• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.264-271
• /
• 2002

Nitrogen releasing characteristics of polymer-coated urea(PCU) that made acrylic synthetic resins were studied in incubated soil, water and paddy soil. Also, their correlations and degradation patterns of coating material were tested. Releasing rate of nitrogen from PCU decreased with increasing coating rate. N001(coating rate 8.5%) and N003(coasting rater 6.3%) were low releasing amount at the early stage, whereas N005(coating rate 4.8%) was released over 80% within 20 days. Relationship of the releasing rate between incubated soil($25^{\circ}C$) and paddy soil could be described as follows : $Y=-0.0011X^2+2.2931X-50.264(R^2=0.9884)$ for N001, $Y=-0.0016X^2+1.1587X+5.5064(R^2=0.9805)$ for N003 and $Y=-0.03X^2+6.499X-243.22(R^2=0.9422)$ for N005, respectively (Y: release rate at field condition, X: experiment period). Relationship of the releasing rate between incubated water($30^{\circ}C$) and paddy soil can be described as follows : $Y=0.0011X^2+2.2601X-25.329(R^2=0.9884)$ for N001, $Y=-0.0306X^2+4.4994X-76.307(R^2=0.955)$ for N003 and $Y=-0.0164X^2+3.7764X-108.22(R^2=0.9422)$ for N005. After 150 days, coating materials of N001, N003, and N005 in incubated soil were degraded approximately 23%, 22% and 15%, respectively. Also The scanning electron microscope examination of coating material revealed that particle surface became gradually shattered with the time after the soil treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.8
• /
• pp.889-894
• /
• 2006

Purpose : Asthma is characterized by the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness(AHR) and inflammation. The extensive eosinophil infiltration into the lung is the hallmark of asthma and contributes to the damage of respiratory epithelium during late phase airway responses. Eotaxin is the major eosinophil chemoattractant found in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) fluid of allergic inflammation. IL-13 has been known to induce the expression of exotaxin and eosinophilia. IL-13 also induces airway inflammation, mucus production and leads to marked fibrosis, airway remodeling and AHR. We investigated whether serum IL-13 levels can reflect the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness in children with asthma, and the relationship between serum IL-13 and eotaxin levels. Methods : Using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the serum IL-13 and eotaxin levels were measured in 13 atopic asthmatics, 5 atopic non-asthmatics and 12 control subjects. Metacholine challenge tests were performed in all subjects. Airway hyperresponsiveness to metacholine was expressed as provocative concentration of metacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1[$PC_{20}mg/mL$]. $PC_{20}$ value of 25 mg/mL was used as a cut-off for defining a AHR. Results : Serum IL-13 levels showed positive correlation with eotaxin levels. Serum IL-13 and eotaxin levels showed no differences among atopic asthmatics, atopic non-asthmatics and control subjects. And there were no differences serum IL-13 and eotaxin levels in children with and without AHR and atopy. Serum IL-13 and eotaxin levels did not correlate with $logPC_{20}$ levels. Conclusion : IL-13 is closely related to the eotaxin release. But serum IL-13 and eotaxin per se can't predict the severity of airway hyperresponsiveness. IL-13 and eotaxin may have local effect on respiratory epithelium or there can be some factors to induce airway hyperresponsiveness other than serum IL-13 in asthmatic airways.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.239-244
• /
• 1998

Purpose : The incidence of hepatitis A virus infection in Korea has decreased recently. However, the prevalence in children and young adults is on an increasing trend in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Economic development that leads to better living conditions and improves hygiene facilities has reduced the rate of HAV infection. This study was designed to evaluate the recent seroprevalence rate of hepatitis A in children and adolescents. Methods : Study population consisted of 612 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Serum samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 and tested for anti HAV by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay(MEIA). Results : According to age, the seropositive rates were 10.5%(male 13%, female 6.7%) in 1 year-old group, 0% in 3, 5, 11 and 13 year-old group, 6%(male 8%, female 4%) in 15 year-old group, and 11%(male 14%, female 8%) in 17 year-old group. Conclusion : This study showed that seropositive rate of HAV infection increased with age. While it revealed extremely low incidence of HAV infection in children less than 13 years old, they are also likely 10 be exposed 10 the infection. Our findings suggest that the effective administration of vaccination is needed in selected and high risk groups.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes of transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with open physes who were selected with authors' new operative indications. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 15 patients with open physes who underwent a transtibial ACL reconstruction and were followed up for 4~6 years after surgery. Our operative indications involved 1) choronologic age of ${\geq}$ 16 in male and ${\geq}$ 14 in female, 2) open physes of ${\leq}$ 2 mm width, and 3) Risser sign and Tanner stage of ${\geq}$ 3. Tibialis anterior tendon allograft was used in all patients, and endobutton and bioscrew were used for femoral and tibial fixations, respectively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Lysholm Knee Scoring scale, Tegner activity scale, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective score. Physical examinations to evaluate stability involved Lachman and pivot shift tests. For radiographic results, we evaluated side to side differences of anterior displacement in stress views. In addition, with use of scannograms taken at last follow-up, we examined side to side differences of femorotibial angles, anatomical and mechanical lateral distal femoral angles, mechanical medial proximal tibial angles and leg lengths. Results: The mean Lysholm Knee score was 51(40-61) points preoperatively and 97(94-100) points at last follow up. The mean Tegner activity score was 2.6 points preoperatively and 7.1 points at last follow up. The mean IKDC score was 32.6 points preoperatively and 88.3 points at last follow up. The mean anterior displacement of the tibia was improved from 6.7(${\pm}1.0$) mm to 1.9(${\pm}0.9$) mm. There were no leg length discrepancies over 5 mm and no statistically significant differences in all the radiographic variables representing growth disturbance. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with open physes who selected by authors' new indication would safely undergo transphyseal ACL reconstruction with successful outcomes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.241-247
• /
• 2007

Purpose : Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common and benign congenital disorder of the musculoskeletal system in neonates and infants. The pathophysiology is that the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is shortened on the involved side by fibrosis, leading to ipsilateral tilt and contralateral rotation of the face and chin. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of CMT, the role of ultrasonography (USG) in prediction of prognoses and the clinical significance of early detection and treatment. Methods : Forty seven patients (M:F=31:16) were diagnosed as a CMT between March 2003 and May 2006. We reviewed age at diagnosis, physical findings, USG findings, treatment and therapeutic outcome from their medical records. Results : The median age at diagnosis was 90 days (18 days-9 years, 7 months) and the right side of neck was affected in more patients (right : left=26:21). Of 24 patients with a palpable neck mass, 21 had USG; 19 cases showed sternocleidomastoid tumor (SMT). In cases with no neck mass, USG was performed in 11 patients; seven had postural torticollis (POST), three had SMT and one had muscular torticollis (MT). Among 40 patients with follow-up, 36 had total resolution. There was negative correlation between the age at diagnosis and the recovery time, whereas the final outcome was not correlated with USG findings. However, the patients without positive findings in USG had earlier resolution (1 month vs 2.6 months, P=0.0008). The patients with SMT had earlier diagnosis and excellent outcomes. The patients with MT were delayed to diagnosis and had the longest time to resolve. Lastly, the patients with POST had delayed diagnoses, but they had excellent outcomes. Conclusion : Since the patients with delayed diagnoses, in despite of benign courses, may take a long time to resolve and rarely need surgical treatment, it is important to diagnose and treat early. This study showed that USG findings of the SCM may be used as predictive factors.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.217-222
• /
• 2007

To investigate effects of inorganic $(GeO_2)$ and organic (Ge-132) germanium (Ge) on seed germination and on early stage growth of plane and the uptake characteristics, various concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 mg $L^{-1}$) of Ge to popular vegetables such as leaf mustard, chinese cabbage and pak-choi, respectively, were treated. On seed germination, no significant effect was observed in both inorganic and organic Ge treatments except 100 mg $L^{-1}$ treatment of inorganic Ge. Exogenous inorganic Ge ($10{\sim}100$ mg $L^{-1}$ treatments significantly inhibited the early root elongation growth of all plants. However, slight enhancement of early shoot elongation was detected in low concentrations (10 and 25 mg $L^{-1}$) of Ge in the leaf mustard and chinese cabbage plants. Organic Ge treatments significantly stimulated the 개ot and shoot growth at the 10, 25 and 50 mg $L^{-1}$ treatments. Ge was accumulated linearly in the vegetables as both inorganic and organic Ge concentrations were increased. Interestingly, total contents of Ge in plants with Ge-132 treatments were $2\sim4.5$ times more than those with inorganic Ge treatments in all concentrations. At 25 mg $L^{-1}$ treatment of Ge, contents of Ge in vegetables are following: in leaf mustard, inorganic Ge: 0.37 mg $g^{-1}dw$ and organic Ge: 1.47 mg $g^{-1}dw;$ in the chinese cabbage, inorganic Ge: 0.4 mg $g^{-1}dw$ and organic Ge: 0.86 mg $g^{-1}dw;$ in the pak-choi, inorganic Ge: 0.33 mg $g^{-1}dw$ and organic Ge: 0.70 mg $g^{-1}dw$, respectively. These results showed organic Ge is much better on early stage seedling growth and on germanium accumulation of vegetables than inorganic Ge.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.192-197
• /
• 2006

Purpose : Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is a key cytokine for controlling vascular permeability and angiogenesis, which is one of the major findings in airway remodeling. However, it is not well known if it is associated with acute lower respiratory tract disease such as lobar pneumonia. The aim of this study is to compare serum VEGF levels in patients with asthma according to its severity and duration of cough, and to compare its levels with children with lobar pneumonia. Methods : Using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the serum VEGF levels were measured in 16 mild asthmatics, 14 moderate to severe asthmatics, six children with lobar pneumonia, and 22 control subjects. The asthmatics were also classified into three groups according to the duration of cough. Serum VEGF levels were compared in each group. Results : Serum VEGF levels were significantly increased in the children with moderate to severe asthma and lobar pneumonia compared to the children with mild asthma and control subjects. Serum VEGF levels were higher in children with chronic coughs of more than two weeks than in children with coughs lasting less than two weeks. Serum levels of VEGF showed positive correlations with blood platelet and white blood cell counts. Conclusion : VEGF increased according to the severity of asthma and duration of cough in children with asthma. It may play an important role not only in chronic airway inflammation, but also in the acute inflammation in children with lower respiratory tract disease.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.410-415
• /
• 1993

Background: The lung abscess predominantly occurs on a dependent region, because its major predisposing factor is aspiration. However, a lung abscess appeared on a nondependent region occasionally. Traditionally bronchoscopy has been performed in patients with lung abscess on a nondependent region for evaluating the endobronchial obstruction such as bronchogenic carcinoma. But the clinical characteristics and necessities of bronchoscopy in patients with lung abscess located at nondependent region have not been discussed previously. Thus, we investigated the underlying etiologies and the necessities of bronchoscpy in patients with lung abscess in a nondependent region. Method: Fifteen patients with cavitary lesion on a nondependent location have been studied retrospectively by reviewing their clinical records, chest PAs, computerized tomograms, and bronchoscopic findings. Results: 1) Most patients were older than 30 years except one, and their mean age was 51 years. The ratio of male to female was 6.5:1. 2) The underlying etiologies were bacterial infections in 13 cases, and tuberculous infection in two cases. However, bronchogenic carcinoma was not found as its etiology. 3) Among thirteen bacterial lung abcess, tweleve cases located at right middle lobe. 4) The findings of bronchoscopy were non-speicifc mucosal change in 8 cases and segmental obstructions in 2 cases. There were no malignant evidences in the finings of cytology and bronchscopic biopsy. 5) Among thirteen bacterial lung abcess, eleven patients showed good clinical reponse to antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: The necessity of early bronchoscopy may need to be re-evaluated in the lung abscess on a nondependent region, unless evidences of bronchial obstruction or bronchogenic carcinoma exist. The pulmonary tuberculosis shoud be regarded as the underlying etiology of the nondependent lung abscess.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.115-119
• /
• 1993

This study was carried out to determine optimum harvest time of in vitro multiplied tuber Pinellia ternata(Thunb.)Breit from 1990 to 1992. Tuber yield and its related traits were observed with four harvest times. Plant height was 7.2cm at 6 months and 19.3cm at 24 months after planting. The number of tubers per unit area was significantly increased with the passage of growing time after planting$(78\;tubers/m^2)$, those were increased by 2.3 times in 6 months, 5.6 times in 12 months, 13.3 times in 18 months and 20.0 times in 24 months. The tuber sizes(length, width and weight) were highly enlarged during 12 to 18 months after planting compared with before or after this time. There were smaller tubers and lower tuber yields with shorter growing period, while large tubers above 7.1mm and higher yields with longer growing. It was suggested that the optimum harvest time was 18 months after planting, before over wintering rather than next year of spring, 24months after planting.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.533-545
• /
• 2015

Spatial and seasonal variations in hydrogeochemical characteristics and the factors affecting the deterioration in quality of shallow portable groundwater in an agricultural area are examined. The aquifer consists of (from the surface to depth) agricultural soil, weathered soil, weathered rock, and bedrock. The geochemical signatures of the shallow groundwater are mostly affected by the NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻ contaminants that show a gradual downward increase in concentration from the upper area, due to the irregular distribution of contamination sources. The concentrations of the major cations do not varied with the elapsed time and the NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻ ions, when compared with concentrations in background groundwater, increase gradually with the distance from the upper area. This result suggests that the water quality in shallow groundwater deteriorates due to contaminant sources at the surface. The contaminations of the major contaminants in groundwater show a positive linear relationship with electrical conductivity, indicating the deterioration in water quality is related to the effects of the contaminants. The relationships between contaminant concentrations, as inferred from the ternary plots, show the contaminant concentrations in organic fertilizer are positively related to concentrations of NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻ ions in the shallow portable groundwaters, which means the fertilizer is the main contaminant source. The results also show that the deterioration in shallow groundwater quality is caused mainly by NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻ derived from organic fertilizer with additional SO₄²⁻ contaminant from livestock wastes. Even though the concentrations of the contaminants within the shallow groundwaters and the contaminant sources are largely variable, it is useful to consider the ratio of contaminant concentrations and the relationship between contaminants in groundwater samples and in the contaminant source when analyzing deterioration in water quality.