• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.215-221
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• 2020

Adulterated herbal medicine is intentionally added with undeclared improper or inferior ingredients which should not be in herbal medicine. The contamination with potentially hazardous substances such as heavy metal, pesticides, fungus, and microorganism sometimes can be regarded as one of adulteration in a broad sense. The problem of adulteration is that adulterated herbal medicine shows poor quality and/or can cause adverse events. Therefore, it is important to control adulteration issues for quality assurance and qualitative improvement of herbal medicines. This study aims to summarize and make a reference how to control adulterated herbal medicine. In this process, this study is to investigate studies about adulterated herbal medicine via searching Korean and foreign electronic databases such as PubMed, NDSL and OASIS. Finally eighteen papers were included to this study and analyzed according to the type of study, the category and efficacy of adulterants, the type of analysis methodologies and possible adverse events of adulterants. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors for male sexual enhancement and anorexic, laxative, diuretic agents for weight loss and treating obesity has been used frequently as adulterants. The range of adverse event caused by adulterated herbal medicine were very wide from mild symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, dizziness and blurred vision to very severe symptoms such as heart failure, hypoglycemia and renal impairment. This study showed the recent trend on the research of adulterated herbal medicine and this will be the ground to develop more detailed systems to control adulterated herbal medicine.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.131-137
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• 2022

Osteomyelitis typically occurs because of the direct inoculation of bacteria or fungi after penetrating trauma or surgical contamination or, by extension, from soft tissue infection. Osteomyelitis is rarely reported in wildlife animals, though severe chronic osteomyelitis cases do exist in wildlife owing to the scarcity of medical support in the wild environment. This report describes three cases of chronic osteomyelitis in wild raccoon dogs related to trauma. The typical symptoms of three reported cases were ataxia, stiffness, muscle atrophy, and lethargy. All three cases were relevant to traumatic or severe external injury, and skin infestation caused by ectoparasites was apparent on an ocular inspection. In the radiographic examination, diffuse sites of osteolytic lesions and remarkable periosteal responses were demonstrated around the injured limb in all three cases. Apparent neutrophilia with a left shift, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis in hematological examinations generally indicated chronic infection as shown in case 1 and 3. Treatment was attempted with broad-spectrum antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, and meloxicam. These treatment options helped improve the overall prognosis of chronic osteomyelitis, but the outcomes did not meet the treatment goal entirely. Osteomyelitis can be extremely challenging to treat, particularly in wild animals, because of their distinctive traits, such as masking phenomenon and uncontrolled exposure to ectoparasites. Earlier diagnosis with a radiographic examination, hematological examinations, and careful patient monitoring, followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy and restricted exercise, are the key factors leading to a better prognosis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.202-210
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• 2022

Aflatoxin contamination in rice has been documented in a number of studies, and has a high incidence in Asian countries, and as such, there has been a growing interest in alternative biocontrol strategies to address this issue. In this study, 147 strains of yeasts and yeast-like fungi were screened for their potential to produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) active against Aspergillus flavus strains that produce aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Five strains within four different genera showed greater than 50% growth inhibition of some strains of A. flavus. These were Anthracocystis sp. DMKU-PAL124, Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL120, Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL144, Rhodotorula sp. DMKU-PAL99, and Solicococcus keelungensis DMKU-PAL84. VOCs produced by these microorganisms ranged from 4 to 14 compounds and included alcohols, alkenes, aromatics, esters and furans. The major VOCs produced by the closely related Aureobasidium strains were found to bedistinct. Moreover, 2-phenylethanol was the most abundant compound generated by Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL120, while methyl benzeneacetate was the major compound emitted from Aureobasidium sp. DMKU-PAL144. On the other hand, 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol were significant compounds produced by the other three genera. These antagonists apparently inhibited A. flavus sporulation and mycelial development. Additionally, the reduction of the AFB1 in the fungal-contaminated rice grains was observed after co-incubation with these VOC-producing strains and ranged from 37.7 ± 8.3% to 60.3 ± 3.4%. Our findings suggest that these same microorganisms are promising biological control agents for use against aflatoxin-producing fungi in rice and other agricultural products.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 1988

In case of the acute intake of radionuclide, an early medical treatment may be necessary, but the little is established the procedures to decontaminate the victims of internal contamination in Korea. The purpose of the present investigation is to study chemical agents to remove radiocobalt from the victims and to provide a more reliable procedure for the treatment. The removals of radiocobalt from the NIH-CGP)mice injected intraperitoneally with $1{\mu}Ci$ of $^{58}Co$ as $CoCl_2$ were investigated with doses of either $CaNa_3$ DTPA 8.4mg/0.2ml saline, $CoNa_3$ DTPA 8.4mg/0.2ml saline, or saline 5ml. The radioactivity was determined by MCA and Ge-detector on 4, 8, 12, 48 hours and 7 days for the whole body, organ distribution and urine excretion. Six mice per each group were sacrificed for the measurement of cobalt retention in the parenchymal tissue. The cobalt trisodium chelate had a pronounced effect on reducing the whole body retention and increasing the excretion rate. Regarding to the systemic protective effects, $CoNa_3$ DTPA, $CaNa_3$ DTPA and saline were effected significantly in order. In conclusion, the extrapolations from these results to human were suggested that the rapid administration of cobalt trisodium chelate and an amount of saline to the contaminated person after internal contamination of radiocobalt were markedly increasing the decontamination effects.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2014

Community-acquired antimicrobial resistant bacteria are an emerging problem world-wide. In Korea, resistant bacteria are more prevalent than in other industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the isolation frequency of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae from surrounding environment (home, colleges, public transportation system and possessions) in Seoul, and to examine the level of drug resistance to 13 antimicrobial agents, which are in wide spread clinical use in Korea, as well as new agent, tigecycline in Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Of total 239 samples, 18 (7.5%) MRS, 10 (4.2%) Pseudomonas, and 30 (12.6%) Entarobacteriaceae were isolated. A total of 5 (2.1%) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected in home (2 samples), colleges (1 sample), and et cetera (2 sample). A total of 5 (2.1%) Escherichia coli were detected in in home (1 samples), public transportations (3 sample), and et cetera (1 sample). Resistance to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, ${\beta}$-lactams, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides was found in 71.9%, 71.9%, 68.8%, 68.8%, 50.0%, and 25.0% of 32 Enterobacteriaceae isolates, respectively. Also, resistance rate to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole of the isolates was a 43.8%. Moreover, 59.4% of the isolates were resistant to new agent, tigecycline and resistance to all agents tested was observed in 3 isolates. Five E. coli isolates were resistant to most of the agents tested, but some of them were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. This study can serve as a data point for future comparisons of possible changes in antibiotic resistance levels in surrounding environment. And multilateral strategies for preventing the incidence and spread of antibiotic resistance are needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2003

Background : In intubated patients, cultures of endotracheal aspirates (EA) are apt to contamination throughout the endotracheal tube. Therefore, the identification of etiologic agents via conventional EA cultures is not always reliable. In order to differentiate a pulmonary infection from a non-infectious disease, and to identify the true etiologic agent of acute pulmonary infection, blinded protected specimen brushing (PSB) was used, and its efficacy evaluated. Methods : In 51 intubated patients, with suspected pneumonia, blind PSB were performed, and the results compared with blood and EA cultures. A protected specimen brush was introduced through the endotracheal tube, and settled at the affected large bronchus. A specimen brush was introduced to the expected region using the blind method. The tip of the brush was introduced with an aseptic technique after vigorously mixed for 1 minute in $1cm^3$ of Ringer's lactate solution. The specimens were submitted for quantitative culture within 15 minutes, with a culture being regarded as positive if the colony forming units were above $10^3/ml$. Results : Of the 51 patients, 15 (29.4%) had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), 27 (52.9%) hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and 9 (17.6%) non-infectious diseases. The sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative PSB culture for the diagnosis of pneumonia were 52.4 and 88.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of EA were 78.6 and 77.8%, respectively. The blind PSB was superior to the EA for the identification of true etiologic agents. Of 53 episodes of 27 HAP patients, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) (41.5%) was the most common causative agent followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.1%), Klebsiella sp. (7.5%) and Acinetobacter sp. (7.5%). Conclusions : As a simple, non-invasive diagnostic modality, the blind PSB is a useful method for the differentiation of a pulmonary infection from non-infectious diseases and to identify the etiologic agents in intubated patients. A blind PSB can be performed without bronchoscopy, so is safer, more convenient and cost-effectiveness for patients where bronchoscopy can not be performed.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.69-75
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• 2006

Improper disposal of petroleum and spills from underground storage tanks have created large areas with highly toxic contamination of the soil and groundwater. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is widely used as a fuel additive because of its advantageous properties of increasing the octane value and reducing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon exhausts. However, MTBE is categorized as a possible human carcinogen. This research investigated the Modified Photo-Fenton system which is based on the Modified Fenton reaction and UV light irradiation. The Modified Fenton reaction is effective for MTBE degradation near a neutral pH, using the ferric ion complex composed of a ferric ion and environmentally friendly organic chelating agents. This research was intended to treat high concentrations of MTBE; thus, 1,000 mg/L MTBE was chosen. The objectives of this research are to find the optimal reaction conditions and to elucidate the kinetic and mechanism of MTBE degradation by the Modified Photo-Fenton reaction. Based on the results of experiments, citrate was chosen among eight chelating agents as the candidate for the Modified Photo-Fenton reaction because it has a relatively higher final pH and MTBE removal efficiency than the others, and it has a relatively low toxicity and is rapidly biodegradable. MTBE degradation was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Under the optimum conditions, [$Fe^{3+}$] : [Citrate] = 1 mM: 4 mM, 3% $H_2O_2$, 17.4 kWh/L UV dose, and initial pH 6.0, the 1000 ppm MTBE was degraded by 86.75% within 6 hours and 99.99% within 16 hours. The final pH value was 6.02. The degradation mechanism of MTBE by the Modified Photo-Fenton Reaction included two diverse pathways and tert-butyl formate (TBF) was identified to be the major degradation intermediate. Attributed to the high solubility, stability, and reactivity of the ferric-citrate complexes in the near neutral condition, this Modified Photo-Fenton reaction is a promising treatment process for high concentrations of MTBE under or near a neutral pH.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.295-305
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to isolate microorganisms from half milk samples of dairy goats by California mastitis test (CMT) during the lactation period and to further investigate the susceptibility of isolated organisms to antimicrobial drugs. From a total of 235 half milk samples with CMT scores of 2 or above from 366 dairy goats distributed throughout Jeonnam province, microorganisms were isolated from 198 (83.5%) samples either singly (99.0%) or in combination (1.0%). The most prevalent microorganism was the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., (44.4%, n=88) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (24.2%, n=48), Escherichia coli (11.1%, n=22) and Streptococcus spp. (7.6%, n=15). Isolated bacteria also included Bacillus spp. (2.5%, n=5), Pseudomonas spp. (2.5%, n=5), Micrococcus spp. (1.5%, n=3), Corynebacterium spp. (1.5%, n=3), Enterococcus facium (1.0%, n=2), Morganella morganii (0.5%, n=1) and Streptococcus agalactiae (0.5%, n=1). During the summer season, a high prevalence of all microorganisms were observed in which Staphylococcus spp. (30.8%), Escherichia coli (8.6%), and Streptococcus spp. (5.6%) were among the most prevalent bacteria isolated. Staphylococcus spp. was also shown to be high in the winter (21.7%). In most samples, the presence of bacterial pathogens in goat milk led to the increase in the total somatic cell count (SCC). Most of the half milk samples of dairy goats with bacterial contamination showed SCC of ${\geq}1{\times}10^6cells/ml$ (90.4%). Minor pathogens (11.4%) were more detected from milk samples with SCC of < $1{\times}10^6cells/ml$ than major pathogens (4.1%), while the major pathogens tended to be higher from samples with SCC of ${\geq}3{\times}10^6cells/ml$. Susceptibility of these bacteria to 12 antimicrobial agents was tested by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results indicated that more than 90% of bacteria isolated from CMT 2+ dairy goat half milk samples were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic, enrofloxacin and cephalothin while they were resistant to tetracycline (44.7%).

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2009

The property of pit and fissure sealant has been improved and many studies on the bond strength, penetration, microleakage have been published. But there are few studies on the using status and perception of pit and fissure sealant within the country. Therefore, this study made a survey on it. Pedodontists and non-pedodontists were surveyed by interview. The Results were as follows; 1. On caries prevention effect, 96.7% of the pedodontists replied that sealants were effective on both permanent teeth and primary teeth. On the other hand, 13.5% of the non-pedodontists replied that sealants weren't effective on both. 2. All of the pedodontists and 27% of the non-pedodontists used rubber dams. 83.3% of the pedodontists and 40.5% of the non-pedodontists used bonding agents. 3. Non-pedodontists used enameloplasty more frequently than Pedodontists but the pattern was not significantly different. 4. The causes of sealant failures included salivary contamination, caries under sealant, low strength, low flowability, overfilling. 5. In the pedodontists, 90% replied that PRR application was desirable and PRR applications were more frequent than sealant application.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.359-369
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• 2018

An essential measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI) is to develop a consistent system of surveillance, thereby promoting a reliable situation diagnosis to perform efficient control for the problem. Patient-to-patient transmission of pathogens within the hospital plays a substantial role in the epidemiology of HAIs. Contamination of healthcare environments commonly occurs, including facilities surfaces (e.g., bed rails, bedside tables), drinking water, cooling tower water, endoscopic instruments, food, airborne, endotoxin test, sterile test and medical equipment, with pathogenic organisms. In addition, epidemiological analysis is performed by multi locus sequence tying, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for active surveillance. Therefore, an environmental surveillance culture test for prevention improves patient safety and blocks infection agents. Effective infection control and increased safety are possible by controlling the national infection control system. In conclusion, this study contributes to an effective infection control system through the standardization of active surveillance culture laboratory and secure expertise as infection control specialist. The primary objective of the standardization is to improve the safety of the nation's healthcare system by reducing the rates of HAIs.