• 한국학교ㆍ지역보건교육학회지
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• 제7권
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• pp.51-58
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• 2006

Background & Objectives: This study investigates the recognition on the necessity of the use of radiation for both college students who are considered that they have a high knowledge level in radiation and proposes basic materials to change the recognition of the use of radiation. Also, the investigation was applied to average people who showed the most negative attitudes on radiation. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to 600 college students for five days from October 10 to 15, 2005 and used in statistical analysis. Results: The average value obtained in the recognition of the use of radiation was 76.60 points in which male respondents who were majored in natural science, health, and engineering department and respondents who have experienced radiation related education, radiation diagnosis, and radiation treatment demonstrated higher levels. Also, the average value obtained in the recognition of the radiation damage was 71.66 points in which respondents who were majored in natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and health department showed higher levels than that of respondents who were majored in art and physical department. Groups that exhibited higher recognition levels in the necessity of the use of radiation were male respondents and respondents who were majored in natural science, humanities, and health department and have experienced radiation diagnosis and radiation treatment. In the results of the correlation analysis on the necessity of the use of radiation and recognition of radiation damages, the recognition of radiation damages was presented as negative attitudes in the case of the higher recognition level in the necessity of the use of radiation. Conclusions: Regarding the frequency of the use of radiation in Korea, a 80.9% of university students who showed a high education level had no experiences in radiation related education. Although they showed a relatively high level of 76.6 points in the recognition level of the necessity of the use of radiation, the negative attitude on the radiation damage was also presented as a high level of 71.7 points. Because the providing chance of radiation related information was limited as compared to the atomic power used in Korea and dependancy of the use of radiation, it is necessary to provide the basic information related in the use of radiation to the public. In addition, various investigations on the use of radiation and such negative attitudes are required in future for the public. Also, the correct information of the radiation safety should be delivered to the public.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.114-121
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• 2017

Real-time monitoring of hourly concentrations of atmospheric Radon-222 ($^{222}Rn$, radon) and some gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) was performed throughout 2013-2014 at Gosan station of Jeju Island, one of the cleanest regions in Korea, in order to characterize their background levels and temporal variation trend. The hourly mean concentrations of radon and three gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) over the study period were $2216{\pm}1100mBq/m^3$, $0.6{\pm}0.7ppb$, $211.6{\pm}102.0ppb$, and $43.0{\pm}17.0ppb$, respectively. The seasonal order of radon concentrations was as fall ($2644mBq/m^3$)$${\sim_\sim}$$winter ($2612mBq/m^3$)>spring ($2022mBq/m^3$)>summer ($1666mBq/m^3$). The concentrations of $SO_2$ and CO showed similar patterns with those of radon as high in winter and low in summer, whereas the $O_3$ concentrations had a bit different trend. Based on cluster analyses of air mass back trajectories, the air mass frequencies originating from Chinese continent, North Pacific Ocean, and the Korean Peninsula routes were 30, 18, and 52%, respectively. When the air masses were moved from Chinese continent to Jeju Island, the concentrations of radon and gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) were relatively high: $2584mBq/m^3$, 0.76 ppb, 225.8 ppb, and 46.4 ppb. On the other hand, when the air masses were moved from North Pacific Ocean, their concentrations were much low as $1282mBq/m^3$, 0.24 ppb, 166.1 ppb, and 32.5 ppb, respectively.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.160-165
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Korea is quickly becoming an aged society. Dementia is also becoming a vital public health problem in Korea. Cognitive impairment as a pre-stage of dementia shares most risk factors for dementia. The aim of the present study was to determine associations of serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E with the risk of cognitive impairment among elderly Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 230 participants aged 60-79 years from Yangpyeong cohort were included. Cognitive function was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening. The logistic multivariable regression model was applied to determine the effect of serum vitamins A, C, and E on the risk of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the risk of cognitive impairment and serum levels of vitamin A and vitamin C. There was a significant odd ratio when the second tertile group of beta-gamma tocopherol level was compared to the first tertile group [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14-0.98, P for trend = 0.051]. In subgroup analyses, there were significant negative associations between beta-gamma tocopherol level and the risk of cognitive impairment in men (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.03-0.87, P for trend = 0.028), non-drinkers or former drinkers (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.66, P for trend = 0.025), and non-smokers or former smokers (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09-0.82, P for trend = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Serum beta-gamma tocopherol levels tended to be inversely associated with the risk of cognitive impairment. Further prospective large-scaled studies are needed to examine this association.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.131-138
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Citrus and its peels have been used in Asian folk medicine due to abundant flavonoids and usage of citrus peels, which are byproducts from juice and/or jam processing, may be a good strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of bioconversion of Jeju Hallabong tangor (Citrus kiyomi ${\times}$ ponkan; CKP) peels with cytolase (CKP-C) in RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Glycosides of CKP were converted into aglycosides with cytolase treatment. RAW 264.7 cells were pre-treated with 0, 100, or $200{\mu}g/ml$ of citrus peel extracts for 4 h, followed by stimulation with $1{\mu}g/ml$ lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 8 h. Cell viability, DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide (NO), and prostagladin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production were examined. Real time-PCR and western immunoblotting assay were performed for detection of mRNA and/or protein expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, respectively. RESULTS: HPLC analysis showed that treatment of CKP with cytolase resulted in decreased flavanone rutinoside forms (narirutin and hesperidin) and increased flavanone aglycoside forms (naringenin and hesperetin). DPPH scavenging activities were observed in a dose-dependent manner for all of the citrus peel extracts and CKP-C was more potent than intact CKP. All of the citrus peel extracts decreased NO production by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and $PGE_2$ production by COX-2. Higher dose of CKP and all CKP-C groups significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of LPS-stimulated iNOS. Only $200{\mu}g/ml$ of CKP-C markedly decreased mRNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Both 100 and $200{\mu}g/ml$ of CKP-C notably inhibited mRNA levels of $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) and IL-6, whereas $200{\mu}g/ml$ CKP-C significantly inhibited mRNA levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that bioconversion of citrus peels with cytolase may enrich aglycoside flavanones of citrus peels and provide more potent functional food materials for prevention of chronic diseases attributable to oxidation and inflammation by increasing radical scavenging activity and suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.453-460
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• 2020

Background: BIOGF1K, a fraction of Panax ginseng, has desirable antimelanogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiphotoaging properties that could be useful for treating skin conditions. Because its potential positive effects on allergic reactions in skin have not yet been described in detail, this study's main objective was to determine its efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was used to verify the compounds in BIOGF1K, and we used the (3-4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method to determine its cytotoxicity in RBL-2H3 and HMC-1 cell lines. RBL-2H3 cells were induced using both anti-DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and calcium ionophore (A2187) treatments, whereas HMC-1 cells were induced using A2187 alone. To measure mast cell degranulation, we performed histamine (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and β-hexosaminidase assays. To quantify interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in RBL-2H3 cells, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR); to quantify expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in HMC-1 cells, we used semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we detected the total and phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p-38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase proteins by immunoblotting. Results: BIOGF1K decreased the AD response by reducing both histamine and β-hexosaminidase release as well as reducing the secretion levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in RBL-2H3 cells and IL-4 and IL-13 in HMC-1 cells. In addition, BIOGF1K decreased MAPK pathway activation in RBL-2H3 and HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: BIOGF1K attenuated the AD response, hence supporting its use as a promising and natural approach for treating AD.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.298-306
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a global health problem of significant importance which increases mortality. In place of anti-obesity drugs, natural products are being developed as alternative therapeutic materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of Brassica juncea L. leaf extract (BLE) on fat deposition and lipid profiles in high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFC)-induced obese rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to diet: normal diet group (ND), high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), HFC with 3% BLE diet group (HFC-A1), and HFC with 5% BLE diet group (HFC-A2). Each group was fed for 6 weeks. Rat body and adipose tissue weights, serum biochemical parameters, and tissue lipid contents were determined. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The HFC-A2 group showed significantly lower body weight gain and food efficiency ratio than the HFC group. BLE supplementation caused mesenteric, epididymal, and total adipose tissue weights to decrease. The serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased in rats fed BLE. These results were related to lower glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, acetyl-coA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression, and to higher expression of the cholesterol $7{\alpha}$-hydroxylase and low density lipoprotein-receptor, as well as increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\alpha}$. Histological analysis of the liver revealed decreased lipid droplets in HFC rats treated with BLE. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of HFC with 3% or 5% BLE inhibited body fat accumulation, improved lipid profiles, and modulated lipogenesis- and cholesterol metabolism-related gene and protein expression.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.120-126
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• 2017

Background: The present study investigated the effect of ginseng berry hot water extract (GBx) on blood flow via the regulation of lipid metabolites and blood coagulation in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Sixty rats were divided into five groups in descending order of body weight. Except for the control group, the other four groups were fed a HFD containing 45% kcal from fat for 11 wk without GBx. GBx groups were then additionally treated by gastric gavage with GBx dissolved in distilled water at 50 (GBx 50) mg/kg, 100 (GBx 100) mg/kg, or 150 (GBx 150) mg/kg body weight for 6 wk along with the HFD. To investigate the effects of GBx on rats fed a HFD, biochemical metabolite, blood coagulation assay, and histological analysis were performed. Results: In the experiments to measure the serum levels of leptin and apolipoprotein B/A, GBx treatment attenuated the HFD-induced increases in these metabolites (p < 0.05). Adiponectin and apolipoprotein E levels in GBx-treated groups were significantly higher than the HFD group. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were increased in all GBx-treated groups. In the GBx-treated groups, the serum levels of thromboxane $A_2$ and serotonin were decreased and concentrations of serum fibrinogen degradation products were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, histomorphometric dyslipidemia-related atherosclerotic changes were significantly improved by treatment with GBx. Conclusion: These results suggest the possibility that GBx can ameliorate blood flow by decreasing intima-media thickness via the regulation of blood coagulation factors related to lipid metabolites in rats fed a HFD.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.132-137
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, the apoptogenic activity and mechanisms of cell death induced by hexane extract of aged black garlic (HEABG) were investigated in human leukemic U937 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay. Apoptosis was detected using 4,6-diamidino-2-phenyllindile (DAPI) staining, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Exposure to HEABG was found to result in a concentration- and time-dependent growth inhibition by induction of apoptosis, which was associated with an up-regulation of death receptor 4 and Fas legend, and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Apoptosis-inducing concentrations of HEABG induced the activation of caspase-9, an initiator caspase of the mitochodrial mediated intrinsic pathway, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase. HEABG also induced apoptosis via a death receptor mediated extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation, resulting in the truncation of Bid, and suggesting the existence of cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. However, pre-treatment of U937 cells with the caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, significantly blocked the HEABG-induced apoptosis of these cells, and increased the survival rate of HEABG-treated cells, confirming that HEABG-induced apoptosis is mediated through activation of caspase cascade. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the overall results, we suggest that HEABG reduces leukemic cell growth by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, implying its potential therapeutic value in the treatment of leukemia.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.291-300
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• 2016

Background: It is necessary to assess radiation dose to workers due to inhalation of airborne particulates containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) to ensure radiological safety required by the Natural Radiation Safety Management Act. The objective of this study is to develop an internal dose assessment procedure for workers at industries using raw materials containing natural radionuclides. Materials and Methods: The dose assessment procedure was developed based on harmonization, accuracy, and proportionality. The procedure includes determination of dose assessment necessity, preliminary dose estimation, airborne particulate sampling and characterization, and detailed assessment of radiation dose. Results and Discussion: The developed dose assessment procedure is as follows. Radioactivity concentration criteria to determine dose assessment necessity are $10Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for $^{40}K$ and $1Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for the other natural radionuclides. The preliminary dose estimation is performed using annual limit on intake (ALI). The estimated doses are classified into 3 groups ( < 0.1 mSv, 0.1-0.3 mSv, and > 0.3 mSv). Air sampling methods are determined based on the dose estimates. Detailed dose assessment is performed using air sampling and particulate characterization. The final dose results are classified into 4 different levels ( < 0.1 mSv, 0.1-0.3 mSv, 0.3-1 mSv, and > 1 mSv). Proper radiation protection measures are suggested according to the dose level. The developed dose assessment procedure was applied for NORM industries in Korea, including coal combustion, phosphate processing, and monazite handing facilities. Conclusion: The developed procedure provides consistent dose assessment results and contributes to the establishment of optimization of radiological protection in NORM industries.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.139-149
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• 2018

Background: Ethiopia is among the poorest countries where land degradation caused livelihood problem to its inhabitants. The livelihood of rural communities in Ethiopia is seriously threatened by land degradation. Land is the major natural resource that economic, social, infrastructure, and other human activities are undertaken on. Thus, land resources play an important role in shaping rural livelihoods, and lack of sustainable land management practices leads to land degradation. Thus, this study aimed to analyze interlink between land degradation and livelihood of rural communities in Chilga district, Northwest Ethiopia. It also addresses the factors which influence income diversification for livelihood of households in the study area. Result: The result depicts that the major causes of land degradation are both natural and anthropogenic. Land degradation and livelihood are negatively interlinked with each other. The livelihood of the majority of the population in the study area is dependent on subsistence agriculture both farming and animal husbandry with low diversification. The survey result showed that more than half (69%) of the sample households have farm size of less than 2 ha, nearly one third (31%) have 2.0-2.5 ha, and insignificant number of farmers have more than 2.5 ha. More than 80% of the respondents pointed out that land degradation has impacts both on crop yield and livestock production. Most of the explanatory variables such as gender, age, education level, farmland size, and family size have statistical significant influence (at P < .01 and P < .05 levels) for income diversification of households, while marital status on the other hand is not statistically significant though it has positive relation with income diversification in this study. Conclusions: Our results suggest awareness should be created in the community about the livelihood diversification mechanisms which enabled them to engage in different income-generating activities and comprehensive watershed management should be implemented.