• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.12-23
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• 2021

Purpose : The purposes of this study were to examine the levels of job stress, perceptions of the patient safety culture, and patient safety nursing activities, and to identify factors influencing patient safety nursing activities among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Methods : For this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 161 ICU nurses working in two university-affiliated hospitals in Gyeonggi-do between June 30 and July 30, 2020. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a one-way ANOVA, the Pearson correlation method, and multiple regression using the SPSS program. Results : The average levels of job stress, perception of patient safety culture, and patient safety nursing activities were 3.48, 3.44, and 4.45 out of 5, respectively. Multiple regression showed that perception of patient safety culture and career in current workplace were found to be statistically significant correlates of patient safety nursing activities. Conclusion : In order to promote patient safety nursing activities, patient safety culture needs to be incorporated into the education of ICU nurses. Perception of patient safety should be enhanced to improve patients safety nursing activity.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.219-230
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• 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal aneuploidy caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Previous studies demonstrated that DS affected mitochondrial functions, which may be associated with the abnormal development of the nervous system in patients with DS. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is an encoding gene located on chromosome 21. It has been reported that RUNX1 may affect cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. The present study investigated whether RUNX1 plays a critical role in mitochondrial dysfunction in DS and explored the mechanism by which RUNX1 affects mitochondrial functions. Expression of RUNX1 was detected in induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with DS (DS-iPSCs) and normal iPSCs (N-iPSCs), and the mitochondrial functions were investigated in the current study. Subsequently, RUNX1 was overexpressed in N-iPSCs and inhibited in DS-iPSCs. The mitochondrial functions were investigated thoroughly, including reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, and lysosomal activity. Finally, RNA-sequencing was used to explore the global expression pattern. It was observed that the expression levels of RUNX1 in DS-iPSCs were significantly higher than those in normal controls. Impaired mitochondrial functions were observed in DS-iPSCs. Of note, overexpression of RUNX1 in N-iPSCs resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, while inhibition of RUNX1 expression could improve the mitochondrial function in DS-iPSCs. Global gene expression analysis indicated that overexpression of RUNX1 may promote the induction of apoptosis in DS-iPSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The present findings indicate that abnormal expression of RUNX1 may play a critical role in mitochondrial dysfunction in DS-iPSCs.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.74-82
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• 2004

This study was conducted to estimate the optimum application rate of fertilizer N based on $NO_3-N$ concentration in soils for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivation in plastic film house. Tomato plants were cultivated with and without fertilizer in twelve soils which have different concentrations of $NO_3-N$ ranging from 46 to $344mg\;kg^{-1}$. Dry weight (DW) of above-ground part of tomato with no fertilizer ranged from 28.9 to $112.5g\;plant^{-1}$, depending on N-supplying capability of soils. The soil $NO_3-N$ was positively correlated with DW ($r=0.83^{**}$) and N uptake ($r=0.78^{**}$) by tomatoes in no fertilizer treatment, and negatively correlated with fertilizer effciencies resulted from the differences of DW and N uptake between fertilized and non-fertilized plot. The relationships between soil $NO_3-N$ concentration and DW, N uptake, and fertilizer efficiency were analyzed to determine the critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ for tomato cultivation. The limit critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ were estimated to be more than $280mg\;kg^{-1}$ for no application of fertilizer N and to be less than $50mg\;kg^{-1}$ for recommended application of fertilizer N. These critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ were nearly the same as those calculated from regression equation between electrical conductivity(EC) and soil nitrate for critical levels of EC in recommendation equation of fertilizer N for tomato under the plastic film house by NationaI Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology. Consequently, the optimal application rate of ferdilizer N for tomato cultivation in the soils containing $NO_3-N$ concentration between $280mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $50mg\;kg^{-1}$ was estimated by the equation Y = -0.4348X＋121.74, where Y is the percent(%) to the recommended application rate of N fertilizer and X is the soil $NO_3-N$ concentration ($mg\;kg^{-1}$).

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.19-36
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to measure the critical thinking level of activity tasks included in home economics textbooks published under the 2007 Revised National Curriculum. For this purpose, we sampled 3 kinds of Technology-Home Economics textbooks for 7th graders, selected activity tasks contained in the textbooks, and classified them by type. A total of 93 activity tasks were extracted, and they were analyzed using 9 questions on critical thinking prepared based on Kim Young-jung's '9 Elements and 9 Standards of Critical Thinking.' The results of this study were as follows. First, the total score of the critical thinking level of activity tasks in the home economics textbooks was 66.8, which was not high enough to induce learners' critical thinking. Among the sub-categories of critical thinking, the score was high in order of argumentative thinking(83.9), analytical thinking(78.1), and dialectic thinking(38.3). As in the results, the activity tasks were particularly inadequate for inducing dialectic thinking. Second. in the results of analyzing difference in the critical thinking level according to unit, significant difference was observed among the units. Activity tasks in Units 'Adolescents' Self-management'(77.8), 'Adolescents' Consumption life'(75.2), and 'Adolescents' Sex and Peer Relationship'(71.1) induced critical thinking more effectively than those in other units, but activity tasks in Units 'Clothing and Self-expression' (61. 4), 'Adolescents' Development'(60.0), and 'Adolescents' Nutrition and Meals'(59.6) were inadequate for inducing critical thinking. Third, in the results of analyzing difference in the critical thinking level according to activity task type, the level was high in order of 'Inquiry Activities' (75.7), 'Discussions' (74.6), 'Practical Activities'(65.4), and 'Trials' (50.7), and the differences were significant. That is, among activity task types, 'Inquiry Activities' were most effective in inducing learners' critical thinking and 'Trials' were least effective.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.1210-1223
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• 2018

Background/Aims: The co-occurrence of obesity aggravates asthma symptoms. Diet-induced obesity increases helper T cell (TH) 17 cell differentiation in adipose tissue and the spleen. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor pravastatin can potentially be used to treat asthma in obese patients by inhibiting interleukin 17 (IL-17) expression. This study investigated the combined effects of pravastatin and anti-IL-17 antibody treatment on allergic inflammation in a mouse model of obesity-related asthma. Methods: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity was induced in C57BL/6 mice with or without ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. Mice were administered the anti-IL-17 antibody, pravastatin, or both, and pathophysiological and immunological responses were analyzed. Results: HFD exacerbated allergic airway inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of HFD-OVA mice as compared to OVA mice. Blockading of the IL-17 in the HFD-OVA mice decreased airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation compared to the HFD-OVA mice. Moreover, the administration of the anti-IL-17 antibody decreased the leptin/adiponectin ratio in the HFD-OVA but not the OVA mice. Co-administration of pravastatin and anti-IL-17 inhibited airway inflammation and AHR, decreased goblet cell numbers, and increased adipokine levels in obese asthmatic mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that the IL-17-leptin/adiponectin axis plays a key role in airway inflammation in obesity-related asthma. Our findings suggest a potential new treatment for IL-17 as a target that may benefit obesity-related asthma patients who respond poorly to typical asthma medications.

• The Journal of Korean Association of Computer Education
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.69-78
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• 2013

For the increasingly complicated and technology dependent 21st century, ICT literacy is being emphasized by education authorities as a key ability needed to succeed in a knowledge-based society. Accordingly, since 2007, several studies have been conducted to measure the ICT literacy levels of students. This study aimed at analyzing how ICT literacy levels vary according to students' skill sets from the viewpoint of educational convenience. To fulfill this goal, the ICT literacy abilities of 167 elementary students and 159 middle school students (all receiving education at "gifted students" education centers) were compared with the following results. First, elementary students displayed differences with regards to 'computer and network' and 'information society and ethics' among the content elements, and 'critical mind' and 'information communication' among capability elements according to their skill sets. Second, middle school students displayed differences with regards to 'information society and ethics' and 'information organization and creation' elements according to their skill sets. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it measured the ICT literacy levels of --and made suggestions for education to-- students specially gifted in information, science and mathematics rather than general students.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.74-84
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• 2018

Purpose: For this study an examination was done of relationships between intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge related to sedation and their clinical competencies in sedation practice. Methods: Ninety one ICU nurses were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in South Korea. A self-report questionnaire was used to examine the levels of knowledge related to sedation and nursing practice competence based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were performed using the IBM SPSS 21.0 Results: ICU nurses are more knowledgeable about general information on sedation rather than up-to-date information. Continuing education on sedation was related to difference in knowledge levels. However, the levels of knowledge were not related to competence in sedation practice. Instead, a positive attitude toward sedation practice was significantly related to the subjective norms; orders and goals, perceived behavioral control, practice of sedation, and intention to use. Conclusion: The results of this study provide fundamental information on levels of knowledge related to sedation practices of Korean ICU nurses. Continuing education should emphasize up-to-date information on sedation practice and need for positive attitudes which influence all other competencies towards sedation practices to achieve optical care of sedation in the ICU.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.282-290
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• 2018

This research was to evaluate microbial contamination levels in meat samples at hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP)-implemented processing plants that produce beef, pork, and chicken. During a period of about a year, a total of 178 samples (76 from beef, 89 from pork, and 13 from chicken) were obtained from raw materials (21.3%) and final products (78.7%). All samples were determined for each 25 g homogenized one. Samples were analyzed to determine the total aerobic plate count (APC), coliform count (CC), and E. coli count (ECC). By month, APC levels were the highest in September and the lowest in February (p<0.001). In comparison among season, APC levels in meat samples were the highest in the summer and the lowest in winter (p<0.001). By month, the highest CC prevalence was found in August, followed by October and then July (p<0.001). By season, the highest CC was obtained in summer, followed by autumn and then spring (p<0.001). All samples were negative for ECC. There was a direct correlation between the product form and coliform presence (p<0.001). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the APC and CC (r=0.261). The APCs in analyzed samples ranged from below <$10^1CFU/g$ to <$10^7CFU/g$. In conclusion, the month and season had significant effects on microbial contamination levels at HACCP implemented processing plants. Interrelationships between (i) the product form and coliform, (ii) the APC and CC were revealed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1087-1095
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• 1996

The study was carried out to investigate a new type of functional foods with hypotensive effect which is critical in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and related circulatory diseases. The experimental diets(A, B, C) were prepared from plant based ingredients such as buckwheat, potato, perilla seed with different ratios formulated as an edible form appropriate for human consumption according to AIN-77 standard. Control group(D) was fed commercial rat chow. Twety-four 15-week-old SDR(Sprague Dawley rats) and twenty-four 20-week-old SHR(spontaneously hypertensive rats), weighing 200g respectively, were assigned to 4 treatments of 6 rats each in a completely randomized design. Blood pressure was measured at 7 day interval by tail-cuff sphygmomanometer using an IITC cuff pump and amplifier. The growth rates of both SHR and SDR were not statistically different in comparions with the control except those of diet B and C in SDR and SHR, respectively(p<0.05). When exprimental diets were fed, systolic blood pressure of SDR and SHR at day 28 had been lowered by 17-20 mmHg(ave. of 19.6mmHg for both strains) compared with the reference pressure at day 0. The levels of HDL-cholesterol were increased, while the levels of LDL-cholesterol consistently decreased in both strains when experimental diets were fed(p<.05). Plasma total cholesterol levels were not different among treatments. Plasma triglyceride levels were higher in control diet(commercial rat chow) due to two times higher fat content of control diet itself(p<.05). Atherogenic indices were lower compared to those of control when the experimental diets were fed in both strains (p,.05). The results suggest that the antihypertensive diets mainly consisting of plant-based ingredients may possibly effective in relieving hypertension as well as circulatory diseases.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.278-281
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• 2017

Since 2006, type 1 diabetes in Finland has plateaued and then decreased after the authorities' decision to fortify dietary milk products with cholecalciferol. The role of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity is critical. A statistical error in the estimation of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D was recently discovered; in a correct analysis of the data used by the Institute of Medicine, it was found that 8895 IU/d was needed for 97.5% of individuals to achieve values ${\geq}50nmol/L$. Another study confirmed that 6201 IU/d was needed to achieve 75 nmol/L and 9122 IU/d was needed to reach 100 nmol/L. The largest meta-analysis ever conducted of studies published between 1966 and 2013 showed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <75 nmol/L may be too low for safety and associated with higher all-cause mortality, demolishing the previously presumed U-shape curve of mortality associated with vitamin D levels. Since all-disease mortality is reduced to 1.0 with serum vitamin D levels ${\geq}100nmol/L$, we call public health authorities to consider designating as the RDA at least three-fourths of the levels proposed by the Endocrine Society Expert Committee as safe upper tolerable daily intake doses. This could lead to a recommendation of 1000 IU for children <1 year on enriched formula and 1500 IU for breastfed children older than 6 months, 3000 IU for children >1 year of age, and around 8000 IU for young adults and thereafter. Actions are urgently needed to protect the global population from vitamin D deficiency.