• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4517-4525
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• 2016

Background: Sperm DNA damage is underlying aetiology of poor implantation and pregnancy rates but also affects health of offspring and may also result in denovo mutations in germ line and post fertilization. This may result in complex diseases, polygenic disorders and childhood cancers. Childhood cancer like retinoblastoma (RB) is more prevalent in developing countries and the incidence of RB has increased more than three fold in India in the last decade. Recent studies have documented increased incidence of cancers in children born to fathers who consume alcohol in excess and tobacco or who were conceived by assisted conception. The aetiology of childhood cancer and increased disease burden in these children is lin ked to oxidative stress (OS) and oxidative DNA damage( ODD) in sperm of their fathers. Though several antioxidants are in use to combat oxidative stress, the effect of majority of these formulations on DNA is not known. Yoga and meditation cause significant decline in OS and ODD and aid in regulating OS levels such that reactive oxygen speues meditated signal transduction, gene expression and several other physiological functions are not disrupted. Thus, this study aimed to analyze sperm ODD as a possible etiological factor in childhood cancer and role of simple life style interventions like yoga and meditation in significantly decreasing seminal oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage and thereby decreasing incidence of childhood cancers. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 fathers of children with RB (non-familial sporadic heritable) and 50 controls (fathers of healthy children) were recruited at a tertiary center in India. Sperm parameters as per WHO 2010 guidelines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation index (DFI), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG) and telomere length were estimated at day 0, and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. We also examined the compliance with yoga and meditation practice and smoking status at each follow-up. Results: The seminal mean ROS levels (p<0.05), sperm DFI (p<0.001), 8-OHdG (p<0.01) levels were significantly higher in fathers of children with RB, as compared to controls and the relative mean telomere length in the sperm was shorter. Levels of ROS were significantly reduced in tobacco users (p<0.05) as well as in alcoholics (p<0.05) after intervention. DFI reduced significantly (p<0.05) after 6 months of yoga and meditation practice in all groups. The levels of oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG were reduced significantly after 3 months (p<0.05) and 6 months (p<0.05) of practice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that OS and ODD DNA may contribute to the development of childhood cancer. This may be due to accumulation of oxidized mutagenic base 8OHdG, and elevated MDA levels which results in MDA dimers which are also mutagenic, aberrant methylation pattern, altered gene expression which affect cell proliferation and survival through activation of transcription factors. Increased mt DNA mutations and aberrant repair of mt and nuclear DNA due to highly truncatred DNA repair mechanisms all contribute to sperm genome hypermutability and persistant oxidative DNA damage. Oxidative stress is also associated with genome wide hypomethylation, telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to genome hypermutability and instability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report decline in OS and ODD and improvement in sperm DNA integrity following adoption of meditation and yoga based life style modification.This may reduce disease burden in next generation and reduce incidence of childhood cancers.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.351-367
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• 1995

The elemental geochemistry and oxygen isotopes of illite/smectite (I/S) have been studied in relationship to the mineralogical trend in the Reindeer D-27 well, Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin. The increase in concentrations of $K_2O$, Rb and rare earth elements (REE), the decrease in concentrations of tetrahedral elements such as Mg, Ti, Sc, Zn and Zr, and the increase in concentrations of tetrahedral elements such as Be and V can be related to I/S compositions that vary systematically with depth. Layer formulae of S- and I-layers are estimated as $[Al_{1.57}Fe_{.19}Mg_{.31}Ti_{.07}][Si_{3.84}Al_{.16}]O_{10}(OH)_2$ and $[Al_{1.84}Mg_{.16}][Si_{3.33}Al_{.67}]O_{10}(OH)_2$, respectively. The mobilization of REE appears to occur during illitization. The increase in concentrations of REE, especially La and Ce, with depth is probably linked to incorporation of ions with high valency (e.g. $V^{5+}$) in tetrahedral sites. The excess valency due to V is partly counter-balanced by ions with low valency (e.g. $Be^{2+}$) and, in turn, the local valency deficiency caused by $Be^{2+}$ could be compensated by high-charge interlayer cations such as REE (＋3). ${\delta}^{18}O$ values of I/S range from 2.91 to 15.72‰ (SMOW), and increase with depth, contrasting to trends observed in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. The increase in ${\delta}^{18}O$ of I/S results from the rapid increase in ${\delta}^{18}O$ of pore water that overcomes the decrease in temperature-dependent fractionation values with increasing burial depth (${\delta}^{18}O_{pore\;water}>-d{\Delta}/_{I/S-water};\;d{\delta}^{18}O_{I/S}>0$). Calculated ${\delta}^{18}O$ values of pore water in equilibrium with I/S suggest that the original water was probably meteoric water. The stratification of pore water is postulated from the presence of an isotopically light interval, about 450m thick. The depth range of the isotopically light zone overlaps, but does not coincide with the interval of lowered I-content and $K_2O$ concentrations, suggesting that oxygens may have been exchanged independently of mineralogical and geochemical reactions.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2010

Purpose : With improved survival of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), there is an increase in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) requiring laparotomy, and the risk of morbidity and mortality in these ELBWI is increased. Thus, we determined the prognostic factors in ELBWI who underwent laparotomy for NEC. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 ELBWI who underwent laparotomy for NEC from January 2001 to December 2008 at Samsung Medical Center. Results : Of 480 ELBWI, 35 required laparotomy for NEC; the mortality rate was 20% (Alive group n=28, Dead group n=7). The values of preoperative score for neonatal acute physiology-II (P =0.022) and fraction of inspired oxygen (P <0.001) were significantly higher in the dead group and values of base excess (P =0.004) were significantly lower in the dead group. Values of preoperative heart rate, respiration rate, mean blood pressure, pH, $CO_2$, and potassium ion were not significantly different between the study groups. Intraoperative fluid volume was significantly higher in the alive group than in the dead group (P =0.045). Postoperative infusion rate was significantly lower in the alive group than in the dead group (P =0.022). Conclusion : Good preoperative condition, more intraoperative fluid infusion, and stable postoperative hemodynamic condition were factors associated with favorable prognosis of laparotomy for NEC in ELBWI.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.599-609
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• 2015

In order to investigate why OSA (oxic-settling-anaerobic) process produces less sludge than CAS (conventional activated sludge) process, sequential cultivation through 1^st aerobic-anaerobic-2^nd aerobic conditions, were carried out. Then, the intracellular concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD and NADH), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP and NADPH) were monitored for these three stages. Results showed that the concentrations of these energy substances rapidly decreased through time in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions but the anaerobic culture contained the lower energy level than aerobic culture. The 2^nd aerobic culture that experienced anaerobic condition showed lower concentration of these energy substances than those of the 1^st aerobic culture. Meanwhile, the anaerobic culture corresponding to the sludge holding stage of OSA was subjected to different soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) levels, detention time, and temperature to evaluate the effects of these variations on the energy level difference between the 1^st and 2^nd aerobic stages. The lower the SCOD concentration, the longer detention time; and the higher temperature in the anaerobic stage tended to further reduce the intracellular level of the 2^nd aerobic culture. On the average, the intracellular energy level of the anaerobic and 2^nd aerobic stage were 57.73% and 39.12% of the 1st aerobic culture, respectively. These indicated that the insertion of an anaerobic stage between two aerobic stages could lower the intracellular energy levels, hence the lower the sludge in OSA than CAS process. Moreover, manipulation of the operating conditions of the intervening anaerobic stage can change intracellular energy levels thereby controlling sludge production.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1612-1618
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• 2011

The present study was undertaken to analyze the effects of different types of treatment on excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), flexibility, free radical and antioxidants in women using a horseback riding therapeutic device. Subjects were trained in regular horseback riding exercises for 12 weeks (3 times/wk). The effects of this exercise were examined by means of a single session of horseback riding that lasted for 30 min. 21 women were recruited from a public health center and divided into 3 groups (passive recovery group, passive+massage recovery group, and dynamic recovery group). 3 types of recovery patterns were determined after a single trial of horseback riding exercise. Their flexibility were determined pre-and post-training by Paired T test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The results were as follows: Among the 3 groups, the dynamic recovery group showed the highest levels of EPOC compared to the other groups, and also showed higher levels of anti-oxidants, as did the passive+massage recovery group compared to the passive recovery group. Moreover, horseback riding exercise greatly increased flexibility in the women. In conclusion, regular horseback riding training is recommended to enhance the flexibility of women and dynamic recovery is recommended to enhance EPOC and anti-oxidants after a single bout of exercise. Further study is needed in this area.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.119-130
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• 1999

After preparing $Mg_2Ni_{1-x}{^{57}}Fe_x$(x=0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.12 and 0.24) alloys, they were studied by $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ resonance. The $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectra of x=0.015 and 0.03 alloys exhibit two doublets (doublet 1, 2). That of x=0.06 alloys shows two doublets (doublet 1,2) and one six-line, and those of x=0.12 and 0.24 alloys have only one six-line. The doublet 1 for x=0.015, 0.03 and 0.06 alloys is considered to result from a fraction of Fe in excess showing a superparamagnetic behavior. The doublet 2 is considered to result from the Fe substituted for Ni in the $Mg_2Ni$ phase. The values of isomer shift 0.24 ~ 0.28 mm/s suggest that the iron exist in the state $Fe^{+3}$. The result that the quadrapole splitting of the doublet 2 is not zero shows that the distribution of electrons around the iron is asymmetric. Their values for the doublet 2, 1.20 ~ 1.38 mm/s, approach the value of quadrapole for the oxidation number +3. The six-line showing the magnetic hyperfine interactions results from the iron which has not substituted the nickel in the $Mg_2Ni$ phase. The $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectra of the hydrided alloys with x=0.015 and 0.03 show six-line. This suggests that the iron segregates with the hydriding reaction. The analysis results of the $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectrum, the variation of magnetization with magnetic field, Auger electron spectroscopy and electron diffraction show the segregation of Ni and the formation of MgO. This is considered to result from the reaction of the $Mg_2Ni$ phase with the oxygen contained in the hydrogen as impurity.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2006

A field survey on the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics and origins of organic matter in surface sediments was carried out monthly at six stations in Gamak Bay, South Korea from April 2000 to March 2002. The range of ignition loss(IL) was $4.6{\sim}11.6%(7.1{\pm}1.6%)$, while chemical oxygen demand(CODs) ranged from $12.25{\sim}99.26mgO_2/g-dry(30.98{\pm}19.09mgO_2/g-dry)$, acid volatile sulfide(AVS) went from no detection(ND)${\sim}10.29mgS/g-dry(1.02{\pm}0.58mgS/g-dry)$, and phaeopigment was $6.84{\sim}116.18{\mu}g/g-dry(23.72{\pm}21.16{\mu}g/g-dry)$. The ranges of particulate organic carbon(POC) and particulate organic nitrogen(PON) were $5.45{\sim}23.24 mgC/g-dty(10.34{\pm}4.40C\;mgC/g-dry)$ and $0.71{\sim}2.99mgN/g-dry(1.37{\pm}0.58mgN/g-dry)$, respectively. Water content was in the range of $43.1{\sim}77.6%(55.8{\pm}5.6%)$, and mud content(silt+clay) was higher than 95% at all stations. The spatial distribution of organic matter in surface sediments was greatly divided between the northwestern, central and eastern areas, southern entrance area from the distribution characteristic of their organic matters. The concentrations of almost all items were greater at the northwestern and southern entrance area than at the other areas in Gamak Bay. In particular, sedimentary pollution was very serious at the northwestern area, because the area had an excessive supply of organic matter due to aquaculture activity and the inflow of sewage from the land. These materials stayed longer because of the topographical characteristics of such as basin and the anoxic conditions in the bottom seawater environment caused by thermocline in the summer. The tendency of temporal change was most prominently in the period of high-water temperatures than low-water ones at the northwestern and southern entrance areas. On the other hand, the central and eastern areas did not show a regular trend for changing the concentrations of each item but mainly showed a higher tendency during the low-water temperatures. This was observed for all but AVS concentrations which were higher during the period of high-water temperature at all stations. Especially, the central and eastern areas showed a large temporal increase of AVS concentration during those periods of high-water temperature where the concentration of CODs was in excess of $20mgO_2/g-dry$. The results show that the organic matters in surface sediments in Gamak Bay actually originated from autochthonous organic matters with eight or less in average C/N ratio including the organic matters generated by the use of ocean, rather than terrigenous organic matters. However, the formation of autochthonous organic matter was mainly derived from detritus than living phytoplankton, indicated the results of the POC/phaeopigment ratio. In addition, the CODs/IL ratio results demonstrate that the detritus was the product of artificial activities such as dregs feeding and fecal pellets of farm organisms caused by aquaculture activities rather than the dynamic of natural ocean activities.