• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.693-700
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• 1996

Background : Antituberculous therapy is set a short-term therpy used isoniazid(INH), rifampin(RFP), ethambutol(EMB), pyrazinamide(PZA) from 1970s' and treatment rate has been very improved. But drug interruption or irregular medication due to side effects and resistance of drug are serious problem to retreatment cases, specially. Ofloxasine(OFX), developed from Quinolone at 1980's is effective not only other respiratory infectious disease but also pulmonary tube rculosis. And this is useful drug instead of injection agents for retreatment patients who have side effects to other drugs, lived far distance from medical clinics. So, we will evaluate theffectiveness as four oral drugs involving OFX. Method : A retrospective study was made through the regular follow up of smear positive cases,who treated by four drug, namely, prothionamide (PTA) cycloserine(CS), OFX, paraminosalicylic acid(pAS). Results: 1) Out of 66case with positive sputum AFB smear, 42(64%)cases achieved the negative conversion. 2) Considering the negative conversion in all group, 34 case (52%) of sputum conversion occured within first 6 months, on the extent of diease was minimal, moderate, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, sputum AFB smear negative response to treatment was 100%, 78%, 46% respectively. 3) The roentgenological improvement occured in 38(58%), extent of diease was minimal, moderately, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, Roentgenological improvement to retreatment was 75%, 64%, 46%. 4) When the drnation of patients illness was less than 1 year, 1 to 3 years, 3 10 5 years and more than 5 years, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 100%, 88%, 80%, 52 %. 5) On side effects, major problems are gastrointestinal troubles, mild liver function abnormality, psychotic problemes, and skin problem(urticaria, itching sensation). Conclusion : The duration & extents of patients illness was shorter & minimal, sputum AFB smear negative response rate was better. Radiologic response is better as shorter duration and minimal extent of diease. But, as diease is longer duration & far advanced, sputum negative conversion & Roentgenological improvement is poor and limited. The adverse reaction was mainly observed gastrointestinal troubles(indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and are well controled by symptomatic management in most patients, as regard to tolerance to the secondary drugs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.728-735
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• 1996

Background : Recognition and ingestion of opsonized microorganisms by neutrophils induces the burst of oxidative metabolic activity. Products of the respiratory burst activity provide powerful oxygen dependent killing mechanism. Measurement of respiratory burst activity has been a major indicator of the functional capacity of neutrophils. We determined the respiratory burst activity of neutrophils in patients with pneumonia and observed the changes during the clinical course of pneumonia. Methods: The EDTA blood was drawn from 24 normal controls and same numbers of pneumonia patients. The respiratory burst activity(with the production of $H_2O_2$ which changes nonfluorescent DCF-DA to green fluorescent DCF) in the non-stimulated state and the stimulated state with fMLP and PMA of neutrophils was measured by flowcytometry at day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 of admission. Results: The respiratory burst activity of neutrophils was mildly increased by stimulation with fMLP. But there was no statistical significance between normal control and patients with pneumonia. The respiratory burst activity of neutrophils was markedly increased by stimulation with PMA in both groups. There was a significant difference in response to PMA between normal control and patients with pneumonia. The production of hydrogen peroxide from neutrophils was decreased during early course of pneumonia and it was recuperated gradually to normal level in 9 days. Conclusion : Hydrogen peroxide production from neutrophils was suppressed during early course of pneumonia and restored after treatment. It is suggested that the production of oxygen radical in response to PMA stimulation from each neutrophils is decreased rather than increased during the early course of pneumonia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.478-487
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• 2003

Background : There have been several studies showing that the angiotensin II and angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) contributes to the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and the activation of fibroblasts during the process of pulmonary fibrosis. These results suggest that the pulmonary fibrosis can be inhibited by the angiotensin II receptor antagonist(AGIIRA). This study was performed to identify the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Method : Thirteen patients with IPF, who were diagnosed with an open lung biopsy(6 patients) and furfilling the ATS criteria(7 patients) between March 1999 and October 2001 at the Gachon medical center, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, eight patients were treated with a regimen including AGIIRA(AT group), and five were treated without AGIIRA(NT group). The pulmonary function tests and dyspnea(ATS scale) were measured at diagnosis and 1 year after treatment. All the data was collected to analyze the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA on the patients with IPF. Results : The AT group contained 8 patients(M:F=4:4) and the NT group contained 5 patients(M:F=3:2). There was no significant difference in the serum angiotensin II level between the two groups($202.5{\pm}58.5$ vs $163.7{\pm}47.3pg/ml$, p>0.05). The AT group showed an upward trend in TLC(+3%), FVC(+4%), FEV1(+3%) and DLco(+2%) compared to the NT group(TLC(-14%), FVC(-3%), FEV1(-4%) except for DLco(+5%)). The dyspnea score in the AT group improved significantly but not in the NT group. Conclusion : These results suggest that the angiotensin II receptor antagonist may have an effect on stabilizing IPF.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.44-48
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• 2006

Background : Isoniazid (INH) is one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. In Korea, the dose of INH normally used in patients over 50 kg is 400 mg/day, which differs from the dose recommended by other countries. Indeed, the metabolism of INH shows ethnic variations, and Koreans are predominantly rapid acetylators. However, two reports suggested 300 mg of INH might be sufficient to reach an ideal peak level in Korean patients over 50 kg. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and adverse reactions between INH 300 mg and 400 mg in Korean TB patients. Method : Patients who were culture-positive, susceptible to all 1st-line drugs, initially on HREZ, and weighed over 50 kg were selected from patients with pulmonary TB between April 2003 and March 2005. The treatment results and adverse reactions in the INH 300 mg and 400 mg group were compared. Since April 2004, most TB patients at Asan Medical Center were administered INH 300 mg irrespective of the body weight. Results : The study included 123 patients in the 300 mg INH group and 128 in the 400 mg INH group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, weight, history of TB treatment, initial smear strength, and frequency of cavitary lesions. There was no difference in the treatment duration between the groups. One hundred eleven (90%) patients in the INH 300 mg group and 102 (80%) in the INH 400 mg group completed treatment (p>0.05). There were no differences in the frequency of modification of the initial regimen between groups due to any adverse reactions (300 mg : 9.0%, 400 mg : 13.7%) and hepatotoxicity (300 mg : 2.7% ; 400 mg : 7.8%). Conclusion : Considering treatment results and adverse reactions of two groups, 300mg of INH may be sufficient for treating Korean TB patients. Further studies comparing the frequency of relapse will be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.203-214
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• 2018

Ballast water treated by sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) injection method in ballast water management system (BWMS) contains reactive bromine, chlorine species and disinfection by-products (DBPs). In this study, we conducted whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing and ecological risk assessment (ERA) to investigate its ecotoxicological effects on the marine environment. WET testing was carried out for eight marine and fresh water organisms, i.e. diatom, Skeletonema costatum, Navicula pelliculosa, green algae, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis, Brachionus calyciflorus and fish, Cyprinodon variegatus, Pimephales promelas. The WET test revealed that diatom and green algae were the only organisms that showed apparent toxicity to the effluent; it showed no observed effect concentration (NOEC), lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) and effect concentration of 50 % (EC50) values of 25.0 %, 50.0 % and over 100.0 %, respectively, in seawater conditions. In contrast, rotifer and fish showed no toxicities to the effluent in the all salinity conditions. Meanwhile, chemical analysis revealed that the BWMS effluent contained total of 25 DBPs such as bromate, isocyanuric acid, formaldehyde, chloropicrin, trihalomethanes (THMs), halogenated acetonitriles (HANs) and halogenated acetic acids (HAAs). Based on ERA, the 25 DBPs were not considered to have persistency, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT) properties. The ratio of predicted environmental concentration (PEC) to predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) of the all DBPs did not exceed 1.0 for general harbour environments, but isocyanuric acid, tribromomethane, chloropicrin and monochloroacetic acid exceed 1.0 for near ship environments. However, when NOEC (25.0%) of the WET test results where actual effluent was applied, it was concluded that the NaDCC injection method did not have unacceptable ecological risks to the general harbor including near ship environments.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.329-335
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• 2015

This study was performed to determine the optimal ratio of Petasites japonicus, Luffa cylindrica, and Houttuynia cordata, all of which are supposed to have anti-respiratory disease effects, such as against rhinitis. The experiment incorporated a mixture design and included 12 experimental points with center replicates for three different independent variables (Petasites japonicus 30~70%; Luffa cylindrica 10~30%; and Houttuynia cordata 10~30%). Based on this design, the mixture was extracted in hot water at 121℃ for 45 min and anti-allergy and anti-microbial activities were observed. The response surface and trace plot described for the anti-allergy activity showed Petasites japonicas was a relatively important factor. The correlation coefficient (R²) value 82.10% for the inhibition effect of degranulation was analyzed by the regression equation. The analysis of variance showed the model fit was statistically significant (p<0.05). The optimal ratio of the mixture was Petasites japonicus 0.75%, Luffa cylindrica 0.11%, and Houttuynia cordata 0.14%. The anti-microbial activity for each extraction of the mixture was valid on gram-positive, such as Staphylococcus aureus (KCCM 40881) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (KCCM 35494), while it was less effective on gram-negative, such as Escherichia coli (KCCM 11234) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KCCM 11328).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.693-702
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• 2015

Blocking new blood-vessel formation (angiogenesis) is now recognized as a useful approach to the therapeutic treatment of many solid tumors. The best validated approach to date is to target the vascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF) pathway, a key regulator of angiogenesis. Many natural products and extracts that contain a variety of chemopreventive compounds have been shown to suppress the development of malignancies through their anti-angiogenic properties. Phellodendron amurense, which is widely used in Korean traditional medicine, has been shown to possess antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. The present study investigated the effects of P. amurense hot-water extract (PAHWE) on angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. To investigate PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties, this study’s authors performed an analysis of angiogenesis and endothelial-cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation, as well as zymogram assays and the rat aortic ring-sprouting assay. PAHWE inhibited cell growth, mobility, and vessel formation in response to VEGF in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, it reduced VEGF-induced intracellular signaling events, such as the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and -9. These results indicate that PAHWE’s anti-angiogenic properties might lead to the development of potential drugs for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases such as cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.381-387
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• 2010

To find offspring of Jeju Black cattle (JBC) produced by embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI), a molecular genetic study was carried out in candidate cattle populations collected from cattle farms in Jeju Island, Korea. The genetic marker set was composed of 11 ISAG microsatellite (MS) markers, 11 SAES MS markers selected by our preliminary analysis for population diversity of JBC and two major coat color related genes: MC1R and ASIP. The results showed a combined non-exclusion probability for first parent (NE-P1) that was higher than that recommended by ISAG (above 0.9995), and a combined non-exclusion probability for sib identity of $5.3{\times}10^{-10}$. Parentage analysis showed that the cases identified the candidate's father only (77.0%), mother only (54.0%), and both parents (40.5%) in the candidate offspring population. The ET and AI calves were identified as 14.7% in the in vitro fertilized eggs provided and 32.4% in total population, respectively. However, the result from ISAG marker analysis showed 3 identical allele-combinations in 7 calves, and that from ISAG/SAES MS marker combination also showed 1 identical allele-combination in 2 calves. Data from MS and coat-color gene analyses provided information for complete identification of all animals tested. Because the present JBC population was mostly bred using small nuclear founders through bioengineering techniques such as AI and ET, the genetic diversity levels obtained from MS analysis in the JBC population were relatively lower than those of other cattle populations, including Hanwoo. The results suggested that the more efficient marker combinations, including coat color related genotypes, should be studied and used for constructing a system for identification and molecular breeding of JBC as well.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.314-320
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• 2000

Purpose :To investigate whether changes in plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor-$\beta$1(TGF-$\beta$1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-$\alpha$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) could be used to identify the development of radiation-induced pneumonitis in the lung cancer patients. Methods and Materials :Seventeen patients with lung cancer (11 NSCLC, 6 SCLC) were enrolled in a prospective study designed to evaluate clinical and molecular biologic correlation of radiation-induced pneumonitis. The study began in May 1998 and completed in July 1999. All patients were treated with radiotherapy with curative intent : 1.8 Gy per day, 5 fractions per week. Serial measurements of plasma TGF-$\beta$1, TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 were obtained in all patients before, weekly during radiotherapy and at each follow-up visits after completion of treatment. These measurements were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis at each follow-up visit after completion of radiotherapy. High resolution CT (HRCT) scans were obtained when signs and symptoms of pneumonitis were developed after completion of radiotherapy. Results : Thirteen patients eventually developed signs and symptoms of clinical pneumonitis 씬file four patients did not. TGF-$\beta$ 1 levels were elevated in all 13 patients with pneumonitis, which showed characteristic pattern of elevation (38.45 ng/ml at pretreatment, 13.66 ng/ml during radiotherapy, then 60.63 ng/ml at 2-4 weeks after completion of radiotherapy). The levels of TNF- $\alpha$ and IL-6 were also elevated In the group of patients who developed pneumonitis but the pattern was not characteristic. Conclusions : Changes in plasma TGF$\beta$-1 levels before, during and after radiotherapy appears to be a useful means by which to identify patients at risk for the development of symptomatic pneumonitis. Other cytokines like TNF- $\alpha$ and IL-6 shows no meaningful changes in association with radiation pneumonitis.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.62-89
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• 2016

The great part of the traditional knowledge on ethnobotanical plants and their uses is gradually vanishing due to industrialization, therefore ethnobotanical studies that explore and preserve the knowledge are in urgent needed before the knowledge are lost ever. This study was conducted to record and conserve the traditional knowledge of botanical taxa in Korea from 2006 to 2014. According to the survey results, derived from 17,328 sheets of 1,771 residents at 868 places, the ethnobotanical plants in Korea consisted of a total 924 taxa; 130 families, 493 genera, 813 species, 7 subspecies, 92 varieties and 12 form. Of them, herbs were 619 taxa (67.0%) and woody plants were 305 taxa (33.0%). 707 taxa (76.5%) out of 924 taxa grow wild, 44 taxa (4.8%) were cultivated wild species, 145 taxa (15.7%) were introduced for cultivation, and 28 taxa (3.0%) were naturalized plants. The analysis of usage for 924 taxa showed that the edible use was the highest with 58.9%, followed by medicinal with 26.9%, material with 3.7% and ornamental with 2.3%, respectively. The leaf of plant was the most useful part, followed by stem and root. Quantitative analysis of the ethnobotanical plants in Korea was performed by the basic values of FC, NU and UR, and indices of CI, RFC, RI and CV. As a result, The CI place Artemisia princeps in first position, followed by Aster scaber, Kalopanax septemlobus. The RFC place A. scaber in first position, followed by A. princeps, Aralia elata. The RI place A. princeps in first position, followed by Pinus densiflora, Morus alba. The CV place A. princeps in first position, followed by P. densiflora, K. septemlobus.