• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.574-583
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• 2022

Ficus vasculosa Wall. ex Miq. (FV) has been used as a herbal medicine in Southeast Asia and its antioxidant activity has been shown in previous studies. However, it has not yet been elucidated whether FV exerts anti-inflammatory effects on activated-macrophages. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the ameliorative property of FV methanol extract (FM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in RAW264.7 macrophages. The experimental results indicated that FM decreased the production of inflammatory mediators (NO/PGE2) and the mRNA/protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. FM also reduced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Results also demonstrated that FM improved inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated A549 airway epithelial cells by inhibiting the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, FM suppressed MAPK activation and NF-κB nuclear translocation induced by LPS. FM also upregulated the mRNA/protein expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in RAW264.7 cells. In an experimental animal model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, the increased levels of molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were suppressed by FM administration. Collectively, it was founded that FM has anti-inflammatory properties on activated-macrophages by suppressing inflammatory molecules and regulating the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.44-53
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• 2023

Background: The genus Panax in the Araliaceae family has been used as traditional medicinal plants worldwide and is known to biosynthesize ginsenosides and phytosterols. However, genetic variation between Panax species has influenced their biosynthetic pathways is not fully understood. Methods: Simultaneous analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes obtained from adventitious roots of two tetraploid species (Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius) and two diploid species (P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis) revealed the diversity of their metabolites and related gene expression profiles. Results: The transcriptome analysis showed that 2,3-OXIDOSQUALENE CYCLASEs (OSCs) involved in phytosterol biosynthesis are upregulated in the diploid species, while the expression of OSCs contributing to ginsenoside biosynthesis is higher in the tetraploid species. In agreement with these results, the contents of dammarenediol-type ginsenosides were higher in the tetraploid species relative to the diploid species. Conclusion: These results suggest that a whole-genome duplication event has influenced the triterpene biosynthesis pathway in tetraploid Panax species during their evolution or ecological adaptation. This study provides a basis for further efforts to explore the genetic variation of the Panax genus.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.943-952
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• 2023

Objective: For decades, LYD ([Landrace×Yorkshire] ♀×Duroc ♂) pigs are the most commonly-used commercial breed for meat production in Korea. Recently, due to the increasing demand for premium pork, the National Institute of Animal Science (Korea) has synthesized a novel pig breed named Woori Heukdon (WHD). This study aimed at comparing the carcass traits, meat yield and quality characteristics between the LYD and WHD pigs under identical rearing condition. Methods: The WHD and LYD pigs (n = 15 each) were reared under identical conditions and fed the same commercial diet until reaching recommended market weight (100 to 120 kg). After slaughter, the carcasses were evaluated for traits and meat yield, and the meat quality was assessed on shoulder butt and belly cuts. Results: Although no significant differences (p>0.05) occurred in slaughter weight between two pig types, WHD had a lower meat yield (by about 6 kg corresponding to approximately 7%) compared to the LYD pigs (p<0.05). The WHD had a higher fat content (by 4.26% and 13.52% in the shoulder butt and belly, respectively) compared to those of LYD pigs (p<0.05). The WHD meat showed a lower cooking loss and higher a* (redness) value (p<0.05). The WHD belly had a significantly (p<0.05) higher oleic acid content and concentrations of nonanal, octanal and decanal associated with fatty odor while, the LYD meat had a higher number of pyrazines associated with roasty odor. Regarding sensory quality, higher flavor, juiciness, and acceptability higher scores were given for the WHD meat than for the LYD meat (p<0.05). Conclusion: Under identical rearing conditions the WHD exhibited a better meat quality and sensory properties. However, the use of this diet resulted in a high fat level that may be associated with high trimming loss for the WHD.

• SUVANNABHUMI
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.43-71
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• 2009

베트남 소수민족 공동체 중 Hmong족은 중요한 구성원이라고 여겨져 왔다. 타지에서 베트남으로 이민 와서 다른 민족들과 함께 오랫동안 살아 왔지만 Hmong족은 자기의 민족문화 특색을 잘 지켜왔다. 그런데 지난 몇 년 동안 전통적인 종교와 달리 새로운 종교를 믿게 되는 방향으로 Hmong족의 심령의 종교는 많이 변하고 있다. 그 중에 특히 주목받은 것은 개신교의 유입이다. 개신교는 직접적, 간접적 선교 방법으로 Lao Cai에 있는 Hmong족 공동체에 자연스럽게 유입되었다. Lao Cai의 많은 지방에서 사람들이 개신교를 믿게 되었고 그 중에는 가족이나 종족 환경에서 강제적 선교도 일어났다. 개신교는 Hmong족의 전통문화뿐만 아니라 Hmong족의 전통 종교, 신앙에도 직접적으로 영향을 주었다. 이 글에서는 Hmong족이 살고 있는 Lao Cai 지방을 선택하여 고찰하며 Hmong족의 전통문화가치에 대한 개신교의 영향 및 원인을 살펴보기로 한다. 먼저 Hmong사람들은 전통신앙을 버리고 개신교를 믿게 되는 원인을 살펴보자. 주 원인은 다음과 같은 네 가지가 있다고 본다. -경제와 관련된 원인 -성별 불평등과 관련된 원인 -학문 수준과 정보 습득 희망과 관련된 원인 -전통문화, 심리와 민속의식과 관련된 원인 그리고 다음과 같은 두 가지 각도에서 전통문화 가치에 대한 영향을 알아보았다. 첫째는 개신교가 Hmong사람의 전통사회체제에 큰 영향을 준 점, 둘째는 개신교가 Hmong사람의 풍속습관 및 전통 신앙에 영향을 준 점이다. 개신교가 Hmong사람의 전통사회체제에 큰 영향을 준 점은 여러 방면에서 보인다. 전통적인 가치와 개신교의 새로운 규정 사이의 충돌도 있고 가족 안에서 부부의 위치상 충돌도 있다. 또한 Hmong사람들에게 전통 종족의 역할, 위치를 약화시키는 영향도 주었고 산골 마을에서 개신교를 믿는 사람들과 믿지 않은 사람들 사이에 일어난 새로운 충돌도 있다 개신교와 개신교의 교리는 역시 풍속습관과 전통신앙에 큰 영향을 주었다. 첫째는 예수의 역할이 가장 중요하고 조상 숭배나 "집에 있는 귀신 숭배"같은 것보다 강력한 것이다. 그래서 Hmong사람의 신앙, 종교는 원시적 다신교부터 일신교로 변한 것으로 보인다. 둘째는 개신교를 믿는 사람들이 Hmong족의 전통 민속축제를 점차 멀리한다. 어떤 경우에는 그 사람들이 자기 민족의 전통문화 환경을 떠나 버리는 일도 있었다. 셋째는 개신교의 교리가 Hmong족의 풍속 규정을 바꾸게 하였고 Hmong사람들이 새로운 종교의 교리를 집행시켰다. 넷째는 인간 인생 주기에 관한 풍속습관 및 민속의례들은 의례 대상보다 의례 주제를 중심으로 삼는 것으로 점차 변화했다. 대체로 개신교가 Hmong족 공동체에 유입하여 이 민족의 전통문화 가치는 변화했다. Hmong족 공동체에 오래 존재해 왔던 낙후한 습관을 개선하는 점에서 개신교는 적극적 역할을 했다. 현재 문제점은 어떻게 전통문화가치를 유지하고 새로운 종교와 같이 존재할 수 있느냐라는 문제이다. 이 문제는 다음 연구 대상이 될 것이다.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.332-340
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• 2023

This study investigated the effects of nanoparticles on the fracture toughness of cement mortar. Three-point bending tests, compressive tests, and slump tests were conducted on cement mortars reinforced with carbon nanotubes(CNTs), nanosilica(NS), and nano calcium carbonate(NC), respectively. Cement mortar with a water-to-cement ratio and a sand-to-cement ratio of 0.45 and 1.5, respectively, and reinforced with 0 and 2 vol.% of 19.5 mm steel fibers, respectively, was used. Reinforcement with nanoparticles partially improved the fracture toughness and compressive strength of the cement mortar. However, in the case of cement mortar reinforced with steel fibers, the reinforcement with nanoparticles was found to reduce the flowability of the mortar, adversely affecting the dispersion of steel fibers, and ultimately leading to a decrease in fracture toughness, contrary to the intended enhancement. Additional research is needed to improve the decrease in mortar fluidity caused by the reinforcement with nanoparticles.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.1180-1193
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• 2023

Most carcass and meat quality traits are moderate to highly heritable, indicating that they can be improved through selection. Genetic evaluation for these types of traits is performed using performance data obtained from commercial and progeny testing evaluation. The performance data from commercial farms are available in large volume, however, some drawbacks have been observed. The drawback of the commercial data is mainly due to sorting of animals based on live weight prior to slaughter, and this could lead to bias in the genetic evaluation of later measured traits such as carcass traits. The current study has two components to address the drawback of the commercial data. The first component of the study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for carcass and meat quality traits in Korean Hanwoo cattle using a large sample size of industry-based carcass performance records (n = 469,002). The second component of the study aimed to describe the impact of sorting animals into different contemporary groups based on an early measured trait and then examine the effect on the genetic evaluation of subsequently measured traits. To demonstrate our objectives, we used real performance data to estimate genetic parameters and simulated data was used to assess the bias in genetic evaluation. The results of our first study showed that commercial data obtained from slaughterhouses is a potential source of carcass performance data and useful for genetic evaluation of carcass traits to improve beef cattle performance. However, we observed some harvesting effect which leads to bias in genetic evaluation of carcass traits. This is mainly due to the selection of animal based on their body weight before arrival to slaughterhouse. Overall, the non-random allocation of animals into a contemporary group leads to a biased estimated breeding value in genetic evaluation, the severity of which increases when the evaluation traits are highly correlated.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.1308-1322
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• 2023

Minerals is required small amounts among various nutrients, but it has a significant impact on sow longevity and reproduction performance. This study was carried out to see the beneficial effects of marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on the reproductive performance of sows during four-parity periods. Seventy-two gilts ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc), with an average body weight of 181 kg, were randomly allocated to three groups; CON (basal diet), 0.3LC (CON - MgO - 0.3% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and 0.7LC (CON - MgO - 0.7% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex). During parity 3 and 4, the expression level of SCD gene was lower in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.3LC and 0.7LC sows compared with the CON sows. During parity 2, 3 and 4, SLC2A2 and FABP4 gene expressions were higher in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.7LC sows and the placenta of sows from 0.3LC groups, respectively. Ca-Mg complex increased (p < 0.05) Ca and Mg concentrations in sows and their piglets' serum as well as in colostrum regardless of parities. The serum vitamin D concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in their first parity, whereas serum prolactin and estrogen concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the fourth and third parity, respectively. The growth hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the piglets born to sows during the first and second parity. The fat and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in colostrum were higher (p < 0.05) during the third and fourth parity, respectively. A reduction (p < 0.05) in salivary cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations was observed in 0.3LC and 0.7LC sow groups compared with CON after farrowing regardless of parity, however before farrowing, a reduction in norepinephrine was observed. Before farrowing, the epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the first and second parity. After farrowing, the concentration of these hormones was higher during the second parity. Taken together, sows' parity and dietary Ca-Mg complex supplementation influenced serum metabolites, colostrum nutrients, stress hormones as well as the gene expressions related to lipid and glucose metabolism.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.592-610
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• 2023

The Hippo kinase cascade functions as a central hub that relays input from the "outside world" of the cell and translates it into specific cellular responses by regulating the activity of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). How Hippo translates input from the extracellular signals into specific intracellular responses remains unclear. Here, we show that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-activated TAK1 activates LATS1/2, which then phosphorylates YAP1. Phosphorylated YAP1 (p-YAP1) associates with RUNX3, but not with TEAD4, to form a TGFβ-stimulated restriction (R)-point-associated complex which activates target chromatin loci in the nucleus. Soon after, p-YAP1 is exported to the cytoplasm. Attenuation of TGFβ signaling results in re-localization of unphosphorylated YAP1 to the nucleus, where it forms a YAP1/TEAD4/SMAD3/AP1/p300 complex. The TGFβ-stimulated spatiotemporal dynamics of YAP1 are abrogated in many cancer cells. These results identify a new pathway that integrates TGFβ signals and the Hippo pathway (TGFβ→TAK1→LATS1/2→YAP1 cascade) with a novel dynamic nuclear role for p-YAP1.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.20.1-20.15
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• 2024

Background: Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease that causes illness and death in poultry and humans. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) H5N6 outbreaks commonly occur in Quang Ninh province bordering China. In June 2021, the first HPAI H5N8 outbreak occurred at a Quang Ninh chicken farm. Objectives: This study examined the risk factors associated with HPAI H5N6 and H5N8 outbreaks in Quang Ninh. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in Quang Ninh from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. The cases were households with susceptible poultry with two or more clinical signs and tested positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The controls were households in the same village as the cases but did not show clinical symptoms of the disease. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess the risk factors associated with HPAI outbreaks at the household level. Results: There were 38 cases with H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4h viruses (n = 35) and H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (n = 3). Compared to the 112 controls, raising poultry in uncovered or partially covered ponds (odds ratio [OR], 7.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-39.27), poultry traders visiting the farm (OR, 8.66; 95% CI, 2.7-27.69), farms with 50-2,000 birds (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.06-8-51), and farms with ≥ 2,000 birds (OR, 11.35; 95% CI, 3.07-41.94) were significantly associated with HPAI outbreaks. Conclusions: Combining biosecurity measures, such as restricting visitor entry and vaccination in farms with more than 50 birds, can enhance the control and prevention of HPAI in Quang Ninh and its spread across borders.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.169-178
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• 2024

While stable mid- to large-scale underground hydrogen storage infrastructures are needed to meet the rapidly increasing demand for hydrogen energy, evaluating the safety of explosion vibrations in adjacent buildings is becoming important because of gas explosions in underground hydrogen storage facilities. In this study, a numerical analysis of vibration safety effects on nearby building structures was performed assuming a hydrogen gas explosion disaster scenario in a low-depth underground hydrogen storage facility. A parametric study using a meta-model was conducted to predict changes in ground dynamic behavior for each combination of ground properties and to analyze sensitivity to geotechnical influencing factors. Directly above the hydrogen storage facility, the unit weight of the ground had the greatest influence on the change in ground vibration due to the explosion, whereas, farther away from the facility, the sensitivity of dynamic properties was found to be high. In addition, in evaluating the vibration stability of ground building structures based on the predicted ground vibration data and blasting vibration tolerance criteria, in the case of large reinforced concrete building structures, the ground vibration safety was guaranteed with a separation distance of about 10-30 m.