• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.342-355
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Osteoblasts are derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and play important role in bone remodeling. While our previous studies have investigated the cell subtypes and heterogeneity in osteoblasts and BMMSCs separately, cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs in vivo in humans have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular communication between human primary osteoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methods and Results: To investigate the cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs and identify new cell subtypes, we performed a systematic integration analysis with our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomes data from BMMSCs and osteoblasts. We successfully identified a novel preosteoblasts subtype which highly expressed ATF3, CCL2, CXCL2 and IRF1. Biological functional annotations of the transcriptomes suggested that the novel preosteoblasts subtype may inhibit osteoblasts differentiation, maintain cells to a less differentiated status and recruit osteoclasts. Ligand-receptor interaction analysis showed strong interaction between mature osteoblasts and BMMSCs. Meanwhile, we found FZD1 was highly expressed in BMMSCs of osteogenic differentiation direction. WIF1 and SFRP4, which were highly expressed in mature osteoblasts were reported to inhibit osteogenic differentiation. We speculated that WIF1 and sFRP4 expressed in mature osteoblasts inhibited the binding of FZD1 to Wnt ligand in BMMSCs, thereby further inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Conclusions: Our study provided a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of osteogenic cells. At the single cell level, this study provided insights into the cell-to-cell communications between BMMSCs and osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts may mediate negative feedback regulation of osteogenesis process.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.670-683
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• 2020

Objective: The presence of coagulative necrosis (CN) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) indicates a poor prognosis, while the absence of CN indicates a good prognosis. The purpose of this study was to build and validate a radiomics signature based on preoperative CT imaging data to estimate CN status in ccRCC. Materials and Methods: Altogether, 105 patients with pathologically confirmed ccRCC were retrospectively enrolled in this study and then divided into training (n = 72) and validation (n = 33) sets. Thereafter, 385 radiomics features were extracted from the three-dimensional volumes of interest of each tumor, and 10 traditional features were assessed by two experienced radiologists using triple-phase CT-enhanced images. A multivariate logistic regression algorithm was used to build the radiomics score and traditional predictors in the training set, and their performance was assessed and then tested in the validation set. The radiomics signature to distinguish CN status was then developed by incorporating the radiomics score and the selected traditional predictors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive performance. Results: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the radiomics score, which consisted of 7 radiomics features, was 0.855 in the training set and 0.885 in the validation set. The AUC of the traditional predictor, which consisted of 2 traditional features, was 0.843 in the training set and 0.858 in the validation set. The radiomics signature showed the best performance with an AUC of 0.942 in the training set, which was then confirmed with an AUC of 0.969 in the validation set. Conclusion: The CT-based radiomics signature that incorporated radiomics and traditional features has the potential to be used as a non-invasive tool for preoperative prediction of CN in ccRCC.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.143-152
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• 2024

Due to COVID-19, domestic Duty-free shops have been severely impacted, and with the expansion of the untact market, the proportion of mobile shopping has increased. So far, mobile duty-free shop AR shopping is not active, and related research is scarce. Therefore, we aims to enhance Duty-free Shopping APPs with AR technology by researching the needs of foreign users. First, in the mobile duty-free shop app, the AR shopping interface must be in a prominent position to be open and easy to use. Second, there should be an explanation or help for location and function so that all users can easily recognize the AR shopping interface. Third, when wearing duty-free items in the AR shopping interface or adding them to the storage and shopping cart of interest, the interface must be simple and flexible, making it convenient to use and operate. Fourth, technical improvements must be made to prevent errors. We expect that the research will help develop AR shopping technology and domestic duty-free shop AR shopping technology and revitalize online and offline duty-free shops.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.2182-2189
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• 2024

The high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometer was used to measure the radioisotope in surface water of lakes in a Chinee petroleum industrial area. 92 samples were collected from surface water of three lakes. Activity concentrations of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K in three lakes were measured, distributed in the range of 101.8-209.4, 192.1-224.9 and 335.0-548.9 mBq/L, respectively. Results were all within the limits of WHO and China. Potential environmental and health risks were assessed by calculating some radiation hazard indicators, radium equivalent index, annual effective dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, absorbed dose rate, external hazard index, internal hazard index, annual gonadal dose equivalent, activity utilization index and representative gamma index, which ranged 0.38-0.54 Bq/L, 0.06-0.08 mSv/y, 0.23 × 10^-3-0.31 × 10^-3, 0.17-0.24 nGy/h, 1.01 × 10^-3-1.46 × 10^-3, 1.55 × 10^-3-2.02 × 10^-3, 1.16-1.66 μSv/y, 3.13 × 10^-3-4.45 × 10^-3 and 2.60 × 10^-3-3.77 × 10^-3. The results were all at acceptable levels, meaning no impact on human health. The relationship between the electrical conductivity of surface water and the activity concentration of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K was evaluated. The electrical conductivity value was 0.241-0.369 mS/cm, showing a significant correlation coefficient between ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K and electrical conductivity. Multivariate statistical methods were used to determine the relationship between the activity concentrations of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, and ⁴⁰K, radiation hazard indicators and electrical conductivity.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 2007

The reproductive cycle, egg capsules in the egg-mass, first sexual maturity, and sex ratio of the bladder moon, Glossaulax didyma ($R\ddot{o}ding$) were investigated. The gastropods collected from the intertidal zone of Biin Bay, Seocheon, Korea were studied by using histological analysis and morphometric data. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of females and males began to increase in March and reached maximum in May. Then their values sharply decreased from late in May to August due to spawning. The condition index (CI) began to increase in February and reached maximum in May, then gradually declined in the spawning period. The CI calculated for determination of the spawning period was coincided with changes in the GSI and gonadal phases. Spawning occurred between late in May to August in females and early in May to August in males. Spawning peak was observed between July and August when the seawater temperature rose to 19 $^{\circ}C$. Reproductive cycle with the gonadal development phases of this species can be divided into five successive stages in females and four in males: in females, early active stage (December to February), late active stage (February to March), ripe stage (April recovery stage (August to November); in males, active stage (December to March), ripe stage (March to July), copulation stage (early May to August), and recovery stage (August to January). Fully matured oocytes were approximately 250-270 ${\mu}m$ in size. The egg-mass was a hat in shape, and a number of egg capsules were found in an egg-mass. An egg capsule was 0.53-0.57 mm in size. An embryo (veliger larva) hatched from an egg capsule. Percentage of first sexual maturity in females and males were over 50% for individuals that are 40.1-45.0 mm in shell radius, and 100% for those that are over 45.1 mm. The sex ratio of female to male was significantly different from 1:1 $(x^2\;=\;57.22,\;p\;<\;0.05)$.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-34
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• 1997

The present writer studied the medical thought of 'You-Yi(尤怡)', the medical expert of the early 'Qing(淸)' Dynasty, which can be summarized as following. 1. 'You-Yi' writed many essays and treaties about 'Shang-Han-Lun(傷寒論)' and 'Jin-Gui-Yao-Lue(金?要略)', both of which are the writings of 'Zhang-Zhong-Jing(張仲景)', the medical saint of 'Han(漢)' Dynasty, and those writings include 'Shang-Han-Guan-Zhu-Ji(傷寒貫珠集)', 'Jin-Gui-Yao-Lue-Xin-Dian(金?要略心典)', 'Yi-Xue-Dou-Shu-Ji(醫學讀書記)', 'Jin-Gui-Yi(金?翼)', and 'Jing-Xiang-Lou-Yi-An(靜香樓醫案)'. 2. A theory of 'Tai-Yang(太陽)' syndrome, including 'San-Gang-Ding-Li(三綱鼎立)', was proposed by 'Fang-You-Zhi'(方有執)' and 'Yu-Chang(喩昌)' and it came to be one of the leading theory of the 'Shang-Han-Lun', 'You-Yi' rejected their opinions in which they insisted that the 'Feng(風)' hurts the 'Wei'(衛)' and the 'Han(寒)' hurts the 'Ying(營)', and he advocated his particular idea that the 'Xie-Qi'(邪氣)' can directly hit skin, flesh, 'Ying-Wei(營衛)', the Five Organs and the Six Viscera(五臟六腑), regardless of 'Zhong-Feng(中風)' or 'Shang-Han(傷寒)', and he insisted that there is need to be anxious about Whether the 'Ying-Wei' is strong or weak. 3. In 'Shang-Han-Guan-Zhu-Ji', 'You-Yi' invented the eight classifications in treating the 'Shang-Han' and he did not follow the old theories hitherto. He divided the book into six parts via the clinical experiences, and the Classification and Logics in Treatment(辨證論治), and he put several titles on 'Jin-Gui-Yao-Lue. And he newly edited the original text of 'Shang-Han-Lun' and arranged 'Zhong-Jing(仲景)'s Six Meridian(六經) categories. Each syndrome in 'Tai-Yang' 'Yang-Ming(陽明)', 'Shao-Yang(少陽)', 'Tai-Yin'(太陰)', 'Shao-Yin(少陰)' and 'Jue-Yin(厥陰)' has its own categories in treatment. 4. In explaining the Six Meridian(六經) and the Organs and Viscera(臟腑), 'You-Yi' legislated the syndrome in 'Three Yang(三陽)' into Meridian(經) and Viscera(腑) ; the syndrome in 'Three Yin(三陰)'into Meridian(經) and Organs(腑). He also concluded that 'Shang-Han-Lun' not only discussed 'Wai-Gan(外感)' but also included the Internal Hurt(內傷) and Miscellaneous Diseases(雜病). 5. In his academic research, 'You-Yi' followed 'Zhong-Jing' in classifications and prescriptions and succeeded the theory of 'Ma-Chu(마숙)' and 'Li-Zhong-Zi(李中梓)', but was not tied to any stereotyped former practices. He put emphasis on the Spleen(脾) and the Kidney(腎) as he harmonized the Middle Energizer(中焦焦) with the taste of 'Gan(甘)' and 'Wen(溫)' and enjoyed strengthening 'Yang' by benefitting the 'Qi(氣)'. 6. He discussed in detail the causes, mechanism and symptoms on 'Tan-Yin(痰飮)' and proposed the seven categorizes in treatment. 7. He sorted the causes of 'Zhong-Feng' into two kinds of the 'Feng' via 'Wai-Gan' and Internal Hurt, and recognized these two 'Feng's correlate as mutual sources of diseases. He insisted that the origin of the 'Feng' exists in the 'Liver(肝). He also established the eight categories in treating the 'Feng'. 8. 'You-Yi' belong to the classifications and Logical Treatment School. And he, considering he respected and followed 'Zhong-Jing' and 'Li-Zhong-Zi', belongs to the successor to the 'Wen-Bu(溫補)' School. 9. His writings, especially the 'Shang-Han-Guan-Zhu-Ji' and the 'Jin-Gui-Yao-Lue-Xin-Dian', are excellent commentary works on the originals, so they served as significant guide books for many junior scholars. For penetrating the 'Shang-Han-Lun' with his unique way of classification of treatment, he has been highly appreciated by later generations including scholars like 'Tang-Li-San(唐立三)' in the 'Qing' Dynasty, and so many more ones thenceforth. In conclusion, on the base of this study, it is hopefully proposed that the still more profound research on the medical thought of 'You-Yi', as one of the most distinguished scholars, an expert clinician and an earnest writer as well.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1189-1195
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• 2008

A study was conducted with 48 weaned barrows ($28{\pm}3d$, $8.45{\pm}0.14kg$) to determine the effect of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABPS) supplementation on pig performance, immunological, adrenal and somatotropic responses following Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. The experiment was a $2{\times}2$ factorial design; the main factors included diet (supplementation with 0 or 500 mg/kg ABPS) and immunological challenge (LPS or saline). On d 14 and 21 of the trial, pigs were given an intraperitoneal injection with either $100{\mu}g/kg$ BW of LPS or an equivalent amount of sterile saline. Blood samples were obtained 3 h after injection for analysis of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and immunoglobulin G (IgG). On d 2 after LPS challenge, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation (PBLP) was measured. LPS administration decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05), had a tendency to decrease average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.10) during both the first and second challenge periods and increased (p<0.05) feed:gain ratio only during the first challenge period. ABPS tended to improve ADG (p<0.10) during the first challenge period, and improved ADG (p<0.05) and tended to improve ADFI (p<0.10) during the second challenge period. ABPS did not affect feed:gain ratio. An interaction (p<0.05) between LPS challenge and diet was observed for the plasma concentrations of TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and cortisol after both LPS challenges such that, among LPS-treated pigs, pigs fed the ABPS diet were lower for these indices than those receiving the control diet. In contrast, pigs fed the ABPS diet had higher IGF-I (p<0.05) compared with those fed the control diet. No effect of diet, LPS challenge or both on GH and IgG was observed after both LPS administrations. LPS challenge increased PBLP when these cells were incubated with $8{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS during both the challenge periods, and did likewise when incubated with $8{\mu}g/ml$ of concanavalin A only after the first challenge. ABPS had no effect on PBLP. These data demonstrate that ABPS alters the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines following an immunological challenge, which might enable pigs to achieve better performance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.766-773
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• 2011

The objective of the present study was to examine whether yaks possess any adaptive mechanisms of nitrogen (N) metabolism to survive in the harsh foraging environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A grazing experiment on native alpine meadows was conducted to determine availability of herbage biomass and body weight (BW) change of yaks over the year, followed by two indoor feeding trials to investigate adaptation mechanisms of N metabolism in yaks fed at similar intake level to grazing conditions. Three castrated males of each of three genotypes; yak (Bos grunniens), indigenous cattle (Bos taurus) and their crossbred - cattleyak (Bos taurus male${\times}$Bos grunniens female), were used in the housed trials. Results showed that: i) Monthly herbage biomass production and daily grazing intakes by yaks over the year ranged from 220 to 4,664 kg DM per ha, and 1.90 to 8.50 kg DM, respectively. For about seven months each year, yaks suffer from malnutrition as a result of inadequate pasture conditions; ii) Urinary N excretion and N retention by yaks were significantly affected by feeding level, and yaks had a lower (p<0.05) average daily urinary N excretion (0.39 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$) and a greater (p<0.05) N retention (-0.09 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$) than indigenous cattle (0.47 and -0.16 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$, respectively). Fasting daily urinary N excretion was greater (p<0.05) for indigenous cattle than yaks (353 vs. 248 mg/kg $BW^{0.75}$). Purine derivative N excretion and purine derivative N index (PNI) increased with increasing feeding level, while the value of PNI was greater (p<0.05) for yaks and cattleyak (0.11 and 0.12, respectively) than for indigenous cattle (0.09) during the feeding trials. These results suggest that yaks could rely, in part, on the recycling of N to adapt to the harsh forage environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.), were used in the housed trials. Results showed that: i) Monthly herbage biomass production and daily grazing intakes by yaks over the year ranged from 220 to 4,664 kg DM per ha, and 1.90 to 8.50 kg DM, respectively. For about seven months each year, yaks suffer from malnutrition as a result of inadequate pasture conditions; ii) Urinary N excretion and N retention by yaks were significantly affected by feeding level, and yaks had a lower (p<0.05) average daily urinary N excretion (0.39 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$) and a greater (p<0.05) N retention (-0.09 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$) than indigenous cattle (0.47 and -0.16 g/kg $BW^{0.75}$, respectively). Fasting daily urinary N excretion was greater (p<0.05) for indigenous cattle than yaks (353 vs. 248 mg/kg $BW^{0.75}$). Purine derivative N excretion and purine derivative N index (PNI) increased with increasing feeding level, while the value of PNI was greater (p<0.05) for yaks and cattleyak (0.11 and 0.12, respectively) than for indigenous cattle (0.09) during the feeding trials. These results suggest that yaks could rely, in part, on the recycling of N to adapt to the harsh forage environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4777-4781
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the efficacy and safety of different doses of thalidomide (Thal) plus dexamethasone (Dex) as the initial therapy in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: Clinical data of 28 elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM who underwent the TD regimen as the initial therapy were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the maximal sustained dose of Thal: lower dose (group A) and higher dose (group B). The overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AES) were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 28 patients were followed up with a median of 18 months. The ORR was 60.1%. The median response time and PFS were 2.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. The mean sustained dose of Thal in group B was significantly higher than group A (292.9 mg v 180.4 mg, P=0.01). There was no significantly difference in ORR (57.1% v 64.3%, P=1.00) and PFS (9.63months v 17.66 months, P=0.73) between groups A and B. During the follow up, only five patients died (<40%) and, therefore, median OS values were not available. It is estimated, however, that the mean survival time in the two groups was 35.6 and 33.4 months (P>0.05), respectively. All of the patients tolerated the treatment well. The incidence of AES in patients with a grading above 3 in group B was significantly higher than in group A (P=0.033). Conclusions: The TD regimen results in a high response rate and manageable AES as the initial therapy in elderly patients with MM. TD should be considered as the front line regimen for the treatment of elderly patients with MM in areas with financial constraints. The clinical response can be achieved at a low dose Thal with minimal toxicity.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.232-237
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• 2009

This study was conducted to develop a model for describing the effect of storage temperature (4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and $35^{\circ}C$) on the growth of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 in ready-to-eat (RTE) lettuce treated with or without (control) alkaline electrolyzed water (AIEW). The growth curves were well fitted with the Gompertz equation, which was used to determine the specific growth rate (SGR) and lag time (LT) of E. coli O157 : H7 ($R^2$ = 0.994). Results showed that the obtained SGR and LT were dependent on the storage temperature. The growth rate increased with increasing temperature from 4 to $35^{\circ}C$. The square root models were used to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on the growth of E. coli O157 : H7 in lettuce samples treated without or with AIEW. The coefficient of determination ($R^2$), adjusted determination coefficient ($R^2_{Adj}$), and mean square error (MSE) were employed to validate the established models. It showed that $R^2$ and $R^_{Adj}$ were close to 1 (> 0.93), and MSE calculated from models of untreated and treated lettuce were 0.031 and 0.025, respectively. The results demonstrated that the overall predictions of the growth of E. coli O157: H7 agreed with the observed data.