• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.152-168
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• 2019

The element arsenic, which is abundant in the Earth's crust, is used for various industrial purposes including materials for disease treatment and household goods. Various human activities, such as the disposal of soil waste, metal mining and smelting, and combustion of fossil fuels, have caused the pollution of the environment with arsenic. Recently, guidelines for arsenic in rice have been adopted by the Korean ministry of food and drug safety to prevent health risks based on rice consumption. Because of the exposure to arsenic and its accumulation in the human body through various channels, such as air inhalation, skin contact, ingestion of drinking water, and food consumption, integrated multimedia risk assessment is required to adopt appropriate risk management policies. Therefore, integrated human health risk assessment was carried out in this study using integrated exposure assessment based on multimedia (e.g., air, water, and soil) and multi-route (e.g., oral, inhalation, and dermal) scenarios. The results show that oral uptake via drinking water is the most common pathway of arsenic into the human body, accounting for 57%-96% of the total arsenic exposure. Among various age groups, the highest exposures to arsenic were observed in infants because the body weight of infants is low and the surface areas of infant bodies are large. Based on the results of the exposure assessment, the cancer and non-cancer risks were calculated. The cancer risk for CTE and RME is in the range of 2.3E-05 to 6.7E-05 and thus is negligible because it does not exceed the cancer probability of 1.0E-04 for all age groups. On the other hand, the cancer risk for RME varies from 6.4E-05 to 1.8E-04 and from 1.3E-04 to 1.8E-04 for infants and preschool children, exceeding the excess cancer risk of 1.0E-04. The non-cancer risks range from 5.4E-02 to 1.9E-01 and from 1.5E-01 to 6.8E-01, respectively. They do not exceed the hazard index 1 for all scenarios and all ages.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.125-156
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• 2009

Objectives : To research the trend of studies related to rheumatoid arthritis and to indicate the hereafter direction for its study in oriental medicine and its treatment. Methods : I reviewed 75 domestic oriental medical journals, and 50 medical journals about rheumatoid arthritis published after 2004, and comparative analysis was made. And these theses were classified by college, year, field of study, subject. Results : The following are the results of this study. 1. Classified by oriental medical college, Dae-jeon college published the most theses, followed by Dong-guk, Kyung-hee, Se-myung and Dong-shin college. Han-yang college published the most theses among college of medicine. 2. Classified by type of thesis, experimental theses(70 pieces, 94%) showed higher rate than that of clinical theses(4 pieces, 5%) in oriental medical studies. However, in medical studies, clinical theses(34 pieces, 68%) showed higher rate than that of experimental theses(15 pieces, 30%). 3. Analyzed by subject, the most dealt subject in oriental medicine was herb medication, followed by herbal acupuncture, single herb, electroacupuncture, sasang & gene, acupuncture & moxibustion, complex accordingly. The most dealt subject in medical clinical journals was standards of diagnosis & prognosis, followed by medication, gene analysis, pathogenesis, clinical pattern, operative treatment and complication accordingly. 4. In theses related to herb medication, most of the subject was to evaluate anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of herb medication with geopungseup, jibitong, hwalhyeolgeoer function. The tendency of experimental methods was focusing on understanding anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms through molecular biologic methods by analyzing cytokine and gene. 5. Most of theses related to herbal acupuncture were experimental studies verifying ant-inflammatory and immnoregulatory effects through methods observing change of cytokine and immunoregulatory factors. Regarding remedies for herbal acupuncture, Ulmus davidiana Planch was most preferred, followed by bee venom. 6. In theses related to single herb, Boik-yak was most prefered, followed by Geopungseup-yak and Hwalhyeolgeoer-yak. Regarding methods of research, there were tendency of shifting from methods verifying travail, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects through a test of behavior, morphometry, serology and temperature measurement of the rectum and the skin into verifying anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects through observing inflammatory cytokine in the joint and cells of spleen. 7. In theses related to electroacupuncture, ST36 and adjuvant were most preferred as acupoints and induced factor. The tendency of experimental methods was turning from verifying mechanism of travail effect to analyzing inflammation and pain inducing factors. 8. Diverse medical clinical studies were published. Subjects such as diagnosis and prognosis, medication, gene analysis, clinical pattern, operational treatment, complication and pathogenesis were published. Especially, studies about standards of early diagnosis, and research on possible parallel medications with methotrexate were actively inquired. 9. Most of theses related to medical experimental studies was about mediators and receptors related to inflammatory induction and osteoclasia mechanism. Also, it was presented blockage of them can be effective on rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions : The oriental medicine studies have merit in its diversity of treatment, but it clinical studies is lacking compared to experimental studies. Also, more diversity of subjects is necessary. Therefore, complementary measures are needed. Hereafter, oriental medicine research about rheumatoid arthritis needs more clinical research verifying the effectiveness and safety in clinical field. Also, we require oriental medical standard of diagnosis and researches on pathological generation which would make early checkup and prognosis possible.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.26-27
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• 2018

With entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol to promote the fair sharing of the benefits of accessing and utilizing genetic resources, much support has been given to research on the development of biomaterials and products using domestic natural resources. Conservation and resource-saving of native species became very important through Nagoya Protocol enactment. The trend of cosmetic industry has been shifing from use synthetic chemicals to natural biomaterials, due to the safety regulations on new materials, ban on animal experiments, and expansion of cosmeceuticals range. In addition, functional cosmetic range has been expanded from whitening, wrinkle improvement, and ultraviolet shielding, to hair loss, hair loss alleviation, acne relaxation, and moisturizing of atopic skin, thus causing the activation of research about field of efficacy evaluation on natural biomaterials and commercialization. Chungbuk province is fostering the bio industry as a key industry for regional economic growth. For this purpose, Osong Biotechnology Complex/Ochang Science Industrial Complex in middle area, Jecheon biovalley in northern region, and Chungju Enterprise city have been established, thus playing a pivotal role in Bio innovative cluster in Korea. In particular, it was established the osong cosmetics clinical research support center to develop the cosmetics industry in chungbuk, thereby supporting clinical trials, efficacy evaluations, overseas certification, and overseas market entry in order to advance into the global market. In addition, oriental plants such as astragalus propinquus, schisandra chinensis, eucommia, alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus and biancaea sappan are being actively studied as global cosmetic ingredients through the promotion of various national research and development projects using natural materials in chungbuk province. The chungbuk natural product industry is expected to grow further throughout cosmetics industry development in the future, as companies and research institutes are actively promoting the secure index of effective material in natural products and effective material commercialization.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10445-10449
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• 2015

Objective: To observe treatment effects and safety of fluvoxamine combined with oxycodone prolonged-release tablets in treating patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Methods: Patients confirmed pathologically with cancer and complicated with moderate to severe pain, were divided into control and experimental groups. Oxycodone prolonged-release tablets, with or without fluvoxamine, were administrated to all study patients until pain relief. Degree of pain relief, dose of oxycodone prolonged-release tablets, side effects and quality of life were compared before and after treatment. Results: In total, 120 patients were recruited. No statistically significant difference was detected regarding age, gender, types of cancer, KPS between two groups of patients (P>0.05). Baseline pain score of patients with moderate pain in treatment and control group was $4.9{\pm}0.8$ and $5.1{\pm}0.8$, respectively; and decreased to $1.8{\pm}1.1$ and $1.2{\pm}1.1$ after treatment, respectively. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in the treatment group (P=0.028). Average daily consumption of oxycodone prolonged-release tablets was ($54.0{\pm}19.6$) mg and ($44.7{\pm}18.7$) mg respectively, which is lower in treatment grpup than in control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.065). Baseline pain score of patients with severe pain in treatment and control groups were $8.3{\pm}1.1$ and $8.3{\pm}1.1$, respectively; and pain intensity after treatment decreased to $2.9{\pm}1.0$ and $2.3{\pm}1.0$. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in the treatment group, with statistical significance (P=0.026). Average daily consumption of oxycodone prolonged-release tablets was ($132.0{\pm}42.2$) mg and ($110.7{\pm}33.9$) mg, respectively, which is lower in treatment group than in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.035). In terms of quality of life, patients in treatment group had better performance status, daily activity, mood, and sleep than that in control group (P < 0.05). Patients in two groups had similar side effects, eg., constipation, nausea/vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, itchy skin, dysuria, and ataxia. Lower incidence of nausea/vomiting, lethargy, was obtained from patients in treatment than in control group, while significant low constipation was observed in treatment than in control group (35.0% vs 49.2%, P=0.026). Conclusion: Fluvoxamine combined with oxycodone prolonged-release tablets could be more effective in treating patients with cancer pain, and could reduce the dosage of oxycodone prolonged-release tablets and thus be associated with lower side effects, and improved quality of life.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.325-340
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• 1998

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between sick building syndrome(SBS) and the environmental factors affecting SBS on 130 underground workers and 60 controls. The study consisted of 1) a review of environmental condition 2) measurement of temperature, $O_2$, $CO_2$, CO, and formaldehyde and 3) a questionnaire survey of symptom prevalence and perception of environmental conditions using indoor Air Quality questionnaire recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Bronchitis and dust allergy were more prevalent in underground workers significantly(p < 0.05). Among the 18 symptoms related to the indoor air pollution, the experience rate of dry, itching or irritated eyes, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, tired or strained eyes and dry or itchy skin symptom was significantly different between the underground workers and controls. The diagnostic criteria of SBS was defined as at least 1 symptom is experienced 1-3 times a week during the last 1 month among 18 indoor air pollution related symptoms which can be relieved by moving out of the underground. Applying the criteria, the mean symptom score was significant higher in underground workers than controls significantly (p < 0.05). These resalts indicated that underground workers are under inappropriate ergonomic and physical condition and inadequate ventilation. Their experience rate of symptoms related to indoor air pollution and prevalence of SBS was significantly higher than controls. To reduce the prevalence of SBS of underground workers, the surveillance system of indoor air quality, restriction of using fuel in underground and legislative regulations for the environment are needed to establish a better indoor air quality. Early detection, treatment and prevention of SBS through medical attention is also needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.568-572
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• 2008

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is currently popular, but this has been applied very sparingly to cardiac surgery because of some limitations. Our study evaluated the safety and efficacy of atrial septal defect (ASD) closure through a video-assisted mini-thoracotomy. Material and Method: Fifteen patients were analyzed. Their mean age was $31{\pm}6$ years. The mean ASD size was $24{\pm}5mm$ and there were 3 cases of significant tricuspid regurgitation. The working window was made through the right 4th intercostal space via a $4{\sim}5cm$ inframammary skin incision, CPB was conducted with performing peripheral cannulation. After cardioplegic arrest, the ASDs were closed with a patch (n=11) or direct sutures (n=4), and the procedures were assisted by using a thoracoscope. There were 3 cases of tricuspid repair and 1 case of mitral valve repair. The mean CPB time and aortic occlusion time were $160{\pm}47\;and\;70{\pm}26 $minutes, respectively. Result: There was no mortality, but there were 3 minor complications (one pneumothorax, one wound dehiscence and one arrhythmia). The mean hospital stay was $5.9{\pm}1.8$ days. The mean follow-up duration was $10.7{\pm}6.4$ months. The follow-up echocardiogram noted no residual ASD or significant tricuspid regurgitation. Three patients suffered from pain or numbness. Conclusion: This study showed satisfactory clinical and cosmetic results. Although the operative time is still too long, more experience and specialized equipment would make this technique a good option for treating ASD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.8
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• pp.1141-1149
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to analyze quality changes during storage of fresh-cut produce (leafy vegetables and condiment vegetables) as a function of packaging and storage temperature. Fresh-cut produce was washed using a three step cleaning process and was packed in vacuum packaging (green onion, hot pepper, onion, baechu) and perforated film packaging (buchu and perilla leaf). The effects of packaging method and storage temperature on quality of fresh-cut produce were determined by analyzing total plate counts, E. coli, coliform groups, moisture content, pH, Aw, surface color, and exterior quality during storage at 4 and 10$^{\circ}C$. According to the results, surface color change and microbial growth were delayed during storage at 4$^{\circ}C$. Additionally, E. coli was not detected during storage. Generally, moisture content decreased in the perforated film packaging. Changes in surface quality such as skin browning, softening of tissue and chlorosis at 4$^{\circ}C$ were inhibited, whereas rapid vacuum annealing and changes in color and flavor were observed in the sample stored at 10$^{\circ}C$. The result indicated that overall quality of the fresh-cut produce at 4$^{\circ}C$ was well maintained. The perforation in packing materials did not significantly increase the number of microorganisms on buchu and perilla leaf. The proper packaging methods and temperature may beneficial effect on microbial safety, quality and thus result in longer shelf-life fresh-cut vegetables during distribution.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.812-816
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• 2002

Pericardial effusions result from various conditions such as inflammation, malignancies, open heart surgery and uremia. Recently, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the management of pericardial effusion and intrathoracic lesions due to its ability to provide outstanding visibility of intrathoracic structures with less pain, superior cosmetic effects, and shorter hospital stay Material and Method: From April 1995 to October 2001, 51 patients received pericardial window operation via either thoracoscopic(Group A, n＝37, m:f＝18:19, mean age＝56.4 yrs)or thoracotomy approach(Group B, n＝14, m:f＝8:6, mean age=58.4 yrs). Result: In group A, the operation time, duration of chest tube insertion, recurrence rate of pericardial effusion, and postoperative hospital stay were 61.2 minutes, 9.3 days, 2.7%, 16.2 days, respectively while in group B these values were 58.4 minutes, 12.2 days, 7.1, and 17.3 days. The number of injections for pain control in group A were 4.2 times, whereas in group B it was 6.3 times. Although there was a tendency for the mean hospital stay and duration of chest tube insertion to be shorter in group A than in group B, these differences did not reach statistical significance. There was also no significant difference in the operation time and recurrence rate between the two groups. Conclusion: The safety and effectiveness of VATS in the management of pericardial effusion is comparable to the open thoracotomy method. It allows for a shorter hospital stay, duration of chest tube insertion, lesser postoperative pain and a smaller skin incision.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.75-85
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• 2016

Pectin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has in recent years attracted considerable attention. Its benefits are increasingly appreciated by scientists and consumers due to its safety and usefulness. The chemistry and gel-forming characteristics of pectin have enabled to be used in pharmaceutical industry, health promotion and treatment. Yet, it has been rarely used in cosmetics because of its incompatibility with many cosmetic ingredients, including alcohols, and unstable viscosity of pectin gels under various pH and salt conditions. However, low-molecular-weight pectin oligomers have excellent biological activities, and depolymerization of pectin to produce cosmetic ingredients would be very useful. In this study, we attempted the development of cosmetic ingredients using pectin with an excellent effect on human skin. We developed a bio-conversion process that uses enzymatic hydrolysis to produce pectin hydrolysates containing mainly low-molecular-weight pectin oligomers. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determined the ratio of hydrolysis. The molecular weight of the pectin hydrolysates obtained varied between 200 and 2,700 Da. The two newly developed low-molecular-weight pectin hydrolysates, LMPH A and B, had higher anti-oxidative activities than pectin or D-galacturonic. Exposure to UVB radiation induces apoptotic cell death in epidermal cells. Annexin V binding and propidium iodide uptake were measured by flow cytometry to evaluate UVB-induced cell death in HaCaT cells. Both LMPH A and B reduced UVB-induced cell death and increased cell proliferation by 22% and 30% at 0.5% concentration respectively, while pectin had no significant activity. In conclusion, this study suggests that the newly developed low-molecular-weight pectin hydrolysates can be used as safe and biologically active cosmetic ingredients.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.423-432
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• 2018

Arthrospira platensis is one of the oldest algae in the world and has been reported to have anti-aging properties, including phycocyanin, tocopherol and beta-carotene. In this study, we tried to search protective activities against UVB-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS) of Arthrospira platensis under indoor cultivation ethanol extracts(ICAE) and outdoor cultivation ethanol extracts(OCAE). The anti-oxidative capacities were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and SOD-like activities at various concentrations(0.1, 0.5, $1mg/m{\ell}$) of ICAE and OCAE. Zebrafish embryos and HaCaT cells were exposed to UVB radiation and treated with various concentrations(0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, $1mg/m{\ell}$) of ICAE and OCAE. ROS levels of zebrafish and HaCaT cells were generated by UVB radiation. ROS levels were detected using a fluorescent microscope after DCFH-DA staining. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of ascorbic acid was 73% and SOD-like activity was 86% in the positive control group. ICAE and OCAE at $1mg/m{\ell}$ concentration showed 43, 57% DPPH radical scavenging activity and 20, 19% SOD-like activity. Anti-oxidative of ICAE and OCAE had lower effects than the positive control ascorbic acid but significant results. ROS of UVB-induced zebrafish embryos and HaCaT cells were higher than negative control. ICAE and OCAE treated group decreased ROS concentration dependently than UVB-induced positive control group. These results suggest that Arthrospira platensis ethanol extract may have usability value as a cosmetic material for skin protection.