• Journal of the Korean Child Neurology Society
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.284-287
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• 2018

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation of one of two genes, TSC1 (encoding hamartin, 9q34) and TSC2 (encoding tuberin, 16p13). It invades the central nervous system and various parts of the body, causing various symptoms. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disease that has not been clearly elucidated. It is thought to be caused by an excessive immune response of the body to bacteria that normally exist in the digestive tract with genetic factors. No cases have been reported in which both of the above-mentioned diseases occurred simultaneously. We report a case of CD in a patient with TSC. A 12-year-old boy was brought to our hospital because of abdominal pain. Skin lesions were observed in the TSC. Fundus examination revealed a hamartoma in the right retina. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subendothelial giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA). On the basis of these findings, he was diagnosed as having TSC. Blood test results showed increased levels of inflammatory markers. On abdominal ultrasonography, his colon walls were observed to be thickened with increased vascularity of the proximal ascending colon, ileocecal valve, and terminal ileum. Colonoscopy revealed discontinuous ulcerations and inflammations of the ileum, IC valve, and cecum, similar to those found in CD. Everolimus was administered orally for the SEGA but was discontinued frequently owing to the exacerbation of CD. The possibility of CD should be kept in mind in patients with TSC considering to undergo treatment for SEGA.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1801-1808
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• 2019

Objective: As an iconic symbol of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and of high altitude, yak are subjected to hypoxic conditions that challenge aerobic metabolism. Matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) is assumed to be a key target gene of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ that function as a master regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to identify the DNA polymorphism of MMP3 gene in domestic yak and to explore its possible association with high-altitude adaptation. Methods: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping and mutations scanning at the MMP3 locus were conducted in total of 344 individuals from four domestic Chinese yak breeds resident at different altitudes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, using high-resolution melting analysis and DNA sequencing techniques. Results: The novel of SNPs rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ and rs4331 $C{\rightarrow}G$ were identified in intron V and intron VII of MMP3, respectively. Frequencies of the GG genotype and the G allele of SNP rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ observed in high-altitude Pali yak were significantly higher than that of the other yak breeds resident at middle or low altitude (p<0.01). No significant difference was mapped for SNP rs4331 $C{\rightarrow}G$ in the yak population (p>0.05). Haplotype GC was the dominant among the 4 yak breeds, and Pearson correlation analysis showed that the frequencies of GC was significantly lower in Ganan (GN), Datong (DT), and Tianzhu white yaks (TZ) compared with Pali (PL) yak. The two SNPs were in moderate linkage disequilibrium in high-altitude yaks (PL) but not in middle-altitude (GN, DT) and low-altitude (TZ) yaks. Conclusion: These results indicate that MMP3 may have been subjected to positive selection in yak, especially that the SNP rs2381 $A{\rightarrow}G$ mutation and GC haplotypes might contribute to adaptation for yak in high-altitude environments.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.279-286
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• 2005

Objective: Although several genetic factors have been associated with defects in human spermatogenesis, the unambiguous causative genes have not been elucidated. The male infertility by haploinsufficiency of PRM1 or PRM2 has been reported in mouse model. The aim of this study was to identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PRM1 and PRM2, related to the genotype of Korean infertile men. Methods: Genomic DNAs were extracted from peripheral bloods of infertile men with oligozoospermia or azoospermia, and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. We carried out the direct sequencing analysis of amplified fragments in PRM1 (557 nucleotides from -42 to 515) and PRM2 (599 nucleotides from 49 to 648) genes, respectively. Results: Three SNPs of coding region in the PRM1 gene was found in the analysis of 130 infertile men. However, the SNPs at a133g (aa 96.9%, ag 3.1% and gg 0.0%), c160a (cc 99.2%, ca 0.8% and aa 0.0%) and c321a (cc 56.9%, ca 35.4% and aa 7.7%) coded the same amino acids, in terms of silence phenotypes. On the other hand, as results of the PRM2 gene sequencing in 164 infertile men, only two SNPs, g398c (gg 62.2%, gc 31.1% and ga 6.7%) and a473c (aa 63.4%, ac 29.9% and cc 6.7%), were identified in the intron of the PRM2 gene. Conclusions: There was no mutation and significant SNPs on PRM1 and PRM2 gene in Korean infertile men. These results suggest that the PRM1 and PRM2 genes are highly conserved and essential for normal fertility of men.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.10
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• pp.504-510
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• 2021

Population screening of newborns is an extremely important and informative diagnostic approach that allows early identification of babies who are predisposed to the development of a number of serious diseases. Some of these diseases are known and have effective treatment methods. Neonatal screening enables the early diagnosis and subsequent timely initiation of therapy. This helps to prevent serious complications and reduce the percentage of disability and deaths among newborns and young children. Primary immunodeficiency diseases and primary immunodeficiency syndrome (PIDS) are a heterogeneous group of diseases and conditions based on impaired immune system function associated with developmental defects and characterized by various combinations of recurrent infections, development of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative syndromes (genetic defects in apoptosis, gene mutation Fas receptor or ligand), granulomatous process, and malignant neoplasms. Most of these diseases manifest in infancy and lead to serious illness, disability, and high mortality rates. Until recently, it was impossible to identify children with PIDS before the onset of the first clinical symptoms, which are usually accompanied by complications in the form of severe coinfections of a viral-bacterial-fungal etiology. Modern advances in medical laboratory technology have allowed the identification of children with severe PIDS, manifested by T- and/or B-cell lymphopenia and other disorders of the immune system. This review discusses the main existing strategies and directions used in PIDS screening programs for newborns, including approaches to screening based on excision of T-cell receptors and kappa-recombination excision circles, as well as the potential role and place of next-generation sequencing technology to increase the diagnostic accuracy of these diseases.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.55-61
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• 2018

Orinithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common inborn error of the urea cycle with resulting hyperammonemia, which is medical emergency in newborns.We recently had a case of a boy that presented with lethargy, seizure, hyperammonemia and hypocalcemia in neonatal period. He was diagnosed with OTC deficiency by two consequent ways which are initial biochemical phenotype including hyperammonemia and an increased orotic acid in his urine and genetic analysis of the OTC gene. The OTC gene showed a novel hemizygous mutation c.913C>T (p.Pro305Ser). He was treated by low protein intake, sodium benzoate, phenylbutyrate sodium, L-arginine, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). After discharge, he has a relatively good prognosis without notable developmental delay. For good prognosis, the duration of hyperammonemia should be shorten. And it can be reached by an early diagnosis. For early detection of OTC deficiency, targeted exome sequencing will be a important role as well as biochemical tests.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.248-255
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• 2021

Mammary gland tumors are one of the most common cancers in female dogs, and there are various types of cells depending on the tumor type. Complex carcinoma consists of a combination of luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells with intra-tumoral heterogeneity. However, the origins of these tumor cells and their effects on the malignancies of tumors have not been identified. Recently, it has been reported that cancer stem cells, identified in several types of human tumors, are involved in tumor heterogeneity and may also contribute to malignancies such as tumor recurrence and metastasis. Interestingly, cancer stem cells share several abilities of self-renewal and cell differentiation into multiple types of cancer cells, but they have abnormal genetic mutation and signal transduction pathways to regulate the maintenance of stem cell characters. Moreover, it is known that these cell populations contribute to cell metastasis as well as cell resistance against chemo- and radio-therapeutics that promote tumor recurrence. The existence of cancer stem cells might explain the intra-tumoral heterogeneity and cancer aggressiveness during tumorigenesis in canine mammary gland tumors. This review summarizes the characteristics and types of canine mammary gland tumors, the definition of tumor stem cells, methods of isolation, and clinical significance.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.861-868
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• 2023

Objective: Loin muscle area (LMA) is an important target trait of pig breeding. This study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with LMA in the Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) crossbred pigs (DLY). Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed using the Illumina 50K chip to map the genetic marker and genes associated with LMA in 511 DLY pigs (255 boars and 256 sows). Results: After quality control, we detected 35,426 SNPs, including six SNPs significantly associated with LMA in pigs, with MARC0094338 and ASGA0072817 being the two key SNPs responsible for 1.77% and 2.48% of the phenotypic variance of LMA, respectively. Based on previous research, we determined two candidate genes (growth hormone receptor [GHR] and 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase 1 [OXCT1]) that are associated with fat deposition and muscle growth and found further additional genes (MYOCD, ARHGAP44, ELAC2, MAP2K4, FBXO4, FBLL1, RARS1, SLIT3, and RANK3) that are presumed to have an effect on LMA. Conclusion: This study contributes to the identification of the mutation that underlies quantitative trait loci associated with LMA and to future pig breeding programs based on marker-assisted selection. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of the identified candidate genes in the physiological processes involved in LMA regulation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.990-995
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• 2020

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an uncommon primary immune deficiency caused by phagocytes defective in oxygen metabolite production. It results in recurrent bacterial or fungal infections. Herein, we present a case of CGD with a large pulmonary granuloma in a neonate and review the imaging findings. The patient was a 24-day-old neonate admitted to the hospital with fever. A round opacified lesion was identified on the chest radiograph. Subsequent CT and MRI revealed a round mass with heterogeneous enhancement in the right lower lobe. There were foci of diffusion restriction in the mass. Surgical biopsy of the mass revealed chronic granuloma. Finally, the neonate was diagnosed with CGD caused by mutation of the gp91^phox gene. Herein, we present the clinical and imaging findings of this unusual case of CGD.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.139-157
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• 2016

Bankruptcy involves considerable costs, so it can have significant effects on a country's economy. Thus, bankruptcy prediction is an important issue. Over the past several decades, many researchers have addressed topics associated with bankruptcy prediction. Early research on bankruptcy prediction employed conventional statistical methods such as univariate analysis, discriminant analysis, multiple regression, and logistic regression. Later on, many studies began utilizing artificial intelligence techniques such as inductive learning, neural networks, and case-based reasoning. Currently, ensemble models are being utilized to enhance the accuracy of bankruptcy prediction. Ensemble classification involves combining multiple classifiers to obtain more accurate predictions than those obtained using individual models. Ensemble learning techniques are known to be very useful for improving the generalization ability of the classifier. Base classifiers in the ensemble must be as accurate and diverse as possible in order to enhance the generalization ability of an ensemble model. Commonly used methods for constructing ensemble classifiers include bagging, boosting, and random subspace. The random subspace method selects a random feature subset for each classifier from the original feature space to diversify the base classifiers of an ensemble. Each ensemble member is trained by a randomly chosen feature subspace from the original feature set, and predictions from each ensemble member are combined by an aggregation method. The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier is robust with respect to variations in the dataset but is very sensitive to changes in the feature space. For this reason, KNN is a good classifier for the random subspace method. The KNN random subspace ensemble model has been shown to be very effective for improving an individual KNN model. The k parameter of KNN base classifiers and selected feature subsets for base classifiers play an important role in determining the performance of the KNN ensemble model. However, few studies have focused on optimizing the k parameter and feature subsets of base classifiers in the ensemble. This study proposed a new ensemble method that improves upon the performance KNN ensemble model by optimizing both k parameters and feature subsets of base classifiers. A genetic algorithm was used to optimize the KNN ensemble model and improve the prediction accuracy of the ensemble model. The proposed model was applied to a bankruptcy prediction problem by using a real dataset from Korean companies. The research data included 1800 externally non-audited firms that filed for bankruptcy (900 cases) or non-bankruptcy (900 cases). Initially, the dataset consisted of 134 financial ratios. Prior to the experiments, 75 financial ratios were selected based on an independent sample t-test of each financial ratio as an input variable and bankruptcy or non-bankruptcy as an output variable. Of these, 24 financial ratios were selected by using a logistic regression backward feature selection method. The complete dataset was separated into two parts: training and validation. The training dataset was further divided into two portions: one for the training model and the other to avoid overfitting. The prediction accuracy against this dataset was used to determine the fitness value in order to avoid overfitting. The validation dataset was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the final model. A 10-fold cross-validation was implemented to compare the performances of the proposed model and other models. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, the classification accuracy of the proposed model was compared with that of other models. The Q-statistic values and average classification accuracies of base classifiers were investigated. The experimental results showed that the proposed model outperformed other models, such as the single model and random subspace ensemble model.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.48-54
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• 2017

Purpose: Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is a rare, autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by early-onset hypotonia associated with brain malformations in dystroglycanopathy. Although the wide spectrum of congenital muscular dystrophies causes difficulty in diagnosis, correlating the genotype with the clinical phenotype can help diagnose FCMD. Here, we evaluated the correlation of targeted molecular genetic analysis of FKTN gene mutation with the FCMD phenotype. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively with 9 subjects. Inclusion criteria included clinical symptoms characterized by early-onset hypotonia with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) featuring brain malformations. FKTN gene-alteration analysis was performed using various FKTN gene-analysis methods, including sequencing. Results: Among the 9 subjects studied, 4 (44.4%) were male and 5 (55.6%) were female. The median age of onset of the first symptom was 3.1 months. The first symptom was a delayed milestone in 6 cases (66.7%). All 9 subjects (100%) presented with early-onset hypotonia and global delayed development. All subjects presented with cortical malformation in their brain MRIs. Of the 9 subjects, 6 subjects had previously undergone muscle biopsy and 4 cases (4/6; 66.7%) showed dystrophic or myopathic features. Pathogenic mutations causing FCMD were identified in 3 cases. Conclusions: In this study, all 3 subjects with FKTN mutations showed important MRI findings (pachygyria and cerebellar dysplasia). These data suggest that patients with characteristic phenotypes who show pachygyria and cerebellar abnormalities in brain MRIs may have a high probability of being diagnosed with FCMD.