• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.174-188
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• 2024

This review summarized research trends regarding sample collection methods, pretreatment method, and types of analysis devices for microplastics (MPs) in soil and groundwater matrices. Soil sampling considers the selection of sampling location, depth, and volume. The typically sampling depth is within 15 cm (topsoil), and about 1 kg of mixed each sample. Among spot sampling and continuous flow sampling, groundwater sampling mainly used a continuous flow sampling, with collection rates 2 to 6 L/min in the range of 300~1,000 L, and followed by immediate on-situ filtration. Pretreatment method, applied to soil and groundwater, consist of organic digestion and density separation. In the organic digestion method, H₂O₂ is recommended among H₂O₂, acidic, alkaline, and enzymatic method. NaCl is primarily used as a reagent in density separation. However, depending on the density of MPs, other regents can be selectively used like ZnCl₂, ZnBr₂, and etc. Representative analysis device includes Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive analysis and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for destructive analysis. µ-FTIR and Raman can count MPs of larger than 10 and 1 ㎛, and analyze MPs materials. However, it is need to sufficiently remove interference, like organic matter, in spectroscopic analysis using essential pretreatment method. Py-GC/MS is being continuously researched because it doesn't require complex pretreatment method and allows quantitative analysis of specific materials.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1547-1554
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether repeated intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM) or gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) within a short interval was associated with an increased risk of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 300 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 68.5 ± 8.1 years; 131 male and 169 female) who had undergone at least one ICM-enhanced perfusion brain CT scan, had their baseline and follow-up serum creatinine levels available, and had not undergone additional contrast-enhanced examinations 72 hours before and after a time window of interest were included. The study population was divided into three groups: single-dose group and groups of patients who had received multiple contrast administrations in the time window of interest with the minimum contrast repeat interval either within 4 hours (0-4-hour group) or between 4 to 48 hours (4-48-hour group). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between AKI and repeated ICM administrations. A similar supplementary analysis was performed including both ICM and GBCA. Results: When ICM was only considered ignoring GBCA, among 300 patients, 207 patients received a single dose of ICM, 58 had repeated doses within 4 hours (0-4-hour group), and 35 patients had repeated doses between 4 to 48 hours (4-48-hour group). Most patients (> 95%) had a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m². AKI occurred in 7.2%, 13.8%, and 8.6% of patients in the single-dose, 0-4-hour, and 4-48-hour groups, respectively. In the 0-4-hour and 4-48-hour groups, additional exposure to ICM was not associated with AKI after adjusting for comorbidities and nephrotoxic drugs (all p values > 0.05). Conclusion: Repeated intravascular administrations of ICM within a short interval did not increase the risk of AKI in our study patients suspected of acute stroke with a baseline eGFR of ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m².

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.3-11
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• 2024

This study addressed the cost structure of metallurgical plants for vanadium recovery or production, which were previously planned or implemented. Vanadium metallurgy consists of several sub-processes such as such as pretreatment, roasting, leaching, precipitation, and filtration, in order to finally produce vanadium pentoxide. Here, lots of costs should be spent for such plants, in which these costs are largely divided into CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operational Expenditure). As a result, the capacities (feed input rates) and vanadium contents are various along the target projects for this study. However, final production rates and grades of vanadium pentoxide showed relatively small differences. In addition, a noticeable correlation is found between capacities and specific operating costs, in that a steadily decreasing trend is described with a non-linear curve with around -0.3 power. Therefore, for the plant capacity below 100,000 tons per year, the specific operating cost rapidly decreases as the capacity increases, whereas the cost remains relatively stable in the range of 0.6 to 1.2 million tons per year of the capacity. From a technical perspective, effective optimization of the metallurgical process plant can be achieved by improving vanadium recovery rate in the pre-treatment and/or roasting-leaching processes. Finally, the results of this study should be updated through future research with on-going field verification and further detailed cost analysis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.268-274
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immuno-stimulatory activity of the high-molecular-weight fraction (HMWF) of Cynanchum wilfordii (CW) extracts obtained by ultrafiltration in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and to assess its immuno-stimulatory effect in mice. Ultrafiltration was performed with polyethersulfone membranes (30 kDa cutoff) in a cross-flow filtration system to obtain the HMWF of CW. The results showed that the HMWF increased the production of various cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-6, and nitric oxide in dose-ependent manners. In addition, HMWF treatment increased the relative spleen weight as well as splenocyte proliferation induced by concanavalin A or bacterial lipopolysaccharide in mice. Natural killer (NK) cell activity in the HMWF-treated group was significantly increased compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that the HMWF of CW can support the immune system through secretion of macrophage cytokines, thereby enhancing NK cell activity and murine splenocyte proliferation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.173-177
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• 2003

Purpose : Recently, different results about factors affecting accurate quantitation of 24-hr urinary protein(24UP) amount using spot urine protein/creatinine ratio(PCR) have been reported. The current study was designed to evaluate correlation between 24UP amounts and PCR in children, and the effect of 24UP amounts, age, sex, and glomerular filtration rate(GFR) on this correlation. Methods : Among 94 patients who visited the department of pediatrics in Busan Paik Hospital from March 2002 to August 2002, 68 patients whose urinary creatinine excretion was ${\geq}15mg/kg/day$ were included in this study. All the patients were divided into I, II/A, B group(I : 24UP<500 mg/day, II : $24UP{\geq}500mg/day$, A : <10 years of age, B : ${\geq}10years$ of age). Pearson correlation analysis was performed between 24UP and PCR to evaluate the relationship. We defined fractional difference between 24UP and PCR, and then performed multiple regression analysis with 24UP amount, age, GFR and fractional difference. Results : There was a strong positive linear correlation between 24UP and PCR(R=0.936, P<0.0001) in all patients, and the correlation was also good in each group. Using PCR cutoff values of 0.5, the PCR provided high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value in predicting 24UP amount ${\geq}500mg$. The factors affecting accurate quantitation of proteinuria using spot urine PCR was age, not 24UP amount, GFR or sex. Conclusion : Spot urine PCR is a useful test but has limitations in predicting 24UP amount. Therefore, it should be used only as screening method. Age-adjusted PCR cutoff values may be necessary to predict 24UP amount in children with proteinuria.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2003

The preparation method of a soluble dietary fiber from oak wood (Quercus mongolica) and the effect of the soluble dietary fiber on physiological function in rat fed high cholesterol diets was investigated. The best condition for steam explosion method was 25 kgf/㎤ pressure for 6 min. The exploded samples were delignified by the filtration treatment with 1% NaOH for several times, which is the best condition. The enzymatic hydrolysis of Cellusoft cellulase was more effective than Onozuka R-10 cellulase. The manufactured soluble dietary fiber was assayed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and it was dissolved in water. Average molecular weight distribution of manufactured soluble dietary fiber was about 348-1,200 and it was assumed the oligomer form fraction. In order to compare the manufactured soluble dietary fiber with commercial soluble dietary fiber (pectin) on the physiological function, Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100$\pm$10 g were randomly assigned to one normal diet and five high cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol. The high cholesterol diet groups were classified to fiber free diet (FF group), 5% pectin (5P group), 10% pectin (l0P group), 5% manufactured soluble dietary fiber (5M group) and 10% manufactured soluble dietary fiber (10M group). Body weight gains in all soluble dietary fiber groups were lower than FF group. Food intakes were increased in all soluble dietary fiber groups than that of FF group. Food efficiency ratio (FER) was significantly decreased in all soluble dietary fiber groups than that of the FF group, and it was especially was highest in 10% supplemented soluble dietary fiber group. The weight of liver of the soluble dietary fiber supplemented groups were lower than those of the FF group, but weights of cecum and small intestine of all supplemented soluble dietary fiber groups were significantly increased, compared with that of FF group. The weights and water contents in feces were significantly increased by the soluble dietary fiber. The activity of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in soluble dietary fiber groups were significantly decreased than those of FF group. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity in all soluble dietary fiber supplemented groups were higher than that of FF group. The physiological effects of the manufactured soluble dietary fiber are the same as the commercial soluble dietary fiber (pectin). The preparation method of the soluble dietary fiber from the oak chips suited to its purpose. (Korean J Nutrition 36(1) : 9~17, 2003)

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.547-557
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• 1996

Background : An excessive accumulation of neutrophils in lung tissue has been known to play an important role in mediating the tissue injury among the adult respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis by releasing toxic oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes. Therefore, it is important to understand a possible mechanism of neutrophil accumulation in lung tissue. In many species, exposure to hyperoxic stimuli can cause changes of lung tissues very similar to human adult respiratory distress syndrome and neutrophils are also functioning as the main effector cells in hyperoxic lung injury. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether neutrophils function as a key effector cell and to study the nature of possible neutrophil chemotactic factors found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the hyperoxia exposed rats. Methods : We exposed the rats to the more than 95% oxygen for 24, 48, 60 arid 72 hours and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) was performed. Neutrophil chemotactic activity was measured from the BAT- fluid of each experimental groups. We also evaluated the molecular weight of neutrophil chemotactic tractors using fast performance liquid chromatography and characterized the substances by dialyzer membrane and heat treatment. Results : 1) The neutrophil proportions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid began to rise from 48 hours after oxygen exposure, and continued to be significantly increased with exposure times. 2) chemotactic index for neutrophils in lung lavages from rats exposed to hyperoxia was significantly higher in 48 hours group than in control group, and was significantly increased with exposure time. 3) No deaths occured until after 48 hours of exposure. However, mortality rates were increased to 33.3 % in 60 hours group and 81.3 % in 72 fours group. 4) Gel filtration using fast performance liquid chromatography disclosed two peaks of neutrophil chemotactic activity in molecular weight of 104,000 and 12,000 daltons. 5) Chemotactic indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly deceased when bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was treated with heat ($56^{\circ}C$ for 30 min or $100^{\circ}C$ for 10 min) or dialyzed (dialyzer membrane molecular weight cut off : 12,000 daltons). Conclusion : These results suggested that the generation of neutrophil chemotactic factor and subsequent neutrophil influx into the lungs are playing an important roles in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury. Neutrophil chemotactic factor in the lung lavage fluids consisted of several distinct components having different molecular weight and different physical characteristics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.506-512
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• 2003

Peach wine was fermented at $25^{\circ}C$ for 2 weeks using Saccharomyces cerevisiae KCCM 12224, aged at 15$^{\circ}C$ for 14 weeks, and its physicochemical and microbiological changes were investigated. The viable bacterial cell numbers, 1.4$\times$10$^3$ CFU/mL at the beginning of fermentation, increased to 2.8$\times$10$^{6}$ CFU/mL after 2 weeks, but decreased to 7.0$\times$10$^3$ CFU/mL after 14 weeks. The viable yeast cell numbers were changed from 3.4$\times$10$^2$ CFU/mL to 2.4$\times$10$^{7}$ CFU/mL during fermentation, and decreased to 4.0$\times$10$^4$ CFU/mL after aging. Turbidity total sugar content, reducing sugar content, solid content and b value of peach wine decreased during fermentation but acidity, alcohol content, L and a value increased. Most physicochemical properties except alcohol content and reducing sugar content were not changed significantly during aging. When peach wine was filtered through 0.45 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ nitrocellulose membrane followed by various ultrafiltration membranes with different molecular weight cut-off values, Biomax 100K membrane, with 79 liter/$m^2$/h (LMH) of initial flux, was suitable for ultrafiltration process of peach wine. These membrane filtration treatments resulted in complete removal of microorganisms and decrease in turbidity and alcohol content without changes in other chemical properties. The physicochemical properties of peach wine were not changed and any microorganisms were not found during the storage at 3$0^{\circ}C$ for 12 Weeks.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 1979

Ultraviolet microscopy of ultrathin sections of wood has proved to be one of the useful means for determining the lignin distribution in the various regions of the cell wall. Also, spectral approach and quantitative analysis of isolated compound middle lamella fraction from birch xylem have revealed that the lignin associated with the vessel secondary wall and middle lamella is composed predominantly of gualacylpropane units. Lignin deposited in the fiber and ray parenchyma secondary walls is composed mostly of syringylpropane units. The middle lamella lignin around fibers and ray cells contains both guaiacyl and syringyl propane quits. On the basis of the results above, this research was carried out to clarify the origin of milled wood lignin (MWL) by analysing the chemical characteristics of ML MWLs extracted at various milling stages. The amount of phenolic hydroxyl-, ${\alpha}$-carbonyl-, and methoxyl-group in the MWL's increases the milling time. And progressive mining contributes to the merease of ratio of syringylaldehyde to vanillin(S/V ratio) after nitrobenzene oxidation of MWL. Accordingly, It could be concluded that milled wood lignin extracted at the initial milling stage derives from compound middle lamella region of cell wall, whereas, with progressive milling, lignin of secondary wall of fiber is introduced gradually to milled wood lignin. These results are suggesting that heterogeneous chemical structure of lignins in hardwood exists. Although milled wood lignin at the initial stage seems to have lower molecular weight in comparison with milled wood lignin extracted at final milling stage from the result of Gel-filtration curves, further study would be required on molecular weight distribution of milled wood lignin in future.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.164-176
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• 1992

This study was conducted to determine the toxic effects of air pollutants on landscaping trees, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraierasis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodeytdron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis and their resistance to the pollutant toxicity in urban and industrial regions of Seoul and Taejon, Korea. Total sulfur content and superoxide dismutase activity were analysed in tree foliage of Pinus densiflora, Pinzes koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodendron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis. In addition, SOD activity was analyzed in the foliage of tree seedlings, i.e. Pinus densijlora, Pinus koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodendron tulipifera, with the lurnigation of $SO_2$ in gas chamber 4 hours a day for six days. In all species total sulfur content and SOD activity had a positive correlation. Air pollutants accumulated in tree tissues were supposed to enhance the enzyme activity like SOD providing with the resistance mechanisms. Trees under the air pollution stress increased enzyme activity to develop internal self-resistance against pollutants, but after a critical point enzyme-activity decreased gradually and resulting in injury after all, Deciduous trees had greater filtration capacity than conifers and coniferous trees showed greater resistance against air pollutants than deciduous species. Foliage SOD activity was higher in polluted area than in unpolluted area for most species. Coniferous species and mature trees had higher SOD activity than deciduous seedlings. Especially Pinus koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba and Plcatanus occidentalis had higher SOD activity than other species. The tree species with the high SOD activity showed strong resistance against air pollutants. In 2nd-year needles of Pinus densiflora seedlings and current and 2nd-year needles of Pinus koraiensis seedlings containing high native SOD activity, SOD activity increased with the increase of $SO_2$ level. But in seedlings containing low native SOD activity, SOD activity increased at 0.5ppm $SO_2$ level while it decreased at 1.5 and 2.5ppm $SO_2$. Changes of SOD activity was different between species and in most species SOD seemed to participate in resistance mechanism.