• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.87-94
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• 2005

Results from previous studies revealed that metal level in the body is related to certain types of diseases. For example. serum copper level with chronic heart failure, iron and transferrin in the blood serum with acute cerebral vascular diseases, Zn in the CNS, lead with neurotoxicity, hypertension, genetic damage, arsenic with cancer skin lesion, Al with neurobehavioral function (cognitive impairment and memory disorder), and etc. The rate of stroke has increased in recent years and several metals were found to be responsible for causing stroke. This study compared several blood metal concentrations between stroke and non-stroke patients. Patients with stroke (116 samples) and non-stroke (111 samples including lowback pain and others) participated in this study. Total of 227 blood samples were collected and participants completed questionnaires regarding age, gender, occupation, residence, alcohol, smoking, and etc. To be qualified into the stroke group, patients have never experienced stroke previously. Subjects only included ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage patients diagnosed by brain CT and brain MRI. Patients with high risk of metal exposure such as herbal intake and job related exposure were excluded. 10ml of blood samples were analyzed by ICP-MS method at the Center of Nature and Science at Sangji University. Metal geometric mean (SD) concentrations in blood of study subjects showed higher values, 2.64-36.12%, than WHO reference values in Mn, Ni, Hg, Se, and As. Metal concentration in blood of stroke patients non-adjusted for potential confounders was higher except for Hg and also higher except for Ni in adjusted for potential confounders. Co was significantly higher in stroke patients (p=0.002) than non-stroke patients adjusted for potential confounders. Regression coefficient values of stroke patients was 0.17-8.25 in each metals. Odd ratio of stroke patients had 0.96 (Ni)-2.68 (Co) compared to non-stroke cases. This result means that Co increase of 1 raises the risk ratio of stroke by 2.86 times. Based on the results, metal concentration in blood seems to affect incidence of stroke.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.181-185
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• 2013

Aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterial in cosmetics and medical materials. For this reason, Al-NP exposure is very likely to occur via inhalation in the environment and the workplace. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanism of Al-NP neurotoxicity via inhalation exposure. In this study, we investigated the effect AL-NPs on the brain. Rats were exposed to Al-NPs by nasal instillation at 1 mg/kg body weight (low exposure group), 20 mg/kg body weight (moderate exposure group), and 40 mg/kg body weight (high exposure group), for a total of 3 times, with a 24-hr interval after each exposure. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis indicated that the presence of aluminum was increased in a dose-dependent manner in the olfactory bulb (OFB) and the brain. In microarray analysis, the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activity (GO: 0043405), including Ptprc, P2rx7, Map2k4, Trib3, Trib1, and Fgd4 was significantly over-expressed in the treated mice than in the controls (p = 0.0027). Moreover, Al-NPs induced the activation of ERK1 and p38 MAPK protein expression in the brain, but did not alter the protein expression of JNK, when compared to the control. These data demonstrate that the nasal exposure of Al-NPs can permeate the brain via the olfactory bulb and modulate the gene and protein expression of MAPK and its activity.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.196-204
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• 2016

Objectives: Aluminum is well known as a potent neurotoxicant. There are many reports that aluminum can be toxic to humans and to animals. However, there are only few studies on the assessment of aluminum exposure among humans in Korea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate current aluminum concentrations among the adult population in regions of Korea. Methods: We selected 439 adults aged 20-89 years from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region and certain other sites. Blood aluminum concentrations were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). The geometric means (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of aluminum concentrations were calculated, and we also confirmed the proportion of excess of the aluminum reference value. Results: Total GM (95% CI) of aluminum levels was 14.26 (13.43-15.14) ppb. Levels among males (15.58 [14.09-17.22] ppb) were higher compared to among females (13.51 [12.54-14.55] ppb), and levels increased with subject age from 40 years and over. Three point one nine percent of the subjects exceed the reference value of 50 ppb. Lastly, aluminum concentration has a log-normal distribution with lnN (x; 2.89, 0.642), x>0. Conclusion: In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of blood aluminum concentrations among the normal population in Korea, and we found some adults exceeding the reference levels. However, in order to compare the results with other studies, an extended study including measurement of serum aluminum level is required. In addition, further research on various population groups, including occupational exposure of workers, is required.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.9-19
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• 2010

Objective: To compare the contents and transfer rate of hazardous substances in crude, washing solution, crude after washing, decoction and remnant after boiling. Methods: The heavy metal contents of each step were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and mercury analyzer (SP-3DS). In order to analyze pesticides in each sample we used simultaneous multi-residue analysis of pesticides by GC/ECD, which was followed by GC/MSD analysis to confirm the identity of the detected pesticide in each sample. In addition, the contents of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) were performed by Monier-Williams distillation method. Results: 1. Contents (mg/kg) of heavy metals were not detected in decoctions of any tested herbal medicine prescriptions. 2. Transfer rates (%) of heavy metals from crude to remnant were as follows: Yijin-tang (As: 46.9, Cd: 50.0 and Pb: 100.0), Oryung-san (As: 80.0, Cd: 100.0 and Pb: 73.8), Hwangryunhaedok-tang (As: 88.9, Cd: 71.4 and Pb: 92.7), Bangpungtongseong-san (As: 100.0, Cd: 17.3 and Pb: 56.1), Oyaksungi-san (As: 47.4, Cd: 175.0 and Pb: 142.4). 3. Contents (mg/kg) of residual pesticides were not detected in any samples. 4. Transfer rate (%) of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) from crude to remnant in all samples were as follows: Yijin-tang (25.0), Oryung-san (166.7), Hwangryunhaedok-tang (50.0), Bangpungtongseong-san (181.8), Oyaksungi-san (50.0). Conclusion: Our results showed that the boiled herbal medicine prescriptions which we take are safe from the hazardous substances.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.387-394
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• 2011

This study was performed to investigate the contents and leaching characteristics of hazardous wastes from the paint industry. In order to establish a hazardous waste list, samples from industrial discharge have been analyzed for 8 non-regulated inorganic hazardous substances (i.e., Sb, Ni, F, V, Ba, Zn, Be, Se). In more detail, hazardous waste samples from a total of 64 workplaces, e.g. manufacture, formulation, supply and use (MFSU) of coatings, adhesives, sealants and printing inks processing, have been chosen and analyzed. Contents and leaching tests for inorganic metal species in samples show that the non-regulated hazardous substances satisfy all the criteria, while quantitative analyses reveal that some samples of the discharged wastes exceeded the criteria proposed by NIER (National Instituted of Environmental Research). In conclusion, we expect the outcome of this study to align the classification system of hazardous waste management in South Korea with international legislations, and consequently contribute to reduce environmental pollution as well as health risks by toxic wastes.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.87-91
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• 2015

Eight minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn) were determined in Schizandra chinensis fruits and their infusions in Seoul. The average mineral contents per Schizandra chinensis fruits (100 g) were K (966.08 mg), Mg (87.20 mg), Ca (15.19 mg), Mn (6.19 mg), Fe (3.99 mg), Zn (2.78 mg), Na (2.15 mg) and Cu (0.31 mg) respectively by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. The quantity of K and Zn were found significantly higher in Korean fruits than the Chinese fruits (p < 0.05). The other 6 minerals did not reveal remarkable difference. In the case of processed Schizandra chinensis tea, it had K (217 mg), Mg (20.40 mg), Ca (7.16 mg), Na (2.95 mg), Mn (1.34 mg), Fe (0.95 mg), Zn (0.25 mg) and Cu (0.09 mg) per 100 g respectively. In extraction of Schizandra chinensis fruits, as it took a longer extraction time, and in a powder form rather than a raw form, it had a higher contents of minerals. When a powder type of Schizandra chinensis fruits was extracted for 24 hours at $25^{\circ}C$, the transfer rate appeared with Ca (36.27%), Mn (25.44%), K (22.43%), Zn (21.00%), Na (19.91%), Mg (19.55%) Cu (13.78%) and Fe (6.45%) respectively.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.802-811
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• 1999

The purposes of this study were to 1) examine the dietary patterns of fatty acids and the fatty acid composition in serum, 2) determine selenium (Se) concentrations, and 3) investigate how serum fatty acid compositon affects serum levels of Se in Korean elementary school children. The subjects consisted of 168 school children(82 boys & 86 girls) belonging to 1st through 6th grades, and their dietary assessment was evaluated. The serum fatty acid composition was analyzed by GLC, and the ICP/MS method was employed to measure serum Se concentration. Total average intake of PUFA, MUFA and SFA were 10.5g, 12.7g, 11.2g respectively. Total average dietary P/M/S ratio was 1.10/1.18/1.0. The average intake of $\omega$3 fatty acids and $\omega$6 fatty acids were 1.33g, 9.19g, respectively. The $\omega$6/$\omega$3ratio was 14.2 which is higher than the recommended range. In serum fatty acid composition, PUFA, MUFA, SFA were 40.6%, 28.1% and 31.6% respectively. The average $\omega$3 fatty acid composition was 3.80%, and the mean value of $\omega$6 series was 36.8%. The M/S ratio of girls was significantly higher than boy's in fatty acids intake and in serum composition. Mean Se concentration of total subjects was 416.7ug/l and it was significantly higher in the lower grades(1st-3rd)than in the upper grades(4th~6th, p<0.05). Although the mean serum Se concentration was negatively correlated with PUFA composition in total boys and girls, it was not significant. Serum Se concentration was negatively correlated with P/S ratio and C24:1 concentration(p<0.05). In addition, serum composition of $\omega$6 PUFA and C24:1 showed negative correlations with serum Se in only lower grades girl(1st~3rd), and further studies are needed to clarify in these phenomena. In conclusion, the mean serum Se concentration was significantly lower in upper grades (4th~6th)than in lower grades(1st~3rd) of elementary school children and was negatively correlated with P/S ratio of serum fatty acids. More detailed studies on relationship between Se and fatty acids are required.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.345-351
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• 2014

Chemical and Pb isotope analysis were performed in order to determine the origin of bronze artefacts excavated from the Inyongsaji site in South Korea. The result of ICP-MS shows that they are tin bronzes in which lead was not intentionally added during production. Pb isotope data analyzed by TIMS are plotted in the southern region of Korea and China of the distribution map drawn by Mabuchi(1985). On the other hand, the identical isotope data are plotted in the Taebaek basin and the Olcheon metamorphic belt correspondent to zone2 and zone3 respectively. It is believed that the isotope data on the tin bronzes which have very low lead content can be used to trace the origin of copper ore rather than those of either lead or tin ore. Pb istope analysis allows diverse interpretation as it can be applied to any object containing trace amounts of lead. In addition, accumulation of isotope data as well as further studies will improve reliability of the provenance studies.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.349-356
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• 2015

Trace metals concentrations in the tissue of edible marine fish (4 species), olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), file fish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer) and abbysal searobin (Lepidotrigla abyssalis), collected near the Yongho wharf in Busan were determined to assess the potential human health risk (HRA) of trace metals by fish consumption. Levels of Li, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in the fish tissue were $0.005{\pm}0.009$, $0.77{\pm}0.30$, $0.29{\pm}0.34$, $0.49{\pm}0.14$, $15.96{\pm}2.52$, $10.62{\pm}4.67$, $0.001{\pm}0.002$, and $0.045{\pm}0.06mg/kgdw$ respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cu and Zn and the estimated weekly intakes of As, Cd, and Pb from the fish collected near the Yongho wharf were 0.0032, 0.054-0.18% of PMTDI (provisional maximum tolerable daily intake) and 13, 0.0041, 0.020% of PTWI (provisional tolerable weekly intake) which were set to evaluate the food safeties by the JFCFA (The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). Lifetime cancer risk and target hazard for local residents due to those fish consumption were found to be negligible.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.181-191
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• 2007

The gemological charateristics of Gwangdong tektites and Baikdusan obsidians were investigated, using microscopy, density and refractive index measurements, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, and electron microprobe analysis. The Gwangdong tektites and Baikdusan obsidians are both black in colour and slightly trans-lucent with various shades of brown when cut into a few mm thick. Both the materials yield conchoidal fracture on broken surface. The tektites occur as tear-drop shapes, ranging from 4 to 10 cm long, and in spheres, from 3 to 5 cm in diameter. On the surface numerous shallow pits up to 3 mm in diameter are present. Mohs' hardness and specific gravity are 5 to 5.5 and 2.66, respectively. The tektites are singly refractive, with an refractive index of 1.51. Numerous spherical air bubbles are randomly scattered throughout the tektites, and silica-rich glass inclusions are occasionally seen. X-ray powder diffraction analysis verifies that they are non-crystalline. The Baikdusan obsidians show very similar properties to those of the Gwangdong tektites, especially in hardness, amorphous nature and fracture. Nevertheless, the Baikdusan obsidian can readily be distinguished from the Gwangdong tektites by refractive index ($1.49{\sim}1.50$), specific gravity (2.67 to 2.68), and inclusions (absence of bubbles and presence of sanidine and magnetite crystals).