• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.710-718
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• 2021

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) are promising candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine. The migration and homing potential of PD-MSCs to injured sites is a critical property of MSC engraftment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to regulate the critical functions of MSCs, such as proliferation, survival, and migration. The objective of the present study was to identify the miRNA and target genes involved in PD-MSCs homing in a bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model. We selected candidate miRNAs targeting genes for PD-MSCs homing based on microarray analysis. PD-MSC engraftment in BDL-injured rat liver was identified by immunofluorescence assay and human-specific Alu gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) one week after transplantation. Compared with migrated naïve PD-MSCs under hypoxic and normoxic conditions (Hyp/Nor), the transplanted group with PD-MSCs (Tx) showed distinct differences in miRNA expressions in BDL-injured rat liver. We also validated the miRNAs and their target genes for PD-MSCs homing. The expressions of integrin α4 (ITGA4) and integrin α5 (ITGA5) target genes for miR-199a-5p and miR-148a-3p were significantly upregulated in the Tx group (p<0.05). In addition, integrin β1 (ITGB1) and integrin β8 (ITGB8) were upregulated by suppressing miR-183-5p and miR-145-5p, respectively. These results demonstrated that PD-MSCs regulate miRNA expression related to the integrin family for their homing effects on the BDL-injured rat liver. The findings further suggest that miRNA-mediated regulation of the integrin family contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of PD-MSCs in the rat hepatic fibrosis model by BDL.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.133-142
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether enzyme-hydrolyzed poultry by-product meal (EHPBM) is more effective as a protein source than poultry by-product meal (PBM) and soybean meal (SBM) for broiler chickens. A group of 300 one-day-old broiler chicks was randomly allocated to three treatments with five replicates (20 birds/replicate) for five weeks. The treatments consisted of basal diets containing 1) SBM, 2) PBM, and 3) EHPBM. The EHPBM-fed group (1,853 g±125.60) showed the highest final body weight (P<0.05) when compared to the PBM-fed group (1,723 g±76.81) and SBM-fed group (1,545 g±62.31). The feed conversion ratio of the EHPBM treatment group (1.740±0.104) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the SBM (1.653±0.056) and PBM groups (1.674±0.072). It can be speculated that the increased feed intake in the EHPBM group led to higher body weight gain and FCR. There was no significant effect of treatments on internal organ weight except for the bursa of Fabricius. Blood biochemical characteristic analysis showed that aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in the EHPBM and PBM groups (P<0.05), probably due to the strained liver caused by the rapid growth of birds. In conclusion, EHPBM may partly replace conventional dietary protein sources such as soybean meal or poultry by-product meal and can be used to improve the productivity of broilers.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.293-301
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• 2019

The experiment was conducted to determine the performance of DME combustion gas when used as a fuel for DME burner for raising temperature and $CO_2$ concentration in greenhouse and also to examine its effects on chlorophyll content, and fresh and dry weight of lettuce and Chinese cabbage. DME-1 and DME-2 treatments consisted of average DME flow quantity in duct were $17.4m^3min^{-1}$ and $10.2m^3min^{-1}$ respectively to greenhouse-1 and greenhouse-2 and no DME gas was supplied to greenhouse-3 which was left as control (DME-3). DME supply times were $0.5hr\;day^{-1}$, $1hr\;day^{-1}$, $1:30hrs\;day^{-1}$ and $2hrs\;day^{-1}$ on week 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Chlorophyll content and fresh and dry weight of lettuce and Chinese cabbage were measured for each treatment and analyzed through analysis of variance with a significance level of P<0.05. The result of the study showed that $CO_2$ concentration increased up to 265% and 174% and the level of temperature elevated $4.8^{\circ}C$ and $3.1^{\circ}C$ in greenhouse-1 and 2, respectively as compared to greenhouse-3 due to application of DME combustion gas. Although, the same crop management practices were provided in greenhouse-1, 2 and 3 at a same rate, the highest change (p<0.05) of chlorophyll content, fresh weight and dry weight were found from the DME-1 treatment, followed by DME-2. As a result, DME combustion gas that raised the level of temperature and $CO_2$ concentration in the greenhouse-1 and greenhouse-2, might have an effect on growth of lettuce and Chinese cabbage. At end of experiment, the highest fresh and dry weight of lettuce and Chinese cabbage were measured in greenhouse-1 and followed by greenhouse-2. Similarly chlorophyll content of greenhouse-1 and greenhouse-2 were more compared to greenhouse-3. In general, DME was not producing any harmful gas during its combustion period, therefore it can be used as an alternative to conventional fuel such as diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for both heating and $CO_2$ supply in winter season. Moreover, endorsed quantify of DME combustion gas for a specified crop can be applied to greenhouse to improve the plant growth and enhance yield.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.10-22
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• 2021

Purpose: Key Foods refers to foods that have a high contribution in the nutrient intake of individuals, and exert important effects on their health. This study was undertaken to identify Korean Key Foods, using data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). Methods: The data source for the extraction of Key Foods was the 24-hour dietary survey data obtained from the 7th KNHNES (2016-2018), and 21,271 subjects were evaluated. A total of 17 nutrients were selected as the key nutrients for identifying the Key Foods, including energy, carbohydrates, protein, lipid, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, cholesterol, and sugars. The nutrient consumption approach was applied to generate a list of potential Key Foods. Foods included in 85% of the cumulative intake contribution from one or more key nutrients, were subsequently selected as Key Foods. Results: Of the 1,728 foods consumed by survey respondents, we extracted 728 Key Foods. These Key Foods explained 94% key nutrient intakes of the subjects. Based on the contribution rate to key nutrient intake, the top 10 Key Foods identified were multigrain rice (5.32%), plain white rice (4.23%), milk (3.3%), cabbage kimchi (2.82%), grilled pork belly (1.56%), apples (1.52%), fried eggs (1.49%), cereal (1.36%), instant coffee mix (1.21%), and sweet potatoes (1.12%). These 10 foods accounted for 23.93% total key nutrient intake of the survey respondents. Conclusion: Seven hundred and twenty-eight foods were extracted and identified as the 2020 Korean Key Foods. These Key Foods can be considered the priority foods to be analyzed for establishing a national nutrient database.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.262-273
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• 2020

Amending biopolymers such as β-glucan (BG) and Xanthan gum (XG) generally enhances soil strength by ionic and hydrogen bonds between soil particles. Thus, biopolymers have been studied as eco-friendly construction materials in levees. However, physiological responses of plants grown on soil amended with biopolymers are not fully understood. This study focuses on the effects of biopolymers on the growth of Camelina sativa L. (Camelina) under excess zinc (Zn) stress. The optimal concentrations of BG and XG were confirmed to have a 0.5% ratio in soil depending on the physiological parameters of Camelina under excess Zn stress. The Zn binding capacity of biopolymers was investigated using 1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone (DTZ). The reduction of Zn damage in Camelina was evaluated by analyzing the Zn content and expression of heavy metal ATPase (HMA) genes under excess Zn stress. Amendments of BG and XG improved Camelina growth under excess Zn stress. In DTZ staining and ICP-OES analysis, Camelina grown on BG and XG soil showed less Zn uptake than normal soil under excess Zn stress. The Zn-inducible CsHMA3 gene was not stimulated by either BG or XG amendment under excess Zn stress. Moreover, both BG and XG amendments in soil exhibit Zn-stress mitigation similar to that of Zn-tolerant CsHMA3 overexpres sed Camelina. These results indicate that biopolymer-amended soils may influence the prevention of Zn absorption in Camelina under excess Zn stress. Thus, BG and XG are proven to be suitable materials for levee construction and can protect plants from soil contamination by Zn.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.57-65
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• 2020

Purpose: Since 2012, acetaminophen can be accessed easily not only at pharmacies but also at convenience stores. The relationship between the easy access of acetaminophen and the risk of poisoning has been controversial. Several studies also reported different results regarding the risk of acetaminophen poisoning after access to acetaminophen was relaxed. This study examined the long-term effects on the risk of acetaminophen poisoning after easy access to acetaminophen was implemented. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of an emergency department (ED)-based in-depth Injury Surveillance Cohort by the Korea Center for Disease Control and prevention from 2011 to 2018. Poisoning cases were selected from the Cohort, and the incidence of acetaminophen poisoning and the characteristics of the cases of acetaminophen poisoning were analyzed. The purchase path and the amount of ingestion in acetaminophen poisoning were sub-analyzed from data of six EDs. Results: Of 57,326 poisoning cases, 4.0% (2,272 cases) were acetaminophen poisoning. Of 2,272 cases of acetaminophen poisoning, 42.8% (974 cases) required in-patient care after ED management. Two hundred and sixty-four of these 964 cases required intensive care. The rates of cases that required in-patient treatment and the rates of cases that required intensive care increased from 29.4% in 2011 to 48.1% in 2018, and from 3.1% in 2011 to 15.2% in 2018, respectively (p<0.001, p<0.001). In the poisoning group with in-depth toxic surveillance (n=15,908), the incidence and proportion of acetaminophen (AAP) poisoning increased from 55 cases per year to 187 cases per year and 4.9% to 6.1%, respectively (p=0.009, p<0.001, respectively). The most common age group of acetaminophen poisoning was teenagers, which is different from the most common age group of other pharmaceutical agents: the middle age group of 40-49 years (p<0.001). Of 15,908 in-depth toxic surveillance patients, 693 patients had AAP poisoning, of whom 377 cases (54.2%) purchased acetaminophen from a non-pharmacy. The proportions of the purchase path from non-pharmacy were 41.4% at 2011-12 and 56.4% (2013-18) (p=0.004). The amount of acetaminophen ingestion was 13.5±14.3 g at 2011-12 and 13.9±15.1 g at 2013-18 (p=0.794). Conclusion: Although the incidence of acetaminophen poisoning did not increase remarkably in the short term after the implementation of the new regulation, the incidence of acetaminophen poisoning has increased slightly during the study period of 2017-18. In addition, the proportion of the purchase path from non-pharmacies has increased since the emergence of new regulations for the easy access of acetaminophen in 2012. The incidence of acetaminophen poisoning might have been affected after the increasing accessibility of acetaminophen in convenience stores. Continuous control of acetaminophen poisoning is required. Furthermore, the prevention of acetaminophen poisoning should be focused on teenagers with specialized school education programs.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.100 no.4
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• pp.598-608
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine potential effects of shading and fertilizing treatment - two basic applicable factors in production of 1-year-old container seedling - on growth and seedling quality of Quercus myrsinaefolia, one of evergreen tree species in warm temperate zone of Korean. Every experimental process was conducted in a facility that consisted of compartments under the lighting control with full sunlight and shading (35%, 55% and 75% of full sunlight). Based on fertilizing treatment, this study made an experiment in 4 groups of container seedling: control (non-treated seedlings) and 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm group (3 groups with different concentrations of water-soluble fertilizer (N:P:K=19:19:19, v/v). Seedlings under 55% shading with 2000 ppm concentration showed the highest height (totaling 21.1 cm), and under 35% shading with 2000 ppm concentration showed the highest root collar diameter growth (totaling 3.96 mm) among others. All three fertilizing groups except control showed H/D ratio ranging from 4.27 to 5.26 regardless of fertilizer concentration under 35% and 55% shading where container seedlings showed a tendency toward excellent growth of height and root collar diameter. Overall, 2000 ppm group under 55% shading showed highest dry mass production of leaves (1,292 g) among others, while 2000 ppm group under 35% shading showed highest dry mass production of shoots and roots (0.592 g and 0.998 g, respectively) among others. Also, it was found that 2000 ppm group under 35% shading showed the highest dry mass production of whole seedling, which was followed by 2000 ppm group under 55% shading and 3000 ppm group under 35% shading, respectively. According to analysis on LWR of Quercus myrsinaefolia depending on shading and fertilizing treatment, it was found that 3000 ppm group under 75% shading showed highest LWR level among others, whereas every fertilized group showed lower RWR level than control without fertilizing regardless of shading levels. In general, all fertilized groups under 55% shading had relatively high quality index (QI), and 2000 ppm group under 35% shading had highest QI among others. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that shading level ranging from 35 to 55% and fertilizing concentration of 2,000 ppm are suitable for producing 1-year-old container seedlings of Quercus myrsinaefolia with excellent growth and high quality index.

• (The) Korean Journal of Educational Psychology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.99-130
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between resilience and social support of school violence exposure types including school bullying, victimization, and dual experience. The study used data obtained from the third year (2012) of the Seoul Education Longitudinal Study of 1,137 elementary school students in grade 6 who reported experiencing school violence. The results of the autoregressive cross-lagged model are as follows. First, as a result of measuring the self-regression coefficients of resilience and social support of the youth exposed to school violence at 3 time points (2012, 2014, and 2016), it was found for all types of violence that resilience and social support at the previous time point showed a signigicant positive effect on the same variable at the next time point. Second, in the case of the cross-lagged effects of resilience and social support, the effect of previous social support on resilience at the next time point was statistically significant for the victimization group, but not for the bullying or dual experience groups. Third, considering the opposite path from resilience to social support, resilience at the previous time point had a significant influence on the social support at the next time point for both the bullying and victimization groups. This result is new and can be complementary to the cross-sectional studies so far using a longitudinal view. The results of this study suggest that the bullying and victimized students who are relatively more resilient are less likely to perceive social support than those who are not resilient. Finally, we discuss the longitudinal relationship between resilience and social support, the limitations of this study, and implications for future research.

• The Journal of the Korean Institute of Forest Recreation
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.59-69
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• 2018

This is a cross-sectional study that suggests ways to activate forest welfare services (FWS) by investigating the infrastructure, service status, and perception on FWS in Korea. In August 2016, a structured email survey was conducted in nation widely. The respondents were mostly directors and general secretary (75.0%). The considerable number (16.3%) of nursing homes (NH) use some floors of the complex buildings that would be difficult to have FWS infrastructure and about 30% of those without forests near the facilities. The directors of NH recognize that FWS has positive effects on the elderly. However, FWS is not an requisite of the longterm care insurance benefit, and so costly and effort-intensive that FWS has not been activated so far. In order to activate FWS in NHs, it is necessary to develop and disseminate the guidelines on FWS that anyone can easily followed. In addition, when the National Health Insurance Corporation evaluates NHs, they should evaluate not only whether there is a wandering or walking space, but also whether it has forest healing factors such as forests. It is also necessary to create a barrier-free environment both inside and outside of NHs, increasing accessibility to the toilet in gardens, paving a passage for wheelchairs and lifts in forests near NHs. Through these efforts, it is expected that FWS will be activated to provide physical, mental rest and comfort, appropriate cognitive stimulation to the NH residents at the end of life.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.245-254
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• 2019

We investigated the anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanism of Brazil, China and Korean regional propolis on HeLa ovarian cancer cell line. Each propolis extracts was prepared by ethanol extraction method. Cytotoxicity of propolis extracts was determinated by EZ-cytox cell viability assay. To necessity of anti-tumor effect and molecular mechanism of propolis, we must be adjusting propolis concentration. Due to 100 ㎍/mL of propolis extract were reduced cell viability to less than 50%, we adjusted all of propolis concentration to 100 ㎍/mL. By Western blotting analysis, we confirmed that anti-tumor mechanism of Brazil, China and Korea regional propolis has significantly difference. All of propolis was activated apoptosis related molecules such as PARP, caspase-3. However, cell proliferation signaling molecules including Akt1, ERK and Bcl-2 were reduced the protein expression level. Especially, the expression of tumor suppressor protein p53 was significantly increased in propolis-treated group such as Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Gyeongnam and China. The phosphorylation of Bax which as apoptosis indicator was appeared in propolis-treated group such as Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, China. In this results showed that the regional propolis has completely different mechanism in anti-tumor. Thus, propolis extracts may be useful source of functional materials on anti-cancer and it will be able to choose the suitable propolis for cancer therapy by analyzing individual characteristics.