in the case of CFS treatments, significant reduction (p<0.05) was observed in both E. coli and L. monocytogenes from 1 to 5 d with all the 5 strains as compared to the control. The counts of Listeria dropped by 0.5 to 1 log by 5 d, with PM 36 showing the highest reduction (1 log). In the case of E. coli, 1.1 to 1.5 log reduction was observed by 5 d, with again PM 36 showing the highest reduction (1.5). The overall results indicate that the isolates (specifically PM36) not only showed efficacy in in vitro studies but are also proved to be effective in food matrix making them potential clean label antimicrobial alternatives for food application.

Macronutrient Analysis of Human Milk according to Storage and Processing in Korean Mother

  • Kim, Min Hyung;Shim, Kyu Seok;Yi, Dae Yong;Lim, In Seok;Chae, Soo Ahn;Yun, Sin Weon;Lee, Na Mi;Kim, Su Yeong;Kim, Seung
    • Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
    • /
    • v.22 no.3
    • /
    • pp.262-269
    • /
    • 2019
  • Purpose: As the importance of breastfeeding has been reinforced, human milk is often stored for practical reasons. Therefore, we evaluated optimal storage and processing methods for human milk from a nutritional standpoint. Methods: Human milk samples were collected between June 2017 and February 2018. Also, data about maternal information were collected. Human milk was analyzed for macronutrients and caloric content. The samples were subdivided into groups for nutrient analysis. The control group (fresh milk) was not stored or processed. The other groups (9 groups) consisted of samples analyzed based on different storage temperatures (room temperature, refrigerated, frozen), defrosting methods (bottle warmer, room temperature thawing, microwave oven), and storage period (1 week, 1 month, 2 months) and compared with the control group. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the nutrient content of human milk among the collected samples. A significant change in the content of macronutrients in milk samples was observed under storage condition at different temperatures for 1 week with subsequent thawing with bottle warmer compared to fresh milk. Under storage at $-20^{\circ}C$ for 1 week with subsequent thawing with different defrosting methods, a significant change in the content of macronutrients in milk samples was observed compared to fresh milk. After storage at $-20^{\circ}C$ for different periods and thawing with a bottle warmer, a significant change in macronutrient content in milk samples was observed compared to fresh milk regardless of the storage period. Conclusion: Unlike previous guidelines, changes in macronutrient content in milk samples were observed regardless of the method of storing and thawing. Apparently, it is proposed that mothers should feed fresh human milk to their babies without storing.

Assimilation of Satellite-Based Soil Moisture (SMAP) in KMA GloSea6: The Results of the First Preliminary Experiment (기상청 GloSea의 위성관측 기반 토양수분(SMAP) 동화: 예비 실험 분석)

  • Ji, Hee-Sook;Hwang, Seung-On;Lee, Johan;Hyun, Yu-Kyung;Ryu, Young;Boo, Kyung-On
    • Atmosphere
    • /
    • v.32 no.4
    • /
    • pp.395-409
    • /
    • 2022
  • A new soil moisture initialization scheme is applied to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) Global Seasonal forecasting system version 6 (GloSea6). It is designed to ingest the microwave soil moisture retrievals from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) radiometer using the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF). In this technical note, we describe the procedure of the newly-adopted initialization scheme, the change of soil moisture states by assimilation, and the forecast skill differences for the surface temperature and precipitation by GloSea6 simulation from two preliminary experiments. Based on a 4-year analysis experiment, the soil moisture from the land-surface model of current operational GloSea6 is found to be drier generally comparing to SMAP observation. LETKF data assimilation shows a tendency toward being wet globally, especially in arid area such as deserts and Tibetan Plateau. Also, it increases soil moisture analysis increments in most soil levels of wetness in land than current operation. The other experiment of GloSea6 forecast with application of the new initialization system for the heat wave case in 2020 summer shows that the memory of soil moisture anomalies obtained by the new initialization system is persistent throughout the entire forecast period of three months. However, averaged forecast improvements are not substantial and mixed over Eurasia during the period of forecast: forecast skill for the precipitation improved slightly but for the surface air temperature rather degraded. Our preliminary results suggest that additional elaborate developments in the soil moisture initialization are still required to improve overall forecast skills.

The Effects of Zeolite on Ammonia, Nitrous Oxide Emission, and Forage Yield from Pig Slurry Applied to the Forage Corn Cropping

  • Choi, Ah-Reum;Park, Sang-Hyun;Kim, Tae-Hwan
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
    • /
    • v.40 no.4
    • /
    • pp.274-278
    • /
    • 2020
  • Pig slurry (PS) is the most applicable recycling option as an alternative organic fertilizer. The application of pig slurry has the risk of air pollution via atmospheric ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. The zeolite has a porous structure that can accommodate a wide variety of cations, thus utilizing for the potential additive of deodorization and gas adsorption. This study aimed to investigate the possible roles of zeolite in mitigating NH3 and N2O emission from the pig slurry applied to the maize cropping. The experiment was composed of three treatments: 1) non-N fertilized control, 2) pig slurry (PS) and 3) pig slurry mixed with natural zeolite (PZ). Both of NH3 and N2O emission from applied pig slurry highly increased by more than 3-fold compared to non-N fertilized control. The NH3 emission from the pig slurry was dominant during early 14 days after application and 20.1% of reduction by zeolite application was estimated in this period. Total NH3 emission through whole period of measurement was 0.31, 1.33, and 1.14 kg ha-1. Nitrous oxide emission in the plot applied with pig slurry was also reduced by zeolite treatment by 16.3%. Significant increases in forage and ear yield, as well as nutrient values were obtained by pig slurry application, while no significant effects of zeolite were observed. These results indicate that the application of zeolite and pig slurry efficiently reduces the emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide without negative effects on maize crop production.

Effects of exogenous hormones treatment on spermiation and plasma levels of gonadal steroids in Roughscale sole, Clidoderma asperrimum

  • Woo, Sol Min;Lee, Hyo Bin;Seo, Young Seok;Lim, Han Kyu
    • Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
    • /
    • v.24 no.12
    • /
    • pp.437-445
    • /
    • 2021
  • Roughscale sole (Clidoderma asperrimum) is only wild caught because basic reproductive research on this species is lacking and gamete production in an artificial setting has not been successful. Exogenous hormone treatment has been used to induce gonadal maturation and final spermiation in wild-caught individuals. In this study, the effects of an exogenous hormone on spermiation in roughscale sole was investigated by implanting different concentrations of a salmon gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analog (sGnRH; 0, 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/kg body weight) into male fishes. The control group did not produce sperm after 21 days post-implantation, and the duration of spermiation was shorter compared to the other groups. The spermiation period and milt amount differed among the hormone-treated groups according to the hormone concentration used. Milt volumes in the groups treated with 25 and 100 ㎍/kg sGnRH increased compared to the control group, whereas exogenous hormone treatment had no effect on the movable sperm ratio. The spermatocrit was high at the beginning of spermiation in all groups and then tended to decrease gradually over time except in the experimental group treated with 100 ㎍/kg sGnRH. Plasma levels of testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one were not significantly affected by the sGnRH treatments. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to prolong the spermiation period and increase milt volume by treating male roughscale soles with an exogenous hormone. In addition, the artificial hormone treatment did not affect sperm motility.

Quality Characteristics of Byeolmijang Prepared by Different Variety of Roasted Grain Powders (볶은 잡곡 종류를 달리하여 제조한 별미장의 품질 특성)

  • Eom, Hyun-Ju;Kwon, Nu Ri;Kang, Hye Jeong;Park, Hye Jin;Kim, So-Young;Kim, Ju-Hyoung
    • The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
    • /
    • v.35 no.2
    • /
    • pp.106-115
    • /
    • 2022
  • The purpose of this study was to examine the quality characteristics of byeolmijang prepared several roasted whole grain powders (oat, brown rice, black soybean, corn) for eight weeks. As the fermentation progressed, the pH decreased from 6.10~6.12 to 4.48~4.92 and the total acidity increased dramatically from 0.41~0.48% to 1.67~2.24%. There were no differences in the moisture content. The content of reducing sugar decreased, in particular, brown rice sample(C) decreased significantly than the other samples during fermentation. In color, L and b-value decreased all samples, whereas a-value showed a tendency to slightly increase. The total cell counts and lactic acid bacteria revealed an increasing tendency during fermentation. In case of the amino-type nitrogen contents, it increased significantly during the fermentation period, especially control sample (A) showed the highest content significantly. The total polyphenol of all samples increased in the fermentation period. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities also increased, especially corn sample (E) had the highest levels. In by electronic tongue analysis, corn sample (E) revealed higher umami and sourness than the control. So, by adding roasted corn powder, it can enhance function and taste of byeolmijang.

Effect of xylo-oligosaccharides on reproduction, lipid metabolism, and adipokines of hens during the late egg-laying period

  • Wen, Fengyun;Wang, Fengyan;Li, Pei;Shi, Hanyi;Liu, Ning
    • Animal Bioscience
    • /
    • v.35 no.11
    • /
    • pp.1744-1751
    • /
    • 2022
  • Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) administration on egg production, reproductive hormones, serum lipids and adipokines of hens at the late cycle of reproduction. Methods: Four treatments included control (basal diet) and XOS addition at 2.0 (XOS-2), 4.0 (XOS-4), or 6.0 (XOS-6) g/kg of diet using 288 commercial Hy-Line brown hens from 73 to 84 wk of age. Egg production, body fat deposition, reproductive tract and hormones, lipid metabolism and adipokines were determined. Results: At 84 wk, compared to the control, XOS supplementation at the three doses increased (p<0.001) egg-laying rates by 13.2% averagely, which led to a higher egg mass by 131 g/hen throughout the whole trial period. Abdominal fat and skinfold of XOS treatments were decreased (p<0.001) by 26.1% and 18.6%, respectively; large follicles and ovary weight were increased (p<0.001) by 0.73 follicle/hen and 18.6%, respectively. For serum parameters, cholesterol and triglyceride were decreased (p<0.001) by 17.5% and 29.2%, respectively; luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone were increased (p≤0.001) by 16%, 31%, 29%, respectively; adiponectin and visfatin were increased (p<0.001) by 34% and 44%, respectively; but chemerin and leptin were decreased (p≤0.001) by 22% and 14%, respectively. With the increased XOS doses, linear decreases (p<0.05) were found on abdominal skinfold and serum triglyceride. Conclusion: The obtained data indicate that XOS can be used as an additive to improve fecundity by beneficially modulating fat deposition, lipid metabolism, reproductive hormones, and adipokines of hens at the late cycle of reproduction.

The Effects of the Industrial Nursing Practical Education Program Applying Online Collaborative Learning (온라인 협력학습을 적용한 산업간호 실습교육 프로그램의 효과)

  • Ha, Young-Sun;Park, Yong-Kyung;Kim, Kyeng-Jin
    • Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
    • /
    • v.12 no.5
    • /
    • pp.393-403
    • /
    • 2021
  • This study examined the effect of the industrial nursing practical education program applying online collaborative learning on perceived motivation, problem-solving ability, and communication ability of nursing students in COVID-19 period. The study was carried out according a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The study subjects were 35 nursing college students from K City. Data collection was from October 19 to November 12, 2020. Collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22.0 with the 𝑥2 test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test. The experimental group had significantly different perceived motivation, and problem-solving ability in comparison to the control group. This suggests that the industrial nursing practical education program applying online collaborative learning in the COVID-19 period can be applied as a way to increase nursing students' perceived motivation, and problem-solving ability.

The Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity and Safety of Verbenalin in ICR Mice

  • Hyejeong, Shin;Yigun, Lim;Jisu, Ha;Gabsik, Yang;Taehan, Yook
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
    • /
    • v.39 no.4
    • /
    • pp.310-316
    • /
    • 2022
  • Background: Verbenalin is an iridoid glucoside, which is among the active components of some medicinal herbs such as Verbena officinalis Linn, and Cornus officinalis Siebold and Zucc. Previous studies have confirmed the antioxidant activity and neuroprotective potential of verbenalin. To confirm the safety of verbenalin, an approximate lethal dose was determined based on a single oral dose toxicity study. Methods: Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly assigned to three verbenalin exposure groups (250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg) and a control group (5% methylcellulose solution). There were (5 male and 5 female mice per group). Mortality, clinical signs, and body weight were monitored for 14 days, and necropsies were conducted. Results: No mortalities were observed in the control group or the verbenalin 250 mg/kg group, whereas mortalities were observed in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg verbenalin groups. During the observation period, stool abnormalities such as mucous stools were observed. Clinical signs such as loss of locomotor activity were observed in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg verbenalin groups. During the study period, significant changes in body weight were observed in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg verbenalin groups; however, no gross abnormalities were observed at necropsy. Overall, no toxicity was found in the 250 mg/kg group. Conclusion: The approximate lethal dose of verbenalin was estimated to be 500 mg/kg. For a more accurate assessment of the safety of verbenalin, other types of studies such as repeated-dose toxicity studies should also be conducted.