• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.392-404
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• 2015

Objectives: This study measured and analyzed the concentrations of crystalline silica, elemental carbon and the contribution ratio of pollutants which influence environmental and respiratory disease around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu, Korea. Methods: We analyzed the crystalline silica and elemental carbon in the air according to FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NIOSH(National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health) method 5040, respectively. In addition, lead stable isotopes, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed using MC-ICP/MS(Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer), and IRMS(Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), respectively. Results: The concentration of crystalline silica in the direct exposure area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0005mg/Sm^3$, but not to exceed the exposure standards of the ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). In the case of the autumn, the direct exposure area was found to show a level 2.5 times higher than the reference area, and on the whole, the direct exposure area was found to have a level 1.4 times higher than the reference area. The concentration of elemental carbon in the direct exposure area and in the reference area were found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0006mg/Sm^3$, and $0.0006{\pm}0.0003mg/Sm^3$, respectively. This study confirmed the contribution ratio of coal raw materials to residentially deposited dusts in the area within 500 meters from the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area with a stable isotope ratio of 24.0%(0.7-62.7%) on average in the case of carbon and nitrogen, and 33.9%(26.6-54.1%) on average in the case of lead stable isotopes. Conclusions: This study was able to confirm correlations with coal raw materials used by the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area. The concentration of some pollutants, crystalline silica, and elemental carbon emitted to the direct-influence area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex were relatively higher than in the reference area. Therefore, we need to impose continuous and substantive reduction countermeasures in the future to prevent particulate matter and coal raw materials in the study area. It is time for the local government and authorities to prepare active administrative methods such as the relocation of Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1147-1158
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• 1998

Background: Portable cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) technique has been used increasingly as a potent and effective option for emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) because it can maintain more stable hemodynamics and provide better survival than conventional CPR techniques. This study was designed to develop a prototype of Korean portable CPB system and, by applying it to CPR, to discriminate whether it would be superior to standard open-chest CPR. Material and Method: By using adult mongrel dogs, open-chest CPR(OCPR group, n=4) and portable-CPB CPR(CPB group, n=4) were compared with respects to restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC), hemodynamics, effects on blood cells, blood gas patterns, biochemical markers, and survivals. Ventricular fibrillation-cardiac arrest(VF-CA) of arrest(VF-CA) of 4 minutes followed by basic life support(BLS) of 15 minutes was applied in either group, which was standardized by the protocol of American Heart Association. Then, advanced life support(ALS) was applied to either group under the support of internal cardiac massage or CPB. ALS was maintained until ROSC was achieved but not longer than 30 minutes regardless of the presence of ROSC. All of the measured values were expressed as means±SD percent change from baseline. Result: During the early ALS, higher mean arterial pressure was maintained in CPB group than in OCPR group(90±19 vs. 71±32 %; p<.05) and lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure was also maintained in CPB group than in OCPR group(105±24 vs. 146±6%; p<.05). ROSC was achieved in all dogs. Post-ROSC levels of hematocrit, RBC, and platelet were decreased and plasma free hemoglobin was increased significantly in CPB group compared to OCPR group(p<.05). Changes in blood gas patterns, lactate, and CK-MB levels were not different between groups. Early mortality was seen in 3 dogs in OCPR group(survival time 31±36 hours) and 2 in CPB group(228±153 hours, p=ns). The remainders in both groups showed prolonged survival. Conclusion: These findings indicate that portable CPB can be effective to maintain stable hemodynamics during cardiac arrest, to achieve ROSC and to prolong survival. Further study is needed to refine the portable CPB system and to meet clinical challenges.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2009

Purpose: To assess the value of first-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), nuchal translucency (NT) and second-trimester alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), and inhibin-A in predicting pregnancy complications other than fetal aneuploidy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study in 3,121 singleton pregnancies with integrated testing was performed at Kangnam CHA hospital between January 2005 and December 2006. Baseline characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and serum marker levels were obtained by review of the medical records. We analyzed the data to identify associations between the integrated screening markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS program. Results: In preterm labor and preeclampsia, high AFP, hCG, and inhibin-A levels and low PAPP-A and NT levels were found to be significantly correlated (P<0.05). Elevated second-trimester inhibin-A levels were associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio 2.843), low birth weight (odds ratio 1.446), and preterm labor (odds ratio 1.287), and while decreased first-trimester PAPP-A levels were associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio 0.51) and preterm labor (odds ratio 0.75). Conclusion: First- and second-trimester maternal serum markers screening can be used for predicting high-risk pregnancies.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.180-189
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• 2004

Although the outcome of cancer patients after cytotoxic chemotherapy is related diverse mechanisms, multidrug resistance (MDR) for chemotherapeutic drugs due to cellular P-glycoprotein (Pgp) or multidrug-resistance associated protein (MRP) is most important factor in the chemotherapy failure to cancer. A large number of pharmacologic compounds, including verapamil, quinidine, tamoxifen, cyclosporin A and quinolone derivatives have been reported to overcome MDR. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are available for the detection of Pgp and MRP-mediated transporter. $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI and other $^{99m}Tc$-radiopharmaceuticals are substrates for Pgp and MRP, and have been used in clinical studies for tumor imaging, and to visualize blockade of PgP-mediated transport after modulation of Pgp pump. Colchicine, verapamil and daunorubicin labeled with $^{11}C$ have been evaluated for the quantification of Pgp-mediated transport with PET in vivo and reported to be feasible substrates with which to image Pgp function in tumors. Leukotrienes are specific substrates for MRP and $N-[^{11}C]acetyl-leukotriene$ E4 provides an opportunity to study MRP function non-invasively in vivo. SPECT and PET pharmaceuticals have successfully used to evaluate pharmacologic effects of MDR modulators. Imaging of MDR and reversal of MDR with bioluminescence in a living animal is also evaluated for future clinical trial. We have described recent advances in molecular imaging of MDR and reviewed recent publications regarding feasibility of SPECT and PET imaging to study the functionality of MDR transporters in vivo.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6721-6726
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• 2013

Background: Changes in DNA methylation patterns are believed to be early events in hepatocarcinogenesis. A better understanding of methylation states and how they correlate with disease progression will aid in finding potential strategies for early detection of HCC. The aim of our study was to analyze the methylation frequency of tumor suppressor genes, P14, P15, and P73, and a mismatch repair gene (O6MGMT) in HCV related chronic liver disease and HCC to identify candidate epigenetic biomarkers for HCC prediction. Materials and Methods: 516 Egyptian patients with HCV-related liver disease were recruited from Kasr Alaini multidisciplinary HCC clinic from April 2010 to January 2012. Subjects were divided into 4 different clinically defined groups - HCC group (n=208), liver cirrhosis group (n=108), chronic hepatitis C group (n=100), and control group (n=100) - to analyze the methylation status of the target genes in patient plasma using EpiTect Methyl qPCR Array technology. Methylation was considered to be hypermethylated if >10% and/or intermediately methylated if >60%. Results: In our series, a significant difference in the hypermethylation status of all studied genes was noted within the different stages of chronic liver disease and ultimately HCC. Hypermethylation of the P14 gene was detected in 100/208 (48.1%), 52/108 (48.1%), 16/100 (16%) and 8/100 (8%) among HCC, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and control groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the studied groups (p-value 0.008). We also detected P15 hypermethylation in 92/208 (44.2%), 36/108 (33.3%), 20/100 (20%) and 4/100 (4%), respectively (p-value 0.006). In addition, hypermethylation of P73 was detected in 136/208 (65.4%), 72/108 (66.7%), 32/100 (32%) and 4/100 (4%) (p-value <0.001). Also, we detected O6MGMT hypermethylation in 84/208 (40.4%), 60/108 (55.3%), 20/100 (20%) and 4/100 (4%), respectively (p value <0.001. Conclusions: The epigenetic changes observed in this study indicate that HCC tumors exhibit specific DNA methylation signatures with potential clinical applications in diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, methylation frequency could be used to monitor whether a patient with chronic hepatitis C is likely to progress to liver cirrhosis or even HCC. We can conclude that methylation processes are not just early events in hepatocarcinogenesis but accumulate with progression to cancer.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.152-157
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• 2010

Purpose : Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a significant public health problem that results from insufficient exposure to sunlight and inadequate vitamin D supplementation. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics of vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants. Methods : Data of 35 infants diagnosed as vitamin D deficiency rickets at Sanggye-Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea, from March 2007 to May 2009 were reviewed. Children with plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <15 ng/mL and 15-30 ng/mL were considered to have vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency, respectively. Results : Thirty-five infants (22 boys, 13 girls) were diagnosed with rickets. Mean age at diagnosis was $7.4{\pm}7.1$ months (range: 0.1-29.8 months). Eighteen infants (51%) were vitamin D deficient and seventeen infants (49%) were insufficient. Twenty-eight of all (80%) diagnosed as subclinical rickets. Twenty-nine infants (83%) were below the age of 12months. Twenty infants (57%) had breastfed and ten infants (29%) had iron deficiency anemia. Nine of breastfed infants (45%) were vitamin D deficient and ten of their mothers were vitamin D insufficient. Overall, radiographic evidence of rickets was present in 93% of the cases. Radiographic sign of rickets was evident even in vitamin D insufficient state. Conclusion : It is important for the clinician to screen for subclinical vitamin D deficiency rickets in inadequately supplemented infants by pairing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with wrist radiographs. A nationwide epidemiological study of vitamin D deficiency rickets must be conducted and evidence-based national guidelines must be defined to prevent rickets.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 1996

The objectives of this study is to find out mechanism of vasodilating effects of ANP in 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat aorta and to compare with those of normotensive rat aorta. In 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat, average arterial blood pressure and plasma renin activity were higher than in normotensive rat. In 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat aorta, NE sensitivity was more increased and maximal contraction of aorta by NE was higher than those of normotensive rat aorta. ANP inhibited NE-induced contraction in both 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive and normotensive rat aorta, concentration-dependently. However, ANP was less effective for relaxing NE-induced contraction in 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat aorta than in normotensive rat aorta. ANP inhibited $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake induced by NE in both 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive and normotensive rat aorta. From these results. inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ influx may be one of the vasodilating mechanism of ANP in 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat aorta. Although the potency of ANP in relaxing NE-induced contractions was attenuated, the efficacy of ANP was not changed in 2K-1C renovascular hypertensive rat aorta compared with that of ANP in normotensive rat aorta. Abbreviations: ANP, Atrial natriuretic peptide; 2K-1C, 2-kidney 1 clip; NE, norepinephrine; SHR, Spontaneously hypertensive rat; DOC, Deoxycorticosterone; EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid; PSS, Physiological salt solution; TRIS, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2014

This study aimed to provide the fundamental data on the field of cosmetics by comparing heavy metal concentration in terms of domestic/foreign products, types and colors. The study determined the concentrations of lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, antimony, nickel, copper and cobalt in cosmetics such as lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, foundation and eye liner. From the period of January to August, 2013, 121 samples were collected from cosmetic stores distributing to the general market. The average metal concentrations were as follows; $0.663{\mu}g/g$ for lead, $0.010{\mu}g/g$ for cadmium, $0.056{\mu}g/g$ for arsenic, $1.144{\mu}g/g$ for chromium, $0.008{\mu}g/g$ for antimony, $0.405{\mu}g/g$ for nickel, $0.319{\mu}g/g$ for copper and $0.108{\mu}g/g$ for cobalt. Except for chromium, the heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher in foreign products than in domestic products (p < 0.05). Also, The mean concentrations of heavy metal were significantly different (p < 0.05) when classified by cosmetic type. The highest mean concentrations shown in lipstick were $1.430{\mu}g/g$ of chromium, $0.616{\mu}g/g$ of lead and $0.385{\mu}g/g$ of nickel, in foundation $1.155{\mu}g/g$ of lead and $1.023{\mu}g/g$ of chromium. In eye liner, the highest mean concentrations were $1.424{\mu}g/g$ of chromium and $0.830{\mu}g/g$ of nickel. Additionally, The concentrations of heavy metal were significantly different by color (p < 0.05). Brown colored cosmetics were found to have the highest mean concentrations of chromium, nickel and copper, ivory colored cosmetics the highest mean concentrations of chromium and lead, and pink colored cosmetics the highest concentrations of lead and chromium.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 1991

Retinoic acid. the active metabolite of vitamin A. was detected in the human liver for the first time using a new method. A rapid and sensitive technique has been developed using gradient-elution. reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. This assay. with simultaneous multiwavelength detection at 294nm, 325nm and 450nm after saponifcation of liver samples. allows us seperation and quantitation of vitamin E, retinoic acid, total retinoids and various carotenoids in one small sample. The proportion of retinoic acid to total retinoids in human liver appears to be quite $consistent(2.4\pm0.2%$ ). With low vitamin A storage in liver, detection at another wavelenth 354nm would increase the sensitivity for retinoic acid of small quantity This method of analysis could be used for other tissues like red blood cells, plasma or serum, also. Hepatic retinoic acid level with total retinoids and carotenoids would serve a better indicator of functional vitamin A nutriture especially for those with disease requiring needle biopsy of liver.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.64-67
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• 2005

Leptin is a small polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by adipocytes. Leptin regulates energy balance by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. This study investigated the relationships between serum leptin levels and BMI (body mass index) in 49 adults in Pohang, Korea. The subjects were 25 males and 24 females, aged 21 to 64 years attending an outpatient clinic at Handong University Sunlin Presbyterian Hospital. Values are given +/- the standard error of the mean. Our study shows that the serum leptin levels in these subjects were positively correlated with BMI. The leptin levels were higher in females (2.39+/-1.82 ng/mL) than in males (0.43+/-0.455ng/mL), although lower than previously reported. We therefore compared the serum leptin levels from the male Korean subjects (BMI 24.3+/-0.74㎏/㎡) with serum from six British males with a similar BMI (23.4+/-1.48㎏/㎡). The serum leptin concentrations (1.76+/-0.76 ng/mL) were lower than that of plasma (4.28+/-1.66 ng/mL) in the British subjects. The serum leptin in the British subjects (1.76+/-0.76ng/mL) was higher than that in the Koreans. There was no correlation between leptin levels and BMI in either male (slope 0.018 ± 0.036, p=0.624) or female (slope 0.382±0.433, p=0.417) type 2 diabetic patients in Pohang, Korea. Taken together, our study shows that the serum leptin level in Koreans varies with the BMI, but is lower than that of BMI-matched British subjects.