• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.85 no.1
• /
• pp.37-46
• /
• 2022

Background: Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma-COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed. Results: We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016). Conclusion: Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.127-136
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted to estimate the damage of Whole Crop Maize (WCM) according to abnormal climate using machine learning and present the damage through mapping. The collected WCM data was 3,232. The climate data was collected from the Korea Meteorological Administration's meteorological data open portal. Deep Crossing is used for the machine learning model. The damage was calculated using climate data from the Automated Synoptic Observing System (95 sites) by machine learning. The damage was calculated by difference between the Dry matter yield (DMY)_normal and DMY_abnormal. The normal climate was set as the 40-year of climate data according to the year of WCM data (1978~2017). The level of abnormal climate was set as a multiple of the standard deviation applying the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) standard. The DMY_normal was ranged from 13,845~19,347 kg/ha. The damage of WCM was differed according to region and level of abnormal climate and ranged from -305 to 310, -54 to 89, and -610 to 813 kg/ha bnormal temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, respectively. The maximum damage was 310 kg/ha when the abnormal temperature was +2 level (+1.42 ℃), 89 kg/ha when the abnormal precipitation was -2 level (-0.12 mm) and 813 kg/ha when the abnormal wind speed was -2 level (-1.60 m/s). The damage calculated through the WMO method was presented as an mapping using QGIS. When calculating the damage of WCM due to abnormal climate, there was some blank area because there was no data. In order to calculate the damage of blank area, it would be possible to use the automatic weather system (AWS), which provides data from more sites than the automated synoptic observing system (ASOS).

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.55 no.2
• /
• pp.162-168
• /
• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to suggest an appropriate treatment method by comparing nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment for enchondroma in the hands and feet. Materials and Methods: Seventy four cases with enchondroma of the hands and feet from January 1996 to March 2017 were selected to evaluate the functional outcomes. Thirty cases were treated with nonsurgical treatment, and 44 cases were treated with surgical treatment, such as curettage only or curettage with a bone graft. The mean follow-up period was 18.1 months. The functional results were analyzed using the Wilhelm and Feldmeier formula. Results: The mean age was 38 years, and the age range was between eight and 69 years. According to the Wilhelm and Feldmeier formula, the mean score of hand enchondroma was 3.09±0.85 and 3.20±0.91 in the non-operative and operative group, respectively. The mean scores of the foot except for the grip strength were 2.57±0.79 and 2.75±0.50, respectively. No significant difference was observed according to the functional results. Among the 18 cases of enchondroma with pathological fractures, nine cases were treated non-surgically and nine cases were treated by surgically. In all 18 cases, complete bone healing was observed at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Relatively satisfactory results were obtained in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment and there was no significant difference in functional outcomes. In cases of enchondroma in the hands and feet, nonsurgical treatment can also be a good treatment option.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.662-669
• /
• 1995

To clarify the effect of temperature during ripening on grain quality, rice plant which was grown under normal natural conditions untill heading stage was subjected various temperature regimes during grain filling stage. Three varieties, Odaebyeo, Hwaseongbyeo and Dongjinbyeo were used. Grains on primary and secondary-rachis branches were harvested seperately and measured specific gravity, grain size and weight. The optimum daily temperature for grain filling of rice during ripening period was about 22$^{\circ}C$ and grain filling under alternating temperature(26/18$^{\circ}C$, day /night) was better than constant temperature (22 /22$^{\circ}C$) based on 1, 000-grain weight and yield. Grain size based on volume per grain was smallest under the constant temperature of 22 /22$^{\circ}C$. The size of secondary-rachis branches was smaller than primary-rachis branch. The difference in size between primary and secondary-rachis branches was biggest in Hwaseongbyeo, followed by Odaebyeo and Dongjinbyeo. The temperature regimes treated did not influence the grain size difference between branches so much. The 1000-grain weight was lighter under high temperature than low temperature in Odaebyeo, but reversed tendency was observed in Dongjinbyeo of secondary rachis-branches.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.3-106
• /
• 2023

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.112 no.2
• /
• pp.173-187
• /
• 2023

The forest protection policies implemented in South Korea have resulted in the significant accumulation of forest. Moreover, the associated public interest has also been closely evaluated. As forests mature, there arises a need for forest management (FM) practices, such as thinning and harvesting. It is therefore essential to perform a scientific analysis of the long-term effects of FM. In this study, conducted in Mt. Gariwang, the effect of FM on forest succession and wood production (WP) were evaluated based on changes in aboveground biomass (AGB) using the LANDIS-II model. The FM consists of three scenarios (Selection, Shelterwood, and Two-stories), characterized based on the harvest intensity, frequency, and period. The model was applied to changes in the forest over 200 years. All scenarios show that the total AGB decreased immediately after thinning and harvesting. However, AGB recovery time differed among scenarios, with recovery to preharvest level occurring from 15 to 50 years after harvest; further, after 200 years, harvested forests had a greater total AGB than forests without FMs In particular, the changes in AGB of each species was different depending on its shade tolerance. The AGB of currently dominant shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species decreased dramatically after harvesting. However, shade-tolerant species, dominant in the understory, continued to grow but were not harvested due to their small size. The cumulative WP for each scenario was estimated at 545.6, 141.6, and 299.9 tons/ha in Selection, Shelterwood, and Two-stories, respectively. The composition of WP differed according to harvest intensity and period. Most WP originated from shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species in the early period. Later, most WP was from shade-tolerant species, which became dominant. The modeling approach used in this study is capable of analyzing the long-term effects of FM on changes in forests and WP. This study can contribute to decision making to guide FM methods for a variety of purposes, including WP and controlling forest composition and structure.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.65-75
• /
• 2023

Objectives: Objectives: In this study, we define a medical service type that combines Western medicine, Korean medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as an integrated medical service. This study, as part of tertiary hospital-based integrated medical service model and clinical field application, aims to collect status and opinions on integrated medical service for medical staff in the field. Methods: This is a survey study, and was conducted on doctors from Kyung Hee University Hospital and Korean medicine doctors from Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital. Respondents were recruited on a first-come, first-served basis until the number of respondents reached 120. The investigation was conducted for a total of 16 days from October 4, 2021 to October 19, 2021 by e-mail. Results: Recognition of integrated medical services was confirmed to be 45.8%, and 49.2% responded positively to the necessity of it. As a group of diseases that require the establishment of integrated medical services in the future, 'disorders of musculoskeletal systems and connective tissues' was the highest. The most expected advantages of providing integrated medical services were 'increased satisfaction of patients and guardians' and 'increased treatment effects.' Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the perception of doctors and Korean medicine doctors on integrated medical services that combine Western medicine, Korean medicine, and CAM. It has been confirmed that medical staff generally have a positive perception of integrated medical services, and if the scientific basis for the effect of integrated medical services is supported, the rate of positive perception is expected to increase.

• Laboratory Medicine Online
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.10-14
• /
• 2012

Background: Measurement of HbA_1c levels is widely used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and to evaluate and monitor plasma-glucose concentrations over 6-8 weeks. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the newly developed latex immunoturbidimetric method by using Autolab HbA_1c. Methods: We analyzed and compared the diagnostic performance of Autolab HbA_1c with that of Toshiba 200FR between April 2009 and July 2009. According to guidelines (EP5-A2, EP6-P, EP9-A2) of the clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI), we compared linearity, precision and correlation of Autolab HbA_1c with those of G7 (Tosoh Corp., Kyoto, Japan) by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Results: Data obtained using Autolab HbA_1c showed good linearity in mixtures of samples with low (3.1%) and high (15.1%) levels of HbA_1c (r²=0.9997). In the analysis of within-run precision of the samples with HbA_1c levels of 5.1% and 12.1%, the SDs were 0.04 and 0.06 and covariances of these samples were 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. In the Deming regression model, the regression equation was as follows: Autolab HbA_1c=1.0859×Tosoh HPLC-0.6957. Conclusions: In this study, Autolab HbA_1c method showed better performance characteristics than Tosoh G7 did. In reference review, there was no interference of variant hemoglobin. The data acquisition time of Autolab HbA_1c was lower than that of Tosoh G7. The advantages of Autolab HbA_1c are that it can be used as an autoanlyzer in routine chemical analysis, it does not require pre-analytical treatment, and the samples are automatically treated with distilled water for hemolysis.

• Asia Marketing Journal
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.165-181
• /
• 2011

In 2005, Yuhan Kimberly found interesting points in the existing customers' U&A survey on the kitchen towel. The usage of Korean consumers is usually restricted to getting rid of the oil from the fans and the fried food. This usage limits could be the barrier to the diffusion of kitchen towel. Although consumers were worried about the hygiene situations about the dishcloth, they also percieved that the existing paper kitchen towels were short of something to soothe their inconveniences. As a result, the company made a decision to seek out the solution for the consumers' worries. The relative shortage of the paper kitchen towel compared to that of the unhygienic and inconvenient dishcloth was its lack of water-endurance. The dishcloth could be reliable in the wet environment which is very common in Korean kitchen, whereas the paper kitchen towel was perceived as very weak and unreliable in removing water form the dishes and the sink. To overcome the common sense of the consumers, it is important to shift the consumers' perception of the kitchen towel category. It is needed to expand the usage time from one time to several times in a day. So it is needed to redesign the customers' kitchen life. The company adopted the brand "Scott^®" to meet the global brand strategy of the parent company, Kimberley Clark. This brand was also adopted and made a succesful launch of the similar product lines in Latin America. Furthermore, to make an emphasis on the differentiation from the existing paper kitchen towels, the company made the slogan, "Scott^® washable kitchen towel." This slogan was designed to expand the familiar product image of convenient paper towels to water-resistance. As a result, consumers show the changes in usage behavior of paper towels and apply them for more various purposes such as cleaning the decks and tables. This change results in the rapid sales increase of "Scott^® washable kitchen towel."

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.72-82
• /
• 2024

This study aimed to develop a scientifically and systematically standardized xylooligosaccharide analytical method that can be applied to products with various formulations. The analysis method was conducted using HPLC with Cadenza C₁₈ column, involving pre-column derivatization with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazoline (PMP) and UV detection at 254 nm. The xylooligosaccharide content was analyzed by converting xylooligosaccharide into xylose through acid hydrolysis. The pre-treated methods were compared and evaluated by varying sonication time, acid hydrolysis time, and concentration. Optimal equipment conditions were achieved with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 6)-acetonitrile (78:22, v/v) through isocratic elution at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min (254 nm). Furthermore, we validated the advanced standardized analysis method to support the suitability of the proposed analytical procedure such as specificity, linearity, detection limits (LOD), quantitative limits (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. The standardized analysis method is now in use for monitoring relevant health-functional food products available in the market. Our results have demonstrated that the standardized analysis method is expected to enhance the reliability of quality control for healthy functional foods containing xylooligosaccharide.