• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.243-250
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of $^{131}I$ for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer has been increasing, and the radionuclide is continuously released into aquatic ecosystem. This study was carried out to investigate the $^{131}I$ concentrations in mainstreams, tributaries, and sewage wastewater treatment plants (SWTPs) of the Yeongsan River Basin and to identify their origins from the assessment of behaviors in the rivers. METHODS AND RESULTS: The water samples were collected from 19 sites including mainstreams (13), tributaries (4) and SWTPs (2). The $^{131}I$ concentration was measured using a gamma-ray spectrometry with a HPGe detector. The $^{131}I$ in SWTPs was detected mostly in the discharged effluent at the sampling sites. However, from the surface water of the rivers, $^{131}I$ was found only at two sites from each sampling period of the first (MS4 and MS10) and the second half (MS4 and MS7) of the year 2017. The concentrations of $^{131}I$ in the effluent discharged from SWTPs were in the range of 0.0870 to 3.87 Bq/L for SWTP1, and $^{131}I$ in the river revealed that it was not detected in the upper streams of the mainstreams and tributaries, while continuous detection was found in the SWTPs and downstream sites affected by the effluent. However, the concentration of $^{131}I$ decreased downstream, eventually becoming undetectable. Such behavior was closely related to the behavior found in the SWTPs. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that medically-derived $^{131}I$ was discharged to the river via sewage effluent at the SWTPs. It is necessary to evaluate the influence of aquatic ecosystems through continuous monitoring in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2019

Purpose An examination guide is a useful medium to provide the patient with an overview, pre- and post-test preparation, and precautions of nuclear testing. The design and arrangement of existing written texts and announcements were evaluated to elucidate the comprehension of patients undergoing testing. Materials and Methods Informational material describing bone scanning and $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), as a secondary examination, which accounts for the largest portion of gamma imaging at Asan Hospital (Seoul, South Korea), was selected as an improvement target in consultation with a national innovation center. Existing informational material was dispensed to patients scheduled for bone scans from November 2016 to February 2017 and the revised material was issued from March 2017 to May 2017. A survey was conducted of 200 patients who underwent $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion SPECT before and after the revisions (n = 100 each time period) to assess the patients' understanding of the informational material. Results When comparing the use of the conventional vs. revised material, the number of patients who received treatment before bone scanning had decreased from 130 to 60, while the number of those who required additional imaging decreased from 53 to 14. Prior to the revision, 43% of patients underwent testing before preparation and 18% underwent additional testing. The decreased need for additional image acquisition after revision of the informational material resulted in a decrease in acquisition time of about 2 min, from 16.5 to 14.2 min. In the case of $^{201}thallium$ myocardium perfusion SPECT, patient comprehension of all five items surveyed had increased, while the number of patients who had repeatedly asked about various facets of the procedure pre- and post-testing had decreased from 36% to 16% and 31% to 14%, respectively. Conclusion Lower patient comprehension is accompanied by a decrease in image quality due to non-compliance during pre-testing and may lead to repetitive questions from the patient, which may also negatively affect the fatigue and work efficiency of the examiner. Improved readability and visibility of informational material through visualization was correlated with greater patient comprehension as well as improved image quality and acquisition time.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2019

Purpose Nuclear medicine was initially introduced in Korea in 1969 and widely applied to treat hyperthyroidism with $^{131}I$. Also, gamma camera was adopted in 1969 in the first place and its application has been growing continually in many ways. We analyzed long-term trend in nuclear medicine examinations for the last 2 decades. The purpose of this paper is to make predictions and to set both plans and directions on the development of nuclear medicine. Materials and Methods We analyzed the performance of nuclear medicine examinations and therapies performed in Asan Medical Center from 1998 to 2017. Results Results from the last 20 years regarding Bone scan, Renal scan, MUGA scan and $^{18}F$-FPCIT, Bone Mineral Density were on a increase. And Myocardium perfusion SPECT, Thyroid scan, Lung scan were on a decrease while $^{18}F-FDG$ PET maintained on a steady course. Until 2010 there was a positive performance with the therapy but after the excessive medical care in thyroid examination performance is at status quo. Key events such as a medical strike(2000), Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (2015) influenced the overall performance of the therapy. Conclusion In order to promote a long-term growth in nuclear medicine examination and therapy, it is inevitable to respond to the changes in current medical environment. Furthermore, it is strongly suggested to put efforts to maintain and develop new examinations and clinical indicators.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.25-28
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• 2019

Purpose In patients with unusual kidney position after $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ renal dynamic imaging study, the GFR(Glomerular Filtration Rate) values are significantly different according to the depth of the kidney. Thus, we tried to compare the difference of the GFR values between the depth measurement methods and in-vitro test. 30 adult patients who were subjected to renal study. 27 patients were in usual position and 3 patients were in unusual. $555{\pm}37MBq$ of $^{99m}Tc-DTPA$ was administrated to all patients. GE infinia gamma camera was used. GFR values were obtained in-vivo(gates method) and in-vitro(blood). The kidney depth in-vivo was calculated by three methods(tonnensen, manual, taylor). In-vitro, GFR was performed by blood test. Differences in the mean values of GFR and correlation between depth and GFR values were evaluated using the SPSS 12.0 statistical program. The GFR values for 27 patients with kidney in the usual position are as follows(1.tonnensen 2.manual 3.taylor 4.invitro); $69.3{\pm}4.2$, $88.2{\pm}5.6$, $77.8{\pm}4.3$, $82.2{\pm}5.8ml/min$. The three unusual cases are as follows, first(congenital renal anomaly): 66.4, 101.24, 69.07, 94.8 ml/min. second(transplantation kidney): 12.22, 29.99, 19.36, 23.5 ml/min. third(horseshoe kidney): 37.37, 93.54, 35.9, 92.5 ml/min. There was a difference between tonnensen and manual in the usual position of the kidney(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the other methods. However, there was a significant difference in case of the unusual position of the kidneys. Correlation analysis between both kidney depth and GFR value shows person correlation as follows; Rt kidney: 0.298, Lt kidney: 0.322. When compared with the GFR values in-vitro test, it was useful to calculate the GFR value by measuring the kidney depth using a manual formula in the unusual position of the kidneys. GFR values and kidney depth were significantly related.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.596-606
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• 2019

The study investigated the physiochemical properties and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the sea tangle (Saccharina japonica) in a water extract before (STWE) and after (STFL) fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis. The pH values of STWE and STFL were 6.18 and 4.16, and the sugar contents were $8.50^{\circ}Brix$ and $7.40^{\circ}Brix$, respectively. The main free amino acids of STWE and STFL were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and alanine, and the ${\gamma}$-amino butyric acid (GABA) content was increased by fermentation. The total polyphenol contents of STWE and STFL were 498.29 and 615.77 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ml, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of STWE and STFL were markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner, and revealed about 89.89% and 96.94% activities, respectively, at 10% concentration (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of STWE and STFL were also markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the activity of STFL was significantly increased when compared with STWE (p<0.05). The anti-inflammatory activity was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. STWE and STFL decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which had levels of about 189.90% and 174.69% at 1% concentration, respectively (p<0.05). The contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were decreased more by addition of STFL than by addition of STWE. The STWE and STFL showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and these activities were increased by fermentation. Therefore, sea tangle extracts can be used as functional food materials.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.97-100
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• 2018

Purpose The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is an important indicator of glomerular filtration and has been used to test renal function and the extent of its function. The GFR test is performed by intravenous injection of radioactive medicines made of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA, and blood concentration is measured by taking blood according to the elapsed time. also, PET-CT, bone scan, transfusion and so on will affect the outcome. Therefore, we will improve the quality of the test by providing guidelines for the GFR test for more accurate testing. Materials and Methods 5 mL of physiological saline solution and 2 mL of $^{51}Cr$-EDTA solution are used to make 5 mL of the radiopharmaceutical solution to be injected into the patient. First, the syringe weight is measured before the injection, and then the radioactive medicine is injected into the patient's vein and the syringe weight is measured after the injection. Blood sampling is performed twice in total. In adults, blood is collected 3 hours / 5 hours after injection and in children 2 hours / 5 hours after injection. The blood sample is centrifuged at 3300 rpm for 5 minutes. Standard solution is prepared by filling diluent water up to the scale indicated in the 200-mL volumetric flask, discarding $500{\mu}L$, injecting $500{\mu}L$ of GFR reagent and mixing well. $500{\mu}L$ each of the standard solution is dispensed into two test tubes, and $500{\mu}L$ of each of the plasma samples collected in time is dispensed into two test tubes and measured with a Cobra Counter. Results At present, the reference range applied in this study is $119.5{\pm}30.3ml/min/1.73m2$ for males and $125.2{\pm}28.2ml/min/1.73m^2$ for females. Conclusion The GFR test is conducted using radioactive medical products. GFR testing is performed as a scheduled test, but PET-CT, dialysis and transfusion, which may affect GFR testing, may be scheduled during GFR testing. Therefore, we could get accurate GFR test results by notifying the ward and department beforehand when booking.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.463-471
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• 2018

Perilla is an oilseed crop cultivated in Korea since ancient times. Due to the high ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content in perilla, perilla seed oil can easily become rancid. ${\alpha}-Linolenic$ acid is synthesized by two enzymes, endoplasmic reticulum-localized ${\Delta}15$ desaturase (FAD3) and chloroplast-localized ${\Delta}15$ desaturase (FAD7) in vivo. In order to lower the ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content of the seed oil without disturbing plant growth, we tried to suppress the expression of only the FAD3 gene using RNA interference, whilst maintaining the expression of the FAD7 gene. Seventeen transgenic plants with herbicide ($Basta^{TM}$) resistance were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using hypocotyls of perilla plants. The transgenic plants were firstly confirmed by treatment with 0.3% (v/v) $Basta^{TM}$ herbicide, and the expression of FAD3 was measured by Northern blot analysis. The ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content was 10-20%, 30-40%, and 60% in two, seven, and three of the twelve $T_1$ transgenic perilla plants which had enough seeds to be analyzed for fatty acid composition, respectively. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of $T_2$ progeny seeds from $T_1$ plants with the lowest ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content showed that the homozygous lines had 6-10% ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content and the heterozygous lines had 20-26% ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content. It is expected that the reduction in ${\alpha}-linolenic$ acid content in perilla seed oil will prevent rancidity and can be utilized for the production of high-value functional ingredients such as high ${\gamma}-linolenic$ acid.

• 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.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.209-218
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• 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract in the order of leaf development on the shoot (L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5). The leaves at the apex of a Cudrania tricuspidata shoot were classified as L0; the next leaves of the apex were classified as L1, L2, L3, and L4 from highest to lowest; and the lowest leaf was classified as L5. A series of 70% ethyl alcohol leaf extracts were screened for the inhibitory effects of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We found that the apical leaf extract of Cudrania tricuspidata (CTL0) was the most effective. Next, a study was conducted on the inhibitory action mechanism of CTL0. Treatment with CTL0 significantly suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by the decrease in lipid droplet content observed with Oil Red O staining. Treatment with 12.5 ㎍/ml, 25 ㎍/ml, and 50 ㎍/ml of CTL0 significantly reduced the lipid droplet content. Glucose and cellular triglyceride concentrations were reduced in the 3T3-L1 cells on the CTL0-treated medium compared to the differentiation medium (DM control, DMEM + insulin + dexamethasone + rosiglitazone). Compared with DM, CTL0 significantly inhibited the expression of key pro-adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), LPL, A-FABP, and Glut4. These findings show that CTL0 extract has potent anti-obesity effects.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2020

A 22-month-old girl who had taken iron supplements due to iron deficiency anemia, presented bloody mucoid stool for one month. She had a bruise at the right periorbital area due to minor trauma and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory studies showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hypophosphatemia, decreased haptoglobin, hypocomplementemia, negative direct/indirect Coomb's test, normal vitamin D3 level and high PTHi. Wrist x-ray showed no signs of rickets. The abdominal ultrasound showed only accessory spleen. Tandem mass spectrometry was normal. During follow up, bloody stool regressed after seven days of withdrawal of iron supplement and cow milk, and the total CO2 level had been within 15-20 mEq/L with normal anion gap. NGS (next generation sequencing) panel test for evaluation of renal tubular acidosis showed negative results. After low dose steroid and vitamin D supplements under the impression of hypocomplementemic vasculitis, thrombocytopenia, C3/C4, decreased haptoglobin, and elevated ALP level became normal. At 57 months of age, laboratory findings showed elevated liver enzyme, ALP and gamma-glutamyl transferase again. And liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly and diffuse renal disease were reported with abdomen CT scan. Liver biopsy reported macro- and micronodular cirrhosis. Urine organic acid profile showed elevated succinylacetone level. Whole exome sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous mutations (NM_00137.2:c.107T>C, NM_00137, 2:c.614T>C) in FAH gene and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed as chronic hereditary tyrosinemia type I. She started low phenylalanine/tyrosine diet and nitisinone treatment. Our case had presented symptoms very slowly, which is the first case of chronic tyrosinemia type I in South Korea.