• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.391-398
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• 2000

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a small peptide molecule synthesized by white adipocytes with an important role in the regulation of body fat and food intake. Based on the evidence that synthesis of leptin is regulated by female sex hormone, estrogen, this present study was investigated whether sex hormone precursor DHEA, can regulate obese gene expression in lean and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Antiobesity activity of DHEA was evaluated by determining body weight, food consumption, epididymal fat weight and serum levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in ICR, C57BL/6J, and ob/ob mice. The treatment of C57BL/6J lean and obese mice with a diet containing 0.3% and 0.6% DHEA resulted in lowered rates of weight gain in comparison to non-treated mice, although much greater response was found in the obese mice. All other concentrations of DHEA (0.015%, 0.06%, 0.15%, 0.3%) except the highest one(0.6%) showed no significant effects on weight gain in ICR mice. Food consumption was significantly decreased in all mice treated with 0.6% DHEA, whereas it was not decreased in ICR mice at lower concentrations than 0.6% DHEA. DHEA decreased significantly epididymal adipose tissue weight and serum triglyceride levels dose dependently in lean and obese mice. However serum cholesterol levels were decreased at lower concentrations than 0.15% DHEA and increased at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.6% DHEA in lean and obese mice. These increases in serum cholestrol levels at high concentrations of DHEA might result from the fact that DHEA has a cholesterol moiety thereby interfered the assay system. As an approach to elucidate the mechanism for antiobesity activity of DHEA, we examined mRNA levels of obese gene in the adipocyte and obese gene product (leptin) in the serum. The results showed that DHEA did not affect obese gene expression in ICR and C57BL/6J mice. Therefore, we concluded that antiobesity activity of DHEA was not modulated by obese gene expression.

• Proceedings of the KOR-KST Conference
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• 1997.12b
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• pp.35-72
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• 1997

This study was conducted to develop a methodology to predict utility pole accident rates and to evaluate cost-effectiveness for safety improvement for utility pole accidents. The utility pole accident rate prediction model was based on the encroachment rate approach introduced in the Transportation Research Board special Report 214. The utility pole accident rate on a section of highway depends on the roadside encroachment rate and the lateral extent of encroachment. The encroachment rate is influenced by the horizontal and vertical alignment of the highway as well as traffic volume and mean speed. The lateral extent of encroachment is affected by the horizontal and vertical alignment, the mean speed and the roadside slope. An analytical method to generate the probability distribution function for the lateral extent of encroachment was developed for six kinds of encroachment types by the horizontal alignment and encroachment direction. The encroachment rate was calibrated with the information on highway and roadside conditions and the utility pole accident records collected on the sections of 55mph speed limit of the State Trunk Highway 12 in Wisconsin. The encroachment rate on tangent segment was calibrated as a function of traffic volume with the actual average utility pole accident rates by traffic volume strategies. The adjustment factors for horizontal and vertical alignment were when derived by comparing the actual average utility pole accident rates to the estimations from the model calibrated for tangent and level sections. A computerized benefit-cost analysis procedure was then developed as a means of evaluating alternative countermeasures. The program calculates the benefit-cost ratio and the percent of reduction of utility pole accidents resulting from the implementation of a safety improvement. This program can be used to develop safety improvement alternatives for utility pole accidents when a predetermined performance level is specified.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.275-285
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• 2011

Purpose: Head-up position during sleep is one of the non-pharmacologic interventions for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension. Because the head-up position causes discomfort in many patients, this approach may not be acceptable to all patients. We compared the systolic blood pressure in erect position, orthostatic hypotension, orthostatic disability score, and the improvement rates of orthostatic hypotension between the 20 cm head-up group and the 10 cm head-up group. Methods: A control pre/post-test design was used. Between August 1, 2009 and November 15, 2010, we consecutively enrolled patients who showed orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinsonian disorders. Sixty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled and forty-four patients were completed the study. Results: There were no statistically significant differences found in the systolic blood pressure in erect position, orthostatic hypotension, and orthostatic disability scores between the two groups. However, five patients showed improvement in 20 cm head-up group and one patient was showed improvement in 10 cm head-up Group. Conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension is decreased with 20 cm head-up position in some patients with Parkinsonian disorders (p=.034). Further research investigating the relationships between orthostatic hypotension and head-up position are warranted.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.268-275
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• 2021

Background: The study aimed to evaluate nasal reconstruction techniques customized for Asians. The currently available nasal reconstruction guidelines are based on Caucasian patients, and their applicability is limited in Asian patients due to differences in anatomical and structural features. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 76 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction at a single center between January 2010 and June 2020. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted of patients' baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, medical history, defect size and location, reconstructive procedure, pathological diagnosis, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Results: In 59 cases (77%), nasal defects resulted from tumor ablation, and the remaining 17 cases involved post-traumatic (20%) and infection-induced (3%) tissue damage. The most common defect location was the alae, followed by the sidewalls, tip, and dorsum. Forehead flaps were the most commonly used reconstructive technique, followed by nasolabial advancement flaps, rotation flaps, and skin grafts. Each procedure was applied considering aspects of structural anatomy and healing physiology specific to Asians. Complications included nasal deformity, hypertrophic scarring, secondary infection, and partial flap necrosis, but no cases required additional surgical procedures. Tumors recurred in two cases, but tumor recurrence did not significantly affect flap integrity. Conclusion: Nasal reconstruction techniques applied considering Asians' facial features resulted in fewer postoperative complications and higher patient satisfaction than the approaches that are currently in widespread use. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as an essential reference for establishing treatment guidelines for nasal reconstruction in Asians.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.703-714
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A dietary restriction on the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications. Enteral nutrition (EN) is widely used for patients who cannot obtain their nutritional requirements orally, but many studies have reported EN complications, especially diarrhea, in up to 50% of patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a single-center, non-randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on GI complications in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients in the ICU who needed EN (n = 66) were alternately assigned to the low-FODMAP group (n = 33) or the high-FODMAP group (n = 33). RESULTS: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured, and stool assessment was performed using King's Stool Chart. We excluded patients who received laxatives, GI motility agents, proton pump inhibitors, antifungal agents, and antibiotics other than β-lactams. There were no differences in GI symptoms during 7 days of intervention, including bowel sound, abdominal distension, and vomiting between the 2 groups. However, diarrhea was more frequent in the high-FODMAP group (7/33 patients) than the low-FODMAP group (1/33 patients) (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a low-FODMAP enteral formula may be a practical therapeutic approach for patients who exhibit enteral formula complications. Our study warrants further randomized clinical trials and multicenter trials.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.1-22
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• 2021

Objectives : A transition course of 'Introduction to Clinical Korean Medicine' was developed to meet the demands for better preparation for clinical application of Korean Medicine within the curriculum. A Korean Medical Classics curriculum reflecting such demands was newly designed. Methods : Based on the 'Introduction to Clinical Medicine(ICM)' course of the Medical School curriculum that follows the medical education guideline, the 'Introduction to Clinical Korean Medicine(ICKM)' course was designed and developed. The role of Korean Medical Classics was suggested in the process. Results : In the following course, Korean Medical diagnosis, diagnostics, patient intake methods reflecting the Korean Medical diagnostic system, clinical skills, basic skills, treatment planning, patient education, etc. are included. Faculty members of the basic sectors of the Korean Medical school will participate in this curriculum, of which a head will be appointed to overlook the curriculum. In the case of Korean Medical Classics, previous learning outcomes need to be reorganized based on clinical expression while clinical case studies need to be added to course material. A more active approach utilizing new pedagogic strategies and teaching methods should be taken. Conclusions : The Korean Medical Classics curriculum could effectively take on the introductory role to clinical Korean Medicine, successfully strengthening the connection between the basic and clinical Korean Medicine to improve learners' satisfaction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.726-733
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• 2021

Background: Panax notoginseng is a highly valued medicinal herb used widely in China and many Asian countries. Its root and rhizome have long been used for the treatment of cardiovascular and hematological diseases. Imaging the spatial distributions and dynamics of metabolites in heterogeneous plant tissues is significant for characterizing the metabolic networks of Panax notoginseng, and this will also provide a highly informative approach to understand the complex molecular changes in the processing of Panax notoginseng. Methods: Here, a high-sensitive MALDI-MS imaging method was developed and adopted to visualize the spatial distributions and spatiotemporal changes of metabolites in different botanical parts of Panax notoginseng. Results: A wide spectrum of metabolites including notoginsenosides, ginsenosides, amino acids, dencichine, gluconic acid, and low-molecular-weight organic acids were imaged in Panax notoginseng rhizome and root tissues for the first time. Moreover, the spatiotemporal alterations of metabolites during the steaming of Panax notoginseng root were also characterized in this study. And, a series of metabolites such as dencichine, arginine and glutamine that changed with the steaming of Panax notoginseng were successfully screened out and imaged. Conclusion: These spatially-resolved metabolite data not only enhance our understanding of the Panax notoginseng metabolic networks, but also provide direct evidence that a serious of metabolic alterations occurred during the steaming of Panax notoginseng.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.59-93
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• 2021

This article discusses the innovation activities of firms that aim for system transformation from the perspective of 'Transformative Innovation Policies'. Here, for the sustainable transformation of our society, a firm that finds the 'purpose' of business activities in solving social problems and implements a new business model is defined as a 'transition-oriented firm'. The main characteristics of a transition-oriented firm are examined in terms of 1) transition vision and mission setting, 2) business model innovation for transition, 3) network formation for system transition, and 4) securing legitimacy of transition. And through case studies, the approach, significance, and limitations of the transition-oriented corporate innovation theory are discussed. The case study is from a Eisai Korea, which aims for an integrated prevention, treatment, and care system centered on residents and citizens.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.181-191
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• 2021

The present study addresses isolation, optimization, partial purification, and characterization of a haloalkaline serine protease from a newly isolated haloarchaeal strain isolated from Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. We expected that a two-step sequential statistical approach (one variable at a time, followed by response surface methodology) might maximize the production of the haloalkaline serine protease. The enzyme was partially purified using Hiprep 16/60 sephacryl S-100 HR gel filtration column. Molecular identification revealed the newly isolated haloarchaeon to be Natrialba hulunbeirensis strain WNHS14. Among several tested physicochemical determinants, casamino acids, KCl, and NaCl showed the most significant effects on enzyme production as determined from results of the One-Variable-At-A-time (OVAT) study. The BoxBehnken design localized the optimal levels of the three key determinants; casamino acids, KCl, and NaCl to be 0.5% (w/v), 0.02% (w/v), and 15% (w/v), respectively, obtaining 62.9 U/ml as the maximal amount of protease produced after treatment at 40℃, and pH 9 for 9 days with 6-fold enhancement in yield. The enzyme was partially purified after size exclusion chromatography with specific activity, purification fold, and yield of 1282.63 U/mg, 8.9, and 23%, respectively. The enzyme showed its maximal activity at pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration optima of 10, 75℃, and 2 M, respectively. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF, 5 mM) completely inhibited enzyme activity.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.7
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• pp.386-391
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• 2021

Owing to rapid advancements in NGS (next generation sequencing), genomic alteration is now considered an essential predictive biomarkers that impact the treatment decision in many cases of cancer. Among the various predictive biomarkers, tumor mutation burden (TMB) was identified by NGS and was considered to be useful in predicting a clinical response in cancer cases treated by immunotherapy. In this study, we directly compared the lab-developed-test (LDT) results by target sequencing panel, K-MASTER panel v3.0 and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to evaluate the concordance of TMB. As an initial step, the reference materials (n = 3) with known TMB status were used as an exploratory test. To validate and evaluate TMB, we used one hundred samples that were acquired from surgically resected tissues of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The TMB of each sample was tested by using both LDT and WES methods, which extracted the DNA from samples at the same time. In addition, we evaluated the impact of capture region, which might lead to different values of TMB; the evaluation of capture region was based on the size of NGS and target sequencing panels. In this pilot study, TMB was evaluated by LDT and WES by using duplicated reference samples; the results of TMB showed high concordance rate (R² = 0.887). This was also reflected in clinical samples (n = 100), which showed R² of 0.71. The difference between the coding sequence ratio (3.49%) and the ratio of mutations (4.8%) indicated that the LDT panel identified a relatively higher number of mutations. It was feasible to calculate TMB with LDT panel, which can be useful in clinical practice. Furthermore, a customized approach must be developed for calculating TMB, which differs according to cancer types and specific clinical settings.