• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.326-335
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• 2015

Background: Asian dust is known to have harmful effects on the respiratory system. Respiratory conditions are also influenced by environmental conditions regardless of the presence of pollutants. The same pollutant can have different effects on the airway when the air is dry compared with when it is humid. We investigated hospital visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in relation to the environmental conditions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database of patients who visited hospitals in Chuncheon between January 2006 and April 2012. Asian dust, haze, mist, and fog days were determined using reports from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Hospital visits for asthma or COPD on the index days were compared with the comparison days. We used two-way case-crossover techniques with one to two matching. Results: The mean hospital visits for asthma and COPD were $59.37{\pm}34.01$ and $10.04{\pm}6.18$ per day, respectively. Hospital visits for asthma significantly increased at lag0 and lag1 for Asian dust (relative risk [RR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.19; p<0.05) and haze (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.22; p<0.05), but were significantly lower on misty (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99; p<0.05) and foggy (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93; p<0.05) days than on control days. The hospital visits for COPD also significantly increased on days with Asian dust (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.59; p<0.05), and were significantly lower at lag4 for foggy days, compared with days without fog (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97; p<0.05). Conclusion: Asian dust showed an association with airway diseases and had effects for several days after the exposure. In contrast to Asian dust, mist and fog, which occur in humid air conditions, showed the opposite effects on airway diseases, after adjusting to the pollutants. It would require more research to investigate the effects of various air conditions on airway diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1033-1037
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• 2001

Garlic oleoresins were made by extracting with four solvents of methanol, methyl acetate hexane and acetone from chopped garlic, respectively, and the volatile compounds of each extract were separated by gas chromatography installed with polar (supelcowax-10$^{TM}$) and nonpolar (HP-5) capillary columns, respectively, and identified by matching mass data of mass selective detector and Kovat\`s retention index with references. The numbers of the volatile compounds identified the garlic oleoresin by polar and nonpolar columns from in garlic oleoresins were 41 and 32, respectively. In polar column, 13 pyrans, 11 sulfur-containing compounds 6 furans 2 alcohols and 2 heterocyclic compounds were identified. In nonpolar column, 11 sulfur-containing compounds 5 acids 3 furans and eugenol were identified. The major sulfur-containing compounds identified from the oleoresins were 3, 3'-thiobis-1-propene, methyl 2-propenyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, di-2-prnpenyl-trisulfide, 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid. The amount of these sulfur-containing compounds isolated from the oleresins were more abundant in polar column than in nonpolar column. The most efficient solvent for extracting volatile compounds of garlic was methanol but the most useful solvent for extracting sulfur-containing compounds was methyl acetate of less polarity.y.

• The KIPS Transactions:PartD
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• v.15D no.6
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• pp.793-802
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• 2008

The development methods which utilize OSSs have been tried as new alternative to solve limits of the previous software developments such as the quality of software, and time and cost of developments. Especially, small and medium companies are suffering from difficulty in applying large-scale development methodology whenever they develop softwares. Therefore, in the current situation that demand for small-scale development methodology is increasing, the methods of utilizing OSSs can become an efficient way to save costs and reduce a development period. Accordingly, analysis of open-source is no fixed procedure or method to utilize open-source for software developments in the field. In this thesis, to solve such problems, we propose the procedures and methods for identifying and selecting suitable open-source, and effective methods for improvement and integration through least modification on the basis of synthesis of existing researches and experiences in development projects. For selection of OSSs, we did identify correct requirements for the software to be developed, investigate the open-source just matching with such requirements, draw a candidate index, establish assessment criteria, and the consequently present a method to select OSSs. And, we deduced the validity and improvement of each detailed activity from practical application to an actual project and assessment.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.166-171
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• 2005

Background: Smoking effects are relatively well-documented, especially on cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, the direction and magnitude of association between smoking and obesity remain unclear. Conflicting results so far are thought to stem from the multiple confounding structure of smoking and other obesogenic life style characteristics. Methods: Cotwin control study is a genomic epidemiology design, in which the other twin (=cotwin) serves as a control of the twin. Cotwin control study, discordant for smoking habits can provide powerful evidence of association between smoking and obesity by completely matching genomic information, intrauterine environment, and almost all environmental factors. We selected 3,697 like-sex twin pairs (2,762 male and 935 female pairs) out of 63,666 pairs of adult twins in the existing Korea Twin and Family Register, whose smoking habits are discordant. We used the information of obesity as body mass index (BMI, $kg/m^2$) blood pressure, and blood cholesterol level at the time or later than the smoking information. Paired t-test was done to compare the smoking effects. Results: Lifetime smoking rate was 80.1 % (47.9 current smoker) for men and 10% (1.7% current smoker) for women. Among 2,762 and 935 male and female like-sex twin pairs, 363 male pairs and 20 female pairs correspond to the definition of smoker-nonsmoker pair. The male smokers demonstrated increase in BMI by 0.47, while female smokers show slight decrease (by 0.13), which were not statistically significant. Diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and cholesterol level were slightly increased among smokers by 1.85 mmHg, 0.62 mmHg, and 1.28 mg/dl for men. For women, the results show increase in diastolic blood pressure (3.42mmHg) and cholesterol level (1.25 mg/dl), and systolic pressure (8.17 mmHg). Conclusion: The results refute the possibility that smoking can reduce BMI. Considering the direct adverse effect of smoking, it should be emphasized that smoking do not decrease obesity and thus increase overall metabolic syndrome.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.351-355
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• 2002

Volatile compounds of kimchi-flavored steak sauce were isolated using simultaneous steam distillation and solvent extraction methods and identified by matching mass spectrum and retention index (RI) with the reference data. Twenty-three compounds including five aldehydes, four alcohols, four acids, three sulfur-containing compounds, one ketone, and six others were identified, among which the most abundant compound was eugenol. Sulfides such as dimethyl dis- and trisulfides, and acids such as acetic and dodecanoic acids showed strong effects on the kimchi flavor. Aroma extract dilution analysis with three fold dilution factor shown in over the FD value 34 identified 2-butanal, 2-pentylfuran, methyl-2-propenyl disulfide, and 2-furanmethanol. Strong good aroma was detected in the RI range between 1030 and 1357, bad aroma in RI 1561, sweety aroma in RI 2057, clover aroma of eugenol in RI 2122, and rancid flavor in RI 2251.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.55.1-55.12
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• 2022

Background: ASF was first reported in Kenya in 1910 in 1921. In China, ASF spread to 31 provinces including Henan and Jiangsu within six months after it was first reported on August 3, 2018. The epidemic almost affected the whole China, causing direct economic losses of tens of billions of yuan. Cause great loss to our pig industry. As ELISA is cheap and easy to operate, OIE regards it as the preferred serological method for ASF detection. P54 protein has good antigenicity and is an ideal antigen for detection. Objective: To identify a conservative site in the African swine fever virus (ASFV) p54 protein and perform a Cloth-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting the ASFV antibody in order to reduce risks posed by using the live virus in diagnostic assays. Method: We used bioinformatics methods to predict the antigen epitope of the ASFV p54 protein in combination with the antigenic index and artificially synthesized the predicted antigen epitope peptides. Using ASFV-positive serum and specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we performed indirect ELISA and blocking ELISA to verify the immunological properties of the predicted epitope polypeptide. Results: The results of our prediction revealed that the possible antigen epitope regions were A23-29, A36-45, A72-94, A114-120, A124-130, and A137-150. The indirect ELISA showed that the peptides A23-29, A36-45, A72-94, A114-120, and A137-150 have good antigenicity. Moreover, the A36-45 polypeptide can react specifically with the mAb secreted by hybridoma cells, and its binding site contains a minimum number of essential amino acids in the sequence 37DIQFINPY44. Conclusions: Our study confirmed a conservative antigenic site in the ASFV p54 protein and its amino acid sequence. A competitive ELISA method for detecting ASFV antibodies was established based on recombinant p54 and matching mAb. Moreover, testing the protein sequence alignment verified that the method can theoretically detect antibodies produced by pigs affected by nearly all ASFVs worldwide.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1069-1074
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• 2022

In this study, we prepared ITO thin films on the Nb₂O₅/SiO₂ double buffer layer and investigated electrical and optical properties according to the change of SiO₂ buffer layer thickness (40~50nm). The ITO thin film fabricated on the Nb₂O₅/SiO₂ double buffer layer exhibited a broad surface roughness with a small value ranging of 0.815 to 1.181nm, and the sheet resistance was 99.3 to 134.0Ω/sq. It seems that there is no problem in applying the ITO thin film to a capacitive touch screen panel. In particular, the average transmittance in the short-wavelength (400~500nm) region and the chromaticity (b^*) of the ITO thin film deposited on the Nb₂O₅(10nm)/SiO₂(40nm) double buffer layer showed significantly improved results as 83.58% and 0.05, respectively, compared to 74.46% and 4.28 of ITO thin film without double buffer layer. As a result, it was confirmed that optical properties such as transmittance in the short-wavelength region and chromaticity were remarkably improved due to the index matching effect in the ITO thin film with the Nb₂O₅/SiO₂ double buffer layer.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.233-241
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• 2022

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic disease, and the demand for herbal medicines in this field has increased in recent years. The new findings highlight the role of the gut-lung axis in the pathophysiology of asthma. Hence, this study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Glasthma syrup, an herbal formula based on Persian medicine, in improving asthma and regulating intestinal permeability. The formula consists of five herbal ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract, also known as gut tonics. Methods: The study will be conducted as a placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomized trial. It will consist of a 4-week intervention followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The target sample size is 20 patients with moderate asthma aged 18 to 60 years. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group in equal numbers. Patients in the experimental group will take Glasthma syrup (7.5 mL, twice a day), while patients in the control group will take a matching placebo. Both groups will receive a 4-week combination of a long-acting beta2 agonist and a leukotriene modulator as standard of care. Inhaled corticosteroids can be used as rescue medication as needed. Results: The primary outcomes are asthma symptom scale, lung function, and intestinal permeability. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom recurrence rates, and blood tests. A safety assessment will also be conducted during the trial. Conclusion: In this trial, the effects of Glasthma syrup in patients with moderate asthma will be examined. The study will also assess the effects of the formulation on the gut-lung axis by simultaneously monitoring the gut permeability index, asthma symptoms, and lung function.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.61-77
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• 2023

Objective : This study analyzed the correlation between cognitive function and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL). Methods : Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted and utilized for subjects aged 45 years or older who participated in the 8th Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging in 2020. The dependent variable was the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, and the independent variable was the level of cognitive function classified by the Mini-Mental State Examination scores. The analysis method used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Then, the association between cognitive function and OHQoL was analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Results : Among the participants, 4,367 (71.40%) had normal cognition, 1,155 (18.89%) had moderate cognitive impairment, and 594 (9.71%) had severe cognitive impairment. As a result of analysis by applying IPTW, there was a negative correlation between the cognitive function group and OHQoL (normal vs. moderate: β = -2.534, p < .0001; normal vs. severe: β = -2.452, p < .0001). Conclusion : After propensity score matching, mild cognitive impairment showed a more negative association than severe cognitive impairment. Therefore, patients with cognitive impairment require oral health management education to improve OHQoL regardless of the level of cognitive impairment.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.499-508
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• 2023

Purpose: Despite scientific evidence regarding laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for advanced gastric cancer treatment, its application in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains uncertain. Materials and Methods: We used the 2019 Korean Gastric Cancer Association nationwide survey database to extract data from 489 patients with primary gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After propensity score matching analysis, we compared the surgical outcomes of 97 patients who underwent LG and 97 patients who underwent open gastrectomy (OG). We investigated the risk factors for postoperative complications using multivariate analysis. Results: The operative time was significantly shorter in the OG group. Patients in the LG group had significantly less blood loss than those in the OG group. Hospital stay and overall postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications in the LG group was comparable with that in the OG group (1.03% vs. 4.12%, P=0.215). No statistically significant difference was observed in the number of harvested lymph nodes between the two groups (38.60 vs. 35.79, P=0.182). Multivariate analysis identified body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.824; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.029-3.234; P=0.040) and extent of resection (OR, 3.154; 95% CI, 1.084-9.174; P=0.035) as independent risk factors for overall postoperative complications. Conclusions: Using a large nationwide multicenter survey database, we demonstrated that LG and OG had comparable short-term outcomes in patients with gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.