• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.301-307
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• 2008

Background: The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an activating receptor that is expressed on the surface of neutrophils and mature monocytes when stimulated with several microbial components, which can amplify the inflammatory response. This study analyzed the prognostic value of the sTREM-1 levels in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood was collected prospectively from 32 patients with ARDS, 15 survivors and 17 nonsurvivors. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the sTREM-1. The following data was obtained: APACHE II score, Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), BAL fluid analysis, C-reative protein. Mortality in the ICU was defined as the end point. Results: The serum sTREM-1 level was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors than survivors ($54.3{\pm}10.3pg/ml$ vs. $22.7{\pm}2.3pg/ml$, p<0.05). The sTREM-1 level in the serum, but not in the BAL fluid, was an independent predictor of the ICU mortality (OR: 22.051, 95% CI: 1.780~273.148, p<0.016), and a cut-off value of ${\geq}33pg/ml$ yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 93%. Conclusion: The serum sTREM-1 level may be a useful predictor of the outcome of ARDS patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2007

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have often been reported to suffer from depression and anxiety possibly due to the exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality of COPD. However,scarce data are available in Korea. This study assessed degree of depression and anxiety, and evaluated the factors associated with depressive symptoms in COPD. Methods: The cross-sectional data on the lung function measurements, smoking behavior, body mass index (BMI), age, gender, depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were evaluated in 72 outpatients with COPD and 50 controls without underling lung diseases from September, 2005 to October, 2006 in the Ewha medical center. Results: 1) The age, body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin levels were similar in the patients and controls. The BDI scores (16(0-37) vs. 12(1-30), p=0.001) and the prevalence of depression (36% vs. 6%, p<0.0001) were higher in the COPD patients than in the controls. In the COPD group, the prevalence of depression increased with increasing GOLD stage (p=0.008). The prevalence was 18%(4/22), in mild cases, 30%(6/20) in moderate cases, 52%(13/25) in severe cases and 60%(3/5) in very severe cases. 2) The SAI and TAI scores were higher in the COPD patients (44(20-67) and 47(20-66)) than in the healthy controls (39(26-65) and 44(33-90)). There were a significant correlation between the depression and anxiety scores (p<0.001). 3) A lower BMI, lower postbronchodilator $FEV_1$, current smoking behavior and severity of COPD were univariately associated with the depressive group in COPD, 4) while multivariate logistic analysis revealed only the severe-to-very severe group (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.9) to be independently associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: COPD is strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Therfore, screening for psychological problems in COPD patients is essential, particularly in patients with severe-to-very severe COPD.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.198-209
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• 2004

In order to elucidate the behavior of the fungicide hexaconazole in soil and rice plants, rice plants were grown for 42 days in a microecosystem (pot) containing fresh and 28 day-aged soil residues of $[^{14}C]$hexaconazole. The amount of $^{14}CO_2$ evolved during 28 days of aging was 0.11 % of total $^{14}C$-radioactivity treated and the averaged weekly degradation rate was 0.03%. Mineralization rates for 42 days of rice cultivation on fresh and aged paddy soils were 0.67% of the total $^{14}C$ in case of non-rice planting on aged soil and 1.17% in case of rice planting on aged soil, whereas 1.25% in non-rice planting on fresh soil and 1.72% in case of rice planting on fresh soil, suggesting that the amounts of $^{14}CO_2$ were evolved higher from fresh soils than aged ones and from rice-planting soils than non-planting ones. The amounts of volatiles collected were very low as background levels. Most of $^{14}C$-Radioactivity was remained in soil after 42 days of rice cultivation and $^{14}C$ absorbed through rice roots was distributed more in shoots than roots and translocated into the edge of shoots of rice plants. Amounts of non-extractable $^{14}C$ in soils were higher in rice planted soil than in non-planting soil. The distribution of non-extractable $^{14}C$ was increased in the order of humin>fulvic acid>humic acid. The amounts of $^{14}C$ translocated into rotational crop Chinese cabbage were 2.36 and 3.69% of the total $^{14}C$ in case of rice planted soil containing fresh and aged residues, respectively, suggesting that small amounts of $[^{14}C]$hexaconazole and its metabolite(s) were absorbed and their bound residues were more available than their fresh ones to Chinese cabbage.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.3 s.19
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• pp.191-199
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• 2005

Background: Though infections of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are closely associated with activation of host angiogenesis, the underlying mechanisms, as well as the strategy for its prevention, have not been identified. Here, we investigated a causal role of H. pylori infection in angiogenesis of gastric mucosa and a potent inhibitory effect of a gastric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on the gastropathy. Materials and Methods: A comparative analysis of CD 34 expression in tissues obtained from 20 H. pylori-associated gastritis and 18 H. pylori-negative gastritis patients was performed. Expression of $HIF-1{\alpha}$ and VEGF were tested by using RT-PCR. To evaluate the direct effect of H. pylori infection on differentiation of endothelial HUVEC cells, we carried out an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Results: H. pyfori-associated gastritis tissues showed significantly higher density of $CD34^+$ blood vessels than did H. pylori-negative gastritis tissues, and the levels were well correlated with expressions of $HIF-1{\alpha}$. Conditioned media from H. pylori-infected gastric mucosal cells stimulated a tubular formation of HUVEC cells. We also found a significant inhibitory effect of PPI, an agent frequently used for H. pylori eradication, on H. pylori-induced angiogenesis. This drug effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinase ERK1/2, which is a principal signal for H. pylori-induced angiogenesis. Conclusion: The fact that PPls can down-regulate H. pylori-induced angiogenesis suggest that anti-angiogenic treatment using PPI may be a preventive approach for H. pylori-associated carcinogenesis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.252-260
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• 2015

This paper describes the technical background for the Korean wildlife radiation dose assessment code, K-BIOTA, and the summary of its application. The K-BIOTA applies the graded approaches of 3 levels including the screening assessment (Level 1 & 2), and the detailed assessment based on the site specific data (Level 3). The screening level assessment is a preliminary step to determine whether the detailed assessment is needed, and calculates the dose rate for the grouped organisms, rather than an individual biota. In the Level 1 assessment, the risk quotient (RQ) is calculated by comparing the actual media concentration with the environmental media concentration limit (EMCL) derived from a bench-mark screening reference dose rate. If RQ for the Level 1 assessment is less than 1, it can be determined that the ecosystem would maintain its integrity, and the assessment is terminated. If the RQ is greater than 1, the Level 2 assessment, which calculates RQ using the average value of the concentration ratio (CR) and equilibrium distribution coefficient (Kd) for the grouped organisms, is carried out for the more realistic assessment. Thus, the Level 2 assessment is less conservative than the Level 1 assessment. If RQ for the Level 2 assessment is less than 1, it can be determined that the ecosystem would maintain its integrity, and the assessment is terminated. If the RQ is greater than 1, the Level 3 assessment is performed for the detailed assessment. In the Level 3 assessment, the radiation dose for the representative organism of a site is calculated by using the site specific data of occupancy factor, CR and Kd. In addition, the K-BIOTA allows the uncertainty analysis of the dose rate on CR, Kd and environmental medium concentration among input parameters optionally in the Level 3 assessment. The four probability density functions of normal, lognormal, uniform and exponential distribution can be applied.The applicability of the code was tested through the participation of IAEA EMRAS II (Environmental Modeling for Radiation Safety) for the comparison study of environmental models comparison, and as the result, it was proved that the K-BIOTA would be very useful to assess the radiation risk of the wildlife living in the various contaminated environment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.607-614
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• 2001

Background : Residual pleural thickening is frequently seen following treatment for tuberculous pleurisy, and pleural decortication is performed occasionally in patients with severe residual pleural thickening. However, predictive factors for the development of residual pleural thickening are uncertain at the initial diagnosis of the tuberculous pleurisy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the associated factors for residual pleural thickening at initial diagnosis. Methods : We separated 63 patients diagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy into two groups; group 1 consisted of patients without residual pleural thickening and group 2 comprised patients with residual pleural thickening at the end of tuberculous pleurisy treatment. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, radiological findings, pleural biopsy and characteristics of pleural fluid between group 1 and group 2. Results : The study population and clinical symptoms of the two groups were not significantly different and the duration of symptoms before treatment and the peripheral WBC were similar between the two groups. The presence of pulmonary tuberculosis, pleural fluid loculation or the amount of pleural effusion sid not differ significantly between the two groups. The incidence of positive AFB staining(group 1 : 8%, group 2 : 38%) and granuloma(group 1 : 30%, group 2: 62%)on pleural biopsy specimens was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Pleural fluid WBC and differential count, adenosine deaminase level, pH, protein level or glucose level did not differ between the two groups. However, group 2 had higher LDH levels ($1370{\pm}208mg/dL$) than group 1 ($860{\pm}71mg/dL$, p<0.05). Conclusion : In tuberculous pleurisy, patients with residual pleural thickening following treatment demonstrated a higher incidence of positive AFB staining and granuloma on the pleural biopsy specimens or higher LDH level in the pleural fluid than patients without residual pleural thickening From these results, we speculate that the amount of tuberculous bacilli and granuloma are probably correlated with residual pleural thickening in the tuberculous pleurisy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.517-529
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• 2001

Background : Surfactant protein C(SP-C) is a hydrophobic 5,000 dalton molecule. SP-C has the primary roles in accelerating surface spreading of a surfactant phospholipid. The filter hybridization and solution hybridization assays are both rapid and sensitive and can be used to measure the RNAs complementary to any cloned DNA sequence. Methods : The authors measured the SP-C mRNA levels quantitatively using solution hybridization and filter hybridization assays to obtain a standard curve equation to quantify the mRNA of unknown samples comparatively. Results : 1. The minimum level of the specimens by solution hybridization was 3 pg for SP-C mRNA. 2. The standard curve equation of the solution hybridization assay between the counts per minute(Y) and the SP-C mRNA transcript input(X) was Y=6.46 X+244. The correlation coefficient was 0.99. 3. The minimum detection level of specimens by filter hybridization was 0.1 ng for SP-C mRNA. 4. The standard curve equation of the filter hybridization assay between the counts per minute(Y) and SP-C mRNA transcript input(X) is Y=2541.6 X+252.7. The correlation coefficient was 0.99. Conclusions : A comparison of CPM/filter in the linear range allowed an accurate and reproducible estimation of the SP-C mRNA copy number. Filter hybridization and solution hybridization assays are both rapid and sensitive and can be used to measure the RNAs complementary to any cloned DNA sequence. It is ideally suited to situations where accurate quantitation of multiple samples is required.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.205-211
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• 2009

Background: Serum procalcitonin level has been considered prognostic during sepsis and septic shock. We investigated the significance of procalcitonin in critically ill patients with respiratory infections. Methods: The patients who had radiographically diagnosed diffuse lung infiltrations were enrolled on a prospective basis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for the purpose of quantitative cultures (${\geq}10^4$ cfu/mL) was obtained from all patients. Serum procalcitonin levels determined by PCT-Q kit were measured on BAL day and classified as follows; <0.5 ng/mL, 0.5~2.0 ng/mL, 2.0~10.0 ng/mL and >10.0 ng/mL. We analyzed the patient's characteristics according to outcome; favorable or unfavorable, defined as death. Results: Patients from the following categories were included: medical 17 (47.2%), surgical 9 (25%), and burned 10 (27.8%). APACHE II scores on admission to intensive care unit were 11.5${\pm}$6.89 and 11 (30.6%) had unfavorable outcomes. A procalcitonin level ${\geq}$0.5 ng/mL was in 17 (47.2%) of all. On univariate analysis, the frequencies of burn injury, mechanical ventilation, multiple organ failure, and a procalcitonin level ${\geq}$0.5 ng/mL were more often increased in patients with unfavorable outcomes than in those with favorable outcomes (p<.05). Also, a higher procalcitonin range and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) were more closely associated with an unfavorable outcome (p<.05). However in multivariate analysis, a strong predictor of unfavorable outcome was burn injury (p<.05). A procalcitonin level ${\geq}$0.5 ng/mL was more sensitive in predicting VAP than unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: A higher procalcitonin level seems to be associated with VAP, but further study is required to know that procalcitonin would be a prognostic marker in critically ill patients with respiratory infections.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.347-355
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• 2008

Background: IPF is characterized by chronic, fibrosing inflammatory lung disease of unknown etiology. Typical symptoms of IPF are exertional dyspnea with nonproductive cough. Why patients with typical IPF have dry cough rather than productive cough, is unknown. IP-10 plays an important regulatory role in leukocyte trafficking into the lung. The present study investigated the effect of IP-10 in the pathogenesis of dry cough rather than productive cough in IPF patients. Methods: IP-10 concentration was measured by ELISA from BALF of IPF patients. To evaluate the role of IP-10 in mucin expression, the expression of the MUC5AC mucin gene was measured in NCI-H292 cells, a human pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line, after stimulation by TNF-${\alpha}$ with or without IP-10 pretreatment. EGFR-MAPK expression was also examined as a possible mechanism. Results: IP-10 levels were significantly higher in the BALF of IPF patients compared to healthy controls. IP-10 pretreatment reduced TNF-${\alpha}$ induced MUC5AC mucin expression by inhibiting the EGFR-MAPK signal transduction pathway in NCI-H292 cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that little mucus production in IPF patients might be attributable to IP-10 overproduction, which inhibits the EGFR-MAPK signal transduction pathway required for MUC5AC mucin gene expression.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 1980

This study was conducted to detect copper which is considered in the soils of orchards, since copper fungicide has been applied to fruit trees. Soil samples taken from the fields of the chief producing districts of apple (Chungju, Yesan, Daegu), pear (Yangju, Bucheon, Seonghwan) and citrus (Seogypo in Jeju island) were analysed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained were summarized as follows ; 1. In orchards of apple, the amount of copper of soils from Yesan, Chungju and Daegu were ranged 2.6-171.3ppm, 2.2-136.1ppm and 14.3-134.6ppm, respectively. Very little copper was detected from the soils in the field which has been cultivated for less than 20 years. About 100ppm and 130-170ppm of copper were detected in the field which has been cultivated for 30 years and for 50-60 years, respectively. Most of the copper was detected in the surface layer of soils (0-10cm), while very low content of copper was detected in the deeper layer of soils (10-20cm). 2. In orchards of pear, 20-30ppm of copper was detected from the surface of soils in the field which has been cultivated for more than 30 years and the highest level of copper, 36.8ppm, was detected from Yangju area. The amount of copper of soils from Yangju, Seonghwan and Bucheon were ranged 3.6-36.8ppm, 9.7-19.4ppm and 3.6-24.7ppm, respectively. 3. In orchards of citrus of Jeju island, only trace amount and 23-38ppm of copper were detected in the fields cultivated for 15 years and 20-30 years, respectively. The highest level of copper, 57ppm, was detected from the surface layer of soils in the field which has been cultivated for 35 years, but in most of the soil samples tested, only the natural background level of copper, about 20ppm, was detected. 4. The levels of copper residue in all the soil samples tested were lower than the tolerance level (125ppm of copper which is extracted in 0.1N-HCl solution), except those of copperr residue, 130-170ppm, that were detected from the orchards of apple which have been under cultivation for 50-60 years. Hence no problem for the farming could be speculated with the present concentration of copper analysed.