• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.532-541
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• 2022

Obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) is verified as a strong risk factor and negative prognostic factor for prostate cancer in several genetically engineered mice although it was not examined in the normal mice. To investigate whether HFD-induced obesity can affect the development and progression of cancer in the prostate of normal mice, alterations in the weight and histological structure of the prostate as well as the expression of cancer-related proteins were analyzed in obese C57BL/6N mice fed with 60% HFD for 16 weeks. First, HFD-induced obesity, including an increase in organ weight, body weight, fat accumulation, and serum lipid profile, was successfully induced in C57BL/6N mice after HFD treatment. The total weight of the prostate significantly increased HFD-induced obesity in the model mice compared with the control group. Among the four lobes of the prostate, the weight of the ventral prostate (VP) and anterior prostate (AP) were higher in HFD-induced obesity model mice than in the control group, although the weights of the lateral prostate (DLP) and seminal vesicle (SV) were constantly maintained. In addition, the incidences of hyperplasia and non-hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the histological structure were remarkably increased in HFD-induced obesity model mice, while the epithelial thickness was higher in the same group. A significant increase in the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the AKT (protein kinase B) signaling pathway was detected in HFD-induced obesity model mice. Therefore, these results suggest that HFD-induced obesity can promote hyperplasia and NHL in the prostates of C57BL/6N mice through the activation of the AKT signaling pathway.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of water-soluble mulberry leaf extract (ME) on hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via the regulation of hepatic microRNA (miR)-221/222 and inflammation. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 each) and fed with 10 kcal% low-fat diet (LF), 45 kcal% high-fat diet (HF), or HF + 0.8% ME for 14 weeks. Lipid profiles and cytokine levels of the liver and serum were measured using commercial enzymatic colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and miR levels in liver tissue were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Supplementation of ME reduces body weight and improves the liver and serum lipid profiles as compared to the HF group. The mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and fatty acid translocase, which are genes involved in lipid metabolism, were significantly downregulated in the ME group compared to the HF group. In contrast, the mRNA level of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (involved in fatty acid oxidation) was upregulated by ME supplementation. Furthermore, administration of ME significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide were also significantly reduced in ME group compared to the HF group. Expression of hepatic miR-221 and miR-222, which increase in the inflammatory state of the liver, were also significantly inhibited in the ME group compared to the HF group. Conclusion: These results indicate that ME has the potential to improve hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via modulation of inflammatory mediators and hepatic miR-221/222 expressions.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.517-534
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• 2021

Hydrogen fuel is emerging as an new energy source to replace fossil fuels in that it can solve environmental pollution problems and reduce energy imbalance and cost. Since hydrogen is eco-friendly but highly explosive, there is a high concern about fire and explosion accidents of hydrogen fueled vehicles. In particular, in semi-enclosed spaces such as tunnels, the risk is predicted to increase. Therefore, this study was conducted on the applicability of the equivalent TNT model and the numerical analysis method to evaluate the hydrogen explosion pressure in the tunnel. In comparison and review of the explosion pressure of 6 equivalent TNT models and Weyandt's experimental results, the Henrych equation was found to be the closest with a deviation of 13.6%. As a result of examining the effect of hydrogen tank capacity (52, 72, 156 L) and tunnel cross-section (40.5, 54, 72, 95 m²) on the explosion pressure using numerical analysis, the explosion pressure wave in the tunnel initially it propagates in a hemispherical shape as in open space. Furthermore, when it passes the certain distance it is transformed a plane wave and propagates at a very gradual decay rate. The Henrych equation agrees well with the numerical analysis results in the section where the explosion pressure is rapidly decreasing, but it is significantly underestimated after the explosion pressure wave is transformed into a plane wave. In case of same hydrogen tank capacity, an explosion pressure decreases as the tunnel cross-sectional area increases, and in case of the same cross-sectional area, the explosion pressure increases by about 2.5 times if the hydrogen tank capacity increases from 52 L to 156 L. As a result of the evaluation of the limiting distance affecting the human body, when a 52 L hydrogen tank explodes, the limiting distance to death was estimated to be about 3 m, and the limiting distance to serious injury was estimated to be 28.5~35.8 m.

• Journal of Popular Narrative
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.77-114
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• 2020

This article aims to examine the Sinpa of Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds was a box office hit with a 10 million attendance mark, but it was also criticized as a 'Korean Sinpa' at the time of its release. The original version of Along with the Gods is a Webtoon called Singwahamkke in Korean. The popularity of Singwahamkke and its adaptation, Along with the Gods was enormous, which prompted a very active research to be carried about the work. However there are only a few articles which analyze the Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds focusing on the Sinpa, even though the Sinpa of the Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds was a highly controversial issue when the movie was released. In this regard, this article tries to examine the Sinpa of the Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds closely, especially by comparing it with the original webtoon Singwahamkke Jeoseung. The body part of this article is composed of three major parts: chapters 2, 3, and 4. Chapter 2 contains an in depth explanation about the notion of Sinpa, the main conceptual research tool for this study. In chapter 3, the original webtoon Singwahamkke Jeoseung is examined closely. This chapter analyzes the 'Sinpajeok moment' in Singwahamkke Jeoseung and argues that despite the presence of Sinpa elements, the webtoon cannot be considered a 'Sinpajeok text'. On the other hand the main subject of chapter 4 is discovering what effect the adaptation from webtoon to movie had on this work, with a particular focus on the gender of Sinpa and Kim Ja-hong. Chapter 5, which corresponds to the conclusion, briefly evaluates the social significance of the controversy arisen in South Korea about the Sinpa in Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds. Sinpa is one of the most repeated code in the realm of Korean popular narrative. This is why the Sinpa of contemporary text is examined continuously even though there are already plenty of studies on the Sinpa. Everyone has called Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds Sinpa but no one has properly analyzed it. It is hoped that this article which closesly examined the Sinpa in Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds contribute to the field of Sinpa. It is also expected that this article can find appropriate contextual meaning of the series of Along with the Gods.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.267-275
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• 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with ginseng berry, stems, and leaves on the growth performance, organ development, and blood biochemical characteristics of broilers. One hundred twenty one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to five groups: control (CON), ginseng berry 0.5% (GB1), ginseng berry 1.0% (GB2), ginseng stems and leaves 0.5% (GLS1), and ginseng stems and leaves 1.0% (GLS2). During the grower period (1-21 d), the body weight gain of all ginseng by-product fed groups was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control group. During the finisher period (22-35 d), the feed intake in GLS2 was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the other groups, but there was no significant difference in weight gain or feed conversion ratio. No significant differences were detected among treatments when the growth performance was analyzed throughout the entire period (1-35 d). There was no significant difference in the serum biochemical profile, except for blood glucose. Glucose levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in GLS groups, and tended to be lower in GB groups when compared to the control. Major organ weights showed no significant differences among treatment groups when compared to each other. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products may improve the early growth of broiler chickens and reduce blood glucose levels.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.199-210
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the type and number of enrichments on growth performance, blood characteristics, footpad dermatitis (FPD) incidence, and litter moisture in broilers. A total of 1,140 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement based on the type of enrichment (cabbage, alfalfa block, and angle sawdust) and the number of enrichments (one or two per 38 broilers). The growth performance, blood characteristics, FPD incidence, and litter moisture of the broilers were evaluated. Body weight and feed conversion rate were significantly improved (P<0.05) in the alfalfa block and sawdust group compared to the cabbage group, but there was no interaction effect between the type and number of enrichments. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, a stress index, was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the alfalfa block and sawdust groups compared with the cabbage group. The incidence of FPD was significantly decreased in the order of cabbage (3.78), alfalfa block (3.06), and sawdust (1.43) groups at 5 weeks of age. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of FPD (P<0.05) in the one-enrichment group compared with the two-enrichment group. Litter moisture at 5 weeks of age was significantly reduced in the sawdust group compared to the cabbage and alfalfa groups, but there was no significant difference in the interaction between the type and number of enrichments. It was concluded that sawdust enrichment positively influenced both growth performance and the animal welfare of broilers. In addition, it is expected that sawdust can be used to regulate litter moisture.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.255-264
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• 2022

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with ginseng by-products on growth, organ development, blood biochemical profiles, immune response, and stress parameter of broilers reared in high ambient temperatures. One hundred one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were used. At week two, the birds were randomly allocated into five dietary groups; control (CON), 0.5% ginseng berry (GB1), 1.0% ginseng berry (GB2), 0.5% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS1), and 1.0% ginseng leaves and stems (GLS2). The temperature was maintained at 32±1℃from 9 AM to 5 PM. Growth, serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone levels were monitored and analyzed. No significant differences among groups were observed in growth. However, during the finisher period (21~35d) and overall period (7~35 d), body weight gain in all supplemented groups tended higher than CON group. Blood biochemical profiles did not significantly differ among treatment groups except in bilirubin level. Serum immunoglobulins and corticosterone level showed no significant differences among groups. IgM and IgG levels were numerically higher in GLS1 than in other groups, but the difference was not significant. Corticosterone level also tended lower in all supplemented groups than in CON group, and larger decreases were observed in groups with higher ginseng by-product concentration. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ginseng by-products shows potential to reduce heat stress in growing broilers with no negative effect on productivity.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.166-180
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• 2022

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a non-face-to-face obesity management program, implemented during the pandemic. Methods: The non-face-to-face obesity management program used the Intervention mapping protocol (IMP). The program was put into effect over the course of eight weeks, from September 14 to November 13, 2020 in 48 overweight and obese adults, who applied to participate through the Daegu Citizen Health Support Center. Results: IMP was first a needs assessment was conducted; second, goal setting for behavior change was established; third, evidence-based selection of arbitration method and performance strategy was performed; fourth, program design and validation; fifth, the program was run; and sixth, the results were evaluated. The average weight after participation in the program was reduced by 1.2kg, average WC decreased by 3cm, and average BMI decreased by 0.8kg/m² (p<0.05). The results of the health behavior survey showed a positive improvement in lifestyle factors, including average daily intake calories, fruit intake, and time spent in walking exercise before and after participation in the program. A statistically significant difference was seen (p<0.05). The satisfaction level for program process evaluation was high, at 4.57±0.63 point. Conclusion: The non-face-to-face obesity management program was useful for obesity management for adults in communities, as it enables individual counseling by experts and active participation through self-body measurement and recording without restriction by time and place. However, the program had some restrictions on participation that may relate to the age of the subject, such as skill and comfort in using a mobile app.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.145-156
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• 2022

The effect of paternal telomere length on reproductive performance, relationship between paternal and offspring telomere length, and association between paternal telomere length and offspring production performance were investigated in Korean native chickens. Using 22 paternal chickens and 329 offspring, the paternal reproductive performance such as fertility, embryo mortality, and hatchability, as well as the offspring production performance such as survival rate, body weight, and weight gain were analyzed. Telomere length was analyzed through quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization using lymphocytes. No significant differences were observed in fertility, embryo mortality, and hatchability between paternal chicken telomere lengths (P<0.05). These results indicate that paternal telomere length had a weak negative correlation with fertility and embryonic death rate but a weak positive correlation with hatchability. The correlation coefficient between paternal telomere length and offspring survival rate was r=0.17 (P>0.05). The group of offspring with long paternal telomeres showed relatively poor growth performance. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was estimated between paternal telomere length and offspring growth performance (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient between paternal and offspring telomere lengths was r=0.075 (P>0.05). In conclusion, there was a weak association between paternal telomere length and reproductive performance, offspring survival rate, and offspring telomere length, respectively. However, paternal telomere length and offspring growth performance showed a negative relationship. Such results could be due to the re-extension of telomere length by telomere reprogramming in the early embryonic stage and the different degree of telomere shortening between individuals with increasing age after birth.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.67-77
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• 2022

Objective: This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individually tailored program based on self-measurement of blood glucose on health behavior and HbA1c in diabetes and pre-diabetes patients. Methods: The program consisted of seven sessions for 12 weeks which were carried out every two weeks. Almost all sessions were progressed on untact method except for the first and last session. The 71 subjects were assessed for their knowledge of diabetes, health behavior, the experience of self-measurement of blood glucose, body mass Index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at before and after the program. They were also evaluated on their degree of utilization of blood glucose measurements after the program. Results: Each mean score on their knowledge of diabetes, health behavior and the experience of self-measurement of blood glucose was significantly increased from 14.77, 25.50, and 2.70 to 15.41, 28.40, and 4.81, respectively. Each mean score on both BMI and HbA1c (n=53) was significantly decreased from 24.47kg/m² and 7.27% to 24.01kg/m² and 6.67%, respectively. The post-HbA1c had a significant negative correlation(r=-0.415) with the degree of utilization of blood glucose measurements. The degree of utilization of blood glucose measurements had a significant positive correlation(r=0.581) with post-health behavior. Conclusions: The program shows effectiveness in improving HbA1c in Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes patients. The post-HbA1c might be related to the degree of utilization of blood glucose measurements which might be related to the health behavior.