• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.32.1-32.11
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• 2023

Resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs, especially ethambutol (EMB), has been widely reported worldwide. EMB resistance is caused by mutations in the embB gene, which encodes the arabinosyl transferase enzyme. This study aimed to detect mutations in the embB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Papua and to evaluate their impact on the effectiveness of EMB. We analyzed 20 samples of M. tuberculosis culture that had undergone whole-genome sequencing, of which 19 samples were of sufficient quality for further bioinformatics analysis. Mutation analysis was performed using TBProfiler, which identified M306L, M306V, D1024N, and E378A mutations. In sample TB035, the M306L mutation was present along with E378A. The binding affinity of EMB to arabinosyl transferase was calculated using AutoDock Vina. The molecular docking results revealed that all mutants demonstrated an increased binding affinity to EMB compared to the native protein (-0.948 kcal/mol). The presence of the M306L mutation, when coexisting with E378A, resulted in a slight increase in binding affinity compared to the M306L mutation alone. The molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the M306L, M306L + E378A, M306V, and E378A mutants decreased protein stability. Conversely, the D1024N mutant exhibited stability comparable to the native protein. In conclusion, this study suggests that the M306L, M306L + E378A, M306V, and E378A mutations may contribute to EMB resistance, while the D1024N mutation may be consistent with continued susceptibility to EMB.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.934-944
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Maintaining total muscle mass in the older adults with swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) is important for preserving swallowing function. Increasing protein intake can help sustain lean body mass in the older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various high-protein texture-modified foods (HPTMFs) on muscle mass and perform dietary assessment in ≥ 65-yrs-old patients with dysphagia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Participants (n = 10) received the newly developed HPTMFs (average 595.23 ± 66.75 kcal/day of energy, 54.22 ± 6.32 g/day of protein) for 10 days. Relative handgrip strength (RHS), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), body composition, mini nutritional assessment (MNA), mini dietary assessment (MDA), and Euro Quality-of-Life questionnaire 5-dimensional classification (EQ-5D) were assessed. RESULTS: After 10 days, an increase in MUAC (26.36 ± 2.35 cm to 28.50 ± 3.17 cm, P = 0.013) and RHS (0.38 ± 0.24 kg/kg body weight to 0.42 ± 0.22 kg/kg body weight, P = 0.046) was observed. Although MNA, MDA, EQ-5D, subjective health status, muscle mass, and calf circumference showed a tendency to increase after intervention, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the HPTMFs can be used for improving the nutritional and health status in patients with dysphagia.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2024

A study was conducted to evaluate dietary valine (Val) requirement for Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Five isonitrogenous (353 g/kg) and isocaloric (4.08 kcal/g) semi-purified diets containing graded levels of Val (2.7, 5.1, 8.7, 12.1 or 16.0 g/kg) were formulated. Quadruplicate groups of 12 shrimp (average body weight: 0.46 ± 0.00 g) were fed one of the experimental diets (2%-5% of total body weight) for 8 weeks. Maximum weight gain was observed in 8.7 g/kg Val group. However, the growth performance was reduced when Val concentration in diets were higher than 12.1 g/kg. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased with 2.7 and 16.0 g/kg Val inclusion. Shrimp fed the diets containing 2.7 g/kg Val showed significantly lower protein efficiency ratio, whole-body crude protein and Val concentrations. Dietary inclusion of Val significantly improved the relative expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein and immune-related genes (prophenoloxidase, lysozyme and crustin) in the hepatopancreas and 8.7 g/kg Val group showed highest expression among all the groups. The dietary requirement of Val for maximum growth of juvenile P. vannamei, estimated using polynomial regression analysis on growth, was 9.54 g/kg of Val (27.2 g/kg based on protein level) and maximum growth occurred at 9.27 g/kg of Val (26.2 g/kg based on protein level) based on broken-line regression analysis.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1408-1417
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• 2024

Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with lysolecithins (LPC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, immunity, and liver health in broiler chickens. Methods: A cohort of 240 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers of comparable weight was divided into four treatment groups, each comprising six replicates of 10 birds. The groups were defined as follows: positive control with recommended metabolizable energy (PC+ME), negative control with 90 kcal/kg reduced ME (NC+ME), PC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (PC+LPC), and NC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (NC+LPC). Results: LPC supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.05) and a decrease in the proportion of abdominal fat and the liver (p<0.05). Digestibility of dry matter was also enhanced (p<0.05). Malondialdehyde concentrations in the liver were significantly reduced by LPC (p<0.01), with a noteworthy interaction between energy levels and LPC affecting this reduction (p<0.05). Serum levels of interleukin-6 were reduced on day 21, and both endotoxin and interleukin-6 levels were lower on day 42. Notably, a significant interaction was observed between the energy levels and LPC on relative liver weight and endotoxin concentrations in the serum (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that LPC positively affects growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and antioxidative capacity in broiler chickens, affirming its value as a beneficial feed additive in poultry nutrition.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2023

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for sustained weight reduction, and it can result in substantial improvements in the severity of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and quality of life. However, sleeve gastrectomy, a weight loss surgery that removes two-thirds of the stomach, reduces appetite and nutrient absorption, impairing digestion and the absorption of nutrients like iron, vitamin B₁₂, and protein-bound nutrients. This case study aims to demonstrate that patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy require long-term and periodic monitoring of biochemical data, weight changes, and caloric and protein intake by a professional nutritionist to prevent malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. In this case study, a 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with morbid obesity, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and chronic gastritis. At initial evaluation, she was 160 cm tall and weighed 89 kg, with a body mass index of 34.8 kg/m². At 1 postoperative year, she consumed 650 kcal and 25 g of protein per day, the percentage of excess weight loss was 141.1%, and body mass index was 21 kg/m². Compared to preoperative levels, calcium and folic acid levels did not decrease after 1 postoperative year, but hemoglobin, ferritin, and vitamin B₁₂ levels decreased. In conclusion, when patients experience rapid weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy, follow-up should be frequent and long. Dietary education should be conducted according to digestive symptoms, and oral nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2023

Adequate nutritional support is crucial in preventing complications and improving outcomes in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode of supportive care for patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. ECMO patients frequently exhibit a hypermetabolic state characterized by protein catabolism and insulin resistance, which can lead to malnutrition. Nutritional therapy is a vital component of intensive care, but its optimal administration for ECMO patients is unknown. This case report aims to provide insights into effective nutritional management for critically ill patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The patient was a 72-year-old male with a history of gastric and lung cancer who underwent a lobectomy complicated by bronchopleural fistula, postoperative bleeding, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient's nutritional status was assessed indicating a high risk of malnutrition, using the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) Score. Nutritional support was administered based on the recommendations of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), with energy requirements set at 25-30 kcal/kg/d and protein requirements set at 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day. The patient received parenteral nutrition until the enteral nutrition target amount was reached, with zinc supplements for wound healing. The study highlights the need for further research on proactive and effective nutritional support for ECMO patients to improve compliance and prognosis.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.486-491
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• 2009

To evaluate the potential value of the major bioenergy crops which are wheat, canola, barley, corn, and sweet potato in Korea, we investigated the production of biomass and calorific value of crops, and also compared input and output factors among bioenergy crops during the cultivation period. There was difference between the biomass values in Agricultural and Forestry statistical yearbook(2006) and the one investigated in this experiment, also there was difference in crops and in species. Among the crops investigated, sweet potato(Jinhongmi, Yulmi) was shown the highest amount of biomass production and corn(Gangdaok) was shown the highest amount of the total biomass which is the total aboveground biomass at harvest. Oilseed canola which is presently a major source of bio-diesel had highest calorific value as $6,673{\sim}6,725cal\;g^{-1}$. Wheat and corn grains which are source of bio-ethanol were in the range of $3,879{\sim}4,317cal\;g^{-1}$. Gangdaok(Corn) produce the highest total calorific value in unit cultivating area among the crops as $8,263kcal\;m^{-2}$. Corn was shown that the input and output factors were the highest level among bioenergy crops during cultivation period. Sweet potato also was shown that output factor was the highest level though its input factors were average level. It is needed to be investigated more crops for collecting the higher potential value of bioenergy production further considering small land area and its effective utilization in Korea.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.54-68
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• 1985

It is desirable to collect the solar thermal energy at relatively high temperature in order to minimize the size of thermal storage system and to enlarge the scope of solar thermal energy utilization. So far the concentrating solar collector has been developed to collect solar thermal energy at relatively high temperature, but it has some difficulties in maintaining the volumetric body of solar collector for long term utilization. On the other hand, the flat-plate solar collector has been developed to collect the solar thermal energy at low temperature, and it has advantages in maintaining the system for long term utilization, since it's thickness is thin and not volumetric. In this study, to develop a solar collector that has both advantages of collecting solar thermal energy at high temperature and fixing conveniently the collector system for long term period, a cylindrical parabolic concentrating solar collector was designed, which has two rows of parabolic reflectors and thin thickness such as the flat-plate solar collector, maintaining the optical form of concentrating solar collector. The characteristics of the concentrating parabolic solar collector newly designed was analysed and the results are summarized as follows; 1. The temperature of the air enclosed in solar collector was all the same as $50^{\circ}C$ in both cases of the open and closed loop, and when the heat transfer fluid was not circulated in tubular absorber, the maximum surface temperature of the absorber was $118-120^{\circ}C$, this results suggested that the heat transfer fluid could be heated up to $118^{\circ}C$. 2. In case of longitudinal installation of the solar collector, the temperature difference of heat transfer fluid between inlet and outlet was $4^{\circ}-6^{\circ}C$ at the flow rate of $110-130{\ell}/hr$, and the collected solar energy per unit area of collector was $300-465W/m^2$. 3. The collected solar energy per unit area for 7 hours was 1960 Kcal/$m^2$ for the open loop and 220 Kcal/$m^2$ for the closed loop. Therefore it is necessary to combine the open and closed loop of solar collectors to improve the thermal efficiency of solar collector. 4. The thermal efficiency of the solar collector (C.P.C.S.C.) was proportional to the density of solar radiation, indicating the maximum thermal efficiency ${\eta}_{max}=58%$ with longitudinal installation and ${\eta}_{max}=45%$ with lateral installation. 5. The thermal efficiency of the solar collector (C.P.C.S.C.) was increased in accordance with the increase of flow rate of heat transfer fluid, presenting the flow rate of $110{\ell}/hr$ was the value of turning point of the increasing rate of the collector efficiency, therefore the flow rate of $110{\ell}/hr$ was considered as optimum value for the test of the solar collector (C.P.C.S.C.) performance when the heat transfer fluid is a liquid. 6. In both cases of longitudinal and lateral installation of the solar collector (C.P.C.S.C.), the thermal efficiency was decreased linearly with an increase in the value of the term ($T_m-T_a$)/Ic and the increasing rate of the thermal efficiency was not effected by the installation method of solar collector.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.359-369
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• 2011

The study was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics of pellets manufactured with adding soybean oil, waste soybean oil, ozonized soybean oil and ozonized waste soybean oil to Larix kaemferi Carr sawdust. The characteristics of pellet included moisture contents, heating value, ash contents, apparent densities, durabilities, absorption ratio and elementary analysis. Moisture contents were shown 7.66~9.48% which satisfied the first grade (less than 10%) of quality standard of wood pellets announced by Korea Forest Research Institute. The heating value of the manufactured wood pellets in this study exceeded the first grade of quality standard (more than 4,300 kcal/kg) and it appeared that the pellets manufactured with adding oils and ozonized oils had more heating value than the control pellets. Ash contents 0.34~0.42% also passed the first grade (less than 0.7%) of quality standard and apparent densities were adequate for the first grade (640 kg/$m^3$) on the quality standard. Durabilities of the pellets manufactured with adding soybean oil and ozonized waste soybean oil were shown over the first grade (97.5 kg/$m^3$) of quality standard. In the general results of durabilities, the pellets manufactured with additives had better values than the control pellets. After 24 hours absorption ratio experiment, absorption ratio of pellets manufactured with additives also appeared much lower moisture absorption than the control pellets and they still had the same results after 5days absorption ratio experiment. Elementary analysis of the sulfur content was satisfied the first grade (less than 0.05%) of quality standard of wood pellets and the nitrogen content was also adequate for the first grade (less than 0.3%) of quality standard of wood pellets.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.49-73
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• 1991

To elucidate enzymatic properties of $\alpha$-galactosidases (EC3, 2, 1, 22) from germinated soybean and Aspergillus niger changes in the enzyme activities and oligosaccharide contents during germination of soybean were determined and $\alpha$-galactosidases from germinated soybean and wheat bran culture of Aspergillus niger were purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Their chemical and enzymatic properties were investigated and the results obtained were summarized as follows : 1. $\alpha$-Galactosidase activity of soybean was maximized when it was germinated at $25^{\circ}C$ for 120 hours. And raffinose and stachyose in soybean were decomposed completely after 96 hours and 120 hours of germination, respectively. 2. The highest level of $\alpha$-Galactosidase activity was obtained when Aspergillus niger was grown on wheat bran medium at $30^{\circ}C$ for 96 hours. 3. Soybean $\alpha$-galactosidase was purified by 6.6 fold by ammonium slufate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose and Sephadex A-50., and gel filtration on Sephadex G-150. Its specific activity was 825 units/mg protein and the yield was 2.5% of the total activity of crude extracts. 4. Aspergillus niger $\alpha$-galactosidase was purified by 23.7 fold. Its specific activity was 1,229 units/mg protein and the yield was 14% of the total activity of wheat bran culture. 5. The purified $\alpha$-galactosidases of soybean and Aspergillus niger were found to be homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by HPLC. 6. Chemical properties of the purified $\alpha$-galactosidases were : 1) The soybean $\alpha$-galactosidase was monomeric and its molecular weight was estimated to be 30,000 by SDS-PAGE whereas the Aspergillus niger $\alpha$-galactosidase was a tetrameric glycoprotein which consisted of identical subunits with molecular weight of 28,000 each.