• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.43-50
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• 2019

Purpose The principle of nuclear medicine test is divided into two main categories: competition(radioimmunoassay, RIA) and noncompetitive reaction(Immunoradiometric assay, IRMA). It is known that the curve fitting method, which is commonly used in inspection field, uses Spline interpolation in RIA method and Linear interpolation method in IRMA method. Among them, the insulin test using the IRMA test showed a significant difference, especially at low concentrations, despite the same algorithm of linear interpolation between fully automated radio immunoassay analyzers. In this study, we aim to obtain results from applying two different of algorithm using fully automated radio immunoassay analyzers including Gamma pro, Gamma 10, Cobra, and SR300. Materials and Methods A total of 30 test samples were selected for the test of TSH, ferritin, C-peptide, and insulin serum levels. Test was performed by IRMA method. We compared the difference in the results of applying the linear interpolation method and the spline interpolation method to Gamma Pro, Gamma 10, Cobra, and SR300 equipment. Results Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was applied as P <0.05. The results of TSH, ferritin, C-peptide, and insulin tests were compared between the fully automated radio immunoassay analyzers. There was a significant difference between ferritin, C-peptide, and insulin serum levels(P<0.001). TSH didn't show any significant different between the devices(P=0.29). In the difference between linear and spline interpolation, there was no significant difference between insulin test(P=0.08), TSH test(P=0.81), and Ferritin test(P=0.06). However, C-peptide test showed a significant difference(P=0.03). Especially, the insulin test showed significant difference in lower ranges. As a result of comparing and analyzing the difference between the two interpolation methods, the devices in the low concentration group showed significant difference(P<0.001). Conclusion In case of new equipment in the laboratory it is necessary to recognize that there is a difference in the curve fitting method for each automated radio immunoassay analyzers in the low concentration area when the principle of inspection is IRMA method.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2019

The objective of this study was to suggest a suitable amount of fertilizer using the changes in growth performances and soil properties for improving survival and quality of Zelkova serrata trees in a harvested Pinus rigida plantation. One-year-old containerized seedlings of Z. serrata were planted with the density of 3000 seedlings $ha^{-1}$ in end of March 2011 at Gwangneung experimental forest, Pocheon. Solid compound fertilizer (N:P:K=3:4:1) were applied yearly in three amounts (control: no fertilization, F1: $180kg\;ha^{-1}$, and F2: $360kg\;ha^{-1}$) every May from 2011 to 2013. We analyzed soil properties before (2011) and after (2012 and 2017) fertilization. And we measured the root collar diameter and height of Z. serrata trees from 2011 to 2016, and then calculated H/D ratio and stem volume. Soil properties at Z. serrata plantation did not show difference according to fertilization level in every investigation year. As time passed after planting, however, concentrations of total nitrogen and available phosphorus were increased from decreased. The growth of root collar diameter, height and stem volume of Z. serrata trees at F2 plot were significantly higher those at the other plots after only 2 years of fertilization. Because Z. serrata tree demand to more nutrient during the early growing period. The survival rate of Z. serrata trees at control plot was significantly lower than that at the other plots. This might be due to Z. serrata trees at control plot had not the upper hand from competition with vegetation at the early in planting. However, the growth of height and stem volume of Z. serrata trees between F1 and F2 plots did not show difference over 6 years after planting. Consequently, we could suggest that Z. serrata trees need to F1 fertilization level for considering improving survival and quality of Z. serrata trees and economical efficiency of plantation managements after harvesting P. rigida plantation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.278-286
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• 2019

Sesbania, an annual herb, is known for its high forage value and salt tolerance. It has merits as a forage crop that is adaptable to reclaimed land in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, we collected Sesbania genetic resources from the Republic of Korea and other countries, and conducted experiments to evaluate their potential as a forage crop in Korean climate and soil conditions. In the preliminary experiments, 15 genetic resources which were able to set seeds in Korean environment were selected out of a total of 46 collected genetic resources. Among 15 genetic resources, SL13 was the tallest and it was followed by that of SC04, SR01 and SE07. The accessions with the earliest flowering started flowering 101 days after sowing and set seed in early August. Fifteen accessions were evaluated for their salt tolerance at germination stage based on germination rate and growth of germinated seedlings at 0 mM, 150 mM and 300 mM NaCl concentrations. Five genetic resources like SC04, SL13, SS20, SS24 and SR01 were selected to be tolerant to NaCl treatment. Forage value was evaluated based on crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The forage value of leaves was significantly higher than that of stems, and the forage value of the stem was slightly better than that of rice straw. The forage value of leaves of all the genetic resources was higher than grade 1 by the American Forage and Grassland Council grade. Among five selected genetic resources, the relative feed value of SC04 was the highest and it was followed by that of SS20, SL13, SS24 and SR01.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 2019

Glycyrrhizae radix is one of the most frequently prescribed ingredients in Oriental medicine, and Glycyrrhizae radix extract has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of programed cell death (apoptosis) by Glycyrrhizae radix are poorly defined. In the present study, it was examined the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis by water extracts of Glycyrrhizae radix (GRW) in human bladder T24 cancer cells. It was found that GRW could inhibit the cell growth of T24 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation and increased populations of annexin-V positive cells. The induction of apoptotic cell death by GRW was connected with an up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein expression and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL), and inhibition of apoptosis family proteins (XIAP, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2). In addition, apoptosis-inducing concentrations of GRW induced the activation of caspase-9, an initiator caspase of the mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathway, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of PARP. GRW also induced apoptosis via a death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation, resulting in the down-regulation of total Bid and suggesting the existence of cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Taken together, the present results suggest that GRW may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human bladder cancer cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2021

Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc. is traditionally used as an edible and medicinal plant in many countries in East Asia. Previous studies have shown the pharmacological potential of extracts and components of C. officinalis, but comparative analysis of the composition of the leaf, stem, and fruit extracts has been insufficient to date. In the present study, the content of active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients was verified in different C. officinalis parts (under-ripe sansuyu, ripe sansuyu, seed, leaf, stem, and dried sansuyu). One active component, morroniside, was high in fruit (under-ripe and ripe sansuyu), while loganin was high in fruit (under-ripe sansuyu) and cornin was high in seeds. Total polyphenol contents were highest in fruit (ripe sansuyu) and flavonoids were highest in leaves. DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in leaves, followed by seeds and then ripe sansuyu extract. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of leaf extracts of C. officinalis (LCO) was further investigated by measuring their effects on levels of nitric oxide (NO) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of LCO effectively decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible NO synthase, resulting in decreased NO production. LCO also significantly suppressed LPS-induced production and expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Taken together, the present findings suggest that C. officinalis leaves have potential as natural materials for the development of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.24-33
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• 2021

For this study, we surveyed concentrations of 8 mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1, B2 and zearalenone) in agricultural products used for food and medicine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and conducted a risk assessment. Samples were collected at the Yangnyeong Market in Seoul, Korea, between January and November 2019. Mycotoxins were extracted from these samples by adding 0.1% formic acid in 50% acetonitrile and cleaned up by using an ISOLUTE Myco cartridge. The method was validated by assessing its matrix effects, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery and precision using four representative matrices. Matrix-matched standard calibration was used for quantification and the calibration curves of all analytes showed good linearity (r2>0.9999). LODs and LOQs were in the range of 0.02-0.11 ㎍/kg and 0.06-0.26 ㎍/kg, respectively. Sample recoveries were from 81.2 to 118.7% and relative standard deviations lower than 8.90%. The method developed in this study was applied to analyze a total of 187 samples, and aflatoxin B1 was detected at the range of 1.18-7.29 ㎍/kg (below the maximum allowable limit set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, MFDS), whereas aflatoxin B2, G1 and G2 were not detected. Mycotoxins that are not regulated presently in Korea were also detected: fumonisin (0.84-14.25 ㎍/kg), ochratoxin A (0.76-17.42 ㎍/kg), and zearalenone (1.73-15.96 ㎍/kg). Risk assessment was evaluated by using estimated daily intake (EDI) and specific guideline values. These results indicate that the overall exposure level of Koreans to mycotoxins due to the intake of agricultural products used for food and medicine is unlikely to be a major risk factor for their health.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.177-184
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• 2020

Objectives : Postpartum depression is known to occur in 10-15% of mothers. The concentration of cytokine varies depending on stress, depression, pregnancy and general medical conditions. We hypothesized that the concentration of cytokines may be related to reproduction and childbirth, and that women with postpartum depression would show alterations in cytokines levels. Methods : A total of 104 pregnant women were selected as subjects, and 60 non-pregnant women were selected as normal controls. Symptoms of depression were evaluated in the pregnant study subjects using the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The pregnant subjects were divided into three groups perinatal non-depression controls (n=61), postpartum depression-recovery (n=18), and postpartum depression (n=25). Results : The plasma concentration of TGF-β1, IGF-1 was higher in the pregnant group than in non-pregnant controls (TGF-β1 ; p<0.01, IGF-1 ; p=0.026). At 24 weeks of pregnancy and 6 weeks of delivery, there were no significant differences in the plasma concentration of TGF-β1, IGF-1, β-NGF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α between the three groups. There was no statistically significant difference in all three groups during the course of depression in pregnant women. Conclusions : This study found significant difference in plasma cytokines concentrations between non-pregnant controls and perinatal non-depression controls.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.100-107
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• 2021

Along with an increase in the frequency of high-concentration fine particulate matter in Korea, interest and research on ammonia (NH₃) are actively increasing. It is obvious that agriculture has contributed significantly to NH₃ emissions. However, studies on the long-term effect of fertilizer use on the ambient NH₃ concentration of agricultural land are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, NH₃ concentration in the atmosphere of agricultural land was monitored for 11 months using a passive sampler. The average ambient NH₃ concentration during the total study period was 2.02 ㎍ m^-3 and it was found that the effect of fertilizer application on the ambient NH₃ concentration was greatest in the month immediately following fertilizer application (highest ambient NH₃ concentration as 11.36㎍ m^-3). After that, it was expected that the NH₃ volatilization was promoted by increases in summer temperature and the concentration in the atmosphere was expected to increase. However, high NH₃ concentrations in the atmosphere were not observed due to strong rainfall that lasted for a long period. After that, the ambient NH₃ concentration gradually decreased through autumn and winter. In summary, when studying the contribution of fertilizer to the rate of domestic NH₃ emissions, it is necessary to look intensively for at least one month immediately after fertilizer application, and weather information such as precipitation and no-rain days should be considered in the field study.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2021

In this study, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) inputs by the litterfall of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) planted in pine wilt disease-disturbed forests were determined. The study sites were located in Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. Eight plots under two regeneration sites (DR: four plots of C. obtusa planted under slightly disturbed Pinus thunbergii stands; CR: four plots of C. obtusa planted following the clear-cutting of severely disturbed pine stands) were established to collect litterfall from December 2018 to December 2019. The growth of diameter at breast height (DBH) was significantly higher in the CR treatment (12.10 cm) than that in the DR treatment (9.42 cm). C and N concentrations and the C/N ratio in C. obtusa leaf litter did not differ significantly between the two regeneration treatments, but the C/N ratio was significantly lower in the leaf litter collected in October (93) relative to that collected in December (143). The C concentration of litterfall components was significantly higher in C. obtusa leaf litter and in P. thunbergii needle litter than in broadleaved and miscellaneous litter, whereas the N concentration in broadleaved and miscellaneous litter was significantly higher than that in the leaf litter of C. obtusa and in branch litter. Thus, the C/N ratio was significantly higher in C. obtusa leaf litter and branch litter compared with that in miscellaneous and broadleaved litter. Respective C and N inputs by leaf litter were 773 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and 6.95 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for the CR treatments, and 78 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and 0.70 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for the DR treatment. Total C and N inputs were higher for the DR treatment (3,765 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and 47.6 kg N ha-1 yr-1, respectively) than for the CR treatment (1,290 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and 17.2 kg N ha-1 yr-1, respectively). These results indicate that, for C. obtusa, the DBH growth in the CR treatment was superior to that in the DR treatment, but the C and N inputs by litterfall were considerably reduced in CR treatments.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2020

Purpose: Brown tumor is a tumor-like disease that can occur as a linked disease of hyperparathyroidism which can causes osteoporosis, osteitis fibrosa cystica, pathologic fractures. Brown tumor has been reported as a case report, but there is no comprehensive report on the exact diagnosis and principle of management for osseous lesion. The purpose of this study is to report the treatment and results of osseous lesions through 5 cases. Materials and Methods: From February 2004 to May 2015, five cases of Brown tumor were diagnosed in Chosun University Hospital and Chonnam National University Hospital orthopedic department. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. Parathyroid tumors were surgically removed, and surgical treatment and observation were performed for orthopedic osseous lesions. Results: The mean length of the long axis of the symptomatic osseous lesion was 6.2 cm (4.5-9.0 cm). An average of 7.6 (range, 3 to 14) of high uptake osseous lesion showed in whole body bone scan. The absolute value, T-score and Z-score of the vertebrae and proximal femur were adequate for diagnosis of osteoporosis using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry bone mineral density at diagnosis and recovered to normal at the last follow-up. In laboratory tests, serum concentrations of total calcium, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were helpful to diagnosis and normalized upon successful removal of parathyroid adenoma or cancer. Conclusion: For accurate diagnosis of Brown tumor, it should be accompanied by systemic examination as well as clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and radiologic examination for osseous lesions. And a good prognosis can be expected if the hyperparathyroidism is treated together with the comprehensive treatment of osseous lesions.