• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.69-95
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• 2023

In order to evaluate the effects of ARG sources (arginine [ARG] and Guanidinoacetic acid [GAA]) and phenylalanine (PHE) supplementation on performance, susceptibility to ascites, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in the cold-stressed broilers fed a canola meal (CM)-based diet, a 2×2 factorial experiment with four treatments was conducted. The dietary treatments included CM-based diet + 2.57 g/kg ARG, CM-based diet + 2.57 g/kg ARG + 1.5 g/kg PHE, CM-based diet + 1.8 g/kg GAA and CM-based diet + 1.8 g/kg GAA + 1.5 g/kg PHE. The corn-CM diet without supplementation was used as a negative control (NC) group in the fifth treatment that excluded the factorial arrangement. The results showed that adding ARG to diets without PHE supplement increased (p < 0.05) feed intake. Also, birds fed diets containing ARG had higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) compared to those fed GAA added diets. Supplementation of PHE improved (p < 0.05) the FCR compared to groups fed diets without added PHE. Further, ARG addition increased (p < 0.05) plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentration, carcass, breast and leg yields, duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD, and dry matter digestibility, while decreasing (p < 0.05) ascites mortality and right ventricle (RV) to total ventricle (TV) ratio compared to GAA added groups. Supplementation of PHE also declined susceptibility to ascites by reducing (p < 0.01) RV to TV ratio while increasing (p < 0.05) plasma NO level. The digestibility of ether extract also increased (p < 0.05) in broilers fed GAA supplemented diets versus those fed ARG added diets. The findings suggested that ARG may improve BWG and lower ascites incidence in broilers fed a diet based on CM under cold stress because of its antihypertensive effects. Moreover, the findings of this study demonstrated the importance of including PHE formulation in ARG-deficient diets to attenuate the adverse effects of cold stress on broilers. It was also concluded that GAA could be efficaciously used in cold-stressed broilers fed an ARG-deficient diet.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 1985

An immunoassay may be defined as an analytical procedure involving the competitive reaction between a limiting concentration of specific antibody and two populations of antigen, one of which is labelled or immobillized. The advent of immunoassay has revolutionised our knowledge of reproductive physiology and the practice of veterinary and clinical medicine. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was the first of these methods to be developed, which meausred the analyte with good sensitivity, accuracy and precision (1,2). The essential components of RIA are:-(i) a limited concentration of antibodies, (ii) a reference preparation, and (iii) an antigen labelled with a radioisotope (usually tritium or iodine-125). Most procedures invelove isolating the antibody-bound fraction and measuring the amount of labelled antigen. Good facilities are available for scintilltion counting, data reduction nd statistical analysis. RIA is undergoing refinement through:-(i) the introduction of new techniques to separate the antibody-bound and free fractions which minimize the misclassification of labelled antigen into these compartments, and the amount of non-specfic binding. (3), (ii) the development of non-extration for the measurement of haptens (4), (iii) the determination of a, pp.rent free (i.e. non-protein bound) analytes (5), and (iv) the use of monoclonal antibodies(6). In 1968, Miles and Hales introduced in important new type of immunoassay which they termed immunora-diometric assay (IRMA) based on t도 use of isotopically labelled specific antibodies(7) in a move from limited to excess reagent systems. The concept of two-site IRMAs (with a capture antibody on a solid-phase, and a second labelled antibody to a different antigenic determinant of the analyte) has enabled the development of more sensitive and less-time consuming methods for the measurement of protein hormones ovar wide concentration of analyte (8). The increasing use of isotopic methos for diverse a, pp.ications has exposed several problems. For example, the radioactive half-life and radiolysis of the labelled reagent limits assay sensitivity and imposes a time limit on the usefulness of a kit. In addition, the potential health hazards associated with the use and disposal of radioactive cmpounds and the solvents and photofluors necessary for liquid scientillation counting are incompatable with the development of extra-laboratory tests. To date, the most practical alternative labels to radioisotopes, for the measurement of analytes in a concentration > 1 ng/ml, are erythrocytes, polystyrene particiles, gold sols, dyes and enzymes or cofactors with a visual or colorimetric end-point(9). Increased sensitivity to<1 pg/ml may be obtained with fluorescent and chemiluminescent labels, or enzymes with a fluorometric, chemiluminometric or bioluminometric end-point. The sensitivity of any immunoassay or immunometric assay depends on the affinity of the antibody-antigen reaction, the specific activity of the label, the precision with which the reagents are manipulated and the nonspecific background signal (10). The sensitivity of a limited reagent system for the measurement of haptens or proteins is mainly dependent upon the affinity of the antibodies and the smalleest amount of reagent that may be manipulated. Consequently, it is difficult in practice to improve on the sensitivity obtained with iodine-125 as the label. Conversely, with excess reagent systems for the measurement of proteins it is theoretically possible to increase assay sensitivity at least 1000 fold with alternative luminescent labels. To date, a 10-fold improvement has been achieved, and attempts are being made to reduce the influence of other variables on the specific signal from the immunoreaction.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2022

Purpose: Despite continuous updates of standard treatment guidelines for acute ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI), in practice preferred treatment protocols vary widely. Based on a Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey, this study reports current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 34 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. Questions mainly addressed clinical experience and preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of ankle ligament injuries. Answers with a prevalence of ≥50% among respondents were considered to reflect tendencies. Results: Eighty-four of the 550 members (15.3%) responded. Answers that showed a tendency were as follows: commonest additional image study (ultrasound), conservative treatment modality (immobilization, oral medication), frequency of surgical treatment (<5 cases per annum), most important factor when deciding on surgical treatment (activity level, e.g., occupation or sport), and commonest surgical procedure (open ligament repair). Answers that showed a tendency for CAI were as follows: most important symptom (repeated sprain, giving way), radiological factors (talar tilt, osteochondral lesion, anterior talar translation), and patient factors (occupation, sports activities, recurrent instability after surgery, etc.). For decision making regarding surgical treatment and method, the most preferred surgical procedure was the modified Broström procedure, and the most common repair technique was suture anchor technique. The following were considered poor prognostic factors; generalized laxity, failed previous surgery, cavovarus, severe mechanical instability, heavy work, obesity, and dissatisfaction after surgery because of residual pain. Conclusion: This study updates information regarding current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries in Korea, and reveals consensus opinions and variations in approaches to patients with an acute or chronic injury. The divergence of approaches identified indicates the need for further studies to determine standard guidelines and long-term results.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2023

Animal welfare was introduced relatively late to Korea in comparison with Western countries. Nonetheless, the Korean government has continuously improved animal welfare-friendly regulations as policy instruments. Given the current situation, it is predicted that spontaneous settlement of the animal welfare policies will be difficult and may cause conflict in the farm animal industry. To identify and categorize conflicts caused by animal-welfare-related policies in the last five years, we investigated the awareness of animal welfare among Korean hen farms and the level of compliance with the animal welfare regulations. We collected a sample of 53 egg-laying chicken farm operators (e.g., owners or head managers) was collected through the on-site survey (90% confidence level (Z-score: 1.65) and 10.18% tolerance, based on a number of 797 egg-laying farms in 2020). Ethical conflicts on the farms were categorized into three different types according to the hen farm's ethical awareness level: passive, moderate, and active. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between compliance with regulations and ethical consideration. This study confirmed that compliance with animal welfare-related regulations significantly correlated to the level of ethical consideration of farm operators. Interestingly, we also observed that farm operators did not comply with the regulation despite their high level of awareness of animal welfare. This conflict implies contradiction and unresolved ethical dilemmas. Therefore, this study argues that the policies cause conflict in the field despite the certain level of effectiveness on animal welfare regulations.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.965-981
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• 2024

Objective: Milk composition varies considerably and depends on paratypical, genetic, and epigenetic factors. MiRNAs belong to the class of small non-coding RNAs; they are one of the key tools of epigenetic control because of their ability to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. We compared the relative expression levels of miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d in milk to demonstrate the relationship between the content of these miRNAs with protein and fat components of milk in Holstein and Ayrshire cattle. Methods: Milk fat, protein, and casein contents were determined in the obtained samples, as well as the content of the main fatty acids (g/100 g milk), including: saturated acids, such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), and stearic (C18:0) acids; monounsaturated acids, including oleic (C18:1) acid; as well as long-, medium- and short-chain, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids. Real-time stem-loop one-tube reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes was used to measure the miRNA expression levels. Results: The miRNA expression levels in milk samples were found to be decreased in the first two months in Holstein breed, and in the first four months in Ayrshire breed. Correlation analysis did not reveal any dependence between changes in the expression level of miRNA and milk fat content, but showed a multidirectional relationship with individual milk fatty acids. Positive associations between the expression levels of miR-106b and miR-30d and protein and casein content were found in the Ayrshire breed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that miR-106b and miR-30d expression levels can cause changes in fatty acid and protein composition of milk in Ayrshire cows, whereas miR-106b expression level determines the fatty acid composition in Holsteins. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study showed that miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d expression levels in milk samples have peculiarities associated with breed affiliation and the lactation period.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2024

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a significant burden to infant and toddler's care globally, while the disease severity is generally mild in this age group. In this study, we aimed to assess epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers in Seoul, South Korea. Methods: We used Seoul Metropolitan Government's epidemiological investigation database to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers, between March 2020 to December 2021. Results: A total of 5,025 infants and toddlers aged <5 years was diagnosed between the observed period. 2,720 (54.1%) had symptoms, and fever was the most common symptom in 1,941 (74.1%). Of the diagnosed cases, 96.4% did not have underlying diseases. In a district level, extended opening of childcare facility was associated with increased risk of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers. Conclusions: An efficient monitoring system, resembling routine clinical care, is crucial, considering the low rates of severe progression and fatality among infants and toddlers. Moreover, a well-grounded intervention based on scientific evidence, rather than unconditional closures, is necessary to establish a suitable childcare policy that ensures safety from infectious diseases while not overlooking the developmental aspects of social skills.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the pathogens of bloodstream infection in children with underlying hemato-oncologic diseases, analyze susceptibility patterns, compare temporal trends with those of previous studies, and assess empirical antimicrobial therapy. Methods: Retrospective review study of children bacteremia in hemato-oncologic diseases was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2013 to July 2023. Results: Overall, 98 episodes of bacteremia were observed in 74 patients. Among pathogens isolated, 57.1% (n=56) were Gram-positive bacteria, 38.8% (n=38) were Gram-negative bacteria, and 4.1% (n=4) were Candida spp. The most common Gram-positive bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=21, 21.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus, (n=14, 14.3%) whereas the most common Gram-negative bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=16, 16.3%) and Escherichia coli (n=10, 10.2%). The susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria to penicillin, oxacillin, and vancomycin was 11.5%, 32.7%, and 94.2%, respectively and the susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, gentamicin, and amikacin was 68.6%, 80%, 97.1%, 82.9%, and 91.4%, respectively. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was detected in 1 strain and among Gram-negative strains, extended spectrum β-lactamase accounted for 28.9% (12/38). When analyzing the antibiotic susceptibility and empirical antibiotics, the mismatch rate was 25.5% (n=25). The mortality rate of children within 30 days of bacteremia was 7.1% (n=7). Conclusions: Empirical antibiotic therapy for bacteremia in children with hemato-oncologic diseases should be based on the local antibiogram in each institution and continuous monitoring is necessary.

• The Transactions of the Korea Information Processing Society
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.284-290
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• 2024

Speech emotion recognition (SER) is a technique that is used to analyze the speaker's voice patterns, including vibration, intensity, and tone, to determine their emotional state. There has been an increase in interest in artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, which are now widely used in medicine, education, industry, and the military. Nevertheless, existing researchers have attained impressive results by utilizing acted-out speech from skilled actors in a controlled environment for various scenarios. In particular, there is a mismatch between acted and spontaneous speech since acted speech includes more explicit emotional expressions than spontaneous speech. For this reason, spontaneous speech-emotion recognition remains a challenging task. This paper aims to conduct emotion recognition and improve performance using spontaneous speech data. To this end, we implement deep learning-based speech emotion recognition using the VGG (Visual Geometry Group) after converting 1-dimensional audio signals into a 2-dimensional spectrogram image. The experimental evaluations are performed on the Korean spontaneous emotional speech database from AI-Hub, consisting of 7 emotions, i.e., joy, love, anger, fear, sadness, surprise, and neutral. As a result, we achieved an average accuracy of 83.5% and 73.0% for adults and young people using a time-frequency 2-dimension spectrogram, respectively. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the suggested framework outperformed current state-of-the-art techniques for spontaneous speech and showed a promising performance despite the difficulty in quantifying spontaneous speech emotional expression.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.24-33
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate individual- and community-level factors on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Korean adults. Methods : This study was conducted on 225,965 adults collected through data from the 2021 Community Health Survey and the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS). The general characteristics, suicidal behavior (e.g., suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts), and community-level characteristics of the study subjects were analyzed using frequency (%) and mean (standard deviation). The effects on individual- and community-level factors on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Results : The community-level factor associated with suicidal ideation was unmet health care (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.053, 95% CI=1.035-1.071), and the community-level factor associated with suicide attempt was the aging rate (OR=1.015, 95% CI=1.001-1.030). Regarding health-related variables, the individual-level factors associated with suicidal ideation were stress status (OR=9.388, 95% CI=8.629-10.213), depressive experience in the past year (OR=6.737, 95% CI=6.454-7.032), and the predominantly individual-level factors associated with suicide attempt were also stress status (OR=5.213, 95% CI=3.699-7.347), and depressive experience in the last one year (OR=13.433, 95% CI: 11.247-16.044). Conclusions : We confirmed individual-level and community-level factors influencing suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Through these findings, we need to establish suicide prevention policies, considering managing individual-level factors such as stress and depression as well as community-level factors such as unmet health care.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.956-966
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• 2019

Objective: To characterize the changes in right ventricular (RV) volume, volume load, and function measured with cardiac computed tomography (CT) over the entire time course of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Materials and Methods: In 374 patients with TOF, the ventricular volume, ventricular function, and RV volume load were measured with cardiac CT preoperatively (stage 1), after palliative operation (stage 2), after total surgical repair (stage 3), or after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) (stage 4). The CT-measured variables were compared among the four stages. After total surgical repair, the postoperative duration (POD) and the CT-measured variables were correlated with each other. In addition, the demographic and CT-measured variables in the early postoperative groups were compared with those in the late postoperative and the preoperative group. Results: Significantly different CT-based measures were found between stages 1 and 3 (indexed RV end-diastolic volume [EDV], 63.6 ± 15.2 mL/m² vs. 147.0 ± 38.5 mL/m² and indexed stroke volume (SV) difference, 7.7 ± 10.3 mL/m² vs. 32.2 ± 16.4 mL/m²; p < 0.001), and between stages 2 and 3 (indexed RV EDV, 72.4 ± 19.7 mL/m² vs. 147.0 ± 38.5 mL/m² and indexed SV difference, 5.7 ± 13.1 mL/m² vs. 32.2 ± 16.4 mL/m²; p < 0.001). After PVR, the effect of RV volume load (i.e., indexed SV difference) was reduced from 32.2 mL/m² to 1.7 mL/m². Positive (0.2 to 0.8) or negative (-0.2 to -0.4) correlations were found among the CT-based measures except between the RV ejection fraction (EF) and the RV volume load parameters. With increasing POD, an early rapid increase was followed by a slow increase and a plateau in the indexed ventricular volumes and the RV volume load parameters. Compared with the preoperative data, larger ventricular volumes and lower EFs were observed in the early postoperative period. Conclusion: Cardiac CT can be used to characterize RV volume, volume load, and function over the entire time course of TOF.