• 보건행정학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.338-354
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• 2023

Background: The influence of social capital on the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related behaviors and perceptions has been recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the trends in social capital using primary data from the Korean Community Health Survey, which is the only available source in Korea for local-level social capital analysis. It also investigates the relationship between various variables, including social capital, as factors influencing COVID-19-related behaviors and perceptions. Methods: The study analyzed the temporal trends of social capital using raw data from four community health surveys conducted in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. A multilevel analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between social capital and COVID-19-related behaviors and perceptions following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Results: Social capital consists of trust, bonding social capital, and bridging social capital. Within the trust sub-factor, trust in neighbors (Trust-1) declined after the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas trust in safety and general environment (Trust-2) and trust in medical services and public transportation (Trust-3) increased. Additionally, the gap between municipalities narrowed. COVID-19-related behaviors and perceptions, such as adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures, return to normal activities, and fear of COVID-19, showed improvement in 2021 compared to the previous year. Individual-level trust in neighbors was associated with reduced fear of COVID-19, while community-level trust in neighbors was associated with increased fear of COVID-19. Conclusion: Social capital plays a role in mitigating public health crises, and it is necessary to implement active policies that address the gap in social capital between metropolitan and rural areas. Strengthening risk communication regarding emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 is crucial.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.120-127
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• 2024

Bats serve as vectors and natural reservoir hosts for various infectious viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These pathogens have also been detected in bat feces and can cause severe illnesses in hosts, other animals, and humans. Because pathogens can easily spread into the environment through bat feces, determining the bacterial communities in bat guano is crucial to mitigate potential disease transmission and outbreaks. This study primarily aimed to examine bacterial communities in the feces of insectivorous bats living in South Korea. Fecal samples were collected after capturing 84 individuals of four different bat species in two regions of South Korea, and the bacterial microbiota was assessed through next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed that, with respect to the relative abundance at the phylum level, Myotis bombinus was dominated by Firmicutes (47.24%) and Proteobacteria (42.66%) whereas Miniopterus fuliginosus (82.78%), Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (63.46%), and Myotis macrodactylus (78.04%) were dominated by Proteobacteria. Alpha diversity analysis showed no difference in abundance between species and a significant difference (p < 0.05) between M. bombinus and M. fuliginosus. Beta-diversity analysis revealed that Clostridium, Asaia, and Enterobacteriaceae_g were clustered as major factors at the genus level using principal component analysis. Additionally, linear discriminant analysis effect size was conducted based on relative expression information to select bacterial markers for each bat species. Clostridium was relatively abundant in M. bombinus, whereas Mycoplasma_g10 was relatively abundant in R. ferrumequinum. Our results provide an overview of bat guano microbiota diversity and the significance of pathogenic taxa for humans and the environment, highlighting a better understanding of preventing emerging diseases. We anticipate that this research will yield bioinformatic data to advance our knowledge of overall microbial genetic diversity and clustering characteristics in insectivorous bat feces in South Korea.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.233-239
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• 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has recently emerged as a significant co-transcriptional modification involved in regulating various RNA functions. It plays a vital function in numerous biological processes. Enzymes referred to as m6A methyltransferases, such as the methyltransferase-like (METTL) 3-METTL14-Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-associated protein (WTAP) complex, are responsible for adding m6A modifications, while m6A demethylases, including fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), can remove m6A methylation. The functions of m6A-methylated RNA are regulated through the recognition and interaction of m6A reader proteins. Recent research has shown that m6A methylation takes place at multiple sites within hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNAs, and the location of these modifications can differentially impact the HBV infection. The addition of m6A modifications to HBV RNA can influence its stability and translation, thereby affecting viral replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, HBV infection can also alter the m6A modification pattern of host RNA, indicating the virus's ability to manipulate host cellular processes, including m6A modification. This manipulation aids in establishing chronic infection, promoting liver disease, and contributing to pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of m6A modification during HBV infection is crucial for developing innovative approaches to combat HBV-mediated liver disease. In this review, we explore the functions of m6A modification in HBV replication and its impact on the development of liver disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.533-540
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• 2019

Objective: This study evaluated the growth, digestibility and rumen fermentation between goats and sheep fed a fattening diet fortified with linseed oil. Methods: Twelve 3 to 4 months old male goats and sheep were randomly allocated into two dietary treatment groups in a $2(species){\times}2$ (oil levels) factorial experiment. The treatments were: i) goats fed basal diet, ii) goats fed oil-supplemented diet, iii) sheep fed basal diet, and iv) sheep fed oil-supplemented diet. Each treatment group consisted of six animals. Animals in the basal diet group were fed with 30% alfalfa hay and 70% concentrates at a rate equivalent to 4% of their body weight. For the oil treatment group, linseed oil was added at 4% level (w:w) to the concentrate portion of the basal diet. Growth performance of the animals was determined fortnightly. Digestibility study was conducted during the final week of the feeding trial before the animals were slaughtered to obtain rumen fluid for rumen fermentation characteristics study. Results: Sheep had higher (p<0.01) average daily weight gain (ADG) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than goats. Oil supplementation did not affect rumen fermentation in both species and improved ADG by about 29% and FCR by about 18% in both goats and sheep. The above enhancement is consistent with the higher dry matter and energy digestibility (p<0.05), as well as organic matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p<0.01) in animals fed oil- supplemented diet. Sheep had higher total volatile fatty acid production and acetic acid proportion compared to goat. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that sheep performed better than goats when fed a fattening diet and oil supplementation at the inclusion rate of 4% provides a viable option to significantly enhance growth performance and FCR in fattening sheep and goats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제22권12호
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• pp.1640-1647
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• 2009

Two field studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) as a supplement in colostrum replacer (CR) for improving the general health status (judged on the basis of incidence of enteritis, bronchitis, and pneumonia) of group-housed suckling Japanese Black calves. In a preliminary study, CR supplemented with DFA III (6 g) was orally administered within 24 h of calving to eight individually reared calves fed colostrum (DFA III group) (Exp. 1). Subsequently, CR supplemented with DFA III (6 g) was orally administered twice within 2 and 12 h of calving to four calves (DFA III group) that were not fed colostrum (Exp. 2). In both experiments, the health status of the calves was assessed during the preweaning period. In Exp. 2, hematological and blood-chemistry parameters were analyzed 24 h after the second administration of CR and at 1 wk and 1 month after calving. The results were compared between the DFA III and control groups (without DFA III supplementation; Exp. 1: n = 10, Exp. 2: n = 4). In Exp. 1, the number of calves requiring medications for the treatment of enteritis, bronchitis, and pneumonia during the preweaning period was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the DFA III group than in the control group. In Exp. 2, supplementation of DFA III did not influence the gain in body weight of calves during the pre-weaning period. Calves in the DFA III group tended to require medications for a shorter duration than those in the control group (DFA III: 10.3 d/calf, control: 21.3 d/calf; p = 0.07). Significant differences (p<0.05) in the level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total protein, total cholesterol, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G were observed between the DFA III and control groups. These differences probably reflect the health and nutritional status of the calves. Additionally, the serum iron and lactoferrin concentrations at 24 h and 1 wk after calving, respectively, differed significantly between the 2 groups. These concentrations might reflect the incidence of infections after calving. The present study revealed that the administration of DFA III as a CR supplement may prevent diseases in group-housed calves during the pre-weaning period.

• BMB Reports
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• 제49권10호
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• pp.554-559
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• 2016

Mycobacterium abscessus, a member of the group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, has been identified as an emerging pulmonary pathogen in humans. However, little is known about the protective immune response of antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), which guard against M. abscessus infection. The M. abscessus gene MAB1843 encodes ᴅ-alanyl-ᴅ-alanine dipeptidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ᴅ-alanyl-ᴅ-alanine dipeptide. We investigated whether MAB1843 is able to interact with DCs to enhance the effectiveness of the host's immune response. MAB1843 was found to induce DC maturation via toll-like receptor 4 and its downstream signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B pathways. In addition, MAB1843-treated DCs stimulated the proliferation of T cells and promoted Th1 polarization. Our results indicate that MAB1843 could potentially regulate the immune response to M. abscessus, making it important in the development of an effective vaccine against this mycobacterium.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제71권1호
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• pp.30-36
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• 2011

Background: Pneumonia is commonly seen in outpatient clinics. it is widely known as the most common cause of death from infectious disease. Pneumonia has been diagnosed by its typical symptoms, chest X-ray and blood tests. However, both chest X-rays and blood tests have limitations in diagnosis. Thus primary care clinicians usually have been constrained due to a lack of adequate diagnostic tools. Vibration response imaging (VRI) is a newly emerging diagnostic modality, and its procedure is non-invasive, radiation-free, and easy to handle. This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the VRI test among pneumonia patients and to consider its correlation with other conventional tests such as Chest X-ray, laboratory tests and clinical symptoms. Methods: VRI was performed in 46 patients diagnosed with pneumonia in Konkuk University Medical Center. VRI was assessed in a private and quiet room twice: before and after the treatment. Sensors for VRI were placed on a patient's back at regular intervals; they detected pulmonary vibration energy produced when respiration occurred and presented as specific images. Any modifications either in chest X-ray, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) or body temperature were compared with changes in VRI image during a given time course. Results: VRI, chest X-ray and CRP scores were significantly improved after treatment. Correlation between VRI and other tests was not clearly indicated among all patients. But relatively severe pneumonia patients showed correlations between VRI and chest X-ray, as well as between VRI and CRP. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that VRI can be safely applied to patients with pneumonia.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.253-261
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• 2021

본 연구는 간호사를 대상으로 COVID-19에 대한 호흡기 감염관리 수행도에 영향을 미치는 요인을 파악하고자 시도되었다. 구조화된 설문지를 이용하여 191명의 간호사로부터 일반적 특성, COVID-19 감염관리 지식, 불안, 피로도, 수행도를 파악하였다. 자료분석은 IBM SPSS 21.0 프로그램을 이용하여 기술통계, t-test, one way ANOVA, 상관분석, 다중회귀분석을 하였다. 본 연구에서 지식과 피로도는 양의 상관관계, 불안과 수행도는 음의 상관관계가 있었으며 COVID-19 호흡기 감염관리 수행도에 영향을 미치는 요인은 불안으로 나타났다. 간호사의 COVID-19 호흡기 감염관리 수행도를 향상시키기 위한 교육프로그램 개발 시 신종감염병에 대한 불안 정도를 관리할 수 있는 내용을 포함해야 할 것으로 보인다. 또한 간호사가 신종감염병 환자를 미리 간호해볼 수 있도록 역할극이나 시뮬레이션 교육방안 적용을 고려해 볼 필요가 있다.

• 한국환경농학회지
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.348-354
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• 2013

가축사체 액상부산물을 이용하여 액비의 최적조건(미생물, pH, 미생물 주입량)을 조사하였고, 이들 최적 조건하에서 112일간 부숙하여 액비의 품질을 평가하였다. 가축사체 액상부산물 액비 부숙시 최적 LP 미생물의 주입량은 0.5 mL/100 mL이었으며, pH는 7 조건에서 각각 50점으로 완숙판정을 받았다. 최적조건하에서 112일 동안 부숙시킨 액비의 부숙도는 부숙 후 28일에 50점을 받아 완숙판정을 받았으며, 부숙기간이 길어짐에 따라 부숙 56일에는 온도가 $60^{\circ}C$를 넘어 최고점인 55점을 받았고, 이후 온도가 조금씩 낮아져 부숙 후 112일에는 실온조건에 이르렀다. 완숙된 가축사체 액상부산물 액비의 품질을 평가해본 결과, 최적조건하에서 부숙시킨 액비의 경우에는 T-N, $P_2O_5$ 및 $K_2O$의 함량이 28일에 가장 높았으며, 시간이 경과함에 따라 약간 감소하는 경향이었다. 또한, 유해성분(As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb 및 Zn)의 함량은 28일, 56일 및 112일 부숙시킨 액비에서 모두 비료공정규격 기준치에 적합하였다. 이상의 결과를 미루어 볼 때 가축사체 액상부산물을 농업적 재활용을 위한 액비화 조건은 pH 7조건에서 LP 미생물을 0.5 mL/100 mL 주입한 경우이다. 하지만 본 연구에서 비교된 가축분뇨 발효액은 공시재료(가축사체)가 상이하여 향후 가축사체를 이용한 액비의 부숙도 기준이 개선되어야 할 것으로 판단된다.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.186-194
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• 2005

목 적 : A형 간염의 발생이 2000년대부터는 1990년대에 청소년과 젊은 성인에서 발생이 높았던 것과는 달리 20대부터 30대 초반의 젊은 성인 환자가 증가되는 추세를 보이며 소규모이기는 하나 집단적 돌발유행이 발생되는 변화가 있으며, 더불어 1990년대에 시행되었던 A형 간염 항체 보유율 역학연구가 2000년대에 와서 이루어지지 않고 있는 실정이다. 이런 상황에서 저자들은 최근 국내 A형 간염의 역학적 변화의 원인분석과 이에 따른 예방대책의 기초 자료로 활용하기 위하여 연령별 A형 간염 항체 보유율 역학연구를 실시하게 되었다. 방 법 : 2005년 1월부터 6월까지 가톨릭대학교 성모자애병원 및 마산파티마병원에 내원한 외래 방문자, 건강 검진자 및 입원 환자에서 과거에 A형 간염에 이환된 병력과 가족 내 발생이 없고 A형 간염 백신 접종력이 없는 출생 후부터 50세까지 연령의 소아와 성인 1,301명(남자 655명, 여자 646명)을 대상으로 A형 간염 항체 검사를 실시하였다. 동시에 성별비교와 두 지역간의 통계적 유의성을 검토하였다. 결 과 : 항체 보유율은 1세 미만에서 61.1%, 1세 부터 5세의 연령군에서 30.5%, 6세에서 10세 사이 연령군에서 14.6%, 11세에서 15세 사이 연령군에서 1.7%, 16세에서 20세 사이 연령군에서 6.5%, 21세에서 30세 사이 연령군에서 36.6%, 31세에서 40세 사이 연령군에서 77.5%, 41세에서 50세 사이 연령군에서 99.8%의 항체 보유율을 확인하였다. 그리고 연령군에서 남녀간의 통계적 유의성은 없었으나, 두 지역에서 6세부터 10세 사이 연령군에서 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 확인하였다. 결 론 : 16세에서 30세 사이 연령의 항체 보유율이 1990년대에 비해 현저히 낮아진 것을 확인하였고 이로 인하여 이들 연령에서 A형 간염 발생이 지속적으로 높아질 것과 집단적 돌발유행의 가능성이 있어 향후에도 이와 관련된 광범위 역학연구가 필요하다. 더불어 지역간에도 연령에 따른 항체 보유율이 달라 지역간 역학 비교연구가 필요하다.