• Health Policy and Management
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2024

Background: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of drug utilization review (DUR) evaluation indicators on safe drug use by comparing the changes in DUR inspection rates and drug duplication prescription prevention rates between the pre- and post-implementation of the DUR evaluation indicators of the Healthcare Quality Evaluation Grant Initiative. Methods: This study used DUR data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in 2018 (pre-implementation) and the evaluation results of the Healthcare Quality Evaluation Grant Initiative in 2023 (post-implementation). The dependent variables were the DUR evaluation indicators, including DUR inspection rate and drug duplicate prescription prevention rate. The independent variable was the implementation of the DUR evaluation indicators, and the control variables included medical institution characteristics such as type, establishment classification, location, DUR billing software company, and number of beds. Results: The results of the analysis of the difference in the prevention rate of drug duplicate prescriptions between the pre- and post-implementation of the DUR evaluation indicators of the Healthcare Quality Evaluation Grant Initiative showed that the prevention rate of drug duplicate prescriptions increased statistically significantly after the implementation of the DUR evaluation indicators. Conclusion: The policy implications of this study are as follows: First, ongoing evaluation of DUR systems is needed. Second, it is necessary to establish a collaborative partnership between healthcare organizations that utilize DUR system information and the organizations that manage it.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.9-23
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• 2007

To investigate the degree of pollution using the species composition of benthic community and environments, the present study was conducted in Jinhae Bay, May of 1998. In Jinhae Bay, benthic macrofaunal community was investigated on the base of the samples from 67 stations. The main facies of the surface sediment was silty clay and clay. The total species number and the mean density of macrobenthic animals were 255 species and 984 $ind./m^2$, respectively. There were 90 species and 773 $ind./m^2$ of polychaetes as the most major faunal group in Jinhae Bay. At the region between the eastern mouth of Jinhae Bay and Gadeok Is., the species number and density were higher, while lower at the western area of Jinhae Bay. The most dominant benthic macrofauna in Jinhae Bay was the polychaetes, Lumbrineris longifolia(16.9%), and followed by polychaetes Tharyx sp.(6.7%), Clone teres(4.7%), Glycinde sp.(4.2%), bivalves Theora fragilis(4.0%), crustaceans Corophium sp.(4.0%) and so on. The most of the predominant species appeared mainly on the region between the eastern mouth of Jinhae Bay and Gadeok Is. Cluster analysis based on the macrobenthic faunal composition showed that Jinhae Bay could be divided into three station groups: The western Jinhae Bay(Station group A), the mouth of Jinhae Bay(Station groupe B), and offshore area between Gadeok Is. and Geoje Is.(Station group C). The mouth of Jinhae Bay had the highest mean species number and the mean density, and its important species was Lumbrineris longifolia. The offshore area between Gadeok Is. and Geoje Is. had medium mean species number and the mean density. The western Jinhae Bay had the lowest mean species number and the mean density. The distribution of BPI and BC values, used to assess benthic pollution, showed similar patterns. According to the classification proposed by Borja et al.(2000), the stations of the western inner-bay were heavily polluted sites, the stations between mouth of the bay and the offshore area were slightly polluted sites, and the stations of the other area were meanly polluted sites. Benthic community healthiness of the western Jinhae Bay was classified to 'Transitional to pollution' by BC values. The degree of pollution in Jinhae Bay may have extended gradually from the western Jinhae Bay to the mouth of the bay.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.121-128
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• 2008

As an aquatic ecotoxicity test method, a bioassay using the inhibition of sporualtion of the green macroalga, Ulva pertusa, has been developed. Optimal test conditions determined for photon irradiance, pH, salinity and temperature were $100\;{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, $7{\sim}9$, $25{\sim}35\;psu$ and $15{\sim}20^{\circ}C$, respectively. The validity of the test endpoint was evaluated by assessing the toxicity of four metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and elutriates of sewage or waste sludge collected from 9 different locations. When the metals were assayed, the $EC_{50}$ values indicated the following toxicity rankings: Cu ($0.062\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) > Cd ($0.208\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) > Pb ($0.718\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$) > Zn ($0.776\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$). When compared with other commonly used bioassays of metal pollution listed on US ECOTOX database, the sporualtion test proved to be the most sensitive. Ulva sporulation was significantly inhibited in all elutriates with the greatest and least effects observed in elutriates of sludge from industrial waste ($EC_{50}=6.78%$) and filtration bed ($EC_{50}=15.0%$), respectively. The results of the Spearman rank correlation analysis for $EC_{50}$ data versus the concentrations of toxicants in the sludge presented a significant correlation between toxicity and four heavy metals(Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn). The method described here is sensitive to toxicants, simple to use, easy to interpret and economical. It is also easy to procure samples and maintain cultures. The present method would therefore probably make a useful assessment of aquatic toxicity of a wide range of toxicants. In addition, the genus Ulva has a wide geographical distribution and species have similar reproductive processes, so the test method would have a potential application worldwide.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.315-327
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• 2007

This study investigated temporal and spatial variation of Pb and stable Pb isotopes accumulated in Ulleung Basin core sediments (4) using MC ICP/MS in order to identify the sources of anthropogenic Pb in the East/Japan Sea. Leached (1M HCl) Pb concentration and isotope ratios ($^{207}Pb/^{206}Pb\;and\;^{208}Pb/^{206}Pb$) were nearly constant during 300 yrs past than 1930, but increased up to twice in concentration and as much as 3.41% (1.70%) after 2000. On the other hand, residual Pb concentrations were nearly constant for past 400 yrs. The accumulation rates of anthropogenic Pb in the basin area were in the range of $3.1-3.5mg/m^2/yr$, which were similar levels to total atmospheric Pb deposition fluxes from 1990s to the present. In the slope area, more increase of anthropogenic Pb accumulation than the levels expected from mass accumulation rate could be found after the middle of 1990s. From the detailed evaluation for the temporal and spatial variation of accumulation rate and isotope ratios of anthropogenic Pb, we proposed probable sources and pathways of anthropogenic Pb. Pb emmision by coal burning from the China and Korea initiated the accumulation of anthropogenic Pb in the sediments of East/Japan Sea from 1930s. The accumulation of Pb increased by the addition of anti-nocking agents from both countries untill the beginning of 1990s, but from the middle of 1990s to the present, the phase-out of gasoline additives and the rapid increase of coal burning from the China maintained the atmospheric Pb levels in the Ulleung basin nearly similar to before. However, the local sources within this basin might take an important role in the rapid increase of anthropogenic Pb accumulation in slope areas from the middle of 1990s.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.89-105
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• 2008

Sea level and atmospheric pressure data of 1999-2005 from four stations along the Korean east coast were analyzed to understand the sea level variability and its causal mechanism. The results of the wavelet and the auto-spectrum analyses indicate that the sea level fluctuations of 3-17 day period are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, especially in spring to early summer. In this period, the coherency between the sea levels and the atmospheric pressures in a cross-spectrum is high, implying the importance of an inverted barometric effect in generation of the sea level fluctuations. To learn about the sea level variability, the cross-spectrum analyses were applied between the sea levels of the adjacent stations. The results show a case of southward phase propagations along the coast, as in 1999, 2003 and 2005, and an another case of no progressive phase lags between the stations, as in 2000-2002, and 2004. The phase speed in the former case is 12-15 m/s, which is a commonly observed phase speed of coastal Kelvin waves. Generation of such fluctuations seems to be related to low pressure cells developed in the Asian continent in spring and summer and moving eastward over the coastal region north of the stations. The latter case of no progressive phase lag, however, occurs when the low pressure cells developed in the continent move along the region south of the stations. In this case, the northeastward phase propagation with a speed of 5-8 m/s is observed along the southwestern coast of Japan.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.120-129
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• 2024

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant risk factor in the global disease burden. The stem bark of the Betulaceae plant Alnus japonica, which is indigenous to Korea, has been used as a popular folk medicine for hepatitis and cancer. However, the preventive effect of Alnus japonica leaf extracts on alcohol-related liver damage has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the extracts of Alnus japonica leaf (AJL) against ethanol-induced liver damage in HepG2/2E1 cells. Treatment with AJL significantly prevented ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2/2E1 cells by reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This protective effect was likely associated with antioxidant potential of AJL, as evidenced by the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production and restoration of the depleted glutathione (GSH) levels in ethanol-induced HepG2/2E1 cells. Our findings suggest that FCC might be considered as a useful agent in the prevention of liver damage induced by oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.245-253
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• 2024

We investigated to analyze total flavonoid content and fatty acid composition of Stachys sieboldii Miq root. In order to determine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of fractions from S. sieboldii Miq. root, we conducted 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS) assays for antioxidant and measured nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we examined an inhibitory effect of fractions from S. sieboldii Miq. root on smad signaling induced by transforming growth factor (TGF) β. Among the fractions, n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction showed the highest flavonoid content (16.67 mg/g), followed by n-Hexane, water and 85% aqueous methanol (85% aq. MeOH) fractions. The fatty acid composition of S. sieboldii Miq. root was in the following order : n-6 fatty acids (54.3%) > n-3 fatty acids (21.2%) > saturated fatty acids (19.7%) > n-9 fatty acids (3.6%). As a result of the antioxidant efficacy, the DPPH and ABTS assays showed that n-BuOH fraction had higher scavenging activity compared to other fractions. Inhibitory effect on NO production showed that all fractions decreased LPS-induced NO production, indicating an anti-inflammatory activity of S. sieboldii Miq. root. 85% aq. MeOH and water fractions showed a higher efficacy in inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF) β induced smad signaling. From the results, it suggests that food processing products using S. sieboldii Miq. root will be developed as a functional food for promoting health.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2024

This study was conducted to estimate the days to flowering based on the effective accumulated temperature at various altitudes in the Jiri mountain region and to compare growth and yield characteristics according to the sowing date of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) four genetic resources (local variety, IT323225, IT333473, and IT333482). The safflower four resources were sown on March 29, May 3, May 13, May 24, and June 2. The days from sowing to flowering of the safflower four resources by sowing dates were in the order of the local variety (61.0 days), IT333482 (73.2 days), IT323225 (74.0 days), and IT333473 (74.2 days). The base temperature and effective accumulated temperature for the days to flowering of the safflower four resources calculated based on the daily mean temperature were local variety 6℃, 579℃, IT323225 11℃, 766℃, IT333473 11℃, 768℃, IT333482 10℃, 750℃, respectively. As a result of applying the calculated effective accumulated temperature and daily mean temperature of the past five years (2019 to 2023) by various altitudes and the different sowing dates (every 15 days from April 1 to August 15), the days to flowering of the safflower four resources decreased from April 1 to July 15 during the sowing date and then tended to increase from August 1. In addition, the days to flowering at various altitudes were investigated in the order of plains, mid-mountain, and mountain regions. Among the yield characteristics, plant height, number of branches, number of capitula, number of seeds, and seed weight decreased as the sowing dates were delayed for the safflower four resources.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2024

In this study, we analyzed chlorogenic acid indicator components in preparation for the additional listing of green coffee bean extract in the Health Functional Food Code and optimized caffeine for simultaneous analysis. We extracted chlorogenic acid and caffeine using 30% methanol, phosphoric acid solution, and acetonitrile-containing phosphoric acid and analyzed them at 330 and 280 nm, respectively, using liquid chromatography. Our analysis validation results yielded a correlation coefficient (R²) revealing a significance level of at least 0.999 within the linear quantitative range. The chlorogenic acid and caffeine detection and quantification limits were 0.5 and 0.2 ㎍/mL and 1.4, and 0.4 ㎍/mL, respectively. We confirmed that the precision and accuracy results were suitable using the AOAC validation guidelines. Finally, we developed a simultaneous chlorogenic acid and caffeine analysis approach. In addition, we confirmed that our analysis approach could simultaneously quantify chlorogenic acid and caffeine by examining the applicability of each formulation through prototypes and distribution products. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the standardized analysis would expectably increase chlorogenic acidcontaining health functional food quality control reliability.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.118-127
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• 2024

This study investigated the levels of 345 pesticide residues in 50 herbal medicines sold in Incheon metropolitan city to determine their safety. Pesticide residues are harmful substances that can cause serious health problems owing to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. The analysis of pesticide residues in the samples was conducted using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method, known for its high analysis efficiency, to analyze a wide range of pesticides for which no standards have been set. The analysis was cross-validated with the pretreatment method outlined in the Korea Pharmacopoeia. Among the 50 samples encompassing 24 different herbs, 22 pesticide residues were detected in 24 samples, covering 7 distinct herbs, resulting in a detection rate of 48%. It is noteworthy that, except for two cases, all detected pesticides were those for which no standards were set. However, after conducting a risk evaluation considering the daily dosage of herb, it was determined that the levels of pesticide residues were within safe limits. Pesticides with high frequency within the same category of herbs were detected, indicating the necessity for continuous monitoring and regulation. In addition, comparative analysis using the pretreatment method outlined in the Korean Pharmacopoeia, yielded similar results, suggesting the possibility of analyzing pesticide residues in herbs using the QuEChERS method. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in herbs and the development of high-efficiency reliability analysis methods should continue to ensure consumer safety.