• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2022

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The onset of asthma for most patients begins early in life, and current asthma treatment with anti-inflammatory agents can have adverse effects, eventually leading to impaired quality of life. In the pathogenesis of asthma, macrophages and basophils play a vital role during progression. Macrophages not only induce inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines but also promote DNA damage and mucus production through nitric oxide (NO) production. Basophils enhance eosinophil recruitment and aggravate asthma through the FcεRIα receptor with high affinity for histamine and IgE. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the activation of macrophages and basophils is suppressed by the individual extracts of 28 natural products. RAW 264.7 cells (mouse macrophages) were treated with the natural products in LPS, and 4 natural product extracts resulted in decreased NO production. In β-hexosaminidase assay using RBL-2H3 cells (rat basophils), 19 natural product extracts decreased β-hexosaminidase production. In NO production and β-hexosaminidase assay using macrophages and basophils, 3 natural product extracts (Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, and Perilla frutescens var. japonica) significantly inhibited NO production and β-hexosaminidase release. Overall, we examined the inhibitory effects of 28 natural product extracts on macrophage and basophil activity, and the findings demonstrated the potential of natural product extracts for treating asthma and macrophage- and basophil-related diseases.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.251-259
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• 2008

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP) is one of the most well known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because of its strong anti-androgenic effects on the reproductive and developmental process in male rodents and human. The present study was performed to examine whether prepubertal exposure to DEHP can make any alteration during the maturation of accessory sex organs in male rats. As a result, there was no significant change in body weights, serum T levels and tissue weights except of seminal vesicle and ventral prostate in DEHP-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated ones. The seminal vesicle weights in high-dose group (200 mg/kg) were significantly lower than those from the control group (p<0.05), and ventral prostate weights were significantly lower than those from the control group (p<0.05) in both low-dose (20 mg/kg) and high-dose group. Histological studies revealed that the seminal vesicles from DEHP-treated groups showed reduced areas of mucosal folds. Pseudostratified columnar epithelia were observed in the ventral prostates of DEHP-treated samples while cuboidal epithelia were found in the control group. The transcriptional activities of ER-$\alpha$ in seminal vesicle from high-dose group (p<0.05) were significantly higher than those from the control group, and ER-$\beta$ expression was significantly decreased in low-dose group (p<0.05) compared to the control. In ventral prostate, ER-$\beta$ mRNA levels from low-dose group (p<0.05) were significantly lower than those from the control group, and significantly increased in high-dose group (p<0.01). AR expressions, however, were not significantly different in all experimental groups of both seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that (i) adverse effect (s) of DEHP on sexual maturation during prepubertal period could be limited, (ii) seminal vesicle and prostate gland were sensitive targets to DEHP in prepubertal rats and (iii) the deleterious effects of DEHP might be mediated through ER-associated mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.57-63
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• 2024

As global warming worsens, it is feared that higher ambient temperatures and relative humidity might result in a more intense heat stress for livestock animals, especially broilers, which lack sweat glands for thermoregulation and have been selectively bred for rapid growth. Therefore, strategic livestock management is needed to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress on broilers. In Korea's poultry farming systems, tunnel-ventilated broiler houses and pad cooling systems are commonly installed to lower indoor temperatures during the summer. However, caution is advised with pad cooling systems as they can increase the humidity inside the houses, potentially causing further harm. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pad cooling systems in tunnel-ventilated broiler house by assessing the reduction in indoor temperature using the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), which accounts for the impact of relative humidity. Temperature and humidity data were collected during the summer (Jun to Sep) from eight farms with tunnel-ventilated broiler house located in different regions of Korea. The farms were divided into two groups based on the use of pad cooling systems is used, and temperature and humidity data, along with THI values, were analyzed two weeks before the birds were marketed. Meta-analysis results showed that at the hottest time of the day, 14:00, farms with pad cooling systems had significantly lower indoor temperatures compared to the control group, but observed an increase in indoor temperatures by 16:00 (p<0.05). There is no significant difference in relative humidity (p>0.05). The THI values decreased in the treatment group with cooling pads compared to the control group starting from 15:00, suggesting a diminished effect (p<0.05). This study indicates the potential for developing optimal operational guidelines for cooling pads to reduce heat stress in broilers during the summer season.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 1985

Present experiment was undertaken to compare the effects of two dietary fats whose free fatty acid content was quite different on performances and on meat quality of broilers. Yellow grease or animal fat (trade name) containing 15 or 38.6% free fatty acid, respectively, was added to the broiler starter and finisher diets at levels of 3.0 and 5,0%, respectively. A total of 108, day old, male Maniker(Chunho) broiler chicks was alloted to 3 dietary treatments with 3 replications per treatment and 12 chicks per replication Though control diet was not supplemented with fat, the three dietary groups were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. All the chicks were ad libitum fed the test diets for 8 weeks. Feed intake and body weight were measured every other week. Shank color was measured at the end of feeding trial by Roche Color Fan. To evaluate meat quality, 7 chicks of mean body weight were selected from each treatment group after the trial. Measurements were made for abdominal fat content, organoleptic scores for thigh and breast, and for contents of total lipids, free fatty acids, iodine values and peroxide values of the breasts. During the period from 0 to 4 weeks of age, the broilers fed the diets added with fats performed the same as those fed the control diet. However, the body weight gam (25%), feed intake (10.8%) and feed efficiency (11.3%) of chicks fed the fat-supplemented diets, during the finisher period (5-8 weeks), appeared significantly improved compared to those of control group (p＜0.05). During overall period of 8 weeks, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency of chicks fed the diets added with fats were, on the average, 16.2. 8.8 and 6.8%, respectively, better than, those of control Monwhile the performance between the chicks fed diets added with the two different fat sources appeared to be of the same tendency. Though the shank pigmentation was not statistically different among the treatments, the chicks fed the fat-supple ented diets tended to have slightly less pigments than the control. Organoleptic scores of thigh or breast of chicks fed the animal fat diet were of the same range as those of the other two groups. The contents of total lipids, free fatty acids, iodine values and peroxide values of breasts from broilers fed the various diets appeared to be in the same ranges among the treatments. The values for control, yellow grease and animal fat groups were 7.77, 6.66 and 6.32% for total lipids, 9.23, 9.7 and 9.31mg oleic acid/g fat for free fatty acids, 65.36, 63.89 and 59.25g/ 100g fat for iodine values, and 9.62, 10.46 and 8.79 meq/kg fat for peroxide values, respect vely. Changes of free fatty acids contents of breast during a storage for 10 da s at 4$^{\circ}C$ were also not different among the dietary groups. From the observations n. this experiment, it seems possible to conclude that the animal fat containing 38.6% free fatty acid can be used as efficiently as yellow grease in broiler diets without any adverse effects on meat quality.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate the pathologic effects of preoperative radiotherapy o the resectable distal rectal cancer, we analyzed the results of postoperative pathologic findings for the patients with preoperative radiotherapy ant surgery Materials and Methods: From July 1995 to April 1996, we treated sixteen patients of resectable rectal cancer with preoperative radiation therapy and curative surgery At diagnosis, Thomas Jefferson (TJ) system was used for the clinical stage of the Patients. We treated the patients with conventional radiation therapy of 4500~5000cGy before surgery. The surgery was carried out 4 weeks after completion of radiation therapy. Modified Astler Coller (MAC) system was used for the postoperative pathologic stage. We analyzed the pathologic stages and findings according to preoperative clinical stage and compared with those of the control group in similar clinical stages. Result : All patients were treated with sphincter preservation surgery after Preoperative radiation therapy. Pathoiogic complete response (CR) was shown in 1 case $(6.3\%)$. We compared the results between preoperative radiation therapy group (Preop.RT group) and surgery only group (control group). In TJ stage II, among nine patients of Preop.RT group, 8 patients $(88.9\%)$ were in MAC stage 8 except 1 CR patient, but among 17 patients of control group. 11 patients$(64.7\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 6 Patients $(35.3\%)$ in MAC stage C. In TJ stage III, among 7 patients of Preop.RT group, 4 patients $(57.1\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 3 patients$(42.9\%)$ in MAC stage C. Among 14 Patients of control group, 4 patients $(28.6\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 10 Patients $(71.4\%)$ in MAC stage C. Above results showed that postoperative Pathologic stage was decreased in Preop.RT group with statistical significance (P=0.049). The postoperative Pathologic findings (blood vessel invasion. Iymphatic vessel invasion, perineural invasion) were decreased in the Preop.RT group compared with those of control group. But statistical significance was found only in Iymphatic vessel invasion (p=0.019). Conclusion : The Postoperative pathologic stages and adverse Prognostic pathologic findings were decreased in preoperative radiation therapy group. The Iymphatic vessel invasion and MAC stage C findings were abruptly decreased in Preoperative radiation therapy group. The preoperative radiation therapy was found to be effective in resectable rectal cancer. The patients group in our study was very small and long term follow up was not done. Therefore, further study about this issues is needed.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2006

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the efficacy and side effects of $Ultracet^{(R)}$ in relieving cancer pain in setting. Methods: Sixty-one cancer patients over 18 years old, who had cancer pain with or without medication, were enrolled. Pain and other variables were evaluated before and after treatment with $Ultracet^{(R)}$ for 2 weeks, using Korean version of Brief Pain Inventory. Results: Of 61 patients with assessable efficacy data, the maximum pain intensity(PI) experienced in a day were $5.18{\pm}1.41\;and\;4.82{\pm}1.94$, before and after treatment with$Ultracet^{(R)}$ respectively (P=0.113). The minimum PI experienced in a day were $1.2{\pm}1.05\;and\;0.87{\pm}1.35$, before and after treatment with $Ultracet^{(R)}$, respectively (P=0.038). The average PI experienced in a day were $3.61{\pm}1.01\;and\;3.15{\pm}1.73$, before and after treatment with $Ultracet^{(R)}$, respectively (P=0.022). The current PI were $3.63{\pm}1.25\;and\;2.85{\pm}1.94$, before and after treatment with $Ultracet^{(R)}$, respectively (P=0.003). Regarding the quality of life, only mood changed for the better in 49 patients who were treated with $Ultracet^{(R)}$ alone ($1.98{\pm}1.73\;and\;1.35{\pm}1.15$, before and after treatment respectively; P=0.046). There were five (8.2%) adverse events associated with $Ultracet^{(R)}$ treatment. Conclusion: $Ultracet^{(R)}$ seems effective and safe in ambulatory patients with cancer pain.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.217-235
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• 2012

We evaluated the geochemical characteristics and their potential pollution of Asian Dusts in Daejeon, Korea during spring 2007. Compared with the chemical compositions of soils in source area of Asian Dust, those of aerosols in Daejeon were enriched with trace elements (ten to hundred fold), inferring that pollutants from China have affected on local environment in adjoining country such as Korea. Chemical analysis of aerosols during Asian dust showed that fine particles ($PM_{2.5}$) contained high contents of trace elements such as Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, V, S, As, Cd, Co, Ni, Mo, Sb, Cs, Rb, Th, Sc and Y. In the case of TSP (Total Suspended Particle), Zr, Sr, Ba, Li, Th and U were contained much more than other trace elements. The contents of some elements (i.e. Li, Cs, Co, U, Cr, Ni, Rb, V, Th, Y, Sr and Sc) in aerosols collected in Asian Dust period, which are not likely enriched by air pollutants, were higher (2 - 4.2 fold) than those in Non Asian Dust period, indicating that these elements could be used as indicator elements for determining the occurrence of Asian Dust phenomena (especially, Sr, V, Cr & Li). In the case of Asian Dust coming through the big cities and/or industrial areas of China, the domestic aerosols had higher contents of trace elements (such as S, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Mo and As) than those from Northeastern China via North Korea, indicating that the transportation courses of air mass are very important to determine the pollution degrees. Using the enrichment factors of trace elements in aerosols during Asian Dust and Non Asian Dust, we identified that some elements (i.e. S, Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Mo and Cd) were most problematic in terms of environmental hazard aspects, and these elements could affect adverse effects on human health as well as ecosystem and surface environment (soil and water) through long-lived precipitation.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.337-349
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• 2015

This study has focused on investigation of correlation for As and heavy metals in paddy soil and rice crops sampled in the vicinity of the abandoned Munmyung Au-Ag mine. Soil samples extracted by various methods including aqua regia, 1 M $MgCl_2$, 0.01 M $CaCl_2$ and 0.05 M EDTA were analyzed for As and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). Rice grain samples grown on the soils were also analyzed for the same elements to evaluate the relationships between soils and rice crops. According to soil extraction methods, As and heavy metal contents in the soils were decreased in the order of aqua regia > 0.01 M $CaCl_2$ > 1 M $MgCl_2$ > 0.05 M EDTA. In addition to correlation analysis, statistically significant correlation with the four extraction methods (p<0.01) were found in the soil and rice samples. As calculation of biological accumulation coefficients (BACs) of the rice crops for As and heavy metals, the BACs for Cd, Zn and Cu were relatively higher than those for As and Pb. This study also carried out a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis to identify the dominant factors influencing metal extraction rates of the paddy soils. Furthermore, daily intakes of As and heavy metals from regularly consumed the rice grain (287 g/day) grown on the contaminated soils by the mining activities were estimated, and found that Cd and As intakes from the rice reached up to 73.7% and 51.8% for maximum allowance levels of trace elements suggested by WHO, respectively. Therefore, long-term consumption of the rice poses potential health problems to residents around the mine, although no adverse health effects have yet been observed.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.341-348
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• 2013

Maintenance of adequate soil tension or content during the period of crop growth is necessary to support optimum plant growth and yields. A better understanding of soil tension and content for precision irrigation would allow optimal soil water condition to crops and minimize the adverse effects of water stress on crop growth and development. This research reports on a comparison of soil water tension and content variations in differently textured soils over time under drip irrigation using two different water management methods, i.e. pulse time and required water irrigation methods. The pulse time-based irrigation was performed by turning the solenoid valve on and off for preset times to allow the wetting front to disperse in root zone before additional water was applied. The required water estimation method was a new water control logic designed by Rural Development Administration that applies the amount of water required based on a conversion of the measured water tension into water content. The use of the pulse time irrigation method under drip irrigation at a high tension of -20 kPa and high temperatures over $30^{\circ}C$ was not successful at maintaining moisture tensions within an appropriate range of 5 kPa because the preset irrigation times used for water control could not compensate for the change in evapotranspiration during day and night. The response time and pattern of water contents for all of the tested soils measured with capacitance-based sensor probes were faster and more direct than those of water tensions measured with porous and ceramic cup-based tensiometers when water was applied, indicating water content would be a better control variable for automatic irrigation. The required water estimation-based irrigation method provided relatively stable control of moisture tension, even though somewhat lower tension values were obtained as compared to the target tension of -20 kPa, indicating that growers could expect to be effective in controlling low tensions ranging from -10 to -20 kPa with the required water estimation system.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.648-657
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• 2008

This research was conducted to investigate the breeding density and seasonal food items of the magpies in Jeju Island and the near-manned islets. The examination of nest distribution to determine breeding density was performed during breeding season from February 2006 to April 2008, and that of food items from May 2006 to February 2008. A total of 2,113 nests were found across Jeju Island, the average density was $1.33\;nest/km^2$, and the magpies were distributed up to 600 meters above the sea level. The nest density was the highest in the central areas of Jeju Island, with 688 nests at $3.61\;nest/km^2$, while that in the eastern areas was the lowest, with 214 nests at $0.66\;nest/km^2$. In terms of the number of nests depending on the height above the sea level, 1,172 nests, which was equivalent to the density of $1.85\;nest/km^2$, was observed below 100m and highest among the intervals of height, but 16 nests found at 500-600m were the lowest, corresponding to $0.20\;nest/km^2$. The number of nests found in the manned islets near Jeju Island was eight in Biyang-do with the density of $15.38\;nest/km^2$, nine in U-do with $1.49\;nest/km^2$, and one in Gapa-do with $1.15\;nest/km^2$, whereas none of nests were observed in Mara-do. The contents of stomach consisted of 17 types of prey sources including countless bones, eggshells, plants, and seed, most of which were the individuals of the order Coleoptera. In spring and summer, the foraging frequency for invertebrate animals such as insects was high, but less than 30% in winter. In contrast, the magpies preyed upon plants and seeds at the frequency of 10% and 30%, respectively, in spring, while the foraging frequencies for both of them were 100% in winter and higher than any of other seasons. Eggshells and bones of birds were also detected infrequently. If the density of the magpies, which may play role as the upper predator within the ecosystem, increases, it would be expected to affect directly the reduction of the number of the species and population of endemic animals such as small birds and reptiles, etc. Therefore, it is considered that long-term monitoring for the density of the magpies and precaution is prerequisite to minimize adverse effects on ecosystem.