• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2022

Background: Few studies have evaluated the exposure to phthalates via inhalation of floor dust in children's living areas. Objectives: This study evaluated the concentration and exposure level of phthalates emitted from indoor floor dust in children's living areas. Methods: This study utilized the results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment in 2019. Indoor dust was collected from 150 households with children aged 3~7 and 67 daycare centers or local children's centers by using vacuum cleaners. It was analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Six types of phthalates were analyzed: Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Di-N-octyl phthalate (DNOP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Di -isodecyl phthalate (DIDP). Results: The medians of DEHP concentrations were 1,028 and 1,937 mg/kg in homes and daycare centers, respectively. The median and maximum values of daily intake were calculated by applying the median and 95th percentile values (the upper 5% of the total concentration) in dust measured in the homes. The DEHP median value was 1.6 ㎍/kg/bw/day, and a maximum A value of 7.8 ㎍/kg/bw/day was calculated. When the childcare center values were applied, the median daily intake of DEHP was 3.1 ㎍/kg/bw/day and the maximum value was 29.2 ㎍/kg/bw/day. As a result of calculating the daily intake by integrating the values of home and childcare facilities, the median and maximum values of daily intake were 1.9 and 10.9 ㎍/kg/bw/day, respectively. Conclusions: This study derives phthalate concentrations among the floor dust in homes and childcare facilities where children mainly spend time, and suggests their intake of phthalates through this. In particular, it was newly suggested that the phthalate concentrations in homes and childcare facilities are different, resulting in differences in intake.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2022.05a
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• pp.508-508
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• 2022

1973년 기상관측 이후 5년에서 7년 주기로 전국적 및 국지적 가뭄이 반복되고 있으며, 2010년을 기점으로 매년 가뭄이 발생하는 등 지역적 가뭄의 발생빈도도 증가하고 있다. 이러한 가뭄은 특히 농작물 생육 및 수확과 같은 농업 부분에서 가장 큰 영향을 미치고 있으며, 가뭄의 선제적인 대응을 위해서는 시공간적인 진행 상황이나 강도를 객관적인 기준을 통해 파악해야 한다. 가뭄의 경우 2016년 범부처 가뭄예·경보제를 시범 운영하여 2017년부터 본격적으로 시행하고 있으며, 매월 시군별 지역에 대한 농업용수의 가뭄 상황을 4단계 (관심, 주의, 경계, 심각)로 구분하여 발표하고 있다. 농업가뭄의 경우 저수지, 양수장과 같은 농업수리시설의 능력에 대한 의존도가 높아 가뭄이 발생했을 경우, 용수공급시설에서 용수공급이 가능한 물의 양을 파악하여 가용용수 능력을 평가함으로써 농업가뭄에 대응할 수 있는 정도를 파악해야 한다. 현행 농업용 저수지 물 관리 운영의 경우 과거 경험에 의존하는 실정으로 용수관리 및 물 관리자의 개인 역량에 따른 편차가 발생하고 있다. 또한, 전국 모든 농업용 저수지에 평년 저수율을 적용하여 가뭄단계를 산정하기 때문에 개별저수지의 특성을 반영하지 못하는 한계를 갖고 있다. 본 연구에서는 가뭄예·경보를 위한 농업용 저수지 저수율의 가뭄단계별 기준을 개선하고자 한국농어촌공사 관할 농업용 저수지 3,400개를 대상으로 백분위수 (Percentile)를 적용한 저수지 이수관리 기준을 제시하고자 한다. 또한, 빈도분석 및 연속이론 (Run theory)을 적용하여 과거 및 현행 가뭄 판단 및 이수관리 기준들의 가뭄에 대한 선제적 대비능력 및 민감성을 비교·분석하고자 한다.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.615-625
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• 2023

This study evaluated the bacteriological safety of seawater and abalone produced in Uisin-myeon, Jindo-gun from September 2020 to December 2022 and calculated the effect of inland pollution sources on seawater and abalone. We surveyed 33 stations for seawater, 4 stations for abalone, and 7 stations for discharge water of major inland pollutants. We analyzed the coliform group, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as bacteria indicators. In 924 seawater samples, the geometric mean of the coliform group and fecal coliform were <1.8-5.6 MPN/100 mL and <1.8-2.7 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The estimated 90^th percentile range for the coliform group and fecal coliform were <1.8-42 MPN/100 mL and <1.8-8.4 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The fecal coliform and E. coli levels for 107 abalone were <18-460 MPN/100 g and <18-78 MPN/100 g respectively. Moreover, the analyzed standard plate count was <30-7,700 CFU/g. The fecal coliform level and diffusion area in 7 inland pollutants were <1.8-3,300,000 MPN/100 mL and 2-2,500 m, respectively. The bacteriological safety of seawater and abalone in Uisin-myeon, Jindo-gun, was demonstrated to be a designated area according to Korean standards, a conditionally approved area per US standards, and Class A according to EU standards.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.31-38
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• 2023

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKAD). Between 1997, when Korea's MSUD case was first reported, and 2023, 14 cases were reported in the literature. 29% of the cases experienced developmental delay, and 29% expired. The prevalence of MSUD in Korea was estimated to be 1 in 230,000. Of 21 MSUD patients currently being treated at the Korea Genetics Research Center, 19 were detected through newborn screening program, and 2 were diagnosed by the symptoms. 14 MSUD patients had confirmed genetic mutations; 6 (43%) were BCKDHA and 8 (57%) were BCKDHB. In one case, a large deletion was observed. 4 patients had leucine levels above 2,000 (umo/L), and post-dialysis diet therapy was initiated in the newborn period. No patient required further dialysis as diet therapy and regular monitoring proved highly effective. Most MSUD patients were growing normally; weight and height growth were above the 50th percentile in 76% of the cases while BMI values were higher than normal in 71% of cases. Developmental delays were observed only in 2 cases (10%) and anticonvulsant use in 3 cases (14%). With newborn screening available to all Korean infants, early diagnosis and intervention should allow most patients to remain asymptomatic. However, ongoing surveillance, dietary management and continued patient compliance as well as rapid correction of acute metabolic decompensations remain critical to a favorable long-term prognosis.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.53.1-53.15
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• 2023

Background: Plastics are high-molecular-weight materials composed of long carbon chains. They are prevalent in daily life, present in various items such as food containers and microwavable packaging. Phthalates, an additive used to enhance their flexibility, are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We utilized the data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3, representing the general South Korean population, to investigate the relationship between the use of plastics in refrigerator food storage and phthalate exposure. Methods: We assessed 3,333 adult participants (aged ≥ 19 years) including 1,526 men and 1,807 women, using data from KoNEHS cycle 3. Using the 75th percentile concentration, urine phthalate metabolites were categorized into high and low-concentration groups. χ² test was conducted to analyze variations in the distribution of each variable, considering sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, food intake, the use of plastics, and the concentration of urine phthalate metabolites as the variables. To calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the high-concentration group of urine phthalate metabolites based on the use of plastics in refrigerator food storage, logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: In men, the use of plastics in refrigerator food storage had significantly higher adjusted ORs compared to those using the others. The adjusted ORs were calculated as follows: mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) had an OR of 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.72), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) had an OR of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.16-1.88), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) had an OR of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.04-1.66), ∑di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (∑DEHP) had an OR of 1.37 (95% CI: 1.08-1.74) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) had an OR of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.13-1.84). Conclusion: The concentrations of urine phthalate metabolites (MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, ∑DEHP, and MnBP) were significantly higher in men who used plastics in refrigerator food storage compared to those using the others.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.11
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• pp.1078-1084
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• 2007

Purpose : The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled over the last 30 years. Obesity-associated sequelae in the vasculature begins in the early stages of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate how pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) change with height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in obese adolescents. Methods : Seventy-nine obese adolescents (group 1: $85th{\leq}BMI<95th$ percentile, n=40; group 2 ($BMI{\geq}95th$ percentile, n=39) were included. The control group(group 3) included 99 healthy adolescents. Brachial- ankle (ba) PWV and ABI were estimated with blood pressure from four extremities. Heart rate (HR), and pre-ejection period/ejection time (PEP/ET) were also estimated. BMI was calculated from individual height and weight. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations between BMI and PWV. Results : Blood pressure and baPWV were significantly higher in group 2, compared to either group 1 or group 3. However, there was no significant difference in ABI, HR and PEP/ET between the groups. PWV showed linear correlation with both BMI and body weight. Conclusion : Obesity was associated with higher arterial stiffness in adolescents, which was demonstrated by an increase in PWV. There was no significant correlation between obesity and ABI.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.348-356
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• 2007

Statistical and probabilistic method was used in the analysis of data, which is the most effective one in describing the various natures, and the methodology relating the results with the design was developed. Influents and effluents of three treatment plants were analyzed and the focus was made on BOD, COD, SS, IN, TP The fluctuations of influent such as BOD, COD, SS were extremely large and their standard deviations(st.dev) were more than 10 mg/L. but those of TN, TP were small; the st.dev was 6.6 mg/L for TN, 0.6 mg/L for TP, respectively. But, effluent concentration showed consistent pattern regardless of the influent fluctuations, the st.dev was ranged between 0.28 and 4.48 mg/L. Effluent distributional characteristics were as follows; BOD, COD were distributed normally, but SS, TN, and TP, log-normally; unsymmetric and skewed to the right. The coefficient of reliability(COR) based on the results of statistics of data was introduced to evaluate the process performance an4 to reflect the process performance to the process design. The coefficient of reliability relates the design value(the goal) with the standards and it can be used in operating treatment facilities under a certain reliability level and/or in evaluating the reliability of the treatment facilities on operation. Each treated water quality of effluent showed the half of water quality standards in the level of 50% percentile and all treatment plant was achieved 100% probability of water quality standards. It was concluded that the variability of the process performance should be reflected to the design procedure and the standards through the analysis based on the statistics and the probability.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.836-843
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• 1997

Background : The prevalence of Gastro-esophageal reflux(GER) in patients with asthma is estimated to be 50~60% and treatment of GER has been shown to improve asthma symptoms in Western. But GER has been known to be less common in Eastern and GER prevalence rates in asthmatics are not available in Korea. Method : We compared the prevalence rate of GER in 42 patients with asthma to that in 20 healthy normal controls and examed the efficacy of new prokinetic drug, cisapride(40mg/day, 8weeks) in patients with GER and asthma. For acid GER to be considered pathological, 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring should reveal values exceeding upper limit of 95 percentile for at least one of 6 parameter of DeMesseter's table. Result : The results showed GER was more common in patients with asthma(11/42, 26.2%) than normal controls(3/20, 15%) and asthmatics group showed a significant longer supine time pH<4(%) and total time pH<4(%), and more reflux episodes as compared with normal control group. After 4 asthmatics with GER were treated with cisapride, their asthma symtom scores, FEV1 and composite scores of pH monitoring were improved. Conclusion : GER is more common in asthmatics than in normal controls in Korea and prepulsid reduces asthma symptoms in patients with GER and asthma.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.604-611
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess the consumption of aspartame and acesulfame K, the most frequently utilized artificial sweeteners in Korea. The contents of aspartame and acesulfame K in processed foodstuffs were analyzed by HPLC, and daily intakes according to sex and age were estimated by applying the consumption data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Estimated daily intakes of aspartame and acesulfame K were 58.37 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day and 14.23 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day, respectively, in 2012. These amounts constituted 0.15% and 0.09% of the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) established by the JECFA (FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives). Estimated daily intakes of aspartame and acesulfame K in the 95 percentile consumption group were 2,510.48 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day and 761.92 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day, respectively, and intake levels were 6.28% and 5.08% of the ADI, respectively. In conclusion, daily intake levels of artificial sweeteners were evaluated to be at safe levels.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2011

Purpose: The objectives were to identify the characteristics of neonates with hydrops fetalis, and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: A retrospective review of AMC (Asan Medical Center) dataset was performed from January 1990 to June 2009. The characteristics of 71 patients with hydrops fetalis were investigated and they were divided into two groups: the survived group and the expired group. Various perinatal and neonatal factors in two groups were compared to find out risk factors associated with mortality based on univariate analysis, followed by multiple regression analyses (SPSS version 18.0). Results: Of those 71 neonates (average gestational age: 33 weeks, birth weight: 2.6 kg), 38 survived, 33 died, resulting in overall mortality rate of 46.5%. The most common etiology was idiopathic followed by chylothorax, cardiac anomalies, twin-to-twin transfusion, meconium peritonitis, cardiac arrythmias, and congenital infections. Factors that were associated independently with mortality in logistic regression analyses were low 5-minutes Apgar score, hyaline membrane disease and delayed in achieving 50th percentile ideal body weight for appropriate gestational age by 10 days. Conclusion: In this study, 5-minutes Apgar score, hyaline membrane disease and delayed in achieving 50th percentile ideal body weight for appropriate gestational age by 10 days were significant risk factors associated with mortality in hydrops fetalis. Therefore, the risk of death among neonates with hydrops fetalis depends on the illness immediately after birth and severity of hydrops fetalis. Informations from this study may prove useful in prediction of prognosis to neonates with hydrops fetalis.