• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.218-227
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• 2022

Purpose: To analyze the characteristics of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over the past three decades in Argentina and determine if there are differences between the first two decades and the past decade. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter analytical study in children with IBD between 0 and 18 years of age diagnosed between 1987 and 2017 in three tertiary health centers in Argentina. The evaluation included clinical characterization, endoscopy, histology, and imaging data together with therapeutic strategies. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, diagnosed between 1987 and 2007, and Group 2, diagnosed between 2008 and 2017. Results: Of the 756 patients included, 409 (54%) had ulcerative colitis (UC), 250 (33%) had Crohn's disease (CD), and 97 (13%) had IBD-unclassified (IBD-U). The positive family history was 3.8%, which was more frequent among children under two years of age (6.7%). There were no significant differences in clinical presentation and extraintestinal manifestations between periods, with hepatic manifestations being the most frequent. In the last decade, we found an upward trend in CD, a downward trend in UC/IBD-U, even after adjustment for socioeconomic status, and a decrease of 50% in surgical treatments coinciding with the advent of biological therapy. Conclusion: This is the first multicenter cohort study in a Latin American country to describe clinical, endoscopic, and therapeutic data across the past 30-year period. Although CD was responsible for the overall increase in incidence, UC was still prevalent in this region.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1827-1838
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• 2022

Objective: The semen quality of stallions including sperm motility is an important target of selection as it has a high level of individual variability. However, effects of the molecular architecture of the genome on the mechanisms of sperm formation and their preservation after thawing have been poorly investigated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the sperm motility of cryopreserved semen in stallions of various breeds. Methods: Semen samples were collected from the stallions of 23 horse breeds. The following semen characteristics were examined: progressive motility (PM), progressive motility after freezing (FPM), and the difference between PM and FPM. The respective DNA samples from these stallions were genotyped using Axiom Equine Genotyping Array. Results: We performed a GWAS search for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and potential genes related to motility properties of frozen-thawed semen in the stallions of various breeds. As a result of the GWAS analysis, two SNP markers, rs1141327473 and rs1149048772, were identified that were associated with preservation of the frozen-thawed stallion sperm motility, the relevant putative candidate genes being NME/NM23 family member 8 (NME8), olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily AP member 1 (OR2AP1), and olfactory receptor family 6 subfamily C member 4 (OR6C4). Potential implications of effects of these genes on sperm motility are herein discussed. Conclusion: The GWAS results enabled us to localize novel SNPs and candidate genes for sperm motility in stallions. Implications of the study for horse breeding and genetics are a better understanding of genomic regions and candidate genes underlying stallion sperm quality, and improvement in horse reproduction and breeding techniques. The identified markers and genes for sperm cryotolerance and the respective genomic regions are promising candidates for further studying the biological processes in the formation and function of the stallion reproductive system.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2018

We investigated natural habitat of seagrass and created replacement habitat to monitor for restoration of the habitat which is expected to be damaged at Cheonseong harbor in Busan. Depth of water for natural seagrass habitat at Cheonseong harbor was 1.2~3.1 m and the water temperature was 7.4℃, salt concentration was 29.1 psu and pH was 8.05 in January, 2013. The density of seagrass was 167.1±16.4 shoots m^-2, the total length was 48.5±18.1 cm, the height of sheath was 9.1±2.8 cm and the width of leaf was 4.8±1.1 cm, respectively. We transplanted in December 2014 and monitored the habitat during 9 months after transplanted. In the beginning, the density of seagrass was decreased to 8.5 shoots patch^-1 in January and was increased to 19.0 shoots patch^-1 in April. The total height were 73.3±2.9~121.3±6.1 cm, the length of sheath were 9.6±0.6-21.0±1.2 cm, the width of leaf were 5.7±0.1~6.8±0.2 mm. It showed that all values were increased steadily until July and was decreased rapidly in August. Flowering shoot, which was not observed in the beginning of transplanting, started to be spotted in March and was continued to be seen during the monitoring period. We were able to observe seedling of germinated seagrass in seeds in the replacement habitat next year.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.21.1-21.12
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• 2021

Objectives: This study compared the cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and tenascin immunolabeling of a new ready-to-use hydraulic sealer (Bio-C Sealer) with MTA-Fillapex and white MTA-Angelus. Materials and Methods: L929 fibroblasts were cultivated and exposed to undiluted and diluted material extracts. Polyethylene tubes with or without (the control) the materials were implanted into the dorsa of rats. At 7 days and 30 days, the rats were euthanized, and the specimens were prepared for analysis; inflammation and immunolabeling were measured, and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05). Results: MTA-Fillapex exhibited greater cytotoxicity than the other materials at all time points (p < 0.05). The undiluted Bio-C Sealer exhibited greater cytocompatibility at 6 and 48 hours than white MTA-Angelus, with higher cell viability than in the control (p < 0.05). White MTA-Angelus displayed higher cell viability than the control at 24 hours, and the one-half dilution displayed similar results at both 6 and 48 hours (p < 0.05). At 7 days and 30 days, the groups exhibited moderate inflammation with thick fibrous capsules and mild inflammation with thin fibrous capsules, respectively (p > 0.05). At 7 days, moderate to strong immunolabeling was observed (p > 0.05). After 30 days, the control and MTA-Fillapex groups exhibited strong immunolabeling, the white MTA-Angelus group exhibited moderate immunolabeling (p > 0.05), and the Bio-C Sealer group exhibited low-to-moderate immunolabeling, differing significantly from the control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bio-C Sealer and white MTA-Angelus exhibited greater cytocompatibility than MTA-Fillapex; all materials displayed adequate biocompatibility and induced tenascin immunolabeling.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.35-64
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• 2009

In an effort to increase our understanding of green buying behavior, the present study proposes and tests a comprehensive model of how values influence attitudes toward the environment and preferences for green products in a cross-cultural setting. Data were collected from a survey with consumers in two cultures, diametrically different on values salient to environmental consumerism, the U.S. and Korea. As a result of model testing both at the national and multi-group levels, a refined, final model is presented. While the core human values were found to relate to environmental attitudes and green buying behavior, the patterns of the relationships among the variables emerged to differ between the two cultures, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural investigations in this area. Results suggest that biospheric values significantly influence environmental attitudes and green consumption in both countries. However, the effects of egoism were significant among American respondents whereas altruism appeared to have a significant influence on attitude and behavior in the Korean sample. Findings of this study should aid international marketers in their understanding of what drives consumers' green buying behavior in different cultural settings.

• 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.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2009

Stable carbon isotope analysis was used to investigate the autotrophic carbon sources supporting fisheries in three coastal bay systems of the southern coast of Korea. Carbon isotope ratios (${\delta}^{13}C$) of 31 fish species were analysed and compared with those of a range of potential primary food sources [e.g., seagrass (Zostera marina), seagrass epiphytes, benthic microalgae, macroalgae, marine particulate organic matter (marine POM), marsh plant (Phragmites australis) and terrestrial POM]. ${\delta}^{13}C$ values (range, -16.2${\sim}$-8.3‰) of fishes from the coastal embayment systems were overlapped with those of seagrass (-8.3${\pm}$1.9‰), seagrass epiphytes (-12.4${\pm}$0.6‰), benthic microalgae (-15.4${\pm}$1.6‰) and macroalgae (-16.0${\pm}$1.8‰). In addition, fishes (-12.9${\pm}$1.5‰) from the study area had distinctly higher ${\delta}^{13}C$ values compared to those collected in offshore sites (-17.3${\pm}$0.8‰) of the southern sea of Korea and Nakdong River (-23.2${\pm}$1.6‰). This result indicates that carbon supporting fish communities of these coastal bay systems is mainly derived from the local benthic producers.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.185-212
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• 2014

This study investigated the base of marine leisure facilities and studied the future vision for development of marine industry by conducting a systematic analysis on the category of marine leisure products for development of design and specialization of southeast area of Korea. If the age of $20,000 of per capita national income is called 'the age of my car', $20,000 of per capita national income is called 'the age of my boat'. According to the report of UK-based Marine South East, the scale of world's small boat and personal waterborne equipment reached 277 trillion won in 2010 and domestic market scale is expected to be 11 trillion won. Marine leisure facilities are the new growth engine industry that the government should promote as a nation's strategic and core industry, and the government is pushing ahead with promotion of marine industry actively by announcing Marine Leisure Equipment Industry Activation Plan(June 2009, Ministry of Knowledge Economy), Marine Leisure Activation Plan(July 2010, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport), The 1st General Plan for Marina Port(January 2010, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) etc. The purpose of marine design lies in seeking the status of the country and qualitative value in human life through functional, artistic, industrial and cultural development of design elements for all marine activities made around the sea. Related to all activities made in the ocean and cost, marine design is a sphere of design that includes special conditions centering around water. Considering the condition that 3 sides of land are facing the sea, this study systematically analyzed present condition of equipment possessed by each area, type of facilities, operational status, current status of sectoral use of marine leisure facilities and future prospect of marine leisure products that become the basis of value to raise the statue as an advanced marine power in 2010s through development of the qualitative level of the people, establishment of the direction of national strategy, convergence of industry and culture and specialization of area focusing on the actual condition survey of marine leisure facilities. Especially, this study will be predicting the basis of strategy for strengthening marketability and competitiveness by suggesting role and process of design in developing a promising marine leisure product through an actual condition survey of marine leisure products of southeast area.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.366-372
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• 2009

In the course of screening of useful enzyme-producing microorganisms from marine sedimentary layers, we isolated 2 amylase producing strains and tested their amylase producing activities. Analyses of 16S rDNA sequences and biochemical methods (BIOLOG) of two isolates showed that they were confirmed to be a gram positive Bacillus sp. and gram negative Pseudoalteromonas sp., respectively. Excellent amylase producing strains were termed Bacillus sp. ST-63 and Pseudoalteromonas sp. ST-140, and further studies were conducted on their amylase producing characteristics. Optimum conditions for cell growth in amylase activity were obtained when the isolate (Bacillus sp. ST-63 and Pseudoalteromonas sp. ST-140) was cultured at $30^{\circ}C$ and pH $7{\sim}8$.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.145-154
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• 2009

Seasonal variation in species composition and abundance of shallow water fish from the Hakampo and Yeonpo beaches in Taean in the western coast of Korea were determined by the analysis of monthly samples collected by a beach seine from January to December, 2007. A total of 30 species, 964 individuals and 10,564.1 g of fish were collected from the Hakampo beach, and a total of 46 species, 4,447 individuals and 28,622.4 g of fish from the Yeonpo beach. The juveniles of coastal fish such as Chelon haematochelius, Paralichthys olivaceus, Repomucenus lunatus, Sebastes schlegelii and Takifugu niphobles were predominated in abundance. And the juveniles of pelagic migrants such as Konosirus punctatus, Sardinella zunasi and Engraulis japonicus were abundantly collected between summer and autumn. The fish collected were mainly composed of small-sized species and juveniles. C. haematochelius and migrant fish were young of the year, and commercially important fish such as S. schlegeli, P. olivaceus, Pleuronectes yokohamae and Hexagrammos otakii were 1 to 2 years old juveniles. It is considered that they use the shallow water as a nursery ground until they move out to the deeper water. The number of species and abundance were lower in the fine sand Hakamp beach than in the muddy sand Yeonpo beach where some Zostera marina were also found. In Yeonpo beach the adult of Gymnogobius mororanus preferred to live in the muddy shallow water and Syngnathus schlegeli living in the sea grass were also abundantly collected in spring in addition to resident fish and pelagic migrants in warm months. The resident species were more abundance in the Taean beach than in the beach located in the southern part of the west coast of Korea where the juveniles of pelagic migrants were more abundant.