• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.150-158
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• 2020

Objective: This study is designed to measure the concentration of DBPs (disinfection by-products) in pool water and in air and to estimate the carcinogenic potential through the evaluation of inhalation exposure. Methods: The subjects were six indoor swimming pools with many users in Gwangju. Samples of pool water and indoor air were taken every one month from August 2018 to August 2019 and analyzed for eight swimming pool standards. Three-liter air samples were collected and the VOCs were analyzed using GC/MS directly connected to thermal desorption. Results: pH was 6.8-7.5 and the concentration of free residual chlorine in pool water was 0.40-0.96 ?/ℓ. Physicochemical test items such as KMnO₄ consumption and heavy metal items such as Aluminum met existing pool hygiene standards. No VOC materials were detected except for the DBPs. The concentration of THMs in the pool water was 11.05-41.77 ㎍/L and the THMs mainly consist of Chloroform (63-97%) and BDCM (3-31%). The concentration of indoor air THMs is 13.24-32.48 ㎍/㎥ and consists of Chloroform. The results of carcinogenic assessment of chloroform in the indoor swimming pool via inhalation exposure were 2.0 to 6.4 times higher than the 'acceptable risk level' suggested by the US EPA. Conclusions: The concentration of THMs in the pool water is 11.05-41.77 ㎍/L, most of which is chloroform. In addition, the concentration of indoor air THMs is 13.24-32.48 ㎍/㎥. The result of carcinogenic assessment of chloroform was 2.0 to 6.4 times higher than the 'acceptable risk level' suggested by the US EPA.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.10-20
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• 2011

Genetic determinant for metallothionein (MT), a cysteine-rich protein playing essential roles in metal detoxification and homeostasis, was characterized in the Korean bitterling (Acheilognathus signifer, Cyprinidae), an endemic fish species. The full-length A. signifer MT (AsMT) cDNA (551 bp) is composed of a single open-reading frame (ORF) to encode a polypeptide of 60 amino acids containing 20 cysteine residues whose positions are conserved in most cypriniform MTs. At the genomic level, the AsMT (2,593 bp spanning the 5'-flanking region to the 3'-untranslated region) represented a conserved tripartite (three exons interrupted by two introns) structure with AT-rich introns. The upstream regulatory region (-1,914 bp from the ATG initiation codon) of AsMT displayed various sites and motifs for transcription factors involved in the metal-mediated regulation and stress/immune responses. The AsMT transcript was ubiquitously detected in various organs with variable expression levels, where the ovary and intestine showed the highest expression, while the heart and skeletal muscle represented the lowest level. During an exposure to copper (immersion in $0.5\;{\mu}M$ Cu for 48 h), the levels of AsMT transcripts were significantly elevated in the liver (more than 3.5-fold), moderately in the gill, kidney, and spleen (ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-fold), and barely in the brain and intestine. Results of this study could form a useful basis to explore the metal-related stress physiology of this endangered fish species.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.516-522
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• 2008

In the case of the impacted teeth, the clinician has to consider development of tooth, site of impaction, eruption path, and cooperation of patient. If there are genetic or general factors to effect the eruption of tooth, the clinician treats these first and then takes the early treatment for eruption guidance. If there are physical factors to intercept eruption, the clinician put them off first. However, if there are no factors to effect eruption of tooth and enough space for eruption, the clinician can consider extraction of deciduous teeth, forced eruption and surgical reposition. In case of surgical repositioning, proper time for root development, proper socket formation, and minimal trauma are important for success. This case presents displaced impacted maxillary central incisor with dilacerated root. The development of root is Nolla's stage 7, and the tooth was treated by surgical repositioning. We can observe no root resorption and good healing pattern.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3B
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• pp.221-232
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• 2011

Applicability of three soil erosion models for burnt hillslopes was evaluated. The models were estimated with the data from plots established after tremendous wildfire occurred in the east coastal region. Soil erosion and surface runoff were simulated by the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) of application mode for disturbed forest areas and the Soil Erosion Model for Mountain Areas (SEMMA) developed for burnt hillslopes. Simulated sediment yield and surface runoff were compared with the measured those. In maximum value of sediment yield, three models was under-predicted and RUSLE and WEPP had difference of over two times. SEMMA showed the best model response coefficient, determination coefficient and the model efficiency. In application of models to the soil erosion according to the elapsed year after wildfire, all models were underestimated in initial stage disturbed by wildfire. Evaluation of models in this burnt hillslopes was shown the tends to under-predict soil erosion for larger measured values. Although a lot of sediment can be generated in small rainfall event as fine-grained soil of the high water repellency was exposed excessively right after wildfire, this under-prediction was shown that those models have a limit to estimate the weighted factors by wildfire.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2018

Chrysoeriol is a widespread flavone, and it is usually found in alfalfa, which has been used as a traditional medicine to treat dyspepsia, asthma, and urinary system disorders. Recently, analysis has been conducted on the anti-inflammatory activity of chrysoeriol, but information on its antioxidative capacity is limited. In this study, the antioxidative potential of chrysoeriol against oxidative damage and its molecular mechanisms were evaluated by analysis of the cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and Western blots in the RAW 264.7 cell line. Chrysoeriol significantly scavenged lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intracellular ROS formation in a dose-dependent manner, without any cytotoxicity. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a phase II enzyme that exerts antioxidative activity, was also potently induced by chrysoeriol treatment, which corresponded to the translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were analyzed due to their important role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis against oxidative stress. As a result, chrysoeriol-induced HO-1 upregulation was mediated by extracellular signal - regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 phosphorylation. To identify the antioxidative potential exerted by HO-1, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage was applied and mitigated by chrysoeriol treatment, which was confirmed by the HO-1 selective inhibitor and inducer, respectively. Consequently, chrysoeriol strongly strengthened the HO-1-mediated antioxidative potential through the regulation of the Nrf2/MAPK signaling pathways.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2001

Recently, numerous studies have focused on the health effects of ambient particulate pollutants. Compared to earlier studios that focused on severe air pollution episodes, recent studies are more relevant to understanding the health effects of air pollution at levels common to contemporary cities. We reviewed recent epidemiologic studies that evaluated health effects of particulate air pollution and concluded that respirable particulate air pollution is an important contributing factor to acute mortality and morbidity. We observed increased respiratory and cardiovascular deaths, increased hospital admissions and visits, and decreased lung function. We also observed increased mortality and morbidity in a Korean population. Theses health effects were observed at levels below the current Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate air pollution.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.315-324
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• 2016

Because of a fissility characteristics of shale in the Gyoungsang super-group, it breaks down to debris when daylighted by construction work and causes a slope unstability. To assess the durability property of shale, a series of slake durability tests was conducted by controlling test conditions such as shape of specimen, number of specimen, revolution speed, revolution number, drying temperature and pH of submerging liquid. For the specimen shape, cube one showed relatively lower durability index than cuboid and/or fan shape one. The test with the more number of specimens showed the less durability index because of a higher friction among specimens in the drum. The durability index is linearly decreased by increasing the total number of revolution, while the revolution velocity could not affect the index. And the durability index is also decreased by increasing the drying temperature of specimen and by decreasing the pH of submerging liquid. Because the durability index of shale is almost similar to that of crystalline rocks, the disintegration characteristics of shale could not be assessed by the slake durability test recommended by ISRM, and thus a new test method by changing the total revolution number may be required for the shale having fissility characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.127-138
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• 2014

As increasing concerns about potential risks and hazards in children's products, the laws and regulations for heavy metals and phthalate retardants contained in the children's products have been reinforced in many countries. Especially, in Korea, environment and health laws and regulations for children's products was declared in 2009. This study was researched in terms of contents and migration of phthalates and heavy metals in 124 children's products sold in the Korean market. The results for contents of heavy metals showed that 123 products contained different 14 heavy metals depending on kinds of products. As the results of migration by sucking, the heavy metals in the products such as black, plastic dolls, wood toys, and bottom mat for swimming were transferred into extraction solution. Ba, Cu, Zn, and Sn were transferred from most of these products into the extraction solution and Co, Ni and Pb were additionally transferred into several products. As the results of migration through a skin, while Ba, Cu, and Zn were transferred from most products containing the heavy metals, as for accessories, Cr, Ba, Ni, Zn, and Cu were migrated. The results of contents of phthalates presented that 21 products contained DBP, DEHP and DINP. Only 2 products showed the migration of DEHP by sucking. DEHP in most products were transferred and DBP for 2 products and DINP for 7 products were migrated.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.247-255
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• 2014

Objectives: We reviewed the CAREX (CARcinogen EXposure) program designed to estimate the prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogens and summarized the advantages and limitations of this program. Methods: All literature, including reports on CAREX and the use of CAREX, were reviewed. The keyword search term was CAREX. Additional articles were identified from references cited in articles and reviewed. Results: An exposure information system, CAREX was developed based on data from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health of Finland and from the US. CAREX has been applied in several countries, including in the EU, in order to estimate national exposure patterns to carcinogens. The initial exposure assessment carried out through CAREX was aimed at estimating exposures over the period of 1990-1993. To estimate the number of workers exposed to carcinogens by using CAREX, reference exposure prevalence from Finland and the United States was computed, which was then reviewed and corrected by national experts. Finally the overall number of workers exposed to carcinogens can be estimated. We found that CAREX has been used in a total of 18 countries. No Asian country has used CAREX. Conclusions: CAREX can be applied not only to estimate the number of workers exposed to carcinogens in Korea, but also to identify high-risk industries with workers most exposed to carcinogens.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.302-312
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• 2017

Objectives: In this study, an evaluation of the working environment of furnace workers was performed and the work-relatedness of the occupational diseases were examined Methods: In this study, two electric furnaces at a single casting business site producing manganese-based iron alloy were selected, and occupational exposures to hazardous substances were evaluated for furnace workers and furnace worker assistants. Results: As a result, total dust concentration were $0.407{\sim}3.001mg/m^3$ and respirable dust concentration were $0.196{\sim}0.584mg/m^3$. The highest concentration of crystalline silica was $0.079mg/m^3$ In the case of Masato and Sosuckwhoi crystalline silica, they contained 90.85% and 4.17% respectively. Manganese concentration was the highest at a $0.205mg/m^3$ maximum. The average of black carbon is $11.56{\mu}g/m^3$ and the maximum concentration is $604.23{\mu}g/m^3$. PAHs concentration was the highest at a $78.301{\mu}g/m^3$ of naphthalene. The concentration of carbon monoxide was 18.82 ppm(total average 3.89 ppm) during pouring, and the maximum is 131 ppm. The formaldehyde concentration was 0.003 to 0.007 ppm. Conclusions: It seems that conditions in the past were worse, since casting has recently been performed only twice per day for about 20 minutes, reducing the amount of pouring, and local exhaust systems have been installed one-by-one. In addition, it was judged that the past exposure levels were higher considering the points measured on the back-side due to the risk of damage to the individual samples. It was found that operators could be exposed to high concentrations of crystalline silica, and that they were also exposed to high concentrations of metal(fume) and carbon monoxide during pouring. Therefore, there is a risk that occupational diseases such as lung cancer and COPD may occur with long-term work in such a process.