• The Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2012

Background: Leukocyte reduction filters are widely used to prevent transfusion reactions caused by leukocytes in blood components. Commercial filters are not sufficient for removal of leukocytes for prevention of transfusion associated graft-versus-host disease; therefore, irradiation of blood components was performed using expensive equipment. Techniques using an aptamer substituted for antibody have been developed and are available in clinical areas. The purpose of this study is to develop the aptamer filter system and to evaluate its efficiency and the possibility of its clinical application. Methods: Aptamers targeted to CD45 were selected by the Postech Aptamer Initiative. The aptamer filter in which aptamers attached to beads were bound to leukocytes and removed by magnetic field was developed. Filtration of 14 units of leukoreduction-red blood provided by Korean Red Cross Blood Services was performed using aptamer filters. Leukocyte removal rate and red cell recovery rate were evaluated and bacterial culture was performed. Results: After filtration using the aptamer filters, 45.6% of leukocytes were additionally removed and the red cell recovery rate was 92.8%. No growth in the bacterial culture was observed. Conclusion: In order to apply the cell depletion technique utilizing an aptamer to blood filter system, we developed and evaluated the aptamer filter system. Through improvement of the binding efficiency of the aptamer and the filtering process, and application of the various aptamers for other different cells, we suggest that this technique can be applied in the clinical area, such as a substitution for the irradiation process for TAGVHD prevention.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.37-45
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• 2023

The surge in food delivery systems during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic necessitated this study of heavy metal migration from food contact materials (FCMs). A total of 104 samples of FCMs, comprising 51 polypropylene (PP), 21 polyethylene (PE), and 32 polystyrene (PS) samples of six different types of FCMs (containers, covers, table utensils, cups, pouches, and wrappers) used for food delivery distributed in Korea, were collected and investigated for migration of three heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and As) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine whether they complied with Korea's Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers, and Packages. Acetic acid (4%, v/v) was used as the food simulant, and tests were performed at 100℃ (in harsh conditions) for 30 min. Linearity of Pb, Cd, and As showed acceptable results with a coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.9999. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of Pb, Cd, and As were 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001 ㎍/L and 0.002, 0.003, and 0.003 ㎍/L, respectively. Accuracy and precision results complied with the criteria presented in the European Commission Joint Research Centre guidelines. The average concentration of Pb, Cd, and As migration detected in a total of 104 samples was 0.009-0.260 ㎍/L, which was very low compared with the migration specification set in the Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers, and Packages. The maximum level of Pb corresponded to 0.23% of the migration limit. There were no samples exceeding the limit. Thus, this study confirmed that the heavy metal contents of FCMs used for delivery food distributed in Korea were safely managed. The data from this study represent an invaluable source for science-based safety management of hazardous heavy metals migrating from FCMs used in the food delivery industry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.569-583
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• 1995

Background: The expression of the adhesion molecules on the cell surface is important in the movement of cells and the modulation of immune response. DILD starts as an alveolitis and progresses to pulmonary fibrosis. So adhesion molecules in these patients is expected to be increased. There are several reports about adhesion molecules in DILD in terms of the percentage of positive cells in immuno-stain, in which the interpretation is subjective and the data were variable. Methods: So we measured the relative median fluorescence intensity(RMFI) which is the ratio of the FI emitted by bound primary monoclonal antibody to FI emitted by isotypic control antibody of the cells in BALF of 28 patients with DILD(IPF:10, collagen disease:7, sarcoidosis:9, hypersensitivity pneumonitis:2) and 9 healthy control. Results: RMFI of the ICAM-1 on AM($3.30{\pm}1.16$) and lymphocyte($5.39{\pm}.70$) of DILD were increased significantly than normal control($0.93{\pm}0.18$, $1.06{\pm}0.21$, respectively, p=0.001, P=0.003). RMFI of the CD18 on lymphocyte was also higher($24.9{\pm}14.9$) than normal($4.59{\pm}3.77$, p=0.0023). And there was a correlation between RMFI of ICAM on AM and the % of AM(r=-0.66, p=0.0001) and lymphocyte(r=0.447, p=0.0116) in BALF. Also RMFI of ICAM on lymphocyte had a significant (r=0.593, p=0.075) correlation with the % of IL-2R(+) lymphocyte in BALF. The soluble ICAM(sICAM) in serum was also significantly elevated in DILD($499.7{\pm}222.2\;ng/ml$) compred to normal($199.0{\pm}38.9$) (p=0.00097) and sICAM in BAL fluid was also significantly higher than normal control group($41.8{\pm}23.0\;ng/ml$ vs $20.1{\pm}13.6\;ng/ml$). There was a Significant correlation between sICAM level in serum and the expression of ICAM-l on AM(r=0.554, p=0.0259).Conclusion: These data suggest that in DILD the expression of adhesion molecules is increased in the AM and BAL lymphocytes with elevated serum sICAM, and these parameter may be useful in determining disease activity.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.375-387
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• 2012

The objective of this study is investigation of contamination levels and assessment of health risk effects of heavy metals in herbal pills. 31 Items and 93 samples were obtained for this investigation from major herbal medicine producing areas, herbal markets and on-line supermarkets from Jan to Jun in 2010. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method was conducted for the quantitative analysis of Pb, Cd and As. In addition, the mercury analyzer system was conducted for that of Hg without sample digestion. The average contents of heavy metals in samples were as follows : 0.87 mg/kg for Pb, 0.08 mg/kg for Cd, 2.87 mg/kg for As and 0.16 mg/kg for Hg, respectively. In addition, the average contents of heavy metals in different parts of plants, including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were 0.63 mg/kg, 3.94 mg/kg, 1.42 mg/kg, 1.05 mg/kg, 0.16 mg/kg, 22.31 mg/kg and 10.17 mg/kg, respectively. After the estimations of dietary exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the average daily dose (ADD), the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the relative hazard of heavy metals were evaluated. As the results, the relative hazards compared to PTWI in samples were below the recommended standard of JECFA as Pb 3.1%, Cd 0.9%, Hg 0.5%. Cancer risks through slope factor (SF) by Ministry of Environment Republic Korea and Environmental Protection Agency was $4.24{\times}10^{-7}$ for Pb and $3.38{\times}10^{-4}$ for As (assuming that the total arsenic content was equal to the inorganic arsenic). Based on our results, possible Pb-induced cancer risks in herbal pills according to parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were $1.95{\times}10^{-7}$, $1.45{\times}10^{-6}$, $2.14{\times}10^{-7}$, $6.27{\times}10^{-7}$, $1.99{\times}10^{-8}$, $3.61{\times}10^{-7}$ and $9.64{\times}10^{-8}$, respectively. Possible As-induced cancer risks in herbal pills by parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were $1.54{\times}10^{-5}$, $7.24{\times}10^{-5}$, $1.23{\times}10^{-4}$, $2.02{\times}10^{-5}$, $3.25{\times}10^{-6}$, $2.18{\times}10^{-3}$ and $5.67{\times}10^{-6}$ respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that the majority of samples except for some samples with relative high contents of heavy metals were safe.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.453-473
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• 1992

Background: National survey was performed to estimate the incidence of sarcoidosis in Korea. The clinical data of confirmed cases were analysed for the practice of primary care physicians and pulmonary specialists. Methods: The period of study was from January 1991 to December 1992. Data were retrospectively collected by correspondence with physicians in departments of internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology and neurology of the hospitals having more than 100 beds using returning postcards. In confirmed and suspicious cases of sardoidosis, case record chart for clinical and laboratory findings were obtained in detail. Results: 1) Postcards were sent to 523 departments in 213 hospitals. Internal medicine composed 41%, dermatology 20%, ophthalmology 20% and neurology 19%. 2) Postcards were returned from 241 departments (replying rates was 48%). 3) There were 113 confirmed cases from 50 departments and 10 cases. The cases were composed from internal medicine (81%), dermatology (13%), ophthalmology (3%) and neurology (3%). 78 confirmed cases were analysed, which were composed from department of internal medicine (92%), dermatology (5%), and neurology (3%). 4) The time span for analysed cases was 1980 to 1992. one case was analysed in 1980 and the number gradually increased to 18 cases in 1991. 5) The majority of patients (84.4%) were in the age group of 20 to 49 years. 6) The ratio of male to female was 1 : 1.5. 7) The most common chief complains were respiratory symptoms, dermatologic symptoms, generalized discomforts, visual changes, arthralgia, abdominal pains, and swallowing difficulties in order. 16% of the patients were asymptomatic. 8) Mean duration between symptom onset and diagnosis was 2 months. 9) The most common symptoms were respiratory, general, dermatologic, ophthalmologic, neurologic and cardiac origin in order. 10) Hemoglobin, hematocrits and platelet were in normal range. 58% of the patients had lymphopenia measuring less than 30% of white cell count. The ratio of CD4 to CD8 lymphocytes was $1.73{\pm}1.16$ with range of 0.43 to 4.62. ESR was elevated in 43% of the cases. 11) Blood chemistry was normal in most cases. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (S-ACE) was $66.8{\pm}58.6\;U/L$ with the range of 8.79 to 265 U /L. Proteinuria of more than 150 mg was found in 42. 9% of the patients. 12) Serum IgG was elevated in 43.5%, IgA in 45.5%, IgM in 59.1% and IgE in 46.7%. The levels of complement C3 and C4 were in the normal range. Anti-nuclear antibody was detected in 11% of the cases. Kweim test was performed in 3 cases, and in all cases the result was positive. 13) FVC was decreased in 17.3%, FEV1 in 11.5%, FEV1/FVC in 10%, TLC in 15.2%, and DLco in 64.7%. 14) PaO2 was decreased below 90 mmHg in 48.6% and PaCO2 was increased above 45 mmHg in 5.7%. 15) The percentage of macrophages in BAL fluid was $51.4{\pm}19.2%$, lymphocytes $44.4{\pm}21.1%$, and the ratio of CD4 to CD8 lymphocytes was $3.41{\pm}2.07$. 16) There was no difference in laboratory findings between male and female. 17) Hilar enlargement on chest PA was present in 87.9% (bilaterally in 78.8% and unilaterally in 9.1%). 18) According to Siltzbach's classification, stage 0 was 5%, stage 158.3%, stage 228.3%, and stage 38.3%. 19) Hilart enlargement on chest CT was present in 92.6% (bilaterally 76.4% and unilaterally in 16.2%). 20) HRCT was done in 16 cases. The most common findings were nodules, interlobular thickening, focal patchy infiltrations in order. Two cases was normal finding. 21) Other radiologic examinations showed bone change in one case and splenomegaly in two cases. 22) Gallium scan was done in 12 cases. Radioactivity was increased in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in 8 cases and in parenchyme in 2 cases. 23) The pathologic diagnosis was commonly performed by transbrochial lung biopsy (TBLB, 47.3%), skin and mediastinal lymph nodes biopsy (34.5%), peripheral lymph nodes biopsy (23.6%), open lung biopsy (18.2%) and bronchial biopsy in order. 24) The most common findings in pathology were non·caseating granuloma (100%), multi-nucleated giant cell (47.3%), hyalinized acellular scar (34.5%), reticulin fibrin network (20%), inclusion body (10.9%), necrosis (9.1%), and lymphangitic distribution of granuloma (1.8%) in order. Conclusion: Clinical, laboratory, radiologic and pathologic findings were summarized. This collected data will assist in finding a test for detection and staging of sarcoidosis in Korea in near future.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.457-467
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• 2003

Soil Precise Investigation(SPI) for river deposits and farmland soils around Goro abandoned Zn-mine, Korea was performed to assess the pollution level of heavy metals(As. Pb, Cd, Cu) and to estimate the remediation volume for contaminated soils. Total investigation area was about 950000 $m^2$, which was divided into each section of 1500 $m^2$ corresponding to one sampling site and 545 samples for surface soil(0-10cm in depth) and 192 samples for deep soil(10-30cm in depth) from the investigation area were collected for analysis. Concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb at all sample sites were shown to be lower than Soil Pollution Warning Limit(SPWL). For arsenic concentration, in surface soils, 20.5% of sample sites(104 sites) were over SPWL(6mg/kg) and 6.7%(34 sites) were over Soil Pollution Counterplan Limit(SPCL: 15mg/kg) suggesting that surface soils were broadly contaminated by As. For deep soils, 10.4% of sample sites(18 sites) were over SPWL and 0.6%(1 site) were over SPCL. Four pollution grades for sample locations were prescribed by the Law of Soil Environmental Preservation and Pollution Index(PI) for each soil sample was decided according to pollution grades(over 15.0 mg/kg, 6.00-15.00 mg/kg, 2.40-6.00 mg/kg, 1.23-6.00 mg/kg). The pollution contour map around Goro mine based on PI results was finally created to calculate the contaminated area and the remediation volume for contaminated soils. Remediation area with over SPWL concentration was about 0.3% of total area between Goro mine and a projected storage dam and 0.9% of total area was over 40% of SPWL. If the remediation target concentration was determined to over background level concentration, 1.1% of total area should be treated for remediation. Total soil volume to be treated for remediation was estimated on the assumption that the thickness of contaminated soil was 30cm. Soil volume to be remediated based on the excess of SPWL was estimated at 79,200$m^3$, soil volume exceeding 40% of SPWL was about 233,700 $m^3$, and soil volume exceeding the background level(1.23 mg/kg) was 290,760 TEX>$m^3$.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2014

An investigation of grain size, organic compounds and metal distribution in 23 sediment samples of the Geum-River basin (Korea) was conducted in two seasons of 2012 (dry season and rainy season). The samples of sediment were collected from the basin and investigated for concentrations of some metal and general indexes containing grain size. Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, Al and Li have been determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP) and the sediments organic matter content was determined by the loss on ignition, and sediments were fractionated with three different nylon sieves. Correlation analysis was made for grain size, organic material and metal concentrations, and the Pearson correlation coefficients between their concentrations were determined. As a result, the higher metal concentrations were found in the period of the dry season than in another season. The metal concentrations showed high correlation with that of organic material (COD and TOC). Thereby, the high distribution of metal concentrations in sediment containing high organic compound is suggesting an interaction with organic matter.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2006

Purpose : The reliability of hair mineral analyses regarding nutritional status, environmental exposure or diseases is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the normal reference range of hair mineral concentration of Korean children. Methods : We examined hair mineral concentrations of 223 children(3-12 yrs old, 110 boys, 113 girls, mean age $8.8{\pm}2.2$ yrs old) living in the northern area of Seoul. The trace elements including six toxic elements(Al, As, Cd, Ba, Hg, Pb) and 11 nutritional elements(Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) were analyzed by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). Results : The mean concentrations of Ca and Mg were higher in girls than in boys. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr were higher in boys than girls. The Zn, Ca, Mg, Cu and Hg levels in hair samples were positively correlated with increasing age. The Zn levels of the Korean children's hair samples appear to be lower than that of other countries' reference values. Conclusion : There are considerable differences in hair mineral concentrations by age, sex and race. Additional research is needed to establish Korean reference values, and to evaluate the usefulness of hair mineral analyses as a screening tool for nutrition- and environment-related childhood diseases.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.27-39
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• 1997

This study, collaborated Gifu University, Japan, was performed to analyze chemical pollutants and microorganism and to clarify the distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria and their insolubilization of heavy metal ions in leachates sampled seasonally between 1994 and 1996 from Nanjido waste landfill site, sampled 4 times between 1995 and 1996 from Pusan and Daejeon waste landfill site, and sampled 1 time between 1992 and 1994 from Hokkaido, Nagoya, Osaka and Hukuoka waste landfill site in Japan. The results were as follows: 1. The temperatures of internal leachate and leachate effluent were 40$\circ$C and 30$\circ$C, respectively, and the pH values of both leachates were about 8.0 at Nanjido waste landfill site. The concentration of SO$_4^{-2}$ gradually increased with the degree of stabilization and that of NO$_3$-N was detected in a part of sampling sites at one and half years, and in all sampling sites at 3 years after completion of landfill. 2. The organic substances in leachate of Nanjido waste landfill site decreased with the degree of stabilization and they were very fluctuated with measuring point and time. The concentration of organic substance and heavy metals in internal leachate were higher than in leachate effluent and those of Cd, Hg, and Pb were lower than detection limit except a part of samples in 1996. 3. APCs in internal leachate and leachate effluent were not much different and the minimum of APCs in internal leachate and leachate effluent were $1.0\times 10^4$/ml and $4.0\times 10^1$/ml, respectively. 4. The maximums of SRBs in Nanjido, Pusan, and Daejeon waste landfill site were 9180 MPN/ml, 24000 MPN/ml, and 348 MPN/ml, respectively and the maximum of SRBs in Japan waste landfill site was 9300 MPN/ml. 5. During 2-week-SRB culture, the values of MPN were high at 50$\circ$C for initial culture period and at 30$\circ$C for last culture period. MPN started to appear at first day and rapidly increased between 7th day and 9th day. 6. Cadmium and copper were insolubilized by SRB within 6 hr and iron and zinc were done within 48 hr. The rates of insolubilization of Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, T-Cr were 100%, 99.5%, 95.0%, 99.8%, 16.1% after 48 hr treatment with SRB, respectively.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.23-28
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• 2008

To improve the external quantum efficiency by means of the optimization of the polymer light emitting diodes(PLEDs) structure, the PLED with ITO/PEDOT:PSS/(PFO)/PFO:MEH-PPV/LiF/Al structure were fabricated and investigated the electrical and optical properties for the prepared devices. ITO(indium tin oxide) and PEDOT:PSS [poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfolnate)] were used as transparent anode film and hole transport materials, respectively. PFO[poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] and MEHPPV[poly(2-methoxy-5(2-ethylhe xoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinyle)] were used as the light emitting host and dopant materials. The doping concentration of MEH-PPV was 9wt% with thickness of about $400{\AA}$. We investigated the dependence of the PFO thickness ranging from $200{\AA}$ to $300{\AA}$ on the electrical, optical properties of PLEDs. Among prepared PLED devices with different PFO thicknesses, the highest value of the luminance was obtained for the PLED device with $250{\AA}$ in thickness. As a result, the current density and luminance ware found to be about $400mA/cm^2$ and $1500cd/m^2$ at 13V, respectively. In addition, the luminance and current efficiency of PLED device with double emitting layer (PFO/PFO:MEH-PPV) were improved about 3 times compared with the one with single emitting layer (PFO:MEH-PPV).