• Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.116-124
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• 2018

Korean Native Pig (KNP) has a uniform black coat color, excellent meat quality, white colored fat, solid fat structure and good marbling. However, its growth performance is low, while the western origin Yorkshire pig has high growth performance. To take advantage of the unique performance of the two pig breeds, we raised crossbreeds (KNP ${\times}$ Yorkshire to make use of the heterotic effect. We then analyzed the liver transcriptome as it plays an important role in fat metabolism. We sampled at two stages: 10 weeks and at 26 weeks. The stages were chosen to correspond to the change in feeding system. A total of 16 pigs (8 from each stage) were sampled and RNA sequencing was performed. The reads were mapped to the reference genome and differential expression analysis was performed with edgeR package. A total of 324 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed (${\left|log2FC\right|}$ > 1 & q < 0.01), out of which 180 genes were up-regulated and 144 genes were down-regulated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the samples clustered according to stages. Functional annotation of significant DEGs (differentially expressed genes) showed that GO terms such as DNA replication, cell division, protein phosphorylation, regulation of signal transduction by p53 class mediator, ribosome, focal adhesion, DNA helicase activity, protein kinase activity etc. were enriched. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the DEGs functioned in cell cycle, Ras signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway etc. Twenty-nine transcripts were also part of the DEGs, these were predominantly Cys2His2-like fold group (C2H2) family of zinc fingers. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that there were three highly interconnected clusters, suggesting an enrichment of genes with similar biological function. This study presents the first report of liver tissue specific gene regulation in a cross-bred Korean pig.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.821-831
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• 2022

This study evaluated the effects of physical touch play programs in children through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. A literature search for journal articles published before August 2022 was conducted using KERIS, KISS, DBpia, and ScienceON. The keywords used for the search were 'child', 'infant', 'physical touch', 'physical touch play', 'physical touch activities' and 'physical touch play program'. For the study's purpose, seven studies were selected through a systematic process of using several databases and were used to estimate the effect size of physical touch play programs. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, and the effect size on cognitive function was calculated. Hedges' g of the physical touch play program was 6.20 (95% CI: 3.74-8.66), indicating a large effect size. To determine heterogeneity (I2= 95.4%, Q = 417.30, p<0.001), moderator analysis was performed using the total number of times and intervention duration. The total number of times was statistically significant; the other moderators did not differ significantly. This study systematically analyzed the results of physical touch play programs on children in Korea. It also provides insights that can be applied to the design of physical touch play programs for children. To present more evidence that supports the effectiveness of physical touch programs, further research is warranted.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2004

Purpose : Alport syndrome is clinically characterized by hereditary progressive nephritis causing ESRD with irregular thickening of the GBM and sensory neural hearing loss. The mutations of type IV collagen gene(COL4A5) located on the long arm of X chromosome is considered responsible for most of the structural abnormalities in the GBM of Alport patients. Since no definite clinical prognostic predictor has been reported in the disease yet, we designed this study to evaluate the significance of genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme in children with Alport syndrome as a prognostic factor for disease progression. Methods : ACE I/D genotype were examined by PCR amplification of the genomic DNA in 12 patients with Alport syndrome and 12 of their family members. Alport patients were divided into two groups; the conservative group, those who had preserved renal function for more than 10 years of age, the early CRF group, those who had progressed to CRF within 10 years of age. Results : The mean age of onset was $3.45{\pm}2.4$ years in the conservative group, $4.4{\pm}1.2$ years in the early CRF group. Sex ratios were 5:3 and 2:1 in each group. Among 12 cases of patients, 4 cases were in early CRF group and their mean duration of onset to CRF was 4.5 yews(8.9 years of age). Eight patients(67%) were in the conservative group and they had normal renal function for more than 10 years of age(mean duration of renal preservation was 10.6 years). The incidence of II type ACE gene were in 25.0%(3 cases), ID type in 41.7%(5 cases), DD type in 33.3%(4 cases). There was no significant difference between Alport patient and normal control(II type 44.3%, ID type 40.9%, DD type 14.8%). The incidence of DD type of early CRF group were higher than that of the conservative group(75% vs 12.5%)(p<0.05). There was no difference in ACE gene polymorphism between normal Alport family members and control group. Conclusion : Even though there was no significant difference of ACE polymorphism between Alport patients and the normal control group, the incidence of DD type is significantly increased in early CRF group which means DD type of ACE polymorphism has a possibility of being a predictor for early progression to CRF in Alport patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.992-999
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• 1998

Background: To correlate the emphysema score for quantification of the overall extent of emphysema in both lungs by CT with physiologic fingings and to get more objective and simple method to assess the extent of emphysema. Method: Thin-section CT and pulmonary function test(PFT) were performed in 17 patients with emphysema (all males, mean age, 62 years). Emphysema score was obtained as percentage of emphysematous lung area, dividing the total area of the emphysema(voxels with attenuation value less than -880, -900, -920HU, respectively) by the overall area of both lungs(voxels with attenuation value less than -400HU) with highlighting voxels using "Density mask" program. Emphysema score was calculated from whole lung(ESV) and 5 representative scans(ESR) using "Density mask", Visual emphysema score(ESV) was obtained by visual assessment from 5 representative scans. Correlation of these emphysema scores(ESW, ESR, ESV) and physiologic findings were performed, comparing the ESW with ESR and ESV. Results: ESW had correlation with DLCO(r=0.53-0.64) and $FEV_1/FVC$(r=0.42-0.57) among PFT parameters. ESR had good correlation with ESW and with PFT parameters as well. ESV did not correlate with PFT parameters except DLCO. Conclusion: CT quantification of emphysema using "density mask" correlated well with physiologic findings. To assess the severity of emphysema, both ESW and ESR are more reliable than ESV, and ESR is recommended in routine practice as it is objective, simple and reliable.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of hypothyroidism in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients who received radiotherapy (RT) either with or without neck dissection. Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 115 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer and who received definitive RT or postoperative RT including standard anterior low-neck field were recruited to be part of this study. Nineteen patients had undergone ipsilateral neck dissection, whereas, 18 patients underwent bilateral neck dissection, and 78 patients were received RT alone. Patients' ages ranged from 28 to 85 years (median, 59 years) and there were a total of 73 male and 42 female patients. The primary tumor sites were the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and other sites in 18, 40, 28, 22 and 7 patients, respectively. Radiation dose to the thyroid gland ranged from 44 Gy to 66 Gy with a median dose of 50 Gy. Follow-up time ranged from 2 to 91 months, with a median of 29 months. Results: The 1- and 3- year incidence of hypothyroidism was 28.7% (33 patients) and 33.0% (38 patients), respectively. The median time to detection of hypothyroidism was 8.5 months (range, 0 to 36 months). A univariate analysis revealed that neck node dissection was a risk factor for hypothyroidism (p=0.037). However, no factor was statistically significant from the results of a multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Patients treated for advanced head and neck cancer with radiotherapy with or without neck dissection will develop hypothyroidism. It is important to check the thyroid function periodically in these patientsespecially with the risk factor of neck node dissection.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2011

In this study, the antibacterial activity and the antioxidative effects, inhibitory effects on tyrosinase of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don extracts were investigated. MIC value of ethyl acetate fraction from L. cuneata G. Don on P. ovale (0.125%) showed that the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction was higher than methyl paraben. The aglycone fraction of L. cuneata G. Don (14.63 ${\mu}g$/mL) showed the most prominent the free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity ($FSC_{50}$). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities ($OSC_{50}$) of L. cuneata G. Don fraction on $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/$H_2O_2$ system were investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The aglycone fraction of L. cuneata G. Don (0.07 ${\mu}g$/mL) showed the most prominent ROS scavenging activity. The protective effects of extract/fractions of L. cuneata G. Don on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The L. cuneata G. Don extracts suppressed photohemolysis in a concentration dependent manner (1 ~ 50 ${\mu}g$/mL). The inhibitory effects ($IC_{50}$) of L. cuneata G. Don extracts on tyrosinase were determined with ethyl acetate fraction (104.83 ${\mu}g$/mL) and aglycone fraction (27.55 ${\mu}g$/mL) of L. cuneata G. Don extract. These results indicate that L. cuneata G. Don extract/fractions can function as high potential as bactericide against the pathogenic bacteria and antioxidant in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Extract/fractions of L. cuneata G. Don could be applicable to new functional cosmetics for antiaging, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.214-219
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• 2009

Background: Primary focal hyperhidrosis is characterized by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous function, and this has been effectively treated with endoscopic thoracic sympathetic denervation (ESD). The imbalance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system that's created by ESD may affect the heart, lung and other thoracic organs. We analyzed the heart rate and ECG changes after performing ESD at our hospital, and this is the first such study that has been conducted on this. Material and Method: Of the 263 patients who underwent ESD between October 1996 and October 2006, 130 had ECG before and after ESD, and they were classified into 3 groups according to the level of ESD: Group I (n=40) patients underwent ESD at the 2nd rib (T2ESD), Group II (n=80) at the 3rd rib (T3ESD) and Group III (n=10) at the 4th rib (T4ESD). Result: There was no mortality or major morbidity. Heart rate (HR) was significantly decreased from $71.6{\pm}10.6/min\;to\;66.8{\pm}10.2/min$ after ESD (p<0.01); however, the PR (from $148.6{\pm}21.2$ msec to $152.8{\pm}20.5$ msec) and QTc (from $399.2{\pm}15.4$ msec to $404.0{\pm}15.1$ msec) intervals were significantly increased after ESD in the patients who suffered with primary hyperhidrosis (p<0.01). According to the level of ESD, there were significant changes in the HR and QTc interval in group I (T2ESD), the HR and PR interval in group II and the QTc interval in Group III. Conclusion: There were significant changes in the heart rate and ECG findings after ESD. The thoracic sympathetic denervation of T2, T3 and T4 affected the electrical activity of the heart at the resting state.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.85-89
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• 2009

Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcome after ultrasound guided multiple dry needlings and local steroid injection for acute calcific tendinitis of shoulder. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with acute episode of pain by calcific tendinitis of shoulder with average age 58.2 (50~70 years) and follow-up of 18 months in average (range, 12~24) were included in study. There were 18 patients with right and 2 with left sided involvement. All patients had calcific deposits in the supraspinatus tendon. All patients underwent standardized nonoperative treatment protocol, consisting of 5~12 MHz high resolution ultrasound guided multiple dry needlings with 18 guage needle, followed by 2% lidocaine 1cc and 40 mg/ml depomedrol 1cc injection at site of calcific tendinitis. The outcome was assessed by UCLA shoulder score, range of motion and VAS score. A statistical analysis with ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with the significance level at 5% was performed using SAS 9.1 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Results: All patients got continuous relief of pain right after the procedures until final follow-up. Before the procedures, the UCLA scores were fair in 15 patients and poor in 5. After the procedures, the UCLA scores were excellent in 16 patients and good in 4. All cases revealed no limitation of shoulder function. The average VAS score decreased from 8.9 before the procedures to 0.5 at final follow-up (p<0.0001). No complication was encountered. Conclusion: An ultrasound guided local steroid injections following multiple dry needlings would be one of the useful treatment modality for the acute calcific tendinitis of shoulder.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.8-34
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• 2014

We reviewed foreign evaluation systems based on the macrobenthic and macroalgal communities and developed a system, composed of a set of ecological indices able to evaluate the functionality (FI, Functional Index; estimation of stability and productivity) and maturity (MI, Maturity Index; comparisons with biological parameters of natural reefs) of artificial reefs by comparing the status in the adjacent natural reefs in Korean coastal waters. The evaluation system was applied to natural and artificial reefs/reef-planned areas (natural reefs), established in the 5 marine ranching areas (Bangnyeong-Daechung, Yeonpyung, Taean, Seocheon and Buan) in the west coast of Korea. The FI ranged between 31.6 (Bangnyeong-Daechung) and 72.5% (Buan) and MI did between 53.1 (Seocheon) and 76.9% (Taean) in average. The evaluation of artificial reefs by the two indices, showed the most appropriate status in Taean. The FI between the adjacent artificial and natural reefs were in significant linear relationship ($r^2=0.83$, p=0.01). This indicated the local status of biological community may be critical in determining the functionality of the artificial reefs. We have suggested an integrative but preliminary evaluation system of artificial reefs in this study. The output from the evaluation system may be utilized as a tool for environment/resource managers or policy makers, responsible for effective use of funds and decision making. Given the importance, we need to use the options to enhance and improve the accuracy as follows: (1) continuous validation of the evaluation system and rescaling the criteria of indicators, (2) vigorous utilization of observation and experience through the application and data accumulation and (3) development and testing of brand-new indicators.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2005

It was clarified that ethanol extract herb-acupuncture solution (EE-UD) and hydrotherapy herb-acupuncture solution (WE-UD) in Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae), are the excellent inhibitors of cathepsin K and L. WE-UD inhibited cathepsin K when IC50 value was 5.32 ${\square}g$/ml, and suppressed cathepsin L when IC50 value was 6.34 ${\square}g$/ml. However, EE-UD indicated the activity of inhibiting cathepsin K and L in the level of 1.45 ${\square}g$/ml and 2.43 ${\square}g$/ml, thus it showed more significance than WE-UD. It could be observed that EE-VD is an excellent inhibitor to cathepsin K with Ki value of 0.8 ${\square}g$/ml. This activity is increased by 10-fold even in the analytical experiment when having operations like glutathione in pH 7.0. Also, this supports the mixture of GSH thiolate anion, thus it was thought that this increase in effectiveness is probably attributable to the enhanced chemical function in the combinations of herb-acupuncture solution towards a place of activity in enzyme. WE-UD showed the time-dependent inhibiting property, thus it allowed to know the disunion and the compounding speed in constant cathepsin K during the process of experiment. Finally, EE-UD was proved to suppress the absorbent bone ash in the experiment related to osteoclast in rats for test, and to the bone in rodent. It was proved that WE-UD has the effect of inhibiting the protease in cathepsin K and L, and in collagen of bone. These results strongly suggest that it is effective in preventing the progress of bone damage, which was induced due to cathepsin K. Also, it obtained the conclusion that it is effective to the reabsorption activity of bone in the bone marrow cells.