• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.80-88
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• 2001

Objectives : In an epidemiologic study on the health impact of Agent Orange exposure, the valid estimation of exposure level is the most important step. Based on recent studies, we examined the correlation between exposure levels categorized by personal exposure estimates and serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD, Dioxin), exploring the possibility of utilizing the exposure level as a surrogate for the estimate of exposure to agent orange. Methods : During the study period (Jan 1996-Feb 1996), blood specimens of 745 subjects taken randomly among 1,329 persons and kept frozen, were analyzed for 2,3,7,8-TCDO and six other dioxin congeners. The serum dioxin and congeners were measured in 1998 by CDC, adjusted for serum lipids. We categorized the total exposure scores into five groups based on Agent Orange exposure data collected by interview and military records. Pearson and Spearman's correlation coefficients & multiple regression analysis were used to identify the relationship of the exposure level categorized with serum concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and six other dioxin congeners. Results : Dioxin and the other congeners, except 1,2,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, showed significant correlations to exposure categories (p<0.005): 2,3,7,8-TCDD and OCDD showed positive correlations, whereas the other congeners did negative. The values of 2,3,7,8-TCDD differed according to exposure category and proportionally increased from the low exposure group to the high, a dose-response relationship, even after other possible confounding variables were adjusted for. In multiple regression analysis, age$(\beta=0.033)$, dioxin$(\beta=0.433)$, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD$(\beta=-0.998)$, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD$(\beta=-0.773)$, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD$(\beta=0.255)$, 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD$(\beta=-3.468)$, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD$(\beta=0.109)$ we re found to be significantly related to the total exposure score(p<0.005). Conclusion : This study demonstrated that the use of such categorizations as a surrogate measure of agent orange exposure in identifying exposure degrees in a health impact study is valid.

• FLOWER RESEARCH JOURNAL
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2008

To build up data for mutation breeding of lily, sensitivity to irradiation of bulb, seed and pollen was investigated. The bulbs of seven cultivars including 'New Wave' were very sensitive to gamma rays. Non-irradiated bulbs produced plants with bloom as normal. However, irradiated bulbs showed retarded growth and did not flower. Bulbs of 'New Wave' and 'Tiny Dino' irradiated with 125Gy gamma rays survived, but their growth rate dropped considerably. Part or whole leaves of the other cultivars except 'New Wave' and 'Tiny Dino' withered. Moisture content of individual scale was 72~78% depending on cultivar. Bulblet formation from untreated scales was 100%. Among all irradiated scales only 'Siberia' scales showed 8.5% bulblet formation when irradiated with 50Gy gamma rays. Pollen germination as affected by gamma ray irradiation had no consistent tendency. When dosage of $F_1$ 'Augusta' seeds reached 300Gy, their survival ratio was drastically decreased. Bulblet formation in vitro was observed only in non-irradiated seeds. Lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) of seed was less than 100Gy. Height and width of $F_1$ 'Augusta' bulblets in vitro irradiated with gamma rays decreased as dosage increased regardless of the culture method. The percentage shoot formation was 100% in non-irradiated bulblets and 15~60% in irradiated ones.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 1995

This study was undertaken to determine whether administration of a standardized gindeng extract at 300 mg.$d^1$ for 8 weeks could enhance maximum aerobic and anaerobic exercise capabilities and whether any changes of such effects can be occurred when exercise training was added. Forty-one male university students were randomly divided into four groups as ginseng-untrained (GU, n=10), ginseng-trained (GT, n=10), placebo-untrained (PU, n=10), and placebo-trained (PT, n=11). The trained groups underwent 8 weeks of aerobic exercise at 65% of individual's maximum oxygen consumption ($Vo_2$ max) for 30 min.$d^1$, 3d.$wk^1$. Prior to and at the end of experiment, $Vo_2$ max, anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), and leg muscle strength were determined and some physiological parameters related to $Vo_2$ max were measured. Initially, all subject groups did not differ in average $Vo_2$ max (range 45.9 to 47.9 ml/.kg-1.min-1). After 8 weeks, the $Vo_2$ max increased significantly from the initial level by 12.6% in group GU, 14.5% in group PT, and 24.5% in group GU which was significantly higher than group GU but not group PT. Changes in all measured parameters related to $Vo_2$ max were similar among the subject groups except group PU. Both the AP and the AC were significantly increased in all subject groups (range +3.6 to +13.1% above initial for the AP and +4.4 to) 8.955 above initial for the AC) but the higher changes were found for the AP in groups PT and GU, and for the AC in grouts PT, when compared with group PU. No significant differences in the two anaerobic variables were observed between group GT and the other groups of subjects. Leg strength was also significantly enhanced over group PU in groups PT, GU and GT. There were no significant differences among the latter three subject groups. As a result of these findings, it was concluded that under the conditions of this study ginseng administration at the prescribed dose exhibited the training-like effects on $Vo_2$ max as well as anaerobic power and leg muscle strength but no clear synergistic action on these physical fitness variables occurred when both g inseng administration and exercise training were combined.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate inhaler device handling in elderly patients. Inhaler devices with respect to misuse and error correction were also compared. Methods: Inhaler use technique was assessed using standardized checklists at the first visit and 3-month follow-up visit after retraining. The primary outcome was difference in the acceptable use ratio among inhaler devices. Secondary outcomes included differences in error correction, the most common step of misuse, and factors affecting the accuracy of inhaler use. Results: A total of 251 patients (mean age, 76.4 years) were included. The handling of 320 devices was assessed in the study. All patients had been trained before. However, only 24.7% of them used inhalers correctly. Proportions of acceptable use for Evohaler, Respimat, Turbuhaler, Ellipta, and Breezhaler/Handihaler were 38.7%, 50.0%, 61.4%, 60.8%, and 43.2%, respectively (p=0.026). At the second visit, the acceptable use ratio had increased. There were no significant differences among inhaler types (Evohaler, 63.9%; Respimat, 86.1%; Turbuhaler, 74.3%; Ellipta, 64.6%; and Breezhaler/Handihaler, 65.3% [p=0.129]). In multivariate analysis, body mass index, Turbuhaler, and Ellipta showed positive correlations with acceptable use of inhalers, whereas Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: Although new inhalers have been developed, the accuracy of inhaler use remains low. Elderly patients showed more errors when using pressurized metered-dose inhalers than using dry powder inhalers and soft-mist inhalers. However, there were no significant differences in misuse among inhaler devices after individual training. Results of this study suggests that repeat training is more important than inhaler type.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.178-188
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• 2023

Objective: Self perceived health status dose not only reflects an individual's perception of their overall well-being but is also known to be influenced by various aspects of life. Rural areas tend to have relatively lower quality of life compared to urban areas. Therefore, this study aims to investigate factors related to Self perceived health status among farmers. Methods: In the subjective health status questionnaire, responses of "very healthy" and "healthy" are classified as 'good', whereas "average", "unhealthy" or "very unhealthy" are classified as indicative of a 'poor' subjective health status. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios(OR), aiming to investigate factors related to self perceived health status. Results: The OR for self perceived health status as poor was statistically significant for females at 2.32(95% CI 1.47-3.67), for individuals working in greenhouses at 1.43(95% CI 1.01-1.98), for current smoker at 1.50(95% CI 1.02-2.08), and for those who experienced symptoms after pesticide exposure at 1.74(95% CI 1.13-2.67). An annual income of 50 million won or more had a statistically significant OR of 0.51(95% CI 0.28-0.91), education level of high school and above had an OR of 0.45(95% CI 0.32-0.63), and engaging in physical exercise had an OR of 0.61(95% CI 0.42-0.89). Conclusions: The factors related to self perceived health status were identified as sex, smoking, cultivation type, presence of symptoms after pesticide exposure, annual income, education level, and exercise status. The significance of this study lies in providing foundational data for the development of health management programs for farmers.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.196-210
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of Syzygium aromaticum L. and Sorbus commixta Hedl. (SS) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The extracts of Syzygium aromaticum extract (SA) and Sorbus commixta extract (SC) were prepared individually using distilled water. They were mixed in a 1:2 ratio for use in the experiment. To assess the anti-obesity potential of SS in vitro, we examined cell proliferation, cellular triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels, as well as lipogenesis and β-oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells. To confirm its anti-obesity potential in vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. SA alone, SC alone, and their combination compound, SS (at a dosage of 200 mg/kg) were orally administered for 6 weeks. Thereafter, to conduct a comparative evaluation, serum analysis, western blotting of liver tissues, and histopathological analysis were performed. Results: Both SS200 and SS400 significantly inhibited the cellular TG and TC contents in the 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with SS (at a dose 200 and 400 ㎍/mL) also led to a noticeable regulation of key lipogenic and β-oxidation factors. Treatment of obese mice with SS resulted in a greater reduction in serum leptin and TG levels compared to treatment with the individual compounds (SA and SC). Furthermore, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α by SS treatment resulted in the suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)-1, leading to the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that SS may have the potential to prevent obesity through a reduction in the TG and TC levels and regulation of lipogenesis and β-oxidation.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.185-195
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• 2006

Purpose: This study investigated the status of radiation exposure doses since the establishment of the "Regulations on Safety Management of Diagnostic Radiation Generation Device" in January 6, 1995. Method: The level of radiation exposure in people engaged or having been engaged in radiation-related industries of inspection organizations, educational organizations, military units, hospitals, public health centers, businesses, research organizations or clinics over a 5 year period from Jan. 1, 2000 to Dec. 31, 2004 was measured. The 149,205 measurement data of 57,136 workers registered in a measurement organization were analysed in this study. Frequency analysis, a Chi-square test, Chi-square trend test, and ANOVA was used for data analysis. Results: Among 57,136, men were 40,870(71.5%). 50.3% of them were radiologic technologists, otherwise medical doctors(22.7%), nurse(2.9%) and others(24.1%). The average of depth radiation and surface radiation during the 5-year period were found to decrease each year. Both the depth radiation and surface radiation exposure were significantly higher in males, in older age groups, in radiological technologists of occupation. The departments of nuclear medicine had the highest exposure of both depth and surface radiation of the divisions of labor. There were 1.98 and 2.57 per 1,000 person-year were exposed more than 20 mSv(limit recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection) in depth and surface radiation consequently. Conclusion: The total exposure per worker was siginifcantly decreased by year. But Careful awareness is needed for the workers who exposed over 20 mSv per year. In order to minimize exposure to radiation, each person engaged in a radiation-related industry must adhere to the individual safety management guidelines more thoroughly. In addition, systematic education and continuous guidance aimed at increasing the awareness of safety must be provided.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2010

Purpose: Simulation using computed tomography (CT) is now widely available for radiation treatment planning for breast cancer. It is an important tool to help define the tumor target and normal tissue based on anatomical features of an individual patient. In Korea, most patients have small sized breasts and the purpose of this study was to review the margin of treatment field between conventional two-dimensional (2D) planning and CT based three-dimensional (3D) planning in patients with small breasts. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients with early breast cancer undergoing breast conservation therapy were selected. All patients underwent 3D CT based planning with a conventional breast tangential field design. In 2D planning, the treatment field margins were determined by palpation of the breast parenchyma (In general, the superior: base of the clavicle, medial: midline, lateral: mid - axillary line, and inferior margin: 2 m below the inframammary fold). In 3D planning, the clinical target volume (CTV) ought to comprise all glandular breast tissue, and the PTV was obtained by adding a 3D margin of 1 cm around the CTV except in the skin direction. The difference in the treatment field margin and equivalent field size between 2D and 3D planning were evaluated. The association between radiation field margins and factors such as body mass index, menopause status, and bra size was determined. Lung volume and heart volume were examined on the basis of the prescribed breast radiation dose and 3D dose distribution. Results: The margins of the treatment field were smaller in the 3D planning except for two patients. The superior margin was especially variable (average, 2.5 cm; range, -2.5 to 4.5 cm; SD, 1.85). The margin of these targets did not vary equally across BMI class, menopause status, or bra size. The average irradiated lung volume was significantly lower for 3D planning. The average irradiated heart volume did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: The use of 3D CT based planning reduced the radiation field in early breast cancer patients with small breasts in relation to conventional planning. Though a coherent definition of the breast is needed, CT-based planning generated the better plan in terms of reducing the irradiation volume of normal tissue. Moreover it was possible that 3D CT based planning showed better CTV coverage including postoperative change.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1994

When cells are exposed to low doses of a mutagenic or clastogenic agents. they often become less sensitive to the effects of a higher dose administered subsequently. Such adaptive responses were first described in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells to low doses of an alkylating agent. Since most of the studies have been carried out with human lymphocytes, it is urgently necessary to study this effect in different cellular systems. Its relation with inherent cellular radiosensitivity and underlying mechanism also remain to be answered. In this study, adaptive response by 1 cGy of gamma rays was investigated in three human lymphoblastoid cell lines which were derived from ataxia telangiectasia homozygote, ataxia telangiectasia heterozygote, and normal individual. Experiments were carried out by delivering 1 cGy followed by 50 cGy of gamma radiation and chromatid breaks were scored as an endpoint. The results indicate that prior exposure to 1 cGy of gamma rays reduces the number of chromatid breaks induced by subsequent higher dose (50 cGy), The expression of this adaptive response was similar among three cell lines despite of their different radiosensitivity. When 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, was added after 50 cGy, adaptive responses were abolished in all the tested cell lines. Therefore it is suggested that the adaptive response can be observed in human lymphoblastoid cell lines, which was first documented through this study. The expression of adaptive response was similar among the cell lines regardless of their radiosensitivity. The elimination of the adaptive response by 3-aminobenzamide is consistent with the proposal that this adaptive response is the result of the induction of a certain chromosomal repair mechanism.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 1995

Two-day-old chickens{\;}and{\;}mallards were orally inoculated with one of % doses varying from $2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^2{\;}to{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^6$ of C. bailevi oocysts per individual. Generally, the more oocysts Inoculated were, the longer the patent periods were, and the more oocysts shedding were. Meanwhile increasing the inoculative dose, the prepatent periods were shortened except that mallards inoculated with $2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^2and{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^3$ oocysts foiled to produce the oocysts. The more parasites involving oocysts appeared from the chicken in comparison to the mallard. In the chickens challenged with a single dose of $2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^6$ oocysts, a small number of oocysts were detected from feces on days 4-14 after challenge infection (ACI) in all of carrageenan administered groups and in the control groups inoculated with $2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^2{\;}and{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^3$ oocysts. In the mallards, a few oocysts were also recognized on days 5-15 ACI in all of carrageenan treated groups and in the control groups inoculated with $2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^2,{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^3{\;}and{\;}2{\;}{\times}{\;}10^4$ oocysts. Just prior to challenge infection, phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages (Me) and the number of peripheral Mc in both birds were significantly decreased in the carrageenan treated groups as compared to the control groups. Mild challenge inection in both birds denoted that the immunogenicity of C. bailelli to the birds was very strong, despite MB blocker carrageenan administration.