• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 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 Life Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of packaging methods and sterilization treatment on storability and microbial control in paprika fruits. When treated with chlorine dioxide gas for 3, 6, and 12 hours and cold plasma gas for 1, 3, and 6 hours, and then packed in a carton box and stored in a 8 ± 1℃ chamber for 7 days, chlorine dioxide treated 12 hours and plasma treated 6 hours was prevented the development of E·coli and YM(yeast and mold). Accordingly, the control was treated with chlorine dioxide for 12 hours and plasma for 6 hours, packed using a carton box and 40,000 cc·m^-2·day^-1·atm^-1 OTR film (MAP), and stored in a 8 ± 1℃ chamber for 20 days. Fresh weight loss rate during storage was less than 1% in the MAP treatments, and the visual quality of the MAP treatments was above the marketability limit until the end of storage. There was no difference in the contents of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene in the film. In the case of firmness, the chlorine dioxide treatments was low, and the Hunter a^* value, which showed chromaticity, was highest in the Plasma 6h MAP treatment. Off-odor was investigated in the MAP treatments, but it was very low. The rate of mold growth on the fruit stalk of paprika was the fastest and highest in the chlorine dioxide treated box packaging treatments, and the lowest in the chlorine dioxide treated MAP treatments at the end of storage. The aerobic count in the pulp on the storage end date was the lowest in the plasma treated box packaging treatments, the lowest number of E·coli in the chlorine dioxide treated MAP treatments, and the lowest yeast & mold in the chlorine dioxide treated box packaging treatments. As a result, for the inhibition of microorganisms during paprika storage, it is considered appropriate to treat plasma for 6 hours before storage regardless of the packaging method.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.145-158
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• 2023

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are effective technologies for urban wastewater management, utilizing natural physico-chemical and biological processes to remove pollutants. This study employed a bibliometric analysis approach to investigate the progress and future research trends in the field of CWs. A comprehensive review of 100 most-recently published and open-access articles was performed to analyze the performance of CWs in treating wastewater. Spain, China, Italy, and the United States were among the most productive countries in terms of the number of published papers. The most frequently used keywords in publications include water quality (n=19), phytoremediation (n=13), stormwater (n=11), and phosphorus (n=11), suggesting that the efficiency of CWs in improving water quality and removal of nutrients were widely investigated. Among the different types of CWs reviewed, hybrid CWs exhibited the highest removal efficiencies for BOD (88.67%) and TSS (95.67%), whereas VSSF, and HSSF systems also showed high TSS removal efficiencies (83.25%, and 78.83% respectively). VSSF wetland displayed the highest COD removal efficiency (71.82%). Generally, physical processes (e.g., sedimentation, filtration, adsorption) and biological mechanisms (i.e., biodegradation) contributed to the high removal efficiency of TSS, BOD, and COD in CW systems. The hybrid CW system demonstrated highest TN removal efficiency (60.78%) by integrating multiple treatment processes, including aerobic and anaerobic conditions, various vegetation types, and different media configurations, which enhanced microbial activity and allowed for comprehensive nitrogen compound removal. The FWS system showed the highest TP removal efficiency (54.50%) due to combined process of settling sediment-bound phosphorus and plant uptake. Phragmites, Cyperus, Iris, and Typha were commonly used in CWs due to their superior phytoremediation capabilities. The study emphasized the potential of CWs as sustainable alternatives for wastewater management, particularly in urban areas.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.167-183
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• 2023

Gases originated from the final SNF (spent nuclear fuel) disposal site are very mobile in the barrier and they may also affect the migration of radioactive nuclides generated from the SNF. Mechanisms of gas-nuclide migration in the multi-barrier and their influences on the safety of the disposal site should be understood before the construction of the final SNF disposal site. However, researches related to gas-nuclide coupled movement in the multi-barrier medium have been very little both at home and abroad. In this study, properties of gas generation and migration in the SNF disposal environment were reviewed through previous researches and their main mechanisms were summarized on the hydrogeological evolution stage of the SNF disposal site. Gas generation in the SNF disposal site was categorized into five origins such as the continuous nuclear fission of the SNS, the Cu-canister corrosion, the oxidation-reduction reaction, the microbial activity, and the inflow from the natural barriers. Migration scenarios of gas in porous medium of the multi-barrier in the SNF repository site were investigated through reviews for previous studies and several gas migration types including ① the free gas phase flow including visco-capillary two-phase flow, ② the advection and diffusion of dissolved gas in pore water, ③ dilatant two-phase flow, and ④ tensile fracture flow, were presented. Reviewed results in this study can support information to design the further research for the gas-nuclide migration in the repository site and to evaluate the safety of the Korean SNF disposal site in view points of gas migration in the multi-barrier.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.85-96
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• 2023

The study involved the categorization of domestic lakes located in South Korea into three groups based on their salinity levels: upstream reservoirs with salinity less than 0.3 psu, estuarine reservoirs with salinity ranging from 0.3 to 2 psu, and brackish lagoons with salinity exceeding 2 psu. Subsequently, the research assessed variations in the concentrations of total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) in the sediment of these lakes using statistical analysis, specifically one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Additionally, a laboratory core incubation test was conducted to investigate the benthic nutrient fluxes in Songji lagoon (salinity: 11.80 psu), Ganwol reservoir (salinity: 0.73 psu), and Janggun reservoir (salinity: 0.08 psu) under both aerobic and anoxic conditions. The findings revealed statistically significant differences in the concentrations of T-N and T-P among sediments in the lakes with varying salinity levels (p<0.05). Further post-hoc analysis confirmed significant distinctions in T-N between upstream reservoirs and estuarine reservoirs (p<0.001), as well as between upstream reservoirs and brackish lagoons (p<0.01). For T-P, a significant difference was observed between upstream reservoirs and brackish lagoons (p<0.01). Regarding benthic nutrient fluxes, Ganwol Lake exhibited the highest diffusive flux of NH₄⁺-N, primarily due to its physical characteristics and the inhibition of nitrification resulting from its relatively high salinity. The flux of NO₃^--N was lower at higher salinity levels under aerobic conditions but increased under anoxic conditions, attributed to the impact of salinity on nitrification and denitrification. Additionally, the flux of PO₄^3--P was highest in Songji Lake, followed by Ganwol Lake and Janggun Reservoir, indicating that salinity promotes the diffusive flux of phosphate through anion adsorption competition. It's important to consider the influence of salinity on microbial communities, growth rates, oxidation-reduction processes, and nutrient binding forms when studying benthic diffusive nutrient fluxes from lake sediments.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.421-433
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• 2023

The final disposal of spent nuclear fuel(SNF) from nuclear power plants takes place in a deep geological repository. The metal canister encasing the SNF is made of cast iron and copper, and is engineered to effectively isolate radioactive isotopes for a long period of time. The SNF is further shielded by a multi-barrier disposal system comprising both engineering and natural barriers. The deep disposal environment gradually changes to an anaerobic reducing environment. In this environment, sulfide is one of the most probable substances to induce corrosion of copper canister. Stress-corrosion cracking(SCC) triggered by sulfide can carry substantial implications for the integrity of the copper canister, potentially posing a significant threat to the long-term safety of the deep disposal repository. Sulfate can exist in various forms within the deep disposal environment or be introduced from the geosphere. Sulfate has the potential to be transformed into sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB), and this converted sulfide can contribute to the corrosion of the copper canister. Bentonite, which is considered as a potential material for buffering and backfilling, contains oxidized sulfate minerals such as gypsum(CaSO4). If there is sufficient space for microorganisms to thrive in the deep disposal environment and if electron donors such as organic carbon are adequately supplied, sulfate can be converted to sulfide through microbial activity. However, the majority of the sulfides generated in the deep disposal system or introduced from the geosphere will be intercepted by the buffer, with only a small amount reaching the metal canister. Pyrite, one of the potential sulfide minerals present in the deep disposal environment, can generate sulfates during the dissolution process, thereby contributing to the corrosion of the copper canister. However, the quantity of oxidation byproducts from pyrite is anticipated to be minimal due to its extremely low solubility. Moreover, the migration of these oxidized byproducts to the metal canister will be restricted by the low hydraulic conductivity of saturated bentonite. We have comprehensively analyzed and summarized key research cases related to the presence of sulfates, reduction processes, and the formation and behavior characteristics of sulfides and pyrite in the deep disposal environment. Our objective was to gain an understanding of the impact of sulfates and sulfides on the long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste disposal repository.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.116-135
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• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate effects of spent composts of Se-enriched mushrooms as the dietary Se source on muscular Se deposition and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the finishing Hanwoo steer. Twenty Hanwoo steers were used in the experiment and they were divided into four groups in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Treatments were four levels (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9ppm as fed basis) of dietary Se from the combination with spent composts of Se-enriched mushrooms and/or Se non-enriched mushrooms, in which each treatment was formulated with corn and corn gluten meal and so forth. Treatment diets were fed to Hanwoo steers for 90 days until the slaughter. Dry matter intakes had no significant differences among treatments and there were no significant differences for performances such as total BW gain and ADG among treatments. The Se concentration in blood was linearly increased with increasing dietary selenium levels and reached a plateau level after 8 weeks (p<0.001). Plasma GSH-Px activities had the similar trends to blood Se concentrations by showing that the increased dietary Se level significantly increased plasma GSH-Px activities of both total and Se-dependent (p<0.001). Muscle Se contents of Se-supplemented groups were linearly increased by 1.35 ~ 1.68 folds compared with the control group (0.1ppm; 0.273㎍/dry g) and especially those of the hind legs for 0.9ppm treatment showed the highest Se content as shown 0.457㎍ per dry gram (p<0.01) corresponding to approximately 70% increase of the control group. Se retention rate in the muscle of dietary Se originated from spent composts of Se-enriched mushrooms was estimated of maximum approximately 30% and dietary Se content showed the significant correlation with plasma GSH-Px activities and muscle Se contents (p<0.01). Accordingly, Se present in spent composts of Se-enriched mushroom as the dietary Se source not only had great bioavailabilities showing higher blood Se concentration and plasma GSH-Px activities, but also increased Se deposition in the muscle for Hanwoo beef cattle.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.169-177
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• 2016

This study was carried out to compare microbiological and hygienic quality characteristics of the products reached expiration date among meat products distributing in markets. A total of 20 meat products(6 hams, 3 bacons and 11 sausages) were examined for analyses of pH, Aw, TBARS, VBN, total aerobic microbial counts, and meat colors. The pH values of samples were between 5.33 and 6.59. The water activity (Aw) of samples ranged 0.90-0.93. TBARS and VBN values of samples were 0.11-0.59 and 2.37~14.75, respectively. The contaminated levels of total aerobic bacteria were less than 2.80 CFU/g. In meat color, L*, a*, and b* values of samples were in the range of 56-72, 5.2-34 and 0.7-16, respectively. It is suggested that the quality difference of meat products is attributed to the different additives and manufacturing processes. Therefore, we suggest that the results of this study are not only applied for evaluation of the microbiological and hygienic safety but also served as fundamental information for re-establishing the shelf-life of meat products.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.95-105
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• 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrate-rich plants extracts on the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen methane production. The extracts of nitrate-rich plants, as potato, carrot, chinese cabbage, lettuce and spinach were used in this study. The ruminal fluid was collected from a cannulated Hanwoo cow fed concentrate and timothy in the ratio of 6 to 4. The 20mL of mixture, comparing McDougall's buffer and rumen fluid in the ratio 2 to 1, was dispensed anaerobically 50mL serum bottles containing 0.3g of timothy substrate and extracts of nitrogen-rich plants. The serum bottles were incubated 39℃ for 9, 12, 24, 48 hours. The pH value was decreased by increased incubation times and normal range to 6.31 to 6.96. The dry matter digestibility was significantly(p<0.05) lower in chinese cabbage than in control at 9h incubation time. Ammonia concentration was significantly(p<0.05) lower in potato, chinese cabbage, lettuce than in control and the rumen microbial growth rate was significantly(p<0.05) higher in carrot than in control at 24h incubation time. The concentrations of acetate and propionate was significantly(p<0.05) lower in treatment than in control. The concentration of butyrate was showed a different pattern depending on treatments. Total gas emissions was significantly(p<0.05) lower in chinese cabbage, lettuce, spinach than in control at 12h, 24h incubation time. Methane production was significantly(p<0.05) lower in potato, chinese cabbage, spinach than in control, carbon dioxide production was significantly(p<0.05) lower in treatment than in control. In conclusion, supplementation of the nitrate-rich plant extracts in ruminal fermentation in vitro resulted in decreasing the methane production without adversely affecting the fermentation characteristics. Particularly the chinese cabbage extract was regard as a potential candidate for reducing the methane emission in ruminants.