• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.198-205
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• 2022

Hepatic diseases are divided into two types: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic liver injury finally induces fatty liver and damages liver function. Many studies have demonstrated that Ecklonia stolonifera has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. We conducted a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to examine the efficacy of E. stolonifera extracts (ESE) on biochemical markers of hepatic function. Sixty-five subjects with mild or moderate liver injuries were randomly allocated to receive either 420 mg/d of ESE or a placebo for 12 weeks. Fifty-five participants completed the trial. No significant adverse events were observed among the subjects during the study. The primary end points were changes in plasma levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT). The secondary end points were changes in lipid profile levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Compared with the baseline, AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in the ESE group compared to those in the placebo group (P<0.001). In addition, γ-GT levels in the ESE group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P=0.016). There were no differences in the TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels between groups. In conclusion, ESE consumption for 12 weeks improved liver parameters in subjects with liver injury. Regular consumption of ESE could maintain liver health in individuals at risk of hepatic damage.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.6_1
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• pp.1505-1515
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• 2023

As extreme weather events caused by climate change are occurring around the world, blue carbon has recently been gaining attention as a carbon sink. Blue carbon has been officially recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a means of reducing greenhouse gases, and various studies are underway to discover new blue carbon sources both domestically and internationally. Domestic blue carbon research is centered on carbon absorption and storage in tidal flats, which account for most of the coastal wetlands, but there is a lack of research on spatial information. This study utilized the carbon storage of tidal flats from previous studies and converted it into location and spatial information for each basin of the Geumgang and Nakdong rivers. In addition, a proxy value of carbon storage per area by basin was calculated to compare and analyze the total carbon storage of various tidal flats in Korea and abroad. As a result of the analysis, both the Geumgang and Nakdong River basins showed different amounts of carbon storage depending on the tidal flats data, with the highest amount in the Geumgang basin coming from the National Ocean Survey (469,810.1 Mg C) and the highest amount in the Nakdong River basin coming from the Ministry of Environment (217,145.01 Mg C). The results of this study can be used as a basis for future research on the establishment of domestic blue carbon spatial information.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.8
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• pp.535-547
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAECMO) as a bridge to eventual heart transplantation (HT) is increasingly used worldwide. However, the effect of different VA-ECMO types on HT outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 111 patients receiving VA-ECMO and awaiting HT. We assessed 3 ECMO configuration groups: peripheral (n=76), central (n=12), and peripheral to central ECMO conversion (n=23). Cox proportional hazards regression and landmark analysis were conducted to analyze the effect of the ECMO configuration on HT and in-hospital mortality rates. We also evaluated adverse events during ECMO support. Results: HT was performed in the peripheral (n=48, 63.2%), central (n=10, 83.3%), and conversion (n=11, 47.8%) ECMO groups (p=0.133) with a median interval of 10.5, 16, and 30 days, respectively (p<0.001). The cumulative incidence of HT was significantly lower in the conversion group (hazard ratio, 0.292, 95% confidence interval, 0.145-0.586, p=0.001). However, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality (log-rank p=0.433). In the landmark analysis, in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. Although we did note a trend toward lower HT in the conversion group, the difference was not statistically significant. Surgical site bleeding occurred mainly in the central, while limb ischemia occurred mainly in the peripheral groups. Conclusions: We suggest that if patients are being stably supported with their initial ECMO configuration, whether it is central or peripheral, it should be maintained, and ECMO conversion should only be cautiously performed when necessary.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.15-29
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the educational factors on career choice of science-gifted students to science and technology bound universities and the difference of perception in regards to group factors. In addition, this study aimed to examine the effects of science-gifted education and critical events in relation to career choice to science and technology bound universities. For the study, 104 university freshmen, 75 males and 29 females, were sampled from UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), that many science high school graduates entered this year. The survey was conducted with questionnaires to do with the perceptions concerning career choice and educational factors that cause them to choose such career directions. The educational factors on career choice to science and technology bound universities were classified as 3 main categories such as educational environment factor (teaching-learning factor), human factor, attitude towards science factor and the subcategories within each category. The research findings are as follows: First, the factors were closely connected with each other and 'the project centered classes' were highly interrelated with other educational environment factors such as 'the experiment activity and environment for the activity' and 'influence of teachers (professors).' Second, the female students and graduates of the science high school were more positively influenced by the educational environment and human factors on their decision for career than male students and graduates of the general high school. Third, this research found that historical scientific knowledge, perception of scientists' social status and job applications in the science field gave less influence rather than other factors on their decision for career. As a result of examining critical events for science-gifted education in relation to career choice to science and technology bound universities, numerous students mentioned that the extracurricular science activities such as science camps and field trips gave significant effects on students' career choices to science and engineering fields.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2012

Recurrent aphthous ulcer(RAU) is the most frequent form of oral ulceration with a prevalence in the general population ranging between 5% and 60%. The peak age of onset is between 10 and 19 years of age, and it can persist into adulthood and throughout the patient's lifespan, with no gender predilection. The disease is characterized clinically into three types: minor aphthous ulcer, major aphthous ulcer and herpeticform ulcers. The cause of RAU is unknown and thought to be multifactorial with many triggers or precipitating factors that include familial tendency or genetic predisposition, allergy, medications, hormones, stress or anxiety, and immunologic abnormalities. The need for consideration of psychological factors in the pathogenesis of oral disease has been increasingly acknowledged over the last decades and many studies have highlighted the psycho-social impact of oral conditions. In this study, we tried to evaluate the influence of emotional stress in RAU. There were thirty patients with a clinical diagnosis of RAU and other subjects who did not show any signs of systemic disorders include RAU. They are evaluated by using modified Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). As a result, a significantly higher level of stress was found in the RAU patients than the control group. Therefore it can be concluded that psychological stressors play an important role in the RAU.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of tumor response, local control, and treatment-related complications after hypofractionated radiotherapy for recurrent hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) less than 5 cm in size. Materials and Methods: Among the HCC patients who were treated by radiotherapy (RT) between 2006 and 2007 after the failure of previous treatment, a total of 12 patients were treated with hypofractionated RT. The criteria for hypofractionated RT was as follows: 1) HCC less than 5 cm, 2) HCC not adjacent to a critical organ, 3) HCC without portal vein tumor thrombosis, and 4) less than 15% of normal liver volume that irradiated 50% of the prescribed dose. Hypofractionated RT was performed with 50 Gy delivered in 10 fractions, at a rate of 5 fractions per week. The evaluation of tumor response was determined by CT scans performed at 3 months after the cessation of RT, followed by the evaluation of toxicity by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. The median follow-up period after radiotherapy was 18 months. Results: A complete response (CR) was achieved in 5 of 12 lesions (41.7%) at CT performed at 3 months after the cessation, whereas the overall complete response was observed in 7 of 12 cases (58.3%). In-field local control rate was sustained in 83.3% of patients. All patients developed intra-hepatic metastases except for 2 patients. The overall survival rate was 90.0% at 1 year and 67.5% at 2 years, respectively. Three patients developed Grade 1 nausea during RT and 1 patient showed a progression of ascites after RT. There was no grade 3 or greater treatment-related toxicities. Conclusion: Hypofractionated RT for small-sized HCC as a salvage therapy showed a 58.3% CR rate and 83.3% of local control. Fifty Gy administered in 10 fractions of partial liver irradiation is considered as a tolerable dose that does not cause severe complications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.9
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• pp.966-971
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• 2006

Purpose : 'Programming' describes the process that stimulus at a critical period of development has lifelong effects. The fact that low birth weight links to the risk of elevated blood pressures in adult life is well known. This study aims to examine whether this link is evident in the newborn by investigating the relationship of the intrauterine growth indices and neonatal blood pressure(BP). Methods : We studied 127 neonates who were born at Ewha Womans' Hospital and their mothers enrolled our cohort study during pregnancy. Data on the mothers and details of the birth records were tracked and collected from medical charts. Neonatal BP was measured within 24 hours after birth. Results : Neonatal SBP was positively correlated to intrauterine growth indices; birth weight(BW)(r=0.4), head circumference(HC)(r=0.4), and birth height(r=0.3). However, an inverse relationship existed, between HC/BW ratio and neonatal SBP(r=-0.4). After adjusting for the baby's sex, maternal BP, and gestational age, neonatal SBP still associated with intrauterine growth indices. SBP was 7 mmHg higher in the highest BW group(${\geq}90percentiles$) compared to the lowest group(<10 percentiles). On the other hand, SBP was 17 mmHg lower in the highest HC/BW group(${\geq}90percentiles$) compared in the lowest group(<10 percentiles). Conclusion : This study could not find the evidence that intrauterine growth retardation affect on elevated neonatal BP. It suggests that the initiating events of BP programming may occur during postnatal growth period. To identify the critical starting period that intrauterine growth retardation leads to elevated BP, a study tracking BP changes from birth to childhood is required.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.285-290
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• 2005

Background : Some malignancies including lymphoma, head and neck cancer, and lung cancer are believed to be associated with the reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) because cyclic anti-cancer chemotherapy can induce the leukopenia or immunological deterioration. This report describes the clinical characteristics and treatment response of TB that developed during cyclic anti-cancer chemotherapy in patients with a solid tumor. Materials and Methods : From January 1 2000 to July 31 2004, patients with TB diagnosed microbiologically, pathologically, or clinically during anti-cancer chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital were enrolled, and their medical records were reviewed. Patients with the known risk factors for the reactivation of TB were excluded. Results : Twenty-two patients were enrolled and their mean age was 56.5 years (range 21-78). The male to female ratio was 3.4:1 and pulmonary TB was the main variant (20 patients, 90.9%). Gastric cancer (10 patients, 45.4%) and lymphoma (4 patients, 18.2%) were the leading underlying malignancies. The other malignancies included lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovary cancer. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had a healed scar on a simple chest radiograph suggesting a previous TB infection. Among these patients, new TB lesions involved the same lobe or the ipsilateral pleura in 13 patients (87.6%). An isoniazid and rifampicin based regimen were started in all the subjects except for one patient with a hepatic dysfunction. The mean duration of medication was $9.9{\pm}2.4$ months and no adverse events resulting in a regimen change were observed. With the exception of 5 patients who died of the progression of the underlying malignancy, 70.6% (12/17) completed the anti-TB treatment. Conclusion : The clinical characteristics and response to anti-TB treatment for TB that developed during anticancer chemotherapy for a solid tumor were not different from those of patients who developed TB in the general population.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.154-162
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• 2011

Seawater quality was investigated each month at 30 stations near Tongyeong, South Korea, to provide data for the effective use of coastal fisheries and the reduction of economic damage to marine products. Water temperature was lowest in January and highest at the end of August. Neither extremely low water temperature below $4^{\circ}C$ nor fish damage caused by low water temperature was observed. Salinity ranged from 24.04 to 34.39 psu in the surface layer and from 29.92 to 34.39 psu in the bottom layer. The minimum salinity, attributable to rainfall events, was observed in July; salinity increased to high of about 34 psu in November. Low dissolved oxygen (DO), below 4 mg/L, was observed at Wenmun and Buksin Bays during May to October. Concentrations of $NO_2$-N, $NO_3$-N, and $PO_4$-P were low from March to September and high from October to February. Transparency was 6 m on average and was high in Wenmun Bay. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chlorophyll a (Chl. a) were high during summer, when the water temperature was high. With cluster analysis based on environment factors related to water quality, the study area could be divided into three main sea areas: Buksin Bay, coastal seawater, and offshore seawater. Buksin Bay was characterized by low salinity, high DO and Chl. a, and high transparency in the surface layer and by low DO and high $NH_4$-N in the bottom layer. Offshore seawater had high salinity and $NO_3$-N and low Chl. a concentration. In summer season that oyster need lots of phytoplankton, $NO_3$-N and Chl. a concentrations at this study area were low compare to Gwangy-ang and Gamak Bays. In winter, a sea squirt swallow much more than other season, the Chl. a concentrations were also low than Gwangyang and Gamak Bays.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.524-535
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• 2021

Rapid climate change and oceanic warming have increased the variability of oceanic wave heights over the past several decades. In addition, the extreme wave heights, such as the upper 1% (or 5%) wave heights, have increased more than the heights of the normal waves. This is true for waves both in global oceans as well as in local seas. Satellite altimeters have consistently observed significant wave heights (SWHs) since 1991, and sufficient SWH data have been accumulated to investigate 100-year return period SWH values based on statistical approaches. Satellite altimeter data were used to estimate the extreme SWHs at the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) for the period from 2005 to 2016. Two representative extreme value analysis (EVA) methods, the Initial Distribution Method (IDM) and Peak over Threshold (PoT) analysis, were applied for SWH measurements from satellite altimeter data and compared with the in situ measurements observed at the IORS. The 100-year return period SWH values estimated by IDM and PoT analysis using IORS measurements were 8.17 and 14.11 m, respectively, and those using satellite altimeter data were 9.21 and 16.49 m, respectively. When compared with the maximum value, the IDM method tended to underestimate the extreme SWH. This result suggests that the extreme SWHs could be reasonably estimated by the PoT method better than by the IDM method. The superiority of the PoT method was supported by the results of the in situ measurements at the IORS, which is affected by typhoons with extreme SWH events. It was also confirmed that the stability of the extreme SWH estimated using the PoT method may decline with a decrease in the quantity of the altimeter data used. Furthermore, this study discusses potential limitations in estimating extreme SWHs using satellite altimeter data, and emphasizes the importance of SWH measurements from the IORS as reference data in the East China Sea to verify satellite altimeter data.