• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.35-50
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• 1999

The relationship between floristic composition and soil environmental conditions was investigated in the forest vegetation of Mt. Paekun. The forest vegetation unit of Mt. Paekun was divided into six plant communities by Zurich-Montpellier method, such as Quercus mongelica community (Typical subcommunity, Rhododendron schlippenbaohii subcommunity), Q. variabilis community, Fraxinus rhynchophylla community, Pinus densiflora community, Larix Eeptolepis community and Pinus koraiensis community. Q. mongolica community group was distributed at the altitude over 500 meter, Q. variabilis and P. densiflora communities appeared on the southwestern slope at the altitudes of 600 ~ 700 m and 290 ~ 700 m. However, L. leptolepis and P. koraiensis plantation were distributed at lower altitude, on hillside or around homestead. The DBH class distribution of dominant species in each community showed that Q. mongolica had 10.9 individuals/a at 6~10 cm class, Q. variabilis 2.5 individuals/a at 11~15 cm class, P. densiflora 1.8 individuals/a at 26~30 cm class, F. rhynchophylla 3.3 individuals/a at 2~5 cm class, and L. leptolepis 5.9 individuals/a at 11~ 15 cm class. Q. mongolica and Q. variabilis communities showed a stable bell-shaped pattern of distribution. The contents of organic matters and soil water, and cation exchange capacity of the soil increased, and the pH decreased as the altitude gets higher increased altitude at the each communities. The contents of the soil water and organic matters of the forest soil collected in Q. mongolica community were in the 17.81% to 51.20% and 5.51% to 14.90%, respectively. These tendency is similar to the contents of N, P and K, but those of Ca, Mg, and CEC was lower than in other communities. Cation exchange capacity was suspected to be correlated to the pH. The hypothetical successional sere of the forest vegetation of Mt. Paekun is as follows: Pinus densiflora community longrightarrowQ. variabilis community longrightarrowQ. mongolica community.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.316-320
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• 2008

This study examined the combined plant extracts (FGF271) of Estromon in ovariectomized (OVX) rats to determine whether Estromon's significant clinical improvement effects on menopausal symptoms are predominantly due to the phytoestrogenic action of the combined extracts. The results showed that all three FGF271-treated groups had significantly improved serum osteocalcin levels as compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, all FGF271- and Estromon-treated groups had increases in femoral bone mineral density (FBMD) (p<0.05), and the increase in the FGF271 group was dose-dependent. A pairwise comparison of the FGF271- and Estromon-treated groups receiving the same dosage of FGF271 indicated that there was no significant difference between the groups. Therefore, the FBMD increases that occurred in the Estromon groups were solely attributable to the phytoestrogenic effects of FGF271. It was conclude that the phytoestrogenic effects of Estromon, as shown in clinical studies, are predominantly caused by FGF271, the mixed extracts of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa, and Angelica gigas.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.255-269
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• 2005

This study was aimed to investigate genetic relationships, variables, and correlations between economic traits and metabolic materials in serum components according to bleeding periods and breeding locations for the castrated and not castrated Hanwoo cattle at National Livestock Research Institute. Analysis of variance for serum hormones and metabolic materials showed significant differences by breeding locations except for testosterone and globulin. Statistical differences for serum components were detected by birth year except for cortisol, total protein, globulin and creatinine, and by castration except for total protein and BUN. All the serum components were tended to have sire effects except for testosterone resulting in some degree of additive gene actions. Breeding locations showed statistical significances for carcass weight and back fat thickness, but not in carcass rate, KPH, live weight and transportation weight loss. Effects of breeding locations and castration were significant for all weight measurement periods except for 9 month and 6 month, respectively. A significant sire effect was observed in all weight measurements. Least squared means for concentration of serum components by breeding year, season and castration were not significant. High concentration of cortisol, creatinine and triglyceride and low concentration of IGF-1 and glucose were detected in castrated cattle. Concentration of testosterone with castrated cattle was $5.2\%$ corresponding to non castrated cattle. Estimation of heritabilities of serum components using a sire model with restricted maximum likelihood were ranged 0.07 to 0.58. High heritabilities were estimated for total protein, albumin, globulin, cortisol, creatinine and BUN were 0.53, 0.54, 0.42, 0.45, 0.58 and 0.54, respectively. Low heritabilities were estimated fur calcium, testosterone and IGF-1 for 0.07, 0.15 and 0.12, respectively. Heritabilities for carcass weight, back fat thickness, meat yield index, KPH, and IMF were estimated as 0.39, 0.45, 0.30 0.13, and 0.93. Heritabilities of weights on 18, 12, 9, 6, and 24 month were estimated as 0.78, 0.76, 0.62, 0.58 and 0.58. Estimated heritabilities for average daily gain on 6${\~}$2, 12${\~}$18, and 18${\~}$24 month were 0.80, 0.75 and 0.19, respectively.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.31-48
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• 1995

The Jurassic Kwanaksan stock, so far known to be composed of biotite granite only, has the mineral assemblage of quartz+K-feldspar+plagioclase+biotite${\pm}$gernet. The lithology of the stock is classified as alkali feldspar granite by their mode and plagioclase compositions (An<5). Subsolvus feldspars, rather early crystallization of biotite, and shallow emplacement depth estimated from Q-Ab-Or diagram suggest hydrous nature of the magma, which contrasts with anhydrous A-type like geochemistry described below. Major and trace element compositions of the Kwanaksan stock are distinct from those of the adjacent Seoul batholith, suggesting a genetic difference between the two, The Kwanaksan stock shows geochemical characteristics similar to A-type granite in contrast to most other Mesozoic granites in Korea, in that it has high $SiO_2$(73~78wt%), $Na_2O+K_2O$, Ga(27~47 ppm). Nb(22~40 ppm), Y(48~95 ppm), Fe/Mg and Ga/Al, and low CaO(<0.51 wt%). Ba (8~75 ppm) and Sr(2~23 ppm). However, it has lower Zr and LREE and higher Rb(384~796 ppm) than typical A-type granite. LREE-depleted rare earth element pattern with strong negative Eu anomaly of previous studies is reinterpreted as representing source magma characteristics. The residual material during partial melting is not compatible with pyroxenes, amphibole or garnet, while significant amount of plagioclase is required. Similarity of geochemistry of the Kwanaksan stock to A-type granite suggests the origin of the stock has a chose relationship with that of A-type granite. These observations lead us to propose that the Kwanaksan stock was formed by partial melting of felsic source rock.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was performed to investigate the epidemiology of viral acute lower respiratory tract infection(ALRI) in two different areas of Korea. Methods : A total of 796 patients hospitalized for ALRI aged 15 years or less from June 2000 to June 2001 in Samsung Seoul hospital(SSH) and Masan Fatima hospital(MFH) were enrolled. Viral etiologies were confirmed using nasopharyngeal aspirates. We compared etiologic agents, age distribution, clinical manifestations, and seasonal occurrence of viral ALRI between the two hospitals. Results : Virus was isolated in 208 patients(26.1%). The proportion of patients aged under 2 years in SSH was 60.2%, while those in MFH was 90.0%(P<0.05). Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) was more prevalent in MFH, but adenovirus, influenza virus and parainfluenza virus were more prevalent in SSH(P<0.05). Croup and bronchiolitis occurred more frequently in MFH than in SSH(P<0.05). The most frequent viral pathogens causing bronchiolitis and croup were RSV and parainfluenza virus, respectively, in both hospitals. Adenovirus was the main cause of pneumonia in SSH, in contrast to RSV in MFH. In terms of tracheobronchitis, adenovirus was detected most frequently in SSH, whereas influenza virus-type A was mainly isolated in MFH. Similar pattern of seasonal occurrences of RSV, parainfluenza virus and influenza virus-type A was noted in both hospitals. Adenovirus was isolated sporadically throughout the study periods. Conclusion : Seasonal occurrence and clinical syndromes according to viral pathogens showed similar pattern in two areas. However, distribution of offending viruses was different, although this is mainly related to the different age distribution. An annual nationwide surveillance is necessary to understand the viral epidemiology associated with respiratory illnesses in Korea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.130-136
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to confirm the epidemiologic change of the causative organisms of neonatal and pediatric bacterial meningitis in Korea. And we tried to evaluate the risk factors correlated with prognosis which was available on the day of admission. Methods : Retrospectively, we reviewed the medical records of 57 patients admitted for bacterial meningitis at six hospitals affiliated with Catholic Medical Center for 6 years(Jan. 2000~Dec. 2005). Results : 22 cases(38.6%) of them were neonates under 28 days and 35 cases were infants and children ; 16 cases(28.1%), under 1 year ; 6 cases(10.5%), under 5 years ; 13 cases (22.8%), under 15 years. In neonates, 16 cases(72.7%) were caused by group B streptococcus (GBS). In infants and children, S. pneumoniae(25.7%), H. influenzae type b(Hib)(22.8%) and N. meningitidis(22.8%) were common cause of bacterial meningitis in order. In the informations available on the day of admission, weight deficit for age under 3 percentile, increased CRP level and decreased glucose level of CSF were related to poor prognosis(P<0.05). Conclusion : GBS became a leading cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. Though, pneumoccocal, Hib and meningococcal meningitis were confirmed as major causes of bacterial meningitis. The routine immunization of pneumococcal and Hib vaccines will be considered, and it is necessary to introduce meningococcal vaccines to our country in the future.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2009

Purpose : A number of countries have experienced an increase in pertussis during the past decade. In particular, there has been an increase in the incidence rate among adolescents and adults. To learn more about the current epidemiology of pertussis, we studied the prevalence and clinical characteristics of pertussis in children in Cheonan, South Korea. Methods : We collected nasopharyngeal aspirates of 118 patients who were treated for respiratory symptoms at Dankook Univeristy Hospital between March 2008 and September 2009. We performed multiplex PCR for detection of Bordetella pertussis in those aspirates. Results : Of the 118 patients, 10 (8%) were positive by PCR for B. pertussis. Six episodes occurred during the period July to September 2009. Nine of the 10 patients were less than 3 months old. Seven of them had not received DTaP vaccine. The mean duration of coughing before diagnosis was 10.9${\pm}$5.2 days. Ten patients (100%) had paroxysmal cough and 8 (80%) had post-tussive vomiting. Only one patient had fever. One who had complications that include pneumonia, atelectasis and pneumomediastinum developed an absolute increase in leukocyte count (84,400/$mm^3$). There was a statistically significant relation between vaccine being received and development of complications (P =0.033). Conclusion : We suspect that there was an epidemic of pertussis between July and September 2009. Further investigation by a pediatric or nationwide surveillance system is needed to monitor the changing epidemiology for pertussis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.150-161
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• 2009

Purpose : Staphylococcus aureus causes a variety of infections, ranging from benign skin infections to fatal invasive infections. Recently, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections have emerged in patients who do not have established risk factors. This study was conducted to characterize S. aureus infections in children with an emphasis on communityassociated MRSA infections at a tertiary care pediatric facility during a 3-year period. Methods : Four hundred twenty-nine cases of S. aureus infections diagnosed at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 2004 and December 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. The cases were classified as hospitalonset (HO) or community-onset (CO), healthcare-associated (HA), or community-associated (CA) infections. Results : Among the 206 cases <1 year of age, 72%, 7%, and 21% were HO-HA, CO-HA, and CA infections, respectively, as compared to 48%, 28%, and 24% among the 223 cases >1 year of age. The proportion of CO-HA infections among HA infections (8.6% vs. 37.1%, P<0.001) and the proportion of HA infections among the CO infections (24.5% vs. 54.3%, P <0.001) were greater in older children than in infants. Overall, 57% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant. Twenty-nine (30%) of 96 CA strains were MRSA, and the most common site of CA-MRSA infection was the skin and soft tissues (26 cases). Conclusion : The methicillin resistance rate of S. aureus from CA infections was high and CA-MRSA was most often associated with skin and soft tissue infections.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.134-140
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• 2017

Purpose: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most serious form of primary immunodeficiency. Infants with SCID are susceptible to life-threatening infections. To establish newborn screening for SCID in Korea, we performed a screening test for T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) and ${\kappa}$-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) in neonates and investigated the awareness of SCID among their parents. Methods: Collections of dried blood spots from neonates and parent surveys were performed at the Samsung Medical Center and Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center in Korea. The amplification crossing point (Cp) value <37.0 was defined as TREC/KRECpositive based on cutoff values from measuring multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. A Cp value >39.0 was defined as negative. Results: For TREC/KREC screening, 141 neonates were enrolled; 63 (44.7%) were male. One hundred forty neonates (99.3%) had positive TREC/KREC results at the time of the initial test; 82.3% and 75.9% were positive and 17.0% and 23.4% were weakly positive for TREC and KREC, respectively. In one neonate (0.7%), the initial TREC/KREC test result was negative. However, repeated tests obtained and confirmed a positive result. For an awareness survey, 168 parents were engaged. Only 2% of parents (3/168) knew that the newborn screening test for SCID had been introduced and performed in other countries. Eighty-four percent of parents (141/168) replied that nationwide newborn SCID screening should be performed in Korean newborns. Conclusions: In this study, newborn SCID screening was performed along with assessment of public awareness of the SCID test in Korea. The study results showed that newborn SCID screening can be readily applied for clinical use at a relatively low cost in Korea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2018

Purpose: Research on the clinical role of Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogen in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children has been scarce. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and clinical correlation of S. aureus detection in children with AGE. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from children with symptoms of AGE who visited a secondary hospital between January 2012 and December 2015. The samples were sent to the Seoul Metropolitan Government Research Institute of Public Health and Environment to test for pathogenic organisms. Clinical patterns were analyzed through medical record review. Results: Among the 663 participants, the bacteria detection rate was 26.2% (n=174), the virus detection rate was 29.7% (n=197), and the non-detection rate was 43.1% (n=286). S. aureus was tested positive from 102 cases and was confirmed as a single pathogen in 53 cases. It was the third most common pathogen. The prevalence by age was highest (45.3%) in 0-2 year-olds. Most cases occurred in summer. Symptoms included diarrhea (71.7%), vomiting (67.9%), fever (49.1%), and abdominal pain (37.7%). Only vomiting showed a significant difference between the S. aureus group and the non-detection group (67.9% vs. 43.0%; P=0.001). Among enterotoxins, the higher incidence of vomiting was associated with classical staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE) and SEH (P=0.027). Conclusions: S. aureus was the bacteria commonly isolated from children with AGE. Our study identified cases of staphylococcal AGE in children based on fecal samples and confirmed the characteristic symptoms, affected age groups, seasonal distribution, and correlation with enterotoxins.