• Molecules and Cells
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.308-313
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• 2006

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside compound which is commonly found in the pits of many fruits and raw nuts. Although amygdalin itself is not toxic, it can release cyanide (CN) after hydrolysis when the pits and nuts are crushed, moistened and incubated, possibly within the gastrointestinal tract. CN reversibly inhibits cellular oxidizing enzymes and cyanide poisoning generates a range of clinical symptoms. As some pits and nuts may contain unusually high levels of amygdalin such that there is a sufficient amount to induce critical CN poisoning in humans, the detection of abnormal content of amygdalin in those pits and nuts can be a life-saving measure. Although there are various methods to detect amygdalin in food extracts, an enzyme immunoassay has not been developed for this purpose. In this study we immunized New Zealand White rabbits with an amygdalin-KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) conjugate and succeeded in raising anti-sera reactive to amygdalin, proving that amygdalin can behave as a hapten in rabbits. Using this polyclonal antibody, we developed a competition enzyme immunoassay for determination of amygdalin concentration in aqueous solutions. This technique was able to effectively detect abnormally high amygdalin content in various seeds and nuts. In conclusion, we proved that enzyme immunoassay can be used to determine the amount of amygdalin in food extracts, which will allow automated analysis with high throughput.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.344-352
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• 2012

Mercury is a toxic and non-essential metal in the human body. Mercury is ubiquitously distributed in the environment, present in natural products, and exists extensively in items encountered in daily life. There are three forms of mercury, i.e., elemental (or metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. This review examines the toxicity of elemental mercury and inorganic mercury compounds. Inorganic mercury compounds are water soluble with a bioavailability of 7% to 15% after ingestion; they are also irritants and cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Upon entering the body, inorganic mercury compounds are accumulated mainly in the kidneys and produce kidney damage. In contrast, human exposure to elemental mercury is mainly by inhalation, followed by rapid absorption and distribution in all major organs. Elemental mercury from ingestion is poorly absorbed with a bioavailability of less than 0.01%. The primary target organs of elemental mercury are the brain and kidney. Elemental mercury is lipid soluble and can cross the blood-brain barrier, while inorganic mercury compounds are not lipid soluble, rendering them unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. Elemental mercury may also enter the brain from the nasal cavity through the olfactory pathway. The blood mercury is a useful biomarker after short-term and high-level exposure, whereas the urine mercury is the ideal biomarker for long-term exposure to both elemental and inorganic mercury, and also as a good indicator of body burden. This review discusses the common sources of mercury exposure, skin lightening products containing mercury and mercury release from dental amalgam filling, two issues that happen in daily life, bear significant public health importance, and yet undergo extensive debate on their safety.

• KSBB Journal
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.8-13
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• 2016

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause hangover symptoms, such as headache, drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, and anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate alcohol metabolizing enzyme activities and antioxidant activities of fruit-vegetable juices containing Angelica keiskei prepared using a low speed masticating juicer in vitro. The acceleration rate of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) by A. keiskei-cherry tomato juice (ACJ) and A. keiskei-green grape juice (AGJ) were $163.8{\pm}4.3%$ and $148.2{\pm}6.9%$, respectively. The acceleration rate of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) by ACJ and AGJ were $185.6{\pm}9.5%$ and $161.1{\pm}4.8%$, respectively. Total polyphenol of ACJ and AGJ were $111.1{\pm}1.6mg/dL$ and $100.8{\pm}2.9mg/dL$, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activities of ACJ and AGJ were $62.0{\pm}0.5%$ and $61.3{\pm}0.4%$, respectively. Thus, these results indicate that alcohol degrading enzyme activities can be enhanced by fruitvegetable juices containing A. keiskei.

• 한방비만학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.17-27
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• 2006

Objectives : Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) is frequently prescribed for obesity management in oriental medicine. The main component is ephedrine alkaloids which can have serious adverse side effects such as heart attack, stroke, sudden death. There are no scientific guidelines for Ma-huang usage in the safe treatment of obesity in oriental medicine. We reviewed published studies on its safety to make evidence based guidelines. Methods : We searched electronic databases up to May 2006. We limited evidence to controlled trials for efficacy or safety, case reports for safety, and studies for Ma-huang contents analysis. Results and Conclusions : In clinical trials for weight loss, Ma-huang and ephedrine promote modest short-term weight loss but have no serious adverse effects, have only a few adverse effects associated with increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart palpitations. In case reports, there have been serious adverse effects including stroke, heart attack, and death using typical doses of ephedrine or no associated illness. There are factors related to serious adverse effects, such as overuse, lack of standardization, individual sensitivity, and interactions with other drugs. Studies relating to these factors should be analyzed for safe use of Ma-huang and ephedrine. After analyzing related studies, we suggest guidelines for Ma-huang usage. We propose that the dosage should be within 4.5-7.5g per day for up to 6 months for generally healthy individual. It's use is contraindicated in individuals with heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, glaucoma, urination disorders, enlarged prostate, persons using MAOIs, methyldopa and sympathomimetic agents.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.546-548
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• 2011

위장관계 폐쇄가 있는 선천성 중복낭종은 사람과 동물에서 아주 드물게 발생한다. 생후 5일령의 한우 송아지가 초유를 한번 섭취한 후 식욕부진과 무배변 등의 임상증상으로 본 대학병원에 내원하였다. 시험적 개복술에서 십이지장 근위부위에 장간막 반대측 벽내에서 난원형의 종괴($16{\times}7$ cm)를 확인하였다. 종괴의 장막층을 절개하여 수양성 내용물을 흡인한 후, 종괴 내강을 통과하여 십이지장 점막을 절개하였고, 상하부 위장관계의 개통성을 확인하였다. 송아지는 수술 후 회복하여 수술 3개월 후에도 특별한 임상증상은 없었다.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.92-96
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• 2009

Mycoplasma pneumoniae는 소아 및 청소년에게 발병하는 폐렴의 주요한 원인균으로, 중추신경계, 피부나 점막, 소화기계 등의 합병증을 자주 동반하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 하지만 M. pneumoniae와 관련된 심장의 합병증은 비교적 흔하지 않은 것으로 알려져 있고 특히 소아에서는 드문 것 로 알려져 있다. 이에 저자들은 M. pneumoniae 폐렴으로 입원하여 치료 중에 속발한 심근염으로 사망한 47개월 여아에 관한 증례를 보고하는 바이다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.56-69
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study is to review the current research trend on the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for pancreatitis. Methods : Through nine search engines, articles were collected, which had involved the use of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for pancreatitis. Data were extracted from the selected articles regarding the year, country, type of pancreatitis, study design, evaluation variable, intervention, point for acupuncture and moxibustion, and effectiveness of treatment. Results : Total 56 articles were reviewed. The number of studies increased gradually every ten years. Fifty-one studies(91%) were conducted in China. Most of clinical studies and animal experimentations reported on acute pancreatitis. Thirty-nine studies were randomized controlled trials(RCTs), but most of them were assessed as uncertain in the risk of bias evaluation. The degree of overall improvement(79%) was used mainly as evaluation variable of clinical studies. In animal experimentations, the examination of pancreatitis tissue(77%) and blood test(77%) were used the most. Most of studies were conducted with the acupuncture, one with moxibustion. Among them, electroacupuncture was the most common intervention of treatment group. ST36 was the most frequently used acupuncture point in the included studies. Effective rate increased and serum amylase, clinical symptoms, recovery time of gastrointestinal function decreased statistically significantly in the treatment group of clinical studies. Conclusions : The result of this study could be used for the future practice and research about the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for pancreatitis.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.104-109
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• 2008

Purpose: Unrefined tablets prepared from Aconitum tubers are occasionally used in Korean folk medicine. This study defines the potential sources, clinical toxicology, and treatment of aconitine poisoning. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted in 63 patients in the ED of a tertiary University Hospital with suspected toxicity from an unrefined tablet prepared from Aconitum tubers from 1999 to 2007. Results: A total of 63 cases enrolled included 26 men and 37 women, aged 30 to 86 years. Forty-eight patients ingested aconitine tablets as digestives, 26 tablets on average. After a latent period of 30 to 450 minutes, patients developed a combination of neurologic (87.3%), gastrointestinal (82.5%), cardiopulmonary (41.3%), and other (28.6%) features typical of aconitine poisoning. Initial ECG abnormalities revealed dysrhythmia (61.9%), conduction disturbance (42.9%), and abnormal waveforms (39.7%), with 28.6% of patients having normal ECGs. All patients received supportive treatment or close observation regardless of ingestion amounts. Patients with hypotension or ventricular arrhythmia were treated with inotropic agents or amiodarone. Conclusion: Toxicologic signs and symptoms can occur after the consumption of aconitine tablets, regardless of ingestion amount. The risk occurs because of inadequately processed aconitine roots. This study will provide important data for public education and distribution regulations for Aconitum sp. in Korea.

• 한국학교보건학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.25-35
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was to identify the types and characteristics of health problems of middle school students in Gangwondo. Methods: The subjects of the study were 11 middle schools from 47 schools with nurse teachers in Gangwondo. The anecdotal records of the school health clinics were collected from March to December in 1998 with the agreement of nurse teachers of the schools. Results: 71.0% of the middle students visited the school health care clinics once or more than once. The mean frequency of health problems was 2.03 times per one year. The rate of health problems did not show any statistical differences by sex, school location, age, the day of the week and weather. However, there were statistical differences of the rate by month. The highest rate was showed in September, followed by June and April (F=2.52, p=0.01). Health problems were classified into 11 types. Gastrointestinal illness showed the largest proportion (60.6%). The oral illness showed statistical differences among the location of school, between municipal and rural area (t=-2.97, p=0.016). There were 411 types of signs and symptoms recorded. Among them, headache was showed the highest proportion with 2,122 cases (11.2%). Conclusion : The incidence rate of health problems was higher than that of earlier studies. It showed that the incidence rates and the types of diseasps in middle school students were different by school locations, characteristics of students, and months. To improve the qualities of primary cares in school health services, the reformed and unified anecdotal record system and the standardized guidelines for primary care are necessary.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.703-714
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A dietary restriction on the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications. Enteral nutrition (EN) is widely used for patients who cannot obtain their nutritional requirements orally, but many studies have reported EN complications, especially diarrhea, in up to 50% of patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a single-center, non-randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on GI complications in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients in the ICU who needed EN (n = 66) were alternately assigned to the low-FODMAP group (n = 33) or the high-FODMAP group (n = 33). RESULTS: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured, and stool assessment was performed using King's Stool Chart. We excluded patients who received laxatives, GI motility agents, proton pump inhibitors, antifungal agents, and antibiotics other than β-lactams. There were no differences in GI symptoms during 7 days of intervention, including bowel sound, abdominal distension, and vomiting between the 2 groups. However, diarrhea was more frequent in the high-FODMAP group (7/33 patients) than the low-FODMAP group (1/33 patients) (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a low-FODMAP enteral formula may be a practical therapeutic approach for patients who exhibit enteral formula complications. Our study warrants further randomized clinical trials and multicenter trials.