• Title/Summary/Keyword: long term study

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Growth and Population Dynamics of Zostera marina Due to Changes in Sediment Composition in the Seomjin Estuary, Korea (퇴적물 성상 변화에 따른 섬진강 하구 거머리말의 생장 특성)

  • kim, Jeong Bae;Park, Jung-Im;Lee, Won-Chan;Lee, Kun-Seop
    • The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.43-52
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    • 2015
  • The growth and population dynamics of eelgrass (Zostera marina) due to changes in sediment composition were examined in the lower intertidal zone of the Seomjin Estuary, Korea. We surveyed environmental factors such as water temperature, underwater irradiance, main types and organic content of sediment, tidal exposure, and nutrient concentrations in the water column and sediment pore water, in relation to the shoot density, biomass, morphological characteristics, and growth of Z. marina inhabiting lower intertidal zones. The survey was conducted monthly from May to December of 2004 and 2009. The water temperature showed obvious seasonal trends in both study years. Underwater irradiance was significantly higher in 2009 than in 2004. Tidal exposure was not significantly different between 2004 and 2009. The sediment was muddy-sand in 2004 but became sandy and with a significantly lower organic content in 2009. Water column $NH_4{^+}$ concentrations were significantly higher in 2004 than in 2009. Sediment pore water $NO_3{^-}+NO_2{^-}$ concentrations were significantly higher in 2009 than in 2004. Other nutrient concentrations did not differ significantly between 2004 and 2009. Morphological characteristics, including eelgrass length and leaf width were significantly lower in 2009 than in 2004. Eelgrass shoot height, leaf length, and sheath length showed typical seasonal patterns, increasing in early summer and decreasing in autumn, in both years. Vegetative shoot density was not significantly different between 2004 and 2009, while the biomass of individual plant parts and the total biomass were significantly lower in 2009. Eelgrass leaf productivity did not differ between years, but leaf turnover time was significantly shorter in 2009 than in 2004. Eelgrass downsizing and decreased turnover time in 2009 compared to 2004 indicate more effective adaptations to the stress of long-term changes in sediment composition. Overall, results suggest that changes in sediment composition can be a limiting factor for seagrass growth in the intertidal zone.

BTEX Exposure and its Health Effects in Pregnant Women Following the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (허베이 스피릿호 유류유출사고 지역 산모의 BTEX 노출과 건강영향)

  • Kim, Byung-Mi;Park, Eun-Kyo;LeeAn, So-Young;Ha, Mi-Na;Kim, Eun-Jung;Kwon, Ho-Jang;Hong, Yun-Chul;Jeong, Woo-Chul;Hur, Jong-Il;Cheong, Hae-Kwan;Yi, Jong-Heop;Kim, Jong-Ho;Lee, Bo-Eun;Seo, Ju-Hee;Chang, Moon-Hee;Ha, Eun-Hee
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.42 no.2
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    • pp.96-103
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    • 2009
  • Objectives : We evaluated the health effects of exposure to BTEX(Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m,p-Xylene, o-Xylene) in the Taean area after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Methods : We used a questionnaire survey to look for health effects among 80 pregnant women 2 to 3 months following the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Their BTEX exposures were estimated using the CALPUFF method. We then used a multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effects of BTEX exposure on the women s health effets. Results : Pregnant women who lived near the accident site reported more symptoms of eye irritation and headache than those who lived farther from the site. There was a trend of decreasing symptoms with an increase in distance from the spill site. Pregnant women exposed to higher ambient cumulative levels of Xylene were significantly more likely to report symptoms of the skin(OR 8.01 95% CI=1.74-36.76) in the first day after the accident and significantly more likely to report abdominal pain(OR 3.86 95% CI=1.02-14.59 for Ethylbenzene, OR 6.70 95% CI=1.82-24.62 for Xylene) during the 1st through 4th days following the accident. Conclusions : This study suggests that exposure to BTEX from an oil spill is correlated with an increased risk of health effects among pregnant women. This implies the need to take proper measures, including the development of a national policy for environmental health emergencies and a plan for studying the short- and long-term chronic health effects associated with such spills.

Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy and Oral Steroid Therapy in Children with IgA Nephropathy and HSP Nephritis Combined with Proteinuria (단백뇨를 동반한 IgA 신병증 및 HSP 신염을 가진 소아에서 메틸프레드니솔론 충격요법과 경구 스테로이드 요법의 비교)

  • Ahn, Ji Young;Moon, Jung Eun;Hwang, Young Ju;Choi, Bong Seok;Ko, Cheol Woo;Cho, Min Hyun
    • Childhood Kidney Diseases
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.24-28
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of methylprednisolone pulse therapy in children with IgA nephropathy and Henoch- Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein Purpura (HSP) nephritis combined with proteinuria. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 21 patients who were diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and HSP nephritis based on percutaneous renal biopsy. Of the 21 patients, 15 were diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and 6 were diagnosed with HSP nephritis. They had mild to severe proteinuria at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up. Group 1 (n=7) received methylprednisolone pulse therapy three times every couple of months, and Group 2 (n=14) received oral steroid therapy. The follow-up periods for Group 1 and 2 were 14.0 (9-54) months and 26.5 (14-34) months, respectively. There was no significant difference in the follow-up duration between the two groups. Results: The average age at diagnosis and biopsy was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2, but it was not significantly different. At admission, all patients in both groups had hematuria and 5 patients (71.4%) of Group 1 and 14 patients (100 %) of Group 2 had proteinuria. Before treatment, there was no significant difference of spot urine protein/creatinine ratio between the two groups. During followup, 7 patients of Group 1 (100%) and 10 patients of Group 2 (71.4%) showed complete improvement of proteinuria and the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio in Group 1 was significantly lower than Group 2. Conclusion: In patients with IgA nephropathy and HSP nephritis with proteinuria, methylprednisolone pulse therapy was more effective than oral steroid therapy in the reduction of proteinuria. To investigate the effects on long-term prognosis, large-scale prospective studies are needed.

Clinical Analysis of the Early Result of Coronary Artery bypass Graft (관상동맥 우회로술 154예이 조기 임상 결과)

  • Song Chang Min;Ahn Jae Bum;Kim Woo Shik;Shin Yong Chul;Yoo Hwan Kook;Kim Byung Yul;Kim In-Sub
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.38 no.7 s.252
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    • pp.476-482
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    • 2005
  • Recently, coronary artery obstructive disease and coronary artery bypass graft surgery have increased, and the operative result has been improved. We reviewed 154 cases of coronary artery bypass graft surgery from Jan. 1985 to Jun. 2004. Material and Method: We reviewed 148 patients, 154 cases of coronary artery bypass surgery from Jan. 1985 to Jun. 2004. This investigation is designed to illustrate the preoperative diagnosis, severity of disease, operative method, the kind of used bypass graft used, number of distal anasomosis, associated surgery, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Result: There were 84 males, 64 females and the average age was $58.9\pm8.3$ years old. Preoperative clinical diagnosis were unstable angina in 97 cases $(63.0\%)$, stable angina in 31 cases $(20.1\%)$, acute myocardial infarction in 12 cases $(7.8\%)$ and postinfartion angina in 14 cases $(9.1\%)$. Preoperative angiographic diagnosis were three-vessel disease in 68 $(44.2\%)$, two-vessel disease in 39 $(25.3\%)$, one-vessel disease in 35$(22.7\%)$, and left main disease in 12$(7.8\%)$ cases. There were 78 cases of on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 76 cases of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The total distal anastomoses number was 319, mean number of anastomoses was $2.06\pm0.96$. There were 10 concomitant procedures. Postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 21$(13.6\%)$ cases, but only 4 cases were used at off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Total early mortality was $7.8\%$. The mortality was decreased as $4.5\%$ from Jan. 2001 to Jun. 2004. Post operative complication was perioperative yocardial infarction in 9cases$(5.8\%)$, low cardiac output syndrome in 17 cases$(11\%)$, and arrhythmia in 30 cases$(19.5\%)$ cases. Conclusion: Since 1985, The result of coronary artery bypass graft surgery has been improved because of more refined technique, use of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, use of internal thoracic artery and radial artery as bypass graft. We should study the long-term follow up more for better operative results.

Animal Experiments on an Antithrombogenic Small-Caliber Vascular Prostheses and Vascualr Patch : Observation in Canine Models (항혈전성 소구경 인조 혈관 및 봉합편에 대한 동물 실험)

  • 김수철;김원곤;유세영
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.63-72
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    • 2003
  • Although a variety of synthetic vascular grafts are available in modern vascular surgery, no ideal prosthesis ha,4 yet been developed. Small-caliber vascular grafts with low flow, as used in the lower extremity, continue to become thrombosed at unacceptable rates. We have developed and evaluated the new antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces in canine model. Material and Method: Two now antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces(Polyvinylalcohol -Polyurethane(PVA-PU) blend and natural Graphite-polyurethane(G-PU) blend) have been developed and evaluated in canine model, using vascular grafts and patches. The luminal surfaces of the test vascular grafts(5 mm ID) were fabricated by dipping a glass rod in PVA-PU blend solution(50 % PVA) using phase separation method. Mongrel dogs of either sex weighing 18-22 kg were anesthetized by endotracheal intubation using halothane and their lungs were ventilated with a volume-cycled ventilator, Maintenance anesthesia with 0.5-1.0% halothane and supplemental oxygen was used. Two pairs were used for comparison in the bilateral femoral arteries for both vascular grafts(PVA-PU vs. PU) and vascular patches(G-PU vs. PU). Bilateral groin incisions were made and the arteries were exposed and clamped. After an excision of 1 cm of the artery between clamps, a grail of 2.5 cm in length was implanted end-to-end using 6-0 polypropylene suture. The vascular patch was implanted as a form of on-lay patch. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 weeks for vascular grafts and 1, 2. 4 and 6 weeks for vascular patches. Result The vascular grafts of PVA-PU blends showed patent lumina in the 2 and 16 weeks animals, while those of PU showed a patent lumen in 2 weeks animal. PVA-PU graft of 16 weeks showed a fairly clean luminal surface. A light microscopic finding of this graft demonstrated good tissue infiltration through porosity, The animals with vascular patches showed patent arteries in both groups except 2 weeks animal. Scanning electron microscopy of the luminal surfaces of G-PU patches in 4 and 6 weeks animals showed endothelial cell covering with microvilli. PU patches showed qualitatively less endothelial cell covering. Conclusion: In conclusion, PVA-PU and G-PU blends can be a promising blood contacting surfaces for application in a synthetic vascualr graft. However, further animal study is needed to determine the real long-term effects of these methods of surface modifications.

Effect of Film Layers and Storing Period on the Fermentation Quality of Whole Crop Barley Silage (청보리 사일리지의 비닐겹수 및 저장기간에 따른 발효품질)

  • Song, Tae-Hwa;Park, Tae-Il;Park, Hyong-Ho;Yoon, Chang;Kim, Yang-Kil;Park, Jong-Chul;Kang, Chon-Sik;Son, Jae-Han;Kim, Kyong-Ho;Cheong, Young-Keun;Oh, Young-Jin
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.35 no.1
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    • pp.6-11
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    • 2015
  • This study was undertaken to characterize feed value and silage quality according to storage period and film layers for whole-crop barley silage. The crude protein (CP) content increased in all silage during the storage periods compared to those before silage, this content slightly increased over the prolonged storage period but it was not significant (p>0.05). Depending on the film layers of silage, 6 layers were higher than 4 layers. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents also increased in all silage during storage periods compared to those before silage (P<0.05), but they were maintained at similar levels during the storage period. Depending on the film layers of silage, 6 layers were higher than 4 layers. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) content decreased in all silage during the storage periods. However, it was maintained at a similar level for the duration of each storage period. Depending on the film layers of silage, 6 layers were lower than 4 layers. The pH value was decreased during the prolonged storage period and depending on the film layers, 6 layers were lower than 4 layers. In the organic acid contents during the prolonged storage period, lactic acid increased, acetic acid was lower, and butyric acid was significantly higher (p<0.05). Depending on the film layers, 6 layers showed higher levels of lactic acid and lower levels of butyric acid (p<0.05). Therefore, these results showed that 6 layer wrapping was advantageous for long term storage of whole crop barley silage, while also indicating that it is desirable to use 4 layer wrapping within a six month period.

Using Trophic State Index (TSI) Values to Draw Inferences Regarding Phytoplankton Limiting Factors and Seston Composition from Routine Water Quality Monitoring Data (영양상태지수 (trophic state index)를 이용한 수체 내 식물플랑크톤 제한요인 및 seston조성의 유추)

  • Havens, Karl E
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.33 no.3 s.91
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    • pp.187-196
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    • 2000
  • This paper describes a simple method that uses differences among Carlson's (1977) trophic state index (TSI) values based on total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a (CHL) and Secchi depth (SD) to draw inferences regarding the factors that are limiting to phytoplankton growth and the composition of lake seston. Examples are provided regarding seasonal and spatial patterns in a large subtropical lake (Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA) and inter- and intra-lake variations from a multilake data set developed from published studies. Once an investigator has collected routine water quality data and established TSI values based on TP, CHL, and SD, a number of inferences can be made. Additional information can be provided where it also is possible to calculate a TSI based on total nitrogen (TN). Where TSI (CHL)<>TSI (SD), light attenuating particles are large (large filaments or colonies of algae), and the phytoplankton may be limited by zooplankton grazing. Other limiting conditions are inferred by different relationships between the TSI values. Results of this study indicate that the analysis is quite robust, and that it generally gives good agreement with conclusions based on more direct methods (e.g., nutrientaddition bioassays, zooplankton size data, zooplankton removal experiments). The TSI approach, when validated periodically with these more costly and time-intensive methods, provides an effective, low cost method for tracking long-term changes in pelagic structure and function with potential value in monitoring lake ecology and responses to management.

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Trophic State Characteristics in Topjeong Reservoir and Their Relations among Major Quality Parameters (탑정저수지의 부영양화 특성 및 주요 변수 간의 상호관계)

  • Park, Yu-Mi;Lee, Eui-Haeng;Lee, Sang-Jae;An, Kwang-Guk
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.382-393
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    • 2009
  • The objectives of this study were to characterize long-term annual and seasonal trophic state of Topjeong Reservoir using conventional variables of Trophic State Index (TSI) and to determine the empirical relations between the trophic parameters. For the analysis, we used water quality dataset of 1995$\sim$2007, which is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea and the number of parameters was 9. Annual ambient mean values of TN and TP were 1.78 mg $L^{-1}$ and 0.03 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and TN : TP ratios averaged 76, indicating that this system was nitrogen-rich hypertrophic, and was probably phosphorus-limitation for algal growth. Therefore, nitrogen varied little with seasons and years, and total phosphorus (TP) varied depending on season and year. Monsoon dilutions of TP occurred in August and monthly fluctuations of suspended solid (SS) was similar to those of chlorophyll-$\alpha$ (CHL). Annual mean values of BOD and $COD_{Mn}$ were 1.61 mg $L^{-1}$ and 4.23 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and the interannual values were directly influenced by the intensity of annual rainfall. There were no significant differences in the trophic variables between the two sampling sites. Mean values of Trophic State Index (TSI, Carlson, 1977), based on TN, TP, CHL, and SD (Secchi depth), turned out as eutrophic state, except for the TN (hypertrophic). Regression analyses of log-transformed seasonal CHL against TP and TN showed that variation of the CHL was explained 37% by the variation of TP ($R^2$=0.37, p<0.001, r=0.616), but not by TN ($R^2$=0.03, p>0.05). Regression coefficient of $Log_{10}$CHL vs $Log_{10}SD$ was 0.330 (p<0.003, r=0.580), indicating that transparency is regulated by the organic matter in the system. Results, data suggest that one of the ways controlling the eutrophication would be a reduction of phosphorus from the watershed.

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Rice Stored in an Unused Tunnel (폐터널 저장 쌀의 이화학적 및 관능적 특성)

  • Moon, Gap-Soon;Kim, Mi-Jeong;Jin, Myung-Hee;Kim, Su-Yeon;Park, So-Young;Ryu, Bog-Mi
    • Korean journal of food and cookery science
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.220-228
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    • 2010
  • This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of an unused tunnel as a rice storage place. The physicochemical changes of rice grains were investigated during 8-months of storage in the tunnel located at Kyungnam province, Korea. Two kinds of tunnel stored rices, NP(rice grown with no pesticides) and LP(rice grown with less pesticides) were compared with $5^{\circ}C$ stored rice as a control. The peroxidase activities, as an index of freshness of rice grains, gradually decreased and NP appeared to be fresher than LP. Whiteness, grain wholeness, and chalkyness were less desirable for the tunnel stored rice than the control, with no significant difference of physicochemical properties, including the broken, damaged, colored rice, and contents of moisture, protein, and amylose. Palatability dropped below 70 in all three groups at later phase. The sensory evaluation showed that overall preference was slightly higher for the control but not significantly different from the other two groups. From all the evidences shown, unused tunnels may be an effective place for a long-term rice storage, since the average temperature inside the tunnel was maintained very constantly around $14.3^{\circ}C$ and relative humidity was optimal for rice storage, especially during spring and summer seasons.

Angiotensinogen M235T Polymorphism in Children with $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ Purpura Nephritis ($Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ Purpura 신염에서 Angiotensinogen M235T 유전자 다형성)

  • Ha Chang-Woo;Joo Hee-Jung;Park Ji-Kyoung;Chung Woo-Yeong
    • Childhood Kidney Diseases
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.10-17
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    • 2004
  • Purpose : $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ purpura(HSP) nephritis has a variable range of prevalence from 25 to 50% among HSP patients and is a common cause of chronic glomerulonephritis in children. In our study, we evaluated the distribution and the association of the angioten-sinogen(AGT) M235T polymorphism with the clinical manifestations, particularly proteinuria in children with HSP with or without nephritis. Methods : The AGT M235T polymorphism was determined in children with HSP nephritis (n=33) or HSP without nephritis(n=28) who had been diagnosed at Busan Paik hospital from January 1996 to June 2001. The M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene was determined by PCR amplification of the genomic DNA. Results : The M235T polymorphism of AGT gene frequency was MM 75%, MT : 25%, TT : 0% in HSP and MM : 64%, MT : 36%, TT : 0% in HSP nephritis, there was no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. No significant differences in clinical manifestations at onset and last follow-up were seen between the two genotypes. When statistical analysis was done according to the presence of the M allele, the amount of 24-hour urinary protein excretion and the incidence of moderate to heavy proteinuria(>500 $mg/m^2/day$) at onset and at last follow-up were higher in the MT genotype than in those of in the MM genotype but these difference were not statistically significant. Conclusion : We suggest a lack of association between M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene and clinical manifestations in children with HSP nephritis. However, further follow-up studies based on sufficient number of patients and long term follow up periods are necessary to confirm the role of M235T polymorphism of AGT gene in children with HSP nephritis.

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