• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.52
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• pp.346.1-346.11
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• 2018

Background: To evaluate the therapeutic benefits of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy for Asian patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. Methods: In a 1-year, multicenter, open-label strategy trial, 346 patients with early RA were recruited from 20 institutions across Korea and stratified into 2 groups, depending on whether they were recruited by rheumatologists who have adopted the T2T strategy (T2T group) or by rheumatologists who provided usual care (non-T2T group). Data regarding demographics, rheumatoid factor titer, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody titer, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), and Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ) score were obtained at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. In the T2T group, the prescription for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was tailored to the predefined treatment target in each patient, namely remission (DAS28 < 2.6) or low disease activity (LDA) ($2.6{\leq}DAS28$ < 3.2). Results: Data were available for 163 T2T patients and 162 non-T2T patients. At the end of the study period, clinical outcomes were better in the T2T group than in the non-T2T group (LDA or remission, 59.5% vs. 35.8%; P < 0.001; remission, 43.6% vs. 19.8%; P < 0.001). Compared with non-T2T, T2T was also associated with higher rate of good European League Against Rheumatism response (63.0% vs. 39.8%; P < 0.001), improved KHAQ scores (-0.38 vs. -0.13; P = 0.008), and higher frequency of follow-up visits (5.0 vs. 2.0 visits/year; P < 0.001). Conclusion: In Asian patients with early RA, T2T improves disease activity and physical function. Setting a pre-defined treatment target in terms of DAS28 is recommended.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.129-139
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• 2012

This study was carried out to evaluate the chemical properties and functional characteristics, such as general composition and bioactivity compounds contents of fresh and blanched (at $95^{\circ}C$, for 5min) garlic shoot from Namhae. Also, evaluated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of water and ethanol extract of fresh and blanched garlic shoot. The moisture content of fresh garlic steam was $ 85.14{\pm}0.35%$, crude protein and crude lipid were $0.79{\pm}0.26%$ and $2.96{\pm}0.03%$ respectively. Vitamin C content was higher in fresh garlic shoot ($7.07{\pm}0.84mg/100g$) than blanched. Total phenol and total chlorophyll contents were respectively $16.93{\pm}1.17mM/g$ and $6.70{\pm}0.46mg/g$ in fresh garlic shoot. Allicin content of blanched garlic shoot was $128.63{\pm}1.59mM/g$. This content was 1.82 times higher than the fresh garlic shoot. Total pyruvate content was higher in fresh garlic shoot ($24.63{\pm}1.59mM/g$), but thiosulfinate was higher in fresh garlic shoot. Total flavonoide was the highest in water extract of blanched garlic shoot ($3.67{\pm}0.00mM/g$). ABTS radical scavenging activity of water extract form blanched garlic shoot was $85.09{\pm}0.28%$, which was higher than the other extracts. NO radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract from blanched garlic shoot was significantly higher than the extracts from fresh garlic shoot. Antibacterial activity to S. aureus, S. enterica, B. cereus and E. coli was only indicated in water extract of fresh garlic shoot.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.53-68
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• 1998

Observation of hydrometeors' behavior in the atmosphere is important to understand weather and climate. By conventional observations, we can get the distribution of water vapor at limited number of points on the earth. In this study, the precipitable water has been estimated from the split window channel data on GMS-5 based upon the technique developed by Chesters et al.(1983). To retrieve the precipitable water, water vapor absorption parameter depending on filter function of sensor has been derived using the regression analysis between the split window channel data and the radiosonde data observed at Osan, Pohang, Kwangiu and Cheju staions for 4 months. The air temperature of 700 hPa from the Global Spectral Model of Korea Meteorological Administration (GSM/KMA) has been used as mean air temperature for single layer radiation model. The retrieved precipitable water for the period from August 1996 through December 1996 are compared to radiosonde data. It is shown that the root mean square differences between radiosonde observations and the GMS-5 retrievals range from 0.65 g/$cm^2$ to 1.09 g/$cm^2$ with correlation coefficient of 0.46 on hourly basis. The monthly distribution of precipitable water from GMS-5 shows almost good representation in large scale. Precipitable water is produced 4 times a day at Korea Meteorological Administration in the form of grid point data with 0.5 degree lat./lon. resolution. The data can be used in the objective analysis for numerical weather prediction and to increase the accuracy of humidity analysis especially under clear sky condition. And also, the data is a useful complement to existing data set for climatological research. But it is necessary to get higher correlation between radiosonde observations and the GMS-5 retrievals for operational applications.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1071-1079
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• 2011

In this study, coal combustion ash (CCA) was evaluated for its stabilization effect on acidic mine waste with column experiment. Total of six treatments were installed depending on mixing ratio between coal wastes and CCA (0, 20, 40%) and mixing method (completely mixing and layered). Artificial acidic rain (pH 5.6) was used for feeding solution with flow rate of $0.05mL\;min^{-1}$. Result showed that higher pH of leachate was observed as more CCA was mixed. The highest pH in leachate was measured when 40% of CCA was mixed with coal waste (pH of 5.8). Also, complete mixing with CCA and coal waste was more effective to increase the pH of leachate than layered treatment. Regarding the reduction of soluble Fe amount, the highest efficiency (78%) was observed when 20% of coal ash was completely mixed with mine waste. Based on those result, optimum mixing ratio of coal ash with mine waste can be ranged 20-40% depending on environmental circumstances in the field.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

Purpose: We investigated the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal isolates from hospitalized children at Asan Medical Center for recent 4 years, and aimed to recommend proper choice of empirical antibiotics for pneumococcal infection. Methods: From March 2014 to May 2018, children admitted to Asan Medical Center Childrens' Hospital with pneumococcal infection were subjected for evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ${\beta}-lactams$ and macrolide antibiotics. Patient's age, underlying disease, gender were retrospectively collected. Using Monte Carlo simulation model and MIC from our study, we predicted the rate of treatment success with amoxicillin treatment. Results: Sixty-three isolates were analyzed including 20.6% (n=13) of invasive isolates, and 79.4% (n=50) of non-invasive isolates; median age were 3.3 years old, and 87.3% of the pneumococcal infections occurred to children with underlying disease. Overall susceptibility rate was 49.2%, 68.2%, and 74.6% for amoxicillin, parenteral penicillin, and cefotaxime respectively. 23.8% and 9.5% of the isolates showed high resistance for amoxicillin, and cefotaxime. Only 4.8% (n=3) were susceptible to erythromycin. Monte Carlo simulation model revealed the likelihood of treatment success was 46.0% at the dosage of 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin. Conclusions: Recent pneumococcal isolates from pediatric patients with underlying disease revealed high resistance for amoxicillin and cefotaxime, and high resistance for erythromycin. Prudent choice of antibiotics based on the local data of resistance cannot be emphasized enough, especially in high risk patients with underlying disease, and timely vaccination should be implemented for prevention of the spread of resistant strains.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.166-173
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• 2018

Objectives : Woogakseungmatang is a prescription medication mainly used to treat facial paralysis in Korean medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Woogakseungmatang on anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. Methods : Woogakseungmatang was extracted using hot water. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) method; nitric oxide(NO) production and Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production in RAW cells treated with Woogakseungmatang were investigated; and the cytokine changes associated with inflammation were examined. The antioxidant capacity of Woogakseungmatang was measured using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Results : RAW cells treated with Woogakseungmatang showed 90% cell viability at a $100-{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. NO production was decreased by 15% at a $100-{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. $PGE_2$ production was decreased by 18% at a $100-{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. Interleukin $1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), interleukin 6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) were significantly reduced at $100{\mu}g/ml$ compared with those in the control group. The DPPH free radical scavenging capability was more than 50% at $100{\mu}g/ml$. Conclusions : Woogakseungmatang showed only a slight anti - inflammatory effect at $100{\mu}g/ml$ and it was difficult to confirm the concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, this study means to confirm the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Woogakseungmatang. Based on this research, more systematic and diverse studies should be conducted.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.99-111
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• 2019

Purpose: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (hRV) are the most common causes of child respiratory viral infections. We aimed to investigate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RSV and hRV single infections and coinfections. Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirates of hospitalized children aged <5 years were tested using multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from October 2014 to April 2017. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: RSV or hRV was detected in 384 patients who divided into 3 groups: patients with RSV (R group, n=258); patients with hRV (H group, n=99); and patients with both (RH group, n=27). The R group (median age, 6 months) consisted of 248 (96.1%) patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and 14 (5.4%) needed oxygen inhalation. Infants aged <12 months (63.2%) had respiratory difficulty and were supplied oxygen more often. The H group (median age, 16 months) consisted of 56 (56.6%) patients with LRTI, 4 (4%) required oxygen inhalation, and 1 (1.0%) required mechanical ventilation. Infants (40.4%) showed longer hospitalization compared to patients aged ${\geq}12$ months (5 vs. 4 days, P<0.05). The RH group consisted of 24 (88.9%) patients with LRTI, and 2 (7.4%) needed oxygen inhalation. Hospitalization days and oxygen inhalation and mechanical ventilation rates did not differ between single infections (R and H groups) and coinfections (RH group). Conclusions: RSV was detected more often in younger patients and showed higher LRTI rates compared to hRV. Single infections and coinfections of RSV and hRV showed no difference in severity.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.190-211
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• 2010

The purpose of this paper is to provide the preliminary data for maintenance of old trees of natural monuments and establishing protection projects. Accordingly, growth conditions, location circumstances, environment and protection management were analyzed for old trees at 34 sites in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Tree forms, crown, trunk and trees' health, leaves volume were analyzed in survey sites. As the results, the growth of Picrasma quassioides in Songsadong, Andong-si and Catalpa ovata in Hongwon-ri, Cheongsong-gun were not in good condition, along with other old trees of 6 cities (Quercus variabilis in Susan-ri, Uljin-gun, Juniperus chinensis in Hujeong-ri, Uljin-gun, Pyrus ussuriensis in Ssangjeon-ri, Uljin-gun, Salix glandulosa var. pilosa in Deokchon-ri, Cheongdo-gun, Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis in Hwasan-ri, Mungyeong-si, Pinus densiflora in Daeha-ri, Mungyeong-si). Accoding to these results, protection project and consistent monitoring are necessary. The analysis results of growth conditions per location circumstances showed that the old trees in the small spaces with large traffic of people were in bad condition. Therefore, it is necessary to secure sufficient space and soil improvement for such trees. The analysis results of growth conditions per species showed that Zelkova serrata, Quercus spp., Pinus densiflora are in good condition while Salix koreensis and others, i.e. a singular tree, are in poor condition. Thus, relatively smaller individuals and separately situated trees need careful management in their protection. The analysis results of trunk's growth ratio showed that Pinus densiflora, Ginkgo biloba, Zelkova serrata are in good condition whereas Juniperus chinensis, Quercus variabilis, Salix koreensis are not. It is a recent trend that tree surgeries are gradually decreasing; there are a number of damaged trees with no maintenance/management, and several sites requiring mend trunks management and cabling, bracing in protection and management projects. Hence, in the future, local government and management organizations should plan for systematic management and establish a protection plan for the natural monument trees. Also, 12 sites were found to be in need to purchase lands in order to secure the growth spaces, and since most of these areas are available for purchase, it is needed to promote a budget and purchase those areas through persuasion of the owner. These areas seems crucial in order to maximize the effect of conservation efforts and budgets for the preservation and restoration of the old trees.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2019

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Korean children. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from the medical records of the patients with S. aureus bacteremia ${\leq}18years$ of age in Gil Medical Center from 2002 to 2016. Results: A total of 212 SAB cases were detected. The annual incidence of SAB from 2002 to 2016 ranged from 0.77 to 1.95 per 1,000 patients hospitalized. The neonate group (<28 days of age) and the pediatric group (28-18 years of age) were 51.4% (n=109) and 48.6% (n=103), respectively. According to the origin of infection, there were 93 cases (43.9%) of community-associated (CA)-SAB and 119 cases (56.1%) of healthcare-associated (HA)-SAB. The rates of HA-SAB among the neonate group and among the pediatric group were 64.2% and 47.6%, respectively (P=0.015). There was no difference in complications between CA-SAB and HA-SAB, but mortality was higher in HA-SAB. The proportion of methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) was the highest in neonates (88.1%), decreased with age, and was 36.4%-37.5% among children aged ${\geq}5years$. The MRSA proportion was 72.2%, showing no consistent trend over the period. Conclusions: The annual incidence of SAB and the proportion of MRSA in SAB remained constant in the recent 15 years in children. Judicious decision of antimicrobial agents for treatment considering the patient's age and the origin of infection is necessary.

• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to verify the drying characteristics of steamed sweet potato and to establish optimal drying conditions for far-infrared drying of steamed sweet potato. 4 kg of steamed sweet potato was sliced to thicknesses of 8 and 10 mm, and dried by a far-infrared dryer until a final moisture content of $25{\pm}0.5%$. The far-infrared dryer conditions were an air velocity of 0.6, 0.8 m/s and drying temperature of 60, 70, and $80^{\circ}C$. The results can be summarized as follows. The drying time tended to be reduced as temperature and air velocity for drying increased. The Lewis and Modified Wang and Singh models were found to be suitable for drying of steamed sweet potato by a far-infrared dryer. The color difference was 35.09 on the following conditions: Thickness of 8 mm, temperature of $80^{\circ}C$, and air velocity of 0.8 m/s. The highest sugar content ($59.11^{\circ}Brix$) was observed on the conditions of a thickness of 8 mm, temperature of 80, and air velocity of 0.8 m/s. Energy consumption decreased on the conditions of higher temperature, slower air velocity, and thinner steamed sweet potato.