• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.34.1-34.19
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• 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis associated with ageing. Vitamin D has diverse biological effect on bone and cartilage, and observational studies have suggested it potential benefit in OA progression and inflammation process. However, the effect of vitamin D on OA is still contradictory. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in OA. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to induce OA. Pain severity, cartilage destruction, and inflammation were measured in MIA-induced OA rats. Autophagy activity and mitochondrial function were also measured. Vitamin-D (1,25(OH)₂D3) and celecoxib were used to treat MIA-induced OA rats and OA chondrocytes. Oral supplementation of vitamin D resulted in significant attenuations in OA pain, inflammation, and cartilage destruction. Interestingly, the expressions of MMP-13, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in synovial tissues were remarkably attenuated by vitamin D treatment, suggesting its potential to attenuate synovitis in OA. Vitamin D treatment in OA chondrocytes resulted in autophagy induction in human OA chondrocytes and increased expression of TFEB, but not LC3B, caspase-1 and -3, in inflamed synovium. Vitamin D and celecoxib showed a synergistic effect on antinociceptive and chondroprotective properties in vivo. Vitamin D showed the chondroprotective and antinociceptive property in OA rats. Autophagy induction by vitamin D treatment may be a promising treatment strategy in OA patients especially presenting vitamin D deficiency. Autophagy promoting strategy may attenuate OA progression through protecting cells from damage and inflammatory cell death.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.35.1-35.16
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• 2022

Tobacco smoking (TS) has been known as one of the most potent risk factors for airway inflammatory diseases. However, there has been a paucity of information regarding the immunologic alteration mediated by TS in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). To identify the effect of TS, we harvested human tissue samples (never smoker: n=41, current smoker: n=22, quitter: n=23) and analyzed the expression of epithelial-derived cytokines (EDCs) such as IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. The expressions of Th2 cytokines and total serum IgE showed a type-2 inflammatory alteration by TS. In addition, the epithelial marker E-cadherin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers (N-cadherin, α-SMA, and vimentin) were evaluated. Histological analysis showed that EDC expressions were upregulated in the current smoker group and downregulated in the quitter group. These expression patterns were consistent with mRNA and protein expression levels. We also found that the local Th2 cytokine expression and IgE class switching, as well as serum IgE levels, were elevated in the current smoker group and showed normal levels in the quitter group. Furthermore, the expressions of E-cadherin decreased while those of N-cadherin, α-SMA, and vimentin increased in the current smoker group compared those in the never smoker group. Taken together, these results indicate that TS contributes to the deterioration of pathogenesis by releasing local EDCs and Th2 cytokines, resulting in EMT in patients with CRSwNP. We verified that alterations of immunological response by TS in sinonasal epithelium can play a vital role in leading to CRSwNP.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.41.1-41.11
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• 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The viral genome encodes twelve genes for viral replication and infection. The third open reading frame is the spike (S) gene that encodes for the spike glycoprotein interacting with specific cell surface receptor - angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) - on the host cell membrane. Most recent studies identified a single point mutation in S gene. A single point mutation in S gene leading to an amino acid substitution at codon 614 from an aspartic acid 614 into glycine (D614G) resulted in greater infectivity compared to the wild type SARS-CoV2. We were interested in investigating the mutation region of S gene of SARS-CoV2 from Korean COVID-19 patients. New mutation sites were found in the critical receptor binding domain (RBD) of S gene, which is adjacent to the aforementioned D614G mutation residue. This specific sequence data demonstrated the active progression of SARS-CoV2 by mutations in the RBD of S gene. The sequence information of new mutations is critical to the development of recombinant SARS-CoV2 spike antigens, which may be required to improve and advance the strategy against a wide range of possible SARS-CoV2 mutations.

• 정보관리학회지
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.367-387
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• 2024

본 연구는 새로운 표준과 규칙의 제정이 이루어지고 또한 향후 예고되어 있음으로 큰 변화의 과정을 거치고 있는 목록학에 있어 그동안 연구가 거의 없었던 해외 연구들의 최근 동향과 지적 구조를 규명하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 2010년 이후 14년간 발행된 논문 680편을 수집한 후, 이로부터 전처리를 거쳐 추출한 1,942개의 저자 키워드를 분석해보았다. 주요 분석 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 해외 목록학 연구는 2017년 이후 주목할만한 성장세를 보이고 있었다. 둘째, 상위빈도 연구주제는 편목, 메타데이터, RDA, 대학도서관, 전거 제어, 링크드 데이터, FRBR, 목록, LCSH, 도서관, 온라인목록이었다. 셋째, 연구주제들은 크게 도서관 목록의 전통적인 부분과 관련된 것과 최근 들어 더욱 활발하게 논의가 진행되고 있는 주제인 전거제어와 협동편목, RDA, 링크드데이터와 관련된 2개의 군집으로 나눌 수 있었고, 이를 14개 소군집으로 세분하여 분석하였다. 넷째, 키워드 군집 14개의 성장지수와 표준 성과지수를 살펴본 결과, 하나의 군집을 제외하고는 학문 분야의 성장의 측면에서 모두 성장을 나타내는 수치를 보여주었다. 본 연구는 향후 국내 학계와 현장을 위한 목록의 발전 양상 예측하기 위한 기초자료 및 관련 교육에 유용하게 활용될 수 있다는 점에서 그 의의가 있다.

• 문화기술의 융합
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.173-180
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• 2024

본 연구는 디지털 분석 도구를 활용하여 서간체 형식의 18세기 리베르탱 소설의 걸작으로 꼽히는 『위험한 관계』를 대상으로 '리베르티나주(libertinage)'를 둘러싼 이성과 감정의 문제를 계량적으로 분석하였다. 첫째, Voyant과 LIWC 22의 사용 단어 빈도수 분석을 통해 리베르티나주가 'love'와 'time'과 같은 키워드로 발현되었음을 확인하였다. 둘째, Voyant의 'Contexts' 기능을 통해 발몽이 투르벨 부인에게 보낸 편지들과 메르퇴유 부인에게 보낸 편지들은 모두 'love'를 중심 테마로 하고 있지만, 전자에서는 감정적 어휘들이, 후자에서는 전략적 어휘들이 더 많이 사용된 것을 확인하였다. 그리고 메르퇴유가 보낸 편지에서 가장 많이 사용된 어휘는 'time'으로서 'love'보다 빈도수가 더 높은 것을 확인하였다. 셋째, LIWC 22를 이용하여 주요 인물들이 주고받은 편지들을 대상으로 인물별, 각부별 '분석적 사고(analytic thinking)'와 '감정적 어조(emotional tone)'를 각각 측정하고 분석하였다. 이상의 분석 결과들은 『위험한 관계』가 18세기 프랑스의 계몽주의 시대 때 배척의 대상이었던 '감정'이라는 문제에 천착하고 있는 작품임을, 그리고 루소의 『신 엘로이즈』처럼 낭만주의를 예고하는 작품임을 뒷받침하는 중요한 근거로서 유의미할 것이다.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.258-265
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• 2024

Purpose: To date, there is no region-specific guideline for pediatric endoscopy training. This study aimed to illustrate the current status of pediatric endoscopy training in Asia-Pacific region and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a standardized electronic questionnaire, was conducted among medical schools in the Asia-Pacific region in January 2024. Results: A total of 57 medical centers in 12 countries offering formal Pediatric Gastroenterology training programs participated in this regional survey. More than 75% of the centers had an average case load of <10 cases per week for both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies. Only 36% of the study programs employed competency-based outcomes for program development, whereas nearly half (48%) used volume-based curricula. Foreign body retrieval, polypectomy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and esophageal variceal hemostasis, that is, sclerotherapy or band ligation (endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation), comprised the top four priorities that the trainees should acquire in the autonomous stage (unconscious) of competence. Regarding the learning environment, only 31.5% provided formal hands-on workshops/simulation training. The direct observation of procedural skills was the most commonly used assessment method. The application of a quality assurance (QA) system in both educational and patient care (Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network) aspects was present in only 28% and 17% of the centers, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with Western academic societies, the limited availability of cases remains a major concern. To close this gap, simulation and adult endoscopy training are essential. The implementation of reliable and valid assessment tools and QA systems can lead to significant development in future programs.

• 접착 및 계면
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.69-74
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• 2024

소프트 액추에이터는 구성 재료 자체가 가지는 유연성과 부드러운 움직임으로 인해 의료 산업과 제조업 등 다양한 분야에서의 응용이 기대되고 있다. 자극감응성 하이드로젤은 유연하며 다양한 주위 자극에 의해 큰 부피 변화를 보일 수 있는 물질로서 소프트 액추에이터 재료로서 적합하다. 하지만, 자극감응성 하이드로젤의 부피 변화는 온도 변화의 속도 및 용매의 확산 속도에 기인하여 대부분의 작동 조건에서 느린 속도로 진행되며 이는 액추에이터의 반응속도를 제한한다. 본 연구에서는 온도감응성 하이드로젤인 polydiethylacrylamide에 광열효과를 가지는 공액고분자를 도입하여 빛에 의해 구동되는 소프트 액추에이터를 구현하였고, 공액고분자의 광열효과에 의한 반응속도의 개선효과를 조사하였다. 공액고분자의 도입에 의해 반응시간이 41% 개선됨을 확인하였고 이는 열전달 효율의 개선에 의한 것으로 짐작할 수 있다. 최종적으로 이러한 개선된 반응속도의 하이드로젤이 적용된 소프트 그리퍼를 제작하였고 반응속도를 조사하였다.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.258-269
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Currently, safety pharmacological tests for the central nervous system depend on animal behavioral analysis. However, due to the subjectivity of behavioral analysis and differences between species, there is a limit to appropriate nervous system toxicity assessment, therefore a new neurotoxicity assessment that can simulate the human central nervous system is required. Methods and Results: In our study, we developed an in vitro neurotoxicity assessment focusing on neuronal function. To minimize the differences between species and fast screening, hiPSC-derived neurons and a microelectrode array (MEA) that could simultaneously measure the action potentials of the neuronal networks were used. After analyzing the molecular and electrophysiological characters of our neuronal network, we conducted a neurotoxicity assessment on neurotransmitters, neurotoxicants, illicit drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). We found that most substances used in our experiments responded more sensitively to our MEA-based neurotoxicity assessment than to the conventional neurotoxicity assessment. Also, this is the first paper that evaluates various illicit drugs and NPS using MEA-based neurotoxicity assessment using hiPSC-derived neurons. Conclusions: Our study expanded the scope of application of neurotoxicity assessment using hiPSC-derived neurons to NPS, and accumulated evaluation data of various toxic substances for hiPSC-derived neurons.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권8호
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• pp.1617-1626
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• 2024

Various antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are known to induce repeated pulmonary infections and increase morbidity and mortality. A thorough knowledge of antibiotic resistance is imperative for clinical practice to treat resistant pulmonary infections. In this study, we used a reads-based method and an assembly-based method according to the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) data to reveal the spectra of ARB and corresponding antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in samples from patients with pulmonary infections. A total of 151 clinical samples from 144 patients with pulmonary infections were collected for retrospective analysis. The ARB and ARGs detection performance was compared by the reads-based method and assembly-based method with the culture method and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), respectively. In addition, ARGs and the attribution relationship of common ARB were analyzed by the two methods. The comparison results showed that the assembly-based method could assist in determining pathogens detected by the reads-based method as true ARB and improve the predictive capabilities (46% > 13%). ARG-ARB network analysis revealed that assembly-based method could promote determining clear ARG-bacteria attribution and 101 ARGs were detected both in two methods. 25 ARB were obtained by both methods, of which the most predominant ARB and its ARGs in the samples of pulmonary infections were Acinetobacter baumannii (ade), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mex), Klebsiella pneumoniae (emr), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (sme). Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the assembly-based method could be a supplement to the reads-based method and uncovered pulmonary infection-associated ARB and ARGs as potential antibiotic treatment targets.

• 문화기술의 융합
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• 제10권5호
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• pp.23-28
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• 2024

지금까지 대부분의 군사훈련은 통상 야외에서 진행되는 경우가 많았으며, 날씨나 기후, 지형이나 훈련지역의 소음 등에 대한 민원 등 다양한 변수에 의해 영향을 받았다. 또한 군사훈련에 사용되는 무기체계를 기동하기 위해서는 상당한 시간과 비용, 무기체계의 정비 등에 많은 자원이 투입되고 있는 것이 현실이다. 군사훈련 기간 중 발생할 수 있는 인명 사고 등 안전상의 문제도 또한 간과할 수 없는 중요한 요인이다. 최근 5G 통신망 상업화와 XR 기술의 발전으로 XR 기술이 다자가 참여하는 다양한 영역에 활용되고 있으며 군사기술 및 군사훈련 분야에도 적용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 가상현실 세계에서 군사교육을 실시하기 위해 5G 통신망과 군사교육훈련 시스템을 구축하였다. 군사교육훈련시스템에서는 10명 이상의 요원이 대항전투, 산악전투, 도심전투, 해안전투 등 다양한 상황에서의 훈련이 가능하도록 구성하였다. 또한 AI 전투원과의 대항전투도 가능하고, 총기 분해조립과 다양한 사격훈련을 실시하도록 시스템을 구성하였다. XR 기술을 활용한 군사교육훈련시스템을 다자가 참여하는 군사훈련에 적용하였고, XR 시스템 체험자의 만족도 조사 결과를 분석하였다.