• 제목/요약/키워드: EXPOSURE

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A Comparison Study of Aerosol Samplers for PM10 Mass Concentration Measurement (PM10 질량농도 측정을 위한 시료채취기의 비교 연구)

  • Park, Ju-Myon;Koo, Ja-Kon;Jeong, Tae-Young;Kwon, Dong-Myung;Yoo, Jong-Ik;Seo, Yong-Chil
    • Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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    • v.31 no.2
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    • pp.153-160
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    • 2009
  • A PM10 (aerodynamic diameter${\leq}$10 ${\mu}m$) sampler is used to quantify the potential human exposure to suspended particulate matter (PM) and to comply with the governmental regulation. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the same PM10 cutpoint and different slopes between United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) PM10 sampling criterion and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists/$Comit\acute{e}$ $Europ\acute{e}en$ de Normalization/International Organization for Standardization thoracic PM10 sampling criterion through theory and experiment. Four PM10 samplers according to the USEPA criterion and one RespiCon sampler in accordance with the thoracic PM10 criterion were used in the present study. In addition, one DustTrak monitor was used to measure real time PM10 mass concentrations. All six aerosol samplers were tested in a PM generation chamber using polydisperse fly ash. Theoretical mass concentrations were calculated by applying the measured particle size distribution characteristics (geometric mean = 6.6 ${\mu}m$, geometric standard deviation = 1.9) of fly ash to each sampling criterion. The measured mass concentrations through a chamber experiment were consistent with theoretical mass concentrations in that a RespiCon sampler with the thoracic PM10 criterion collected less PM than a PM10 sampler with the USEPA criterion. The overall chamber experiment results indicated, when a PM10 sampler was used as a reference sampler, that (1) a RespiCon sampler had a normalizing factor of 1.6, meaning that this sampler underestimated an average 60% of PM10 mass sampled from a PM10 sampler, and (2) a DustTrak real-time monitor using a PM10 inlet had a calibration factor of 2.1.

MICROLEAKAGE OF THE CLASS V CAVITY ACCORDING TO RESTORATION SITE AND CAVITY SIZE USING SEM AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES (SEM과 3차원 재구성법을 이용한 수복면의 위치와 와동 크기에 따른 미세누출도 분석)

  • Yang, In-Seo;Shin, Dong-Hoon
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.112-120
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    • 2005
  • This study was done to evaluate whether there were any differences in microleakage of class V composite restorations according to restoration site and cavity size. Total sixty-four restorations were made in molar teeth using Esthet-X. Small ($2\;{\times}\;2\;{\times}\;1.5\;mm$) and large ($4{\times}2{\times}1.5\;mm$) restorations were made at the buccal/lingual surface and the proximal surface each. After 1,000 times of thermocycling ($5^{\circ}\;-\;55^{\circ}C$), resin replica was made and the percentage of marginal gap to the whole periphery of the restoration was estimated from SEM evaluation. Thermocycled tooth was dye penetrated with $50\%$ silver nitrate solution. After imbedding in an auto-curing resin, it was serially ground with a thickness of 0.25 mm. Volumetric microleakage was estimated after reconstructing three dimensionally. Two-way ANOVA and independent T-test for dye volume, Mann-Whitney U test for the percentage of marginal gap, Spearman's rho test for the relationship between two techniques were used, The results were as follows : 1. The site and size of the restoration affected on the microleakage of restoration. Namely, much more leakage was seen in the proximal and the large restorations rather than the buccal/lingual and the small restorations. 2. Close relationship was found between two techniques (Correlation coefficient = 0.614/ P = 0.000). Within the limits of this study, it was noted that proximal and the large restorations leaked more than buccal/lingual and the small restorations. Therefore, it should be strictly recommended large exposure of margins should be avoided by reducing unnecessary tooth reduction.

Synergistic effect of ionizing radiation and $\beta$-lapachone against tumor in vitro and in vivo

  • Park, Eun-Kyung;Kim, Young-Seok;Lee, Sang-wook;Ahn, Seung-Do;Shin, Seong-Soo;Park, Heon-Joo;Song, Chang-Won
    • Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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    • 2003.06a
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    • pp.80-80
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    • 2003
  • ${\beta}$-lapachone(${\beta}$-Lap), a natural o-naphthoquinone, presents in the bark of the Lapacho tree. ${\beta}$-Lap is cytotoxic against a variety of human cancer cells and it potentiates the anti-tumor effect of Taxol. In addition, ${\beta}$-Lap has been reported to radiosensitize cancer cells by inhibiting the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage.In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of ${\beta}$-Lap against RKO human colorectal cancer cells as well as the combined effect of ${\beta}$-LaP and ionizing radiation. An incubation of RKO cells with 5 ${\mu}$M of ${\beta}$-Lap for 4 h killed almost 90% of the clonogenic cells. An incubation of RKO cells with 5 ${\mu}$M of ${\beta}$-Lap for 4 h or longer also caused massive apoptosis. Unlike other cytotoxic agents, ${\beta}$-Lap did not increase the expression of p53 and p21 and it suppressed the NFkB expression. The expression of Caspase 9 and 3 was minimally altered by ${\beta}$-Lap. Radiation and ${\beta}$-Lap acted synergistically in inducing clonogenic cell death and apoptosis in RKO cells when ${\beta}$-Lap treatment was applied after but not before the radiation exposure of the cells. Interestingly, a 4 h treatment with 5 ${\mu}$M of ${\beta}$-Lap starting 5 h after irradiation was as effective as that starting immediately after irradiation. The mechanisms of ${\beta}$-Lap-induced cell killing is controversial but a recent hypothesis is that ${\beta}$-Lap is activated by NAD(P)H: quinone-onidoreductase (NQO1) in the cells followed by an elevation of cytosolic Ca$\^$2+/ level and activation of proteases leading to apoptosis. It has been reported that NQO1 level in cells is markedly up-regulated for longer than 10 h after irradiation. Indeed, using immunological staining of NQO1, we observed a significant elevation of NQO1 expression in RKO cells 5h after 2-4 Gy irradiation. Such a prolonged elevation of NQO1 level after irradiation may be the reasons why the ${\beta}$-Lap treatment applied S h after irradiation was as effective as that applied immediately after irradiation in killing the cells. In view of the fact that the repair of radiation-induced damage is usually completed within 1-2 h after irradiation, it is highly likely that the ${\beta}$-Lap treahment applied 5 h after irradiation could not inhibit the repair of radiation-induced damage. For in vivo study, RKO cells were injected S.C. into the hind-leg of Nu/Nu mice, and allowed to grow to 130 mm3 tumor. The mice were i.p. injected with ${\beta}$-lapachone or saline 2 h after irradiation of tumors with 10 Gy of X-rays. The radiation induced growth delay was increased by 2.4 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g of ${\beta}$-lapachone. Taken together, we may conclude that the synergistic interaction of radiation and ${\beta}$-Lap in killing cancer cells is not due to radiosensitization by ${\beta}$-Lap but to an enhancement of ${\beta}$-Lap cytotoxicity by radiation through an upregulation of NQO1. The fact that NQO1 is elevated in tumors and that radiation causes prolonged increase of the NQO1 expression may be exploited to preferentially kill tumor cells using ${\beta}$-Lap in combination with radiotherapy.

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The Effects of Human Follicular Fluid on Embryonal Development of Mouse in In Vitro Culture (체외배양에서 인간 난포액이 생쥐의 배 발달에 미치는 영향)

  • Min, Bu-Kie;Choi, Ki-Wook;Kim, Kie-Suk;Lee, Hee-Sub;Hong, Ki-Yeon;Lee, Bong-Ju;Lee, Sun-Young;Park, Seung-Teak
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.171-178
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    • 1999
  • The follicular fluid (FF) of ovary contains various biological active products which affected on the growth of follicles and the fertilization of oocyte in physiological reproductive process of mammals. This study was designed to determine the effects of human FF on fertilization of oocyte and embryonal development in vitro culture. The FF was prepared as clear without blood contamination by needle aspiration from mature follicles of human at the time of oocytes retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF). As the medium for culture in vitro of embryonal cells, human tubal fluid (HTF) supplemented with follicular fluids at concentrations of 10%, 40% and pure FF were used. These effects were compared to control group of cultured embryos in HTF supplemented with 0.4% BSA (bovine serum albumin). For IVF, 64 eggs in control group, 67 eggs in 10% FF, 57 eggs in 40% FF and 64 eggs in pure FF were respectively allocated. And the rates of fertilization were almost similar in all groups as resulting 82.81% in control, 85.07% in 10% FF, 87.71% in 40% FF and 81.25% in pure FF. On the examination for embryonal cleavage from fertilized eggs, the rates of developing to 4 cell stage was similar in all groups, as results 98.11% in control, 98.27% in 10% FF and 98% in 40% FF but 78.84% in pure FF. And the rates of developing to 8-16 cell stage were significantly reduced as 44% in 40% FF and 44.23% in pure FF (p<0.05) compare to 71.69% in control media. As likewise, the rates of developing to morular stage were also significantly reduced to 36% (p<0.05) and 21.15% (p<0.01) respectively in 40% FF and pure FF. And the rates to blastocystic stage of embryo was lowest as 7.69% in pure FF (Table 1). The quality of embryonal cells on cleavage to the 8-16 cell stage was poorer, higher concentrations of FF. The rates of grade 1 in pure FF, as 23.07%, was lowest compare to those of other groups, in which the rates of grade 1 in control, 10% FF and 40% FF were 58.49%, 47.36% and 34% respectively. And on the contrary, the rate of grade 4 in pure FF was highest as 23.07%, while those were 5.66% in control, 8.77% in 10% FF and 20% in 40% FF (Table 2). On the viability of embryos, the rate of embryonal cell death was more rise, at the higher concentrations as well as longer exposure in the follicular fluid. At 48 hours after in vitro culture of embryos, the rate of survival embryos in pure FF was markedly lowered as 44.23%, compare to that of control (p<0.05). But there was not significant difference between the rates of survival embryos in each group beside the pure FF, which the rates were 77.35% in control, 70.17% in 10% FF and 60% in 40% FF respectively. And at 72 hours after in vitro culture, the rates of survival embryos were also significantly dropped to 21.15% in pure and 36% in 40% at concentration of FF compare to 62.26% in control (p<0.05, p<0.01). Finally, the rate of embryonal death at 96 hours after in vitro culture was highest as 82.69% in pure FF among all groups which those were 35.84 in control, 56.14% in 10% FF and 64% in 40% FF respectively (Fig. 1, 2, 3). In conclusion, this study suggests that the FF has no effects, in particular, to the in vitro fertilization of oocytes but exerted a bad effect to the cleavage, quality and viability of the embryonal cells during in vitro culture. However, the FF is harmful on embryonal development at conditions in higher concentration and especially on the embryos after $8{\sim}16$ cell stage.

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Improving the efficacy of Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract on ultraviolet-induced photoaging (야관문 에탄올 추출물의 자외선 노출에 의한 피부 광노화 개선 효과)

  • Jung, Hee Kyoung;Choi, Mi Ok;Kim, Bae Jin;Jo, Seung Kyeung;Jeong, Yoo Seok
    • Food Science and Preservation
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.264-275
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    • 2014
  • This study evaluated the improving efficacy of Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract on skin photoaging induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were respectively $134.98{\pm}1.70$ and $16.20{\pm}0.05$ mg/g, respectively. The superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and electron-donating ability of the extract were shown to be dependent on concentration, and the antioxidant ability was shown to be more effective in superoxide anion radical scavenging activity than in electron-donating ability under the same concentration conditions. In the in vivo test conducted using hairless mouse with skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation, the skin erythema of the groups treated with the extract (AS) reduced to 28% of the control, and the skin moisture content increased to 131%.. The extract treatment of the UV-damaged skin improved the morphological and histopathological state of the skin. Furthermore, the SOD, GST and CAT activities in the skin tissue of the AS group increased, and the XO activity and TBARS generation decreased. With regard to the genes related to the photoaging skin, the expression of PAK, p38, c-Fos, c-Jun, TNF-${\alpha}$ and MMP-3 in the skin of the AS group were found to have decreased. It was therefore concluded that Lespedeza cuneata ethanol extract can reduce wrinkle formation in the skin due to the regulation of the gene expression caused by the exposure to UVB light.

Assessment of dust exposure and personal protective equipment among dental technicians (치과기공사의 분진노출 수준 및 개인보호구 착용 실태 - 대구지역을 중심으로 -)

  • Park, Soo-Chul;Jeon, Man-Joong;SaKong, Joon
    • Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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    • v.33 no.1
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    • pp.93-102
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    • 2011
  • Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate working environment for dental technician by measuring dust level, ventilation conditions and the use of personal protective equipment and to provide basic information required to improve working environment and develop health education programs for dental technician. Methods: A total of 240 dental technician who are registered with the Daegu Association of Dental technician and working at 34 dental laboratories participated in the study. And the dust level was measured at 21 different spots in 16 dental laboratories out of 34. Results: Of 34 dental laboratories, 31 (91.2%) were equipped with a ventilator, but the remaining 3 (8.8%) did not have a ventilator. By the number of ventilator, 1 to 3 ventilators were found in 22 dental laboratories (71.0%), 4 to 6 ventilators were in 7 laboratories (22.5%) and more than 7 ventilators in 2 laboratories(6.5%). According to the frequence of changing filters in dust collector, 20 dental laboratories (58.9%) changed filters every four weeks, 10 laboratories (29.4%) changed them every six weeks and 4 laboratories (11.7%) changed them every eight weeks. Of total respondents, 114 (61.3%) said they wore a mask all the time while working, 56 (29.6%) said they frequently wore a mask, 19 (10.1%) said they did not wear a mask. As for the type of masks, 159 (84.1%) used a disposable mask, 25 (13.2%) used a cotton mask and 5 (2.7%) used an anti-dust mask. For dust sat on their outfits while working, 102 (54.0%) shook their uniforms inside workplace to keep dust off the uniforms, 64 (33.9%) did not anything until they wash their uniforms and 23 (12.1%) shook their uniforms outside workplace to keep dust off the uniforms. Of total respondents, 182 (96.3%) had a particle in their eyes while carrying out grinding work. Based on the measurement of floating dust at workplace, 3 dental laboratories showed dust concentration exceeding the minimum level of 10 mg/$m^3$ allowed under the permit for environment. Of those, 1 laboratory had the dust concentration that was more than 1.5 times higher than the minimum level. Dust concentration was higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. Dust comprised of nickel (more than 70%), chrome (9%) and others. The mean chrome concentration was more than twice higher than the minimum permissible level of 0.5 mg/$m^3$. There were two laboratories that showed chrome concentration exceeding the level of 0.4 mg/$m^3$. Like dust concentration, chrome level was higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. There were six laboratories that had nickel concentration exceeding the minimum permissible level of 1 mg/$m^3$. Of those, one laboratory had nickel concentration that was more than three times higher than the minimum permissible level. Nickel concentration was also higher in laboratories that used a dust collector with 0.5 horse power and changed filters more than 3 weeks ago. Conclusion: It is not likely that heavy metal concentrations found in the study constitute respiratory dust. It is however necessary for health of dental technician to apply the Industrial Safety and Healthy Law to dental laboratories and make recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment, installation of a proper number of ventilators, more frequent change of filters in dust collector and improved ventilation for polishing work. At the same time, dental technician need education on how to use personal protective equipment and how to efficiently remove dust from their uniforms.

EXPRESSION OF BMP4, BMP6 FOLLOWING SINUS ELEVATION WITH DBBP IN RABBIT (가토 상악동 점막 거상 후 DBBP를 이식재로 사용시 BMP4, BMP6의 발현)

  • Lee, Hyun-Suk;Heo, Hyun-A;Pyo, Sung-Woon;Lee, Won
    • Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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    • v.29 no.6
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    • pp.467-473
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    • 2007
  • The most important factor for successful implantation is osseointegration between the implant and bone. The expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) inducing bone formation would differ after maxillary sinus elevation. And within the same graft material. the expression of BMPs would change with time after graft. The aim of this study was to compare the relative expressions of BMP4 and BMP6 using real-time RT-PCR when maxillary sinus elevation was performed using deproteinated bovine bone powder (DBBP) as the graft material or absorbable gelatin sponge (AGS) as the filler without any graft material. Fifteen rabbits, each weighing between 3.0 to 3.5 Kg, were divided randomly into 5 groups of 3 animals each based on their time of sacrifice 0, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days). After exposure of the maxillary sinus bilaterally, bone graft was performed in the right maxillary sinus using DBBP ($BBP^{(R)}$ Oct Inc., Cheonan, Korea) and only AGS ($Gelfoam^{(R)}$ Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI, U.S.A) was placed into the left without any graft material. Each group of rabbits was sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 days after operation and all specimens were harvested. And the following results were obtained using real-time RT-PCR from isolated total RNA of the samples. 1. The expression of BMP4 increased at postoperative 1 and 3 days in both DBBP group and AGS group. In AGS group. it decreased at postoperative 5 days. increased again at postoperative 7 days, and decreased at postoperative 9 days. In DBBP group, it increased until postoperative 7 days and decreased at postoperative 9 days. Although the expression of BMP4 was higher in DBBP group compared with AGS group, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). 2. The expression of BMP6 increased at postoperative 1 and 3 days in both DBBP group and AGS group. In AGS group, it decreased at postoperative 5 days, increased again at postoperative 7 days, and decreased at postoperative 9 days. In DBBP group, it increased until postoperative 7 days and decreased at postoperative 9 days. Although the expression of BMP6 was higher in AGS group compared with DBBP group, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). 3. There was no statistically significant difference in BMP expression in both groups during same period of time. It' s probably because DBBP and AGS both functioned as a space retainer so that the BMP expression in blood clot seemed to be similar. 4. Thus, DBBP would not offer many benefits for early bone regeneration compared with AGS. The expression of BMP in early bone formation seems to be more influenced by physical carrier rather than the graft type.

Consideration of density matching technique of the plate type direct radiologic image system and the conventional X-ray film;first step for the subtraction (Ektaspeed plus 필름을 이용한 일반 방사선시스템과 Digora를 이용한 디지탈 영상시스템의 밀도변화 비교연구)

  • So, Sung-Soo;Noh, Hyeun-Soo;Kim, Chang-Sung;Choi, Seong-Ho;Kim, Kee-Deog;Cho, Kyoo-Sung
    • Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.199-211
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    • 2002
  • Digital substraction technique and computer-assisted densitometirc analysis detect minor change in bone density and thus increase the diagnostic accuracy. This advantage as well as high sensitivity and objectivity which precludes human bias have drawn interest in radiologic research area. The objectives of this study are to verify if Radiographic density can be recognized in linear pattern when density profile of standard periapical radiograph with the aluminium stepwedge as the reference, was investigated under varies circumstances which can be encountered in clinical situations, and in addition to that to obtain mutual relationship between the existing standard radiographic system, and future digital image systems, by confirming the corelationship between the standard radiograph and Digora system which is a digital image system currently being used. In order to make quantitative analysis of the bone tissue, digital image system which uses high resolution automatic slide scanner as an input device, and Digora system were compared and analyzed using multifunctional program, Brain3dsp. The following conclusions were obtained. 1. Under common clinical situation that is 70kVp, 0.2 sec., and focal distance 10cm, Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be Y=11.21X+46.62 $r^2=0.9898$ in standard radiographic system, and Y=12.68X+74.59, $r^2=0.9528$ in Digora system, and linear relation was confirmed in both the systems. 2. In standard radiographic system, when all conditions were maintained the same except for the condition of developing solution, Al-Equivalent image equation was Y=10.07X+41.64, $r^2=0.9861$ which shows high corelationship. 3. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the Kilovoltage peak, linear relationship was still maintained under 60kVp, and Al-Equivalent image equation was Y=14.60X+68.86, $r^2=0.9886$ in the standard radiograhic system, and Y=13.90X+80.68, $r^2=0.9238$ in Digora system. 4. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the exposure time which was varied from 0.01 sec. to 0.8 sec., Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be linear in both the standard radiographic system and Digora system. The R-square was distributed from 0.9188 to 0.9900, and in general, standard radiographic system showed higher R-square than Digora system. 5. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the focal distance which was varied from 5cm to 30cm, Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be linear in both the standard radiographic system and Digora system. The R-square was distributed from 0.9463 to 0.9925, and the standard radiographic system had the tendency to show higher R-square in shorter focal distances.

Intensive Culture of the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, under Limited Water Exchange - II. Indoor Post-Nursery Culture of Juvenile Shrimp - (사육수 비교환 방식에 의한 흰다리새우의 고밀도 사육 - II. 흰다리새우의 실내 중간양성 -)

  • Jang, In-Kwon;Kim, Jong-Sheek;Seo, Hyung-Chul;Cho, Kook-Jin
    • Journal of Aquaculture
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.42-50
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    • 2009
  • Shrimp farming which is entirely conducted in outdoor ponds in the west coast of Korea has been suffered from mass mortality due to viral epizootics. Intensive indoor shrimp culture under limited water exchange can solve these problems of outdoor ponds including viral transmission from environment, pollution due to discharge of rearing water, low productivity and limited culture period. In this study, juvenile L. vannamei (B.W. 0.08-0.09 g) was stocked with $3,000-5,455/m^3$ in density in four raceway tanks (two $12.9\;m^2$, two $18\;m^2$ tanks) and cultured for 42 days with 2.7-3.4% of daily water exchange. Results from four tanks showed FCR of 0.79-1.29, survival of 38.2-48.0%, and yields of $2.49-4.22\;kg/m^3$ which is consistent with 12-20 and 8-14 times higher than those of commercial shrimp hatchery and outdoor pond in Korea, respectively. Concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen in all four tanks were 1.11-1.42 ppm in mean level and did not exceed 6.0 ppm (0.096 ppm of $NH_3$) which is still acceptable levels for shrimp growth. During the culture trial, concentration of $NO_2$-N rapidly increased from stocking, resulting in mean concentration of 18.45-22.07 ppm. It also exceeded 10 ppm over four weeks and maintained at 35-45 ppm for four days in all tanks, accounting for low survival of shrimp due to long-term exposure to high concentration of $NO_2$-N. Nevertheless, the results with survival rate over 38% from raceways which experienced the extreme $NO_2$-N levels suggests that under "biofloc system" white shrimp can acclimate to high $NO_2$-N concentration to some degree.

Early Bronchoconstriction After Allergen Challenge of Nonanesthetized Guinea Pigs (Ovalbumin으로 감작된 기니픽에서 Allergen 흡입으로 인한 즉시형 기관지 수축반응에 대한 비침습적 측정)

  • Kim, Je-Hyeong;Shim, Jae-Jeong;Lee, Sung-Yong;Kwon, Young-Hwan;Lee, So-Ra;Lee, Sang-Youb;Cho, Jae-Youn;In, Kwang-Ho;Yoo, Se-Hwa;Kang, Kyung-Ho
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.45 no.1
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    • pp.99-106
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    • 1998
  • Background: Bronchial asthma is a complex disease, which is characterized by spontaneous exacerbations of airway obstruction and persistent bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Animal models have fallen short of reproducing the human disease, particularly in mimicking the spontaneous and persistent airflow obstruction that characterized in asthma. In animals, airflow obstruction is usually assessed by measuring airflow resistance during tidal breathing under such invasive technique as tracheostomy and anesthesia. A noninvasive technique for measuring pulmonary function in small animals is needed to evaluate long-term changes in lung function during the course of experimentally produced disease without sacrificing the animal. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early bronchoconstrcition after allergen challenge and airway responsiveness (AR) to inhaled methacholine in nonanethetized, unrestrained guinea pigs. Method: Guinea pig model of asthma was sensitized by subcutaneous injection with ovalbumin and challenged by inhalation of aerosolized ovalbumin(1% wt/vol ovlabumin). Airflow obstruction of conscious guinea pig was measured as specific airway resistance (airway resistance $\times$ thoracic gas volume). Airway resistance and thoracic gas volume of conscious guinea pig were assessed by body plethysmography before challenge and at regular intervals for as long as 30 minutes after challenge. AR to aerosolized methacholine of asthma group was compared with that of control group in body plethysmography. Result: Asthma model<> developed in 13 (65%) among 20 guinea pigs, in which early responses occurred in the airways after the exposure to inhalation with ovalbumin. Airway challenge with ovalbumin caused increase in specific airway resistance, which peaked at 6 minutes and amounted to a $231.5{\pm}30.4%$ increase from baseline. AR to aerosolized methacholine of asthma model increased significantly compared with control group. Conclusion: These results have showed a useful animal model to evaluate early bronchoconstrcition after allergen challenge and airway responsiveness in nonanethetized, unrestrained guinea pigs.

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