• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.72-84
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• 2013

In the study, pollution levels of indoor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in public facilities (vapor phase or particulate phase) were evaluated, and a health risk assessment (HRA) was carried out based on exposure scenarios. Public facilities in Korea covered by the law, including underground subway stations, funeral halls, child care facilities, internet cafes (PC-rooms), and exhibition facilities (6 locations for each type of facility, for a total of 48 locations), were investigated for indoor assessment. For the HRA, individual excess cancer risk (ECR) was estimated by applying main toxic equivalency factor (TEF) values suggested in previous studies. Among the eight public facilities, internet cafes showed the highest average $PM_{2.5}$ concentration at $110.0{\mu}g/m^3$ (range: $83.5-138.5{\mu}g/m^3$). When assuming a risk of facility exposure time based upon the results of the surveys for each public facility, the excess cancer risk using the benzo(a)pyrene indicator assessment method was estimated to be $10^{-7}-10^{-6}$ levels for each facility. Based on the risk associated with various TEF values, the excess cancer risk based upon the seven types cancer EPA (1993) and Malcolm & Dobson's (1994) assessment method was estimated to be $10^{-7}-10^{-5}$ for each facility. The excess cancer risk estimated from the TEF EPA (2010) assessment was the highest: $10^{-7}-10^{-4}$ for each facility. This is due to the 10-fold difference between the TEF of dibenzo(a,e)fluoranthene in 2010 and in 1994. The internet cafes where smoking was the clear pollutant showed the highest risk level of $10^{-4}$, which exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended risk of $1{\times}10^{-6}$. All facilities, with the exception of internet cafes, showed a $10^{-6}$ risk level. However, when the TEFs values of the US EPA (2010) were applied, the risk of most facilities in this study exceeded $1{\times}10^{-6}$.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was attempted to identify the relationship between white blood cell counts and the metabolic syndrome. Methods: This study included 394 adults who visited the medical checkup center placed in Gwangju, January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. Index of blood test and physical checkup were performed on the study such as triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, fasting sugar and white blood cell counts. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between white blood cell counts, white blood cell differential count and metabolic syndrome with an adjustment age and smoking status. Results: The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 25.3% among males and 13.3% among females, and was particularly high among males in their 40s. The increase in white blood cell counts lead to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome for both males and females. As white blood cell counts increased, the values of body mass index and cardiovascular risk factors were increased significantly. The odds ratio for elevated white blood cell counts increased significantly in the subjects with each components of the metabolic syndrome compared to the subjects without them. The lymphocyte counts in the white blood cell differential counts were higher in patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without. Conclusions: High level of white blood cell counts in normal range can be used as indicator in chronic inflammation. Increased white blood cell counts were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.56-79
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• 2020

Baekdudaegan, the largest mountain range in eastern Asia, is a biodiversity hotspot in Korea that may have served as a glacial refugium. This study presents the flora of vascular plants on Deok-chi upto the Yuk-sim-nyeong area of the Baekdudaegan conservation area. The survey area was divided into four subareas and fieldwork was conducted for a total of twelve days in 2015. Voucher specimens were collected during the survey and were deposited at Daejeon University. A list of vascular plants was prepared based on the voucher specimens. The results of the survey showed that a total of 441 taxa, consisting of 100 families, 265 genera, 398 species, 9 subspecies, 32 varieties, and 2 forms, were found in the survey area. There was one endangered species, Aconitum coreanum, in the Bonghwasan Mt. area. Sixteen endemic taxa, 74 floristic regional indicator plants, as designated by the Ministry of the Environment, and eleven naturalized plants were distributed. The results of this study can serve as basic information to establish conservation and management plans for the Baekdudaegan conservation area.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.591-602
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• 2018

Clithon retropictus has been designated as an endangered wildlife Class II due to its high value as a biological indicator species capable of judging environmental quality such as salinity, water flow, and ground conditions. However, basic research on its physiological and ecological characteristics is still lacking. As such, this study intended to examine the impact of environmental conditions such as salinity and soil particle size on the size and density of Clithon retropictus at the Yeoncho river estuary. The investigation of the salinity, which is a key variable that affects the distribution of organisms in the estuary, showed that Clithon retropictus could grow at a salinity ranging from 0#x2030; (freshwater) to 25‰ (brackish water). The coarse gravel (19-75mm) tended to increase nearer the upper stream (under the Yeoncho weir), while the proportion of particles smaller than sand (less than 19mm) increased toward the downstream. The population and the size of the individuals decreased rapidly in the downstream where water stagnated near the Yeoncho weir, and the salt water joined. The results indicated that Clithon retropictus had a high tolerance to salinity, but the adaptability was weaker toward the extremes since the population, and the size tended to decrease as the salinity increased. The correlation analysis revealed that both salinity and soil particle size affected the population and individual size. The correlation between the individual size and salinity was -0.242 (P <0.01), indicating that the size decreased with increasing salinity. The correlation between individual size and coarse gravel having a particle size of 19mm or more was 0.420 (P <0.01), indicating that the size increased with increasing the particle size.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2021

In this study, isoscoparin was selected as an indicator component to develop Silene seoulensis extract as a functional cosmetic material, and we developed an analysis method using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quality control. HPLC was performed on a Unison US-C18 with a gradient elution of 0.05% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and methanol at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 35 ℃, and the detection wavelength was 330 nm. The HPLC method was performed in accordance with the international conference on harmonization (ICH) guideline (version 4, 2005) of analytical procedures with respect to specificity, precision, accuracy, and linearity. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.02 and 0.07 mg/mL respectively. Calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99988), and the precision of analysis was satisfied (less than 0.46%). In addition, the recovery rate was in the range of 99.10 to 101.61%, it was shown to be accurate. This result indicated that the established HPLC method is very useful for the determination of marker compounds in Silene seoulensis extracts.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.97-100
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• 2018

Purpose The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is an important indicator of glomerular filtration and has been used to test renal function and the extent of its function. The GFR test is performed by intravenous injection of radioactive medicines made of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA, and blood concentration is measured by taking blood according to the elapsed time. also, PET-CT, bone scan, transfusion and so on will affect the outcome. Therefore, we will improve the quality of the test by providing guidelines for the GFR test for more accurate testing. Materials and Methods 5 mL of physiological saline solution and 2 mL of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA solution are used to make 5 mL of the radiopharmaceutical solution to be injected into the patient. First, the syringe weight is measured before the injection, and then the radioactive medicine is injected into the patient's vein and the syringe weight is measured after the injection. Blood sampling is performed twice in total. In adults, blood is collected 3 hours / 5 hours after injection and in children 2 hours / 5 hours after injection. The blood sample is centrifuged at 3300 rpm for 5 minutes. Standard solution is prepared by filling diluent water up to the scale indicated in the 200-mL volumetric flask, discarding $500{\mu}L$, injecting $500{\mu}L$ of GFR reagent and mixing well. $500{\mu}L$ each of the standard solution is dispensed into two test tubes, and $500{\mu}L$ of each of the plasma samples collected in time is dispensed into two test tubes and measured with a Cobra Counter. Results At present, the reference range applied in this study is $119.5{\pm}30.3ml/min/1.73m2$ for males and $125.2{\pm}28.2ml/min/1.73m^2$ for females. Conclusion The GFR test is conducted using radioactive medical products. GFR testing is performed as a scheduled test, but PET-CT, dialysis and transfusion, which may affect GFR testing, may be scheduled during GFR testing. Therefore, we could get accurate GFR test results by notifying the ward and department beforehand when booking.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.751-761
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• 2016

Since the position of Nakdong-Jeongmaek stretches from south to north, it shows clear changes of the climate compared to other mountain ranges. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of vegetation in Pinus densiflora-dominant community (PDDC), which typically appeared on the ridge of this area, by each region and community. For this, the PDDCs in five representative areas of Nakdong-Jeongmaek (Baekbyeonsan, Chilbosan, Baegamsan, Unjusan and Goheonsan) were investigated. Communities were divided into four groups based on the characteristics of the growing environment for indicator species among the low vegetation, while the pinus densiflora was dominant on the canopy according to TWINSPAN. In community I, Fraxinus sieboldiana and Rhododendron schlippenbachii were dominant and there was a typical vegetation on the mountain ridge. In community II that was located on the upper slope, there was abundant inflow of sunlight to the inside of the forest which resulted from the disturbance, and it formed the secondary forest where deciduous broadleaf tree species such as Rhus cotinus appeared. Compared to the other communities, community III had a wider range of growing environment and various species of deciduous broadleaf trees appeared, so that changes in the vegetation structure were expected in the future. Finally, with the appearance of Salix hallaisanensis and Betula davurica, community IV are presumed to be located at a relatively high region with bountiful soil moisture. Reviewing by regions, PDDCs in Unjusan and Goheonsan were near big cities such as Pohang-si and Ulsan-si, so that the artificial disturbance resulted in high level of species diversity on a stage of vegetation development and the ages of Pinus densiflora were relatively young. On the other hand, PDDCs showed a stable vegetation status with low level of species diversity in other regions, and the ages of Pinus densiflora were relatively old.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.44-48
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• 2017

Purpose Estradiol (E2) is a steroid hormone mainly produced in women and is a useful indicator for diagnosis of gynecological diseases, menstrual cycle, menopause, and precocious puberty. E2 measurement is performed by diluting the $^{125}I$ radioactive tracer and tracer buffer in the kit. However, It was not precisely specified when the period of tracer is available after activating. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate dilution time based on the measurement value with dilution time. Materials and Methods From December 2016 to February 2017, 60 E2 samples with concentrations ranging from 8 to 4577 pg/mL were divided into low, medium, and high concentrations. Dilution of the $^{125}I$ tracer was performed on a 230 RPM agitator for 30 minutes, 1 hour 30 minutes, and 2 hours 30 minutes, respectively. 24 hour dilution was gently shaken and refrigerated. To verify the difference and significance of the results according to the dilution time, a test of normality was performed using SPSS 18.0 and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. The measured value according to the dilution time was compared with the interquartile range of the absolute error. Results The results of Kruskal-Wallis test were not significant (P>0.05). Measurement results are showed as interquartile range of absolute error. At low concentration, it is 0.052 between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, and 0.105 between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. At medium concentration, 0.062 between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, and 0.038 between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. At high concentration, it is 0.029 between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, and 0.06 between 2 hours 30 minutes and 24 hours. Conclusion There were no statistically significant differences. However, the change in the measured value is the smallest between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Therefore, we recommend diluting time between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2014

Many community gardens in large cities worldwide grow vegetables; however, no information regarding the levels of sanitary indicator bacteria and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in vegetables grown in urban community gardens is available. To evaluate the microbiological quality of vegetables from urban community gardens in Korea, 530 samples (nine types of vegetable, including Chinese cabbage, lettuce, radish leaves, spinach, mustard leaves, crown daisy, leek, Korean cabbage, and chicory) were collected at 11 urban community gardens in Seoul, Korea from September through October 2012. The levels of total aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Salmonella spp. Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7 were evaluated quantitatively and/or qualitatively. The mean numbers of total aerobic bacteria and coliforms were 6.3 log CFU/g (range 3.8-8.1 log CFU/g) and 4.3 log CFU/g (range 2.1-6.4 log CFU/g), respectively. Total coliforms were detected on 67% of whole vegetables. Chicory showed the highest number of total aerobic bacteria and coliforms, whereas the lowest number of coliforms was detected on leeks. E. coli was detected on 2.3% of whole vegetables, including lettuce, radish leaves, mustard leaves, and chicory; however, foodborne pathogenic bacteria were not detected on any of the vegetable samples using this highly sensitive and validated procedure. Based on these findings, the presence of coliforms and E. coli demonstrates that opportunity for improvement of microbiological safety exists throughout the produce production chain, although no major foodborne pathogens were present in vegetables grown in urban community gardens.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2024

In this study, we analyzed chlorogenic acid indicator components in preparation for the additional listing of green coffee bean extract in the Health Functional Food Code and optimized caffeine for simultaneous analysis. We extracted chlorogenic acid and caffeine using 30% methanol, phosphoric acid solution, and acetonitrile-containing phosphoric acid and analyzed them at 330 and 280 nm, respectively, using liquid chromatography. Our analysis validation results yielded a correlation coefficient (R²) revealing a significance level of at least 0.999 within the linear quantitative range. The chlorogenic acid and caffeine detection and quantification limits were 0.5 and 0.2 ㎍/mL and 1.4, and 0.4 ㎍/mL, respectively. We confirmed that the precision and accuracy results were suitable using the AOAC validation guidelines. Finally, we developed a simultaneous chlorogenic acid and caffeine analysis approach. In addition, we confirmed that our analysis approach could simultaneously quantify chlorogenic acid and caffeine by examining the applicability of each formulation through prototypes and distribution products. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the standardized analysis would expectably increase chlorogenic acidcontaining health functional food quality control reliability.