• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.946-950
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• 2010

This study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of meat processing-related organic acids on Burkholderia thailandensis (Burkholderia pseudomallei surrogate) with different water activities. B. thailandensis KACC12027 (4 log CFU/mL) was inoculated in microwell plates containing tryptic soy broth pH-adjusted to 4, 5, 6, and 7 with ascorbic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid and with water activities adjusted to 0.94, 0.96, 0.98, and 1.0 with NaCl, followed by incubation at $35^{\circ}C$ for 30 h. The optical density (OD) of the samples was measured at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 30 h at 595 nm to estimate the growth of B. thailandensis. Growth of B. thailandensis was observed only at water activity of 1.0. In general, more bacterial growth (p<0.05) was observed at pH 6 than at pH 7, and the antimicrobial effects of the organic acids on B. thailandensis were in the following order: Ascorbic acid > lactic acid > citric acid after incubation at $35^{\circ}C$ for 30 h. These results indicate that organic acids in meat processing-related formulations should be useful in decreasing the risk related to an emerging high risk agent (B. pseudomallei).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.8
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• pp.1050-1061
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• 2009

The present study was performed to evaluate energy and nutrients intakes of stroke patients in Daegu Gyeongbuk region, and to analyze the relative risk of stroke related to the intake levels of energy and nutrients. The case subjects (n=100) were selected from newly diagnosed stroke patients at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The control subjects (n=150) were selected from community residents who did not have stroke history and were sex and age-matched with the case subjects. The survey was conducted by individual interviews by trained dietitians using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires. The odds ratios were calculated by using unconditional logistic regression. In male subjects, patient group had significantly higher consumption than the control group in mean daily intakes of energy, all energy yielding nutrients, vitamin $B_1$, $B_6$, niacin, folic acid, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and dietary fiber, and also in the ratio of energy intake from protein and fat. In women subjects, the patient group consumed significantly lower intakes than the control group in fat, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin E, iron, but vice versa in carbohydrate energy ratio. As for men, the increased intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate vitamin $B_1$, E and niacin, zinc, total fatty acids, monoand poly-unsaturated, n-6 fatty acids significantly raised the relative risk of stroke. As for women, the increased intakes of fat, vitamin A, $B_2$, $B_6$, niacin, vitamin C and E, iron, sodium, potassium, selenium, mono-, poly-unsaturated, n-6 fatty acids, cholesterol, taurine and dietary fiber significantly lowered the relative risk of stroke. The results of the study demonstrated that the effect of several nutrient intake levels, such as niacin, vitamin E and fatty acids, on the relative risk of stroke was inconsistent between sex. The reason for this sex difference needs to be elucidated in a larger scale study.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.209-215
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• 2010

This study is an endeavor to evaluate the risk assessment of hazardous(aflatoxin $B_1$) in medicines from oriental medical prescription which are circulated much recently. For that, twelve globular and granule types, seven liquid types of herbal medicine were bought to compare and analyze the content of aflatoxin aflatoxin B_1), which are harmful to human body. Woo Hwang Cheong Sim Hwan of Aflatoxin $B_1$ concentration lower than the standard accepted by all the products have been detected, B company(tradition) is the concentration of $1.24\;{\mu}g/kg$, C company $1.04\;{\mu}g/kg$, A company(tradition) and B company did not detect. And the general pill of aflatoxin B1 concentration lower than the standard accepted by all the products have been detected, S-1 is the concentration of $1.8\;{\mu}g/kg$, S-2 of $1.04\;{\mu}g/kg$, S-3 of $0.88\;{\mu}g/kg$, S-4 of $9.32\l\;{\mu}g/kg$, S-6 of $7.8\;{\mu}g/kg$, S-5 did not detect. All the products eundan allowed in the concentration of aflatoxin $B_1$ levels were lower than detection, D company of $0.96\;{\mu}g/kg$, E company concentration was not detected. The liquid product of aflatoxin $B_1$ concentration was found liwer than the standard accepted by all the product, L-3 concentration of $0.8\;{\mu}g/kg$, K-4 was detected in the $1.16\;{\mu}g/kg$, L-1 and L-2 is not detected, L-5 concentration of $15\;{\mu}g/kg$, L-7 is detected as $1.08\;{\mu}g/kg$ and, L-6 was not detected.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2013

Objective : The introduction and development of the embolic protecting device (EPD) has resulted in a decreased rate of stroke after carotid artery stenting (CAS). The authors performed a retrospective study to investigate the risk factors for developing large emboli after CAS which can lead to ischemic events. Methods : A total of 35 consecutive patients who underwent CAS between January 2009 and March 2012 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups including those with small emboli (group A; grade 1, 2) and those with large emboli (group B; grade 3, 4). The size and number of emboli were assigned one of four grades (1=no clots, 2=1 or 2 small clots, 3=more than 3 small clots, 4=large clots) by microscopic observation of the EPD after CAS. We compared demographic characteristics, medical history, and angiographic findings of each group. Results : Thirty-five patients underwent CAS, and technical success was achieved in all cases. Twenty-three patients were included in group A and 12 patients in group B. Our results demonstrated that advanced age [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.52; p=0.044] and smoking (OR 42.06; CI 2.828-625.65, p=0.006) were independent risk factors for developing large emboli after CAS. Conclusion : In patients with carotid artery stenosis treated with CAS, advanced age and smoking increased the number and size of emboli. Although use of an EPD is controversial, it may be useful in CAS in patients with risk factors for large emboli in order to reduce the risk of ischemic events.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.4131-4136
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• 2016

Background: The population in northeast Thailand continues to present with hepatobiliary abnormalities, particularly periductal fibrosis (PDF) which is the result of chronic infection with liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverini; OV) and may lead to the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Although the prevalence of OV infection has been decreased due to a liver fluke control program over decades, the prevalence of PDF remains high. This study aimed to investigate demographic factors associated with PDF risk based on ultrasonography (US) screening. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP), a prospective cohort study. Multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results: In 55,246 subjects, the overall prevalence of PDF was 33.0% (95%CI: 32.6 - 33.4). Males (33.9 %) were at higher risk for developing PDF than females (32.2 %) (ORcrude = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.89 - 0.96; p-value < 0.001). Factors associated with an increased PDF risk, in addition to OV infection, included old age (${\geq}70$ years) (ORadj = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14 - 1.44, p < 0.001) and hepatitis B infection (ORadj = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11 - 1.55, p = 0.001). In contrast, number of praziquantel treatments (> 2 times) (ORadj = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47 - 0.63, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (ORadj = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.49 - 0.65, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a decreased PDF risk. Conclusions: Future US screening should closely examine older people and hepatitis B subjects for the purpose of PDF surveillance among high risk groups for CCA. However, the results of inverse associations require further investigation in order to confirm our findings.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3B
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• pp.243-252
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• 2011

The change of rainfall pattern due to recent climate change increases the occurrence probability of drought in Korea. Unlike other natural disasters, a drought has long duration, extensive area subject to damage, and greater socioeconomic damage than other disasters. In order to evaluate drought severity, meteorological drought indices are mainly used in practice. This study presents a more realistic method to evaluate drought severity considering drought climate factors as well as socioeconomic factors which are vulnerable to disaster. To perform a spatial evaluation of drought risk in Gyeongsang-do, drought risk was defined and analyzed through the hazard index and the vulnerability index. The drought hazard index was spatially assessed using the drought index and GIS. The drought vulnerability index was also spatially assessed using the 5 socioeconomic factors. As a result, the drought risks were compared and used for evaluating regional drought risk considering regional characteristics of Gyeongsang-do.

• Knee surgery & related research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.334-340
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• 2018

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to compare clinical results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the Attune and PFC Sigma knee designs and to investigate whether the use of the Attune prosthesis increased the risk of patellar injury in Asian patients. Materials and Methods: Three hundred knees that underwent TKA using Attune (group A) were compared to 300 knees that underwent TKA using PFC Sigma (group B). The Knee Society Knee Score (KS) and Function Score (FS), and range of motion (ROM) were compared. The residual patellar thickness was compared to evaluate the risk of patellar injury. Results: The postoperative KS and ROM of group A were better than those of group B (93.1 vs. 88.8, p<0.001 and $131.4^{\circ}$ vs. $129.0^{\circ}$, p=0.008, respectively). The postoperative FS did not differ significantly between the two groups (80.9 vs. 78.7, p=0.427). The residual patella was thinner in group A (14.8 mm vs. 15.7 mm, p=0.003), which made up a higher proportion of the high-risk group for patellar fractures with a residual thickness of <12 mm (7.5% vs. 2.1%, p=0.003). Conclusions: TKA using the Attune prosthesis provided more favorable clinical results than TKA using PFC Sigma. However, the risk of injury in the residual patella was increased with use of the Attune prosthesis in Asian patients.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.61-70
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• 2021

Purpose: The study aims at identifying patient-related and environmental factors associated with an increased risk of falling and, therefore, both caregivers and designers can be aware of fall risk factors and can contribute to prevent inpatient falls in their own areas of expertise. Methods: A case-control study has been conducted, utilizing patient data and physical environmental data in the unit of General Medicine in the United States. The case-control study investigated data about patients who had suffered falls as well as patients with similar characteristics (e.g., age, gender, and diagnosis) who did not suffer falls. Results: The study identified both patient-related and physical environmental factors associated with inpatient falls. Morse fall risk score, patient visibility, and patient accessibilityB were identified as significant predictors to inpatient falls, when controlling for other significant variables. Implications: The findings of the study can provide implications to both caregivers and healthcare and hospital environment designers. Caregivers should give special attention to patients with high Morse Fall Risk Scores to prevent inpatient falls. Designers also need to examine and to fine-tune the unit layout of inpatient care units to maximize each patient room's patient visibility from the rest of the unit and patient accessibilityB from working areas of nurses.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1B
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• pp.61-70
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• 2010

This research presents a methodology to define and apply appropriate index that can measure the risk of regional flood damage. Pressure-State-Response structure has been used to develop the Flood Risk Index(FRI), which allows for a comparative analysis of flood risk assessment between different sub-basins. FRI is a rational assessment method available to improve disaster preparedness and the prevention of losses. The pressure and state index for flood at 117 sub-basins from the year 1980s until the t 10s showed proportional relations, but state index did not decrease even though response index increased. This shows that pressures for flood damage relatively exceed countermeasure for flood. Thus this means we need to strengthen design criteria for flood countermeasure in the future. The FRI is gradually going down in consequence of continuous flood control projects. Flood risk of Han River and Nakdong River area is relatively lower than that of Geum, Seumjin, and Youngsan River area.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.41-45
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• 2001

The methods used for risk assessment from exposure to chemicals are well established. in most cases where toxicity other than carcinogenesis is being considered, the standard method relies on establishing the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in the most sensitive animal toxicity study and using an appropriate safety factor (SF) to determine the exposure which would be associated with an acceptable risk. For carcinogens a different approach is used because it has been argued there is no threshold of effect. Thus mathematical equations are used to extrapolate from the high doses used in ani-mal experiments. These methods have been strongly criticised in recent years on several grounds. The most cogent criticisms are a) the equations are not based on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and b) the outcome of a risk assessment based on such models varies more as a consequence of changes to the assumptions and equation used than it does from the data derived from carcinogenicity experiments. Other criticisms include the absence of any measure of the variance on the risk assessment and the selection of default values that are very conservative. Recent advances in the application of risk assessment emphasise that measures of both the exposure and the hazard should be considered as a distribution of values. The outcome of such a risk assessment provides an estimate of the distribution of the risks.