• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2002

Background : The cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in tuberculosis. After being activated by mycobacterial antigens, T lymphocytes express a high affinity receptor (IL-2R) for interleukin-2 (IL-2) on their own surface and release a soluble fraction of the IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) from the cell membrane into the circulation. Neopterin is a metabolite of guanosine-triphosphate, which is produced by stimulated macrophages under the influence of IFN-$\gamma$ with a T lymphocyte origin. Therefore, the utility of sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and the neopterin levels as immunologic indices of the cell-mediated immune response and severity of disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was assessed. Methods : The serum sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 39 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 6 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis prior to treatment and 10 healthy subjects. The serum and pleural sIL-2R, neopterin and ADA levels were measured in 22 patients with tuberculous pleurisy. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into a mild, moderate and severe group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare the results from these patients with those of the pretreatment levels, the sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 36 of the 39 patients(1 patient, expired; 2 patients were referred to a sanitarium) with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 months of treatment. Results : 1) the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were elevated in patients with tuberculosis when compared to those of healthy subjects (p>0.05). The neopterin concentration in the serum was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis($2967{\pm}2132.8$ pg/ml) than in healthy controls($4949{\pm}1242.1$ pg/ml)(p<0.05). 2) In the pulmonary tuberculosis group, the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were higher in patients with severe disease than those in patients with mild and moderate disease. However, the neopterin levels declined as the pulmonary tuberculosis became more severe (p<0.01). 3) The mean serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels declined from $1071{\pm}1139.4$ U/ml to $1023{\pm}1920.9$ U/ml(p>0.05), $41{\pm}52.8$ pg/ml to $22{\pm}23.9$ gm/ml(p<0.05), respectively, after 2 month of treatment. The mean serum neopterin levels increased from $3158{\pm}2272.6$ pg/ml to $3737{\pm}2307.5$ pg/ml(p>0.05) after a 2 month of treatment. These findings were remarkable in the severe group of pulmonary tuberculosis with a clinical correlation. 4) In the patients with tuberculous pleurisy, the serum sIL-2R and ADA were significantly higher than those in the pleural fluid, However, the neopterin levels in the sera and pleural effusion were similar. Conclusion : On the basis of this study, sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin measurements may not only provide an insight into the present state of the cell-mediated immune response, but also serve as parameters monitoring of the prognosis of the disease, particularly in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, an assay of the pleural sIL-2R levels might signal a stimulated local immunity including T cell activation in the tuberculous pleural effusion.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.428-438
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• 1995

The gelatinization properties of corn and waxy corn starch doughs were examined at various moisture contents, heating temperatures and heating times. The onset temperatures of gelatinization with 1% CMC using Brabender Amylograph were $64^{\circ}C$ for both corn and waxy corn starch. In the gelatinization properties using DSC, onset temperature$(T_o)$, maximum peak temperature$(T_p)$, completion temperature$(T_c)$ and enthalpy of the corn starch were $68.15^{\circ}C,\;74.01^{\circ}C,\;85.65^{\circ}C$ and $3.2\;cal/gram$ respectively. While those of the waxy corn starch were $68.24^{\circ}C,\;75.43^{\circ}C,\;93^{\circ}C$ and $4.2\;cal/gram$ respectively. In enzymatic analysis, when the moisture content increased from 36% to 52% and heating temperature from $60^{\circ}C$ to $100^{\circ}C$, the gelatinization degree of starch dough increased from about 10% to about 62%. The gelatinization degree of waxy corn starch dough was $15{\sim}20%$ higher than that of corn starch dough under the same gelatinization conditions. The regression equations of gelatinization degree (Y) of starch dough in the range of $36{\sim}52%$ moisture content $(X_1)\;60{\sim}100^{\circ}C$ heating temperature $(X_2)\;and\;0{\sim}2.0$ min heating time $(X_3)$ were examined using response surface analysis. The regression equation of corn starch dough was: $Y=28.659+8.638\;X_}+15.675\;X_2+7.770\;X_3-1.620\;{X_1}^2+10.790\;X_1X_2-4.220\;{X_2}^2+0.510\;X_1X_3+1.980\;X_2X_3-6.850\;{X_3}^2\;(R^2=0.9714)$ and that of waxy corn starch dough was: $Y=32.617+12.535\;X_1+20.470\;X_2+8.608\;X_3+4.093\;{X_1}^2+13.550\;X_1X_2-4.467\;{X_2}^2+1.560\;X_1X_3+2.160\;X_2X_3-9.527\;{X_3}^2$\;(R^2=0.9621)$. As the moisture content, heating temperature and heating time increased, the reaction rate constant(k) of gelatinization increased. The greatest reaction rate constant was observed at initial 0.5 min heating time of 1st gelatinization stage. At the heating temperature of $90^{\circ}C$, gelatinization of starch dough was completed almost in the initial 0.5 min heating time. The reaction rate constant of waxy corn starch dough was higher than that of corn starch dough under the same gelatinization conditions. At the 52% moisture content, the regression equation between reaction rate constant(k) and heating temperature(T) for corn starch dough was $log\;k=11.1140-4.1226{\times}10^3(1/T)$ (r=-0.9520) and that of waxy corn starch dough was $log\;k=10.1195-3.7090{\times}10^3(1/T)$ (r=-0.9064).

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.353-360
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• 1984

As an effort to expand the utilization of mackerel which has been thought disadvantageous to processors due to the defects in bloody dark color of meat, high content of lipid, and low stability of protein, and to develope a new type of product, so called, preservative fish meat paste, the processing method was studied in which dielectric heating was applied by means of cooking, pasteurization, dehydration, and control of water activity. The principle of this method is based on that dielectric heating can initiate a rapid dispersion or displacement of moisture in the meat tissue so that the level of water acivity can be controlled by dehydration with hot air meanwhile the product is cooked, pasteurized, and texturized. And the product is finally heated with electric heaters and vacuum sealed to stabilize water activity and storage stability. In present paper, a formula for preparing the fish meat-stach paste, the conditions of dielectric heating and dehydration, shape and size of the product, and other parameters were tested to optimize the process operation. A formula of the fish meat-starch paste to provide proper textural properties and water activity was $10\%$ starch, $1.5\%$ salt, $3\%$ soybean, $0.6\%$ MSG, $2\%$ sucrose, and $3\%$ sorbitol against the weight of fish meat. A proper shape and size of the product to avoid foaming and case hardening during heating was sliced disc of 8 cm $diameter{\times}0.8$ cm thickness or $10{\times}10$ cm square plate with 1.0 cm thickness. The disc shape was recommended because it resulted more uniform heating, minimum foaming and case hardening. And it was also advantageous that disc was simply provided when the fish meat disc was stuffed in the same, solidified in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, and sliced. Condition of dielectric heating was critical to decide the levels of sterility, water activity, and textural property of the product. The temperature at the center of the meat disc slices was raised up to $95^{\circ}C$ in 1.5 minutes so that continuous exposure to microwave caused expanded tissue and hardening ending up with a higher water content. Heating for 5 to 6 minutes was adequate to yield the final water activity of 0.86 to 0.83(35 to $40\%$ moisture). It is important, however, that heating had to be done periodically, for instance, in the manner of 2.0, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.0 minute to give enough time to displace or evaporate moisture from the meat tissue. The product was dehydrated for 2 to 3 minutes by hot air of $60^{\circ}C$, 3 to 5m/sec and finally exposed to electric heaters for 5 to 6 minutes until the surface was roasted deep brown. These conditions of heating and dehydration resulted in a complete reduction of total plate count from an initial count of $5.3{\times}10^6/g$ to less than $3{\times}10^2/g$. General composition of the product was $40.1\%$ moisture, $20.8\%$ protein, $17.4\%$ lipid, $16.2\%$ carbohydrate, and $5.5\%$ ash. Textural properties revealed folding test AA, hardness 42, cohesiveness 0.53, toughness 4.6, and elasticity 0.8.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.169-183
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-caner effect of cobrotoxin on the prostatic cancer cell line (PC-3).The goal of study is to ascertain whether cobrotoxin inhibits tile cell growth and cell cycle of PC-3, or the expression of relative genes and whether the regression of PC-3 cell growth is due to cell death or the expression of gene related to apoptosis. Methods : After the treatment of Pc-3 cells with cobrotoxin, we performed 형광현미경, MTT assay, Western blotting, Flow cytometry, PAGE electrophoresis and Surface plasmon resonance analysis to identify the cell viability, cell death, apoptosis, the changes of cell cycle and the related protein, Adk, MAP kinase. Results : 1. Compared with normal cell, the inhibition of cell growth reduced in proportion with the dose of cobrotoxin(0-16nM) in PC-3. 2. Cell viabilities of 0.1, 1, 4nM cobrotoxin treatment were decreased and those of 8, 16nM were decreased significantly. 3. S phase of cell cycle was decreased at the group of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16nM cobrotoxin, but M phase was increased at 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16nM cobrotoxin. 4. Cox-2 expression after cobrotoxin was peaked at 12hours and was decreased significantly after 6, 12, 24 hours. 5. The expression of Cdk4 was decreased dose-dependently at 1, 2, 4, 8nM cobrotoxin and was decreased siginificantly at 4, 8nM Cyclin D1 was decreased at 1, 2, 4, 8nM and Cycline E was not changed. Cycline B was decreased at 1, 2, 4, 8nM dose-dependently and was decreased siginificanlty at 2, 4, 8nM. 6. The expression of Akt was decreased at 1, 2, 4, 8nM dose-dependently and was decreased significantly at 2, 4, 8nM. 7. ERK was increased at 1, 2nM and decreased at 4, 8nM, p-ERK was increased at 1, 2, 4 nM, but decreased at 8nM. JNK and p-JNK were increased at 1, 4, 8 nM. p38 was increased at 2nM p-p38 was increased at lnM but decreased significantly at 2, 4, 8nM. 8. The nucli of normal cells were stained round and homogenous in DAPI staining, but those of PC-3 were stained condense and splitted. Apoptosis was increased dose-dependently at 2, 4, 8, 16nM and increased significantly at 2, 4, 8, 16nM. 9. Bax wasn`t changed at 1, 2, 4, 8nM and Bcl-2 was decreased significantly at 1, 2, 4, 8nM. Caspase 3 and 9 weren`t changed at 1, 2, 4nM but were decreased significantly at 8nM. Conclusions : These results indicate that cobrotoxin inhibits the growth of prostate Cancer cells, has anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.569-583
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• 1995

Background: The expression of the adhesion molecules on the cell surface is important in the movement of cells and the modulation of immune response. DILD starts as an alveolitis and progresses to pulmonary fibrosis. So adhesion molecules in these patients is expected to be increased. There are several reports about adhesion molecules in DILD in terms of the percentage of positive cells in immuno-stain, in which the interpretation is subjective and the data were variable. Methods: So we measured the relative median fluorescence intensity(RMFI) which is the ratio of the FI emitted by bound primary monoclonal antibody to FI emitted by isotypic control antibody of the cells in BALF of 28 patients with DILD(IPF:10, collagen disease:7, sarcoidosis:9, hypersensitivity pneumonitis:2) and 9 healthy control. Results: RMFI of the ICAM-1 on AM($3.30{\pm}1.16$) and lymphocyte($5.39{\pm}.70$) of DILD were increased significantly than normal control($0.93{\pm}0.18$, $1.06{\pm}0.21$, respectively, p=0.001, P=0.003). RMFI of the CD18 on lymphocyte was also higher($24.9{\pm}14.9$) than normal($4.59{\pm}3.77$, p=0.0023). And there was a correlation between RMFI of ICAM on AM and the % of AM(r=-0.66, p=0.0001) and lymphocyte(r=0.447, p=0.0116) in BALF. Also RMFI of ICAM on lymphocyte had a significant (r=0.593, p=0.075) correlation with the % of IL-2R(+) lymphocyte in BALF. The soluble ICAM(sICAM) in serum was also significantly elevated in DILD($499.7{\pm}222.2\;ng/ml$) compred to normal($199.0{\pm}38.9$) (p=0.00097) and sICAM in BAL fluid was also significantly higher than normal control group($41.8{\pm}23.0\;ng/ml$ vs $20.1{\pm}13.6\;ng/ml$). There was a Significant correlation between sICAM level in serum and the expression of ICAM-l on AM(r=0.554, p=0.0259).Conclusion: These data suggest that in DILD the expression of adhesion molecules is increased in the AM and BAL lymphocytes with elevated serum sICAM, and these parameter may be useful in determining disease activity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.653-662
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• 2006

Background: The changes in the pulmonary function observed in burn patients with an inhalation injury are probably the result of a combination of airway inflammation, chest wall and muscular abnormalities, and scar formation. In addition, it appears that prolonged ventilatory support and an episode of pneumonia contribute to the findings. This study investigated the changes in the pulmonary function in patients with inhalation injury at the early and late post-burn periods. Methods: From August 1, 2002, to August 30, 2005, surviving burn patients who had an inhalation injury were enrolled prospectively. An inhalation injury was identified by bronchoscopy within 48hours after admission. Spirometry was performed at the early phase during admission and the recovery phase after discharge, and the changes in the pulmonary function were compared. Results: 37 patients (M=28, F=9) with a total burn surface area (% TBSA), ranging from 0 to 18%, were included. The initial $PaO_2/$FiO_2$ratio and COHb were $286.4{\pm}129.6mmHg$ and $7.8{\pm}6.6%$. Nine cases (24.3%) underwent endotracheal intubation and 3 cases (8.1%) underwent mechanical ventilation. The initial X-ray findings revealed abnormalities in, 18 cases (48.6%) with 15 (83.3%) of these being completely resolved. However, 3 (16.7%) of these had residual sequela. The initial pulmonary function test, showed an obstructive pattern in 9 (24.3%) with 4 (44.4%) of these showing a positive bronchodilator response, A restrictive pattern was also observed in 9 (24.3%) patients. A lower DLco was observed in only 4 (17.4%) patients of which 23 had undergone DLco. In the follow-up study, an obstructive and restrictive pattern was observed in only one (2.7%) case each. All the decreased DLco returned to mormal. Conclusions: Most surviving burn patients with an inhalation injury but with a small burn size showed initial derangements in the pulmonary function test that was restored to a normal lung function during the follow up period.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.156-163
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• 2009

Statement of problem: Recently, there have been increased esthetic needs for posterior dental restorations. The failure of posterior dental ceramic restoration are possible not only by the characters of the component materials but also by the type of food. Purpose: The research aim was to compare the in vitro fracture resistance of simulated first molar crowns fabricated using 4 dental ceramic systems, full-porcelain-occlusal-surfaced PFG, half-porcelain-occlusal-surfaced PFG, Empress 2, Ice Zirkon and selected Korean foods. Material and methods: Eighty axisymmetric crowns of each system were fabricated to fit a preparation with 1.5- to 2.0-mm occlusal reduction. The center of the occlusal surface on each of 15 specimens per ceramic system was axially loaded to fracture in a Instron 4465, and the maximum load(N) was recorded. Afterwards, selected Korean foods specimens(boiled crab, boiled chicken with bone, boiled beef rib, dried squid, dried anchovy, round candy, walnut shell) were prepared. 15 specimens per each food were placed under the Instron and the maximum fracture loads for them were recorded. The 95% confidence intervals of the characteristic failure load were compared between dental ceramic systems and Korean foods. Afterwards, on the basis of previous results, 14Hz cyclic load was applied on the 4 systems of dental ceramic restorations in MTS. The reults were analyzed by analysis of variance and Post Hoc tests. Results: 95% confidence intervals for mean of fracture load 1. full porcelain occlusal surfaced PFG Crown: 2599.3 to 2809.1 N 2. half porcelain occlusal surfaced PFG Crown: 3689.4 to 3819.8 N 3. Ice Zirkon Crown: 1501.2 to 1867.9 N 4. Empress 2 Crown: 803.2 to 1188.5 N 5. boiled crab: 294.1 to 367.9 N 6. boiled chicken with bone: 357.1 to 408.6 N 7. boiled beef rib: 4077.7 to 4356.0 N 8. dried squid: 147.5 to 190.5 N 9. dried anchovy: 35.6 to 46.5 N 10. round candy: 1900.5 to 2615.8 N 11. walnut shell: 85.7 to 373.1 N under cyclic load(14Hz) in MTS, fracture load and masticatory cycles are: 1. full porcelain occlusal surfaced PFG Crown fractured at 95% confidence intervals of 4796.8-9321.2 cycles under 2224.8 N(round candy)load, no fracture under smaller loads. 2. half porcelain occlusal surfaced PFG Crown fractured at 95% confidence intervals of 881705.1-1143565.7 cycles under 2224.8 N(round candy). no fracture under smaller loads. 3. Ice Zirkon Crown fractured at 95% confidence intervlas of 979993.0-1145773.4 cycles under 382.9 N(boiled chicken with bone). no fracture under smaller loads. 4. Empress 2 Crown fractured at 95% confidence intervals of 564.1-954.7 cycles under 382.9 N(boiled chicken with bone). no fracture under smaller loads. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in fracture resistance between experimental groups. Under single load, Korean foods than can cause fracture to the dental ceramic restorations are boiled beef rib and round candy. Even if there is no fracture under single load, cyclic dynamic load can fracture dental posterior ceramic crowns. Experimental data with 14 Hz dynamic cyclic load are obtained as follows. 1. PFG crown(full porcelain occlusion) was failed after mean 0.03 years under fracture load for round candy(2224.8 N). 2. PFG crown(half porcelain occlusion) was failed after mean 4.1 years under fracture load for round candy(2224.8 N). 3. Ice Zirkon crown was failed after mean 4.3 years under fracture load for boiled chicken with bone(382.9 N). 4. Empress 2 crown was failed after mean 0.003 years under fracture load for boiled chicken with bone(382.9 N).

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.115-127
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• 2018

This study was attempted to find out the value of cultural assets through the clear diagnosis and prescription of the dead and weakness factors of the Population of Retusa Fringe Trees in Pyeongji-ri, Jinan(Natural Monument No. 214), The results are as follows. First, Since the designation of 13 natural monuments in 1968, since 1973, many years have passed since then. In particular, despite the removal of some of the buried soil during the maintenance process, such as retreating from the fence of the primary school after 2010, Second, The first and third surviving tree of the designated trees also have many branches that are dead, the leaves are dull, and the amount of leaves is small. vitality of tree is 'extremely bad', and the first branch has already been faded by a large number of branches, and the amount of leaves is considerably low this year, so that only two flowers are bloomed. The second is also in a 'bad'state, with small leaves, low leaf density, and deformed water. The largest number 1 in the world is added to the concern that the s coverd oil is assumed to be paddy soils. Third, It is found that the composition ratio of silt is high because it is known as '[silty loam(SiL)]'. In addition, the pH of the northern soil at pH 1 was 6.6, which was significantly different from that of the other soil. In addition, the organic matter content was higher than the appropriate range, which is considered to reflect the result of continuous application for protection management. Fourth, It is considered that the root cause of failure and growth of Jinan pyeongji-ri Population of Retusa Fringe Trees group is chronic syndrome of serious menstrual deterioration due to covered soil. This can also be attributed to the newly planted succession and to some of the deaths. Fifthly, It is urgent to gradually remove the subsoil part, which is estimated to be the cause of the initial damage. Above all, it is almost impossible to remove the coverd soil after grasping the details of the soil, such as clayey soil, which is buried in the rootstock. After removal of the coverd soil, a pestle is installed to improve the respiration of the roots and the ground with Masato. And the dead 4th dead wood and the 5th and 6th dead wood are the best, and the lower layer vegetation is mown. The viable neck should be removed from the upper surface, and the bark defect should undergo surgery and induce the development of blindness by vestibule below the growth point. Sixth, The underground roots should be identified to prepare a method to improve the decompression of the root and the respiration of the soil. It is induced by the shortening of rotten roots by tracing the first half of the rootstock to induce the generation of new roots. Seventh, We try mulching to suppress weed occurrence, trampling pressure, and soil moisturizing effect. In addition, consideration should be given to the fertilization of the foliar fertilizer, the injection of the nutrients, and the soil management of the inorganic fertilizer for the continuous nutrition supply. Future monitoring and forecasting plans should be developed to check for changes continuously.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 1994

This survey was conducted to investigate the factors affecting on salt accumulation and chemical components of soils cultivated with horticulture crops in plastic film houses. The soil samples were taken from 40 sites in the northern central areas of Korea and were analyzed for the chemical properties and soil separates. The data were evaluated with soil texture and years of cultivation as major factors. The results are summarized as follows : 1. The chemical properties of surface soils in plastic film house were pH 5.80, EC $3.59mScm^{-1}$, O.M. 4.20%, Av. $P_2O_5$ 1,178ppm, $NO_3-N$ 180ppm, Av. $SO_4{^{2-}}$ 353ppm, $Cl^-$ 240ppm, Ex. Na 0.40me/100g. 2. Compared to the outside soil of plastic film house, the inside soil had 2.5~3 times higher contents of $NO_3-N$, Av. $SO_4{^{2-}}$ and $Cl^-$, 1.2~1.8 times higher exchangeable base elements, and 2.8 times higher electrical conductivity. But pH value of the inside soil was lower than the outside soil by 0.3 pH unit. 3. Soil texture classification showed that sandy loam, loam and silt loam were 32.5 %, 37.5 %, and 30.0 %, respectively. The contents of $NO_3-N$, Av. $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $NH_4-N$ and EC value were very high in silt loam soils. Av. $P_2O_5$ content and pH value of sandy loam soils were higher than those of silt loam and loam soils. 4. The contents of O.M. and Av. $P_2O_5$ were higher in long term cultivation, but the contents of $NO_3-N$, Av. $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $Cl^-$, Ex. Mg and Ex. Na including EC of the soil with 2~4 years cultivation were higher than those of the soil with above 5 years cultivation. 5. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that contribution degree of soil chemical properties to the EC was high in the order of $NO_3-N$ > Av. $SO_4{^{2-}}$ > Ex. Na > $Cl^-$ > Av. $P_2O_5$ > $NH_4-N$ > Ex. Mg>Ex. Ca. Among the soil chemical properties the contribution of anions was remarkably high. 6. EC value correlated with ${\sum}A$(total content of anions)as $r=0.932^{**}$ and with ${\sum}C$(total content of cations) as $r=0.452^{**}$.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.169-177
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• 1999

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of interferon alpha therapy with or without prednisolone in children with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: Twenty-eight children (22 boys, 6 girls, mean age 130 months) had seropositive results for HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA; 11 had chronic persistent hepatitis and 17 had chronic active hepatitis. The patients were divided into two groups depending upon their inflammatory activity on liver biopsy, pretreatment serum ALT levels and HBV DNA levels. Fourteen children (group 1: chronic active hepatitis, ALT ${\geq}$ 100 IU/L and HBV DNA ${\leq}$ 100 pg/$300\;{\mu}L$) received interferon alpha 2a 5 $MU/m^2$ of body surface three times weekly for 6 months. Fourteen children (group 2: chronic persistent hepatitis or chronic active hepatitis with ALT < 100 IU/L or HBV DNA > 100 pg/$300\;{\mu}L$) received prednisolone in decreasing daily doses of 60 mg/$m^2$, 40 mg/$m^2$, and 20 mg/$m^2$, each for 2 weeks, followed after 2 weeks by interferon alpha 2a on the same schedule. At the end of therapy, 3 end points were analyzed: HBeAg seroconversion, serum ALT normalization rate and clearance of serum HBV DNA. Results: At the end of treatment, HBe antigen-to antibody seroconversion was higher but not more significant in group 1 than group 2 (71.4% vs. 50.0%). Only one patient in group 2 who lost HBeAg, also cleared HBsAg. ALT normalization was similar in both groups (64.3% in group 1 vs. 55.6% in group 2). Clearance of serum HBV DNA was observed in 78.6% of patients in group 1 and 64.3% in group 2, but no significant differences. Complete response was similarly achieved in both groups (57.1% in group 1 vs. 50.0% in group 2). Interferon alpha therapy with prednisolone priming was well tolerated and all children finished therapy. Conclusion: The combined therapy with prednisolone followed by interferon alpha may be safe and effective in inducing a serological and biochemical remission of the disease in approximately 50% of children with chronic hepatitis B and with a high level of viral replication and less active disease. However, a controlled study should be performed to confirm these results.