• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.903-911
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• 2020

Addition of probiotics to yogurt with desired health benefits is gaining increasing attention. To further understand the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum on the quality and function of fermented milk, probiotic fermented milk (PFM) made with probiotic L. plantarum K25 and yogurt starter (L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) was compared with the control fermented milk (FM) made with only the yogurt starter. The probiotic strain was shown to survive well with a viable count of 7.1 ± 0.1 log CFU/g in the PFM sample after 21 days of storage at 4℃. The strain was shown to promote formation of volatiles such as acetoin and 2,3-butanediol with milk fragrance, and it did not cause post-acidification during refrigerated storage. Metabolomics analysis by GC-MS datasets coupled with multivariate statistical analysis showed that addition of L. plantarum K25 increased formation of over 20 metabolites detected in fermented milk, among which γ-aminobutyric acid was the most prominent. Together with several other metabolites with relatively high levels in fermented milk such as glyceric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, glycine, alanine, ribose, and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, they might play important roles in the probiotic function of L. plantarum K25. Further assay of the bioactivity of the PFM sample showed significant (p < 0.05) increase of ACE inhibitory activity from 22.3% at day 1 to 49.3% at day 21 of the refrigerated storage. Therefore, probiotic L. plantarum K25 could be explored for potential application in functional dairy products.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.205-220
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this review is to assess the clinical benefit of chuna for managing symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) Methods: We searched eligible studies from the following 11 databases with no language restriction: Pubmed, CENTRAL, Embase, CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang, CiNii, OASIS, RISS and Koreamed. We selected randomized controlled trial (RCT), quasi-randomized controlled trial (Quasi-RCT) and controlled clinical trial (CCT) in which patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were treated with chuna. The results of the included studies were synthesized through meta-analysis, and their risk of bias were also assessed. Results: We searched 914 potentially relevant studies, and only 20 studies were selected for this systematic review. Meta-analysis showed that chuna was more effective in improving general symptoms (n=291, RR 0.19 [95% CI 0.11 to 0.32], Z=6.08, p<0.00001, I2=0%), fatigue (n=487, SMD -0.95 [95% CI -1.19 to -0.71], Z=7.76, p<0.00001, I2=37%) and sleep disorder (n=139, SMD -0.58 [95% CI -0.92 to -0.24], Z=3.36, p=0.0008, I2=0%) compared to health supplements or usual care. When chuna was used as an added intervention, it was more effective in improving general symptoms(n=729, RR 0.25 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.42], Z=5.19, p<0.00001, I2=0%) and fatigue severity alone(n=217, SMD -1.21 [95% CI -1.53 to -0.89], Z=7.45, p<0.00001, I2=15%) compared to control. Conclusion: We found that chuna was beneficial for improving severity of general symptoms and fatigue at post treatment in CFS patients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.1068-1076
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• 2020

Objective: In the present study, we determined efficiency of incorporating caffeine, melatonin or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the diluent on mitigating consequences of (a) liquid chilled- and (b) cryo-storage of ram spermatozoa. Methods: In the first experiment, ejaculates (n = 30) were collected from 5 adult rams and were pooled, diluted (1:10) with Tris-citric acid (base diluent) and were split into 4 aliquots assigned for: control (untreated), caffeine (0.1 mM), melatonin (0.3 mM) or omega-3 fatty acids (0.3 mM) (T₀). The diluted specimens were stored at 4℃ for 48 h, during which sperm physical and cytological properties were evaluated along with oxidative stress indices (T₂₄, T₄₈). In the second experiment, 15 ejaculates (3 per male) were pooled, diluted with glycerolized base diluent (4% glycerol, v/v) and were split corresponding to the same previous treatment groups before being processed for cryopreservation. Post-thaw physical and kinematic sperm properties were assessed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Results: The results clarified superiority of both melatonin and omega-3 supplementation on maintaining (p<0.05) sperm properties, while reducing (p<0.05) lipid peroxidase reaction and enzymatic activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in preservation medium, compared to caffeine either during liquid-chilled storage or cryopreservation of spermatozoa. Conclusion: Melatonin and omega-3 are regarded efficient alternatives to caffeine when processing ram spermatozoa for application of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.218-227
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• 2020

Objective : To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic features of 25 patients with infectious spondylitis treated with anterior debridement and reconstruction using autogenous bone grafts vs. a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts. Methods : The study analyzed 25 patients diagnosed with infectious thoracolumbar spondylitis who underwent anterior radical debridement and reconstruction. Autogenous bone grafts were used in 13 patients (group 1), and a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts was used in 12 patients (group 2). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and neurological status. Additionally, the serological results and the radiographic results using the sagittal Cobb angle were compared. Fusion was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) imaging at 24 months postoperatively. Results : Both groups showed a significant decrease in the postoperative mean VAS scores; however, only, group 1 patients showed a significantly higher VAS score than group 2 patients, 1 month postoperatively (p=0.002). The postoperative neurological status significantly improved. Elevated C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values returned to normal limits at the 2-year follow-up without recurrent infection. No significant intergroup difference was observed in Cobb angle. Bony fusion was confirmed in all patients at CT 24 months postoperatively. Conclusion : Although the use of a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts for anterior column reconstruction remains controversial, our results suggest that it can be considered as an effective treatment of option for anterior column reconstruction in patients with infectious spondylitis.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.597-609
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• 2020

Accident Tolerant Fuels have been widely studied since the Fukushima-Daiichi accident in 2011 as one of the options on how to further enhance the safety of nuclear power plants. Deposition of protective coatings on nuclear fuel claddings has been considered as a near-term concept that will reduce the high-temperature oxidation rate and enhance accidental tolerance of the cladding while providing additional benefits during normal operation and transients. This study focuses on experimental testing of Zr-based alloys coated with Cr-based coatings using Physical Vapour Deposition. The results of long-term corrosion tests, as well as tests simulating postulated accidents, are presented. Zr-1%Nb alloy used as nuclear fuel cladding serves as a substrate and Cr, CrN, Cr_xN_y layers are deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering and reactive magnetron sputtering. The deposition procedures are optimized in order to improve coating properties. Coated as well as reference uncoated samples were experimentally tested. The presented results include standard long-term corrosion tests at 360℃ in WWER water chemistry, burst (creep) tests and mainly single and double-sided high-temperature steam oxidation tests between 1000 and 1400℃ related to postulated Loss-of-coolant accident and Design extension conditions. Coated and reference samples were characterized pre- and post-testing using mechanical testing (microhardness, ring compression test), Thermal Evolved Gas Analysis analysis (hydrogen, oxygen concentration), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (EDS, WDS, EBSD) and X-ray diffraction.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.62-71
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• 2020

Understanding vegetation structure and the relationship with environmental factors has been crucial for restoration and conservation of riparian zones. In this study, we conducted field survey in a riparian zone of Namhan River in South Korea both before and after flooding in order to understand temporal and spatial variations of riparian vegetation. There were significant temporal and spatial variations in species composition, and distribution patterns of vegetation were different along a gradient of elevation above the water level. At low elevation, Zizania latifolia was dominant throughout the field survey periods, and Bidens frondosa began to grow late and dominated both in post-flooding 1 and 2. Prior to flooding, Scirpus radicans and Polygonum thunbergii were widely distributed at middle elevation, while Artemisia vulgaris, Phragmites australis, and Miscanthus sacchariflorus were dominant at high elevation. After flooding, P. thunbergii was dominant at middle elevation with most other species decreasing, and more invasive or pioneer plants, including Artemisia princeps, H. scandens, and Sicyos angulatus, were observed at high elevation. Species composition and distribution patterns were homogeneous at low elevation, whereas dynamic variations of vegetation were observed both temporally and spatially at higher elevations. Elevation and distance from the water front were the most principal factors governing vegetation structure. Furthermore, soil physicochemical properties were also found to determine species composition and distribution patterns. These results indicate that vegetation structure in the riparian zones is formed by the combined effects of hydrological regime and soil physicochemical properties, inherent characteristics of species, and interspecific competition. Understanding of temporal and spatial variations of riparian vegetation may provide useful insights into ecological restoration and conservation of the vegetation within the riparian zones.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.221-232
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to suggest a method for training students majoring in dental hygiene with a sense of professionalism by identifying meta-cognition, efficient learning strategies, and self-directedness necessary to become a spontaneous, self-controlled learner. Methods: A survey was conducted on 316 students majoring in dental hygiene, and collected data were analyzed using SPSS, version 23.0. A post-hoc analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, and Duncan's multiple range test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship among meta-cognition, learning strategy, and self-directedness. Results: The meta-cognition, learning strategy, and self-directedness scores of students majoring in dental hygiene were 3.25, 3.08, and 3.12, respectively. Meta-cognition was significant because the grade was lower, and the previous semester grade and major satisfaction were higher. Learning strategy was significant because the previous semester grade and major satisfaction were higher among general high school students. Self-directedness was significantly low in students whose self-conviction score was below 2.0 in terms of the previous semester grade and significantly high with high self-satisfaction. Conclusions: Instructors at the dental hygiene department should acknowledge the importance of meta-cognition, find various teaching methods to improve learning strategy, and encourage students to participate in class by enhancing self-directedness in learning.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2020

Dielectric capacitors are integral components in electronic devices that protect the electric circuit by providing modulated steady voltage. Explosive growth of the electric automobile market has resulted in an increasing demand for dielectric capacitors that can operate at temperatures as high as 400 ℃. To surpass the operation temperature limit of currently available commercial capacitors that operate in temperatures up to 125 ℃, Bi_1/2Na_1/2TiO₃ (BNT), which has a large temperature-insensitive dielectric response with a maximum dielectric permittivity temperature of 300 ℃, was selected. By introducing an intentional A-site cation deficiency and post-heat treatment, we successfully manage to control the dielectric properties of BNT to use it for high-temperature applications. The key feature of this new BNT is remarkable reduction in dielectric loss (0.36 to 0.018) at high temperature (300 ℃). Structural, dielectric, and electrical properties of this newly developed BNT were systematically investigated to understand the underlying mechanism.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1411-1420
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of study was to investigate the effects of season and single layer centrifugation (SLC) before cryopreservation on post-thaw bull sperm quality in Thailand. Methods: Semen was collected from 6 bulls (Bos indicus) in summer, rainy season and winter 2014 through 2016. Semen characteristics, sperm morphology, sperm kinematics, viability, chromatin structure and mitochondrial membrane were evaluated. Meteorological data were available from the local meteorological station; Results: Season had an effect on semen characteristics in the raw ejaculate, with higher proportions of normal spermatozoa and lower abnormalities in winter than in the other two seasons. Sperm kinematics, viability, DNA fragmentation index, and mitochondrial membrane potential were not different between seasons. Sperm samples selected by SLC had greater normal morphology and a lower proportion with bent tails than controls and higher values of progressive motility (PRO), beat cross frequency, linearity, straightness, wobble (WOB), and lower values of slow motility, velocity average path (VAP), velocity curved line, and amplitude of lateral head displacement than controls. In addition, SLC-selection had a favorable effect on PRO, VAP, and WOB that differed among seasons. Conclusion: Our results suggested that these bulls were well adapted to their location, with season having an effect on sperm morphology. Moreover, SLC could be used prior to cryopreservation, regardless of season, to enhance normal morphology and kinematics of bull sperm samples without adversely affecting other parameters of sperm quality. However, there was considerable variation among bulls in DNA fragmentation index, mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm viability. In addition, SLC had a positive effect on sperm morphology and sperm kinematics, which could be expected to influence fertility.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.186-193
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• 2020

Background: Non-tunneled catheters (NTCs) are used for hemodialysis (HD) in many centers in which fluoroscopy is not easily accessed despite high complication rates and conditions requiring long-term HD. Therefore, here we aimed to evaluate the superiority of catheter-related outcomes after the application of tunneled cuffed catheter (TCC) without fluoroscopy versus unconditioned NTC insertion. Methods: We divided the participants into two phases: those receiving NTCs between March 2010 and February 2011 (phase I), and those receiving TCCs or NTCs between March 2011 and February 2012 (phase II). Catheter survival, nurse satisfaction, and reasons for catheter removal were analyzed. Results: Two hundred and sixty patients in phase I and 300 patients in phase II were enrolled in this study. The success rate of TCC insertion was 99.2%. The catheter survival rate in phase I was 65.5% at 1 month, while that in phase II was 74.9% at 1 month (p=0.023). We compared catheter survival between TCCs and NTCs for all periods regardless of phase. The TCC survival rate was higher than the NTC survival rate (p<0.001). Catheter-associated problems led to catheter removal in 97 patients (26.6%) in phase I and 68 patients (18.5%) in phase II (p=0.009). Among 14 HD nurses, all reported being satisfied with manipulation during pre-/post-HD, manupulation during HD, and overall. Eleven HD nurses (78.6%) reported being satisfied with the workload. Conclusion: Compared with unconditional NTC insertion for HD, TCC insertion without fluoroscopy improved the overall catheter survival and nurse satisfaction rates.