• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.287-298
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• 2022

This study investigated the changes in the physiochemical property, phytochemical content, nutritional content and antioxidant activity of Polygoni multiflori Radix by steam, aging, and fermentation. After processing Polygoni multiflori Radix (PMR), pH slightly decreased, while acidity increased (pH 5.70→4.78, acidity 0.23→0.29%). The reducing sugar content increased after aging and fermentation from 1.19 mg/g (PMR) to 1.40 (fermented PMR, FPMR), 1.30 (red PMR, RPMR), 1.53 (fermented red PMR, FRPMR), 1.99 (black PMR, BPMR), and 2.33 mg/g (fermented black PMR, FBPMR). Total phenolic content was highest in PMR (6.05 mg/g) and total flavonoids and maillard product were increased after aging and fermentation of PMR, and were the highest in BPMR (1.60 mg/g) and FBPMR (2.76 O.D.), respectively. The major phytochemical was 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-0-α-glucoside, which were highest in PMR (64.9 mg/g) with 46.47 mg/g at FPMR, 33.94 mg/g at RPMR, 48.76 mg/g at FRPMR, 36.68 mg/g at BPMR and 34.35 mg/g at FBPMR. The main fatty acids and free amino acids were detected as palmitic acid (C16:0) and proline, respectively. Generally, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical scavenging activities and FRAP reducing powers were shown high in PMR (39.06%, 98.32%, and 2.61 O.D. in extracts concentration 1.0 mg/mL), then were decreased after aging and fermentation.

• The Journal of KAIRB
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2020

Purpose: To obtain opinions from Korean Institutional Review Board (IRB) members' self-evaluation on ability to conduct fairness review of clinical trial protocol with presence of conflict of interest and from investigators and IRB members on financial conflict of interest through surveying. Methods: IRB members and researchers in 9 different hospitals were asked to answer survey questions via email. Results: Responders were 115 personnel (IRB Chair/vice 18, medical member 30, non-medical member 28, and researcher 39) from 9 centers. Compared to IRB medical members, IRB chair/vice respondents scored higher with statistically significance on 10 point scale (8.44±1.381 vs. 7.30±1.685, p=0.005) when asked to self-evaluate fairness reviewing a protocol proposed by an investigator from the same department and a protocol from the company that supports the scientific committee of responders. When reviewing a protocol proposed by a hospital director, non-medical members scored statistically significantly higher than medical-members (7.47±1.76 vs. 8.07±2.70, p=0.034). When asked about the limitation of labor fee for principal investigator on phase 3 Human clinical trials of the Investigational new drug, while the responses range was wide, 60% answered that labor cost of principal investigator should be less than 30% of total budget for clinical trials with a budget of 100 million won. 51.3% answered that there is no need to disclose the labor cost of the principal investigator in the consent form. Since every investigator can be influenced unconsciously by conflict of interest, the answer that 'responder agrees that there is need for management' was the most chosen answer (IRB member 61.8%, investigator 64.1%, multiple answers allowed). Conclusion: Considering scores on questions of fairness by IRB members were between 7.23-8.56 on scale of 0 to 10 point when IRB members were asked about reviewing a clinical trial protocol, it cannot be said with absolute certainty that there is no issue regarding fairness in the review process. Therefore, there should be more ways to safeguard fairness for these issues. There is a need that the disclosure amount of honorarium from sponsor should be lower than 100 million Korean won. Considering the results of the survey in which respondents expressed their thoughts, it is likely that more education on the concept of conflict of interest is needed.

• The Journal of KAIRB
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.37-48
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the operational status and level of understanding among IRB and HRPP staffs at a hospital or a research institute to the HRPP guideline set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and to provide recommendations. Methods: Online survey was distributed among members of Korean Association of IRB (KAIRB) through each IRB office. The result was separated according to topic and descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Result: Survey notification was sent out to 176 institutions and 65 (37.1%) institutions answered the survey by online. Of 65 institutions that answered the survey; 83.1% was hospital, 12.3% was university, 3.1% was medical college, 1.5% was research institution. 23 institutions (25.4%) established independent HRPP offices and 39 institutions (60.0%) did not. 12 institutions (18.5%) had separate IRB and HRPP heads, 21 (32.3%) institutions separated business reporting procedure and person in charge, 12 institutions separated the responsibility of IRB and HRPP among staff, and 45 institutions (69.2%) had audit & non-compliance managers. When asked about the most important basic task for HRPP, 23% answered self-audit. And according to 43.52%, self-audit was also the most by both institutions that operated HRPP and institutions that did not. When basic task performance status was analyzed, on average, the institutions that operated HRPP was 14% higher than institutions that only operated IRB. 9 (13.8%) institutions were evaluated and obtained HRPP accreditation from MFDS and the most common reason for obtaining the accreditation was to be selected as Institution for the education of persons conducting clinical trial (6 institutions). The most common reason for not obtaining HRPP accreditation was because of insufficient staff and limited capacity of the institution (28%). Institutions with and without a plan to be HRPP accredited by MFDS were 20 (37.7%) each. 34 institutions (52.3%) answered HRPP evaluation method and accreditation by MFDS was appropriate while 31 institutions (47.7%) answered otherwise. 36 institutions answered that HRPP evaluation and accreditation by MFDS was credible while 29 institutions (44.5%) answered that HRPP evaluation method and accreditation by MFDS was not credible. Conclusion: 1. MFDS's HRPP accreditation program can facilitate the main objective of HRPP and MFDS's HRPP accreditation program should be encouraged to non-tertiary hospitals by taking small staff size into consideration and issuing accreditation by segregating accreditation. 2. While issuing Institution for the education of persons conducting clinical trial status as a benefit of MFDS's HRPP accreditation program, it can also hinder access to MFDS's HRPP accreditation program. It should also be considered that the non-contact culture during COVID-19 pandemic eliminated time and space limitation for education. 3. For clinical research conducted internally by an institution, internal audit is the most effective and sole method of protecting safety and right of the test subjects and integrity for research in Korea. For this reason, regardless of the size of the institution, an internal audit should be enforced. 4. It is necessary for KAIRB and MFDSto improve HRPP awareness by advocating and educating the concept and necessity of HRPP in clinical research. 5. A new HRPP accreditation system should be setup for all clinical research with human subjects, including Investigational New Drug (IND) application in near future.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.163-174
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• 2018

Rice cultivation is immensely affected by many climatic factors including temperature, precipitation, etc, and imbalanced climatic conditions negatively affect the growth of rice. In this study, we investigated the effects of different agroclimatic zones of Chungnam Province on rice quality and examined the correlations between climatic characteristics and rice yield components. Average temperatures and rainfall were higher in 'Western Sobaek Inland' than those in the 'South Western coastal zone, and precipitation records showed a wide variation among counties due to typhoons during the examined periods. The average accumulative temperature affecting the magnitude of production during reproductive growth periods was higher in "Cheon-An", "Gong-Ju", "Yeon-Gi (Se-Jong)", "Bo-Ryeong", and "Dang-Jin" counties than those in other counties. The plant height was higher in 'Western Sobaek Inland' counties such as "Yeon-Gi(Se-Jong)" and "Cheon-An", and 'Southern Charyeong Plain' counties such as "Cheong-Yang", "Dang-Jin", and "A-San", than those in other counties. The number of tillers during the 40 days after rice transplantation in "Seo-Cheon" and "Bo-Ryeong" counties increased compared to other counties. This result was relevant to the fact that the date of rice transplantation in those counties was 3 to 4 days later than those in other counties of Chung-Nam Province. The average yield (milled rice basis) was the highest in 'Western Sobaek Inland' zone, showing 3,756 kg ha^-1, followed by 'Southern Charyeong Plain' zone showing 3,621kg ha^-1, and was the lowest in 'South Western coastal zone by 3,315kg ha^-1. "Yeon-Gi(Se-Jong)" and "Dang-Jin" counties showed the highest yields of 4,100kg ha^-1. "Seo-San", "Seo-Cheon", and "Tae-An" counties were relatively lower yields of 3,240~3,280kg ha^-1 in comparison of other counties.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.4
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• pp.393-404
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• 2023

The Natural Monument Forest (NMF) is a form of natural and cultural heritage that has symbolized the harmony between nature and culture in Korea for a long time. Recently, the NMF has deteriorated due to industrialization and reckless city expansion. Given this situation, it is necessary to preserve and manage the ecosystem of the NMF through preferential research regarding the forest community structure. Accordingly, this study sought to identify the community structure by analyzing the vegetation classification, stratum structure,and species diversity using vegetation data collected from the Forest of Japanese Torreyas in Pyeongdae-ri, Jeju and the Subtropical Forest of Nabeup-ri, Jeju. The results classified the forest vegetation as a Litsea japonica community group divided into two communities: a Torreya nuciferacommunity and a Quercus glauca community. The T. nuciferacommunity was subdivided into the Idesia polycarpa group and Dryopteris erythrosora group, while the Q. glauca community was subdivided into the Mercurialis leiocarpa group and Arachniodes aristata group. The T. nucifera species showed the highest level of importance in vegetation units 1 (Litsea japonicacommunity group-Torreya nucifera community-Idesia polycarpa group) and 2 (Litsea japonica community group-Torreya nucifera community-Dryopteris erythrosora group), whereas Q. glauca showed the highest level of importance in vegetation units 3 (Litsea japonica community group-Quercus glauca community-Mercurialis leiocarpa group) and 4 (Litsea japonica community group-Quercus glauca community-Arachniodes aristata group). In terms of the species diversity, vegetation units 1, 2, 3, and 4 had 2.866, 2.716, 2.222, and 2.326 species, respectively. These findings suggest that it is necessary to prepare a differentiated management plan for each vegetation unit.

• The Journal of KAIRB
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.5-16
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the current status of pediatric assent in nationwide hospitals and to assess the children's comprehension for pediatric assent by interviewing pediatricians/pediatric neurologists to determine whether children of the age (elementary and middle school students) can understand the purpose, risks, benefits, and concepts of voluntary participation in clinical research described in the assent form, and to help improve the administrative efficiency of multicenter clinical trials. Methods: The status of pediatric assent was surveyed online using Google Forms at 141 university hospitals with administrative staff who are members of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) administrative staff subcommittee with in Korean Association of Institutional Review Boards (KAIRB). Additionally, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 7 pediatricians/pediatric neurologists. Survey and interview responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the 141 institutions surveyed, 35 institutions (24.8%) responded. Among them, 30 institutions (85.7%) reported having age criteria for acquiring pediatric assent forms in the case of children. The age range for pediatric assent acquisition have been from 7 years old to 12 years old (15 institutions, 50%), and from 7 years old to 15 years old (7 institutions, 23.3%). Nine institutions (25.7%) have had criteria for obtaining both parents' consent in cases involving the participation of children. Nineteen institutions (54.3%) have had checklists or guidelines available for use by IRB members in study protocols involving vulnerable research subjects. Three pediatricians/pediatric neurologists have believed that upper-grade elementary school students (5th-6th grade) could comprehensively understand informed consent forms. Two have believed that middle school students would be able to understand them if they included personal information. Two pediatricians/pediatric neurologists have believed that even lower-grade elementary school students (1st-4th grade) could understand the explanations if they were made simpler. Conclusion: It is suggested that not only elementary school students (7-12 years old) but also middle school students (13-15 years old) should receive pediatric assent forms, as it would facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the forms. To enhance the comprehension of assent form content, it is necessary to use age-appropriate words, language, and expressions in the forms hospital. It is also recommended to create comics or videos to make the content of the assent forms more accessible for children.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.298-307
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing the consensus statement from the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging-Practical Tutorial 2020 (ASCI-PT 2020) on the reliability of cardiac MR with late gadolinium enhancement (CMR-LGE) myocardial viability scoring between observers in the context of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 cardiovascular imaging experts from five different countries evaluated CMR obtained in 26 patients (male:female, 23:3; median age [interquartile range], 55.5 years [50-61.8]) with ischemic cardiomyopathy. For LGE scoring, based on the 17 segments, the extent of LGE in each segment was graded using a five-point scoring system ranging from 0 to 4 before and after exposure according to the consensus statement. All scoring was performed via web-based review. Scores for slices, vascular territories, and total scores were obtained as the sum of the relevant segmental scores. Interobserver reliability for segment scores was assessed using Fleiss' kappa, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for slice score, vascular territory score, and total score. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using the limits of agreement from the mean (LoA). Results: Interobserver reliability (Fleiss' kappa) in each segment ranged 0.242-0.662 before the consensus and increased to 0.301-0.774 after the consensus. The interobserver reliability (ICC) for each slice, each vascular territory, and total score increased after the consensus (slice, 0.728-0.805 and 0.849-0.884; vascular territory, 0.756-0.902 and 0.852-0.941; total score, 0.847 and 0.913, before and after implementing the consensus statement, respectively. Interobserver agreement in scoring also improved with the implementation of the consensus for all slices, vascular territories, and total score. The LoA for the total score narrowed from ± 10.36 points to ± 7.12 points. Conclusion: The interobserver reliability and agreement for CMR-LGE scoring for ischemic cardiomyopathy improved when following guidance from the ASCI-PT 2020 consensus statement.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.47
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• pp.173-202
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• 2023

In this study, we delve into the potential for innovative cultural education techniques that utilize the timeless tales of Princess Bari and The Tale of Shim Cheong as tailored for the upcoming generations of overseas Korean learners. With a rising number of young overseas Koreans born and raised in their host countries, there emerges a pressing need to craft an educational framework that resonates with the evolving dynamics of their generation. Our endeavor revolves around proposing educational strategies that help solidify identity while carefully considering the intrinsic motivation prevalent among most overseas Koreans. Naturally, the choice of employing the classic epics Princess Bari and The Tale of Shim Cheong as educational resources was deliberate. These narratives are rich in rites of passage and offer profound insights into the transformative journey of their protagonists. Both characters are affluent women in patriarchal societies, and both embark on quests to redefine themselves through new relationships, liberating themselves from the confines of parental ties. This narrative framework provides a unique opportunity for overseas Koreans who are often adrift in the social fabric of their adopted countries. These stories inspire them to introspect and contemplate their own identities. By intertwining their personal narratives with the empowering stories of characters, students are provided a chance to reaffirm their authentic selves. Therein, a paradigm shift can occur that allows individuals to embrace the core elements that define them. Our ultimate objective was to enable students to explore their own stories and immerse themselves in the intricate narratives of classical works. This immersive experience fosters a profound sense of unity with the characters and paves the way for a comprehensive educational plan. This plan not only celebrates the hybrid nature of identity but also cultivates a deep sense of positivity within amalgamated 'subjects.' Such an approach not only fosters a stronger connection with one's heritage but also sparks a genuine curiosity about and affinity for the rich cultural tapestry of one's home country. It's not just education; it's a transformative journey that enriches the lives of overseas Koreans and nurtures a profound bond with their cultural roots.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.69-87
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• 2003

Background : LB20304(gemifloxacin) is a new fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent with excellent activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. In vitro studies using clinical isolates have shown gemifloxacin to be highly active against penicillin-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae and in contrast to other reference quinolones, gemifloxacin retained good activity against clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae that were resistant to other members of the quinolone class. Therefore, gemifloxacin is thought to be effective in treating acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis(AECB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral gemifloxacin at doses of 160mg or 320mg once daily for 7 days for the treatment of AECB in Korean adult population. Methods : This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel group Phase II study to assess the clinical and antibacterial efficacy and safety of oral gemifloxacin for the treatment of AECB. Treatment Group A (67 patients) took oral gemifloxacin 160mg once daily for seven days and treatment Group B (70 patients) took oral gemifloxacin 320mg once daily for seven days. Results : The demographic profiles of the two treatment groups were similar. The clinical response at follow-up was 84.2% in the gemifloxacin 160-mg group, and 88.7% in the gemifloxacin-320 mg group, showing no statistically significant difference between two treatment groups(p=0.49). The clinical response at the end of therapy was 96.5% in the 160-mg group, and 96.4% in the 320-mg group. The bacteriological response at the end of therapy and follow-up were 81.8% and 78.9%, respectively, in the 160-mg group, and 86.4% and 84.2%, respectively, in the 320-mg group, showing no statistically significant difference between two treatment groups(p=0.68 and 0.68, respectively). S. pneumoniae(12 isolates) and H. influenzae(10 isolates) were the most prevalent pathogens. The MICs were lower for gemifloxacin than other quinolones against these key pathogens, and for S. pneumoniae, the MICs for gemifloxacin were considerably lower(${\leq}0.03$ ug/mL) than those for other quinolones, beta-lactams and macrolides. In the period on-therapy plus 30 days post-therapy, a total of 18 patients(26.9%) in the gemifloxacin 160mg group and 22 patients(31.4%) in the 320mg group reported at least one adverse event(AE). The most frequently reported AE was abdominal pain(3/67 patients, 4.5%) in the gemifloxacin 160mg group and increased level of hepatic enzyme(5/70 patients, 7.1%) in the 320mg group. The overall AE profiles for the two treatment groups were similar. Two out of 67 patients(3.0%) in the gemifloxacin 160mg group and 1/70 patients(1.4%) in the 320mg group reported at least one serious AE, however, none of which was considered by the investigator to be of suspected or probable relationship to study medication. Conclusion : The results of this study showed that gemifloxacin at doses of 160mg or 320mg once daily for 7 days in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis(AECB) in adult Koreans was a very effective and safe treatment both clinically and bacteriologically.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 2001

Purpose : IgA nephropathy(IgAN) and thin glomerular basement membrane disease(TGBMD) are common glomerular diseases that cause hematuria in childhood. IgAN has characteristics of IgA deposit as the sole or predominantly localized to the mesangium Recently, it has been reported that thinning of glomerular basement membrane(GBM) is commonly accompanied with precipitation of electron dense deposits in IgAN. We performed this study to examine the frequency of thinning of GBM among children with IgAN and to analysis tile correlation between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness and furthermore to conduct comparative analysis of the clinical and pathological features of IgAN and TGBMD. Methods : This study summarizes data collected from Department of Pediatrics, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje Medical College. Data include 51 cases who were diagnosed as IgAN from 1995 to 2000, and 26 cases who were diagnosed as TGBMD from 1990 to 2000 by percutaneous renal biopsy. Results : Males accounted for 29/51($56.9\%$) patients with IgAN and 8/26($30.8\%$) of those with TGBMD. The clinical and laboratory features between IgAN and TGBMD were significantly different regarding the incidence of proteinuria(IgAN vs TGBMD: $43.1\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.001), the incidence of co-appearance of proteinuria with hematuria ($41.2\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.001), total amount of protein in 24 hours collected urine ($808{\pm}\;mg\;vs\;251{\pm}200.7\;mg$, p=0.001) and the incidence of proteinuria more than 1 gm in 24 hours collected urine ($23.5\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.01). On the contrary, there were no significant differences in the levels of serum albumin, creatinine, BUN, and Ccr between two groups. The mean thickness of GBM in patients with IgAN was $293.0{\pm}79.2\;nm$(139.7-461.9 nm) and $180.9{\pm}35.8\;nm$(110.5-229.5 nm) in patients with TGBMD. The mean GBM thickness revealed significantly thinner in TGBMD compared than those with IgAN (P=0.0001). The frequency of thickness being less than 250 nm was $37.4{\pm}34.4\%$ in IgAN and $93.0{\pm}7.0\%$ in TGBMD (P=0.0001). But there were no correlations between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness in patients with IgAN. Conclusion : The thinning of GBM would be one of the common pathological findings in IgAN Moreover, there is no significant correlations between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness in patients with IgAN, However, patients with IgAN tend to have significantly higher possibilities of proteinuria, co-appearance of proteinuria with hematuria and higher total amount of protein in 24 hours collected urine compared those with TGBMD. These differences might be play all important role as progressive prognostic indicators in patients with IgAN. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001;5 : 136-46)