• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2019

Dehydration Responsive Element Binding (DREB) gene is one of the essential transcription factors plants use for responding to stress conditions including salinity, drought, and cold stress. The purpose of this study was to isolate the full length and characterize the DREB gene from three different genotypes of sugarcane, wild, commercial cultivar, and interspecific hybrid sugarcane. The length of the gene, designated ScDREB was 789 bp, and coding for a putative polypeptide of 262 amino acid residues. Sequences of the gene were submitted to the GenBank database with accession numbers of KX280722.1, KX280721.1, and KX280719.1 for wild sugarcane, commercial cultivar (KPS94-13), and interspecific hybrid (Biotec2), respectively. In silico characterization indicated that the deduced polypeptide contains a putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence, and a conserved AP2/ERF domain of the DREB family, at 82-140 amino residues. Based on multiple sequence alignment, sequences of the gene from the three sugarcane genotypes were classified in the DREB2 group. Gene expression analysis indicated, that ScDREB2 expression pattern in tested sugarcane was up-regulated by salt stress. When the plants were under 100 mM NaCl stress, relative expressions of the gene in leaves was higher than those in roots. In contrast, under 200 mM NaCl stress, relative expressions of the gene in roots was higher than those in leaves. This is the first report on cloning the full length and characterization, of ScDREB2 gene of sugarcane. Results indicate that ScDREB2 is highly responsive to salt stress.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.102-107
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the association between smoking and delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) in acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Methods: Patients admitted to the medical center emergency department from March 2016 to March 2017 because of CO poisoning were examined retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: DNS and Non-DNS group. Multiple factors were analyzed to explain DNS, which was assessed by motor disturbances, cognitive impairment, dysphagia, Parkinson-like syndromes, epilepsy, and emotional lability in CO poisoning. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. The factors related to DNS were smoking (pack-years) (p=0.002) and initial carbon monoxide-hemoglobin level (p=0.015). On the other hand, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, smoking (Odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; p=0.004) was the only factor associated with DNS. Conclusion: Smoking is a very reliable factor for predicting the occurrence of DNS. A history of smoking in patients who suffer from CO intoxication is important. If a patient smokes, treatment should be started actively and as soon as possible.

• 지역사회간호학회지
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• 제31권spc호
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• pp.525-533
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• 2020

Purpose: Workers in special employment relationship (WSERs) are workers in nonstandard employment arrangements who lack worker protection accorded in standard employment arrangements. This study aimed to describe self-rated health (SRH) and depressive symptoms (DS) among Korean WSERs in comparison to regular wage workers (RWW) and identify associations between working conditions and those outcomes. Methods: In this study, secondary data analysis using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey was used. The sample totaled 29,120, including 1,538 WSERs and 27,564 RWWs. Sociodemographic and work-related characteristics were employed as explanatory variables and SRH and DS as dependent variables. Using multiple logistic regression, the determinants of fair/poor SRH and DS were identified. Results: The prevalence rates for fair/poor SRH and DS in WSERs were 25.2% and 28.3%, respectively, and 20.7% and 25.0% in RWWs, respectively. Compared to RWWs, WSERs had 31% (aOR=1.31, 95% CI=1.14~1.49) and 20% (aOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.06~1.36) higher odds of SRH and DS, respectively. Some factors, such as a lack of rest guarantee and sickness presenteeism, had a larger influence in the WSER than in the RWW group. Conclusion: Compared to RWWs, WSERs reported having poorer working conditions and were more likely to report poor general and mental health. Therefore, in Korea, public health policymakers should consider measures to protect the working conditions and health of WSERs, a growing segment of the working population. The study produced new epidemiological evidence regarding the relationships between employment arrangements and health.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.219-226
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• 2020

Purpose: Although the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course is now taught internationally, it has not been implemented in Korea. In recent years, interest has increased in simulation as a teaching tool in the ATLS course. We therefore hypothesized that simulation training would be a useful adjunct to the ATLS course. Methods: We designed a 1-day curriculum that included skill development workstations, expert lectures, trauma patient simulations, and group discussion for general surgery residents. We conducted a survey to evaluate participants' level of understanding of the initial evaluation and treatment of trauma patients, their degree of knowledge and technical improvement, their satisfaction with the learning goals, and their overall satisfaction with the curriculum. We then analyzed the effects before and after the training. Results: Nine residents attended this course. None of the residents initially reported that they could perform a primary survey of trauma patients. The analysis revealed significant improvements after training in the questionnaire areas of "assembly of the team and preparation for resuscitation of a trauma patient" (p=0.008), "performance of a primary survey for trauma patients" (p=0.007), "resuscitative procedures for trauma patients" (p=0.008), "importance of re-evaluation" (p=0.007), "identifying the pitfalls associated with the initial assessment and management" (p=0.007), and "importance of teamwork" (p=0.007). Conclusions: After the ATLS simulation training, all participants showed significant improvements in their understanding of how to manage multiple trauma patients. Therefore, ATLS simulation training for residents will help in the management of trauma patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.444-453
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• 2022

Background: Compound K (CK) is among the protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenoside group, which produces multiple pharmacological effects. Herein, we examined the effects of CK on muscle atrophy under hyperlipidemic conditions along with its pro-myogenic effects. Further, the molecular pathways underlying the effects of CK on skeletal muscle have been justified. Methods: C2C12 myotubes were treated with palmitate and CK. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated using CK for 4-5 days. For the in vivo experiments, CK was administered to mice fed on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting analysis. Target protein suppression was performed using small interfering (si) RNA transfection. Histological examination was performed using Jenner-Giemsa and H&E staining techniques. Results: CK treatment attenuated ER stress markers, such as eIF2a phosphorylation and CHOP expression and impaired myotube formation in palmitate-treated C2C12 myotubes and skeletal muscle of mice fed on HFD. CK treatment augmented AMPK along with autophagy markers in skeletal muscle cells in vitro and in vivo experiments. AMPK siRNA or 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, abrogated the impacts of CK in C2C12 myotubes. CK treatment augmented p38 and Akt phosphorylation, leading to an enhancement of C2C12 myogenesis. However, AMPK siRNA abolished the effects of CK in C2C12 myoblasts. Conclusion: These findings denote that CK prevents lipid-induced skeletal muscle apoptosis via AMPK/autophagy-mediated attenuation of ER stress and induction of myoblast differentiation. Therefore, we may suggest the use of CK as a potential therapeutic approach for treating muscle-wasting conditions associated with obesity.

• 대한지역사회영양학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.105-120
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• 2022

Objectives: This study evaluated nutritional quality of convenience store meal boxes according to store company and meal price. Methods: In May 2020, 71 meal boxes from five major convenience store companies were collected. Respective weights of all dishes and food ingredients included in each meal box were measured with a digital scale. Information on nutritional contents was collected from nutrition fact panels on packages. Food group patterns, dietary diversity scores (DDS), and dietary variety scores (DVS) were analyzed. Nutritional contents, i.e., amounts of energy, protein, and sodium, and percentages of energy from carbohydrate, sugar, fat, and saturated fat were compared with respective standards based on the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Comparison was made among five companies (Company A, B, C, D, E) and three price groups (≦ 4,200 won, ≧ 4,300 and ≦ 4,500 won, ≧ 4,600 won). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the difference of nutritional contents according to company and price, respectively while holding the other variable constant. Results: DDS, but not DVS, significantly differed among companies. The percentages of meal boxes meeting the nutritional standards of sodium significantly differed among companies; the percentage was highest in companies B (75.0%) and C (73.3%). "Company" was associated with amount of energy, protein, and sodium, and percentage of energy from saturated fat. "Price" was associated with the amount of energy and percentage of energy from carbohydrate. The average number of satisfied standards was highest in companies B (5.0) and C (4.0). About two-thirds of the meal boxes provided less amount of energy than the standard; the percentage of such meal boxes was highest in meal boxes with price of 4,200 won or lower. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the nutritional quality of meal boxes according to "company". Meanwhile, higher-priced meal boxes did not necessarily ensure better nutritional quality.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.301-310
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• 2021

Background: Trust is a key component for the good relationship between patients and healthcare professionals but trust for community pharmacists has not been studied much. Objectives: This study aimed to measure public trust in community pharmacists and to investigate variables that affect trust level in South Korea. Methods: A total of 25 questions, including 13-items for three dimensions of trust (pharmacists' behavior/attitude, technical competence, communication skills) and 1-item for overall trust were developed. The survey was conducted online and the data from 416 respondents were analyzed with a t-test, an ANOVA and a multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The average scores (mean ± standard deviation) for the three dimensions of trust in community pharmacists were 3.47±1.05 (out of 5 points) for pharmacists' behavior/attitude, 3.67 ± 0.99 for technical competence, and 3.66±0.99 for communication skills. The average of the 13 items incorporating all parameters was 3.56±1.02 and the overall trust level was 7.16±1.62 (out of 10 points). The total sum of the 13 items differed significantly by age group (p=0.02) and frequency of pharmacy visits (p=0.04). Each dimension had an independent impact on the trust level, and pharmacists' behavior/attitude had the greatest impact on trust levels. Conclusions: This study showed that pharmacists' behavior/attitude had the most significant impact on the trust level. However, the level of trust in pharmacists' behavior/attitude is not yet sufficiently satisfactory, and further improvements are required to increase trust in community pharmacists.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.139-144
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• 2022

The genus Prunus (family: Rosaceae) consists of over 400 plant species and exhibits vast biodiversity worldwide. Given the wide distribution of this genus, its taxonomic classification is important. Anatomical characteristics are conserved and stable and can therefore be used as an important tool for the taxonomic characterization of plants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and document the anatomical characteristics of the leaf, stem, and seed of P. africana using micrographs and photographs for possible use in the identification, quality control, and phylogenetic analysis of the species. The anatomical sections of a young stem revealed a cortex consisting of isodiametric parenchyma cells, druse crystals, primary vascular bundles, and pith. The mature stem bark majorly consisted of the rhytidome, with the periderm densely arranged in multiple layers; a cluster of stone cells; and sclerenchyma. The leaf sections were hypostomatic, with stomata sizes ranging from 18.90-(22.34)-26.90 × 15.41-(18.40)-21.22 ㎛. The leaf sections showed the presence of characteristic druse crystals, vascular bundles, and mesophyll layers. The pericarp contained the epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp, with their thickness being approximately 350-400, 300-350, and 30-50 ㎛, respectively. In addition, it contained a seed testa with a thickness of approximately 50-60 ㎛. The morphological and anatomical characteristics observed in P. africana leaves, stems, and seeds in this study could serve as useful data for the taxonomic identification of this species.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.67-74
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• 2022

Background: Depression and cognitive function have a positive effect on the improvement of quality of life and extension of lifespan in the elderly. In addition, it appears as a major factor influencing oral health status. Therefore, this study looked at the relationship between the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), depression, and cognitive function in the elderly using the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Methods: In this study, 4,535 elderly people aged 65 years and over were targeted using the 7th data of the 2018 Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. A t-test and ANOVA analysis were performed to compare GOHAI, depression, and cognitive function by group. In addition, hierarchical multiple linear regression was performed to understand the effect of the elderly's perceived depression scale and cognitive ability on GOHAI. Results: As a result of adding the depression scale and cognitive function variables to Model 2, the explanatory power was 22%. Educational level, marital status, private health insurance subscription, average monthly allowance, subjective health status, use of dentures, smoking status, economic activity, depression scale, and cognitive function were found to have significant influence (p<0.05). In addition, when controlled and viewed with all factors, depression and cognitive function were found to have an effect on oral health-related quality of life. Conclusion: The findings indicate that depression and cognitive function are associated with oral health-related quality of life in the Korean elderly. As the age increases, the quality of life declines due to depression and cognitive function problems, in addition to oral discomfort, eating disorders, and physical discomfort.

• 중환자간호학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.101-114
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• 2022

Purpose : This study aimed to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout experienced by healthcare providers who cared for patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their influencing factors. Methods : Data were collected from 135 healthcare providers who cared for patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary general hospital from June 8 to September 2, 2021, using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression were used for analysis using SPSS/WIN 27.0. Results : Participants' average PTSD score was 9.31 ± 11.80, and 8.9% were in the high-risk group. Participants' average burnout score was 51.77±21.28, and 62.2% were at high risk. PTSD scores differed significantly according to participants' age, education, job, position, and current workplace. Burnout scores differed significantly according to their age, gender, marital status, parental status, and education. There was positive correlation between participants' PTSD and burnout. The factors influencing participants' PTSD were term of self-isolation and age (R²=.09). There were no significant influencing factors on participants' burnout. Conclusion : This study reconfirmed that healthcare providers who cared for patients with COVID-19 experienced both PTSD and burnout, suggesting that interventions are needed such as regular pre-training or simulation training and establishing a support system.