• 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.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2009

Objectives : To assess the protective effects of wearing protective devices among the residents and volunteers who participated in the cleanup of the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Methods : A total of 288 residents and 724 volunteers were surveyed about symptoms, whether they were wearing protective devices and potential confounding variables. The questionnaires were administered from the second to the sixth week following the accident. Spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for metabolites of 4 volatile organic compounds(VOCs), 2 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), and 6 heavy metals. The association between the wearing of protective devices and various symptoms was assessed using a multiple logistic regression adjusted for confounding variables. A multiple generalized linear regression model adjusted for the covariates was used to test for a difference in least-square mean concentration of urinary biomarkers between residents who wore protective devices and those who did not. Results : Thirty nine to 98% of the residents and 62-98% of volunteers wore protective devices. Levels of fatigue and fever were higher among residents not wearing masks than among those who did wear masks(odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval 1.23-19.86). Urinary mercury levels were found to be significantly higher among residents not wearing work clothes or boots(p<0.05). Conclusions : Because the survey was not performed during the initial high-exposure period, no significant difference was found in metabolite levels between people who wore protective devices and those who did not, except for mercury, whose biological half-life is more than 6 weeks.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.513-518
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• 2009

Purpose: Integration of the functional information of myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) and the morphoanatomical information of coronary CT angiography (CTA) may provide useful additional diagnostic information of the spatial relationship between perfusion defects and coronary stenosis. We studied to know the added value of three dimensional cardiac SPECT/CTA fusion imaging (fusion image) by comparing between fusion image and MPS. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients (M:F=26:22, Age: $63.3{\pm}10.4$ years) with a reversible perfusion defect on MPS (adenosine stress/rest SPECT with Tc-99m sestamibi or tetrofosmin) and CTA were included. Fusion images were molded and compared with the findings from the MPS. Invasive coronary angiography served as a reference standard for fusion image and MPS. Results: Total 144 coronary arteries in 48 patients were analyzed; Fusion image yielded the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis per coronary artery 82.5%, 79.3%, 76.7% and 84.6%, respectively. Respective values for the MPS were 68.8%, 70.7%, 62.1% and 76.4%. And fusion image also could detect more multi-vessel disease. Conclusion: Fused three dimensional volume-rendered SPECT/CTA imaging provides intuitive convincing information about hemodynamic relevant lesion and could improved diagnostic accuracy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2003

To investigate the entrapping behavior of blue crab, rock shell and green ling, which are mainly caught with the other trap nets in the coastal area of Yellow Sea, by the using duration of trap nets through the water tank experiment. We select the three kinds of trap nets which have different using duration such as new, 6 months and 12 months used one, and observe the entrapping ratio into the trap nets, respectively. In the mean while, in order to obtain the basic data for the estimate of mesh selectivity of the other trap nets, the entrapping behavior into the trap nets for green ling which has high activity compared to blue crab and rock shell, are examined to the three kinds of mesh size (35mm, 50mm and 65mm). The results are as follows ; 1. The mean entrapping ratio of blue crab by the using duration of trap nets in high with 4.4 fishes (44.0%) in the 6 months used one, become lower with 2.9 fishes (28.0%) in the new one, and with 2.0 fishes (20.0%) in the 12 months used one. 2. The mean entrapping ratio of rock shell by the using duration of trap nets in high with 7.3 fishes (36.7%) in the new one, and become lower with 7.2 fishes (35.8%) in the 6 months used one, and with 5.7 fishes (28.3%) in the 12 months used one. 3. The mean entrapping ratio of green ling by the using duration of trap nets in high with 3.4 fishes (34.0%) in the 6 months used one, and become lower with 3.0 fishes (30.0%) in the new one, and with 2.8 fishes (28.0%) in the 12 months used one. 4. The mean residual ratio of green ling by the mesh size of trap nets is high with 2.4 fishes (24.0%) in the 35mm mesh size, and become lower with 2.2 fishes (22.0%) in the 50mm mesh size and 2.0 fishes (20.0%) in the 65mm mesh size.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.142-149
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) compared with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the total white blood cell count (WBC) in predicting bacterial infections in febrile infants<6 months of age. Methods : A prospective study was performed with infants <6 months of age who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics with a fever of uncertain source between July and September 2008. Spinal taps were performed according to clinical symptoms and physical examination. Serum PCT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results : Seventy-one infants (mean age, 2.62 months) were studied. Twenty-six infants (36.6%) had urinary tract infections (UTIs), and 22 infants (31.0%) had viral meningitis. The remaining infants had acute pharyngitis (n=1), herpangina (n=1), upper respiratory tract infections (n=7), acute bronchiolitis (n=8), acute gastroenteritis (n=4), and bacteremia (n=2). The median WBC and CRP levels were significantly higher in infants with UTIs than in infants with viral meningitis. However, there were no differences in the median PCT levels between the groups (0.14 ng/mL vs. 0.11 ng/mL, P=0.419). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.792 (95% CI, 0.65-0.896) for WBC, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.626-0.879) for CRP, and 0.568 (95% CI, 0.417-0.710) for PCT. An elevated WBC count (>11,920/${\mu}L$) and an increased CRP level (>1.06mg/dL) were significant predictors of UTIs based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion : Serum PCT concentrations should be interpreted with caution in infants <6 months of age with a fever of uncertain source.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 1995

Acetolactate synthase activity inhibition and herbicidal activities were investigated with 2 sulfonylureas [chlorsulfuron{2-chloro-N-{{(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) amino} carboxyl} benzenesulfonamide}, metsulfuron-methyl{methyl-2{{{{(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino}carbonyl}amino}sulfonyl}benzoic acid}, and 2 imidazoli-nones [imazethapyr{2-{4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl}-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylicacid}, imazaquin{2-{4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl}-3-quinoline carboxylic acid} herbicides. A broad weeding spectrum was observed with the treated herbicides at low application rates. Both corn(Zea mays L.) and sorghum(Sorghum bicolor Moench) were very sensitive to the two herbicide groups. Although legumes, such as soybean(Glycine max Merr.), clover(Trifolium repense L.), and indian jointvetch(Aeschnomene indica L.) were sensitive to the sulfonylureas, they were tolerant to the imidazolinones. On the contrary, wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) and barley(Hoderum sativum Jess.) showed the reverse responses of the legumes to the two herbicide groups. Quackgrass(Agropyron repens(L.) P. Beauv.). however, was commonly tolerant to the two herbicide groups. Degrees of crop injury and acetolactate synthase inhibition also varied with the crops examined. The 50% inhibition concentrations of sulfonylureas on acetolactate synthase in vitro activity($IC_{50}$) from corn, wheat, and soybean did not relate to the greenhouse herbicidal activities ($GI_{50}$). With chlorsulfuron, for example, wheat had more than 100 times higher $GI_{50}$ than corn and soybean, but the $IC_{50}$ was 4 to 10 times lower. Similar observation was made with metsulfuron-methyl. However, closer relationships between $IC_{50}$ and $GI_{50}$ were found with the imidazolinones. When imazethapyr was applied, the order of $GI_{50}$ values against com, wheat, and soybean was the same as that of $IC_{50}$.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.151-160
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• 1998

Purpose: Piccolo et al. advocated the usefulness of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP breast scan in differential diagnosis of breast mass with high accuracy. But there are little or no follow-up studies about it as we know. We studied $^{99m}Tc$-MDP uptake pattern and lesion/background ratio in patients complaining palpable breast lesions to evaluate the clinical usefulness of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan. Materials and Methods: Total 34 patients were studied with physical examination, mammo-gram and $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan prospectively. Anteroposterior and both lateral view of breast were obtained 5 minutes after iv injection of 740 MBq $^{99m}Tc$-MDP. Breast uptake pattern of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP was analyzed by a grade system: 0=no uptake, grade 1=bilateral diffuse uptake, grade 2=asymmetric faint uptake, grade 3=focal hot uptake. 20 cases were pathologically confirmed by excision biopsy or aspiration biopsy. 14 cases were normal in physical examination and mammogram. Results: Pathologic results showed 7 carcinomas, 6 benign solid tumors, and 7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 3 pattern of $^{99m}Tc$-MDP uptake was noted in 4/7 carcinomas, 3/6 benign solid tumors, and 1/7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 2 pattern was 217, 0/7, 3/7 respectively. The average L/B ratio was 1.66 in carcinomas, 1.68 in benign solid masses, 1.20 in fibrocystic diseases, 1.05 in normal patients. L/B ratio was higher in carcinoma and benign mass groups than in fibrocystic change and normal control groups(p=0.005). But there was no statistical difference between L/B ratio of malignant mass group and benign mass group. Conclusion: $^{99m}Tc$-MDP scan is not suitable to routine clinical use for breast mass diagnosis. It might be used in limited conditions when whole body bone scan is planned.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2001

Scutellaria baicalensis G. was cultivated in plots of different soil textures which were sand loam(SL), loam(L) and clay loam(CL). Also three fertilizer conditions were used; non application (NA)treatment, rice straw manure(RSM) treatment and N-P-K, chemical fertilization(CF) treatment. The chemical-physical properties, such as organic matter, available phosphate, $K_2O$, CaO, clay contents and porosity ratio in CL plot with RSM application were the most proper in CL plot and RSM application for the culture of S. baicalensis plants. RSM had very high contents of total nitrogen, 2.25% and C/N ratios, 21.4. Thus the growth of shoot and root in loam plot with RSM treatment were greater compared to that of CL plot with NA treatment. Whereas, The highest baicalin, baicalein and wogonin contents in roots were found in CL plot with RSM treatment. There was significantly positive correlation between aerial and underground parts of plant, yield and contents of T-N, $K_2O$ but negatively correlated with the contents of baicalin, baicalein and wogonin in S. baicalensis roots.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.583-594
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey on the senses that preliminary dental hygienists have on employment, who applied for the National Dental Hygienist Examination, so that it could provide a basic reference required for fostering good human resources specializing in oral health with a sense of mission and responsibility as professional. To meet these goals, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted for participants in a refresher education meeting for preliminary dental hygienists across three major regions(Seoul, Daejeon and Busan), which was held by the Korean Dental Hygienists Association(KDHA) on Jan. 15, 2006. Total 289 sheets of questionnaire were collected, and 262 sheets except invalid or incomplete ones were used for examination and analysis. As a result, this study came to the following conclusions: First, it was found that 40.4% respondents wanted to be employed in dental clinic or hospital. Most respondents(90.1%) answered that faithfulness is most valued as prerequisite qualification for employment in hospital, and highest percentage of respondents(39.3%) wanted to earn 16 to 17 million Korean won annually. For internship opportunities, 61.9% respondents replied that they could willingly accept the internship, provided that basic pay and switchover to regular employee are all assured. Second, as the results of survey on employment circumstances around respondents, it was found that most respondents(58.3%) were employed in dental clinic or hospital, and highest percentage of respondents(35.0%) earned 15 to 16 million Korean won. Third, it was found that interpersonal relationships among employees had most significant effects(4.81) on selection of employment, which was followed by in-house welfare benefits 1(monthly/annual vacation, resting room, etc; 4.56). For possible influential factors on the selection of employment depending on whether employed or not, it was found that there were Significant differences in pay, welfare benefit 2(seminar, orientation, refresher training opportunities, etc), post-wedding continued employment and merit system between employees and non-employees(pE0.05). Fourth, the survey on respondents' occupational senses of dental hygienist showed that major tasks of dental hygienists were represented by oral disease prevention(92.6%), case management(71.5%), oral health education(66.3%), hospital/clinic management and dental management support(10.4%) and public oral health activities(6.7%) respectively. For job satisfaction, it was found that almost half respondents(48.9%) showed satisfaction at their job and 32.6% felt satisfied at and proud of their job. That is, majority of respondents(81.5%) felt satisfied at their job as dental hygienist. For follow-up requirements to qualify for dental hygienists, it was found that 73.3% felt it necessary to give more investments to self-development, 62.2% respondents considered protection of membership's rights as one of future assignments that KDHA should be more committed to. For future social awareness about dental hygienists as occupation, 69.2% respondents expected that they would be better developed and treated as professional. And desired training courses as a part of qualification for professional dental hygienists were represented by case management(services, manners, etc; 33.3%), implant(28.9%), esthetics(correction, prosthesis, whitening; 18.9%) and so on. For an item on working years, it was noted that 75.9% respondents would keep working as dental hygienists as long as they could.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.578-585
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• 2010

The purpose of this research was to estimate dietary sodium exposure and to determine the sodium contents of school lunches in Incheon and Gangwon. In this study, we collected 1,334 samples from 8 elementary schools and 8 middle schools for 15 days. The average lunch intakes at the elementary and middle schools were $381.2{\pm}73.8g$ and $460.4{\pm}81.5g$, respectively. The sodium contents of main dishes, side dishes, and desserts were $49.7{\pm}105.6$ mg/100 g, $517.2{\pm}409.2$ mg/100 g, and $135.4{\pm}195.5$ mg/100 g, respectively. The average sodium intakes through lunch at the elementary and middle schools were $863.0{\pm}291.1$ mg and $1,052.1{\pm}323.4$ mg, and average potassium intakes were $571.1{\pm}193.0$ mg and $655.8{\pm}198.4$ mg, respectively. The results of this study show that sodium intake from school lunches is about 47% of the recommended daily intake (RDI, 2,000 mg per day) established by the WHO. Therefore, it is recommended that sodium exposure be continuously monitored.