• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.337-348
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• 2021

Objectives: To determine the usefulness of MiriChek^TM Oral Bacter as compared to traditional clinical methods in the periodontal assessment of dogs with and without periodontitis. Methods: In this study, 61 dogs were clinically examined using the MiriChek^TM Oral Bacter test kit, and information regarding breed, age (months), sex, weight, presence of disease, and periodontitis stage was recorded. The test used a sample of supragingival plaque from the upper left premolar of the dogs. Results: This study included 30 and 31 dogs with and without periodontitis, respectively. Periodontitis was more common in older dogs than in younger dogs. The average positive and negative sensitivity rates of the MiriChek^TM Oral Bacter test kit were 73.3% and 80.7%, respectively, and were both strongly correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Conclusions: The findings of this study encourage the use of new diagnostic assist test kits, such as MiriChek^TM Oral Bacter, for appropriately detecting and diagnosing periodontal disease in dogs.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.327-335
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• 2022

This study aimed to compare functional recovery after rehabilitation exercise between isolated PCL reconstruction and combined PLC reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups: those who had isolated PCL reconstruction (n = 16) and those who had combined PLC reconstruction (n = 16). We assessed knee joint ligament laxity, subjective questionnaires, and isokinetic muscle function before, after 12, and 24 weeks of a rehabilitation exercise program. In both groups, there were significant differences in knee joint laxity (p = 0.048), IKDC subject score (p < 0.001), Lysholm knee (p < 0.001), Tegner activity scale (p = 0.027), and isokinetic muscle deficit (p = 0.040) by estimated period. However, no significant difference between groups was observed (p > 0.05). These results suggest that rehabilitation exercise after isolated PCL and combined PLC reconstruction influenced structural, subjective, functional recovery positively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.523-531
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities in ethanol extracts from herb mixture (Ephedra sinica, Atractylodes lance, Gypsum fibrosum, and Theobroma cacao). DPPH, ABTS⁺ radical and xanthine oxidase scavenging activities were measured for antioxidant activity. Extracts of the herb mixture had 75.0, 100.8, and 79.5% scavenging activities at 1,000 ㎍/ml concentration, respectively. We investigated the inhibition of adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation with an extract of an herb mixture in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. An extract from the herb mixture at concentrations between 0 and 50 ㎍/ml did not affect 3T3-L1 cell viability. Treatment with herb mixture extracts of 25, 50, and 75 ㎍/ml in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibited lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. As a result of a Western blot experiment, it was shown that the herb mixture inhibited the differentiation transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPa, by 44.2 and 77.6%, respectively, at a concentration of 75 ㎍/ml in MDI-induced differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. As a result of RT-PCR, the gene expression of C/EBPa, SREBP-1c, and PPARγ was significantly inhibited by 43.4%, 59.6%, and 55.3%, respectively, at the concentration of 75 ㎍/ml of the herb mixture compared with the MDI-treated group. In addition, the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a fatty acid synthesis regulator, was suppressed. These results can be applied to develop a functional food for anti-obesity with a herb mixture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2022

Research on the presence or absence of radiation shielding for FDM-type filaments has recently begun to be studied, but filaments with shielding capabilities are not sold in Korea, and not studies yet. Therefore, in this research, we will use HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) as a base material, select bismuth as a reinforcing material to manufacture a composite filament, evaluate the shielding ability, and provide basic data for the development of a radiation shielding composite material using 3D printing.A filament is produced by mixing Bismuth with an effective atomic number 83 with HDPE of PE series and adjusting the content of Bismuth to 20% wt, 30% wt, 40% wt. Compounded filaments were evaluated for their physical properties and shielding capabilities by ASTM evaluation methods. As the bismuth content increases, the density, weight, and tensile strength increase, and the shielding capacity is confirmed to be excellent. As a result of the radiation shielding capacity evaluation, it was confirmed that HDPE (80%) + Bi (20%) showed a shielding rate of 82% at 60 kV and a shielding rate of up to 94% or more at 40% bismuth content. In this study, we confirmed that it was possible to produce a radiation shield that is lighter than the metal particle-containing filaments. Furthermore, that have been shield radiation by using HDPE + Bi filaments, and radiation in the medical and radiation industries. The possibility of using it as a shielding complex was confirmed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.967-975
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• 2022

Kombucha mutualistic community (KMC) is composed by acetic acid bacteria and yeasts, producing fermented tea with health benefits. As part of the BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment (BIOMEX) project, the effect of Mars-like conditions on the KMC was analyzed. Here, we analyzed metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of the Komagataeibacter, which is a predominant genus in KMC, to understand their roles in the KMC after exposure to Mars-like conditions (outside the International Space Station) based on functional genetic elements. We constructed three MAGs: K. hansenii, K. rhaeticus, and K. oboediens. Our results showed that (i) K. oboediens MAG functionally more complex than K. hansenii, (ii) K. hansenii is a keystone in KMCs with specific functional features to tolerate extreme stress, and (iii) genes related to the PPDK, betaine biosynthesis, polyamines biosynthesis, sulfate-sulfur assimilation pathway as well as type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) system, quorum sensing (QS) system, and cellulose production could play important roles in the resilience of KMC after exposure to Mars-like stress. Our findings show the potential mechanisms through which Komagataeibacter tolerates the extraterrestrial stress and will help to understand minimal microbial composition of KMC for space travelers.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.77-100
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• 2022

In the era of low growth, many provincial cities are experiencing population decline and aging. Population decline phenomena such as reduction of productive manpower, reduction of finances, deterioration of quality of life, and collapse of the community base are occurring in a chain and are being pushed to the brink of extinction of the cities. This study aims to propose a methodology to objectively estimate the employment creation centers and setting the basic unit of industrial-centered zoning by applying spatial statistical techniques and GIS for the application of the compact city plan as an efficient spatial management policy in a city with a declining population. In details, based on reviewing previous studies on compact city, 'employment complex index(ECI)' were defined considering the number of workers, the number of settlers, and the area of development land, the employment creation center was estimated by applying the 'Local Moran's I' and 'Getis-Ord's Hot-Spot Analysis'. As a case study, changes in the four years of 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 were compared and analyzed for Changwon City. As a result, it was confirmed that the employment creation center is becoming compacted and polycentric, which is a significant result that reflects the actual situation well. This results provide the basic data for functional and institutional territorial governance for the regional revitalization platform, and provide meaningful information necessary for spatial policy decision-making, such as population reduction, regional gross domestic product, and public facility arrangement that can respond to energy savings, transportation plans, and medical and health plans.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2022

Chronic infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) greatly increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome of HBV infection is shaped by the complex interplay of the mode of transmission, host genetic factors, viral genotype, adaptive mutations, and environmental factors. The pregenomic RNA transcription of HBV for their replication is regulated by the core promoter activation. Core promoter mutations have been the reason for acute liver failure and are associated with HCC development. We obtained HBV genes from a patient in Myanmar who was infected with HBV and identified gene variations in the core promoter region. For measuring the relative transactivation activity of the core promoter, we prepared the core-promoter reporter construct. Among the gene variations of the core promoter, the mutations of C1731T and G1806A were associated with increase in the transactivation of the HBV core promoter. Through computer analysis for searching for a tentative transcription factor binding site, we showed that the mutations of C1713T and G1806A newly created C/EBPβ and XBP1-responsive elements of the core promoter, respectively. The ectopic expression of C/EBPβ largely increased the HBV core promoter containing the C1713T mutation and that of XBP1 activated the M95 promoter containing the G1806A mutation. Our efforts to treat and prevent HBV infections are hampered by the emergence of drug-resistant mutations and vaccine-escape mutations. Our results provide the biological properties and clinical significance of specific HBV core promoter mutations.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.97-104
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• 2022

European integration processes have acted as a catalyst for the emergence of a new type of educational environment, which is characterized by competent flexibility of specialists. Therefore, the article focuses on professional training of teachers in the context of European integration processes using information technology and the search for innovative methods of training specialists. One of the educational priorities in Europe is to create a new model of a teacher who has an academic education, knows innovative methods, is able to perform functions and tasks efficiently and professionally, adequately, quickly and correctly respond to changes and innovations. The tasks facing education in the European dimension are formulated. The main trends in the education of teachers in modern Europe are described: the need to deepen and expand subject training programs in pedagogical institutions of Higher Education, which will allow autonomy of activity, awareness of responsibility for independent creative decisions, create favorable conditions for the development of professionalism through the use of Information Technology and the search for innovative methods of training specialists. At the present stage, various models of teacher training are being developed based on the University and practical concept using information technology and searching for innovative methods of training specialists. On this basis, two different theories of perception of teacher education were formed: as preparation of teachers for work throughout their professional career; as preparation for the first years of professional work, which is periodically repeated in the process of continuous professional training and improvement. Among the advantages that the use of Information Technology and the search for innovative methods of training specialists to implement the learning process, it is worth mentioning the following: simultaneous use of several channels of perception of the student or student in the learning process, thanks to which the integration of information processed by different sensory organs is achieved; the ability to simulate complex real experiments; visualization of abstract information by dynamic representation of processes, etc.

• Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.65-83
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to conceptually define "spatial inclusivity" and empirically examine the impact of disability severity and spatial inclusivity on social participation among individuals experiencing physical discomfort. The social and spatial environment of the residential area is crucial for individuals with disabilities who face limited activity range and complex barriers due to physical constraints. In this study, spatial inclusivity from the perspective of people with disabilities is defined as establishment of equal relationships with non-disabled individuals within the local community, as well as the availability of basic facilities and services in a safe urban space that allows for access and utilization. This concept consists of three dimensions: individual networks, social environment, and physical environment. The physical environment encompasses safety levels, natural environment, living environment, public transportation conditions, medical services in residential areas. We used the 2019 Community Health Survey to examine the relationship between disability severity, spatial inclusivity, and social participation using a two level regression model. The findings are as follows: Firstly, personal relationships at the individual level and the physical environment at the local level have a positive impact on social participation. Secondly, when identifying dividing the physical environment into five sub-factors, no significant influence of individual factors is found. Thirdly, trustworthy and friendly social environment at the local level has a negative impact on social participation. These results provide empirical evidence that spatial inclusivity has an effect on the social participation of individuals with disabilities and suggest implications for urban planning to create and enhance conditions for the social participation of individuals with disabilities.