• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.9
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• pp.353-359
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• 2019

Background: Researchers have shown that eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) is a relatively accurate marker of eosinophilia and eosinophil activity. However, its use as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation in nasal secretions is limited because the diagnostic cutoff values of EPO for use as a one-time test for allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis have not been established. Purpose: To identify the correlation between nasal eosinophil count and EPO in children and adolescents with rhinitis. Methods: We recruited patients <18 years of age with rhinitis for more than 2 weeks or more than 2 episodes a year whose nasal eosinophil and EPO were measured at a single allergy clinic. The eosinophil percentage was calculated by dividing the eosinophil count by the number of total cells under light microscopy at ${\times}1,000$ magnification. EPO and protein were measured from nasal secretions. We retrospectively analyzed the correlation between nasal eosinophils and protein-corrected EPO (EPO/protein) value. Results: Of the 67 patients enrolled, 41 were male (61.2%); the mean age was $8.2{\pm}4.0years$. The median nasal eosinophil count was 1 and percentage was 1%. The median protein-corrected EPO value was $12.5ng/{\mu}g$ (range, $0-31ng/{\mu}g$). There was a statistically significant correlation between eosinophil count and percentage (P<0.001). However, the eosinophil percentage and EPO did not correlate. The eosinophil count and EPO had a statistically significant correlation (P=0.01). The EPO cutoff value examined for nasal eosinophil counts of 2, 5, 10, and 20 was $17.57ng/{\mu}g$ regardless of the reference count. The largest area under the curve value was obtained when the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn using the eosinophil count of 2. Conclusion: Nasal eosinophil count was significantly associated with protein-corrected EPO.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.250-257
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to evaluate microbiological contamination of leafy vegetables. Total aerobic bacteria and coliforms were monitored to get the contamination levels and Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni to detect pathogens with risk of foodpoisoning from fresh vegetables. The colony count of total aerobes and coliforms was also performed to determine the efficacy of washing with tab water by common consumers. 124 samples which are divided into 8 kinds of vegetables - Sesame leaf, Dropwort, Chinese cabbage, Korean leek, Lettuce, Crown daisy, Pimpinella brachycarpa, Chicory were sampled in 2 wholesale markets in Incheon. Mean counts of total aerobic bacteria for individual vegetables ranged from $2.2\times10^6\;CFU/g\;to\;6.0\times10^7\;CFU/g$ and total coliforms were from $4.1\times10^5\;CFU/g\;to\;9.8\times10^6\;CFU/g$. Both show the peaks in summer on this study from March to September. Decrease rates after washing with tab water averaged 81.0% and 82.5% in total aerobic bacteria and coliform counts respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated 8.1%, Bacillus cereus 14.5%, Clostridium perfringens 5.6%, Escherichia coli 18.5%. 11 samples showed overlapped bacterial contamination. For respective vegetables Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 0.0% to 22.2%, Bacillus cereus from 0.0% to 29.4%, Clostridium perfringens from 0.0% to 23.1 %, Escherichia. coli from 0.0% to 35.0%. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni were not isolated. This study is expected to be available as the reference for the basal data of pathogens in fresh vegetables.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

Despite the recent increase in the consumption level of the processed meat-byproducts, the health and safety issue has consistently been raised in the processes of production, distribution and consumption. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the microbiological hazard elements in the Korean sausage, "Sundae," to present not only the safety standard of meat by-product vendors based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), but also the quality control criteria and sanitary arrangements of small manufacturers. For the study, the microbiological hazards in 24 raw materials, 7 manufacturing processes, 40 facilities and tools, 17 workplace environment, and 12 workers were analyzed. The analysis revealed the hazardous elements in the initial stages with 6.28 and 4.07 log CFU/g of total aerobic count and coliforms, respectively, detected from the porcine blood and 3.23 log CFU/g of coliforms from the porcine small intestines. The result also showed that the total aerobic counts and coliforms in the process of mixing and filling process exceeds the standards in the hygiene guidelines by Natick with the total aerobic counts of 5.23, 5.45 log CFU/g, and the coliforms of 3.25, and 3.31 log CFU/g, respectively. Although the detected total aerobic count and the coliforms in the filling and washing rooms exceeded the standards, it was found that the total aerobic count was significantly reduced by 98% after cleaning and disinfecting and no coliforms was detected in any process thereafter. In order to achieve high level of safety in the manufacturing processes of Sundae, the separation of washing and disinfection room from the other sections and the sanitation control of the workers must be preceded, along with strict monitoring in the storage and distribution processes. The study raises necessity for additional studies for the safety evaluation of the processed meat-byproducts and further researches on the validity of the critical limits.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to compare physicochemical, microbial, and antioxidant properties of domestic and imported wheat kernels for bread making. Two domestic (JK1, 2) and three imported (ND, DNS, and CWRS) kernels were compared. Domestic kernels had higher moisture contents, and lower ash and protein contents (p<0.05). In grain characteristics, JK1 had 13.62% of damaged kernels, which was the highest among the samples (p<0.05). JK2 was similar to imported kernels in the ratio of sound kernels, foreign materials, and damaged kernels. Kernel size of JK1, 2 was larger than the imported kernels; therefore, kernels area and perimeter were higher by the image analyzer. Domestic kernels hid lower total aerobic counts the imported kernels (p<0.05). Domestic kernels and DNS had no yeast, while NS and CWRS had yeast in kernels. DNS (3.08 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) had the highest total polyphenol content (TPC), followed by JK1 (2.81 mg GAE/g). JK2 had the lowest amount of TPC as 2.26 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content (TFC) was the highest in DNS as 0.44 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g and JK2 was the lowest as 0.12 mg CE/g. Domestic wheat kernels had lower protein content and lightness than the imported wheat kernels so that flour from domestic wheat kernels may have lower quality for baking.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.1 s.106
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• pp.26-35
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• 2004

We investigated the effect of physicochemical environmental factors on the community dynamics of phytoplanktons and bacteria at the Hoeya Dam Reservoir, a drinking water reservoir for Ulsan city. Water samples were collected and analyzed every two to four weeks at three sites along the reservoir from April to October, 2001. During the study period, the Secchi depths were between 0.4 and 3.5 m. At the surface layer of water column, temperature ranged 10.2 ~ $32.0^{\circ}C$, pH 7.3${\sim}$9.6, dissolved oxygen 5.5 ${\sim}$ 12.4 mg $L^{-1}$, $BOD_5$ 0.8 ${\sim}$ 5.0 mg $L^{-1}$, $COD_{Mn}$ 3.7 ${\sim}$ 10.0 mg $L^{-1}$, and Chl-a 8.9 ${\sim}$ 60.9 mg $m^{-3}$. At the bottom layer, temperature varied 7.2 ${\sim}$ $28.9^{\circ}C$, pH 7.1 ${\sim}$ 9.3, dissolved oxygen 0.6 ${\sim}$ 9.7 mg $L^{-1}$, $BOD_5$ 0.8 ${\sim}$ 4.5 mg $L^{-1}$, $COD_{Mn}$ 3.9 ${\sim}$ 10.0 mg $L^{-1}$, and Chl-a 4.3 ${\sim}$ 81.9 mg $m^{-3}$. The numbers of phytoplanktons were 7.4${\pm}10^2{\sim}2.6{\pm}10^5$ cells $mL^{-1}$ at surface and 2.5${\pm}10^2{\sim}2.4{\pm}10^4$ cells $mL^{-1}$ at bottom, and were positively correlated with water temperature and Chl- a concentration. Genus Stephanodiscus and genus Oscillatoria dominated on April and on May, respectively. Cyanobacterial blooms of Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Anabaena were observed from June to early September, and thereafter Stephanodiscus and Aulacoseiral dominated again. Total microbial counts ranged 1.73${\pm}10^4{\sim}1.68{\pm}10^5$ cells $mL^{-1}$, and were positively correlated with water temperature and phytoplankton counts at surface water. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) ranged 30${\sim}4.1{\pm}10^3$ CFU $mL^{-1}$, and were positively correlated with $BOD_5$ and $NO^3\;^-$-N concentration at bottom water. Unlike the total microbial counts, the numbers of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci as well as HPCs were higher at the bottom than the surface layer and were highest at the upper a site among the three sampling sites. Since the concentrations of fecal coliforms and streptococci were still high at the bottom of site c, where intake for water treatment plant is located, it appeared that special management of water treatment processes may be needed especially after strong rainfall.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.397-404
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate microbial contamination in the school food service environment for the assessment of microbial food safety. Methods: We collected both swab samples from tables and desks and airborne bacterial samples from an elementary school (School A) and a high school (School B). Heterotrophic plate count, total coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were measured with selective media to quantify microbial concentration. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA genes was performed to identify the strains of S. aureus and B. cereus isolated. In addition, we made a food service checklist for the locations to evaluate the food service environment. A Wilcoxon test was employed to examine the differences in microbial concentration between before lunchtime and afterwards. Results: Heterotrophic plate counts showed higher levels after-lunch compared to before-lunch at School B. However, levels of S. aureus were higher in the after-lunch period (p<0.05) in both classrooms and in the cafeteria in School A. B. cereus was only sparsely detected in School B. Several samples from food dining carts were found to be contaminated with bacteria, and facilities associated with food delivery were found to be vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Although microbial concentrations in the air showed little difference between before- and after-lunchtime in the cafeteria in School A, those in classrooms were greater after-lunchtime at both schools. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the microbial safety in schools after lunchtime of concern. Necessary preventive measures such as hygiene education for students and food handlers should be required to minimize microbial contamination during food service processes in schools.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.3
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• pp.218-226
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• 2015

Background: Eph receptors and ephrin ligands have several functions including angiogenesis, cell migration, axon guidance, fluid homeostasis, oncogenesis, inflammation and injury repair. The EphA2 receptor potentially mediates the regulation of vascular permeability and inflammation in response to lung injury. Methods: Mice were divided into 3 experimental groups to study the role of EphA2 signaling in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury model i.e., IgG+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group (IgG instillation before PBS exposure), IgG+LPS group (IgG instillation before LPS exposure) and EphA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb)+LPS group (EphA2 mAb pretreatment before LPS exposure). Results: EphA2 and ephrinA1 were upregulated in LPS-induced lung injury. The lung injury score of the EphA2 mAb+LPS group was lower than that of the IgG+LPS group ($4.30{\pm}2.93$ vs. $11.45{\pm}1.20$, respectively; p=0.004). Cell counts (EphA2 mAb+LPS: $11.33{\times}10^4{\pm}8.84{\times}10^4$ vs. IgG+LPS: $208.0{\times}10^4{\pm}122.6{\times}10^4$; p=0.018) and total protein concentrations (EphA2 mAb+LPS: $0.52{\pm}0.41mg/mL$ vs. IgG+LPS: $1.38{\pm}1.08mg/mL$; p=0.192) were decreased in EphA2 mAb+LPS group, as compared to the IgG+LPS group. In addition, EphA2 antagonism reduced the expression of phospho-p85, phosphoinositide 3-kinase $110{\gamma}$, phospho-Akt, nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$, and proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: This results of the study indicated a role for EphA2-ephrinA1 signaling in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced lung injury. Furthermore, EphA2 antagonism inhibits the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt pathway and attenuates inflammation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.101-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine arterial stiffness levels as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and to identify the association between arterial stiffness and inflammatory markers, in healthy adults over 50 years old. Methods: The study population consisted of 4617 persons over the age of 50 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study, which was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Arterial stiffness was measured using baPWV. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between conventional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers, including white blood cell (WBC) counts, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). Results: After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors including sex, age, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, hypertension or diabetic medication, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase, baPWV was significantly associated with WBC counts (${\beta}$=0.158, p<0.0001), hs-CRP (${\beta}$=0.244, p=0.026), and GGT (${\beta}$=0.003, p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study shows that arterial stiffness correlates with inflammatory markers. Arterial stiffness may be used as a composite risk factor to identify persons with higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, arterial stiffness may be a marker for future cardiovascular disease and a target for prevention.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2008

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of pork patties supplemented with medicinal herb extract mix were investigated. The medicinal herb extract powder was mixed at a ratio of 48.5:48.5:3.0 for Morus alba L, Lonicera flos, and Coptis chinensis, respectively. The pork was prepared and supplemented with medicinal herb extract mix (0, 0.5, 1, or 2%) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were tested during storage at $4^{\circ}C$. The pH value decreased during cold storage at $4^{\circ}C$ for allsamples, however the pH of samples supplemented with herb extract mix rapidly decreased by days 5 and 10 ($p{\leq}0.05$). The total phenol content in the pork patties with herb extract mix was higher than in the control patties. The ABTS+ radical scavenging activities increased with increasing concentrations of herb extract mix from 0.5% to 2%. In addition, pork patties supplemented with herb extract mix showed an approximately 1 decimal reduction in total aerobic counts. Therefore, the addition of herb extract mix into pork patties increased the antioxidant activity and slightly improved the antimicrobial activity of pork patties during cold storage. However, the levels of added medicinal herb extract mix should be considered prior to its use in order to maintain proper sensory acceptance.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.457-465
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• 2009

The characteristics of Holstein colostrum according to the methods that were employed in processing it were analyzed in this study to improve its industrial utilization. Colostrum samples were collected from the dairy farm of the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS). The milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF contents of colostrum were 4.34, 6.99, 3.37, and 11.10%, respectively. The effects of spray drying, freeze drying, freezing, acidification, and inoculation of lactic-acid bacteria on the characteristics of colostrum were then compared. The freezing of colostrum was found to be proper for long-term storage in a farm. Freeze-dried colostrum powder could not meet the processing requirements and the component standards for animal products in terms of the total bacterial and coliform bacteria counts, but spray-dried colostrum powder could meet the microbiological requirements because of its bactericidal effect during the spray-dry treatment. The inoculation of lactic-acid bacteria showed a better inhibitory effect on coliform than the acidification treatment, but protein precipitation appeared because of the low pH and the high acidity. To estimate the effects of the processing methods employed on the IgG of colostrum, the IgG contents of the milk treated by long temperature long time (LTLT) ($65^{\circ}C$, 30 min), by inoculating the lactic acid bacteria starter, by spray drying, and by freeze drying were measured. The IgG contents of the colostrum were changed significantly by the processing treatment employed, from 53.98 mg/mLto 33.28, 34.82, 21.98, and 36.89 mg/mL, respectively.