• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2009

The gonad maturation and spawning of blue crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) using samples caught by trammer net in the western coast of Korea from January to December. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed the highest value of 15.0 in June and lowest value of 1.29 in August. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) showed the lowest in the spawning season from June to July. Thereafter, from August the value started to increase to 5.77 in December, showing an adverse trend against GSI. In the histological studies of the female reproductive organ, the gonad filled with primary oocytes from January to February and secondary oocytes in May. The female gonads mature from June, and mature and immature groups could be distinguished from December to February or March. In August, female developed another cycle of gonad development, showing new primary oocytes in the gonads again. Some of female crabs had receptaculum filled with already active sperm cells in it from March to May. In the time of August to September, almost all the females had the sperm sacs in the receptaculum. From the result, the coupling period estimated from August to September. Total RNA and DNA values of the crabs were highest in May (2.51, $0.57{\mu}g/mg$). The DNA value remained unchanged except for the value in May ($0.09-0.13{\mu}g/mg$). while RNA value was lowest in January ($1.08{\mu}g/mg$). The RAN/DNA ratio was the lowest (6.23%) in May and highest (18.05%) in July. The value of correlations coefficient between body weight and fecundity of the crabs was higher that of between carapace width and fecundity.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.218-225
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• 2011

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between the blood mercury concentration and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly Korean individuals living in coastal areas. Methods: The sample consisted of 477 adults (164 males, 313 females) aged 40 to 65 years who visited a Busan health promotion center from June to September in 2009. The relationship between blood mercury concentration and cardiovascular risk factors including metabolic syndrome, cholesterol profiles, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), was investigated. Variables related to blood mercury concentration were further evaluated using multiple regression analysis. Results: The blood mercury concentration of the study population was 7.99 (range, 7.60 to 8.40) ${\mu}g$/L. In males, the blood mercury concentration was 9.74 (8.92 to 10.63) ${\mu}g$/L, which was significantly higher than that in females (7.21, [6.80 to 7.64] ${\mu}g$/L). The blood mercury concentration of the study population was related to several cardiovascular risk factors including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p=0.044), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.034), BMI (p = 0.006), waist circumference (p = 0.031), and WHR (p < 0.001). In males, the blood mercury concentration was significantly correlated with WHR in the multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: In males, the blood mercury concentration was related to waist-to-hip ratio, which is a central obesity index and cardiovascular risk factor. Our finding suggests that cardiovascular disease risk in males was increased by mercury exposure via an obesity-related mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2013

This study was to investigate the quality of commercial Hwangryunhaedok-tang (Hwanglianjiedu-tang, HHT) extractive granules by comparing with HHT decoction. The contents of index components and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative abilities of two different commercial HHT granules (HHT-2 and HHT-3) were compared with those of the HHT decoction (HHT-1). The contents were analyzed with HPLC. The anti-inflammatory effects were determined by measuring NO, $PGE_2$ and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cell. We compared the anti-oxidative effects through ABTS radical scavenging activities. The range of contents of 7 ingredients was 0.42-36.54 mg/g in HHT-1, not detected-12.30 mg/g in HHT-2, not detected-18.79 mg/g in HHT-3. Although HHT-1, HHT-2, HHT-3 had the inhibitory effects on the production of NO, $PGE_2$ and the scavenging activities on ABTS, HHT-1 showed stronger effects than HHT-2, HHT-3 (HHT-1 > HHT-3 > HHT-2). HHT-1 inhibited the production of IL-6, while HHT-2, HHT-3 showed no inhibitory effects. It is necessary to find appropriate methods for extracting HHT and to establish standardized processes, in order to improve the quality of commercial traditional herbal formula.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2277-2284
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• 2016

Ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) from Mirabilis jalapa L. leaves has cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell lines but is less toxic towards normal cells. However, it can easily be degraded after administration so it needs to be formulated into nanoparticles to increase its resistance to enzymatic degradation. The objectives of this study were to develop a protein extract of M. jalapa L. leaves (RIP-MJ) incorporated into nanoparticles conjugated with Anti-EpCAM antibodies, and to determine its cytotoxicity and selectivity in the T47D breast cancer cell line. RIP-MJ was extracted from red-flowered M. jalapa L. leaves. Nanoparticles were formulated based on polyelectrolyte complexation using low viscosity chitosan and alginate, then chemically conjugated with anti-EpCAM antibody using EDAC based on carbodiimide reaction. RIP-MJ nanoparticles were characterised for the particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, particle morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The cytotoxicity of RIP-MJ nanoparticles against T47D and Vero cells was then determined with MTT assay. The optimal formula of RIP-MJ nanoparticles was obtained at the concentration of RIP-MJ, low viscosity chitosan and alginate respectively 0.05%, 1%, and 0.4% (m/v). RIP-MJ nanoparticles are hexagonal with high entrapment efficiency of 98.6%, average size of 130.7 nm, polydispersity index of 0.380 and zeta potential +26.33 mV. The $IC_{50}$ values of both anti-EpCAM-conjugated and non-conjugated RIP-MJ nanoparticles for T47D cells (13.3 and $14.9{\mu}g/mL$) were lower than for Vero cells (27.8 and $33.6{\mu}g/mL$). The $IC_{50}$ values of conjugated and non-conjugated RIP-MJ for both cells were much lower than $IC_{50}$ values of non-formulated RIP-MJ (>$500{\mu}g/mL$).

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermal and chemical stratification in Lake Paldang 2013-2018 weekly using Schmidt's stability index (SSI) and the index of chemical stratification (IC-i). The annual average for SSI was 19.1 g cm/㎠ with the maximum value of 45.3 g cm/㎠ in the summer and the minimum value of 4.8 g cm/㎠ in fall-winter showing seasonal differences as well as increased vertical mixing in the summer. The lake stability increased higher in 2016 as compared with the other period. The most influential factors of thermal stratification were temperature and heavy rainfall. Especially, high water temperature and a prolonged residence duration caused by reduced rainfall and inflows could result in an increase of the stratification period. While decreasing inflow and outflow at the end of the rainfall, the thermal stratification was restrengthened within 7-14 days, and then stabilized rapidly before the rainfall. IC-DO increased with high air temperature in the spring and fall-winter. However increasing sunshine duration and residence time and decreasing rate of outflow caused an increase of IC-DO in the summer. Rainfall (less than 800 mm/year) and discharge (less than 200 CMS) significantly declined in 2015 resulting in IC-DO (0.77) increased more than three times over the other years and bottom water hypoxia occurred. The SSI and IC-i used in this study could be applied to other lakes to understand changes in stratification and mixing dynamics.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 1984

Flow behaviors of rice starch-water systems containing 3-9% (w/v) of native and gelatinized starch solutions were studied with the capillary tube rheometer in the temperature range of $30-80^{\circ}C$. Flow behaviors of rice starch-water systems showed non-Newtonion behavior which could be expressed as ${\gamma}{\;}=\;{\psi}(^{\tau}g_c-{\tau}_yg_c)^N$. Flow parameters ${\psi}$, N and $^{\tau}_y$ were determined for native and gelatinized solutions. These parameters indicated that native rice starch solution shows a dilatancy and the gelatinized solution ranges from pseudoplastic to mixed type flow behavior with increasing concentrations. The value of flow behavior index for gelatinized solutions was about 1.2 in all samples but for native solutions, the values were 0.87-0.90. The values of yield stress, which were negligible below 5%, were increased with the increase in concentration from 5 to 9%. The value of consistency index was exponentially dependent on concentration and temperature. The values of activation energy for native and gelatinized solutions were 0.13-2.71 and 5.39-9.57 kcal/g mole, respectively.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.149-154
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• 2011

Objectives : Myocardial infarction is caused by heart cell death in a region where coronary arteries supplying blood to the region are occluded. In the present study, we determined whether ethanol extract of Cortex fraxini (HY5053) could attenuate heart injury by inhibiting apoptosis. Methods : Improvement of survival of HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, and reduction of apoptosis under hypoxic conditions (3% $O_2$) were assessed by trypan blue staining and DNA fragmentation assay, respectively. To assess the impact of HY5053 on the heart injury, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 1 day of the left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. HY5053 was given by intraperitoneal injection (200 mg/kg) 1 hr prior to the occlusion. Subsequently, the heart were harvested, excised into 4 slices, and the slices were stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Finally, the extent of heart injury represented as ischemic index (%) was assessed. Results : Addition of HY5053 (400 ${\mu}g$/mL) into the culture medium for 1 day under ischemic conditions improved the cell survival by 50%, compared with control (0 ${\mu}g$/mL), consequently delayed apoptosis in 6 hr difference. Also, HY5053 (200 mg/kg) reduced the ischemic index by 44%, compared with control (0 mg/kg). Conclusions : These findings suggested that HY5053 attenuated myocardial infarction by inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, Cortex fraxini could be developed as a novel cardioprotectant to complement a currently available treatment, coronary angioplasty.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.102-111
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• 1997

Experiments both in laboratory and field were performed to compare and analyze the characteristics of alluvial clay. The alluvial clay was sampled in test site in which large-scaled tests for the part of the site are under process to suggest the rational method for alluvial clay and the criterion for ground settlement monitoring system. The followings were observed through the experiments : 1. Natural water content, plastic limit, and liquid limit of alluvial clay composed of highly fine grains were 40~80%, 10~20%, and 30~55%, respectively. The values of these properties were relatively small at the ground surface, while the values showed maximum at G.L.- l0m and gradually decreased below the level. 2. Shear strength of alluvial clay was proportionally increased to the depth. Unconfined and triaxial compressive strengths were 0.2~0.6kgf/$cm^2$ and 0.1~0.3kgf/$cm^2$, respectively. 3. Compression index and secondary compression index showed maximum values at G.L.-l0m and gradually decreased below the level. The value of consolidation coefficient was relatively large at the ground surface, constant with decreasing the depth, and incresed when G.L. was below -20m. 4. Piezocone test appeared that alluvial clay with N value of 2~4 was uniformly distributed with 20~ 30m thickness from the ground surface, sand seam was nonuniformly distributed, and penetration pore pressure was 0.8 ~ 1 times of the hydrostatic pressure. Undrained shear strength and consolidation coefficient were 0.04 ~ 0.76kgf / $cm^2$ and $2.88{\times} 10{^-4}~1.3{\times} 10{^-2} cm^2/s$ respectively.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2002

Pharmacokinetic parameters and dosage of aminoglycosides (AGs) were studied retrospectively in 36 patients with neutropenic fever after stem cell transplantation in Seoul National University Hospital from July 1996 to June 2001. AGs pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with steady-state peak and trough serum drug concentrations by the method of Sawchuk and Zaske et at. The calculated aminoglycosides volume of distribution and clearance were greater than population value $(0.36\pm0.06\;L/kg,\;116\pm32\;ml/min/1.73\;m^2,\;respectively)$. The average dosage of aminoglycosides required to maintain optimal serum AGs concentration was also greater than recommended dose in insert paper. The average dosage of amikacin was $11\pm2.1$ mg/kg every 12 hours (In case of tobramycin, $2.09\pm0.37$ mg/kg every 8 hours or $2.59\pm0.20$ mg/kg every 12 hours). The relationship between AGs volume of distribution and sex, serum albumin (g/dl), body mass index $(kg/m^2)$, body weight change $(\%)$, the amount of fluid inpu (ml/kg/day), the degree of hematocrit decrease $(\%)$ were studied respectively. Univariate anlysis revealed that body mass index $(kg/m^2)$, the amount of fluid input (ml/kg/day) and the degree of hematocrit decrease $(\%)$ had significant correlation with aminoglycosides volume of distribution. But sex, serum albumin, body weight change $(\%)$ had no significant correlation with aminoglycosides volume of distribution.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.246-252
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• 2018

Background Slim patients or those with large breasts may be ineligible for breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap, as the volume of the flap may be insufficient. This study aimed to establish that abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction can be well suited for Korean patients, despite their thin body habitus. Methods A total of 252 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap from October 2006 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and body mass index were analyzed, and a correlation analysis was performed between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial abdominal flap. Results The average weights of the mastectomy specimen and initial abdominal flap were 451.03 g and 644.95 g, respectively. The ratio of the weight of the mastectomy specimen to that of the initial flap was $0.71{\pm}0.23$. There was a strong positive linear relationship between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial flap (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.728). Thirty nulliparous patients had a final-to-initial flap weight ratio of $0.66{\pm}0.11$. The 25 patients who underwent a contralateral procedure had a ratio of $0.96{\pm}0.30$. The adjusted ratio of the final flap weight to the initial flap weight was $0.66{\pm}0.12$. Conclusions Breast weight had a strong positive relationship with abdominal flap weight in Koreans. Abdominal flaps provided sufficient soft tissue for breast reconstruction in most Korean patients, including nulliparous patients. However, when the mastectomy weight is estimated to be >700 g, a contralateral reduction procedure may be considered.