• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.63-77
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• 2015

Objectives The combination extract of four kinds of herbs, Gastrodia elata, Liriope platyphylla, Dimocarpus longan, and Salvia miltiorrhiza, has shown to have memory improving effects in mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the herbal mixture for improving working memory as well as microstructural changes in white matter integrity in individuals with subjective memory complaints. Methods Seventy-five individuals with subjective memory complaints were assigned to receive either placebo (n = 15) or herbal mixture (low-dose group, n = 30 and high-dose group, n = 30) supplementation in an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Changes in working memory performance and fractional anisotropy (FA) values reflecting white matter integrity from baseline to 8-week endpoint were assessed. Results The herbal mixture group showed an increase in working memory performance compared to the placebo group (p for interaction = 0.001). In addition, the herbal mixture group showed an increase in FA values in the temporo-parietal regions (corrected p < 0.05), which are crucially involved in working memory function and are among the most affected regions in patients with cognitive impairments. Conclusions Findings from this study indicate that the herbal mixture may be a promising therapeutic option for individuals with subjective memory complaints.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.135-144
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• 1999

The purposes of this study were to survey types of pretreatment methods adopted by industrial hygiene laboratories in Korea for extracting heavy metals in welding fume samples and to compare performances of two pretreatment methods, the acid extraction and the microwave digestion, in extracting heavy metals contained in the real workplace samples from various welding jobs including arc, argon, and carbon dioxide. A total of 25 analytical chemists in the industrial hygiene laboratories participating the quality control program directed by the Korea Industrial Safety Corporation were interviewed by telephone. For the purpose of comparing performance of extracting heavy metals from real workplace samples, a total of 53 welders from 21 workplaces located in Anyang, Uiwang, and Kunpo areas were sampled from the period of March 22, 1999 to April 20, 1999. It was found that the most frequently adopted method for samples from the quality control program was the acid extraction method(40%) followed by the NIOSH 7300 method(36%). The NIOSH method, however, was the dominant method(36%) for samples from workplace followed by the acid extraction method(28%). In this study, two extraction methods, the acid extraction and the microwave digestion, were compared in terms of recovery rate, accuracy, and precision for both manganese and chromium. Both methods produced comparable results for the samples prepared for the quality control program. In contrast, concentrations of two heavy metals determined from real workplace samples pretreated with the microwave digestion method were statis tically significantly higher, manganese(166%) and chromium (200%), than those of utilizing the acid extraction method. These findings were consistent regardless of types of welding techniques used. The results of this study clearly show the importance of verifying the analytical performances of extraction methods for heavy metals not only for the samples from the quality control program but also from the real world samples collected from welding jobs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.293-302
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• 2023

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological trends and challenges in managing tuberculosis (TB) in livestock in Korea from 2013 to 2022. Tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, is a significant zoonotic disease affecting cattle, deer, and other domesticated animals. Despite the initiation of a test-and-slaughter eradication policy in 1964, TB has continued to persist in Korean livestock, particularly in cattle and deer. This study used data from the Korea Animal Health Integrated System and provincial animal health laboratories to analyze TB incidence in various livestock including different cattle breeds and deer species. The results from 2013 to 2022 showed a peak in TB cases in 2019 with a subsequent decline by 2022. The study highlighted a significant incidence of TB in Korean native cattle and the need for amore inclusive approach towards TB testing and control in different cattle breeds. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of addressing TB in other animals such as goats, wildlife, and companion animals for a holistic approach to TB eradication in Korea. The findings suggest that while the test-and-slaughter strategy has been historically effective, there is a need for adaptation to the current challenges, and learning from successful eradiation stories on other countries like Australia. A collaborative effort involving an expanded surveillance system, active private sector participation, and robust government support essential for the efficient eradication of TB in livestock in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.164-172
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• 2019

Objectives: This study's purpose is finding children's activity spaces that demand environmental safety management. Methods: The method of this study is analysing children's life patterns based on a questionnaire survey. Results: This study analyzed children's life patterns through a questionnaire survey. In total, 2,447 questionnaires were provided to analyze children's life patterns. The results of the questionnaire indicated a highly simple form because many children generally stayed in their home (66%) or nursery facility (2%). In the case of other facilities, playground was ranked first and amusement park was ranked second. In addition, kids cafe (including play facilities installed in shopping centers, etc.), library, and internet cafe were among the responses. Conclusions: The priority for new high-maintenance children's activity spaces are academy (rank 1), kids cafe (rank 2), indoor playground (rank 3).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.295-304
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• 2006

Residual materials such as veterinary drugs, environmental contaminants, and pesticides are affecting food safety. High resolution techniques and quality controls are needed to analyze these materials from part per million to part per trillion quantities in food. In order to achieve quality results, standardized methods and techniques are required. Our laboratories were prepared to obtain a certificate of accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025 in the analytical criteria of animal drugs, dioxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. ISO together with IEC has built a strategic partnership with the World Trade Organization with the common goal of promoting a free and fair global trading system. ISO collaborates with the United Nations Organization and its specialized agencies and commissions, particularly those involved in the harmonization of regulations and public policies including the World Health Organization and CODEX Alimentarius for food safety measurement, management and traceability. Our goal was to have high quality analysts, proper analytical methods, good laboratory facilities, and safety systems within guidelines of ISO/IEC 17025. All staff members took requirement exams. We applied proficiency tests in the analysis of veterinary drugs (nitrofuran metabolites, sulfonamide and tetracyclines), dioxins, organophosphorus pesticides, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As) to the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) at Central Science Laboratory, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), England. The results were very satisfactory. All documents were prepared, including system management, laboratory management, standard operational procedures for testing, reporting, and more. The criteria encompassed the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:1999. Finally, the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) accredited our testing laboratories in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of the National Standards Act. The accreditation will give us the benefit of becoming a regional reference laboratory in Asia.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.54-67
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• 2006

This study was performed to deduct the extension possibility of the standards establishment for $NO_2$, $O_3$, Asbestos, Radon, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) excluded in the indoor air part of Industrial Safety Acts in Korea. The air pollutants were sampled for 30 office buildings from August to September, 2005 in the metropolitan area. The airborne concentrations of $NO_2$, $O_3$, Radon and TVOC were 0.0092 ppm, 0.0035 ppm, 0.57 pCi/L and $423{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The management plan and reduction methods is required in the aspect of indoor air quality(IAQ) because the emission sources of those also exist in indoor as well as outdoor even though those were not exceeded the standards of the Ministry of Environment in Korea. The standard for TVOC in the new and remodeling office has to be established based on the risk assessment when hazard index exceeded "1" in the worst case scenario. In the state of art, the management of each volatile organic compounds has a difficulty due to not enough data for toxicological reference. Therefore, it is suggested that first of all, the standard for TVOC be established and then expanded to each materials for decision-making of improvement of IAQ in office.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2021

Respiratory viruses (RVs) cause infections in hospital environments through direct contact with infected visitors. In infection control, it causes major problems of acquired infections in hospitals by respiratory viruses. The surveillance data derived from clinical laboratories are often used to properly allocate medical resources to hospitals and communities for treatment, consumables, and diagnostic product purchases in the institutions and public health sectors that provide health care. An early diagnosis is essential in infection with respiratory viruses, and methods that can be used in diagnostic methods using respiratory samples include virus culture, molecular diagnosis, and analysis. A microchip provides a new strategy for developing a more diverse and powerful technology called point-of-care testing. The importance of the respiratory system should be applied strictly to the infection control guidelines to ensure the occupational health and safety of health care workers. Evidence of clinical efficacy, including this study, is challenging the long-standing paradigm for infection propagation. Additional assistance will be needed for frequent tests to detect respiratory viruses in inpatients who have begun to show new respiratory symptoms indicating infections requiring efforts to control the infection.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.131-138
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• 1990

Aflatoxins is a chemically diverse group of toxic secondary metabolites that are produced by fungi and often occur in agricultural commodities. Because of their wide range of toxic effects, Aflatoxins cause severe economic losses to farmers and livestock producers and pose a health to human consuming contaminated foods. Long term prospects for biotechnological control of Aflatoxins require elucidation of the specific steps and regulation of their biosynthetic pathways . Aflatoxin determinations can be approached many ways. It is essential to safely handle all experimental materials associated with aflatoxin analysis or aflatoxigenic fungi Visual screening of suspect samples, base on the presence of conidial head of the aspergillus flavus group, and screening samples for the presence of bright greenish yellow flourescence are not chemical tests and such screening techniques may allow aflactoxin contaminated lots into commerce. Microcolumn screening procedures should always be used in conjunction with a quantitative method. Several thin layer chromatography(TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) methods are suitable for quantitation and are in general use. Immunochemical Methods such as the ELISA or affinity column chromatography methods are being rapidly developed. The chemical and immunochemical methods can be reliable if care is taken, using suitable controls and personnel that are well trained . All analytical laboratories should stress safety and include suitable analytical validation procedure. Especially a worldwide enquiry was undertaken in recent to obtain up-to-date information about aflatoxin legislation in as many countries of the world as possible. The information concerns aflatoxin in foodstuffs. aflatoxin MI in dairy products, aflatoxins in animal feedstuffs. Limits and regulations for aflatoxin have been expended in recent with more countries having legislation on subject, more products, and more aflatoxins covered by this legislation.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discover the recognition of dental technicians on MSDS and to research the furnishing rate of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in dental laboratories. Method: 104 dental technicians who were self-written questionnaire. The results were analyzed by SPSS 12.0. The answers to the questionnaire underwent frequency analysis, chi-square test were performed. Results: The result of cross analysis on the occurrence of occupational diseases according to whether MSDS is furnished showed that the group with MSDS furnished had 37.8% of damages due to their occupation, but the group with MSDS unfurnished had 65.7% of damages due to their occupation, which displayed a significant difference(p<0.05). The result of cross analysis on whether the education about chemicals according to whether MSDS is furnished showed there were relatively more responses of no education on the types and characteristics of chemicals, the effect on human body and its risk, emergency measure when exposed to risk, the treating and storing methods and the disposal methods. In addition, there were significant differences on whether all the above education was done between the group with MSDS furnished and the group without MSDS(p<0.000). Conclusion: In order to secure safe working environment of dental technicians and to reduce occurrence of damage caused by chemicals, the related education is necessary. The recognition of dental technicians on MSDS and furnishing rate is increasing but still insufficient, so the related organizations need to establish education and PR measures for prevention of damage.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.195-205
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• 2022

Background: The biggest concern when using household chemical products is the health risk from inhalation exposure. Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to provide information necessary for estimating inhalation exposure factors in several countries/organizations and to present some examples. Methods: We attempted to use PRISMA-ScR for a systematic review, but no major reports were found. We used the Google search function instead to find 'exposure factor handbook'. As for the results, inhalation exposure factors from South Korea, the United States, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, and China were compared. Results: The basic concept and origin of exposure factors was the US Environmental Protection Agency's Exposure Factor Handbook. Its latest version is 2011, but several chapters have been updated in 2017, 2018, and 2019. South Korea's Exposure Factor Handbook was updated in 2019, more recently than those of other countries, and was systematically investigated. In South Korea, the average daily respiratory rate is 14.62 m³/day for adults and 12.73 m³/day for children. It is difficult to compare breathing rate by country because each country divides age groups differently and uses different methods to estimate it. Information on household chemical products, space used, and ventilation rate are in the exposure factor handbook in some countries and not in others. It is not in the handbook in South Korea, but in the notice from the NIER (National Institute of Environmental Research), a sub-regulation of the Chemical Product Safety Act. Conclusions: The exposure factors registered in South Korea's exposure factor handbook have been systematically studied and reflect the most recent data. When using data not in the relevant handbook, data from other countries might be applied, but it should be determined whether the nature and quality of the original data have been managed.