• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.170-177
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• 2016

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the total heavy metals contents and chemical forms in the animal manure compost. Materials and methods: A total of 109 compost samples were collected throughout the country and classified into three groups in accordance with the raw materials; pig manure, poultry manure and mixed(pig+poultry+cattle) manure. The compost samples were analyzed for total metal content and sequential chemical extraction to estimate the quantities of metals. Results: Concentrations of Zn and Cu in several compost samples were higher than the maximum acceptable limits by the Korea Compost Quality Standards. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Cd in compost samples were 257~5,102, 68~1,243, and 0.02~2.54 mg/kg respectively, while Cr, Ni, As, and Pb were < 20 mg/kg. The concentrations of heavy metals in pig manure compost were higher than those of both the poultry and the mixed manure compost. The predominant forms for extracted metals were Cr, Ni, Zn, As, and Pb, residual; Cu, organic; and Cd, carbonate. Conclusions: Results indicate that the Zn and Cu contents in compost were higher than other heavy metals and the heavy metal contents were greater in pig manure compost followed by mixed and poultry manure compost. To prevent the accumulation of heavy metals in soil where animal manure compost is applied, strategy for reducing heavy metal concentrations in animal manure and compost must be considered.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.54-65
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• 2017

Although cancer/testis antigen DDX53 confers anti-cancer drug-resistance, the effect of DDX53 on cancer stem cell-like properties and autophagy remains unknown. MDA-MB-231 ($CD133^+$) cells showed higher expression of DDX53, SOX-2, NANOG and MDR1 than MDA-MB-231 ($CD133^-$). DDX53 increased in vitro self-renewal activity of MCF-7 while decreasing expression of DDX53 by siRNA lowered in vitro self-renewal activity of MDA-MB-231. DDX53 showed an interaction with EGFR and binding to the promoter sequences of EGFR. DDX53 induced resistance to anti-cancer drugs in MCF-7 cells while decreased expression of DDX53 by siRNA increased the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 to anti-cancer drugs. Negative regulators of DDX53, such as miR-200b and miR-217, increased the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 to anti-cancer drugs. MDA-MB-231 showed higher expression of autophagy marker proteins such as ATG-5, $pBeclin1^{Ser15}$ and LC-3I/II compared with MCF-7. DDX53 regulated the expression of marker proteins of autophagy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. miR-200b and miR-217 negatively regulated the expression of autophagy marker proteins. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed the direct regulation of ATG-5. The decreased expression of ATG-5 by siRNA increased the sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, DDX53 promotes stem cell-like properties, autophagy, and confers resistance to anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.473-480
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• 2024

We systematically reviewed radiological abnormalities in patients with prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as persistently positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results for SARS-CoV-2 for > 21 days, with either persistent or relapsed symptoms. We extracted data from 24 patients (median age, 54.5 [interquartile range, 44-64 years]) reported in the literature and analyzed their representative CT images based on the timing of the CT scan relative to the initial PCR positivity. Our analysis focused on the patterns and distribution of CT findings, severity scores of lung involvement on a scale of 0-4, and the presence of migration. All patients were immunocompromised, including 62.5% (15/24) with underlying lymphoma and 83.3% (20/24) who had received anti-CD20 therapy within one year. Median duration of infection was 90 days. Most patients exhibited typical CT appearance of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), including ground-glass opacities with or without consolidation, throughout the follow-up period. Notably, CT severity scores were significantly lower during ≤ 21 days than during > 21 days (P < 0.001). Migration was observed on CT in 22.7% (5/22) of patients at ≤ 21 days and in 68.2% (15/22) to 87.5% (14/16) of patients at > 21 days, with rare instances of parenchymal bands in previously affected areas. Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection usually presents as migrating typical COVID-19 pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, especially those with impaired B-cell immunity.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.321-326
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• 1999

This study was performed to evaluate the quality of produced compost and to analyse the change of a component during the reduction compost according to the input volume. The volume of pilot scale used in this study was about 300㎥. The pile of 2m width, 20m length and 1.2m height was constructed. Woodchip was used as bulking agent to enhance pore volume of composting bay and to control water content of food waste in starting time. Food waste was turned using a mechanical tumer twice a day. The result are as follows : In these cases of input volume of $2m^3$ and $3.5m^3$, temperature of composting pile was maintained over $60^{\circ}C$ and water content was 43.6% and 47.2%, respectively. It was proved that microorganisms activity was maintained high in each input volume. After operation of step 1 and step 2, pH and organic matter in the final compost were 6.2, 6.6 and 84.3%, 79.6%, respectively. Cation concentration such as $K_2O,$ CaO and NaCl was accumulated in the compost during the composting period. NaCl concentration in the final compost was 4.62%, 4.92%, respectively. Hence, If was recommended that this compost should be applied to others expect agricultural area or mixed with a low concentration other compost. In the steps 1, input volume of $2m^3$, heavy metal concentration of Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni. Cd were 37.82㎎/㎏, 56.87㎎/㎏, 9.8㎎/㎏. 22.21㎎/㎏ and 3.69㎎/㎏, and 44.55㎎/㎏, 95.54㎎/㎏, 12.22㎎/㎏, 24.94㎎/㎏, and 3.86㎎/㎏ in the step 2.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.85-96
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• 2007

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are promising candidates for cell-based therapies. One major obstacle for their clinical use is the unsafety of fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is a crucial part of all media currently used for the culture of MSC. We investigated the effect of human cord serum (HCS) on the growth response, mRNA and protein expressions of human amnion-derived stem cells (HAM). HAM were isolated from the amnion after a Caesarean section and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 5% HCS or 10% HCS. During culture, their biological characteristics at earlier and later passages were analyzed using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Regardless of serum sources, HAM showed the prominent expression of Oct-4, Rex-1, SCF, FGF-5, BMP-4, nestin, GATA-4, NCAM and HLA ABC genes. The expression profile was observed even at later passages. Similarly, HAM cultured in either FBS or HCS exhibited the distinct protein expression of collagen I, II, III and XII, fibronectin, $\alpha$-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, CK18, CD54, FSP, TRA-1-60, SSEA-3, -4 and HLA ABC. However, desmin expression was only observed in HAM cultured in medium supplemented with FBS and vWF expression was only found in HAM cultured in medium supplemented with HCS. Overall pattern of gene and protein expression of HAM was typical of known adult stem cells such as bone marrow-derived MSC. In conclusion, HCS could be as effective as FBS for the culture of HAM.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.117-127
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• 2012

The beneficial effects of adipose-derived stem cell conditioned media (ADSC-CM) for skin regeneration have previously been reported, despite the precise mechanism of how ADSC-CM promotes skin regeneration remaining unclear. ADSC-CM contains various secretomes and this may be a factor in it being a good resource for the treatment of skin conditions. It is also known that ADSC-CM produced in hypoxia conditions, in other words Advanced Adipose-Derived Stem cell Protein Extract (AAPE), has excellent skin regenerative properties. In this study, a human primary skin cell was devised to examine how AAPE affects human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and human keratinocyte (HK), which both play fundamental roles in skin regeneration. The promotion of collagen formation by HDFs was observed at 0.32 mg/ml of AAPE. AAPE treatment significantly stimulated stress fiber formation. DNA gene chips demonstrated that AAPE in HKs (p<0.05) affected the expression of 133 identifiable transcripts, which were associated with cell proliferation, migration, cell adhesion, and response to wounding. Twenty five identified proteins, including MMP, growth factor and cytokines such as CD54, FGF-2, GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-6, VEGF, TGF-${\beta}2$, TGF-${\beta}3$, MMP-1, MMP-10, and MMP-19, were contained in AAPE via antibody arrays. Thus, AAPE might activate the HK biological function and induce the collagen synthesis of HDF. These results demonstrate that AAPE has the potential to be used for clinic applications aimed at skin regeneration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.9
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• pp.373-379
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• 2011

Purpose: 4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, $IgG_1$, and $IgG_{2a}$ levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated. Results: In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific $IgG_1$ levels and increased serum $IgG_{2a}$ level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue. Conclusion: Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.337-347
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• 2014

There is no known publication about assessment of quality of life (QOL) in Korean HIV patients. We aimed to assess the QOL of HIV patients. We developed Korean version of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF (short forms of WHOQOL-HIV, 31 questions with 6 domains). Survey data from 220 HIV-positive adults were obtained in 14 centers in South Korea. Male were dominant (202/220, 91.8%). Mean age was $40.6{\pm}12.1$. Mean CD4+ T-cell count was $414.9{\pm}226.6/ml$. Overall of WHOQOL-HIV BREF were $53.2{\pm}14.9$ (perfect score=100) (Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ = 0.942). It is similar score comparing to another country (Portugal: 54.75/100, measured by WHOQOL-HIV). Correlations of WHOQOL-HIV BREF score with patients' subjective QOL and with subjective satisfaction were 0.747 (p <0.01) and 0.651 (p <0.01), respectively. WHOQOL-HIV BREF have internal reliability. There is in need of monitoring for QOL of HIV patients in the clinical practice and trials. This survey tool could be used to assess the effect of intervention. Additionally, comparison across countries would be possible and promising.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.181-186
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• 1998

The effects of sewage treatment on characteristics of sludge as a composting material were investigated for a year during the initial operation at the full-scale Chunan sewage treatment plant. Due to the shortage of design capacity of belt press, a sludge dewatering unit, non-volatile solids were recirculating and concentrating in the treatment plant, resulting in an increase of MLSS and a decrease in F/M ratio at the activated sludge system. Special attention is required for long term operations since the increase of non-volatile solids in the plant would deteriorates the treatment efficiency. The sewage sludge of the Chunan sewage treatment plant showed 79.5% of water content, 11.6% of organic content, and C/N ratio of 6.1, and contained As 1.8 mg/kg, Cd 27 mg/kg, Hg <0.1 mg/kg, Pb 54 mg/kg, T-Cr 370 mg/kg, and Cu 1,100mg/kg of heavy metals. In order to be used as raw material for optimum composting, the sewage sludge requires bulking agents for moistrure/porosity control and a carbon source for adjusting C/N ratio. However, the sewage sludge is not adequate as a soil conditioner after composing due to a high content of heavy metals. If the sewage sludge has to he used as a soil conditioner after composting, it as required to identify and remove tire industrial wastewater portions in tire influent of the plant since heavy metals in the influent were mostly concentrated in dewatered sludge.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.917-927
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• 2018

Seven heavy metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) were continuously analyzed for twenty rainfall events in 2017~2018 in an urban basin. The overall and dynamic correlations between runoff characteristics and heavy metal concentrations were examined. The peak metal concentration generally appeared in the initial runoff but found to be delayed when the rainfall intensity was low. The rainfall duration had no relationship with either heavy metal concentrations or their total mass. Dynamics of heavy metal mass (load), with the exception of Cu and Zn, showed strong correlation with the 30 minute rainfall intensity (0.60~0.88) and runoff volume (0.74~0.89). While event mean concentration (EMC) showed positive correlation (0.54~0.73) with antecedent dry days (ADD), no significant relationship was found between runoff volume and pollutant concentration. This implies that the pollutants built up on the surface during dry days are washed off even with low rainfall energy. The dynamics of heavy metal and TSS concentrations showed good correlation (0.68~0.87). This result shows that the metals are transported along with solid particles as adsorbate in surface runoff. Regular street sweeping will reduce significant amount of heavy metal loads in urban surface runoff.