• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.595-603
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• 2020

To elucidate the structure-function relationship of polysaccharides obtained from Colocasia esculenta, the immuno-stimulating polysaccharide, CE-4a was purified to homogeneity from the crude polysaccharide (CE) extracted from the corms of C. esculenta by two subsequent column chromatographies using DEAE-Sepharose FF and Sephadex G-100, and analysis of their immuno-stimulatory activities and structure were conducted. CE-4a showed an increase in anti-complementary activity in a dose-dependent fashion. The molecular mass was estimated to be 182.4 kDa, which mainly consisted of galactose (43.5%) and mannose (18.2%). Methylation analysis indicated that CE-4a comprised at least 10 different glycosyl linkages, such as terminal Galp, 3-linked Galp, and 4-linked Manp, as well as a characteristic linkage, 2,4,6-branched Manp residue. To analyze the fine structure of CE-4a, it was sequentially digested using endo-α-(1→4)-polygalacturonase, exo-α-galactosidase and endo-β-1,4-D-mannanase. These analyses suggested that CE-4a is to be a highly branched galactomannan with a (1→4)-mannan backbone and galactopyranosyl oligosaccharide side chains.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.49.1-49.14
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• 2020

Background: Coinfection with avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is common in chickens, and the molecular mechanism of the synergistic pathogenic effects of the coinfection is not clear. Exosomes have been identified as new players in the pathogenesis of retroviruses. The different functions of exosomes depend on their cargo components. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the function of co-regulation differentially expressed proteins in exosomes on coinfection of ALV-J and REV. Methods: Here, viral replication in CEF cells infected with ALV-J, REV or both was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy. Then, we analyzed the exosomes isolated from supernatants of chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells single infected and coinfected with ALV-J and REV by mass spectrometry. KEGG pathway enrichment analyzed the co-regulation differentially expressed proteins in exosomes. Next, we silenced and overexpressed tripartite motif containing 62 (TRIM62) to evaluate the effects of TRIM62 on viral replication and the expression levels of NCK-association proteins 1 (NCKAP1) and actin-related 2/3 complex subunit 5 (ARPC5) determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The results showed that coinfection of ALV-J and REV promoted the replication of each other. Thirty proteins, including TRIM62, NCK-association proteins 1 (NCKAP1, also known as Nap125), and Arp2/3-5, ARPC5, were identified. NCKAP1 and ARPC5 were involved in the actin cytoskeleton pathway. TRIM62 negatively regulated viral replication and that the inhibition of REV was more significant than that on ALV-J in CEF cells coinfected with TRIM62. In addition, TRIM62 decreased the expression of NCKAP1 and increased the expression of ARPC5 in coinfected CEF cells. Conclusions: Collectively, our results indicated that coinfection with ALV-J and REV competitively promoted each other's replication, the actin cytoskeleton played an important role in the coinfection mechanism, and TRIM62 regulated the actin cytoskeleton.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.482-490
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• 2022

Sarcopenia, a geriatric and multifactorial syndrome characterized by progressive systemic skeletal muscle disorder, may be associated with many comorbidities. Sarcopenia caused by a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength is accompanied by the aggravation of various pathological conditions, and as life expectancy increases, its prevalence will continue to increase in the future. During the aging process, chronic oxidative stress and increased inflammatory responses act as major contributors to skeletal muscle loss. In addition, disruption of autophagy and apoptosis signals associated with dysfunction of mitochondria, which are essential for energy metabolism, accelerates the loss of muscle proteins. The pharmacological effect of cordycepin, a major physiologically active substance in the genus Cordyceps, which has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases for a long time, is directly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In this review, we present the correlation between apoptosis, autophagy, protein catabolism, and satellite cell activity important for muscle regeneration using cordycepin for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Although there have been few studies so far on the use of cordycepin for sarcopenia, previous studies suggest that cordycepin may contribute to inhibiting the age-related weakening of mitochondrial function and blocking the breakdown of muscle proteins. In addition, the protective effect of cordycepin on muscle cell damage is considered to be closely related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is considered that more continuous basic research is needed, focusing on the molecular biological mechanism of cordycepin, which is involved in the anti-aging of muscle cells.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.67 no.4
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• pp.211-221
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• 2022

Recently, the demand for the cultivation of upland soil has been increasing, and the rate of conversion of paddy soil into upland soil is also increasing. Theincrease in uneven precipitation due to climate change has resulted in dramatic effects of waterlogging stress on upland crops. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the changes in growth characteristics and the expression patterns of proteins at the two-leaf stage of adzuki beans. The domestic cultivar, Arari (Miryang No. 8), was used to test waterlogging stress. At the two-leaf stage of adzuki beans, plant height slightly decreased androot fresh weight showed significant changes after 3 days of waterlogging treatment. Chlorophyll content was also significantly different after 3 days of waterlogging treatment compared to its content in control plants. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, more than 400 protein spots were identified. Twenty-one differentially expressed proteins from the two-leaf stage were analyzed using linear trap quadrupole-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Of these 21 proteins, 9 were up-regulated and 12 were down-regulated under waterlogging treatment. Protein information resource (https://pir.georgetown.edu/) categories were assigned to all 49 proteins according to their molecular function, cellular component localization, and biological processes. Most of the proteins were found to be involved in the biological process, carbohydrate metabolism and were localized in chloroplasts.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.89-100
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• 2023

We investigated the spatial distribution of heterotrophic bacteria associated with different water masses in the northern East China Sea(ECS) in summer. The surface water masses were divided into the Changjiang Diluted Water (CDW) and high salinity water (HSW). In the CDW region, the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and micro Chl-a contribution were high; and bacterial abundance (BA) and ciliate abundance (CA) were also high. In the HSW region with relatively low DIN concentrations, Chl-a concentration and micro Chl-a contribution were low, but pico Chl-a contribution was increased compared to those in the CDW region. BA did not show any significant difference from the CDW region, but CA was decreased. BA showed a positive correlation with Chl-a concentration in the CDW region; however, it did not show a significant correlation with Chl-a concentration in the HSW region. The ratio of bacterial carbon biomass/phytoplankton carbon biomass was exponentially increased with a decrease in the Chl-a concentration. Compared to the past (1990-2000s), the surface phosphate concentrations and the size of dominant phytoplankton have recently decreased in the ECS. Considering this trend of nutrient decrease and miniaturization of the phytoplankton, our results indicate that changes in the strength of the oligotrophic water mass could alter the function of the microbial food web.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.574-585
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of increased medical and nursing care costs among the elderly. In Korea, preventive measures for sarcopenia are mostly targeted toward the general elderly population without specific diseases. However, it is also necessary to implement measures for elderly individuals living in nursing homes and hospitals, where the prevalence of sarcopenia is high. Currently, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are considered standard diagnostic tools. However, their complexity and time-consuming nature make them unsuitable for clinical use. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are unclear, as they involve various molecular biological pathways, including decreased exercise, protein and nutrient intake, changes in testosterone and growth hormone, and inflammation. Sarcopenia symptoms can lead to several diseases, such as osteoporosis, fractures, dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B deficiency is a significant factor in sarcopenia induction, with B vitamins being directly involved in energy and protein metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuromuscular and neurogenic disorders, which often overlap with sarcopenia. Suboptimal intake of B vitamins, malabsorption, and anorexia are common among the elderly. This study aims to provide information on the role of water-soluble B vitamins in preventing and controlling muscle mass loss and deterioration among the elderly with sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the potential of myokines from the B vitamin family in modulating sarcopenia.

• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.144-153
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• 2014

Background: Normal renal function and health have been recognized as important factors in living donors after kidney donation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health status and health-promoting lifestyle in living donors after kidney donation. Methods: A total of 678 living-kidney donors were counted in our center from January 1990 to December 2011. Only 84 donors agreed to participate in the survey by telephone. We received consent for participation in our survey from 48 donors (57.1%). Data were collected from May to August 2013 using donor characteristics, health status, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile I (HPLP-I). Results: The donors were predominantly female (62.5%) and the average age was 48.9±11.8 years, and the average period after nephrectomy was 9.7±5.7 years. The characteristics of donors included ideal body weight (37.5%), overweight (37.5%) in body mass index, and good health status (81.3%). Most donors underwent an annual medical check-up (56.2%), no health problem (81.3%), and no disease (64.6%). However, one patient was treated with dialysis for renal failure due to diabetes. The total average score for HPLP-I was 128.3±13.9. Higher than average scores (116.3±19.1) were observed for the general middle-aged woman. There were statistically significant differences in self-realization and nutrition in subsection of HPLP-I. Self-realization showed a higher score for Christian (F=2.743, P=0.041) and good health (F=3.389, P=0.017). Nutrition showed a higher score for overweight, obesity (F=6.783, P=0.000), and older than 60 (F=3.854, P=0.009). Conclusions: Most living kidney donors were healthy after their donation and had relatively high scores for health-promoting lifestyle. However, one patient had a serious health problem. In addition, younger, longer period after donation, and the rare health examination of donors showed a lower health-promoting lifestyle. Designed and continuous health-care management after transplantation is needed for kidney donors.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.33-46
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• 2023

The Autonomous ships are equipped with a function to judge and navigate the sea conditions on their own, so the job of the ship officer who operates it changes. The educational curriculum to nurture ship officer with the ability to operate and manage autonomous ships must also be changed. This study aimed to develop the curriculum for training autonomous ship officer by using the Delphi survey method suitable for predicting the uncertain future. Among the current 61 subjects for training ship officer identified in the Delphi survey, 32 subjects with high importance should be maintained in the training for autonomous ship officer, and subjects with low importance should be abolished or integrated into other subjects. These subjects were collectively referred to as 'general courses'. The expert panel of the Delphi survey suggested 42 items as new subjects, with 18 items of 'high', 14 items of 'middle', and 10 items of 'low'. Through in-depth analysis of these items by experts, 27 subjects were adjusted and three courses were proposed : 1)'Basic course(10 courses)' for developing basic capabilities such as basic theories for understanding advanced technology and information applied to autonomous ships, 2)'Job course(10 courses)' for practical competency directly related to autonomous ship operation, 3)'Intensive course(7 subjects)' for fostering land remote operators of autonomous ships. Since the introduction and spread of autonomous ships will progress rapidly, research to develop and supplement autonomous ship pilot training courses should be continued by reflecting the level of autonomous navigation of autonomous ships.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the presence of autoantigens in the gastric juices of children. Methods: Gastric juice and serum samples were obtained from 53 children <15 years of age who underwent gastric endoscopy. Among these, 8, 22, and 23 participants were in the age groups 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years, respectively. These samples were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblot analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we reviewed the histopathological findings and urease test results and compared them with the results of 2-DE and immunoblot analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in urease test positivity, grades of chronic gastritis, active gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infiltration of the antrum and body among the three age groups. Three distinct patterns of gastric juice were observed on 2-DE. Pattern I was the most common, and pattern III was not observed below the age of 5 years. Histopathological findings were significantly different among active gastritis (p=0.037) and H. pylori infiltration (p=0.060) in the gastric body. The immunoblots showed large spots at an approximate pH of 3-4 and molecular weights of 31-45 kDa. These distinct, large positive spots were identified as gastric lipase and pepsin A and C. Conclusion: Three enzymes, which are normally secreted under acidic conditions were identified as autoantigens. Further investigation of the pathophysiology and function of autoantigens in the stomach is required.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.264-270
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• 2024

This study is conducted to analyze environmental factors that affect the ecology of boreal digging frog and use them as basic data for selecting (or creating) suitability of alternative habitats for survival and monitoring method from 2020 to 2022 after boreal digging frog were relocated to the alternative habitats in 2019. Analyzing the environment of the alternative habitats showed that the criteria suited the followings: distance from wetlands, grasslands and rivers was within 5 m, the low-rise grassland was 6,000 m², soft soil was at a depth of ≥20 cm, and the area of permanent wetlands was 5,000 m² wide. As a result of the correlation analysis between meteorological factors and population (n) and breeding, there was a significant correlation between rainfalls and breeding (p<0.01). During the monitoring, it was confirmed that the SVL (Snout-Vent Length) and BM (Body Mass) of the translocated population were maintained (p>0.05), and it was found that the proximity of the habitat and spawning pond, securing food space (grasslands), soil quality, and wetlands could function as an alternative habitat if conditions were met. As a result of analyzing the meteorological factors affecting the population of boreal digging frog, the SVL had a statistical impact on the minimum temperature, maximum temperature, relative humidity, and the rainfall (p<0.05). In the case of breeding, rainfall was found to be affected (p<0.01), and the population was statistically affected by the average temperature, minimum temperature, and relative humidity (p<0.05).