• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.326-332
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• 2011

The growth and bolting characteristics of spring Chinese cabbage cultivars at two night-time temperature treatments such as $5^{\circ}C$ and $10^{\circ}C$ during seedling stage were investigated to establish a safe environmental management strategy for raising seedlings. The low night-time temperature treatments were applied at 5, 10, and 15 days after sawing and the treatment durations were 5, 10, and 15 days in each of treatment beginning. The growth of seedlings in all the tested cultivars were linearly reduced as the treatment duration was extended and no symptoms of bolting were found. The reduction rate in seedling growth of 'Chunkwang' reached to 59.3% at most by 15 days of $5^{\circ}C$ treatment when it be compared to that of control. However, no symptoms of bolting were shown in the treatments of two night-time temperatures until the harvest at 90 days after sawing, indicating that the vernalization effect by low night-time temperature could be mitigated by subsequent day-time optimal temperature management. This study showed that the major spring Chinese cabbage cultivars require more ultimate level of low night-time temperature treatment for the vernalization than this study. It is also supposed that the optimal day-time temperature management can reduce or delay the rate of bolting, even if the seedlings were exposed to short-term low temperature below $5^{\circ}C$ during night-time.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.104-110
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• 2009

It is well known that the saponin of Korean red ginseng (KRG) has an anti-oxidant effect and could suppress the accumulation of lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study was to observe the inhibitory effect of KRG on mice with noise-induced hearing loss, and to determine its optimal dose. BALB/c mice with a normal hearing level and normal Preyer's reflexes were used in the study. The mice in the permanent-threshold-shift (PTS) group were exposed to noise (120-dB SPL, white noise band) in a noise booth for 3 h a day, for three consecutive days. The mice in the experimental group were given heat-processed red-ginseng extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg), and those in the control group were given normal saline alone during their noise exposure. The mice in the temporary-threshold-shift (TTS) group were exposed to noise (120 dBSPL, white noise band) in a noise booth for 3 h. The mice in the experimental group were given heat-processed red-ginseng extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg), and those in the control group were given normal saline alone before their noise exposure. The hearing levels of the mice were measured through auditory brainstem response (ABR) immediately and I, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after their noise exposure. Cochleae were removed from the mice 14 days after their noise exposure. lmmunochemical and immunofluorescent staining were performed to observe the expression of 8-oxoG in cochlea. In the PTS group, the hearing function of the mice in all the groups was not recovered after their noise exposure. In the TTS group, however, the hearing function of the mice in all the groups was recovered within 14 days. Reduced hearing impairment and early recovery were observed in the mice that were given 200 mg/kg KRG, and early recovery was observed in the mice that were given 100 mg/kg KRG The immunopositive staining of 8-oxoG was detected in the stria vascularis in the control group but was diminished in the mice that were given 200 mg/kg KRG The ingestion of more than 100 mg/kg KRG demonstrated a protection and recovery effect on the noiseinduced-TTS group. Since KRG has been reported to be a safe compound even up to hundreds of mg/kg, a higher concentration of it may effectively protect and recover TTS.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 1999

The genetic defects in human gametes and embryos can cause adverse effects on overall reproductive events. Biopsy of embryos for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers a new possibility of having children free of the genetic disease. In addition, advanced embryo culture method may enhance the effectiveness of embryo biopsy for the practical application of PGD. This experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of coculture on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos. Embryos were obtained after in vitro fertilization (IVF) from F1 hybrid mice (C57BLfemale/CBAmale). Using micromanipulation, 1, 2, 3 or 4 blastomeres of 8-cell stage embryos were aspirated through a hole made in the zona pellucida by zona drilling (ZD) with acidic Tyrode's solution (ATS). After biopsy of blastomeres, embryos were cultured in vitro for 110 hours in Ham's F-10 supplemented with 0.4% BSA or cocultured on the monolayer of Vero cells in the same medium. The frequence of blastocyst formation were recorded, and the embryos beyond blastocyst stage were stained with 10% Giemsa to count the total number of nuclei in each embryo. There was no significant difference in the blastocyst formation between the zona intact control group and the zona drilling (ZD) only, or biopsied groups. The hatching rate of all the treatment groups except 4/8 group was significantly higher than that of control group. In all the treatment groups, there was a significant reduction in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage ($50.2{\pm}14.0$ in control group vs. $41.2{\pm}7.9$ in ZD, $39.3{\pm}8.8$ in 7/8, $29.7{\pm}6.4$ in 6/8, $25.1{\pm}5.7$ in 5/8, and $22.1{\pm}4.3$ in 4/8 groups, p<0.05). When the same treatments were followed by coculture with Vero cells, a similar pattern was seen in the blastocyst formation and the hatching rate. However, in all the treatment groups, there was a significant increase in the mean cell number of embryos beyond blastocyst stage with coculture, compared with the parallel groups without coculture. In the cleavage rate of biopsied blastomeres cultured for 110 hours after IVF, there was no significant difference between coculture and non-coculture groups (87.2% vs. 78.7%). However, the mean cell number of embryos developed from the biopsied blastomeres was significantly higher in coculture group ($11.5{\pm}4.7\;vs.\;5.9{\pm}1.9$, p<0.05). In conclusion, biopsy of mouse embryos after ZD with ATS is a safe and highly efficient method for PGD, and coculture with Vero cells showed a positive effect on the development in vitro of biopsied mouse embryos and blastomeres as a preclinical model for PGD of human embryos.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess appropriate time to convert intramuscular progesterone support to oral administration for luteal phase support in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Seventy-six cycles of IVF in which fetal heart beat was identified after treatment were included. Patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH agonist long protocol (n=7) or GnRH antagonist protocol (n=66). Cryopreserved embryo transfer was performed in three cycles. Luteal support was initiated by daily intramuscular injection of progesterone, and after confirmation of fetal heart beat, converted to oral micronized progesterone (Utrogestan, Laboratoires Besins International, France) 300 mg daily before or after 8 gestational weeks. The oral progesterone was continued for 11 weeks. Results: Overall clinical abortion rate was 3.9% (3/76) and mean time to conversion was $8^{+4}$ gestational weeks ($46{\pm}5.8$ days after oocytes retrieval). The abortion rate was 5.6% (1/17) and 3.4% (2/59) in patients with conversion before 7 weeks and after 8 weeks, respectively, which were not statistically significant (p=0.678). The miscarriages were occurred at $9^{+4}$ weeks, $11^{+3}$ weeks and $11^{+4}$ weeks. Conclusion: Sequential luteal support using intramuscular and oral progesterone yields a relatively low clinical abortion rate. If fetal heart beat confirmed, sequential regimen appears to be safe and convenient method to reduce patients' discomfort induced by multiple injections.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.227-233
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• 2004

Chronic exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, causes a variety of adverse reactions on human skin, such as sunburn, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV exposure or other environmental facts play critical roles in cellular damage. And, repeated-UV irradiation activated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and induced skin irritation. Therefore, the development of effective and safe photoprotectants that can reduce and improve the skin damage has been required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the photo-protective effect of several chinese medical plants (Juniperus chinensis) on the UV -induced skin cell damages. We tested free radical and superoxide scavenging effect in vitro. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-1 (collagenase) were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis and activity were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in skin fibroblasts. We also examined anti-inflammatory effects by the determination test of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 in HaCaT keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin E$_2$ (PGE$_2$) after UVB irradiation was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay(EIA) using PGE$_2$ monoclonal antibody. In the human skin we tested anti-irritation effect on the SLS-induced damage skin after appling the extract containing emulsion. We found that Juniperus chinensis extract had potent radical scavenging effect by 98% at 100$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. The extract of Juniperus chinensis showed strong inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activities by 97% at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL and suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by 79% at 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. This extract also showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. In the test of proinflammatory cytokines of human keratinocytes Juniperus chinensis extract decreased expression of interleukin 6 about 30%. The amount of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes was significantly increased at the doses of above 10 mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ of UVB (p < 0.05). At the concentrations of 3.2-25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL of this extract, the production of PGE$_2$ by HaCaT keratinocytes (24 h after 10mJ/$\textrm{cm}^2$ UVB irradiation) was significantly inhibited in culture supernatants (p < 0.05). In SLS-induced skin irritation model in vivo, we found to reduce skin erythema and improve barrier recovery after appling Juniperus chinensis extract containing emulsion when compared to irritated non-treated and placebo-treated skin. Our results suggest that Juniperus chinensis extract can be effectively used for the prevention of UV and SLS-induced adverse skin reactions and applied as anti-aging and anti-irritation cosmetics.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.376-384
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the food purchasing management of school food services. The subjects consisted of 271 school dietitians in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk area. The percentages of ready-to-use vegetables actually being used were as follows: root of balloon flowers, 88.4%; garlic, 87.8%; blanched bracken, 80.1%; raw lotus root, 65.7%; burdock, 63.5%; small green onion, 63.5%; stem of taro, 57.6%; ginger, 35.1%; radish root, 30.6%; blanched asterscaber, 29.2%; large type welsh onion, 25.8%; carrot, 25.5%; onion, 21.4%; and potato, 8.9%. The percentages of HACCP-certified products being used were as follows: meat, 75.9%; eggs, 66.7%; soybean curds, 65.5%; ready-to-use seafood, 55.1%; starch jellies, 49.9%; spice, 44.9%; kimchi, 30.9%; ready-to-use vegetables, 22.7%; and fruits, 6.9%. The percentages of environment-friendly food items being used were as follows: eggs, 31.0%; meat, 28.7%; soybean curds, 22.1%; and fruits, 17.7%. Of these food items, meat and ready-to-use seafood were being used the most in the elementary schools. The percentages of imported food items being used were as follows: starch jelly, 29.2%; ready-to-use seafood, 24.7%; soybean curds, 20.5%; spice, 15.9%; and fruits, 10.1%. The food items requiring HACCP certification were as follows: beef and pork, 81.5%; chicken, 80.1%; ready-to-use seafood, 78.6%; frozen dumplings, 73.8%; soybean curds, 71.6%; peeled eggs, 70.8%; fish paste, 69.4%; starch jelly, 65.7%; milk, 63.1%; kimchi, 54.6%; spice, 50.6%; frozen noodle, 45.4%; ready-to-use vegetables, 44.3%; and bean sprouts, 29.5%. It was confirmed that 8.1% of the sanitation monitoring results were intentionally misreported. Therefore, to supply good and safe foods to schools, active management is needed in schools and food manufacturing and delivery companies.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2005

The purposes of this study were to develop and introduce a novel intraoral appliance for bruxism composed of power switch and biofeedback device and further to examine inter- and intra-reliability of the appliance prior to clinical tests. The newly-developed appliance consisted of detection sensors, a central processing unit (CPU), a reactor and a storage unit and a displayer. Compact-sized, waterproof switches were selected as bruxism detection sensor and any sensor activation by clenching or grinding event was processed at the CPU and transmitted, by radio wave, to the reactor and storage unit and triggered auditory or vibratory signal, subsequently producing biofeedback to the patient with bruxism. The data on bruxing event in the storage unit can be displayed on the computer, making it possible analyzing frequency, duration and nature of bruxism. Cast models were obtained from ten volunteers with normal occlusion to evaluate reliability of the appliances. For inter-operator reliability on the intraoral appliances, each operator of the two fabricated the appliance for the same subject and compared the minimal contact forces provoking auditory biofeedback reaction in vertical, lateral and central directions. Intra-operator reliability was also investigated on the appliances made by a single operator at two separate times with an interval of two days. Conclusively, the newly-developed appliance is compact and safe to use in oral circumstance and easy to make. Furthermore, it had to be proven reliability excellent enough to apply in clinical settings. Thus, it is assumed that this appliance with the processor and the storage of data and auditory or vibratory biofeedback function is available and useful to analyze and control bruxism.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2005

Objectives: This study was conducted to understand the recognition on brucellosis in rural communities and to apply the results to counterplan for brucellosis control and prevention. Methods: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey from September 8 to 13, 2004 among the residents in 2 rural communities: 507 people at Gigye-myeon and 521 people at Buk-myeon. The authors developed a questionnaire which investigated age, gender, general recognition of brucellosis, status of cattle breeding, compensation for loss due to brucellosis and so on. Results: The study group contained 195 (19.0%) stock breeders (veterinarians and cattle merchants were included) and 833 (81.0%) non-stock breeders. For the question, 'Have you ever heard about brucellosis or do you know about brucellosis?', 283 respondents (27.5%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Do you know that pregnant women who suffer brucellosis may have a miscarriage?', 98 respondents (35.1%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Have your cattle ever aborted or calved a premature calf?', 28 respondents (14.9%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Have you ever handled an abortus or a premature calf with your bare hands?', 10 respondents (5.3%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Do you know that the government compensates for slaughter loss due to brucellosis?', 46 respondents (25.0%) replied affirmatively. Conclusions: Many people were ignorant about brucellosis. Therefore, their ignorance must be corrected by a publicity campaign. Some stock breeders handled the cattle abortus with their bare hand. Stock breeders must wear protective equipment during working. The authors expect that this study will assist in establishing both a safe cattle breeding environment and preventive strategies for diminishing the incidence of brucellosis.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.39-50
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• 2005

Objectives: This investigation was carried out to explore the source and the mode of transmission of the diarrhea outbreak in Seongju-gun, Gyeongbuk, 2004 Methods: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey among the 275 persons (students, staff members and cooks) who ingested the possibly contaminated foods. We also investigated the drinking water and the dining facility, and we reviewed the process of cooking the salad, which was the presumed cause of the Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC) diarrhea. The confirmed EPEC diarrheal case was defined as culture positive for EPEC, and the suspicious case was defined as diarrheal case with symptoms more than one of fever, vomiting and tenesmus. Results: The attack rate of EPEC diarrhea was 36.7%, and there were 8 confirmed cases. The possibility of the drinking being a source of the infection was very low, for chlorine was detected in all the drinking water via reviewing the past records and using a portable detector. The foods that were significantly associated with diarrhea were found. The relative risk (RR) for the lunch served Jul 7 was 4.12 (95% CI: 1.39-12.20). Among the non-boiled foods that were finally served, the RR for the salad was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.07-2.57). The cause of this outbreak was presumed to be the contaminated foods that were prepared by cooks using rubber glove with holes, and especially the salad and foods that were served sans boiling on Jul 7. Conclusions: Though this EPEC infection was not so clinically important, if a larger outbreak occurred, it might severely affect the public health. It is recommended to develop the more safe methods for cooking foods, and to strengthen the sanitary processing foods.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.158-164
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• 1993

Background: Recently, lung abscess tends to be increased in patients with underlying disease, most of whom are unsuitable for surgery when medical treatment fails. The patients with giant lung abscesses do not frequently respond to antibiotics and often have life-threatening complications. Therefore, more intensive cares are required in these patients. We studied the results and effects of percutaneous catheter drainage in these patients. Method: We performed fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pigtail catheter (8.3 F) drainage by Seldinger technique in 9 cases of lung abscess (in 7 cases, intractable to medical treatment for an average of 8.4 days and in 2 cases, catheter drainage immediately performed due to a large cavity that was initially 10 cm in diameter). We compared 10 cases of lung abscess as control group which had receieved conventional medical treatment alone. Results: Seven of the 9 patients in study group of percutaneous drainage and 7 of the 10 patients in control group of medical treatment alone clinically improved in the average of 1.8 and 8.7 days, respectively. The mean duration of drainage was 13.2 days. There were 3 cases of death from massive hemoptysis, asphyxia of pus, and sepsis in control group, as compared with 2 cases of death from hepatic encephalopathy and sepsis in study group. The malfunctions of catheter occurred in these 2 cases, obstruction and dislodgement. But there were no significant pleuropulmonary complications of percutaneous drainage. Conclusion: Percutaneous drainage is effective and relatively safe in the management of lung abscesses refractory to medical therapy or giant lung abscesses.