This study was conducted to investigate changes in the productivity of Italian ryegrass seeds according to the timing of harvest after heading in the southern region. The Italian ryegrass variety ‘Greencall’ was sown in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, in the fall of 2022. Four harvest timings were tested (30, 40, 50, and 60 days after heading), with a randomized complete block design and three replicates. Sowing in the test plots took place on October 10, 2022, and harvesting was carried out from 30 days after heading on May 18 to 60 days. The plant height was the longest (99.1 cm) in the plot harvested 30 days after heading and decreased as the harvest was delayed. No significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of lodging resistance, disease resistance, and cold resistance. However, lodging severity increased over time after heading (7∼9). Disease incidence was also higher in plots harvested 50 and 60 days after heading. The length of the spike was shortest (38.76 cm) in the plot harvested 50 days after heading, and the number of seeds per spike was the lowest (42 seeds/spike) in the plot harvested 60 days after heading. The dry matter content of seeds increased with the delay in harvest, while dry matter yield decreased, with the lowest yield observed in the plot harvested 40 days after heading (3,031 kg/ha, p<0.05). The dry matter content of seed straw was highest at 75.73% in the plot harvested 50 days after heading and dropped to 34.99% 60 days after heading due to rainfall. The dry matter productivity of the seed straw was the lowest in the plot harvested 40 days after heading. The feed value of the seed straw also decreased with delayed harvest, with an average RFV (Relative Feed Value) of 91. In conclusion, the optimal harvest timing for fall-sown Italian ryegrass intended for seed production in the southern region appears to be 30 days after heading.

꼬리말발도리(Deutzia paniculata Nakai)와 가침박달 (Exochorda serratifolia S.Moore)은 각각 5~6월과 4~5월에 흰색 꽃이 피는 화목관목으로 한국의 희귀식물이며, 관상가치가 높아 원예용으로 개발할 가치가 있다. 본 연구에서는 꼬리말발 도리와 가침박달의 종자를 이용한 번식체계를 확립하고자 플러 그 육묘에서 플러그 트레이의 셀 크기, 배지조성, 시비수준에 따른 유묘의 생육을 조사하였다. 꼬리말발도리는 플러그 트레이 의 셀 크기가 작아질수록 유묘의 생육이 불량하였고, 105구의 셀 크기에서 초장, 엽장과 엽폭, 줄기와 뿌리의 생체중 등 생육 이 가장 양호하였다. 또한 배지의 조성은 피트모스와 펄라이트 를 20:80로 혼합한 처리에서 줄기와 뿌리의 생육이 가장 우수하 였고, 펄라이트 단용인 0:100 처리에서 유묘의 생육이 가장 불 량하였다. 가침박달은 피트모스와 펄라이트를 100:0과 75:25 로 혼합한 배지에서 유묘의 생육이 가장 좋았고, 펄라이트 단 용인 0:100 배지에서 유묘의 줄기뿐만 아니라 뿌리의 생육 도 가장 불량하였다. 그리고, 육묘 기간동안 시비수준이 증가 함에 따라 유묘의 줄기 생육이 양호하였으며, 엽록소의 함량도 증가하였다. 따라서 가침박달은 플러그 트레이 당 Hyponex (N:P:K=20:20:20) 6.24.g을 관주하는 것이 고품질 묘를 생산 하는데 가장 효과적이었다. 따라서 꼬리말발도리는 105공 플러 그 트레이에 피트모스와 펄라이트의 20:80 비율의 배지를 사용 하는 것이, 가침박달은 피트모스와 펄라이트의 100:0과 75:25 비율의 배지에서 육묘기간동안 Hyponex 6.24g를 시비하는 것이 유묘 생육에 가장 적합하였다.

This study investigated the relationship between changes in language learning beliefs and English proficiency among 41 Korean university students who participated in a short-term English program. Participants’ beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI), and their proficiency was measured using the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and correlation analysis were employed to analyze the data. The study found significant improvements in both listening and reading scores, and changes in beliefs varied with proficiency gains. Students with higher proficiency gains demonstrated improved confidence and self-efficacy, and decreased instrumental motivation, whereas those with lower gains exhibited minimal changes in beliefs. Correlation analysis revealed that belief shifts, such as reduced selfconsciousness and increased integrative motivation, were positively related to proficiency gains. These findings suggest the dynamic nature of learners’ beliefs and their potential impact on language learning outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing belief systems in English language education.

For centuries, humans have leveraged the health-promoting properties of plants for our well-being. While research has been conducted on numerous medicinal plants, the specific benefits of many species remain underexplored. Eupatorium Japonicum (EJ), a member of the Asteraceae family, has historically been consumed in Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam for its traditional use in soothing digestive issues. This study aimed to explore the radical scavenging and antiinflammatory efficacy of EJ extract using RAW 264.7 cells. The radical-scavenging effects were assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays, where an anti-oxidative molecule in the test sample will react with a stable free radical in DPPH and ABTS causing discoloration. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed using the nitric oxide (NO) assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, where the amount of NO produced in response to infection was measured using Griess reagent. Reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were executed to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the RNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that EJ extract decreased oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner (7.8-1,000 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox respectively. EJ extract significantly reduced NO production concentration independently. Furthermore, EJ extract showed no cytotoxic effects as determined through the MTT assay. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analyses revealed inhibition of mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6). Western blotting demonstrated EJ’s anti-inflammatory activity by reducing protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. These findings suggest that EJ extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and can be further evaluated in the future.

Background: Lower limb strength is crucial for stability and functional movement, such as walking, running, squatting, and balance, with the gluteus maximus (Gmax) being pivotal. Squat exercises are commonly used to strengthen the Gmax; however, the impact of ankle position on muscle activation during squats is not well understood. Objects: This study examined Gmax and lower limb muscle activation patterns in three ankle positions during squats, aiming to optimize rehabilitation strategies and enhance exercise prescriptions. Methods: Surface electromyography recorded the activation levels of the Gmax, vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), and biceps femoris (BF) across three ankle positions: neutral (NEU), dorsiflexion (DF), and plantarflexion (PF). A repeated-measures design was employed, involving 30 healthy adults (26 males and 4 females) aged 18–30 years. Muscle activation patterns were statistically analyzed to identify significant variations across these conditions, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: During squats, DF of the ankle joint significantly increased Gmax activation compared with PF and NEU positions, indicating that an ankle position closer to DF may enhance hip extension. In contrast, PF was associated with heightened activation of the VMO and VLO, suggesting that this position may be beneficial for exercises focusing on knee stability. No significant changes were observed in the BF activation across the ankle positions, indicative of its limited involvement in response to variations in ankle positioning. Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of ankle joint positioning in modulating lower-limb muscle engagement during squatting. Ankle DF may be recommended to maximize Gmax activation, which is beneficial for hip-focused strengthening, whereas PF may supports knee stability by targeting quadriceps activation. This study provides evidence for adjusting ankle positioning during squat exercises to optimize specific rehabilitation and performance outcomes.

Afoxolaner is an insecticide and acaricide that belongs to the isoxazoline chemical compound group. it has been used as an active pharmaceutical ingrdient in veterinary medicine to treat fleas and ticks in dogs. When patents expire between 2026 and 2066, it is expected that many products will be applied for approval as generic products, and reserch to establish accurate quality control methods must be conducted and managed. HPLC method was developed for the quantitative and qualitative of afoxolaner in veterinary medicinal products. The separation of active constituents for afoxolaner was achieved on a RP18 (4.6 x 150 mm, 5 μm) column using Water : Acetonitrile : MeOH (25:30:45 v/v/v) as mobile phase, with UV detection at 245 nm. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 of 0.999) within the concentration ranges (12.5 to 400 μg/mL). For accuracy, the recovery rate was calculated by spiking three concentrations of standard into the sample blank. The recovery rate was calculated to be 99.70~100.58%. Precision was measured 9 times repeatedly through intra-day, inter-day tests using standard. It showed excellent precision by satisfying the relative standard deviation of less than 2% both intra-day and inter-day. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 2.0 μg/mL and 6.1 μg/mL, respectively. This method was successfully applied to analyzing afoxolaner drugs distributed in Korea. The HPLC method described in this study is accurate and reproducible and could be applied for the analysis of veterinary drugs of afoxolaner.

정원과 대조구 간 열 환경 요소의 차이와 정원 구성 요소 간 열 환경과 열 스트레스 지수의 차이에 대한 결과는 다음과 같다. 정원과 대조구 간 열 환경 요소의 시계열 변화에서 대기 온도의 차이는 0.8°C에서 2.4°C까지 나타났고, 흑구 온도는 4.4°C까 지 나타났으며, WBGT는 1.6°C 차이가 나타났다. 대조구에 비 해 정원의 열 환경이 모든 온도에서 낮게 나타난 것이다. 특히, 대조구와 정원의 온도 증가 폭을 비교해 보면, 정원에서 모두 온도의 완만한 증가 폭을 확인할 수 있었다. 정원이 급격한 온도 차이는 만들어낼 수 없으나, 소규모 녹지를 활용한 지속적인 온도 조절에 효과를 보일 수 있겠다. 이용객이 느끼는 열 스트레 스 지수도 정원에서 낮게 나타나 정원이 열 쾌적감 증진 역할을 할 수 있다고 판단된다. 정원 구성 요소에 따른 열 환경 변화를 비교하였을 때, 목재 소재의 시설물이 표면 온도가 높았고, 녹지 에 의해서 생긴 그늘이 온도 차이를 줄일 수 있는 요소가 되었다. 실외 미기후를 대상으로, 정원 입지 환경 중에 하나인 건물에 의한 그늘과 녹지 그늘이 열 스트레스 지수인 UTCI에서 동일하 게 ‘moderate’ 수준을 나타냈다. 즉, 건물 그늘의 일사 차단 효과로 인해 열 쾌적감이 증진되는데, 건물이 없는 소규모 녹지 에서도 교목과 초지 식재로 열 쾌적감 증진에 효과를 높일 수 있다. 이와 같이 정원 구성 요소에 미기후 조절 효과에 관련이 있는 요소를 선정하였을 때, 건물→수목→주변 포장재→정원 포 장재→시설물의 순서로 정원 입지 선정과 구성 요소 선택에 활 용할 수 있는 가이드를 마련할 수 있을 것이다.

A protruding mass was identified in the papilla of the right kidney of a 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rat. Microscopically, the neoplastic tissues were consisted of epithelial elements, where basophilic neoplastic cells displayed a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and formed tubular growth patterns characterized by small, elongated, or convoluted tubules. Blastemal elements were often arranged in aggregates or nests, composed of tightly packed basophilic polygonal to spindloid primitive cells. The surrounding interstitial tissue appeared loose and myxomatous. Based on these histological features, the diagnosis was nephroblastoma. Nephroblastoma is considered as an embryonic tumor originated from metanephric blastemal elements in the renal cortex and typically displays characteristic triphasic patterns. Also, this tumor seldom arises from or remains localized to the renal pelvis. To our literature review, this is the first nephroblastoma occurred at renal papilla in a rat.

Background: Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent often causes nephrotoxic side effects. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to induce pro-inflammatory responses, often leading to septic renal injury. We hypothesized that the combination of cisplatin and LPS would amplify renal injury, thereby improving a renal injury model. Therefore, we administered both agents to mice and evaluated renal injury indicators. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were injected with cisplatin (8, 10, or 12 mg/kg) and LPS (5 mg/kg) on days 1 and 4 following of each week. Mice were euthanized at specific time points to assess renal injury. Body weight, renal weight, area, and BUN levels were measured to evaluate renal damage. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome (MT) staining were performed to assess histological changes. Results: The combination of cisplatin and LPS significantly reduced body and renal weight compared to cisplatin alone. A high dose of cisplatin (12 mg/kg) resulted in a 50% mortality, while, lower doses (8 and 10 mg/kg) showed 100% survival. Significant renal injury was observed in the 10 mg/kg cisplatin group administered for two weeks. In the 8 mg/kg cisplatin group, no changes were observed after two weeks, but renal damage appeared after four weeks. Histological evaluations in the 10 mg/kg cisplatin group administered for two weeks showed renal injury features, including tubular damage and fibrosis. Conclusions: Administering cisplatin (10 mg/kg) with LPS for two weeks or cisplatin (8 mg/kg) with LPS for four weeks resulted in a distinct renal injury, effectively establishing a renal injury mouse model.

Background: Stroke patients commonly experience functional declines in balance and gait due to decreased muscle strength and coordination issues caused by brain damage. Through repetitive training, robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can aid in promoting neuroplasticity in stroke patients and help them acquire effective gait patterns. Additionally, convalescent rehabilitation hospitals help to ensure rapid recovery through intensive rehabilitation training. Objects: This study investigated the effects of RAGT frequency on gait and balance recovery in stroke patients in convalescent rehabilitation hospitals, providing data to optimize rehabilitation efficiency, enhance functional recovery, and support the development of personalized strategies to ensure safer and more rapid returns to daily life. Methods: This study compared the frequency of RAGT by analyzing a group receiving two units of RAGT per day for 5 days per week with a group receiving two units of RAGT per week as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, totaling 16 units daily, in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital. Results: In the 10-minute walking test, statistical significance was observed both within and between groups, whereas the Functional Ambulation Category, Fugl-Meyer Assessment–lower extremities, Berg Balance Scale, and timed up-and-go tests showed significance only within groups. Conclusion: End-effector RAGT and traditional gait training significantly improve gait ability, balance, and lower limb function in stroke patients.

개회나무(Syringa reticulata)는 수수꽃다리속 물푸레나무과 에 속하는 낙엽활엽교목으로 관상 및 약용 등으로 사용되는 가 치가 높은 식물이다. 본 연구는 개회나무 종자의 휴면타파와 발아특성을 구명하여 대량증식 체계를 확립하고자 하였다. 이에 따라 종자내외부특성, 수분흡수률, 변온처리(25/15, 20/10, 15/6, 5℃), 저온층적처리(0, 4, 8, 12주), 생장조절제 농도 (GA3 0, 10, 100, 1000mg·L-1)처리하여 확인하였다. 그 결과 배는 완전히 성숙되어 있는 형태였으며, 수분흡수률은 초기대비 약 39.2% 증가하였다 변온 처리조건에서는 15/6℃ 조건에서 발아율이 69.2%로 가장 높았으며, 0주 층적처리에서 가장 높은 발아율을 나타낸 것으로 보아 변온의 5℃ 처리의 결과와 동일한 양상으로 저온은 발아에 큰 영향을 미치지 않았다. 생장조절제 처리에서는 상대적으로 GA3 농도가 높은 100, 1000mg·L-1 처리에서 발아률이 통계적으로 높게 나타났다. 위 결과를 보아 개 회나무는 생리적 휴면을 가지고 있으며, 세부적으로 non-deep PD라고 판단된다.

Baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function, but excessive release of glutamate causes excitotoxicity and damages cells. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in glutamate-exposed neurons. The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) was cultured in a general manner, glutamate and/or baicalin were treated on the cells. Baicalin was administered 1 hr before glutamate treatment. Cells were collected 24 hr after glutamate, and cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were performed to measure oxidative stress. Glutamate reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. MTT assay showed that baicalin treatment ameliorated the decrease in cell viability due to glutamate toxicity. The effect of baicalin is dose-dependent. Glutamate caused severe nerve damage, including condensation of the cell shape, loss of dendrites and axons. However, baicalin treatment attenuated these morphological changes, and the effect of baicalin was dose-dependent. ROS and LPO analyses showed that glutamate increases oxidative stress, and baicalin attenuates this change due to glutamate toxicity. The effect of baicalin on these results was dose-dependent. We confirmed that baicalin performs an antioxidant function against glutamate toxicity in neurons. In conclusion, these results suggest that baicalin exerts neuroprotective effects on damaged neurons through antioxidant activity.

Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) is associated with mechanical dysfunctions and chronic ankle instability. Uphill treadmill walking exercise (UTWE) has the potential to improve ankle mobility and function. Objects: This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a 15° UTWE on DF ROM and torque generation in patients with limited DF. Methods: The study included 20 adults, comprising 10 males and 10 females, with a mean age 28 years and a passive DF range of 5°–12°. After baseline assessments, participants completed 30 minutes of UTWE on a 15° incline treadmill, followed by post-assessments. DF ROM was evaluated during the stance phase of gait, and in both open-kinematic-chain (OKC) and closed-kinematic-chain (CKC) conditions using a goniometer and Image J software. DF and plantar flexion (PF) peak torque were measured with a Biodex Dynamometer. Results: Post intervention, maximum DF ROM during the stance phase of gait increased significantly from a mean of 8.54° ± 3.97° to 11.03° ± 4.41°. The DF ROM in the OKC and CKC conditions increased significantly from a mean of 8.90° ± 0.62° and 21.55° ± 0.72° to 18.00° ± 1.13° and 28.20° ± 1.00°, respectively (p < 0.0001). DF peak torque increased from 16.20 ± 1.28 N/m to 21.52 ± 1.39 N/m, and PF peak torque increased from 25.26 ± 2.51 N/m to 44.22 ± 4.20 N/m (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: UTWE significantly enhanced DF ROM and ankle torque, indicating that it may be an effective intervention for improving ankle function and preventing injury in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

Silage inoculants, which include beneficial microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria (LAB), play a vital role in modern silage production by enhancing fermentation quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of various commercial inoculants on the fermentation dynamics of Italian ryegrass silage over 45 days. The treatments included a control group and five inoculant formulations: T1 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), T2 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus), T3 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus buchneri), T4 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus bulgaricus), and T5 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium). After 45 days, all treatment groups exhibited significantly higher crude protein (CP) content compared to the control group (80.64 g/kg dry matter (DM), p<0.05). Treatments T2 and T5, which incorporated combinations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium, showed higher CP contents at 105.53 and 107.05 g/kg DM, respectively. The inoculated silages also demonstrated a rapid pH reduction within the early days, with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in T1 reducing the pH to 4.0 within four days. Additionally, inoculated treatments had significantly higher lactic acid levels than the control (67.96 g/kg DM, p<0.05), and T3 (Lactiplantibacillus buchneri) produced higher acetic acid levels (16.07 g/kg DM, p<0.05) than other inoculants. The control group also had a notably higher ammonia nitrogen content. In conclusion, while single-strain inoculants like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are effective for rapid acidification, the use of combined bacterial strains can further enhance silage quality by improving lactic acid fermentation and nutrient preservation, particularly in treatments like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus buchneri and Enterococcus faecium.

목적 : 누진 가입도 안경 착용자의 안경테의 크기와 얼굴 형태에 적합한 안경테를 비교하여 안경테 크기와 신체 적(역학적) 불편감 사이의 연관성을 조사하였다. 방법 : 누진 가입도 안경 착용자 중 안경의 피팅 상태가 적절한 71명(남성 37명, 여성 34명, 평균 54.52±8.78 세)이 참여하였고, 신체적 불편감을 설문지로 조사하였다. 안경테 크기를 FHD(front horizontal dimension), FTB(front to bend), LOD(length of drop) 및 TL(temple length)로 확인하였다. 얼굴 형태를 계측한 후 얼굴에 적합한 안경테 크기를 계산하였고, 착용하고 있는 안경테 크기와 비교하였다. 결과 : 신체적 불편감의 정도는 관자놀이 눌림, 흘러내림, 코 눌림, 귀 눌림 순으로 높았으며, 불편함을 경험한 비율은 흘러내림, 코 눌림, 귀 눌림, 관자놀이 눌림 순으로 높았다. 착용한 안경테의 FHD는 남녀 모두 얼굴 계측 으로 계산한 안경테 설계값보다 작았다(p=0.001). 착용한 안경테의 FTB는 남녀 모두 안경테 설계값보다 작았으 며, 착용한 안경의 LOD는 설계값보다 컸고 여성은 남성보다 길었다(all, p=0.001). 결론 : 착용한 남녀 안경의 FHD는 얼굴 형태에 비해 작아 관자놀이 눌림의 원인이 될 수 있고, 측면부 LOD는 얼굴에 비해 커서 흘러내림과 코 눌림의 원인이 될 수 있다. 얼굴 형태에 적합한 안경테 크기를 선택할 수 있도록 안경테의 FHD와 측면부 전체 길이(FTB+LOD)가 여러 사이즈로 제작되어야 할 것이다.

This study aims to identify crisis signs in small and medium enterprise (SME)-concentrated regions and establish measures to prevent economic recession and normalize regional economies through proactive responses. To achieve this, we investigated and analyzed the crisis status and outlook of companies located in Jeonbuk, their detailed management conditions, management issues by industry, difficulties in business operations, and policy demands. Out of 4,144 SMEs in Jeonbuk's concentrated areas, 270 companies responded to the survey. The results showed that 60% of the responding companies perceived their current management situation as being in a state of crisis. However, the outlook for the next quarter and the following year is expected to improve. Notably, compared to manufacturing companies, non-manufacturing firms responded that their crisis situation in the next quarter would not improve and expected the crisis to persist. In terms of detailed business conditions, regardless of the distinction between manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, all aspects of the survey, including domestic sales, export sales, operating profit, financial status, and the number of employees, indicated better prospects for the next quarter and the following year compared to the current quarter. The study's findings suggest that companies in SME-concentrated areas of Jeonbuk are relatively accurate in recognizing the crisis situation of their own businesses and operating markets. Additionally, the companies responded that crisis monitoring is necessary. Differences in difficulties faced by the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors imply the need for industry-specific financial support programs. Based on the survey results, we propose financial support projects tailored to the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, considering the degree of market competition. For more precise research, future studies will involve extracting larger samples and conducting a detailed analysis by subdividing manufacturing sectors (e.g., food, metal) and non-manufacturing sectors (e.g., agriculture, design).

A 17-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu dog, weighing 5.0 kg, presented with frequent coughing and respiratory distress. Blood tests revealed mild thrombocytosis, and thoracic ultrasonography and radiography confirmed a significant amount of pleural effusion. However, the thoracic radiographs showed no radiopaque nodules or interstitial patterns indicative of thoracic tumors. Thoracentesis was performed to relieve effusion-induced thoracic pressure, yielding a hemorrhagic serosanguinous pleural fluid. The cytological analysis of this fluid revealed mesothelial cells, supporting the clinical diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ. To address the patient’s clinical symptoms, an aggressive management approach was implemented with chest tube placement to address recurrent pleural effusion after initial thoracentesis. During treatment, the patient exhibited stable health and adapted well to daily life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mesothelioma in situ with hemorrhagic malignant pleural effusion in South Korea. Using a chest tube as an aggressive treatment successfully alleviated dyspnea symptoms and provided symptomatic relief in a patient with mesothelioma in situ.

Background: South Korea has recently faced record-high temperatures, which have adversely affected dairy production. Holstein cows, the primary dairy breed globally, are particularly sensitive to heat stress. In contrast, Jersey cows have shown greater heat tolerance, as demonstrated by phenotypic studies. Methods: We investigated physiological and molecular responses to heat stress in Holstein and Jersey cows by measuring rectal temperature, milk yield, and average daily gain, confirming Holstein cows’ greater vulnerability. To explore molecular mechanisms, we analyzed circulating microRNA profiles from whole blood samples collected under heat stress and normal conditions using microRNA-sequencing. Differential expression patterns were compared between the two breeds to identify biological pathways associated with heat stress. Results: Four microRNAs (bta-miR-20b, bta-miR-1246, bta-miR-2284x, and bta-miR- 2284y) were significantly differentially expressed in both breeds under heat stress (|FC| ≥ 2, p < 0.05). Notably, bta-miR-20b and bta-miR-1246 were linked to corpus luteum function and progesterone biosynthesis, while bta-miR-2284x and bta-miR- 2284y were associated with immune responses. A comparison of 11 potential heat stress-related microRNAs identified in previous studies of Holstein cows revealed consistent expression trends in Jersey cows, albeit with lower fold changes, suggesting their superior heat resilience. Conclusions: Our study highlights the physiological and microRNA-based differences in heat stress responses between Holstein and Jersey cows. Jersey cows exhibited greater resilience, supported by more stable microRNA expression profiles and improved heat stress indicators, making them a promising breed for dairy production in increasingly hot climates.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic and morphological responses of Italian ryegrass to waterlogging stress during its early growth stage. Waterlogging increased the number of adventitious roots and root porosity, indicating an enhanced oxygen transport mechanism. Phenolic compound levels were increased in both leaf and root tissues under waterlogging stress compared to the control, suggesting the development of a non-enzymatic antioxidant system. Waterlogging treatment also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels only in roots. Total soluble carbohydrates and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity increased under waterlogging stress, suggesting an increased activity of carbohydrate breakdown and energy conversion mechanisms. This study suggests that Italian ryegrass exhibits significant metabolic and morphological adaptations to waterlogging stress during its early growth stage. These adaptations demonstrate that Italian ryegrass has developed tolerance mechanisms to cope with such stress.

Background: Rotator cuff tears often cause shoulder pain and functional limitations that may require conservative treatment or surgical intervention. Identifying preoperative differences in muscle strength and function can aid in treatment decisions. Objects: This study aimed to compare the preoperative shoulder muscle strength and functional outcomes between patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and those receiving conservative treatment. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 315 patients with rotator cuff tears, including 145 who underwent surgery and 170 who received conservative treatment. Shoulder isokinetic muscle strength (external rotator, internal rotators, abductor, and adductors) and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Constant-Murley shoulder scores) were measured. The conservative treatment group was assessed during a hospital visit, whereas the surgery group was tested on the morning of the surgery. An independent t-test was used to evaluate the preoperative shoulder strength and functional scores. Results: The conservative treatment group showed lower deficits in external (11.3 ± 23.9) and internal (11.7 ± 15.5) rotators compared to the surgery group (26.3 ± 33.8 and 17.1 ± 26.1, respectively; p = 0.001). Abductor and adductor deficits (18.2 ± 25.3 and 9.8 ± 16.8) were also lower in the conservative treatment group (30.7 ± 31.6 and 21.9 ± 28.4, respectively; p = 0.036 and p = 0.001). The external per internal rotator ratio (50.9 ± 16.8; p = 0.003) and ASES scores were higher (74.5 ± 14.8; p = 0.047) was higher in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: The conservative treatment group had lower shoulder strength deficits, better muscle balance, and higher ASES scores than the surgery group, indicating superior functional outcomes. These findings suggest that assessing preoperative muscle strength and function might provide valuable insights into treatment planning for patients with rotator cuff tears.